Working Again

Well actually, I guess it should be "working still" but next week I will be switching from Manpower to MCC133. 4th time in 5 jobs Manpower have sent me to that I have been hired from them. Really appreciate where they have sent me. Only downside on this new job is that the Chairperson of the Board has decided to move back to Australia. He is nice and also appreciative of the work done. As Chairperson, he sets the tone of the Board. I also like the rest of the persons on the Board so hopefully it won't mean too much upset to me.


Get to start rearranging the Superintendent's office as mine is all done. He has no window in his cubbyhole so for some funny reason, he doesn't spend much time in it. Has plenty around the building to keep him busy and can always come visit in my office.



Have the centre of the afghan done -- almost. Thought it was big enough but only 58 cm when I started to take it off tne needles so I am going to work a band of the dark blue around it. I think it will frame it very well and set apart the other blocks. Also laid out"our family" blocks on a piece of dark blue material so I have a better idea of how they are going to look. Hopefully will get some of the fill-in blocks done and start stitching them together this weekend.


Have a new toy to distract me. Went to Brampton last weekend and tried Mandy's Nintendo DS. Was not impressed with how well I did so went out and bought myself one. Also got the two Brain Training games and Brain Age and Picpuzzle (graphs with numbers across the top and one side which you use to fill in the squares to create a picture.) Have been having great fun doing it and hopefully will see some improvement in my performances. Heather and Sis also enjoyed it the other night when we got together for supper. Left it at work one night and was very upset but not enough to go back for it.

Son home from Ottawa and off to Milton today. Has a wedding and birthday on Sunday and working in Hamilton area next week so doubt I'll see much of him.

Well off to see the ball game and knit some more. Break is over.

Enjoy life.

Knitters' Fair 2007

Need I say much more? Excellent time to see a large number of shops and knitters. Get lots of cards so I can visit some throughout the year.

Thought I would buy one book but ended up with 5 -- Artic Lace being one as I looked at it again and was so interested in the history behind it and the patterns she gives. Even if I never knit with quivit I am enjoying the story behind it.

One shawl pattern -- of a dragon which I had seen on a blog but hadn't gotten around to ordering it yet. Once I saw the shawl I knew that it would be one I knit. Maybe I'll do it in red.

Went to knit the centre block of my Sis's afghan and found the yarn I had been saving for it had a great deal of purple in it. Wasn't sure there was enough of the dark to light blue I thought made up all of it so had to go looking for more. It was really hard! Most had purple or greys in the mix. Since all the other yarns were a solid colour I wanted the one to be a mix of all or most of the colours used. Bought one I though ideal but turned out to be too greyed and dark but it is a sock yarn so certainly can use it. In outside light it is a lot of denim colours. On the 3rd trip to GoodBuys I finally found the ideal blue but it came in a package of 6 balls. Didn't care at this point as it looked good and I had had it. Turns out it still looks good in the daylight too so looking forward to using it. And was the correct weight of yarn.

Did find a new yarn called Cashwool, 100% extra fine merinos, made in Italy by Zegna Baruffa. In lace weight with 100g and 1350m (3.50 oz & 1460 yds) for $20.00. Wasn't sure what yardage I needed for some heirloom shawls to make for the grandchildren so ended up buying 4 skeins. Isn't the rule of thumb that if in doubt about the yardage, buy more?

After all the walking yesterday and rain today, I am somewhat stiff so off to lay down, watch sports and knit. Flit is going to look to fix my pictures soon so hopefully I will have them soon and I can show off the purchases and knitting.

Enjoy life.

**** testing **** (this is flit; just mucking about to see what's up re: pictures)
This is one of the pictures Ross took in Nunavut last month (modified at Flickr)

They Did Arrive

After much concern on my end, received word that the Birthday Sister was pleased with her card and the offer of her gift. As soon as Flit can get Flickr working I will have some pictures in it.

Her card was 65 pages with some pictures of projects and an explanation as to why she wasn't getting 65 pot holders. Thought that was very nice of me.

Sis is getting an afghan in blues which she likes. Want to make 65 blocks and hopefully it will be 65" square. Took the 365 Knitting Stitches Calendar and a listing of the family birthdays to make the blocks in random sizes. There should be about 20 of the darkest blue that I am also using for the border. Really like some of the stitches but others I could do without. I also have an Excel spreadsheet with the listing, size of squares, diary, possible layouts, etc.

Want to take a guess as to her age? First two guesses wouldn't count.

Her eldest daughter-in-law turned 50 but didn't want to send her a Red Hat. Like the idea of the Prayer Shawl Ministry so made her a lovely rectangular shawl in the most gorgeous true red Rayon and Viscoe yarn. in the Diamond Lace Shawl by Sandi Rosner. I know she has the pattern on the web but I had purchased the book "Simply Shetland 3 at Galisteo" because there were more patterns in it that I also liked. Instead of fibre tassels at the 6 points I used some wood and crystal beads which turned out very well. Or at least, I think so. I would love to have it for myself so that is a good indication of how pleased I was with it because usually I can find faults in it.

At the same time I made a circular baby shawl, EZ short sweater from the Summer Vogue, and a hedgehog for Flit's newest grandson. Don't think the sweater will fit him long as he weighed in at 9 lbs 5 ozs. He should be able to soon hold his own against his 15th month old big brother.

Didn't sleep well last night so think I'll head to bed and knit there for awhile. The ball game has started and I'd like to have much more done on the afghan. Now I know that an afghan is fine with her and at least one extra block she would like (for her wedding last year), I feel more inclined to work harder on it.

Take care and enjoy life.

Celebration

This weekend is a big celebration at my eldest nephew's cottage with a lot of family and friends. His wife had a milestone birthday last week and his mother (my Sis) now officially gets paid by the government. Since I have been working I didn't head out but have been working on projects for them. Would gladly show them off but Blogger still won't let me attach a picture.



Didn't want to mail a hat and think it is a very personal thing and also like the Shawl Prayer Ministry of knitting something with prayers and best wishes included in each stitch so knit a lovely red shawl. Just love the beads on each of the 6 points.



Sis is getting 65 squares in shades of blue sewn into an afghan or coat -- she gets to decide. Hope she decides soon so I can get working on the remaining few birthday squares and the filler squares. Got the rest of the yarn today.


The baby shawl recipient has arrived -- Coltan. He arrived Thursday night weighing in at 9lb 5. Received a lovely picture of him tonight where he is sound asleep - guess he is resting up before facing a 14month old big brother. His mother is step-daughter for my eldest. I think I’ve only met her once but I knit for them so I consider them family. He will be getting a shawl and sweater and brother Hunter gets a hedgehog in Toronto Maple Leaf colours.

Sept 22 - just realized this was still sitting in my Draft folder so going to post it now anyway. Guess I should work at this more often!

Enjoy life. Hope you have plenty to celebrate.

Was taking a break

It has been almost a month since I posted. Hard to find things to write about when you get a routine of going to work, swimming twice a week and knitting on projects that you can't write about or show pictures. Time coming when the projects will be revealed so than I can post about them.

Feeling a bit of let down just now as two of the projects are completed and the third needs a major decision by the recipient before I can get back knitting. Can do some finishing now so I have started that and going back to a pair of socks for me. It is the green swampy pair I started months ago, ripped out because I didn't like the pattern, restarted on the Bridge but never completed the toes. Did the final 4 rows of the toes, started a 2 x 2 ribbing on the top and going to work some twisted ribbing on the back of the foot that I am going to work out myself into something interesting.

Saturday went to Brampton. Son was going to Milton to join a friend and his two boys for a Blue Jays game. Grandson was in a tournament so went to see him play. They won the morning game but lost in the afternoon by 1 run. They had been leading until the 5th inning when they got tied. I had to leave then to pickup Mandy from a birthday party. Turning cool out so I was glad to go but would have been nice to see the full game. It was nice to have the one on one with Mandy.

Got a phone call from her this afternoon. She has been scouted for soccer. The only first year player from her team selected as one of four to go on a rep team. Pretty impressive for a 7 year old. I am only sorry to say that I didn't recognize her talent. I thought she played as well as any on the team and no worse but I guess most of them have been playing longer so she is actually doing very well. Only problem is that her "new" practise is the same time as her brother's hockey practise.

Her folks have the kitchen all taken apart and the new one sitting in boxes in the dining room. Real big change and challenge for them but it should look very good when finished. Would love to do the one here but seriously doubt that anything will be done.

Tried to add a picture but it won't. Guess I'll have to see if I can add Flickr because I have put a lot of them over there.

Hope the next time won't be so long between posts.

Enjoy life.

Milestone Reached

Took the bus to work on Friday. Was a day in which I did a lot of clearing out of a file drawer and filing a lot of Board things that have been sitting in a thick folder. Naturally it was the third drawer of a 4 drawer file cabinet so lots of bending and getting up and down.

Took the bus home past my usual transfer point so I ended up at Angelos. Those readers who know my house definitely know where Angelos is. Bought some goodies for supper and walked the 6 or 8 blocks home.

All this WITHOUT my cane.

I have used a cane for what seems forever. It must be about 8 or 9 years as I started when I lived in K-W. I had a slight fall and twisted my ankle - on the opposite side of the hip that needed replacement at the time - so it was a difficult few weeks for me. Was working, of course, and had a long bus ride and walk up a slight incline to the office. Found that the support of my cane, especially when tired, minimized the stress on my back. Know there are places and times when I will definitely require the cane in future but certainly can hope that they will even get to be less frequent. Times I will need it will be if there is rough terrain, extremely long walking and/or when I am very tired.

But I prefer not to consider such matters just now but take pride in Friday's accomplishment.

And yes, I am getting some knitting done. Not as much as I would like but I keep working on things. It will be nice when I can show them off but for now I just keep on knitting. The Tour de France being on has helped. I enjoy watching it every evening and have knit all but one night it has been on. Only one more day of it then it will be back to the baseball games.

Enjoy life.

Still Here

but not blogging a lot. Hard to believe it has been almost a month. Must get more diligent.

Still working. Should be for at least another month which is very nice to know. Gives me a timeline to plan things and to tell people..
Still enjoying the work and feel much more confident about it, of course. Get a routine going when you are able to do it more than one or two weeks.

Still swimming. Started back for the twice a week and it works out well with the bus. Get 30 to 45 minutes to swim before the classes start which helps. Do really need a Chiro appointment as getting very tight through the back. Son suppose to be in London next week working so hopefully will be able to arrange something.

Still knitting. Have a finished item but no pictures and need to get a related item also done but at least have that started. Also started the Mystery Lace 3 KAL but haven't finished Clue 1 as yet. Friday was the release of Clue 3. Just as long as I get all the clues saved to my computer before it ends, I will be happy. There are over 5000 people doing it and some lovely shawls so I know what the finished item will be patterned as. Using Jaeger Zephyr, light purple, that I bought in Lake Orion Michigan last year. Also using very, very small crystal beads which occasionally catch the light and add just a bit of weight. Should have used larger beads but I like the subtleties of the small ones.

Still reading. Mandy's Mom gave me "A Thousand Summer Suns" and I loved it!!!!!! Very sad but so very well written! Bought his earl er book "Kite Runner" yesterday and looking forward to reading it now. Had also bought Sidney Poitier's book on sale last week. I so admired him as an actor and person so I think I'll enjoy the book.

Still doing puzzles. Got a book of Hanjie puzzles for Christmas and so very much like doing them. Must be honest and say I look at the solutions to get started but try to do the rest myself. Was in Barnes and Noble yesterday and they had a big book called "Picture Puzzles" which are the each same thing. I am now the proud owner of one copy.
If you are not familiar with these puzzles, you are given a square of graph paper from 25 to 35 squares each direction. Across the top and down one side are numbers - a number in each grayed square that are the directions. The sequence 1 1 1 1 would mean that there will be four single squares filled in for that line and that none the the squares touch each other. A sequence of 13 4 1 would mean there are 13 squares, than a further 4 squares and a single square that do not touch each other grouping. By working the squares across and the squares across you can develop a picture. Some of them are very diabolical where it works out to be a single line outline of a smiling sun face, for example. That kind I skip or look at the solution for. Other times it might be quite easy, line a line of 33 across and nothing in the two edge squares. I can figure that out all by myself. Don't want the really challenging ones after a day of work and figuring out some knitting. I'll just leave them for now -- or cheat doing them.

Just realized I haven't really looked at the book since I saw the title. Bev and I had gone to pick up some mail for me in Port Huron and have a nice lunch out. Ended up at Chili's and really enjoyed it as we had a nice salad and assortment of appetizers. Off to look it over - and maybe do just one puzzle before doing some housework.

Well maybe two puzzles.

Enjoy life.

Not a lot of knitting

as have been working 30 hours a week and then this week longer for meetings where I have been taking the minutes. To show how long it has been since I've taken minutes, the last time I had to type them on the typewritter.

I do enjoy the work, the people I have met and getting out on a regular basis. I have very much missed my swimming so start back at that next Tuesday. Feel I really need the warm water.

It is a 4 minute drive to my work but I have to take 2 buses. The morning ones total 25 minutes but get to work 45 minutes early because of the route the second one takes. If I took the next one it goes a slightly different way and I would be 5 minutes late. After work it took 21 minutes the one time the two buses made the right connection but normally it takes 45 minutes. Do get a little bit of knitting done in my travels and for 15 mins or so at lunch hour. Working on secret projects in the evening and they are going slowly it seems. At least I am getting some work done.

Enjoying the nice weather and it is not real hot at the times I am out. Have done very well with my garden work this year -- but than anything is a big improvement over the last few years.

Had a lovely supper out tonight at the Keg with 3 co-workers from Gates. It was so nice to see them. E-mails just aren't the same as a face-to-face. Several others I would like to see but maybe next time.

Baseball game should be on now so will lay down and knit while watching it.

Enjoy life.

Made it to Thursday

At the start of the week I thought that making it to Thursday would be a big achievement. Well, I have made it and feel better about the work I am doing it and how I am doing it. The two board members I deal with seem to appreciate what I am doing so that makes me feel better and relax somewhat about it all.

Tomorrow and Monday is when the bulk of their money comes in so this should be a major hurdle. Just have to take it one item at a time and it will work out.

Getting a fair amount of knitting done. The few minutes on or waiting for the bus, 15 mins at lunch time are adding up on project one. I have been getting home, eating supper, and then lying down in bed for the evening so I get quite a bit knit then. Now have to make the decision if I have enough width on the shawl to start the edging and enough yarn to do the edging. Debating on buying a different yarn for the edging and working the centre until I run out of my starting yarn. Guess I should measure the centre part first and then decide. Have decided on an edging so that certainly helps.

Enjoy life.

Back to work

There hasn't been too much knitting done as I just got home from work today. Friday I went to the Boys & Girls for a lovely luncheon where you got a taste of food from 12 different countries. Really enjoyed it and the food was absolutely delicious! Had the bus drive me to work afterwards so got there at 2:30. Work would have been better if the computer had worked and the person I was reporting to had been there. Finally got set up about an hour later and then worked till 9. Thought it was till 11 so the difference was appreciated. Just entering names into an Excel spreadsheet after pulling the files from the cabinets and returning them after entry. No real challenge mentally but my back is feeling the activity and poor chair.

On Monday I am at a nearby condominium so have the bus route planned and such. Guess I should decide what to do about lunch as there is nowhere nearby.

Garden seems to be doing alright though I must check on the few plants not in the ground yet to see if they are drying out. Have had a bit of rain today but it might not be enough.

I am going to get that done, get something to eat (it is now 4:19) and lay down in bed and start knitting.

Enjoy life.

Port Huron

Just back from Port Huron with my Sister and a friend of hers. Had a very nice time on a very hot day.

They were shopping for sheets and visited 5 stores and Birchwood Mall. I went into 2 stores, the mall to pay my J.C.Penny account and Barnes and Noble. I had the book Charmed Knitting for Harry Potter Fans (I think that is the correct name) on order so was pleased to get it. There are several patterns that I would like to make for myself and there are several fans in the family so must remember to take it to Brampton next time. Until then I will hide the book so I don't start any more projects. Did not get too much done on the baby shawl and 2 rounds on the socks so it was not a very productive day in that sense.

Got a call from Manpower yesterday so working Friday evening and Saturday. There was also a call on the machine when I got home from them about another position so I'll have to call first thing tomorrow about that. Would really like it if that turns out.

Enjoy life.

Long Weekend

Just realized how long it has been since I posted so thought I would take time to update. Choice was between pulling weeds and typing so this won after a very short contemplation. The weeds will wait.

Their Father was in hospital a week and now back at home. Son had work in the area for several days so was able to see them - even met by chance at a chip wagon. I certainly wish him good health.

Son is on his way to Petawawa which should be a nice drive through Algonquin Park. We did it once when they were kids and I've often wished we had gone back.

Speaking of the garden - I've got most of my planters filled, some weeds dug from the front and side yards, and a 3 foot section of the laneway cleared and replanted. I put a walk-upon plant in a section between the front walk and laneway that looks nice even after a truck goes over it so gradually getting the stretch in the laneway between the 2 concrete sections changed over to the same plant. That is an ongoing project as it is hard to dig up the grass and I am using the plants as they spread to where I don't want them or seem to full in certain areas of the first section. The back third is all done and it looked so very nice last week when everything was the green and small yellow flowers.

Son arranged for the young fellow next door to cut the grass so that will be a big help and keep things looking better. Also want him to help me lay down some patio stones which I'll buy next weekend hopefully while Son is home.

Knitting a lot but mostly on 2 secret projects so can't give full details. Project 1 has 8 sections to it and secton 1 is almost complete with work done on 5 other sections so I am pleased with it.
Project 2 has 2 sections and a border and section 1 is complete which is really nice to see.
Shawl - center part done as it got too boring so have now started a pattern. I like the idea of it but we will see how it turns out. So far so good and have used nearly one full 100 gram ball of yarn and have another on hand so it should be a nice size when finished.
Circular baby shawl - knit last year but the yarn was not finished off as there was 2 strands for each of the 60 points (I didn't count them but there were a lot.) Now all finished, washed and folded for Son to mail. A friend he met in Army Cadets as a teenager is expecting her first grandchild this month so I believe that certainly deserves a shawl.
Piggies for Rib Fest - have made 7 and really must get more done. They are a nice easy project to carry around.
EZ vest - plain garter stitch so not much thinking. Half way up the back which is the last section so tired of it. Too big to carry and I haven't been sitting in the chair beside it very often. Not when it is nice and warm outside and I've moved the table and chairs back out.
Coat - haven't worked on it for ages but the first 3 projects take precedence just now as they have a time limit.
Socks - red socks are done so now I just have to wear them. The green socks have been restarted and need to pick out a pattern more suitable for them.
Bamboo scarf has been completed so need to decide if it should be blocked and what is to be done with it - if it is a gift or if I keep it as was intended.

Desktop computer is sick - won't go onto the internet through Explorer but does fine through MSN. Even having trouble sending my Yahoo mail but I am receiving it. Pictures here still not loading. Doesn't want to send anything to the printer but will put it in memory. Never thought but should maybe have sent it for a visit to Flit this week as have no idea when Son will do it. Funny how we get so dependent on the machine.

Well it is the long weekend so I've done a long post. The sun is shining brightly so think I better get out there and get some work done before doing some knitting.

Enjoy life.

Lake Orion, Michigan

Set off early Friday morning in beautiful weather. Was working on some green socks but not liking the way the toe looked so pulled them out and started them again. Just as we were nearly at the border booth I looked down and saw that I had worked the two socks onto one needle instead of the intended 2 needles. First indication this weekend would have its quirks.

Reached the booth - citizenship - Canadian; where were we headed to - Lake Orion, Michigan; how long were we going for - the weekend; reason for visit - knitting workshop. We then received a card to go inside and be checked further. Who knew that a knitting workshop could be considered worthy of such attention. We talked with a young female officer who, among all her questions, asked if we had any weapons or sharp items - excluding knitting needles.

Once on our way we had no further problems or delays. We were early enough to get to the store first to pay for the seminars and make some purcheases. I only bought one yarn. Sounds good unless you see it as it was a large cone with 20% off for taking the cone and 20% off for my birthday. Did buy some patterns I have wanted from birthday money. I would show them to you Flit but Blogger is still not uploading my images.

Lucy's trip was not as eventful as ours but it was much longer. She started at 4:30 a.m. from Nova Scotia to JFK, Detroit and car ride to arrive in time for the class. Even when very tired she gave a good class with a lot of information. Techniques were demonstrated by her and by the use of her DVDs while we did a hand-on version. No reason not too learn and remember many new "tricks". Learning her cast off was worth going for alone.

Saw someone from our previous class there who blogs about books and knitting, Miriam, and met lots of nice people with some beautiful knit items, like Kelly with her Myster Jacket. Wish now I had taken more pictures but I was too busy learning - or at least that is my excuse.

No questions at all when we reached the Canadian border even though I had passed my limit. Got a kitchen cart and a bar set to eat at in the kitchen so I can put my outdoor table and chairs back outside.

Had hoped to start working a 6 month contract on the Monday but there was a message that they wanted an interview on Tuesday which I went to. Afterwards I went to Manpower to do their testing again and haven't heard anything since so must get in touch with them.

Saturday Mandy's Mom called to talk with David as he needed the news and she didn't feel ready to talk with me yet. Their Dad is in hospital with internal bleeding so they went down today in time for visiting hours. Here is hoping that all goes well for him. They are hoping it was caused by his medications which should make it easy to correct the problem once they get the bleeding stoped and have given him a transfusion.

Not much I can do except pray, hope and knit so I'll do that now and try pictures again later.

Enjoy life.

Birthday Thoughts

Took my "new" brother-in-law out for lunch with my Sister, Heather, and Bev since it is his birthday on Saturday and mine was today. Used a gift certificate I received as a Christmas present so I thought what could be better.

Tonight I had a visit from Emily and Sarah with Dad and Lisa, phone calls from Flit, Jessica and Mandy's family, and an email from Tamara. Very nice evening and loved hearing from them all.

Trying to get things ready as going to Michigan on Friday with Bev for a workshop with Lucy Neatby. Really looking forward to that even though I don't have my coat knit enough to take it and show it off. (Harlequin coat which is the first on the linked page.) After the shopping this afternoon I really don't feel like moving very much.

I did finish a pair of socks made from her book "Cool Socks, Warm Feet". Introduced some plain red as I didn't think I had enough yarn. Turned out I had enough of the Regia but I like the red anyway and will use the remains for Barbie clothes or something. Camera is charging now so I'll take a picture later and try to upload it.

There is about 1 more pattern repeat in my bmaboo scarf so hopefully I'll be able to show it also.

Getting late so think I'll head for bed. The bus comes at 9 for me tomorrow for Knitting group and swimming. Wish I had thought to buy some cookies or something to take in as a treat tomorrow but much too late to worry about it now.

Enjoy the day.

Day Out

Went to Port Huron on Saturday. Had some mail to pick up which included Patternworks and KnitPicks catelogs and Interweave Knits magazine but no yarn. Taking a course in Michigan at the end of the month so yarn purchases can wait until then.

Bev and Heather went with me and we had a lovely time. Purchased a few things and 2 nice meals with 1 declicious dessert each. Bev and I had a Baked Alaska with chocolate brownie and Heather had puff pastry with whipped cream and strawberries.

Found by the end of the day that the getting in and out of the car did me in so not doing very much at al today.

Had my visit to the surgeon on Thursday and found out that I could have been doing a lot more starting at the 4 week mark but I am determined that I will soon catch up to where I could have been. Starting Monday. Reality check after Saturday.

Now to watch mindless TV (golf) and do some mindless knitting.

Enjoy life.

Update

Just realized it has been nearly 2 weeks since I've posted without a very good excuse. Sorry but have been getting out more and knitting and the days just slip by.

Tried uploading some pictures but Blogger having none of that. I am getting real tired of them not loading so guess I should look for some other way of linking to my pictures.

Spent the last few days in Brampton as Mandy had a PD day on Friday so I went down Thursday afternoon after Boys&Girls Club. (That Thursday was busy there - my toe nails done, Stitch & Knit group, water exercise class, and lunch.) Friday we went down to Streetsville for a tea lunch but I was late getting the car and then took a wrong turn so we ended up having subs. Had to get back to Brampton for a dentist appointment.

Saturday took 2 granddaugters, and Mandys Mom back to the tea room for our birthday luncheon for Mandy who will be 7 on Wednesday. Had a nice time although Mandy didn't like the tea she had ordered. Then off for a playoff game for Mandy's Brother which his team lost. One more loss and they are out of the playoffs. Last year they were league champions.

Drove home Sunday afternoon and traffic wasn't too bad. Offered to take Son out for birthday supper but he had been in a full day of training and his throat wasn't feeling the best so I eneded up having crackers and cheese. He did have several phone calls and I got to talk to Flit and Sis so that was nice.

Today was a thunderstorm this morning but it now has cleared and it is suppose to go up to 20. Should be able to start in the garden soon which sure needs it as I didn't do hardly anything last year.

Have turned the 4 corners of my EZ rib warmer so just the straight knitting up the back to do. Got the red purse for Ev felted and mailed yesterday without taking a picture first. Got the Noro purse knit, ends trimmed and felted so it just needs the handles and a home as I am not sure if I will keep it or give it to someone. My small blue bag intended for my phone was also felted and again I am not sure if I will keep it. With all my accomplishments I think I should get some pigs sewn together and more knit.

Also have something more to do. I have 2 young girls (S and E) who call me Oma and the eldest has now got the new pump for her insulin. S asked if I would make some pockets and such for her so I am going to dig out some nice fabric and get started on that. Must also see about making some pouches as, from what I can tell on the web info I found, they look fairly simple to make. Maybe she needs some for her dolls? Always seems a good idea.

Piggies

That is what I have been knitting this past week. Cute little pink piggies. Would show you but they are very uninteresting in the just knit stage if you don't know what they end up looking like.

Brought some pink wool home from the Boys & Girls Club last Thursday and the pattern. It is a very simple garter stitch design with one piece for the body and 2 little pieces for the ears. Got 5 done and cannot find any pink yarn in my house so I have to go shopping. The bag I brought home was the very cheapest big ball acrylic but I would dearly love to get something softer.

Have the car next week so maybe I'll just plan a shopping trip to St. Thomas to Parkspun Yarns. She carries the ends from Patons so it is still acrylic but I think it would work out even cheaper. Good excuse anyway for a "road trip".

Son drove to North Bay this week and has to go to Timmins next week for the Saturday to the following Sunday. He doesn't want to take the car up and then have to back in London on the Sunday or wherever he will have to be for the following Monday. His plan is to drive back late Friday and take the flight out on Saturday morning. The weather is to warm up this weekend so that hopefully will clear the ice in the driveway away and I'll feel more safe getting in and out of the car.

Have been swimming twice this week and finding it easier each time. Even managed to walk easily across the width of the pool twice. It is not very wide but this was really the first time I have been full weight bearing for more than the very few steps or so. Now if I could just find some comfortable positions for sleeping I would be extremely happy with life.

Have a book of toy patterns using just squares and rectangles so I think I'll start one of those now for my in-bed-knitting. I am doing an Elizabeth Zimmerman Easy Rib Warmer at my chair in the front room and a purse using modular squares at my chair in the kitchen so there is something interesting to pick up in each location and I don't have to carry things back and forth. Not the quickest way to get something finished but cuts down on the boredom.

Enjoy life.

Day After

Wednesday
Really enjoyed my swim yesterday but my "new" hip was feeling a bit sore afterward. Taking the rest of yesterday and most of today as a very easy day. Just lying around and knitting and reading. I do have an invite out for supper today from my Son so I am looking forward to that. The big decision is where to go to as we both enjoy eating out and ethnic food. The fact that neither one of us wants to make the final decision does slow things down a little bit.

As to knitting, I realized I hadn't shown the pictures of some of my Christmas knitting as one person was very late getting theirs. The purses were knit using red Quebecois wool in about a DK weight. Have a front loading maching so they are not felted as well as I would like but all in all, I think they turned out well. The yarn store has discontinued carrying this yarn now so I bought quite a bit of it when it was on final sale.

However, Blogger does not want to upload my pictures so I am just going to give up for now and continue typing in the post.

Thursday:
Went to the Peruvian restaurant and had lovely seafood dishes. Mine was in a lemon yellow sauce beside the rice and his was a paella so the rice was mixed in the tomate based sauce. Other than him spotting more scallops in mine than his, we both very much enjoyed our meals.

Off to the Center again - sat and knit and then went in the pool for some exercises before having lunch. Was glad to get home as the weather certainly is not nice. We were having snow, rain, and freezing rain within 10 minutes of each other. The roads and sidewalks are certainly going to be very hazardous later today. Hip was feeling just a bit tender but only had 2 Tylenol just before bed.

Friday:
Son called last night to say he was staying put for which I am glad. Roads are getting much worse according to the TV and can rest easier knowing he is somewhere safe.
Sister also called to let me know their phone number has changed. She is feeling down because it is the first of March and they come home on the 31st. Also having a very bad cold does not help the situation. I know she has been ill as she didn't even go through all the shops with her company but read and waited in the car or at a bench.
Mandy's Mom was suppose to come for J to get a haircut but for some funny reason she called to cancel. She doesn't have her own vehicle and listened to the weather report so I wasn't surprised to get her call.
Right now we are getting big flakes of snow from a very grey sky. The wind is really whipping the trees outside and the roads outside sound very wet when the cars go by. So nice to be indoors and warm and free to do whatever I choose. Have plenty of knitting, books and food so I should manage just fine.

Water Time

It is fairly mild out and the light snow changes occasionally to rain which makes it terrible to push a walker out the laneway. However, I made it out and back and just considered it part of my exercise.

Made it to the Boys & Girls Club and had a time in the warm water pool. Didn't go in while they were doing exercises so I wouldn't be tempted to do like the others or to try and keep up with them. I used the program my physio had laid out and did 3 repeats plus some other movements I found very gently, satisfying and worked the upper body. Also did 8 swims across the width of the pool not using my legs like he was concerned about. It was so very nice to get in the warm water and relax.

The driver for my run was 15 minutes late getting back for the 1 o'clock run so I was stressing somewhat about that and certainly did not like sitting in the hall chairs for the extra time. I have had lunch now so think I will go lay down for a bit. Several people I have spoken to are surprised that I am back so soon. While I am not overly pushing it, I definitely feel better for making the effort to get out and so something.

One month post-op and one month to go before I see the surgeon and officially get changes and evaluation of my healing.

Getting Out and About

Would have posted more this week but the phone and internet were down for several days and haven't been able to find my camera.

Have a finished project! The red purse for Evelyn is done except for the felting and I am quite pleased with it. There is a 3 strand cable up each side which become I-cord for the handle. Now I just have to get a purse made for myself.

I did work on an Elizabeth Zimmerman Rib Warmer for myself on Thursday at the Stitch & Knit & Chat club. It is growing but very slowly and no interesting shaping or such to show. Was nice to get out but my name had been crossed off for going home so one of the drivers had to make a special trip.

Friday was out for supper with Son to the Korean restraunt where we hadn't been for a year or so. Saturday was to Chapters with Bev and tried the new Red Tea Latte which was very good as a change. Today I went with Bev to Four Seasons with 2 of her work friends. They had the breakfast buffet which they very much enjoyed. I had a large appetizer plate which was delicious and easier than trying to do buffet. A very good weekend for getting out and having some good food.

Had a comment from before that I guess I should answer here. Bev had counted 29 staples so when they came out I asked the nurse to save them for me -- which she did in a urine sample bottle. It was the first time she had received such a request. Sent them to my grandson as I thought it would be fun to gross him out. Think I achieved my goal! Have had lots of laughs about it. Should also acknowledge that they were as clean as anything that had just been in paper so it is only the idea of what they were used for that caused the interest.

Weather has turned somewhat miserable with some freezing rain and snow so Son may not be home tomorrow night. Know that I won't be planning any trips out. Have a big project I am working on and plenty of small ones to get busy on so should be able to manage not getting bored.

Keep busy.