It's been a full week, mostly good, and capped off on Saturday with a Cork Poppers gathering. More on that one later, but we had a wonderful afternoon sampling wines and devouring terrific food from places we'd rather be!
I was ready to get out one of my undone puzzles (this one was a "Three Pines" puzzle based on Louise Penny's Gamache books) when I remembered I was hosting Cork Poppers over the weekend. The thought of moving puzzles, even carefully -- and no doubt losing dozens of pieces on the floor in the process -- put a halt to that one. So, it was back to the books and trying to figure out a knitting problem. I haven't knit in probably 20 years. I used to do sweaters, purses, hats, and of course, scarves. Like most yarnies, I once had enough yarn to start my own store! (OK, slight exaggeration. But not too slight.)
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| Back in the day when I knit a lot of sweaters including this one! |
So, when I was tidying up the office, I found a pattern for a Three Pines dishcloth that was basically knit and purl, no yarn changes. How hard could it be? Needless to say, after ripping out the first four rows over and over (because I couldn't get the tiny stitches back on the little needle after ripping out the rows I messed up) I was frustrated. (OK, let's be honest -- I've ripped it out five times.) If I don't get it the next time, I'm calling my knitting friend in Colorado to talk me through it! I'll share soon. I hope!
I mentioned tidying the office. It was part one of a purge. It's time to let go of project materials I will not be doing and hoping to find a good home for them. That room has collected a bit of everything over the past five or six months -- art show inventory, things that ended up on the guest room bed that had to be moved for a guest, a broken phone, lots of things to file, art sale inventory, at least six rolls of Scotch tape, books, you name it. This is the before.
I don't really have an "after" yet, but this is the Part One. I found my desk! Now, to weed my way through some of the stuff ON the desk and then next up, the book shelves.
My friend Judy, who moved out of town a few years ago, dropped in between in-town appointments with her husband Dick during the cold snap (which we are still in). It was so good to talk, even if never long enough.
I braved the cold to go to a tapas and wine tasting with Rick and several friends. It was at our local wine store/restaurant and great fun. There were four courses. The first was called "Risotto Milanaise" and was my favorite -- very tasty! they served it with a white Reinarea Viura ($12.00). Next was a lasagna roll up. This was good but I think my piece was at the end and the noodle a bit dry. That came with Sand Point Zinfandel ($14). The third course was a delicious Porcetta with a diced rutabega vegetable (I actually thought it was potatoes!). Oh, the blackberry/balamic vinegar on that was to die for. The wine was Marques de Caceras Rioja Reserva (and my least favorite). It was $25. And I wish I had a photo of the dessert -- or better still, a whole box of them! They were small starwberry canoli served with Les Allies Brut ($14), a terrific sparkling wine. (I bought a bottle of that with the guest discount). They were beyond fabulous.
Rick went north to ski this week and meet up with son Greg. I'm maneuvering doc appointments. I have developed double vision, which is worse when I drive. It may be medication related, but the headaches are problematic. So, I'm either seeing or talking to just about everyone who has checked eyes, lung, heart, sinuses and the rest of me. I have a rather natty looking eye patch to wear over the left eye when I drive, which is when it bothers me most. (Covering the left seems to help.) It's my pirate look.
Rick called me from the road and said "Go out and look at the moon!" I did, but since I couldn't see it from my house, so I drove a few blocks to find it. This isn't the best photo but it is the best of what I had. It was stunning.
Unlike many of you, our snowfall in my part of Michigan has been relatively light so far. We did get several inches but over several days and Rick could easily shovel it, for which I was terribly grateful. We've had worse -- and I'm pretty sure that if you lived in the East or even Ohio, you were among those who did. I leave you with a photo of my grandmother shoveling snow "back in the day."
I bet she wished she had jeans and long johns. Or a snow suit.
Sharing with: Friday Face-Off / Love Your Creativity
64 comments:
Dear Jeanie, headaches 😩 😪 are so debilitating.
I love ❤️ all your photos. Yes, this includes the one with your pirate ☠️ look.
I do hope that they get to the bottom of your health matters soon!. I always forget to take the before photos.
Your wine tasting dinner sounds delicious! What a fun event.
I'm impressed you went out in this! I can work from home, so I haven't left the house in quite a while. Your tapas sound like they were worth leaving for, though.
You were really good at knitting! I love everything about that sweater! The colors and pattern are gorgeous! If I could make sweaters like that, I don't think I would ever buy a sweater. I bet you'll pick it back up quickly. Have you looked for a YouTube video of that pattern? I can't knit, but YouTube videos really help me with crocheting.
I'm sorry about your double vision and headaches. Hopefully, they'll get that figured out and solved quickly.
...Jeanie, the moon was spectacular here. I hope the you feel better soon.
Good afternoon, I enjoyed your post-My Mom did a lot of knitting over the years. The moon was fabulous-I was spoiled as the full moons are usually right in front of the big windows over the lake-it was amazing happy new week Kathy
Our county is running out of salt for the roads. AM hoping this snow ends soon. UGH We had more today. I missed the moon. Hope your double vision gets better soon and they find some answers for you. Janice
Your poor grandmother! When people complain about how hot it is here in the summers, my husband always reminds them that he has never had to shovel heat.
Even your before and during photos of reorganizing the office look great. It sounds like you had a lovely weekend.
It was a wonderful moon, huge and silver and with a halo. I see you're taking up knitting again. It does take a while to get back into it, especially when you're sure you know exactly what to do, so, arghghhh, wha' happened?
My grandma and older sister could knit just about anything. My sister is does. The food look so good! I hope you have a great week.
I love that picture of your grandmother shoveling snow back in the day, Jeanie. What a treasured photo. We haven't had much snow here either, but we're supposed to get some this month. How much, we never know. Your office looks better now, and I'd love to see it when you're finished. A cute picture of you and your friend, Judy. Those meals look delicious at your wine tasting. I can't believe you knitted that sweater you are wearing in this photo of you and your dad? I wish you wonderful February days, Jeanie. It's always been such a sweet month for me. : )
Your office looks much better, and a lot like my spare room/craft space. I go back and forth about getting rid of things. I do get rid of things, but somethings I may not have used but have hopes to use. I say that because it's a tough decision what to keep sometimes. It looks like you've had some fun times too. With some really yummy food. Sorry to read about all your knitting issues. Are those metal or plastic needles? It looks like a good project to get back into knitting with, and this winter has been a good time to knit with the weather. Have a super week, and I hope your eye issues clear up soon. hugs-Erika
You wear the pirate look well, carrying it off with a good measure of colorful flair! (Where oh where did you find a pink eye patch?). After all, if you have to be dealing with dr's and double-vision, it's nice to do it in style. Better yet, to have the company of good friends and good food. Sure hope you find an easy solution to the vision woes very soon.
I love the most recent office re-org! So much brighter! And I especially love the garlands hung over the windows. Overall, it looks like you have a critical mass of creative inspiration combined with room to work. Ideal, right?
Good luck with your knitting projects - - and stay warm!
Great progress on your office!! Looks like such a nice weekend!!!
The sweater you are wearing is gorgeous! I would love to be able to knit something I could wear. When I was a child, my family liked to do jigsaw puzzles. We had a piece of plywood on the coffee table, that could be slid under the couch when the table was needed. As pretty as you are with that pink eyepatch, I hope you can get your eyes straightened out soon so you can do without it!
I love the first picture with your beautiful self made sweater and the eighties hair. And well done on finding your table. That's a great first step I think.
yes it has been a splendid full moon! Love the eye patch.
You are living proof, Jeanie, that once in a while we need to clean out our offices! As for your pirate look, it is quite fetching. I think it should become a permanent fashion attachment. I guarantee no one will forget you visited!
It is really cold here. Hope you feel better now!
That full moon reflecting off all the snow here has made it so light overnight that I am having a hard time sleeping. I keep waking up thinking it is dawn, and it is 3 am!!
Looks like a wonderful party with lots of good things to eat.
Hope your vision corrects itself soon. The eye patch is quite fetching in pink!
Ok, so you haven't changed a bit all these years later! Loved looking at all your pics this morning. I hope it's a great day for you, friend.
Jeanie, what a stylish eye patch!! Sorry that you need one. That sweater that you knitted is gorgeous, The colors are so soft looking too. That is some job that you are tackling in your office area.. Looks like you are making great progress. So many beautiful photos as usual I enjoy seeing them all. Feel better, keep warm, and have a good week.
We finally are not cold! We got to southern Arizona a couple days ago and it is in the 80's!
Very cute photo of you when younger. You are so talented. The sweater is darling. Always good to de-clutter. I hope your health issues get resolved soon.
I had double vision and week long headache in 2022. The eye doctor thought I was having a stroke so she sent me to the ER. After many tests, I was diagnosed with a brain tumor called Pituatary adenoma. I had a second mri the following year, and the tumor has decreased in size to 2 mm, the size of a bb. No treatment, no surgery. If it got so big that it touched the optic nerve, I would have peripheral blindness.
Hello Jeanie,
Wonderful photos of you and your friend and your grandmother.
The sweater you knitted is pretty! The full moon was lovely.
Take care, have a great day and happy week ahead.
I hope your eye issue can be solved, it must be frustrating. So there was actually a desk under all the piles of creativity and other stuff, glad you found it. :)
That photo of your grandmother shoveling is wonderful..
Your before and after of your office is great..the before was giving me anxiety.
You make one great pirate.. put hope you find a solution for the double vision. That must be annoying.
Sweet how Rick called you to look at the moon.
Sunday evening we saw the huge moon just coming into view above the roofs of houses near us. It was definitely spectacular. I didn’t even try for a photo!
I hope you get some help with your eye and other health issues.
best… mae
The patch works because you can't see double with one eye..takes two!!Any clue as to why you have double vision??
Yes, the "snow moon" was gorgeous especially with all the snow ..so bright!!.Doesn't wearing it on your left eye make you lose your side vision?? Important when driving!!
I don't knit anymore...arthritis.
You sure have a lot of interesting looking snacks there.
I am a pirate, too!! :)
Good luck on your knitting! And on your eye difficulty. I hope that's soon resolved. The snacks from your party look delicious!
Hopefully the cold will end soon.
The before and after on the desk clean up looks great! Phil and I were talking about his coworker that passed away last month. He said his office looks like he could come back at any moment. :( I don't know what's worse for Phil - seeing his desk as it currently looks or seeing it empty when they eventually pack up his belonging. Oof, things continue to feel heavy here for a multitude of reasons.
Our cold snap has finally broke! It's still cold but not nearly as cold as it was. The boys had recess yesterday for the first time in over 2 weeks! We got a little bit of snow over the weekend but I'll take a few inches of fluffy snow rather than sub-zero weather! My colleagues in Charlotte had an ice storm one weekend and then got 11" of snow the next weekend! It's been a weird start to the week.
It reads like a warmly human winter interlude: creative intentions rerouted by real life, friendships and good food savored, clutter slowly tamed, and everything held together with humor, resilience, and a rather dashing pirate eye patch
So sorry you are having vision challenges. Oh to getting older and having to deal with these things. Ugh!!! Glad you aren't having to shovel snow. What an amazing picture of your grandmother. Love Spanish tapas. What a wonderful place to meet up with friends. Good work on your desk. Nice work space.
Oh my, your grandmother had to shovel a lot of snow back then. What a picture! We don't have any snow out here -- it's melted away. And I love your desk -- it looks fun and like a good creative space. So much to look at. Enjoy.
You look a lovely pirate, but hope you find a solution to the double vision soon.
Do take care.
All the best Jan
A very sweet photo of you and your Dad and I am very impressed you knitted that beautiful sweater. Lovely photo with Judy also. Your craft area gave me a chuckle. Back in the day I had a very similar room (your before picture). When I had my purge and hubs came in to see, he said "Oh I forgot we had carpet in here!" He was joking of course. I'm very sorry you are having your health issues and hope those meds can sort that out. That is a snazzy eyepatch. I missed the full moon darn it, but your photo of it was very nice. I actually saw some of the ice/snow level go down today, not a lot but it pleased me no end. Great photo of your grandmother. Yes, she would have benefited from jeans and long johns, but they were of sturdier stock back in those days I'm thinking. A great post Jeanie and I wish you a very happy February.
Love your sweater photo and you make a lovely pirate:)
The moon was big and beautiful last night. Hope the Docs get to the root of the problem and correct it.
Cheers
I went through a stint of double vision, and it was terrifying. It got so bad I couldn't drive. I couldn't read the license plate of the car in front of me, and believe me: there's nothing like seeing six stop lights shining where there are supposed to be two! It turned out to be a reaction to a new glaucoma medication called Dorzolamide. Once I stopped using it, things slowly improved. Now, I'm on a different drops, and am having no problems at all. I hope the answer's as easy for you!
My mother could knit anything. I once had a dress that she knit for me when I was in high school, and I still have a couple of the sweaters she knit. Once I get another ten pounds off, I might be able to wear them. She knit a lot a of my doll clothes, too. Did I send you some of her stash after she died? She had bins and bins of knitting and needlepoint yarn, not to mention all the needlepoint supplies like rolls of canvas. The tapestry yarns were so pretty that I wanted to keep them just for their colors, but I wasn't going to do anything with them, so off they went!
You always know how to have a good time, and your love of life really shows in your posts. I hope you can figure out what your eye problem is; maybe go to an ophthalmologist. The tapas and wine tasting looked so yummy.
The double vision problem you are currently experiencing must create quite a problem, for you, Jeanie, and hope there will be a solution soon. Good luck with the office decluttering project.
There’s a Three Pines jigsaw? And washcloth?
i have knit so many washcloths in my day. i love gifting them with homemade soap, lotion and products like that!! the sweater you knit is beautiful!!
You have made great progress in your office, Jeanie! I am sorry to read of your eye troubles, hopefully it will straighten out! Look at your grandmother shoveling snow, she had to be extremely cold. I love seeing your many photos of yesteryear! Take care of yourself!
love your office Jeanie! Wonderful space. Lovely post and I love your eyepatch! Pink is lovely colour. Also the food you had looks so yummy. Have a wonderful rest of the week!
This is the perfect time of year for organizing parts of the house. It's great that you get together with your friends for the cork poppers. I love that sweater you knitting and I hope you figure out the stitching of your current project. I hope your eye situation gets better. Yes, we've had about 10 inches of snow here and more is on the way. I can't wait for spring! Take care and have a good weekend.
Your room looks lovely, warm and bright. I really need to do some serious weeding in our house. I hate throwing things away. It just seems wrong somehow.
The women were always so nicely dressed back in the day. I still remember how my dear mom used to dress up and I would admire her when she was getting ready to go out. Your photos are always so lovely and you are always so productive. You're doing very well with the knitting though I know it's frustrating after so many years but you were an advanced knitter back in the day and you will easily get back to it I'm sure. You're also doing well on the clean up of your office. I do hope your eye issue will settle down soon. Hugs. xx
Wow, that is a frightening room. However, you seem to have been able to tackle it in a good way. My study tends to spread its things without me knowing it. I clean and then ... it is full again. Now I will be renovating the whole room with new wall paper and furniture and I have promised myself to keep it tidy. Just have to see.
The food and wine tasting sounds really great.
You look cool with that badge over the eye. I hope though, that it will becoma better. Must be a terrible feeling. Don't you feel dizzy by it?
Alright, mate! All kidding aside, I hope that double vision clears quickly and the root cause is found. The wine tasting looked and sounded amazing. I didnt even step out to peep the snow moon this week. Im so sick of this snow and ice....and another round's coming today. Spring...come soon! It's even too dangerous to walk.
Hi, I know I left a comment on this post but I sure don't see it. There is always a nice spread of food with the Cork Poppers and so much fun. Your back in the day sweater suits you with those pastel colors. Ripping out knitting is frustrating. Uhhgggg Your area looks great you have so many shelves. Nice your friend came by. I like your pirate look, again pink is perfect for you. Thank you for sharing with FFO and have a very nice weekend.
I love your girly-girl pirate look! Arrrrrrrr!
All the best with your health Jeanie.
I won't even try to knit ir crochet again, it has been so long, and I wasn't any good at it anyway. My mother, however, always had something yarn in her hands. She was so talented .
The wine tasting sounds like fun! I would love to go to another.
So sorry about your eye problem. What a nuisance, especially accompanied by a headache. I sure hope you can get it resolved soon.
I saw Rick's skiing post on Facebook. Sounds like he is having a blast!
I hope the double vision eases up soon and that pirate eye patch adds a bit of humor to the day. The moon photo and grandmother shoveling snow give the post such a warm, personal touch.
the before and after photos of your study are great, you have made super progress. I do hope your double vision clears up soon. {{{HUGS}}}
Your office space looks a lot lighter after your big clean up. I find it very relieving to get rid of things that I no longer need, and that includes craft and art supplies, but also other things. I have started to purge my rubber stamps - there are so many I don't use anymore or have never used. I even got rid of yarn!.That's quite a "biggie" for me. Are you knitting with metal needles? Sometimes they can be a little too "fast" - I usually prefer wood or bamboo needles. For dishcloths I would probably use bigger needles with some worsted cotton yarn.
Since when do you have the double vision? That sounds worrisome. Were your doctors able to find out what causes it? Your pirate look, however, is great and good that it helps with the double vision. Are you saying that it mainly occurs when you drive? That's really not the best of times...
I hope your double vision gets better! Oh my goodness, I can't even imagine.
I love your office craft room! What a great space!
The snow moon was fabulous it was showing up in the back of our house.
Yummy tapas! How fun!
Happy Weekend to you!
Sorry to hear that your eye problems.
Your desk is looking nice, just continue to sort out as you intended. I know I stop before I finish sorting out and then I have an ever-growing pile of papers I need to look at. Then is back at a huge pile what I can't hide anywhere because of lack of space. Haha
Jeanie, I so appreciate and enjoy seeing your name pop up on the comments at LAWN TEA! I've hit the "subscribe" button for TMG, but don't know if that lets me JOIN as a member or not, because I've never had subscribers. Anyway, I'm enjoying the lovely gathering you've attended, and looking forward to delving into your former moments and adventures! Stay well and warm. r
Love how you can carry off anything including an eyepatch with so much flair and panache! That pink ombre sweater is truly another work of art. Your gran's ankles must have been so cold...
I am so sorry to learn that you are suffering from double vision! Please be careful driving, as that patch might help, but it must also obscure your peripheral vision. I hope your doctors can discover the cause and help you. I sometimes find myself closing one eye when I read, as the eye I have a cornea transplant in is weaker than my other eye, and I can't focus as well on words, so Iunderstand that feeling. I hardly drive any longer, as I am also very sensitive to glare, and we have almost constant sun glare here. The joys of getting older are abundant, aren't they? :)
As you read on my blog, our winter has been unusually warm and dry, but meteorologists are hoping the high front keeping it that way will dissipate soon and bring us some much-needed snow! The photo of the woman in a skirt shoveling made me shiver! Brrr
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