Finally, I have some new jewelry up at my Etsy shop!
Here's a peek:
(each word above links to a new item) 🙂
Author: ObtainingMercy
Turtle Wranglin’
We live across the road from a lake. We are assuming that's where the turtles came from. Yesterday, Doug found more turtles in our yard, and decided to take them back to the lake.
They were happy to depart the wheelbarrow and be on their way. Doug heard the little one "plop" into the water before the second one had cleared the wheelbarrow.
The funny part? Just a couple of hours earlier, my dad had taken two turtles from his yard too, and returned them to the lake!!! So, I'm thinking we had a whole family of turtles who had wandered into our yard.
I'll let you know if we have any more turtle drama over here in our neck of the woods, er, I mean, in our neighborhood! 🙂
Around the Neighborhood
My lilies have finally bloomed…just beautifully!
Magnificent!
The air is full of the sweet smell of orange blossoms.
Our neighbor's dog. Isn't he gorgeous? We don't know his name, so we, quite imaginatively, call him "Brownie".
My version of a bird bath – vintage terra cotta pot and saucer from my grandmother's house. It works really well, too.
This is right outside Ike's window. The birdbath is below it.
The most beautiful thing in our yard – our now functioning air conditioning unit.
Just look at that Florida sky!!!
Mama turtle was taking a tour of our yard this morning.
Baby turtle trying to catch a ride.
Papa is installing a wide gate between our two yards, so that Isaac's wheelchair (and Papa's new riding lawn mower) can go easily from yard to yard.
Newton, sporting his new haircut and bandanna.
And, inside the house, our new mattress set arrived! It is wonderful, and we love it!!! We bought this one from here.
How are things in your neighborhood?
🙂
Alesha
A Week In Review Sort Of
We've had a busy week:
- Monday – We started the process of deep cleaning the master bedroom. You would think that since it is very small, that would be an easy task; but I found just the opposite. Every little nook and cranny was crammed full of stuff! Argh! We plan to finish the process this afternoon.
- Tuesday – Doug and Isaac headed back to therapy. Isaac screamed every time someone stretched any part of his body…so you can imagine how festive all three sessions were! Poor baby…he has been going through some changes since his surgery. (I'm planning a whole other post for that subject, though, since we're still observing and taking note of what is happening. The human brain is utterly amazing, and neurosurgery is never a "minor" surgery.) While they were gone, I did some housekeeping on my Etsy site, just generally tidying things up to make room for new jewelry that is being made. I also worked on several new pieces, taking pictures and editing them.
- Wednesday – I had a doctor's visit. I am down 3 pounds from my last visit! That is good, even though, technically, I am re-losing those pounds because I put on around 10 pounds through the (extended) holiday season. But, hey, I'll take the 3 pounds! It's still progress in the right direction.
- Thursday – Today I went to the dentist. Ugh! I've had a broken tooth for a little while, and was waiting for the funds to have it fixed properly. Then, this past Sunday night, I lost another piece of it. So, today, I made my way to the place that causes my blood to run cold – the dentist's office. I'm telling you, I can get up and sing in front of 1500+ people, and not feel the terror that I experience when I go to the dentist. I think I must have sensory issues, and that's just the place that makes all my senses go berserk – the tastes, the smells, the feelings, seeing the implements of torture…um…I mean, the dentistry tools, and the SOUNDs! Oh, sweet goodness, the sounds alone make me want to weep. Yep…I'd say I have a few "issues" about the dentist. My dentist, btw, is just as sweet and kind and gentle as she can be. You couldn't ask for one better. We put in a temporary fix, and I'll go back to have the permanent repair in a couple of weeks. Btw, the Lord provided for the cost of today's visit! He is so good to me!!!
- Friday – I realize this day hasn't happened yet. My visit to the dentist has not completely unhinged my thinking!!! However, I already know what is going to happen tomorrow: They are bringing our new mattress!!! Yay! We are so excited! Of course, the new bedding I ordered hasn't arrived, and I have no queen size bedding at all! So, that could cause a slight bump in our plan; but we are looking beyond that, and will just improvise, if need be, to sleep on our new nest egg, uh, I mean, "mattress" tomorrow night.
- Saturday – We are headed to a family reunion. It should be fun and relaxing…we are looking forward to it.
- Sunday – Lord willing, we will all make it to church on Sunday. I was able to go last week, and although Isaac was cleared to be there, he did not make it on Sunday morning. He partied most of Saturday night, and crashed beyond waking on Sunday morning. He and Doug were able to make it to the night service, though, so that was good.
I pray your week has been good, and that you will be able to be in church on Sunday too. I plan to be back in the choir, Lord willing. I was able to attend practice last night, so…we'll see. As usual, I will "hold my plans loosely", and see what God has planned.
Blessings to you,
Alesa
A Short Post From Sunny Florida
- Isaac's surgery site is healing nicely, and he has been released to his regular activities! That means, Lord willing, church for the 3 of us on Sunday. Praise the Lord!
- We bought a new mattress set, and it will be delivered on next Friday. THANK YOU to all of you who gave me your opinions and experiences. I did a lot of research, due to your ideas, and we feel we found the best mattress for us. 🙂 Pictures to follow, after it's delivered.
- I had a brutal visit with my chiropractor on Monday, but I am reaping the rewards of that now. My legs are finally the same length again, and – wonder of wonders! – that does miraculous things for my muscles! Go figure! 🙂
- We are spending lots of time outside in this beautiful weather. Soon, it will be much too hot to be outside, except first thing in the morning, so we are trying to soak up all the rays we can now. Isaac and I are both sporting pink noses and cheeks, and we look so much better for it! 😉
- I pray that you have a wonderful weekend, and that you are able to be in your church on Sunday. I am looking forward - with GREAT anticipation – to being in mine. :~D
Blessings,
Alesha
Just A Note
…to say that we are doing well. We had a quiet Easter at home, and enjoyed our church's services via the world wide web! Praise the Lord for technology!
We had a scare with Isaac last week…the doctor thought his shunt was infected, sent us for a CAT scan and told us to be prepared for more surgery. Thank God that he was wrong and the shunt was not infected. It was just a skin infection, and he's been on a strong antibiotic for it. The surgery site is looking much better now.
We're still trying to get his bowels in working order, following surgery, and this additional medication is wreaking havoc with them. We're not out of ideas, yet, though, so we'll keep persevering with that.
Isaac playing catch with Grammy on Friday. It was a gorgeous day!
My back is still not well, and I'll be seeing my chiropractor and my doctor this week, Lord willing, for their continued advice. I really appreciate your prayers about that.
We have decided to shop for a new bed, rather than a used vehicle. We're thinking the investment will be more helpful to us in the long run, even though the initial outlay is staggering for a new bed! If you have any suggestions – and by that, I mean, a bed that has worked for you – please pass them along.
The Lord continues to be so faithful, and is showing us mercy on every side. We feel overwhelmed by His goodness, and unworthy of it too. I know He is doing something in us, and through us, during this time; and I am just trying to trust His timing (while letting go of mine – or at least, trying to hold my plans very loosely.) ;o)
I pray that you have a good week, and that you continue to rejoice in the truth of the Resurrection!
Alesha
Back on the Wagon
…and our frig is full of veggies, too!
We have not been maintaining our eating plan very well since the holidays. So, we are allowing ourselves to begin again.
You have to do that sometimes, you know. It might not be a new year, or a new month, or a new week, or even a new morning.
You can start over any time you want.
It's is always a good time to do what is right.
🙂
~~~~~
Isaac is doing well. We had a couple of sleepless nights (but if you've read my blog for any length of time, you know that is almost "normal" for Isaac!); and we've had a couple of grumpy days. All that is to be expected, I think, after surgery.
He and Doug went out for a walk today, and he really enjoyed that so much. I think he's just tired of being inside and tired of being at home. It is SO beautiful outside, too, that there was no reason for him to stay in. I'm glad Doug took the time to take him outside.
His surgery sites are healing well. He has a post-op doctor's appointment next Friday. After that, they will tell us when we can return to our normal schedule of things.
~~~~~
For those of you who subscribe to my RSS feed via a blog reader might notice an increase in posts over the next few days. I am attempting to move my archives off my old blog onto this new one. My apologies for the multiple posts. I hope they are not too aggravating. 🙂
~~~~~
My back is still doing poorly. I'm getting a little discouraged and …well, to be totally honest…a little grumpy about it! I was hoping to feel better by now. I cannot sit for any length of time; and if I do sit for too long, I cannot stand up straight or walk when I do get up. I have to lean on something and sort of painfully u-n-f-o-l-d, while trying not to gasp with agony.
If you were a fly on the wall, you would hear something like this:
Doug: "Are you ok?"
Alesha: Through gritted teeth, "y.e.s."
Doug: "Do you need some help?"
Alesha: Gasping with pain, "NO."
Doug: "I can come help you."
Alesha: "No. I.got.it!"
Doug: "All right, well take your time."
Alesha: Almost to the bed, "o.k." Then upon reaching the bed, "ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh…"
Doug: "Are you ok?"
Repeat ad nauseum. It's quite a comical thing, if you're not involved!!! ;o)
~~~~~
I hope you are going to be able to go to church tomorrow. I know I am missing it so much, being stuck here. I am grateful to have the live video feed, but I do miss seeing everyone. There's just something about face-to-face fellowship that can't be mimicked by virtual interaction here on the web.
If you are stuck at home time, feel free to join our service here. Just hover over "Media" and click "Live Service".
Blessings,
Alesha
Obtaining Mercy 