Curt's Best Shots Slideshow

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

WEDNESDAY EVENING POST FOR OCTOBER 24, 2012

Hey All!

Hope this post finds you all well and happy.  I'm happy to report that I am feeling great.  I've got my blood sugars back under control, I've lost almost 28 pounds, and I start cardiac rehab next week.  After I received the hospital bill in the mail yesterday, I almost had another heart attack. . .$76,000.00!!!  I can't fathom that.  I really paid attention to this wake up call and I intend to take care of myself from now on.  There are too many people depending on me (including my boys), and I can't let them down!

Thanks so much to all of you who have sent me cards and get well packages.  You can't imagine how you made me smile and made my days when I got the happy mail.  I just can't get over how lucky I am to have you guys "in my life".  You have made my recovery that much quicker and I sincerely thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Lots of you have been asking for updated pics of the new house and here they are.  I had my open house for all the people in our old neighborhood so I took some pictures before everyone got there since everything was "tidy".  LOL  Here is the invitation I sent for the open house:
You can't see it in the picture, but the back of the chair was done in silver glitter as well as the flames on the candles and the stripes on the lamp.  Nice and sparkly in real life.  Here are pics of the inside of the house:
Dining Room

Breakfast Room

Laundry Room and Guest Bath

Food!  Part of Kitchen

Kitchen looking into the breakfast room and pool beyond

Master Bedroom Fireplace

My craft room facing west

My craft room facing east

Great room

Great room as seen from entry hall (pool beyond)

Entry Hall

Great room fireplace
The open house went really well, and it was so nice to see so many of the old neighbors again.  It felt somewhat like a reunion.  I still have lots of painting to do and other things to be done, but it is getting there and it is certainly starting to feel like home.

Well, that's it for this post.  I'm slowly but surely getting around to all of your blogs.  If I haven't been to yours yet, I'm coming!  Thanks so much for your wonderful comments, thoughts, well wishes and prayers.  They have certainly meant the world to me.

Next week, pics of my Halloween decorations and "graveyard" in my front courtyard!

PIC OF THE WEEK
What do you see???


Hugs,

Curt O'Brien

"God, please help me be the person that my dogs think I am."

49 comments:

Myrna said...

Yay Curt, So good to see you back. Wonderful pics of your gorgeous home.
Now I am off to re-read your post so I don't miss a single thing.
Myrna

Ted said...

Your home looks incredible! When am I invited? :) Looks so warm and inviting! Thanks for those and for the update on your health. Glad to hear you're feeling better. $76k?! Oh gosh... I certainly hope insurance will pay the bulk of that! ;) Stay well and God bless you all. :)

Tracy said...

Hi Curt,
I love your new home it's gorgeous. So pleased your feeling well. I'm sure glad we have the NHS here in the UK, your medical bill is expensive. Looking forward to your Halloween pictures.
Happy crafting
Tracy x

Dee in N.H. said...

Happy tears to see you back!!! Your new house looks beautiful but, more importantly I'm glad you are OK and still there with Jay and the boys. Sending all of you a big heartfelt hug!!

mudmaven said...

Oh Curt - so glad to hear that you are feeling so much better. 28 pounds! WOW - I need to have a heart attack (just kidding). The pix of the house are absolutely gorgeous and it surely is looking like a comfortable home for you, Jay and the boys. I know that they must love the pool! ~chris

Clare said...

I think it looks like Gunther!!!!. So great to hear from you again gorgeous man!!!!. I am so happy that you are doing so well. Mind you I think I would have keeled over had I seen that hospital bill hun. Have you got insurance that will pay that Curt? that is where we are lucky in the UK to have the NHS. I know that we pay for it through our wages but I know we get a much better deal over here for sure.
Your pad is looking amazing. Please do not overdo it Curt with the work that is left to do. I know that you will be sensible now and just think you have the rest of your new healthy life to sort the house out. We all need you around as well as Gunther and Shotsy!!!!. Not forgetting Jay, I do hope that he is doing well too and glad to have you back to feeling better.
Don't stress about getting around to everyone's blogs Curt, just take it easy. Thank you for the lovely message you left me it really meant the world. Take care darlin and loads of love to you and your lovely family. Big hugs Clare, Bert & Simone xxxx

Clare said...

Oooh forgot to said, we are looking forward to seeing your Halloween decs and the graveyard? I'm intrigued!!!!. Gorgeous house warming party invitations to. Big hugs C xxxx

Diane said...

Beautiful home...will you come and clean up mine and organize my creative room..LOL...yours looks great.....so nice of you to share with us....can't wait to see the front yard...and am still "pondering" over the picture of the week...hey, my friend, I need your NEW address...pretty please???

Patti J said...

It's wonderful to see you back here, and to know that you are feeling better. Your home is gorgeous! What a difference you have made - I'm so impressed! I don't have that much energy, and I haven't had a heart attack! lol... Thanks so much for sharing the photos with us. I'm sure that your neighbors from the old place were thrilled to get your beautiful invitations! What fun to be able to see them all again. Hmmm...speaking of photos, I see Gunn sitting up nicely for his treat. What do YOU see? Hugs and blessings, my friend!

Gail said...

I'm just glad to read a post from you!
House looks stunning!
I think your middle name is 'Martha'!
I'm glad you had a great turn out for the old hood!
Do I see the 'dreaded' sewing machine!?
Hope everyone's well!
Maybe you can work off the hospital bill.....decorate the place or something!
Stay well!

Anne Marie Hile said...

Hi Curt! It is so good to see you back to the blogging world. Holy macaroni..you have had a lot going on recently, haven't you? I am glad you are feeling better. You are in my thoughts. LOVE the photos of your home! Big hugs to you and the boys! :)

Dawnll said...

I am so glad you are taking care of yourself sweetie. What a wake up call for sure.
Keeping you all in my thoughts.
LOVE,LOVE all the views of the new home.spectacular!!!

ursula Uphof said...

Wonderful news that you are back and feeling good. Just keep up the good work. Lovely photos of your beautiful home, enjoy it and take it slowly with the rest of the work. hugs, Ursula

Sharli Schaitberger said...

OMGSH Curt!!! your home looks like something out of an interior design book! It's just perfect. So classy, so comfortable and beautiful! Your studio is making me feel ashamed of my mess! It looks like the best place to settle in and be creative - I know you'll pit loads of quality time in there. {deep sigh!} I'm so glad you are getting better! Hugs!!

downrightcrafty said...

fabulous clouds and to me it is Gunther but then again it could be Shotsy :) how cool is that. Love all your photographs of the houw wow a dream house and pleased things in life are coming together nicely for you love the invitation mono is always so classy
Hugs Kate x

tilly said...

WOW, I think I would loose 28 lbs if I got a hospital bill like that!, we grumble in the UK about the health service and really we should be grateful!.... your house is looking great now, you have done so much, love your craft room and the sewing machine lol.....lovely invitations as well for the party.I hope everyone is keeping well and look after yourself, thank you for your visit to me
Take care
Tilly

Beth Norman said...

So glad you're feeling better. What a long road. Your house is beautiful. Something out of a magazine for sure. I love your autumn decorations. Please post when you decorated for the holidays. Sending hugs,

Bonnie Weiss said...

Well we know that you are feeling better if you have decorated for Halloween!!!!! So nice to see you posting again.

Your home is GORGEOUS!!! Is my room ready when I come for my visit? You definitely have a gift for design and its a good thing that you finished it before you got your hospital bill. And that fireplace ... WOWZERS!

Be a good boy and heed the advice of your physicians ... You are lucky that you have been given a second chance.

Hugs, B.

Bonnie Weiss said...

PS. ... Forgot to say what I see in the cloud formation .... a puppy, of course!

Heide said...

The house looks great. Those DR bills will get you every time! Your craft room is so neat! My area looks like a bomb went off in it. LOL.
Happy to see you back. Take care.
Hugs, Heide

Anonymous said...

GREAT BLOG!! THE PICS YOU TOOK WERE BEAUTIFUL...THE HOUSE SHOWED VERY WELL. BY THE WAY, THAT HOSPITAL BILL, YOU WERE WORTH EVERY PENNY OF IT AND MORE...SO GLAD YOUR BACK "BLOGGING", LOVE YOU, MOM

Sande said...

Curt
So glad to have a post from you...I've kept you in my thoughts for a speedy recovery. Please don't over do it...those things that need to be done will wait.

Wow your hospital bill is huge but am I surprised, no as we live in the US. I was in the hospital 4 years ago (tomorrow actually)and by the time I left 5 weeks later the bill had reached $251,000 and that didn't include the doctors and 3 days at a University hospital. I didn't have insurance..so like you the bill nearly killed me. My favorite part..and only in the US, the replacement (hospital) doctor as my admitting one went on vacation, came in the room and said your going home. I was paralyzed from the waist down (long story) and no rehab would take me because I had no insurance. He said..."your taking up valuable real estate." You not sick...you just can't walk. Teach yourself when you get home. A hour later I was whisked out of the hospital and taken home. You have to leave the US.

Sounds like your on your way to good health, now just take care of yourself. Your new home is gorgeous..wanna come do mine? lol!

lisa808 said...

Curt,
I am so happy to hear you are feeling good. That bill is as scary as what happened to you!
Your new home is beautiful. Your decor is lovely. The fireplaces and your craft room are fabulous.
Crafty hugs, Lisa

Traci Davis said...

Glad you are feeling better. Thanks for sharing the photos of your new home. It's beautiful...wishing you many happy memories there.

Jackie said...

It's so good to have you back! I'm glad you are taking care of yourself, we all want you around for a long time. Your house is gorgeous, very warm and inviting but still stunning. I would love it if you could send me your new address...I have Halloween cards ready :-)

Unknown said...

Hello Hello my friend... It is awesome to see you are back...Your home looks so beautiful and welcoming... I love your taste and your your ability to craft is understood now by seeing your ability with interior design too ... Yes it is good to read that you are feelin great and more importantly "TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF"
hugs and spooky wishes sent your way ... For a Spook-tac-ular Halloween...
Love for everyday ...

Ellen Taylor said...

So glad to hear you are on the road to recovery! Holy 76K~ Your health care system sucks! I agree with Mom though ...worth every penny! Your house is magazine worthy~Gorgeous! Your black and white card is very striking! Have a wonderful day Curt!

Mary said...

You've made a beautiful home for your family! Very inviting and warm, when can I come for a visit, lol! Have a great week, blessings!

Gina Wrona said...

YEAH, SO GLAD TO SEE YOU BACK AGAIN! Your house looks gorgeous, just like one of those in the house magazines! Absolutely beautiful my friend! Love your cards posted too! Not sure what I see in the clouds, but the pic sure is beautiful!

Hugs,
Gina
xoxoxo

Celeste said...

I am also diabetic and need to get my A1C lower. I have lost 15 lbs. I'm glad you are doing well! Your house is gorgeous!!! Are the boys adjusting well to the move? Your invitation was so elegant. Continue on your recovery friend!

Linda said...

Curt you home is Wonderful. So peaceful and relaxing. Now don't over do on the painting an house work.
I have a killer headache today a front is coming through and I really cant see something in the clouds but it is a beautiful picture. It reminds me of a friend eyes she has two different colors and they are wonderful. Off to rest. Hugs,
Linda

Carmen O. said...

I'm happy to see that you're back. What a great invitation! I love your house and how you've decorated. I remember the kitchen being green, black and white and thought it was so strikingly beautiful. It just seemed so fresh. I can't see what else you have to paint, because it looks fabulous. But I imagine you want your own touches. Hope you have a fabulous weekend!!
Hugs, Carm

Leigh said...

So pleased to have you back Curt. Fabulous photos of your new home.....looks absolutely beautiful.

Oma said...

Gorgeous home! Love the invitation. 76K!! Wow! I definitely would have had another heart attack! I sure hope you have health insurance! So glad I live in Canada where OHIP (Ontario Health Insuranace Plan) covers all hospital stays!

Elaine M said...

What a lovely home you're creating - thx so much for sharing the pics. Glad you're on the mend. Hugs

Susan (rainy) said...

Your new home looks fabulous!! Thanks for sharing all the pics. I couldn't help but smile when I saw your sewing machine prominently displayed in your craft room. I remember when you first got it... not sure you liked it so much. hehe

Anonymous said...

So glad you are feeling better!!!! And your house is amazing, love it! How on earth did all these people get your address to send you get well cards etc?????!!!! I have sent 3 e-mails asking for your new addie and haven't gotten it yet! Explain mister. hehehehe, trust me, I'm not gonna stalk you!
Hugs my friend!

Erin Morley said...

Curt I'm so glad to hear that you are feeling better! I was wondering where the heck you were. I also can't fathom you hospital bill, that's half a mortgage! When I hear things like that it really makes me glad to be Canadian, my hospital bill would have been $0 unless I had to take an ambulance ride ($80). Even though Americans get to enjoy lower prices on consumer good and a much better selection, I must say, I'd rather pay more each time I shop and pay higher taxes to not get a surprise like that in the mail. However knowing that if you require medical treatment it is going to cost you an arm and a leg, and perhaps, your first born, it might inspire you to take better care of your health. Once again I'm so glad that you are still here to grace us with creative inspiration, and that you are on the mend. Take care of yourself and ALL your boys! Hugs from the Great White North!

P.S. I see a Jack Russell in your pic of the clouds.

Sue said...

So glad you are doing so well, and well enough to entertain your old neighbors. House looks fantastic, all decorated up for Fall.

Enjoy the Halloween holiday, know it is one of your Favs. Continue to feel good. Congrats on losing 28 lbs, so hard to do!!

Puppy is 8 months old beginning of November, hard to believe. She is going in for Spaying soon. Such fun having a baby again!!

Hugs
Sue

Jan McConnell said...

Hi to all my guys! So happy to see you back on the screen! Love the house, so homey looking. Pace yourself with what you feel is still left to do, it will wait on you. Bet Jay and the boys are really happy to see you back home! Looking forward to your next session with us all. Hugs to all!

Jean said...

Curt ~
Welcome back. So happy you're recovery is moving along so well. Just make sure you take it easy and heed the docs. Your new home looks fab-u-lous! Hope you make many happy memories there.
{{{HUGS}}} Jean ~

Margaret said...

Woo hoo! Glad to see you are getting back in the swing of things. I love the way you have decorated your house. That is not one of my strong points. I'm glad I have a daughter to help me in that department.:)Take care of yourself.

Lee said...

Hi Curt,great to see you posting.WOW,your house is stunning,love the fireplace in the master bedroom,you have a great craft room too,love it.How can they possibly justify that amount of money for your hospital care ridiculous who do they think you are rockafella lol.

Love the invite so elegant.glad you got to see your neighbours and caught up on all their news.
Wishing you all a happy life in your new home.Big huggles,big cuddles for the boys.xx

mark said...

coveting your laundry room. how sad is that?

Miranda said...

I'm a bit behind on blogging! So happy you are doing well. Love your house! Take care!
Miranda :)
www.nanasscrapspot.com

Lorraine said...

So pleased to hear you are feeling well. Your home is amazing so warm and comforting I hope you all have a long and happy life there. Hugs from Jersey U.K.

terriavidreader (IN-USA) said...

You have such a gorgeous home. I hope you are definitely feeling much better by now! Been saying prayers for your quick recovery!

Anonymous said...

Curt, took a moment between classwork to surf your site. What wonderful photo tour you have compiled! Your efforts have been noted~and hoowwww! We have a northern cold snap heading our way so burying/ incorporating leaves and grass cuttings into top twelve inches of garden soil to mulch over winter is a must Tuesday afternoon following quilting. Big med trip tomorrow with time change and early early early get up we are yawning like not body's business already!
Craft Fairs are scheduling three and four a weekend this triple weekend pre Thanksgiving season! Decisions!
Quilt group made a hundred dollars which will cover a batting roll if we land a 40% coupon. Grand writing has not been positive experience for our fearless leader who is learning with each application. That is a good thing all around and no bucks over which to haggle. Giant grins your way as each peek at your pic of the week is something else! Lovin' those blues! Blessings in your countings and considerations through and beyond this thankfulness season.
Keep Looking UP!

Erica said...

OH MY GRACIOUS, you didn't and east
and west wing craft-room I luv it.
Your decor is splendidly simple and quite elegant.
So glad you're well so we can enjoy ALL your crafty talent.
A cyber hug is being sent your way!