I am not sure how many blogs I will be able to visit this week as I won’t have much time, during the final run-up to my operation on Friday.
Edit: Well, I managed it! I visited everybody! (Thursday night.) Everything is now all set for tomorrow’s Great Adventure.
What’s On Your Workdesk this Wednesday?
The answer to this question is “less and less” which is good! Here is the work surface under the window, tidied at last. This photo was taken on Saturday.
On the far left, where the work surface sweeps back to give access through the door, you can see my home-made spray booths made from cut down cardboard boxes. The pizza box underneath opens up to form a spray booth too. Next to that is my Melt Pot, and then the multi-cooker for heating water for friendly plastic. Just behind that is the retort stand with my soldering iron and hot knife hanging from it. All these thing are sitting on Presspahn ultra-heat proof mica mats. To the right of the computer I laid down the largest of the Presspahn mats in readiness Cindy‘s ToDo foiling machine which was on its way at this point. I do not know how much heat will radiate downwards from this machine so I thought I’d put it on a heat proof mat just to be sure. My Cougar cutting machine is across the corner.
On the pull-out unit in the right-hand foreground you can see my poor old guillotine. Unfortunately when I was tidying the top of the big black storage unit, it fell on the floor and the plastic protective guide broke. I had mended a crack in it before with masking tape. I think I can repair it again. It still cuts like a dream, despite being about 40 years old!
Here’s a view of the work surface from the doorway from the office section of the room.
Unfortunately with all my tidying efforts, the table beside the sink, which was beautiful a few days previously, is now untidy again! This is just temporary, though, as I sort through things.
Over on the other side of the room, this still isn’t as tidy as it should be.
I had removed the Really Useful Boxes from the top shelf in the wall unit, and into that space I have put the various UFOs that were on the work surface under the window. This isn’t necessarily where they will remain until they are FOs (Finished Objects!) but we shall see. At least it’s enabled me to clear the work surface for now. I’ve also dumped the two stamp and die folders over there – these need to be sorted out big time!
At least the room is usable now, and a lovely big space has been cleared for the ToDo machine. Cindy emailed me on Saturday to say that she had tracked the parcel and it was “out for delivery” but it didn’t reach me on Saturday or Sunday. It did arrive on Monday afternoon, though!
What a ToDo!
I think this is definitely a “To Do” machine and not “Toddo” or “Toe-Doe.” The debate rages on!
Anyway, it is a major excitement and I had to wait for my hubby to come home to carry the heavy box upstairs for me. He kindly unpacked it for me while I made an unboxing video.
Cindy has very kindly included some foils:
and also a couple of dies – each is a hot foil die (for foiling, not cutting) and its accompanying cutting die.
Here is the machine in its new location. I am pleased that the space I cleared for it is exactly right. It isn’t as large as I’d expected – from what Cindy said, I was expecting a monster!!
I shall be organising the boxes underneath to hold all the accessories.
I am so looking forward to playing with this machine and seeing what it can do, but that is going to have to wait. It appears from what the hospital tells me, that my operation is going to put me out of action for several weeks, and I’m just going to have to be patient and allow my body to heal before I start doing things like this.
This is an outstanding gift, and I can’t thank Cindy enough for her kindness.
More new stash
I’ve got some more new stash on order. I’ve finally bitten the bullet and decided I really do “need” a gel plate. I found a very reasonably priced one on Ebay, and also ordered his set of 4 small shapes too. I have been watching some fabulous Jennifer Mcguire videos where she used ink brayered on the gel plate to colour die cuts and create gorgeous backgrounds – it was so quick and so effective, and the results were stunning. One day I shall probably roll up my sleeves and get Really Messy with acrylics on it as well, but that can wait for a bit!
I also saw a brilliant Tim Holtz video this week, where he was previewing the new set of Distress Archival inks, which come in a pack of 4 colours: Hickory Smoke, Vintage Photo, Ground Espressoo and Black Soot. I was very impressed with these. Unfortunately, as usual, the UK is slow to catch up with new stuff from America so I’m going to have to wait for them.
Last week some layering stamp and die sets arrived from Ebay. Unfortunately they are unbranded and just in bags, with no indication of what you have to stamp first. I’m not much good at stamping and thought it would be great to learn how to do this, so I shall probably have to work it out for myself! They were very inexpensive so it’s no great loss if I’m a total dunce at this!
I decided to lay the Spellbinders Gold Rounds One set of impressing dies that I recently bought over my Darice nesting circle dies, to see if they would be compatible. I had thought of buying the Spellbinders nesting circles but they are pretty pricey and if I can manage with what I’ve got, so much the better. The larger ones seem to be absolutely fine but the smaller ones may not be quite right. I shall need to do some experimenting. I do have some smaller circle punches which might work OK.
The final order of foil also arrived – really shimmery! It’s holographic silver. The delightful Ebay seller packed it so attractively with washi tape on the envelope and a money off my next order card, and she also put in several samples of other foils she supplies. It’s hard to photograph these shiny materials so it’s good to have a bit to handle and see in real life before you commit yourself.
Now the studio is tidy, I can’t wait to feel better enough to get back in there and start playing!
Our garden
Last Wednesday I took some more pictures of the flowers in the patio. They are looking lovely, despite being repeatedly beaten down by rain (what a miserable June it’s been!) and also a lot of the flowers are being eaten by smething. This part of the garden isn’t looking quite as magnificent as it was this time last year, but at that time my hubby had a lot of time on his hands at home because of the lock-down, and he made it the best ever.
Kitties
Again this week, I’m afraid I have no new photos of the girlies, so here’s an old one called “Identikits.” Enjoy!
Food
It’s been a busy week, but the freezers are now full, everything is organised and my food inventories are all up to date. I had another whole-food delivery the other day, and reorganised all the storage cupboards in the flat kitchen, where I keep full bags of dry goods – all my legumes, grains, seeds and dried fruits etc. I keep the nuts in the freezer because they go rancid if kept at room temperature for too long.
The freezers are organised now, too, so that we shouldn’t have to do too much rummaging to find things. My hubby is going to have to lift the heavy freezer baskets for me but most of the ready-cooked main meals are on the top layer so it shouldn’t be too much of a problem. Main meals are sorted, and I’ve got quite a few portions of different soups too. To make things easier in the coming weeks, I am going to break my self-imposed rule to make as much as possible from scratch, and I put in an online grocery order as usual, and added a few items like dips and spreads, and some vegan “dippers” which look tasty – the ingredients all seem to be natural too. I am not going to make any more almond or soya milk until I’m well again, and will just buy it for the duration – got to keep things simple and slimmed down for a while.
I had a big bag of carrots in the fridge which I wasn’t going to be able to use before going into hospital, so I decided to slice and cook them all and freeze them, ready to use in main meals when I am back to full-strength cooking again. It would be a shame for them to go off. I did the same with the potatoes, sweet potatoes and celeriac. I mashed the potatoes because they freeze very well like this.
Health update
It is only two days until my operation to remove the lump in my breast, and also some underarm lymph nodes. As usual, full details on my Breast Cancer Diary page.
This past week I have had a couple of telephone appointments with the hospital, the first being with one of the nurses from the Breast Unit, and the second being a pre-assessment from a staff member at the Day Surgery Unit – this latter was fairly short; she had all my notes in front of her, and I only had to update her on a couple of things, such as certain medications that I am no longer taking.
They both told me they would be sending information in the post, and I received two batches, with information about when to stop eating, what to wear on the day, what to expect, what to do afterwards and so on. They have also arranged for a further telephone interview on Monday 12th to make sure the wounds are OK – any problems over the weekend or subsequently and I am to contact them immediately.
The nurse from the Breast Unit also sent me a booklet detailing the shoulder exercises I am to do after the operation to keep my shoulder moving after the removal of the lymph nodes. This is very important, to prevent stiffness and immobility which can be a problem to deal with. I also have to be very careful not to lift anything heavy or over-exert that arm because it can cause a build-up of fluid and other problems. It appears that the operation to remove the lymph nodes is potentially more problematic than that to remove the breast lump itself. Reading all the literature, where they have to outline all the possible problems, what follows the operation looks pretty grim and awful, but I have to remind myself that I won’t necessarily experience all, or even any, of these problems, particularly if I’m good and do as I am told! I decided to begin doing the exercises before the event, so that I am familiar with what I have to do when the time comes. They are very gentle exercises, and not complicated.
Mid-morning today (Wednesday) I have to go and have a Covid swab done. Full details of this on my Breast Cancer diary. This procedure is hospital policy before any operation apparently. After the swab, we both have to self-isolate together until he drops me off for my operation on Friday.
My operation is now scheduled for 12 noon on Friday 9th July. I have to turn up at Nuclear Medicine at 9.30 a.m. to have the radioactive injection in the breast, and then make my way to Surgical Admissions where I’ll have to wait around until I’m called. Various people will do things to me during that time – checking blood pressure etc., and I’ll be fitted with the stockings to prevent DVTs, and the nurse from the Breast Unit told me that she will come down with a selection of support bras for me during that period too, so she can fit me up. I’ll need to wear these for about 6 weeks after surgery to keep everything supported and immobilised so that it all heals up nicely. So I don’t think I’ll have much time to get bored during my wait! I will be getting pretty hungry, though, because although I am allowed to eat breakfast, I have to have it at 6 a.m.
After the operation, when I have recovered sufficiently, I can call my hubby to come and collect me. This probably won’t be much before 8 p.m. I thought that after a day of starvation and everthing I will have been through, devouring an enormous meal in the late evening probably wouldn’t be a good idea, so I am planning to have some soup and bread ready for my hubby to get for me when we arrive home.
A hug around my finger
Everybody has been so kind. When my hubby came back from church on Sunday he brought me a lovely bunch of flowers from the congregation, and also a sweet little ring which an elderly couple had bought for me – a hug around my finger! Isn’t that adorable?
New phone case
Last week, the plastic clip-on case for my small iPhone fell apart. I ordered another case from Amazon and it arrived on Saturday. It is rose gold faux leather, to match the rose gold phone, and it’s very smart!
It has made the phone a bit bulkier but it’s still quite neat, and I feel much happier now that it’s fully protected. It has a magnetic closure, and space for two or three cards inside the front cover, and can double as a landscape-orientation stand if you want. It also has a detachable wrist strap. During the week I added the Kindle app just in case I find time hanging heavy on my hands on Friday morning. (I usually use my iPad for this.)
My hubby’s Android phone died last week and he had to get a new one. He’s been struggling with setting it up, and of course he hadn’t backed anything up so it all had to be manually inserted again! I’m not familiar with Android so wasn’t much help. It also has a simply dreadful ringtone and every time it goes off I complain, but so far he hasn’t done anything about changing it!!
We seem to have had several tech deaths in the family recently, with my laptop hard drive giving up the ghost, and I suspect the HD in my old laptop may be going the same way… it’s running very slowly at times. I only use it in the office for the accounts and the odd bit of printing, and there isn’t much else on there these days. When I’m better I’ll probably get it fixed.
Have a great week, everybody. See you on the other side of my Great Adventure.
I will be thinking of you on your surgery day and sending positive vibes, modern surgery is so amazing, I have every belief that it’ll knock this on the head for you. Meanwhile I have workroom envy! What a fantastic place you’ve got to do all your creating in, love the new bits and pieces you’ve invested in. I wouldn’t say I’m a good stamper, being a newbie, but I do quite enjoy it. Have fun with Cindy’s machine!
Hugs LLJ 1 xxx
Wow, Shoshi. You got a LOT of goodies this week. I think you have more stamps than I own (slight exaggeration) and I KNOW you have more dies. That’s a great new to you TODO. Your craft room is really looking great. Much different from when you started.
I will be thinking about you while you have your operation, dear. Stay safe and think positive thoughts. Happy WOYWW from #2.
Hi Shoshi, you are getting so good at the sorting thing and the desk is looking great. loving the ring you received it’s a very thoughtful gift. Kitties looking happy which is always a good sign. Nice phone case. the stamps look a lot like Altenew and it might be worth you checking them out as they have lots of tutorials and project ideas. Sending hugs and wishing you a very happy woyww, Angela x18x
Sounds like Friday is going to be a busy day. Great idea getting used to the exercises first. Sending as many hugs and get well wishes as will fit in the comment box. Your Todo machine sounds marvellous and I am sure you will have lots of fun once your arm has healed. Love and hugs Angela x #3
Wow Shoshi, your tidying up has definitely paid off, it looks amazing, and great that you cleared a space just the right size for the To Do. I don’t have a machine that does everything but I have several that do almost everything lol so it will be interested to see what you make of this one when you get a chance to play with it. I’m guessing the TH video is announcing the large ink pad size for these inks as I’ve had the mini versions of these four inks in archival for a couple of years now. Not sure I need a big size, the little ones are quite handy. Tim is so good at making you want everything though isn’t he lol. Hope all goes well and quickly on Friday and you can start the healing process. Sounds like you are well stocked up and prepared, do you have a juicer? Green juice can be very good boost for your immune system. Love the indentikits! Happy WOYWW! Elle #24, EOTC
That is a very tidy desk indeed! How exciting getting that machine – will keep you busy for a while. Ruby and Lily look like the mirror images of each other! Good luck for Friday – or is it break a leg? – hope all goes well. Funny that you’re more worried about the Covid test than the actual surgery! We’ll all be thinking of you! xx zsuzsa #22
Wow, you have been a busy lady! You will need the rest after the surgery! You seem very well prepared, and have thought of everything, so now you just have to let things happen as they should. The Universe, God, will look after you and I will be thinking of you. I love the hug ring, you can think of us all here giving you a big hug whenever you look at it! You have done an amazing job tidying up, everything in it’s place ready for fun when you are! The new toy looks like fun, can’t wait to see what you do with it! I’ll be sending all my positive thoughts to you, and I look forward to when you can catch us all up on your adventure. Lindart #28
I’ll be thinking of you on Friday Shoshi, you do have some lovely crafty play to look forward to once you feel up to it. In the mean time try and rest as much as you can. Your craft room is looking really well organised and far clearer now. I love the Distress Archivals – I have the 12 small ones that have already come out plus reinkers as well as the palette of four full sized pads in one as the latest large colours came out originally. I have just preordered the latest set of Distress products in the new colour. I don’t know what it is yet but I haven’t been disappointed so far. Meow to the kitties. STay safe and happy WOYWW. Sarah #6
Wishing you the very best on Friday – it will be a long day but it sounds very organised and I am sure everyone will take great care of you. the hug on a finger ring is just beautiful – what a very kind thing!! hope you find the new inks somewhere soon. I’ve not looked for them as I wasn’t that fussed ! Take care and stay safe, sending healing hugs and love. hope hubby sorts his new phone out soon!! Helen #8
Well Shoshi you put me to shame your tidy up looks better than mine when it was all set up, well done on clearing the Todo couldn’t fit any better. Have fun playing with it and finding out everything it is capable of. I’m sure you will also find your way with the gelli plate, I don’t use mine as often as I should, probably because I have to move so much to get to them… another thing on my must do list.
Love the identikitty pic, so sweet.
What a lovely thoughtful gesture the flowers and ring were, you’ll are in my thoughts and prayers Shoshi, all the best for Friday.. Hugs Tracey xx
I remember you having that curved desk built when you moved into the house. I was so envious – and it still looks as good as it did that day.
Love the identikits – thank you when you have so much on your mind to include them. And the pink phone case – very smart.
Whilst you are convalescing look up Altenew and I am sure you will find lots of examples of how to use those stamps. You sort of use four different shades of one colour to build up each flower. If you get stuck give me a shout and I will type something out for you.
lastly, I will be thinking of you on Friday. I hope all will go well for you and am sure you will have not a minute to yourself before the surgery with all that they have planned.
Including you in prayer
Hugs, Neet 11 xx
I’ll be beaming positive thoughts down your way tomorrow Shoshi. You’ve had some lovely happy mail and new stash.
Take care
Hugs
Lynnecrafts 10
Thanks for the visit, we took 2 days away so I am playing catch up. I will be keeping you in my prayers and sending a hug for all good things on Friday. New methods are amazing and you have things in great order for your survival upon returning home. Preparing ahead helps a lot. Oh such a great re-do in your crafty area. Very organized and you will enjoy it. I hear you on those flower stamps. I’ve 2 sets and only way to use them is by a video they provide. Haven’t yet had time to flow thru with that. Love the special ring you received. Best Wishes for Friday.
Your tidy craft space looks amazing. It is so satisfying isn’t it? Do pop on my blog even if you can’t comment to see the ribbon storage I mentioned…on Tuesday I think! And of course know I will be thinking of you for your surgery and wishing you well, with a quick recovery and back to crafting!
hugs
So very late this week!
Mary Anne (5)
Thank you for visiting, Mary Anne. I still can’t comment on your blog, but I hope you will be able to pop over here each week and see my replies to you, where I can leave a comment about your week’s activities! I love your “Time Flies” cover, and thank you for showing how your ribbon storage works. It’s very clever. Unfortunately I haven’t got anywhere suitable to put such a system in my room. I am a happy rummager, though, so my ribbons will remain in their boxes! One box has neat rows of ribbons on spools, and the other one is more of a rummage-fest. I’m glad you’ve enjoyed seeing the transformation of my studio. Thank you for your good wishes for my surgery tomorrow. x
Sorry I am so late commenting and I know that you wont now read this until after your operation but I wanted to let you know that I am praying for you today, and for your healing afterwards. I love how organised you are with the food and having everything ready for afterwards – i can understand why and loved your description of living with a culinary thrombosis – it made me laugh outloud because I also live with one! I adore that hug around the finger ring – what a wonderful sentiment. Your craft space looks amazing – what a wonderful desk. Good luck for today my friend, God will be with you. With love & God Bless, Caro xxx
I hope all went well today. I told you I would be thinking about you, dear!
Hi Shoshi, I hope the big adventure goes well – I was hoping to pop by earlier but you will get this message when you are on the mend – thinking of you! Thanks for popping by to my workspace – it really means a lot – speaking of a lot – quite some stash you have there – wishing you lots of enjoyment using it all – Cheers Maurs xxx #21
Good morning, Soshi
Sending love and hugs as you recover. Do you realize that we connected the last time you had major surgery. You have come so far, my friend. Please take precious care. Kelly #30
Hope the surgery went well and you are on the way to recovery!
I enjoyed the To Do unveiling – and I await some projects made with it. I really need a useable space for mine!
Sorry I am so late commenting… thank you for your visit and your kind words – especially on the you tube channel! I am now making another book!
Happy WOYWW!
Susan #20
Hi Shoshi, I’m so sorry I’m late this week – I was half way round the desks then became unwell and took a few days off but am fine now. However I feel very bad that I didn’t wish you well for Friday so I’m hoping everything went OK and you are home and recovering with no problems. Your craft room looks fabulously organised and tidy, you’ve done a great job.
Take care,
Diana xx
I am so late this week, I see you would have been having your follow-up calls today and I hope you are recovering well. ooh have fun with the foiling, that is such a pretty thing to see on the papers. ~Stacy #27