Life Happens, Again

My husband LaMont had emergency open heart surgery on Weds, May 25 at Virginia Mason Hospital in Seattle. And yes, he got yet another ride in a helicopter.  We are wondering if he's set a record with two rides in ten weeks.  He had a HUGE aortic aneurysm with no symptoms;  if he had not had a routine echocardiogram that day, it probably would have most likely killed him before it was  discovered. I may be able to post a picture next week, as the thorasic surgeon's PA snapped a picture with her cell phone when they got his chest open. I saw it and it was unbelievable. My youngest (but grown) son wouldn't let me look until he looked first, but it was not yucky, just scary-big.
    DH is actually recovering from this surgery faster than he did the organ failure two months ago, as he was healthy when he went into surgery, except for the little fact of that aneurysm lurking there.
    We are hoping Life will resume its rather humdrum quality around here now, and that further drama will not intrude. That said, we feel extremely lucky that this could be fixed, and supremely thankful to the skillful surgeons who did the work, and the many nurses who cared for him afterward. How do you adequately thank someone who literally saved your life?!

Small Doll Almost Done

This doll set out to be a pin doll, but ended up too tall for that. Her hair is from a piece of some sort of shiny velvet-type fabric, a scrap I was given. Her features are done mostly with Micron pens, found in the scrapbooking section of craft stores. She is not at all fancy, but I like her.  

Hitty Auction for Japan

http://hummingbirdc.blogspot.com/2011/05/hitty-for-japan-charity-auction-on-ebay.html#comment-form

The link above will take you to the page showing the items that will be listed on ebay tomorrow to raise money for Japan, after its terrible earthquake. Please take a look. Thanks.

Introducing JaqueO, the Red-Heeled Monkey

Happy Mothers' Day to all the moms out there. Hope you are all having a great day, and that you all hear from your kids today.

Here is my latest red-heeled monkey, whom my friend Betty dubbed Jaque since he is dressed like a Frenchman. I added the O. He is the first monkey I've ever made from the adult size small socks and he is about 14" tall as opposed to the 18" monkeys I've made with the XL socks. He's rather cute in that size; I will make a girlfriend for him next. He will miss the "group" picture at quilt on Tuesday, as I left him at the gallery yesterday:

Hunger Site, click today!!

I receive this reminder from the Hunger Site every day. It helps me remember to go to their site and click to help various charities receive money; it doesn't cost me anything except a few seconds of my time.
This is your friendly Wednesday reminder from The Hunger Site:


Make a difference today!



Click on the yellow button at The Hunger Site and give a

cup of food to the hungry at no cost to you:

http://www.thehungersite.com/tpc/ERH_042711_THS

Who Has Looked at My Blog, by Country

It's interesting to know where those who have looked at my blog live. I thought you'd find it interesting, too.  

United States 5,543

Canada 232
Russia 50
Malaysia 47

Canada 232
Russia 50
Malaysia 47
Australia 44
Netherlands 40
Poland 31
Germany 30
Sweden 28
United Kingdom 26

Shorebirds and Estuary Show at Six Rivers Gallery, Reception Friday, May 6

     This is a great show, and although it was originally my idea to have a show in conjunction with the Shorebird Festival, due to circumstances beyond my control, I have no entry in it. :>(
     If any of you would like a private tour of the gallery, please contact me and I'll oblige--it's a fun place and very inspiring. If you are an artist, considering joining our group. It's only $25 a year, and you can put items in our Gift Shop at no additional cost to you; if some of your work sells, the gallery keeps 20%. I have been a member for a couple of years now, and I've been very glad I joined this group. The other artists inspire me and keep my "creative fire" burning.