We made the trip to IKEA yesterday, after I dug through my shoes (most of which are now too small for me) to find something I could wear that wouldn’t irritate or press on my still-tender ankle. The nearest IKEA is an hour and a half away from us, so we’re talking a total of three hours drive time. It’s an all day event, which for us is always a challenge because we have to consider Scout’s needs.
We walked through, I wrote down all the stock numbers/locations, and had lunch. Don had his favorite Swedish Meatballs and I had the Vegetarian option. And some chocolate cake for dessert. I was walking slowly and being very careful, but I have to tell you, by the end of the day my ankle was complaining loudly.
No reveals for a while. We have to paint the room and assemble everything.
It was quite the day. I came home and later that evening, the news that my parents’ ashes are being taken out to sea today coupled with Scout’s troubles and my worries about her – well, I simply lost it. A major cry. Then a bath, as prescribed by my husband, and bed.
Needless to say, I’m wiped out today.
We’ve lit a candle for my parents and it will burn all day long.
I want to share some gifts I’ve received recently over the course of the next couple of days. My longtime blogging friend Linda sent me a package which was a surprise and a delight. Linda and I share the collecting bug and both of us collect egg cups, McCoy, and miniature pottery. I guess you could say we happily enable each other. Inside the box were birthday and Christmas presents:
Two Shawnee miniatures to add to my collection! Aren’t they lovely? Linda has the best luck finding these treasures! These beauties were my birthday present.
Then a sweet Christmas present:
This adorable sheep to add to my collection.
And, what’s this?
Caroline got a gift!
A beautiful Paris cup and saucer. She’s thrilled!
Thank you, Linda!
Linda’s beloved cat Charlie, who is the same age as Scout, had a scare yesterday, so send some prayers his way, okay?
Happy Wednesday.
Betsy says
It sounds as though your day at IKEA was a good one, although a long one. I’m looking forward to seeing the reveals.Prayers for both you and Meredith today. I would think it would be almost like having to go through everything again. So difficult. But lovely gifts you’ve received! You do have some lovely friends Claudia, to send you such nice gifts. Praying for you, Don and Scout.
Blessings, Betsy
Claudia says
Thank you for your prayers, Betsy. And you’re so right, I do have some lovely friends! Including you.
Patricia says
Sending big hugs. If I had a candle here at work, I’d keep it lit all day for you.
Claudia says
Thank you, Patricia.
Regina Anne says
Will be holding you in my thoughts today.
PS – that little Santa-Lamb is adorable !
Claudia says
Thank you, Regina Anne.
Linda @ A La Carte says
IKEA is huge so not surprised your ankle hurts. The treasures there are always so fun to look at. I haven’t been to the one in Atlanta in quite awhile but think a trip is coming in the new year. I’m glad you like the gifts. I have a sheep like the one I sent you and I added the Christmas hats to both. I’ll remove it after the holidays. Charlie is doing well this morning so he is telling me we have a bit more time together. I know all the prayers and good thoughts have helped. I’m sure today is hard. I’ve just lit a candle for your parents also. Such a lovely reminder of love and loss at the same time.
Big hugs,
Linda
Claudia says
At least you can stop and sit down on some of the furniture there! I did that when I needed to rest my ankle. I love the gifts! So happy to hear that Charlie is doing well this morning, such wonderful news!
brae says
Aw, I love that sheep!!! :D
There’s an IKEA in my area, but it’s an all day job anytime and no matter the locale. :]
I know you’ve had some sadness, so I send you warm hugs, too. Take care of yourself.
Claudia says
You’re absolutely right, Brae. No matter when you go, or how close you live to one, a trip to IKEA is a major endeavor.
Thank you for your kind thoughts, my friend.
Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces says
IKEA is always a fun day (except for the sore ankle). Looking forward to seeing what you are working on!
Linda is a sweetheart, and her gifts were thoughtful and uplifting! xo
Claudia says
She is a dear, Linda!
Susan says
I wish I was there to give you a big hug and a cookie. Thinking of you!
Big Texas Hugs,
Susan and Bentley
Claudia says
Thank you, Susan!
Rose Hester says
Hugs Claudia. Keeping you and your family in my prayers today.
Claudia says
Thank you, Rose!
Chris K in Wisconsin says
A trip to IKEA is always a very long day. I hope resting today will help you to bounce back. I saw your full cart on Instagram last eve. We have a couple of those large blue IKEA bags, and I use them out in the yard when I am planting and weeding. Also use them to move some stuff in the house when I am home alone. They drag quite nicely!! ? Where there is a will, there is a way!!
When I woke up this morning I lit one of my candles in the kitchen. It is a bit of a windy, cloudy day. But, now I know why it seemed like such a good idea. Thinking of you….♡
Claudia says
We have three of those bags now. I end up buying one every time I go there! Very helpful for moving things in and out of my accommodations when I’m working in Hartford.
Thank you for the candle, Chris
Chris K in Wisconsin says
p.s. What a dear and caring friend Linda is. Each one of those gifts are so perfect for you!! Oh, and Caroline, too!
Claudia says
She is a wonderful friend, Chris.
Dottie says
I am looking forward to seeing your new purchases and what you are doing with them. Also sending hugs and prayers your way for you, Don, and Scout.
Claudia says
Thank you, Dottie.
Amy at love made my home says
Glad that your trip went well. The gifs for you and Caroline are beautiful, I am sure that you will both love them! Thinking of you with your parents ashes being scattered today. Lights and candles aglow here for everyone, including them and you. xx
Claudia says
Thank you so very much, Amy.
Donnamae says
How wonderful of Linda! I would imagine you would be quite tired after IKEA…I know I always am…and I take lots of breaks too! I will keep you in my thoughts today! ;)
Claudia says
Thank you, Donnamae.
Barbara W. says
The little Paris cup and saucer are just perfect!
Claudia says
They are perfection, indeed, Barbara!
Nancy Blue Moon says
How sweet…Linda seems like a very nice lady…I’m hoping the best for her dear Charlie…As always it is best to let the tears flow Claudia…I’m sure it helps when you have a warm, loving man to see you through..I called Hershey today and all I got was an appointment for Jan 07 at 1:50pm…That’s 3 more weeks of worrying and wondering…I’m glad I have lots of books to read to take my mind to a better place…lol..
Nancy Blue Moon says
I forgot to say that little lamb brings a big smile to my face…and isn’t Caroline the lucky one a cup and saucer from Paris…Ooh La La
Claudia says
Caroline seems to be doing very well indeed!
Claudia says
Try not to worry too much, Nancy. The odds are everything is okay. I know it’s on your mind all the time, but try to let go of the worry when you can – even if it’s only for a few minutes. Books are just the ticket. Lose yourself in a story, my friend. Thinking of you.
Barbara Miller says
What a cute cup and saucer. Such a nice gift. It sounds like you had cause to have a good cry. I almost joined you thinking about it.
I was at Ikea myself not long ago. Found a great bargain on a child’s easel for the ever drawing and writing grand child. I was lucky. I went in through the exit and there was an exhibit of easels not far from where I entered. The chalk and eraser were in another part of the store so I just passed on them so I wouldn’t have to walk so far – and my ankle wasn’t even hurt. Bless your heart. Ikea is a fun place, but not if your ankle is weak.
Claudia says
Sometimes, if I know what I want and I’m in a hurry, I just enter through the downstairs checkout area and grab it off the shelves.
Judy Clark says
Thinking of you today especially. A hard day I know. Glad you got to go to Ikea and looking forward to seeing your redos. Love ya.
Judy
Claudia says
A very hard day, but the candle kept burning into the evening and I know Mom and Dad are happy that we honored their wishes, Judy. xo