I Return, Once Again . . .

Sorry to have disappeared again, but it's not been a good winter so far. . . I managed to recoup after a disappointing holiday, and then John's mother had a car accident and spent the better part of a week in the hospital on the trauma floor. She totaled her car, broke her right arm and wrist, banged up her face/chin, fractured something in her right leg (the lower part; they apparently can't set it, so they're just watching it), and was generally shaken up. It's been a week since I saw her; she was beginning to look better, but she still couldn't wear her teeth. She's been moved to a nursing home now so she can have physical therapy. I think this probably finishes her driving (she's 86), and possibly her living alone. We'll have to see how she heals. Then I picked up something visiting her at the hospital, and got sick. SICK. I think it was just a bad cold, but I spent most of the last week in bed or the rocking chair. (Yes, I complained a lot. It made me feel better. Sort of.) And my gums are receding again, the way they always do when I get sick, so it's back to the saltwater-myrrh-comfrey-goldenseal mouthwash . . .

Bleah.

However, at least it's warmer. We got down to 5 one night last week! Not cold for some of y'all, but COLD for us. It never got above freezing for two or three days there . . . and not even any snow. Well, we did have a quarter-inch or so, but it melted that afternoon. (I personally feel that if I have to suffer through below-freezing temperatures, I ought to be rewarded with and inch or two of snow.) We lost two old hens, but everyone else was fine. Not much in the way of eggs, though . . .but it was nearly 60 a day ago, so maybe they'll start laying again soon.

Other than that, not much has been going on. I did finish John's sweater, though I have no picture yet. I was going to take one, but he's wearing it and has gone out to the Waffle House where there are no complaining wives. (Not his, anyway.)

I made this hat for my niece's new baby, who lives in Massachusetts and can use it this time of year.

The yarn is KnitPicks Imagination hand-dyed fingering-weight wool, colorway Gingerbread House.

And I finished this child-sized cloche with a crocheted flower.

Made from KnitPicks Palette fingering wool—I forget which colors, but they were a pink and a purple.

And I worked on this doll, for a Valentine's swap at Stitchin' Fingers

I'm using Julie McCullough's Snippets pattern, and having a good time with her. (Now that I've gotten back to work, that is . . . everything was put on hold while I was coughing all over. She has hair now, and I'm working on her dress. Finished this evening, I hope.)

I also crocheted Emma a scarf and hat out of the most blinding hot pink and lime green you've ever seen; it's a wonder I can still see after working with it. Of course I forgot to get a picture before I mailed them on Friday; perhaps Brian will take one for me . . .

And I read a bunch of trashy novels, the titles of which I am embarrassed to disclose. (However, one of them was "authored" by Fabio.) It's amazing what sickness will prompt us to do.

Comments

[towanda]

So sorry you've been sick, and also about your mom-in-law. Hope you are on the mend now!

[Judy Merrill-Smith]

Winter, with its various illnesses, sometimes forces us to rest, doesn't it? I hope you are mending quickly, and your mother-in-law, too.

[Jo-Anne]

Glad you're back, Anita. Sorry to hear about the accident, and your illness. Fabio's still around??!! Take care of yourself.

[shashi.]

Sorry to hear about all the problems you have been having. Hope things are looking up now. Love the colourful hats and your doll is looking cute.

[k]

Wow. I have never before known someone who read Fabio. Was it life-altering?
I love the doll.

[Kai]

Hi, my friend! I've really missed you! I knew something was going on but had a feeling you needed to be kind of 'reclusive' till you were ready to be otherwise. I'm sorry about your MIL! That, I believe, is a fear everyone has as we age - the slipping away of our independence due to health issues. My heart goes out to her! I'm just glad YOU are recovering & making wonderful things again. LOVE the hats & I saw John's sweater in the next post - working backwards here - will comment on that post. Emma & hot pink - a GOOD match! And that doll is WONDERFUL! Your swap partner will love it! Keep getting better! And no more Fabio! LOL! If you need books, TELL me - you KNOW I have a stack a mile high ready for your viewing.

[Susan Ramey Cleveland]

Love the hats. And the looking is looking great.