Friday, February 7, 2014

Shingles and a yarn story





First let me tell you I have shingles, and not the kind that go up on you roof.  Boy these are a pain!  I went to the doctor on Monday thinking I had poison oak, which I have had on occasion, she shook her head when she saw it, nope I have shingles!  Then she asked if I was under a lot of stress?   Well that got a huge laugh because frankly when am I not under a lot of stress?  I am a wife, a mother, I work, take care of my home and family, and I am a daughter to aging and complex parents.  Here I thought I was doing so well!  So I have had a week where I am not feeling the best, I had no idea shingles made you feel unwell.  They really don't hurt all that much for which I am exceptionally grateful, I think I caught them just in time to get the medication I needed to nip them in the butt right away.
Now for my yarn story.  My sons have grown up with me knitting or crocheting everywhere we go.  I play with yarn in the car, at sporting events, at home, really every second I can.  So while up in Ohio at the swim meet on Friday, sitting in the front row of the bleachers so I could peer over the edge and look down on my gorgeous boy, what did you think I pulled out of my bag?  Well my knitting of course!  I smiled at the woman sitting next to me and got busy.  I only know a few of the swim parents, I can not visit that often so I did not know who she was.  I start knitting and knitting, finally she leans over and asked what I am making, I tell her a cowl and smile and keep going.  I told her knitting keeps me calm especially when I am nervous at a swim meet.  She laughed and agreed.  She asked me about the gray cowl I was wearing, Yes the one I just posted about, I did not tell her the gray yarn and I had a big conversation, she might have thought I was a crazy woman. Just then she reaches into her bag and pulls out a baby hat on double pointed needles, a fellow knitter sitting right next to me!  We had the best time, chatting about knitting and our sons.  Her son is a junior and a star in the backstroke.  We laughed and talked about yarn, she had never been to The Yarn Shop and she only lives an hour away.  She learned to knit last year and has made dozens and dozens of baby hats for her local hospital.  Of course my son looked up several times and I believe I detected an eye roll or two headed in my direction.  This lovely woman wrote down the pattern for my gray basketweave scarf and asked for my email address in case she has a problem.  We parted ways with a smile and a laugh.

Saturday had me getting to the meet early so I could watch warm ups.  Who do you think came in right after me? My new friend of course  She sat down, introduced me to her husband who promptly said, "Oh, you are the knitter."  Yes, that would be me.  She pointed out another mother in the stands who was knitting socks, she was going great guns on her project.  We all had a nod of knitter recognition and had a wonderful morning.  At lunch later that day my son said, "Hey Mom, Steven came up to me in the locker room and said, 'Hey, your Mom knits?'  And I said, 'Yeah', and then Alex said, 'Hey my Mom does, too!'"  He then said, "Mom what is it with you and your bonding with the knitting mom's on the team?"  I had to laugh.  I think knitters attract each other just like magnets.  As I was explaining to him that knitting is really cool, and that I am an ultra cool mom but he doesn't realize it, a swim team mom stopped by our table.  She said, "You are the one that was knitting with that gorgeous red yarn at the swim meet."  Insert huge eye roll here from my son.  It was a priceless moment with impeccable timing.

Yes son, we are everywhere, we play with yarn to keep ourselves sane when you are swimming, when you are stressing us out, when you are making good choices and bad.  Playing with yarn helps us be better mother's, better wives, daughter's, friends, partners and co-workers.  Playing with yarn keeps us calm so we do not strangle you as you are going through your tumultuous teenage years, and the up and down rides of your life.  Because we Mother's are there for each twist and turn, riding right behind you even though you do not know we are there.  We feel every bump, every hurdle and every safe landing.  Playing with yarn helps us get you to your final destination without completely falling apart.  And playing with yarn has helped me this week as I have not been feeling well and learned that you did not make your Big Ten Team.  It has helped me as I have worried about you and for you. It has helped me send you positive thoughts so you can move past this.  And it has helped me to not be mad at your coach for taking 7 backstroker's, and 5 breaststroker's and only 3 who swim butterfly, I know you are number 4 on the fly list.  It will help me in the months to come as you decide what to do with your swimming career, stay at Ohio or move on.  Yarn helps.  It is that simple.

71 comments:

Sentimentally Me said...

So sorry to hear about the shingles, but I absolutely love your knitters story! :)

kristieinbc said...

What a great yarn story! Yes, we knitters tend to attract each other in group settings. Maybe it's the undercurrent of yarn fumes that surround us that help us find each other.

About the rest of your post though, I want to say how sorry I am that you have shingles, and how sorry I am your son didn't make the Big Ten Team. Your mom's heart must feel broken.

Shirley said...

Good Morning, I can relate to your shingles because I have had them. When I went to the doctor, I thought like you I just had a bad case of poison oak. Big shock to be told else wise. You are with your knitting as I am with my embroidery. It goes everywhere with me. I am sorry that your son didn't make the team, usually it gives them the incentive to try a little harder. The kids went back to school today after being out because of the snow most of the week. I love the color of your newest piece you showed us. We all have to have something to help us stay calm I agree. Have a wonderful day. Hugs and Prayers from Your Missouri Friend.

CJ said...

Firstly Meredith, I'm sorry to hear you've got shingles and also very sorry that your son so narrowly missed out on making the team. I can imagine how sad you are about it, and I do hope he is able to find a path onwards. But the part about the knitting - wonderful. You are so right, we do indeed knit and craft to keep calm. If I can make something at the end of the day, things can't be all bad. Sending a big cyber hug. CJ xx

Anonymous said...

So perfectly said, Meredith. Knitting has kept me on a much more even keel than if I didn't knit. I have met the nicest people that knit (or crochet or cross stitch). It has kept me "in the game" at long, boring band competition where you sit and wait more than the kids actually perform.

Someday Swimmer Son will understand, but for now ..... he'll pretend he's embarrassed when really what he is is very, VERY proud of his wonderful Mom.

Anonymous said...

P.S. Feel better soon!

Kris said...

Oh Meredith, what a beautiful and poignant post! I couldn't agree more. Even though I am not "technically" a knitter, but rather a crocheter and knitter wannabe....I totally get you!!
Now, about the shingles. Dear girl...again, I know your pain. 5 years ago, my husband had an accident while in Cabo San Lucas on a fishing trip. He came home is such bad shape, and I was terribly worried. As he was dealing with a painful leg, I began to have a numbness in my hip and leg as well. I thought it was sympathy pains. A day or so later, I was in excruciating pain. The dr. said may be a back out of whack? Gave me muscle relaxers and sent me home. I was in the worse pain of my life, and then it began....the blisters. I went straight back to the dr. where I began the meds, but let me tell you, this was the worst pain of my life. EVER!!! You are very fortunate if the pain is not too bad. Well after the blisters healed, I had pain in the nerves where the blisters began. Be careful!!!!
My love is with you, sweet girl. Hugs, and prayers...
Kris

Kris said...

PS LOVE the cowl!!!! So lovely!!!

Heldasland said...

what a wonderful story, I run a crochet meet up whenever we meet men/ women come up and ask so many questions, yarn must have fumes that attract people.
Love your cowl

Ana BC said...

Love your story...and your cowl is GORGEOUS!!!

Unknown said...

Gotta love those eye rolls! Knitting in public really brings new friends, knitters or not! I, too, had shingles, and I too, was fortunate enough to catch it early. The worst part for me was the aches inside. Then I discovered neurontin and it helped ALOT! Perhaps the doc will prescribe some for you. I have not had the after pain in the nerve ends that some have had either.

Laura from beautiful West Michigan
lerounds on Ravelry

Bridget said...

I love your "Knitters Bonding" story, that is hilarious. And so true.

Ugh. Shingles. I had them last fall. More painful and uncomfortable than I could have ever imagined. I hope yours will go away soon.

In the meantime, take care, and try to have a good weekend.

Crafty in the Med said...

Thoroughly enjoyed this post Meredeith!!
....and yesss shingles can be very painful so I'm glad to hear you have caught them right at the beginning!

I always say crochet breaks barriers as has happened to me in the past and knitting likewise of course! I've found people just home into you if you are doing crochet or knitting ....even if they don't....it is like they have to ask "What are you making?" Totally love that cowl and the red ...looks lovely and warm!

keep well

Amanda :-)

Home Meadows said...

What a wonderful post. I'm sorry that you have shingles and are under the weather, I hope you are feeling better soon. I too am sorry that your son did't make the 10. Hopefully he will have another opportunity. Ohio isn't a bad place to live, but I know you'd prefer him closer to home. Enjoy your knitting time. Heather

Betsy said...

Meredith I'm so sorry for the news of your sons swim team and the shingles. I had them a couple of years ago and can so relate to the pain. I got the vaccine this past November hoping it will prevent further episodes. I'll be praying for you and your son.
I loved the yarn story. Probably most of us have been there at some point. I knit and crochet everywhere. It keeps me sane.
Blessings my friend,
Betsy

gaia said...

Dear Meredith,
I hope you get well soon; you are lucky you are not experiencing lots of pain because zona can be very painful...Lovely yarn story...
Hugs,
Gaia.

cockney blonde said...

Shingles! Poor you. My little grandee has just got over it (Yep, children get it too). A colleague at work has just had it and also a friend. I know its not catching but it's certainly doing the rounds over here.
BTW love the knitting tale and can back up your theory about knitters 'seeking' each other out.
Sorry about your Son but another chance will be just around the corner, x

Pooch said...

I have felt your pain and the surprise when the doctor said "Shingles!" Hope you heal quickly and allow yourself to REST!

The color of your cowl is luscious and vibrant and happy! No one people noticed!Is it a tribute to THE Ohio State University?

It is painful when our children's dreams go off-kilter. Hope something even more rewarding comes along for your son.

:)

Red said...

Hope your shingles are gone very soon! I thought they were always accompanied with a lot of pain. Glad yours were not.

I can so relate to your story about the knitters seeking each other out. It never fails; we seem to gravitate towards one another. Often if I am sitting somewhere waiting and crocheting, I will look up to see a knowing eye. Often I think they are thinking, "I should have brought my bag!" Other times I think they are saying, "I really need to learn to do that...." Cheers to us knitters and crocheters!

Unknown said...

I am so sorry about the shingles. Luckily you found them in time. I love this post. Making new friends is never a bad thing! It is nice to know that you will see people you know when you travel to his meets. I really should learn to knit or do another portable craft. With mom ill it would be nice to take something with me to appts, etc. I hope you have a great day and weekend.

Acorn to Oak said...

Sorry to hear you have shingles. I hope you're feeling better!

How exciting to meet more knitters! That's always a fun thing!

I LOVE that red cowl!

Suzan said...

What a wonderful story Meredith about your knitting and how it keeps you sain!! And not only is it mental health remedy, you end up with BEAUTIFUL accessories!! Even thought your son rolls his eyes --- I know that he was glad to have you there to watch him swim. Funny though that he goes to Ohio to swim when you all live in Florida!! The gators have an awesome swimming team. At least they use to - haven't kept up with them in the past 10 years or so. Flagler College. Can't remember if they have a good team??
Shingles!!! Poor Dear!! My mom had them when Dad had cancer. Danny had them several years ago. Thank goodness you caught them early. Danny still suffers from them on his forehead. Have a wonderful weekend! Also--- love the lovely pattern of your red cowl!!

Anonymous said...

Very sorry to hear about the shingles. I have noticed it is much more prevalent at the moment here in the UK. Love the cowl and the story! Take care xxx

Taci simmons said...

So sorry about the shingles my dear friend and about your son's swim meet. However, I'm happy that you are not in pain and able to knit while getting better. What pattern did you use I have a yarn that would be just perfect for that pattern. Get well soon my dear friend :)

Stitchy Mc Floss said...

Oh I am so sorry to hear that you are not feeling well. Sending a hug and prayers that you will get to feeling better soon sweet friend. :)

Hang in there...things really will get better. :)

Love that red yarn by the way...it's so pretty.

Blessings always

Teresa Kasner said...

Oh my dear friend.. I'm sorry to hear of your shingles, but glad you aren't having the pain I've heard awful stories about. I think your son's coach is a %^**&^%! How you can keep from calling him up and giving him a piece of your mind, I don't know. Your son will learn from this experience, though.. how life isn't always fair and people sure aren't. I hope he negotiates his way our of this with new knowledge that will serve him a lifetime. Loved your fellow knitters story.. it's so true! Gorgeous cowl, by the way!! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

RedSetter said...

Poor you, shingles can be really debilitating even when you manage to catch the skin manifestations of it. Be kind to yourself and take it easy.

I love the knitting network story too.

Annaboo's House said...

Oh my, shingles is awful- you make sure you rest (ha!) as much as you can.
I love your story about meeting fellow knitters!! It's amazing how yarn brings people together and helps us make connections. And yes, I completely agree with how playing with yarn keeps us sane and helps us to cope.
(I dream abut yarn too,)
Wishing you a restful (as much as life allows) and yarn-filled weekend!
Sarah xxx

kathy b said...

So happy you met like Knit minds at the meet!!
I love the color you are showing us today. Such a berry bright treat.
I've had shingles. I thought i was not too stressed at the time and realized I was just holding it all in.
I've had no sequelae at all. Here's hoping you are great very soon

Astri said...

What a lovely story of bonding with other knitter's - that is so fun! I hope you are on the mend and that your boy finds his path...at least a few knitting projects down the road. ;-)

Pammy Sue said...

Sorry to hear you have the shingles! They can be really awful. Glad you are not having severe pain with them. Loved the knitting mom's story! Hope you heal quickly!

mynestofyarnandbuttons said...

First of all Meredith, I'm so sorry to hear you have shingles! I hear it can be so painful, I'm happy you got to it quickly. Love your yarn and knitting story. It's so great and such a nice way to make friends. Also perfect timing with your son and the convo!
You now have to knit more, relax more, take some deep breaths, glass or two of wine, hot bath, massage, spa day whatever it takes to be calm. That's my prescription to my friend, xoRobin

CJ STITCHING AND BLOOMS said...

My Dear Meredith.

Shingles can be extremely painful so you are very fortunate that yours are not.. In the Fall my friend got shingles and was in so much pain. The same day both my sweetie and I went and got Shingles shots.

I love your story about about knitters and crocheters. It is truly wonderful to meet Kindred spirits doing something you love doing so much.

I am sure your son will know in his heart what path to take next. Maybe something will happen and he will be able to still get on the team.

Please pamper yourself and take time for you.. Maybe it is time to take a wee vacation.. Hugs Judy

Anonymous said...

Oh goodness! Will definitely pray for you to get well soon! That's gorgeous too btw!

Amy at love made my home said...

So sorry to hear about your shingles Meredith. That is not nice at all - but you know that! - I hope that you are better soon and that you can take some time to look after yourself, although I realise that is difficult. I hope that your son is not too upset about not going further this time with his swimming, I hope that things work out well for him whatever they turn out to be. Yes, you are right about everything you said about yarn, it is a very good mind occupier. I am glad that you didn't tell the other knitter about the yarn conversation!!! Take care and cherish yourself a little. xx

Lulu said...

what a great post today..
hope youre not in lot of pain..shingles i hear is the pits..
take care,

linda said...

Sorry to hear that you have shingles Meredith they can be so painful, so I'm glad you caught them early and it's a pity your son didn't make the team, it was not meant to be but something better will come up you just wait and see. I love the lovely red warm looking cowl and yes we knitters are drawn to each other like magnets and we can can sit and chat for hours totally comfortable in each others company and feel as if we have known each other for years, it happened to me in a garden centre just the other week. I think it's great. Have a great weekend Meredith. xx

Joy said...

I'm so sorry to hear you have shingles dear Meredith but so glad you seem to have started the treatment early - take good care of yourself and do keep knitting, wherever you are! I did so enjoy your story - hung on every word - and bless your boy with his rolling eyes, he's delightful, but I'm disappointed for him and you that he didn't have opportunity to be in the BTT after all his hard work and dedication. But hey, there must be better things around the corner for him!
Healing energies coming your way my friend,
Love and hugs too, Joy xo

Gracie Saylor said...

Love to you, Meredith...I too am sorry about your shingles and your son's swimming setback :( and am praying for rapid healing for you and wisdom and encouragement for your son as he processes his situation.
Your post is skillfully written and at one point I had to stop reading so that I could laugh with abandon, but your observation that "yarn helps" coping with negative stresses in life is true for me also. I was reading an ancient text this week that described linen being woven by master craftsmen, who were even able to pound gold thin enough to create golden threads to be used to embellish the linen, and I thought "this creative process is exciting and important! How wonderful that we can creatively stitch in life!"

Viewing your wonderful stitching efforts, like your pretty red cowl, fills me with a sense of triumph for you, and cheers me toward my creative pursuits as well!

I finally got to see all but the first part of the movie "A Dolphins Tale" that you had suggested I would enjoy, and I did!

Thanks for posting, Meredith! xx

Rose said...

So sorry about the shingles, they are indeed a tough condition, I had them when I was in my twenties and my doctor strongly suggested I get the shingles shot last year as having them once makes you even more prone to having them again. Be sure and talk to your doctor about the vaccine, once you are well. Love the red cowl!

Toni said...

I love the knitting moms story, but shingles! Oh no!!!!!!!! Hope you're feeling better soon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

moonstruckcreations said...

Shingles are horrid, I have had them several times, yuk.

Get plenty of rest, hope you are feeling much better soon.

Helenxx

Hannapat said...

Hello dear Meredith and boy am I sorry to hear aboutboth the shingles and the close call on the swimming team. It must be so hard for both you and your son, especially when he has worked so hard for this for so long. I hope you find the answers in the coming months. If he loves it and is good at it, he must go for it!! As for the shingles, I really feel for you, it is such a horrid virus and as you might well know we all carry the shingles virus and it sits happily and dormant inks our spines until one day something triggers it and then bam. You were lucky to detect it early as believe you me, as someone who suffers from this on a pretty permanent basis, it can get excruciatingly painful if left. I am on a daily suppressive treatment for it as my body is in a constant state of shingles and it sure as hell makes you feel crap, so do look after yourself and give your body the rest even days after you might think it is all better. I am sending you lots of helping wishes and I just wanted to say I so enjoyed the knitting story, isn't it wonderful how something that has been around for so long can foster such lovely friendships and conversations. Sending you much love xxxxx

Petunia Pill said...

As I scroll and scroll and scroll some more in order to leave my comment, it occurs to me just HOW MANY lives you touch with your yarn!be it in person or virtually...it's a large community! And the fact that you're so darned sweet and adorable makes the community grow constantly! But shingles, Meredith? SHINGLES? That's some serious stuff. Be careful! I'm so sorry you have them! I want the vaccine but am not yet age appropriate to get it. You woulda been waaaay too young! They should drop the age limitation! Be better...and in the meantime...yarn on. Hugs, Annette

Rose Red said...

Oh I am so sorry your son didn't make the team, and so sorry about your shingles, how annoying.

Love the knitting mums story though, that is too funny. I think our kids are going to roll their eyes at whatever we parents do/say, but really I bet he appreciates your knitting (and you) more than he can ever say.

Plain Jane said...

What a gorgeous post Meredith - apart from the shingles of course! Hope you are beginning to feel much better x Jane

Vicki Boster said...

Oh no- the dreaded shingles:(
I'm sure you don't have time for that in your life-- I'm so sorry Meredith. I hope you can get through this without too much discomfort.

I do love your story about meeting a new knitting friend. Knitting is the universal language of friendship it seems-- knitting brings great opportunities for bonding. And-- it keeps me calm-- without my knitting I would probably be a crazy person-- well, crazier maybe I should say.

Congrats on your sons achievements in his swimming competitions-- one of these days maybe he will be on the Olympic swim team:)

I do so hope you feel better soon--
Vicki

Anonymous said...

Shingles are the worst! So sorry you have them and I have been thinking about your son all day. Words will not help but please know I am sorry for you both.life is a pain sometimes. X

Jo said...

Shingles does make adults feel really ropey. The cowl looks like a satisfying knit and is a great colour.

I am cheering you on from the sidelines here to get well and stay positive. Jo x

Lynne said...

Love this post Meredith! Get better soon, I've heard Shingles can be painful, so you're very lucky to have a milder case.
Oh I feel for your son, it's tough when you work so hard at something, and then just miss out by an inch. When our kids play sports, we take it as hard as they do!

Danette Bartelmay said...

Oh Meredith!
Very well said My Friend!!!
But SHINGLES...Poor Thing You!:(((
I will pray and send happy, healing, positive thoughts your way.
Love, love, love this post!
POOP on the coach, by the way!
XoXo
Danette

Danette Bartelmay said...

Big P.S.~ Your cowl is DIVINE!

Christina said...

I hope your shingles are disappearing fast and that you will be shingle free for ever after.
I love the colour of your cowl, a perfect make-the-winter-more-bright kind of colour.
And your knitting story is heart warming and funny. I am in the habit of starting conversations with unknown knitters but would rarely do so with a non knitter. It is a truly bonding craft. Cx

P.S. I am new to your space and love it.

Unknown said...

What a wonderful, comforting post, I love the knitting moms! I've had shingles, they are horrid, I hope you relax and rest and that thy go away swiftly. Hugs to you and your son, it's so challenging to be strong and positive for our children sometimes, but it's what makes my life worth living! Chrissie x

kathyinozarks said...

I really loved your post about knitting Moms and swim meets-hugs but so sorry to read you have shingles-and so glad you are not in pain-prayers for speedy recovery hugs Kathy

Unknown said...

So sorry to read about your shingles....that's not fun at all! And sorry that all of your son' s hard work didn't pay off... That can be rather frustrating.
Your cowl was so lovely! You do such good work.
Take care of yourself...

Tanna said...

Oh, yes... yarn is an instant bonding agent. ;) Love this Meredith! So glad your shingles are not too painful! and, that you got to treating it early. I keep meaning to go get the vaccine... Keep getting better. blessings ~ tanna

Unknown said...

What a fabulous post. You are so right in what you say about yarn calming the soul. I think I would go even more crazy without it.
I am sorry to hear you have shingles, it really isn't nice at all. I hope you get well really soon.
XXX

millefeuilles said...

Dear Meredith,

May I send you a huge hug and warm wishes for a speedy recovery? Shingles are exhausting; I sympathize completely and I jolly glad you have the necessary medication to help you on the road to recovery.

I LOVE your yarn story. There is no better balm for the soul!

Stephanie

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Meredith! I smiled my way through this entire post. Except the part about the shingles, of course. Actually, when I first read your post title, I said to myself, I hope she is talking about her roof and not the illness. ha! I usually get hives when I am really stressed out. Had them for 3 days the year that my MIL and uncle passed away from cancer with Hurricane Katrina right there in the middle of it all. That was a bad year. Shingles is apparently a cousin of the chicken pox, right. There's some correlation there. Glad to know you aren't hurting so bad. It is a virus so of course you will not feel well. I'm glad to hear you were able to have some bonding moments with the other knitting moms. So funny to hear about the boys talking about it in the locker room. Ha! I can see those eye rolls from here. Don't worry about your boy. He'll figure it all out eventually. Hugs and blessings, Tammy

Sue Pinner said...

Hi Meredith, sorry to hear you have shingles, know the pain, hope it goes soon. Made many a new friend and had some great chats on the bus to town all around the crochet lol...a real friend maker hey?
Just managing to do a bit of a catch up finished the lastest design project so stress levels dropping until the next one lol
Try o relax.
Huge Hugs xx

Penny said...

So very sorry to know that you have been suffering with shingles, poor you Meredith, sending healing prayers your way and I just have to say what a lovely poignant and heart felt post this is. You hit the nail on the head with so many of the emotions that us mothers go through and thank God we have our yarn through it all, much more than just knitting, it's real therapy as far as I am concerned xox take care lovely and thinking of you, be kind and gentle with yourself, big hugs , Penny xxx

Faeryfay said...

I love this post. I met a great knitting friend at my daughters' soccer games years ago. I was sat knitting and she joined me with her knitting and we got chatting. That was many years ago and we are still great friends and see each other at the knitting guild meetings now once a month!
I hope you are feeling better.
Fay :)

ColourMeCrochet said...

Oh Meredith, I'm so sorry about you shingles. It may not always be painful, but it can certainly make you feel very down and blue. Hope it's knocked the stuffing out of you too much.
Take care my friend.
Sally xxx

Anonymous said...

What a sweet story. We forget sometimes the bonding that we of the sisterhood do so unconsciously and naturally, and knitting thrown in only makes it that much better!
Hugs my sweet blogging/knitting/weaving sister,
Beth P

Gillian Roe said...

What a beautiful post. I'm sorry your son didn't make the team, and I'm sorry you have shingles too. But you have yarn to comfort you and that's worth a lot. You really write so well, you always make me smile when I visit here. x

Unknown said...

Your immune system is weak and the stress is high....the perfect storm for shingles. I hope you feel better soon, Funny how our bodies tell us we are not giving it what it needs!

The cowl is beautiful!!!!!

Dawn

Annie Cholewa said...

I'm so behind with everyone that I keep missing important stuff ... shingles ... ouch! Every good wish for a truly speedy recovery m'dear x

Anonymous said...

Meredith, I'm so glad to hear that your case of shingles is a milder one. I've known others that have truly suffered from terrible cases. Like you, my husband went to the doctor early, and his case was mild, but others...oh my goodness!

When our children are disappointed and hurting, we are as well. Sending you both loving thoughts, Meredith. Take good care.

EMMA said...

Lovely post, my boys are not yet teenagers but I was glad to read that it can help us mothers through those possibly challenging years(maybe teenagers should all be made to do some knitting themselves!)
How lovely to make some new knitting friends like that!
I was crocheting one time at a hockey tournament and a mother and her daughter came up to me and asked if they could sit and watch me for a while!!
Hope you are feeling better.
Hugs to all.

Liz said...

This is a wonderful post. It is cool to be a knitter and to find others that love it as much as you. These boys just don't get it. But it really does keep us sane. Hopefully he will figure out what he wants to do about swimming. That's the thing about being 20...making decisions. I hope you are getting over the shingles by now. I've never known the pain of them. Try not to stress to much, just keep calm and knit on!
Liz