Yep that’s what I said—I reached the Scenic Site Saturation Point and I knew if I looked at one more beautiful site in Colorado that my eyes would explode. But it’s kind of hard to not see the beauty in Colorado.
We took a vacation last week to Colorado Springs and visited all the places you are supposed to visit there: Royal Gorge, Garden of the Gods, Manitou Springs Cliff dwellings, Cripple Creek (yuck), the Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad, Pikes’ Peak-where-I-ate-a-donut-and-thought-I-was-going-to-faint-not-from-the-donut-but-from-the-thin-air. Hard to breathe up there. I was rushing to the restroom thinking I’d better go cause if I faint I might wet my pants and that would never do. I didn't--faint or wet my pants. We also had supper and a music show at the Flying W Ranch, and another supper at this restaurant that is partly made from an airplane. Pretty cool. There are gift shops everywhere and I am a grandmother…do I need to elaborate? I didn’t think so.
I only took one project, my Advent Scarf, to work on and that was a mistake. Some of those lace patterns are just to complicated to work on in a crowd. So I knitted and tinked knitted and tinked knitted and tinked then finally gave up. Got it going again after we got home. So 13 hours of knitting wasted, but it kept me out of trouble.
I’ve had something of an epiphany but I’m not ready to talk about it yet.
Showing posts with label knitting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label knitting. Show all posts
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
PTSD??
It’s been a less-than-exciting 2-3 weeks. Every day is a brand new experience. As I've mentioned, one can have no expectations.
Almost 3 weeks ago now I put Richard in adult day care for his own safety. He’s had a heat stroke two years in a row and I’m just not in the mood to go through that again. I told him this was his job and he sort of accepted that. The first evening he told me he didn’t want to go back and I told him we’d talk about it and he went out the back door for a “walk” When he wasn’t home by 9:30 and it was also dark-thirty I got anxious and called 911 and 4 police cars, the police helicopter, some friends, and our daughters were all driving around looking for him. Finally at 10:34 he walked around the corner and strolled on home wondering what all the fuss was about. Of course he couldn’t tell us where he’d been and no one could believe that he hadn’t been spotted by somebody! The police ask me if I was going to make him go back to the center and I said you betcha I am. I felt like I had no choice. Course I did but the choice was leaving him home alone no fluids, not eating and getting sick and I couldn’t do that.
As you can imagine, the rest of that week and the next were pretty terrible but at least he didn’t walk off again. He’s now beginning to enjoy it just a little bit and it’s doing some good for him. He’s communicating better and talking a little bit better and he seems to be calming down some. He gets very agitated—part of the disease. He told me there were 3 women that wanted him.
My blood pressure has gone down since I’m not worried about him all day. His blood pressure is perfect but he has no stress.
That evening I was very stressed and Kacie said call your mother so I did and of course the minute she said hello I burst into tears. Partly from worry and partly from sheer frustration, I felt like I’d been trampled by a herd of buffalo. Anyhow, Carter, my 28 month grandson, heard me crying and was alarmed. He brought me a ball of yarn and said “ball” when he gave it to me, went over and scooped up my current project (which he’d pulled the needles out of earlier) and brought it over and carefully set it in my lap, then went back and brought my pattern to me. Oh and I got a hug and kiss too. I thought that was pretty perceptive for a 2-year-old to recognize that my knitting makes me feel good.
So it’s been a difficult 2-3 weeks but he’s doing much better and seems rather resigned. He really needs to be a bit worse to be content, as it is he kind of knows he really doesn’t belong there but…..there is no alternative.
OTN: Stranded socks, Advent Calendar Scarf
Almost 3 weeks ago now I put Richard in adult day care for his own safety. He’s had a heat stroke two years in a row and I’m just not in the mood to go through that again. I told him this was his job and he sort of accepted that. The first evening he told me he didn’t want to go back and I told him we’d talk about it and he went out the back door for a “walk” When he wasn’t home by 9:30 and it was also dark-thirty I got anxious and called 911 and 4 police cars, the police helicopter, some friends, and our daughters were all driving around looking for him. Finally at 10:34 he walked around the corner and strolled on home wondering what all the fuss was about. Of course he couldn’t tell us where he’d been and no one could believe that he hadn’t been spotted by somebody! The police ask me if I was going to make him go back to the center and I said you betcha I am. I felt like I had no choice. Course I did but the choice was leaving him home alone no fluids, not eating and getting sick and I couldn’t do that.
As you can imagine, the rest of that week and the next were pretty terrible but at least he didn’t walk off again. He’s now beginning to enjoy it just a little bit and it’s doing some good for him. He’s communicating better and talking a little bit better and he seems to be calming down some. He gets very agitated—part of the disease. He told me there were 3 women that wanted him.
My blood pressure has gone down since I’m not worried about him all day. His blood pressure is perfect but he has no stress.
That evening I was very stressed and Kacie said call your mother so I did and of course the minute she said hello I burst into tears. Partly from worry and partly from sheer frustration, I felt like I’d been trampled by a herd of buffalo. Anyhow, Carter, my 28 month grandson, heard me crying and was alarmed. He brought me a ball of yarn and said “ball” when he gave it to me, went over and scooped up my current project (which he’d pulled the needles out of earlier) and brought it over and carefully set it in my lap, then went back and brought my pattern to me. Oh and I got a hug and kiss too. I thought that was pretty perceptive for a 2-year-old to recognize that my knitting makes me feel good.
So it’s been a difficult 2-3 weeks but he’s doing much better and seems rather resigned. He really needs to be a bit worse to be content, as it is he kind of knows he really doesn’t belong there but…..there is no alternative.
OTN: Stranded socks, Advent Calendar Scarf
Monday, June 8, 2009
Tick-tock, tick-tock
Isn't it amazing how fast time flies? Even if you're not having fun?? You break your leg; you spend a month in a cast, a month in a boot (that is ugly and cost $458 I might add. I don't spend that kind of money on pretty shoes and I get two of them--that match!) And two months in an air splint and suddenly it's June! What happened to February, March April and May? And then you find out you have to have cataract surgery. For heavens sake, this getting old business is for the birds! I never signed up for this--I don't want to pay dues to join this club!! It's in the Rules--no dues to join the getting older club. and I think I've had enough character-building experiences in my life to last me over the next few years!! Ah well... it seems life is what happenes when you've made other plans--I don't remember who said that, besides me, but I'm sure someone did.
Today I started Richard in Adult Day Care. He just came in and told me he didn't want to do this anymore. I told him it was a job. When I picked him up he looked like a storm cloud--let me re phrase that-- a tornadic storm cloud. He told me they worked him to death! but he was laughing and seemed cheerful. I told him I was so proud of him, getting a job and all. (lies to people with dementia don't count as lies, it's in the Rules) So we will see how tomorrow goes. I told him he had to go for a couple of days and try it out. Cross your fingers for me. He just isn't safe on his own anymore, doesn't eat, drink water, wear a hat, he wanders long distances, and he leaves the house wide open. He's had a heat stroke the previous 2 years and I'm just not in the mood to have one this year. Oops...I'm beginning to feel a bit grumpy!
OTN is the Advent Scarf-I'm on Day 8-- and a Crusoe sock, just one so far. I really want to learn to do two socks at once on two needles or two on one needle-magic loop style. I just can't seem to learn anything new at the moment. Overload I guess. Sock Summit looked really interesting but I seem to have missed all the drama and I guess without any classes there's not much point in going. One of these days I hope.
We are taking a tour in July. Going to Colorado Springs and see all the sights. Should be fun. I really enjoy the tours although we're usually in the youngest 4-6 of the group. It's really the only way we can travel at the moment. I can't do all the planning, driving and care-giving for Rich and take a trip unless I want to die. stress-related you know. At least driving in front of the train only crosses my mind about once a week now.
I'm doing a pretty fun thing this week. I'm teaching music teachers who are working on their Master's degrees how to play autoharp, spoons, limberjack, juice harp, and yodel. I do this for OU about every three years but I did it last year and now again this year. It is so much fun, but I'll tell you a secret--music teachers are a pretty rowdy group. I guess because they have to be really creative and creativity needs to express itself. (sounds good anyhow)
Kacie and Carter moved out. mostly. As soon as they're all gone--furniture etc. I'm going to do some re-arranging. I'm really anxious to get my yarn room back. And a guest room. I do miss them--that baby is a hoot and so cute--but let's face it--he's two years old and we all know what two-year-olds are like! I've already done that three times I think it's his mom's turn to have that pleasure. aaahhh the pitter patter of little feet! toodles....Anita
Today I started Richard in Adult Day Care. He just came in and told me he didn't want to do this anymore. I told him it was a job. When I picked him up he looked like a storm cloud--let me re phrase that-- a tornadic storm cloud. He told me they worked him to death! but he was laughing and seemed cheerful. I told him I was so proud of him, getting a job and all. (lies to people with dementia don't count as lies, it's in the Rules) So we will see how tomorrow goes. I told him he had to go for a couple of days and try it out. Cross your fingers for me. He just isn't safe on his own anymore, doesn't eat, drink water, wear a hat, he wanders long distances, and he leaves the house wide open. He's had a heat stroke the previous 2 years and I'm just not in the mood to have one this year. Oops...I'm beginning to feel a bit grumpy!
OTN is the Advent Scarf-I'm on Day 8-- and a Crusoe sock, just one so far. I really want to learn to do two socks at once on two needles or two on one needle-magic loop style. I just can't seem to learn anything new at the moment. Overload I guess. Sock Summit looked really interesting but I seem to have missed all the drama and I guess without any classes there's not much point in going. One of these days I hope.
We are taking a tour in July. Going to Colorado Springs and see all the sights. Should be fun. I really enjoy the tours although we're usually in the youngest 4-6 of the group. It's really the only way we can travel at the moment. I can't do all the planning, driving and care-giving for Rich and take a trip unless I want to die. stress-related you know. At least driving in front of the train only crosses my mind about once a week now.
I'm doing a pretty fun thing this week. I'm teaching music teachers who are working on their Master's degrees how to play autoharp, spoons, limberjack, juice harp, and yodel. I do this for OU about every three years but I did it last year and now again this year. It is so much fun, but I'll tell you a secret--music teachers are a pretty rowdy group. I guess because they have to be really creative and creativity needs to express itself. (sounds good anyhow)
Kacie and Carter moved out. mostly. As soon as they're all gone--furniture etc. I'm going to do some re-arranging. I'm really anxious to get my yarn room back. And a guest room. I do miss them--that baby is a hoot and so cute--but let's face it--he's two years old and we all know what two-year-olds are like! I've already done that three times I think it's his mom's turn to have that pleasure. aaahhh the pitter patter of little feet! toodles....Anita
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Catchin' Up
Well, hey y'all! How is everyone? I don't know about you but I've been waaaaay too busy. September always seems to be a busy month even when you no longer have kids in school. I thought I'd try to get caught up since I haven't posted in a while. This seems to be one of those "I don't know what I've been doing but I've been really busy doing it" times though.
Well first of all, Richard's cast came off about a week ago. He drove me crazy asking how long till it was removed (short term memory issues) but finally the magic day arrived. He's still wearing a splint from time to time. I was really worried he'd go out in the garage and find a saw (in spite of all our best efforts to hide or get rid of all sharp objects) and remove it himself, but fortunately he didn't do that. He says it still hurts a little and it keeps swelling up, I'm a little worried.
I finished my Summer Shawlette, it's really cute, I'll get a picture up soon. I've started a Heartbeat Sweater of Berroco Love It Colors. It has long color sequences and is striping up nicely. Also, this time it seems much easier--I haven't frogged the other one yet so after I finish this one I may try to re-group and finish it. It's really a cute pattern from Just One More Row. I've also started a multidirectional scarf of Noro Silk Garden Sock that will be so pretty. I'm working on an entralac shrug from I think the Vogue Knitting Just Wraps book. I happened to be at my favorite yarn shop a while back when a
shipment of Silk Garden Sock arrrived and I went into sort of a frenzy and bought several skeins -none of which I needed. But then, where yarn is concerned--what's need got to do with it?
Last weekend I attended a 2 night 3 day Literacy Conference and left DH with care-givers, one of who was going to be my son and his wife. However she got sick-they thought she had a stroke! and was put in the hospital for the same 3 days I was gone, so I had to make rather sudden and different arrangements. I called my two daughters to re-arrange their part of the week-end and our good friend George to take Rich out a bit on Saturday which thank heavens he was able and willing to do. Never underestimate the power of a good friend. Fortunately Teresa is fine, it wasn't a stroke but connected to migraine headaches and they are treating her for that.
and finally on Thursday I remembered to send her some flowers!
I enjoyed the conference a lot. It was work but I was away from home on a break from Alzheimer's in a hotel room all my own by myself! If I hadn't tripped and fallen (again) it would have been perfect. RB, Joni and I had been carrying supplies into the conference center and using one of those two-wheeler cards that can fold down into a flat cart with 4 wheels. RB and I were walking back outside to get another load and she was pulling the cart and to the left of me. I decided to walk around her and look at a sign posted on the building. Well when I stopped she did too and instead of walking around her, I tripped over the cart. I went down in a series of what felt like bounces off several things but it was all cart. I hit the side of my leg which left a black and blue bruise the size of my fist and still hurts, (I'll spare you the pictures) and the front of my leg and hurt my hand trying to catch myself (had to wear an ice pack and an elastic bandage all weekend). I felt rather like a beached whale! probably looked like one too! But the worst part was that I couldn't get up! Part of me was hanging off one side of the cart, another part off the other side, and the middle of me was just sort of ...well I'm not sure but in the middle of the cart. Finally I managed to roll off and sit on the sidewalk at which point friend Joni started laughing and didn't quit for the whole weekend! I'm certainly glad to have provided her with so much entertainment....or not. Anyhow, it wasn't my best fall...my most spectacular fall was falling backwards out of the library van (see Monday, Jan. 28, 2008).
I knew there was a good reason I have a magnetic ball of yarn and needles on the back of my car--besides helping me find it in the parking lot, there are a lot of white cars! While parking the other day, a car drove by me and braked rather suddenly, then drove on and parked a couple spaces away from me. A young woman came rushing towards me and ask do you knit? me-yes her-for fun? me-yes her-me too! So we chatted a bit, compared favorite yarn shops--she didn't have one so I suggested she try mine, we exchanged names and parted ways.
I thought I'd leave you with a pic of Carter and Grandpa playing chase in the backyard.
Toodles till next time and remember to laugh every day! Anita
Well first of all, Richard's cast came off about a week ago. He drove me crazy asking how long till it was removed (short term memory issues) but finally the magic day arrived. He's still wearing a splint from time to time. I was really worried he'd go out in the garage and find a saw (in spite of all our best efforts to hide or get rid of all sharp objects) and remove it himself, but fortunately he didn't do that. He says it still hurts a little and it keeps swelling up, I'm a little worried.
I finished my Summer Shawlette, it's really cute, I'll get a picture up soon. I've started a Heartbeat Sweater of Berroco Love It Colors. It has long color sequences and is striping up nicely. Also, this time it seems much easier--I haven't frogged the other one yet so after I finish this one I may try to re-group and finish it. It's really a cute pattern from Just One More Row. I've also started a multidirectional scarf of Noro Silk Garden Sock that will be so pretty. I'm working on an entralac shrug from I think the Vogue Knitting Just Wraps book. I happened to be at my favorite yarn shop a while back when a
shipment of Silk Garden Sock arrrived and I went into sort of a frenzy and bought several skeins -none of which I needed. But then, where yarn is concerned--what's need got to do with it?
Last weekend I attended a 2 night 3 day Literacy Conference and left DH with care-givers, one of who was going to be my son and his wife. However she got sick-they thought she had a stroke! and was put in the hospital for the same 3 days I was gone, so I had to make rather sudden and different arrangements. I called my two daughters to re-arrange their part of the week-end and our good friend George to take Rich out a bit on Saturday which thank heavens he was able and willing to do. Never underestimate the power of a good friend. Fortunately Teresa is fine, it wasn't a stroke but connected to migraine headaches and they are treating her for that.
and finally on Thursday I remembered to send her some flowers!
I enjoyed the conference a lot. It was work but I was away from home on a break from Alzheimer's in a hotel room all my own by myself! If I hadn't tripped and fallen (again) it would have been perfect. RB, Joni and I had been carrying supplies into the conference center and using one of those two-wheeler cards that can fold down into a flat cart with 4 wheels. RB and I were walking back outside to get another load and she was pulling the cart and to the left of me. I decided to walk around her and look at a sign posted on the building. Well when I stopped she did too and instead of walking around her, I tripped over the cart. I went down in a series of what felt like bounces off several things but it was all cart. I hit the side of my leg which left a black and blue bruise the size of my fist and still hurts, (I'll spare you the pictures) and the front of my leg and hurt my hand trying to catch myself (had to wear an ice pack and an elastic bandage all weekend). I felt rather like a beached whale! probably looked like one too! But the worst part was that I couldn't get up! Part of me was hanging off one side of the cart, another part off the other side, and the middle of me was just sort of ...well I'm not sure but in the middle of the cart. Finally I managed to roll off and sit on the sidewalk at which point friend Joni started laughing and didn't quit for the whole weekend! I'm certainly glad to have provided her with so much entertainment....or not. Anyhow, it wasn't my best fall...my most spectacular fall was falling backwards out of the library van (see Monday, Jan. 28, 2008).
I knew there was a good reason I have a magnetic ball of yarn and needles on the back of my car--besides helping me find it in the parking lot, there are a lot of white cars! While parking the other day, a car drove by me and braked rather suddenly, then drove on and parked a couple spaces away from me. A young woman came rushing towards me and ask do you knit? me-yes her-for fun? me-yes her-me too! So we chatted a bit, compared favorite yarn shops--she didn't have one so I suggested she try mine, we exchanged names and parted ways.
I thought I'd leave you with a pic of Carter and Grandpa playing chase in the backyard.
Toodles till next time and remember to laugh every day! Anita
Monday, September 1, 2008
Wow
I just finished watching a press conference about the temporary center for evacuees from New Orleans and the surrounding area during Hurrican Gustav here in OKC. I am so proud of our City. The police department, United Way, Red Cross, religious communities, mental health, animal control, and more were prepared to help. We were able, willing and ready to take these people in. Everyone who arrived was registered and put in an internet location so family can locate them, they're running warrant reports on everyone and 3 people have been taken to jail, people with unsavory "history" are being housed other places. Pets are here and owners can visit. There are cots, food, and supplies for all. I tell ya, everything has been thought of. 400 people were expected, 1800 arrived, they are prepared for 2000, but 4000 could be housed if necessary. All who are in charge are calm, organized and prepared. Wow
OTN A Fiesta Ballet scarf, a Summer Lace Shawlette of Fiesta Boomerang, a Noro Silk Garden scarf, a Fixation sock, a Christmas stocking of Encore from last year, a multi-directional scarf of Miss Priss----can anybody say UFO? Oh and I forgot the vest of Plymouth Baby Alpaca! Oh well, I guess they'll all get finished sooner or later---or not! I'm also frogging a Heartbeat sweater of Schaffer Laurel--love the yarn didn't love the pattern. I seem to need more concrete instructions rather than follow pattern till it fits. Maybe I'll try again later when my life is calmer. When one never knows what to expect it's easier to have directions that I can just follow!
I went to GY yesterday to take Nina a birthday card and visit a bit and Kay and Margie were there, Carol, Ellen and Polly all came in, and Nina and Pat after their lunch. Then DH and I went to the Arts Festival at OCCC with friends and looked at art, ate, and listened to music. It was a good day. And I think, I'll close on that note. Happy Labor Day--or in my case No-Labor Day!!! : ) toodles......Anita
The picture is my mother, a grandchild and her son-in-law aka as Richard, my DH.
OTN A Fiesta Ballet scarf, a Summer Lace Shawlette of Fiesta Boomerang, a Noro Silk Garden scarf, a Fixation sock, a Christmas stocking of Encore from last year, a multi-directional scarf of Miss Priss----can anybody say UFO? Oh and I forgot the vest of Plymouth Baby Alpaca! Oh well, I guess they'll all get finished sooner or later---or not! I'm also frogging a Heartbeat sweater of Schaffer Laurel--love the yarn didn't love the pattern. I seem to need more concrete instructions rather than follow pattern till it fits. Maybe I'll try again later when my life is calmer. When one never knows what to expect it's easier to have directions that I can just follow!
I went to GY yesterday to take Nina a birthday card and visit a bit and Kay and Margie were there, Carol, Ellen and Polly all came in, and Nina and Pat after their lunch. Then DH and I went to the Arts Festival at OCCC with friends and looked at art, ate, and listened to music. It was a good day. And I think, I'll close on that note. Happy Labor Day--or in my case No-Labor Day!!! : ) toodles......Anita
The picture is my mother, a grandchild and her son-in-law aka as Richard, my DH.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
It's Twins
...and fraternal ones at that. I finally finished that pair of socks I began last August on our Alaska cruise. I didn’t like working on them for a long time and now I wonder if I somehow connected them to my sister’s death. Oh well…whatever! They’re done now and I like them a lot!I’ve joined the Goddess Mystery KAL, but seem to be having a little challenge getting started so I decided to finish my cotton Heartstrings top so maybe I can wear it this summer. I’ve been working on several wool projects and I live in Okla-hot-homa for heaven’s sake!! What am I thinking?
Not much to blog about…I’ve been teaching Bible School at church in the evenings—another of those what was I thinking moments—and I think I might not do this again for a couple years. Working all day, rushing home to get Rich fed and settled, then to the church by 5:15 and deal with flocks of children, then get home pooped and the day is gone! It’s a little too much with Rich thrown in the mix. Maybe as the memory fades I’ll reconsider…. I’m not too good with groups of kids.
And here's Mr. Onery aka Carter. He's only 16 months but we're getting a glimpse of what the terrible two's are going to be. Yikes, I'd forgotten!
Friday, April 25, 2008
Knitting progress and philosphical thoughts
I noticed last night that an adorable darling 15-month-old grandson is just a smidgen less adorable when he won’t go to sleep at 3:00-5:00 am. Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed and happy. Ya gotta smile back at him even through bleary eyes.
My Lady E is just 9 tiers short of being finished and fringed! I’ve mastered the skill of “knitting backwards” on this project too.
My long suffering /neglected socks are now having their little heels turned and they seem very happy about that. Don’t ask me how I know that, I just do….. And my Miss Priss Clara Barton colorway multi-directional scarf is about halfway through. You might ask (or not) how I’m accomplishing so much knitting suddenly. WELL! For the last 19 days, I’ve been hosting an author at several of our library branches who is doing a book talk and discussion about one of her books (it’s Rilla Askew and Fire in Beulah—a pretty amazing book—I recommend it) and while she talks-I knit! I’ve heard her talk many times but I can still knit and listen so I’m really making progress! It’s wonderful to be able to knit at work. :) !
I’ve been participating in the “10 on Tuesday” thingy you might have noticed and the one for last week was “10 Wonderful Things (or Things I Love) About My Life”. And to my dismay, I couldn’t think of 10 things. The Zomig is supposed to take care of that I thought but apparently not. And then just this week I started listening to “20 Wishes” by Debbie Macomber and so I’ve decided to sort of play the Glad Game (remember Pollyanna?) and try to get myself out of this bog I’m mired in. Yes, a lot of life is kind of stink-y right now but a lot of life isn’t! I’ll keep you posted as I come up with my 10 things and/or 20 wishes.
Is anybody reading this blog? I’ve said I write it for me but it’s nice if it gets read. I seldom get any commentss (and I’ve noticed I haven’t been added to some of my friend’s “favorite blogs to read” lists….just joking) It’s okay. So if you drop by, stop and say hi! Okay?
Toodles……Anita
+
My Lady E is just 9 tiers short of being finished and fringed! I’ve mastered the skill of “knitting backwards” on this project too.
My long suffering /neglected socks are now having their little heels turned and they seem very happy about that. Don’t ask me how I know that, I just do….. And my Miss Priss Clara Barton colorway multi-directional scarf is about halfway through. You might ask (or not) how I’m accomplishing so much knitting suddenly. WELL! For the last 19 days, I’ve been hosting an author at several of our library branches who is doing a book talk and discussion about one of her books (it’s Rilla Askew and Fire in Beulah—a pretty amazing book—I recommend it) and while she talks-I knit! I’ve heard her talk many times but I can still knit and listen so I’m really making progress! It’s wonderful to be able to knit at work. :) !
I’ve been participating in the “10 on Tuesday” thingy you might have noticed and the one for last week was “10 Wonderful Things (or Things I Love) About My Life”. And to my dismay, I couldn’t think of 10 things. The Zomig is supposed to take care of that I thought but apparently not. And then just this week I started listening to “20 Wishes” by Debbie Macomber and so I’ve decided to sort of play the Glad Game (remember Pollyanna?) and try to get myself out of this bog I’m mired in. Yes, a lot of life is kind of stink-y right now but a lot of life isn’t! I’ll keep you posted as I come up with my 10 things and/or 20 wishes.
Is anybody reading this blog? I’ve said I write it for me but it’s nice if it gets read. I seldom get any commentss (and I’ve noticed I haven’t been added to some of my friend’s “favorite blogs to read” lists….just joking) It’s okay. So if you drop by, stop and say hi! Okay?
Toodles……Anita
+
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Say what?
I’ve always found comfort in talking to myself….out loud. I always know what I’m talking about and never have to repeat anything…. Once my (then) teen-age daughter ask me who is my “special friend” with whom I’m always speaking. It was kind of empowering when people started walking around with things in their ears and talking to what appeared to be themselves. (Took me a while to figure out they were on the phone) How does this relate to a blog? Every day I say to myself “self, today you will write in your blog, and every day I don’t. It often seems as if I just don’t have anything to say except how challenging it is to deal with Richard, but in the interest of my mental health, maybe that’s what I should write about. (Please no comments about talking to myself out loud vs mental health.)
About a month ago, Richard (who has temporal lobe dementia-similar to Alz) had his driver’s license revoked and he’s very angry and frustrated which I totally understand. (even though I feel relieved) But living with constant anger is exhausting. I did notice that in trying to be more upbeat to him I actually made myself feel better…go figure. However, last week, he ask me what was wrong with him and so I explained his sickness and he was devastated. It seems that he’d “forgotten” that he has it and watching his heart break for the 2nd. time just about did me in. I really hope that we don’t have to go through this situation many more times. Now I’m trying to figure out how to get him lunches while I’m at work and he’s at home and he’s stubborn and doesn’t want any help but no longer can even fix his own sandwich. I arranged with our church to deliver a meal on Mondays but he won’t take it or else he leaves the house about the time they’re supposed to get there. It’s a challenge….but I’ll get it figured out sooner or later.
Knitting: I took a class for the Lady Eleanor entralac stole a couple weeks ago at my favorite LYS (all these acronyms confuse me) and invested the $$’s in Noro Silk Garden Yarn to make it and I LOVE IT. The technique is fun, the yarn –colorway 87—is gorgeous, and I really enjoy working on it. I think it might take me a while to complete but that’s okay. I took a picture for you.
About a month ago, Richard (who has temporal lobe dementia-similar to Alz) had his driver’s license revoked and he’s very angry and frustrated which I totally understand. (even though I feel relieved) But living with constant anger is exhausting. I did notice that in trying to be more upbeat to him I actually made myself feel better…go figure. However, last week, he ask me what was wrong with him and so I explained his sickness and he was devastated. It seems that he’d “forgotten” that he has it and watching his heart break for the 2nd. time just about did me in. I really hope that we don’t have to go through this situation many more times. Now I’m trying to figure out how to get him lunches while I’m at work and he’s at home and he’s stubborn and doesn’t want any help but no longer can even fix his own sandwich. I arranged with our church to deliver a meal on Mondays but he won’t take it or else he leaves the house about the time they’re supposed to get there. It’s a challenge….but I’ll get it figured out sooner or later.
Knitting: I took a class for the Lady Eleanor entralac stole a couple weeks ago at my favorite LYS (all these acronyms confuse me) and invested the $$’s in Noro Silk Garden Yarn to make it and I LOVE IT. The technique is fun, the yarn –colorway 87—is gorgeous, and I really enjoy working on it. I think it might take me a while to complete but that’s okay. I took a picture for you.
I’m still got a couple of other projects, but for now this brings comfort. Speaking of comfort—the comfort shawl I made for my friend who isn’t healthy was delivered. She said she’s always cold and that it would help. After I finished it, I got sick and didn’t want to take germs to her so it took a while to get there. Recently, I spotted a woman in a store who was bald and had a bandana tied around her head and I wished that I had a supply of chemo caps knitted and in my car to give to those who need them. It feels like something I need to be doing and the urge is getting stronger. Similar to the urge to carry around board books and give them to babies! Which I don’t do either. I guess I need to write a grant to someplace to fund all my ideas…..
And speaking of books: Have I mentioned that I read for escape and/or pleasure. Sometimes I’ll read something intellectual—well may not that drastic—but at least something good for me. But usually – give me an intriguing mystery and I’m in another world. I love mysteries. It’s always kind of disappointing if I can figure them out. I also like surprises. I’m about to finish The Blood Ballad by Rett MacPherson. Her character is Tori O’Shea, a genealogist who is always solving a mystery in her small Missouri town. She’s written 10 previous to this one and I’ve loved every one of them. I just finished Plum Lucky by Janet Evanovich—so funny, and am listening, in the car to Oh, My Stars by Lorna Landvick. This is the first of hers I’ve read (not a mystery) and she reminds me a bit of Billie Letts. Good characterization. I have waiting Jan Karon’s newest Father Tim, Home to Holly Springs and The St. Patrick’s Day Murder by Leslie Meier who’s another cozy writer with a recurring character. I’m on the list for the newest Mary Higgins Clark, she’s awesome. I also like Edna Buchanan.
Here’s a couple pictures of Bella. She’s an only cat. I’ve been wanting to get Rich a dog, but Bella is such a pill she’d move out again. Besides she’s his cat anyhow.
And speaking of books: Have I mentioned that I read for escape and/or pleasure. Sometimes I’ll read something intellectual—well may not that drastic—but at least something good for me. But usually – give me an intriguing mystery and I’m in another world. I love mysteries. It’s always kind of disappointing if I can figure them out. I also like surprises. I’m about to finish The Blood Ballad by Rett MacPherson. Her character is Tori O’Shea, a genealogist who is always solving a mystery in her small Missouri town. She’s written 10 previous to this one and I’ve loved every one of them. I just finished Plum Lucky by Janet Evanovich—so funny, and am listening, in the car to Oh, My Stars by Lorna Landvick. This is the first of hers I’ve read (not a mystery) and she reminds me a bit of Billie Letts. Good characterization. I have waiting Jan Karon’s newest Father Tim, Home to Holly Springs and The St. Patrick’s Day Murder by Leslie Meier who’s another cozy writer with a recurring character. I’m on the list for the newest Mary Higgins Clark, she’s awesome. I also like Edna Buchanan.
Here’s a couple pictures of Bella. She’s an only cat. I’ve been wanting to get Rich a dog, but Bella is such a pill she’d move out again. Besides she’s his cat anyhow.
I hope the grammar police (you know who you are!) don’t take after me. I’ve tried to watch all my there, they’re & theirs, all my it’s and its, and all my commas but who knows. Grammar is sometimes a mystery.
toodles....Anita
Monday, February 18, 2008
Age--bah humbug!!
Yesterday I worked "move in" day (6-count 'em, six! hours) at the huge Friends of the Library Booksale. Boy was that a mistake! I discovered what I already suspected--I'm waaay too old to do that kind of physical labor anymore---not that I'm that old, just too old for that work....what was I thinking???? Moving thousands of (heavy) boxes of books into the Made in Oklahoma Building seemed like a good idea when I volunteered for it but....I guess that's what I get for thinking. However, there is a pay-off. Because I busted my buns trying to carry boxes most of the day, I get to go to the pre-sale, a 2-hour preview where we're restricted to just a few books but it sure is fun to look at them all. It was all I could do to restrain myself from ripping open the boxes labeled "crafts" and look for knitting books! But I behaved. Besides I was injured 3 times--no surprise right? My boob got smushed by a box sliding rapidly down the rollers (I didn't realise they stuck out that far), I was whacked on the arm by something-who knows what-and someone dropped a box of books on my foot and at first I thought I had a broken toe but it wasn't.
Regardless, I suggest you visit the Booksale this coming weekend. Saturday and Sunday are free, Friday night you have to join the Friends ($10) to get in. Books are very inexpensive, magazines almost free, lots of dvd's and cd's--it's a great bargain. and did I mention that it's fun!
I'm finally working on the Baby Alpaca Grande Vest by Plymouth in pink and I like it. It's a pretty quick and easy knit but alpaca seems to get in my throat and make me cough. Does it bother anyone else?
I was on TV today-not that anyone besides my mother saw me. Not that I even wanted them to! I was interviewed on Channel 9 about the Winter Readfest Reading program for senior citizens. I wasn't scared but my body sure isn't tv camera friendly.
If you missed the Knitter's Guild meeting, you missed a good time. Linda P. taught us 4 cast-ons. She's a very good teacher and explains techniques quite well. A change of officers is always interesting. Each new year presents a bunch of new ideas, I hope they pan out and no one gets discouraged.
Well, I think it's time to rescue my knitting from the baby (grandson) and work on it some. He is such a busy little body but so cute!
toodles....Anita
Regardless, I suggest you visit the Booksale this coming weekend. Saturday and Sunday are free, Friday night you have to join the Friends ($10) to get in. Books are very inexpensive, magazines almost free, lots of dvd's and cd's--it's a great bargain. and did I mention that it's fun!
I'm finally working on the Baby Alpaca Grande Vest by Plymouth in pink and I like it. It's a pretty quick and easy knit but alpaca seems to get in my throat and make me cough. Does it bother anyone else?
I was on TV today-not that anyone besides my mother saw me. Not that I even wanted them to! I was interviewed on Channel 9 about the Winter Readfest Reading program for senior citizens. I wasn't scared but my body sure isn't tv camera friendly.
If you missed the Knitter's Guild meeting, you missed a good time. Linda P. taught us 4 cast-ons. She's a very good teacher and explains techniques quite well. A change of officers is always interesting. Each new year presents a bunch of new ideas, I hope they pan out and no one gets discouraged.
Well, I think it's time to rescue my knitting from the baby (grandson) and work on it some. He is such a busy little body but so cute!
toodles....Anita
Sunday, January 27, 2008
not so easy but workable
Well, having a blog is about as hard as I thought it would be. Seems as if there's never anything cheer-y to write about. It's been a busy week in Lake Woebegone--oops that's a different group! (and probably under copywrite protection) But it's still been a busy two weeks.
Okay, maybe one more picture of the birthday boy-Carter.
Good way to close an entry. See you later!
My husband, who has Alzheimer's was stopped for running a stop sign and as a result his driver's license has been revoked. Hell hath no fury like a man who isn't allowed to drive. And guess who he's been taking it out on?? The Dr. add Naminda to his meds and I think it's staring to kick in, his mood has improved a little bit. But it's heart-breaking to watch this disease do it's dirty work. The good news is: Safe Return works! The policeman called them who called me and I went and picked him up instead of him being taken to a hospital or the jail. I highly recommend it if you are in this situation. And I feel pretty good that if he wanders off that he'll be returned to me. Okay on to other things...
Like knitting. I'm working on a comfort shawl of Berocco Foliage for a friend with cancer. In the interest of speed I'm using a drop stitch pattern but it's turning out much better than I thought it would with that pattern, and size 13 needles.
Here's my finished Multi Directional Scarf of Cherry Tree Hill sock yarn and size 5 needles. Pattern from Simpatico Yarn in Texas. I love it and have received many compliments.
Okay next are the socks I've been working on for quite some time. They are of Regia Kaffee Fassett. I plan to finish them someday. Pattern is knit2, purl1 all the way down. Something simple, dare I say boring? which might be why they're going so slow. who knows?
Moving right along is the Heartbeat Sweater from Just One More Row made of Schaefer Laurel colorway Henen Hays. I'm finding this patterna bit of a challenge but think it will be worth it.
Hopefully soon I'll figure out how to place pictures and text so that they aren't so far apart!
And last but not least is another multi directional scarf of Shaefer Miss Priss Clara Barton.
Okay, maybe one more picture of the birthday boy-Carter.
Good way to close an entry. See you later!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)