Yarn Along

~ Two of my favorite things are knitting and reading, and the evidence of this often shows up in my photographs.  I love seeing what other people are knitting and reading as well. So, what are you knitting or crocheting right now? What are you reading? ~ Ginny

Oh my, what a day. I spent most of it at the hospital, waiting in the eye clinic. You might recall that last year I had surgery on both my eyes, after suddenly finding I had two detached retinas. Late yesterday I noticed I was having difficulty focusing on objects and faces a meter or two in front of me, which was a new and slightly alarming development given my history. I was told after my surgery to treat any changes in my eyes as  an urgent matter. I called an optometrist this morning, informed him I was almost 35 weeks pregnant, had had two detached retinas and two Scleral buckles and could I make an appointment for an eye check today? He advised me to go straight to the hospital. 

So I sat, and waited, and read my book until the eye drops I was given made that impossible. And I'm pleased to report that a build up of pigment in my eyes may be to blame, but there are no tears, holes or fluid behind the retina. Pregnancy could also be to blame. I was sent on my merry way with a specialist appointment in two months, pupils the size of saucers and a sense of relief.

Meanwhile, I completely enjoyed Elizabeth Taylor's, In The Summer Season (the novelist, not the actress), and am now engrossed in The Help by Kathryn Stockett. My plans for this evening involve putting my feet up, taking up my knitting and eating a slice (or two) or apple pie - while feeling grateful for my vision.

And you, what have you been reading or knitting?

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Joining in with Ginny.

Ravelry.

Long Weekending

North Burleigh

34 week bump

Noticing from the look out that we'd left the children's sand toys down on the beach. Oops.

Victoria Point

We celebrated Easter and the long weekend with a BBQ by the beach, fish and chips by the water, and a whole lot of napping, knitting and reading. Of course there was also Easter crafting, an egg hunt, family visits, and two children attempting to overdose on chocolate. But my highlights were certainly the beautiful weather, warm water, and lazy afternoons spent with a book. 

And you, how was your Easter? 

How did you enjoy your days?

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When faced with difficult decisions, knitting surely is a wonderful aid to processing your thoughts. Though I'm yet to come to a final conclusion, I feel more calm about the question at hand. And in the meantime, I have completed my first ever raglan cardigan for Cohen. 

I couldn't be more pleased with it. Modesty aside, I do believe it is the very best thing I have yet knitted. Never did I think myself able to complete something like this. I am truly amazed at how much I have learnt and how my knitting has improved these past twelve months. One step at a time.

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Pattern: 'George' from Jaeger Handknits JB29 by Martin Storey

Yarn: Moda Vera Pure Wool 8 ply in Mustard

Buttons: Thifted, woven leather, metal shanked buttons

(I stitched the spare button to the inside seam of the cardigan, just in case Cohen looses one.)

Ravelry.

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For as long as I can remember I have had a 'Grandma' Doris, who I love dearly. She has been neighbours with my family for over thirty years. And although strictly no relation whatsoever, she has delightfully filled the role of Grandmother and continues to to this day. Proving that sometimes you can indeed choose your family.

In the same way, Cohen and I have adopted an extra Mother in law. Gratefully appropriating my sisters lovely Mother in law, Clare, into our little family. Now, as Doris was to me, Cohen also has an extra Grandmother. And I have a kind, supportive and thoughtful 'Mother in law.'

Above is a little 'thinking of you' package she sent me recently.

Do you have special people in your life you've adopted into your family?

Ten good things

Toddler painting (and the first appearance of hands and feet on his people paintings!)

Planting seeds (lettuce, tomato, carrot, watermelon, sweet corn, peas, beans and poppies)

Trying new recipes (like this and this) and impressing my husband

Completing my first knitted raglan sleeve

Watching a few episodes of River Monsters each night with Dave (and learning weird and wonderful things about fish as a result)

The smell of just washed wooden floors

Climbing into bed with fresh, sun dried sheets

34 week ultrasounds with only good news

Finding new parks to explore with Cohen

Only three weeks remaining until my muchly missed sister comes home

What good things are you noticing these days?