Friday, February 26, 2021

Preparing for a loooong weekend.........

                

I am preparing myself for a very long weekend.  Wish it was because we had an extra day off but no it is because one special boy I know had his Botox shots today.  They help reduce his muscle tone to improve the wear and tear on his joints and help with his gait.  He was so brave.  He did amazing, but now we will be dealing with all the affects of the medication he takes so that they are not so painful.  It will be a long weekend full of crying and easily frustrated episodes.  It is worth it to make this procedure a bit easier on him but still I think I will be needing a lot more patience than I currently have to deal with him.

 My Harebell cardigan continues to grow at a very slow rate.  Knitting really works that way.  You can knit row after row and it seems to not grow at all.  Still I am loving this pattern even though my count is a bit off.  I am loving the feel of this yarn in my hands even though silk fuzz lands on everything and I am loving the simple act of knitting again.  I have to wear my finger splint and a compression wrist support while I knit but I am loving it.  


The colors of this Lion Brand silk yarn are just scrumptious.  I can't seem to get a good photo of just how gorgeous this yarn is.  And to those of you that did not think Lion Brand made this type of yarn they do, this and many other really nice yarns that you can find on their website.  They have many sales so if you see something you like keep an eye out for a sale.



Yarns that were not for sale but were purchased anyway this week are the two above.  I had a week my friends, a really stressful and hard week.  Some of it with Little Buddy and school work, some with my patients.  One very vengeful doctor reported neglect on one of the medical foster mothers I work with.  This horrible accusation, which is completely untrue I might add as I am there all the time, has resulted in this darling but very involved baby being taken from the only home she has known.  This mother has been in medical foster care for over 20 years, she is amazing.  But she kept asking this doctor for a referral for neurology, at my request and also at the request of the other therapists, and when she would not give it after several months of asking this mom took her child to another pediatrician.  For that she was reported for neglect.  But she got that referral from her new doctor, and the neurologist saw this baby last week and has requested many tests to see what is really going on with her.  Still this case continues with no good outcome as of yet, and it is heartbreaking.  I drove up to see the baby today, it is pretty far from my house but I needed to make sure she was okay and answer questions for this new family.  She is fine but with two weeks of no therapy she is not progressing and her postural asymmetries are getting worse, it is weighing on me.  

So when I got the chance to stop by the yarn store I jumped on it.  I knew that yesterday I would have a big gap in my schedule as one of my families has now tested positive for Covid.  I was there the day before the mom had symptoms.  She was not near me at all and the little boy I was with has tested negative so far.  Still I had a mask on and sanitized so I am keeping my fingers crossed I am fine and have not spread it everywhere.  The yarn store beckoned me for a visit to purchase some yarn to relive my stress.  I have not been there in there in about a year.  It was bliss, there were only two people in the store browsing for yarn, everyone had a mask on, and I tried to keep touching to a minimum but that is hard when you want to feel the texture of yarn.  Still a yarn store is pure bliss to me. I bought enough yarn of each color above to knit a sweater, another Harebell in the colorful yarn that will be light weight for Florida temperatures and a shorter cardigan with the grey modern cotton.  


I went for another walk with my wee little patient this week.  It was so beautiful out and we enjoyed a gorgeous day outside.  To our surprise we saw this pelican swimming in the lake/pond.  Their house is close to the gulf in St. Pete but still not on the coast.  It is odd to see a pelican this far away from the shore.  It took off as we were watching and flew around the lake two times and then flew off.  It was quite a fun thing to see.



Bear has another sting or something on his paw.  He is now wearing the cone because he simply can't stop licking it.  This gets him in trouble all the time.  As my vet says some dogs are just lickers and will lick their paw off if they can.  I actually have medication that says, "for excessive paw licking," on the label.  Hank does not look very pleased his brother is in a cone.

This weekend I hope to relax and knit.  I really need some downtime.  I feel like this past week has really drained the life out of me.  But keep in mind I know we are all okay, we have power, water, food, no big ice storms, no major appliance disasters, no flooding and frankly nothing to really complain about.  Still I am tired.  I am trying to find things to be grateful for and humor when I can.  And that includes a very funny comment from Anonymous on my last post. Aren't they always from Anonymous?  It made me laugh out loud but I didn't post it because it wasn't accurate.  But Anonymous, if you are reading this post thank you again for the laugh and the unbelievable ridiculousness of what you said, you are apparently live in a dream world lacking facts! Insurrection, five dead, enough said.

And to make you laugh Little Buddy told me this the other day. "These tacos are the most delightful tacos I have ever seen.  I am giving you five stars!"

Have a good weekend my friends and stay safe.   

34 comments:

Lorrie said...

I am glad you have those moments of laughter in the midst of hard and challenging days. I will think of you this weekend as you deal with the after effects of your sweet boy's treatment. The yarns are beautiful! Wish I knit.

Betsy said...

Oh Mere, I'm sorry you have had such a daunting week again. The story about your little patient being removed from her home makes me so angry and reminded me again of why I stopped being a CASA. The foster system is SO messed up. I will be praying for that sweet little baby and the foster mother who must be missing her. What an awful vengeful act by that doctor.
I'm sorry that LB will have an off weekend but so happy the Botox injections help him. I know from experience that they are not pleasant injections. At least you know in advance and can prepare as best you can. I'm grasping at straws, I know, but I'm trying to find a little light for you.
Finally, that yarn is all beautiful and the sweater you're knitting, well, I'm wordless. I really love the fabric that you're making with the yarn.
Take care my dear Mere and I'll be praying for you to "keep calm and carry on."
Blessings,
Betsy

Jo said...

What a rave review, I must try your tacos sometime! I hope the weekend pans out better than you expect, it must be so difficult for Little Buddy to have these injections when he knows the pain they'll cause, and so difficult for you having to deal with it. I'm sorry to hear that the little girl has been taken away from the home she knows, that's so sad. I hope there is a good outcome for the baby and the foster mother in time.

mamasmercantile said...

Little Buddy manages it every time (to make me smile), his cute face and his taco comment are just what I needed. So sorry to read about his shots and the pain they incur hope the weekend goes well.

Fiona said...

It sounds like you deserved that visit to the yarn store. Your knitting is looking great. I’m so sorry to hear about that poor foster child, some people seem to enjoy being vindictive and cruel and that Dr shouldn’t be allowed to practice if they can’t behave in a professional manner. Unfortunately the child and foster mum are the one being punished, life doesn’t seem fair sometimes. I hope you can relax and enjoy your weekend and that little Buddy isn’t feeling too bad. Take care.

CJ said...

The taco comment made me laugh too, well done indeed! I hope things aren't too difficult for lovely Little Buddy this weekend, he is a brave little man. It sounds like a hard week for you, so sad and also infuriating that the baby was moved after false allegations. I hope you find a little time for knitting this weekend. I am going at it all full throttle with work to be done and plans for gardening, going to the garden centre, supermarket and doing some baking. Oh, and I'd like to write a blog post. This is my moment of calm with my breakfast before I hit the ground running. I wonder if you will be invited for a vaccination soon, being as you work with children and visit lots of families. Anyway, I hope you stay safe, it sounds as if you are taking all the right precautions. I hope you have a good weekend, despite Little Buddy dealing with the medication. Hugs, CJ xx

linda said...

I love the colours in that sweater they remind me of the ankle socks I made the colours are similar and you deserved that lovely new Yarn Meredith it must be so stressful for you, the story of that little one breaks my heart, I hope everything works out for her. Well done to little buddy for getting his Botox I hope he's ok this weekend you deserve a break to sit and enjoy your knitting I'm sorry to hear about the pain in your hands but I know what it's like I have the same problem but short knitting sessions with lots of coffee breaks between is the way to go. I hope you have a peaceful weekend and a better week. xx

Vera said...

LOL over 5 stars on your tacos!! I hope Little Buddy is doing ok this weekend and not making it too rough a time for you. Beautiful knitting!!

Janice Smith said...

I hope the after effects of the treatment are not too difficult this weekend.
I’m glad you treated yourself to luscious yarn; you deserve it!
Stay safe and sane and enjoy your knitting.

Nance said...

Wow! A Five Star review. It doesn't get much better than that. LOL.

I give your yarn purchases Five Stars, too.

I'm sorry for your difficult week. When you work in a people job, the chances of those weeks increases. It's inevitable, but still sad. I'm glad that you still found your humour.

Anonymous said...

OMG Mere.
so much to take in reading this. and yet You lived through it.
the vengeful doctor playing God just gave me chills. his ego would rather damage that family than help the baby? can't say more without raising my BP to stroke level. and if it affects Me that way I can't imagine how You must feel.
you climb such huge mountains... full of cliffs and quagmires. I don't see how you do it all.
and Little Buddy! bless him. how courageous he is.
and he has his mom's Heart! the tacos comment is priceless!
as is your knitting! and the COLORS! oh my!
and to see little Bear in his collar... and sweet Hank. you've just covered it all for us. in this one post. when you're exhausted! thank you.
and take care of YOU dear heart. you are loved. xo

Ellen D. said...

You don't need to justify your yarn purchase to us - we know how hard you work and how much you give of yourself to others! Hope Little Buddy feels well and you get some time to knit!

Between Me and You said...

You really do work very hard, Meredith. I'm glad that you can find some 'me' time with your knitting and best of all, you can produce 5 star tacos!!Hope Little B doesn't suffer from too many after-effects of the meds. Have a peaceful weekend, Mer. xxx

Caffeine Girl said...

LB can make up for all the tantrums and little-boy naughtiness with a couple sentences!
I hope his weekend is easier than expected so you can get some rest. I got tired just reading about your week. You know, you don't always have to above and beyond! It's OK to take care of yourself.
Knitting is slow, but it adds up! The colors in your sweater do look scrumptious.
If I had a yarn store to go to, I would! I miss petting the yarn and basking in the colors. Good for you for treating yourself.

bittenbyknittin said...

You know, Little Buddy isn't so little these days. He's looking like a pre-pre-teen. You'll have to come up with a new nickname soon!

My Clio had to wear a cone recently, as she kept licking a sore on her leg. The vet recommended I spray it with Grannick's Bitter Apple (available at pet stores). The bitter taste deters licking. It worked with Clio, so no more cone. Another suggestion from the vet was putting a child-sized long sleeved tee shirt on the dog, to cover the area. That didn't work as well, as the sleeve would ride up. Good luck with your licker!

Eileen in Fla. said...

Fair warning: I'm about to get mushie. I put my husband through college working as a secretary in the Special Ed. dept of a prominent College of Education. Every chance I got I would observe Therapists through the 1-way mirror. I was so impressed as a young person that when I passed them in the halls, I would move aside to let them pass out of respect. One incident I especially remember was a defiant child bending the finger of the Therapist backwards. I know it must have hurt, but she did not flinch because that would have hurt the child's self-esteem and progress. Teachers are gifts to us all. Sometimes I think Teachers are what's keeping civilization going. I am disgusted that our Governor will not authorize the Vaccine for teachers....all because he does not like their Union. I wish you could get some help or respite care with all your responsibilities. Stay safe and well.

Dee said...

Tacos CAN be quite delightful!!!

Hope your next week is much more calm and that Little Buddy is feeling better soon.

Araignee said...

What a week you had! Wow....I hope you get some nice yarn therapy time. You sure deserve it. I had to get the cone of shame out for Pup today. She's a licker too and she's already starting and it's not even spring yet.

Teresa Kasner said...

I hope your little guy is coping with his medication okay. Your Harebell cardigan is going to be spectacular, the colors in that yarn really speak to me. The silk is so luscious. I'm glad you treated yourself to yarn as truly, life is short and why deny yourself? What your boy said about tacos tickled my funny bone. I hope your weekend is stress free and full of knitting. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

Delighted Hands said...

I hope you had a 5 star day! lol

Babajeza said...

Good luck! I'm sending you some extra portion of relaxation and patience. May it help. The cardigan is turning out lovely.

xxx Regula

handmade by amalia said...

So proud of LB, the most darling little boy! I must say, I'm loving your cardigan, such gorgeous yarn!
Amalia
xo

Jo said...

Well even if life is really stressful (and I totally believe it is four you) at least you are knocking out some decent tacos and a superb cardigan!

kathy b said...

Oh Mere. First I will say prayers for Lil B and his botox side effects .
The baby taken from the foster is so gut wrenching to me. Having fostered newborns when I was , 11, I helped my mom with those babies so much. We totally bonded. Even when they were going to great homes and got adopted , the change for ME was hard. The babies know on some level. But love is love and infants take it wherever they demand it! But a toddler or older, that's so scarring and horrific. I don't have to tell you. Im so so sorry that your encountering this right now.

I am over the moon that you got yourself yarn. And I will try the less expensive brands because I trust you.


We are still under many inches of snow. But it is shrinking. I got to see the moon come up last night and it was 40 out at sunset and I was ready to swim!!! You know how it is in Wisconsin!

HI TO LIL BUDDY~~

TheAwakenedSoul said...

It's been a challenging week, here, too. I'm so sorry about the fraud. That's disgusting. I have had to confront some corruption recently, too. It seems to be getting very common. (sigh) I love Buddy's review of your tacos. He always makes me giggle. What a sweetie...

Toni said...

I hope your long weekend was truly relaxing. This year has been emotionally exhausting. Sending you lots of virtual hugs!!!

Joy@aVintageGreen said...

Meredith, love seeing Little Buddy - hope his pain lessens as the day/s pass and his Taco 5 star taco award he gave gave you a lift too. Love the pictures of your wonder dogs are doing, hope the foot heals. You need all of your new delicious yarn.
Hugs and Love
Joy

Christina said...

Oh that poor wee baby, and also the foster mother. I don't understand how some people can be so very vengeful. This paediatricians owes everybody a big apology. I hope this situation can be resolved quickly.

Five stars, eh? I have not been awarded more than 3 stars in months.

Your jumper is absolutely divine, I love the colours so much, I am very tempted to check if this yarn is available in the UK. Visiting a yarn store is such a delight. Our yarn shops are closed at the moment but when I can visit, I will. Hand sanitiser upon entering, then squishing yarn, and more sanitiser on the way out. You can't possibly visit a yarn store without touching! It is the best part about yarn shops.

Wishing you a much better week. I hope the weekend wasn't to difficult for LB. xx

karen said...

I haven't been in a yarn shop in over a year, sigh. There are none near me at all since the last one went out of business a few years ago. Sad. I'm sure you have all the patience you need with your son after his Botox shots...what an ordeal for him and for you :)

Jeanie said...

I don't know which photo I love most -- the two dog photos, Buddy or that luscious yarn. The sweater is coming along well and I love the colors. And the new blue Berocco -- yum! You deserve that yarn after the week you have had. I hope the little girl gets the helps she needs and that the neurologist and whomever else has some say will get her back to her very caring mother soon. I find it unconscionable that a doc would do that simply because a mother went to another doc with her child.

Cannot wait to see the sweaters evolve. And I'm glad you took care of you!

Melanie said...

I'm sorry you had such a hard week. I hope this week is much better! You are so strong and brave for the work you do AND you are such an amazing mom. Love Little Buddy's comment about your tacos. What a cutie.

A lot of times dogs lick their paws because of food allergies. Another common reason is boredom or anxiety. My female cat actually chews her fur and skin (to the point where her fur is gone!) due to allergies and anxiety.

I couldn't help but notice your pretty kitchen behind Hank. Love your cabinets!

xoxo

Crafty in the Med said...

Poor little one so sad she has to leave her foster Mum! I really think that is rather spiteful of the doctor he isn't taking into account the little ones well-being at all. Do hope you and little Buddy are coping and the pain of the treatment goes soon. He has a marvellous Mother :-) Love Little Buddy's last Taco's remark. Stay safe Amanda x

Judy S. said...

Hope this week has been a great improvement on the last one! But you did find some pretty yarn. Give LB and extra big hug from WA!

KSD said...

I am deeply sorry this has been a trying week for you. Holding you in my thoughts. . .

You are surrounded by wonderful faces, though, aren't you? Hank and Bear bring the word "doofus" to mind, in the absolute best sense.