Wednesday, November 29, 2006

Oooh pretty

Wow, the woman who is our sponsor in Paris got into our apartment to set it up for us to live in (or my husband anyway) until our belongings arrive. Anyway, she took some photos. This is the building:

And I think this is the formal living room: (There is also a family room/sitting room which may just end up my quilting room.)

Doesn't it look beautiful? That floor is gorgeous - I'm really excited. We have loads of windows and even some storage. She sent a photo of the kitchen too, which turns out to be larger than I was expecting. Woohoo. I expect we're going to have a lot more empty space than I was expecting as well. An opportunity to shop!!!

Needed some good news right now. Turns out I don't get to go over to Paris until my medical situation is resolved. I don't know for sure yet, but sounds like that'll take a minimum of 7 weeks. I've come up with a back-up plan tho (staying with my parents in Florida) so I'm pretty upbeat about it, even if my Dad is going to complain about the cats the entire time. It'll be nice to have some sunshine this winter and Florida will have that.

I can't believe how disgusting and lumpy the area is around my incision. It's huge. Guess it's that big inside my throat as well which is why it has been difficult to swallow. Bleck.

Guess what, I started quilting last night! First time since the surgery, so that feels good. Sci-Fi Channel is running a marathon of "Heroes" so I think I may just tune in to that and get some more work done. Unfortunately my quilting callous has come off, but I think I can get it whipped back into shape quickly.

It's also sunk in that I just won't have my Christmas decorations this year. Not a chance. I always figured I could buy some in Paris, but that's not going to happen. If I work up enough energy tomorrow I have a plan for a holiday quilt top. Even If I just get the top done, I could put it up with painters' tape (like Dawn does when she takes photos) and enjoy it that way. This is an opportunity to be creative. As I said, I'm feeling upbeat today. Life is good.

Thank you all for the continuing support and well wishes. I appreciate each and every one of you. Hope you had some sunshine in your lives today too! Thank you.

42 comments:

Juliann in WA said...

your apartment is beautiful
when I had my first surgery I worreid about the scar but the doctor said that we get wrinkles in our neck in that spot anyway - not too comforting. but it is all flat and only noticible because it is whiter than the surrounding skin - but I remember thinking I looked like frankenstein with the stitches sticking out and all
juliann

Candy Schultz said...

Whoa that apartment makes me jealous. I have always wanted to live in France. Sounds wonderful. Hopefully you will be on your way over there in no time. How long will you be living there? Sunshine will be a good antidote. It always helps me. Living in Michigan in the winter it is scarce. As always good thoughts being sent your way.

Judy said...

The apartment is beyond super!! What a beauty. SO will he be there at christmas and you here? That really would suck! I guess they want you done so they don't have to pay for any of the procedures?? I'd be going nuts. I can't give you encourageing words because I hate not being in control of what goes on in my life. Absolutely hate it. I can't ask anyone else to be any other way. I sympathize with you though, and you know I understand the medical stuff.

Now, about this time, I think they told me to start massaging my neck. You want to stop any bad scar tissue from locking on and sticking the outer skin to your unerlaying tissue. I remember once I started soaping up in the shower and very gently massaging the neck, it loosened up and felt not as tight. Ask them next time you see them. Sorry about having to do the next step, I've had that too. It sucks that it's not being done quicker, but we must make sure you stay safe.

Pam said...

Your apt is wonderful and will give you something to look forward to as you go through these next few weeks.

Take it easy, don't let your dad bug you!!

Joyce said...

I'm glad to hear that you won't be alone at Christmas. You can always close your ears to complaints about cats. Your appartment looks totally gorgeous. What part of Paris is it in? We spent some time in Paris in the Marais area. My husband and two daughters were doing portraits at the Pompidou Centre. We would have done anything for a great space like that. We stayed in a third class hotel. Still, it was Paris and we were happy to be there.I hope you get there soon to start enjoying it.

dot said...

I just love the apartment. I am also very happy to hear you are quilting again. Recovery is just around the corner. Enjoy your time with your parents and keep us posted. Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!

quiltpixie said...

sounds like a great idea to make a new holiday tradition... Hope florida treats you well :-)

Doodlebug Gail said...

Those photo's are gorgeous! I sure do hope that you get to go sooner than you think. Enjoy your time in Florida and look after yourself while you navigate this awful disease.

Lois R. said...

OMG! those pics are gorgeous! I'm so glad to hear that there will be room for some retail therapy. And I'm glad you'll be able to live with your parents until the medical thing is resolved. Hope it goes quickly and you can get back to your sweetie quickly. Glad to hear that you are in better spirits!

Tracey in CT said...

Tanya, the apartment looks spectacular! The outside of the building looks so pretty and oh, that fireplace! I would be very anxious to get there too!

I hope you will be able to get there ASAP! :-)

Fiona said...

Wow, that is one spectacular apartment - and certainly gives you something to look forward to.

Dianne said...

Great apartment, Tonya. It will still be there in January/February, and you'll have the fun of watching spring arrive in Paris.

Totally wonderful that you'll have a quilting studio, too! Don't forget to check out the quilt shop Le Vouvray near St. Germain des Pres...anywhere near your apartment?

Also, make a note to have dinner at Chez Rene (I think it's at 55 rue St. Germain or something like that)...a really French, totally Parisian small restaurant with wonderful food and great atmosphere...simple, French, quiet, very civilized. A couple of things to look forward to when you finally get over there!

The time with your family in Florida will be good...nice to have warm winter weather...and then you and the kitties will be winging France-ward!

YankeeQuilter said...

Don't worry about the scar - just buy scarves when you get to Paris! The apartment is beautiful! Maybe you can buy a few boxes of construction paper an cut out Christmas ornaments?!

Hope you are feeling better.

Clare said...

Wooo Hooo - Madame Posh! At least you will be there to see the tree blossom and watch Paris "spring" into life. Am having a giggle about how the cats are going to cope with that floor. Puddy chat ice rink!

And Christmas in the sun to look forward to.

Thanks for the help with the letters - found them!

Hedgehog said...

Gorgeous place!! Definitely something grand to look forward to. Glad you were able to do some quilting, too!

Sassenach said...

Ooooooohhhhhhhh, your new home looks lovely! Something to focus on while you get the medical stuff out of the way.

Christmas without hubby is tough, but I'll bet your parents will relish the opportunity to spend time with you, cats and all. (Every time your Dad complains, put your hand to your throat and grimace. Heh -- guilt trip!)

You'll have April in Paris! Woo!

McIrish Annie said...

sorry to hear your departure is delayed but your place is GORGEOUS!! Is there any room in one of the cat carriers for me to go to gay Paree with you??? I'll even clean the litter box!!!

Melzie said...

Your apartment is gorgeous :) I know things seem hard right now but this time next year it will be a memory. I try to remember that during seemingly unending WAITS. xoxo melzie

Quilts And Pieces said...

Oh your apartment is GORGEOUS! Now that will give you something to look forward to getting better for! Its too bad things are hard for you right now, but at least you still have the apartment and have something to look forward to!

Katie said...

Oh, a few weeks of Florida sun might keep the spirits up. It sure helps me. Kitties are good at turning men who hate cats into best fiends. I've seen it happen. Good luck.

Anonymous said...

Oh, the place looks gorgeous. So...French!! What a lovely thing to look forward to after your medical issues are resolved. (Which I know they will be!)

Laura said...

What a beautiful apartment! I am so glad you are feeling a little better about everything. You are in so many peoples prayers that I am sure all will go well. Hang in there!

Patti said...

Oh my goodness - what an incredible looking place! You are going to have so much fun decorating it! Bad news about you having to stay here - but of course you don't want to take any chances with your health. I'm so glad you are starting to feeling like sewing again. It's my not so humble opinion that sewing is terrific therapy for "whatever ails you" - and a good sign you are starting to recover from the surgery.

Holly said...

That apartment looks fantastic, you lucky girl! Paris is so romantic. Sorry about the health setbacks...

Ann said...

I don't know which I like best, the outside of the apt. building, or the inside of your apt! Absolutely a beautiful place to live! Lucky you! So glad you are up to sewing again. I was only ill(stomach bug) a few days, but know it sure felt good to finally start sewing today! Had planned on sewing all week, but life has a way of changing our plans, doesn't it? TC of yourself!

Carol E. said...

I've been busy and am finally catching up. I'm so sorry you have these additional health concerns!! I hope it is all resolved quickly and happily. That apartment is fantastic! Fit for a queen! Can we all come over and visit?? Take it easy. Sending you some positive and healing vibes.......

Sweet P said...

That apartment looks gorgeous! Too bad you can't go with your husband, but maybe some time in the Florida sun will be good for you. And to start quilting again? How cool is that?

Mary Johnson said...

The apartment looks wonderful; I'm sure it's difficult to have to delay your move while you're treated but glad to see you looking at the positives. The time with your parents before going overseas is a bonus.

Anonymous said...

What an absolutely beautiful building! wow - looks like a movie star's place LOL.

Janet said...

What a beautiful apartment!!

Don't stress about the "no ornaments" thing!! When the kids and I moved to Okinawa the day after Christmas in 2000 it seemed like that was going to be a big deal! But the excitement of moving to a new place really made the holidays memorable! I love your blog! Come check out mine at http://shiisaquilt.blogspot.com

Finn said...

Hey Ton, that is just about the best news I've ever heard on one sad, and disappointing on the other. Sorry that your sweetie has to go "on ahead", but so great that you can be with your family in Florida for the treatments.
The photos of the apt. building are just wonderful..*VBS* Can't way til you can see them in person. So nice after the dust and grime of Cairo..*VBS* And you might have to be arriving late in Paris, but you'll be there for awhile once you get there...you can make up for whatever you missed. I do hope you'll feel up to rising to the challenge of No Christmas Decorations and create some wonderful NEW Santa Bob or crustie or thready..I know you can..*VBS* Big hugs, Finn

Lily Mulholland said...

Hey Tonya,

Welcome back to the land of blog. Congrats on your progress, you sound like you're recovering beautifully. Fingers crossed for your iodine test in a few weeks. What a bugger that you'll be spending Christmas apart from your honey. I am sure your parents will enjoy having you around this year ... albeit with friends!

Wow oh wow that apartment is to die for! It looks just gorgeous - check out that fireplace! While you're stuck in the US, at least you'll have more time to get your head around how you're going to decorate the place!

Congrats on getting back into the quilting. I can't wait either :)

Chris & Rory said...

Hi Tonya,

You sound cheerier despite the uncertainty. Hang in there. The Paris apartment looks fantastic! Way better than what we're living in here in Baku. I hope to see you there soon.

Tracey @ozcountryquiltingmum said...

Hi Tonya-is that apartment...and floor...not amazing? You will be there quite soon, i'm sure. What a fabulous environment to quilt in.
Sewing a christmas top is a great idea-busy and will brighten your season. you sound much better and I'll call in soon, Love tracey
ps did some of your lettering on the back of my gratitudes to solve a short backing problem-I'll post it!

Joanne said...

The apartment looks amazing.
So sorry to hear of your diagnosis. Prayers for an easy recovery and an enjoyable stay in Florida before you head to Paris.

Shelina said...

That is an incredibly beautiful apartment. I too send well wishes your way. So glad you are feeling up to quilting again.

Kate North said...

Great apartment - and I do admire how you are keeping your spirits up about this whole thyroid thing... As for the lack of Christmas decorations, if you let me know your address (or rather, your parents in Florida) I will send you an ornament of a London phonebox which is sitting on my desk right now!

Helen said...

Hi Tonya

All the best for continuing progress with your health issues. Lovely apartment.

Susan said...

It may take a while to work through all the surgery and medical stuff, but when you get to Paris, it will definitely be worth the wait. What a gorgeous apt. It's the kind that one always reads about, or sees in movies, and lusts after.

Lucy said...

Your appartment looks awesome. I hope you can move to there very soon.

sewprimitive karen said...

Oh, your future Parisian apartment is so gorgeous it gives me chills. Looks like there is simply killer light flowing in those huge antique Paris "fenetres"! You will truly be an American in Paris just like Gene Kelly. Dianne had some great comments, like seeing Paris in the springtime, the French quilt shop, and the restaurant suggestion. Don't you think, though, that it is a good idea to finish your recuperation before going there? Maybe things have changed but I remember when my sister-in-law's father whisked her home from Paris very quickly when she contracted hepatitis and pneumonia, I think it was, while there on a Fulbright. He was a world traveler from way back and wanted her back in the States for medical treatment tout suite. Anyway, we are all enjoying your travels so much!!

Anonymous said...

I just happened upon your blog when I googled MRI contrast thyca. I see nothing from you since 2006--It is now Jan 2008--what's going on with you?