AN UPDATE… AND LOOKING FORWARD!

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Happy New Year, friends! I’ve gotten so many emails recently from StoneGable readers wondering how I am doing and some wondering where I’ve been. I thought today would be the perfect opportunity to update you on the all that has been going on here at StoneGable. And keep you in the “loop” with things to look forward to!

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First of all thank you all so very much for your facebook messages, emails comments, texts, and prayers!  If you are just now catching up I fractured my foot/ankle and had surgery on Dec 13th. The surgery fused two bones together and corrected some arthritic issues in my ankle. I am in no pain at all and on no pain medicine which is such a blessing. As far as we know, the surgery was very successful. I spent 6 days in the hospital (nothing is as easy as it seems). I’m now in a bright pink cast from my toes to my knee and cannot put ANY weight on my foot.

Having a foot that is unusable has dramatically altered my life. I keep telling myself, “only 4 more weeks, only 4 more weeks”!!!! I get around in a wheelchair and a knee scooter. I’m getting very, very good at both! We are so grateful that I could rent a stair lift to go up and down the stairs until I get into a walking boot. That means I can be on both floors of our home! Yea!!!!

We are so grateful that we could rent a stair lift to go up and down the stairs until I get into a walking boot. That means I can be on both floors of our home! Yea!!!!

My spirits are good and I’ve had lots and lots of family and company since before Christmas. Everyone has pitched in and StoneGable has been full of people I love.

I must give a huge shout-out to Bobby! My husband has been amazing!!!! Without him I would be totally lost. He so selflessly takes care of me. From little things like coffee in bed every morning to big projects like setting up a wheelchair accessible office for me… he has been ready and willing to do whatever it takes to make my life comfortable and somewhat normal. 

He cleans, does dishes, does the laundry, lays out my clothes and even figured out a way I can take a shower (which the doctor says I’m not supposed to do… but that was not going to happen!)

I have missed a couple blogging days, but I’m back to full speed and with the help of my assistant, I’m planning new content like always. Hopefully, from here on out you won’t even know I’m a little laid up! Blogging and connecting with you give me such purpose!

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Now a little peek at what 2017 holds for StoneGable. I hope you all can tell how much faster StoneGable is to load and view pages. It’s technical, but I have my own server now. A big step for StoneGable and one I think you will notice! No more waiting second after second after second… for my site to come up! YEA!!!!!

Look for a StoneGable survey sometime next week. I’m very interested in what you like and what you want to see of here.

I have a very very fun secret I’ve been keeping and I can’t wait to share it with you on January 17th! 

I also plan to do a little blog restyling sometime in the spring. Nothing too big, but it’s always nice to keep current, fresh and updated.

This year here at our home we are planning to finish the 3 rooms that still need hardwood floors. Our bedroom, sitting room off the bedroom and guest suite. This has been a 4, almost 5-year project. So finally all the floors in our home will be hardwood! Some things are worth waiting for!

We also plan to makeover our master bedroom and sitting room. I can’t wait! I’m so ready for a new look. I’ll be painting our mahogany rice carved bed. What a big project. 

If all goes as planned we will gut and reno our master bath this year. It’s a big job! But I think we will be able to tackle it this year.

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Other reno projects on our list include the guest suite over the garage and the attached bathroom. When this project is completed, every room in StoneGable will have been madeover in six years!

My office is partially updated, but because of surgery it will have to wait until I am out of the walking boot. So probably another 2 months before I can finish that project.

There’s a lot more going on here at StoneGable, but I’ll save those things for another post!

Again, thank you for your well-wishes as I recover and thank you so much for your friendship!!!! YOU ARE THE BEST!!!!!

Here’s to a very blessed and happy 2017!

Love to all!

Yvonne

 

 

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114 Comments

  1. Kittyluvr says:

    So happy to hear you are doing well..and thanks for the update of what’s coming….it sounds like 2017 is going to be a banner year for StoneGable! Continuing to pray for you and for your family during this time of unexpected challenges!

    1. Thank you for making my days more enjoyable. I look forward to your ideas and encouragement!

  2. Erica Thomas says:

    So happy you are feeling better I know it must be hard to let others help over the holidays. Enjoy letting them pamper you. Blessings in the new year and for a speedy recovery. Thank you for all you do I look forward to seeing what’s in store for 2017

  3. I read every post from you, it is like connecting with a friend, and the longer I read you, a good friend. Hope the next 4 weeks go past quickly. I think, in some ways, winter is the best time to recover. Of course, I am not going to mention show storms. There is no yard to have to worry about, of wait a minute, in places that aren’t warm year round.

    My time time pass sweetly for you. Blessings.

  4. Hi; I always enjoy your blog and the beautiful decorating and recipes. You truly give me inspiration as well as so many others. I will be praying for your recovery. Bone issues are never easy. but with the Lord’s help and your family, things will turn out even better than before. Blessings to you and all, Eleanor

  5. Kim jacks says:

    So sorry to hear about your surgery, I’m sure your counting the days!!!!! Enjoy your blog and look forward to your ideas for 2017!!!
    Best wishes & heal well.

  6. Karen Baumgardner says:

    Sounds like a great 2017 for you..what a lot you have to look forward to! Yours is my favorite blog out of probably 20 I regularly visit, and you do a fabulous job. Sorry you had the glitch in your life with the broken ankle, it is never fun to slow down when your mind still goes a mile a minute, as I’m sure yours’ must, lol. Happy New Year to you and your family.

  7. So glad you’re in the mend and feel positive and happy! Looking forward to your healing blogs and decorating. We love you and pray for your rapid and complete healing.
    Karen

  8. Julie Garza says:

    Glad you’re on the mend! Surgery and recovery are never easy, are they?

  9. Lorri Rauscher says:

    I was thinking of you during the Holidays knowing that you love a full house with all your family and friends around.So glad that you are feeling well.Enjoy the pampering, you surely deserve it…Sounds like you have a busy year of renos ahead of you.God Bless!!!!

  10. LuAnn Davis says:

    Praise the Lord you are doing well, not in pain, and able to blog, reno, host guests, etc.! I’ve been where you are in the last year and a half I’ve had 2 knee replacements and a tumor in my left foot! Praise the Lord it was not malignant as I could have lost my foot! But we make the most of it and keep on keeping on! Looking forward to 2017 and all the blessings that await us! Praying for your continued healing and recovery….
    LuAnn

  11. Irene Costilow says:

    I’m so thankful you are on the mend! I so look forward to your posts! Blessings and Happy New Year ??? ❣

  12. Julianna Mathers says:

    Dear Yvonne, I am in a walking boot also! Broke my ankle and November 19. By the grace of God I did not need surgery, but it was a close call. I chose a bright red cast to look like a Christmas stocking. It’s no fun being laid up but it is a blessing to have wonderful husbands to help. We had a big crowd here at Christmas which was fun and I couldn’t have done it without him! It was sort of interesting to have that holiday “off” and be more of a bystander. Luckily my master bedroom is on the main floor so I have gotten around with crutches and a knee scooter. I’ve been in a fair amount of pain, probably because I didn’t have the surgery. But God is good and I am healing well. I start physical therapy today! I’ll say a prayer for your speedy recovery. Love your blog. I get so many wonderful ideas for my home from you!

  13. Oh Yvonne, I’m glad you’re on the mend. When I was laid up with broken bones a lawn chair was put in the shower, and there I sat. ;o)

    Regarding renovations, about mid-2016 your hubby began working on a bathroom renovation; however, I don’t recall ever seeing pictures of the final. Am I wrong?

    Am very curious, because we’re building a new house and I’ve been shopping for bathroom mirrors and lights. Anxious to see what you decided on.

  14. Linda Finnerty says:

    I also broke my ankle in 2016 and was in a non walkwalkking cast for two months. It is a real pain so I sympathize with you. One of the vest things my Dr tolkd me about was a rubber boot yiu can get on Amazon to go over the cast in order to take a shower! It woiwoirked wonderfully and I was in heaven I could take showers again, even if I had to use a shower chair to sit on. You might think about getting one. Hope you heal quickly.

    1. Linda Finnerty says:

      Sorry for the typos

  15. Happy to hear you are on the mend.It’s not easy not
    being able to do things for yourself,patience.Sounds
    like you have a very busy year ahead,can’t wait to see
    the final projects.

  16. I think you will love having your own server, makes a huge difference when you have your own business.

  17. Martha Hansen says:

    Very best wishes for a happy and healthy new year, Yvonne. Sounds like we have a lot to look forward to!

  18. Healthy, Happy New Year wishes

  19. Can’t wait to see some of your rooms updated! Also glad you are feeling better. Can’t wait for Jan 17th!!! Happy New Year!!

  20. Constance Colvin says:

    Bravo Yvonne! 🙂

  21. Prayers for a complete and speedy recovery. Thank God for wonderful husbands!

  22. I’m happy to hear you are doing well Yvonne.
    I wondered about whether there was a bedroom accessible for you.
    It is great to hear that there are stair lifts available for rent. That must be a huge relief.

    My own foot journey continues. I had two surgeries on my left foot in 2016 and it was four months until the wound healed.
    Thought I was finished with that but I could not get comfortably into shoes.
    Now I’m back in a walking boot and physical therapy due to a frayed tendon in the same foot!
    In a couple weeks my doctor will decide about surgery on the tendon. I sure hope not.
    Being dependent on others certainly gives a new perspective to life doesn’t it?

    My husband has been patient and helpful through it all. I think he and Bobby might deserve a blue ribbon.
    I will continue to keep you both in my prayers.
    Portia

  23. Sorry to hear about your surgery! Know it was rough during Christmas, but it sounds as though your husband had things under control! Glad you are on the mends. Love your blog & can hardly wait to see what 2017 has in store!

  24. Linda Charlton says:

    Continue to heal and have a speedy recovery.

  25. debkaplun@rochester.rr.com says:

    Hi, Yvonne! OMG, I am trying to figure out how I missed hearing about your fracture….six days in the hospital post surgery! Clearly, you are a very positive, upbeat, grateful soul and I am overjoyed that you are on the mend! Your house land sound magnificent and I will so enjoy following your transformations! Thank-you so very much for sharing this news with us and know that you are in my prayers for a speedy recovery! All my best! XO?????

  26. Yvonne,

    I see you and your family happy, healthy, prosperous and whole for 2017. Thanks for sharing your recipes, decorating ideas and life thoughts with us. Sending prayers and good wishes for a speedy recovery.

  27. So happy to hear you are mending nicely, and were able to enjoy the holidays with family and friends. What a blessing to have loved ones willing to help out. 2017 has a lot in store for you and Stone Gable. How exciting!!

  28. Pat Miller says:

    Hi Yvonne,
    Sorry about your setback, but sounds as if you are coping well and hubby is fulfilling his marriage contract, also! 🙂
    Always enjoy reading your decorating ideas and taking a sneak peek into your beautiful home! You are indeed an inspiration to me….and LOTS of others!
    Continued success with your blogging! My very best wishes to you for continued healing and recovery!
    This new year will be great!

  29. Being a new ‘gabler’ this year, I’m looking forward to seeing each of your posts this year! So happy your are healing so quickly and that the Lord is providing everything that you need! Kudos to your hubby!

  30. It sounds like you are doing well and have survived the holidays. I am looking forward to your future blogs and an exciting 2017.

  31. Glad to hear you’re mending well. New projects and updates give us something to look forward to and of course give you the use of those creative juices! Great things to look froward to in the new year! Blessings??

  32. Husbands who honor “for better or worse – in sickness & health” are priceless!

  33. What a bummer to be laid up during the Christmas holidays! Glad it is behind you and now it will be a day closer to recovery. We are blessed with willing a able husbands and I thank God for him every day.

  34. Ann Black says:

    What a tough ordeal you have been through but will ultimately accomplish mobility which everyone needs…. Glad to hear you are mending and taking care of yourself. So happy your husband has been a huge help…. Take care and continued good health.

  35. You have amazing stamina and fortitude to accomplish all of your do-overs. Hopefully your daughter brings your grandson to cheer you.

  36. God bless you and your recovery Yvonne. Thank you for the update and all your goings on. You are such a friend to all of us. I admire your optimistic and upbeat attitude. You are a trooper! Hugs to you.

  37. Mary Lou O'C says:

    So nice to hear you are recovering….had back surgery in 2008 and my husband was outstanding. Very sobering to be so totally dependent…..wishing you well and looking forward to your posts in 2017.

  38. I’m thankful you are doing better and having a resourceful and caring husband. I have one of those, too. I will look forward to learning about your announcement later this month.

  39. Yvonne you are quite miraculous. So glad you are able to get around and what a lovely lady you are to always be thinking of others. The year ahead on the blog sounds as if it is going to be so exciting, looking forward to it already. Hope the recovery keeps going from strength to strength. Huge hugs from across the pond xxx

  40. Glad you are on the mend! Did not know you coyld rent chair lifts, good info to keep in mind
    Happy new year!

  41. Hi Yvonne,
    I had an ankle replacement last December so I know what you are going through. I am a RN so I was well prepared with all the needed equipment with the exception of a chair lift and that would have been awesome. I could not go in my upstairs for over a month. I would use one of the plastic bags for covering a cast and then wrap a towel around that and sit on a shower chair to shower, all while hanging my leg out of the shower as much as possible. I was not going to do without a proper shower! In fact, it was while I was off work that I discovered your blog. I love your house and all your ideas. I will probably have my right done within the next year because the arthroscopy has not been as successful as I would like. So, I will be brining all the equipment out of the attic and I will check into renting the stair lift chair!
    Best to you and Happy New Year,

  42. Happy to hear you are coming along and doing well. It is hard to be patient! Looking forward to your 2017 blog!

  43. Glad to hear you’re doing better! I know it must be difficult being patient but you’ll be there in no time. I don’t know what I’d do without my hubby. He truly is my other half! Here’s hoping we have a good 2017 xoxo

  44. So glad that you are well. Sounds like you will continue to be a very busy lady! Blessings in 2017 ?

  45. Looking forward to your posts in 2017 and am very happy to hear about your recovery. Happy New Year!!!

  46. Sending prayers and healing thoughts to you.

  47. Before you know it, you’ll be up and moving. Just remember to take it easy so you don’t slip up and make a redo happen. My hubby had hip replacement and didn’t fall, but kinda slipped on a step! Had to have another hip,fix…instead of 6 weeks it turned in to several month and he still is limping and in pain…be sure to not mess yourself up

  48. Bobby is so sweet to take care of all your needs and the house. Not sure my husband would know what to do in the house. 🙂 I thought maybe you were cutting back a bit on posts. I think I am this year. I will just see how it goes. We are going to gut and makeover our master bath this spring and I can’t wait! Looking forward to your makeovers.

  49. LuAnn Meyer says:

    Well, God bless you! So happy to see you are healing and recovering. Happy New Year! May it be filled with health and happiness!!

  50. So happy the Lord has been so good to you….I know a long slow recovery but soon you will be up and around. I had a husband like your too….what a blessing from the Lord. Take care and God Bless

  51. I’m so glad to hear that you are having such a good recovery and that you have many loved ones around you to help. Please don’t overdo it. I’m looking forward to all of your posts in 2017.

  52. Cheryl Ann says:

    Yvonne, please take the time you need to heal. We are about the same age and I have a good friend that pushed it with her foot healing from surgery. She has had one issue after another for years now. Thank you for all you do and your blog is my favorite, but I just felt compelled to pray that you heal completely. Blessings to you and yours in 2017.

  53. Mary Jo McGovern says:

    So glad to hear your hubby is taking good care of his bride! At least the weeks have passed quickly for you with all of the holiday visitors! Thank you for sharing your talents with us! Reading Stonegable is my favorite way I start my day! Blessings to you and your growing family!

  54. So glad to hear that things are going well after surgery. Sounds like you have a lot to get done this year. Take care !

  55. I’m glad to hear you are getting along ok! My husband ruptured his Achilles and could not put any weight on it for a month, but was in a boot after being in a cast for a month. He is still in physical therapy. We live in a tri level home so we needed something he could use to get around. I found a one legged peg leg crutch that saved us. You should look it up on amazon. He couldn’t use regular crutches because he had had surgery on his shoulder a few weeks before he tore his Achilles! We are thrilled to start the new year! Lol

  56. Yvonne! So glad to hear the recovery is going well. With Bobby and your family’s help,
    you seem to be “glowing” your way through your ordeal! Your positive attitude is so
    obvious ~ I know that is just one of the things that draws everyone to you!
    Can’t wait to hear about your “January 17th Surprise” … I have a guess, but will keep
    it “mine” till you reveal! Excited also to hear about all the planned reno projects, and
    ready to keep following along!
    Ongoing hugs and prayers coming your way, Sweet Lady!

  57. Carol Ann says:

    It’s good to know you are on the mend! Please stay safe and keep going. I imagine there will be physical therapy once that cast is off; that can be rough, but trust me… it will be worth it. Love and blessings to you!

  58. So nice to read that you are recovering well from your surgery and that you don’t have to take pain meds to control the pain! God is so good. It is also great to know that you are persevering through a physical trial and your husband is a peach to help out in all the ways he can. God bless and keep you in 2017 and may you keep inspiring us with your lovely home design and thoughtful posts. We look forward to reading and seeing all that is going on in your little corner of the world!

  59. What’s that saying?….You can’t keep a good woman down!!!….Been thinking of you and saying my prayers that you will heal quickly!!! Sounds like you have great plans for 2017 and looking forward to your announcement on the 17th…I am sure it will be exciting…Regards to Bobby for taking such good care of you!! Happy New Year!

  60. Marcy Leonard says:

    So glad to hear you are recovering well. In perhaps an intended show of solidarity, the day I first read of your injury I fell and broke a toe–gravity can be so cruel! And Christmas came just the same–and gloriously! Eager to read your upcoming blogs in 2017.

  61. Diane Westbrook says:

    Hello and Happy New Year! oh, what an ordeal! so happy to know that you are on the “mend”. We had planned on a Christmas dinner and get together with family after Christmas and those plans didn’t work out well….on the 26th I slipped and fell on ice getting out of the car and broke my hip….it just all happened so quickly…a few days in the hospital after surgery and now am home recuperating. I have an older son who is doing his best to help me…poor guy…now if I just remember not to trip on stairs or tip over in the walker, I just might heal! Blessings to you and your family!!! Love your blog!!!

  62. Lynn Jackson says:

    I am so glad you are starting to feel better, my husband broke a small bone in his leg. We got a lot of snow in the last couple days here so we have been house bound. Keep up the good work. HAPPY NEW YEAR looking forward to your your blogs

    LYNN

  63. So glad you are doing so well, Yvonne. Cannot wait to see what you have up your sleeve for 2017! Praying the next four weeks fly by for you.

  64. Theresa Winterberry Lane says:

    Yvonne glad to hear you are on the mend and Bobby has been taking such good care of you. Looking forward to reading your blogs in 2017. Take care.

  65. Carol A. Wellein says:

    It is a blessing to have a husband who is so willing to make things easier for you as you heal. I, too, have a husband who has done the same for me during many surgeries. We are truly blessed.

  66. Oh my, I have been away from the computer for a while and am just catching up on the Stone Gable posts I missed. Sorry to hear of your injury! Glad you are not in pain. You mind must be very busy with all the exciting things you are planning for the house and the blog. All of your mental busyness will certainly make the time recuperating go by fast. Prayers for a full and speedy recovery.

    So great that you have such a wonderful support group. Happy New Year – may 2017 be a wonderful year for Stone Gable and it’s family!

  67. Wishing you a happy and healthy 2017! Your projects sound ambitious and exciting! Can’t wait to see what you will do. Take care!

  68. So sorry to here about your ankle, glad your husband and family are there for you. I love your blog and look forward to reading it. Hope you get well soon and are able to get back to your normal flow which I’ll bet is full speed. (Don’t over do to quick)

  69. Carol Elkins says:

    Glad to hear your ankle is getting better! I love your blog and look forward to your emails every day!

  70. Brenda Chasez says:

    Blessings and prayers for you and a speedy recovery! I had knee replacement surgery this past summer and another one to look forward to this year so I can sympathize. I love your blog and love seeing new emails from you. Happy New Year!

  71. I am thrilled to read that you are mending so well. That is such good news!!! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas with family and friends, and I hope that you find 2017 a very blessed year. I tried your breakfast casserole for a post-holiday dinner meal, and my father loved it so much he has always had two big helpings every time we reheat the leftovers! A sure sign he liked it!!!
    I also want to thank you for the new and improved speed with which your blog comes up now. Before it took so long, but I always thought it was my computer. I look forward to your Jan. 17th surprise. Best to you always, Nancee

  72. Yvonne, I’m so sorry to hear about your injury! But, glad to know you’re on the mend!! You AMAZE me with all you do!!! Praying for a complete recovery!

  73. Oh my; I’m so sorry to hear about your ankle! You’re so blessed to have your husband tending to you. It sounds like you have some great plans for this year and I’m looking forward to you sharing them on the blog and I’m really excited about the upcoming news you have to share with us in a few weeks. My brain is playing 20 questions wondering what it is 🙂

  74. Diane C Kuechler says:

    Happy New year. I have enjoyed your blog all through the year. I love much of what you post and especially your Sunday inspiration. Wishing you a speedy recovery.Dian

  75. Vicki N. Martin says:

    Glad to hear that you are doing better. It won’t be long now before you get your cast off. I want to wish you and your family a Happy New Year. Take care.

  76. Heidi Childs says:

    Looking forward to your inspirational 2017!!

  77. I am so pleased and relieved to hear you are not in any pain, Yvonne! That is wonderful news! Husbands are great, aren’t they?! Mine did everything (meals, cleaning, laundry, etc) while I was healing from my first knee replacement. Sadly, he was no longer with me for the second replacement but the hospital was wonderful and put me in their Rehabilitation section for two weeks. I was SO grateful; that extra time frame really was a blessing and made all the difference in the world towards my healing. Please try not to push yourself when you become mobile again. Your plans for 2017 sound very exciting. I had a problem sending an email to you re my gift card. When you get a moment, would you please send me the correct email address, Yvonne. Many thanks and speedy healing!

  78. Happy New Year and continue healing fast!

  79. Diane Ruebel says:

    In the midst of your difficult moments your gratitude gives birth to gratitude.

    Thank you. Diney from Camano Island

  80. Ruth Harris says:

    You are such a inspiration, you have such a great attitude that’s the Jesus in YOU. God Bless You.

  81. Those four weeks will hopefully breeze right by…think of it as time between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
    Bobby sounds like an amazing man. I too would not listen about no shower. My husband would have problem
    solved that too.

    I am excited for 2017 and watching all your projects unfold. That painting project sounds like a lot of work…but will be worth it in the end. Excited to see if you explore new bedding. That has been on my list for two years now and I just cannot decide on going neutral and adding color or going back to a pattern. You have opened my eyes to much to neutral as a base…that’s where my heart is leading.

  82. Wishing you a very Blessed new year in 2017 and a very speedy recovery! Love everything you do!

  83. Barbara Harilaou says:

    I just want to wish you and your family a Happy New Year. I’m so glad you are doing much much better.

  84. Continue healing and all other things will wait. You are such a delight, in reading new refreshing information. I have used a lot of your ideas and I adore your home.

  85. Martha Durick says:

    Looking forward to your new blogs!

  86. Joanne Wujcik says:

    The best to you & yours in 2017 and of course a speedy recovery.?

  87. Elizabeth says:

    Five years ago in the beautiful autumn month of October I went to my garden to do some weeding. As I stepped to one side I slipped and feel breaking both ankles badly. I screamed and screamed until a neighbor finally heard me. He came running and then got my husband. There was a chance that I was going to lose one of my feet but the good Lord took care of me. I had a long surgery and they put a ton of screws in my my ankles as well as a rod in my left leg (I broke it too). I had both legs in casts and spent a week in the hospital followed by a week in rehab. I recuperated at home with the assistance of a wheel chair and a knee scooter. Aren’t they the best ever !! There was speculation that I might limp the rest of my life but the Lord had too much for me to do. Once the casts came off I was walking normally and have continued to do great.

    I know that the Lord has his hand on you as well. I pray that your recovery will be a complete one and a quick one. God Bless you !!

  88. I love your ideas on decorating . Your kitchen is especialy both beautiful and functional.
    I had to have my 106 year old fully restored home completely torn down in2009. It was a former manse for the church across the road- it had a great deal of history atttcched to it and that’s one of the main reason why I bought it. It was gorgeus with high 10 foot ceilings and great room and wide hallways. there wer two staircases- a main winding one with stainglass windows on all three floors where stairs wound up past each of the window. The front inner door was stainglass as well. I loved it so much and after we’d done extensive landscaping in natural stone with terraced walls and gardens across the front and arround by the lower driveway with a fishpond at the corner of the front wrap-around porch, it was a glorious sight to see when you reached the top of the hill along the road that ran past our home. Sadly a fire started in the new mudroom protion of the house and then spread upward through the soffits of the attic above. The house had to be completely gutted so it was not feasible to restore it again.
    My new home is very energy efficient, but I just can’t get inspired to figure out what style and decor I want to have for this house. I actually only put one pictuer on the wall since I moved back in and it took me til this Christmas to do it. when I had this new house bulit the insurance company rushed me to get started within the year so I really didn’t have alot of time to really consider all the things I wanted included or the layout of the house in a more efficient manner. Your website has helped inspire me more to consider what I really like and to narrow down a better idea of what I want my home to feel like when someone enters it. Thank You!

  89. Happy New Year and so glad your healing is progressing. How nice to be able to have a “helpful” husband and the stair lift. Can’t wait for your coming redoing and a new year of reading your blog. Hope your holidays were happy and filled with love and laughter.

  90. So thankful that you are doing well…praying for continued healing! Can’t wait to see all your projects when completed!

  91. Hi Yvonne. Hope this finds you getting better! I am sure you are putting this recovery time to good use. Your creativity amazes me. I love getting the newsletter with your beautiful home, helpful hints and delicious recipes. Your blog is my go to when I need calm and relaxation. Thank you for all that. Happy and healthy new year to you and your beautiful family.

  92. Hi Yvonne, so sorry you needed surgery. I went to San Diego last year to decorate a friends apartment and broke my foot. I was in a boot for 6 weeks because it was just a hairline fracture. Hoping you a speedy recovery.
    You are my favorite blogger. Your style is beautiful and tasteful. Cannot wait to see what 2017 inspires you to do..

  93. Barbara Windle says:

    All the best for a speedy recovery and healthy 2017.

  94. Wendy Stark says:

    Great ideas for the first week of January!! Keep up the great work!!

  95. Susan Dutcher says:

    I look forward to your ideas on decorating resently moved back to Florida and mixing decor part beach part modern farmhouse, I try to repurpose as much as I can. I have incorporated a lot of whites and some naturals I have learned so much from you thx. Continued prayers for you and family. Blessings

  96. Suzanne Viggiano says:

    Well, all good things for 2017. Godspeed…

  97. I’m so happy to hear you are recouping well. What a great hubby you have indeed. I’m sure he is not used to seeing you down like this. Before long you will be slipping away!

  98. What a busy bee you are!! Look forward to seeing all the changes at SG.
    Take care of yourself!

  99. Avril Crundwell says:

    So many blessings are sent your way for this New Year before us. May you heal well and completely.

  100. Sending all good healing thoughts & prayers. Sometimes life gets in the way, & your sweet husband is organizing for you – how wonderful to have a partner that puts ‘stuff’ aside for your comfort in the healing process. I enjoy each of your wonderful ideas, & each blog. Michelle

  101. I too can sympathize with you as I dislocated & fractured my ankle in mid-August. I had to wait for surgery due to fracture blisters, but finally had surgery on September 8 to insert two plates & pins to repair my ankle. My journey took me through splints, casts, wheelchair, knee scooter, walker, physical therapy, crutches & now just an ankle brace. I was surrounded by helpful, compassionate, & generous family & friends. I was truly grateful even though I hated to be dependent on others. So great to hear you are doing so well & are also surrounded by blessings. I have always loved your blog & aspire to have a home so warm & inviting as yours. Stay strong as it sounds like you have a lot of plans for the future. Be well, ~~Janine

    1. I hear you! I think I have a boot and physical therapy ahead of me! Only a week and 6 days left in my cast… hopefully!

  102. I like the burlap wrapped books, but when I did it there was a smell from the burlap that I couldn’t stand. Did you notice yours smelling funny?…yours looks more transparent of a material/weave than mine was. Perhaps that helped. Where did you get yours from?
    Also, I hope you are able to recover as quickly as possible. I understand the frustration of wanting to do it all without help, but hopefully by the end you can look back and appreciate the break. Praying for a speedy healing.

  103. Mary Frederick says:

    My thoughts and prayers are with you as you recover.