Hello Friends!
Merry December!
Progress
My days lately are a little different than usual but I am doing very well. I still use a cane to get around, but I am improving steadily. I can walk without the cane, but I tend to limp, and according to my doctor, that’s a big no-no. “Whatever you do, don’t limp,” he said. And his Physician’s Assistant reiterated that. Supposedly, I am training my quads (thigh muscles) to work all over again, so I am not supposed to train them to limp. Once my quads get stronger, the limp will go away along with the cane.
My actual new hip feels terrific! It’s the Quads that are weak and sometimes stiff and they need strengthening.
I am using far fewer over-the-counter meds. I do see marked improvement. It’s been three and a half weeks since surgery. I am proud of myself. I’ve experienced a lot of emotions throughout this, but all is much better now!
I hope to trim my roses this week. I have to walk on uneven ground so I will have sweet man close by. But I am going to do some gardening this week!
A Getaway
We had planned a getaway for this past weekend months ago. It wasn’t far away, and as long as I didn’t overdo it, I would be fine. And that’s precisely what happened. What fun we had!
We headed north towards Flagstaff, AZ. We enjoyed a pit stop at my favorite Antique Store. Sweet Pea Trading Co. in Camp Verde, AZ. The following pictures share why I love this antique store.
After perusing the aisles, we left for our Hotel in Flagstaff. A little bit of a nap for both of us, then we headed for a concert—the reason for our getaway.
We enjoyed listening to The Grass Roots. It was a fun concert. They were great! The crowd, including us, sang along with them for many songs. However, we are not getting any younger! 😁
I also had a “First.” It was the first time I went to a concert with a cane!
In Other News
Our oranges are ripening. This is our very sweet navel orange tree. It’s small, but we will have about seven oranges from this lovely tree.
We also have a somewhat larger tree of Minneolas. There are a bit more on this tree. These take longer to ripen but are delicious!
Book Club
Our Book Club meets this week to discuss this book. It was perfect for Christmas. Plus, we will enjoy a Christmas gathering with our spouses afterward. Festive fun!
Christmas in the Desert
The lighted saguaro is a beautiful blend of Southwest Spirit and Christmas Cheer. Even in the desert, the Holidays shine bright.
The above Christmas Tree is in our community. It is the tallest fresh Christmas Tree in Arizona.
During December we get cold nights into the 30’s which can bring a freeze. Covering the tops of our cacti is important. This is one way to keep them covered.
My Morning Coffee
Has Become a Daily Ritual
I’ve really been enjoying my morning coffee every day, especially with the beautiful twinkling Christmas lights all around. They make each morning feel so much brighter and more special. I take a quiet moment to thank God for another wonderful day.
How about you? Have you been starting your day enjoying the twinkling lights of Christmas?
I sit in my chair (where the Cardinal Pillow is) every morning by the fire to take off the morning chill. I love beginning my day by soaking in all the magic around me. It’s really the little things that make it special.
Thank You!
Thank you so much for stopping by and spending a bit of your December with us. Wishing you a warm, joyful week ahead filled with simple moments, twinkling lights, and a very Merry December!🎄✨
I am happy to link up with Terri at Sunday Stills for Festive Red and Green
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I’m happy to see Christmas being embraced with SW flair! The Grass Roots….ah. I remember my brother being in a local band (he was a drummer), and they traveled to Greenville, SC, to warm up the Grass Roots, his brush with fame. 😉
Oh what a wonderful family memory for you all. 🎶🎵🥁
Thanks for all the love.
Merry Tuesday, Rita!
❤️🎄💚
So glad to hear your recovery is going well. Your decorations are beautiful, the oranges on that small of a tree are amazing, that tree is amazing, and I enjoy a good cup of coffee every morning to get my day going. Wishing you continued success on the road to zero cane and a very Merry Christmas.
Thank you Judy! I pray every day for a No Cane Day!
Thanks for all the love!
Merry December! ❤️🎄💚
Nancy, I’m so happy to hear your are recovering and enjoying the Christmas season. Your festive home is a beautiful place to recover but I’m sure you enjoyed taking the trip to see the concert. My book club read that book last December. I loved it. Merry Christmas!
It was a delightful Christmas Story! We enjoyed the book very much!
Thanks for all the love!
Merry December! ❤️🎄💚
Merry Tuesday Nancy! I am so happy to read of your progress. I know you can’t wait to be rid of the cane. How fun to have a getaway to Flagstaff. I loved the Grass Roots back in the day and even saw them in concert. Butch and I love listening to the 60’s and 70’s stations on Sirius/XM. I guess that tells our age. The Christmas displays in the antique shop are amazing. Thanks so much for sharing them. Take care of yourself and don’t overdo during this busy season. I so enjoyed my visit with you this morning, my friend❤️🎄❤️
Hello, dear Pam. We listen to music from the ’60s and ’70s, too. And yes, we are Forever Young!
Thanks for visiting with me this morning. Enjoy this fun and busy time with your grands!
Merry Merry!
I’m so glad you got the chance to get away! It reminds you that all will be good, and it will!
Everyday is a day closer without this cane!
Merry, Merry!
It’s so good to hear you’re doing well. You’re very smart to be patient and use your cane until your quads are stronger! (I had a family member let pride get in the way and she wouldn’t use a cane when she really needed it.) All the festive decor is lovely and thanks for the reminder to really appreciate the little things of this beautiful season! Take care!
Thank you for visiting with me today. I am trying hard to be patient. I always say, each new day is a day closer to being without a cane!
Enjoy the little delights December brings you, my friend. Merry, Merry!
Nancy so glad to hear you are healing well. What fun to have a concert outing and I like The Grass Roots too. I didn’t know they were still performing. Your chair by the fire looks so cozy…I especially love the cardinal pillow. Prayers for continued healing and losing the cane. Your home has so many signs of Christmas. Beautiful! Have a great and wonderful week. 🎄🥰🙏🏻
Thank you, Kari! Each day of healing brings me closer to the day without my cane.
Enjoy all the magic of December!
Hi Nancy, I’m so pleased to read about your healing progress. And I didn’t know that about limping but sure makes sense. Love your festive cactus hats and the shot of the San Francisco mountains! I love Flagstaff and if there was a way to live there, we would!
Next time we’re in AZ I’ll have to visit the antique store. We hope to be there early March. Have a wonderful, festive week, my friend!
Oh Good! When you come we will all get together!
Thanks for visiting with me today.
Enjoy the magic December brings you.
Merry, Merry!
Oh Nancy, what joy! Yes, like you, my tree lights come on before any other and I just revel in the color and light first thing in the morning. Flagstaff is a fun city with much to offer. The concert sounds like something I would have loved. I’m so glad to hear you are improving every day. That’s good news indeed. And yes, follow orders! Finally, those hats on the cacti are brilliant and just delightful! Well done! Merry week to you.
Thank you so much for all your love and support, dear friend!
I wish for you to enjoy all the magic December brings you!
Merry, Merry!
So much to learn in this post. I had no idea that cacti could be in danger of freezing or that you had to retrain your quads after hip surgery. I loved the antique store–quite a change from the ones where items look like they have been in place way too long and need a good dusting. Your trip sounded like a lot of fun, and I pray you continue your good healing.
I am learning all about this new hip stuff, too! Who would have thought it would be the quads that need the Physical Therapy! My actual brand new hip is great and bends very well! No pain there.
Thank you so much for the visit. It’s always lovely to hear from you.
Enjoy your December festivities!
Well done with your healing progression….don’t rush it though. I loved the antique shop pics. Oh, I would have loved to see it in person but thank you for sharing in pictures
Thank you for your comments and visit to my blog. I am just seeing your comment now. It looks like it got stuck in a pending folder.
I am so glad you enjoyed the antique store. It’s a darling place.
I hope you had a wonderful Christmas. Have a wonderful 2026!
Happy Tuesday, Nancy! I’m so happy you were able to take a little trip. The antique store looks like so much fun! I love a good antique store. These December mornings with pretty Christmas lights are some of my favorites, too. Take care of yourself and don’t rush it. It will take time, but I know you will be back to normal soon. Enjoy your week, dear friend!
Thank you Shannon! I am healing beautifully and am on track. I am so happy you were able to visit today. Thanks for all the love.
Enjoy the Magic of December!
Merry! Merry!
I’m so pleased you are on the mend and still enjoying life! That antique store was filled with Christmas charm. It would be hard to walk out without a package! Merry Christmas!
Thank you, Mary. On the mend, I am.
And yes, the store was filled with Christmas charm, so beautifully said.
I so appreciate your visit.
Enjoy the magic that December brings. Merry! Merry!
Beautiful and festive photos. A cane doesn’t keep you from head-banging at a concert. That’s great you made it out and enjoyed the music. The Grass Roots are a great band.
Thanks for the giggle, Tim.
Merry, Merry!
I’m so glad your recovery is going well and you felt up to taking a road trip Nancy! I’d love to peruse your antique shop. Love seeing that tall Christmas tree and the festive addition of the Santa caps to keep your cactus warm. 😊 I hope you’re enjoying your morning coffee by the twinkling lights of the tree and fire this morning. Wishing you a merry week!🎄❤️
Oh yes, I am!
I appreciate your visit and sweet comments. Thank you so much, Mary!
Merry, Merry!
So glad you felt well enough to attend the concert! What a fun getaway before the holiday season picks up.
Thank you! How nice of you to stop in, visit, and spread kindness.
Merry, Merry!
This was fun to read and the pictures were so pretty to look at! I´m glad your recovery is going well and that you are getting out and doing things. Your plants are amazing! How fun to see those pictures in this season of plant drab in Ohio :). Something so random- one of the teachers in my school is from AZ and she has a lighted cactus tree in her room as Christmas decor. You DO NOT see something like that often in Ohio and I think it´s so festive and cute. Just like those hats on the real cacti in AZ- such a great way to protect the plants!
Hello! So good to hear from you!
And yes, we love our cacti. We enjoy them sparkling at Christmas and keeping them warm. Lol!
Thanks for all the love!
Merry, Merry!
Praise God, Nancy, for your good recovery, and your dear helper! Your cheerfulness and happy outlook is contagious!! Blessings to you and your precious family!
How sweet of you, Mitzy! Thank you!
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas,
I am so happy to hear all is going well with your recovery. I loved, loved seeing the desert all decked out for the holidays.
Enjoy your sweet coffee mornings…. love that too.
xx oo
Carla
Hello Carla. Your comments are in my pending folder! I have not seen them until now. I am sorry for my late reply!
Thank you for enjoying our Southwest Christmas and my morning coffee! 😊
I hope your Christmas was wonderful!
Happy New Year!
I’m so happy to hear you’re doing well! Work those quad muscles, girl! I can see you bopping around and dancing at the Grass Roots concert…what fun! I LOVE their song “Midnight Confessions” – I think that’s the title? Cheers to you for keeping us up to date about your hip, hip, hooray progress and holiday fun, too.
I feel woefully behind…geez Louise…it’s Sunday and I’m just now reading your Tuesday post!
Love ya oodles, Nancy Lou! Merry Everything! ❤️🌲❤️
It’s the Holidays, we are all behind!
Thanks for all the love! Merry Christmas!
LOL! And yes! Xo!!! ❤️🎄❤️
I think this holiday season is very special for you as you get accustomed to the new part, Nance. Happy little things and big things, my friend.
Thank you so much! Enjoy your holiday season!
You are doing so well to be able to do a fun getaway, Nancy! I can see why you love that antique store…sigh! It looks fabulous. Your cozy home and your outdoors are so inviting. Merry Christmas to you and your hubby!
Thank you Kitty!
How I wish we could go to that antique store together.
Merry Christmas Kitty! 🎄
I’m so happy that you are doing better Nancy! That was a wonderful time away from home, I bet you were exhausted! Your little orange tree is perfect. I am surprised that many oranges grew on it.
We are always amazed that many big oranges grow on it!
Thanks for the visit my friend!