I'm very sorry that you are clearly having a tough time and that the surgery needed to be so much more complicated. Thank you for taking the time and strength to update us. Hunker down, tunnel through, take what rest you can, and I hope you feel much, much better soon. Thinking of you. xxx
Dearest Vivi, Take care and take meds and be kind and patient to yourself. Nasty little pain demons can cause all kinds of should-have would-have thoughts. Now is time to heal and be skeptical of too much thinking. Be well.
Vivi, sorry about the pain. It sounds like you have a good surgeon and he took the time to get all the junk out and you'll be healed in no time. Do not waste time on 2nd guessing your list of things. Next week you will be sewing and making things. Let your body adjust and keep those silly thoughts away, you perfectly executed what you needed to do to be ready! You are one tuff organized cookie😆 hugs to you!
Thank you Chris.......I think the next couple of weeks is going to be all sleep and physio.........and maybe some reading....if I can keep my eyes open... ;-)
Awww hugs sweet Vivi. I hope you are feeling better soon. Rest as much as possible. I am so glad your surgery is over and you are on the road to recovery. The drugs while necessary are a total pain in the butt.
Watched a couple today, Vivi. It's always interesting, and I'm so glad you're a girl who plans and is such a brilliant person. Plenty in the back catalogue of uploads to watch and enjoy. Take care, Vivi.
I agree with everybody: please be kind to yourself. I know it is very difficult. I think it is what society does to women and kind people. My internal dialog is almost all very negrive to myself. I am trying to change that but it is the most difficult thing I have ever done. I find that doing something physical when I have too mich negative dialog helps, so I think that is why you like being outdoors and in your garden. Personally, I think for being in such pain and on so many meds, you look way more put together and sound so much better than I would be. I would have a hard time getting out of bed!
Awww.......bless you......I kinda did have to drag myself to the chair to do this......but, being up and dressed makes me feel better than being in bed in my pjs. :-)
Get well Vivi. Hard to see you in any other condition than Sunny and full of energy. You still got in some creative descriptors that we love so much. Speedy recovery!
Oh my goodness Vivi! I weep for you, and It saddens me to hear about your journey through surgery. So sad to see you cry. I send you all the best wishes I can. Love your channel and look forward to seeing more videos, of course, no rush. You are such an amazing woman, and are such an inspiration.
It is NOT a cheat when you buy a little extra due to unusual circumstances. Which.... your op definately is. The pain will go away in time ( as you already know). Just be careful to not overdo it when you feel better. As for now, I will miss your frequent videos but it is more important that you deal with healing.Take care of yourself and don't be afraid to as friends for a little help when needed. Take care of yourself and happy healing.
Nice to see you back from surgery. Hope you heal quickly and the pain disappears. Your plot is looking fab and the veggies will be glad to see you when you return. Take care, rest up, and see you again soon!
You. Are. Amazing. I'm so happy that the surgery is over and done. It's the simplest of things that we miss the most and realize we've taken for granted, isn't it? Like walking with a cup or dish of food, or just simply turning one's body just a few degrees. After my ankle surgery, I felt like everything I did was physio, or as we say here physical therapy. Every hour that passes brings healing and gets you that much closer to your garden. You've got this!
You are on track and you were transitioning life processes, do not beat yourself up. You are looking at your steps and learning and adjusting to the pros and cons of your choices and actions. Your verbalization of thought processes and reasoning are a help and a wake up call to your viewers, thank you for your work and teaching.
Oh, dearest Vivi...I am so surprised to be hearing from you so soon. You've been in my prayers for good healing. Aww, don't worry about working on the deck instead of sewing. This is all a grand journey for you and now you have time and space to consider it all. I just can't begin to imagine you uploading videos so soon after your big op! From my own feeble experience there would have been no way I could have done the same as you after a big op. Keeping you in my prayers for pain control, healing and patience during your post-op time.
Hahahaha - it was a bit of an effort.....but I really wanted to say hello. I'm ok.....after so many well wishes and folk asking how I'm doing. It means the world to me. :-)
Well done Vivi.at least what you were dreading is over. You are right you will feel fuzzy, despondent, frustrated and down sometimes but it can all only get better. Like you say once you get over this first part you will feel so much better. Never put a brave face on it,take it easy, it may seem like it's never going to end at the moment but every day is a step closer to feeling great again. Do hope you manage to sleep whenever you can. Don't feel bad about spending money, this is a real necessary exception. Thanks for doing the video, great to see you looking so well. Think of how wonderful your garden is going to look next year with your mended legs get you through the pain. Take care Vivi. Xx. Pat
Thanks for taking the time to update us when you are obviously in so much pain after your op. Take some well earned rest and do your physio as you’ve been told and you’ll be stronger for it. Don’t beat yourself up about spending a little money to make things easier. Take care. Nick
It sounds like you have a bit of a cold, on top of your knee surgery. The hummus & cheese are necessary for your [speedier] recovery. I know it feels like cheating, but in the long run, it's not. Blessings to you, my dear friend. You don't know the number of times your garden & chats have lifted my spirits.
Hi Vivi, so good to see that you have come through surgery ok. Please don't angst about a little 'spend' ! I think it was sensible to lay in a few extras. Just enjoy them now please , this is a perfect time for treating yourself. Best wishes and hugs for a speedy recovery x
Yay! I am so glad you are home and well and on the mend! Enjoy your afternoon naps. I’m looking forward to the book tour and your garden videos to come. But for now (😂), take care of yourself and enjoy being at home. 💋
If youre taking suggestions for videos, Id like to see Sean as the brits say Hoovering and dusting your home . Lol run that by him... .Actually Id like to see what exercises you have to do ...not the whole workout with you in pain but a demo of one movement telling us how many you have to do of it. Did you have both knees done? How can you even get up? No less walk? I'm sure many of us have knee problems, I do, and may be facing the same surgery and would like to hear more. ps You should use your backpack to carry a thermos for beverages and hot soup travel to the living room. Take Care and heres to a speedy recovery from across the pond.
So happy you are home and I hope your recovery is speedy! Know that we are all sending you healing thoughts and well wishes and I look forward to more videos in the garden in due course. Take good care...xoxo
Vivi I have never posted before but have been so helped by your vlogs I just had to. You are so amazing! Your oh so positive attitude even when things are tough, & your gardening skills are all inspirational. I always feel better having watched you. Like many others I would love to come & give you a big hug. Get on the phone to those friends with keys & ask them to pop by. You need hugs & some company. Love & prayers for a speedy recovery.
Hope you will soon be pain free. Chronic pain is very tiring both physically and emotionally. You are coping so well. I'm a jelly baby when my back is bad. Give yourself plenty of treats. You deserve them. All the very best. Love Marie.x
Vivi.....can you do a video on what veggie seeds are on your A-list to grow this coming spring & summer? Any "new" to you varieties you just have to try? Lots of seed catalogs are showing up in my mailbox.....lots of new veg varieties are pretty interesting.....
I wish you a speedy recovery. Since you want to do them more, I would enjoy videos of your sewing and writing projects. (As a writer, I've watched hour-long videos of author Robert Olen Butler's computer screen while he works on a short story. It's interesting to watch a story develop from start to finish.)
Hi hope you are feeling better- rest and get better for better gardening days ahead❤️I am a new viewer from the shores of Lake Michigan and our gardens are all tucked in for the winter🦋Be Well
I am so sorry you are in such pain. Rest = heal. In the big picture, I have always found that things take care of themselves. You have done all you could to prepare, so now, all you need to do is let the healing happen. It is the most important thing you can do right now.
SO glad to know that you are home, on the mend and being a good patient ;)! As for a tour of your book collection, that would be great! I have often peek at the titles on the spines and wanted you to give a little tour of your favourites, what ones are particularly useful and why. Lots of wartime themes ones, I particularly love all the great info they gave out to people back then, innovative ways of getting through tough times and lots of ingenuity! Just like you!
Cheers lovely........lots of the titles on my shelf are related to self reliance in some way........whether it's in the wilderness or arctic exploration or Eskimo subsistence living.......... I hadn't quite realised it until recently when a friend was here and browsing my books......she saw the 'theme' straight away.........I guess it's been on my mind most of my life!
While your recovering, think of a Logo for your channel and give us an idea. I'm an artist and I can watercolor it, and you can sell stickers of it. I would buy one.. Maybe your shed and flowers with What Vivi did Next on it. Little extra income. I'd love a Vivi biography video, whatever you wanted to share. So glad your home and thru surgery. It takes a long time to feel OK after the anesthesia. I've had a lot of surgeries and whoo it's tiring. Take care and hugs from Oregon!
Hi Vivi! So good to see you and know you are ok. Sounds like they did a lot to your knee so it going to take lots of time to heal. You definitely need the sleep. It’s good for healing. And you’ve got the healthy eating covered. And the physio. 👍 hang in there. Keeping good thought for you. ❤️
Hello dear Vivi! For all that nasty surgery you look very good! When you were talking about not walking with a cup of hot tea I had a thought. If you put it inside a container you can screw a lid on, drop it into a bag with your mug tied to your crutch hand grip you can get the hot drink..and sweets... to a comfortable spot to drink it. I have been offering many of my small paintings on the Facebook Marketplace and I have sold some!I was able to buy a water filter to put on the kitchen faucet (we found out our water isn't good), three pair of blue jeans at a thrift store $5 each! Like new! I'm happy! And a few other things I'd been putting off that we needed. From the proceeds of the Holiday sale Nov. 17-19 I was able to do my minimal Christmas gift shopping for grandchildren. Big relief that's done! I can't wait to see what you sew up when you're feeling better. Make sure to write down your med. doses times and dates so you don't lose track. The "good stuff" can mess with your memory! 😛 Sending you hugs and wishes for a speedy recovery! PS. How many days did they keep you and HOW did you manage the stairs going home! You amaze me.Take very good care of my favorite gardener friend!🌲💖🐞🌱🌸🛌😺🌞🚑🛁🛁*Deb
Good on you with your paintings and sales.......it's great to buy the stuff you need with proceeds from your own work! Love that! Hahahaha - don't worry re the meds.......they're similar to the ones I used to use on the ward, including times, and they're so etched into my brain from years of work I reckon I could administer them in my sleep! ;-)
So nice to see you at home again. Be nice to yourself, relax and get well soon. Use your frends. You will have pain, but just think that the sun is soon turning and the best time of the year in garden (the spring) soon begins.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery, Vivi. So sorry about the chickpeas, I guess some crops are more reliable than others. I grew some amazing zucchinis 2 years ago, and never repeated this success, not for a lack of trying.
Aaah it's so good to see you again!! And I think it's really normal to cry after surgery, I recently burst into tears after just getting some stitches in my mouth:) Other people messing about with your body is just a very impactful thing to have happen to you. As is pain. But oh GOSH I'm happy to see you back and safe! I'll be starting your get better/Christmas present this weekend :D xxx
I think you have wonderfully well with your saving money.So you bought a few things Vivi don't regret it. You circumstances at the moment are unusual and you have to do what's easiest for you at the moment. The operation you have had is very painful so please rest you will soon be back to your cheery uplifting self. Take care Vivi every wish for a speedy recovery x
Lovely lady hope you feel better soon, one step at a time ( no pun ) Just take care of yourself, stay warm and safe and dream dreams of next spring. x.
So glad to see an update! Saw your allotment on Sean's recent video.The deck is amazing and your garden looks beautiful as it gets more into its "meditative" state awaiting your return :). You continue to be such an inspiration. I look forward to more videos as it works for you. You're in my thoughts and prayers and I hope the inflammation goes away quickly. Please rest in preparation for a great start to 2018!
Take care Vivi! Sorry your surgery was more complicated! Stay on top of the pain and you will see improvement every day! My second knee replacement is on the 13th....2 weeks. Can't wait to get it done. So much I wand to do in my gardens at home work and my pollinator garden for the master gardens. I grew 'Gigantes' beans this year. Very very hard to find seed in the US. I have lots to share if anyone would like a few.
You are doing wonderful dear lady, you have all the bases covered and are doing an excellent job of rehab, rest and releasing control for a moment or two. 💜 It will get better, it will ... especially the pain management and after effects of being under anesthesia and pain medicine. I think it's time for a bit of silliness and a no brainer movie after a nap, that helped me 2 weeks ago when I was right where you are now. Much love, light and gentle hugs from afar 😗💜💚💙😗
So sorry Vivi that you were in such agonizing pain I can only think back to when I use to have dreadful sciatica for 7 years and it use to be round autumn time and the agony use to be for at least 3 weeks one week of absolute agony none of the strongest pain killer worked. I am trying to immerging how bad it must have been for you, far worst than what I experience. My problem stopped when I decided I was going to be an interior designer, and that entailed parking the car and walking 50 yards to the classroom then climbing a very long flight of stairs to the class room, once a week for at least 3 months. I did that for two years and during that time had no sciatica. So when my friend suggested we join a keep fit class I agreed straight away, this changed my life from being a mid forty invalid to a walker. When ever the opportunity arise I would walk for a few miles with no problem and that is what got me involved in my garden digging holes no problem, mowing the grass no problem. Sadly I am not very fit at the moment but I HAVE TO GET BACK TO IT. Hope you are now a lot better. I do admire your guts and perseverance. Thanks for telling us your story it is to encourage us to get off our backside and get on with it no time for excuses or moaning.
It's hard to stat in shape when there's pain involved eh.....and it's easy to fall out of the habit of exercising....good thing we have our gardens to keep us ticking over. :-)
Hello! Stop being so hard on yourself. Think of the fun and satisfaction you got from building your deck. There's a few dark months ahead to catch up from your slip into frivolousness..lol! And yes, that's a real word (I checked first, ha ha...) Not many Type A personalities are as sweet as you! Glad you have friends to help out. Place a Comfrey compress on your knee for healing and sip on some Chamomile tea for sleep...You'll be Tripping the Light Fantastic before you know it!.Ta-ta! :))
Relieved that the surgery wasn’t worse and you seem to be in good spirit. It’s a cold overcast day here in Colorado, the spinach broccoli soup is on the menu.
Oh dear, poor Vivi, constant pain is a misery. But the worst part is over and you're doing all the right things, and like you say it's just a matter of waiting now for the healing. You're absolutely right not to overdo it - get those jigsaws out, or a good book, and try not to submit to the cabin fever. At least this is the perfect time of year to be stuck indoors, much too cold and muddy to get much done on an allotment (I haven't been to mine for the past fortnight). Take care, and hope you feel a day-by-day improvement.
Thank you. I don't actually have anything on the go at the moment......I decided to just 'float' for a couple of weeks and focus on resting.......maybe something in the new year..... :-)
I'm so sorry things were more complicated than expected. Life, in a nutshell, right?!?! I'm keeping you in my prayers. Try to rest and heal and you'll be back in the soil before you know it! ((HUGS)) from across the Pond!
So good to see you, you are doing so well! Take it slow, ...little successes are the way to go.You have done amazingly well considering what you have been through. Think slow and steady....like the tortoise. As far as your purchases are concerned ...you prepared for the unknown as best you could. The other plans of sewing and writing ...they will happen all in good time. I remember all I wanted to accomplish once I retired and when I finally got to retirement some of the wants just seemed to dissolve and become unimportant initially. After a time some desires came back and became incorporated as routine. Your desires will do the same...given time.
Dear Vivi, What a trouper you are !! Now this is an order...take moments to do absolutely nothing!! I know your mind is filled with wild horses telling you things you should be doing...but Missy Nurse, take care of yourself and take this time to give yourself a time to heal and R*E+S+T !!! Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers for a successful healing
So good to see you! Glad you are on the Healing Path! You might miss going to your garden and working, but here in the Northern US, we will be frozen in soon and not able to touch our gardens until.... March or April! We are having a really late fall - I could still rake leaves as they had started to fall so late that there are still some stragglers. But not today! Today was a sewing day for me.. Finally! I have sew many sewing projects that I am glad that the gardening season is over and I can change gears and get these other things done! I wish I could post a picture for you of the baby quilt that I finished today. It will be packed up and sent to Germany asap. Now I get to sew for ME! Don't worry, I will get itching for the garden and start planning for next year in January. For now, follow my lead and as soon as you get those knees under control, get out your machine and get sewing! We can sew along together!
Well done vivi,you will be up and about before you know it,for goodness sake give yourself a brake will you,be kind to your self 🍰🍦thankyou so much for sharing this video,we do love you so hear is a massive warm squidgy cuddle just for you.Talk soon sweetie xxxx 💕
Thank you so much for this video. I was very moved. Your dignity, humility & strength is inspiring. I learn something new about life every time you post. Don't beat yourself up for spending time &/or £££ on yourself. The oatcakes you don't eat today will be there in the weeks to come when you might need them. You're a star Vivi. All the best from Alberta, Canada.
Hello! It Dec. 1st. Friday evening and I just found another great video from "My Self Reliance". This man has built by hand a log cabin in Canada and I've been following his progress. Not only is he a talented carpenter but he is also humble and wise. While you are unable to do much I thought you might like to check it out. I hope every day gets easier for you. Our mild 50°f temps are going to dissapear next week so I will try to get my outdoor jobs wrapped up before it turns very cold. Take care!
And with snow on the way home projects sound interesting. Feet up time during the worst of the weather. And no sleeping in a sleeping bag in the shed. Not yet anyway. This could be a good ideas time. Go over lists and make new ones. Call in a masseuse. Drizzly wet here
Great to see you up and about Vivi! Now it’s time for Sean to come make you tea as payback for all that lounging about using your gas in your shed ;) Try and get some rest... and looking forward to seeing next years garden plans or whatever vids you come up with! ;)
Hi Vivi ~ My heart goes out to you, however, you're on the "right side" of your surgery. I found myself holding my breath while watching you, because my hip replacement surgery is scheduled for Jan 16, and while I really need it, at last all this pain will lessen, in the meanwhile, I've had to figure out ways to transport items from the kitchen, to my bed or chair. while using two canes. I have several "hot" mugs with lids. That has taken care of tea and coffee. The water is not an issue. When it comes to food....I have a very obliging son. Oh, by the way, you are going to have a whole community of very healthy mice. Get those kitties going! Good luck going forward. You are much love. A friend from Michigan.
Hi Vivi, So glad that you are home and even though things didn't go as planned you made it through the procedure.I know you didn't want to spend money at the shops but those things are going to be needed and make things easier for you during your down time.I'm so very proud of you Vivi you are doing what so many people would love to try but don't for fear of the unknown. Your not afraid of the hard work it takes to get what you need and to get the job done and on most days in a great deal of pain.Hopefully the pain is now going to be in the past after the healing is done.Please don't push or get into to much of a hurry to heal. Give your body the rest that is needed and deserved.Wishing all the best for you Vivi. We love ya and want you back Happy, Healthy,and Healed. : )
Thank you so much Anita.......I can't wait to get back on with things and to play in the garden but for now I am being patient and letting my body rest and heal..... :-)
Bone pain totally sucks big time... I’m waiting for a hip replacement scared senseless but like you I want to be able to get in my garden without being in pain! Anyway it’s good to come out the other side get well soon!
Hey Vivi, hope you are feeling better, make sure Sean gets down to make you a brew haha I think a bookshelf tour video would be a great idea, i'd love to see your collection :)
Sending you lots of healing thoughts and well wishes! If you need another idea for a sit down video, I always love hearing how people got into xyz. In this case, gardening. Did you garden as a child or did you find the hobby as an adult? Any funny or disaster stories?
Good to see you, Vivi. One thing I missed as a pre-op suggestion , do you have a rolling chair or cart? I use my desk chair to move things around the house that are awkward or heavy to carry. Something like that may help you in the weeks to come. Take care.
OMG GIRL....you are just sooooo hard on yourself, stop it, stop it now !!!! be kind to yourself, my allotment was a disaster, all my onions turned out the size of shallots red and yellow. I won’t list all the produce that failed completely! You are super woman compared to me, so I would feel just a bit better, if you would ease up on yourself. I mean.....look at you...just out of surgery , and general anaesthetic, and you’ve made a video rendered it and up loaded it. Now go and lay down and count your blessings xxx get well soon
I’m glad to see your doing alright after your surgery. I would love to see some sewing videos and one about plans for next years garden. Maybe if you want you could film a seed collection video like some people do. Also have you ever considered growing extra plants in those small plastic pots and selling them as starter plants to make money? I’m considering doing that since I can’t work at a conventional job right now due to my chronic illness.
glad to see you back home after the opp and on the mend !! lets hope it as quick and as painless as possible, but don't try and run before you can walk !!
Good to see you Vivi! Please get plenty of rest and don't think too much about your financial situation and those mice that ate your chickpeas. :o) You're supposed to be recuperating. So rest! Had surgery myself early this year. Had to remove my gallbladder (due to gallstone). Like you, it was supposed to be a simple procedure...but it got slightly complicated. Woke up with so much pain. But thank God all is well now...which I'm sure you will too...soon... :o) Take care!
I'm very sorry that you are clearly having a tough time and that the surgery needed to be so much more complicated. Thank you for taking the time and strength to update us. Hunker down, tunnel through, take what rest you can, and I hope you feel much, much better soon. Thinking of you. xxx
Thank you so much lovely. :-)
Rest, sleep, heal ❤️
Absolutely! :-)
Dearest Vivi,
Take care and take meds and be kind and patient to yourself. Nasty little pain demons can cause all kinds of should-have would-have thoughts. Now is time to heal and be skeptical of too much thinking. Be well.
Thank you........yes, wise words. :-)
Sending healing thoughts to you. Us bionic women have to stick together 😊
Hahahaha - too right! ;-)
You're a real trooper Vivi. You're a ray of sunshine, always looking on the bright side of things. Take care and enjoy some "Me" time.
Thank you........I'm being a complete slob.....and making the most of it. ;-)
Vivi, sorry about the pain. It sounds like you have a good surgeon and he took the time to get all the junk out and you'll be healed in no time. Do not waste time on 2nd guessing your list of things. Next week you will be sewing and making things. Let your body adjust and keep those silly thoughts away, you perfectly executed what you needed to do to be ready! You are one tuff organized cookie😆 hugs to you!
Thank you Chris.......I think the next couple of weeks is going to be all sleep and physio.........and maybe some reading....if I can keep my eyes open... ;-)
Vivi, You are loved.
Awww........thank you, I feel it. :-)
Awww hugs sweet Vivi. I hope you are feeling better soon. Rest as much as possible. I am so glad your surgery is over and you are on the road to recovery. The drugs while necessary are a total pain in the butt.
Thanks Anne.......hopefully I can start weaning of the drugs in the next few days.... :-)
Watched a couple today, Vivi. It's always interesting, and I'm so glad you're a girl who plans and is such a brilliant person. Plenty in the back catalogue of uploads to watch and enjoy. Take care, Vivi.
Thank you so much lovely.
Hi Vivi...I'm sending a warm hug, lots of love and hope. 🤗❤️🤗☕️🍩
Thank you! :-)
I agree with everybody: please be kind to yourself. I know it is very difficult. I think it is what society does to women and kind people. My internal dialog is almost all very negrive to myself. I am trying to change that but it is the most difficult thing I have ever done. I find that doing something physical when I have too mich negative dialog helps, so I think that is why you like being outdoors and in your garden. Personally, I think for being in such pain and on so many meds, you look way more put together and sound so much better than I would be. I would have a hard time getting out of bed!
Awww.......bless you......I kinda did have to drag myself to the chair to do this......but, being up and dressed makes me feel better than being in bed in my pjs. :-)
Get well Vivi. Hard to see you in any other condition than Sunny and full of energy. You still got in some creative descriptors that we love so much. Speedy recovery!
Hahahaha - thank you. :-)
Oh my goodness Vivi! I weep for you, and It saddens me to hear about your journey through surgery. So sad to see you cry. I send you all the best wishes I can. Love your channel and look forward to seeing more videos, of course, no rush. You are such an amazing woman, and are such an inspiration.
Awww.......thank you so much. :-)
It is NOT a cheat when you buy a little extra due to unusual circumstances. Which.... your op definately is. The pain will go away in time ( as you already know). Just be careful to not overdo it when you feel better. As for now, I will miss your frequent videos but it is more important that you deal with healing.Take care of yourself and don't be afraid to as friends for a little help when needed. Take care of yourself and happy healing.
Thanks so much Rob.......it's going in the right direction. :-)
Nice to see you back from surgery. Hope you heal quickly and the pain disappears. Your plot is looking fab and the veggies will be glad to see you when you return. Take care, rest up, and see you again soon!
Thanks lovely......I can't wait to get back to the garden.....but I'm also in no rush..... :-)
Welcome back to my favourite RUclipsr :0) Thinking of you & wishing you a speedy recovery x
Awww......thank you! :-)
Lots of love and a speedy recovery Vivi.❤
Thank you. :-)
Prayers & huggs! Get well soon.
Thank you. :-)
You. Are. Amazing. I'm so happy that the surgery is over and done. It's the simplest of things that we miss the most and realize we've taken for granted, isn't it? Like walking with a cup or dish of food, or just simply turning one's body just a few degrees. After my ankle surgery, I felt like everything I did was physio, or as we say here physical therapy. Every hour that passes brings healing and gets you that much closer to your garden. You've got this!
Thank you so much lovely! :-)
You are on track and you were transitioning life processes, do not beat yourself up. You are looking at your steps and learning and adjusting to the pros and cons of your choices and actions. Your verbalization of thought processes and reasoning are a help and a wake up call to your viewers, thank you for your work and teaching.
Awww.......and thank you for your support and kind words. :-)
Oh, dearest Vivi...I am so surprised to be hearing from you so soon. You've been in my prayers for good healing. Aww, don't worry about working on the deck instead of sewing. This is all a grand journey for you and now you have time and space to consider it all. I just can't begin to imagine you uploading videos so soon after your big op! From my own feeble experience there would have been no way I could have done the same as you after a big op. Keeping you in my prayers for pain control, healing and patience during your post-op time.
Hahahaha - it was a bit of an effort.....but I really wanted to say hello. I'm ok.....after so many well wishes and folk asking how I'm doing. It means the world to me. :-)
Well done Vivi.at least what you were dreading is over. You are right you will feel fuzzy, despondent, frustrated and down sometimes but it can all only get better. Like you say once you get over this first part you will feel so much better. Never put a brave face on it,take it easy, it may seem like it's never going to end at the moment but every day is a step closer to feeling great again. Do hope you manage to sleep whenever you can. Don't feel bad about spending money, this is a real necessary exception. Thanks for doing the video, great to see you looking so well. Think of how wonderful your garden is going to look next year with your mended legs get you through the pain. Take care Vivi. Xx. Pat
Thank you for your lovely, kind words. :-)
Have a speedy recovery!
That's the plan! :-)
Hugs and healing wishes your way.
Thank you lovely. :-)
Thanks for taking the time to update us when you are obviously in so much pain after your op. Take some well earned rest and do your physio as you’ve been told and you’ll be stronger for it. Don’t beat yourself up about spending a little money to make things easier. Take care. Nick
Thanks Nick.........it's going ok and I'll be flying again by spring! :-)
It sounds like you have a bit of a cold, on top of your knee surgery. The hummus & cheese are necessary for your [speedier] recovery. I know it feels like cheating, but in the long run, it's not. Blessings to you, my dear friend. You don't know the number of times your garden & chats have lifted my spirits.
Awww.......thank you Cindy - hearing this massively bucks my spirits! :-)
Hi Vivi, so good to see that you have come through surgery ok. Please don't angst about a little 'spend' ! I think it was sensible to lay in a few extras. Just enjoy them now please , this is a perfect time for treating yourself. Best wishes and hugs for a speedy recovery x
Thank you Christine.....so far so good. :-)
Yay! I am so glad you are home and well and on the mend! Enjoy your afternoon naps. I’m looking forward to the book tour and your garden videos to come. But for now (😂), take care of yourself and enjoy being at home. 💋
Thank you Belinda........I'm being good and enjoying some sofa/blanket time. :-)
Thank you for letting us know. Hope you feel better soon.
Cheers - I'm sure I will. :-)
Get well soon Vivi take care
Thank you. :-)
If youre taking suggestions for videos, Id like to see Sean as the brits say Hoovering and dusting your home . Lol run that by him...
.Actually Id like to see what exercises you have to do ...not the whole workout with you in pain but a demo of one movement telling us how many you have to do of it. Did you have both knees done? How can you even get up? No less walk? I'm sure many of us have knee problems, I do, and may be facing the same surgery and would like to hear more.
ps You should use your backpack to carry a thermos for beverages and hot soup travel to the living room.
Take Care and heres to a speedy recovery from across the pond.
Hahahaha to Sean cleaning. Just the one knee......otherwise I'd be totally scuppered........it's going ok. :-)
So happy you are home and I hope your recovery is speedy! Know that we are all sending you healing thoughts and well wishes and I look forward to more videos in the garden in due course. Take good care...xoxo
Thanks Jan. :-)
Vivi I have never posted before but have been so helped by your vlogs I just had to. You are so amazing! Your oh so positive attitude even when things are tough, & your gardening skills are all inspirational. I always feel better having watched you. Like many others I would love to come & give you a big hug. Get on the phone to those friends with keys & ask them to pop by. You need hugs & some company. Love & prayers for a speedy recovery.
Thank you so much for your lovely, kind words - that means so much to me. :-)
Hope you will soon be pain free. Chronic pain is very tiring both physically and emotionally. You are coping so well. I'm a jelly baby when my back is bad. Give yourself plenty of treats. You deserve them. All the very best. Love Marie.x
Thank you Marie. :-)
Vivi.....can you do a video on what veggie seeds are on your A-list to grow this coming spring & summer? Any "new" to you varieties you just have to try? Lots of seed catalogs are showing up in my mailbox.....lots of new veg varieties are pretty interesting.....
Good idea........may do that......except most of the seeds are stored in the shed......but I should be able to remember them. ;-)
I wish you a speedy recovery. Since you want to do them more, I would enjoy videos of your sewing and writing projects. (As a writer, I've watched hour-long videos of author Robert Olen Butler's computer screen while he works on a short story. It's interesting to watch a story develop from start to finish.)
Oooh, I'll have to check him out......thank you. :-)
Welcome back!
Thank you! :-)
Ditto on the speedy recovery. Stay strong.
Thank you Lena. :-)
Hi hope you are feeling better- rest and get better for better gardening days ahead❤️I am a new viewer from the shores of Lake Michigan and our gardens are all tucked in for the winter🦋Be Well
.
I am so sorry you are in such pain. Rest = heal. In the big picture, I have always found that things take care of themselves. You have done all you could to prepare, so now, all you need to do is let the healing happen. It is the most important thing you can do right now.
Absolutely........resting, physio and good food are what the healing needs. :-)
SO glad to know that you are home, on the mend and being a good patient ;)! As for a tour of your book collection, that would be great! I have often peek at the titles on the spines and wanted you to give a little tour of your favourites, what ones are particularly useful and why. Lots of wartime themes ones, I particularly love all the great info they gave out to people back then, innovative ways of getting through tough times and lots of ingenuity! Just like you!
Cheers lovely........lots of the titles on my shelf are related to self reliance in some way........whether it's in the wilderness or arctic exploration or Eskimo subsistence living.......... I hadn't quite realised it until recently when a friend was here and browsing my books......she saw the 'theme' straight away.........I guess it's been on my mind most of my life!
While your recovering, think of a Logo for your channel and give us an idea. I'm an artist and I can watercolor it, and you can sell stickers of it. I would buy one.. Maybe your shed and flowers with What Vivi did Next on it. Little extra income. I'd love a Vivi biography video, whatever you wanted to share. So glad your home and thru surgery. It takes a long time to feel OK after the anesthesia. I've had a lot of surgeries and whoo it's tiring. Take care and hugs from Oregon!
darkmoonlady2002 " I'm finding out ' what Vivi does next! ' utube. " I'd buy a sticker! :)
Thank you lovely....that's a great idea.... :-)
Get well soon!!!
Thank you. :-)
Hi Vivi! So good to see you and know you are ok. Sounds like they did a lot to your knee so it going to take lots of time to heal. You definitely need the sleep. It’s good for healing. And you’ve got the healthy eating covered. And the physio. 👍 hang in there. Keeping good thought for you. ❤️
Thank you so much. :-)
Hello dear Vivi! For all that nasty surgery you look very good! When you were talking about not walking with a cup of hot tea I had a thought. If you put it inside a container you can screw a lid on, drop it into a bag with your mug tied to your crutch hand grip you can get the hot drink..and sweets... to a comfortable spot to drink it. I have been offering many of my small paintings on the Facebook Marketplace and I have sold some!I was able to buy a water filter to put on the kitchen faucet (we found out our water isn't good), three pair of blue jeans at a thrift store $5 each! Like new! I'm happy! And a few other things I'd been putting off that we needed. From the proceeds of the Holiday sale Nov. 17-19 I was able to do my minimal Christmas gift shopping for grandchildren. Big relief that's done! I can't wait to see what you sew up when you're feeling better. Make sure to write down your med. doses times and dates so you don't lose track. The "good stuff" can mess with your memory! 😛 Sending you hugs and wishes for a speedy recovery! PS. How many days did they keep you and HOW did you manage the stairs going home! You amaze me.Take very good care of my favorite gardener friend!🌲💖🐞🌱🌸🛌😺🌞🚑🛁🛁*Deb
Good on you with your paintings and sales.......it's great to buy the stuff you need with proceeds from your own work! Love that! Hahahaha - don't worry re the meds.......they're similar to the ones I used to use on the ward, including times, and they're so etched into my brain from years of work I reckon I could administer them in my sleep! ;-)
So nice to see you at home again. Be nice to yourself, relax and get well soon. Use your frends. You will have pain, but just think that the sun is soon turning and the best time of the year in garden (the spring) soon begins.
Thank you.........I'm resting while the garden rests.......perfect timing..... :-)
Thank you for updating us!!! Taking care of yourself is the first priority!
Absolutely. Thank you. :-)
Best wishes for a speedy recovery, Vivi. So sorry about the chickpeas, I guess some crops are more reliable than others. I grew some amazing zucchinis 2 years ago, and never repeated this success, not for a lack of trying.
It's one of the joys/frustrations of gardening eh? We can never quite get smug about our achievements! ;-)
Aaah it's so good to see you again!! And I think it's really normal to cry after surgery, I recently burst into tears after just getting some stitches in my mouth:) Other people messing about with your body is just a very impactful thing to have happen to you. As is pain. But oh GOSH I'm happy to see you back and safe! I'll be starting your get better/Christmas present this weekend :D xxx
Ouch to stitches in the mouth.......I hope you are all healed up and better now. X :-)
I think you have wonderfully well with your saving money.So you bought a few things Vivi don't regret it. You circumstances at the moment are unusual and you have to do what's easiest for you at the moment. The operation you have had is very painful so please rest you will soon be back to your cheery uplifting self. Take care Vivi every wish for a speedy recovery x
Thank you so much Margaret. :-)
You are doing the right thing. Take care of you and every day will get better. All the best for a GREAT successful recovery.
Thank you so much. :-)
Lovely lady hope you feel better soon, one step at a time ( no pun ) Just take care of yourself, stay warm and safe and dream dreams of next spring. x.
Thanks lovely.......oh, I'm dreaming alright! :-)
Also I'm not sure what operation you have had but we all wish you well and a speedy recovery x
Thank you. :-)
So glad to see an update! Saw your allotment on Sean's recent video.The deck is amazing and your garden looks beautiful as it gets more into its "meditative" state awaiting your return :). You continue to be such an inspiration. I look forward to more videos as it works for you. You're in my thoughts and prayers and I hope the inflammation goes away quickly. Please rest in preparation for a great start to 2018!
Thank you so much. Yes, it was lovely to have a glimpse of the garden via the live 'walk around'........I can't wait to get back to it. :-)
Take it easy. Time flies. You will be back at the plot in no time.
I can't wait! ;-)
Take care Vivi! Sorry your surgery was more complicated! Stay on top of the pain and you will see improvement every day! My second knee replacement is on the 13th....2 weeks. Can't wait to get it done. So much I wand to do in my gardens at home work and my pollinator garden for the master gardens. I grew 'Gigantes' beans this year. Very very hard to find seed in the US. I have lots to share if anyone would like a few.
Oooh good luck with your next op.......I wish I had had the replacement already! Keep me posted. :-)
I wish you the best of recoveries and lots of internet hugs
Thank you lovely. :-)
All the very best Vivi.
Thank you. :-)
You are doing wonderful dear lady, you have all the bases covered and are doing an excellent job of rehab, rest and releasing control for a moment or two. 💜 It will get better, it will ... especially the pain management and after effects of being under anesthesia and pain medicine. I think it's time for a bit of silliness and a no brainer movie after a nap, that helped me 2 weeks ago when I was right where you are now. Much love, light and gentle hugs from afar 😗💜💚💙😗
Thank you so much Anne......yes, there have been a few movies.....and lots of naps....... :-)
Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
Cheers. :-)
Wishing u a speedy recovery Viv :) .Hope the pain eases for u soon bless u .xx
Thank you lovely. :-)
Pleased to see you looking so good, us ex-nurses are a tough breed. Good luck with the rest of your rehabilitation and take care xxx
Thank you Catherine. :-)
Bless you Vivi, hope the pain eases soon. I like the idea of a plot calendar, some extra income too? 😘
The pain is sort of under control.....until I move....hahahaha......I'm learning to sit still! ;-)
So sorry Vivi that you were in such agonizing pain I can only think back to when I use to have dreadful sciatica for 7 years and it use to be round autumn time and the agony use to be for at least 3 weeks one week of absolute agony none of the strongest pain killer worked. I am trying to immerging how bad it must have been for you, far worst than what I experience. My problem stopped when I decided I was going to be an interior designer, and that entailed parking the car and walking 50 yards to the classroom then climbing a very long flight of stairs to the class room, once a week for at least 3 months. I did that for two years and during that time had no sciatica. So when my friend suggested we join a keep fit class I agreed straight away, this changed my life from being a mid forty invalid to a walker. When ever the opportunity arise I would walk for a few miles with no problem and that is what got me involved in my garden digging holes no problem, mowing the grass no problem. Sadly I am not very fit at the moment but I HAVE TO GET BACK TO IT. Hope you are now a lot better. I do admire your guts and perseverance. Thanks for telling us your story it is to encourage us to get off our backside and get on with it no time for excuses or moaning.
It's hard to stat in shape when there's pain involved eh.....and it's easy to fall out of the habit of exercising....good thing we have our gardens to keep us ticking over. :-)
Bless you Vivi. Here's wishing you a speedy recovery. X
Thank you! :-)
Hello! Stop being so hard on yourself. Think of the fun and satisfaction you got from building your deck. There's a few dark months ahead to catch up from your slip into frivolousness..lol! And yes, that's a real word (I checked first, ha ha...) Not many Type A personalities are as sweet as you! Glad you have friends to help out. Place a Comfrey compress on your knee for healing and sip on some Chamomile tea for sleep...You'll be Tripping the Light Fantastic before you know it!.Ta-ta! :))
Hahahahahaha - I'll be tap dancing on the deck before winter is out. Maybe. ;-)
Awesome update glad your home and may God bring speedy recovery to you and blessing
Thanks Linda. :-)
Relieved that the surgery wasn’t worse and you seem to be in good spirit. It’s a cold overcast day here in Colorado, the spinach broccoli soup is on the menu.
Oooh, enjoy. :-)
Get well soon Vivi. Looking forward for some sewing videos. Please take of yourself.
Thank you - will do. :-)
Oh dear, poor Vivi, constant pain is a misery. But the worst part is over and you're doing all the right things, and like you say it's just a matter of waiting now for the healing. You're absolutely right not to overdo it - get those jigsaws out, or a good book, and try not to submit to the cabin fever. At least this is the perfect time of year to be stuck indoors, much too cold and muddy to get much done on an allotment (I haven't been to mine for the past fortnight). Take care, and hope you feel a day-by-day improvement.
It really was the perfect time to get it done......I don't mind hiding under a quilt at this time of year! ;-)
Hello Vivi i'm so relieved to see you back ,I would like to see some of your sewing projects , If you have any on the go
Thank you. I don't actually have anything on the go at the moment......I decided to just 'float' for a couple of weeks and focus on resting.......maybe something in the new year..... :-)
Good to see you back at home and best of luck with your recovery. Thanks so much for your videos!
Thank you. :-)
I'm so sorry things were more complicated than expected. Life, in a nutshell, right?!?! I'm keeping you in my prayers. Try to rest and heal and you'll be back in the soil before you know it! ((HUGS)) from across the Pond!
Thank you lovely. :-)
Take it easy. So happy to see your are in recovery mode.
Cheers........definitely starting to recover.... :-)
So good to see you, you are doing so well! Take it slow, ...little successes are the way to go.You have done amazingly well considering what you have been through. Think slow and steady....like the tortoise. As far as your purchases are concerned ...you prepared for the unknown as best you could. The other plans of sewing and writing ...they will happen all in good time. I remember all I wanted to accomplish once I retired and when I finally got to retirement some of the wants just seemed to dissolve and become unimportant initially. After a time some desires came back and became incorporated as routine. Your desires will do the same...given time.
Thank you........wise words!!!!! :-)
get well soon and back on the plot
Cheers......can't wait! :-)
Take care Vivi am thinking of you during recovery!
Thank you. :-)
Dear Vivi, What a trouper you are !! Now this is an order...take moments to do absolutely nothing!! I know your mind is filled with wild horses telling you things you should be doing...but Missy Nurse, take care of yourself and take this time to give yourself a time to heal and R*E+S+T !!! Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers for a successful healing
Hahahahaha - you're right about the wild horses! But I'm being good and doing very little. :-)
Hope you heal super fast and get back to your normal routine.
Sorry about the pain. Stay positive
Staying positive and dreaming about Spring! :-)
Get well soon Vivi
Thank you.:-)
So good to see you! Glad you are on the Healing Path! You might miss going to your garden and working, but here in the Northern US, we will be frozen in soon and not able to touch our gardens until.... March or April! We are having a really late fall - I could still rake leaves as they had started to fall so late that there are still some stragglers. But not today! Today was a sewing day for me.. Finally! I have sew many sewing projects that I am glad that the gardening season is over and I can change gears and get these other things done! I wish I could post a picture for you of the baby quilt that I finished today. It will be packed up and sent to Germany asap. Now I get to sew for ME! Don't worry, I will get itching for the garden and start planning for next year in January. For now, follow my lead and as soon as you get those knees under control, get out your machine and get sewing! We can sew along together!
Awww.......happy sewing days........I can't think of a better way to pass the dark, cold months while our gardens sleep. Enjoy! :-)
Prayers and a speedy recovery!
Thank you. :-)
Well done vivi,you will be up and about before you know it,for goodness sake give yourself a brake will you,be kind to your self 🍰🍦thankyou so much for sharing this video,we do love you so hear is a massive warm squidgy cuddle just for you.Talk soon sweetie xxxx 💕
Awww........thanks for the lovely cuddle. :-)
Thank you so much for this video. I was very moved. Your dignity, humility & strength is inspiring. I learn something new about life every time you post.
Don't beat yourself up for spending time &/or £££ on yourself. The oatcakes you don't eat today will be there in the weeks to come when you might need them. You're a star Vivi.
All the best from Alberta, Canada.
Thank you so much Marie. :-)
Hello! It Dec. 1st. Friday evening and I just found another great video from "My Self Reliance". This man has built by hand a log cabin in Canada and I've been following his progress. Not only is he a talented carpenter but he is also humble and wise.
While you are unable to do much I thought you might like to check it out.
I hope every day gets easier for you. Our mild 50°f temps are going to dissapear next week so I will try to get my outdoor jobs wrapped up before it turns very cold.
Take care!
Oooooh, that sounds right up my street! Thank you - I'll check it out. :-)
And with snow on the way home projects sound interesting. Feet up time during the worst of the weather. And no sleeping in a sleeping bag in the shed. Not yet anyway. This could be a good ideas time. Go over lists and make new ones. Call in a masseuse. Drizzly wet here
Hahahahaha - I don't think I'll be getting to the shed anytime soon.......much as I'd like to. ;-)
Great to see you up and about Vivi! Now it’s time for Sean to come make you tea as payback for all that lounging about using your gas in your shed ;) Try and get some rest... and looking forward to seeing next years garden plans or whatever vids you come up with! ;)
Hahahaha - he came and visited for a little while today......I forgot to ask for a cuppa! ;-)
Hi Vivi ~ My heart goes out to you, however, you're on the "right side" of your surgery. I found myself holding my breath while watching you, because my hip replacement surgery is scheduled for Jan 16, and while I really need it, at last all this pain will lessen, in the meanwhile, I've had to figure out ways to transport items from the kitchen, to my bed or chair. while using two canes. I have several "hot" mugs with lids. That has taken care of tea and coffee. The water is not an issue. When it comes to food....I have a very obliging son. Oh, by the way, you are going to have a whole community of very healthy mice. Get those kitties going! Good luck going forward. You are much love. A friend from Michigan.
Thank you so much Mandy and the best of luck and speedy healing for your op. X
Shell shocked 🎄❤️☃️⛄️❄️💕get Sean around make tea x glad on mend take it easy no football 🙃it is freezing out wrap upwarm
I'm fine lovely........being good and resting lots. :-)
Hi Vivi, So glad that you are home and even though things didn't go as planned you made it through the procedure.I know you didn't want to spend money at the shops but those things are going to be needed and make things easier for you during your down time.I'm so very proud of you Vivi you are doing what so many people would love to try but don't for fear of the unknown. Your not afraid of the hard work it takes to get what you need and to get the job done and on most days in a great deal of pain.Hopefully the pain is now going to be in the past after the healing is done.Please don't push or get into to much of a hurry to heal. Give your body the rest that is needed and deserved.Wishing all the best for you Vivi. We love ya and want you back Happy, Healthy,and Healed. : )
Thank you so much Anita.......I can't wait to get back on with things and to play in the garden but for now I am being patient and letting my body rest and heal..... :-)
Mustn't spend all my energy in the garden. That struck a chord. Here's to finding that elusive creature we call balance! Wishing you swift healing x
It's just too much fun!........I always have a problem dragging myself away...... :-)
Bone pain totally sucks big time... I’m waiting for a hip replacement scared senseless but like you I want to be able to get in my garden without being in pain! Anyway it’s good to come out the other side get well soon!
Oh I hope you can have it soon! Winter really is the best time for it.......no worrying about looking after the garden babies! Good luck with it. :-)
What Vivi did next , I’m in Australia so this is summer... which is also a good thing as its to hot to grow too much!
Get well soon Vivi x
Thank you. :-)
Hey Vivi, hope you are feeling better, make sure Sean gets down to make you a brew haha I think a bookshelf tour video would be a great idea, i'd love to see your collection :)
Thank you.......hopefully I can do the books next week maybe.... :-)
Sending you lots of healing thoughts and well wishes! If you need another idea for a sit down video, I always love hearing how people got into xyz. In this case, gardening. Did you garden as a child or did you find the hobby as an adult? Any funny or disaster stories?
Cheers lovely......that's a nice idea.....I'll have a think on that. :-)
Good to see you, Vivi. One thing I missed as a pre-op suggestion , do you have a rolling chair or cart? I use my desk chair to move things around the house that are awkward or heavy to carry. Something like that may help you in the weeks to come. Take care.
No, I don't have anything like that but I've taken to wearing my little mini rucksack when I go from one room to another.... :-)
OMG GIRL....you are just sooooo hard on yourself, stop it, stop it now !!!! be kind to yourself, my allotment was a disaster, all my onions turned out the size of shallots red and yellow. I won’t list all the produce that failed completely! You are super woman compared to me, so I would feel just a bit better, if you would ease up on yourself. I mean.....look at you...just out of surgery , and general anaesthetic, and you’ve made a video rendered it and up loaded it. Now go and lay down and count your blessings xxx get well soon
Hahahahahaha - thank you lovely! Don't worry.....I'm doing lots of laying down at the moment. I'm being sensible for once. ;-)
I’m glad to see your doing alright after your surgery. I would love to see some sewing videos and one about plans for next years garden. Maybe if you want you could film a seed collection video like some people do.
Also have you ever considered growing extra plants in those small plastic pots and selling them as starter plants to make money? I’m considering doing that since I can’t work at a conventional job right now due to my chronic illness.
That's a great idea.......thank you. :-)
glad to see you back home after the opp and on the mend !! lets hope it as quick and as painless as possible, but don't try and run before you can walk !!
Thank you......I'm taking it slowly. :-)
Good to see you Vivi! Please get plenty of rest and don't think too much about your financial situation and those mice that ate your chickpeas. :o) You're supposed to be recuperating. So rest! Had surgery myself early this year. Had to remove my gallbladder (due to gallstone). Like you, it was supposed to be a simple procedure...but it got slightly complicated. Woke up with so much pain. But thank God all is well now...which I'm sure you will too...soon... :o) Take care!
Thank you. I'm glad to hear you're all sorted now. :-)