Saturday, August 28, 2010

Gotta Get My Monkey On


Since my last post 3 WEEKS AGO, I have finished the first Thank You Monkey sock and got to the gusset of sock #2.  I really, really, really want to get these done this weekend, but not sure how to do that.  You see, Ed is out of town until Tuesday evening, Kristin has a volleyball match today, I have a very dusty house that needs my attention, and I have to work all day tomorrow.   Maybe the dust can wait.  Heck, it's been here longer than the sock.  It can hang around a little longer.

My friend with leukemia is doing well.  He is still showing no sign of disease.  His strength is slowly returning.  The doctor has given him the OK to drive if he feels up to it.  That has been a HUGE relief for his wife.  Since she doesn't have to escort him to his daily outpatient treatments, she has 3-5 hours of each day back. 

On a sad note, one of my friends from work found out she has breast cancer.  Her lumpectomy is next week.  Another friend and I are going to make her a shawl to carry around with her.  Seeing how cold Dean always was in the hospital, I thought something like that would be useful for our friend.  Since the second friend and I share a cubicle, we are going to tag-team.  We'll leave the shawl on the counter between us and whenever we have a couple minutes for a break, we'll pick it up and work it.

As I mentioned above, Ed is away.  He and his brother are in Penticton, British Columbia for Ironman Canada.  The race it tomorrow.  Physically he is ready.  As usual, he is getting nervous and anxious for the race to start.  I worry most about the swim portion of the race.  Once I know he is safely out of the water, my anxiety level drops significantly.

Saturday, August 7, 2010

Monkey Business

Not getting as much time as I had hoped to work on the Monkey socks, but I'm coming to the home stretch of the first one.  Here's my progress as of last night.


I am finding this pattern very fun to knit.  I understand now why it is so popular.

I'm working these on size 3 needles, which is one up from the size suggested in the pattern.  I was worried they be too big, but I slipped them on and they felt wonderful.  The recipient wears US size 9 shoes and I wear size 7, so I'm sure they won't be too loose on her.

Did I mention who the recipient is?  It is the lady who saved my friend's life by donating her bone marrow stem cells.  DeLynne is Dean's sister and she was doing what any sibling would do for another member of the family.  But that fact does not diminish the risks she took.  Without her Dean's chances were bleak.  Now, her blood has taken over his body and he is slowing gaining strength. 

Now, it is a beautiful Saturday and I'm not going to waste any more time on this blog.  Enjoy your day!!!