Saturday, August 18, 2018

8/18/18, Little Buddy and images of my week.........


The last few dates of the week are pretty amazing dates.  Each day, when written with the month first, date second, and then the year, are the same forwards and backwards.  Yesterday, 8/17/18 is 81718, today 8.18.18 and tomorrow 8.19.18, pretty cool I'd say!

Okay, enough of that.  Monday was Little Buddy's first day of first grade.  He was so excited to go but by the end of the week had puttered out and was having a difficult time following directions and listening.  The information in first grade comes at you much faster, and this little one will need to learn to keep up.  He is able to handle it all as far as his intelligence, just maybe not so much as far as compliance.  There was just so much damage to his brain when he was born, plus he was exposed to drugs and alcohol when he was developing, not a good combination for learning I am afraid.  He is a work in progress,  I hope they can handle him.




When I recently finished my Flower Shawl I wanted to use the rest of the beautiful yarn in something right away.  This gorgeous Appalachian Baby Design Organic Cotton Yarn is just so lovely to work with.  It is soft and smooth, and a lovely ecru color.  I wanted to use it right away before it landed in the back of my yarn closet, wasting away and wondering what happened to its elite status.  I went back to this easy peasy pattern that I have made before.  A simple 5 shell treble crochet and a double crochet in the middle of the previous shell.  Now that I am looking at it the photo above is upside down, sorry about that.  I used a J hook to make this have more drape, and used up every last inch of the 275 yards I had left.  The scarf is 56 inches long and about 6 inches wide.  I have this in mind for a particular friend of mine who never ceases to amaze me with her talents and generosity.  I plan on using this pattern to make a few gifts for Little Buddy's teachers and therapists for Christmas this year.  It is an easy one row repeat, and I can keep it in my car for a nice project to grab as I am sometimes stuck between patients.

 

This photo was taken this morning.  Little Buddy is writing a special thank you note.  I love the morning light and the look of concentration.  Now to get him to do that at school!


He is a delight, well most of the time anyway.


I also started another Zick Zack Shawl.  This has been on my to do list for several years.  You can read about my first Zick Zack Shawl here.  I bought this beautiful cotton Tangier yarn by Cascade Yarns several years ago when my local yarn shop closed.  I love this yarn and have used it many times.  The colors are gorgeous and it feels so nice while sliding thorough your fingers, and it is very gentle when draped around your neck.  This is a very easy project, another simple one row repeat.  The colors are not popping out as much in this photo as I took it on my kitchen table, but after seeing Bear photo bomb it with his nose I had to include it.


The boys continue to enthrall us with their antics.  This photo was taken last night after I had given them a good brushing.  They look great for about 10 minutes then they look all raggedy again, like no one takes care of them at all.  They are still growing but I think they are slowing down.  Max weighed 95 pounds, we won't be near that with either of these two, thank goodness!


I might have actually finally captured the beauty of Hank in this photo.  He does not like his picture taken.  He is so beautiful but always looks so stressed when the camera or my phone is out.  He is as sweet as can be, but don't be fooled, he will steal your dinner if you leave it for even a second.

Again, I have to say I am not feeling my best due to headaches.  I am off to acupuncture today so hopefully that will  help.  I am not sitting at my computer long so again have to apologize if I am missing your posts.  I wish you all a wonderful weekend.

35 comments:

busybusybeejay said...

Great,as always,to hear about Little Buddy.Super photos of him.How do you find time to produce all these gorgeous things.Amazing.

Linda @ A La Carte said...

Little Buddy is getting so big. He is so lucky to have a family that understands his issues but gives him all the encouragement he needs to succeed! I hope your headaches get better. They can ruin a perfectly good day can't they! Hugs!

Christina said...

I am sure Little Buddy settles into his new routine soon. It is hard work, the school stuff and all that growing up :-) Concentration is something that needs a lot of practice. Our two youngest also find this difficult, but James struggles far more than Alistair. I always wonder if this is a reflection of the relatively longer duration of neglect he suffered? It is not easy, isn't it?

Your scarf is lovely, I can almost feel its softness. The zig zag is a long time favourite of mine, a pleasure to knit and wear. Wishing you a lovely weekend. Good luck with the acupuncture, I hope it brings you some relief from the headaches. xx

Teresa Kasner said...

Your little man is looking so big and grown-up!! I hope he does well in school, I'm sure he will. Hank is really handsome, I love that shot with his eye looking at us. This is our last day at the lake with the family, then home. August has been a challenge for me. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

Joy@aVintageGreen said...

Little Buddy writing a Thank you letter is a wonderful portrait. Have to admit I thought the picture of hand was a painting! Love the pair just after a brushing. The steal dinner is one of my grand dog's tricks that drives me nuts. Blink and gone. Lovely soft scarf and your shawl in progress.

Thanks for writing and sharing today Meredith. Hope the headaches lessen after your acupuncture appointment.

Hugs and Love
Joy

Araignee said...

First grade is so hard. I taught first grade for almost 30 years and I never got over how much we expect from these little guys. It is an incredible journey. It is such a year of accomplishments and yes...failures. I had to remind my little darlings so many times that this was only "first" grade and they still had many years ahead of them to get it all right.

Sandy said...

I think sometimes our simplier stitch pattersn are nicest. Both the shawl in the works and the finished scarf are lovely. I've never enjoyed working with cotton, found it a bit harsh..perhaps I need a higher quality? Glad school started off so nicely, and hope things get back to that for him and you. There will be ups and down's no doubt. But, hopefully his teacher is willing to work within his scope.

Mac n' Janet said...

He's starting to look so grown up. It may take awhile, but I'll bet he has a lot of success in first grade. Love your work, I'm having trouble concerning enough to finish a project.

Anonymous said...

Always love seeing pictures of your boys --- furry and no-so-furry.

It's so hard to stay on task at school sometimes. So many distractions --- I hope he has a good week next week.

Hugs,
D

Delighted Hands said...

So much in this post=the scarf is a beauty and LilBuddy will adjust-it sure takes time for everyone to slip back into classroom mode!!!

Judy S. said...

Gosh, it's hard to believe LB is a first grader already! Our youngest GK is starting kindergarten, and that seems impossible as well. Love your newest project and hope you get some relief soon from those headaches!

Betsy said...

Hello sweet Mere! Such a wonderful post today except for the headache part. I am so sorry that you suffer with them so. Dennis used to have them all of the time. Horrible, awful migraines that would put him in bed. That is NOT like him. I think in 25 years with his company he has only missed during his gallbladder surgery(he went back early), the flu a couple of times, (missed one day each time), and migraines. Last winter I started putting thieves oil on his temples at the first sign of one and he said it’s gone in less than 10 minutes. Every time! A friend had suggested it and I poo-poohed the idea for months because I really didn’t think it would work.

That first week of first grade is HARD. I hope it will get easier for your sweet little guy. There is so much to learn during that grade.

Your scarf and shawl are beautiful. Is there a pattern for the scarf? I think it would make a lovely Christmas gift for the ladies in my Bible study group.

The boys are so sweet looking. I would love to be able to give them huge hugs. Your brushing makes them quite handsome. :-)

Have. A lovely Sunday my friend and I hope you are feeling much better soon.
Blessings,
Betsy

Anonymous said...

Scarf, shawl, Little Buddy and your dogs look fabulous (brushed or not) :-)
I hope Little Buddy will adjust a bit soon, anyhow you're doing a fantastic job. As for your headaches, I think you should take enough rest. Take care and get well soon x

mamasmercantile said...

Hope all goes well with the acupuncture and that you get some relief from pain. Your projects are stunning, I love the vibrancy of the zig zag one. Such thoughtful gifts. Little Buddy looked so studious writing his thank you note, a beautiful photo. He really has come a long way already and with you fighting his corner will go far. Your furry boys also are a delight to see.

Blondie's Journal said...

It's always hard to find the time to write---life is that way for all of us. Your pics of your little guy just make my day, and I look forward to seeing your posts arrive in my email!

School is tough. I vividly remember the days being way too long when I was just in first or second grade. I hope that as time goes on, he makes new friends, and adjusts his inner clock, things will be smoother.

Cute pups! I wonder if this breed sheds at all. I have a niece with a Labradoodle, and it never sheds a thing. I'm so fortunate---ahem, with a white dog and a black one...no forgiveness!

Anita said...

I think that wish about our children studying at school is echoed throughout the land!!! lol It looks like Buddy enjoyed writing the note. Beautiful crochet pattern and the yarn looks lovely and soft. I love the twins!! Even Hank. lol I wish you a beautiful week. xx

Jo said...

It's hard for any little one to settle into a new routine, perhaps Little Buddy just needs a little more time, he'll get there, I'm sure. The scarf is lovely, it's nice to be able to use up every last bit of a special yarn. I've had the Zick Zach Shawl on my to do list for ages and still haven't got round to it, there's just so many lovely things to make and not enough hours in the day. I always enjoy seeing your photos of Hank and Bear, beautiful boys.

Babajeza said...

Why should we be able to concentrate if life is so busy around us? What really helps children to learn and grow (in their own pace) are parents who are self-confident, calm and encouraging. I'm sure you are doing the best for your boy. Hugs, Regula

Toni said...

Hard to believe Little Buddy is already in first grade!!!

The boys are so cute--I can't keep my hair looking decent for more than a few minutes in humidity either, to be fair. :)

Christine W said...

I hope Little Buddy find the way to do this. Nice shawl!

kathy b said...

He can do this ! He is an amazing soul!! Challenge is okay for him. He's tough. He can take it. However, is it possible they add a nap to their busy first grade day? Is he the only one wearing braces in class? How is he doing with eating lunch there?

The pups are just darling in each and every photo. Do they ever sleep on the floor with lil B?

I love the zig zag colors so much MEre!!

Get rid of those headaches pronto. You are too sweet to deal with them.

Jeannie Gray Knits said...

LOVE your Zick Zack colors! It's going to be gorgeous! Hope Little Buddy settles into first grade and has a wonderful experience this school year.

Anonymous said...

all your 'boys' are just the best! every picture is wonderful.
the fact that you appreciate Little Buddy and his progress despite his unfortunate beginning... it's just LOVE! and he's proving that loving care and understanding can turn even the bad stuff around. you and he are both an inspiration to me! I hope the acupuncture gives you some relief. xoxo

bittenbyknittin said...

My granddaughter started second grade this week, at a "magnet" school. It's so much better than her previous school. I'm happy for her but sad for all the students that don't get in (it's by lottery, not IQ). Why can't all the schools in the district be as good? A friend of mine who suffers from migraines had a daith piercing done and swears by it. It's supposed to replicate acupuncture. Hope your headaches go away soon!

Lee said...

Oh,lil Buddy is soooo darn lucky to have you,he is so gorgeous.Wishing him all the very best at school.I just adore those fur babies,butter wouldn't melt hee hee.Loving that scarf,would love that pattern if you get a mo to email it to me.Beautiful zig zag,love the colours.Take care of Yourself.xxxxxx

My Creative Life said...

Lovely photos Meredith of your work -crochet and knitting, very pretty. Arh your gorgeous fluffy boys, animals can make you laugh or cry with their mischief. I remember a previous cat of ours jumping on the table and pinching my father-in-laws turkey off his plate! Oops, not good.
All the best with LB at school. My friend does fostering and often mentions all sorts of damage during pregnancy & neglect issues. Both with alcohol, smoking and attachment etc problems. It's all a terrible shame.
But he has you and your family who love and support him. Hopefully he'll enjoy school too. Take care. Cathy x

Grandmabeckyl.blogspot said...

I enjoy your yarn projects and your photogenic dogs! Buddy is adorable and praying he figures things out in school! Wow...first grade already?! Cool! Hope your headaches cease to bother you. I made an essential oil roller ball to help my daughter in love with her migraines and its helped her. Headaches.are.no.fun.! Have a good week anyway!

Eileen said...

First week of school is always the hardest, sitting still and concentrating can me too tiring! I'm sure Little Buddy will do great this year, big big move to first grade!!!!
Your projects are beautiful, love seeing what your up to.
Acupuncture, I think is great, I have used it before and loved it. Hope it works for you!

Nance said...

Thanks for the link to the ZickZack. It's lovely, and I'm looking for a new project just now.

Your son looks like he grew so much over this summer!

Take care. You have an awful lot going on down there.

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Beautiful scarf. Reminds me of the baby blanket pattern I am crocheting at the moment that has a shell motif included in it. Little B is gonna have his moments, but I'm sure he'll be a shining star in 1st grade. Sorry to hear about your headaches. It's no fun when you aren't feeling 100%, yet you still manage to carry on and get so much done. Head pats for those furboys. Take care!

Jo said...

First grade will settle down. I used to teach this age group and it was like herding cats for the first month! Your shawl looks like a super quick make a and a great way to use up left overs. Jo x

Vera said...

Those pictures of Little Buddy are just so darling! I love seeing him sitting at the table. But, of course, at school there must be SO many distractions. Hopefully he has understanding teachers who can help him. Your other boys are equally handsome!!

Gracie Saylor said...

Well, I have just caught up with your posts since you returned from NC and am once more amazed by your beautiful, prolific stitching! I admire all your work but your featured sweater in this post is perhaps my favorite...really each project is lovely though. Your furry boys are such fun to watch grow although the list of the casualties to their growth is growing. I am cheering on LB and your love and care for him as well...first grade...WOW! So glad Mr. 21 made it home for a visit :-) I share your concern about the painful issues of life in general and am especially concerned about the recurring headaches you have. My oldest sister, Carolyn feels robbed of all the days of her life she lost due to migraines and I pray that does not happen to you. I wonder if she ever tried any of the oils others mentioned here in the comments or acupuncture...I will have to ask her. Finally, in her 70s she rarely has even a minor headache. Blessings to you and yours, Meredith xx

Acorn to Oak said...

Wow!...Little Buddy has grown so much since I last visited your blog! Looks like he's walking independently without a walker any other assistance now? That's great! Your doggies are adorable! And, I love that Zick Zack shawl! The pattern and colors are great!

Jodiebodie said...

I find working at the computer is a great way too being on headaches which is why you don't hear much from me in ages and then get a flurry of comments and replies all at once. I try to have at least a days break in between from using the computer but it must be difficult for you when everybody's work and life unavoidably revolves around computers and internet nowadays. I do hope your headaches have eased by the time you read this. Hugs and well done for your persistence.