Radiculopathy

Cervical Radiculopathy to be exact!

Over the last 6 months, I have struggled with pain in my right hand/thumb that has slowly worked it's way up to my shoulder. I have tried switching the side my computer mouse is used and (gasp!) even stopped knitting for several weeks. I took Aleve, and ibuprofen, used heat and ice. Nothing relieved the pain The pain in my shoulder had gotten to be so bad, I couldn't roll over in bed at night without wincing in pain.

I finally was able to get to my doctor to discuss the problem. His testing showed no damage to the shoulder, no bursa. A trip to the radiologist ended with a diagnosis of cervical radiculopathy Cervical radiculopathy is the damage or disturbance of nerve function that results if one of the nerve roots near the cervical vertebrae is compressed. Now I have a name for it and I don't need shoulder surgery!

Recovery Operation

Just looked at my blog and saw that my last posting was in the middle of March!

That's what tax season does to me. The last five weeks before the due date, I was in the office working every day, including Sundays. The first few days after April 17 were spent taking care of all the people, animals, and things ignored during the rush. You know, little things, like saying hello to my husband, going to the grocery store, doing wash, and petting the cat and dogs.

Oh, and I also had to finish all of the coursework for my class that I hadn't the time for when I was working. (I did end up with an "A" for my efforts, though!)

There's still lots to do at the office. I have to bill everyone for the work I did, and those whose returns were extended are clamoring for them to get done soon.

It's so hard to get back into the swing of things.

The Middle of a Storm

The title of this post could refer to the snowy sleet that has been falling since around 9 this morning. But it actually refers to what life is like for a CPA during the second week of March. I got a little peek of spring when I received this gift from my in-laws this week. Thank you Suzan and Nelson for the beautiful flowers on my desk!

A Pretty Sight

Something pretty to look at on my desk courtesy of my beautiful daughters. Thank you!

These are much more pleasing to the eye than the piles of tax documents and forms on the other side of the desk.

Last Week's Storm

As the warmer weather starts to melt the hardened ice, I post a few images of the first major (and hopefully, last) winter storm of 2007.

Road Trip

Just the drive to work in the morning. I am very lucky to have this scenery every morning to remind me how beautiful the world can be.

(To respond to comments - NO, I wasn't driving when I took this picture, but I was in the car. The car was at a complete stop, with no traffic behind me.)

Sock Yarn Is Not Stash!

I didn't make that rule - Wendy and LB did. But unfortunately, I don't think I can justify the elsebeth lavold Chunky AL in the color Dune. Oh well, everyone falls off their diet now and again. It doesn't mean I should give up altogether, does it?

WEBS was having a sale, and I fell for the RY Cashsoft 4 ply for socks. The yarn is buttery soft. The contents of extra fine merino and cashmere with microfibre combine with beautiful solid colors. I couldn't resist.

Is It Tax Season Already?

I have been very busy at work. It seems people and businesses are ready to get to their tax returns earlier than usual this year. So I have been trying to get work turned around as quickly as possible.

I've also been busy visiting our new baby. She's only 2 weeks old in this picture and will be ready to come home at the beginning of March.

I've been very good about not procrastinating on my homework for my Abnormal Psych class. I've figured out what I need to do each week in order to keep a fairly even pace. And I've been keeping up, even trying to get ahead. I have a terrible fear that it will be the beginning of April and I will be behind in classwork and crazy-busy at work. What am I going to do when I am carrying 10-12 credits and not 3? (Switch to Scarlett O'Hara mode- I will worry about that tomorrow.)

I have been doing some knitting, too. Last week I knit a ribbed hat for my husband from a skein of Cascade 220 I had in my stash. He has a 4-5 block walk from Penn's Landing to his office in Philadelphia, and it's been so cold, he was happy to have something on his head this week.

Excuses, Excuses

I haven't forgotten you, really.

I am trying to adapt to life as a full time worker and a student.

I am taking one class this semester, Abnormal Psychology. Trying to stay up to date with my reading and the homework. Seventy five percent of our grade consists of a notebook covering the chapters we are to read and the notes we take in class.
Can't decide if I am being overzealous and anal about the work I plan to hand in. But, my goal IS to get an "A"!

Actually, my goal is to learn and enjoy the process of going back to school. (Similar to "process knitting.") I'm going to school because it is what I want in my life now. Not something I have to do. I have already learned new information and met many nice and interesting people.

Bad news, I have already gone off of my "Knit from your Stash Diet." Bought a box full of yarn from WEBS.

Most of it was sock yarn, which doesn't count, but I did buy enough skeins of yarn to knit a sweater. And the sock yarn has cashmere in it. I will try to get some pictures of the yarn and post them.

Now I only need to find time to KNIT!

Knitter's Blogroll

Anyone interested in getting their blog listed on a blogroll for fiber artists? Need more knitting blogs to read everyday?

Check out this website - http://www.getstitchy.com/blogroll.htm

There you will find an alphabetical list of blogs.

If you want to get your blog on the list, go to http://www.getstitchy.com/contact.htm to sign up!

Winter Has Arrived

The cold weather has arrived in the Middle States. Last week it was 72 degrees, this morning it's in the low 20's.
Hopefully the fish in the pond can adapt more quickly than humans. They have a heater in one corner of the pond to help keep them warm. (See the green and white object in the upper right corner of the pond?) They can also swim to the bottom of the three foot hole at the front of the pond.
The weather is supposed to warm up again this weekend. I hope so. This weekend Chuck and I are celebrating our 10th anniversary in Philadelphia. We have a horse carriage ride on our agenda.

Storm Water Shawl

My dear husband gave me a fabulous knitting experience as a Christmas gift. I have tried my best to use my camera to capture a picture of what it is, but I have failed to properly show the beautiful colors of the yarn. Please click on this link to the Storm Water Shawl to see a picture of the kit I received. The Sea Silk yarn included in the kit was Wildflower.
The yarn is beautiful to look at, wonderful to knit with, and I can only assume it will be luscious to wear.

Shattered Peace

On Sunday morning, my husband and I decided to enjoy the sunshine and take a hike in the area of the Brandywine River owned by the Woodlawn Trustees.
We had parked our truck in the lot on Ramsey Road. When we got back from our hike, we found the passenger side window smashed and several items stolen from the truck. Another couple's car was broken into at the same time.
As we waited for the police to arrive at the scene, we talked to others using the park that day. We were surprised to learn that many had similar experiences in the same area.
It was a jolt to learn that an area of our town, which we had considered quiet and safe, was a target of criminals.
Somehow, I don't feel as safe today as I did before our walk yesterday.

How to Know If You Have Enough Yarn For Two Socks

Here's the answer.

Notice that this item has already been used. See the remnants of yarn left from the skeins of Seasilk run through the counter?
I didn't even notice they were there until I uploaded the picture onto my computer.

The counter can be purchased mounted on a board from knitting suppliers for about $50. But my daughter (who gave this to me as a gift for Christmas, isn't she the best?) found this at Dick's for alot less. It's used by fisherman to measure how much line they have out.

I found I don't need the mounting board. The device attaches directly to the table I use with my swift and ball winder.

Now I can easily divide that one skein of sock yarn into 2 skeins of even length. I really don't need the suspense of waiting until I am almost done the second sock before I know if I will have enough yarn!

Happy New Year!

Welcome to 2007!

I wish everyone a year of peacefulness, health, and personal growth.

Cozy Feet

Thanks to all of you who left comments to help my hurting hand. It feels much better and I have been able to work on my knitting projects with alot less pain.

I finished these socks during the Christmas Holidays! There is nothing like a pair of hand knitted socks to make your feet feel special. I contemplated giving these as a gift, but decided they wouldn't be properly appreciated by others. These socks needed a home where they would be loved by someone who could understand why feet need socks made of $16 yarn and the time spent in knitting them.

My Hand Hurts!

Ever since the KR Retreat, I have been knitting like a crazy woman, and my right hand is really aching! I don't know if the pain is caused from overuse or from the multiple socks I've been knitting on size 1 circulars.

The pain is centered around the pad below my thumb. My wrist is sore also. I wonder if it could be carpal tunnel syndrome?

I've even gone a few days in a row without picking up my needles and yarn. I've tried to keep ibuprofen in my system, but I'm going to switch to naprosyn (Aleve) in order to only take it twice a day (instead of 3 times a day). I switched my mouse at my work computer to the other side, it's a good thing I'm lefthanded.

Does anyone have any ideas how to relieve these symptoms? I know there are a few nurses who read my blog. (Mom? Sis? Daughter?) HELP!!!!!

Another Diet - Knit From Your Stash 2007

Knit From Your Stash 2007 is a great/challenging idea from Wendy of Wendy Knits.

The goal is to only knit with yarn you already own - for the next year. Remember the 1200 yards of worsted weight merino wool you bought 2 years ago to make that perfect poncho? Now, you know ponchos are not coming back into style for another 25 years, but the yarn is great, so look through your bookshelf full of knitting patterns (note:knitting books are not included in the diet, thank goodness) and find a sweater to knit!

If you don't think you have enough yarn hidden away to keep your needles clicking for a year :
1. You just started knitting yesterday.

2. You have serious rationalization issues.

3. You need to inventory your stash.

4. Your significant other is hiding your yarn in an attempt to make you think you are going insane!

Merry Christmas everyone!. I hope you get to spend time with your family and friends and experience the love you deserve.

Thank You, Rosi

Rosi, I didn't give you a proper "Thank You" in my previous post. Sorry about that, being fairly new to blogger, I haven't quite figured out all of the ins and outs of the system, and wasn't able to properly edit my previous post.

To anyone who meets Rosi, you will find a very generous woman. She may not have an extra copy of "Victorian Lace Today" on her person, but I am willing to bet she has wine or homemade cookies in her knitting bag!

Victorian Lace

One of the most amazing items I got from this year's swap lounge at the KR Retreat actually never made it into the room. Rosi brought a brand new copy of "Victorian Lace Today". She sat down next to Clara and me when she first arrived at the retreat and just happened to mention what she had brought to give away. Luckily, Clara will receive a copy of this beautiful book as part of her job as publisher of the Knitter's Review Newsletter, so that left me to calmly (haha) pipe up and offer to take it off of Rosi's hands and save her the walk all the way over to the next room.
For any knitter who loves lace, or those who think you might, please find a chance to flip through this book. The pictures are gorgeous and inspiring!
I began my first project soon after I returned home from the retreat. I had 1800 yards of vanilla Zephyr which I had purchased online from Rosie's Yarn Cellar in late August of this year. I decided to use the merino wool and silk yarn to knit the "Beginner Sampler".