Trying for distraction
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As scheduled, I returned to see my doctor. He changed some of my medications and examined the lesion in front of my ear. After asking lots of questions and prescribing an antibiotic, he said a lymph node was also swollen and since it is affecting my hearing, he referred me to an otorhinolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat surgeon). Unfortunately, she may be the busiest doctor around because even with a possible cancer referral, the first available appointment is weeks away. I’m on stand-by in case she has a cancellation. I don’t like having time to think about it but it does give me an opportunity to make plans.
Jacob has already said he would be here for whatever it takes as long as it takes. I love that I can count on him for physical and emotional support. He will also take care of my dogs and the business if I am incapacitated. It’s a total head scratcher how I ended up with such a wonderful son but I’m thankful every day!
I’ve been trying to stay distracted and busy. 
The knitted baby blanket is finally washed, blocked, boxed and wrapped along with the knitted hat for the baby shower I couldn’t force myself to attend. She was expecting a large crowd in her small home and the last thing I wanted was to be in close proximity with lots of folks I don’t know. Small talk is not my expertise! Since the baby isn’t due for 8 weeks, I’ll deliver the gift in plenty of time.
I’ve also done a little more sewing but nothing finished to show. After the warm-weather blouse I’m currently making, I hope to sew a few pieces for cooler weather. As they say on Game of Thrones, “Winter is coming”.
I’ve also been researching patterns and yarn in hopes of knitting a cardigan for myself. Extremely cold weather is rare in my area so I prefer to wear sweaters instead of coats. Thus far, I haven’t decided on ‘the perfect pattern’ or yarn I can afford. The search will continue.
As usual, I have another pair of socks on the needles and work on them at night while watching videos. They are progressing slowly.
Another weekend is here and I truly hope yours is fun, restful and filled with love.
Shirl
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High and dry
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I’ve spent the last week or so very happy I don’t 
still live in Houston. There are things I truly miss about living in a sizeable city (pizza delivery, big grocery stores, garage/yard sales, etc.) but since leaving there nearly 25 years ago, the flooding issue has gotten so much worse. Add that to the record-breaking rainfall spawned by Hurricane Harvey and I can only feel bad for old friends still there while feeling thankful I’m not dealing with insurance companies and contractors. I’ll happily live without pizza delivery!
We did experience 5 days of rain from the storm but I’m at the top of a big sandy hill so I didn’t see as much as a puddle here. The rain was mostly slow and steady accompanied by a light breeze offering me the perfect excuse to stay inside, knit and sew. The storm also helped eliminate the 100°+ daily outdoor temperatures. My air conditioners, electric bill and wallet are eternally happy for the break!
While the rains fell, I finished knitting a baby blanket for my neighbor. I haven’t blocked it yet so no picture at this time. I also knitted this little hat from leftover sock yarn. The pattern was free from Redheart. I was fascinated with how quickly baby items are made. This was a one day, spare time effort and hopefully will be useful for this autumn baby.
I finally managed to finish another pair of socks for Jake. These seemed to take forever because of lots of interruptions and the fact that I dropped a size on the needles making the socks a little smaller and more densely knit (more stitches = more time). The pattern is ‘A Nice Ribbed Sock’ by Glenna C. The yarn is from A Guy Two Needles Yarn in colorway Mardi Gras. I was a little surprised the yarn didn’t pool but pretty thankful there are no big puddles of pink. The toes were knitted with Knit Picks Stroll fingering yarn in black.
Needless to say, I’ve already started another pair of socks; these in NEON colors! They will be … uhh … wild!!
I took the time this week to inspect my closet and analyze my clothing situation. I’ve decided many of my tops are looking limp and dismal. I’ll take the decent ones and downgrade them to everyday wear and make a few new things. The heavens know I have plenty of stash fabric on hand to cut and sew.
The first top was made of batik fabric. I dearly love batik because of the hand dyed interesting artistic designs, color combinations and that they are woven more densely, allowing for opaque coverage. The pattern I used is McCall’s M5640. I’ve sewn this pattern many times for tops, nightgowns and maxi lounge gowns. It’s so versatile. The top offers loose, modest coverage even on days when bra wearing is too painful (darned surgical scars!). 
Fabric has already been selected to make two more tops and a nightgown from this pattern.
After a quick doctor’s office visit with his PA and having blood drawn, I’ve been asked to return next week (never a good sign). I had shown the Physician’s Assistant a lesion near my ear that is lingering and doesn’t seem to want to heal. After being told to return, I’ve searched the Net and found photos of what appears to be the exact same lesion. I’ve diagnosed myself (always a dangerous thing) with squamous cells carcinoma. When caught early, it’s pretty harmless but because it’s located in a place I can’t see (and I live alone), I’ve ignored it longer than I probably should. It is already affecting my hearing (sounds like the ear is stuffed with cotton). Needless to say, I’m not looking forward to seeing the doc next week for his recommendations. If it has advanced, I could be looking at not only surgery to remove it but chemo to treat it. UGH!
Oh well, I’ve survived 2 other cancer diagnoses and treatments so I expect to survive this one too. It’s a good thing I’m TOUGH!
Have a great week and those in the paths of storms, know my thoughts are with you.
Shirl
Best laid plans . . .
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After knitting a few washcloths, I had intended
to knit more socks with the two irresistible skeins of yarn I recently ordered and received.
Then the phone rang….
My neighbor (whose daughter is pregnant) called to inform me her daughter is expecting a girl and they wanted to give me as much notice as possible so I could make something nice. HUH? Who said I was planning to make ANYthing? Sheesh!
Although the baby isn’t due until November, the shower is planned for mid-September. As the conversation continued, I got the feeling they were of the mindset I would happily make and give a complete layette. Uhhh, I barely know these people and only well enough to call them acquaintances!
Since the nicest thing I am willing to make is a blanket,
I ordered the yarn and started the project. After knitting with fingering-weight yarn on size 0 needles, switching to worsted-weight yarn on size 10 needles has taken a bit of adjustment. (Feels like knitting heavy rope with baseball bats!)
The photo shows 2 days into the project. Frankly, I’m less than enthused about the yarn and pattern but it is what it is. Though I’m getting little pleasure in making it, I won’t be ashamed to give it. Thankfully, it is nearing half finished.
I’m looking so forward to returning to making socks for recipients who are ‘knit worthy’!
Shirl
Categories: Knitting
Another pair and more to come
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I finished another pair of socks for Jacob today. The pattern
was free from Mary Maxim called Basic Knit Socks. Because the yarn has dying errors (as pointed out by the dyer), it was heavily discounted from Twisted Threds in colorway Toucan. Since my favorite hues are jewel tones, I decided to take a chance and purchased the yarn. I knew as soon as it arrived, it would be a favorite. I would have happily paid full price for this yarn!
This makes pair #8 since starting sock knitting back in February and if today’s mail is any indication, there will be more in the near future!
Frankly, upon finishing these socks this morning, I pulled yarn from my stash while planning my next projects. I need to knit a few washcloths (already spoken for) and there’s a hank of sock yarn ready to become socks.
Then today’s mail came which included a squishy package I opened immediately. Out popped the prettiest yarn I’ve seen in a while (Do I say this about every yarn ordered?!). My plans are growing wings to fly out the window as I am winding this new hank for another pair of socks. It’s SO, SO pretty!!
Fingers, knit FASTER!
Shirl
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Categories: Knitting
As promised ….
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The last few days, I’ve spent more time on the road
than usual. My neighbor’s car was in the shop so I took her where she needed to go (mechanic’s shop, bank, pharmacy, and to work). It was nice to get out with a friend and run around a bit. I miss those day of having a close girlfriend and finding adventures away from home.
As I mentioned in the last post, I’ve finished a couple more pairs of socks for my favorite Arkansas family.
These first socks were knitted for Jacob. While he was visiting, I found the yarn listed by a favorite indy dyer and he loved it. I ordered it immediately.
The yarn is 75% Superwash Merino wool, 25% Nylon in colorway Black Magic. It was purchased from Etsy shop A Guy Two Needles Yarn. The yarn knitted without effort and the socks were made longer for more calf coverage. A basic sock pattern was followed. Jake and I both like how they turned out.
I’ve become so comfortable knitting socks, I can darned-near make them in my sleep. The days of making multiple mistakes are over. Horray!
As soon as these socks were done, I started making anklets for Stormy. I found a free pattern on Ravelry called Shireen by Rayna Curtis. The yarn was on sale at Simply Socks Yarn
Company. It was listed as Mineville Wool Project in colorway Charlotte. I hope she likes them!
Though I nearly never wear socks, eventually I’ll knit similar socks for myself to wear to bed on those few particularly cold nights in winter. They look so cozy!
I will soon finish another pair of socks for Jacob, then will (hopefully) take a break from sock knitting. I have a pregnant friend for whom I’d like to knit a few items. Baby is due the first week of November so it’s time to get started now.
Shirl
Still kickin’
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Yes, I’m still alive and kicking.
Along with the list of chores one must do to survive well, warmer weather adds mowing to the list. Mowing entails sneaking around Mother Nature to avoid rainstorms or blistering hot temperatures. It’s been a challenge and I completely appreciate when DS comes to visit with his riding mower in tow. For more than just this reason, I wish he visited more often! Though it’s only been 10 days since we last cut, it’s up to my knees again. UGHHH! Wish I had something easier to use than a gas-powered push mower, though it cranks on the first pull every time! Along with the sweat comes small blessings!
During the hottest part of most days and evenings, I continue to knit socks. The first socks pictured were started on May 1 and finished on May 20 with several days of no knitting during that time. They were made for Jacob. The main yarn was leftover from the first socks I ever knitted (Opal Kullerkeks from Germany) and toes knitted with Knit Picks Stroll yarn in Dusk color. The pattern was free on Ravelry’s website called Simple Skyp Socks by Adrienne Ku and made on size 2 needles. I still have some of the Opal yarn left and hope it is enough to make baby socks or a baby hat. (I have a pregnant friend.)
On the same day these Opal socks were finished (May 20), I
began making another pair for Jacob using Patons Kroy Sock yarn in Grey Brown Marl colorway. I bought this yarn on a whim from Hobby Lobby and I’m so glad I did. I love how they turned out and Jacob likes them too. I purposely allowed the stripes to mismatch from one sock to the other as I think it adds interest and a quirkiness to an otherwise often boring clothing item. These were made using another free Ravelry pattern called Vanilla Latte by Virginia Rose-Jeanes on size US 2 needles. These were finished on May 31… sock knitting is getting faster!
I have more to show but better head outside and cut a few strips of grass. Hope you have a wonderful holiday and celebrate in your favorite way. Me, I’ll be making Creamy Chicken/Spinach/Broccoli Enchiladas and eating some watermelon that grew voluntarily in our old garden patch.
Shirl
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Knitting up a storm ?
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Finished another pair of knitted socks. These were made
with a special lady in mind but if they are too big for her, DS will have them. They we knitted with Knit Picks ‘Koi Pond’ Stroll Hand Painted Sock Yarn and took just less than 3 weeks to complete.
I like the way the yarn pooled in stripes and made mini-stripes on the toes and heels. Aqua and teal are my current favorite colors and the orange gives them a zing I really like. I hope the recipient likes them!
As usual, I’ve also made a washcloth. It may be my favorite yet. I love the colors and pattern so I plan to keep this one for myself. It’s 100% cotton yarn named ‘Birchwood’ that I picked up at Hobby Lobby. It turned out really nice.
For the past few weeks, we’ve experienced crazy weather. The temperatures have ranged from the high 90’s to the high 30’s with lots of wind and bi-weekly severe storms. We spent much of yesterday under tornado watches and warnings but received little rain compared to neighboring areas. We didn’t need more moisture so I’m thankful. I’m also grateful we saw no severe weather.
Other than crazy weather, not much else has been happening 
here. I continue to cook daily, grocery shop, clean house and deal with the critters. I didn’t plant a garden this year and I don’t miss the work but do miss the fresh veggies. I hope I can find some locally grown produce to enjoy and possibly preserve. We’ll see.
Dodge the storms and have a terrific week!
Shirl
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More knitting finishes
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Though my days continue to be busy, at night I
still squeeze in a little time for knitting.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve worked on another pair of socks for Jacob. He liked the first pair so much, it was easy to start another and with socks, the more you make them, the easier the task.
Because I had ordered only one skein of this yarn (On-Line Supersocke brand in their Desert blue color), as I knitted the first sock, I became very concerned there would not be enough yarn to finish the second. Upon discovering matching yarn was not available, I quickly ordered solid navy blue yarn (Knit Pick’s Stroll) for the toes and I like the way they turned out. Upon completion, I discovered there was probably just enough of the original yarn but I’d prefer to have a little leftover for future darning (if needed) than to sweat while playing ‘Yarn Chicken’.
Learning to make socks has been a long-term goal for me. When I first learned to knit many moons ago (before my decades-long hiatus), I decided that knitting fisherman knit sweaters and learning to knit socks proved one had a full comprehension of knitting. Fisherman knitting (with lots of cable styles) was accomplished during my first knitting life when I made several for my family. When I returned to knitting, I was determined to learn sock making. This second pair is without mistakes so I feel there is no need to fear anything about knitting. I will be starting my third pair shortly, as soon as I decide the pattern, yarn and recipient.
I have several of each from which to choose.
In the meantime (and because they are so popular), I’m knitting more washcloths. Pictured are the three latest and a fourth is nearing completion. I now have several for myself too! Yippee!
Some radical weather came through here this morning. In less than 4 hours, we received 5 inches of rain, a fair amount of hail, winds and tornado warnings. Thankfully, the weather system has passed only leaving behind well-watered trees and grass. I’m hoping some of the Junebugs and pollen have been washed away!
Hope your first full week of April is a cheerful one!
Shirl
Living alone
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The other day as I was figuring my taxes (a chore Bob always handled), I began thinking about how I have so little time for doing the artsy/craftsy things I love. Though I still sew and knit a little (haven’t touched quilting in months!), I’m usually ignoring something else that really needs to be done, causing those small pleasures to be sprinkled with guilt.
When DH was alive, I often thought he spent SOOO much time being idle. Now that I have taken over the tasks he usually handled, I more appreciate how much he actually did. I’ve come to realize just how spoiled I was!!
Though I made the lists and deposits slips, he took care of grocery shopping and banking. I’ve learned that food shopping takes HOURS each week (and I don’t like doing it!). I was nearly always the home cook (unless he grilled) but he always cleaned the kitchen. I still cook balanced meals each day but nearly as much time is devoted to cleaning up. He also handled all the animal care now left to me. With the arrival of Spring, he’s no longer available to mow around the house. Along with trash disposal, mowing has also fallen to me. I’m certainly beginning to understand why widows/widowers often jump into a new marriage. Unless one’s nose is constantly to the grindstone, it take 2 people to maintain a normal, civilized life.
No, I’m not complaining. Frankly, I’m absolutely NOT interested in re-marrying. I gave this one everything I had and I don’t mind being alone. I’ll figure out how to keep up with the chores or may luck into finding a cheap handyman to hire. Until then, I’ll be happy with little snatches of me time.
I do have a couple of things I’ve made in the past weeks and will include photos of them in the next blog post.
Have a joyous week!
Shirl
Categories: Uncategorized
Finished is better than perfect!
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Though FAR from perfect, the socks are 
FINALLY finished!! Hallelujah!
I found knitting the second sock more relaxed and easier than the first and can find only 1 visible mistake (which I didn’t notice until the sock was finished). It took nearly as long (a week) to knit the second but I devoted less attention to it. I’ve done other things besides knitting since starting it.
My next challenge is trying to convince myself to walk away from wool and needles to concentrate on shirt making. There is already a dress shirt cut out and ready to sew.
This weekend, my clothes washer died. Naturally, it was filled with water, soap and dirty clothes when it quit so I’ve spent the past 2 days hand washing jeans and other soppy, heavy clothes. Thankfully, nothing was extremely soiled. Sadly, I don’t have a clothesline so the dryer has worked extra hard drying things that are only wrung out. DS is already on the lookout for a replacement washer.
Thank goodness I was able to save a little money last month because the bank account will be taking a hit. For the price of appliances these days, it’s ashamed they don’t last longer.
Hope your week is joyous (without appliance surprises)!
Shirl
Categories: Knitting, shirt making