A Sultry Summer Night

 

The air is hot and humid, it's a sultry summer night. In it's stillness, a faint breeze is welcomed. The sounds of dogs barking in the distance and birds singing echo in the thick summer air. It's the end of June and I wonder where the month went. A perfect time to reflect what I enjoy most during summer and making time to enjoy them. 

A warm summer night, really good live music, a community festival, and fireworks made for a magical evening out and about filled with affections with David. 

Paddle boarding on the lake, ordering dinner out, and lazing the afternoon away in the pool with Mariah was unrushed and relaxing. 

And, that perfect moment when I slid on the seat of my bike and hit the towpath. The sounds of nature, chipmunks, bullfrogs, birds, squirrels, and turtles... just another day in their habitat and I took in every sight and sound, breathing in a hot summer day. 

I stopped in the quaint historical town at the ice cream stand, because it's summer and ice cream cones + bike rides means it's summer. The air was 93 degrees and my Raspberry Sorbet in it's icy freshness was the perfect touch. 

Oh summer, how I love thee. 

Translucent Petals

 

I find joy in watching my flowers in bloom. The pale lavender clematis was planted last summer and struggled to thrive, this year new buds open every day. 

I am in awe in the uniqueness of each flower. The delicate and translucent petals capture my attention when the sun is shining, yet they are strong enough to withstand storms. I think of the flowers I have in bloom right now, the variety of colors, sizes, textures, and scents, and think of my God and wonder if He lingered and enjoyed creating each one and wonder His inspiration in each detail. 

He is a God of details. I am in awe of His works. 

Special Delivery

 

I slipped out of the office to run errands and when I stepped back into my office, my whole body jolted when I saw them. Roses on my desk! A couple colleagues in my office smiling and inquisitive... opening the card... I was smiling, too.

Stunning and beautiful, there is something about getting spontaneous flowers that piques everyone's curiosity and warms the heart. 

You're simply

Amazing!

Love, David

                                                                                        

                    

Post Surgery Stent Removal

 

First, let me start off by saying my sincere apologies to the select few whom I text photos of my own stents post-removal. In fairness, I wasn't thinking clearly or logically and in mortification, didn't think that perhaps there was a photo of clean stents online.

This is it [photo shows actual size if looking at this on a laptop]... this is what was removed post surgery. Ignorance is bliss, no wonder my entire face hurt, it had to be behind my eyeballs. 

Surgery started off so pleasant, a walk in the park and a day out with only a slight headache. That was the devil's lie called surgical meds. A false illusion of what actual discomfort the meds were covering. 

Fast forward beyond Vicodin nights to my stent removal follow up appointment yesterday. I shared with the physician I was excited to get the cat of nine tails out of my nose. My entire face hurt nonstop and airflow wasn't happening. He said he would remove the stitches holding these stents in first so he can pull the stents out. I didn't know there were stitches. My body locked down and ready for my frontal lobe to be pulled out, when the doctor was done he said, "I need for you to breathe..." I guess I hold my breath in pain preparation. Both pulled out before I would look, so I didn't pass out... he said, "Take a deep breath..." 

I started crying. 

I couldn't believe the airflow I had. Almost 20 years of not breathing well happens so slowly, I learned to adapt to not breathing well, even with meds. A deviated septum + severe congestion (turbinectomy) made it difficult to breathe.

David & my dad immediately noticed I sound different when I talk. I still feel my abdomen lock into place to force air to talk, out of learned habit, it's going to take some getting used to.

I've had a constant headache from all the airflow in my head, as if an air conditioner is on high blowing straight into my face. I cannot believe how cool my throat feels, fresh air that flows through the nose cools the top of the throat, even on a warm day. Bet you never thought of that.

Sitting in a meeting yesterday, I noticed new smells I had never noticed. Breathing well is going to take some getting used to.

Me, I'm grateful it's over and I wish I never waited as long as I did.

Sinus Surgery

 

Hello, my name is Dawn and I am a nasal spray addict. It's probably safe to say, "I was" addicted to nasal spray as it can no longer be my vice of choice directly after coffee. 

After 20 years of using nasal spray several times a day, yesterday was my much needed and long overdue surgery to correct excessive congestion. What I didn't know was I had a deviated septum, too, which added to the fact that I could never breathe. Both repaired.

The day was a breeze, a lovely experience at the hospital, a fabulous staff, the worst part of the day was the caffeine withdrawal headache pre-surgery. Only a slight headache after surgery, nothing Tylenol hasn't handled, I always pass on pain meds. Even after my hysterectomy, give me Tylenol. 

The part I didn't anticipate is the hammock across my face with pads for all the bleeding. Annoying and unattractive, I will simply put a covid face mask to actual good use to hide my situation. 

A huge thanks to my mom for taking me to the hospital, staying with me, and the night. She is an excellent caretaker. Sleeping sitting up stinks. Not being able to bend over or lift anything for a couple weeks will bring challenges, but this too shall pass. 

All in all, it was a super easy procedure and I'm glad it's done. 

Look Who's 2!

 

A boy?! What do I do with a boy? I was a “girl mom” and learned a whole new world when my grandson was born! It’s a different world indeed and in all his boyish ways, I was surprised how much he loves me... sweet, snuggly & sensitive, he’s the one always in my arms. Happy 2nd birthday, Rowan!! I love you!

Eskimo Brothers & A Warm Summer Night

 

There was nothing more perfect than a warm summer night, my favorite band from Nashville playing locally, Eskimo Brothers, and a date night with my sweetheart! 

Wearing my new 4" heels, he is still a tower of masculinity and strength. Our schedules rather hectic, I was grateful for the hours we slipped away onto a patio listening to great music and was happy my Brooke & Alex could join us. 

Me... time could just stop, I was in my glory.

Sweet Sisters

 

My perfect, sweet little Claire... you are so loved and you have a big sister who couldn't wait for your arrival and always wants to hold and kiss you. Rowan always does, too, but he wasn't feeling well and I spent hours holding and snuggling him. 

Having the day off, I slipped over to see my daughter and babies. Wanting to talk to Claire, I laid her on the bed so I can look in her eyes and tell her how beautiful and perfect she is, how much I love her, and I got her to mimic me sticking out her tongue a couple times. Feeding her, changing her, rocking her to sleep, it's spending time with her letting her know I am here and I love her. 

My sweet, little Claire-bear, you are one blessed little girl.