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.
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
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Nothing to talk about?
I want to write something but I can’t think of anything to talk about.
OTN is the Advent Scarf, I’m up through Day 5 and am really enjoying it. I want to knit another shawl but can’t chose a pattern; trying to decide about a summer shell and a cardigan, and there is always the decision of what to have for supper. And so it seems goes life---one decision after another—got to be making some major ones soon.
Richard is about the same. I’m trying to convince myself he should go to Adult Day Care but it’s a very hard thing to do. I feel like I’m locking him away, but at least he wouldn’t be so bored-they have activities all the time. I’ve started some grief-counseling and that’s helping. Depression is a scary thing and it creeps up on one.
Guess I’ll go see Mom this weekend being it’s Mothers Day and all. Haven’t been since Christmas and that’s terrible but I was pretty out of commission for quite some time with the broken leg and still am a bit. It’s healing very slowly, I guess stress probably contributes to that. We won’t mention my age-which the doctor mentions every time…..
Kacie and Carter are moving out and that makes me really sad in some ways and okay in others. I’ll get some closet space back and “my” room with my yarn, patterns, music instruments, bookcase, desk, and chair. I need to change the carpet in there, I’m thinking of purple! Did I hear you say Purple! snort!? What’s wrong with purple?
Carter is being his adorable (although 2-year-old) self. Cute and funny and all boy. He discovered jumping in puddles this week. He just likes jumping of any sort. He got quite cross with me Tuesday night when I wouldn’t take him outside because it was raining and dark. It’s hard to make a 2 year old understand that grandparents are not especially fond of standing/playing in the rain. I never was come to think of it. If it’s raining, I want to curl up with a good book or someone to cuddle with. And that’s the way it is.
Speaking of books, right now I’m reading “Wormwood” by Susan Wittig Albert. #17 in her China Bayles series. She came through here and did some library programs when “Nightshade” was published a couple years ago and she’s really nice and she knits!! Before that I read “Just Take My Heart” by Mary Higgins Clark. She is such a good author, but I don’t know if she knits or not. I’m listening to the Tony Hillerman books on CD in the car and James Patterson Women’s Murder Club also on CD. I doubt that either of them knitted or knit. I also have “Cream Puff Murder” by Joanna Fluke (total fluff but fun and has recipes) and “Look Again” by Lisa Scottoline at home to read. I really need to get busy with my reading. They’re already overdue! Did you know that Kathleen Taylor, a knitting designer and blogger, is also a mystery writer. She wrote the Tori Bauer series several years ago and I loved them, and hope she writes some more one of these days. She said she did too. Her blog is http://kathleen-dakotadreams.blogspot.com/ I suggest you read them. They are in paperback.
Pictures soon I hope. Toodles Anita
OTN is the Advent Scarf, I’m up through Day 5 and am really enjoying it. I want to knit another shawl but can’t chose a pattern; trying to decide about a summer shell and a cardigan, and there is always the decision of what to have for supper. And so it seems goes life---one decision after another—got to be making some major ones soon.
Richard is about the same. I’m trying to convince myself he should go to Adult Day Care but it’s a very hard thing to do. I feel like I’m locking him away, but at least he wouldn’t be so bored-they have activities all the time. I’ve started some grief-counseling and that’s helping. Depression is a scary thing and it creeps up on one.
Guess I’ll go see Mom this weekend being it’s Mothers Day and all. Haven’t been since Christmas and that’s terrible but I was pretty out of commission for quite some time with the broken leg and still am a bit. It’s healing very slowly, I guess stress probably contributes to that. We won’t mention my age-which the doctor mentions every time…..
Kacie and Carter are moving out and that makes me really sad in some ways and okay in others. I’ll get some closet space back and “my” room with my yarn, patterns, music instruments, bookcase, desk, and chair. I need to change the carpet in there, I’m thinking of purple! Did I hear you say Purple! snort!? What’s wrong with purple?
Carter is being his adorable (although 2-year-old) self. Cute and funny and all boy. He discovered jumping in puddles this week. He just likes jumping of any sort. He got quite cross with me Tuesday night when I wouldn’t take him outside because it was raining and dark. It’s hard to make a 2 year old understand that grandparents are not especially fond of standing/playing in the rain. I never was come to think of it. If it’s raining, I want to curl up with a good book or someone to cuddle with. And that’s the way it is.
Speaking of books, right now I’m reading “Wormwood” by Susan Wittig Albert. #17 in her China Bayles series. She came through here and did some library programs when “Nightshade” was published a couple years ago and she’s really nice and she knits!! Before that I read “Just Take My Heart” by Mary Higgins Clark. She is such a good author, but I don’t know if she knits or not. I’m listening to the Tony Hillerman books on CD in the car and James Patterson Women’s Murder Club also on CD. I doubt that either of them knitted or knit. I also have “Cream Puff Murder” by Joanna Fluke (total fluff but fun and has recipes) and “Look Again” by Lisa Scottoline at home to read. I really need to get busy with my reading. They’re already overdue! Did you know that Kathleen Taylor, a knitting designer and blogger, is also a mystery writer. She wrote the Tori Bauer series several years ago and I loved them, and hope she writes some more one of these days. She said she did too. Her blog is http://kathleen-dakotadreams.blogspot.com/ I suggest you read them. They are in paperback.
Pictures soon I hope. Toodles Anita
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
10 on Tuesday
Today's 10 on Tuesday is : 10 Signs That You're Getting Older:
1. Why in the heck does it matter if I recognize "signs" of age!!! You are only as old as you think you are (at least until you look in the mirrow!)
2-10. see #1
1. Why in the heck does it matter if I recognize "signs" of age!!! You are only as old as you think you are (at least until you look in the mirrow!)
2-10. see #1
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
We Knew This Already!
It seems the Mayo Clinic has just released a new study saying knitting and crocheting are good for us. That they reduce stress, blood pressure, help manage pain and depression and reduce memory loss in older adults. Finally, justification (as if we needed it) for toting around all the bags full of knitting projects! It’s nice to be confirmed though. Here are the web addresses one from CBS and the other (same video) from the Yarn Market Newsletter. I hope its okay to list them here-no copy write issues involved.
http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=4917058n
http://www.yarnmarket.blogspot.com/
http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=4917058n
http://www.yarnmarket.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
10 on Tuesday
You say it’s Wednesday? It’s an un-imaginative person who can’t adjust the day a little bit if necessary.
10 Things on My To-Do List
1. Look into daycare for Richard--he's wandering too far
2. Finish vest of Blue Sky Organic Cotton
3. Bake almond croissants
4. Cook brisket
5. Plan menu for Easter
6. Vacuum the floor
7. Find someone to clean the house occasionally (why not? We pay someone to mow the yard.)
8. Get a picture of Carter in spite of his avoidance
9. Read and score the Aging grant
10. Read the “Red Leather Diary” and/or “The Lace Reader” and prepare a book review for presentation.
10 Things on My To-Do List
1. Look into daycare for Richard--he's wandering too far
2. Finish vest of Blue Sky Organic Cotton
3. Bake almond croissants
4. Cook brisket
5. Plan menu for Easter
6. Vacuum the floor
7. Find someone to clean the house occasionally (why not? We pay someone to mow the yard.)
8. Get a picture of Carter in spite of his avoidance
9. Read and score the Aging grant
10. Read the “Red Leather Diary” and/or “The Lace Reader” and prepare a book review for presentation.
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