Showing posts with label Surgery. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Surgery. Show all posts

Thursday, January 18, 2024

Merchant // Handel's Messiah // JD McPherson: A Rock 'n' Roll Christmas Tour

Dress: Long-Sleeve V-Neck Textured Midi Dress by Printer Johnson via Nuuly 
Tights: ?
Shoes: Fluevog, Super Fine: Cardinal 
Earrings: Kerala Rose
Necklace: Green Goddess Vintage
Stats: 5'7" 38-32-42
In our dark warmly lit house, I thought this dress was black at first. It's amazing most of my outfits match as I'm picking pieces blindly. This dress was a great fit, deep-v neckline front & back, pockets, form fitting ruched waist with gold metallic textured bits sprinkled all over. Slightly big, could have sized down from a medium to a small. 
I don't love the way I styled this dress the second time...I liked it better when I went with black jewelry.
I should have went with navy or gold tights...or black if I'd stuck with black accessories. 
Immediately following a haircut...
The first time I wore this dress...I had my second & final appointment with Mar to finish up the filler leaves on my left calf. As you can see, I wore a black & leopard dress at the studio as I didn't want tattoo ink or blood to get on the white parts of this dress. 
Aren't these leave luscious?! Mar does the best leaves.
More acorns too...my left lower leg is complete. 
Back at home...I changed to go out with David...isn't he fancy? Wearing one of his new gold shirts he picked up at The Sophisticated Man. And me thinking we were both wearing black & gold outfits. 
Dinner & drinks at Merchant. To begin, Gingerbread Manhattan (Limousin rye whiskey, gingerbread Coca Cola syrup, cynar, Bittercube orange bitters) & Christmas Mai Tai (Alander spiced rum, Plantation white rum, pistachio orgeat, orange cranberry syrup, Peychaud's bitters). The Christmas decorations are tame compared to their sister restaurant next door, Lucille. David showing off his cufflinks. 
A little happy hour bar snack, French fries with black pepper aioli, followed by a Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich for David (Napa cabbage slaw, jalapeƱo crema, pickled vegetables, black pepper aioli, fresh herbs, brioche bun) & I had to have Friday Fish Fry (wild-caught Lake Superior whitefish, cornichon tartar sauce, marble rye bread, braised red cabbage, potato salad with giardiniera aioli & scallions). Merchant used to have a terrific fish fry before they remodeled (& got a new chef)...this was one of the worst I've ever had. We told our waiter & he removed it from our bill. Why, Merchant? Second round of cocktails...
Winter Paloma (Lunazul tequila, pomegranate, ginger honey syrup, lime juice, ginger beer) & Something in the Orange (barrel aged gin, orange cranberry syrup, citrus). Finally, we shared a Winter Squash Risotto (roasted squash, roasted brussels sprouts, Sartori parmesan, shaved brussels & fried sage salad, sherry vinaigrette, crispy pepitas). The risotto was yummy & welcome after the fish flop. After dinner...we went over to Bethel Lutheran Church for Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra's (good thing I looked at my ticket so we didn't show up at Overture) Handel's Messiah. Packed house...& there was a harpsichord on stage! 
A few dinners...the usual & this chicken sheet pan recipe we've been loving with brussels & lemon. This is my drain situation...I carried these 3 drains around for a month, then 2, & I've *still* got 1 in for over 2! months now. I never imagined. My thighs retained a lot of fluid from surgery. I just want my body back & to belong to me...I'm at the hospital once a week & carrying this bag of drains around & trying to dress without it showing...it really gets me feeling terrible about my body & I hate that. Soon. The one thing that has helped me get through this is my lymphatic massage person/friend, Courtney. I took this photo at her office. I see her once a week & she helps with the fluid draining & works to loosen my scars up. She's also been incredibly supportive emotionally & I appreciate her honesty in telling me her opinion even when it's not what I want to hear. Later that day...David & I had a meeting at Capital Ketamine for an introduction & tour, then I walked next door to get a haircut from Sigrid...& David & I went to Olbrich Gardens for these outfit photos.

That night...Stoughton Opera House with my girlie to see JD McPherson presents A Rock 'n' Roll Christmas Tour.
Christmas stage & the opening act, Joel Paterson...
I'd seen JD McPherson at The Shitty Barn in the summer & he put on an amazing show...this one was even better. He seemed to be having more fun with his band & wasn't as awkward interacting with the audience...perhaps the intimacy of the barn was intimidating to him & the stage removes him a bit? He has a Christmas album of original songs & he played those interspersed with regular tunes. I'd go see him anytime he comes around...great energy & fun music. 

 

Thursday, November 30, 2023

The Gibson Brothers // Eric Ripert // Mexico Surgery Round 3

Dress: The Sigrid Dress in Citron by Effie's Heart
Sandals: Dansko
Earring: etXarte
Necklace & Bracelet: Vintage
Stats: 5'7" 38-32-42
I love oranges & Effie's Heart, so of course I had to have this dress when I saw it at Lela in Milwaukee. Great fit with pockets. 
I love having my legs covered in tattoos so I no longer feel I need to wear teggings to cover up my scars...they're still there, but not as noticeable. 
I could have never predicted how often I'd wear this necklace.
My make-up with this outfit included...NYX eyeliner in Jet Black, Flamepoint eyeshadow from Sugarpill Cosmetics, Natasha Denona eyeshadow in Monroe, NYX lipliner in Pumpkin, So Chaud lipstick by MAC, & ILNP nail polish in Atomic Sherbet. 
I first wore this dress to have a lymphatic massage from Courtney, make dinner, then head off to Stoughton...first stop, Vinny's... 
Then over to the Opera House to see The Gibson Brothers, my second time. 
2 of the members of Soggy Prairie were playing in the lounge before the show...I need to go see them sometime with the whole band. The Gibson Brothers were marvelous. 
What came home with me from Stoughton Vinny's.
The second time I wore this dress was to work & to go to the main library to see Eric Ripert speak...& we all got a free copy of his new cookbook. 
Eric Ripert was exactly the warm genuine person I thought he would be...charming & funny. I nearly didn't go because I was flying out early the next morning, but I'm glad I did. I came home to these Fluevogs I bought on Poshmark...& the incredibly kind woman sent along a black lace vintage dress that fit me perfectly...how nice is that?! What a lovely surprise. My last few days in Mexico recovering at the hotel were uneventful. 
I had my post-op meeting with Dr. Galvez (I briefly saw Dr. Sanchez too & he thanked me for the gifts, but I never manage to get a photo with him)...he's so sweet...he always posts something on his Instagram saying thank you. Round 3 finished...unfortunately, I'm going to need to come back again. I have lipoedema in my thighs & it's difficult to treat. 

 

Thursday, November 16, 2023

The Lil Smokies & Town Mountain // Buffalo Nichols // Mexico Surgery Round 3

Dress: Chloe Dress in Evening Butterflies by Cherry Velvet
Sandals: Fluevog, Mega Munster: Deee
Earrings & Necklace: Green Goddess Vintage
Earring: Kerala Rose
Bracelet: Vintage
Purse: Mohop
Stats: 5'7" 38-32-42
Another lovely Cherry Velvet dress that I have in my size thanks to my bezzer. The last time I wore this dress in my previous size was to go to The Shitty Barn with Kate back in 2014. Great fit & length. I adore CV dresses.
How cute is this dress & sandal combination?!
I love these shoes, but hate the way my toes hang over the edge.
I'm not sure purple is a good color for me, but I like it.
My make-up with this outfit included...Urban Decay eyeliner in Viper; Purple Dust, Digital, Warning, Cyber Punk, & Euphoric eyeshadow from UD; UD lipstick in Flashback; Spiced Plum lipstick by Bite Beauty; & OPI nail polish in Leonardo's Model Color. 
I first wore this dress to spend the day with David...we checked out the trunk sale at the Vinny's in Waunakee. Since this sale has nicer brands, the prices are usually higher, but there were several dresses over $100 which is unreasonable for clothing that is donated. That salmon burnout velvet slip dress was gorgeous. 
David kept adding ridiculously high heels to our cart...while I adored those glittery leopard shoes, I just can't walk in stilettos very well. Cute boots though! Those black & gold Jeffrey Campbell's were pretty, but overpriced or I would have gotten them. 
A few of these items were not part of the trunk sale. 
On my way to Stoughton...I stopped at the Thursday Troy Gardens market...walking on a farm in these heels was not the best choice. 
Vinny's in Stoughton. My favorite dress was the wrap with coral flowers & polka dots...
But there was some weird white stuff on the bust that didn't look like it would come out...I wish I had taken it to the bathroom & tried.
There were definitely some cute skirts that day...leopard tiered maxi, gold shiny silk, peacock colors...
First concert of the season at the Opera House...
Two Runner opening...I liked them a lot...
Next up, The Lil Smokies...which looked SO familiar that I must have seen them open for another band. 
Town Mountain were also good, but my least favorite of the night...it's probably because they had to ruin the all string theme by adding drums. What I brought home from my Stoughton thrifting. 
Our Vinny's Waunakee haul...
The second time I wore this dress, Kate & I ate outside for the last time this year at Turn Key. David & I had been there, but this was the girlie's first time. They began the evening with an Astronaut Spritz (Ish N/A Sparkling Aperitivo, grapefruit), while I chose an Into The Cider Verse (gin, pear liqueur, orange wine, spiced cider, rosemary, lemon, lime, orange bitters)...it was the best cocktail I'd ever had there. 
We shared a plate of Charred Carrots (chili macadamia butter, pickled cranberry, agave-lime glaze, sunflower seed Dukka). I ordered Tagliatelle (house pasta, sugar snap peas, basil, Coppa ham, spinach, Mobay cheese, egg yolk, parmesan) & Kate had Gnocchi (house gnocchi, massaman curry, carrot, oyster mushroom, macadamia, radish, scallion). While my dish was good, the girlie's was better. 
We got done with dinner early enough that we went back to my house for raspberries, a cardigan, & doggie petting. Then, on to High Noon for Buffalo Nichols...he had brand new vinyl for sale!
Christoper Gold opened...we've seen him both solo & with his band. He always has his son come out & do a song with him on the harmonica...it's cute. Kate took a photo of me taking a picture of Christopher Gold. 
We were surprised that Buffalo Nichols got himself a band...he's usually just on his own. 
We stood right up front & we got to dance...it was delightful. Back at home...a new Book Book came for my new iPhone. And the final time I wore this dress...flying to San Diego...look how dead Madison airport is...it's fantastic. 
The fact that I can fit in the plane seat comfortably & buckle the seatbelt will never get old. AND...put the tray table down...working on my blog. What is this supposed to be...at the Denver airport?! It looks like 2 Sumo wrestlers. 
Flying over the mountains...& landing in San Diego. Some art in the airport...waiting for my driver to take me across the border. 
After doing blood work, I settled into my hospital room with some food. I worked on my blog a bit more & started planning our trip to Asheville. 
Dr. Galvez came by to chat & mark me up for my surgery the next day...he's so nice. I thought I'd be getting an outer thigh lift, but he wanted to do a second inner lift first. Photos before my 1st lift & second lift & after on the operating table. I only wish my thighs looked like that. I'm going to need a 3rd surgery on them. I have lipadema, so I've got an abnormal amount of diseased fat up there. I'll never have normal sized thighs, but I hope they can at least be better...it was already a huge improvement after the first round. 
Out of the hospital & settled into the hotel. I unpacked everything into the drawers & closet...the last 2 times I'd had 2 king size beds & just kept my suitcases open on one...but only one bed in this room. Just like last October...I was in Mexico during Flummunity Fest. I watched some of the live stream, including this interview with John & George Clinton. 
I had asked for a room with a view & sun...I ended up on the 2nd floor...not as good as the 6th, but having that warmth stream in all day makes such a huge difference. I sat in the window & did my nails & painted my toes. 
I started watching Project Runway, then decided David might like it too...I loved this skirt. I ended up watching The Great British Sewing Bee instead. David is building a platform for our washer & dryer & he sent me progress pics. 
They have the best fresh pineapple at the hotel's breakfast buffet. I looked forward to it every day...& always got enough to last until the next morning.