Catching up after some weeks is better than doing so after months or even years. Easier to get to the point or points without agonizing on what has occurred.
MOM UPDATE!
Mom begin gentle (if there's such a thing) chemo treatments. She's had about 3 weeks with a week off. Her labs (blood work) have been excellent. She has a wonderful oncologist, Dr. Haddad, who specializes in cancer in the elderly. A change in the home aid that provides services to Mom has been a blessing to put it mildly. The first aid was just too young at age 19 and did not have the experience to deal with an elderly person--not the skills or life experiences. She did not have the ability to anticipate a client's needs nor engage in meaningful conversation because of the huge gap in generational age. Mom looks forward to the arrival of Ann, our current aid and is more than willing to follow the aids suggestions, directives, etc.
THE BIRTHDAY PARTY!
We had a birthday celebration on June 8. We actually celebrated two birthdays--Khalil turned 10 on June 9th, and Aiden turned 6 on May 22nd. I splurged on a cake for each of them ($25.00 a piece). Not until they couldn't blow out the candles did I realize in my haste I had bought trick candles! Duh me! We had a barbecue. Grandpa came over and manned the grill. The boys racked up with money and toys. I told the parents the 6:00 pm end time was not written in stone since it was such a perfect day (no rain, just right temps with no humidity) to play play play. Man kids can eat!!! There was no such thing as too much chicken, hot dogs, hamburgers, baked beans, juice, etc., etc. The boys both said it was the best birthday ever. I told them, just wait until next year! If it is God's will. They ain't seen nothing yet.
SAY WHAAAAAAA???
Finally, though my life seems busier, I am finding more time to knit!!!!! My latest effort involves 2-stranded color knitting AND STEEKING thanks to designer Deborah Tomasello. I voluntarily involved myself in a MAL (mystery knit-along--you don't know what you're making until the end or near the end). The pattern is given a clue at a time! Clues are usually imbedded in Debi's various projects that she directs you to. This is the first time I've attempted color knitting (Faire Isle), let alone steeking (enables you to cut your knitting at some point and it doesn't ravel. I really appreciate Debi's unique approach to teaching (not saying this is her only way). I'm the one who needs to be in a class with a teacher at elbow. I had a few missteps and start-overs (I could not stand the thought of incorporating the mistakes whether anyone else knew they were there or not--I would know). I've done a pretty good job if I must say so myself. It's nice that I've gotten a compliment or two from my teacher.
Before I show you my handiwork, here are a few links to Debi!
Debi's website:
http://www.PatchworksByDebi.com
The link below highlights her gallery on the Croton Council on the Arts:
http://www.crotonarts.org/gallery/v/tomasD
You don't have to be a member of Ravelry to view this group.
www.ravelry.com/groups/colorworksbydebi-deborah-tomasello-designs
TaDaaahhhhh!!!
That is all!
Good update Susan. So pleased your Mum is doing well and that she gets on with the new aid, age does make a difference. The boys looked like they enjoyed their party and cake!!
ReplyDeleteWhat can I say about the knitting, your 2 colour work is great, no puckering on the stranding. I think you are very brave to try steeking, not something I have tried yet, so I will interested to see the end result. So pleased you now have the time to enjoy your craft x