A Better Day

I was not in nearly as much pain this morning as I was yesterday morning! Much less constipated and I think that the gas is working out; I'm feeling less bloated.
I had thought that most of the pain would be in my lower abdomen; and while I am tender there, mostly I feel the effects where they went in laparoscopically. Dr Margell did well; the small incisions are well done and my belly button is not horribly affected.





The large scar that crosses both pics is from my reconstruction. There are 5 laparoscopic incisions, including the belly button. not a major concern, but I would like to have my belly button pierced again since I am - hopefully - done with procedures requiring the piercing to be removed. My tongue piercing can be out for longer than my belly button without it growing over! I did the minimum again today; the puppies are so adorably understanding. They seem to have toned down their jumping up, though if they're not on their halters, they are still prone to pulling, which hurts.
I am just over 1cm from beginning my heel shaping.


I am loving this pattern so much; I picture more in my future. And yes, the soxyzz is very handy; I can recommend it unequivocally!!

The Mock Cape saw progress as well.


Clearly, despite still requiring g a proper afternoon rest, I am being more productive.

Helen dropped off necessary provisions (wine and cheese), then whisked me up the street to have coffee and a knit at Coffee Culture. Normally an easy walk, today, a necessary drive. We had a lovely time (my incessant texts notwithstanding and actually adding to our amusement). She got started on her own Greek/TARDIS themed Stitch Surfers. She did well under supervision - lol!!






The Dr Who marathon continues. I have been feeling a bit off still - mentally clouded - so I have watched most of the 2^nd series twice. Not necessarily a bad thing, but out of character for me.
I just finished Love and Monsters. Probably the least Dr-centric episode ever, but I did enjoy the comic relief. Peter Kay is always a welcome appearance!! And Moaning Myrtle popped in as well.

To bed shortly; I am throwing as much rest at it as my body can take. Nought much can be done until I get my 6-week check up with my surgeon, but I want to be at the top of the curve for improvement!! I'm properly motivated.

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Adapting. Kind of.

I am not a sit about and do nought kinda woman; I'm constantly in some kind of motion, even when I'm sitting, I'm knitting.
This post-op business has me well and truly knackered.
I slept well enough last night, Petey let me lay in until 9:30. Bad pain this morning. I think there's still gas needing working out, but my entire abdomen is just tender and delicate. Walking is ok in the shortest increments.
We got up, sorted out the puppies, coffee and did a bit more on the Stitch Surfer sock


, started the Sublime Mock Cape


, and then I was back in bed by 4:00 for a nice 3.5 hour nap. which is less of a nap really, and more of a proper nap repeat of the AM - feeding, walking puppies a couple hundred feet, (they are so good! I normally walk at a brisk, energizing pace and the puppies are trotting along. But now, they keep pace with my deliberately dawdling lack of speed without issue), making something to eat. very much focusing on protein intact to aid in physical recovery These 20-30 odd mins on my feet, perhaps especially at the end of the day, have me utterly done, pain not insignificant.
This is going to be a long, slow row to hoe. I am listening to my body, but it's frustrating.
Amanda's been helping out, but she's back to her life this afternoon. Chica was so happy to see her again, it did my heart good as well.
Helen is being amazing; I am grateful for such a friend.
And all of you - chatting me up on FB, texting, and calling; I'm in the best of hands.
Mostly I go to my bed to nap, but yesterday I just tipped over, the puppies found their places that don't hurt me,


and we dozed a bit. I am currently watching Dr Who (new series) which keeps me thinking.
Tomorrow is a new day; looking forward to it.

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Good Mail

So I saved up my Rowan 58 & the Fall IK and wow!!


First impressions - I could be very busy indeed!! The first 7 projects in the IK all appeal to me - it's a fantastic issue. I can't wait to go back (after a nap), read the patterns, knit in my head a bit, and read the articles.
As always, Rowan presents a lovely mix of patterns in a stunning format. One go-through is never enough.

I selected this Lima as my subscriber gift


and it will do the hat pictured and a pair of fingerless mitts. The picture is a bit dark, but it has a bit of lacy cabling I believe. I went with not blue, something s bit different to brighten up my fall accessories.

Earlier this week, I received these tools in the post.





They are for measuring feet/socks. Beautiful and functional. Megan from BurningImpressions2 even offered engraving at no cost!! Helen and I are just giddy, and I'll be making use of mine as the bending over to try on socks is uncomfortable at the mo.

Speaking of socks, I've been working away at the Stitch Surfers the last few days.


I'm very much enjoying the process and the result.

I had no cream this morning, so I set off to Tim's, (just one block away) at a slow mosey. That and a shower and I'm ready for a nap. I think I'm still feeling some effects from the anesthetic, but whatever, I'll be minding my body and taking it as easily as I need to. Though it's going to be a challenge - I'm not good at not doing much.

Helen went to the post office for me and what a lovely surprise!! Elise and I spoke last week, and she had mentioned that she was sending it, but this knitting belt is so much more brilliant in real life!!


Joan had found and gifted me with a traditional one years ago. I use them mostly for sock knitting; if I'm not wearing jeans, the knitting belt protects my t-shirt and my tummy!


There was also a surprise skein of Buffalo Skies DK; not sure what it will become, but I look forward to hearing what it whispers to me.

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Finally

So it's finally here - no more delays, Hysterectomy Day!

I saw Myrelle on Saturday and learned a couple more notes that involve some coordinated shifts in fingering, and some more advanced (but very basic) music. I still seem to be challenged by longer note shifts, but I'm not displeased with my progress. I'll have much to practice!!

I swatched for the next sweater for The Needle Emporium. I've neglected to take a picture, but you know I wouldn't lie, especially not to you! I love the fabric, and the stockinette stitch will be a nice recovery knit.

But then I go and cast on for the Stitch Surfer socks!!


LOL!! I have loved this pattern long time, I found the perfect Biscotte & Cie yarn on our recent yarn crawl, Helen gifted me with the perfect complementary MadTosh, so I'm learning a new technique!

I played my last mixed game on Sunday; winning was a nice last game!!





I'm going to miss playing, but I'll be so happy to play a full, pain-free season next year.


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Lazy Day

I slept in until noon, though I did go to bed quite late/very early depending on how you judge time. I sorted out the puppies, then I had a coffee, slice of pie, made a few calls, up loaded the hundreds of pics on my phone to my laptop into all of the appropriate files. I may be disorganized in general, but my picture library is quite well organized. Though I do have to go through and re-title them from assigned photo numbers to real descriptors. Then I was exhausted, so I went back to bed for a nap.

On the subject of pie. I really enjoy the lemon cheesecake pie from Costco. But I think that it's time for them to drop the "cheesecake" from the title, or put some more cheesecake back into the pie.






Shameful, really.

I had a lovely nap, actually slept. When I woke up, I picked up these pieces from the floor of my bedroom and living room.
Needless to say, Petey was quite thoroughly scolded and put into a time out.





Fortunately, my favourite pair was in a hard case and are safe.

Between this incident and the yarn fiasco the other day, I'm sensing that he is acting out his jealousy over Chica getting the bed with my during my naps. He has never behaved like this before. I'm guessing since I'm home more, hence napping more, he is feeling more put out. I will be crating him for my naps going forward.

I have discovered the freedom and comfort in wearing mens shorts.






Seriously, I may never buy womens shorts again!! They hang perfectly off of my hips, one pair slightly lower than the other as I've lost some weightbut mostly with a long enough t-shirt I maintain a fair modesty. They are just so comfortable; I can bend and shift without worrying about splitting, and the pockets!!! Like women don't have stuff to carry; no wonder we need handbags!!

I went to town in my Iris socks last night.





I started on the heel shaping; I'm reinforcing this one to see how I like that. no wonder I was up late, too much fun on the needles!!
I finished watching Sons of Anarchy today. I had a lot of feelings about the last couple of seasons, but I was pleased with how they wrapped up the series. I would love to see a prequel (apparently I'm not the first to think of it!!), or a sequel set 10-15 years in the future.

I am recovering from my slothful start to the day. Curry on the stove - a request from Amanda. She'll have it next week whilst I'm in the hospital - and knitting picked up.

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Best Laid Plans

What's that they say about best laid plans? Oh yeah, you're fucked!!

So my surgery is bumped to next week because some other womans need is greater than mine. And I get that, deep down I do. But I've been with so long already, that I'm just





And then I'm like


just kinda makes me have angry feelings that another man has decided that I'm the lowest on his priority list. Yeah, probably not necessarily a fair assessment of this particular situation, but my gut feelings on the matter nonetheless I just have to rearrange a few plans, hope Amanda can as well, put a call in to my Doc for a few more meds to see me through, and keep on knitting.

So yesterday I spent 4 hours winding that skein of yarn barf into a ball of potential.
I find untangling knots relaxing, therapeutic. Pardon my touchy-feely for a moment, but it's like life. You get handed a shit storm. You sit down, take its measure and decide that it's worth sorting out. Everything needs to be kept loose, no tightening or getting tense. Follow that strand, see a path through the mess. Pull through. Over, under, around. Sometimes it feels like you're going backwards, never gonna get undone, but then you start making progress. The neat, new ball of potential is getting bigger, you can see that what you've got ahead of you is so much greater than the mess behind you. Then you're through. It feels so good to have made the effort, when throwing it away seemed like an easier path. But easy isn't my style, and I like my style. I really loved this skein of yarn,


now a ball of potential.

Tonight I'm chilling with my Iris socks.


I want to finish these up so I can start on these Stitch Surfer socks. As ever, the puppies are not far away.

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Naughty Puppy

Deadline met, project posted. As soon as I can I'll link you all to the details.

I've put proper dressings on my scuffs. The Jelonet is helping them purge the ooze within.





I'll spare you *those* pics.

Crazy storms cracking and popping 'round here today! Very close and the thunder sets the puppies off in a bout of manic barking.

I napped. The Allergies (for those of you who don't know, I write and say this with capitals because when Kyle was young, that's how he said it. "Why do I have The Allergies mom?" It was cute and stuck with be me.), the pain (thank you for one last period Mother Nature. Bitch.) and the meds are exhausting, so I took a nap. For the first time EVER the puppies had at a skein of yarn. Even though they're staying stum, I know it was Petey. So that's how I've been occupying myself; untangling.


I think this is his contrite look. I was quite cross with him and he just got allowed back up beside me.


Then there were the kisses.


He's fortunate that he is adorable.
When he's up with me, if Chica's not got me tossing her the ball, she either sleeps beneath the footrest or in my bed.





My sweet little loner.

Tomorrow - grocery run before going under the knife.

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Rub Some Dirt On It

It is an expression in sports. In general, it means to suck it up and keep playing.
I took it rather literally tonight. I slid, hands first (which wouldn't have counted had I made it to first base as it's illegal) and scuffed myself up.





The bandaid don't stick so to staunch the oozing I patted (rather than rubbed) dirt onto the wound. Yeah, not sanitary, but short-term effective. I redeemed myself in a later inning with an RBI that took us to 5 runs and out of that inning.

We ended up with a tie; acceptable, considering that they had three hitters who could easily hit it out of the park (and did).
A fantastic last (for me) game. I made new friends and had a great season.

I will miss playing ball. I love the game, straight up. But I'll be going as soon as I can to cheer my teams on! We all do what we can.

I got a ride today, so I was able to take all the Rx and a few supplemental beverages. While it's a "beer league", I am the least imbibing. But my period hit today, and needs must.
Petey sensed my pain and tucked in for most of the day, ignoring Chica's pleas to play.


Have I mentioned how much I just love this dog?!?

Chica *did* get a new collar from my last visit to PetSmart.


She is just at the cusp of no longer being an XS.

Elise called this afternoon. Just hearing her voice, especially this close to my surgery date, made my day!! We got all caught up, then my son called. He's likely coming up tomorrow, so I'll see him before I go under the knife. It was a happy day all the way 'round!!

I am going to have to sort Petey out a step up to my bed. He is just not quite able to jump up on his own, (my Queen bed is a bit high up) and he is my night time sleep buddy. Chica gets daytime napping privileges as she *can* jump up on her own. Post op, I'm am limited to lifting less than 10lbs for 4-6 weeks.

I am ravenous, and know I shouldn't, but I am craving mac & cheese something fierce!! I'm off to the kitchen. Y'all enjoy the rest of your evening. I'm going to spend it with SOA, knitting, and a bevvie or two.

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Routines

I do this silly thing mornings when I'm home. After I've sorted out the puppies, I open the curtains and sing this song.

The puppies think I'm as daft as Amanda used to, but it makes me happy, and it starts my day off with a song and a smile.

I played my last ladies softball game on Friday night. It's a great bunch of women who play with heart and for the live of the game. I hope to get out to cheer them on once I'm up & about.
I play my last mixed game tomorrow afternoon. I'll miss that too, even though it's my first year with them, it's felt good.

So. I'm not on holidays, but I'm not working. I'm psyching up for being in different pain and being fairly helpless for awhile.
I've got my knitting lined up, and way more than I can possibly do. LOL.

Petey is practicing taking care of me. I love this dog - it makes my chest hurt a bit I love him so much!!


I think I'll have to hide Chica's ball post op for a bit. What was I thinking getting a replacement?!? I love her hyper little self to bits as well, so I was thinking about her, not me.

If you follow me on Facebook, you'll know I'm a bit of a sucker for those quizzes. I did this one today, and got this result:



Sometimes these quizzes are eerily on target. This describes my humour sensibility rather well.

I'll leave you with this thought tonight.


It resonated with me and describes my headspace lately.

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Good Post

Post as in mail.

The great thing about only checking the post sporadically, is that when I get a good postal day, I sometimes get an excellent postal day!!




That's my Rowan 58 and membership gift. I'm saving this for post-op perusing.

My August Ipsy bag is the pink package. I was skeptical about this at first thing. I don't wear a lot of make up, and the first couple of months were kind of meh for me. But since then I have gotten so many lovely bits and bobs that I really use, I'm totally sold!! And if it's items that I don't use, Amanda usually will. I'll save it for stocking stuffers. Win-win!!

The last package is my Sugru! Awesome stuff, and if it does nothing more than extend the life of my iPhone cords, it's worth the investment.






The carrot cheesecake was a unanimous success!! Christina declared that, "it tastes like more", Shanyn vowed a hatred for me for putting such a thing before her, Tammy joked that she would lick the crumbs off of my face, (I don't really think that she was joking!!), and Teresa just hugged me. It *was* good. Definitely a new fave.

Almost no sleep last night; hoping for a significant improvement tonight!! Damn stimulants. It's a tiger by the tail, but I choose it over the pain. And shortly I'll be done with that too, so I can deal.

W
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Domestic

The laundry didn't quite dry yesterday, so that went back up on the line. I love having a clothesline; the smell of fresh air lingers and spreads throughout the closet after I bring the clothes in and put them away.

I finished the carrot cheesecake today.


It was baked in a water bath so that the carrot cake base doesn't dry out with the 2^nd baking. I didn't have extra wide aluminium foil, so I layered up what I had; hopefully water didn't leak through into the cake.





My base looks a bit more flat than the original recipe, but that was a lot of cheesecake on top of it!
It looks fabulous and I'm excited to take it to work tomorrow so that I can have a slice.

I had more beets today. Man, I love beets!! Baked perfectly, salted and buttered - I could make a meal out of just that!!

I've been knitting - spent most of the day fixing an error, but in back on track and making forward progress.

I've been watching Sons of Anarchy on Netflix. Overall, I'm enjoying it, but I'm in season 3 where there is a lot of the Irish connections. This is where I start losing track of who is allied with whom. Like the mob story lines in my fave cop shows. Yeah, I confuse kind of easily.

I've been sucking up pain like a milkshake through a straw. I don't know why it's so bad, but I've got too much to do to be sleeping the pain away. And when I say sleeping, I mean too drugged to be vertical, but too drugged to actually sleep.
I've been sleeping poorly - taking an oxy with the T3's in addition to the codein contin - I'm dopey, itchy, and buzzy. But I'm balancing it so that I can be not useless.

"I'm having surgery next week." I said this aloud to the puppies today, and it brought tears to my eyes.
I don't know why. I'm eager to have it - this constant pain is doing my head and body in. Between the pain and the drugs I'm endlessly exhausted.
And I'm historically good at surgery - no complications and excellent recovery.
So I don't know. It's an odd feeling of apprehension and trepidation.


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This 'n That

O. M. G. My entire blog post just flashed before my eyes!! The upload suddenly stopped and my phone went to the home screen. A big PHEW for auto backups and me finding them in the settings.


Did errands today. Went to PetSmart for dog food, and as always got distracted. I feel so badly for the puppies eating the same food all the time, so I have fun choosing nice treats for them. Today I bought more of the freeze dried veg and fruit, as well as some soft salmon flavoured bites.
As well I bought a new ball for Chica as I left her other one at my dads. She's been a bit lost lately; I know she was looking for it. It took her a little while, but she's taken to it with a fervour!!












I also did laundry. Sigh. Yup, I needed to think ahead to Thursday & Friday and having something to wear to work. Even if it *is* only for two days, I'd like to be not at my worst.
This was my office while that was happening.





M&M tubes are ideal for holding quarters. Now you know.

I had seen a recipe for carrot cheesecake last week and I've been jonesing for it hard! So, because I would actually eat it all if I made it and there was no one else to lend a helping mouth, I came up with a plan. I'm making it just in time to take it to work for Thursday where there will be no shortage of willing friends who will save me from death by cheesecake!!
I made the cake part today; tomorrow will be the cheesecake.





It smells delish, and looks like it should look, so I'm feeling good about this.

I finally got around to buying a music stand.





The Hock Shop across the road from me had a "heavy duty" model in stock. It has a sturdier base, (excellent for holding up around playful puppies), a wider base on the holder, (the better for pens and needles whilst still holding the pattern du hour), and lovely spring-loaded and twisty arms for holding the pattern pages down. I guess it would do just as well holding actual music sheets as well. LOL!!
This frees up the space beside me on the loveseat for the project itself. or a person I guess. not too many visitors Chez Kirkpatick. Petey tucks in to my left. Tight squeeze, but he likes it and I've acquiesced this much; I am not giving him a whole cushion!!

That's you caught up with me.

Until tomorrow, I leave you with a poem from someone I follow on Instagram. warning - a bit of strong language NSFW It resonated with me.





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