October 20,  2015 Any hints for rotator cuff surgery?




Yesterday, I had out-patient, arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery, for two completely torn ligaments.  Rich brought me home dressed in his oversized shirt, having a pretty bad hair day, strong meds, and sleeping in a recliner. Prayers and survival hints requested. Today's his birthday, he baked the sheet cake and I did a one handed spreading of the frosting.

Tomorrow I'm allowed to wear my stylish black sling with a waist line padded belt to hold everything STILL, over loose clothing if Rich and I can manage.  I am home now, for the first 6 weeks-absolutely no left arm/shoulder movement allowed. My husband has to watch the girls, help me dress, do my hair, and most everything else. (It's taken me two full years to grow my hair below my shoulders and I'm not ready to cut it short.) 

I can do some keyboarding, and one handed driving but both are really tiring.  I'm trying to focus on the things I'll be able to do when the shoulder is healed and stronger.  Things like weaving, dancing, yoga, gardening, kneading bread, opening jars, using two hands to remove a heavy dish from the microwave, putting on deodorant, roller painting a room, lifting little girls out of a crib, wearing button pants instead of elastic waists, plus pull over shirts instead of buttoned, hooking my bra, and fixing my hair in an up do to name a few.  If I still can't vacuum, I won't be too disappointed.

A few months back I literally " tripped lightly into a room", though not so lightly. I was embarrassed about falling flat on my face.  At the moment I thought that my right knee had taken the worst of the fall as that hurt when I tried to get up without being seen.  

The door was into the area where the birthday party was starting.  I quickly got back into my Grammy scene as the party progressed.  I helped when needed and scuttled back and forth trying to do whatever needed to be done. 

Later that afternoon when my husband and I were putting the girls back in their cribs for a quick nap, I realized that my ability to lift above my waist was very difficult and painful. That evening it was clear that my left shoulder hurt worse than my knee.  

Two days later I had an x-ray that happily showed nothing was broken, but a visit to an orthopedic was in order.  He recommended lots of icing, ibuprofen, and rest, then a few weeks I started therapy to see if all of the motion could be restored.  

During this time, I taught 2 days in Pennsylvania and 3 at the Michigan Fiber Festival. My husband did all of the heavy lifting, and my years of working on relaxing my back and shoulders while spinning paid off.  The only twinges of pain came when I tried to hold up a shawl or skein for the class to look at.  Yea, I could still teach.

Finally, early October an MRI was ordered as my ability to lift my left arm plateaued just above my waist.  Bad news two ligaments torn completely apart, with surgery recommended.  I scheduled it after my 3 days in West Virginia to give me the winter to recuperate. 

May 2014, Maryland

My son and daughter-in-law asked us to help with family care early this summer, and we just found a house close enough be able to help.  We don’t yet know how this will all work, but we'll near them.  I will continue my teaching and my traveling will be based out of the Baltimore/Washington area.

June 2014, The Last Move?

Where to start????  Life shifted into a high definition thriller here.

• My husband Rich and I just accepted an offer on our Elk Grove townhouse and are gathering our wits.  We’re moving back Maryland where we both grew up but left 45 years ago for Rich’s ministerial work.  We have lived in MD, MN, MT, SD, CO, IN, and IL.  It will be great to move back home.

• We are driving out of town with one car being towed and absolutely no idea where we will end up in Maryland.  First, we'll bunk in the basement of my son's place.  We have a bit of time since we're still waiting for the birth.

• We're hoping the pressure of needing a home now, might help us find a place we can buy.  I've packed my files and current classes in the small u-haul Rich is driving.  Almost everything else is still packed in 3 PODS in Illinois.   When we settle on a house we'll call to have our PODS delivered.

• What does this mean for my current contracts, I’ll continue teaching but be further away from my current mid-west gigs, Michigan Fiber Festival, Wisconsin Sheep and Wool.  I will be able to fulfill all of my contracts except for October in WV which needs to be moved to a new date, as Rich’s closest cousin is getting married that weekend.

• My new website should appear at any moment and if the technology doesn’t fail us now, downloadable PDF booklets shall be an option.

Jan. 2011, Hazel's Baptism

Here is Hazel Edith Gwinn after her baptism, in the same little dress that Zoe wore in 2007, and Ann wore in 1975, for their baptisms. This little dress had been crocheted by Grandma Edith years ago. 

Rich had the honor of doing the baptism. 


Zoe helped her mom and dad with the promises.

Grandpa Bob and Grandma Pat Gwinn and other family were there from MD. 

Nov. 2010, New Dresses for the Girls

I couldn't resist posting this picture of the Hazel and Zoe all sparkly and cute in their fancy finery,

Fall 2010 Hazel Is Here

What a wonderful early morning phone call we recieved. Hazel Edith Gwinn had arrived, full term, full head of hair, and healthy. Here is the family still in the hospital with big sister Zoe holding Hazel.

Rich and I quickly made plans to get to Minnesota.

We were there on his birthday and Hazel gave him a warm cuddly sofa nap as only an infant can.

April 2010, Cook, Grand Daughter Zoe

Here she is Zoe, the newest baker extraordinaire, working on Lemon Poppyseed Muffins. She is the 4th generation to use this proud old mixer. Spinning can't be far behind. But I can now announce that another little Gwinn is expected this fall.

Nov. 2008, Birthday Party!!

Edith and I celebrated our birthdays last week with the whole family filling the townhouse. she turned 88 and I turned 60. It was a weekend of playing with Zoe-2, eating, talking, laughing, and sharing stories and photos.

Here we are at our favorite Mexican Restaurant. 

My favorite memory came on Sunday evening. That day my sister, Iris, had arranged a women's celebration, so she sent the men off to a huge technology type of store. Then she proceeded to bring out all of her belly dancing scarves, spangles, bangles, music, cream cheese-walnut stuffed dates and "hafla-juice" (champagne).

All of us girls had a great time trying to dance while Edith chose to sit and watch the "younger" girls and just enjoy the music. That is until the men came home later that evening. As she bid her good nights, she told the men that they had missed quite a party. Then Edith stood up, shook her hips, and waved her arms to show them exactly what she meant. We all laughed at how she had saved her dancing until she had the biggest audience.  Too bad we didn't get a photo of that!

Carl and my sister put together a slide show with several old photos from my life.  Growing up in the 50's and 60's photos were very rarely taken.  Here is a rare one taken in NC after my father passed, showing the family at that time.  On the left is my youngest brother, then my sister, then me, with Carl the youngest in front of me, then Ann and Rich, next are my two older brothers who have since passed and their wives, finally my mom Carolina Belle is on the right.

Sept. 2007, Carl and Roopa's Wedding

What an exciting year! Last September I celebrated my son Carl's marriage to Roopa. It was a very special Hindu-Lutheran celebration in Ohio.

May 2007, Happy Mother's Day Grammy

Here's Zoe with a beautiful bouquet of tulips for me on Mother's Day. I enjoyed the photo so much since we were unable to be with them in Minneapolis.

Jan. 2007, Zoe's Baptism

Zoe grew quickly and and in January 2007 we celebrated her baptism. My husband Rich did the honors and baptising a happy, alert Zoe.

She wore my daughter's baptismal dress which had been crocheted in 1975, 31 years earlier by her Grandmother Edith Z.

Oct. 2006, A Granddaughter Named Zoe

Four weeks earlier than she was due, little Zoe Martha Gwinn was born to my daughter Ann and son-in-law Chris, October 12 2006, barely making five pounds.

I had a short break in my hectic teaching schedule and was able to drive to Minneapolis to be of help to the new family. I stayed for 10 days and watched this little one grow before my very eyes. It was truly an amazing gift to see and hold my daughter's daughter.

Before I left, Rich and his mom Edith came up and celebrated Rich's birthday. Zoe gave him his first card.

June-July 2004, New Zealand and Australia

After a hectic spring, summer of 2004 started out with a 3-week trip down under. My husband Rich, had a Global Conference to attend in Brisbane, Australia. Of course I could not consent to him traveling there alone. Since I went along, we added a stop in New Zealand. Here I am in NZ enjoying a rainbow on the beach with Pat Old.



The first week of the trip was in Brisbane, Australia. While Rich focused on his conference at Griffith University, I was able to attend the Greater Brisbane Spinning Guild and enjoyed a fine Saturday with the members. The building they assemble in is a converted church building shared with weavers, felters, and basket makers. The various groups meet on different days and evenings and split the expenses. The renovated sanctuary is used as a collective store for members to buy and sell their supplies and finished goods, while the various groups meet in the fellowship hall. This room is outfitted with a kitchenette, tables, chairs and 2 or 3 large looms on the stage. Although I was just a visitor I was sent on my way with a delightful bouquet of flowers to brighten our Dorm room.

Then Rich traveled with me to New Zealand, where Pat Old, had arranged a Festival trip, 4 days of classes, and an engaging day in the middle to exchange notes with local textile tutors on the North Island. I think the photo of us standing under the rainbow, on the beach, in the Bay of Plenty says exactly how we felt.

The first day we went to Opotoki for the Fibre & Fleece Festival. This is a 3-day festival with an art show, a large market, several classes and an inspiring Fashion Show. I was delighted to watch a number of Maori women preparing and weaving with New Zealand flax and feathers.

We stayed with Pat and her husband Gordon, he farms cattle, sheep and deer while Pat teaches spinning classes.

The classes went well, both in Cambridge and Tauranga. Since it was winter and few buildings were heated, I was able to parade about my many handspun items. Although it was a spinning class the students were very interested in my mobius that was on my knitting needles.

While teaching in Tauranga we stayed with Glynis and Owen Poad, owners and creators of Majacraft Spinning Wheels. Their family operated business is situated next to a kiwi field. I became familiar with and very impressed with the Little Gem spinning wheel as I taught on it the four days. In fact, one Little Gem spinning wheel followed me home.

When the week of teaching was finished we then flew to Christchurch in the South Island for a quick bit of relaxation. Edward and Anne Field hosted us in their new townhouse and showed us around the city and even up on the mount. She has a lovely working studio and had just returned from a teaching trip to the US. I was also very please to meet my friend Margaret Stove, who lives nearby. Christchurch also has a busy Guild of Spinners and Weavers. We stopped in on Saturday during the chat-and-work as you wish session and then Anne, Margaret and I attended the Guild meeting on Wednesday night.

Before we left we took a short bus trip further south to Ashburton and stayed a night with Richard and Elizabeth Ashford. Of course we toured their spinning wheel factory and I was able to spend some time spinning on the newly upgraded Elizabeth double drive wheel. I was also excited by the improvements and ease of spinning on their wheel.

Pictured from the left: my husband Rich, Elizabeth Ashford, myself, and Richard Ashford.

I am pleased and thrilled to say that both companies are continually improving their products and today's spinners have some truly wonderful spinning wheels coming from New Zealand.

Oct. 2000, My Daughter's Wedding and the Dress

My largest project to date was the design and construction of my daughters wedding dress in 2000 and the spinning and knitting of the matching cashmere and silk shawl.




This photo is of my sister Iris Goodman, a hydro geologist, Ann, the happy bride, and me. The wedding was great fun as you can see by us kicking up our heels.


When we could not find a proper, ready-made dress to compliment the handspun shawl that I had started, I begin the design and construction of this dress. Ann's ivory dress is a two piece dress from commercial silk shantung. It is a 2 piece style with a short train.
The off the shoulder top has a lace overlay in a princess design. This is an imported lace created on sheer silk chiffon. The lace seems to float upon the silk shantung. The bodice lace is edged with a small floral lace trimmed with fresh water pearls.


The shawl was created by a variety of handspun yarns. These include handspun silks, cashmere fibers, silk/cashmere combinations and blends. The simle lace, arrowhead shaped shawl was also knit and designed by me. Tassels of yarn and seed pearls on extended fronts guaranteed it would stay on her shoulders.

When the train is bustled up, the full eight-yard skirt twirls like an old-fashioned ball gown as the young couple dance.


Four large box pleats give the a-line skirt its fullness. The short train has an overlay of lace with a sprinkling of fresh water pearls sewn on top. The hem is also edged in seed pearls.