Look What’s Knitting…

I have made some progress on this Leftie project… it’s nice that I can knit and do other things now that I have gotten rid of the hand brace.  I consider the knitting as exercise… yeah… that’s it… I’m exercising… LOL

I still have some pain in that area of my thumb and I don’t have the strength I had before I fell.  It is amazing to see just how much muscle strength you can loose by not using your hand/arm on a regular basis for just a few weeks.  One day earlier this week I couldn’t figure out why my arm hurt… then I remembered the struggle I had getting the lid off a jar the day before and when I mimicked that motion – yep that was it.  It was a plastic pour spout lid that I couldn’t use any of my normal removal tricks – so had to rely on brute (ha,ha,ha) strength.

Here is the Leftie…

It’s interesting that when I started I was getting several leaves out of a color before it completely transitioned to the next color – I even pulled off a couple yards in a few places to hurry the transition along when the rows were shorter.  I don’t think I’ll need to do that anymore… in the beginning I got 4 orange-ish leaves before it changed over to the green family.  As you can see along the bottom - as the blues lead to the reds and then I got ONE orange leaf and the leaf that is about half done on the red cable is already the green that leaf # five is in the top row of leaves.

It will be interesting to see what happens as the rows get longer…

Check out what others are knitting over at Judy’s Patchwork Times.

Back to Our Regularly Scheduled…

Schedule…

I don’t know about any body else – but if I don’t follow some kind of schedule I don’t get anything done…

These past several months have been a big jumble of discombobulation!

My MIL has been moved from the rehab program into a respite program… she as yet hasn’t gained back the strength she had before but they seem to be ahead of the breathing problems that sent her twice back to the hospital this summer.  Whether she will ever go back home is questionable and I’ve decided that she likes being taken care of – although I think she needs to work a little harder at walking more as I hate to see her having to use a wheelchair to get around.  My husband and I go out Saturday and Sunday and I am going to establish a routine of going out 2 days during the week to check in with them – my FIL is also a resident in that facility.

The report from the MRI apparently says I have arthritis in the CMC joint of my thumb… which is frustrating because it didn’t hurt until I fell on it.  But no matter – the good news is that it isn’t broken and I can go back to using it and get rid of this stupid brace.

I have done a little bit of sewing this past week – I have a challenge quilt due later in September for my annual quilters retreat here.  Sorry no pictures until after the event… I have the center done and have to add the borders – maybe this weekend.

I’ve also done a little bit of knitting in the evening on the Leftie shawl – which I’m liking a lot – it’s not difficult to do – the yarn is really doing most of the work and I just have to pay attention to what line I’m on.

I made Almond Milk the other day… and I have to tell you it was very good.  I was surprised at how large the almonds got after being soaked!  And the milk was so white and creamy!  I gave up regular cows milk years ago and had used Soy milk for cooking and cereal until a couple years ago when we switched over to Almond or Coconut milk.  I prefer the Almond and after making it myself – I really prefer that.  I can drink a glass of this stuff – it’s really that tasty.  One cup of almonds makes 4 cups of milk – and I can still use the leftover pulp.

Enough loafing for a Saturday morning… I have a pot of sauce to cook today and I’ve got to figure out what to do with this huge eggplant I got this week.  Oh and I probably should do some cleaning… or not…

Nearly forgot to post a picture of the grandkids off for their first day of school earlier this week – Miss K is in 4th grade and the young Mr. is pre-K.

Almond Crisped Peaches… and More…

Smitten Kitchen posted a recipe for these Almond Crisped Peaches yesterday and since I already had set aside some peaches for making pie I gave it a try last night.  Picture above is ready for the oven.

It was so easy… wash & half the peaches, make the topping and put in the oven!  I used her suggestion of adding the oats and cinnamon and I will make this again and again… it would surely be wonderful on apples! 

It was so yummy with a topping of ice cream and it’s nice that the portion size is pre-determined… but I was so tempted to go back and add another piece to my bowl.

Gaining A New Perspective…

You know I’ve spent the better part of the past two weeks lamenting my wrist… the fall, the discomfort, the new concern over possible complications.

This morning I received an email that has put all that into perspective for me.

Tyson Snader - the CSA Manager for Lancaster Farm Fresh Cooperative (where we pick up our Organic Vegetables) was seriously injured just over a week ago and now faces being a paraplegic.

I have spoken to Tyson several times over the past couple months when I’ve picked up my shares – always friendly with a quick genuine smile as we chatted.  You could tell he was passionate about and enjoyed what he was doing… bringing good food to people.

But it is clear in the stories about him that what matters most to him is being a husband and father. 

If you are interested you can read his story (details his accident) and follow his recovery by reading the journal entries on that site.  There is a link to a fund raising site as well.

But please – all I am really asking you to do is this… if you have a moment – say a prayer for his young man and his family as they cope with the changes that are upon them.  I know prayer is a powerful thing…

Thank You…

Ha, ha, ha… Irony…

I had wanted to post today on Judy L’s “On The Needles” post this week because I couldn’t help myself and had to start this new project.

The day I fell (2 wks ago) I had picked up this yarn.

This past weekend I downloaded the pattern from Ravelry and started working on it a little at a time.  It was slow going because of my hand.

Now that I have to wear this splint all the time on my left hand – I can’t knit.  And there is the possibility of a cast down the road… more not knitting.

The pattern name… Leftie…

Irony… Ha, ha, ha!

Something to Lift My Spirits…

You remember I mentioned I fell a couple weeks ago and hurt my left hand.  Well it has been two weeks and it still hurts… but only when I use it. 

I gave it plenty of time to get over itself… you know – thinking it was a sprain and all.  But when I saw the guy who works on my knee on Monday he did mention that if a particular bone gets broken in the wrist you can have some major problems due to interrupted blood supply to the bone.

Trying to not be a hypochondriac about it – I pondered it for 24 hours… then I called and made an appointment with the Orthopedic Hand Doctor.

Whom I saw today… and yes if you break the scaphoid bone – which doesn’t always show up in x-rays right away – you can (but not always) have some big problems… he mentioned surgery, screws/pins, bone grafts and casts (most of which would be worse case scenarios).  Needless to say he got my full attention.  When he offered me a new splint (I had quit wearing the thing the hospital gave me) and told me to wear it 24/7 and only remove it for showers… I was happy to slip right into it!  He said that 2 weeks out if it still hurts where it still hurts… he assumes it’s a break in the scaphoid until he can prove otherwise.

They are scheduling an MRI… you know – to obtain proof.

I hate the internet… because you can find out all kinds of stuff there you really don’t want to know… but you looked up anyway.

So I’m here with my fingers crossed hoping that it’s only soft tissue damage… or at least if I did break it that it’s in a good place as opposed to a bad place.

And I have a new sense of appreciation for all that my left hand really does for me on a daily basis.  I always called it stupid because it’s not nearly as smart as my right hand.  Oh don’t go looking at me sideways… try to brush your teeth with your left hand… go ahead – you will see I’m right.  Although my left hand is not as smart as my right hand it was always still a willing participant in all activities the right hand was up to.  These past two weeks… not so much… and my right hand is missing the help.

Anyway… so I was not having a very happy day.  And when I am not happy I tend to putter around.  This afternoon on my way over to pick up my CSA Share I stopped into a used furniture store along the way.

I saw this on the floor… I recognized it as a case for a Singer 301.  I have a 301 and a case but my case isn’t nearly as nice as this one was.

And the tag says… “case $32”… and I’m trying to decide if I want to spend $32 dollars on a case.

But when I tried to move it with my foot – it didn’t move.  So I opened it.  And decided that Yes Indeed I would spend $32 on the ‘case’… especially since the machine came along for the ride.

It’s got all it’s parts, book, cord and is smooth and shiny - doesn’t look to have been used all that much.  The serial number dates it to 1956.

When I took it up front to pay for it – she said they didn’t take credit cards and I didn’t think I had cash and was looking around in my purse for the check book when she says to me… “Oh, You can mail me the check”.  The dumb look on my face prompted her to repeat herself… “Just put the check in the mail”…

Seriously… I love living here.  I did come up with the check book – paid for my ‘case’ and she even carried it to my car for me. 

I’m feeling better…

Very Interesting Dinner…

This article was front page of the Lancaster newspaper this Sunday.

Top chefs from around the world dine in Amish barn in Bird-in-Hand.

The article is very interesting – check out the video and photos too.  I don’t know about you but I would have loved to have been there.

Just goes to show that good food doesn’t have to be fancy food…

Seeking Inspiration…

Yesterday was such a beautiful day that I easily talked myself into staying out and running errands for the afternoon.  Seems that when it’s hazy, hot and humid - getting in and out of the car isn’t that appealing.

After lunch I visited my MIL at rehab.  Even though she has gotten the cold my FIL had (a full time resident at the same facility) – she has been able to (knock on wood) not get quite as sick with it as he did.  They started her on cough meds right away and she is still having the breathing treatments for her lungs which I’m sure helps keep her ahead of this.  I sat while she finished her OT and waited while the nurse came by to visit her… then we headed outside to walk around a bit and go sit in the gardens.  Well I walked and pushed while she was along for the ride.  This facility is built on the top of a hill in the area and has a panoramic view of the communities and farmlands all around.  I took this picture with my ipod from the parking lot – so it’s not a great photo – but I think it gives a sample of the view.

When I left I just could not talk myself into going back home.  So I decided to just drive around the back roads and enjoy the countryside.

I still need some fabric for the Four Patch Swap blocks so I decided to visit Weavers Dry Goods over in the outskirts of Lititz.  They expanded their building this past spring and I hadn’t been over to see how it turned out.  It is very nice as they opened up the back and side of the building and added stairs leading to a lower level where their sale fabrics are kept.  I was looking around down there to start but another shopper answered her cell phone and I just couldn’t stand being around her while she talked too loudly about someone's doctor appointment.  And since I could hear her everywhere downstairs I headed back upstairs to shop.

Is it me or is there just not a lot of inspiring fabrics out there?  I had stopped out at Sauders Fabrics last week and had the same problem shopping… nothing is speaking to me… oh goodness – I hope I haven’t developed a case of fabric deafness.  I think I may need a trip up to Southampton Quilts… there is always fabric calling my name there!

Anyway between the 2 stores I found several combinations to use…

Maybe I can get these cut up this week and then I’ll sew as I have time over the next couple weeks and be done.  Since I need to mail my blocks in it makes sense to mail them in bulk. 

My other stop was at what I consider my Local Knit Shop – The Ball & Skein Shop in Brickerville.  I’ve taken a couple classes there and Edna – the owner – has bailed me out of a couple problems in the past.  I missed her Christmas in July sale last week – so I wasn’t planning on shopping for anything in particular - I was just killing time and looking for inspiration.  I did put my name on a waiting list for a shawl class she’s offering later this fall. 

Another beautiful day going on out there so I guess I best get going and try and get some gardening done.

I Wonder?

This morning as I started a small load of whites… I wondered just how many times I’d have to wash that same load of whites before I actually got them into the dryer… You see I originally threw them in the wash on Friday morning.  Saturday morning I realized that they were still in the washer.  So a little dash of bleach this time and a refresh cycle should do the trick right?  Except that I left the house that morning and then I never thought about laundry at all… so here on Monday morning I realize that the same small load of whites was still in the washer… I’m glad I added that little splash of bleach on Saturday – I’m sure that’s what kept the clothes from getting smelly.  This time I put soap, bleach and hot water to the task and washed them yet again!  And I’m happy to say they are now dry – and bright and sparkly too.  As annoying as those machine beepers are I do need the reminders… Apparently I just need to be inside the house for it to be effective.

 

Last Wednesday I went to the shops at Kitchen Kettle Village on the Old Philadelphia Pike in Intercourse, PA.  I was looking for a book as a gift and thought I might find it down there. I cruised in and out of many of the shops and only found a new purse to replace the one I’ve carried non stop for over two years – but nothing close to what I had in mind for a book.  Since I was there I wandered into the Lancaster Yarn Shop and ended up with some new yarn and the info for a Ravelry Pattern called Leftie (in that you would use up a lot of leftover yarn scraps).  They had a couple samples of the Leftie there and I was intrigued… I love this Kettle Dyed yarn (Tuscan Green) that they carry and the Zauberball will fill in for the leftovers I don’t have.

In chatting with the lady there she suggested I might find a book across the street at The Old Country Store.  I actually went upstairs to the Quilt Museum and found a book there.

All that to say on my way back across the street I fell… now in my defense it was the roads fault… LOL really!  Well that and the fact I should have been a little more careful.  There was traffic so I walked up the street waiting for a break.  When the lull came I didn’t look down to evaluate the surface I was stepping onto.  (Even though my knee has progressed well and I can walk with barely a hint of a limp and I can walk faster - I am usually very careful on uneven surfaces.)  I hadn’t expected the uneven surface I stepped onto.  So the first step was a bit off because of the ruts in the road from the buggy traffic - the next step wasn’t any better… and I think I must have taken another step because when I did fall I was in the middle of the road… very much doing the side stroke - I am positive I would have scored a 10!  I landed on my left hand and hip.  The bag I was carrying protected my hand from road rash but not completely from injury.  I have a sprain at the base of my thumb but my knee and hip are none the worse for wear.  The quick care place took x-rays and ruled out a break and gave me this to immobilize my thumb/wrist… I can move it but it does hurt. 

When I went into the ER I asked if this was the place I could pick up my sign?  The attendant looked at me and then smiled when I said “you know – my stupid sign”.

Life Beyond Reader…

By now anyone who used Google’s Reader program knows that it is kaput.

After a little bit of looking around I selected Feedly to use as my reader both on my PC based computer and my Apple iPod – and if and when I finally upgrade my ‘not as smart as it use to be 5 1/2 year old cell phone’ it will be installed there as well.

I have had someone ask about receiving the posts from Blogger via email… I didn’t know that was a possibility but after poking around I found a place in the Blogger Settings where I can add email addresses for those that wish to receive the postings that way…

So Gwen… I hope you get this via email… and I’m especially glad you choose to hang out here and listen to me ramble from time to time!  Thanks!

And to keep this post from being truly boring - here are a couple pictures of my 9 & 4 year old grand kids surfing recently.  Great pictures – I’m really proud of both of them  - they are even entering contests in the area.

Here they are ready to go out…

I had previously posted some pictures of my granddaughter surfing so here are some of the boy.  At 4 he’s getting pretty good with his balance…

Shaka!