Hi everyone,
I thought I’d catch you up on everything I can right now. My hubby is still waiting to hear when his next surgery will be. We are doing the best we can trying to navigate with tubes coming out his back. I did find some cargo pants at Walmart and am going to try and make the linings of the pockets about 4 inches longer so he can put the tubes AND the pouch for collecting his kidney “output” in. Yes, we are still having to measure his output.
Since he isn’t able to mow the grass on the riding mower, he showed me how to use our “other” riding mower and last Friday I did it all by myself. As I was riding by the back of our house, I glanced over at the porch, which has 2 doors going into our house… one goes into the kitchen and the other comes into my sewing room. (I do have “my” door blocked with a bookshelf full of fabric right now). For some reason I remembered something Cindy said to me when we first moved in here. She said I should make a sign for the porch that said, “Jeanne’s Stitching <<< This way!" and then below it "Jeanne's Kitchen >>> This way!” I never made that sign but always remembered it…
However, today my rhyming title for this post has a whole different meaning.
The reason I had to take some time off last week was actually because of me.
I did the riding mower on Friday and the push mower Saturday. (The riding mower was new to me, but the push mower was something I did to help my hubby out and I always thought of it as exercise.) I was almost finished with mowing the courtyard…
… and the grass around the fountain. It’s pretty easy to get the push mower IN the courtyard… you just hold the mower level and push it off the concrete walk… it flies in and you start mowing around everything. Getting it OUT, when it is still running is a bit harder. (I spotted 2 little areas I had missed). You have to keep the mower level and have the wheels roll up the concrete sides while you try to pull the mower out. The mower got stuck and I was pulling with all my might, when all of a sudden it came up the sides and I flew backwards landing flat on my back in the grass and hard ground and the back of my head hit last…really hard. (I tried to think of a Batman word in their comics… and what I came up with KA-THUD!!! As soon as my head hit, I felt like a ring of fire exploding around my neck and grabbed my neck with my hands. It was VERY painful and I wasn’t able to raise my head off the ground. The mower was still running, but I didn’t know how close it was to my feet as I couldn’t lift up my head. I had to roll on my side and got up. I actually mowed about 5 more minutes and then called it quits.
My neck really hurt but I didn’t tell George how much. I took some Tylenol and went to bed earlier than normal.
When I woke up Sunday morning, I couldn’t lift my head off my pillow… it was like I was pinned to the bed.
I actually decided to go to church by myself but didn’t feel great. In the afternoon I started feeling worse and decided I WOULD go to the doctor Monday morning.
When I tried to get in bed Sunday night, my head felt like a bowling ball was attached to my neck and it was pulling down my head and really hurt.
Monday morning I got up and called Family Practice and got an appointment at 9:45… George and I met my dr… a 1st year resident who we liked because he seemed really concerned. After talking with me, he stepped out to discuss me with the doctor on call and came back in and stood in front of me with his hands on his hips and said, “Do not pass Go! Do not collect $200! Go directly to the ER!” He said to get to the ER (It was across the street at the hospital!) as quickly as we could, and for me not to turn my head… just look straight out. He said, “you might have a broken/fractured neck!” I was not prepared for that…he said they would do a CT-Scan and find out what was going on.
The CT Scan showed no fractures or bleeding… but a slight concussion and a cervical sprain and strain to my neck. Thank the Lord!!!
The muscles and ligaments under my chin to my collar bone are still very sore as are the muscles in the back of my neck. They gave me a muscle relaxer to help with the stretched out muscles. It’s the same stuff we gave Reuben near the end to help him relax. :o)
So, I switched roles with George being his caregiver… now he’s watching out for me. He said he had been watching me mow the grass with the push mower but had just sat down when he saw I was almost finished. He missed the big fall!
I am slightly better… but not doing much. I can lift my head about 2 inches off the bed when I’m laying flat and can hold it there for about 2-3 seconds. The bowling ball feeling I was having laying down has lessened. Yes, I am still caring for George… just not bending over.
Well, that’s what has happened here the last few days… see, Joy isn’t the only one who has capers…😉
Kristoffer is coming over to mow the grass tomorrow!
Now seriously, I just wanted to tell you the story so I could thank the Lord publicly for how He saved me from being seriously injured. It could have been a much different outcome and I really don’t want to think what might have happened. I’m just glad the Lord caught me and softened the blow as much as He did!
Now back to some dolly talk… tomorrow you are going to see the sweetest American Girl doll dresses from Sylvia in NH.
I hope you’ll come back to take a look! Hopefully sometime this week I might be able to get back to sewing on Felicity’s Colonial Patriotic dress…
See you tomorrow,
Blessings, Jeanne
Oh, my goodness, Jeanne! What a scare you had! You probably should have gone to the ER immediately, rather than waiting to see the doctor and being told to get over there. Falls on your back, and especially if you hit your head the way you did, can be Very….VERY….dangerous! The Lord was definitely protecting you that day!!
Back in 2020, when I fell on my back after Ron fell into me, my back hit the concrete with a SMACK, but my head landed with a light Tap. I figure either my head was tipped forward when I fell, thus slowing it, or an angel was setting it down gently! I did learn two things from that experience, which I will pass along to you: 1–after “a certain age” muscle relaxants aren’t always appropriate for us as they can cause constipation, etc., so do discuss that with your doctor, and 2–if you have a fracture in your vertebrae, it may not show up in x-rays right away. Mine did not; however, a month later, when my back was still bothering me, I had more x-rays done and there it was, an “old” fracture in one of my vertebra, where none had been before! So, follow-up x-rays in a month (including your back) might be a good idea.
In the meantime, I think we’d better get you a supersize roll of bubble wrap, and wrap you up in it!! (My friends have threatened this with me, as I tend to fall more than I should.)
I’m glad George is well enough that he can sort of look after you (while you look after him….), and really glad that Kristoffer is coming to mow!!
Don’t force yourself to get back to sewing too soon; I know it took me quite a while before I could sit long enough to sew at the machine, no matter how much I wanted to.
I am looking forward to Sylvia’s pictures tomorrow!!
P.S. I have noticed, since getting my new computer, that I now have to sign in every day that I post something on your blog. It used to be that I could click on the email link to your blog and all my info was there. Now…it’s not. If I post more than once on a blog, the second and following times, it’s there, however. (and yes, I have turned “on” the “Save my name…” part. Every Day.) I don’t know if that’s because of my new computer or something in your system. No hurry, as it’s only a slight inconvenience, but if you talk to your computer guru, you might mention it to her.
Charlotte, please call the shop and ask them to assist you in restoring that feature, Those things should have transferred over.
If not, get out your little notebook and track your passwords again.
Saving is great, I use it too, but if the feature does not restore itself with a future update, you might need a geeky guy to come over and clean up those problems. My hubbs is really good at that, but PCs are not his thing.. Good luck. I understand.
And I know you believe this – in the grand scheme, it is a headache, but I am just grateful it is nothing more annoying, like just erasing all of my stuff
❤️ love you.
Oh no, Jeanne! I was almost afraid to keep reading as I went along! Oh my goodness! You must be keeping your guardian angel busy while watching over you! I guess I am like you, thinking things can’t be really as bad as they are, so you didn’t see a doctor at first. It’s my last resort too!
I keep thinking I should send more pictures, since I have been dressing my dolls and giving them new adventures, but then I think the ladies might be tired of my pictures. It is your blog, after all, but now that you are of under a lot of stress, I will send some pronto!
Charlotte, I have that same problem, and mine is on the same computer. Sometimes it fills in my name and email, and sometimes it doesn’t. I just let it be!
Linda, we ALWAYS love you photos! Bring um on!!
Linda, we always enjoy your photos. A fun way for those of us (ME!) who have little to no time for dolls.
I know many think just displaying dolls doesn’t make a collection worth having, but I’ve learned that is how I have to mostly enjoy mine. Also just looking at the clothing laid against a doll or at the accessories when there’s no time to dress them or set up scenes. I won’t take time for dolls over playing with kitties, reading, baking or other things so that’s the way I can still enjoy my collection.
We love to see your pictures Linda. It keeps me from going online to buy all those clothes and accessories. I can just enjoy yours. I have finally removed the spring clothes and dressed two dolls in red, white, and blue. I have some antique postcards and Kirsten’s nightstand scattered in there to enhance the two lonely dolls. I did borrow Kirsten’s red shoes and flag from my daughter’s archived collection.
Oh, I hope that you can share the pics with us if you get a chance to take some. 🙂
Oh, Jeanne, how terrible that fall you did. I can’t imagine how it must hurt and now you and George both need care. I will send up extra prayers to go with the ones I have been prayer for Y’all.
Falling over seems to be a thing right now. Saturday I was sitting on a small bench to plant some flowers I had in pots. As I sat down on the bench it fell over and I landed on my back and whacked the back of my neck on a wagon behind me. Peyton could not hear me call for help so I did what you did and rolled over to get up. I did plant the flowers but my neck is still very sore, but not near as bad as yours. I have a check up with my pain doc this morning and will see what he says. Charlotte told us about her fall as well. I hope this falling will not go on to others, my goodness.
Am back from the pain doc and he said to put ice on my neck and if it isn’t better by the end of the week to come back. I hope it will just get better and also Jeanne, yours as well. keep us posted and we keep prayers going up for you and George.
love
Sissy
So sorry that you landed on a wagon. Not fun. Hope the ice does wonders and that you heal quickly. Thinking of you.
SO SCARY! Yes, Jeanne. I thank God with you it wasn’t worse!
Well I typed a huge long scoldy comment and forgot to click send. 🤗
Jeanne, I wish I lived close. I would be right over there, forcing both of you to sit and watch youtube birdie tv, and youtube ryan rose horse training tv. Then a few times a day I would take it easy and boss you around with some chair stretching. How is your church family coping with both of you? 🥰😂😂🥳
Father God, Thank you for the gift of life. Thank you for your protection of our dear friends, Jeanne and George. Lord, thank you for being a provider and guide during days of struggle and difficulty. We praise you. We are deeply grateful for the people You have placed in our lives— family and friends—who support and love us. Please send more Angels.
In Jesus’ name, Amen
Thank you Jeanne for sharing this latest … ordeal. I am happy you shared.
I am relieved you are okay, and George is continuing to maintain recovery.
Are you wearing a neck brace? Charlotte, excellent advice about xrays a month from now.
Please do not worry about posting this week. Please continue to accept and enlist assistance from any resources close to you.
This reminds me of discussions I would tease my 80 year old parents about, oh 20 years ago… ending with “don’t make me come out there!!!!” of course they were only on hour away in Annapolis Maryland back then. And eventually I did arrange for them to move at age 89 to Virginia, a very difficult challenge for them, but we made it easy and smooth.
I am looking forward to seeing some cute photos tomorrow. Perhaps you could ask your daughter to manage the blog for a while. Then we can keep in touch and not worry about you over doing yourself.
I am going to end here. We have house warranty/ fixer ppl here doing trivial patch up inside and outside. All very very nice guys. I have to watch out for them and get all of this annoying stuff fixed. We are fortunate we do not have any huge horrible problems in this house. We have tiny kitty Princess here, indoor only, so I have to watch out for her too.
This work will be today and tomorrow.
All of you dear ones, Have a good day. Be gentle. 🥰
OH also, your property is incredibly beautiful.
I am in awe with your lovely lawn and courtyard tranquility.
I am so sorry that the falling back and hitting your head is catching. How awful can it get? Everyone else, please take it easy. I’m so glad that Jeanne, is showing improvement. And I can’t believe that she after she got up, she even mowed a little more. Crazy woman! A little better every day is the goal and so happy that the bowling ball head is lessening. What a nightmare or a daymare for sure. So glad that Kristoffer, will be coming over to do some mowing. All riding mowers need to be marked with big signs, “Stay off of this, Jeanne!”
Here, we’ve been spending time everyday at the other house moving outdoor things out of the way of the big tree cutting on Wednesday. Today, it will be the potting bench filled with so many pots. Then, I hope to tie up the redbud tree so it won’t be smashed. Lots more work to do there, but the heat is gone fortunately.
Everyone, stay safe and no falling backwards anyone!
Jeanne, I’m so sorry to hear about your fall! My goodness, how awful. I hope you continue to take it easy, rest and take care of yourself. And George – He certainly has been through alot.
I’m glad your neck wasn’t injured worse. I can’t even imagine your neck pain.
I’ve not been doing a lot other than some house chores- but I love puzzles and they relax me so much. I’ve done one puzzle after another in the She Shed upstairs. Most are 1000 pieces. I’m doing a watercolor of a bouquet of poppies. California’s state flower. The majority of pieces are orange and yellow, making it a hard puzzle to do.
Due to some health issues, we have to stay in California when normally we’re back in Ohio by this time. I’m very frustrated do the puzzles help.
I’m so sorry to hear about your fall, Jeanne. I’m also shocked you try to get the mower out of the courtyard while it’s running since you’re implying there is an off-step/ depression there. That’s a recipe for disaster as you now know.
Anytime you hit your head you need to see a doctor promo to rule out a concussion/ brain bleed. I’m glad you are improving. Whiplash and the like is no fun. I had that after someone hit our car and it took a couple of weeks to have my neck feel better.
I’m glad Kristoffer can come over and lend a hand. I learned to use our riding mower as a teen before being legal to drive, but never allowed to use it alone.
Looking forward to Sylvia’s pictures.
Oh Jeanne, I am so sorry this happened to you and relieved that it was not more serious since you waited the entire weekend before going to see the doctor. Please rest and do not push yourself to do any sewing. I don’t think looking down will help you neck recover. My falls in TN always ended in broken bones but I did learn that physical therapy speeds and secures the healing. A summer of rest will help both of you. Maybe an old timey blade mower when it is time.
Thank you for the update, Jeanne! What a scary thing to happen! I hope and pray that you guys get to feeling better soon!! 🙏
Jeanne that was a very scary story to read about your accident. I am so thankful you are ok. Don’t mess around in the future if you get hurt and get checked out asap. God Bless
Jeanne, I am so sorry to read about your fall while mowing. And so glad you went to your doctor to find out what might be going on. Do get plenty of rest and try not to worry about posting or sewing or much of anything else except feeling better. Muscles and sprains take time, and I think our human bodies have miraculous abilities to heal and “return to normal”. God has provided us with so much for which to give thanks. Prayer, rest, patience, and positive thoughts all help. I thank God everyday for family, health, our cats, food, a comfortable place to live, the trees and colors of nature, and even the oxygen we breath and need to be alive. I’ve even asked him to please keep our planet going no matter what happens.
And when it comes to falling down….I have been probably too cautious since I tripped and fell down in our living room awhile back, and could not get back up without my daughters assistance. I find myself using my cane more when going to a store with my daughters….more as a prop for stability and to guard against falling down on pavement. When I am home alone, I find I don’t want to even go outside to weed the front garden areas or pull occasional weeds from the tiny backyard, which we completely redid with pea gravel and stepping stones. If my daughter is home on the weekends when I am outside, then I feel safer knowing I can call for her help. The large patio/stepping stones are not sunken down in the pea gravel enough for me and if I would misstep or catch my rubber soled shoe heel on one of the paver stones, I realize I could end up falling among the hard landscaping. My granddaughter said to me not long ago that she thought I was doing a good job of “growing old gracefully”. It’s more like growing old CAREFULLY!
later in the day now, “I am back from being away”… that is an old saying from the Netherlands hahahaha “Ik ben terug van weggeweest.”
just a still thing. Anyway, Jeanne, I have been thinking about you and George.
I hope you can get some assistance for the next week or so. Both of you really need some helping hands. I can almost bet that your friends from church are supplying you with food and groceries. I hope some teen boys, now over summer, can manage the mowing.
I zipped over to the old house and pulled weeds. I did not venture into the back yard, where all the starving biting insects live. I was going to do some clean up in the old house but I got really hot and tired — and just came home, 😵💫😓
I hope no one else is falling.
Laura in Ohio, brilliant advice about falling and hitting our head.
It can sometimes seem like a little bump and no worry, but your warning is excellent. We need to be mindful that we are not 40 years old anymore. As a former figure skater, I fell on the ice a lot but hit my head only once! I did not seek medical examination because I am a ….. olden nurse, and we are stubborn. Looking back perhaps that is why I am so silly these days… I am referring to the hit to my head on the ice.
I hope all of you are keeping gently busy. Suddenly it is time to think about dinner! After dinner I am gonna cut up a whole bunch of fabric 🥳
Jeanne, I agree with Linda your guardian angel must be working overtime! I will pray that it continues to improve. Charlotte, I have a friend here also called Lynda who needs wrapping in bubble wrap!
I wonder if I will have the same problems as you when I get my new computer, Charlotte. I will get one shortly but I am waiting for my son to get back from US as he transfers everything over for me. Saves paying for someone to do it. He will be looking forward to the first NZ game (against Iran) today then they will be off to Canada for the next two games. Since we are the lowest ranked team in the whole competition. I am not expecting great things but there is always hope.
Linda, I always love to see your dolls, looking forward to the photos
Coffee this morning so have to get my shower
Have a good day everyone
I see that some of you have mentioned liking to see my dolls, so I sent some pictures of their latest adventures to Jeanne today. I know that Sylvia is next, so maybe after her pictures that mine will show up.
Thank you all for encouraging me!❤️
I’ve been off the computer all day, but saw this and am so glad that you have sent some pics to Jeanne. Looking forward to seeing them. They are always appreciated. 🙂
OMG!! As I was reading this I thought to myself, “why not ask your son to mow the grass” – at least the part that caused you this accident!! I’m glad things didn’t turn out any worse for you, and hope you’re feeling better.