S. L. U. T. S. Are Born

The four women who worked together on the costumes for our church Easter drama got together again today - for lunch this time.  We met at the new Panera restaurant in town.  The church Music Director had given each of us a gift certificate which we decided to cash in.

Jillian, Me, Virginia and Anna

We had a great time together discussing our individual sewing and crafting projects.  And as things go when friends get together we got giddy.  Someone suggested that we form a group named S.L.U.T.S.  The letters stand for Southern Ladies Under Tremendous Stress.  (We had managed to get about 60 people in costume for two performances!)  We talked about several places where we could get away and enjoy each others company in the future.

Someone suggested that it would also be a good name if it was the Sewing Ladies Under Tremendous Stress.  Well, we will see which name "takes".

After two hours, it seemed that we had only just gotten to the restaurant.  Time passes easily when we are together.  I love these ladies, whether Southern or Sewing.

Walter is Released; Walker Aprons Donated

Walter had a total knee joint replacement on April 30, 2014.  He stayed in the hospital for 11 days. While there, he received physical therapy several times a day.

I slept on a cot beside his bed each night except one.  I also attended some of his physical therapy sessions so I would know how to help him after he went home.  One of the techs who worked with Walter gave him a walker apron.  He said volunteers made them for the patients and he was always having to search them over for masculine patterned ones.

Each Apron Has Four Pockets - Large Enough For A Bible

Well, that got me to thinking.  I had just bought a sewing machine which I had not started to use.  This was on purpose, as I had both my surgery and Walter's surgery still to come.  I was unable to focus on much else at all.

So after he returned home, I started to read the manual and proceeded to set the machine and the ironing board up in the living room where Walter was also using the space as his daytime recovery room.

My New Brother Sewing Machine - So Many Fancy Stitches!

A sewing friend visited me and helped me get acquainted with the machine.  She gave me some unused fabric from our church Easter drama to use for making some aprons.  I cut the material into three pieces and made three walker aprons.  The machine was fun to use and the project came out well.

Two of the Finished Aprons on My Cutting Mat

I was thrilled that the finished project was so nice.  We had three walker aprons that someone else who has been in Walter's condition can use.

Walter and Sam Holding the Three Finished Walker Aprons

After seeing Walter's surgeon today, we went back to the St. Thomas rehab facility and met with Sam, one of his physical therapy technicians.  We surprised him with the aprons.  He was extremely happy to receive manly colored aprons for his new patients.

Oh, and by the way, the surgeon gave Walter a clearance.  In only four weeks, he is released to drive, swim and most importantly for him to bowl!  His healing is so good the doctor allowed him to stop his physical therapy completely.  He also bowled two games this afternoon!

God is good!

Nola's School Year Comes To An End

We were invited to watch the children where Brandy teaches celebrate the end of their child care year.  Some of them are moving on to elementary school.  The entire group of children wore caps and gowns and put on a program.

The Program Did Not List Any Last Names

They had a sweet little program.  I don't know why the last names of both students and teachers were not printed on the program.  That seemed odd to me.  Nola knew the words to all the songs.  Of course, with her mother being a teacher, I am sure she was coached and practiced a lot both at day care and at home.

Nola Sports a Cap and Gown for the First Time

Listening as Awards are Given to Fellow Classmates

 There are fourteen children in the day care classes and three teachers.

All Stand for Pictures After the Ceremony

"Certificate" That Those Not Going Into Elementary Received

Nola is four years old.  She will be in the day care another year.  Brandy plans to continue with the day care for that year.

Mother and Daughter Share a Smile With Us

 Walter was able to drive to the church.  I drove home as he still had physical therapy scheduled in the afternoon.

Nola, Me and Walter Treasure Being Together

Nola shared a few moments with us.  She had many guests so she was quite the busy girl visiting with friends and family.  Her two older brothers, Chandler and Kash, were with us today too.

Big Brothers Chandler and Kash Help Celebrate With Nola

The students and guests went to the fellowship hall to let the children eat their lunches while the adults ate some snacks the staff had provided.

This Cake Was Delicious!

 Chandler and I ate two pieces!  I had been trying to cut way back on refined sweets, so this was a sugar high moment for me!

Cute Idea - Cupcakes with Cap and Tassels Added

The entire morning was a delight.  We loved seeing everyone and having good fellowship with loved ones.  God is good!

Spring Shower

Walter had a total knee replacement on April 30, 2014.  I stayed with him in the hospital for the days that followed as he worked in the physical therapy gym. He was released on May 10.

When we had gone for the surgery, the back yard garden was all green, except for the clematis.  After getting home, we looked out at the garden and were happy to see several blooms on many of the different plants that we have.  This picture shows a small part of the garden after a spring rain overnight.

Iris and Roses in the Garden

The border is filled with plants that we have either bought or been given by family and friends.  One of my favorite plants is a Tropicana rose bush that I watched my daddy plant over 50 years ago.  It is the one in the center of the triangle bed.  We moved it into our garden about 8 years ago after my mother died.

Walter is healing and recovering at a good pace.  Some of his physical therapy is hard on him.  He has to have long periods of rest between the sessions.  But when visitors come, he goes out on the upstairs deck which overlooks the back yard and points out plants that he favors.  He smiles and takes pride in our little piece of land.

I guess it could be considered a "healing garden" much like the Serenity Garden we walked in at the hospital.