Happy Monday! And welcome back to my blog. June, for the most part, has been unexpected and, quite frankly, a month that I will be glad to put behind me. The bright spot is the official start of summer!! I have been summer’s loudest cheerleader for many years but, I have to admit, this year’s spring has been wonderful (weather-wise and minus these last three weeks which were not awful…just draining) and so I cannot complain. But I will yell “Hello summer!” nevertheless!
On June 1st, I had surgery. Surgery that required no limitations and “typically” includes a quick recovery. Etc., etc. I had a couple unexpected complications and then developed an infection that required two different antibiotics to get under contol and, well, it took almost 20 days before I actually felt symptom free and completely like myself. Ugh. I must say it seems even a bit longer than three weeks since I blogged. My brain is struggling to get the hang of this creating a post thing again. I tried to post this post Friday but that was a fail. But today is a new day. A new week. And a fresh Monday! Hooray! I think I will jump back in with a monthly daybook. (Before my unanticipated blog break, I had toyed with the idea of refreshing these daybook prompts. That will definitely have to wait!) For now…..
The Weather – has been warm and sun-drenched. What’s not to love?? The humidity has not been horrid and I have tried to be outside (even if it was just on the patio) often.
As I look outside my window – the yards are starting to lose their green. The brown will soon take over but it has not yet. At leaset, not completely. We have one neighbor who just cannot seem to bother with keeping his yard tidy and grass cut, etc. He, apparently, hired someone to do it for him this week. Now when I look out the window…well, a much nicer view. And no need for an attitude adjustment on my part. (Sad but true.)
This morning, I am – grateful to be feeling better. Reminding myself not to take good health for granted. Yes, it took longer than I expected to “bounce back” but I am thankful for a strong body. Thankful to be out walking again. Feeling healthy. I am thankful for those who helped me the past few weeks. Those who reminded me that my body was fighting/working hard even when I thought it was not. Sigh. And I am grateful the surgery is behind me. Hallelujah.
Lately, I have been thinking about – how nice it was to have my brother in town – even if just for a couple of days. He was here last week. His travel story/adventure (both to and from San Francisco) is one for the books. Almost unbelievable! (And not in a good way.) I might try and share it a bit later this week. It had been almost a year since we were together last…and, after this past weekend, it will probably be awhile before either of us wants to venture across country again. I will be grateful for this visit!! I remember when flying was so much fun. I am grateful that there are other ways to travel than driving but, honestly, traveling by plane is not what it used to be!
What I am wearing – um, the same things on repeat. Or so it seems. That might have something to do with not venturing out much and/or not feeling super motivated this month. But I also think I need a few new summer things. Just for few:) Hmm…Prime days could be dangerous for me.
Around the house – all of the (spring) bunnies have been returned to their bin. Truthfully, I miss those bunnies. The kitchen table holds the little bit of patriotic decor that I own. It is not much but I think it will do. As much as I like the red, white and blue, it does not go well in my home. However, with the big celebration this year, I really wanted to do at least something. Hopefully that will happen this afternoon.
From the kitchen – there has not been much exciting lately. No complaints though. If I was not very motivated with my “outfits of the day,” I was even less inspired in the kitchen. My husband really stepped up and did a good job keeping us fed. The food may not have been fancy but we don’t miss many a meal around here!! I so appreciate his help!
My To-Do List – includes the normal Monday tasks (and, hopefully) getting the decor reset. I don’t like an empty mantel. We also have plans this afternoon. We are meeting up with our daughter. She moved out of state last year and it has been awhile since we have seen her. Or her crazy pup:) This afternoon was unexpected…and such a fun surprise! Maybe I can even remember to get a few pictures. (I only took one – ONE – when my brother was here!)
And, from my camera – little buds in a pretty blue vase. I found the vase while thrifting one afternoon a few days before my surgery. I paid next to nothing for it but it has brought me many smiles. It is the prettiest shade of blue and all it takes is just a few stems and the kitchen has a smile:) One of those “little things” that can make such a difference.
I plan to pick up some baby’s breath (oh so pretty), tuck them in this blue base and I suppose if I tie a red ribbon around the top – voila! Some pretty patriotic decor!! Sometimes I am so smart:)
Thanks so much for stopping by, friends. Thank you for your comments and even notes (offline) checking on me. They were sincerely a blessing. I’m glad you found your way back here today!!
I’ve been checking your blog often to see when you’ll have a new post for me to enjoy (you do write just for me, right?? I’m KIDDING but you know I enjoy your writing so much!!) and was excited to see a new one. I was thinking of you and praying for you in your blogging absence. I was worried that something was awry health wise. I am so sorry about your infection and having to take multiple antibiotics to effectively treat it. But thankfully you are on the end and had people to help you physically and emotionally (sickness can take a toll on both). How lovely to see your brother and to look forward to seeing your daughter. Your little vase is so cute and yes, it’s sometimes those little things that can instantly cheer you when you see it. I hope you have lots of moments like that this week. Enjoy your Monday and time with your daughter :).
Maria, I was thrilled to see your comment in my inbox! Of course I am writing for you…and so happy to see you missed me:) Thanks for continuing to come by and not giving up on this blog!:)
So good to see you this morning via your blog, Jennifer! I am sorry your surgery wasn’t without complications, but it sounds like you are returning to better health. Just remember to listen to your body and rest when you need to! I enjoyed reading your thoughts on the various topics you featured today. I am glad you had an enjoyable visit with your brother and I hope your visit with your daughter is just as great. Happy Monday to you!
Thank you, Robin. I am getting better at listening to my body. A bit better. But still need to work on patience when it says “rest”!:)
I’m pleased to read that you have now recovered from your surgery. What a shame your recovery wasn’t straightforward but thankfully you have turned the corner now.
We are in the middle of a heatwave and these are temperatures that we are not used to! Our houses aren’t air conditioned so we do tend to wilt in the heat. Apparently we have another 4 days of this at least so I am staying very close to a fan at all times!
Deb, thank you for stopping by and for your comment! I hope the heat calms down soon…and that you don’t melt like a popscicle before it does!!
I was wondering what happened to you. So happy you’re back and really sorry for the longer than anticipated recovery. Healing takes a lot of time and can be exhausting. Welcome back!
Thank you, Debby!!
I’m so glad to hear that you are recovering now. I was wondering if you were ok. You have been missed. Two antibiotics must have been very draining for you. God bless and a speedy full recovery of strength and mind to you.
Good that you have been able to spend some planned time with your brother and some unplanned time with your daughter.
Many blessings to you from ‘ this small corner’. ❤️
Yes, having my brother in town was a highlight during my “not feeling my best” time! Thanks so much for stopping by this little space of mine. From one small corner to another:)
I am so sorry to hear your recovery took so much longer than anticipated. Those infections can be life-threatening, so I’m glad you got through it okay. I enjoyed your daybook responses! Welcome back. Take care!!
Thanks, Terri!!
Oh, my friend! I am so glad you posted. I kept coming by making sure blogger wasn’t showing your post and I was hoping all was okay. I sure missed you but I am so sorry you had a bumpy complication after surgery! I am
Glad you are feeling better!
Bumpy is a good description of this month’s beginning…but definitely feeling better. I hope that you are as well. I’m off now to try and catch up on my blog friends!! Thanks for stopping by, Chrissy!
Welcome back and I’m so glad you’re feeling better 🙂 I was getting worried about you!
Aw, thank you, Debbie! It is nice to check in with friends again!:)
I have been vacationing and am getting back to check in on everyone, I am so sorry you have been down. It takes much longer for me to recover from things these days. Aging is hitting me for certain. I am a summer girl. I love the long days and the more carefree atmosphere it brings. It is as hot as the surface of the sun in Florida but I still love summer. It is so humid now from all the rain we got with the tropical storm. It was far enough seats that we didn’t get much wind but we got tons of rain. No drought here anymore. I don’t particularly love a lot of seasonal decor but I have done more for the patriotic season this year than usual and so far I am enjoying it. The flowers in the blue vase are so pretty.
I’m with you, Sandy. Doesn’t matter how hot it gets, if it is summer then I am not complaining!! Thanks for stopping by!!
Jennifer, it is so good to see a post up from you again! I am glad that your surgery went well but am so sorry to hear about the complications and infections that have lengthened your recovery time. Thankful that you are feeling more like yourself now.
I enjoyed your daybook entry. I’m so glad that your brother was back on the eastern side of the country and that you were able to spend time with him. And how fun to be able to see and spend time with your daughter yesterday!
Prayers continue for you, my sweet friend.xx
Hello Jennifer, I’m sorry you have had a time of it with your surgery and hope you recover quickly. Two years ago I had my own surgery, a couple of them, one not so bad and the other took a little more time, so you have my every sympathy. It takes it out of you in more ways than one. Onward and upward and wishing you nothing but happy things from now on. How great to have your brother’s company and sorry to hear that he had his own travel woes, and then with your daughter. Oh happy days! Take good care of yourself and I wish you a wonderful summer!
Welcome back. I am so sorry that surgery and a slow recovery have kept you away. But relieved to read that you are well on the mend. I am not sure what is up with antibiotics these days. They don’t seem to be effective like they once were but maybe we have used them so much that they are no longer as effective.
Your poor brother!! I got mixed up and thought it was your son in another post. Either way, I am sorry anyone would have to endure all of that.
Hurray for your hubby stepping up to do the cooking. I am so over cooking right now. Need to get over myself because we like to eat and on a regular basis and PC would gladly take me out to eat but is not interested in cooking at all.