Wednesday, May 2, 2018

A little of this and a little of that...

Good Morning everyone!  I "think" spring has finally sprung in our neck of the woods.  I woke up  to this yesterday morning, although it was downright chilly, in the 40's.
 The flowering pear didn't seem to know that it was still cold.  Today is supposed to be 70F and I'm really looking forward to that.  I just snapped all of these pictures of the outside and it's beautiful out.  Spring is definitely my favorite season.
 Sorry the garage door is open.  I just got home from some errands and forgot to close it before taking this photo.   Chloe loves to be outside with me and never leaves the yard without us.  Even if Dennis is mowing in the backyard, she'll lay in the grass in front like an antelope and just watch people, (and dogs), walk by.  She's SO good.
 The first batch of rhubarb is almost ready to pull.
 The leaves are getting huge!
 Another view of the backyard.  Everything is so green at this time of year.
 The patio and back deck.  I love the yellow paint we chose for the house.  To me, it's a happy color.  I get so tired of earthtones all of the time.  A bright house is a happy house!  Ha! Ha!
 And there in the distance is Mt. Spokane, still with it's cap of snow.  I took this from the deck. 
I have done some knitting this week but not much progress seems to be happening because it's all on little needles.  First of all I finished this pair of socks made with Patton's Kroy socks in the Blue Rag colorway.  (I think it's Blue Rag, I threw the label away.)  I used the Hermione's Everyday pattern for these.  I really like this pattern.  It's easily memorized and stay up well.  And they're for me!  I got to use my new sock blockers that Sherri gave me.
 I also finished another nine patch cozy memory square.  These take a really long time, although they may not look like it.  Especially the border.  I think that cream border takes longer to knit than the nine little squares.  I have another block started on my new Knit Pro Zings.
 And, of course, another pair of socks begun.  This time I'm using the "Petty Harbour" pattern that is free on Ravelry.  I am really liking these Zings and wish I had gotten them years ago.
I also have an order of sock yarn from Knit Picks on the way that is supposed to be arriving today.  I need to get started on Christmas sock knitting.  Yes, I know that's a dreaded word, but when you make things you have to start really early. 

We spent Friday night at the lake.  Friday was 82F  and gorgeous.  Saturday was 44F and pouring rain.  What a big change overnight. We stayed until about 4:00 p.m. and then decided to come home and get a few things done.

It was a gorgeous day.  You can see Larry there in the corner.  He got quite sunburned.  We kept telling him to move but he didn't think it was that bright out.  He's having laproscopic surgery on his knee tomorrow from a fall he took on their last cruise. 
Last picture is one of my precious Piper.  Mandy sent it too me yesterday.  She's a yard fairy.  So sweet and she does resemble one doesn't she?  Love the wings. :-)
My friends, I'm tired of doctors, etc.  I've been going to the chiropractor on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.  The acupuncturist on Tuesday and Thursday and also having massages on my back twice a week.  There is absolutely no change.  I still can't stand for more than a very few minutes or sit in a straight chair for any length of time without the spasms starting again.  I don't know how long I'm supposed to do all of this before admitting it's not working.  I'm going to give it a couple of more weeks I guess and then make a decision.  Aside from the obvious cost of all of these visits, it's really inconvenient too.  I have to drive clear across town to the chiropractor.

And tomorrow I get to have a follow-up ultrasound and mammogram because they found some lumps during my annual check up six months ago.  I'm sure it's nothing, but they are painful, because of course, it's on the side with my pacemaker! 

It's always something isn't it?  But spring is here and I'm really excited about that.  I need to find some new projects to work on.  Make some mittens, blankets and hats for charity, but I'm kind of in a knitting slump.  Choosing projects  that are comfortable and portable, like the squares and socks.  Do any of you get in a knit/crochet slump where you're just not excited about anything in particular?

The cable guy is supposed to be here in a little while because our internet has been acting up lately.  It's always when I'm in a hurry to look something up and then it doesn't work.  Isn't that the way it always is?  Compared to many, I have no reason to complain and yet I do.  My back hurts.  The internet doesn't work.  It's hot.  It's cold.  I'm hungry!  It's cloudy.  It's sunny.  Gosh, I'm spoiled aren't I?  I think many of us are.  We want things when we want them and don't want to be inconvenienced.  I'm really trying to be better about not complaining.  I give you, my friends, updates once a week on my "stuff" but otherwise try not to say much about it because really, who wants to be around someone who whines all of the time?

I hope you're all enjoying some sunshine and flowers.  It seems to have been a long, long winter for most of us.  I'll be back soon and I'm trying to keep up with all of  your blogs too.

"Come to me, all you who are burdened and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

"Your Word is a lamp unto my feet, a light on my path." Psalm 119:105

Blessings Always,
Betsy

18 comments:

  1. Your house looks very cheery and your flowering pear is so pretty. I also like spring out of all the seasons, not to hot but the garden is waking up.
    I can imagine you’re getting quite despondent with your back issues, it’s understandable. I really hope you have some sort of improvement soon, and good luck with your ultrasound and mammogram, not the nicest thing to have done but a necessity.

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  2. I'm so sorry you are dealing with all that back pain. There's nothing more painful at times. I can't see a chiropractor because of having RA. But then I saw one for a while before I was diagnosed and didn't see much help. I'll be thinking of you for your next mammogram. I have one scheduled in June, my first after my pacemaker. Spring is here, I think. I certainly hope so.
    Hugs
    Sharon

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  3. Despite the flux in temperatures, I think Spring has finally arrived. It's been dreary and rainy the last three days, but the moisture is welcome. Still no blooms (other than a few tulips) but warmer days will bring them soon. I hope you can get some relief from your back pain after all that you've tried. Love your socks and the blanket square(s).

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  4. Betsy I will be praying for you. I do get into a crochet slump. Currently I can't figure out what to make. Maybe I will make an afghan.
    Take care!

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  5. You are so often in my thoughts. Tomorrow, special prayers, for a clean report on your mammogram!
    I'm so sorry to hear that you are still having so much trouble with your back. No fun at all!!!
    xo Kris

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  6. I'm so glad your Spring has arrived way up there in the frozen north.. :-) Next time you go by Maryhill you need to take the time to go over for a visit. You'd love the Indian artifacts and the other art too. Do they think you'll need back surgery? I know I would be afraid of it but it sure did help Dayle. Those finished socks are really pretty, I like the stripes and colors. I hope you come back this way for a visit one of these days, we miss you! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

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  7. Spring has really sprung for you! What a view you have. I am jealous.

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  8. Isn't it ALWAYS when you are not feeling your best, EVERYTHING acts up and doesn't work right. Hope your back is feeling better soon.

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  9. First ((hugs)), I think you need a big one right about now. Second, I have you in my prayers. You are going through so much right now, you have every right to express your feelings, and if you don't tell us, then how are we to say extra prayers for you sweet friend? Your blog is yours, write what you want to write. :) I have been in a big knitting slump, too. I have totally switched to cross stitching with a little filet crochet/doily making on the side. Do what makes your heart happy sweet friend. Your house is lovely. I love the yellow color. I am with you on getting tired of the Earthy tones, it's everywhere. I am bright and happy girl, and I like that in my colors, too. Wishing you a day filled with much joy sweet friend....and praying for you, always. :)

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  10. A prayer for your back and your breasts!!!!!! Spring helps a bit! Keep working those needles, there is therapy in there. Your blocks are lovely. Your socks are too. hugs hugs hugs and peace

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  11. Oh, sweet friend! I am so sorry you are still hurting...it just hurts me to hear that! May the dear Lord soon send you relief from your pain. I think of the lady in the Bible who had spent all she had on doctors, and nothing helped her, she only grew worse. But, then ONE touch of the hem of His garment, and she was made perfectly whole! If only our dear Lord would reach down and lay His healing hands upon you, your pain would be gone in an instant and forever! I pray for you faithfully and trust God to heal you. Yes, little Miss Piper looks just like a beautiful, little yard fairy. So precious! Sending hugs and much love to you today. :)

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  12. You are amongst friends so whining occasionally is perfectly acceptable. You are in my prayers and hope for some relief soon. I started my Christmas list earlier in the week and have made a start ordering fabrics/yarns that I need. Like you I want to make an early start. A joy to see Miss Piper in her fairy finery.

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  13. I never have success with Rhubarb and I so want to grow it. Will have to give it another go. Our winter has been so long, but it may have arrived now.

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  14. It's spring here, too, and boy is there lots to do in our yard! Hope your back gets better soon; Pilates sure helped mine. I love your socks; Petty Harbour is a fun pattern, too. Enjoy the sunshine!

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  15. I am so sorry that you back is still giving you so much pain. I can sympathize with you having to go to the doctor or treatments all the time. My husband says going to the doctors is our social life! I am glad you had a little bit of loveliness at the lake. Nancy

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  16. I am so sorry that all you are doing for your back is not working my friend. I wish I had some answers for you on that subject but I fear you are doing exactly what I would suggest. I am glad Spring has made its way to you Betsy, that will always make things look brighter.

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  17. It's nice to have spring weather finally here and there too! Nice sox and squares. I looked to see what I have on my knitting needles...slippers I've not worked on for awhile. Arg! Need to work on them and another project to sew. Always too much to do and not enuf time at home to do it. A hour here and there can help, right? Continued prayers for your back and health. Hugs!

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  18. Well Betsy this my third attempt at writing this ..sound one was looong details and it froze lost and shut down first one wouldn’t work because Safari doesn’t like blogger so have to come on to chrome.
    Re treatment we are all different, unique. Chiropractic treatment did not work for me. You will hav et I find what is your solution. I don’t know if osteopaths ar win US but my friend swears by them and she was unable to walk without stick and now at 67 is back doing strenuous bushwalking.
    She knows LORD as you do dear sis, so let us pray you can find your treatment. I pray you can.
    LOVE: Piper, your socks and your finely detailed memory squares they really are heirloom quality.
    Praying know I wrote much more but brain dead now!! 😊
    Hugs and may prayers for God’s right solution for you... in His mercy and great grace.
    Shaz in Oz.x

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