The Work Week

This week I hope to get a lot of work done. Steven at this moment is hopefully on a plane coming home before school this morning. I've dropped his car off at the airport so that I can use another one to go to the doctor's myself, yes I get to drive myself anywhere I want to today. I wish I had enough energy to keep driving north, but I know that getting to the Doctor's office will probably be enough to make me wish for a nap.
Too soon this holiday is over. The best excuse to not work. Today it all comes to an end.
While I wasn't plying or skeining, or "resting" I was knitting... here is my project.

Here is the lost disused spinning wheel waiting patiently, the only patient thing around here

The singles waiting to be plied with beads, I love beads. They are everywhere in the house. You can't make a move without a bead skittering in front of you. Under every piece a furniture, in the bed, even in the dryer.

Here is a close up of a hand blown vintage Japanese bead pre-World War II

Two skeins of Hot Sugar

75%Cashmere/25%Silk Ice

Baby Camel and Silk

Yak/Silk beaded but a new combo Butter Icing close up

Yak/Silk

Yesterday Mike took me to Seal Beach Pier we had a lovely walk in the sunshine. We had a lovely time just strolling. I watched the young men surfing and remembered all the days spent body surfing wave after wave. The beach is my healing place.

Mike strolling along

This Berm is to protect the ocean front property from the large high tides.

This is almost sunset,

On that peaceful note I begin my work!

Thankful and happy

Yesterday Mike and I went to my SIL Cinti's and John's house for our Thanksgiving meal. I can't remember a time where I haven't been slaving over the oven on Thanksgiving. Luckily for me yesterday I was able to hobble over to the arms of my loving family and plant myself in a chair and let the world go by. It does go by that's for sure. Meagan, a family friend, came with her new baby Johnathan. Cinti and I admired the baby while young people struggled in the kitchen. It was quiet and I did a lot of knitting. The meal was great and I did have a little peach crumble and a corner off of a Magic Bar. I had turkey and a salad and just a little mashed potato's.
When we left Cinti presented me with this Bouquet how lovely! I got dinner and flowers!

Here is Cinti with Johnathan and her daughter Danni all mooning over the baby.


Knitting out in the backyard while the hummingbirds and cats entertained me. It was about 80 degrees and more than lovely.


These are the lemon's that went to Becky's house with Steven


This is all the yarn that is drying at Becky's. She sent me this picture so I won't worry about yarn while I'm not making any.

I've been making yarn but very slowly. I've managed to make 5 skeins in three days. Becky has made a bit more about 50 skeins in three days. Thank goodness. The yarn is at Knitterly at the moment, then it will be coming home to Lakewood for a trunk show at Wild Fiber. Tulsa is still a far dream that I'm not sure I'll be able to manage. I have a terrible red itchy rash around my middle that will not get better no matter what potion I put on. I'm going to try Aloe this afternoon.
My knitting is ok but not sure if it will fit the intended. It's quiet here with Steven in Oregon Mike at work and Alexandra in Sacramento Ca. I'm resting.....

Moderate Monday

For me trying to be moderate is like telling a bird not to fly. I'm trying to be good but yesterday the temptation of doing something more than laying around like a beached whale was too much. I took a shower, by myself, I cooked dinner, all ingredents were on the program and had loads of tea (herbal and English Breakfast), today all those things caught up with me. So laying on the couch knitting was all I could really do. I finished the Stone Scarf that is so warm I can hardly wait until my Oregon Christmas visit.
Today it's warm and clear. My stomach hurts and lunch didn't sound good, so a banana was it. I have dinner under control for tonight and with Steven's help I think we won't starve. I won't starve for sure.

The completed scarf "Stone". 5 Skeins of textured Cashmere. It's warm and cozy.

My spinning wheel is calling to me it misses me, I miss it. I try not to worry about all the yarn I'm not making, and while laying doing practically nothing I wonder what I would be doing if I didn't have Tanglewood Fiber Creations. What do people do when they aren't worrying about yarn? How can one just sit watching TV and not knit or spin. I understand this is temperary and I'm glad and grateful.

Restful Sunday

I'm enjoying yet another bowl of oatmeal for breakfast and have started the Hand Candy pattern...
I will be doing light work today, hoping to do some plying maybe. I'm feeling worlds better after having my dressings redressed. I'm on the upswing of feeling better.

These socks are hand knitted gift from Alexandra. They are a wonderful color, prefect fit and warm. Even though it is warm during the day my feet still take a chill. These are a thoughtful gift! Thanks Alexandra

This is the pillow nest is my hang out.

These are Eyphillium and Chilli plant. I have to harvest the chillies for Becky. Steven will be going for the lovely Thanksgiving, we are going to John and Cynthia's for a quiet celebration closer to home.

Ozzie looking like a Moses double, he brought me a present yesterday

My present....

These are the roses yesterday in the garden! Val and Pete came over and we made a delicious salad totally on my program we all had seconds and thirds....

Mr. Lincoln rising up to the sky


Ozzie the Lover, Cryuss let's Ozzie groom him until Ozzie decides to make it into a biting game

More Roses


This is one of the two Lemon Grass bushes we have growing!


More roses

My resting out side place


The Sunflower that has just gone crazy!

A close up of things to come

My knitting. I thought that this looked so much like a rock bed that it would be fun to knit in a path in the Cashmere/Silk in Stone. So I picked up stitches and knit crazy stuff and then when the pain tablets wore off so did the idea, so back to basic's this top part has been taken down and picked up more stitches so it is a more even width, in keeping with the bottom bit. It still looks like a rocky river bank to me but I'm not talented to make the path along it's edge and through the middle.....

My SIL called me this morning. My brother John in Ireland is going to be having his Gall Bladder out probably tomorrow and has been in Emergency all day today. He has a fever and blood so we are hoping that his gall bladder didn't somehow explode. He blames me of course.... Sorry John.

I'm also writing the Hand Candy pattern today which is long over due. I'll try plying as well. Make it a good day!

Doctor Day

Lisa Hoffman sent me this picture today (I love pictures instead of flowers LOL) of the Vogue Eyelet Cowl;
Dear Trish
want to show you the neck warmer I made with the beautiful Newport rocks I got at stitches (see attached). I combined it with a solid camel color, also cashmere/silk, and it’s gorgeous the way the color changes in stripes throughout. Just an easy pattern I think similar to the one in vogue knitting, alternating stockinette with stripes of yo/k2tog. I am getting so many compliments….still thinking of what to do with the camel yarn with beads.
Get well soon
Lisa



I'll be sending Lisa a $10 coupon for this picture! Thanks Lisa!!!

Today I'm hoping to get all the tape off the 4 sites of entry into my inners, as it is itching like the dickens.
I really had no time for knitting yesterday as we had a problem in the production room (which is the very small front room while I'm in LA. Mike just shakes his head as he clambers over all the yarn).
A case of; "Where are the Missing Skeins"? Nothing could go anywhere until these problems were worked out. On and on it went numbers and more numbers, sometimes I think we kept picking up the same skein, over and over again. Steven finally got the yarn shipped out yesterday afternoon and missed school. Bummer.
As anyone that knows me knows I love making yarn but I don't like counting it. Steven said it had to be done, so I did it. We did a great job which gives me hope that I might find someone (ok no one will be as good as Steven but close I could hang with close) in Oregon that could count skeins, and know the colors (Steven has only got 16% of his color vision and can tell the different colors-ways!!).

I did finish Neil's Birthday scarf, better late than not at all. He needs it too as the weather has been terrible in Oregon. This is the basket weave (mostly I'm easily distracted and this has been a distracting time for me) in Fireworks, it's great to work with and "recyled" yarn. IT's GREEN!-no I know it's black but it's recyled-oh heck forget it.....


So this is how long my scarf was before I added the ball of smaller texture Cashmere-Stone. I went down to a size 11 and that was the trick, however this "paddle" wasn't long enough.....

So while we were doing inventory yesterday I pulled two more skeins of the textured cashmere, pulled out all the smaller textured knitting and have begun to add the second of the big textured kind here. See on the right where the needle is? This points out where I started the new skein. I think then to add the smaller textured Stone as like a bridge between the two "paddles" (as that what it looks like, a paddle off an oar) on the end. I think it will be very soft, showy and a great way to wear this interesting yarn


So no inventory today YEAH! If I get my tape off I may try plying but maybe I'll just rest. Everyone says to but then in the next breath asks for something (well except Steven and Mike, all they ask is what I want!)
So off to knit before I go to the doctor! Cheers...

Another Day of Sitting

I started a new project as my arms are not as sore from all the invasive activities of the Hospital. I was suppose to go for a recheck today but they had no opennings today, so tomorrow is soon enough to be savaged by the needle.
I decided to make a scarf of Textured Cashmere and started a Seed Stitch pattern, I used size 19 needles so it went fast. This is a whole ball's worth

This ball is thinner than the last ball. Since it was already balled and knitted in I have decided to knit on a smaller needle-size 17 and try to continue the Seed Stitch, I might have to add stitches to make the scarf look OK, but I have nothing but time.....


Sending the yarn to Knitterly today. Yesterday we got over half of the inventory process done when I started to flag, so Steven called "Time" and I knit instead watching the new Star Trex movie. This morning has dawned early and I'm sore so going to have some food (food! I love food) and slowly get back to work. Make it a great day!

Recovery

I'm home in Lakewood CA! I'm feeling sore and a bit woosy but much better than did yesterday.
The ride home was short which was good. I'm not going into be riding in the car again until tomorrow, when I have a check up, and then again next week, another big outting to the Surgeon's office. It's amazing how hard it is to get the little things like moving to the bathroom or standing in the shower completed and how winded you feel after what is normally an easy task.
Yesterday Steven dropped me off and then went to school.
He tried to get me comfortable but it was Mission Impossible. Alexandra came by about that point and sent a grateful Steven away and briskly sorted me out making a comfortable nest of pillows and arranging things within easy reach. She then made a special cup of tea (White Wedding Tea Time Garden, Bonnie Rose's newest blend) and sat knitting until Steven returned home loaded down with approved groceries in preparation for Mom detail.
Mike took the night shift and showered me and washed my hair and tried to do a Pedicure. It was heaven to have my hair washed and the nails trimmed. Maybe next week I'll go for a more professional job but I'm thankful for what he did!
Dad has the "Trish Minding" detail today. He's picking up more Sushi and bringing special drinks. I've broken the rules today and enjoying a real cuppa, hope I don't have to pay too dearly for that one.
Meanwhile things move slowly here. I've "moved around the house" fussing with the things that don't require bending or heavy lifting, until Mike called warning me "that it was time to take a break", (does he have a Nanny Cam?) so back to my nest for a "rest" then lunch.
It's a glorious day here, Mike is fetching me a lounge chair so that I can soak up the healing rays of the sun. The garden is in full bloom and the air is fresh and slightly cool....
These are the Roses that Mike brought on Friday to the hosital. So fragrant that they scented the hallway too

This is what they look like today and still adding their heavy scent along with the lavender from the Trunk Show boxes.

This is a view of the garden i'll be sitting in later today

Thanks for all the healing thoughts and best wishes. The yarn will be going to Knitterly this weekend and staying until after Thanksgiving. If you want Good Yarn call Shelli! Remember to take time today to see the wonder of your world. It is food for your soul!

Happy Birthday Becky

Happy Birthday my first born. It seems strange to be laying in a hospital bed 28 years after having labored in one having you. I'm listening to the new babies crying thinking about the first time I heard you. I couldn't believe that I could do anything as wonderful as give birth to you. I think your Dad was as surprised as I was and how glad he was that you were a girl. How amazed we were when you fit easily in one of his big hands. How serious your face was, all thoughtful, reviewing us as we looked on in wonder.
It doesn't seem so long ago until you are the one taking care of me. One day I hope you will know this joy. You are amazing then as you are now. I'm so proud of you and even though we are apart this time we are truly never parted. I'm always surprised at how smart you are and love that I can count on you no matter what. I'm really Lucky and Grateful to have you in my life. I love you my sweetheart. Make it a great day!
Ps have a huge piece of cake for me!!!!!

Going home today

Just to let you know I'm getting out of the hospital tomorrow. I'm at that fussy stage were you still feel bad but aren't bad enough to stay in the hospital.
I'm grateful to have been here but feeling sorry for myself about being here. My ear buds for my iPod have seen better days but got me through this trip.
I'm not sure what I'll be able to do or not so as far as going to trunk shows I won't be until maybe after Thanksgiving. If the powers to be see fit. However this whole thing has freaked out the family and they are going to make sure I'm not foolish.
I'm grateful
I have great insurance
I have a supportive family and friends
I only had a gall bladder problem
I've had lovely roses to look at
I only have to take care of myself
Sometime in the future I'll be able to eat a wider selection than now and want to
I'll be at home this morning and maybe be well enough to sit out in the garden
yes I'm grateful

It's over

I'm now missing a gall bladder and successfully motored to the bathroom with help. They say I'm going home tomorrow but I'm not convinced I want to.
No spinning for awhile though as sitting is not comfortable. Just a short line to keep you updated. I'm grateful for pain drugs!

Surgery

Tomorrow I'm having my gall bladder out. It's a coming out party that I'm not looking forward t to. Mike brought me roses out of our garden which are still buds. Steven took yarn over to Knitters Studio, so at least there will be yarn, a lot of yarn over 300 skeins. I tried my best to do more beaded yarn but going to the doctor's office and the hospital it's been impossible to get much done this week. I've had to cancel everything for now as I don't know how long I'll be down for as there are two ways of doing this operation. I'm in room
by myself and it is quiet here. Really, I'm pretending I'm at a resort and going to have a spa treatment but I'm still nervous. I'm going to try to read for a little IV placement is making it hard to knit. Wish me luck tomorrow I'm hoping for the small treatment.
Meanwhile have some of The Glen and some chocolate and a cuppa for me!

The best laid plans...

Bummer bummer bummer!

i have terrible Gallstones. Never thought about the Gall Bladder before but now it's in my mind all the time. There are many large stones and the first news is it has to come out.

I'm either feeling great or in terrible pain. It comes quickly and then it goes. I spent another two hours in the Emerancy room tonight in pain then it slowly went away. I decided since the place was packed with sick and injuried people I wasn't get seen any time soon, and then they annouced they had no beds and it would be several hours, I called the Dr. and said just call in pain tablets and I'd see him in the morning.

I'm doing inventory on all the yarn and sending it to Knitters Studio for this weekend's trunk show. I can't tell you how sorry I am not to be able to come.

I hope the yarn has a good time, while I hope to know more tomorrow.

I'm grateful!!

I have health insurance
I have a supportive family and friends (several have offered a recovery home, Mike says it's his job so Lakewood is where I'm staying)
I have a healthy heart
I love fruit and Vegetables
I love Salmon
I have beautiful roses that are blooming
I have pain pills

Then life throws a curve

I'm going to show you some of the pictures of the back yard here in Lakewood. Mike has been keeping busy keeping the roses in good shape
these roses are the Mr. Lincoln's planted last year

Ozzie loving on Cyrus

The cacti are blooming

The spiky cacti that Beth doesn't like

Double Delights' that are taller than either Mike or Me along with Russian Sage overflowing

Pink Lemons the tree is covered

These unknown yellow roses never seem to stop blooming!

Here is a volunteer Sunflower with some "Guests" this bloom is almost opening

A few days later the bloom is open and more guest visit

Now the curve. I'm not sick, I have totally dodged the cold I'm pretty sure, however high living and good times had me so worried this morning that I really thought I was having the big one, a heart attack...

They took blood, a gentle man, Steven had saved the day by driving me to the hospital and the diagnosis, Gall Bladder attack.

I'm going to the Doctor's tomorrow instead of Knit Affair, Looks like it's time to pay the piper. I'm out of pain, mostly and so glad to not have had a heart attack, but it looks like the good times are over..... I have a great heart and no cold, I have a lovely son and daughter and husband, and have had enough good times to land me here. I'm grateful!