Weeks 147!
Well, my friends, I’m writing this to you from Nigel’s hospital room. Things didn’t go quite the way we thought they were going to go. Since I feel like y’all are both my friends and therapists, I’m going to share just the nuts and bolts. About two weeks ago, NIgel’s surgeon withdrew some fluid from his hip to check for infection. Up until yesterday morning (when surgery was scheduled), the cultures were all negative. Then, this sneaky, weird little bacteria that likes to come late to the party showed up. The surgeon’s PA literally called him ASAP yesterday morning to tell him. The bacteria likes to grow on surgical implants. So, instead of a new hip, Nigel has an implant infused with antibiotics. He’s also on IV antibiotics and will be for six weeks. Guess who his nurse is? Yep, your favorite blogger! But, we have made it this far, and we will make it all the way. I am confident. UPDATE: We came home today, and I have been busy rearranging furniture, practicing transitions from chair to bed to toilet to you name it! I apologize for this being over an hour late. Anyway, it’s time for the Weekend Traffic Jam Reboot! I’m not sure about times right now, but I will still be aiming for 9:30 pm EDT. So, on with the show, right?
As part of our new year reboot, we are now shining the spotlight on a different blogger each week. We invite you to stop by their blog, take a look around and say hello! This week, we spotlight Laura from Me and My Inklinkgs.
Laura writes, “Laura is a licensed doodle artist, creating thematic collections for products in an array of industries. When she is not busy doodling away with her favorite markers, you will find her creating crafty projects in her studio, her kitchen and her garden. Laura is an active member of the Association for Creative Industries where she designs for several companies and participates regularly in their events and trade shows. Her work is currently licensed with Ellison, Sizzix, Checks in the Mail, PhotoFy, LeapYear Publishing, PaperSalt, ChattySnaps, Therm-O-Web and Ollie Bollie Books. Prior licensing partners include Plaid, Ganz, Thirstystone, Lollipics, Buttons Galore & More and General Fabrics. BUT stay tuned because two NEW licensed collections are in the works!
Laura works regularly as a designer for the following partners.
- Therm-O-Web
- Sculpey Clay
- Kunin Felt
- E-6000 and Eclectic Products
- Fairfield World
- Hemptique
- Xyron
- ooly
- MindWare
- DecoArt
- Coats and Clark
- Beacon
- Scentos
- IkonArt
- Diamond Dotz
Laura’s bright, energetic and creative style that appears in her designs mimics her personality. She is always willing to jump in and try new things, share ideas and work collaboratively to create amazing results. She faithfully volunteers in her local schools and in organizations all around the country to promote art and creativity. He well known collection of whimsical characters, Me and My Peeps, has a design that every person she touches can connect with. If not, she doodles a new one.
Laura likes to keep things simple and fun. With a background in elementary education, it is no surprise that many of her works are created with kids in mind. Many of her projects are fabulous for teachers, Girl Scout troops and crafting beginners of all ages. With a passion for letter writing, Laura does a lot of paper crafting and loves her license with expressionery.com where consumers can create stationery using her art.
As Laura moves forward in her artistic endeavors, she is looking forward to writing more books, creating more crafty videos and finding other ways to reach out and make a difference.” You can find her blog here, and please tell her we sent you.
Want to know more about us…
Marsha from Marsha in the Middle started blogging in 2021 as an exercise in increasing her neuroplasticity. Oh, who are we kidding? Marsha started blogging because she loves clothes, and she loves to talk or, in this case, write!
Melynda from Scratch Made Food! & DIY Homemade Household – The name says it all, we homestead in East Texas, with three generations sharing this land. I cook and bake from scratch, between gardening and running after the chickens, and knitting!
Lisa from Boondock Ramblings shares about the fiction she writes and reads, her faith, homeschooling, photography and more.
Cat from Cat’s Wire is a bookworm, movie fan, crazy cat lady, armed with beads, cabs, wire and a very jumpy brain which loves to go down rabbit holes!
Rena from Fine, Whatever writes about style, midlife, and the “fine whatever” moments that make life both meaningful and fun. Since 2015, she’s been celebrating creativity, confidence, and finding joy in the everyday.
Featured favorites from last week…
How I wish I could make jewelry like this!
Want some colorful flowers in your life? Try these!
Talk about creative! Truly…do visit this blog!
Need a spring sweater? Kathrine has a couple!
Important things to know about the link-up:
This link party is for blog posts only. All other links will be deleted.
Please link only blog posts you created yourself.
Please link directly to the URL of your post and not the main address of your blog.
Please do not add links to videos, sales ads, or social media links such as YouTube videos or Shorts, Instagram or Facebook Reels, TikTok videos, or any other “social media” based content.
But do visit other blogs and give the gift of a comment.
Notice: By linking with Weekend Traffic Jam Reboot, you assert that content and photos are your own property. And you give us permission to share said content if your post or blog is showcased.
We welcome unlimited, family friendly content! This can include opinion pieces, recipes, travel recaps, fashion ideas, crafts, thrifting, lifestyle, book reviews or discussions, photography, art, and so much more! Thank you for joining us!
And, now it’s your turn!
Please link up your favorite posts, DIY, baking, gardening, fashion…you name it…as long as it’s family friendly! Don’t forget some of your older posts might be just right for this time of year! Link up with me, visit a couple of others, and leave a comment or two! No worries if you don’t have a blog, just look around! You may find a new blog just waiting for you!
OMG. I hope the recovery is smooth. WHat a stress. Hospitals and medical proceedures are just one thing after another. I hope Nigel is feeling ok. And you not too overloaded mentally/emotionally. Horrible stuff but hopefully soon to seem like a memory. GOod luck
Thanks, Lydia! So far so good. I do hope to look back on it one day and just smile.
Hang in there! Easy said, I know, but I really hope you’ll make it through this without too much stress for all of you.
Thanks, my friend! It’s a little stressful, but nothing I can’t handle.
Sorry to hear about Nigel’s setback but glad to hear he’s home and you’re organised to manage his recovery. Hope it all goes well. Thinking of you.
Thanks, Gail. We have this all organized, and I know it’s all gonna work out in the end. Thanks for the thoughts.
You both will make it Marsha. It may take a little more time than planned but your get there.
Sending best wishes.
Thank you so very much, Linda! It’s just a bump in the road…a hiccup…and we will come out of this stronger than ever!
Sending best wishes for a swift recovery. Better to find this now than after surgery. You and Nigel will both get through this. We’re all pulling for both of you.
Lynne, Thrifting Wonderland
Thank you so much, Lynne! I am very confident we will emerge from this with him walking once again. I’m a little stubborn that way!
Marsha,
I am so sorry this happened to Nigel…I am quite familiar with this as I was a Rehab Nurse for 37 years..Patients usually do quite well with the antibiotic implant but it does delay things a bit…Sending hugs and prayers to both of you….
My Entries for today’s party are # 27, 28 and 29!!
Thanks so much for hosting!! I really appreciate the time and effort that goes into it along with visiting all the links!! I hope you are enjoying your week and you are doing well…
Hugs,
Deb
Debbie-Dabble Blog
Thank you, Deb! Oh, thank you for those words because I need all the words of encouragement I can find. I was so glad I had convinced him to go to a rehab facility, and then everything turned around. It would have been easier on me, but I’m glad he’s home. We’re getting along fairly well. Thank you for being a loyal linker upper!
I am so sorry that this infection has been found, but, on the other hand, thank goodness it was found! But 6 weeks of antibiotics – eek! Wishing you the very best for all that has to be done by you. I hope that fixes it once and for all!!!!
Sending healing light and love to both of you X
Thanks, Penny! Those were my sentiments exactly! It’s not the best news, but it would have been far worse to have those sneaky little buggers attach to the new joint and ruin it. The surgeon did say, if they hadn’t gotten the report until after the surgery, they would have continued the antibiotic course anyway and hoped for the best. I’m just waiting for late April now!
Praying for you and Nigel, for healing and patience too! Take care!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Thank you so much, Mireille! I am a big believer in prayer so I really appreciate that!
I can’t tell you how sorry I feel about the new situation with Nigel, we’re only making plans, 🎶🎶 sorry, can’t help it. But really, what a rotten situation. I hope the antibiotics help quickly!
Thanks, Nancy! I know you are going through much the same so your words mean a lot! And, thanks for the giggle, too!
Hi Marsha, I’m so sorry to hear you’re going through all this, poor you and Nigel. Wishing you well and thanks again for all you do in showing up!!
Thanks so much, Debbie! We will persevere…I’m rather stubborn!
Oh shoot! I’m so sorry things didn’t go quite as planned for you and Nigel, Marsha. Facing a setback is never easy but, at the same time, I’m equally glad that these kind of safeguards are in place! An infection is nothing to play around with. As always, thanks for the party. We’re bringing #22 and @23 to the party this time. I hope you and Nigel have a good weekend!
You are very welcome, Laura! I’m just glad the surgeon did that aspiration and found the infection. He did say if they hadn’t found it or if the culture had come in late, they would have just hit him with more antibiotics. I’m looking forward to a very quiet weekend! Thanks!
I’m so sorry about Nigel! Praying for a speedy recovery!
Thanks so much, Laura! We need all the prayers we can get.
Gosh, Marsha, I’m sorry that there have been complications but I’m so relieved to hear that Mike is home! Sending you both big hugs, my friend!
Suzy xx
Thanks, my friend! It was so hard to make the decision to send him to a rehab facility only to have things go completely the other way. I’m not going to lie. It’s been tough, but I’m a tough old broad and can handle it. We’ve made it this far, and I’m determined he will walk by our 50th anniversary in June!
Even though I’m new here I still want to wish you well in the care of Nigel. I was the primary caregiver to my mother-in-law for 16 years, so I know how you’re feeling.
Thanks for hosting!
Angie
PS My linkups are 66 to 69
Thank you so much, Angie! It’s just not a word I ever thought I would use to describe myself as both of my parents have passed. You were wonderful to care for your mother-in-law that long. I’m so glad you’ve linked up with us!
I hate that you and Mike have to face all of this….. I really pray that things improve soon.
Thank you so much, Lisa! I’m hopeful, exhausted, but still hopeful in the end. And, thank you for the prayers. I’m a very firm believer in them.
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Thank you so much for including me as one of this week’s features, Natasha xx
You are so very welcome! We are so glad you link up with us!
Marsha, thank you for keeping us posted on Mike’s progress. I pray for you every day during my morning meditations. While this bump in the road is certainly frustrating, Mike is very lucky to have Nurse Marsha by his side! Love you, my friend!
Shelbee
Thank you, my friend! I really do appreciate the prayers and all kinds of positive vibes. It has been frustrating up until we entered this phase. I cannot tell you how much better I feel with this surgeon. Love you, too!