Saltwater Sounds Weekly: A Week of Preparation
Welcome to Saltwater Sounds, a collection of ideas, tips, and inspiration. This is where I share all that’s been happening in the world of Shiplap and Shells, what’s to come, and the inspiration I’ve found from other bloggers around the web.
This and That…
Welcome to Shiplap and Shells this first week of February.
After three weeks, I finally have the surgery date for my knee replacement… February 9th.
I was hoping for an early date, but after dealing with the insurance company issues I was experiencing, I thought the date would push out.
And because of this, I didn’t start preparing for this procedure until a week ago when I was told the date.
As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. My blog contains other affiliate links as well for your convenience. Click here to read my privacy policy.
Needless to say, this week has been a bit frantic, and I’m sure the next four days will be just as crazy.
The biggest thing I’m preparing for is the seed sowing that needs to be done for the next month and a half. I am bringing someone in to help me.
I’ve broken down all the flower varieties by date and have a plan that I hope will execute nicely.
I’m also trying to decorate our cottage for spring now. I have a few spring tour blog hops I’m joining in March, and I want to make sure I get the spring decorating started in case I have any mobility issues.
As far as cooking and cleaning, I haven’t been able to do any of these things that take more than an hour of being on my feet. My hubby has been the most patient and helpful partner during all of this.
I’ve had issues with my knees and feet for years now. I had both feet operated on in 2019, and although the tailor bunyons were removed, I still have pain in both feet and numbness and sensitivity from the surgeries.
My right knee should have been the first replacement. But when I was in Europe last May, I had an incident when someone grabbed my hand to help me from the cruise ship to the tender and then let go before I had landed in the boat.
All my weight landed on the left leg (the good knee) to keep me from falling, and I believe that is when I tore my meniscus. Plus, I have arthritis in that knee as well.
Since then, I haven’t been able to garden much or show as much content from my home and garden as I had wanted to. I’m not even able to go boating at this point.
So this is a welcome surgery. I know that the next month will be tough, but I’m so looking forward to getting my life back.
I don’t know how much I’ll be able to share with you next Sunday, being on pain pills and all, but I hope to give you an update.
Shopping Around
After my PT appointment, I went to The Garden Room to find a gift for a friend. Here are some of the fabulous pictures of the store.
From the Blog
6 Decor Ideas to Show Your Home Some Love this Valentine’s Day
Are you looking for home decor ideas for Valentine’s Day this year? In this post, I’ll show you how to incorporate Valentine’s Day home decor into your winter seasonal spaces. From subtle accents to bold splashes of color, it’s easy to show your home some love this time of year.
February Gardening Tips and To-Dos for the Pacific Northwest Region
Are you looking forward to your spring garden blooming? There’s still so much to do to get your winter garden prepped for a healthy spring growing season, and today I’m sharing a list of Pacific Northwest gardening tips and to-dos for February.
How to Harden Off Your Seedlings and Plants
Did you know that your plants need to acclimate to the outdoor elements before planting them in the garden? Follow along as I walk you through the process of hardening off your seedlings and plants before transplanting them outside.
My Favorite Inspiration Around the Web…
Mary from Life at Bella Terra shares the most beautiful Valentine’s Day ideas, from centerpieces to food ideas. Prepare to be truly inspired.
This crockpot sun-dried tomato chicken recipe.
This gorgeous house.
My gardening buddy bestie, Stacy at Bricks ‘n Blooms, shares her 11 backyard ideas for a relaxing zen garden. Her outdoor spaces are stunning.
These 13 self-discovery books to read this year.
This copper DIY spice rack.
Have you met my friend Molly at Molly in Maine? We met on Instagram 4 years ago, and I can’t tell you how happy I was when she started her blog. You’ll love her post about a cozy snow day on the coast of Maine.
This beautiful blue table setting.
The cutest moss grapevine heart door hanger.
I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment and let me know what you’d like to see on the blog! Thank you for being here.
Until next time,
Wishing a week full of joy, kindness, and peace.
PIN AND SAVE ON PINTEREST
If you’ve enjoyed this blog post, please pin and share this on Pinterest.
Be sure to follow me @shiplapandshells on the following…
Pinterest | Instagram | Facebook | LTK | TikTok | Amazon Storefront
Thinking of you as you have your knee surgery and go through the recovery process as well. I had no idea it had struggled with feet and knee injuries for so long. That sounds super painful! Thanks so much for sharing my self discovery book list. I really appreciate it! Make sure to give yourself lots of grace and let your family look after you. I know you’ll be back to doing all your favorite things in no time! Big hugs and adding my prayers to all the others, CoCo
I’m finally responding to your lovely message CoCo. Thank you for the prayers. I’m looking forward to doing all the things I love again soon.
Good luck with your knee surgery. I just had total knee replacement surgery on my left knee on the 3rd. It was done by Robotics. Amazing. The second evening of recovery was a little tough as numbness was wearing off. I’m fortunate that for my first two weeks of physical therapy will be in my home. They come today for my first session. I know you’ll feel better after the procedure and healing.
I’m finally getting back to my emails. I hope your PT is going well, Jan, especially at home. You’ll have to update me on your progress. PT has been challenging but necessary. Thank you for the well wishes.
Kim you’re in my prayers for a successful surgery and recovery. I had spine surgery a year and a half ago, but still not back to normal. Main thing is don’t push yourself to take on too much. Your recovery is most important. Kudos to all the wonderful hubbies out there that take care of us!
Thank you so much for your prayers, Debra. My friend had spine surgery as well, and it has been a long road. She, too still has issues even though it does feel better. Do the doctors have an idea when you should be fully recovered? I’m praying for your full recovery, my friend. Hugs.
Good luck this week Kim. I’ll be thinking of you?
Thank you for all your thoughtful messages throughout this, Ann. I really appreciate it.
Kim,
Here’s to a successful knee surgery. I had my knees done about 3 mos. apart and got it all over with and I am much older. The secret is to do all your physical therapy as directed. You will be amazed how strong your new knee will be. I have had several replacement surgeries and it seems they are better than the originals and you will be glad you had it done.
I will follow your progess and cheer you on!
Karen
Thank you so much, Karen. I don’t know if I can bring myself to have the other one done that soon. I have so much respect for you and your plan. I hope to have the other one done next January, but sometimes you can’t plan it. Thank you for all the great info. It’s all about the PT. Things are going pretty well with the exception of heel slides. I have having a heck of a time bending the knee.
I’ll be thinking of you and sending lots of healthy healing energy for your surgery Kim! I hope it goes smoothly and well and you’re back to your normal energetic self very soon! I agree with Joan – I’d never have known from your photos that you were having any trouble. You are amazing my friend! Thanks for all the inspiration today, and for the shout-out on my blue tablescape. You’re so sweet! Take care and lots of love!
Thank you, Barbara. I hope you know how much I appreciate you and your friendship. Hugs.
Kim,
I’m so glad you surgery scheduled. I’ll pray for speedy recovery. Thanks for sharing my spice rack this week.
Thank you Rachel.
So glad you are getting your knee taken care of. I have bad knees too. They haven’t gotten to the point of replacement yet, but that is probably in my future. I certainly understand how chronic pain can impact your mobility and life in general. I hope your surgery is a huge success! You must have been in flower heaven at that beautiful store! Thank you so much for sharing my blog! That certainly wasn’t necessary, but I do appreciate it! ??
Thank you so much for your kindness, Molly. I hope your knees hold on. Do you take cortisone shots? They work on one knee but make the left one worse, which seems weird.
Kim, I already have you in my prayers for a safe and successful surgery! After you are completely healed, I need to come and visit and go to those fabulous stores with you! Wow! I don’t think we have anything like that here… Also, many thanks for featuring my Valentine’s ideas post. I love your Sunday one because I find so many great links…that house, Barbara’s table (how did I miss that?) and Kim’s cute moss wreaths. Such a treat with my morning coffee.
I would love for you to come shopping with me, Mary! How fun would that be? Thank you for the prayers and the beautiful flowers. You are such a sweet friend.
Sending healing thoughts and prayers your way for very successful knee surgery. I would have never known that you
have had to slow down because your house and over wintering gardens look fabulous.
Here in southern California I am slowly pruning my roses, and need to feed them. At 83 my arthritis is a problem, and the cold and winds have been a deterrent, but the rain was a Godsend for us and the trees and shrubs, and flowers.
Thank you so much for the thoughts and prayers, Joan. They mean so much. The cold really gets my arthritis going as well. I do so much better in the summer. Sending prayers for relief from your arthritis my friend.
I hope your knee surgery goes well and is a complete success for you. It is a tough surgery but I am sure you will be very relieved when you have it done. I had both of my knees replaced in 2021 – one surgery on the left knee in March of that year and the right knee was done in October. I had suffered for years with the pain from arthritis in both knees and was nervous to get them done, but very happy with the outcome. As long as you keep up with your pain medication and your PT you will do well, My thoughts will be with you for a successful surgery. Best regards, Liz M. from Boston
Thank you, Liz. It took a while for me to get back to you, but I want to thank you for all this great information. I’m glad your knee surgeries were successful. I’m hoping to get the right knee down at the end of the year or the beginning of next.
Wishing you much luck and speedy recovery with your TKP. Prayers for all involved in your care.
Thank you so much, Shannon. I appreciate the good wishes and prayers. It’s been a little over two weeks and things are going well.
I’m so glad that you have a surgery date. I’m praying for a quick recovery. Hugs to you, my friend.
Thank you, Renae. I appreciate your prayers and love the hugs, my friend.
Hi Kim – i hope your knee replacement surgery goes well and you are back cozy at home soon after. My husband had a knee replaced a few years ago and I recently had my hip replaced. The first few days after surgery are a little uncomfortable, but it gets better with each passing day. One of my readers told me she had her knees and hips done at different times. Her advice to me was just do what your doctor and the Pt’s say to do and you will be back at it before you know it. 🙂
Thinking of you comfy at home with all your pretty flowers around you that will surely help you towards a speedy recovery.
Take Care – Diane
Thank you so much for reaching out, Diane. I hope your hip is feeling fantastic. It’s all about the PT…I have heard that from just about everyone. Your well wishes mean so much.