Essential Stripe Sweater

Here is one of the lastest projects that I'll be working on while I'm just sitting and healing. I started it while I was out in Calif. The pattern is the Essential Stripe Sweater by Wendy Bernard. Unfortunately, the colors didn't show really true in this shot. The actual colors are more olive green and more of a true cranberry grape color. The yarn is Nature Spun by Brown Sheep and the actual colorways are Green Olive and Cranberry Fog. The original pattern showed to be multi-colored stripes, but for the first run at it, I thought that I would just do it in two. So far I'm liking this pattern just fine. It's one of those patterns with options for different sleeve lengths etc.

I'm also working on a Chevron Scarf. Oh boy is that ever a tedious little dude! I *might* be done by Christmas.

Recovery

Well, I was sent home to continue my recovery from surgery on Sunday and I have to say that I was ever so glad! I don't think my poor self could have stood another night on that worn out mattress.

I am doing quite well after surgery, thanks for all the well wishes and prayers. I've had more people (non-family people) ask me if they could "do" anything to help me/us while I was down and recovering than I can count. I absolutely appreciate all the loving kindness expressed towards not only me but my family.

Tony really appreciates it too. He's been pretty stressed out about this. Bless his heart, he hasn't gotten a good night's sleep the whole time I've been in the hospital. Last night, he slept like a baby. I think he just needed for me to be home so that he could rest.

I am totally amazed at how decent I actually feel. Unless or until, that is, it comes time to get up or down or turn over in bed. Or cough. Oh, and I am totally dreading the biggie........the sneeze that sneaks up on me unawares. I got to feel that joy once before already when I had my gallbladder out. What I can't believe is that I can eat a regular diet. Doc said anything I want. That just blows me away. He said that it was already sealed over and closed within about 12 hours or so. It's all so vascular that it just heals super fast. I am super curious about how it's all hooked back together in there though lol. I just can't imagine. Is is all stapled? Is it sewn? I just haven't got a clue and can't wait for my follow up visit so I can find out. (I was too loopy on the good drugs to ask any intellegent questions!)

I have found a totally perfectly comfortable, neutral position to sit/lay so that I can read, knit, catch up on my emails and watch tv. All I need to do is make sure that the backside can outlast and endure what my tummy dishes out.

Once again......thanks to one and all for all your prayers and well wishes for a speedy recovery. From your lips to God's ears. It's working cuz I'm feeling pretty darn well!

Returned Traveler

Well I am home now. What a trip. The weather was glorious. A bit on the psycotic side which is pretty much normal for the spring and fall, but definately glorious. I for sure did NOT pack the proper cool weather clothes so I had do some shopping for a few long sleeve tops. I did bring pants but I only took 3 long sleeve shirts and that just wasn't enough! About every other day the weather stayed in the 50's when it rained, then the next day it popped back up to 70 when the sun came out again. I can't tell you how much I love that kind of weather! The smell in the air is so fabulous. The last morning I was there, when I first went outside, it smelled just like camping. People's fireplaces were smoking, I could smell people frying potatoes for breakfast, the odor of wet pines was all around in the air. The air was brisk and the sun was just peeking through the tops of the tall pines and you could still see whisps of smoke curling around on the light breeze. It was just heaven I tell you. I can't wait until that is the type of morning that I get to wake up to everyday in the fall! It is so refreshing and energizing. Totally different from the oppressive, damp, heavy air here. Don't get me wrong. Fall IS beautiful here, but the complete and total difference in the air quality is amazing and mindblowing! I simply cannot get my mind around how different and how totally much more alive and healthier I feel in that air and climate! It is a trip.

On the house looking front........Of course, the very first house I looked at was "THE ONE." And, of course, right this second, we are in no shape form or fashion ready to buy it. I was just looking around, getting the feel for the different neighborhoods and the different types of homes. But nooooooooo, I had to find the perfect house first rattle out of the box. All I can do is keep all my fingers and toes crossed and pray that it either doesnt sell within the next 6 months or we will find something we like as well or better! Go figure.......

I am glad to be home and sleeping in my own bed. I missed my family and my furkids. I'm not looking forward to Thursdays though. Say a prayer for me. I'm not sure when I'll be back home and posting again cuz it all depends on how the surgeon has to make his incision on how long I have to stay in the hospital. Me, I'm praying for a teeny tiny incisions. But, reality is kinda telling me that he is not going to be able to do that cuz I've already had 3 abdominal proceedures before and there will be too much scar tissue for that. Bummer. Oooooooooh it's gonna hurt!!!