I am grateful, again, for all your
sympathy and advice. It had already (but only just) occurred to us
that some sort of tranquilliser might soften my husband's mood and
make life easier for all. Greek Helen is trying to consult the GP –
he didn't have a telephone slot available yesterday. She will be here
in propria persona this afternoon – that'll be wonderful. Something
involving tofu and aubergine, I think, for supper.
I felt greatly strengthened by my day
off yesterday, and Alexander reported that the visit wasn't as bad as
he expected.
This afternoon someone from a private
care firm is coming in to assess us. We had someone else of that sort
on Tuesday – but they haven't been able to specify a starting date
yet.
Knitting
Yesterday evening I finally found an
Old Maiden Aunt shade in the right yarn which was in stock – and
which didn't bat me away when I tried to order two skeins. It's
called “Hebridean” I think, and it's on its way. Now I'll have to
buy the pattern and knit it!
I'm enjoying Nancy Bush's class. She's
lovely, like someone I might have known in college. I like the
oatmeal-y yarn she's using for the sample shawl, to the extent that I
feel tempted to root around in stash and see if I could find
something that might do. That would be ridiculous. I've got more than
enough knitting already, with more on the way. The Tokyo shawl moved
forward nicely yesterday.
Hooray for the yarn!!!
ReplyDeleteI wonder if you're finding, as I am in different circumstances, that knitting is a great solace in times of stress? My husband died suddenly and unexpectedly 3 months ago, and there are some (many) days when I feel that if I didn't have the knitting of baby blankets and shawls to soothe my soul I wouldn't be able to cope. I suppose what I'm saying is: please make sure to make time for the therapy that is knitting. It might be the thing that keeps you going (and sane!!) Love
ReplyDeleteGlad to read your encouraging news. Good that your daughter is there to help with this transition in your lives.
ReplyDeleteWill have to look at old maiden aunt tho I expect it will be too expensive to send across the pond.
Off subject...but something you might enjoy thinking about. Tomorrow we leave for the long drive to Oberlin. It is reunion and commencement weekend. Our daughter (also a knitter) graduates with a degree in comparative literature and German. And in the fall will head to Germany for a one-year Fulbright. Oberlin has been a tremendous place for her—embracing her and challenging her. This weekend we will share a meal with others from her food cooperative, we will listen to her a cappella group give a concert, have dinner with other Oberlin bloggers, attend a reception at the president's house and hear first lady Michelle Obama address the group. It should be wonderful. I hope you think back happily on your time there as well.
ReplyDeleteJean, as usual, I have been reading your blog daily. I feel so sorry for both you and your husband. He must be terrified of what is happening to him, and you are bearing the brunt of his anger and pain. You will have to treat him as you do a child having a tantrum. Make sure they're safe but then leave him without speaking. Only return when the mood improves. As all knitting lovers know, there is nothing so soothing as losing oneself in the rhythm of knitting
ReplyDeleteIt's a relief to hear you sounding less fraught today, and most excellent to hear that beautiful yarn is on its way to you. I hope all goes well with the private care firm.
ReplyDeleteYou and your husband are often in my thoughts. My own days are spent caring for a husband who is battling cancer (and us) and our 11-month old grandson whose mother often works relatively late at night. I'm often lacking energy, but am grateful for the restorative power of what little knitting I can do. Still praying for you, and so glad Helen is arriving.
ReplyDeleteGood news that reinforcements are arriving. I had dinner once with Nancy Bush. She is just as lovely in person. I'm still not doing nupps. On the reading front, I picked up A God in Ruins from the library yesterday, and hope to have some uninterrupted reading time on a long weekend.
ReplyDeleteI worried about you all day yesterday, Jean. Things sound a bit brighter today, and hopefully that trend continues. I've also been thinking about how important it is in a time of crisis to have something other than the crisis itself to focus on. I think your attempt to get some Old Maiden Aunt yarn served that purpose well. Hopefully the GP is able to talk to Greek Helen today and you can get some kind of medication sorted out for your husband. You must feel much loved by all the support you are getting from your children.
ReplyDeleteI read your blog each morning as I have my first cup of coffee. Thank you so much for being such an important part of my days. I think it was Katherine Hepburn that said something about old age not being for sissies. You are often in my thoughts these days. So wonderful that your children have rallied around you; you raised them well.
ReplyDeleteWhether Katherine Hepburn or not, it's so true. Old age is definitely not for sissies. I'm a decade or 2 earlier on the path than Jean, but if I can deal with what life throws at me half as well as she does, I'll feel I'm doing very well.
Delete“Old age ain't no place for sissies.”
Delete― Bette Davis
So glad to hear you are feeling at least a little restored, and that your family are able to come and help. Hebridean is one of my favourite OMA colourways, I hope you like it too.
ReplyDelete