October Went By In a Blur ……

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Time is shooting past isn’t it.  Danella, aka The Official Photographer, went back into hospital and finally, almost eleven months after the initial accident had all the screws,  broken and entire, removed from her leg.  The steel plates however are left in.

Due to the extraordinarily long wait period, Danella was booked into a private hospital.  We reported to Mercy Hospital  at 9 am on the 21st and she was  checked in and ready to go off with her handsome American surgeon within the hour.

I received a call from said handsome American surgeon an hour and a half later, immediately following the surgery and given full details of what had been done.  We had a prolonged and congenial discussion about whether he was a surgeon or a car mechanic after he described having difficulty getting one of the screws out from behind the metal plate and having to use his screwdriver to ‘ping it up’.

It was an almost shocking juxtaposition from the event a year earlier when the Dunedin Hospital had lost my daughter for two hours and no-one could tell me where she was or what was happening to her, followed by the lack of communication over what had been done to her in surgery.

I was incredibly impressed with the quality of care and attention given by the nursing staff at Mercy and by the calm, serene ambience of the reception and the ward.   She was well tended to by her nurse throughout the day and I was encouraged to be there, and  be fully  informed throughout the process.  By 4 pm that day I was driving Danella back home and tucking her in.  Within two days she was up and about and caring totally for herself and was back at work a week later, having been at my place the day before cleaning my hard to reach windows.  🙂  It was, all in all, a really great experience.  I do love it when life serves us up the very best possible outcome and puts bells on it too.

We’ve been enjoying some lovely weather.   Siddy and I took it into out heads to take an extra walk in the evenings as dusk was falling and the streets were a bit quieter so he could practise his off leash walking.  Orlando took it into his head to come with us, each night coming a little further.  So there we were last night, all three of us, heading off for a stroll round the block.

I say ‘stroll’, but the thing that got me was that the puppy became quite serious when he saw that the cat stayed with him.  He didn’t stop to pick up or leave messages as usual, but trotted along, not deviating from the path as is his usual style, as if he needed to get his kitty back home safely as soon as possible.  The kitty trotted along just behind Siddy, tail held high and clearly not bothered.  I was quite puffed as we completed the block in record time.   I’m kind of hoping it doesn’t become a regular occurrence and I kind of wished The Official Photographer could have accompanied us, it must have been quite a sight.

I’m still managing to create at least one card every day and a series gets completed in about three days.  Here’s a few of them.  I do love my owlsimg_20181011_163128.jpgThese are fun and will appeal to certain people in my circle of friends and familydavThis one isn’t a card, I made it for me to put on the fridge just to remind me I don’t need to buy any more crafting supplies – I gave myself an intervention  🙂   I’m not sure if it’s worked…..davI designed a Christmas card and blinged them up with an increasing amount of diamantes and glitter, which you can’t see here, but believe me they sparkle and shine  – these are just the first two, there’s several more….davThen, with the next series, the pets got in on the actimg_20181022_091111.jpgSomewhere along the line I found some unused inky splatter backgrounds and added these gnomes to them  – this made me happy!  They are so useless and cute and I must make moredavdavdavdavAnd to finish a design still in process davThat’s it, that’s October almost done and dusted.  Is it seven weeks til Christmas?

Here’s Siddy getting his aunty Jo’s bed ready for her Christmas visit.  If you look closely you might catch a glimpse of his ‘Superdog’ harness.  He’s looking a little porky on account of too many treats, so not really capable of flying ……… davThanks for coming by today, I love that you did.

82 thoughts on “October Went By In a Blur ……”

  1. I’m back for a second visit to be sure I didn’t miss anything amidst my busy time. I loved re-visiting each of your cards. They’re so spirited and colorful and wonderfully you. I’m happy reading that you’ll all be together at Christmas. It’s been really good for me to have both my boys home this week for our long Thanksgiving break. They go back to their respective universities on Sunday. Sending love your way, Pauline. xo

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  2. I especially love the owls and gnomes! All are beautiful and fun, though. I would’ve loved to have a picture of the three of you walking along together. And wonderful news about your daughter!!! She must feel so happy and relieved. What a long time her ordeal was. Now it’s November—can you believe it? I will leave you with this quote, maybe you know it? It’s perfect for Orlando and today.
    ‘It was now November. After November, comes December. Then January, February, March, and April. After April comes May. June, July, August follow. Next is September. Then October, and so, behold, here we are back at November again, with a whole year accomplished.” — Orlando, Virginia Woolf

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    • Oh that’s a great quote – and a good reminder about time simply being time! Orlando has not come with us again as yet, he comes a little way and then waits for us to come back – which is what he does when we go off for our morning walk. It’s getting lighter for longer though and I think he does prefer to be hidden under cover of darkness. My girl is good as new again, which is totally wonderful! I like those cards too, I’ve already made more owls …….. 🙂

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  4. I’m glad Daniella had such a good and handsome mechanic hahahah! Your work is so adorable. Love those gnomes in particular!!! What a charming story about Siddy protecting Orlando! How are his mental faculties doing? Does Siddy worry about him other times? (Siddy is not chubby!)

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    • Hello Luanne, I’m not convinced Siddy was protecting Orlando – I do wonder if he just wanted to return him home so he could have his usual walking routine…….. O has not come all the way with us again and I wonder if Siddy may have had a word or two in his ear. On the other hand the weather has not been that conducive to kitty walks.
      Thanks for asking about he is doing, Mr O
      has been fully healthy since I changed his diet and back to the happy chap he was before. I think it’s been well over a year now and the only meltdown he has had was when I put him in a (very nice) Cattery and left him for 10 days when my blogging pals all arrived and we went off to Wanaka. He hid under his cushion in his apartment and refused to eat and refused to come out. He lost a lot of weight and I was most concerned. But he rallied quickly, wouldn’t let me out of his sight for a few days and then returned to normal. Siddy and he have a pretty typical sibling relationship. They both try to be the one who gets the pillow on the bed and who sits next to me on the sofa. Then when they get tired they curl up together and snuggle. When we return from a walk and Siddy sees Orlando waiting he runs up to him and they do the head bump, nose bump thing and then run home together – that’s pretty cute. The vet says Siddy has to lose 2 kg ……… Siddy disagrees.

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  5. Hi Pauline, I’m so pleased Danella’s “car” (body) maintenance went well and that she’s back to work and full of energy. She must be pleased, as you certainly seem, and justifiably so, to be.
    As I read about the wonderful work of the team in getting her repairs sorted, I was thinking there was to be no art in your post. I’m so pleased I was so wrong. Your cards are beautiful, and what a variety. It seemed they just went on and on. But I think you kept my favourites until the end. Those gnomes are just so cute, and the marbled paper is gorgeous. They look great together. Have a wonderful November!

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  6. What a lovely visit I’ve had here today. Thanks for sharing the great news about D and her handsome surgeon/mechanic. Great news on all fronts, most especially that the last of the pins are gone and D is back home and at work and feeling good. You got clean windows out of the deal, too!

    I love the tale of Siddy and O. walking together around the block. Siddy is such a conscientious chap, looking out for his feline companion. That would have been something to record…and perhaps you will one day.

    As you know I’m a huge fan of your cards. They’re all charming and unique. I love the gnomes! Oh my goodness they’re fun. The owls are quite charming as well. I picked up a set of envelopes last week for the gorgeous collection you sent for my birthday. I keep them for awhile before sending them, and when I do I send the one by one, so I an savor them first. You sound full of life, Pauline. Art, happy children, adorable and companionable animals and the start of the warmer weather all sound wonderful. Christmas in seven weeks? That can’t be…but it is. I’m looking forward to having my two young men at home. Hugs.

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    • I just received a lovely card from you 🙂 Thank you so much! I’m glad you like your little collection, I enjoy to put a sampling together for you. Life is quiet at the moment and I always enjoy that, it gives me time to come inside myself and simply be and potter away. I rather like my quiet life but it is wonderful when the family gathers. Time together becomes more precious when it is doled out in little parcels. Just like our visits! 🙂

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  7. I’m so glad your daughter had good care in the hospital. It makes the whole experience less stressful when you and your loved ones are in good hands. Lovely cards, Pauline. I’m especially fond of the gnomes. 🙂 They’re adorable. Enjoy your spring and wishing you many more walks with your four-footed companions. ❤

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  9. You are so talented, so lovely….I’m grateful you’re my friend Pauline. And I’m happy your cards read “merry christmas” – I don’t like the new age ” happy holidays” cards! Love you.

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    • Dear Shubha! Did you hear me thinking about you? I was going to do a search for your email address this afternoon, but here you are instead…… Did you see the previous post to this one with details of the second collection of Cynthia’s poems, now available on Amazon? I thought you would be especially interested.

      I’m old enough to have the latest fashions float past me unnoticed 🙂 I’m pleased to have pleased you. Love you too xoxo

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    • Hello there Jenny, hope all is going well with you! All is well here now, it’s been quite a journey for the poor girl but she is strong and has come through with flying colours. The cards are a couple of hours most days, its amazing what comes when you work away at something steadily 🙂

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  12. oooh! I love owls too!!
    Happy to hear the surgery went well and she’s back to work so quickly!!
    Aren’t dogs silly? If we could only know what they were really thinking! Cats are always such show offs aren’t they! LOL! I think the cat secretly planned Siddy’s walk disruption! ;o)

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    • Hello Eliz! Thank you, we are all happy here too 🙂 I really do wish I knew what was going on in animals heads more often. Sometimes there is clearly a plan, a Machiavellian plot even – and I am the last one to know what is going on. Siddy is a master at communicating with me. A repeated flick of the eye towards the thing he wants me to become aware – most often the treat drawer. An intense stare that becomes unbounded delight when I move in the right direction – most often the kitchen – etc etc. Orlando is patient with his puppy and usually fairly non demanding. I have a feeling Siddy was anxious to return the kitty home so he could have his usual unencumbered walk. Sometimes his plans simply don’t work out 😀

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  14. If the surgery had to happen, it’s great to know it all went well and the care Danella received was excellent. Hopefully that’s all behind both of you now. I love your owls too, Pauline. Your Christmas cards are also very nice – you are so talented.

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    • Yes, it was always a ‘got to happen’ scenario, the screws had to come out at some stage and as one broke as soon as she started walking again it was considered relatively urgent….. She now has a plastic bag full of screws and nuts and broken bits for her souvenier drawer 🙂 Still, a hundred years ago amputation would have been the only option and now she is fully mobile again. Grateful! The owls are such fun to make, that is one design I haven’t grown bored with yet 🙂

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  16. So glad to hear your daughter is doing well and that you had such a positive experience. We have been running into some doctor issues here that have not been as positive. Really great to see Siddy the super dog, I needed a smile this morning. Love your cards and designs even if they are deemed “girly.”

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    • I’m sorry to hear that Karen, I prefer the alternate route myself, though I think hospitals are great if you break anything, it’s the ‘care’ that is suspect to my mind. ‘Siddy the Super Dog’ should become his new name, yes? 🙂 And I can never be accused of not being ‘girlie’ enough 🙂

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  17. It’s great to hear that Danella is doing well and that the experience was positive for both you and her. So many interfaces with the medical community are unnecessarily negative. I love the walk you took with Siddy and Orlando. That was quite a big move on Orlando’s part. It’s just like Siddy to take on the care taking role and assure Orlando’s safe return home. The cards are wonderful. Owls happen to be one of my favorite birds.

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    • I’m an owl fan too SS We have a native owl here, the Ruru, colloquially called the Morepork because that is what it’s call sounds like. It’s a haunting, hungry kind of a call 🙂 And yes, I’m not a fan of hospitals but this was such a positive experience and my girl is well again 🙂

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  18. Such an upbeat, happy post! The news about Danella is all so good–she’s a trouper! And I can just see the three of you–dog, cat, mom–walking the neighborhood! Count me among the crowd who walks her cats. At least three of them are very happy to trot along behind me–I wish I could see a photo of your entourage! And your cards are really amazing–I like the variety of styles!

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    • You have mentioned your cats walking with you in the past Kerry, I remember. I think these events should all be recorded as they are such fun! But I know my Orlando and suspect that should a camera be presented he would decline to attend, convinced as he is that it is out to steal his soul! I have a low boredom threshold with anything I make and once a design has been wrestled with and I’ve done the best I can with it I’m onto the next idea……… hence the variety.

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  20. What an absolute relief to have that chapter of life end so very well, just so pleased for you both. I love the image of Siddy showing off good behaviour to get his pal back home safe and sound. The cards are all lovely, but my absolute favourites are the gnomes, I love them.

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    • Thanks Cathy, it sure was the best possible outcome in the end. I’m very grateful! Do you know I’m not altogether sure if Siddy wanted to get O back home safely or if he just wanted to not have a cat following him around 🙂 The gnomes, it seems are a winner and as even I like them I can happily make more ❤

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  21. I’m so pleased about Danella’s progress. The image of the four of you on a walk conjured up my recent visits top Southampton hospital with a very pregnant Danni. Limping through the crowded shopping mall alongside each other invited the parting of the waves approaching us. Some excellent designs here. Notably the dwarves – and you know who will want a pack of the owls X

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  22. Wow, is it really almost a year ago that Danella broke her leg? I’m so pleased that things are finally working out for her, although I’m sure having a handsome surgeon sweetened it just a little. I can picture your threesome walking around the block – such a funny image springs to mind! My, you weren’t kidding when you said you were cracking on with your cards – they’re amazing, you’re so talented!

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    • Yes, almost a year Sheila – five weeks off the full cycle when she went in.
      Time is shooting on by for sure! Yay for handsome American surgeons and private hospitals! Cards are great creative projects – I ruined yesterdays, but that rarely happens – a couple of quiet hours and a new design and three or four cards are well underway. It’s fun 🙂

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  23. I’m so happy to hear Danella is doing well and she’s back with her momma. No doubt, you’re a wonderful nurse, Pauline.
    I love your owl cards! Actually, I adore all of your creations. Your talent continues to amaze me. Your intervention card is hilarious, too!
    Thanks for the Siddy fix…I really needed it this week. ❤

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    • I’m a terrible nurse Jill! I don’t do illness at all well. Both my daughters would howl with laughter at the thought of me being ‘a good nurse’. But I appreciate that you thought I might be 🙂 Gosh I love my Siddy – he’s such a cool fellow, best dog ever!!

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  24. So good to hear your daughter is getting so much better now, and the hospital and care sounds perfect. Glad all the screws are out too. I am sure from here onwards it will be all positive.
    Your evening stroll sounds awesome. We tend to have a quick walk too, Miekie likes to sniff and smell everything.
    The bedroom is beautiful, I love the red.
    Siddy looks to cute too. So is all the card you made. Well done.
    Take care and enjoy.

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    • Thanks for coming by Joey, it’s always lovely to see you. Danella is doing really well and her leg is healing fast, it’s all good as we say around here. Evening strolls are nice this time of the year, I’m less fond of them in the winter, but we never miss our morning walk. The red bedroom seems popular – it’s a lovely warm room for sure. Go well!

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  25. Great to hear you and your daughter had a much better hospital experience this time around. Bad enough having to be in hospital anyway without any extra, unnecessary stress and trauma.
    I would be one of the ‘certain people’ to whom the wine cards would appeal to but I must admit – and it looks like I’m not alone – the gnomes win hands down for cuteness and originality.
    Out of my 5 cats, two of them regularly join me and the dogs for our walk up the mini mountain and through the woods at the top. One miaows at us if he thinks we’re going too fast or too far and, if he’s in front and the dogs try to push past him, he hisses and bats at them with his paw. When we get back to the house, the cats fling themselves down on the terrace and pant ‘cutely’ as if they’ve done a marathon.
    I love the festive bedroom – how organised are you, to already have the guest room made up and it’s not even November yet.

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    • You have wonderfully characterful pets! I always wanted a cat that would go walks and in the car and bike riding – you know all that un-catly behaviour. But none of mine have been terribly adventurous. Orlando had a complete and utter melt down last time he went to a cattery and has always been a home body, so this decision took me by surprise. I live in hope 🙂

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  27. Ah those Gnomes. It got me thinking about the life of a Gnome. Since they are well known in the Itinerant Mining Engineering world it occurred to me their schooling was probably different to ours, focusing less on the 3Rs and more on the 3GNs: gnometry, gnology and gnography. Did you teach any gnomes in your time?
    PS as ever the cards are delightful

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  28. So glad to know you had a good experience this time at the hospital. Danella must be so relieved to get rid of all that metal work. You have been so busy! So many cute cards.
    A lovely account of your walks. I had a cat, many years ago, that used to come for walks with me on the farm, meowing all the way.

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    • I remember back in the late 60’s or maybe early 70’s finding a series of books in the library by an English woman who lived in a cottage in the country and would go for walks with her cats – the books were really about her cats and I loved her life and the way her cats all went off on walks with her. I guess they are out of print now. Cats can be quite adventurous can’t they, but I’ve never really had one of those. We had a cat when the girls were young who would come after us when we went walking anywhere, crying and calling and trying to get us to go back home. This is the first time I’ve ever had a cat come all the way round the block with me. Well, I think he went with Siddy really and I tried to keep up with them. 😀

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  29. I am happy that the Official Photographer is back on her feet and doing so well. It’s been a long haul and I get how one hospital can have a whole different attitude and feel than another. Hooray for better care.
    The kitty following Siddy, was it Orlando? How funny that walk must have been with Siddy not checking his mail along the way. 😉 Love the red and white bedroom for your ED. Very festive for the holiday. I keep thinking every year I’ll get ready earlier and then…:( It always catches me unprepared. The cards are wonderful though the gnome cards are my favorite. I wouldn’t turn any of them away but it’s something about the autumn look of the gnomes and inks that would make them perfect for this time of year here. I have let too much time go between posts as well and less to show for it. You have been quite productive this month. I saw your Wise Woman on Aly’s post. She turned out perfect! It’s my second favorite of your pieces. 🙂 Have a wonderfilled week and maybe month. Hugs, m

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    • Oh yes Marlene, that was most definitely Orlando on the walk with us. tail high in the air and prancing quite happily along. We went a little earlier for our walk this evening as it had been raining all day and I chose a little clear patch to make a run for it. Orlando came along passing three or four houses and then sat down. Siddy made a run for it round the corner and started checking his messages and responding so I had a nice leisurely stroll and found Orlando back at my letterbox waiting patiently. I’m guessing it has to be quite dark and quiet for Orlando to do the full walk.
      I like those gnome cards too – I must make more they were quite fiddly but satisfying to create. (Most of the things I create require a bit of fiddling though) I’m quite well organised for Christmas this year – we didn’t really have one last year as we were all saving up for the big adventure with the bloggers coming, and this year it is me and the girls having ten days together which is an event I really love.
      I’m happy to hear you like Sharon’s piece – but your own best. ❤ I hope you are feeling well and enjoying your autumn temps and views. Are you managing to walk every day still?

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      • The air quality has been bad to moderate so I watch when I go out. I can only walk half as far as before but still giving it my all. I now have an oxymeter to let me know when I’m pushing the limit. But after a rest, I keep on moving. Thank you for asking.

        I’m tickled that Orlando walks with you and Siddy is working on his off leash skills. 10 days with your girls will be so much fun. It will be a different Christmas this year here. ;/ But I must get moving now, a walk is on order and then more yard work before my sister comes for a visit. We are both holding our own so far. 😉 Many changes coming.

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    • 🙂 I couldn’t believe they lost her too – but luckily she was found and repaired and survived it all. Now she’s as good as new again. It’s nice to see you here Michelle, I shall come calling soon. Pauline

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