WHAT’S GOING ON
I was supposed to head home to Indiana today after being with my parents for three weeks. However, the weather in my neck of the woods is keeping me here one more day.
Mom is doing better though still very fatigued and dealing with compromised skin around her new colostomy. Pathology results show that it was the metastatic breast cancer that caused the bowel closure. Praise the Lord that they could remove it, and now she will start a new round of treatment in a few weeks. Please continue to pray she will tolerate treatment well.
I injured my knee around Easter this year and ended up with two torn meniscus and some cartilage damage under my kneecap; I forget what they call it. But, after a cortisone injection, rest, and physical therapy, I reinjured it when I jumped for a photo several weeks ago. OUCH!
It’s been an up-and-down journey, and I was doing pretty well during the first two weeks at my parent’s, but this week I’ve had a mega flare-up. I’ve been hobbling around because, this time, it’s both my knees and my Achilles tendonitis.
Although I’m excited to get home and start preparing for the holidays, I’m praying I can handle the 9+ hour drive home. I’ll be listening to The Ink Black Heart, book 6 in the C.B. Strike series by Robert Galbreath (a.k.a. J. K. Rowling’s pen name).
**Since I share shoppable links with awesome peeps like you, this content may contain affiliate links for products I use and love. If you take action and purchase from one of these links, I’ll make a little money to help keep this blog afloat. As an Amazon associate, I also earn from qualifying purchases.
WHAT I WORE
Jeans wearing size 18; Plus Size || Top wearing XL || Booties; Similar
Since I was still with my parents, I pretty much wore the same thing as I did last week. However, the weather did cool down, and I wore something other than athleisure to go to my mom’s oncologist’s visit on Friday. Jeans, the best Amazon top (on my “what I bought list” last week), and some cute booties with moderate heels. I kept the top neutral because I also wanted it to be casual enough to throw on a pair of sneakers if my knee couldn’t handle the heel.
WHAT I ATE
This week comfort food still monopolized the menu, but this week, I was the soup maker. So I decided to make a pot of this Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup from Damn Delicious.
After my hysterectomy in 2012, I had a weird reaction to something, and my palette became overly sensitive. I couldn’t tolerate the seasoning in even mild foods like toast. WEIRD! But then a friend brought this soup and it was so comforting, and I could eat it without problems. It’s a chicken and pasta soup, but the hint of lemon gives it a brighter flavor. YUM!
These apple oatmeal cookies were also a big hit with my dad and my sister. Simple ingredients and fresh apples make these an easy, healthy treat.
WHAT I BOUGHT
one || two || three || four || five
Sorry to go on and on about my ailments. I had to buy this pair of Skechers because of the cushioning acts like shock absorbers for my knees. They’re not as cushy as the Skechers Max Cushioning Elite sneakers I have at home, but they have made walking so much better; I might make it home today!
I’ve also started purchasing some Christmas items, including these laser tag sets for each set of grandboys. They’re also getting these Christmas jammies. And I took advantage of a sale to get the Mister and I matching Christmas PJs from Soma. My sister-in-law told me she got my brother a pair and he loves them. If you’re interested, keep an eye out, as I’m sure Soma will have more sales in the coming weeks.
I’m not sure I will get the adult kids any Christmas pajamas this year. Each year I try to find coordinating pieces that fit every person’s taste and size, order them, return them, and order more, and honestly, it’s exhausting.
Does your extended family do matching Christmas jammies?
WHAT INSPIRED ME
There were so many verses and songs that spoke to me every day this week that it’s hard to narrow it down. But Sunday, we streamed service from my mom’s church, and oh. my. word., the pastor’s sermon went right along with what I talked about in last week’s Dimples Diary.
He spoke of the push for more, more, more and how the desire for more is the bait on the hook of every addiction. And once again, there were so many nuggets of goodness in his message it’s hard to narrow it down to one, but at the very crux of the matter:
“Our need for more leads us to never having enough.”
Darren Schalk, peerless road church -cleveland, tn
And…MIC DROP!
So as we head into this week of Thanksgiving, I hope you can see all your blessings as well as the places and things you might see as lacking (hello, retirement accounts), and like the day Jesus took the few fish and some bread and fed a multitude, realize:
With God, enough is greater than more!
Have a very happy Thanksgiving!
Paula, another wonderful newsletter! I will be making the pumpkin cookie recipe this week. Sounds so yummy! I hope you have a safe trip back home without any more pain flareups. I had an injury to my knee in April and I totally get how reoccurring flair ups can set you back. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!
Author
Thanks Regina! Let me know how you like the cookies. They’re just so different.
Did you end up getting much extra snow from the recent storm?
Stay safe.
Paula
Great post! I’ve been reading Dr. Jeremiah’s Turning Point magazine for years now. This month it’s all about Gratitude! I’ve love it, as it keeps me mindful of all our Blessings! Despite all that’s going on with your mom, I’m sure you are thankful for all the time you’ve been able to spend with her. That stinks about your knees. Now you know – no more jumping for photos! Hopefully you get to go home tomorrow.
Your outfit with the gray cardigan and white blouse really caught my eye! I was able to purchase a nice weight cardigan similar to yours. Loft had a sale and with my card it was 50% off. Also ordered a blouse similar to yours, waiting for that one to arrive. After my major clothing purge of last month, I’m trying to stick with purchasing basic items that I can get a lot of wear out of. Safe travels 🙏🏻
Author
I’ve definitely learned my lesson; jumping in any capacity is over. A few years ago I injured the same knee when I started jumping on a mini trampoline for fitness. Ugh!
Anyway, I agree, that outfit with the gray cardigan is one that makes me feel amazing. Right in my wheelhouse. I’m so happy you found similar items to try.
Have the best Thanksgiving.
Paula
Thank you! You as well. I’ll be making that pumpkin cookie recipe next week, can’t wait, 😋
I am so happy to have found you! I think you are beautiful inside and out. And you look like a real person
Hope your knees get better quickly.
Author
Hi Linda. Thanks so much for being here! I do t know how to be anything other than real. Fake people are at the top of my pet peeves list… well, it’s basically an entire group of people “Liars, cheats, sneaks, and fakes”. 😉
Hugs & Happy holidays to you!
Paula
Love all of this!! Praying for healing for you & your Mom & and a safe trip home ❤️
Author
Thank you so much Melissa!
Hugs & happy holidays,
Paula
AMEN! What a great quote for the week and as we head into Advent.
Been having knee problems myself so I feel your pain. And its the craziest thing that will bring it on.
The need to get RID of stuff is great. Keeps me up at night. i know Ill be “lighter” once I can get back in the basement to sort through things. The knee slowed me down this week. LOVE your weekly newsletter. Keep it going.
Author
Thank you Loryl. I want to see if I can figure out a way to make part of it a video, but we’ll see.
Oh yes, this knee has me feeling like I’m crippled. I’m afraid I’m going to have to go the surgery route but worry it will just set off more issues since it will also remove cushioning. But lots of people do it and say it helps. I’ve got to do something because as you know, the lack of mobility is depressing.
Hugs,
Paula
I will say it again…. I LOVE this new format. It fells like I’m chatting with a special gal pal!!
Knees….. such a small body part, but one that plays an extremely important role in our movement. After many years of dancing (tap & Jazz) I started having knee issues. An MRI showed a frayed meniscus and my first question was CAN I STILL DANCE? The response….. yes… if you want to tear it completely. So my tap shoes were retired, not because I wanted to, but because I’m no fool. I live just south of the Buffalo Bills stadium and we have been hammered with close to 5FT of snow. It’s beautiful… like a winter wonderland! As long as your inside looking out…LOL. There is a simplicity and tranquility in being blanketed with snow. Lots of cooking, baking and sending pictures back and forth with my kids. My grandsons made a toboggan shoot off their 2nd floor deck stairs. Their little faces … pink from the cold smiling. So proud of their accomplishment. Grandma is impressed and proud too. Wish I could join them…… only a travel ban and bad knees preventing it! Continued prayers for your mom… hugs to you!
Author
Oh wow Charlene. I was wk seeing how everyone is fairing up there. Sounds like you guys are making the best if it. I too love being snowed in, I just want to get home first. 😉
Be safe and have the very best holiday.
Hugs,
Paula