L'Orangerie

What, this old thing?

With the weather finally turning deliciously autumnal the knitwear can really be shown off:

Grant is modeling a lovely Basketweave Scarf that I knit when I was just starting out. Go me! It turned out rather long, but with his height he can carry it off. It's been so well received I'm glad I fished it out of the FO* pile. He wore it on Thursday eve with a brown corduroy jacket, striped shirt, jeans & Chucks. It was a lovely ensemble for an art reception. We thought we'd go since it was at my office and in support of my friend Lisa. It was actually a joint venture with the launch of the new Board so the place was loud and crowded. We were overwhelmed and didn't stay long, but glad we tried it. We hadn't been to a social event in quite some time.

I've been finishing a number of little things lately. This poor project was on the needles since January:

Finally my tea pot is dressed. It's so cute I can hardly stand it.

I knit two pairs of Toast in rapid succession:

Basically a tube, but what a fantastic use for a single luxurious skein. The green is Blue Sky Alpacas Suri Merino and the ginger is Manos Silky Blend.

My new love is the Gasteropoda Mitts:

I've got one about half way done, just trying to work out the thumb. The colors are a bit mad--especially since I insist on using the Polarize filter--but I'm sticking with it. It's kind of addictive knitting with Noro. I'm compelled to keep going and see what happens with the color changes.

I have a mountain of knitted items. I should take a picture some day. Or not. That sounds a bit scary. Not complaining though as the knitting keeps me sane.

*FO=finished object, of course. What were you thinking?

Frog and Toad Together

Been knitting hats.

Ripley is a brilliant pattern that works for both.  The pleats are knitted in which is fun and creates the perfect drape.  I wear them on the side in jaunty cloche fashion, Grant in back for an extra surprise.  The green colorway is called "Toad" in case you're wondering about that title.  If not, carry on.

The lovely grey tweed is called "Orca" which I don't understand.  Unless they meant "Orca in a Blender"?  It's been a while since I've seen one in the wild, but I believe orcas are generally black & white?

What else, what else?  Carved out some time today to get my hair done.  Everything is better with a fresh hairdo.  I managed to work my full hours this week so I didn't have to go in today.  Another plus.  Given the October rehab schedule I'll probably end up working a few Saturdays.  Sigh.  I keep hearing how outpatient rehab is this great sign of progress--and there is progress, make no mistake--but it certainly adds a level of complexity and stress that I do not need.  I used to be quite good at weaseling out of the driving, but now I'm doing all of it!  Ah, the good old days of weaseling out of things.  Will we ever see their like again?

Another hurdle...

...um, hurdled.  Cranioplasty is now checked off the list.  How's that for a birthday present?  Grant looks a bit ready for Halloween at the moment, but the swelling is already going down and the sutures will be gone in a couple of weeks.  The main point is no more protective helmet--yay!  And the doctors shaved his whole head this time rather than half.  Sheesh.  What were they thinking the first time around?  Well, they did warn us they're no hairdressers.  His hair will grow back thick and lush, but in the meantime I must knit more hats.  M'gonigle from the new Twist Collective makes me very happy though I should probably run it by himself.

In other news, the patio was finally realized.  How cute is that with the bistro set?  Still need plantings, but that's really not my bag.  Must get friends over who like to play in the dirt.  Heh.

Yes, Grant punningly named his canes.  Actually Michael Cane there was a loaner.  He's now got a little black number we like to call Michael Cane II.  He's working his way toward a single pointer, but I think we've run out of obvious names.

In knitting news, I'm so in love with the lace shawlette.  Apparently, they're the new cowl. 

I've knit Ishbel twice and have yarn wound for a third.  Loooove.  I'm also totally in love with the CameraBag app on my iPhone.  This is the "Lolo" filter.  SO much fun.  In fact, almost immediately after I got mine I convinced a friend to go iPhone.  I don't think she regrets it :)

Birthday shmirthday...

The old b-day was yesterday so I'm feeling much better now ;)  Why is it the older I become the more annoying the natal day?  It's not a number thing.  I'm not particularly fussed about getting older.  I mean, there's only one alternative to that.  I suppose I have a good excuse this year for a bit of weirdness.

I changed my Facebook picture to the above yesterday.  Precious, n'est-ce pas?  Unfortunately, it's so sun faded the true glory of my orange locks is lost.

Sister came over yesterday with deliciousness from Cupcake Royale--wooo!  Now that's a birthday treat.  I took photos and "Polarized" them with my other birthday treat, let's call it, the new iPhone. *drool*  I hemmed and hawed over that phone forever.  Grant needed a replacement since his mobile was ruined and it was annoying to be on two seperate carriers.  He certainly can't be left alone when the day comes with no phone.  Now with us on the same plan at the least number of minutes--neither of us actually like to talk on the phone so much--we're basically paying what I paid for one.  Savings!  Yeah, I rationalized this up the wazoo.

Anyway, super fun.  I love it to distraction.  I no longer have to carry multiple devices.  I've got my calendar, contacts, internets, camera, phone, and many, many fun apps.

This is the "Magazine" setting on the Camera Bag app.  COOL.

In other more important news, we got word today that we've got two more weeks of in-home therapy--wooo!  Such a relief.  Each member of our Rehab Without Walls team is worth their weight on gold, as far as we're concerned.  Grant's made amazing strides--literally, walking is coming along so well.  He made it about two blocks with his PT yesterday before needing the wheelchair.  Sweet.

Six week anniversary edition.

That's right. Grant's been home exactly six weeks today. It's so...strange. Good, of course, but everything about this experience has been strange. We were discussing our general cluelessness re: rehab today. It's finally dawned on us that we are free to experiment and try new things without a therapist hovering. I'm pretty sure it's been fear holding me back. Well, that and the tired.

Take yesterday for instance. I was at the table on the computer and Grant was sitting across the room. He declared he was going to get up, walk over and give me a kiss. Which he did. I'm sure the fear was rolling off me in waves, but the whole adventure could not have gone smoother.

(If that doesn't have you sniffling, dear reader, you are a shell of a human being. I was in floods.)

My emotions have been swinging wildly this week. Rage was a biggy. 1.5 hours in a waiting room only to be told the cranioplasty won't happen till the end of August did not a happy couple make. On the other hand, we're back to brushing our teeth in the bathroom--yay!--instead of in the chair at the kitchen sink. (It's a tiny, tiny house.) I think I've mentioned the wheelchair is really only popular with Ginger, and even she doesn't use it lots. Since standing, walking and balance keep improving we decided to shake up the routine a bit. Turns out it's quite a time saver, too.

Stair practice is next. We had the cute railings built on Tuesday. Micah is a wonder! He built the ramp at the side door then these to match. I do love the matchy-matchy. Grant's been walking up and down the ramp too. Again, me scared, but him roaringly successful.

In other news, I feel I've been under-utilizing my iPod so today I loaded a couple CDs, several new apps and am blogging. Go me! Always late to the party, but how cool is it to see my car pulling into my driveway on Google Earth?? Ok, also a bit disconcerting, but I giggled just the same.

Weeds be gone...

Sadly, I'm not really about gardening.  As is obvious from the state of our grounds.

Fortunately we got some enthusiastic help this weekend from Brent & Danni, Grant's brother and newly minted sister-in-law.  What a couple of gardening dynamos.  At one point Grant had to go lie down because watching others work so hard tired him out.  Heh.  Ginger supervised from inside.  Ok, it was all three of us, if we're honest.

They hauled off 700 lbs. of weeds which is not a little embarrassing.  Actual plants can now be seen, and the hidden path is revealed.  Nice.  Our therapists and postal carriers will be so surprised.  No longer will they have to machete their way to the door.

Thanks, Brent & Danni!  Let's do it again some time ;)

A good day...so far.

It's not over yet, so I really shouldn't attempt to jinx myself.  Still, a good day so far.  A good couple of days actually.*

The weather is lovely.  Not too hot, but not too cold neither.  I've had coffee.  Grant's done many walkies around the house with me and his therapists.  He's decided Ginger can have the frakking wheelchair.  He'd rather walk.  And in his new trainers which we're calling Assassins:

Just need the vanity plates.  They offer more stability than his Chucks.  Go figure.  And they're easier to get on and off which is a plus for all.  I should mention that Beth, the occupational therapist, went shoe shopping for Grant and found a smokin' deal.  How great is that??

In pleasant outside news, I noticed today as I unloaded the boot** that Brother Cadfael is in full bloom:

Best. Rose. Ever.  Anyway, I ran out to PCC--oh, how I've missed you!--for some nice organic groceries.  I'm glad to have shops conveniently located, but I still prefer my less convenient one. I scored some mango sorbet and bananas for Grant to try out during speech therapy.  Super fantastic!  Makes a nice change from applesauce, I daresay.  We'll be experimenting with smoothies, possibly soups, and a thickener called Thick It 2.  We've been riffing a bit on that, I'm afraid.

Thick It 2: The Sequel
Thick It 2: This Time It's Personal
Thick It 2: The Final Reckoning
and the classic Thick It 2: Electric Boogaloo

Anyhoo, his therapist suggested freezing some coffee into cubes and blending up something scrumptious. I've put off seasoning my Moka pots--new gaskets are smelly--for some reason.  Probably my crazy love for Caffe Ladro.  I tried out a couple of pots today with a little something from Bakery Nouveau--oh, how I've missed you!

Note the coffee crumbs on the counter.  I removed them immediately.  We had Seattle Green Cleaner come yesterday and oh. my. god.  A-freaking-mazing.  The house smells so lovely and the floors feel so clean.  Ok, not proud of my previous cleaning track record, but now I can really use help and am beginning to reach out for it.

And just because she's super pretty, here are more beauty shots of Ginger:

I'm not sure she's at home to the intrusion of a camera during nap time.  But then when isn't it nap time?

*I forgot about the conference call with the team and the insurance guy later.  There's that stomach churn I was missing. --Update: insurance case manager was a no-call, but we had a really good talk/report with the rehab team.  Yay!
**Hey, I drive a MINI. What else am I gonna call it?

I really should keep more lists...

Maybe that would keep me on top of things.  Or perhaps I should spend less time on the internets and more time doing.  I've been reading sewing/craft blogs and the amount of adorable projects...!  I've been pining for lovely summer skirts and it's not like I'm hurting for fabric.  Just time.  Always time.

I'll get you, my pretties...

I think the clinic dragon I dealt with yesterday may actually part time as the Wicked Witch of the West.  Whatever.  I've had a knot in my stomach ever since, so I think it's time for some pretty.  The one good thing about the sweltering heat--that has passed, thank the gods--is having all the doors and windows open to let in the rose fragrance.  I've never understood roses that don't smell.

Not entirely sure, but this may be Harrison's Yellow, aka the Yellow Rose of Texas.  It's in a fight to the death with this unnamed and aggressive shrub:

My Auntie calls it the White Rose of Harpster because that's where it's was, er, acquired.  Speaking of white roses, Madame Plantier is coming along nicely.  She's another good one for spreading and taking over paths.

And finally, please be upstanding for Brother Cadfael:

He's a David Austin that I just had to have because I've spent many an hour with Brother Cadfael over the years.  I even forced us to go to Shrewsbury when we went to England :)

More later. A guest has arrived!

I'm back.  Thank you, L, for the visit and the coffee!  Please join Facebook now :)

I'm never in the back yard.  The ground is squishy when wet and it's buggy.  But I did at one time stick a couple of nice roses back there.  Maybe they should be moved so they can be enjoyed... Probably not me doing the moving though.

I don't have names for either, unfortunately.
 
My climbing rose Rosa 'Zephirine Drouhin' is a bit of a wreck.  I really should take better care of him.  He tends to have one really good explosion of blooms then limps along for the rest of the season.

Hmm.  I went kinda heavy on the pink roses back in the day.  Finally, there's this little one.  Wait, little? It's another one that likes to take over paths and sidewalks.  This was another Auntie rescue from Lewiston.

Nice :)

Where do I begin?

"Be careful what you wish for," perhaps? Yes, we were in a bit of a rut and needed a vacay, but really. Large right brain stroke? That's going a bit far for some time off, precious. 2 days after I wrote that hilarious post about orange and decor and junk one of us got a trip to the ER via ambulance, a long stint in ICU and a few more weeks in rehab.  I'm suddenly exhausted just recalling that. 

It wasn't all bad...in that the fantastic staff at Harborview took excellent care of Grant:

and there was a Room with a View at one point:
 

But the less said about the inevitable loss of dignity via the hospital gown and other daily functions, the better.  As a result we're SO much happier being home.  9 weeks and some change is a long time to be apart. Time enough for me to wear a deep rut between home - work - hospital. Sigh.

I'm not one to dwell on the bad, being more of a live-in-the-moment type, and Grant's been a trooper throughout. I still can't believe that even in the horrifyingly tense moments (hours?) waiting for help he was joking with me and quoting the Simpsons.  Something from Mr. Burns (Those paramedics have sticky fingers) as I recall.

So yes, we're comfy at home and very fortunate to have an excellent rehab team coming to us for the next few weeks. Unless Ginger is occupying it:

Grant's getting around well on wheels, and practicing more with a rather unfashionable quad cane. He floated the idea of a sword cane until I mentioned the existence of a hidden flask model. Hmm... Then my research uncovered the availability of House's cane and well, we're just spoiled for choice, aren't we?

In previous knitting news, remember those cool leg warmers?

Turns out they're fabulous arm warmers too. Lefty is not playing ball at this point and tends to get chilly. Good thing I had these ready as I haven't had time to knit in ages.

I feel rusty as I haven't blogged in 9+ weeks (or is it 11+ now?) and I imagine this is a rather rosy posting. That was one of my major complaints with a certain book that was recommended to me. In the early days of hospitalization I craved information, but was so not in the mood for chirpy, gerbil-faced optimism. I clung to "everyone gets better" which was one of the first things I remember being told in the ER, but gnashed my teeth over "every stroke is different" after the first 50 hearings. This is probably the hardest thing I've ever done, but really what's the alternative? There isn't one. There's just stepping up, taking care of the house & my two faves and seeing Grant improving every day.

I hope to get back to blogging my redecorating. Major rearrangings and paintings helped keep me sane so I had to laugh when Grant received an eerily prescient get well letter from P in England:

"...You must be careful though. You may find that when you return home, all may not be as you left it. Jill may seize this opportunity and redecorate the house to her liking. That probably will not happen, but it would be foremost on my mind if I were in your situation and would encourage me to get up and out of the hospital soon..."

Snort.