In your neighborhood

This is not an accurate picture of our neighbors.  Usually both chicken and rooster can be found free-ranging- much to the dog's consternation.  She has yet to pick a fight with either.  The rooster is actually very beautiful- maybe you can see the green tint in the tail feathers and the fact that his fancy feet are feathered as well.

Another get well card in the mail.  For the record, in sharing these I am not boasting of greatness- more I am always surprised and delighted and want to share.  That being said, is there anything better than "boxed cards in old person handwriting?"  This is from our Sunday lunch friends with aunt.

Yesterday's excursion has left me in some discomfort.  Today will be a guilt free resting day.  I think I will be able to remain guilt free for all of next week as well.  There is a lot that I wouldn't be able to do if I were to return to work- including (and maybe most importantly) protecting kids from danger.

As for audio-visual stimulation- yesterday was an afternoon of Sherlock Holmes (the half hour shows from Sheldon Reynolds as well as the Basil Rathbone shows)  Today I am torn between a spotify playlist that includes a wide range of pop songs that dotted my life (each with it's own memory of time and place) or some made for TV movies on YouTube.  Sometimes the time travel associated with those playlists can suck the energy right out of you so I may save that for later.

E.T. Phone Home. We miss you.

So one of my teacher pals sent this picture along in our group text- I blurred the faces for confidentiality.  The clearer parts are the Mrs. Terry  stickers in action. I’m guessing my sub doesn’t feel as self-absorbed as I do when I pass them out.

And then this came in the mail with a gift card for dinner.

Today I realized that while I don’t miss teaching music so much (I think maybe I’ve disconnected from it as a result of my principals devaluation of it), I do miss the kids that need the hugs.  Not necessarily the ones who regularly give them but for those melt down kids who have had trauma and need to know they are loved and it will be o.k.  

I ventured out into the world. Two hours at the casino. It wore me out and there was some pain. I’m not thinking of going back early but the trip out let me know where I am healing-wise and the texts with the counselor and the above make me feel like I am a needed part of the community.

Heartbreaking Cable Realities.

So I said the pattern was complicated.  I'm thinking I got my construction cheat sheet right but completely f'd up the cable placement on the cheat sheet.

Here's what the side cables should look like-

Here's what they actually look like right now- I got a couple of them right.

At least I've managed the back ones- 

This brings back haunting memories of the Tangled Yoke Cardigan from 2007.

The above picture is from Interweave Magazine- I had beautiful almost lace weight yarn and the whole sweater knitted from the bottom up to the point of the cable rows.  It was knitted on a size 3 needles.  I repeat. A whole sweater on a size 3 needle.  Finally I frogged it in 2011 and have yet to complete the scarf I decided would be easier.

My initial inclination was to take pride in my humanity and it's ability to err. Particularly since I had just removed the sleeves and was ready to work on the body alone. But even as I type this, I know that I will be starting over. At least I can look forward to using those new stitch markers. le sigh.

Anniversary and Elephants

Next Tuesday we will celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary.

Thanks to a 5yr old birthday party on Facebook I’ve decided we should have a donut tower instead of a cake.

I do love donuts.

The 14 year gift was ivory which led greathusbandbob to surprise me with this necklace.

The traditional 15 year gift is crystal. This came in the mail today.

An antique vintage crystal elephant.  It is so heavy and so beautiful.

Elephants have always been special to me because they make me feel connected to my grandma.  She collected them.  I loved them because she did.  I think we may have transitioned.  While the above remains true, I love them because I love them.  The following purchases were recently made illustrating said point. Stitch markers and my spring shoes.

These to replace my go to winter shoes (as long as it’s not raining) I am officially a Tom’s fan.

Here is one I saw in person, running free in the world.  Hey elephant, you’re awesome. Grandma would have loved you.

Because insomnia.

For the past two nights I’ve gone to bed around 10:00 pm and was still looking at the clock at 3:00 am.  Then I wake up at 11:00 the next morning.  This is not by choice or irresponsible behavior. It just is what it is.  Tonight I’m staying up a little longer because I can’t take 5 hours of tossing and turning. I couldn’t even fall asleep for a nap.  That’s how I know it’s insomnia.

No pain pills or ibuprofen today. Just a few pangs. I took a walk with the dog around the house this afternoon. I was surprisingly exhausted after just a short time.  I believe next week I will drive and build up my step count to make sure I can function when I return.

There is great progress on the sweater but it’s not ready to be photographed.  Instead here’s a shot of my cheat sheet.

And because there is little else to post, here are some pics of the never ending log cabin Afghan.  It’s Cascade 220.  It comes from other projects, yarn swaps and an occasional order.  It’s about 3.5’ x 4.5’. Each segment is 20 rows of garter stitch.  I recently stopped changing colors at every new segment. If a color runs out-I’ll start another without starting another section.  I toyed with the idea of making each segment 10 garter rows but I think this way will ensure minimum yarn wastage while maintaining proportions in the dimensions.

warning-this is boring-because there is time.

I was awake all night with discomfort.  The weighted blanket seemed to help. It feels like mislocated menstrual cramps.  It hurts to sneeze. I'm trying to stay awake for a better sleep tonight.

I've spent the morning browsing Ralvery for sweaters-

I think I've decided on this one- It's called Cables on Saturday by Christina Korber-Reith.  The yarn I have is some Louet Gems sport weight and is the exact same color as the serial killer sweater.  Not planned.  I must like the color.

My friend Cynthia sent this along this morning- she reads my mind when I can't.

In further distraction Star Trek is playing in the background and there's something to be said for watching and listening to it (as opposed to just listening).  Bones' reaction to argyle is dramatic.

Argyle is dramatic.

The dog, she follows me wherever I go- I'm usually in the warmest spot in the house.  Or maybe she likes Star Trek. For all of the knitting I do- blankets are just easier to crochet- she is not opposed.

I need to remind myself of the relaxing I am having.  Sometimes I forget.  It took 2 days for me to stop looking at the clock and wondering what I'd be doing at school.

More get wells and what is my tell?

So I haven’t been a bad word sayer much lately.  Always afraid of the slip at school.  Usually save it for WTF post classroom management episodes shared with other teachers and swearing at the t.v.

And yet I must have a tell-because in addition to the first coloring book from the teacher friends, this came in the mail as a companion gift from the son of husband.  At least they are self-affirming.

These arrived on Monday from the mom- the monkey had to go into immediate witness protection.  He’s apparently preparing to testify against the dog and she’s not having it.  Or else she thought maybe she’d like some mail too.  You know she means business when you hear her little paws click on the table and you’re in the other room.

Remember a long time ago when this blog was self absorbed prattle about O.G. Knitters life and not about medical tribulations, health care, taking care of other people, and what food to eat?  Yea, neither do I.

That being said, I’ve added another week to my sabbatical. Greathusbandbob has the spot on his lung removed April 1st with a 2 night hospital stay and some post operative care.  *insert Yiddish pissants and cockroaches phrase here.*

Tending to healing and such

Assistance with said healing came in the form of soup and jello from aunt of cousins best bud .  Wedding soup.  Orange jello with crushed pineapple and mandarin oranges.  Jello is such a delightful surprise.  It was perfect.

Today came flowers from the Seattle contingency. With a hint of “more to come” from stepson Ian.

The pain pills make it not hurt.  Probably tomorrow I will not need them every four hours. Greathusbandbob hasn’t been able to do much given his non working knee but he did get some Ben and Jerry’s acid reflux treatment per my request today.  I guess all there is to say is “men.”

Time travel

As per previous observations, being the patient is easier than accompanying the patient.  Five hours for him was five minutes for me. 

Last time I was out before I crossed the threshold of the door.  This time I stayed awake through the hallway and into the operating room but can’t really remember what it looked like.

At one point while waiting for the action to begin (delayed by an hour) I told greathusbandbob that “somebody’s junk must have gotten stuck.”  Only later did I discover that my own uterus was large and required extra effort to remove. And while I haven’t seen them yet, she told me ahead of time that she takes pictures of what she did.  I think it creeped greathusbandbob completely out but I can’t wait!

Dinner included broth, jello, frozen orange juice, and tea.  There was also a round of acid reflux thanks to the Percocet.

I guess I’ve never read things like this because most people are just too classy to talk about it.  Anesthesia apparently makes everything slow down/pause including urinating.  Nothing like the threat of a catheter to get those muscles moving. Getting to and fro independently was the second challenge to face. Disconnect anti-blood clot leg balloons and get that machine to stop beeping.  Take off oxygen, roll IV and oximeter into the bathroom, grab the t.p. with the left hand before sitting, then reverse when complete.  Except you’ve already spilled your cup of water while maneuvering the rolly pole so you clean it up on the way out while trying to avoid getting the compression socks wet (and not wanting to call for the male nurse because your gown is barely there)

The whole pain factor is odd.  Drugs make you feel invincible until you don’t.  Then there’s about a 15-30 minute window to replenish before things feel like they’re going to roll out of control.

Institutional eggs, pancakes and a sausage link never tasted so delicious- as did the cup of coffee.  It’s now a matter of making sure my body accepts and cooperates with the food I’ve eaten.  Signs point to yes which will mean a post lunch release.

Freezer item three and tonight’s dinner

Freezer item three was a hot mess.

My intention was to make lasagne Florentine (no meat).  I accidentally ready on the oven-ready lasagne noodles to add 1/2 c liquid for every five noodles used.  That was way too much.  It ended up a watery mess.  I managed to salvage it for the freezer- left the fluid in the pan but it was definitely a disappointment.

Today I made the most favorite spinach artichoke lasagne.  It sounds healthy until you factor in the Parmesan, mozzarella, whole milk and butter.  (No wonder it tastes so good).  I’ll have this available for food until the weekend.

It’s cooling right now but it smells amazing.

My sub needed a sub today.  Fortunately I left sub-sub plans.  If I read the paperwork correctly, no one picked up the job. And I don’t even care.  I’m on anti-maternity leave.

The hospital just called.  Report time is 10:0 am.  Surgery is at noon. Goodbye ovaries.  I shall not miss you.

Freezer item two

Potato lentil soup.  Similar to the chili but I’m guessing a little heartier.

Italian spices added.   Ton recipes suggest squeezing some lemon on it when it’s served.  Apparently the acid brings out the flavor.  Although I’m not sure how much flavor there can be in potatoes and lentils.

Freezer item one

Black bean, quinoa, and lentil chili.  Added bonus- it’s a crockpot recipe found here. Minimal work involved. Chopping carrots, a pepper and an onion, rinsing cans of beans and corn. Sautéing vegetables for a bit.

I’m usually not a fan of crockpot recipes.  Ones using meat in the past have always had that same mushy taste in common.  I do, however have high hopes for the bean/lentil/quinoa combination.  Fingers crossed.

Art and technology.

Tonight’s art is brought to you by Pinterest and giraffes.  There was a simple how to draw a giraffe tutorial using shapes.  I need to think more about anatomy but I’m not there yet.  What I’m happiest with are the leafy trees - different shades of green separated with thin black ink which was from my own brain.  Otherwise it looks like giraffe has been hitting his quads a little too much at the gym.

This evening greathusbandbob and I learned about and tried Facebook FaceTime and I used the filters.  I accidentally took a picture of them while trying to hang up.  Maybe I’ll use this as my post-op picture for anyone who is worried..

Tomorrow is a get things ready for next week kind of day.  I’m going to make some meals to freeze-  spinach artichoke lasagne, potato lentil soup, and lentil quinoa chili. 

More art- I feel like since that one isn’t awesome I am free to do more.  It’s only when I love how one turns out that I don’t want to art again because I don’t want the next one to suck.  Granddaughter Lily is traveling and shared these cacti that I will use as tomorrow’s muse.

Speaking of muses.  I’ve been listening to Edith Hamilton’s book, Mythology.  Once you immerse yourself in the stories, the carry on with you.  Yesterday greathusbandbob remarked about someone getting a message to someone else and I almost said “not even Hermès could communicate that...”. I’m nearing the end of the book Song of Achilles as well (reading not listening.).   Maybe there will be some mythic art.  Jim Carey’s work with markers also inspires.  Must go look at more.

Round 2

Here we go round the (frozen) mulberry bush so earlye in the morning.

Why yes, it is 17 degrees outside.

In case you hadn’t heard WV teachers are striking again.

The legislature, Koch brothers, and Alex organization have conspired to turn WV into Betsy DeVos’ dream state o for profit public education.  That’s the simplest way I can describe it.  If you’re looking for details, google WV senate bill 451.  Damn, I should have written “burn 451” on my sign.

It’s already been a month with not much school and as of Monday I was going to be off anyway.  Never a dull moment.

more art

A dog snoot to boot and silhouettes of trees in winter.  Both not amazing but still making art.

nowhere else can I share this

I bought this bag for myself and Drjustineknitnight.  I love it's delicacy as well as it's to the pointness.
I'm also searching for another for my favorite pirate teacher at school

If you look at the ring on my pinkie you'll see similar art.

The sentiment stamped on the back of this ring reads "this too shall pass."  A more positive but less hilarious sentiment. 

Today at the end of the high school class, the would be but not hard core party boy that much to my surprise, did a 180° in my favor at the beginning of the year.  At the end of class today (where I cheered for him completing assignments) he showed me his new key chain (it spelled out the sentiment on the bag a little clearer - ended with a "you".")

At first I thought he was directing it at me in response to making him work.  Then I realized he thought I would think it was hilarious (meh).  So I told him about my knitting bag, showed him my ring, laughed and said "back at you baby."

In other return to school for two weeks news-

The twin with the darker (I'm going to say depressed) countenance rarely shows emotion.  She's either angry or sad or despondent.  Sometimes her inner happier self can be cajoled out- maybe 3 out of 5 days in a given week.  I love her either way.  Her happier (medicated) twin has always been glad to see me, friendly and positive.

The darker sister saw me in the hallway before class, ran to me and gave me a crazy huge hug.  I returned it but wasn't startled because I thought it was the happy one who regularly greets me.  Once I saw them together I realized otherwise.  This is a senior streetwise girl-wary of any emotion but anger.  It is a moment I want to remember forever. It is a profound source of joy in my working life.

And it was the best part of the day until the last class which was kindergarten.  With the same sincerity and unabashed enthusiasm nearly half of the class (risking the possibility of  correction for breaking the rules) ran to me with hugs aplenty declaring how much they missed me.

Colleagues, of course, welcomed me but I always feel like that's obligatory.  Those kids, though.

I won't mention the first grader who, after I said I'd be back for two weeks and then gone again replied "good." 

make art every day.

Zentangles and markers are the art of the day. Ideas come from elsewhere but all are hand drawn.

Surgery is on the 27th.  I am going back to school for two weeks.  

This really is a knitting blog.

Another Blue Dog

Time for some more dog art-  more pleased with the shape- less pleased with the color.  I didn't take as much time.

This will be my costume for tonight's state of the union.

Had the meeting with the surgeon this afternoon.  Still don't have a date.  I'm also essentially on "standby" in case there are any cancellations.  I am not going back to work until it's done.  As greathusbandbob said, what are they going to do? Fire me?  Also if this senate bill passes, we'll be on strike anyway.

So to take everything out they make 4 small cuts (near the attaching points of the stuff inside).  They disconnect it through those four cuts and once it's loose, they pull it out the vagina.  She told me that and I immediately said "THAT'S SO COOL!"  Science is crazy.

Playing with markers

If I do one a day, maybe I will get better.  I've always loved markers.