... and have hardly posted this week. My sincere apologies. There has been a lot going on, and not all of it is good. First off, thanks to everyone for the well wishes for my kitty. The surgery seems to have gone fine, and her stitches look great. They removed a tumor caused by some extremely toxic bacteria that was attacking the fatty tissue just under the skin. Apparently this nasty bacteria can quickly get to the heart and kill little kitties. So, for once I didn't overreact in getting her to the vet immediately! My only worry is that she's gotten really sniffly in the past two days, with lots of sneezing. I'm hoping that she doesn't have another (sinus?) infection or kitty pneumonia or something like that...
In other unpleasant news, my mom called me yesterday to tell me that my grandfather (who will be 86 in December) is not doing well. He's had chronic back pain from an old WWII injury for quite some time, but it's apparently gotten much worse this past week. He's no longer able to get in and out of bed very easily and is not showing any interest in eating. This has hit me like a ton of bricks... I'm the only grandchild (Brynne the only great-grandchild), and I have a very close and special relationship with my grandparents. Of course I'm aware of the inevitability of death, but hearing this news of his worsening condition has been very tough. Making me even more nervous is that we're supposed to leave on Thursday (US Thanksgiving Day) for a weeklong vacation in Mexico with Jerry's family. We've been looking forward to this trip for a long time, but I *really* don't want to be in Mexico and get a call to tell me that my grandfather has passed away. My mom seems to think that nothing is that imminent, but I'm a bit apprehensive all the same.
So, the stress of a sick kitty and grandfather, getting ready for a trip to Mexico, and an incredibly huge workload is really getting me down. I'm trying to remain positive, and I had a great chat with my grandparents yesterday. Brynne has been pretty good this week, all things considered, and that helps a *lot*! Being so busy, I haven't been able to do the things that really keep my spirits up - like blogging and reading about what all of you are up to. Don't be surprised if you catch me commenting on something you wrote a week ago - I've gotten really behind!
On a positive note (and so that I can post a pic!), I had the first session of my knitting class this morning. We learned to cast-on, the knit stitch, and binding off. It may not be pretty, but look:
I'm knitting! I'm really looking forward to practicing a bit before our next class on 12/3, and hopefully I won't forget everything I learned this morning! The instructor is great, and I'm afraid this might just become the next addiction! Does anyone have any recommendations for beginner books/patterns that are fun? I know I'm probably just stuck with scarves for the moment, but I'd love any suggestions for a place to start!
Your knitting looks great! Maybe you need some nice beginner Japanese craft books to help you along? I'm sorry you've been under a lot of stress lately. I think the Mexico vacation will be really good for you. It really helps to just get away from everything sometimes. Your mother wouldn't tell you to go if she really believed your grandfather didn't have much time left. Besides, you had a nice conversation with your grandparents, and they know you love them. Maybe give your grandfather a call before your Mexico trip and let him know you will see him SOON.
Posted by: Mariko | November 19, 2005 at 03:39 PM
Sorry to hear about your grandfather. Good to know that your kitty is better.
Your knitting looks great, keep it up, it's addictive!
Posted by: Nichola | November 19, 2005 at 04:02 PM
I'm so sorry to hear about your grandfather. I'm very close to my grandmother as well and would have the same difficulties as you deciding to leave or not.
As for knitting...I'm an avid knitter. Some of my favorite books for beginers are: The Knit Stitch by Sally Melville (She has two others in the same series that are also must haves). And although it's a kids' book, Kids Knitting by Melanie Falick. It has toys in it and even a doll pattern. You may be able to find both of these books at your local library.
Posted by: Chelee | November 19, 2005 at 09:47 PM
I am so sorry about your grandfather. My grandparents raised me, and it was very painful when my grandpa passed away. *hugs*
Posted by: persephone | November 19, 2005 at 10:58 PM
Sorry to hear about your grandfather! I hope he (and you) will be ok. Hope the kitty gets well soon, too.
Beautiful knitting! Love the colour of your yarn. For a beginner's project, a striped scarf will actually be great. Choose a medium thick yarn in a sturdy quality(easier to keep your gauge), and your favourite colours. The stripes make your progress more visible and add some motivation(just one more stripe...) Felted hot pads are also a good idea. I'll mail you instructions if you want to. Good luck!
Posted by: Strikkelise | November 20, 2005 at 12:46 AM
i hope your grandfather can find some peace and comfort soon and that you can enjoy your time away with jerry and brynne. your knitting looks lovely, especially that yummy color!
Posted by: hannah | November 20, 2005 at 02:08 PM
I'm sorry to hear about your troubles, but good for you for not letting the stress get you down! Good job on your very first knitting! I'm the type that jumps in over my head right away, so I can't help you out on beginner's books. Take care!
Posted by: Rose | November 20, 2005 at 06:20 PM
yay for knitting! please hang in there, kelly. i am thinking about you!!
Posted by: lisa | November 20, 2005 at 10:50 PM
I'm just learning to knit too and I found an awesome website online that actually has free videos you can watch to perfect your stitches. Its SOOOO helpful. It also has s ton of easy beginners projects, that are not all just scarves. Good luck and feel better!
Posted by: Susanna Alonso | November 21, 2005 at 05:17 AM
Oops, I forgot to post the address: www.knittinghelp.com
Posted by: Susanna Alonso | November 21, 2005 at 05:18 AM
I am so proud of your knitting!!! It looks very good so far!!
Posted by: Lisa | November 21, 2005 at 01:06 PM
sounds like this is a good time to start knitting -- the feel of the yarn and needles (especialy bamboo) can be a great stress reliever, i think. sending lots of positive thoughts your way! glad the kitty's better.
your stitches look great. some of my favourite beginning knitting books are knitter's almanac by elizabeth zimmermann, world of knitted toys by kath dalmeny, either of deb stoller's books, and the older mon tricot or mccalls toy knitting books. there's a new one out called "new knits on the block" by vickie howell that sounds like fun, but i haven't checked it out yet. enjoy!
Posted by: mrspilkington | November 22, 2005 at 02:12 AM
Sorry to hear about your Grandfather. I know how hard it can be when a loved one is ill.
Your knitting looks great! One of these days I hope I'll figure out how to do it too!
Posted by: myra | November 22, 2005 at 11:13 AM
Yay for kitty getting better! Now it's your grandfather's turn!
About the knitting, I think it looks great and it is definitely an addiction! As cliche as this is, I really suggest the Stitch and Bitch book. I learned everything from that and I still use it as a reference for just about everything. What's nice about it is it's set up so you learn a skill and then practice it with a pattern. The whole book is not like that, but the intro part is, so that's good! I'll have to look around some more because I'm sure I must have some other suggestions. Maybe if you're giving anyone some bath products for Christmas, you could knit a washcloth to go with it! That's just a square, so that would be good and quick!
Posted by: Passions & Distractions | November 29, 2005 at 10:19 AM