Sunday, March 16, 2014

Catching my breath


This has been a nice weekend to just catch my breath.  With all that has been happening around here I feel like I have been going full speed for way too long.  Mr. 20 year old and my husband departed Friday afternoon for Columbus.  My son to go back to school, and my husband to go to a conference for work.  While I miss them both the quiet has been nice.  My teenager is having a bad allergy episode, so he has been quiet, mostly huddled up in his room.

Last week the lovely man I hired to clean out my garden beds came and did a great job.  What he accomplished in three hours would have taken me a day and a half.  That left me time yesterday to get into my back flower bed and do some work.  I hired the young girl next door to come play with Little Buddy, he was thrilled and so was I.  I rearranged things, replanted plants and planted new ones.  Hopefully this area will all look a lot better in a week or two, when things have grown a little..


While out in my back garden enjoying my time outside I took a look around.  I replanted the tree below last year from a large pot it had been in for years.  It grew very nicely, I think it was happy with the new arrangement.


Now it is a mess, the deer have been rubbing up against it, breaking off all of the lower branches. 
 

They may be trying to loosen their antlers, but this is the wrong tree, it isn't that big or strong.


I finally finished something!   It seems like so long since I got anything accomplished in the yarn department.  A new crochet scarf made from the lovely Berroco Boboli Lace yarn I purchased in Columbus, when I went to see my son swim.  Remember I tried the linen stitch scarf with this yarn and got no where fast.  I went for something simple this time, 289 chains, half dc in each stitch, until I ran out of yarn.  I used a size I hook and completed 13 rows in all.  It is really long, but fun for wrapping and is very light weight.


 Easy peasy and it looks a bit like the linen stitch if you ask me, and it took just a fraction of the time to complete.  I think this may be going to my SIL who just lost her husband.  I like to send her things now and again, and she loves blue.  Not only did she lose her husband but also her MIL in two weeks.  I think she deserves a little hug for her neck. 

Today has been about clearing out my MIL's room at the assisted living place she had been staying at.  I will show you some of the lovely things I brought home to keep here, in a few days.  I have always had treasures from my husbands family here in my home, but these are really her treasures.  It is nice to have bits of her around my house.

Thank you all for your generous and kind comments about Gracie's passing.   She was truly amazing and a bit of a spitfire, I have alwyas wanted to be her when I grow up.  I tried to reply to all of your comments, but if you are a no-reply blogger I was unable to do so personally.  Just know that each and every word you said meant the world to me.

Today there was also a  visit with my Mom, she is looking perkier, opening her eyes and looking at me, even if it was only briefly.  There has been laundry, agave cupcakes in the oven and lots of time with Little Buddy, who is thankfully napping right now.


This boy has been pouting.  I swear he misses his Grandma, he really loved her.  I think he knows she is no longer here, I may be crazy but animals are far more sensitive to these kind of things than we know.  And the one thing we know about Max is that he is extra sensitive. And then Max's biggest brother left along with his Dad.  How much can a boy take?  We have tried a bit of extra petting time but he still seems kind of sad.  Poor Max.

How has your weekend been?  I have been missing you.

38 comments:

moonstruckcreations said...

So glad to hear you have had some space to breath and take stock - absolutely vital.

Your SIL will love the scarf, what a lovely thought.

Take care, much love, Helenxx

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Hi Meredith, it's good that your son was able to be at home when Gracie passed away. I think the quiet time to yourself and working out in the yard this weekend was much needed. The scarf turned out so pretty and will be a great gift for your SIL. How come when I crochet something simple like that it doesn't look quite as nice? Poor Max! I'm sure he is really feeling all the changes. Sending hugs to you both, Tammy

Teresa Kasner said...

I think Max is just absorbing your sadness, it's his way of trying to ease your pain. I look forward to seeing some of the things you brought home. I also have things of my mothers and Dayle's parent here and it really does bring joy to me. I'm glad you're having some "me" time and that you're getting help in the garden and with little buddy.
((hugs)), Teresa :-)

Lynne said...

It's 80 degrees here this weekend, and I've also been working in the yard.
Maybe going at it too hard because my hands and forearms are so sore I can hardly crochet!
I love your scarf! It's nice to see something made up with that yarn, since I have been wanting to try it.
Funny how our animals are so sensitive. My big old Lab is 12 and we just found out he has tumors in his abdomen, so he won't be with us long. His tail still wags when we walk in the room, even though he is weak and hurting. They have so much love to give.
Lynne

Gillian Roe said...

I'm glad you hired the gardener and your neighbour to help with gardening and childcare, it seems like you've re-discovered some balance and equilibrium during this tumultuous time. I think gardening is very good therapy, even a bit of gentle planting - it's about not having to focus on any more that the task in hand. The scarf is wonderful - I love a long, long, scarf. Short scarves leave me cold (literally!) x

CJ said...

The garden's looking lovely Meredith. I love "releasing" plants from pots into the soil. I hope your middle boy recovers from his allergy soon, it doesn't sound much fun at all. I hope you have a good week Meredith, look after yourself. CJ xx

Joy said...

Happily it sounds like some semblance of equilibrium has begun at your place Meredith, and having help with the garden and with little Buddy gives you a little space to think and be with 'yourself' now and then, which can only be good. I feel sad about your lovely tree being spoiled by the deer and perhaps a few posts and a circle of chicken wire or similar around it may just dissuade them and save the tree?
You have produced another lovely scarf my friend and I'm sure your dear SIL will be very happy to enjoy it. And lovely Max - I agree with Teresa's comment - he is such a beautiful friend!
Take good care of yourself, warm hugs, Joy xo

Betsy said...

I love this post Meredith. It seems as if things are trying to find a new "normal". I think Max just needs to catch up with all of the events taking place. Animals really are very sensitive to everything around them. How great that you have people you can hire to help you with some of these everyday tasks that get to be completely overwhelming until they're dealt with. I have some of my Mom and Grandma's things around my house and they mean so much to me. Everytime I see one of them, it brings back a memory.
Blessings,
Betsy

Liz said...

Hello again, for what seems like the 10th time today. I feel guilty for just now catching up on the events in your life. I almost feel like I should have read those posts days ago. like I said (a few minutes ago, LOL), I'm so happy that you have your family. Your three boys are so handsome. Watch out is all I can say. Before long you'll have a new set of worries with those heartbreakers;). Your photos are still great. I hope you have a wonderfully, peaceful upcoming week.
Liz

Liz said...

ooops, I meant four boys, can't forget Max. Hehehe

Mrs. C said...

Glad you got some time to yourself to re-charge...
:) peace to you...

20 North Ora said...

Hi Meredith - So glad your Mom is doing better. Sorry about all of your losses.

I am your newest follower.

Judy

My Little Home and Garden said...

Having someone in to clean up the garden beds was a brilliant idea, Meredith. You can only take on so much.

The scarf is beautiful and I like the idea of it being a hug for your sister-in-law. It sounds like yours is a close knit ("close crochet"?) family.

Karen

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a rough weekend. Even the poor little pine had a tough time.

Hoping that every day gets a little easier and the memory of Gracie sweeter and sweeter. She sounds like an AMAZING woman.

Rose Red said...

Glad you've had some time for crochet and gardening, both (in my experience) soothing and meditative activities. Hope you are all doing well.

cockney blonde said...

Glad you found a little time for yourself after such a busy period. Love the scarf and I'm sure your SiL will too. Your poor little tree, it needs to grow a bit more before the deer come again. And poor poor Max, I totally agree that animals have feelings too. Our dog often goes up the garden and looks at where her big sister's ashes are. So sad. Hope things continue to improve for you all, x

linda said...

Aw sending Max a big hug Meredith and you too of course. Your garden is looking neat and tidy but what a pity about the tree, I hope it will be ok. I love the scarf that yarn needed a simple stitch to show off it's colours your SIL will be so touched and happy to receive it, you are so thoughtful as always. xxxx

Anonymous said...

It seems like you may be getting some rest and refreshing your soul. Garden work is wonderful for that, praying you have a calm and peaceful week.

Unknown said...

I am so sorry that you have had such a sad and challenging time lately. It's good that you were able to find time to do some gardening. Some quiet time with nature does much to heal the soul. And yes, you are so right that our four legged kids feel the loss.
I am so glad that your mother is a bit perkier. It is a day to day thing as I am finding out. But every moment we have with that loved one is a moment to treasure.
Your scarf....it's so gorgeous! The colors are great with that stitch. I have been wanting to try the linen stitch but think I will attempt this one instead.
And thank you for sharing both your joys and your challenges. You help others, like myself, going thro the same thing. Take care...
Ryan (from the yarn store)

byhooks4u said...

Dogs feed off of the emotion around them if they are bonded to a pack. And you are Max's pack. So as you start returning to the old you so will he. You have been put through the fire lately..you know gold and silver are molded by heat..so you are just being molded perfectly. Many blessings

Linda said...

How nice to find the time to 'potter' in your garden and take a slower pace.
The blue scarf is gorgeous, the colour is very pretty and I'm sure it will be well received as a gift for your SIL.
I fixed my no reply blogger problem; apparently when you move to google+ commenting no reply is a default setting (like anyone wants to be a no reply blogger, I don't think so!)
Max will soon perk up I'm sure, just a bit of adjusting to do, take care Meredith ... until next time xx

kathy b said...

Sometimes Mere, crochet is just THE way to GO! Love your scarf.

Poor Maxy….so much change. Perhaps a new bone???

My weekend was busy: Volunteered in the cat room Saturday and worked a pm shift last night….
I think of Lil Buddy Zach when I see a struggling premie these days…
:)

kathy b said...

Sometimes Mere, crochet is just THE way to GO! Love your scarf.

Poor Maxy….so much change. Perhaps a new bone???

My weekend was busy: Volunteered in the cat room Saturday and worked a pm shift last night….
I think of Lil Buddy Zach when I see a struggling premie these days…
:)

Jennifer Hays said...

I'm glad to hear you're all doing well. I'm glad you have some of Gracie's things with you now. The scarf is beautiful and you've gotten a lot done around the yard. Please hug Max for me, I hope he's feeling better soon.

CJ STITCHING AND BLOOMS said...

Hello Meredith.. Gracies looked like amazing person and I am sure she will be deeply missed by everyone. It was great she had such a long and wonderful life. I am sorry also to hear about your Mom doing so poorly too. It is such a terrible thing to see a Mom suffer so. The tree in your garden needs one of those black plastic garden things LOL wrapped about it so the critters do not chew on the bark.. It looks pretty damage but I think you can still save it.. I do believe doggie senses our moods and I am sure Max is feeling your sadness now too.. So sorry for being behind.. Hugs to you.. Judy

Stitchy Mc Floss said...

Goodness you stay so busy....I am glad you got a few moments to relax and breathe!

Loved the scarf you made...and what a thoughtful love gift to give to your SIL.

Sending you a hug sweet friend...

Gracie Saylor said...

I too am glad you got help with the yard and Little Buddy watching, Meredith. And the scarf is lovely, yes like the linen stitch, and a wonderful hug for your sister-in-law. I found Fluffy Baa Baa's sister...she may act as nanny sometimes for the girls' lambs! Will send pics soon :) xx

EMMA said...

Lovely scarf - what a thoughtful gift for your S.i.l.
The deer do similar things to the tree's in our garden so we have to put mesh around the trunks!
I'm sure Max also is feeling the loss of his Grandma. Hope you are all doing OK.

kristieinbc said...

I'm glad you got a chance to "play in the dirt" for a bit in the midst of all that you are having to deal with. I think there is something very healing about gardening. Your scarf looks very bright and cheerful - the perfect colours for Easter.

elns said...

Your garden and space in general is beautiful. I'm glad you are finding room to breathe. The scarf is great. I'm glad you found a project to re-purpose that yarn with :)

My Garden Diaries said...

I have just found your blog through some of my bloggy friend and I am so glad that I did! What a lovely space you have here and what a beautiful scarf you made! I am so sorry to hear about your mother-in-law. Sending my thoughts and prayers to your family. Nicole

kathyinozarks said...

good morning Meredith, looks like your are getting lots accomplished-love your new scarf-I enjoy long scarves allot especially in the winter. Poor tree-I was trying to plant baby pine trees so we would have two rows of them in the back-but as soon as they were big enough to start looking like trees-the deer did the same to mine-hard to prevent that too.
Poor Max-our furry family members really do understand what is happening around them-big hugs for Max-and you too Kathy

Anonymous said...

Sending you the gentlest hug as you spend time in these adapting days x

Tanna said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your losing Gracie, Meredith. It is good to have someone you "want to be when you grow up". Those folks are rare... and such gifts.

Love the look of that crochet stitch... I think it is beautiful. I know your SIL will appreciate your thoughtfulness. Sending hugs ~ t.

Judy S. said...

What a lovely and thoughtful gift for your SIL, Mere. Glad you are taking some "me" time; you've had a couple really rough weeks. So sorry to hear about Gracie's passing; she sounds like a great person. Lots of hugs going to you and yours. Take care.

Caffeine Girl said...

I am sorry for your loss, but happy that you had such a wonderful MIL. I also am lucky to have an amazing MIL.

And, yes, that scarf does look a lot like linen stitch! It is really lovely.

Susanne Tyree said...

That weeding flower beds is a non-ending job. I am going to try something new this year if I can find the time. I will let you know how it goes when I start it. yes, animals do sense things are different. They are so smart.
(((HUGS))) Susanne :)

RedSetter said...

Gosh what a lot you have had going on Meredith. I'm catching up with your blog in reverse order and not anticipating the next blog down. You are in my prayers.