My Desperate Caper for Molly…

Today was my hubby’s final ultrasound on his right leg and it was supposed to be at 4:30…

At 8:40 my hubby opened the bedroom door and said, “Get up sleepyhead, if you want to go with me… the appointment got moved up to 10:30!” I did want to go… I really needed to get out of the house. Why oh why did I feel so awful? I knew I had coughed a lot through the night but when I looked at my Fitbit and saw my sleep time, I wanted to stay home and just sleep. Last night I had gotten 1 hr and 19 minutes of sleep, Monday night I had gotten 3 hrs and 14 minutes of sleep and Sunday night I had gotten 4 hrs and 16 minutes of sleep. Not much “petro” in the old gas tank! :o(

We both hurried and got off pretty quickly and with road construction and the slower speed zones, we were only 9 minutes late…but it wasn’t a problem.

I had to pretty much sit in the ultrasound room in silence because if I opened my mouth, and any air touched my throat, the coughing might start. My hubby’s ultrasound was finished in 20 minutes… and when we were done, he asked me if I wanted to go somewhere. I wasn’t feeling great, but said, “Hobby Lobby” so I could maybe find something to go with Molly’s dress.

He dropped me off at the front door and I was armed with a whole package of Hall’s Cool Berry Throat Soothers.
Well I was in the store maybe 3 minutes and I could feel my throat was about to erupt with the ugly coughing. Well, it happened… I was trying to cover my mouth, get another soother out of my purse, but my eyes were watering, my nose was red from the silent sneezing I was doing. I felt like everyone was staring at me, but nobody really seemed to notice me…they were looking for their own treasures.

I hurried to the front with the treasure I had found and got out of there as quickly as I could…

When I got in the car, I pulled down the mirror to see my face. It was completely wet from all the tears that poured from eyes, my nose was red and I pretty much looked like a mess… a big mess.

I told my hubby I just wanted to go home and that’s what we did… coughing the whole way home. I mentioned to my hubby I was going to call the dr in the morning. Well, apparently I wasn’t the only one who was tired of the almost non-stop coughing. When we got in town, he turned into the Family Practice parking lot and told me to stay in the car. He went in and tried to get me an appointment but it was only 30 minutes till they closed and they had no one available, but he did come out with an appointment for me first thing Thursday. So I’ll be seen and get this taken care of. Usually when I get a cold/cough like this, I usually get over it sooner..
I’ll be good soon!! Thank you all for your concern! REALLY!!

My caper that started out to be about Molly wasn’t nearly as exciting as Joy’s!

When I got home I tried to take a nap, but just couldn’t get to sleep. So I got up and decided to work on Molly dress…

I added the skirt, hemmed it by hand, sewed the snaps on the back, and tacked down the back of the collar.

I decided to go along with those of you who liked the idea of the belt/sash being made from the red and white polka dotted fabric… the front AND the back!

Here is a picture of what it will “sort of” look like. What I have tied around her waist now is just folded under and pinned. The fabric I have wasn’t long enough for a sash so it will be cut on the bias and pieced together.

I’ll show you what I got for Molly tomorrow…
My bed is calling my name now!
Night,
Blessings, Jeanne

28 thoughts on “My Desperate Caper for Molly…”

  1. Dorothy in PA and the World

    Dear Jeanne, I hope that you can get some rest for a few days. I hope that all will now be alright with George. Prayers continue.

    Molly looks adorable in her new dress. I love the shoes.

    May, yeaaa! Here is my little poetic contribution to my favorite month.

    The Elegance Of May
    copyright 2025 Dorothy in PA and the World

    May opens her eyes
    as the scent of flowers blooming
    nudges her awake

    She stretches and yawns
    shaking limbs which are a little stiff
    from a Winter repose

    She reaches out to gently caress the trees in her arms
    while her feet dance on grassy knolls
    and moist, white sand

    Then May salutes the Sun,
    her old friend,
    remembering happy times they spent together
    and anticipating future joys

    Perfectly content, she nestles herself
    on a passing warm breeze
    and simply floats

    1. Barbara in SE Texas

      Dorothy, I’m not used to you being first. I just assumed it was Charlotte or Linda but what were they doing with your poem. So I took a second look and realized it was you after all. Did you stay up all night waiting for the arrival of May? I love your poem and second the sentiment. I always loved May too, especially when living in Pennsylvania. Typing out Pennsylvania reminded me of how I learned to spell the word when I was little. Back in the olden days children often learned the spelling of words by learning a little ditty. My mother, having grown up in PA, taught me the one she learned for spelling such a long word. As I typed the name of the state in full, the little ditty my mother taught me came to mind and with it a pleasant memory. A very happy May to you.

    2. Laura in Ohio

      Beautiful poem, Dorothy!! I can picture everything. I love all your use of Anthropomorphism/ Personification. Happy May Day! 🌷🌹🌺🌼🍄🪺😸🪺🫶

    3. Sissy Lingle on the GA coast

      What a lovely poem, thank you for sharing it. I shall copy it to sit on my computer so I can look at it often.

    4. Joy in northern CA

      Well, earlier I typed a little response to the lovely poem, but it has disappeared. I said that after reading it, I too felt like dancing! 🙂

  2. Charlotte Trayer

    Oh, my, Jeanne, what a day you had! And not getting nearly enough sleep. Hopefully by the time you read this, you will have seen the doctor and started on antibiotics and/or meds for cough, etc., so you can really sleep tonight. Don’t feel you have to do any kind of special post tomorrow; you need the rest more than anything. The rest of us can sit on the sofa and chat; your spot will be open when you’re feeling better.

    I do like the polka-dot sash on Molly’s dress; I’m glad you had enough fabric to eke that out! If it’s a separate piece, then the owner will be able to choose which “look” to have for different occasions.

    Thank you for sharing your poem, Dorothy! I was thinking about you tonight (I haven’t been to bed yet, so it’s still the 30th) when I turned the calendar over to May. I think it’s my favorite month, too–weather is usually fairly good most of the time, and the lilacs are blooming! Also it was our anniversary month.

    Joy, I’m glad your Dazzle got there, and a successful “mission” was accomplished!

    Mine came today, too!! She was due 5/1, but came 4/30. OH, gosh, is she ever cute, and her furniture and accessories are just adorable. I really was Not going to by another doll!! Well, not right now…I think I’ve already gotten a couple this year, and it’s only 1/3 over! But she was so cute in the pictures, and all her little bits and pieces, and with a sewing theme, how could I resist?! I’ve been calling her “Daisy Dazzle” since I saw the pictures on the web site, so I guess that’s her name.

    I have taken pictures, and will try to get them loaded on the computer and sent to Jeanne, if not tonight (it’s already 2:30 a.m.) then tomorrow. I also got a beautiful laser-cut ornament from my cousin, and I took pictures of that, too, so may include those, even though it’s not doll- or sewing-related.

    Laura, what a sad thing to happen with your friend and much of her family. Her parents must have been absolutely crushed by such a huge loss. I’m so sorry for the loss of your friend, too.

    Sissy, I’m sorry Peyton now has an eye infection. If it isn’t one thing, it’s another, it seems!! Yes, you’re right–when your raise boys, you can do just about anything! I raised one boy, and it’s a good thing blood doesn’t bother me! (haha….) Thru the years, he had many stitches in his knees as well as some in his head, plus two broken bones. After Ron retired, he had a lot of medical problems, and I took care of several surgical sites plus that colostomy he had for 6 months. Yup, we moms of boys can handle just about anything!!

    1. Dorothy in PA and the World

      Dear Charlotte, thank you for your kind words about the poem.

      I agree with you. It’s not the next day until I go to bed and wake up (smile).

      I missed Joy’s posting about the Dazzle doll. I will have to go and fine it.

      Happy May!

    2. Laura in Ohio

      Thank you for your kind thoughts, Charlotte. It’s one of those things that stays etched in your memory and I remember each Christmas Eve. The parents did eventually adopt three more children. Beth’s father is gone now.
      I saw your comment later about the Jane Powell paper dolls for Ron. What a sweet gift. I have no doubt he was thrilled and then to meet her.

    3. Sissy Lingle on the GA coast

      Thank you for caring about Peyton, Charlotte. I am beginning to feel like a mother again! I am just glad that I have him with me, that is what counts as you know only too well.

  3. Linda in St. Louis

    Jeanne, that is just perfect! I was a bit leery about the polka dots and the print together, but it worked out just fine! I’m so glad you did that! Now for some cute red ribbons on Molly’s braids, and you are all set! Well, maybe a slip to hold out the dress too! How I would have loved that dress when I was 9!

    Oh, I am with you on the coughing part after a bout with a head cold, which I had recently! I know how that goes, and always have a pack of Claey’s Horehound candy around for my throat. They work wonders and don’t have a “medicine” taste. Now you need to rest!

    Oh my, Laura, what a horrible tragedy you shared with us yesterday. I don’t know how anyone can get over something like that.

    Sissy, so now you are dealing with Peyton’s pink eye! I have had that several times, thanks to being a grade school teacher! Not fun for awhile, but it too, will pass.

    Looking forward to seeing everyone’s new dolls, but no new dolls for me! I’m stuffed to the gills here, and have no more room. I do enjoy what I have and enjoy seeing other’s new dolls, so there’s that!

    Happy May Day everyone! I am especially thinking of you, Dorothy in PA., and know you are celebrating! That is a lovely May poem you sent along for us to read! I did do a Maypole scene and sent it to Jeanne, but maybe she didn’t see it, since she has been under the weather lately.

    1. Dorothy in PA and the World

      Dear Linda, thank you for your nice words. I would love to see your Maypole scene. I think I mentioned dancing around the Maypole when I was in kindergarten. I think that is what made me fall in love with May.

      Happy Day, it’s May!

    2. Sissy Lingle on the GA coast

      Linda, I do hope Jeanne sees your Maypole scene, would love to see it.
      Sorry you had Pink Eye, I hope these drops will work soon for Peyton.

  4. It is today, and I hope you are at the doctor right now getting all of the treatments to help you
    get rid of this terrible cough and wretched sickness!
    Molly’s dress is looking very cute. I love the choice of sashes too.
    I am going to go back and read about Joy’s caper!
    Happy Thursday everyone

  5. Joy in northern CA

    Well, happy May to everyone, especially Dorothy in PA and the World. 🙂

    In my book, since George, managed to get an appointment for Jeanne, I’ll bet that she starts feeling better this morning. Hope so. It always seems to be the case with me. But, I’m so glad that she can get in for some help. That coughing and no sleep has to stop.
    Hope Peyton’s pink eye is getting better too. That is not fun at all either. I’m sure Sissy is right on it.

    So glad to hear that Charlotte’s Dazzle arrived safely. The little one here is still boxed, but I heard tapping again last night. Best release her from her trappings this morning. But, we were so busy yesterday I didn’t have a free moment without other person around.
    And then, there is RRFF Evelyn. Ed at Happily dropped off the box at Staples on Monday and sent me the tracking. But, since then, all the tracking says is that is hasn’t been picked up. So, either the tracking is incorrect, the USPS tracking machine is broken, or she is still sitting at Staples. Don’t know. Ed thinks she will show up, but I’m pretty nervous. Another caper. The Lost Doll!

    I was able to get the poor lonely artichoke plant here cleared of blackberry and ivy yesterday. Poor thing. Today, I actually have to water as we are getting dry already. More yardwork ahead with lots of sneezing involved. Allergies are absolutely awful this year with all of the previous rain and it doesn’t help sitting in the middle of weeds while trying to discourage them either. Good think that we stocked up with Kleenex at Costco a couple of days ago. 🙂

    I think Molly’s new sash is lovely. Can’t believe that Jeanne was able to accomplish this while so tired. I would like to see a sprig of cherries, a flower, a pin, or something parked to the left/right of the middle of the sash for an added detail. This is such a sweet dress for all of the spring/summer activities coming up.

    Stay well everyone.

    1. Dorothy in PA and the World

      Dear Joy, Happy May to you as well!

      I am sure that, even if there are twists and turns, The Lost Doll Caper will have a happy ending. Please do keep us in the loop.

    2. Sissy Lingle on the GA coast

      Joy, you practically have a train coming to your house with your dollies. What fun, especially if the Other Person is mowing the lawn elsewhere.
      Thank you for caring about Peyton. I feel like a nurse these days, but glad that I have him to nurse.

  6. Marilyn in Colorado

    Love the dress. The sash is perfect, and so is the collar. Practice makes perfect, but the fit of the collar is practiced and perfect, and the hand hemming really does matter.

    The news on the cold front is even better. We all will wait for first thing tomorrow, and if your whole blog entry then is, “Feeling better. Going back to bed now,” we will cheer happily and leave you to mend.

  7. Laura in Ohio

    Hi Sissy, I hope Peyton’s pink eye is much improved. I knew Sissy had to be a nickname, pretty neat to see your real name starts with the same first four letters as mine. 🙂 Also neat that your maiden name was German meaning “tree gardener”. and we also share German heritage.

    1. Sissy Lingle on the GA coast

      Laura, YES, Tree Gardener! My dad graduated from Ohio state In 1927 with a degree in landscaping, perfect name for him.
      Thank you for caring about Peyton, he feels very loved.

      1. Laura in Ohio

        How neat! My grandfather was a horticulturist and managed a garden store. He did all kinds of plant propagation including graphing trees. He immigrated from Germany in 1927 at the age of 17. He came alone to meet two sisters already here. Their parents and youngest son would follow later.

        1. Sissy Lingle on the GA coast

          To bad my dad and your grandfather did not meet, they would have had a lot in common!

  8. Laura in Ohio

    The red and white polka dot sash is perfect. Hope you’re on the mend for sure now with antibiotics, Jeanne.

  9. Sissy Lingle on the GA coast

    Jeanne, of course we LOVE the dress and look forward to what you feel like adding to it. I am so sorry you are feeling so sick and hope the doctor can help. God bless you both.

  10. Barbara in SE Texas

    Jeanne, hopefully by this time you know what’s been ailing you and can get some relief. You definitely need more sleep than you’re getting if you want to get better, but it sounds like you’re needing more than sleep for this one. A chronic cough can be both difficult to deal with and a sign that something bigger could be wrong. I was wondering a while back if I had an upper respiratory infection, but it turned out to be allergy related. Seems like my allergies have been relating to me for longer this year than usual.

    I like the polka dot sash on Molly’s dress. Looks like once you complete that the dress will be finished. I know there will be more in the ensemble. Can’t wait to see what. In the meantime work on getting well. The ensemble can await completion until you are back on your feet and getting a better night’s sleep.

    Sissy, sounds like Peyton goes from one thing to another. I’m sure he’ll be glad when all this is over. I’ll be praying for that to happen soon. I know he totally appreciates your being there for him. David had to stop wearing contacts because he was forever getting things in his eyes because of his job and then getting an infection. One time I had to drive from Houston to his job in Beaumont to take him his medicine because it was quicker than trying to get to the doctor and then have a prescription filled where he was.

    Happy May to all my sofa sisters. Most of you are probably looking forward to more time spent outdoors in pleasant surroundings. So far so good here with another front coming through that will lower the nighttime temps into the 60s and the daytime temps into the low 80s. Hopefully that will keep up for at least another few weeks before I need to begin my summer hibernation ritual. Which is, don’t step outside the house unless absolutely necessary until sometime in late November.

    1. Sissy Lingle on the GA coast

      Thank you for prayers, Barbara. I worry what he can get into next! He was opening an Amazon box today with the same knife that cut him before. I was watching every second in fear. He acts like it could never happen again. MEN!! I just love him so much.
      Your weather sounds like our temperatures here. We have a lot of wind, do you have that too?

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