THE CASE OF THE LAST CAST (I hope)

August 27, 2010 | Filed under: Uncategorized

In my last post about my arm, I mentioned that I had surgery and would be seeing the surgeon. That I have done, but as with this whole experience things did not proceed as I was told they would.
I was to see the surgeon 2 weeks after surgery but it was delayed another week. Then, with trepidation, I finally had the post-surgery cast removed. According to the X-rays all was mending well but I was to go into another cast for another 3 weeks. “Oh no!” Even the fact that it was purple again didn’t console me as I was expecting a splint and finally some freedom. My fingers were freed up with this new cast which was good but unfortunately they look like fat sausages. The swelling is coming down but ever so slowly, so they still look like fat sausages. And my skin was flaking off. Yuk!
I saw my arm without the surgical cast (for the first time in a long time) and it was not a pretty sight. The skin was peeling, it was discoloured from bruising and antiseptics. I have to say that I didn’t recognize it.
Pain management has been a real issue for me. And there has been a lot of pain, now focused in my fingers and my hand which I assume is nerve related.
I see the surgeon in a week and a half and he assured me that then I would go into a removable splint.
This has been an unforgettable summer..unfortunately not in a good way.
Some good news…my impromptu sale went well!

YES!! MY STUDIO IS OPEN AUG. 21 & 22

August 15, 2010 | Filed under: Uncategorized

As I mentioned in the previous post, my studio will be open on the above dates, Saturday & Sunday from 10 to 5.
Because (I remember all those grammar lessons which stated that a sentence should never start with “because”…does this date me?),this was a last minute decision, all I have been able to do is send out emails. Please pass on the information about this event. And do stop in. We will have lemonade and perrier and……..

MY STUDIO WILL BE OPEN…..AUG. 21 & 22…SAT. & SUN.

August 14, 2010 | Filed under: Uncategorized

Yes it is true!!! My Studio will be open on Aug. 21 and 22…a Sat. and Sun. from 10 to 5. This is an unexpected decision, I know but I am tired of feeling sorry for myself and am going to forge ahead.
The Cactus Festival is on during that week end and I was going to exhibit at Art in the Alley again but cancelled because of my broken arm. Last year I didn’t exhibit for a lovely reason-we went on a Baltic cruise. This year’s reason stinks.
But then, I thought, I could set up at my home as I usually do for the Beyond the Valley Studio tours and my twice yearly sales. It would be easier here and with the support of my good friends I am going to do it!!!

The bonus for those who come to my very lovely century home and studio, is that our garden is in full bloom-and it is gorgeous. Generally my events are in the spring and fall. Here is an opportunity to see the summer garden.

The best route to my home is Governor’s Road and turn at Creighton Road. Hatt Street is another route but will be busier. The main street is closed in Dundas for the festival…but it is not too hard to get around.

I look forward to seeing you!!

The Painful (exceedingly) Saga Continues!

August 8, 2010 | Filed under: Uncategorized

Surgery on my arm was July 26th. It was a horrific experience.

But first the lead up. No bed for me at the hospital as I mentioned in my last post. So after 2 days of no news, I started calling the hospital, the surgeon, the fracture clinic doctor- you get the picture. It seemed that nothing was going to happen. It was frustrating, frightening and painful. I was anxity ridden.
On the 25th, I got a call from the hospital that a bed was available and I was to go in that evening. I was ecstatic and grateful-I had been saved!
Once in a ward, it became apparent that no one was sure of what was going on with me. A lot of surprised expressions when it was learned that this fracture was almost 4 weeks old. The orthapaedic resident met with me, having obtained pertinent info. I was going to have the surgery the next day by the on-call surgeon. It was obvious that some kind of stability would have to be provided for the ulna-a pin or a plate. The surgeon would decide.
As it turned out, only one operating room was running,(which was typical during this 2 week period)) so altho my surgery was scheduled for the next day, it could be delayed if emergencies came up. Also the anaesthiologist covered maternity.
And it was delayed-but not for long. The surgical team was absolutely great. As were the nurses on the ward!!
BUT-on awakening from the anaesthetic-I found myself in excruciating, excruciating pain-like my arm had a hot heavy, heavy iron pressed on it-it was unbelievable and I can really understand why torture works. This was the worst pain that I had ever experienced in my life. The recovery room nurses quickly increased my pain medication but I will never forget. A resident said that I was probably brought out from the anaesthetic too soon. (at least I am lucky that I have never reacted badly to anaesthetics.) I would wish this experience on no one!
My arm has a plate, which will be there forever, holding the ulna together. Sometimes I find it hard to fathom-from a simple walk to this!!
I now have another cast on, protecting my arm and providing stability while it heals. I will see the surgeon in 9 days. It has been extremely painful these last 2 weeks-and I don’t do well with pain medication but I take it as I welcome any relief.
I have had to cancel exhibiting at a show and of course going to Chicago. I very much would like to work on my designs but can’t. I do have some wonderful new stones-Sunstone from Oregan is fabulous-a sparkly topaz colour.

I am so hoping that my arm is healing as it is supposed to.(I am really afraid that something else will go wrong) My understanding is that my arm goes into a splint next. I should be able to move my fingers more easily and perhaps I can get back to what I love to do.

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The Sad News of the Purple Cast!

July 22, 2010 | Filed under: Uncategorized

I was at the fracture clinic yesterday and the news was not good! The ulna fracture had separated even more-the bones were not even touching, so surgery is now inevitable. But when? There is a surgeon ready to go but we are waiting for a bed as it involves an overnight stay for me. So here I sit, waiting, wondering how long this will take. I have a trip to Chicago coming up-will it happen? Yes if I have the surgery within the next 2 days. I had planned to be overseas in the fall, so at least that looks okay.
I wish that the surgery had been done 2 weeks ago then I would be well on my way to being healed.
“Let’s try this and see if it works”, is not always a good idea.
I am so grateful that my husband is so considerate and obliging. He has pretty much taken over the rest of the household duties and now does all the driving.
It is amazing to me how an injury to one part of the body affects the whole.
Hopefully my arm is fixed up soon! At least I have a fresh purple cast.

The CASE of the PURPLE CAST

July 7, 2010 | Filed under: Uncategorized

Today I was at the fracture clinic for almost 4 hours-and the news wasn’t all that good. This is a totally new experience for me as I or any of my family haven’t ever had a bone break.
Upon arrival, I was sent to have another X-ray so that there can be a comparison to the one done when I was at emergency last week. While waiting for the doctor I looked at he film and could see a distinctive break in the ulna just above the wrist–not a hairline but a break!! The worst was yet to come. It was a displaced break and the bones were not lining up. The X-RAY THE DAY OF THE ACCIDENT SHOWED NO DISPLACEMENT.
My understanding is that the ulna is not easy to stabilize so that there is no movement, especially after a displacement. So I could be facing surgery to do a repair. Now this accident happened last Fri. and I was sent home with my arm wrapped in a splint-with no cautions about limiting movement. I was to wait for a call from the fracture clinic but was shocked when told my appt. was going to be 6 days later (a week after my collision). Should I have been sent to the fracture clinic right away? Probably!
The doctor in charge of the clinic ordered a cast for me and there was an x-ray after the casting to see if the bones were lining up. I am to return in 2 weeks to see if the cast kept the bones together and if so, then no surgery. I am hoping for the best. My arm is again extremely painful and I hope that this subsides soon.
The only fun thing about this experience is having a purple cast. While plaster casts are still used, this new method involves wrapping a bandage type material around the limb which then hardens. And it comes in colours-hot pink, blue, green purple. It is lighter than plaster and therefore better for the summer BUT will it work as well? I will find out in 2 weeks!!

The Tale CONTINUES…..

July 3, 2010 | Filed under: Uncategorized

I am starting to get claustraphobic about this wrapping on my arm–wanting to get it off. And there are many more weeks of this or possibly a cast-I will find out Wed. I cannot drive, or work or do more than the basics-rather annoying. Yesterday, I was at our family doctor’s getting more pain medication. Took 2 pills and promptly brought up.:(
I also discovered that an ulna fracture is really painful as it heals-I verify this to be true. Each winter, I am really careful about walking on ice and snow, making sure that I don’t slip and break a bone. Wasted time worrying about that.

My husband and I spend time in Florida and we cycle on their excellent and safe trails. Hamilton could learn a lot more about managing their trails. Does the city do enough to ensure safety. I would say NO!

In Florida, the trails are divided by a painted line, much like a roadway. Everyone travels forward on the right side of the trail-walkers, runners, in line skaters, cyclists. Again like roadway traffic. When someone wishes to pass another person or persons moving more slowly, he or she will announce loudly “on your left” or “on your right” depending on where it is safe to go by. A cyclist will precede this by ringing the bell on the bike. This passing is done when oncoming traffic has cleared and it is safe to do so-again much like a roadway. Rules are posted frequently as are mph limits for bicycles.
Announcing your presence is a necessary safety measure. I did not hear that cyclist behind me. My husband And I looked behind us frequently but it did not help.
Trails should be safe for everyone!

LIFE IS NEVER DULL!!

July 2, 2010 | Filed under: Uncategorized

Much has happened recently. We experienced an earthquake. I was working in my studio when the furniture started vibrating, the windows shaking and so was I. A framed picture fell off a shelf. it was weird and somewhat frightening. And this was just a 5.0 magnitude which was centred 12 miles down and many many miles away. A 6.0 magnitude is 10 times as strong and a 7.0 is 100 times.
just a few seconds and an amazing experience.
This past Wed. I had another amazing experience, if you can call it that. My husband and i were walking on the pathway down by our bay area. We parked at Princess Point and had gone about 3 km. along the paved trail. Lots of families walking, cyclists, inline skaters. Just a beautiful day. We had visited Pavlo and Oksana of Pavlov Pottery in Rockton. They have a new addition to their family-a baby boy.
Anyway back to the trail. Were walking along and I started to move sideways to read a sign-heard my husband shout- turned- and got hit by a cyclist who was going much too fast. Speeding is the word!
I got my arm up just as he flew into me and knocked me over. I remember a fleeting thought that I had to get out of the way-too late!! Then as I was falling, it seemed that I would end up landing on my shoulder but just wishful thinking as my head hit the pavement with a hard thud. My earrings actually flew off! (I have pierced ears). Shock might be an understatement here. The cyclist stopped to help as did a couple of other people. I had minor scrapes, a bump on my head the circumference of a baseball and an arm fracture. Fortunately just somewhat worse than a hairline so not a complete break. So now here I sit with my left arm out of commission, in a sling, wrapped and waiting to go to the fracture clinic on Wed.
We went to Mac emergency and i think that every part of me was x-rayed. Next week, I go for an ultra sound as there is some tenderness.
So how and why did this happen? A cyclist going round a bend with not a good sight line, much too fast, giving no warning such as a bell or other sounds-then- a collision because he was unable to stop or turn. But if it had to happen, it was fortuitous for both of us-in a way. For me because I have very strong bones. For him-he was very lucky that i wasn’t a child or a fragile elderly person.
He was of course was very sorry and did accompany me and my husband to emergency and stayed til I was assessed. Another young man got his car and transported us off the trail and to our vehicle. And I thank him very much for his kindness. His companion I believe, found my earrings and got them to me and
I thank her too. I wouldn’t have missed them for a while and they do mean a lot to me.
We finally left emergency about 10 p.m. having arrived before 3.

tomorrow the tale continues:

WRAP UP!

June 9, 2010 | Filed under: Uncategorized

The Beyond The Valley Tour has now been over for about a week and a half. It took me about 5 days to recover from the excitement and energy levels that the tour generates. It was very well attended and I thank everyone who came by whether to browse or to purchase a piece of jewellery. All were welcome and always are. One of my visitors said that she found my helpers (3 very good friends) and me very welcoming-that it was obvious that we were enjoying the day, the people who came, talking about jewellery and were just generally having a good time. As a consequence she found it to be very comfortable being here and was enjoying herself very much as well. She felt that whether she bought a piece of jewellery or not, we were still very glad that she was here and tried to make her experience as fun as possible. I believe that to be very true and what it comes down to is that we are very sincere about what we say and do and that it is very important that the new owner of one of my designs is very happy about a purchase. And if there is no purchase, that is fine too. Because there is always another time and I never want anyone to feel unwelcome.
After the tour, all the artists, their helpers and families joined us here for dinner. I could tell that everyone had a great tour and a wonderful experience. The mood was lively and uplifting. Congratulations to all. Chef and Wife of Dundas catered the food which is always excellent. We often get their take-away dinners.

Yesterday we returned from Pennsylvania, having toured 2 Frank Llyod Wright designed homes. We visited Falling Water in Mill Run, and Kentuck Knob just 7 miles away. The homes were unbelievable. Falling Water is cantilevered over a waterfall. It was built in 1936-39 as a summer home for the kaufman family. Wright was just on the site 4 times. I find that hard to imagine but there it is – this wonderful home, now a museum – in all its glory. Kentuck Knob was a much smaller home (2200 sq. ft.) and was a permanent residence for 30 years. He visited that site once.
It is now a museum as well. Wright designed this house in 1954 when he was in the 80′s. The man was brilliant and controversial.
It is an extraordinary experience to see his work.
We then stayed in a small town called Ligonier. Just so charming. Many small American towns have a central square surrounded by shops and this one did too. Yesterday over the noon hour, there were musicians in the gazebo in the square, entertaining passersby. We stayed in B&B’s both nights. One home was built in 1903 and the other in 1906. Both were decorated in the Victorian style and were charming. We have a home that was built in 1870. I am tempted to introduce more of a Victorian look to the interior but I resist. Just think of all the extra dusting.

My next event is Art in the Alley at the Cactus Festival in Dundas. The dates are Aug. 21 & 22-a Sat. and Sun. June and Ivor Lynch of Picture Perfect Gallery are in charge of this part of the festival and a very fine job they do. These 2 are such Dundas Boosters-the community is lucky to have them.

And now for tea! This is a cold and miserable day!

BEYOND THE VALLEY STUDIO TOUR-this Saturday & Sunday–10 to 5

May 27, 2010 | Filed under: Uncategorized

This is it! The studio tour is this week end and it is so hard to believe. I think that April and May just whizzed by. I have been staying up late to try and put into concrete form, some of my ideas for different pieces. Always before an event, my head is just buzzing and it is often hard to even fall asleep after a late night. My dreams often revolve around my school days-shows that I am stressed and that those were stressful times.

We have had lots of good publicity for the tour. The group was featured in the Spectator-thank you Michele Steeves for your support. Jeff Mahoney’s column made note of it. Altho it would be nice to have an article. After all we are the longest running tour in this part of Ontario and all the rest of the tours are based on our example. But nevertheless-thank you Jeff!
We appeared on morning television this past Tuesday as well. So all in all what more can be done. The public will let us know soon enough.
Our garden is looking quite lush and the irises are magnificent. I think that the poppies will “pop” on Saturday which will add to the wonderful colour. Next week, I will be adding my annuals and can’t wait to get started. We have palms in front of our porch and those darn ants having started farming aphids on one. Yesteray the palm was sprayed with a mixture of veg oil, dishwashing detergent and water. Looks to be successful but the palm looks very sad. Hopefully it will recover.

Now for coffee and back to work.