I’m still hanging in there. I attend PT/OT twice a week at a local hospital, and they are working on trying to get my motor skills back, walking, crawling, all sorts of things. I will be fitted with an AFO (Ankle Foot Orthosis) this week to help with me right leg/knee. It has been hyper-extending since the stroke, and they fear I will do more damage if we don’t start supporting it.
My days consist of therapy or doctors appointments still. I have been grateful for a girlfriend that took me to the cider mill and also to the state park yesterday. I don’t/can’t do much still without feeling exhausted in a short amount of time, but it does help so much getting out before the crazy Michigan winter hits. I am dreading that the most (I usually love winter) because I will feel so isolated. Currently, I am trying to come up with excursions to get me out of the house. I *hope* to visit some local universities and speak to them about “Stroke”.
Sharing an “oldie” from the archives…maybe this week I can finally complete a piece!
I had the most delicious soup with a girlfriend yesterday while dining at Aubree’s in Dexter, Michigan. I searched the internet when I got home and found this recipe:
Pumpkin Soup with Sauteed Apples and Bacon
Ingredients:
1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree
2 Cups chicken broth
1/2 Cup half and half
1/2 Tsp pumpkin pie spice
salt and pepper, to taste
2 Tbsp maple syrup
Enhance Your Dishes with Swanson® Broth
To top-
Bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 Small apple, cored, peeled and chopped
1 Tbsp butter
Directions:
Combine pumpkin, chicken broth, half and half, pumpkin pie spice and maple syrup in a medium saucepan and stir to combine. Place over medium heat and allow to simmer for about 5-10 minutes. Taste, adjust seasonings, if needed. If the soup is too thick, add a little more half and half or chicken broth.
For the apples-
Place butter and apple chunks in a small saute pan and cook over medium-low heat until apples are softened, about 5 minutes.
To serve-
Divide soup among the bowls and top with bacon and apples. Serve.
Thinking of you Nancy
and sending a big hug!
Love to hear all the wonderful things you are doing!!!!!
Pleased to hear you’re able to get out a little. The soup sounds delicious.
that soup sounds divine and looks so easy, Nancy – pinned it and the wonderful quotes!! good to hear of your progress and pray that every day will be better and better. hugs!!
Nancy, you were an inspiration anyway with your darling creations but now, I cannot applaud you enough for your courage, strength and sheer grit.
For you to have this plan of speaking about strokes at universities, etc, shows how big a heart you have. They say that knowledge is power and it could not be more true when it comes to health matters and you have and will continue to enlighten so many people.
Adore the creation from the archives, so sweet and in no time you will be sharing a brand spanking new creation because you know you can do it!
A bundle of wishes flying your way
Lynne x
go Nancy, go!lovely to see pieces from your archive too x
Get well Nancy! Hugs to you!
You my friend are continually in my thoughts and prayers. Juts keep on… and if you find a time that is difficult, feel free to contact me ANY time (I think I gave you my private #) The soup looks delish , and your art is always a treat!
So grateful to read your post and know you are working everyday towards your goals. I admire you for wanting to speak and educate about strokes. Prayers and Healing Energy continue every day for you dear.
So glad you had the chance to get out of the house…and to Dexter too. Did you go to Polly’s Paper by any chance???
I do think about you and wonder how you’re doing, so glad that you can give us an update.
It’s really getting to be soup weather here in S.E. Idaho… may have to make this one. LOVE pumpkin, alas have to do with canned only this year! Love the archive piece, wonderful Fall colors. Take care.
Thinking of you Nancy through this immensely challenging time. Sending you evey good wish. Nicola x
Dear Nancy, you have alwayes been creating beauty and I know you will soon again! it is wonderful,that your health system are supporting you so much also now after 3 months,-that is a gift,- and the gift of friends visiting and taking you for a tour ,is so verymuch worth, too.
I hope you can also have the joy ,of gifting a lot of people, with speaking of your experiences of having a stroke , dear friend.
Thank you for filling us in, in how you manage and a little of your life.
Sending you love and hugs.
Dorthe,xxx
keep on keepin on-you have the spirit, support and attitude to keep you going Nancy! Plus, we are always hungry for your gorgeous art:)
Hi Nancy. I am so happy to hear from you and am thankful that you keep us updated on your recovery. I pray that you make your full recovery soon and can get back to doing what you love best. I miss your posts and seeing your beautiful artwork! XO Sue
Oh dear Nancy, I didn’t know yet that you had a stroke. I’m so sorry dear, hope you’ll recover soon. We’ll try to keep you company a bit here on your blog during the winter, so hopefully you don’t feel lonely.
Your soup looks so yummy, I should try it! And your card is gorgeous. I hope that creating will help you feel better. Take care dear, sending you big hugs and prayers.
Dear Nancy, unfortunately I was not here for a while. And thus I did not know that you’re sick. I wish you all the very best and love and a quick recovery. I know you’re a strong woman and you can do it. In my mind I’m with you. I wish you much strength and power.
Hugs and kisses
MARTINA
Thinking of you Nancy and continuing to send healing energy and positive thoughts as you continue on your healing journey. Keep on trucking my friend, oh the places you will go! {Hugs}, Deb
Nancy, I have been following you for ages but have never posted a comment. I want you to know that I , too , have suffered a stroke when I was 58. With work I am back to where I was, except for the natural aging process. I will be 70 next year and enjoying life to the fullest. I pray for your recovery and for peace of mind. You hang in there, girl. You will do well. Remember, baby steps.
Blessings to you,
Bernadette
God always bless and protect people like you who have given us so many beautiful things … A thousand wishes for a speedy recovery, a hug from Rome
Rosanna Zuppardo
Dear Nancy, as I can`t find any comment button, on your latest post, I came here,-just to tell, you, how beautiful it all looks. I clicked your photo big, and see all your gorgeous details, and sweetness , in your new creations. Also reading your news, makes me so happy and proud of you, that you came that long way, already. I dearly hope you have good news for us, after today, and the scanning,— and sends you love and many thoughts, for all the best, sweetie .
Warm hugs from Dorthe
I have been following your blog for a couple of years now, I think, and, having been ill lately, I am just now getting back to you. I wanted to add my loving thoughts to all of those you have received regarding your recovery. A bit of my own story: On March 2, 2010, I was horrified to learn that I was dying and the only hope we had to save my life was an amputation of my left leg. 12 hours later, life “turned on a dime”. Fast forward to now: I remain in a wheelchair due to twice-fractured stents in my right leg, but I am strong and thriving, thanks in large measure to creative outlets and a great deal of loving support. My husband and I are enrolled in Adapted Kinesiology classes at a local university and we have never enjoyed exercising more. There are 35 people in our class and 6 of them are recovering from strokes. Those 6 range in age from 22 to 87 and the 22-year-old had her stroke when she was 9!!! Each is at different stages, but I cannot tell you the JOY we get from watching them progressing. You can do it, too! I have learned and seen it proven true, over and over again, that Attitude is Everything! I believe you will be okay. You have much more Beauty to add to this world! Hugs and Prayers!