Saturday Browsing

Web browsing, I came accross these free patterns on Knitting Pattern Central:



These lovely Clover Socks from Inside the Loop











...and this lovely Cockleshell top from them also









I also like the pattern for cat and dog toys available from Rowan here

My favourite songs # 1

'Wherever You Will Go' by The Calling



Love this acoustic version.

Stitch Markers from Fran

A big thanks to Fran for these lovely stitch markers.

They are made of black and red seed beads with lovely silver ladybird beads.

I love them.

Thank you so much Fran. They've really cheered me up, especially as I won't be knitting for a while due to my operation on my arm.

Unwrapped

Hooray ... bulky bandages were removed this morning and a more comfortable, lighter dressing put on.

Here's what my arm looked like last night

... and here is today's dressing!

I can even straighten my arm out now (although still a little sore)


The stitches will be removed next Friday. Although h my arm is still a little stiff and sore, I'm not getting the numbness and tingling like I'm still experiencing in my right one. We'll have to see if the pain and lack of grip improves.

I must admit, managing on my own for 6 days in Nottingham this past week was a 'little' difficult with my arm in bandages and a sling!

Here are my beautiful big girl Amy and my little boy Spike, who I missed terribly while I was away.

Friday Fill-in # 74

#74



1. For me school attainment targets are the opposite of creativity.
2.Breath, Eyes, Memory was the last excellent book I read.
3. I like fill-ins becausethey make me think of things I wouldn't normally
4. In nature I like looking at the sea, trees, mountains...basically all of nature. I especially like looking at volcanoes erupting!.
5. Hilary Clinton should win the US elections.
6. The last time I laughed with all my belly was during His Holiness the Dalia Lama talks in Nottingham last weekend.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to feeling the relief at having my bandages reduced, tomorrow my plans include reading and Sunday, I want to watch the Canadian Grand Prix!

Quote for the week 26/05/08

Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family: Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one.

Jane Howard

Post Op

Post Operation pics from yesterday ...Sore!

Ten on Tuesday 20/05/08

10 Movies You’re Excited to See


I presume this means new movies? I don't get to the cinema that much these days, so these films are a mixture of new cinema releases and DVDs

1. The Kite Runner (based on Khaled Hosseini's best selling novel)
2. Street Kings (Keanu Reeves & Hugh Laurie)
3. Deception (Ewan McGreggor & Hugh Jackman)
4. Caramel ( 5 Lebanese women from different races & religions working in a beauty salon)
5. Brick Lane (based on the novel, coming on DVD)
6.The Grey Zone ( based on the story of Auschwitz prisoners who staged a revolt)
7.The Forbidden Kingdom (Jet Li as Monkey ...need I say more!)
8. Planet Terror (just because it's a Robert Rodriquez film!)
9. The X Files
10. Love in the time of Cholera

You are The Moon

Hope, expectation, Bright promises.

The Moon is a card of magic and mystery - when prominent you know that nothing is as it seems, particularly when it concerns relationships. All logic is thrown out the window.

The Moon is all about visions and illusions, madness, genius and poetry. This is a card that has to do with sleep, and so with both dreams and nightmares. It is a scary card in that it warns that there might be hidden enemies, tricks and falsehoods. But it should also be remembered that this is a card of great creativity, of powerful magic, primal feelings and intuition. You may be going through a time of emotional and mental trial; if you have any past mental problems, you must be vigilant in taking your medication but avoid drugs or alcohol, as abuse of either will cause them irreparable damage. This time however, can also result in great creativity, psychic powers, visions and insight. You can and should trust your intuition.

What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

Quote for the week 19/05/08

A friend is a second self

Aristotle

Balsam Sachet knitting finished

Finished knitting my 3 sets of Balsam Sachets. Just need to make the muslin inserts now and fill them with lavender. Then need to crochet the sachets closed. Photos when finished.
Starting on Flourish bookmark today (another quick project before op.)

Lust, Caution

Lust, Caution
Runtime: 158
Director: Ang Lee
Cast: Tony Leung, Joan Chen

'The new film from Ang Lee, the Academy Award–winning director of "Brokeback Mountain" and "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon". A startling erotic espionage thriller about the fate of an ordinary woman‘s heart, it is based on the short story by revered Chinese author Eileen Chang, and stars Asian cinema icon Tony Leung opposite screen newcomer Tang Wei.'

I loved this film. It's stunning.
Set at the time of the Chinese / Japan war it's a story of espionage, love, lust and betrayal.
It's compelling and erotic. Beautifully acted.Keeps you rivited until the end.
I wish I'd seen this at the cinema. One of the best films I've seen in a while.
Will be watching this again and again.
I love Ang Lee, he's one of my favourite directors. 'Crouching Tiger' is one of my favourite movies, and 'Brokeback Mountain' made me cry.
Watch this film!

Carpal Tunnel / Cubital Tunnel Operation

Well it's been confirmed today that I'm going into hospital on Wednesday for my operation at Ysbyty Gwynedd (Bangor Hospital).

I'll be having a Carpal Tunnel decompression on my wrist, a Cubital Tunnel decompression on my elbow, and possibly having the ulnar nerve transposed in the elbow too. This operation is for the left arm, the right arm will be done at a later date.


This is where I get the tingling, numbness and pain in my hand due to the carpal tunnel compression.




This is where I get it due to the cubital tunnel compression in my elbow.


Both of these have made knitting, driving, writing, holding a book etc. increasingly difficult over the last 18 months or so. I've been wearing wrist splints to sleep for the past two years as the pain wakes me up at night otherwise.

The Ulnar nerve transposition will be done if the nerve is too close to the bone. If so they will move it.

If I'm lucky and they just have to do the two decompressions, I'll only be bandaged up and have to wear a sling for a while.

If they have to transpose the nerve, I'll be in a cast for two weeks!

Either way, it means no driving for a while and, worse still, no knitting!!!!!!Argggggggghhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!

I have to look on the bright side though. If I don't have it done my hands will get worse, and I'll lose more grip / feeling from them. At least once it's done and I've recovered, I should be able to knit quicker and for longer.

My main concern though is that I'm going away next Friday to Nottingham for the Dalai Lama teachings. Luckily I'm going by train, but it's going to be fun travelling, dressing, washing etc. with the use of only one arm. Still I must / want to go and will be doing so whatever state I'm in.

Friday Fill-in # 72

# 72

1. There is absolutely NO way you can get me to hold a spider!
2. Plants growing from seeds I've sown reminds me that summer is almost here!
3. I cannot live without my ablility to read and knit.
4. Scuba diving and painting are two things I'd like to try.
5. When life hands you lemons make scrummy lemon sorbet!
6. Walking on the beach in Rhyl in the evening with my mum after she got home from work is my favourite childhood memory.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to finishing knitting my balsam sachets and reading more of 'Citizen One' by Andy Oakes, tomorrow my plans include looking for a pair of my sandals which I can't seem to find anywhere (this means a good clear out to find them) and Sunday, I want to wash and hoover the car (exciting or what!)!

Wordless Wednesday 14/05/08

Let's Knit magazine issue 7

My Let's Knit magazine (issue 7) arrived today.

The magazine included funky plastic twisty needles and case.

There's some great patterns in this issue....Ginger top, Mimi cardigan, Carys socks and a Peggy-Sue peg-bag, as well as lots more interesting and exciting patterns. The socks and the peg-bag will be on my to do next list!

I've now changed my subscription from 'Simply Knitting' magazine to this one, as there are more patterns in each issue, and they seem to be more up to date ones.

Ten on Tuesday 13/5/08

Ten Things You Are Really Good At

er...let's see...

1. Critical analysis of literary texts (although I don't do this any more as I'm not in an academic setting now)
2. Critical analysis of feminist theory texts (see above)
3. Making hummus!
4. Knitting ... or at least I'm getting better at it all the time...
5. Listening to others
6. Giving reflexology (my favourite holistic therapy to give someone)
7. Making a really nice cup of tea

8. Making a really nice jug of margaritas!
9. Procrastinating (yes I do mean procrastinating ...I'm very good at it!!!!)
10. Self doubt (again...something I'm very good at!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

Quote for the week 12/5/08

'Simplicity is making the journey of this life with just baggage enough.'

Charles Dudley Warner

Monday 12th May

Spent some of Saturday sowing seeds in the garden...spring onions and more (late) tomatoes.

Here is Spike helping me sow them!!!!


Sunday was spent recovering from a migraine ... with both dogs helping me sleep it off on the sofa!

Today I had a nice surprise in the post ... my second set of stitch markers, this time form Valerie P. in Canada.

She sent me this lovely Canadian magnetic notepad, along with this beautiful set of grey and white beaded stitch markers.





Finished reading 'World War Z: an oral history of the zombie war' by Max Brooks on Saturday. Despite it's title and theme, it's not a spoof book, or gory monster flesh eating zombie fun book. Instead it's a serious thriller, well told, very well constructed. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys thrillers or just a good read.

Friday Fill-in # 71

# 71

1. The chili had an extra secret ingredient; it was a square of dark chocolate!
2. The moon shining through my window.
3. Right now, I need a cup of tea and an oreo cookie!
4. To bed on my own is where I went Thursday night; it was bliss.. the bed to myself!
5. Why does a paper cut hurt so much?
6. All I can think of is the zombie wars (see 7!)
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to finishing the book 'World War Z: an oral history of the zombie war' by Max Brooks, tomorrow my plans include watching the film 'Love, Caution' and Sunday, I want to start sorting out clothes for my trip away in two weeks time.

Stitch Markers from Jackie

My first set of stitch markers from the Spring Stitch Marker exchange arrived today from Jackie in Canada.

The parcel contained these lovely blue glass bead stitch markers, some peppermint and chamomile tea bags and a lovely origami card.

Thank you so much Jackie. They're lovely.

a

Sunshine = sunburn!

Came home last night after a day out and about shopping, visiting a friend etc. I enjoyed the short walk around Llandudno and sitting in the sun for a few minutes. It was nice to have some lovely weather. Overall I can't have been in the sun for more than an hour. I'd even smothered myself in SPF 25 before leaving the house because of the sunshine.

When I got back last night though I felt really rotten..tired, hot and headachy. My husband pointed out that I was very red! Once look at my upper back and neck, where my top had pulled down, showed horrible sunburn!! It then became itchy burning and very painful. Despite the suntan lotion, I'd still got burned. I'd either missed a bit, or the sun was stronger that I thought...and I didn't reapply the lotion!!!

I've been smothering myself in aloe vera since then. My back and neck still itch and burn a little. Today I've avoided the sun altogether. For me, being fair skinned, unless I'm very careful, sunshine = sunburn!!!!

See ...I'm definitely a winter person...bring on the snow!!!!!!

Ten on Tuesday 6/5/08

10 Places You’d Love to Travel To (That You Haven’t Gone to Yet)



1. Lhasa, Tibet. Despite the fact that it has changed so much since Chinese rule, I'd still love to visit this holy place, especially the Potala.





2. Sicily, Italy. I'd love to visit this island and see Mount Etna.








3. Verona, Italy. To re-read Romeo & Juliet, and see an opera.







4. The Grand Canyon, USA. I'd love to fly over the Grand Canyon in a hot air balloon.








5.Moscow, Russia. In the snow.








6. Granada, Spain. To see the Alhambra








7. Reykjavik, Iceland. Ice, cold, and snow...and hot thermal springs ...bliss!












8. Havana, Cuba. To sit and drink and dance.















9. Hirosaki, Japan. For the Cherry Blossom Festival.









10. Yangon, Burma. To see the Shwedagon Pagoda.












Check out my 101 blog for a list of other places I want to visit on my 1001 things to do before I die list

Nagano Sakura scarf finished

Finished the Nagano Sakura scarf last night.

A lovely Springtime scarf, adorned with 'may blossoms'.








And here's a picture of real may blossoms across the road from my house.








I'm now going to try to get on with my Vintage Beaded gloves, and knit the next few things on my Gift-A-Long list for May:
*Burgundy Cup Cozy (pattern in Interweave Holiday Knits) - for Xmas 08
* His Facecloth (pattern here) - for Steve for Xmas 08
* Prizoner of Askaban facecloth (pattern here) - for Alison for Xmas
* Flourish Book Mark (pattern here) - for Pat for her birthday in November
* 3 x sets of 3 Balsam Sachets (pattern in Handknit Holidays) for Xmas 08

To end today's blog:

Here are Amy and Spike playing outside in the sun today...






... and here they are exhausted asleep together tonight.

Quote for the Week

If we learn to open our hearts, anyone, including the people who drive us crazy, can be our teacher.

Pema Chodron

Beaded Bookmark

Experimented making some beaded bookmarks yesterday.


This is the first one I've made ...butterfly, gold beads and smaller amber beads.

This is what it looks like in a book.












I've also been experimenting with ribbon and beads ...but need to get some different coloured beads and ribbon to finish them off.

Stitch Markers made last night

Spent last night as planned making my stitch markers for the Stitch Marker Swap.





Here are the 5 sets in bags ready to be packaged nicely ...





...and here are the 5 types of stitch markers.




I'll be making some more over the weekend, probably to sell on eBay.

I didn't get around to making any beaded bookmarks, but still intend to experiment over this weekend.

Today looks like it's going to be dry and sunny, which is good news, as my husband wants my help making a new door for our outside toilet. Yes we do have an inside bathroom and toilet!! The outside one is a throwback to when these terraced slate miner's houses didn't have inside bathrooms. Many of the houses have demolished their outside toilets, but ours is still here. It's particularly handy when children are small and playing in the yard with their friends. It means they don't all have to come traipsing through the house every 5 minutes when they want to use the toilet. Anyway, if the weather holds, we'll be making a new door today.


Here are a couple of new photos of Amy & Spike.

Yes Amy does have her own basket, but prefers sleeping in Spike's temporary puppy box with him!








Of course they also both like sleeping cuddled up on the sofa!

Friday Fill-in 2/5/08

1. Two of my favorite ingredients in a drink are vodka and tonic!
2. Life often amazes me.
3. You can keep doing that forever, the dog is going to do a she wants!.
4. Chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon, olive oil, S&P, mix it all together and voila! You have hummus!.
5. If I had a yard with a garden, I would love to grow lots of fruit and vegetables...especially lots of tomatoes, peppers, chilis, salad vegetables and strawberries, apples, plums ....etc. etc!
6. Swimming is best au naturel.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to a peaceful night, in making stitch markers and experimenting making beaded bookmarks, tomorrow my plans include planting some more seeds and Sunday, I want to make some birthday cards!

Blog Anniversary Stitch Mark Winner

A big thanks to all of you who left a comment about my blog anniversary.

I put your names in a bag this morning.







My husband drew a name out as my daughter had already gone to college.








And here is the winner.

Congratulations Marta.

Your stitch markers will be posted to you at the beginning of the week.
I've emailed you for your address.

Once again, thanks to everyone who commented.
Have a good weekend all ;0)

1 year Blog Anniversary today!

Happy Blogoversary to me!
Yes I've been blogging here 1 year today...


If you leave a comment on this post today, you could win the stitch markers I've made to celebrate. I'll draw names out of a bag tomorrow morning.


I did hope I'd have my scarf to show you today, but it's still not finished. I've still got the flowers to knit.

So instead of knitting photos, here are our new companions again:


Amy looking sweet in her basket ...










Spike doing his sleeping Superman impersonation








and the pair of them trying to sleep...
cute ...