Dirt Road Adventures: Happy Labor Day & Post Surgery
Happy Sunday, and welcome to Dirt Road Adventures! This is where we review all the exciting events behind the scenes, on the website, and the sources of inspiration I discovered online during the past week. This weekly recap ensures you don’t miss any of our adventures here at the end of our Dirt Road.
Hey Friends,
It’s been another long week. It’s hard to believe it’s Labor Day Weekend. We’ve had a very different summer since Rachel’s diagnosis of Ovarian Cancer just after Easter. Each of our summer holidays has been spent at home recovering from chemo treatments and now her surgery.
Rachel was finally released from the hospital on Wednesday, having spent 10 days there. Although we are happy to be home, it hasn’t been an easy time for her. She’s having a few good moments along with the bad. The biggest hurdle is being able to eat properly. Small snacks seem to be helping. I’m still documenting her journal, so you can catch up if you’d like. See My Healing Journal.
While we were away, the main areas of the farmhouse were painted. I’ve tried to put most of the items back in place, but it will take Rachel’s special touch to get everything back in order. All the shiplap walls and tongue-and-groove ceilings are freshly painted, and it looks good. We went back with the same Benjamin Moore White Dove on the walls, and the ceiling is Balboa Mist.
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Adventures at the End of the Dirt Road
This is a look back at all my adventures this past week.
Thankfully, Rachel worked on projects and scheduled her blog posts in the weeks leading up to her surgery. She has already scheduled some of her new DIY projects for the first week of September. She has several projects that she completed, along with some favorites from years past. We are hoping she will be feeling much better soon and will be able to share more of her creative ideas with you. In the meantime, here’s everything from last week in case you missed it.
In Case You Missed It
How To Make Individual Appetizers: Mini Charcuterie Board Ideas
Today, I’m answering that burning question: What is a Charcuterie Board? Plus, sharing Charcuterie Board Ideas to make Individual Mini Charcuterie Board Appetizers for an Outdoor Garden Party.
Budget Fall Decorating Ideas For A Repurposed Mantel Shelf
Hey friends! I’m thrilled to share how I tackled the challenge of decorating our repurposed mantel shelf for fall. The catch? All my usual autumn decor is in storage. So, with a bit of creativity and a lot of fun, I headed out to the garden and pulled out my favorite thrift store decor for some budget-friendly fall mantel decorating ideas.
How To Build A Stunning Curated Vintage Dinnerware Set Collection
Discover the secrets to building a breathtaking vintage dinnerware set collection. Learn how to curate unique vintage dishes, mix and match patterns, and create stunning tablescapes.
Create DIY Reversible Placemats: Dollar Tree Jack-O-Lanterns To Burlap Pumpkins
If you are like me and love a great deal, you will love my latest Dollar Tree craft. I found these large wooden jack-o’-lantern cut-outs on my last visit and immediately thought they would make adorable placemats for Halloween.
DIY Fall Pumpkin Wreath: Cheap And Adorable Dollar Tree Craft
Are you looking for a budget pumpkin wreath idea? Wait until you see this easy Dollar Tree Wreath made with a $1.00 thrift store wreath and Dollar Tree supplies.
Stunning White Milk Glass Fall Decor: Cozy Ideas After Labor Day
Who says you can’t decorate with white milk glass after Labor Day? Don’t pack away your vintage milk glass just yet! A white milk glass bud vase, cake stand, and milk glass bowls are versatile pieces that seamlessly transition from summer to fall.
What’s In My Cart
I thought I’d share a few of the things we couldn’t live without post-op. While still in the hospital, we realized that lying in a flat bed would not work for Rachel. So we ordered this….
It arrived before we made it home and has been a lifesaver. The smaller wedges work perfectly for use on the sofa when she feels like being out of bed.
In addition, she loves to read, and having a “can’t put it down” book has helped to pass the time. She just completed First Lie Wins and said it was amazing. They are in production for a Hulu series based on the book.
Finally, due to her weight loss, she is drinking these high-protein shakes and says they taste better than most.
Brad
Prayers and best wishes continue for a strong and talented lady!!! Wonderful husband and partner by your side!!!
Ann,
Thank you for your kind words.
So good to hear you’re home. I’m betting it will help in your healing process. How very fortunate and blessed you are to have such strong support from Brad. And having Rudy with you undoubtedly lifts your spirits. I’m continuing to lift you and Brad in prayer as I know others are. All my best wishes for healing, weight gain and peace. 💗
Bonnie,
Thank you for your prayers and encouragement.
I’m happy you are home now the healing begins. The weight may not come back for awhile so eat what you can and keep walking and moving. The body will have to completely heal first. Milkshakes help but eat what ever you can tolerate weight won’t be a problem. The key is a good attitude, patience and keep moving. In a few weeks you should feel much better and being home will speed up the process. Hugs and continued prayers for a speedy recovery.
Diana,
Thank you for your encouraging words. One day at a time over here. Your prayers are appreciated.
I look every day to see how Rachel is doing. I know she has MANY, MANY PEOPLE praying for her every day. I also have to say that Brad, you are doing a wonderful job informing us how Rachel is doing and sending us her blogs and being such an Awesome, Supportive husband!! I certainly dont expect new content and if you say you have to reduce your blogs I can understand. Nobody wants to do anything when they feel awful. Keep on getting better Rachel… we miss you and just want you to get feeling like a human being…💞💕🩷🩷🙏🙏
Lorri
Thank you! it’s one day at a time over here. We appreciate your prayers.
Thanks Brad for the updates! We are rooting for you both and keeping you guys in our prayers daily! Appreciate you keeping Dirt Road Adventures interesting and informative!!! Hang in there Rachel! You are amazing!!!
Hugsnlove,
Katy
Katy,
Thank you for your kind words of encouragement
Thank you so much for updating us on Rachel’s progress, Brad. I just read the latest updates in her journal, and I am especially happy that Rudy is back home with you all. I know that will help Rachel having him there with her. I can’t wait for the day that she can have that cupcake! I will continue to pray for you both and am sending all my love.
Kim
Thank you! I appreciate your prayers