This & That - Fall 2026

 Since I've been having a little down-time due to my recent surgery, I decided it was time to catch up a bit.  

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Speaking of surgery, if you recall from last time, I had surgery on my left ear to restore my hearing.  It's a bit of a long story, but, by all means, go back and read about it.

Long story short?  It worked!  All the research said it could take a few months for hearing to return and, low and behold, in August, I began to notice a significant difference in my hearing.  I had a follow-up appointment with my doctor and he proudly showed me my new eardrum.  (Remember that little camera I told you about?)  It was amazing and the decision to have surgery on the right ear was made.  I wasn't looking forward to the recovery and all that goes along with it, but you do what you've gotta do to restore your hearing!

Summer was...well, Summer.  It was hot and humid and from what I've read, no one really enjoyed it.  The heat was oppressive and gardens did not do well.  I can say my flowers did well (and the butterflies enjoyed them) but the vegetables struggled.  

Never fear, I'll try again!

Even though I'm on a mission to use the things I already have in my stash, I've been to a couple of estate sales.  I didn't buy much since I have plenty already, but this terracotta house immediately caught my eye.

It's actually a handmade planter and was sitting on the porch.  For $3 I couldn't resist and it now sits on the top shelf of the built-in bookshelves.  

I also spotted this slate jack-o-lantern. 

A terrible paint job (imho) and only a dollar.  He's been transformed, so be sure to come back for that post!

I've been on a bit of a baking kick and this Blueberry Buckle has been a hit.

I also tried my hand at cranberry orange scones, something I've never made before and was pleasantly surprised at how easy they were to make.

No clotted cream,  Just homemade whipped cream.

Since we both had birthdays in August, I made a half-cake to share.  A whole cake is just too much.

We also celebrated our 40th Wedding Anniversary.

While I was in my kitchen phase, I also made 'Cuban Sandwiches on a Stick', also a hit!

I made this little votive holder after spending an afternoon painting ceramics for my birthday.

And pulled out some things for Halloween - with the help of my sweet husband.  Why?  Well that 'no lifting, no bending, etc.' thing is quite limiting!

I made this a few years ago and it's my husband's favorite!

I've also done some crafting - that didn't involve bending or lifting - and posted about them.  

Restyled Journals

Witch Hats

Lacey the Ghost

There was also The Fairy House, the Fall Pumpkin Pillow Cover, and the Oven Skirt.

More projects are planned/currently in progress, so be sure to stop back!

Update on the second ear surgery:  I had my 3-week follow-up appointment last week and my surgeon removed the foam from my ear canal that helped hold the graft in place.  I'm happy to report that I have another new eardrum.  It's very red and angry-looking, but he assured me that's normal.   Since the foam on the other side of the eardrum needs to dissolve, my hearing is still muffled in that ear.  It takes time for the hearing to return. 

I see him again in December.  

So, now I wait.  I'm slowly returning to a bit of bending and lifting.  There are so many things I want to do.  For now, I'll just think about them!

The last thing to share with you is this fabulous glass.  When I first saw it, I was charmed.  

How adorable is that little candy corn?

They come in sets of 2 and are absolutely darling!  

Don't care for candy corn?  No problem!  They offer pumpkins as well as designs for other holidays.

They are glass and hold over 13 ounces. 

Off you go, check them out!

 

Happy Fall, Everyone!