Neck & Chest Protector

Finishing a project--it brings that sigh of pleasure and maybe a bit of pride.  And this one brought not only the satisfaction of completion and accomplishment, it brought with it a sense of relief.  Perhaps that's a unwise confession to make.  But since I started this project last year, I was concerned that it would be forgotten about for another couple of years before I finished it.  

• For me, every project has several stages:
• 
  
• The excitement of beginning.  It's fresh, and if it's a new pattern, it's an adventure;
• Measuring...and checking progress;
• Encountering the new technique, trying to figure it out;
• Consulting YouTube.com for teaching videos for help;
• Conquering the new skill, then continuing it; 
• Ignoring it for a while...I've gotten bored, finding it tedious
• Rekindled interest...curious to see what it looks like finished, hating unfinished projects;
• Persevering, until the excitement of only an inch to go..
• Finally, finishing.  

After I got home from work, today, The Maverick and I were watching television whilst eating lunch.  I felt like just sitting for a while, and became interested in a programme.  That's when I decided that I was going to finish this chest protecter/dickie.  I'd been "knitting at it"--a few rows two or three days a week since I got home.  With only two inches left to knit on the neck, it demanded finishing.

These items were pretty popular in the 1930's and 1940's, instead of scarfs.  They fit nicely under a dress coat and looked smart.  

A couple of years ago a friend of mine came back from a visit to Eastern Europe wearing something similiar.  So, I became interested in making one.  Internet surfing took me to http://cs.oswego.edu/~ebozak/knit/troop-knitting/bernat/dickey.html

Once I had the front and back knitted, I stalled when I read the instructions, "Weave shoulder stitches together."  What did that mean?  And what's more, how did one do it?  First port of call was at www.youtube.com.  According to the videos, weaving knit stitches together can be done with a techique called the Kitchener Stitch.  I watched the video through a couple of times before I actually sat down and attempted doing it--which turned out to actually be easier than I expected.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gq2U0w2UHuM&feature=related

Once I had connected the shoulder, I picked up the neck stitches and used a set of double-pointed needles to knit the turtleneck.  

I think I may try knitting another one--but with larger needles and perhaps with a fancy stitch to be prettier.  But before that, I think I want to knit a little girl's sweater, or two.  It's by special request.  However, before I start another knitting project, it's time to get re-acquainted with my Singer.  

Serving Jesus, Author of our faith,

"Lady Helene"

Too many antibiotics I think...

        Four days into the month of June and I’ve only just turned the calendar page today.  Soon it will be the 21^st, which is the longest day in the northern hemisphere and the shortest day in the southern hemisphere.  The only thing shorter than a day in December (NH), is my list of accomplishments.  I wish I could find the key to energizing myself, have lots of disciple and focus. 

        Since starting my job as the Parish Administrator, I have been walking more.  And one usually finds this beneficial, gaining muscle tone, strength and stamina.  However, it doesn’t seem to have affected me in this way.  The 15 minute walk is still a struggle, and I have to push myself along, plodding each step of the way.  I was beginning to think this tiredness is because I’ve become so overweight. 

        In previous years when I’ve been overweight, I would get to the point that I just couldn’t stand it and would find ways to increase my fitness levels.  Now, it seems no matter how hard I try, there is no progress.  Yet, the doctors don’t seem to know why I’m fatigued.

        Last month I had to go onto antibiotics because of a kidney infection—the second one in two-and-a-half months.  I hadn’t even finished that prescription when I started a different antibiotic for an inner-ear infection. 

        I love merry-go-round rides; but not when it’s happening inside my head.  So I went to the doctor telling him of my dizziness and balance problems.  A little exam, and hello—inner ear infection!  Suddenly the head-aches, ringing in my ears, and light-headedness all made sense. 

        So, maybe it’s the prolonged use of different antibiotics creating this energy deficient which is impeding my progress. 

        In the midst of the frustration, there are many blessings.  I am truly enjoying my job as the parish administrator.  It’s a pleasure and joy to serve the clergy, the public and the church.  I’m slowly learning the details of the job and how to approach them. 

        I recently was asked to re-format the weekly news sheet.  I wasn’t sure how much changing was needed at first.  But as I prayed about it and studied it, I realized that the information for the service was in three different places.  So it made sense to move it all onto the back page.  The weekly diary went inside, as well as posting of upcoming events, informational boxes and contact information.  The contact information went from the back page to the front page.  The first edition of the changed format was about 75% better.  The feed back from several people let me know what changes were liked and what changes needed tweaking.  Hence, the contacts went onto the front page, and a couple of other minor shifts and there you have it! http://langleymarish.com/parish_files/news%20current.pdf

Chest Protector/Dickey

        The week of 23^rd May, My Midnight Man and I spent four hours a day sitting with a friend’s 90-year-old mother.  This was a pleasant task—primarily keeping Mrs. P. Company, making tea and assisting her in other little ways.  What made this task difficult was that it was a 20 minute walk one way.  I didn’t realize until Thursday evening that I was fighting an inner-ear infection.  However, God was really good to me.  On Thursday afternoon my Son-in-law showed up just as I was about to leave.  He gave me a lift.  And he also provided a lift on Friday.  I was also able to get quite a bit of knitting done, which pleased me a great deal; another Christmas gift half-way done. www.cs.oswego.edu/~ebozak/knit/troop-knitting/bernat/dickey.html

At certain moments I did feel as though I’d taken on too much—between my job and being a companion.  But my motives were based on love.  First, I thought of my Mom—and since I couldn’t help my Mom it was a pleasure to look after someone else’s Mum.  Secondly, I know that if you plant a seed, you will reap a harvest.  I was planting a seed by helping Mrs. P, believing that God would see my heart and actions and send help to my Mom and Sister.  Thirdly, having helped provide respite breaks for my sister, I know the true value a break can mean to care-givers.  We knew how much our friend needed a break, so it was satisfying to my soul to know that being part of the team to look after Mrs. P was a true help.  My Midnight Man and I know that our help was appreciated, and we were delighted we could be of service. 

I suppose, all things considered, perhaps I’m being a bit unnecessarily critical of myself.  I haven’t accepted that right now I am hampered by life’s many complications.  After all, 1Thessalonians 5:17 says: “In everything give thanks for this is the will of Christ Jesus concerning you.”  I suppose it’s time I went and “preached myself happy.”

Thanks for reading...Lady Helene

       

2010 Sept 21--Updates

To the left is a photo of Kidderminster Park, Langley;  My Midnight Man and I live across the street from it.  Because we are on the first floor and have a balcony, we have a wonderful view of this park.  It can actually hold up to 6 football pitches. This photo was taken in 2007, whilst the football crazy British played in the rain.  Today was absolutely glorious.

This morning as I was reading my e-mail I could hear the whining hum of the mowing machines across the road in the park; the scent of newly mown grass wafted into the lounge through the open balcony door.  Upon looking out onto the field, the large mower was making large swaths across the field, spewing out green mulch behind itself.  Had the grass been very tall, the council could make hay! 

I missed writing the blog over the last 10 days.  It wasn't that I had nothing to say, it was more that I wasn't feeling well.  So Monday (20th Sept.)  I went to the Dr. again.  He told me to stop taking the HRT--I'd already stopped it the previous day--Sunday.  Then he proceeded to order a battery of blood tests to try to determine why I can't recover from fatigue and tremors.  I'll keep you all posted.

On the first day of my blog I wrote about knitting a jumper for my friend's dog.  I am using this "fancy" yarn that it a real nuisance to work with.  If you are a knitter and love challenges-- well give it a go.  But, if you like things to be straight-forward--avoid the stuff.    Just so you know specifically the yarn is Fancy Yarn by Yarncraft, made by PMS International.  Once I finish this project, any remaining is going to the charity shop!!! 

The other challenge with this project is that I am converting the pattern--required as I am using a larger-sized set of needles to knit with than is specified by the pattern.  The yarn is easier to handle with the bigger needles. This is the first time I have ever done a pattern/size conversion--stretching myself to learn more.  Being more right brained (artistic), math is not my first love.  Thankfully, I do have a "life-style" acumen for simple mathematics and can think along the lines of: "If the pattern says that five stitches across equals one inch, but my test patch has 3.6 stitches per inch, how many stitches are now required to make the garment the right size?"  All those story problems in math class so long ago are cropping up now to haunt me!  So far, I'm finding that my calculations are pretty close.  Once I'm done, and my friend puts the jumper/sweater on on her "Fur-Baby", we will know just how successful I have been--IF I have been.

You will also notice that there are three balls of yarn being used.  That's because I'm following a design that requires a different colour! This technique is also the first time I've done this!  The end result is a heart in blue.  In the photo you can see the heart taking shape.  The pattern I found and am using is:  http://mysavannahcottage.files.wordpress.com/2008/02/boyfriend-sweater-pdf.pdf

 But I must go on record and say, that even with these challenges, I am enjoying the project--and will be glad to get it finished!

Today I pulled the last of my carrots.  Now the only thing still growing is the yellow squash plant.  The size of one of the carrots was a surprise to me--large actually.  And they went from the ridiculous to the sublime!  It just confirms that carrots will be planted again next year.   The ruler shows the biggest carrot being about 4.5 inches/11.5 cm.  And so the tiny one is barely 1 inch/2.54 cm.  They also taste great!  

Another project in my kitchen last week had to do with tomatoes.  A couple we know who has an allotment gave us a large punnet of ripe tomatoes.  The very next day my husband's best friend brought us a bag of tomatoes from his garden.  I knew that if I didn't do something with this great haul of produce, most of them would be binned--which would have been shameful.  So I chopped up the two lots, put them in a large cooking pot and let them simmer for about an hour.  Then I sieved them, to get rid of the peel and the seeds. 

The next step was preservation.  I collect small to middle-sized jars with re-seal-able lids.  The trick to making them work is to place the clean jars into boiling water, along with the lids.  This serves two purposes:  1) to sterilise the jar and kill bad bacteria; 2) to get the jar the same temperature as the substance being preserved.  In this way the jar is kept from breaking when the hot food is poured into the jar.  Making the jar hot, creates sufficient expansion of the jar to create a vacuum as the filled, lidded jar cools.  As the suction happens, it causes the rubber seal to contract and seal permanently.  So I set the jars to soaking while the juice was reheating to boiling point on the hob.  

 The pulpy juice can be cooked down to make passta or used in soup and sauces.  In order to preserve the juice, it required pouring back into the sauce pan (after I washed it).  Once again boiling, I ladled the juice into four jars, placed on the lids and awaited the happy sound of lids popping as they sealed.  ;-)   

That's what has been keeping me busy.  I've also been reading some good books lately--but I will save that for another day. 

Serving Jesus, Author of our faith

2010 September 6

Yum...peanut butter on ryvita sunflower seed crackers witha cup of coffee.  It's a great snack for a Monday afternoon.  

After putzing around on other blog sites and finding myself confused or mystified, I wanted to find a place that was simple, straightforward and accessible.  So, knowing that several of my friends use www.blogspot.com, I've joined the crowd.  

Yesterday I made a post on the Myspace blog, which is the MSN website.  It took me forever to find out how to even get to the page, let along write something!  If I want to blog regularly, I don't want to fight mental gymnastices.  

I seem to have a lot of energy today.  I'm thankful.  Actually, more than thankful.  I have been fighting fatigue, tremours and the frustration that comes with not having the energy to chase my dreams.  Chase my dreams?  I didn't even have energy to do basic housework.  

The family GP has prescribed an increase of the beta blocker I've already been taking, as well as HRT.  So, here we are on day two and I'm experiencing increased energy.  But it's only day two...and I'm waiting to see if the HRT is going to provide uncomfortable sides affects.  

Over the weekend I started a small knitting project.  Knitting a sweater for a small dog is a small project.  It's a colour for which I have no personal appreciation...pink.  But pink will suit an all-white maltese nicely.   I hope it won't take me over two weeks...but I must make time. 

I will do my best to keep all of you up-dated.  

Serving Jesus, Author of our faith.