Dream vs reality

I was corresponding with a friend on Friday who informed me that he might actually be retired by November 2015, and remarked that then he would be totally flexible regarding travel, etc.  I remarked that it sounded awesome and he said, "Let's see if reality is as good as the dream".  That made me think about a remark a comedian made about heaven.  Basically despite all words to the contrary, that heaven sounded boring.   The way I see it, retirement is what you make of it.  Nothing sounds nicer to me than to NOT go to work and still get paid.  Completely awesome.  I could fill my days and nights and still be wanting more time to do this or that.  But heaven?  Of course I'm not a biblical scholar, but I never hear about all the fun things to do in heaven.  You never see pictures of people having a good round of golf in heaven, or painting a nice picture or baking a cake.  They're always walking around in robes looking pious.  Well --- just something to think about.  I guess all these ridiculous posting on Facebook are getting to me.

I did have a super awesome run on Friday!  I ran more than half the time and again the only thing holding me back was my wind.  This week I will concentrate on pushing myself a little bit.  Plus I think I may be running a little too fast, which is causing me to become out of breath quicker than normal.  Unfortunately it won't be today.  I completely forgot about washing my running clothes until about 10:30 last night, which is obviously way too late.  Tink needs food anyway, so I'll take that long walk up AND back to Petco.  That'll be nice as well.

Saturday started out so nice, so I got out and planted raspberries.  But then the rains came and it just POURED all the rest of the day.  So I knit and snoozed and had a lazy, lazy day.  Oh -- I washed Tink, but otherwise not too much else.  Sunday of course was Easter and, thankfully, there were no family obligations, just a little lunch with friends.  She served some gorgeous asparagus soup. 

I nearly finished up the Rainbowtastic mitts last night while watching a silly movie.  I can easily finish them up tonight and I believe I will.  It's supposed to be nasty all week, but not too cold.  I could use them.

I stopped by the office to talk about my new upstairs neighbor.   I am now on record and I think the next thing to do is leave a note letting him know that I can hear what goes on in his bedroom.  Thank goodness he slept alone last night.  But I could hear him get into bed, roll around trying to get comfy, then get up to pee, then back to bed.  That's a bit too much information for me.

The new upstairs neighbor

I guess I was living in denial.  I didn't want to believe that the squeaking bed upstairs was anything but a restless sleeper.  Alas, last night I had that notion dispelled.  There were definite sounds of amour coming from right over my head.  Not happy.  Not happy at all.  Me I'm talking about.  They sounded quite happy.  Ecstatic in fact.  What to do ... what to do ....

It was extremely windy and rainy at lunchtime and I didn't want to get out there and run.  I did have a nice little walk in the rain with my umbrella, but I would have gotten soaked if I was out there in my running gear.  Plus my foot was a little sore from dropping my iPad on it.  The bruise is minor though and it's gorgeous this morning so I'll be out there for sure.

And it was another quiet evening.  I don't know what's up with me.  I've just been so tired.  My guess is that I'm not sleeping very well.  I think I'll have a good night tonight.

I dropped my iPad .....

on my foot!  On my bare, just recently rehabilitated foot!!  Right on the top of my foot, corner down.  Oh the pain. The cursing.  The tears. [okay ... no tears really]  This morning it is bruised, but not swollen so I'll give the noon run a good go.  I'm not expecting to be able to run much more than 50% anyway and I shouldn't so I guess it's okay.  But it was a scare, I'll tell you!

Yesterday I was happy and busy and I got a lot of ducks into a nice tidy row.  I even double checked with my boss that it's okay for me to be gone for two week in July and he said fine.  One week in Europe and one week home.  I am SO excited!  Right now I'm only telling one of my friends.   I want to get a few more details in place before I tell all my Paris friends so I can make sure to have a little time to myself.  You know how it is when you visit someplace you only get to once every couple of years - it's dinner here and lunch there and drinks someplace else and before you know it you've booked up every free bit of time.  I like to have time to myself to wander the streets, poke into my favorite shops or see how the neighborhoods have changed.  Indulge myself.  And I hear the Paris Zoo has been renovated and has re-opened although I expect it will be a complete madhouse, especially in July.  Also the Picasso Museum has re-opened, ditto there with the madhouse.  I used to love to go to that place when I lived in Paris in the winter.  No crowds.  I will be sure to get there very early one day.  That is one place I really do want to see.  There is plenty of day dreaming fodder.

Again yesterday evening I was moving slowly.  Tink got a couple of walks in the rain, I got some laundry done.  No knitting because after that Sunday marathon and noon knitting yesterday my arm was tingling a bit.  It's the purling back that always gets me.   I just left it and watched a couple episodes on my iPad - The Kroll Show - and got to sleep around 10.  And then .... and then I was awakened by my upstairs neighbor.  I can't figure it out.  Whoever lives up there is sleeping on something that squeaks like old bed springs.  What could it be?  Whatever it is, when they are tossing and turning it wakes me up.  Maybe a sofa bed?  I am not happy about it. 

April showers

There are plenty of flowers around already, but April is showering anyway.  I don't mind.  There is plenty of time for sunshine and I have noon knitting today so I wouldn't be running anyway.  Yesterday I had such a good time on the trail.  I went for 3 miles and I think I can say I was pretty much running half the time.  It feels like I should have my wind back by next week, especially if I can go again tomorrow and Friday.   Today is my last physical therapy session (I hope - the last one scheduled anyway).  I was going to cancel but then I thought better of it.  I figured it would be good to have a professional assess the situation after that good run.  My foot felt just very slightly aggravated last night when I got up in the middle of the night, but this morning it's fine.  No problems.  I am expecting to get the green light today.

I was understandably a bit tired last night.  And my arm was sore from all of the uninterrupted knitting I had on the weekend, so I just did chores and tried to nail down the last bits so I can get my travel booked for July.  I am just about there.  And then comes the fun part - waiting 13 weeks.  I love anticipation.

My friend Emma had suggested a book to me and a few weeks ago the audio version was on sale, so I bought it and just finished listening.  It's called "The 100 Year Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared".  It was a cute listen, but I was just a little bit distracted because it was narrated by Steven Crossley who is the actor to narrate all of the Shardlake books and he is so in my mind as that character.  Now it's on to a Phillip Roth book.  Quite different but still enjoyable. 

Fabulous weekend!!

What a treat!  Sunshine and more sunshine.  It was a gorgeous long weekend on Hood Canal.  Although, truth be told, the cabins could have been a little nicer.  I know we got one of the least fancy ones but it's more the service (or lack thereof) that bothered me.   We stayed three nights and not once during those three days did the housekeeping staff come by!  Well, no they went by on their way to other cabins but I had to chase them down for coffee and towels.  Seriously.  Also, this particular cabin is attached to the one next door and the walls are so thin that I could hear the guest snoring Saturday night.  Not good.

The grounds are lovely though and there is a creek that runs through and there are paths you can walk through the woods along the creek.  Lovely, especially with the superb weather we had.  I got to visit with John a couple of times, had some really excellent meals and had plenty of time to knit.  I got lots and lots done on the Hitofude.  I have once again changed my mind about the extra repeats.  Now instead of doing twice the number of rows I'm just going to add one 8 row repeat to each of the four expanding fronts.  I realized that if I doubled the rows it would be come too wide I think.  Well I can still change my mind, can't I?  I have plenty of yarn.

It was great to take Monday off as well as leaving a bit early on Friday.  I had a nice relaxing time and now I've got a short week.  AND I get to run today!!  I am happy to report that I had exactly zero problems after my little run walk on Thursday.  I even wore heeled boots this weekend without problems.  That is also great news. 

I am almost ready to start planning my trip to Europe.  Almost.  I few more ducks to line up.  I didn't think it was going to be so complicated, but I guess that's because I typically travel to Europe in November, which I can't do this year.  It'll be fun to go at a different time.  It's been so long.  I can hardly contain myself. 

Success

I was a little nervous yesterday when I got out on the trail, but I needn't have been.  I kept myself to running just a little bit, then walking, then running a little bit more.  My foot did not hurt!  Well, I felt a tiny bit of ache now and again, but no zingers.  Of course, my wind is not where it should be after such a long lay off, plus the asthma, but that being said I was thrilled the entire 40 minutes.  I was, understandably, a bit tired and achy last night but I feel just fine this morning.  No aches, no pains and I'm even wearing boots with heels!  Not super high ones, mind you, but they're not flat boots.  Hallelujah!  I finally managed a rehab correctly.  Of course, I've gained weight, but that's easily [relatively] taken care of and I've already two weeks into my regimen so it won't be long until I'm back into my nice jeans and pretty dresses.  Ready for summer.

And speaking of summer -- thanks to my most awesome early birthday gift, I'm planning a wonderful week with my friend Emma.  We're still trying to nail down the specifics.  Of course Paris on both ends and maybe Belgium.  Oh I am just SO excited!  I haven't told my friends in Paris yet because I don't have the dates set.  They are going to be so surprised!!  I never travel in the summer.  It'll be quite a switch up.

I have a few things to get to this morning, then at noon it's off for Hood Canal.  I spoke with John last night and he's excited to see us.  I can't wait to see his place in the springtime.  He's been posting pictures of the tulips.  Plus he's been doing some wood working that I'm anxious to see.  And then there's the lovely lawn over looking the canal.  Ahhhhh ...... Good weather to boot.  Not super warm, but not cloudy or rainy either.

Drum roll please

I am SO glad I went to physical therapy yesterday because I got to run!  And it didn't hurt!  Well, not much anyway.  So I now have the green light to start slowly slowly back running.  I can hardly wait for lunchtime!  The trick is going to be not to hurt myself again, so it's good that I'll be leaving tomorrow at noon and won't be able to run and most likely will not be bringing running gear on my long weekend.  There will be plenty of walking and I'll be able to assess how I feel.  I am so excited!  The weather is perfect for it as well.  Can you see me smiling?

I had forgotten my row counter so I couldn't do any more than one wrong side row on the Hitofude at lunchtime but made up for it by knitting well into the night.  Then I read more notes from Ravelry by people who have made the pattern and looked at their finished products.  I have decided that I am going to add one extra repeat for each section.  I have plenty of yarn and I like the look much better than the little short cardigan.  Even with aggressive blocking I don't think I'd be happy with the finished product as written.  I like the way it looks on the model, but when you read closely it is a size XS, so she must be exceptionally tiny.   And she obviously doesn't have any chest to speak of.  The real people pictures show the garment in a different light and taking into account the different gauges and after measuring mine I will really like it much more if it's a few inches longer.  So, done and done.  And it's moving right along.  I've got the pattern memorized now, which is helpful.

I've got a full evening.  Hair appointment right after work, then I've got to get all of my things together for the long weekend so they can be put into the car tonight.  I slept great last night so hopefully I'll get another great night tonight and then .... hitting the road at noon!

Who knew spring could be so mean?

I have to blame this directly on springtime and pollen.  The headache got worse on Monday and I went home where it finally dawned on me that it was a sinus headache and therefore, since it had been going on for days, I must have a sinus infection.  Grand.  In hindsight I should have called my doctor but I did not and therefore woke up on Tuesday with the same headache.  The office doesn't open until 9 and when I called they were way too busy to fit me in but the receptionist got my number and said the doctor could call something in for me at lunchtime.  He called me at 1:30 to ask a couple questions and then he dropped the bomb -- he's retiring in June!  Good heavens!  He's been my doctor for 25 years.  It is very handy having a doctor you can just call and they know you so well that you don't even have to go in for some things.  And now I'm going to have to break in a new doctor.  Well anyway, good for him.  I'm jealous.  Imagine not having to work but still getting paid.  Now that's something to look forward to!

I didn't want to come in today but I have physical therapy at 11 and it's noon knitting and the headache, while still around, is not nearly as bad as it has been.  And for that I am grateful. 

I have been knitting like crazy on my Hitofude cardigan.  I am of two minds about modifying the pattern now that I see that the model in the picture has been rather aggressively blocked.  Mine was looking so tiny but when I re-read the pattern and saw the gauge difference pre- and post-blocking and then looked more closely at the pictures, I think I might be okay.  I will for sure take out the tape measure.  I'd rather err on the side of more length than having it be too short, as I said before.

On Monday, even though I was sick with headache, I still had to walk Tink and it was glorious outside.  It must have been 70 degrees!  Gorgeous.  Yesterday it rained, but not until I had gotten back with my medicine so that was nice.  And today looks like it's going to be pretty again.  The forecast for the weekend is also sunny, so I am hoping it will be sunny on Hood Canal as well.  That would be a nice addition to the weekend out of town.  Sun. 

The neverending headache

Oh heavens ... I have SUCH a headache!  I woke up with it yesterday and despite my best efforts, it is still plaguing me.  I nearly got up for an ice pack last night, but then managed to fall asleep, mercifully.  Today at lunchtime I'm going to walk up the Ave and search for one of those masks you can microwave and put on your face.  It is definitely a sinus headache, and no wonder with all of the pollen around.  I did notice that the blossoms are starting to fall from the trees, and my asthma is not bad at all.  I don't know that I'm happy to switch from asthma to sinus headache.  Not a fair trade.

Compared to last weekend, this weekend was quiet and fully of girlie goodness.  Saturday I had a nice long time to sit and work on my Hitofude and I managed to finish up the sleeve/bodice portion.  Thankfully it was raining so I didn't have to work in Ben's garden.  [I love flowers, but oh how I HATE to work in the garden.  Is that ironic?  Or just bad luck?]  And then on Sunday I got a manicure and pedicure and all sorts of girlie grooming.  Ahhhhhh ... nice.  I was in fact relaxed in the nail salon and my headache faded.

My goal for the weekend was getting the sleeves bound off and getting the ribbing started on the Hitofude.  This is not a trivial matter and I sat myself down at the table in good light to get to work.  It took about an hour, maybe a bit more, but I got the provisional cast on transferred to a third needle and get the job done.  It was confusing reading the pattern, but I've found that if you just follow the directions to the letter it all makes sense once you're actually at that point in your project and you're executing it. Again I will say that this is the most ingenious construction.   It is much like the Whisper Cardigan but the skirt part of it will be longer, plus I'm going to extend it even further as some other people have so modified the project.  I don't like a cardigan that hits above the belly button.

The weather is lovely and I am looking forward to my mini-break this weekend.  I'll be working half day Friday, then we're taking off for Union, Washington.  What's there?  Not much, actually.  But my friend John lives not too far from the resort, and there are lots of beautiful walks to take.  Tink will love the beach.  And it's NOT home!

Wireless headphones

I've had nearly a week with my wireless headphones and for the most part I like them.  These are the type of headphones that fit with the band at the back of your head rather than on top of it, and it took me a while to figure out exactly how to wear them.  I didn't realize at first that in order for them to fit and not slide around you need to hook them around your ears.  I couldn't see how I was going to run with them flopping around like that, but once I got the hang of hooking them around my ears, all was fine.  I've used them for hours every day and still not had to re-charge them.  And it is nice not having that cord to deal with. 

Yesterday was pretty quiet.  I set off at lunchtime to walk up to the Petco to get Tink some food.  I didn't take my purse, just my wallet and a bag and my keys in case my foot started to hurt and I needed to hop on the bus.  Well, it wasn't my foot that caused me problems.  I guess there was a lot more pollen in the air than I had suspected and naively I did not take a puff of my inhaler before setting out so I had a big asthma attack about a mile and a half into my walk.  Not good.  I got to the store, picked up the dog food and headed straight for the nearest bus stop.  Luckily there was one coming right by so I got back and took my puffs.  I should be a little more conscientious about keeping that thing with me when it's allergy season.

I left work a few minutes early last night, hoping I could walk Tink and get to the nail salon in enough time to get my manicure and pedicure since it's going to be difficult to fit it in again this weekend.  However, when I got there it was full and there was a 30 minute wait.  That would bring my start time to 5:30, but I thought I'd wait it out.  Well, at 5:22 it was obvious that there wouldn't be a chair available at 5:30, so I left.  Somehow I have got to find a way to get it done this weekend since I"m leaving town Friday at noon for a long weekend, plus which they really need it!

I worked a bit on the fingerless mitts last night before going in to read.  I actually managed to read this time and not just conk out.  I didn't have such a good night as I had Tuesday and Wednesday and woke up groggy.  I can sleep in tomorrow and, rest assured, I shall!!

A morning gone

I kicked myself for not bringing my knitting to the Curriculum meeting yesterday.  The Associate Dean always brings hers, so it's not like it's an oddball move and she really is on to something.  It does make that 90 minutes move by a little faster.  These meetings, normally a huge bore, have been getting more and more interesting as we move into the latest phase of the curriculum renewal.  This renewal is going to affect our department to a huge extent, since we teach a very large part of the basic sciences classes.  Two years are being condensed into 18 months and some of our classes, most notably the anatomy class which we teach in an immersion style in five weeks, are now going to be strung out over the entire 18 months.  This is going to change how I can take vacations, maybe "normalizing" them a bit, which is not always a good thing.  However, it has been a very long time since I've been able to take a real vacation in the summertime, although I quite like traveling when there are fewer tourists about.  I suppose it will all shake out.  I'm not going to get twisted about it .... yet. 

After the meeting I had my physical therapy session which was terrible!  For the first four times I had Genna, who was quite awesome and did a great job.  Then she went on a 3 month leave so last week I had Ashley, who had taken the time to read Genna's notes and did a fine job.  This week I got Jan.  I did not like Jan.  She was preachy and looked like the quintessential spinster.  She's too "whole wheat" for my liking.   It is surprising to me that each therapist can basically do things her way.   I was underwhelmed.   I guess I'm on my own.  I will go back to her only once more and then for my last session I think I have Ashley.  I almost don't need them ... almost.  I want to do this right so I will try to pry my mind open a bit.  It's been a while.  And I will walk and walk and walk.  Today I'm going up to the pet store and back.  Tink needs food and I need to walk at least 3 miles. 

Again last night I did a few chores, ate, walked Tink and I was in bed early.  I didn't even try to fool myself that I was going to read.  I watched a bit of nonsense on my iPad and again was asleep by 9!  What is wrong with me?  And I slept like a rock and woke right before the alarm went off.  I did notice that the blossoms are falling from the trees and that is good news.  It is supposed to rain as well today so hopefully the pollen is almost gone.

9 1/2 hours of bliss

Well yes indeed, bashing my toe into the stool did turn out to be a painful accident.  Since it was a beautiful day I wasn't about to miss out on my lunchtime walk so I skipped the foot exercises and cut my walk down to 2 miles.  I don't think I did any real damage but I feel like I put myself back a couple of days at least.  And I definitely am NOT looking forward to my physical therapy session today.

After Tink's walk and a few chores I was just good for nothing last night.  I knit for a little while, had a bite of dinner, took Tink for another little walk, put the clean sheets on the bed and it looked soooooooo inviting.  I managed to resist for another 30 minutes, then threw in the towel and crawled in for a little read.  But who was I kidding?  I couldn't keep my eyes open.  I was asleep by nine and I slept like a rock and when the alarm went off at 6:30 it was a surprise.  That's how well I slept.  No asthma attacks.  And either it was very quiet outside for a change or I was that exhausted, because I don't remember waking to any noise either. 

I really did want to do a bit more knitting than I managed, which was exactly one round.  I took a break from the Hitofude to get the fingerless mitts done and I couldn't get into it.  Maybe tonight.  Today is noon knitting and I should be getting pretty darned close to finishing up the sleeves.   This morning is also the curriculum meeting, which is 1 1/2 hours of yammering.  Last month I took my knitting - oh!  That was the Wednesday when I was so sick and went straight home after.  Wow - I've been working on this project for a while. 

The new pub

Finally, after how many months?  The new pub opened for tenants of the building yesterday.  I am somewhat disappointed in that it is really not a sports bar, which is what I was hoping for.  Oh they have TVs, but you have to sit at the bar or on the tall tables directly behind to have any chance of seeing the two sets.  Also, they have made a family friendly space, which I can't fault them for since there is a movie complex here and that is most likely a large amount of their custom.  However, last night the place was mobbed and there were toddlers SCREAMING for way too long.  There are so many articles written by parents about how childless people don't know how difficult it is to handle children in public, and they'll have tantrums and you just have to ride it out or whatever.  Well, no you don't.  I DO remember being around my nephews when they were little and when they started acting out we picked them up and took them outside and if that didn't work, we left.  Period.  They soon learned that if they wanted to eat in a restaurant they had to act civilized.  Now it seems that a certain type of parent expects the world to suffer along with them.  That's just not fair.  And that's the end of my rant for today.

Back to the beer -- they have a fairly nice selection and two very nice Belgian ales that I particularly enjoyed.  The space gets a lot of light, which is also nice.  But the seats are not comfy and there's no fireplace.  I don't expect it will be a very good place in the winter, but the spring and summer will be nice because they will have tables on the patio.

I had a super great walk yesterday at lunchtime and my foot didn't hurt one little bit!  I felt so good that I was thinking maybe I could persuade the physical therapist to let me start running this week.  But what did I just do to it this morning?  I bashed it on the leg of a stool I have in my office!  It made a little cracking sound.  And now it is sore.  But I'll let it rest up for the rest of this morning, maybe foregoing my exercises, and have a nice long walk at lunchtime and see how it goes.

The trees are still going strong and I was up last night for about an hour dealing with an asthma attack.  As much as I love these beautiful trees and shrubs, I sure wish they'd get over their display and get on with the leaves so my allergies would go away!  It's miserable.  But I don't feel too bad today, even after being up for two hours in the middle of the night.  I should sleep great tonight though!

Whoops!

Thursday night before I fell asleep I turned off my iPhone alarm, since I was spending Friday with my nephew.  Unfortunately I forgot to turn it back on last night so I am late today.  It dawns on me slowly in these cases.  First, I wake up refreshed (big hint) and then I notice that it seems a little lighter than it should be and then ....I remember the alarm.  Ah well, no big deal.

Thursday night my sister and nephew made their way to my little place and, since we had time before we had to meet people for dinner we stopped at Twigs for a cocktail.  I haven't seen my sister or nephew since August when I went down there for a visit.  That's too long, but Christmas got all messed up and this is the first she could get up here.  Dinner was loud and fun but I was exhausted, having woken up at 4 am Thursday.  Ali was also tired since they had to get up super early for their flight, so Kelli went back to the hotel downtown and Ali and I were both in bed and asleep by 9:30. 

Friday was a rainy day but we made the most of it, togging up for the weather and heading down to Pioneer Square.  We gallery hopped and ate a nice brunch and did it some more.  I fell in love with a painting, but it was a bit out of my league.   And all this time it is alternately pouring down rain or just blowing a bit.  That's spring in Seattle.  We made our way downtown looking for a restaurant for dinner.  It needed to be somewhere Kelli could walk to from the hotel.  I had Sazerac in mind - something not too fancy, but interesting.  We stopped in there for a beer and to check out the menu and it got a thumbs up.  All this time we're walking and walking in downtown Seattle, which if you didn't know, is quite hilly in places.  My foot was screaming by the time we finished our beers so we headed back home for a little rest.

Ali had a concert he wanted to see and Kelli had been working the convention center all day so dinner wasn't a long affair.  I must say though that I was a bit disappointed with my dinner.  Sometimes I'll order the vegetarian choice and on their menu they have listed "Ricotta Dumplings  Chard,Crispy Grains & Shallots, Parmesan".  That sounded good to me.  Something not too heavy, and savory.  I had a lovely salad to start and then ..... then they brought me a plate of gnocchi in a very rich sauce!  No sign of chard and the shallots tasted like those nasty fried onions that come in the can.  I ate about four and I was done.  Everyone else had super great meals though so that's nice.

We had a big party planned at Ben's for Saturday so that was a long day, broken up by a trip into Seattle to pick up Kelli and Ali.  The reason Kelli was up here was to work the ComicCon and the number of costumed people parading around Seattle streets was staggering.  When we were driving up to pick them up Saturday we saw a group of guys and one girl, all dressed in the same Flash costume.  It was hilarious.

The party was huge and long - from 3 until ... gosh midnight I think.  Everyone we invited except four showed up.  It was noisy and really fun.  Sunday I took everyone out for a gorgeous brunch, starting off with blood orange mimosas.  I think the brunch was the best meal I had all weekend.  Kel needed to be at the airport by 3 and I was home by 4 and simply wrung out.  All I wanted to do was sit and knit and sip some good wine, and that's what I did. 

I got the most wonderful early (WAY early) birthday gift Friday and I have hardly had time to think about it!  But now I can start getting excited.  What is it you ask?  Only a trip to Paris!  I still am trying to wrap my head around it.  I need to get a few ducks in a row but it looks like the soonest I can go will be July.  Which would actually be awesome since I haven't been to Europe in the summer in a very very long time.  But first -- I've got to get my day started and maybe this afternoon I can start day dreaming. 

Thursday is the new Friday

Yay!  Today my sister and nephew are coming to town and I'm taking tomorrow off.  So it's going to be a long day because I want to be out of here!  I'll have to keep very busy.

I got a new pair of headphones are Christmas.  They are pink and over the head rather than the iPhone ear bud type.  My iPhone ones have a loose wire and they keep cutting out, so I was very glad to get the new ones, but now they are broken as well!  Only one side works.  The reason for this is that I keep my phone in my pocket while I'm walking the dog and listening to my current audiobook or some music.  That in and out bends the cord and it breaks.  I got on line to get another pair and then it dawned on me -- wireless!  I found some bluetooth wireless headphones.  I am anxiously awaiting their arrival.  They should be just the thing.

I had PT yesterday.  My original therapist was so wonderful, but she has taken a 3 month leave, so I had a new one yesterday.  She's very nice and does things a bit differently but I am sure she'll be just as effective.  I got a little sore though and this morning I had to take some pain meds.  I am going to try for 3 miles today walking if I feel well in my running shoes.  I am SO ready to run.  I dream about it.

I am going to have a big weekend.  And a party on Saturday.  I am going to be exhausted on Monday.  The good kind.  I don't think I'll get to knit at all though and I really wanted to get the sleeves bound off on my Hitofude.  We'll see.

Up from the deep

Don't you hate it when your alarm goes off when you are deeply asleep?  Oh it is SUCH a shock.  I got up but I sure didn't want to.

What I should have done last night is give my apartment a good cleaning since my nephew is going to be staying with me Thursday night.  But did I?  Well, I got some laundry done and got the kitchen cleaned up.  It just seems so wrong to have to clean after working all day.  I don't like it.  I'd rather take a few hours out of my weekend.  But tonight I'm going to have to do a few more things.  At least I'm a tidy sort of person so really I just need to vacuum, take care of the little bits of floor in the kitchen and bathroom and give surfaces a little wipe.  I'm just lazy when it comes to that kind of stuff, truth be told. 

I had a fine night, doggie walks in the rain, Subway for dinner, and silly TV and knitting.  Self indulgent I know.  And then I watched TV in my iPad in bed.  It was cozy and Tink was nice and quiet. 

I walked nearly 3 miles yesterday at lunchtime, in the rain.  Thank goodness I remembered my umbrella.  Today is PT.  I have been doing more strenuous exercises and walking more and my foot is a bit more sore than I would like it to be.  But I don't feel like I've actually re-injured it so hopefully this is the natural progression of the healing process.  I am wearing normal shoes all the time now and I can tell that the left foot is still a little swollen.  Patience.  Patience.  Patience.

A check in from Paris

I got a text from my friend Eoghan, who owns an Irish pub in Paris, yesterday on my way home.  He must have been watching the news and heard about the terrible and tragic mud slide that happened a few days ago in Oso, a small town north of Seattle.  He wanted to know that I was okay.  It wasn't anywhere near me and I thought that was just so sweet.  I have GOT to find a way to get over there in November.  It has already been too long.

What a beautiful day we had yesterday!  And warm too.  When I took Tink out for her 7 o'clock walk I was just wearing yoga pants and T-shirt with a hoodie and I was perfectly comfortable.  Of course today it's wet and chilly.  Just the kind of weather one expects in spring time. 

I had lots of fun things in my mailbox when I got home including a new YarnBox with more than 500 yards of worsted weight yarn - merino and silk blend.  It's beautiful.  I don't know what I'll do with it since I have a billion projects queued and I started a TV knitting project as well last night.  I lost my favorite fingerless mitts in Silverdale last fall and I saw a cute kit for them from Jimmy Beans Wool.  It's a pickle jar filled with small amounts of Rowan Pure Wool.  I got the muted colors and I cast on and did a few stripes before bed.  It is perfect TV knitting and I should have a new pair of mitts in no time at all.  Dinner consisted of two pieces of leftover quesadilla and popcorn.  Seriously. 

I walked 2 1/2 miles yesterday.  I do very well in my running shoes and less well in street shoes.  Even flat ones.  I am happy I am not getting any inflammation and I just need to keep working on it.  I'll get there.

Looking good

Friday was a beautiful day and the bus ride to the doctor has a transfer, but since the second bus is only a mile or so from the doctor's office I elected to walk rather than wait around for the second bus.  I was not walking in my running shoes, but rather my soft, flat boots.  They flex a bit more than the running shoes, oddly enough, and I kind of tweaked my toe on the way to the doctor.  It wasn't bad, but if I would have had to walk more than that mile it certainly could have been.  The x-ray showed no change, which is what we were looking for and therefore I am done visiting the doctor about this unless it starts to bother me when I begin running.  So woohooo!  I got on a bus for home and realized I had a few minutes before Tink needed to be walked, so I stopped in to the Nordstrom Rack.  I have been looking for a new coat and I thought I'd give the Rack a try and oh am I ever glad I did.  I have been wanting a new leather coat and I found an absolutely perfect one AND it was on the clearance rack to boot!  I really scored.  Happy happy happy.  A very good day.

It was very cold Saturday morning so I ran errands in the morning and then worked in Ben's yard all afternoon.  I planted 150 summer bulbs - 90 gladioli and 60 of some other thing I didn't recognize.  And then I raked for a while.  Tink was SO good, staying around the perimeter of the property, sniffing and sniffing.  Considering all of the wildlife I've seen stroll through that yard I would imagine there's much for her to consider. 

I am looking forward to my sister and nephew visiting this weekend and I started getting things in order for them - setting up dinner Thursday and a party Saturday.  I got Ben's hall bathroom done with new towels and shower curtain and the guest bedroom habitable.  My little place is WAY too small to have sleep overs.

It is not supposed to be raining today and I'm going to walk in my running shoes for 2 1/2 miles today.  By the end of the week I want to be up to three so I can start running next week.  Oh wouldn't that be awesome??  Indeed it would.

It's the pollen

Oh the trees and the bushes are looking SO gorgeous but the pollen is knocking me for a loop!  My asthma is really bad.  Again last night I had to get up and take some puffs.  I'll be happy when this runs its cycle and I'm not allergic to the spring any more.  It used to be that I had no problem with spring and it was the summer grasses that would get me.  That doesn't seem to have been the case these past few years.  So I'll be patient.

My walk yesterday was great.  The weather was cold but the sun was brilliant.  I walked over 2 1/4 miles.  The foot was a bit sore but it didn't last at all.  Today I see the doctor, hopefully for the last time.  I am figuring a couple more weeks and I can start to run again.  Woohoo!!  I'd even forgo high heels for a few additional weeks happily.

Watched a wonderful episode of True Detective last night.  I'm going to be sorry for this to be over.  I think I've got five more episodes to watch.  Or maybe only four.  I'm not sure.  Maybe we can watch another tonight.

Short day so I'd better get on with it.  I have to leave a little after 2 to get to the doctor on time.  

Chilly first day of spring

At least it's not raining!  It's going to be a beautiful day, but it is starting out chilly, that's for sure.  I've been sitting in my office, wrapped up in whatever shawl or scarf I've worn in these past couple of days. I don't mind.  I'd rather have the sunshine than the warmth.  That'll come soon enough.

The PT session yesterday was quite vigorous and having had an asthma attack in the night, I was sorry I hadn't thought to take another couple of puffs from the inhaler before I went.  With certain exercises my therapist was able to show me just how much weaker my entire left leg has become!  I was astonished at the difference.  That morning I had been tempted to wear my cute brown boots with a bit more of a heel than I have been wearing.  They looked so good with my outfit!!  I realized before I even made it to the bus however that it was a mistake and I wore my running shoes the rest of the day.  During my therapy session she asked me if I'd tried high heels yet.  How did she know??  I guess I'm that transparent.  Anyway, it's all good and as soon as I can comfortably walk 3 miles I can start slowly running again!!!  One minute running, one walking.  Today I'm going to go at least 1 1/2 if not 1 3/4.  I should be running before the end of April!

Here's my pet peeve of the day -- why don't people narrating audiobooks take the few minutes to find the melody to songs that are written into the book??  It drives me crazy!!  [rant off]

No knitting last night, although I got four rows done at noon.  I wanted to watch another episode of "True Detective" and that show is NOT conducive to knitting.  I'll probably do it again tonight.  I'm trying to catch up to the shows recorded on Ben's DVR since HBO is going away on the 25th and I won't have access to HBOGo any more.  That's the only thing I'll miss about not having cable.  Small price.

Now go out and smell the spring in the air!!

Better and better

Yesterday I put my running shoes on and walked up to Trader Joe's, which is 1 and 1/4 mile from my office.  It was awesome!  I didn't have any pain at all -- well, not true.  There was a little bit of pain but it was completely tolerable.  I didn't want to over do it so I took the bus back, even though I could have easily walked back as well.  I don't even count Tinkerbell's walks but last night we covered a bit of ground as well.  This is such great news.  Today I didn't want to wear flat boots so I wore boots with a little heel and, I must admit, that was not the thing to do.  I made it to the bus and from the bus to the office but my foot was starting to get sore, so I took them off as soon as I got into my office and I shall put my running shoes on for the rest of the day.  I can't see my physical therapist in those boots.  She'll kill me.  I just wanted to see how I was doing in that regard.  I think I have a couple more weeks of flat shoes in my future.

I had such a wonderful day yesterday and a pretty great evening as well.  While at Trader Joe's I bought a couple of those composed salads I love so much.  Last night I had the greens and seeds one with pomegranate seeds, pumpkin seeds, roasted squash and feta cheese.  That was my whole dinner and it was delicious.  Tonight I'm going to have to share the other one - it's also one with seeds and it has quinoa and cranberries.  I made some nice potato leek soup Sunday which will be great with that.

I was just so full of energy last night.  I did laundry and gave Tink two nice long walks and knit on the Hitofude.  I could get to the three needle bind off this weekend if I put my mind to it.  And there's noon knitting today, so that's a whole hour dedicated to it. 

Tomorrow is the first day of spring.  Yay!

Lots of progress

Yesterday I set out at lunchtime in my running shoes to see how walking in them would feel and I am happy to report that it felt great!  I walked for 45 minutes and could easily done more.  It's sore when I'm walking but it's tolerable and there are no sharp pains.  I would, of course, prefer that there be no pain at all but I suspect that's going to be a little while coming.  In the meantime I can stand this and today I'm going to walk up to Trader Joe's.  I will most likely take the bus back, but I guess that depends on what I buy and how my foot is feeling.  Quite honestly, I think I could run now but I'll have to wait to see what the physical therapist has to say about that step.

So many trees and shrubs are blooming now.  It is SO pretty on campus and in the neighborhoods.  Tink and I went east for our walk last night, going to the P-Patch and up around the houses across 5th Avenue.  She doesn't always want to go that way, but I'm glad she chose it yesterday because it was quite lovely in places.  I think the cherry trees are blooming now as well so maybe I can get to the campus this weekend if it's not raining.  I have lots to do this weekend to get ready for my company next week.  I sure wish the Thornton Place hotel room wasn't booked.  It would make my weekend a lot easier.  Ah well, nothing I can do about it.

I only did about four rows on my Hitofude cardigan last night.  I have four more repeats of the lace pattern to go before I can do the three-needle bind off of the sleeves and start on the body, which will be a little more interesting since there are increases to incorporate.  I'm going to do like some other knitters and make modifications by increasing the number of repeats in the body portion to make the cardigan a bit longer.  I prefer that look.

I have been listening to A Confederacy of Dunces and while I like the story, I am not too enamored of the narrator which, as I said, is probably why it was on the BOGO sale in the first place.  I suspect the story would be greatly enhanced by a good narrator.  I will check to see if there is another version.

I need a vacation.  April 11 can't come soon enough.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Not that I'm going to be celebrating, mind you.  But I must confess that I have emeralds on today in acknowledgement of the day.  I remember vividly St. Patrick's day last year.  We had given Frank a surprise birthday party in the Great Room on Saturday night, the 16th.  Sunday I went to the Farmer's Market and felt terrible!  I just thought it was a hang over, even though I so rarely get them.  But instead it was the beginning of weeks and weeks of a nasty cold and asthma.  This year I'm healthy!

It poured rain all weekend.  Big, sloppy wet drops.  I cooked a lovely Mardi Gras themed dinner Saturday and Sunday had lunch with friends .... the weekend just slipped by.  I did get some good knitting done on the Hitofude as I was watching more of the True Detective series.  I know the finale has shown on HBO already, but I'm behind so no spoilers!

For years and years I've been meaning to read "A Confederacy of Dunces" and I finally bought the audiobook version of it, which I started Saturday while walking Tink.  So far it's engaging but I suspect the reason this book was with the current promotion is that the narration is not very good.  Tolerable.

You can see the signs of spring all over the place, rain or no rain.  Today it's sunny, which is a welcome rest from the relentless rain.  I'm going to walk a mile at lunchtime today and maybe more if my toe feels up to it, although I probably should err on the side of caution.  I did very well this weekend and I can walk for quite a distance before I start to feel it or limp a bit.  This is in flat shoes, mind you.  Still flat shoes.   I see the doctor on Friday.

Well that's a surprise

Yesterday morning I got a text message from one of my nephews, telling me he'd made reservations to come to Seattle the same time as his mom and oh, PS, he assumes it is okay to "bunk with" me.   Obviously I couldn't say no, because it was fait accompli at that point.  I was hoping to have some sister time but it doesn't look like that's going to be happening and I'm going to have to take a day off of work that I hadn't planned on either.  We do have a hotel room set up at the complex that can be rented by the night, but of course it's all booked up.  It's going to take some doing to fix that weekend and I sure won't be getting any rest. 

I took the bus up to the U Bookstore and did walk back down to campus, which is 8/10th of a mile!  Yeah!  I was sore, but it was tolerable and I was barely limping, which is huge.  The best part is that by the end of the night it was not inflamed.  So easy does it.  I won't be able to get out this afternoon because of a noon meeting, which is probably okay.  I'll be sure to do my foot exercises and get a walk in the hallways.  I am still so thrilled to be wearing matching shoes!

Happy happy happy!

I had a really good session with the physical therapist yesterday.  Not nearly as painful as the time before.  I've got much more range of motion and strength.  I expressed my fervent desire to be rid of the ugly boot and she agreed!  Woohoo!!  So of course no high heels, but at least I can wear matching shoes.  So today it's my tried and true Hush Puppies, pink and white suede oxfords that are old, but cute and still stiff enough so that my foot gets support.  Yes, it's still sore, but it's tolerable.  I have permission to start increasing my walking distance.  Yesterday I had to get to the bus straight after the session and walked 6/10ths of a mile.  It was in the boot though, so I don't think it counts.  Today at lunchtime I need to go up to the Ave to get something at the U Bookstore, so I think I'll take the bus up there and then walk back and measure the distance with my iPhone.  And if I start getting too sore then I can always hop on a bus for the last few blocks.  I am determined not to over do it.  If I am good and keep up with the strengthening exercises and can keep myself from re-injuring it then I am sure I'll be able to run in another few weeks.  Fingers crossed!

It was an astonishingly beautiful day yesterday.  Not warm exactly, but pink gloves weather for sure.  And in the late afternoon I walked Tink in a hoodie - me in a hoodie, not her.  And gloves and a scarf.  But still.  It was warm and I let her lead and we walked, slowly, for quite a while.  Me smiling all the way.

The meeting in the afternoon was fine, but not anything earth shattering.  I hate being at the mercy of another's pace, if you will.  Or, maybe a better way is that I hate not having any control over a situation.  Well I guess everyone feels that way.  Alas it is my place right now so I better make peace with it.

Free Agency is going strong and the Seahawks have re-signed some key players, lost some others and are having visits with a few more that would make great additions to the team.  It is so wonderful having a Super Bowl winning home team.  Everyone wants to play for the Seahawks now so it's possible they could repeat next year, which would be crazy.  Good crazy.

I'm happy and it seems like ages and ages since I've felt this way.   I had a little celebration last night, just me and Tinkie.  And how did I celebrate?  By purchasing a crazy bad and decadent dinner from Five Guys.  You know how sometimes you get cravings for silly things?  I was just craving a hot dog!  So I ordered one and Cajun fries.  I know - it sounds terrible, but it was SO yummy.  I knocked out a few rows on the Hitofude, but I was so tired from a bad night Tuesday night that I was sound asleep quite early.  I slept great.  Let's just hope this euphoria lasts for a bit.

It's a love hate kind of thing

Oh joy.  It's physical therapy day.  I am that much closer to getting rid of this stupid boot!  I hardly wear it any more as it is.  I wear it to and from work and when I give Tink her morning and one of her evening walks.  At work I have been wearing tennis shoes for the majority of the day and I've been going out at lunch for a walk in them as well.  I have been doing my oh so tedious exercises religiously so I feel pretty confident that it won't be long before I get the green light to wear regular shoes on both feet!  Fingers crossed.

I did no work on the Hitofude yesterday evening.  I went out to dinner at a lovely Indian restaurant and when I got home I was more in the mood to read.  I am going to have to miss noon knitting today because of my 1 o'clock appointment downtown, but maybe I can get into it tonight and do a few rows.  The sleeves are getting boring and I'd like to get them out of the way and on to the more interesting body parts. 

I slept very poorly last night which I directly attribute to the window being open much wider than usual and therefore being greatly disturbed by the people leaving the movie theatre.  I must get a handle on this earlier than I did last year.  I don't look forward to my entire spring and summer being sleep deprived.  Well, it's quite cold today, although clear and sunny, so I don't think I'll have the window open quite so much tonight.

She keeps surprising me

You'd think, being 10 years old now, that Tink wouldn't have any surprises for me.  But that it is not the case.  Why do her surprises come so often when I'm getting ready for sleep?  I've been in a reading mood lately (thank goodness) and I had just gotten settled in bed, ready to have a good read and Tink started whining.  Typically this means she wants off the bed, and she either goes for a drink of water or goes to sleep in her bed under my desk.  But last night that was not what she was after.  She got off the bed and grabbed her ball.  She wanted yet another game of fetch!  I indulged her, rather than lay there listening to her making the ball squeak.  And squeak.  And squeak.  I always give her a nice game when we get back from her walk, and then maybe again around 7.  But nine?  Even taking into account we turned the clocks forward, it was an odd move.

I did have a nice little read after that and popped off to sleep, but she wasn't done with me.  She wanted off the bed again at 11:30, back on at 11:35.  And then at least once more during the night.  I think part of it is that it's warmer and I've got the window open more, so it is much louder in the apartment and her hearing is much keener.  I could have done with a few more winks, I won't lie to you.

I am right sick of this stupid boot!  Yesterday I wore my tennis shoes at work for 6 hours and took my lunchtime walk in my tennis shoes even though I don't have permission to walk outside without the boot.  I just couldn't stand it!  Yes, the toe is still sore, but I did make it through a pedicure on Sunday without any discomfort at all, so it's getting better and better.  I see the physical therapist tomorrow so hopefully I can get permission to ditch the boot.  I'll probably have to swear an oath that I won't wear high heels.  I think it's worth it.  At least for another few weeks, although I must say I am extremely tired of the wardrobe choices I have for flat shoes.  I think I've been wearing the same six or seven outfits for the last month and a half.

Big day tomorrow.  After PT I go to visit my lawyer.  It is going to be an interesting meeting.

Spring is getting closer

I did go straight home after my meeting last Wednesday.  I felt terrible and went straight to bed.  Where I stayed, with the exception of doggie walks and soup pick up, for the rest of the week.  The sore throat, thankfully, did not get much worse so I skipped the doctor and instead dosed myself liberally with NyQuil and staying hydrated.  I had to cancel plans for Saturday and even yesterday I was still pretty achy, but I am here at work today.  I have too much to do.

I felt well enough to do a little knitting.  I meant to snap a picture of my progress.  It's a lovely lace pattern and I am quite anxious to get done with this first part and do the three needle bind off of the sleeves to see just exactly how this Hitofude is going to come together.  It is very very cleverly constructed.  I think my biggest hurdle is going to be getting the provisional cast on onto the third needle.  The provisional yarn is high contrast so I hope it won't be too much of a problem.

The weather is warmer and going to be in the 60's this week, so I am thinking we have seen the last of winter, although not the last of the wet weather since it's been raining like crazy.  We turned the clocks forward this week and it was nice to have that little bit of extra light in the evening, though with the clouds it wasn't much evident yesterday.

Only one more month and then a little mini-vacation.  I am anxious for it.

Not good

I woke up last night with a sore throat.  I wouldn't be here at work if I didn't have an important meeting at 9 o'clock.  I am going to head straight back home after the meeting.

I had a call from the physical therapist yesterday with an opening at 1 o'clock so I took it.  That was a rough session.  She had me standing on my tippy toes and then told me to put some more weight on my injured toe.  I put a little too much weight onto it and I nearly fainted with the pain.  Holy cow - it hurt like ... well, it was excruciating.  I have a long way to go.  I was hurting quite badly after that hour and she told me to take it easy today on the exercises.  No problem there.  And good news, I get to expand the time away from my boot and take walks in the hallway in my regular shoes twice a day.  And again last night I gave Tink her 7 o'clock walk in regular shoes.  Baby steps indeed.  But with luck I should be able to start running by April or May.

Oh I could kick myself

This morning as I was getting ready to leave I started to pick up my knitting to take with me.  Then I remembered that I have an appointment with a student at lunchtime so I wouldn't be able to get away to knit and so I left it.  Only when I got in did I remember why I was going to take it in the first place - I have an exam to proctor this morning.  Oh well, it's not a long one.  But still .... very annoying.

My gait is getting closer to normal every day.  I even walked Tink without the boot at 7 last night.  It's a short walk and I wanted to give it a try.  I don't think I'll tell the Physical Therapist though, since she was not keen on that idea.

I knit a few more rows on the Hitofude last night, then I went in to read.  Hah!  I lasted about 10 minutes before I dropped off.  I slept like a rock and woke up before my alarm, feeling great.  So I have no regrets there.

I just realized that we turn the clocks forward this weekend!  Good news, yeah?  Except now I will no longer be able to walk Tink in my jammies at 7.  It'll be too light!  Small price to pay.

Well.  I need some excitement! I'll see what I can dig up.  Things have gotten a little slow around here.  I am sure being hobbled hasn't helped.  I am anxious to see the PT again, but she was booked this week and is going to try to fit me in, so there's no guarantee I'll even see her until next Wednesday.  I want to start maybe walking fast on the treadmill.  Something!

Soggy weekend

Oh the title says it all.  What a mess this weekend!  Saturday started out raining, but by noon it was snowing.  It didn't stick around though, thank goodness.  Sunday was the same, rain rain and more rain.  Quite boring. 

My foot is getting better and better.  I can tell immediately when I have to stop using it.  Yesterday I iced it twice, so I think that is telling me I over did it a bit.  I walked Tink a couple of times and did a fair amount of shopping both days.  Well it's back to work today and, considering the rain, I won't be walking around outside at lunchtime.  I'll take it easy in the tennis shoes as well.  On Friday I walked out to the mailbox in the tennis shoes and by the time I got back to the office I was hurting quite sharply.  Mind you, it is probably half a mile between here at my desk and outside to the mailbox so I think I did really well.

Good progress was had on the Hitofude this weekend.  In fact, I sat up much too late last night but I was on a roll.  I had watched the first two episodes of True Detective - love love love it - and then just sat with a glass of wine, listening to the rain and knitting away.  I haven't done that in a long while.  I feel a bit guilty since I have not one but two books on my iPad now that I haven't even started and two that I have started!  So tonight I should knit first and then spend an hour in bed reading and see if I can finish off one of those books at least.

Rain makes me sleepy.  I wish I could just shut my office door and curl up on the floor.  But ... I can't.

Hello Friday!

Why is February always such a slog?  Okay - no football.  What else?  Well, it's done anyway.  Here's hoping March will be better.

The drinks party last night was pretty fun, although the guy buying the wine had only TWO bottles of white wine, both pretty awful.  Red?  Oh ..15 maybe.  And they looked much better.  But I wasn't in the mood for red wine, so I choked down a glass of mediocre sauvingnon blanc.  The cheese selection was quite good, with a nice piece of boucheron, my current favorite, and a local Camembert that was also quite tasty.  The fun part was designing the T-shirts for the trivia team.  I though my design was the best, of course.  It incorporated the three art spires and the creek on the front, then the back was the logo of Thornton Place and underneath a most awesome slogan (I thought) for a trivia team - "We're smarter than you".  J  I thought it was much better than Keenan's, another resident in my building, which was simply a white T-shirt with the Thornton Place logo and the slogan - "It's not ghetto".   Frankly, I don't think either of us will win.

Tink got a nice walk after that and then I had time and energy to knit four rows on my Hitofude.  What a gorgeous gorgeous project this is.  And the lace pattern is very easy to memorize, so it's TV knitting now.

I was very good about doing my exercises for my foot yesterday and I am amazed how much more flexible it is even in one day.  I made a little chart so I can keep up with the heel raises, etc.  I wore tennis shoes twice yesterday and by the end of the second 2 hours my foot was quite sore.  The trick is not over doing it and that's going to be difficult this weekend.  If I can just get through this without re-injuring it ... Patience. 

I found someone on Ravelry to trade my February box for the January box, so I'm going to frog that cute hat I made and then I'll have 200 yards of the beautiful silk with sequins.  I don't know yet what I'll do with it.  It's not enough for a top and I don't want a beret, so a summer stole is most likely where I'll go.

It's supposed to get cold and snow this weekend, but right now it's bright and beautiful.  I wish I was on an airplane.  I do have the little four day weekend to look forward to in April and I get to go to Nashville in June!  It's a meeting and a very busy one at that.  But I think I'll be able to go out the night I get there, since I'm going west to east.  I have never been to Nashville so I am super excited about it.  But it's a long way to go.  I still have the hope alive for a trip to Europe in November, but this is going to depend upon what I hear at the meeting with my lawyer in a couple of weeks.  I'm not holding out much hope at this point. 

Oh happy Friday!  Fingers crossed for a fun weekend.

It was bound to happen

I got my February Yarn-Box finally and wouldn't you know it, it was the one color that I did not want.  I was so disappointed!  But I have posted on the ISO thread and I've got a couple of options.  I could get another January box and have more of that gorgeous silk with sequins, although it won't be enough to really do anything but a beret .... I can't decide.  But I've got to do it this morning.

Yesterday was my first Physical Therapy appointment for my foot.  I learned a bit more about the injury, which was not described to me accurately.  It is an avulsion fracture, rather than a chipped bone.  An avulsion fraction happens when the tendon which is attached to the bone is over-extended and tears a bit of the bone away.  This makes so much more sense to me because I didn't have any injury to the soft tissue that would suggest a smashing or crushing to cause a chip.  I remember pitching forward on the sand and my foot must have been caught.  So we worked on stretching the foot and manipulating the toe and walking normally, and then I was given a list of exercises and things to do.  I get to wear a normal shoe -- well, a tennis shoe -- on my left foot for two hours at a time during the day twice.  BUT I can't go outside and walk in it, just around the office.  And at home I can ditch the boot except when I go out to walk Tink.  Needless to say I was in a world of hurt when I got home.  I didn't want to take any pain medicine until after I had done the PT.  I iced it at home and it seemed to calm down.  It did not bother me during the night, so there is hope for a smooth recovery.  I won't say rapid, because it can't happen soon enough for me!!  Have I mentioned how crazy I'm going?  Yeah?  Have I?

Noon knitting was great - it was sunny and I got four rows done on my Hitofude.  I didn't do any last night and probably won't tonight either.  There is a drinks party at the apartment complex and also a T-shirt design contest for trivia teams.  That will be fun!  Hopefully the pub will be open soon and we will have trivia nights over there.  Or maybe they're going to have them in the Great Room.  Either way it'll be fun.

It was nearly 60 yesterday but the cold air is coming back and we might even have snow this weekend.  I can't be any worse than last weekend!  Oh ... this is funny.  When I was checking into the hotel Saturday I overheard the woman saying to another customer to let her know if they needed anything else, and she mentioned a footstool among the regular items.  I was kind of confused about that one until I got to the room and saw that the bed was SO high even I nearly needed one.  That's a new one for me though.

The world is full of idiots

Or maybe I'm just crabby again?  No.  Here's the deal.  A new type of paper towel dispenser was installed in the ladies room.  There are instructions printed on the front of the thing including pictures.  You don't even have to be able to read English to use this thing.  Using both hands, pull down on the paper and it will tear off and a new portion will automatically pop down.  How many times have I gone into that ladies room and found no towel hanging doing?  In that case, of course, you have to turn the crank to make a towel pop down.  And then you can clearly see how someone tried to rip the towel.  Oh ... it's just too stupid.  I don't know why those things bother me, but hey ... what can I do? 

This morning at 9 o'clock I get to start Physical Therapy for my broken toe!  That is good news and made getting out of bed much easier today.  I have been practicing at home walking without the boot.  It's not pretty, I will guarantee that.  I just want to get back into some real shoes.  My choice of outfits is greatly reduced when I have only a few pairs of flat shoes or boots to wear.

Tink was 100% fine yesterday and quite frisky.  I guess most dogs react that way when they get fed something new.  I got a few rows done on the Hitofude after chores and such.  I wanted to read - I am back to a two book backlog and I just got another pre-order on my iPad Kindle Reader, so I've got to buckle down and finish one of the two I am currently reading.  Maybe tonight I can stay awake long enough to read a couple of chapters.  At least I do listen to audio books and my current listen is quite good - The Luminaries.  I am going to hate for that to end.

Have you noticed how light it is these days?  It was light enough for me to wear my sunglasses this morning.  Well, not the dark dark ones, but sunglasses nonetheless.   Just a few more weeks and we turn the clocks again.  The only thing bad about that is that I can't walk Tink in my jammies at 7 o'clock.  Ah well, small price to pay.

Stuck in the snow

My appointment at the doctor went fine.  No surprises.  The x-rays show the chip just as it has been.  The swelling and bruising is nearly gone, so he prescribed physical therapy to wean me off the boot and to normalize my gait and I'm to see in him another four weeks when we can talk about my starting running.  I don't know that I'll wait that long though.  Let's see what the PT says.  I've got to make an appointment today.  Hopefully they can get me in here at the hospital, which would be most convenient.  The good news is that I don't have to wear the boot around the house, which is nice.  I am working hard on NOT limping.  And I was given the go ahead to wear normal shoes at the party Saturday night.

Saturday Tink was dropped off at the Doggie Resort and away we went up to Bellingham, in the rain.  But the rain was rather thick and we didn't get too far north until it turned into snow and then, in Bellingham proper, snow.  But it wasn't sticking on the roads and in fact quit in late afternoon.  We met up for cocktails before the do, and then headed in around 5:30.  There were quite a few good things at auction, but most of the ones I was interested in (spa visits, etc.) were good only in Bellingham so nothing worked for me.  By the time we got out of there, around 9 or 9:30, the snow was back and coming down pretty good.  We made it back to the hotel just fine but in the morning we were stuck.  It had snowed all night and it was still coming down.  So there I was, in Bellingham with nothing to do (the movie theatre at the mall was closed!).  Do I regret not bringing my knitting?  Oh, I was kicking myself from here and back.  I had good reasons not to bring it.  I had just done the one row after doing the provisional cast on and I thought it would be a bit difficult to be knitting on the Hitofude, size 4 needles, in a moving car.  I had no idea we'd be stuck.  Gosh, I could have gotten the sleeves nearly done with an entire day to knit.  But instead we walked to the mall where I bought myself some new PJs and I got SOAKED.  My boots, my pants, my socks - all soaked.  Except the sock on my ortho-booted foot, since I had wrapped that in plastic.  But I was in for the day.  Thank goodness for HBO.

They had salted the road by the time we were ready to head out on Monday and as I suspected, we were just fine once on the freeway, although it was very wet.  We got Tink around noon, I did some grocery shopping and then spent the rest of the work day at home.  I had a few things to handle but I could easily take care of them from home.  And I'm glad I did say home, because Tink was awfully sick.  I hadn't brought enough food for more than the 24 hours I thought she'd be there, so they fed her something else and it did not stick with her.  She threw up twice, drank water and threw that up as well!  She was down all afternoon.  She finally felt better around 5 and even played fetch when we got back from our walk, so I think she's okay.

I got two vertical repeats done on the Hitofude yesterday evening..  Oh my goodness, that Madeline Tosh yarn is just gorgeous!  I am so glad I splurged.  I suspect the drape is going to be awesome as well.  And that's what this garment is all about.  Hopefully I can get two more done tonight.  It's not exactly TV knitting.

A little lifting of the spirit

I don't know what it was -- the sunshine or something - but I started to feel a little less crabby yesterday afternoon.  It wasn't raining and I needed fresh vegetables for salad, so I took the bus up to the store, stopping into my LYS to buy a silly, furry pom-pom for the hat.  And then there I was, standing in the sunshine and I thought how lovely it would be to walk the mile back to work.  My toe wasn't hurting much and oh, wouldn't it be fine to walk down the Ave and look into the windows and ... and then reality smacked me across the face.  So I went instead back up to the bus stop and called it good.  I mean really - I was actually considering walking back to work!  The good news is that I stopped myself.  You know, this is just the type of thing that made it such a long painful process to rehabilitate my ankle in 2004.  Gosh, 10 years ago.  But it was a painful lesson.  I hurt my ankle in November, right at Thanksgiving time.  And I kept re-injuring it because I didn't take it slow.  An injury that should have taken 8 weeks to heal ended up taking more than four months.  So I am proud of myself that I did not over do it yesterday even though I was feeling quite well.  Today we will get another X-ray and see what's what.  I wish it felt a bit better, frankly.  But if the doctor can give me permission to start getting out of this boot I'll be very happy.

I finished up that cute hat last night.  It is adorable!  Especially with the pom-pom.  Pictures will be posted.  I believe I did something wrong with my decreases though, because my stitch count was off and I just had to do three rows with the single yarn and the pom-pom does cover it up.  The brass sequins in the silk yarn, Stargazer, adds such a nice weight to the thing.  And soon I'll get another YarnBox - like probably this weekend. 

After the doctor I will wind up the Madeline Tosh and maybe start casting on.  It's going to be a fiddly cast-on for the Hitofude because it's a provisional cast on.  It calls for the crochet version but I prefer this version.  It worked well for me in the past and since there are quite a few stitches to cast on I'd rather do it this way than picking up stitches from a crochet chain, especially with fingering weight yarn!

Hooray for Friday.

A fig scone

Every once in a while, if there is no line at the coffee stand, I'll stop for a latte on the way to my office.  Today I really wanted a coffee and, as luck would have it, there was no line.  I ordered my tall skinny and as I was waiting, scanned the pastries and saw something delicious looking.  Now that's something I VERY rarely do, ordering a pastry with my coffee.  However, who could resist a fig scone with flax and sunflower seeds?  You?  I thought so.

I had the best of intentions to finish up the little hat last evening.  However I was encouraged to try "House of Cards", a political drama starring Kevin Spacey that is a Netflix original program and has just started its second season.  I watched the first episode last night and am completely hooked.  I couldn't knit while I was watching that, but afterwards I worked on it for about an hour until I was too tired.  I did indeed run out of the Pixy Mini, but it is at the very tippy top of the hat so I will just keep on with the single thread of Stardust.  If I elect to get the furry ball for the top (I know, it sounds silly but looks awesome) then it will cover up the lack.  I'll assess the look tonight.  Maybe I'll make a pom-pom myself.  Or skip it all together.

I just got an email regarding the fundraiser I am attending Saturday.  The one with the formal dress code.  Ooops, says the email, it's not formal after all.  Casual/nice dress.  Really?  Seriously?  Two days before the event?  I am wearing my new dress.  Screw it.  If I'm overdressed I don't care.  That's just ... well, it actually makes me a little angry.  But oh well.  At least it wasn't the other way around.  I had a day to shop.  There's nothing worse than having to go out and get a special outfit in just a couple of hours.  As we all know - that never ends up well. 

I am getting excited about the doctor visit tomorrow.  Although, truth be told, I seriously don't feel like I should be in real shoes yet.  I am anxious to see the X-ray.

And I win AGAIN!

The Appeals Court acted very swiftly and denied the opposition's motion to reconsider.  The swiftness of that response says very definitely that they are done with this case.  The only thing left for this now is the State Supreme Court, which does not hear every case petitioned. We wait to see if they will petition the Supreme Court.  It seems very silly from my perspective, but it would, wouldn't it? 

It was pouring rain yesterday but I had to get some dog food so at lunchtime I took the bus up to Petco.  I would dearly have loved to walk the mile up and back but that was out of the question.   Thankfully the clouds went away and blue sky showed up for the late afternoon, so our walks after work were rather nice, if a bit cold and windy.  As long as the snow stays away, I'll be happy.

I was expecting to finish the little hat last night, but I had forgotten that I had left my notions box and therefore didn't have anything to hand to use as a marker.  This hat is being done on large needles and paper clips won't work.  I didn't feel like making four markers - yes, a bit lazy last night.  I can finish tonight.  I actually got a bit bored and went to bed super early to read.  I did have a pretty great night's sleep.  I'm still a bit blue, but rested.  Maybe tomorrow I can wind the Madeline Tosh.

I made reservations for a little get away on April.  Just a four day weekend.  And I've got my sister's visit to look forward to in late March.  I have in the back of my mind to run the 5K on May 4th at Seward Park.  I wonder .... if I get the go ahead to start training next week that would be 10 weeks and I'd for sure be ready.  But that's a big IF.  I still can't bend that toe so .... yeah.  But it's something to shoot for!

Short week

I do so love a long weekend!  And I especially like it when we get the Monday off when most people do not.  It just seems a little extra special that way.  My plan for yesterday was to shop for an outfit for the fund raiser this Saturday.  I thought I'd better go for the shoes first, since I wasn't even sure I would be able to find anything suitable.  Of course I found tons of higher heeled shoes I really wanted but that's to be expected.  The first pair of shoes I thought would be good did not work.  I couldn't get my left foot into it without a lot of pain.  But then I found several that could work and finally a pair that I just LOVE!  Black suede, pointed toe, gold heel (about 2 or 3 inches) and a little ankle strap with a bow in the back.  Just adorable.  Then it was on to the dresses.  I started at Macy's figuring I'd start there, then Nordstrom and, if all else failed, a trip to the Rack.  There were lots of nice dresses at Macy's, I tried on about 10 of them and ended up with a nice Calvin Klein dress.  The zipper, on the outside, is gold which will go nicely with the shoes.  It's not too low in front and fits closely and then flairs a bit at the skirt.  I really like it.  Success!  I was very happy.

And so I had the entire rest of the afternoon to do laundry and knit.  It was very cold and windy, but Tink got a few walks in as well.  I finished up the Color Affection but I'm going to have to block it somewhere NOT my house, because of its odd shape.  I simply don't have the floor space.  I did buy the Madeleine Tosh for the Hitofude on Friday.  I couldn't resist.  I found a beautiful plum and they had exactly 3 skeins of it left, so I splurged.  But before I wind that up and cast on, I thought I'd make the little hat that came with the cool yarn from my last YarnBox - the Knit Collage yarn.  It's a chunky knit and the yarn with the sequins is SO soft and gorgeous.  I got quite a ways into the hat.  I'm just about ready to do the decreases.  The thing is - I don't think I'm going to have enough of the Pixy Dust.  I did not check my gauge.  Well, I'm just going to continue on and if I have to do the tippy top with just the sequin silk yarn, then I'll do that.  It's very cute.

I have discovered True Detectives on HBO.  I watched an episode on the weekend - the 4th I think - so I wanted to start from the beginning.  Wow.  I just love Matthew Mcconaughey and Woody Harrelson is good too.

I think I've found a place for a little get away in April.  I just don't know if I can get reservations so that's on my list for today.

The toe - still broken.  I tried yesterday to walk somewhat normally with the boot and that was a huge mistake.  Ouch ouch ouch.  I see the doctor on Friday.  I cannot believe he's going to say to take the boot off but I so wish he would.

Happy Valentine's Day

And a full moon to boot!  Wow!  I am expecting a lot of crazy action today.  Grand romantic gestures gone wrong -- that kind of thing.  That's not very nice, I know.  But hey -- think about the state of mind I've been dragging around this week. 

I am glad for the holiday Monday.  My goal is going to be to find an outfit for the party next Saturday.  Obviously I'm not going to be able to wear any of my nice, high shoes.  So I'll have to get a pair of lower heeled shoes and hope I get the go ahead to step out without the boot.  And then -- I'll need to buy a dress to go with it.  Oh there are much worse things, right?  Who doesn't like to have a reason to buy an entire new outfit?  And it'll be right after Valentine's Day so I'll bet there will be plenty of nice dresses on sale.  Maybe I'll get a red one.  I haven't had a red dress in ages. 

I follow just a few blogs and one of them, Knitting like Crazy, comes up on my reader when I log in to write in my own blog.  Jen was one of my Secret Pals from a long time ago and now she's a successful author.  She wrote "Sock-Yarn Shawls".  Anyway, she has been getting into knitting sweaters.  This I can understand because I can't seem to get away from my shawl/wrap addiction and frankly, my closet is stuffed to overflowing with them - all gorgeous of course.  And my dressmaker's dummy likewise is draped six deep.  She, Jen, mentioned in a post a couple days ago that she made a sweater and liked it and thought she'd try another.  She had a link to Hitofude and cautioned that if you clicked on it you'd want to make it.  Sure enough -- try it.  You'll want to make it too.  It appeals to me because it seems that it would be much like making a lacy shawl but hey .. it's a sweater.  It calls for a fingering weight yarn with some drape to it.  The original used Madeline Tosh Merino Light.  I am going to indulge myself and buy something gorgeous and yummy for this project.  A silk blend.  Maybe cashmere and silk?  I don't know.  But I'm going to get it.  Jen suggests Hazel Knits Divine, which I have never heard of.  I will do some searching today.

It was blustery and a bit cloudy this morning, but not cold.  Where has our winter gone?  The rest of the country is freezing and snowy.  We are lucking out again.  I did spend a bit of time yesterday during the TWO exams I had to proctor (and oh, my foot was freaking killing me after the second) trying to find a little get away for April.  The trains are not convenient for a trip to Vancouver, BC - one train each day leaving at 6 am.  Nope.  Likewise going up into the mountains to Leavenworth.  I'll figure something out.  Even just thinking about it and looking around helps the mood a bit.  Not like getting out and running, of course, but what can I do.  Wait wait wait wait wait wait wait ...

Sunshine and clear skies

The weather is doing its best to cheer me up.  This is the second day in a row that it has been cloudless and beautiful in the morning and one can clearly see that the days are getting longer.  In fact, I wore my sunglasses HOME last night!  That's something.  Plus it's very mild, even though it's windy.  I don't expect it to last since it is still very much winter.  But it's a nice respite and it should help my spirits.  Although I can't get out and enjoy it today since I have to proctor an exam from 11:45 to 12:45.  Well ... I suppose I could go out for a nice stroll after the exam.  And I'm leaving a bit early for an appointment so, if the clouds don't move in before 3:30 I should be able to enjoy a bit of a hobble in the sun.

Yesterday was noon knitting and very sparsely attended.  An hour knitting with two is just as therapeutic as 5, but not quite so chatty.  I miss our larger group.  I was thinking last night that I need to pick a Sunday and have another finishing party.  I've got plenty to finish .... still.

Next Monday is President's Day and we get the day off.  My chore is going to be to find something to wear for the party the following Saturday.  Something that won't look utterly ridiculous with flats since I very much doubt I'll be able to wear nice high heels.  I will try - you know I will.  But in case it's not possible I should have a back up outfit.

Tink did not ask to go out last night but she did manage to step on my foot.  A glancing blow but it woke me, that's for sure.  Woke me out of an epic dream - trying to get home, on horseback.   I ended up in Alaska.  I guess I took a wrong turn somewhere.

As expected ....

It was two years ago this month that I went to trial for my divorce.  I was, of course, hoping that winning this appeal would finally put an end to this nonsense and I could get my settlement and the ex could get on with his life.  But no.  He has filed a Request to Reconsider with the appellate court.  It is a stalling technique, obviously.  He can't be so stupid as to think that the three .. THREE .... judges would read the same arguments presented before and say ... "Oh gosh, yes I guess we were wrong.  That first judge didn't know what she was doing".  I did finally read their opinion and there was no wiggle room.  They unanimously agreed that the original judge did not abuse her powers and that she made a logical and correct judgement.  Obviously he has plenty of money.  And I have plenty of time. 

The rain held off yesterday afternoon, for the most part, and I had a relatively easy trip up to the grocery store to get the last few ingredients for my first try at cauliflower soup.  It is a simple recipe with just a few ingredients and, despite the rich and creamy flavor, a tablespoon of butter is the only fat.  It is SO good I could hardly believe it.  This will definitely stay in the recipe rotation. 

I am quite disappointed with CenturyLink and I've started measuring the speed at different times in the evening.  I'm going to do this for a few days in a row and then, armed with facts and figures, give a call and see what we can do about this.  They promised me that I would have better connectivity than with Comcast and that I was not sharing the 40mps, like I was with the Comcast service.  At this point I definitely do NOT have a better connection.

Tink woke me up at 2:30 am for a potty.  She did it on Sunday  .... Monday am ... as well!  What is up with that???  I gave her the regular 7:30 walk each of those evenings.  I cannot figure out why this happens.  And with the foot it is doubly annoying.  But she definitely needs to go.  She goes out the door, runs straight across to the gravel and lets go.  Then right back to the door and upstairs to bed.  She falls right back asleep, of course, and me?  Not so much.  Ah well - I was only a few minutes late.  Everyone else here is late today.  Or not coming in at all.  I hate this time of year.  (Did I mention that before?)

What I know

I know part of the reason I'm feeling terrible is that I can't get any exercise.  But knowing WHY I feel bad doesn't make it any less real.  At least I remembered my pain meds this morning.  Now if they would just kick in and start working .....  It's good I live alone.  I suspect I would drive someone to drink (besides myself that is) with this attitude.  Yesterday at lunch I hobbled around outside for 30 minutes.  It wasn't raining much.  Today I am going to limp my way up to a small grocery store to get a few ingredients so I can make some cauliflower soup tonight.  Last night for dinner I had toasted ham and cheese and two martinis.  I think I'll try for something a little healthier tonight.  I found a recipe for cauliflower soup that sounds really yummy.  It is soup weather for sure.

My next appointment with the doctor is the 21st, which is the day before I have a fancy party to attend.  I would be SO thrilled if I could wear real shoes rather than this boot.  I simply don't know what I'm going to wear if I have to wear the boot.  How utterly ridiculous would I look in a nice dress wearing a boot on one foot and ... what? ... flats on the other?  I might as well stay home.

I didn't do any knitting last night.  I probably should have done more knitting and less martini.  I am a little disappointed with my CenturyLink WiFi.  I'm going to take readings for several nights in a row before I call them, but I am not getting anywhere near the 40 mps of speed they promised me.  I know there is always a difference between the advertised speed and the actual speed but I am not able to AirPlay a DVR'd show.  I was sure I had done it before but when I tried these past couple of nights it just wouldn't work.  I have the Seahawks and 49ers game that I saw in Mexico recorded.  I would like to watch it again.

So - enough of my crappy attitude.  Today I'll look hard for a different one.  If you were me, where would you look?

In the insult to injury column

This morning it is pouring rain.  It's been raining since yesterday afternoon - which in itself is good because it snowed Saturday night and the rain is washing it away.  But I am still in this horrible boot and will be for the next two weeks.  In order to keep my foot dry I had to put a baggie over my toes.  Such a terrific look. 

I'm not in such a fabulous mood this morning, in case it's not obvious.  I got soaked walking Tink this morning and then I left my pain pills at home.  I always forget in the morning - I feel good you see - and then I walk the dog and the pain starts.  Ah well ...

So Friday was the doctor.  We took more x-rays and the chip is quite evident but it doesn't look so much like it's in the joint, but rather right next to where it should be.  The doctor says this is because of the initial swelling.  I again voiced my concerned about letting that chip float around in there, especially since I am going to be running.  He assured me it should not be a problem because of all of the tendons and ligaments around the toe keeping it in place.  And anyway, says he, if it starts to bother me when I start rehabbing in earnest we can just take it out.  So I guess I'm okay with that.  If I can go without the pain and expense of surgery, why not?

These first few weekends without football are always difficult.  Saturday morning Tink went to the groomers and I got rid of my Comcast equipment.  I put that antenna up on Sunday and it was dead easy and I got quite a few channels besides my regular big networks, all HD and all free.  I wish I had done this a long time ago.  Think of all the money I could have saved.  But it's done now.  I saw some Olympics coverage Saturday and Sunday and then I'm re-watching all of the season 1 and 2 Sherlock episodes because the season 3 episodes are playing on PBS.  I wanted to re-watch the first six before I start the latest 3.  I don't know why.  Because.

I also got tons and tons and tons of knitting done on the Color Affection.  Obviously I couldn't do a thing outside in the snow.  I have four or six more rows of the tri-color short row bit and then it's just the edging.  I'm going back and forth about making it a ruffle.  But I probably will.

I really dislike this time of year.  Although I did notice that the sky was just a teensie bit lighter this morning even with the rain.  I must plan a holiday for April before I go mental. 

Wow! Is it ever cold!!

Once again we're in the grips of some super cold air.  The skies are clear and I woke up to 19 degree weather.  Yipes!  That is well below freezing.  The building maintenance crew was out early salting every little frozen puddle - and there were plenty.  It looked like the outdoor plants were watered recently since there were frozen trails from each one. 

I made it through an entire day at work yesterday.  It was painful and most of the day I had my foot elevated.  The hardest part, actually, was walking the dog.  I should have used a crutch but that would be quite difficult.   I didn't do much around the house in the evening.  My big thing was getting my hair blown out!  I have been having to wear it curly ever since my trip.  In Mexico it was not possible to blow it out - too hot and humid.  Last night was my first chance.  And that's about all I did except walk the dog.  Oh -- I did get unpacked at last.  Then I just crashed on the couch and played with my Apple TV.  There's plenty on there plus I can AirPlay anything from my iPad.  I don't miss Comcast at all.

Tonight I'm going to do a little tidying up and get the laundry going.  And then I'll knit to my heart's content.  I am going to move the Hearts, Vines & Flowers shawl to one of my super long Denise cords.  Right now I have it on a cord with a couple of additions and it came apart on Tuesday and I had a devil of a time getting it back onto the needles.  I am pretty sure I messed up a couple of stitches.  So that's my goal tonight.

The city was crazy yesterday with the Super Bowl parade.  I wouldn't have wanted to be there, but plenty of people were.  Like 700,000.  People were taking their children out of school!  Some of the private schools simply closed for the day. 

I have only one more thing to say.  Ouch.

The Seahawks

I still can't wrap my head around the fact that the Seahawks won the Super Bowl.  It was such a beat down.  And SO different from the first time they were at the Super Bowl and I was watching from Paris, trying to stay awake.  This time there was no snoozing!  And my friend who owns the pub in Paris was texting me.  His wife is from Wisconsin and he was saying the only reason the Seahawks were in it was because the Packers weren't.  Ha!  At the bus this morning there were people in their colors getting on the downtown bus to get ready for the big parade today.  I'm glad I'm inside.

Ooooo because it's COLD!  This morning I had to get up at the regular time and hobble around and take Tink out for her morning walk.  It was not easy.  I haven't really walking around without at least one crutch except for a short walk yesterday with Tink.  It was glorious to get outside and walk but then I wasn't in any hurry.  Hurrying is a bit of a challenge.  She was good and didn't pull much.  I made the bus in plenty of time. 

So here I am back at my desk.  I'm glad it was busy last week while I was working at home or this would be even more of a shock than it already is.  I was getting used to sleeping in.  I guess it's been a while since I've had more than a one week vacation, hasn't it?  That's sad.  Well, I've used up all my vacation and I'm starting with zero this January, so I'm going to save it up!!  I like having a two week vacation rather than a little long weekend or just a week.  Next time it'll be at least two weeks.

This day starts off with two meetings and then noon knitting.  I brought my latest YarnBox in to show.  It is two yarns from Knit Collage!!  Gorgeous and soft and sequins.  I'd better get a little bit of oatmeal down before the meeting.

Getting close

I am still telecommuting but I am intending to get into the office tomorrow. I did not use my crutches yesterday around the house, although I did not do much walking around.  Oh I SO wanted to go outside and hobble around with Tink, but it is very cold and icy so I did not.  Tonight it is back to my apartment and I will have to take care of walking her. But it won't be so treacherous.  Frankly I am getting more than a little stir crazy.