Pictures, Pictures, Pictures

SNOW!!!!
I hung some big ornaments on the Crepe Myrtle before Christmas. Then I realized they could double as Valentine's Day decor, so left them up.

The Daughter's dog (oooh-- we LOVE him so!) contemplating snow. We got about 7" as far as I can tell. Looks like they got about a foot or more.

Knitting!
Picking up the needles again. This project is a lap blanket for the wonderful neighbor lady. The yarn is a bit darker and less blue than it appears here-- a superwash forest green dark heather. It's superwash, because I don't want to impose a lot of maintenance on her.It'll be as big as the yarn supply allows. This is one skein down, 2 more to go.


It's a reversible random cable-- easy knit, when I find the time to work on it.

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Plan for the rest of today-- watch basketball and knit.

WHAT????

I'm a nurse.

And in my wildest imagination, I cannot fathom this.

Help for Haiti

The earthquake in Haiti puts into perspective so many things that are better seen as minor annoyances in my very comfortable life. NBC. Traffic. Grumpy co-workers. Bills.

Please read PJ Doland's article in today's Unclutterer. He puts it all much better than I could, and has several links to reputable charities who are helping.


Knitters Without Borders is another link, sponsored by our favorite "Yarn Harlot".


Click here to get to the site where you can contribute to Doctors Without Borders.

I made a contribution. Please consider what you might be able to do.

A New Year

Welcome, 2010.

The New Year is always a time of hope and good intentions. 2009 was a good year, but one with great sadness. So I look forward to rejuvenation and a new start. And I'm hoping that I'm able to realize my intentions through action.

The "W" Word
Weight has been an issue for my whole life-- in one direction or the other. Over the course of many decades I've dealt with it through nearly every program on the planet, and not dealing with it at all.

I've been obsessive, I've been successful. I've been on track and then totally thrown by major stressors.

I'm faced with some milestones this year, and the very real threat of serious health problems, which I must manage or there will be major consequences.

I've made resolutions in the past, only to break them and feel really badly.

So this year, I'm keeping it simple--

1. Be aware by recording my food.

I think that if I can simply focus on writing everything down, the rest will come. I'll try to focus on simpler foods. I know what is healthy. I know what portions are. I know fat/protein/carb combinations. The awareness of what's actually going in the bouche will hopefully eliminate mindless eating, and keep me conscious of the decisions I'm making.

2. Increase activity with a goal of 30 minutes of anything on days I'm not working a shift.

Unrealistic goals have squashed me in the past. I've never enjoyed exercising, but I have had fun with the wii fit, and I like walking my daughter's dog (who doesn't live with us, but visits from time to time.) We have a very expensive and underused treadmill downstairs. (the dog really enjoyed it on days that were too cold for him (and me) to go for longer walks). I'm also very good at making excuses. I leave for work at 6 am and don't get home til 8:30 or 9 p.m. But this is only a few days a week, and I do a lot of walking at work. So by allowing myself to "not exercise" on those days, I'm eliminating an excuse. I'm not calling it exercise anymore. It's "activity."

The "B" Word

While writing this, I was looking for a graphic for the section above-- maybe a scale or something-- and it hit me like a ton of bricks as I looked through clip art-- There were, to me, many negative symbols-- the scales you stand on with numbers-- a symbol that has always seemed like judgment to me. (I read an article that stated many overweight women avoid going to the doctor for care because they fear standing on the scale.) There were the food measuring scales that have always represented limitation and restriction as I weighed and measured my food for years and years.

And there were many, many images of balance scales. And then it hit me-- Balance. That's really what I'm seeking. Balance-- between my work life and my home life. Between what I need to do and what I want to do. Balance that helps me put perspective on the negatives and discern truth. Balance that improves health and spirit and life. Balance that will take the edges off sadness and center me again.

The K Word

Knitting has always been very important to me-- as creative outlet, as relaxation, as focus, as centering, as meditation. I learned from Mom, and remember her patience and the time we spent together as she taught me.

The last project I worked on was the Hanami stole I made for Mom for my parents' 60th anniversary. She sent me the most lovely thank you. I'd been unable to pick up the needles since.

While I was home over the holidays, I helped Dad by going through boxes of her yarn and found many ufo's. Mom did a lot of charity knitting, including little hats for the babies I work with, scarves to give away and for charity raffles, sweaters for the "Knit for Kids" project, baby blankets for shelters, and helmet liners for our troops abroad. I found all of these, many of which needed finishing. I also found an almost empty Denise case-- all the parts were in UFOs.

I put myself to the task of finishing what was started, seaming sweaters, weaving in ends, and getting things ready to go to the destinations she had intended. It was so comforting-- I felt like Mom was with me as my hands finished what she started. In addition to accumulating a full set of Denises by completing projects, I sorted out several (!) boxes of yarn. I kept 2 lots of yarn- some natural wool she got in Ireland, and a dark sage green wool/mohair from Italy. I don't know what these will become, but they will be special.

Knitting has also served as an important social connection-- my LYS friends are dear to me, and I have missed them.

These gifts-- the opportunity to work on her projects, the set of needles, and the yarn, are what I see as Mom's way of getting me back into the knitting part of balance in my life-- the part that I haven't had heart for during the last 6 months, And I will reconnect with my friends.

Sort of Stalled

I've been a bit "on hold" since August.

When I left our family reunion in Minnesota, I knew that Mom's days were numbered. The realization almost paralyzed me-- how would I be able to function without being able to call her and ask for advice and information-- What are the ingredients for that salad? What kind of plants were those we saw in Hawaii? Who was that lady who used to play cards with Grandma? How can I handle this sticky situation? And how could I imagine my life without her presence? She taught me to knit, to cook, and the best example of how to raise my children.

This wonderful woman raised 9 children, inspired 26 grandchildren, and lived and loved at the side of our Dad for over 60 years. She courageously battled ovarian cancer for some 12 years, never complaining, aside from "being a bit tired."

We were so thrilled that she felt able, along with Dad, to be with us at The Daughter's graduation from Virginia Tech in May. She handled her increasing frailty as she handled everything else.. with grace and calmness. She flew her kite in front of Burruss Hall, and loved seeing Lane Stadium in person.

In August she told me that she would probably stop the chemo treatments. This round had been going on for about a year, and it didn't appear to be helping any more. She told me that she didn't want me to worry, because "worrying is a waste of time."

She died late on the last night of September. During her last days she was surrounded by family, with Dad at her side. We spent the days after her death going through thousands of pictures, remembering family times, travels, and celebrating her remarkable life.

I saw a "sunbow" the other evening, and the automatic words from my mouth were "Hi, Mom!"

Her spirit is with me and with my brothers, sisters, our spouses and children-- and of course, with Dad.

So I'm giving myself time to get it together.

And I hope to be back soon.

It's Been A Long Time....

And a lot has happened.

In June I went to the Midwest for The Parents' 60th anniversary. It was an amazing time, and I was able to re-connect with a cousin I hadn't seen for many years. Her husband and daughters are delightful, and it is wonderful to have them in our lives.

July brought the annual family reunion. Words fail me-- the blessings we have, the happiness we experience when we're together, the time with my children, my parents, and my sibs, spouses and kids. The Husband wasn't able to be there-- otherwise it was perfect, although a bit chilly. I was able to spend time with my parents-- there's never enough time--- so we cherish the time we have.

I golfed. I really did. For the first time in my life. Can you even believe it? I hit a lot of grounders. Maybe I was born to putt. I seemed to do it for a couple hundred yards on every hole-- and my actual putting wasn't awful.

Now I'm here, commuting between the greater DC area and Winchester. The Son is moving into a townhouse, and we've spent the last couple of weeks getting him set up. I painted for a few days last week, and with time and large quantities of ibuprofen, my thighs are finally functioning without excruciating pain from climbing up and down the ladder. The knee is another story. I turned in a store, and twisted the silly thing. I hope I haven't done a lot of damage-- it doesn't hurt, but feels a bit "stuffy." We'll see.

Knitting? Not so much. I'm halfway through the sock I started in June. I've been preoccupied with some major things, and my focus isn't there. Maybe if I just do it, I'll be able to get back in the groove.

Just got home from seeing Julie and Julia--

I highly recommend it.

Good Morning

Shall we build an Ark???

Memorial Day

We remember and thank those who have made our lives, as we know them, possible. Their sacrifices eclipse our imaginations, and their stories dwarf our accomplishments. We pray for them, and we thank them.

We Have Hanami

Here she is, being modeled gracefully by the office chair last night...

...and being blocked today:


I started Hanami on March 11, and completed the knitting portion on May 14th. It was blocked today, and I'll add the finishing touches within the next couple of days. This is a gift for my Mom, who saw it already in its un-blocked and crumpled state. I gave her a shawl pin for Mother's Day, and couldn't resist showing her what I had in mind for it.The shawl pin is from nicholasandfelice's shop on Etsy. Hammered aluminum, very light and reasonably priced. If you click on the link, you will see the matching sterling earrings that I got for moi. (The Mother doesn't wear the pierced earrings, and they were just too wonderful to pass up.)

The Big Event

that brought us together was The Daughter's graduation from Virginia Tech.


I am such the proud Mama.

April 16th

We Remember

Shall We Build an Ark???

It's been raining for several days-- and Lord knows we need it.

The weather report says sun tomorrow.

It would be a good thing.

In other matters-- nearly halfway done with Hanami. Pictures soon (maybe tomorrow???)

Hanami rogress Report

Into repeat 5 of the Basketwave chart on Hanami.

That is all.

Gonna Go To Class

I really like taking classes-- Craft classes, management classes, nursing classes, it really doesn't matter too much. I like learning new stuff.

And I'm so excited that I'm going to be taking Olga's Hairpin Lace Class at Knit Happens a week from tomorrow.

This is the same Olga who designed the awesome Petal Halter that is all over Interweave (featured in the spring 2009 issue!!!) and is just simply brilliant. And we get to just sit and knit with such brilliance!

Anyway, she's going to teach me how to do the Hairpin Lace! (Not the Petal Halter seen above.) There are all sorts of things you can do with this. It makes long strips of open crocheted fabric that can be connected together to make shawls or afghans, or you can use a strip as an insert in a knitted object.

I tried to find a good picture to put in here, but I couldn't find one quickly that fit the bill. After class, there will be a picture.

I saw a demo of hairpin lace on a tv show, and thought it looked like fun, but I really couldn't make much sense of it when I tried to review it in my head.

I'm one of those tactile learners, I guess!!!

(and hey-- if you want to learn, there might still be room in the class!!!)

In Like A Lion...

March has been an interesting month.

It started with (finally!) welcome, beautiful snow


















followed a week later by popping crocuses










and as we approach the end of the month,


the forsythia are out



the daffodils are making an effort,



the back fence-neighbor's camelias have made an appearance



the apricot tree is in full bloom (too bad it doesn't make apricots)







and The Husband's newly planted azelias just might bloom this year.



Work started out crazy busy, then tapered off-- again. It seems to go in fits and starts. Either we're begged to work overtime, or we're asked if we want to be off so someone doesn't get mandatory cancellation.

I've made it to The Shop for several actual weeks in a row, which seems to be what I needed to get centered. I've completed a couple of projects, including
a helmet liner for the son of a friend who is in Afghanistan, and a pair of tiny socks for the new baby of a co-worker.

Baby socks-- they're a good thing. They're little, and fun to knit. As a small gift, they can be accompanied by some purchased onesies or something grander. I started out a few years ago doing sweaters, and it just got to be too, too much time and energy.


But the thing that is really centering me now is Hanami. I've jumped on the bandwagon, as many of the KH Irregulars are doing it as an informal KAL. After I "got into" the pattern, it's moving along, although it is going to take quite awhile.








The first section is a 32-row basketweave pattern that gets repeated 7 times!!! (I'm nearly through the third.) I'm doing it as a prayer shawl as a gift for a very dear one who continues to fight the fight.

I'm knitting with a laceweight silk/mohair blend on size 3's. Knowing what a fan I am of instant gratification, I see this as focus and continuity that will sustain me, but from which I may need to periodically get a break.

Maybe by some baby socks.

Getting It Together

And I really am.

I've done some knitting-- which really centers me.

I've made progress on a lot of work projects.

I've been to Late Night at The Shop-- got to see some friends and share some chat.

I'm making progress on the house.

Life is good.

Life Gets Away...

And all of a sudden it's February 2009, and I haven't blogged since December.

In that time, we went to the Orange Bowl-- a wonderful experience for our family and some close friends. The Hokies won, and that made it even better.

Both Offspring have marked another year, as has The Husband.

I've made some adjustments to my work schedule to allow me to do some extra things without feeling totally stressed.

I've worked many nights, resulting in some major fatigue.

I have not been to Knit Happens, and really miss my friends there.

I've done precious little knitting, and my hands are itching to get into a project. I just can't decide what to do.

And so it's time for some New Year's resolutions-- a couple of months late.

1. Focus on family
2. Focus on friends
3. Don't "over-" work
4. Take time to knit, read and relax instead of becoming exhausted.

We'll see how it goes....

Still Kickin'

Life's been chock full of fun, craziness and busy busy work schedule. When I'm not working, I've pretty much been on the road.

Go Hokies
After beating UVA on Thanksgiving Saturday and clinching the ACC Coastal division, the Hokies headed to Tampa for the ACC Championship game in Tampa. It was a quick turnaround, but the men in Maroon and Orange played a great game against Boston College to win the ACC Championship.

It was a beautiful day, marred only by the Tampa cops roughing up some of our students after the game. Apparently they wanted everyone to clear the stadium. It would have been nice to make an announcement to that effect, because everyone was still celebrating. The students would have been glad to leave, but didn't want to be separated from their friends-- it's a big stadium, and you might never find them again. It was so unnecessary, and makes me wonder if I want to attend another event in Tampa. Maybe the cops were FSU fans.

So our New Years' will be spent in Ft Lauderdale/Miami for the Orange Bowl. It should be great fun. We'll watch The Daughter's final performance with the Marching Virginians, and hopefully (finally) a Bowl win for The Hokies.

A Weekend Together
The Husband and I did a little travelling on our own this last weekend. He had a meeting in Charlottesville (home to another state university). On the way down we decided to check out Williamsburg reservations, and were able to get reservations for The Christmas Feast at Shields' Tavern. So off to Williamsburg we went for Saturday night. They had Illumination of the Taverns, complete with fife and drums. Williamsburg is always lovely, but even more so at Christmas. It was a nice weekend.

Knitting-wise, I make progress on the Feb Lady sweater, but I'll have to rip out a big chunk because I reversed my increases after having put it down for awhile. Sigh.

I finished the Christmas Stocking for The Daughter's Friend's Relative. After 3 go-arounds, several rip-outs of the duplicate stitch designs etc, it got its bath last night and looks pretty darn decent. I did an I-cord for the hanger, and all that's left is to sew that on and pop it in the mail.

I'd lament not having more knitting accomplishments, but with night shifts and travelling and general life busy-ness, it's taken a back burner.

And now to try to get the home ready for Christmas, and off to my Chicagoland family this weekend to bake cookies.

I wonder how many miles I've logged in the past 6 weeks?

(no pictures-- the computer that holds the picture files has a busted power source-- should be back up in a couple of days.)

Groan....

They were THAT close.

Been A Little Tied Up Lately

So no good blogging going on. I'll have to get back with the program.

Work has been emotionally draining. I love my job, and I love caring for my patients and their families. Sometimes they are experiencing very serious challenges, and I can't even imagine their stress and pain.

So I do what I can

I'm privileged to be in the company of awesome professionals who work as a team to provide the absolutely best care for body, mind and spirit.

I know I made the right decision to be a nurse.

Meanwhile....

I completed the 3rd go-around on a Christmas stocking for a family member of The Daughter's friend. They gave me one of the stockings-- made for The Daughter's friend when she was a baby. They also gave me a pattern to follow.

The original appeared to be made in Red Heart. So I purchased Red Heart. Fun. I couldn't match the green color, which may have faded over the years.

I dutifully checked gauge against the pattern-- perfect on size 8's. (I was so very proud of myself-- actually checking gauge...) It was knit flat and then connected at the heel/instep. As I was almost done with the foot, it occurred to me to compare it to the original. It was huge. And the stitches were clearly larger. So I frogged the whole thing, and swatched again, matching the stitch size using 5's. (I was so very proud of myself for finding a needle that matched the stitch size...) I decided to knit in the round on 2 circs rather than knitting the leg flat. When I completely finished the stocking according to the pattern, it was still huge compared to the original.(!)

Now I realize that the reasonable and thoughtful knitter would have checked the size against the original at an earlier point in this evolution, but I was trying to minimize the amount of stuff I was schlepping. And who'd a thunk it didn't match the pattern???

Not me.

Original on the left, MONSTER SOCK in the middle, Acceptable 3rd try on the right

So finally, I did what I should have done in the first place. Forget about the pattern, count the stitches around the original stocking, and go from there.






And as I was packing everything up for a road trip, my eye fell on the Trader Joe's wine carrier. Six sections. Works great. I think I'll use it when I do FairIsle.

I'm basically done, except for blocking and duplicate stitching the pattern. Probably a task for the next road trip.


Meanwhile, I'm looking forward to getting back to the February Lady Sweater-- Beautiful yarn-- orange Water Lily. My fingers have been itching to make some progress. And there are a couple of other baby sweaters for co-workers on the needles as well as the obligatory socks.

So much to knit-- so little time.

Rats

BC 28. VT 23.

Bad Blogger-- Bad Blogger-- That Would Be Me

However, it doesn't mean that nothing's been going on in my life.

First things first:


What a game. I must say that I had "cautious-- very cautious" optimism as I positioned myself on the couch last night to watch the Hokie action. It started out well, and with a couple of breath-holding moments (such as Nebraska's punt return for a touchdown-- GASP) it was great. Both teams played well, and it was college football at its best. Next week is in Blacksburg-- can't wait.

Work has gone from "Let's figure out who has enough vacation time left to stay home today" to crazy busy. In addition, there are loads of extra little projects that just really pile up. One at a time-- One at a time.

Knitting-wise, it's pretty much been the handtowels. I'm nearly done with #3, and may call a halt to them for awhile after this one, although they are terrific traveling projects. I have a couple of things in mind with some terrific yarn that is sitting in baskets. Need a plan-- and enough time to get it all together. And need to carve out more time than I have watching football.

The leaves are starting to turn, it's getting cooler, It's Fall!!! My kind of time.