Sunday, February 21, 2021

Another week goes by.......

 

And yet another week has gone by, so much like the weeks before yet so filled with pain and sorrow for those suffering in bad weather, cold, with no water or electricity.  Worried about their children, parents, and worried for their health.  All anyone can do is send love and prayers if you aren't close to the areas hit by the monster winter weather.  Well, I guess you could always fly to Cancun and then blame your daughters for the trip, but that is a whole other post don't you agree?

This Little guy had a better week, not great, but better.  And I am setting the bar pretty low, he did not ram any friends with his walker so that is a start.  How can that completely innocent face do anything wrong?  How could this little sweet boy actually tell me that I am the worst!   I ask for patience everyday of my life and have yet to have found all that I need, but I keep trying.




On Thursday this lovely box of scrumptious yarn arrived at my house.  I ordered it from Lion Brand when they had a 30% off sale.  It is so beautiful, the colors are a feast for the eyes, and holding the silk in your hands is like Heaven.  I actually am knitting!  I know can you believe it?  I found the perfect pattern, the Harebell sweater.  I will wear this everywhere if it works out.  Silk yarn is a bit fussy.  You have to knit with it with a little bit larger needles to get the drape you want.  There is also an abundance of fuzz when working with it, fuzz gets everywhere, but it will be worth it if the sweater turns out.  I am already off gauge, I know, warning, warning, warning.  But like any seasoned knitter I am going for it without a thought to if it will work out or not.  I am making the smallest size, which will not be all that small if my math calculations are correct.  So I am basically winging it yet again, and I wonder why nothing I makes fits!!!!!

I forgot about how soothing knitting can be.  There is a rhythm to working with two needles.  It is quite different than using a crochet hook, not that there isn't a rhythm to crochet, it is just different.  But I forgot that knitting hurts my hands.  How I hold the right needle with my ring finger curved always causes pain, so I have this sort of finger splint I have to wear to keep it straight.  And I know I will have to wear a wrist splint to bed at night, the wear and tear on your wrists can be very painful,.  Still I will give it a go and hopefully, fingers crossed, I will get a beautiful sweater out of this gorgeous yarn that was a big treat for myself.  I have not bought really, really, nice yarn for a while so it was a splurge just for me!


Friday Little Buddy and I got caught in the cool rain as I got him into the car at school.  We were soaked so we got home, got in our pj's and spent the rest of the day all cozy.  He thought is was funny to be in pajamas so early.  However, he did not think it was funny to have to finish science.  He informed me in a quite stern voice that there was no homework on Friday's, ever!  I would just love for him to understand that work needs to be done during school time so we would not have to do it at home.  Still we got it done and that is what is important.  He is currently learning the difference between flowering and non-flowering plants.   


And last but not least I can't finish a post without including these two.  Stay safe my friends.  Stay dry and warm, be happy if you have heat, clean water and electricity, we take them for granted until we don't have them anymore.  Have a great week.

31 comments:

Jo said...

I agree with Little Buddy, no homework on Fridays, ever! He'll soon learn to make sure everything's done so that he can start the weekend early and enjoy it without having things that need doing on his mind. That yarn looks scrumptious.

Caffeine Girl said...

LB! What a mix of naughtiness and charm! He is not alone in failing to use his school time well. I spent so much time doing "classwork" with students as homework. It is frustrating!

I had no idea Lion Brand (another LB) made such gorgeous yarn. Normally I'd be off to their web site to check it out for myself, but declutter and moving have suppressed (for now!) my impulse to buy anything!

It does feel good to get rid of stuff!

bittenbyknittin said...

Yes to knitting, no to pain! I too have problems with my hands, wrists, shoulders when knitting. I try to use straight needles when I can because I can practice what I call supported knitting - the righthand needle is vertical, supported by whatever I am sitting on (usually the couch) while the lefthand one is held horizontal. Maybe I'll do a blog post about that sometime. I'm impressed with what LB is learning at his grade level - you must have good schools!

Needles and Wool said...

It does feel like the weeks are flying by here in quarantine for me too. There are so many people suffering out there due to Covid and also the poor weather conditions last week. It is a difficult time of the year. The sun was shining today so that brought me some peace. It is amazing how the sun lifts the spirits. Lovely yarn and a sale is nice! cute photo of your dogs and of Buddy too! stay safe :)

Between Me and You said...

What have you done with LB? You've replaced him with an almost-teen!lol He is so adorable, as are those Diamond Dogs with those almost-human faces. I love the new yarn but don't go causing yourself harm. Rest your hands and wrists when and if the pain starts. Have a great week, Mer.xxx

Araignee said...

We are snug and warm but stuck in the house from all the ice that is still out there. We can't get up the driveway. The sidewalks are treacherous. Poor Pup slides down the yard when she has to go out. I am looking very forward to tomorrow's warmer temps and maybe some melting that has to be on the way.
That sweater looks like a dream as does that yarn. Knitting does use the hand muscles in an odd way. My right hand will go to sleep if I knit too long with tiny needles but only in the morning which drives me crazy because it is my only quiet knitting time while everyone is still asleep.

busybusybeejay said...

Great photo of the dogs.Love your yarn.Keep us posted on how it is going ( and growing).
Barbarax

Dee said...

How anyone in public life can think they can lie and get away with it these days is beyond me. Same with "hot mic" moments. They should realize by now, if you are in public life, NOTHING is private. I knew Ted Cruz was scum before and to throw his children under the bus???? Well, he has sunk even deeper.

LB may give you a run for your money some days (don't all kids??? I know mine did!), but he is so cute and growing up way too fast.

Love the furry boys too. Hope you have a good week.

We are supposed to get some more snow tomorrow, then .........warmer temps. Could it be that spring IS on the way????

Kim in Oregon said...

We all need a pajama day now and then.

Judy S. said...

Isn't it crazy how fast kids learn to push your buttons? LB is such a cutie, and it sounds like he can also be a challenge. He's lucky you're his patient, kind mom! Love your new yarn/project. My thumbs have been hurting lately so I've been using my sewing machine for something other than mending!

Delighted Hands said...

Wowza-you are knitting!!!! I couldn't believe it! It's funny, crochet takes a toll on my wrists but I can knit for hours! lol
The new sweater is going to be a beauty--
Good job with Lil Buddy--it is hard to stand in line and not 'bump' the kids by you for attention. I'm sure his point of view is very different from the teacher's!

Teresa Kasner said...

Hi Mere, ohhh.. the yarn is gorgeous in the skein but to see it in your knitting it's just spectacular! I hope it fits perfect and you wear it all the time. I also love silk. Yum yum.

Your little guy is such a character but I do see he minded you even when he didn't want to. Good mama.

Travis is home! We just got back from visiting him. I'm so relieved! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

That is some gorgeous yarn. My brain did not take to knitting when I tried to learn many years ago. Crochet and cross-stitch have started to cause great pain in my thumbs and wrists so I do often have to take breaks now. Little B definitely knows that weekends are for rest and play :) but adults have turned it into a time to catch up on what we think needs to be done. I'm sure he'll figure out that it would be a better use of his time to get things done at school rather than bringing it home. Truly is awful what's happened in TX with the winter storm. Even saw that OK had tons of burst pipes and flooding. Infrastructure needs a major upgrade and an eye to the future because these types of disasters are likely going to get worse. Those furboys always make me smile. Take care. Have a good week.

Betsy said...

Hi Mere, I'm like Cindy, I can knit forever but crochet causes my wrists to ache. I adore your new yarn. It is knitting up so beautifully. Love, Love it.
You are such a good Mom. You make things fun and yet make sure LB does what he needs to do. I wish I had been a better Mom. I think we get better as we age and learn what's important. Your two big boys trained you well for raising LB. You're doing wonderfully Mere!
Finally, those fur boys are someting else. They do like to pose for a photo don't they?
I hope you have a relatively calm week my friend.
Blessings and hugs,
Betsy

Grandmabeckyl.blogspot said...

I saw the sweater you are making. Reminds me of one I made years ago. But no buttons. Not sure what yarn I used. I like the color of your yarn and I'm sure it will look nice. I won't mind have merino wool sweater. Would have worn it for sure in the cold house we had for 9 days. Glad it's back on. LB is quite the character boy!! I am sure he wants things his way as all children do. Moms are more knowledgeable and loving on them and doing what's best in life. Have a good week! Don't worrry, bE HAPPY!!!

Christina said...

I am all for No Homework Friday... but sometimes things need to be finished. I find that with home learning, my youngest works with more concentration than he does at school and there is less catching up to do. The yarn is scrumptious, I look forward to seeing what you make. Such a shame that knitting is uncomfortable. Have you tried continental knitting? From videos I have watched, I can see it involves far less movement than knitting methods elswheer and maybe this would be a solution for your strained hand and arm muscles? I find it quite comfortable. Have a really lovely week x

linda said...

That yarn is fabulous such lovely colours and I like the pattern too. I too have problems when I knit and can only knit for short stretches of time I try to remember to do some hand exercises before I start and I think they really help. Have a good week.

JanL said...

Oh that ever loving homework on weekends. Our 7th grader will say 'got it all done at school' until sudden memory Sunday evening. Loved his explanation, "my short term memory is no goid"

Nance said...

That. Yarn! It is simply gorgeous. I had no idea Lion Brand made such a thing.

I knit the same way you do: my right ring finger curls, and no matter how many different methods I try, I always fall back to holding my needle that way. I cannot break the habit. Even just doing row upon row of simple garter as practice in another method cannot change me.

When I taught, I avoided weekend homework like the plague. I always told my students, "Only you can give yourself homework over the weekend." Alas, some frequently did. LB will never be alone in that, but of course, it impacts you as well.

barbara said...

I love reading your blog , especially about that cutie ( the dark haired one !) Tell him I love his hair .

Wanderingcatstudio said...

Oh that sweater is going to be amazing! That yarn is stunning! I have a soft spot for silk. Enjoy!

Janice Smith said...

Your little one is growing up! I love his hair in the first photo.
Good luck with that luscious yarn, it’s good to have a project or two or three going. :-()
Your fur boys would make great models!

KSD said...

LB is left-handed? MAJOR points from me.

I like Lion Brand (also LB!) yarn --- I've known knitters who look down their noses at it, but I think it's quite wonderful. Good luck with your sweater.

Babajeza said...

A box of yarn is such a treat. I wish you and little Buddy a relaxed week with a manageable amount of homework so it can be done before Friday. :-)

All the best!

Regula

Jeanie said...

Oh, be still my heart. That yarn is to die for! I cannot wait to see how it will evolve. You will adore it. I miss knitting (hand issues). Maybe I should try again just till they say stop. It is terribly relaxing.

Well done, Mom. PJs and all! And a slightly better week is better than same or worse, so take it when you can get it! Then thank the furnace and faucets!

kathy b said...

um, that sweater!!!! You will look perfect in it! it will fit. just ask the knit gods!! I;m not much for swatching and adjusting and mathing my knits. It is funny, because when I do crochet, mostly for edging or reinforcing mitt thumbs etc, I find it rhythmic!

Oh lil Buddy . He is so lucky he has YOU, laready mother of two men, for his momma! Does he have a subject he likes? Art? Science? I know at his age, I just did my homework as fast as I could. I wanted the endless workbooks and pages to be DONE. Im still very much that way. Even meditatiing. Lol. I think, is it overyet?

The pups are adorable. All I see is green , sunshine and adorondack chairs. Out my window: MORE SNOW. But there is a promise of a 40!

TheAwakenedSoul said...

That yarn looks absolutely luscious. What a sweet photo of Buddy. He is getting so handsome. Love seeing the dogs, too. I drove up to my cabin when the fires were really bad and when we lost power. It was such a relief to have somewhere, safe, warm, and with electricity. I am thankful for it every day.

karen said...

I love all your yarns so inspiring! He looks completely innocent to me :)

Crafty in the Med said...

That yarn looks gorgeous Mere,it has a glow to it. It so hard to keep the youngsters in line and not give way but loving is about caring as you so obviously know. It will all come right in the end and he'll thank you for being such a loving mother just like your older boys. keep well Amanda x

Neighborhood Watch said...

I made Harebell and it is my very favorite sweater ever. Every day at school I hear the same thing from my students, "But it's Friday Miss! No work on Fridays." Don't we all just wish this was true?

Sandy said...

Oh that yarn is indeed yummy! No wonder you treated yourself. And given the year plus we've all had, you deserve it. I so agree that running away to Cancun, lying about it 12 x over and one of those lies blaming it on your daughters is a low life thing to do.....and yes. That could indeed be another long post/rant. None of us has all the patience we need and this tough year hasn't helped. I think you do remarkably well with so much on your plate. Leaving you a ((HUG)). Hope you and yours are staying safe from this Covid and are able to get your shots soon, if you've not already been successful at doing so.