Hey Y'all!

It's 2012 now and I thought it was time to bring you up to date on what's been going on these past few months.

Fall semester was a challenge for me to get through.

The fun started two weeks into the term.  I went to Urgent Care on Labor Day, where they confirmed the painful lumps under my right arm were caused by a staph infection.  I was given a prescription to fight it, but that didn't work.  A week later, three of the bumps had gone away but two others had combined forces into a 'mega-bump.'

When I saw my PCP's NP, I was directed to go to the ER for an incision and drainage (I & D) of the lump. Gail was concerned that the staph could interfere with my dialysis graft, so she made me promise to go to the ER that day, but she also said it was okay if I went to my ASL class beforehand.  Unfortunately, Carol missed that part of my text, so she headed out to the ER.  Imagine my surprise when I was signing in at the ER desk to hear my name spoken behind me.  She'd been camping out for an hour waiting for me to get there.  It was awesome to have her there with me because my niece, Anna, was at Children's Hospital in Wilmington, DE, that night, so my mom couldn't make it down to Annapolis.  Anyway, Carol was with me through the whole thing; the sick-o likes watching medical procedures because she's an EMT.  I spent two days in the hospital on IV antibiotics and a culture confirmed that the infection was MRSA.  That's the 3rd time I've had it.  Consequently, I had to drop my Entrepreneurial Thinking course because the due dates couldn't be extended; part of the class is to compete in the Best of Business contest. I knew I needed to  have less stress in order to heal, so it was an easy choice to make.

Then October rolled around... I purchased a ticket to the Multiple Sclerosis Fantasy Ball over the summer, although the ball wasn't until Halloween weekend. On the way to the Ball, my cell phone rang.  It was Carol calling from West Virginia.  She and her brother were camping with their families when she fell coming out of her RV. She landed with her foot between the metal stair risers and snapped her leg and ankle. It was snowing heavily out there, otherwise I'd have

Waiting for the doors to open

just turned to head west.  I had a great time at the Ball, but was worried about Carol throughout.  The theme was "Goblins & Gears" which translated to Faeries & Steampunks.  Kasey and I were Fae trying to act Steampunk, but we got it a little bit wrong.  I was sparkly but had reading glasses rather than goggles. Kasey had a lace Elizabethan collar with her satyr horns and sparkly cape (that I made myself!).  

The Faery Queen & her faithful servant

Kasey was, of course, the belle of the ball.  I heard numerous compliments on how well-behaved she was and how friendly, too.  She was a hit with the children who were present, for sure.

And she won a door prize! ...which she gave to me since it was the "Pamper Yourself Bath Basket." Candles, hand-made soaps, fused glass soap dish & candle holder! She's a lucky little sod! She won a Grand Prize at the LYS opening in September, too.

The day after the Ball I started running a fever that lasted for five weeks.  Five tests later, there were no answers as to the cause and the fever just suddenly went away.  The doctors still don't know what was going on.  Unfortunately, the resultant "fever brain" meant I couldn't concentrate on school or anything else; my memory was non-existent.  When I talked to the doctor about it, there were at least six different times where I knew there was a specific word I wanted, but I couldn't think of it; I could only explain the definition or say "painkiller that starts with F" and she would have to start guessing until she got it for me.  I wanted to scream in frustration every time it happened! It also meant I couldn't remember ASL signs or how to finger-spell words...which meant I had to withdraw from ASL before I failed the class.  My remaining class of the semester was Introduction to Fine Arts, which I arranged to receive an Incomplete in; I have until February to finish the coursework.

Also in November, two pieces of my needlework were featured in the Textile as Art exhibit at Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts.  My work was in a gallery, y'all!  How freakin' cool is that?!  The pieces that were on exhibit were my counted tread book, A Stitcher's Companion, and Ocean Star, a needlepoint piece in which I changed the colors to suit my fancy (tagged as 2009 finishes). I also demonstrated needlepoint, stitching for the first time in over two years, during the First Sunday sale on November 6th.  I worked on another Nancy Buhl piece called Iris and Fans Quilt. This is the progress I made in the five days around the First Sunday demo. Of course, I haven't touched it since then.  Not because I didn't want to, but because my eyes were so strained I had to get prescription reading glasses after dealing with severe pain for two and a half weeks.  When an ophthalmologist tells you that OTC readers are good enough and that your eyes will "even out" please don't believe him. Eyes don't work that way, and I found that out from a friend who stepped in and asked me to come see her at her work, Lens Crafters.  Amazingly the pain that I was taking hydrocodone for immediately went away when I put on my new prescription readers.

To sum it up, Fall 2011 was just not my semester.  My friends, and even some of my professors, say that it's because I was doing so much: school, work study, Relay For Life, the Fantasy Ball, dialysis, and dealing with the health issues that arose.  And I hadn't had a break since before my cancer fight and resultant two surgeries during the Spring term.  Maybe they're right; I don't know.  But I'm trying to slow down.  Really!  Besides the two courses, I dropped all my extracurricular activities, including History Club.  I couldn't completely withdraw from school and I couldn't not work my work study job, although I did lose my eligibility when I withdrew from the second course.  I've been reinstated and begin work again on Tuesday, so that's been resolved. The one thing I was not willing to give up was my seat on the Planning Committee for the Arnold/Annapolis Relay for Life event. I figured it was only a once-per-month commitment, so I could handle that.

Dishcloth Angel

Acrylic Scrubbles

Speaking of Relay, I've raised $106 through the sale of my knitted items.  My team, Make Cancer History!, is selling dishcloth angels and acrylic scrubbles.  Angels are $7 each, with $6 going to Relay and $1 set aside to buy more yarn; scrubbies are $3 each or two for $5.  Because the yarn for the scrubbles was donated to us, we are not holding money back to buy more; there's more than we can knit this year!  If you're interested in participating in a Relay event, supporting Make Cancer History! by purchasing items, or helping us make them, please send me an email.  There are many color choices available for both angels and scrubbles.  To make a donation, join my team, or honor a friend or loved one who has/had cancer with Luminaria, please choose the appropriate link on my personal page. My goal is $2500.00 and I've already raised over $300.  In total, we've raised $197 just from the sales of angels and scrubbles, thanks to the volunteers who are knitting and crocheting away on them! 

Unfortunately no one in my family was on camera duty this Christmas, so no one took pictures.  My nieces and nephew loved their gifts.  I was particularly surprised how attached Caleb was to his belts; he wore both of them as bandoleers and used the iGun app on my iPod to "shoot" everyone in the house.  Within 20 minutes he was re-loading and switching guns all by himself.  Not bad for a 4-year-old.  He doesn't have any toy guns, so the virtual gun on the iPod is as close as he gets.  He'd completely forgotten about it by Wednesday when he and his mom, cousin, and sister came to visit me, in any case.  He was wearing his belt, though!

As for knitting, I ended 2011 with 44 knitting finishes.  They included:

6 pr. Felted Duffers (slippers) - 4 were gifts
7 dishcloths (assorted patterns)
16 dishcloth angels (Relay Fundraiser)
6 scrubbies (3 for Relay)
3 cowls
3 scarves
1 pr. wristlets
1 mini fascinator, felted
1 tunic-length cardigan

All in all, I'm happy to have 2011 behind me and I'm looking forward to 2012.  I hope you and yours have a happy, healthy, and safe 2012 as well!  ...and I will endeavor to update here more often.

Love,
Beth
with Kasey Kay

I think my crafting friends will appreciate this story:

When I found out about the First Sunday demonstrations, I had to find the thread pack, chart, and canvas for the project.  The canvas was easy; it was in my 5-drawer lateral file cabinet, where I keep "all" my needlepoint (NP) and cross stitch (XS) stash.  I say "all" because that's what I believed.  Until I tore apart every drawer of the file cabinet, going through hundreds of charts, looking for the one that went with the canvas that was already on stretcher bars.  Then I went through the sweater organizer that holds all my fabric.  Still no NP chart or thread pack.  The only NP charts I could find were the ones I'd already completed. So where were the rest of the charts I hadn't stitched but kitted up?  They weren't in the rolling craft tote in my closet; that was empty.  But no. My Stitch Bow binders with the full set of DMC were in it, so it wasn't empty. The two rolling craft totes beside the dining table were empty; no need to look there.  So back to the lateral files. I went through the three 12-inch-high stacks of charts again...Checked inside every file that looked like it was stash-related...Pulled out all the picture frames and assorted board games that were hiding out of sight within the drawers...Still no thread packs.  Then the two rolling craft totes caught my eye again and I decided to open them...You know where this is going, right? 

AAK!!  My stash multiplied!  Beads, XS kits, fabric, NP canvas, thread packs, charms, sequins...I thought they were empty! I thought one 1'x1'x3' drawer of nothing but charts, a sweater organizer of fabric, and some miscellaneous other hiding places was it.  I had no idea both the rolling craft totes--that I was planning to sell, mind you--were chock-full of even more stitching stash!

Spring Update

I know it has been a long time since my last post.  I'm sure you're shocked that I am posting  now, even.  Right?  I kept meaning to write a short something but events have conspired against me and other things took priority.

It's 3:24am EDT and I'm wide awake.  And I'm at Uncle Wes's house.  That's the real reason I need to write this post.  Those of you not connected to me via Facebook, Twitter, or Plurk don't know what's been going on recently. So here goes...

On Friday, February 4, 2011, I was diagnosed with a "probable melanoma" on the middle of my back.  I had a suspicious mole that started itching last fall and I finally dragged my ass to the dermatologist to have it checked out.  Two weeks later, on the 16th, the spot was removed and sent for biopsy.  It was cancerous.  

If you have any moles or freckles that have changed color, shape, or started itching, GET THEM CHECKED! NOW! Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer, yet it's the easiest to treat if caught early.  And if you don't have any suspicious spots, keep it that way by always using sunblock.  This stuff kills, so take it seriously.

I was referred to a surgical oncologist and we met on February 24.  He explained that the melanoma was just over the "safe" depth of 1mm, so biopsy of my lymph nodes was standard protocol.  A sentinel node biopsy was performed on Monday, March 21.  Radioactive dye was injected into the former melanoma site and then followed to the sentinel node.  Basically, I was told the surgeon would remove whichever lymph node set off his Geiger counter, so I had no idea where the incision was until I woke up.  Dr. G told me he'd have the biopsy results by Friday.  He doesn't expect to find anything and said the chances were slim, so I am keeping that in mind.

For those who are unfamiliar with the lymphatic system please click here for a brief description.

So it is this surgery that is the reason I'm at Uncle Wes's house.  The sentinel node, which is the lymph node to which fluid (and, theoretically, any cancer cells) from the area of the melanoma would have traveled, was under my left arm.  Since I can't drive myself to and from dialysis, Kasey and I are staying with Uncle Wes until the pain subsides.  

It's been a pretty rough month or so, but I've tried to keep my spirits up.  Until a couple weekends ago I had only knit two or three times since before Christmas.  School has been keeping me super-busy, so my knitting had to take a back seat to academics.  

As for school, Kasey and I are still enjoying ourselves and I'm enjoying my courses.  I took a two-week Winter semester class on Victorian England as Reflected Through the Stories of Sherlock Holmes.  It was a fun class where we had lectures on the society of the Victorian era, watched a Sherlock-based movie each night, and visited a re-creation of 221B Baker St. in a private home in Reading, Pennsylvania.  The professor belongs to a local Scion, which is a group who meet to discuss the books of Sherlock Holmes.  In fact, there is a CSI: Crime Scene Investigation episode in Season 5 about a Sherlockian scion.  It was an absolutely fascinating course.  I've talked the professor into teaching it in a 15-week format because so many people expressed interest in taking it; however, too many were either put off by the two-week time frame or had other obligations the first two weeks of the year.  I think it will do very well in the Fall.

For this Spring, I am taking Physical Geography and both US History I and US History II because none of the English classes I wanted were being offered.  I really like US1 even though I've never had to work so hard in a class in my entire college career.  I have already written three essays for the class and there is an essay question on every quiz, too.  But my writing background is serving me well and I've not received less than an A for any of my assignments.  Mid-term exams were last week and I studied for days prior.  I was completely wiped out and so frazzled I forgot two different appointments in the past couple weeks. My US2 class is on Wednesday evening, but I was too tired to go.  When I told Prof. L on the phone that I was too tired to come to class, he happily agreed to let me take the exam in the Testing Center the next day while I was on campus for Geography.  Geography has been a challenge for me, but last semester's Oceanography is helping alot.  Much of the information overlaps so Oceanography gave me a good head start on Geography.  I'm not a science person and need all the help I can get anyway.  

As I said before, I've not been doing alot of knitting.  I thought having two History courses would afford me more free time for leisure activities, but that is not the case this semester.  As a matter of fact, I have another essay to write before the end of Spring Break for US1 and a verbal presentation with a slide show to put together for US2.  Even though I'm taking painkillers I've been able to start my research on President Dwight Eisenhower. I must be a genuine history nerd because I'm enjoying the book I'm reading (Ike by Piers Brendon) for the project.  I still haven't decided whether I'm going to focus on his military service or his personal life and presidency.  He was an interesting figure.  I'll have a better idea after I finish reading this book, though.  I certainly have enough time for reading, considering I have to keep a pillow between my arm and torso to keep the pain from shooting across my body.  I'm certainly not going to be out and about, that's for sure.  

I've already got my summer classes planned, though.  Unlike last summer where I tried to knock out a lab science and became too ill to continue, this summer's classes are planned around my interests and health.  First, I'm taking Water Aerobics with my doctors' permission.  My resting heart rate is very high and I'm hoping this type of exercise will help me stay fit without my body rebelling.  I'm also taking a 7-week American Sign Language course.  Once that is complete I am taking a one-credit, two-week course on Instructional Strategies followed by another two-week session of Teaching the Adult Learner.  I'm not necessarily planning to teach, but I have classes with many adults and think the added perspective will help me be a better student.  Additionally, an English and History major is bound to end up teaching at some point.  This will give me a foundation for that as well.  I'll have a total of six credits for the Summer term, which will earn some additional financial aid money.

For now, I think I ought to call it a night.  I hope you and your family are well.  Maybe by the next post I'll have completed one of my knitting WIPs so I can show you some pictures.  And if you're having warm weather, would you please send some to Maryland?  Pretty please?? Mother Nature didn't seem to get the message that Spring has sprung.

Welcome Back!

Welcome back to Crossed Purposes.  Not only to my readers, but also to me. Since I've been gone so long, I'm going to write shortly about lots of different things.  I will be writing on a more regular basis, though, as I have a De-Stress assignment for one of my classes and I've chosen to write as my new de-stressing activity.  Blogging has the added bonus of getting back in touch with you, my neglected readers.

College
I can't believe summer is unofficially over. I started my third semester of college courses this past Monday.  Unlike the Spring semester, where I masochistically took College Algebra and English Composition & Literature at the same time, the Fall semester will have a much slower pace.  Women's Health Issues and US Women's History are both courses with minimal homework and fun class time.  Oceanography will take more studying and homework time, but it's a physical science course that I need to get my Associates degree.

Chet's Protege
As those who read my previous post know, Chet passed away on June 19. I still miss him, but he remains with me in the most important way. Kasey and I went to visit a fun pet boutique in West Annapolis shortly after Chet died, only to find Woofs & Whiskers was closing its doors to allow the owner to pursue other opportunities.  Everything was 60% off and I picked up this little guy.

I've named him Beetle-Bug, after You-Know-Who, and he sits on the bookcase in my bedroom keeping watch over me and Kasey. He's a Webkinz, but I haven't bothered to go to the website to register him.  I always think of my Chetter-Bug when I see Beetle; he makes me smile. 

 Ravelry & Knitting
To my cross-stitch and needlepoint friends, no, I have not picked up my needles since last October.  Or, rather, I have a new type of needles! I learned to knit on December 30th of last year and have been going gangbusters with my new yarn addiction.  The County Fair is two weeks away and I've been knitting up a storm.  I finished two small projects this weekend and have a shawl on my knitting needles.

< If you knit or crochet and don't know about Ravelry.com, you need to go there! I'm warning you, though: It's ADDICTIVE.  I take no responsibility if you stop playing FarmVille or Mafia Wars and hang out on Ravelry all day. There are thousands of free patterns, discussion forums, and groups that cover every topic (Proof: I belong to Grammar Nerds, NCIS, Golden Lovers, and Child-Free by Choice, just to name a few).  All of my knitting projects are listed there, with project details and pictures.  It's a very helpful tool for tracking my stash and noting what I like/don't like about patterns and yarns.

This is what I've been up to with my new needles:

 These are my first two knitting projects, scarves for Anna & Caleb

I used the leftover yarn from my 4th project, a shrug, to make this hat. It's my 2nd project that has cables.


This cute little bowl was a quick knit. I started it Friday night and finished it in a few hours. I only made it, though, because there's a Felted Basket category at the County Fair.


This is my silk shrug. A friend wrote an easy pattern for me to make a warm shrug from some gorgeous yarn I purchased. The wool/bamboo blend is very warm, so this version, done in silk was supposed to be my warm-weather shrug. Who knew an open weave done with silk would be just as warm as the wool blend? I still love wearing it, although it's now put away until Fair entry drop-off. I don't want anything happening to it between now and then.


My youngest brother, Ben, is modeling my Basket Whip Cowl and making faces at me. Anna and Bre saw this and now they both want one. I have to find the right pink yarn for Anna's. Bre is a bit easier; I have her favorite colors in my stash already.


I'm entering my Summer Shawl in the Child's Shawl category only because it turned out smaller than I'd hoped. I later found out that it has a tighter weave because I twisted the purled stitches. It gives the fabric a very pleasing texture, but doesn't stretch as much. It's made with sock-weight yarn, so maybe that's a good thing.


The Lucy Bag was my 3rd knitting project. This was the reason I wanted to learn to knit in the first place. Several ladies in the knitting groups I stitched with had these bags and I wanted one. After knitting it, the bag is washed in hot water to felt the wool. I'm also in the process of making a felted backpack.


I can't wait to see Grandma's face when she gets this scarf. The yarn it's made from, Penthouse Spun Silk by Neighborhood Fiber Co. is my favorite yarn. See? My fiber addiction hasn't changed much. I'm still a sucker for hand-dyed silk! The scarf is about 6' long and the close-up shows the stitch definition.


This last picture is my Cinderella Cotton Slipper. I call it that because it has thwarted all my efforts to knit a mate for it. I have tried about 8 times and end up with too many stitches on my needles every time. I don't know why I'm having such difficulty when the first one was so easy, but I will get back to it at some point.



Life in General
Kasey and I are adapting to apartment life. Believe it or not, we're still not settled in 100%. I'm contemplating another rearrangement of the living room furniture.  Most importantly, though, Uncle Wes & Mom put the house on the market this week.  It saddens me that property taxes are forcing the sale of a home that's been in our family for over 60 years. Nana & PopPop paid $1,250 for 2 acres on the water in 1946, when only "river rats" lived on the water. Today, now that every yuppie in Anne Arundel County wants waterfront property, its assessed value is $1.6 million, but it is on the market for $685,000.  Talk about over-inflation!  Sooner or later, I have to get the rest of my belongings out of the house. Right now, though, I have nowhere to put them. I'm still looking for an affordable storage unit in the area.

Oh, yes, Kasey Kay.  You all want to hear what my Punkin' Head has been up to, don't you?   Well, on May 1st she proved what an awesome Golden girl she is by earning her AKC Canine Good Citizen title on her first try! She's now, officially, "Kasey Kay, CGC."

She still only gets groomed by Mike at the Muddy Paw Wash (Bark 'n Bean). We go the first week of every month, since she's out and about with me all the time.  I have to call ahead to make sure he'll be there because Kasey misbehaves for everyone else.  Don't believe me?  Well, she sits down at every opportunity, turns around when they don't want her to, and spooks at the drier.  She's not bad, but it's very irritating.  She's hilarious when Mike grooms her, though.  She stands like a pro and stays on the grooming table to be dried, but, if he walks away for a split second or doesn't pet her enough while she's being dried, she barks at him!  She's a demanding little wench, I tell ya!

It's time for bed here, as tomorrow is an early day. Not only do I have to be at dialysis before my usual time, but I have another appointment in the morning.

Sweet dreams & I'll be writing again soon.

My Last Final

Is this evening!!!!

I did get a continuance for my computer class, because I fell so far behind in that one, but I have until mid-February to finish it. I'm hoping to have it done before Spring semester starts on January 20th, though.

I just started packing last Friday, but started feeling bad on Saturday and lost 5 days of packing time. It's only 8 days until I sign the lease! My brothers, and hopefully some of my friends as well, will be here on the 20th to help me move.

I still plan to provide food and beverages for all those who help. My brothers requested Yingling beer, but I'm hiding that until after they're finished. My mama didn't raise no dummy! :-)

Unfortunately, my new building has a strict No Pets policy, which forced me to find homes for both of my Himalayans.

I am pretty sure I found a home for Piper Kitty. A very nice lady, who was referred to me by a stitcher friend in Denmark, just happens to live about an hour away, would like to meet Pip, so we're arranging to meet after Christmas. Miss R already has two elderly Siamese, so Pippy can be their long-haired long-lost sister. Crossing my fingers, anyway.

Chet is going to live in Pennsylvania with my brother, Ian. I was heartbroken thinking about Bug not living with me anymore so Ee said he would take Chet. I feel much better knowing that he's staying in the family. I honestly was not willing to give him away. I'd actually planned on sneaking him in my apartment if I had to.

I haven't even thought of picking up a needle in months. I packed all my stash first, because it's what I use the least. Coming from a stitcher, doesn't that sound awful? It's the truth, though. A few of my knitting buddies have joked aobut teaching me to knit because it's easier to pull out and work on for a minute or two.

Alot of you probably don't know this about me, but in middle and high school, I loved Wood Shop class. I even worked after school on extra projects. In 8th grade, when I switched counties, I was told the project I chose to do was "too advanced." I got an A on it. The shop teacher happened to be a chauvanistic pig. He also didn't know about my previous shop class, which was much more advanced than his.

I told you about that because of these. They're Harmony knitting needles. Many of my friends use them, and I love that each age circle is a different color. I keep saying I'm going to buy a set of the circular ones (the ones connected by the cable) and hang them as decorations. Aren't they pieces of art?

Anyway, it's time for me to try to get some sleep. I went to bed last night and unfortunately woke up at 2:30. I started packing at 4am and still haven't been back to sleep. If I'm going to be awake enough to study and do well on my exam, I've gotta get some shut-eye.

I will have no email from Dec 18-22 unless I go to a wi-fi hotspot. If you email me during that time, I will try to get back to you as soon as possible.

Happy November! I'm Moving!!

I know it's Tuesday and I'm supposed to be studying algebra, but I have some awesome news! Late last year, I applied for an apartment in a very nice building on the other side of the Severn River from where I currently live. This afternoon, I received a phone call asking me if I wanted a ground floor apartment that will be available in mid-December. I said yes!

I didn't jump right in and accept right away, but sat down with my checkbook, looked over my bills, and ran some numbers to make sure I could afford it. I also talked to the assistant manager of the building and will qualify for several programs that will help out.

I won't be driving any more or any less, really, because I'll be closer to school but farther from dialysis. Basically, instead of being 3 miles from dialysis and 7 miles from school, I'll be 5-7 miles from dialysis and 2 miles from school. I'm so excited! I really can't concentrate on math right now, so I'm just going to work on Intro to Computers instead. I'll save Thursday for my replacement Algebra study day.

That's basically my Tuesday every week: Algebra Study Day. It's going well, too. My class average is still over 100% because of extra credit points earned on the tests.

We're already in Week 11 of the fall semester, so there's just one month to go until finals. Wow, it has flown by!

On the stitching front, there's really nothing to show or tell. I haven't touched a needle since the first weekend of October. I have been completely focused on school, and I don't necessarily think that's a bad thing.

Until the next time, take care and be safe out there!

Hugs,
Beth

School is going...

GREAT! AWESOME! Better than I ever expected!

Mid-term exams are already done. It doesn't seem like the semester is 9 weeks old already. At the mid-point of both classes, I have a 4.0 GPA. Because of 100+% test grades in Algebra, my grade for the class is 102.1%.

Kasey is enjoying campus life and all the attention that she is receiving. Other than a run-in with an AA County police officer in the bookstore on the first day of the semester, we have had no issues with anyone regarding Kasey accompanying me wherever I go.

Today, October 20, the Spring Term tentative class schedule is supposed to be posted online. I'm hoping the classes I want to take are being offered. If not, it throws off my semester plan because they're prerequisites for classes I hope to take next summer and fall.

In case you're wondering, I've done very little stitching since the beginning of the semester. I have been making very slow progress on Blue Bayou by Northern Pine Designs. It is the second design in the Ebb Tide series. I will try to post pictures later. Right now I don't have my "stitching" computer up and running; I'm posting this from my "school" computer.

I have to cut this short in order to get to work on this week's Algebra assignments. I'm getting a late start today because I had to study for the third Unit Test and then go to the Campus Testing Center to take it. I didn't get home until almost 7pm.

Put in some stitches for me!

Hugs,
Beth

August 11, 2009 - Starting to feel better

I know I haven't posted for a few days and I apologize for that. I'm trying to keep Facebook and/or Twitter updated (Twitter updates automatically go in the sidebar of this blog) so you know what's going on. Sometimes I don't feel up to writing a blog posts, but writing 140 characters for a Twitter update only takes a few seconds.

It's been a rough few days, with ups and downs, but I think I'm on the mend. Unfortunately, I have another surgery the day after tomorrow and I expect to feel like crap for a day or so afterwards. That one is to replace the stents that hold my ureters and kidneys open through all the desmoid tumors (not cancerous!) in my abdomen. They've been in for a little over a year so it's important to get them switched out before they calcify closed and cause more problems. This is the surgery I've had somewhere around 70 times, so I know what to expect. From experience, I also know I have to take it easy for the weekend. If I do something silly like go walking around a store or something the pain will be unbearable. Instead, I usually stay home, watch movies, sleep as the mood strikes, and read when I feel up to it.

I meet with my vascular surgeon next week to discuss the next placement of another dialysis graft. I think I'm going to be throwing a problem into the mix when I tell them they're not touching my left arm, but that's their problem and not mine. I am left-handed and had major problems with neuropathy last year when they did the second graft, as those of you who have known me that long may remember. My arm was numb for more than six weeks following surgery. I can NOT have that happen to my writing hand just as classes start so I will not agree to any surgery on my left arm.

Today is the first day I've been without painkillers for 24 hours. I think the last time I took any was right before I went to sleep on Sunday. This, I can deal with. My incisions still pain me, but not enough to require chemical intervention.

I wasn't able to go to Border's stitching group last night because I was too exhausted, but I might venture out tonight to stitch with Carol. I'm thinking about starting another quilt square because they're so easy to work on and don't require as much concentration as cross stitch. I can't decide which is calling the loudest: Amish Trip Around the World, Evening Star, Iris & Fans, Emerald & Amethyst, or Diamond Mosaic. I don't have all the threads for Evening star and Diamond Mosaic because they're on special order, but the other three are kitted up and ready to go!

The only problem is that I don't have any canvas on stretcher bars, and I sorta need two hands to do that. I was thinking of going to the college and checking at the art department to see if someone would be willing to take my canvas for me. I'm sure they have the tools to do it. Otherwise, Carol and I might have a go at that tonight. I'll let you know what I decide.

For now, I'm going to go take more pictures of the tree the contractor is cutting down by the driveway. It's sorta neat watching them drop it in pieces. Hopefully see you soon!

Hugs,
Beth

June 10-13, 2009

Wednesday
Not much happened. Kasey and I returned home from Mom's, I went to the library to get more books to read, and to dialysis for my treatment in the afternoon. I went straight to the grocery store after dialysis to meet up with Sarah and the kids so we could do our shopping together. Caleb and Anna both wanted to know why Kasey wasn't with me, but there was no time to pick her up. I came home to watch television and read email after getting all the groceries put away.

Thursday
After playing another addictive FaceBook game all night, I slept until 2:00pm so it was too late to go to stitching group. Instead, I picked up Anna and took her to the library branch in Hillsmere. Anna thought it was great that the library is straight down the street from her house. She was very excited to visit a different library than the one we usually frequent. I took her back home after about an hour and then helped Sarah do more cleaning at the apartment. We also rearranged Anna's room. I cooked dinner for everyone while Sarah took her friend home. I returned home around 9pm, totally exhausted. It was a good exhausted, as I really need to start getting out and doing more things to get my strength back.

Friday
Ugh! I did not feel well! I went to dialysis anyway but only did a 90-minute treatment. My stomach was really acting up and I couldn't last any longer than that. I came home and left my computer off, trying to force myself to stitch.

It worked! I stitched on Lavenderblue Celtic Knot Quilt and almost completed the twisty bands that have taken so much time. I can't wait until they're done and I can start on all the fill-in.

Saturday
Once again I woke up not feeling great. It wasn't anything I could put my finger on, just an overall tiredness and discomfort. I really wanted to go to Pennsylvania to The Mannings' Spinning Seminar to see all the demonstrations that were being put on today. The weather didn't look like it was going to cooperate, anyway, so it's just as well I stayed home.

I also didn't go to Quiet Waters Park for World Wide Knit in Public Day. All I felt like doing was sitting in my recliner so I did more work on LCKQ. Those pesky twisted bands are done! Now I have to do the fill-in and complete two more bands around the entire piece. I love the look of it. I still haven't figured out what I'm going to do with it when it's complete, though. I think it will eventually get framed and hung on the wall.

June 4-6, 2009

I'd love to be able to tell you that I've been stitching up a storm, but that hasn't been the case. In actuality, I've been sleeping like it's going out of style.

The only day I've stitched was Thursday at Barnes & Noble. I didn't do that much stitching there, either. Everyone said I looked tired; I certainly felt it! Since I'm on the most difficult part of my Lavenderblue Celtic Knot Quilt, I couldn't concentrate on the design. Instead of stitching, I ordered a pannini and chatted with the ladies. This is the little bit of progress from Thursday.

Just to prove my schedule has been severly off kilter, I woke up at 6am on Friday. I couldn't fall asleep again so decided to go out for breakfast. I don't usually eat breakfast but my sister and I were discussing crab omelettes this week. I have been craving one ever since she mentioned it. After two bites of my omelette at Regina's Restaurant I felt sick. I had the waitress box my meal and returned home to go straight to bed once again.

I read my book for a few hours and at some point fell asleep. I woke up at 2:40pm only to realize I was supposed to be at dialysis at 2:30. Late again! I didn't take my stitching with me because I have been too tired to devote any concentration to LCKQ. I tried sleeping but that didn't work either, so I read my book instead. Even if I'd taken my stitching I wouldn't have been able to work on it. My graft was still very sore from Monday when I scraped the inside of it by moving my arm too much.

Guess what I did when I got home after dialysis? Yep! Back to bed again! I finished the second book in the Christina Dodd trilogy and moved on to the final installment. At 9pm I finally got out of bed to play online at FaceBook and read some email.

I woke up at 4pm on Saturday after going to sleep at 11am. I know! I know! I was up wayyy too late! Those games on FaceBook are addicting, though! Farm Town, My Farm, Christmas Crunch, Bejeweled Blitz....just to name a few. They're a complete waste of time but I can't stay away!

I went next door for Sam's graduation party. The neighbors invited Uncle Wes and I to come over and it was a nice evening of chatting with some of our other neighbors. The only time we see them besides while driving by is at neighborhood gatherings. Jenny is a caterer and the food was excellent! I overindulged on Miss Betty's potato salad, but it was SOO good! Now I know her secret and will be attempting to make my own.

I came home at 8:00pm and soaked in the tub to relax. Then trouble hit. I drained the tub to wash my hair under the shower and almost lost consciousness. This wasn't the first time it had happened but now I know it's the combination of standing with my head tilted back and the water running over my face. I pushed myself to wash and condition my hair with several close calls. I had to lower my head below my knees more than once to stop the blurry vision. I went right back to bed and fell asleep until 10:30pm.

So now you see why I don't have more stitching to show you. I am hoping this coming week goes much better as I work towards returning to MY regular schedule.

New Photos!

To save time, I've uploaded all the pictures I've taken this month into Webshots Albums. If you would like to read the picture captions, just click on the link below the slideshow to go to the album.

Anna & Caleb (including the night Caleb stripped in the grocery store checkout line), May 5 & 7
Anna & Caleb

Retreat Stash Pictures (I did not buy all the charts! They were already in my stash)
Retreat Stash

May Daily Stitching Progress
May Daily Progress

Aunt Lisa's Wedding, May 24, 2009
Aunt Lisa & Chris’s Wedding

Catching Up...Again

Yes, I know it's been a week and a half since I last posted an update. Go ahead, lash me with the wet floss.

It's still crazily busy for me and I leave for my retreat next Thursday! Where has the time gone?

Here's what I've been up to:

Saturday, April 11 I completed Patriotic Hearts & Sampler Stitches by Sekas & Co. just as the clock was going to strike midnight-and I mean JUST! I had alot of fun with this piece; it was a joy to stitch. I think what made it so easy was that there was only ever one strand to work with, so I didn't have to be concerned about railroading my stitches or being careful that the floss strands were parallel to one another. Also, as you know, I love embroidery stitches! They're just fun!

Notice, I did not call them "specialty stitches" because there's nothing special about them. I'm always disheartened when I hear someone say they love a design but won't buy it because "it has specialty stitches." They're easy, folks! You stitch them the same way you stitch anything else: up at A, down at B, etc! There may be more steps than in making an X, but the method is the same. So if you see a design that screams "buy me!" to you, don't be discouraged when you see it has other stitches in it. Two of my favorite reference books for other stitches are "The Cross Stitcher's Bible" and Donna Kooler's "Encyclopedia of Needlework." There are also websites with animated stitch diagrams. I'll try to find a link later and post it on my sidebar here.

Speaking of the sidebar, I've been contemplating some changes. Tell me what you think. I have been considering creating three new sections:

Stitching Freebies, Stitching Tutorials & Reference, and Favorite Designers. Are these things you'd like to see? Just leave a comment.

When Uncle Wes brought the mail up today, there was a big box addressed to me. I was shocked to open it and find this beautiful knitted prayer shawl and a Bible from Wawanna. I opened this while watching The Ten Commandments. How timely was that?

I've never felt yarn so soft. It's Lion Brand Homespun and is washable and dryable according to Knitter Carol. The color is perfect! The yellow that runs through it gives it more depth of color with all the purples, blues, and greens that are throughout the entire piece. Thank you Wawanna! It's Gorgeous! I will treasure both of these forever!

Sunday, April 12 I began America by Little House Needleworks. Since this is the "Year of the Sampler" I thought it was high time I dragged out one of the many samplers I have kitted up. As usual, I made some changes. For once, I'm using the recommended fabric, 16ct Natural Heatherfield, but I changed all of the fibers. I'm sure I've stated before that I think stitching with DMC is boring. I like the variations in colors and the visual depth stitching with over-dyes gives to a piece. So I'm using GAST, Weeks, and one Crescent Colours floss for this design.

Even with my limited supply of overdyes, I was able to find close matches to the suggested DMC colors. My conversions are:

DMC 221, Shell Pink, VY DK - GAST Cranberry
DMC 420, Hazel Nut Brown, DK - WDW Pecan
DMC 644, Beige Grey, MD - GAST Oatmeal
DMC 712, Cream - GAST Picket Fence
DMC 924, Grey Green,VY DK - WDW Twilight for the bird & CC Wavy Navy for the flag
DMC 926, Grey Green, MD - WDW Teal Frost
DMC 935, Avocado Green, DK - WDW Juniper
DMC 3021, Brown Grey, VY DK - WDW Swamp Water
DMC 3782, Mocha Brown, LT - GAST Shaker White
DMC 3790, Beige Grey, UL DK - WDW Graphite

My progress picture, taken Tuesday, features my assistant, Anna, holding America.

Sunday was also Easter. I went to my aunt & uncle's for a family dinner. Grandma was there and we had a nice time catching up. I showed everyone my unfinished-finished stitching projects as my portfolio was still in the truck.

We all went out and played Mr Dwight's (my Aunt's Dad) Hillbilly Horseshoes game. We spent over an hour outside and played two games. Well, I played in one and was a spectator for one. Everyone but Grandma came outside for the fun. She was tired and took a nap while it was quiet inside.

The ladies also ooh'ed and aah'ed over the prayer shawl Wawanna knitted for me. Grandma told me to tell Wawanna she loves it and that it's perfect for me.

Monday, April 13 I went in for my dialysis treatment at 10:30 so that I could get home before dark, pack, load the truck, and head to Mom's. I met Ricco and he is a wonderful addition to the family. His personality is alot like Kasey's in that he loves everyone and is very tolerant of the little ones. He's 13 so is a little deaf and you can see the cataracts starting to grow in his eyes, but he's still active. Oh, and he's in love with Ms. Kasey Kay!

He followed her everywhere for the first hour. They were running around so much that Ben put Jake outside for his own protection. The poor guy got trampled by Frick & Frack. We finally put Kasey & Ricco outside so they could run around. When Mom arrived home from work, the first thing she said is that we're going to have scheduled play dates because Kasey and Ricco were having so much fun. I couldn't believe Kasey was actually playing with him, because she's usually very reserved around other dogs. It was great to see her so carefree with another dog!

Mom and I spent the evening playing Skip-Bo while I did laundry. We sat at the table talking and playing cards til midnight.

Tuesday, April 14, Kasey woke me up around 11am. Sarah and Anna were downstairs in Mom's room so that Kasey wouldn't hear them. Sarah was working on a paper for school and Anna was watching Nick Jr. She was so excited to see Kasey come downstairs with me. We spent the day doing laundry (Sarah's turn this time), playing, and even did a little stitching. I forgot to take a picture after we were done, so enjoy the video Ben was able to take. It features Anna and I stitching while Kasey and Ricco make an appearance at the end.

Sarah went to pick up Caleb from daycare and then came back. They left around 5:00 to go home, eat, and get baths. Sarah said she was making crab dip and I told her she wasn't allowed to hog all the crabby goodness to herself, so she better bring it over to Mom's. They came back around 7:30 with the crab dip and we all sat around the table eating it. Caleb tried to be sneaky and just suck the dip off the bagel chips, but Aunt Beth caught him and was able to get him to take bites of the chips. He really enjoyed it.

Here are Anna and Caleb in my slippers and Dad's slip-ons, respectively. Aren't they just too cute?! Caleb is 25 months and Anna will be 4 at the end of August. They thought it was just hilarious to walk around in grown-ups' shoes. The picture was taken right before they left, which is the reason they're wearing jackets.

Wednesday, April 15 was tax day for most of you but luckily I don't have to file since I only had SSDI last year. I was home barely in time to drop Kasey off at the house and get to dialysis by 2:30. It was a rainy, dreary day and took longer than usual to make the 82-mile trip home from Mom's. Unlike the previous Friday, I wasn't able to stitch during my treatment. I accidentally left my reading glasses in my overnight bag out in the truck so I watched television to pass the time. Don't ask me what it was because I can't remember now.

Thursday, April 16 was the usual gathering of needleworkers at the Barnes & Noble Cafe. Kasey and I stayed with Alice and Pam until 5pm. We had a great time. I have found that I really enjoy the turkey chipotle panini they serve. It makes two whole meals for me! No, it hasn't replaced the Wawa Italian sub in my heart, but it's a nice change every once in a while. I didn't get alot done on America, but it's coming along. This picture shows my progress from both Tuesday and Thursday. I completely forgot to take a picture before I started stitching Thursday.

I didn't do any stitching at home Thursday night because I went to the Online Needlework Show and browsed all the vendors. It took me alot less time this year, so it certainly felt like there were less vendors. The last three shows, it's taken me two to three days to get through all the pages. Anyone else notice the same thing?

Friday, April 17 was just a regular dialysis day. I didn't do any stitching, but caught up on all the shows my DVR recorded while I was gone.

Saturday, April 18 was gorgeous outside! It was 80 degrees, finally! I couldn't stand sitting inside, so I tried going out in the yard to sit and stitch in my lounger. That didn't last long once I started copiously sweating. UGH!

I set up the card table on the front porch, opened the sliding glass door to let the breeze blow in off the water, and Uncle Wes carried my lounger in from the yard for me. It was wonderful out there, and nicer than sitting in the full sunlight. Kasey and Chet came out to sprawl on the cool concrete and enjoy the fresh air with me. As you can see, I was distracted by the sunshine and warm breeze, so I didn't do much stitching.

Sunday, April 19 was my stitching day! I didn't turn on the computer at all. It's just too much of a distraction from stitching. The results speak for themselves, don't they? This is the kind of progress I used to make...before I discovered online stitching groups! My email time definitely takes away from stitching. I felt much better seeing all I accomplished on Sunday.

I kept stitching right along into Monday morning and was able to complete the entire front of the house. Then I began working on the roof before going to sleep.

Tuesday, April 21 was the Heirloom Stitchers meeting. There were four of us this month, including a new member! Deb first joined us in March and came back again this month. I completed the roof of the house Tuesday, but forgot to take a picture before I began stitching on Wednesday. So the chimneys and the flower stem weren't done at the meeting.

Don't Worry!

I'm still around, but I was out of town most of this week. I'm tired out and about 1,000 emails behind in my Yahoo groups. Please be patient with me.

We're supposed to have gorgeous weather tomorrow so don't expect me to be inside on the computer! I'm hoping to get my zero-gravity lounge chair (why are they called that?) out of the basement and sit in the yard with my book. Kasey thought the weather today was great and she sunbathed in the middle of the yard for about an hour before I left for dialysis.

I'll get you all caught up on the goings-on, such as they were, soon! It might cloud up Sunday, so maybe then, put no promises!

I've only stitched two days this week so there's not alot of stitching updates, but my brother took a video of my youngest niece, Anna, stitching with me. I'll post that when I get around to my update.

For now, I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend, whatever you decide to do!

Hugs,
Beth

April 7-8, 2009

I won't bore you with the lack of details, so just suffice it to say I've done no stitching in the last two days. I also haven't beaten my Mah Jong high score, either. I've tried really hard, though!

Dialysis has been going good lately, so no news there. What can I say? It's been pretty boring around here.

Kasey made Uncle Wes take her for three walks today since it was his day off and she didn't feel like going for a walk on Monday or Tuesday. It is so funny because she will just get up from where ever she was sleeping and stumble (and I mean that literally) down the basement steps. She walks into his den and starts doing her dance. If he ignores her, she starts barking at him. And if he takes too long, she starts moaning, which is more like a yawn and a moan combined; it's loud! That's her I'm-ready-to-go-and-you're-holding-me-up moan. She does the same thing to me when I tell her "let's go." That's her que that she's going to work.

As for her stumbling down the steps, I really don't know what to tell you. She also stumbles going UP steps. I think it has to do with our basement steps being painted, because she isn't that graceless when we're at Mom's. She doesn't fall down the entire staircase, but she does slip and slide down the last few. We've learned not to interrupt her on her way up or down. I love my girl, but it's almost as if she can't think about anything else when she's on a staircase. If she tries to, that's when she gets in trouble. Yanno, she was blonde when she was a baby! lol

I guess it's apparent who runs this house, huh? She's so cute about it, though! She doesn't ask for much and she is an absolute delight to be around. She's happy as long as she is around people, preferably me. Everyone that has watched her for me (Mom & Uncle Wes included) tells me that she is much calmer when she has me close by. That goes both ways, though, so I don't mind at all!

I will have a stitching update tomorrow! It's Thursday, so Kasey and I will be going to Barnes & Noble for the afternoon stitching group. I also have a stitching group on Friday night at Borders. Everyone wanted to have an extra day and I never pass up an opportunity to get out and stitch.

I will be missing Monday night's stitching group at Border's because I'm heading to Mom's with Kasey right after dialysis. We're staying up there with her and her new dog, Ricco, and Jake. Dad will be in Texas on business and Mom likes having company when he's away.

This is a pic of Mom's new boy, Ricco. He is a 13-year-old Spitz/Golden Retriever mix. His owners could no longer keep him because they are busy with work and a new baby. They contacted the local Golden Retriever rescue group about giving Ricco to them, but he didn't have enough Golden in him to qualify. The intake coordinator did, however, get them in touch with Mom and they brought Ricco to her over the weekend. Since he wasn't actually IN rescue, she didn't have to pay the adoption fee. Luckily Ricco and Mom's old guy, Jake, are getting along, so it looks like Ricco is there to stay. I love happy endings!

I just wanted to pop in and post a quick update so no one worries about me. I'm doing good, but just haven't been in a stitching mood. Nothing monumental has happened, so I didn't think I had much to write about. I guess that's what I get for thinking!

I Haven't Forgotten!

Yes, I know...I've been gone for a week with no explaination. I apologize. What can I say? When it hurts to look at the computer screen you don't look at the computer screen. That's right...this time it was my eyes that were bothering me. I had an eye exam today and now have reading glasses that I can also use to work on the computer. So far, so good; no pain around my eyes!

I'm working on a catch-up post, but I'm having trouble with the pictures. Every time I try to edit a picture, EasyShare stops working. Since it's already 3am and I have errands to run before the Barnes & Noble stitching group at 1pm, I have to get some sleep. Hopefully by this evening I'll be able to get all my pictures loaded and edited so that I can share them with you.

I'm working on FINISH-FINISHING A Stitcher's Companion by Enchanting Lair! I completed all the stitching early Monday morning and have been working on making it into a book since then.

I'm Still Here

I haven't forgotten about my faithful readers! I'm working on a catch-up post for the last week and a half, so please hang in there. I still have sutures in my arm and they affect my ability to type for long periods of time. I'm having to take breaks and that is slowing down my progress.

I've been very tired lately. I had my yearly dr visit on Tuesday and everything seems to be okay. We talked about my eczema being an allergy and I'm trying Xyzal. If that helps clear up my hands, she wants me to start using the OTC Claritin. I'm taking the Xyzal at night in case it causes drowsiness. Since I'm hyper-sensitive to Benadryl (documented cases of me falling asleep while walking) and these new allergy drugs are similar, she wants me to be extra careful.

I will get that update posted but it may not be until Monday. I have plans for this weekend although I'd prefer to stay home in my pj's.

Take care & be safe!

Hugs,
Beth

October 20, 2008

As you can see, I worked on the dreaded fill-in of very light yellow. I had my entire dialysis treatment and all evening once I returned home. Maybe it won't take forever...

October 19, 2008

Today was a full day of stitching. I took time out to prepare a pork loin for dinner but the remainder of my day was devoted to Baby Kasey. She's coming right along!

October 18, 2008

This morning was the EGA's Columbia group meeting. I arrived just before 10am and found the room we were supposed to be in. I was told that there was not the usual attendance today; it was very light according to the ladies at my table. One of the ladies from ANG was also at this meeting. She showed us some beautiful finishes Thursday night and brought them today as well.

I took Deftly Wrought with me because an EGA member had given me an idea. I just needed a second opinion. I've mentioned before, but I just can't stitch on DW. It sucks the stitching juices right out of me. If it were a choice between stitching on DW and not stitching at all, I'd be watching movies all day. That's just how bad it is.

The President's Challenge in EGA this year is to re-use, re-purpose, or re-cycle things already in your stash. My thought on DW was to cut out the mini-samplers stitched over-one. I showed the chart and my progress to the ladies at my table to get their opinions. The concensus seems to be to rip out the red border (my main problem is all the red; I HATE THE COLOR RED) and stitch it in another color found in the design. I'm not too excited about that because there isn't another color that really appeals to me, but I'm thinking the blue of the lady's dress will probably suit my purpose. I still have to finish the row of flowers and the verse, but I think I can handle looking at this piece better with the red border removed. Only time will tell...

I worked on Golden Puppy at the meeting and once I returned home. This weekend is for relaxing. I have no other place I need to be and nothing that has to be done. It's stitching for me!

October 17, 2008

Here's more of Baby Kasey's ear and paw done. I'm finding this a little less tedious than filling in all that very light yellow.

October 12, 2008

First of all, I have to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my brother Ian. I love you, Bud!

Okay, on to stitching...Finish #40!! Take Time to Stitch Too by Jeannette Douglas Designs is completed! I put the snail charm on at 8:17pm.

I had to figure out how to stitch my initials and the year on my own because there was no alphabet included. I didn't find on on Jeannette's website, either. It took a little doing, but I got the B and the 8 to look okay.

Over all, I really enjoyed stitching this piece. I had some frustration with symbols before I found Jeannette's correction page. I think, for now on, I'm going to check the designer's website before I start stitching a chart to see if there are corrections. It would have saved me alot of squinted eyes looking at the color photograph trying to figure out which color was used for the symbol that wasn't in the key. I love all the specialty stitches Jeannette used. Completing this project makes me even more anxious to start the My Stitching Album.

Once TTTST was completed, I went back to Baby Kasey (Golden Puppy). Here is today's progress on her.