Monday, October 06, 2014

And another follower! You are especially welcome at this exciting juncture in my life. For, read on...

More news.

James phoned last night and – after we had finished talking about Mimi – proposed to come to Edinburgh himself for the weekend of the wedding, so that I can go. I am even more tearful than I was when I thought I couldn't go. He will welcome the chance to spend time with his father, he said, and isn't much of a party animal anyway. My husband will positively enjoy my absence, under these circumstances. And James's own diabetes means that he doesn't have to have all that explained to him.

So now it's all to be done after all, except for finding clothes for my husband, and I am full of boundless energy and enthusiasm. For the moment, at least. I will write down two parallel lists this morning, one for myself (hair/dress/box for wedding present), one for them (ready meals, beer). And – what knitting to take along? I may not knit at all, but I've got to be prepared. The Pakokku socks are nearly at the second heel. That might not be enough.

It sounds as if Mimi is doing at least as well as can be expected. He can walk – that's a big one. He has been allowed to walk around the kitchen, but still spends most of the time in his cage, because he mustn't jump. He doesn't like it, that sounds good, and is eating well.

Evelyn Waugh in his unfinished autobiography, A Little Learning – which, unaccountably, I cannot find on the shelf this morning – quotes Belloc's quatrain when speaking of his Oxford years.

No one, in our long decline,
So dusty, spiteful and divided
Had quite such splendid friends as mine
Or loved them half as much as I did.

For “friends” read “sons”, and by “sons” understand “sons and daughters”, and that's how I feel this morning.

What a swell party! indeed.

Little to report on the knitting front. I didn't quite finish yesterday's assigned portion of the i-cord edging of the Rams & Yowes blankie. I haven't rounded the third corner. Still, I'm close, and could conceivably finish the whole job tomorrow.


And meanwhile that delicious madelinetosh yarn for Archie's sweater is in a package somewhere in the tender arms of the American or British postal service, making its way towards Drummond Place.

27 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  2. That's splendid news! So happy for you :-)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Exciting juncture, indeed!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Oh, how wonderful! You will be able to enjoy seeing all your family - and your masterpiece shawl in action.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Anonymous9:14 AM

    Jean, you indeed have a wonderful family, and it is a joy this morning to read your blog, I think the way you are feeling now is a perfect example of what Kirstie calls hygge in her blog..Eileen, Wexford.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Fabulous news, you shall go to the ball:)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Anonymous9:54 AM

    That's what love is about-James knows how important it isfor you to go to the wedding and your love for your husband meant you were willing to sacrifice your attendance. James sounds rather like my own DH (also diabetic) who would much rather not party if he could avoid it. Catriona

    ReplyDelete
  8. skeindalous10:14 AM

    Such lovely news! It lifts my spirits to hear......

    ReplyDelete
  9. Anonymous11:10 AM

    So pleased you can attend the wedding. Your excitement is there in your words. And you won't need to worry about your husband as you know he will be well looked after and entertained Liz P

    ReplyDelete
  10. Anonymous11:11 AM

    So pleased you can attend the wedding. Your excitement is there in your words. And you won't need to worry about your husband as you know he will be well looked after and entertained Liz P

    ReplyDelete
  11. I'm so very glad you will be going to the wedding, and even more impressed by the way James puts it as though it is you that is doing the favour to him. Although he does sound as though he has a similar attitude to these celebrations to many of my family.
    Good news about Mimi too.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Do consider the possibility of hiring a limo or car service, like a long distance taxi, to get to the wedding. You might be surprised at the convenience and the cost. I did this for my mother to attend my daughter's wedding and for the cost and ease of transport it was a good price. I am sure there will be firms you can find locally, airport transfers sometimes is a good search term or long journeys. If you plan to go by train, you can phone ahead for assistance eg the buggy that will take you and luggage along the platform to your seat and the one that will collect you at your destination!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Anonymous1:06 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Ellen1:08 PM

    I am so glad that it has been worked out to get you to the wedding. Judit (above) is right: you will never do this again, so it is time to splurge, and hhire a car service or whatever it is called there, and allow yourself to be chauffered too and from. Or, to ask that one of the family members assume this responsibility for you. And send the wedding gift ahead now by insured mail, or whatever is offered in Scotland, so that you arrive unencumbered at your destination.
    My father would go to great lengths to get out of weddings. He actually offered each of his children large sums of money not to have them! I'm sure that James is secretly delighted, but not more than you are! I'm so glad that this has worked out for you!

    ReplyDelete
  15. oh Jean, what good news, and what a wonderful family you have. You must have been excellent parents. I agree on doing what is simplest and expedient so you have the least stress and the most fun. A swell party, indeed.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Anonymous1:29 PM

    ALLELUIAS RESOUND!!!!

    ( Handel conducting)


    Blessings abound upon you all!!!!!
    Elizabeth A

    ReplyDelete
  17. O Frabjous day! Toloo toray !

    ReplyDelete
  18. I'm so very happy for you, Jean! James agreeing to come stay with your husband is such a wonderful thing, and a tribute to his love for you. And you will get to see The Princess shawl in action! All feels right with the world. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  19. Terrific news! Like all of your followers (I'm sure), I'm celebrating with you!

    As to knitting, is there any chance of retrieving the Carol Sunday? It seems like a perfect travel knit . . . .

    ReplyDelete
  20. Anonymous7:07 PM

    Congratulations! Bless your children for looking out for you and Mr M. A car hire service sounds like the right thing to do. You can get in some knitting time.

    Healing mojo for Mimi. Such indignity thrust upon him having to wear the cone of shame and not be allowed to jump.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Wonderful, delightful, news. LizM

    ReplyDelete
  22. Anonymous8:37 PM

    How perfectly lovely that you're able to go, and that this will suit both your husband and your son. No wonder you're feeling a surge of energy.
    - Beth in Ontario

    ReplyDelete
  23. Lynne in Florida10:48 PM

    I'm so happy for you! Bless James for being so caring of both his parents. Wouldn't Archie's sweater (or at least the start of it) be good knitting to take along? Or you could always start another pair of socks. Have you discovered the ease and joy of knitting two socks at once on two circular needles? Since I started, I have not had one instance of second sock syndrome, and doing two at once doesn't seem to take but about 1/4 more time than doing one. Have a wonderful time at the wedding!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Julie in NC11:49 PM

    WooHoo, Jean! Wonderful news! I had a grin from ear-to-ear when I read about terrific James - not that I am surprised - I've thought that James was pretty terrific for a while now! I know you will have a memorable time with your family, and your husband and son will enjoy themselves, too. Mimi will heal, but I am sure she will pout about that horrible cone!

    ReplyDelete
  25. I will join the chorus of hurrahs! Bravo to James, and how wonderful that you will be at wedding, after all.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Wonderful news, indeed! I am nearly as happy as you are with this splendid turn of events :)

    ReplyDelete
  27. Anonymous5:16 PM

    Happy news, indeed. Have a lovely time!
    -- stashdragon

    ReplyDelete