A couple of weeks ago, we were concerned that Steve would need surgery on his shoulder. Thankfully, the damage wasn’t as severe as was originally thought so he is doing PT instead to see if he can get some relief that way.
However, he went to the same surgeon last week with increasingly troublesome symptoms in his hip: the x-rays showed bone spurs, arthritis, and bone on bone. His surgeon strongly recommends a total hip replacement as soon as possible.
Thankfully, the recovery will only be a couple of months instead of six months for shoulder surgery. The surgeon said his hip will be restored to basically normal function which will be a huge blessing. Unless there is a cancellation, it will be on March 10.
Steve’s job since we moved here has been to save us thousands of dollars on fix-its, painting, and other chores from an unending list of house projects. He is continuing to diligently work on all of this despite a lot of pain in his knee, shoulder, hip, and back. The surgeon is hopeful that straightening out the hip problem might help with some of the other areas. He was planning on getting a part-time job soon but this surgery is going to put a halt to all of that.
Although it could be surgery won’t be needed at all because I found this nifty product in Steve’s pile of stuff. Maybe just spread a little on his hip and call it a day?
And on the subject of Steve, last Thursday he was driving in the rain when a car near him started to hydroplane going about 70 m.p.h. Steve immediately put on his brakes and the car ended up missing him by about three feet. Thankful that he wasn’t injured or worse!
THING TWO
This is the 30-year old stove that Vernie made so many delicious meals on. Even though it’s not pretty, I was willing to keep cooking on it. But over the months that we’ve been here, we’ve realized that the oven was about 75 degrees off. Steve was able to adjust it until it was only 50 degrees off but then sometimes the oven and broiler function wouldn’t work at all, turning off and on for no reason. It drove Sarah and me crazy trying to make our oven meals come out properly.
So we came to the decision that three decades was a good long life in stove years and we ordered a new one.
I didn’t realize that the new stove was going to come complete with a person hanging over the edge. I have titled this photo, “Rump Roast.”
In his role as Chief Fix-It Man, Steve faced a couple of challenges with this stove.
At first, we thought that we would be without a stove for 10 days until the new one arrived and Sarah and I were putting on our sad but brave faces. But then Lowes said we could use the damaged one in the meantime. Was there ever any better news?
A couple of years ago, we bought two sets of a particular kind of drinking glass. I especially love the design because they curve in the middle and are easier to pick up with arthritic hands.
We had twelve of the tall glasses but a couple of them got broken along the way. I wanted to get four more (especially with the Floridian Smiths coming), but the original place was sold out and the few places I was able to find them online were charging two to three times what I had paid for them. (One place was charging $13 per glass.)
After my fruitless internet search, I was browsing Facebook Marketplace for another item and what did I just happen to run across? The very glasses I had been searching for! I got four of the tall ones and four medium ones for ten dollars!
Don’t they look so lovely all lined up and ready to go! I love those happy happenstances and the little surprises God puts in our paths.
Sarah and Gage got a unique late Christmas gift. Here is Sarah’s description:
Gage’s grandma sent us this as a Christmas gift. There’s a tiny plot of land in Scotland with our name on it! The company, Established Titles, sell these “deeds” and the proceeds go towards preserving land and historical sites in Scotland. Gage and I both have Scottish blood and are lovers of history, so it was a lovely gift. When we had it framed at Hobby Lobby, the employee put “Lord Gage and Lady Sarah Long” on the receipt!
Is that not so great?
A couple of weeks ago, a neighbor invited us over for a campfire and some snacks.
Steve brought his guitar and led a few songs.
It was great to get acquainted with some neighbors and especially wonderful to hear them tell about how much they loved Ken and Vernie. The neighbors all kept an eye on them and helped when needed; we are forever grateful for their kindness and for their warm welcome to Steve and me.
I wrote a couple of weeks ago that we attended the 50th birthday of Gage’s dad, Stacy.
When Gage and his brothers each reached their 13th birthday, their dad presented them with a sword in a beautiful ceremony. The brothers thought it would be meaningful to get a sword to present to their dad on his big birthday–along with some wonderful, loving speeches.
I happened to grab this photo which illustrates how beautifully how Sarah has been welcomed into the Long family. Stacy, Casey, and all five of the brothers treat her with such love and sweet acceptance. It makes a mama’s heart happy.
I took this photo on a country jaunt. I love places like these; full of nostalgia and interest. They are so easy to drive right by and never notice but I thought this one was worthy of a photo.
In our ongoing cleaning-out process of Ken and Vernie’s things, we turned over a vintage meat grinder and this head rolled out. Whoever knew that when cleaning the house, heads would roll?
I can’t help but look at an item like that and wonder about its provenance. How did it happen to end up in the meat grinder? Why was it there and not somewhere else? Is there a hapless and headless figure out there somewhere? Did it have a name? A family? A job? We will never know.
I feel sort of guilty for discarding this innocent head but I can’t imagine we would get much for it on Facebook Marketplace. For sale: One ceramic head. No body. Last known abode: Vintage meat grinder.
Steve and I think we need to start our own YouTube channel about decorating homes because we are just that great at it. Here is an example of one of our creations which we like to call, “Green stripes on a tan wall.” Catchy, huh?
Pro tip: if you decide to try this look, be sure to enhance it with the bright glare of naked light bulbs dangling from the ceiling.
I know I have very astute readers so you have probably guessed by now that we decided to use green for our second coat in the den; the tan wasn’t giving enough contrast with the sectional.
Oh yeah. One more pro tip: Be sure you take all the tools and paint cans you can possibly come up with (borrow some from neighbors if necessary) and stack them in a decorative manner on the fireplace hearth. It took us quite a while to get these items placed precisely for maximum decorative impact. As I said, our creative talent is just beyond words.
We’ve been grateful to have Gage’s muscles to call on when things need to be hefted around the house; he’s always generous to lend a hand.
Here is a before and after of what we’ve accomplished so far.
Please note the lovely cleaned-off fireplace. (Rug and sectional are both from Facebook Marketplace.)
After everything was set into place, Sarah and Gage immediately tried out the new-to-us sectional. Love these two and the sweet love they share. I know that as anxious as they are to get an apartment, we will all look back on these months living together with fondness. They really are the best housemates.
What about you?
Tell us one big or small thing you have accomplished in the last week or two–whether cleaning off a fireplace or something else.
What’s an unusual thing you’ve found while cleaning?
Is there a happy happenstance that has happened to you recently?
Awesome updates. You had me chuckling and cheering you on, every other paragraph.
What brave hearts you two are to tackle that house remodel. 💕
Prayers for Steve’s hip replacement (if the joint cream doesn’t work.) 😉
Cheryl,
Happy to have created some chuckles and cheers for you!
Yes, it would be nice if that joint cream worked but we’re not getting our hopes up. 🙂
I had my hip replaced 5 years ago, and honestly after the first few days the recovery was really quick. It’s a bit squeaky now and then, but otherwise I can’t tell I had anything done! Best decision ever. I hope his experience as great!
Your house is looking really good! You guys have been busy!
Gayle,
Thanks for sharing a positive “hip story.” We could call it the history of your hip story. 🙂 I’m relieved that the recovery will probably not be excessively lengthy.
Yes, Steve has done a lot of work on the house, even with all of his aches and pains. It feels good to make it our own. I think Ken and Vernie would have loved it!
The house looks great and handymen are truly a blessing! My husband is also a handyman around the house and I am so very thankful for it.
My Nephew is also a “Lord” in Scotland – maybe he and Gage and Sarah are neighbors 🙂
My BIL had his hip replaced a few years ago. He was back on a construction site within a week (he’s the owner so he wasn’t swinging the hammer!) but he was up and around quickly.
The head in the meat grinder is creepy! I’m in the middle of cleaning out my junk room (Lord, have mercy on me! There’s SO MUCH stuff!) I have found some treasures (notes from the kids, $$$, nostalgic stuff) and lots of trash)!
The biggest thing I accomplished this past week was returning from a ski trip in Colorado with no injuries – just memories! The older you get the more of an accomplishment this seems like!
Hoping you have a great week!
Suzanne,
In other seasons of my life, I have also had a junk room. It’s amazing what shows up in there, isn’t it? Like you said: a few treasures, but a lot of interesting items.
Encouraging to know that your BIL had such a good experience with his hip surgery; I’m all about hearing encouraging stories right now!
Memories without injuries? A great accomplishment, indeed.
I once heard a toast”life is either a good time or a good story. Seems like you have been collecting stories lately. I hope a spot opens up earlier for Steve to get his new hip. Hopefully good times will return!!! 🤩
Purple Sushi,
I love that line. We are collecting a lot of stories right now!
Thanks for taking the time to share that.
My mom had hip replacement on her right leg 13 years ago this May. When she fell and broke her right femur in December of 2020, the surgeon was concerned that he might have to revise part of the hip replacement but thankfully he did not. She was almost 79 at the time. She really should have had the left one done later but that never happened.
Glad you didn’t have to wait 10 days on another stove.
In January, my church had a conference on Neighboring. One of the authors that wrote the book The Art of Neighboring spoke at the conference. At the beginning of the main session, he asked the question how many of us could name the 8 neighbors that live around us. There are 45 houses in my subdivision and I can name all 45 of them. It helps that I keep a listing of all the residents along with their address, phone number and email addresses. My Sunday School teacher is having us read the book and each week for the next 12 weeks, we will discuss a chapter. It certainly helps to know your neighbors. My parents had the best neighbor across the street from them. She was an RN and after my mom the last time she would do anything to help them and in turn me. I’m sure it makes you and Steve feel better to know that Vernie and Ken’s neighbors were keeping an eye on them.
My accomplishments last week – took my dad’s hearing aids to be cleaned, finished a spreadsheet I do to summarize my charitable donations for tax purposes, got my hair cut, did a Costco run, met with an elderly neighbor and her daughter to explain Medicare options for her.
The den is really coming together nicely!
Phyllis,
I am truly impressed that you know the names and info about all of your 45 neighbors. Amazing and good for you!
Sounds like you had a productive week last week; the very best kind.
Hi Becky, I had a total hip replacement about 6 years ago, I fell at Harris Teeter and completely shattered my hip, I fell on Sept. 29th, had emergency surgery the next day and was driving again by 6 weeks, I had PT right away and by early December was pretty much back to normal, I did use a cane for awhile and had to sleep on my back for 6 weeks, which was tough, I am not a back sleeper! but 6 years later, it is as good as new.
Dale,
So happy to hear a successful surgery story. I can’t imagine how traumatic it must have been to have fallen out in public and then followed that with emergency surgery. Very stressful. So glad you have recovered well.
Six weeks to driving sounds good to me; hopefully Steve’s recovery will be as good as yours.
Given all the hard work you have been putting into the house to make it yours, I’m not surprised Steve is experiencing orthopedic issues. A strong recommendation I can make is to have the hip replacement done using an anterior incision, rather than a posterior one. Recovery time is much quicker with less pain. The problem is that a lot of surgeons are qualified to do it. I would encourage Steve to at least do some research on it. I have a family member who has had both hips down this way, and he was walking normally and pain free in no time.
Hoping all the house sales and apartment finding issues get solved soon.
Liz,
Yes, you’re so right! Steve’s doctor is trained with an anterior incision and that is what he is planning to do. Glad to hear confirmation that it is the best way to go.
We will be glad to get this surgery in our rear view mirror.
Glad to hear that, Becky. I think he will be amazed at how quickly he recovers, assuming he can keep tasks like climbing over the oven to a minimum for awhile!
Liz–thanks again for the encouragement.
Oh, wow. You guys are amazing. You keep persevering in the face of numerous and seemingly unending obstacles and you get stuff done! #respect 👍
The den looks fabulous. The colors are so airy and peaceful. While your in-process look was umm, memorable, the finished product is just lovely. You both have such a good eye for color and for making a room beautiful and inviting. And kudos to Gage for all his great help along the way.
So it’s Lord Gage and Lady Sarah now I see! I could just see the two of them reigning over some little kingdom in Scotland. I’d love to be one of their subjects! ❤️🙂 That was the loveliest and most thoughtful gift from Gage’s grandma.
The rump roast pic was, let me see, what’s a good word….let’s just say unforgettable, and leave it at that. 😁
Steve is amazing in his abilities to dive in and figure out solutions. I’m so thankful he can get that painful hip replaced and is in PT for the shoulder. The level of pain he’s had to live with is so draining. Here’s to pain free days ahead!
I love that your neighbors had you over for a fire and fellowship! Good neighbors are a gift beyond measure. It’s so good to hear how they watched out for Ken and Vernie too.
Continuing prayers for all the Smith and Long housing needs. Much love to you all.
Love, Deb
Deb,
Thanks for taking the time to comment on so many of the “Things!” Your comments made me smile.
We have definitely had some memorable and unforgettable stuff happen–in so many shadings of those words.
Appreciate your prayers for our housing situations; we really need to see some movement in that area.
Stay warm!
Nice you went green in the den– a different feel in there.
Steve has done so well with all those challenges of remodeling –thank the Lord for good, handy husbands !
Ruth
Ruth,
Yes, green is such a soothing, calming color. And it’s nice to look at the trees through the windows, surrounded by green inside and out.
We have definitely both been gifted with handy husbands. It’s not every guy who could build his own house like Arnold did. That still amazes me.
You are certainly making progress with the house, so happy you have helpers! I am having a time with this very cold weather! It makes my bones and joints very painful and my extra long heating pad helps some. Tell Steve we both get help for this soon. First I need to find out what is going on with my sinuses constantly dripping down the back of my throat. It is manageable at home, but not fun when I need to go somewhere. Fortunately this time of year it usually is only the grocery store and doctors appointments. I will so welcome spring and snow melt. It is pretty to look at, but dangerous when I need to walk to my car. I don’t need any falls or trips. Congratulations on the progress with your house!
Cindy
I’m sure the coming of spring will make a huge difference in your aches and pains. An extra-long heating pad sounds like just the thing.
Still counting down those days-to-spring with you!
Stay snuggled up and stay safe on those roads and sidewalks. Hugs!
Becky, I am certain you are right and spring will bring me some relief. I have refused any heavy duty pain drugs. They scare me and then I would worry about a fall. I do ok going back and forth with aspirin and Tylenol. Fortunately I sleep well and am comfortable sitting on the couch reading. I can’t remember the last time I turned my Television on, it has been well over a year I am guessing.
Cindy
Cindy,
Yep, we are non-television watchers, too. Take good care!
I love the green in the den! And the horse brasses next to the fireplace are so nostalgic to me. My great-aunt had a set that she hung on her dining room wall, and later, my English in-laws gifted me a set – they’re now Christmas ornaments.
That new stove is awesome!
Stefanie,
When you mentioned the horse brassses I had to go into the den to see what you were talking about. 🙂 They’ve been there so long I don’t even see them anymore.
What a great idea to make them into ornaments. Love that!