Hi everyone,
First up, I have to show you what my hubby and Rebecca came up for Reuben. Yesterday Karn suggested making a wooden, wheeled, contraption to help Reuben walk… something sort of like a baby/toddler uses when it’s learning to walk. Well, this morning Rebecca mentioned something about it again, and my hubby went upstairs to our “hospital equipment area” and grabbed his walker from when he had his knees replaced and my mom’s walker. He brought them downstairs and he and Rebecca began hashing out ideas for how these walkers could be turned into something that could REALLY be a big help for Reuben. He still can’t stand on is own AT ALL…and just flops to the ground if he’s not held up.
My hubby took the two wheels off my mom’s walker and put them on “his” walker and made it more like a glider… Then he cut a piece of PVC pipe and put two T joints at the ends and secured them over the area where you push the walker. This is what it looked like after he put the sling I had made over the PVC pipe. (One side of the PVC pipe can come loose to get the sling on the pipe.)
These first few pictures show the walker with the tennis balls on the back… but they were changed to the wheels.
Here is Reuben trying it out for the first time… we had to do some adjusting to get it just the right height. It had to be raised some so his feet just touched the floor.
We found out Reuben was SUPER motivated by “treats” and one of us would hold a doggie biscuit at one end of the rug and then he would try to get to it, if someone pushed him VERY slowly and let his legs go at his own pace. He isn’t really walking, but just going through the motions but it’s good exercise and good to build some muscle. He is still so limp, he has to lay in his bed all the time except when he is carried outside and laid in the grass OR when he’s in Physical Therapy! :o)
Here is a video of him trying to walk on the rug with my hubby pushing the walker and him trying to make his way to the other end to get the treat in Rebecca’s hand. It works on my phone, so I hope you can see it too! It might take a minute to load… it’s 19 seconds long.
I hate to show you something that is for someone else, but it’s what we did today… I needed to get my fingerless gloves finished for a lady who lost almost all of her doll things in a house fire. She asked me a couple of weeks ago if I could replace some of her gloves and it’s been crazy with all this “Reuben care” and other things going on… so I’m just now trying to get her gloves finished. Rebecca brought me some of her charms and we got out every piece of stretch lace, every charm, every bead container, every piece of ribbon, lace, buttons, trims, all my button containers, my threads, and started getting things done. She was the creator matching up what she thought looked right and I was the one putting them together and doing the sewing. This is what I can show you as of now.
I’m going to show you almost an identical picture because I’m not sure “which” gloves are clear and which ones are blurry.
Here are a few closeups…
There are still quite a few laid out but not made yet…
She was helping me with my phone camera, trying to see if she could figure out why it’s super clear on my phone but sometimes the outer edges are fuzzy. It kind of has her stumped too… She has almost the identical phone as I have and she takes the most wonderful pictures for her reselling.
Now to answer a few “wonderings” from a few of you…
Joy, the background in the green fabric is black… and a very crisp print.
Several of you mentioned about me fixing up the doll and using her… I really had no intentions of doing that… I just cleaned up her face because she was so awful looking and I didn’t want to let her look like that anymore. My plan was to disassemble her and just keep her arms to use for when I sell my doll gloves. After using them tonight to try the new gloves on, there really is a difference in my way they slide on her hands as opposed to the arms/hands I bought years ago, that are the older rubbery like vinyl. So, I hope I won’t have anyone too disappointed if I just keep her arms. I’m still trying to decide if I’m going to do that.
As far as the tiny Christmas tree ornaments… my plan was to use them for one of my tiny doll trees, but things have happened around her so quickly… I’m wondering if Natasha might be the only Christmas dress I “hope” to get listed before Christmas.
I have to finish up the plans for the Married Couple’s Christmas party coming up… a Staff Christmas Party… another dinner I’m making Corn Casserole for… Reuben has an appointment with the new vet for some new xrays… my hubby has to have another surgery sometime before the end of the year and another one in February… so I am BOOKED! I had SO many ideas for Christmas dresses I wanted to make, and POOF…that dream is fading quickly.
I’m not complaining… just putting it out there, that your only hope of a Christmas dress will probably only be for the Little Darlings.
Well, I better go, before what I’ve written makes me too sad to fall asleep…
I’ll see you Monday! Have a wonderful weekend, and as always, stay warm if you can.
Blessings, Jeanne
What an ingenious way to help Reuben! Hopefully it will also “awaken” the nerves and muscles in his back legs, too,so they will start working again.
How sad about that lady losing most of her doll things in a house fire. I love some of those gloves–adding the charms, beads, etc. really adds a lot to them.
Wow, you do have a full schedule coming up! I’m sorry to hear George has to have more surgeries. Will keep both of you in prayer.
Rosemary, I replied to your comment on yesterday’s blog, if you wish to go and see it.
Charlotte, it is so great shoes are working out. Nice to feel steady on two feet, even if it is still a bit slow going. This really makes me happy!
Thanks, Rosemary–it makes me happy, too! And the doctor was fine with my wearing “regular” shoes. She said my broken toe is healing well, and showed me on the x-rays. And of course the swelling is pretty much gone now.
I went back to read all of the other remarks as I was too busy to get back to y’all yesterday. I have all my small Kish dolls out again on the guest bed and have to finish them up and photographed for selling. When they are ready i put out a notice on FB what I will be selling and when. That way those who are interested have a chance to know when to look for them. Right now it is time to put on the swim suit and head for the Y. I will check y’all out when we get back.
Hopefully this time I can remember to check where you are posting your Kish dolls so I can take a look. It appears your Kish items go fast.
Don’t worry, I will surely let you know. Are there any you would be interested in? I may have them. I was going to take my photos today, but it is pouring rain, which is badly needed. I’ll be in touch.
I’ve just become interested in the Kish dolls so I’m not sure what to ask for. I have a Wren Pistachio and a Riley plus my “Brave Little Girl” so I would need to see what you have.
What a genius way to help little Reuben and I’m sure it made Reuben feel a bit more normal finding his way to a treat. Our beloved pets are worth the extra care even when it’s exhausting to us at times. Our pets also seem to except the disabilities they may have. Such heart and hope.
I’m sorry to hear George will have another surgery. I am keeping him and all of you in my prayers.
Jeanne, you have a heavy agenda this December. You are always generous doing for others and helping with planning special commitments. You take the time you need for those commitments. We understand how busy it can get for you.
The gloves are wonderful and you and Rebecca pulled together some lovely and interesting ones with all the various add ons. So sorry to hear of your friend’s fire disaster.
I missed commenting on Joy’s collection of Ruby Reds yesterday. What a treat to get to see them. Some, I’ve never seen or heard of so it was even more interesting. I’m not sure I understood the first name. Zoe is my one of favorite as well as the last RR pictured. I like her outfit. Thank you Jeanne and Joy for sharing and treating us with the pictures!
As we all have much to do this December, I hope everyone can enjoy their plans and commitments as well as their quiet times. I love just sitting in the evening enjoying the Christmas tree lights. It’s so peaceful.
Keep warm everyone!
I enjoyed reading this comment, Paula. You are right about the quiet time.
Also your statement about our pets. Reuben is such a sweet happy pup. We are fortunate to have fuzzies in our lives and Jeanne and George are very innovative with their skills and creative brains for sure!!
Thanks Paula. Zoe is from the French doll shop. The one on the far right and a blond. She is one of my latest dolls. I can’t figure out how to type the accent mark on her name. If you are interested, you can go to the Ruby Red Doll site and under the main titles, about the third one over, it has a list of things including “The Doll Archive.” It is by year. You can go back to the beginning and see the early dolls and continue forward to the most recent. A lot of folks have lists of dream dolls and have been fortunate enough to find them. 🙂
Thanks Joy, that’ll be great to just see the different types of characters created. I have 4 RR but will enjoy looking at others from their archive.
What a sweet thing to have the four of you trying to make things more comfortable for little Rueben! I’m sure he appreciates it and wonders what all the fuss is about! You all deserve a special place in Heaven for your efforts!💕
I love those fingertip lace gloves, especially with the little charms on them. However, my only two dolls who wear them are Felicity and Cecile. I do have four or five pair, which get used quite a bit. What a loss that poor woman had losing everything in a fire! I love the red gloves with the black buttons and black checked bows! Reminds me of our college colors!
You certainly have a full schedule on your plate, Jeanne, some fun things and some not so much, but we will still be here to cheer you on as we always do!❤️
I love this update on Reuben. He is the cutest pup in rehab… ever. I hope the xrays will show some improvement. This is really excellent to make the walker for him. Really, this is what he needs. Gosh, I am so happy!!
Jeanne, You are faithful in posting every week day and that is lovely. I hope all of you have a restful week-end. You are a dear to make so many lovely gloves for someone that had a house fire, (devastating) which will certainly bring some hope for her.
I hope you can figure out the camera features on your phone, there might be some kind of tutorial on line. I know I do need to learn more about my phone and camera.
Hubbs got me an iPhone 15 for my birthday!!! so I should really learn that camera.
Love to all of you
I’m glad to hear that R&K are still in Carbondale. Kind of messy weatherwise towards PA. And seeing the video, it does look like Reuben’s back legs are moving along and not dragging. Hopefully, with more physical therapy he’ll be able to grasp the concept. Great use of an old walker. You guys are so creative. And the video worked perfectly.
Now, don’t give up the ship yet on sewing for the holidays. Since that great green fabric has black background, as I hoped, wouldn’t a simple dress for the Ruby Reds be possible with black accents? Maybe a simple black jacket too. Not a long dress, but at the knees or just above would be cute and not take too much fabric. It could be for the New Year too. Jeanne, sews so quickly, I’m sure that she could whip of something in no time. And if not a dress, how about some simple black pants since it has been so cold, and then a cute jacket like top with long sleeves in the green with a few accents in black and black buttons? Maybe in the style of an Asian work jacket. I think that something like the above would be so cute on one of the Ruby Reds. Not sure how long R&K are staying, but maybe Rebecca, has some ideas too. You can work on it while the casseroles are baking. 🙂
Yesterday, in my still looking at appliances mode, I found that those we are interested in also come in “black” stainless. I really had not considered that at all. But, when viewing, they are pretty nice. Some say it is harder to clean, others think easier. Has anyone had black stainless appliances? Since our original cabinets are white, that might look nice. We’re keeping the oh so well made cabinets, but will probably do painting again.
It’s 37 again this morning. We’re still cold and the heat has been on since 6:00AM. This old house leaks even with newer dual paned windows.
Keep warm everyone.
Joy, my sister was considering black stainless too, but finally decided not to get it because for one thing it was special order, and she needed a refrigerator immediately. That might not be the case for you, but something to ask about. Also, are your other appliances going to match? If that is the only black stainless appliance it might not look right with the others, unless you also get other black stainless appliances at the same time.
I believe that the black stainless is available now. We are in need of all new appliances. So, all would be the same. old dishwasher leaks. Microwave has been toast for several years. Refrigerator has had an unrepairable ice maker since a week after the warranty expired. The range is the only thing that still works and I like it, but with everything else new, we want to replace it as well. Only problem at the moment is the dishwasher. I don’t think Kitchenaid makes one in black stainless, but LG does. Thanks so much for the comment.
How funny! I did not read the comments before I made mine and you noticed the same thing about Reuben’s hindlegs.
I think black appliances would be beautiful with white cabinets. If you keep up with them I don’t think they’d be hard to clean. We went with black fixtures in our bathroom years ago. I had no problem keeping them nice looking. Then one day I noticed our tub was looking like it needed cleaning all the time. When we first moved here our water was amazing but they’ve since drilled a couple new wells and the water evidently has more minerals. Ugh! Since our tub is acrylic it’s hard to find something that works to clean it without damaging the tub. Any ideas?
Does Zoe’s name have an accent over the “e”. I have a doll named Julia Helene with accents over all the letters “e”. I found a way to do the accents but can’t remember how I did it. I’ll try to remember and let you know. It was easy whatever it was just not memorable.
I believe that the accent is on the e in Zoe. That would be great as I know that there is a way, but haven’t figured it out. 🙂
And yes, those legs seemed to be following along like normal. Interesting.
Dear Jeanne, now you can add Pet Physical Therapy to your list of offerings. I think you are going to have to get business cards that are 5×7 so you can display all of your services (smile).
Have a nice weekend. Know that you and George and Reuben remain in my prayers each night.
Christmas is always stressful but you have an impressive list of things going on. Seeing Reuben improving is a hopeful sign. I’m glad R&K are there to share care with you.
I had a doctor’s appointment earlier in the week. Since we just sit at a desk and go over my blood test results, I told the friend that drove me that he might as well join us. When the doctor arrived, I was surprised at how strained his face was. He told me that my test results were stable — excellent news — but he seemed too exhausted to review them. I introduced my friend, who said, “Marilyn says you have twins.” The doctor said that his daughter was dancing in The Nutcracker. The three of us spent 10 minutes talking about her and ballet. By then the doctor was looking 10 years younger and relaxed. The he talked about blood pressure with energy and enthusiasm. I like my doctors to be very interested in medicine.
What I learned is that even a short break can help restore you in stressful times. I’ve also noticed that when I compliment someone — a mechanic, a receptionist, a DMV worker — they nearly pass out from surprise. My sister and I now have a pact to compliment good work. We hope it spreads.
That is so true, Marilyn. Let people know that you admire what they are doing. Also, smiles help anywhere you go, and “Good Morning” etc. Thanks for bringing that up.
Excellent idea, Marilyn, to compliment workers sincerely when they do something good. I also try to remember to thank the people cleaning the restrooms in public places! I always do that at the fairgrounds and at our sewing expos, because they are in there fairly often, but also in other public restrooms . They are always so surprised! I say something like “thank you for keeping the bathrooms clean and stocked for us.” Some of them (especially at the fairgrounds and sewing expo) are the same people year after year, and they get to recognize the attendees, and I have frequently had them smile at me even if I didn’t say something first, because I’ve said something in the past.
Jeanne, I just adored seeing Reuben moving his legs! Thank you for the video!
I am sorry you have had to wait on your Christmas outfit, but you have had such a wonderful visit with Rebeca and Karn, it is worth it I am sure. I hope you can get your photos fixed, and have time to get you other things done. We are so glad you can find time to be with us all week
God bless and keep you and George and Reuben, and also prayers for R/k to have a safe trip home.
Jeanne you and George are amazing, Rebecca too. Reuben’s harness/walker is ingenious.
I don’t know if I told you while I was away that my sister and her hubby were selling their house after 54 years and hoping to buy a bungalow. Their daughter Amanda is disabled and it was getting harder and harder to get her into their house as there are so many steps outside and inside. Anyway they finally sold their house after 9 months and hope to move in either just before Christmas or just after. It really is an answer to prayer so happy for them though they will find it a real wrench leaving the house after loving it for so long. They have never moved before, they were living with my Mum and Dad after they were married until they bought this house so it is the only home they have ever had as a married couple.
Have a great day people
I love bungalow houses. Best wishes to your sister and her family for a future of peace and comfort in their new home.
I think a bungalow with less stairs would be perfect. I’m sure that they will like it once settled. 🙂
That’s a great thing George and Rebecca made for Reuben. Definitely worth the time and effort to help our precious furbabies. When you get them you promise to put their needs before your own . Maybe he can be “retrained” to walk. I did “patterning” with a little girl (15 months old who could crawl yet)as one of my high school volunteer activities. I really enjoyed working with her.
I wouldn’t stress about trying to sew Christmas doll dresses with so much else going on. I think that’s why most people don’t sew them in December. I’ve seen Christmas dresses on FB, eBay, and the doll board as early as October. Most are dressing or have already dressed them for Christmas as well. Just focus on the fun and essential things instead.
What a wonderful “contraption” to help Reuben. The family collaboration produced amazing results. I noticed one thing for sure when watching the video. Reuben moves his hind legs normally. He’s not dragging them, so I’m hoping he has a good prognosis after he sees the vet. It might be that he has lost some trust in his ability to stand and walk. Hope the vet has some good news for you.
How wonderful of you, Jeanne, to make another wardrobe of fingerless gloves for the lady who lost so much to a fire. And what a blessing that Rebecca is so able to give a hand. A big hand as it turns out. The gloves are all wonderful.
Yes, you certainly have a lot on your plate at the moment. While we all love seeing your outfits come to life, we know there is more to your life then that so we will be patient and continue to hang out with each other when you have other things to do. I know that I will be sending some pictures of dolls in their Christmas/holiday finery as well as some more pictures of my village at some point (haven’t started on that yet). I have a couple of new buildings so I will need to rethink the positions of all the buildings. I don’t just need a larger dining room table; I need a larger dining room. Sadly I think I may have to encroach on my park a bit to fit the new buildings.
Still cold and gloomy today but looking forward to mild Spring weather for the upcoming week. It’s hard to think of Christmas when the days are in the 70s. It puts my mind more on Easter.
I haven’t put up my Dept 56 in quite a few years now. Because, the mantle, sideboard, and two other flat places are covered with other objects that would have to be packed up first. We’re talking way too much time. But, I should do it. And then, the house set up used to take a couple of days with all of the electric cords etc. With the way I work now, I’d probably have to double that. Now, I think the new houses are on batteries and have remotes. Anyway, not sure that I want to move so much and do the work all to have to take it all down again in a few weeks. We’ll see. I would like to see the lights though once again.
Those appliances are nagging right now. I think the leaking dishwasher and refrigerator have first priority. 🙂 Oh, I found out that that new GE plant in KY is going to be all automated, so most work will be done by robotic arms. Maybe they will do a better job. And they will only be making washing machines there. Not the other appliances.
Only washing machines. My article didn’t specifically say that. Maybe they’ll grow into other things. Didn’t know it would be fully automated either since the article made it sound like there would be many jobs. But even if the washers were made better since I will need another one at some point that will be something because I haven’t been all that pleased with the current ones.