Well, the secret of life – but we already knew that – is to
set oneself goals.
-- Yesterday I finished the heel flap of the second
Whiskey Barrel sock, turned the heel, and have nearly finished picking up the
gusset stitches.
-- I did five rows of the Uncia, not without
struggle. That is only going to be possible on days when I can do a couple of
rows in the morning. Today should qualify.
-- And at the end, I turned “Victoria” on again and
added another edging point to the Hansel hap. I still don’t believe a word of
it, but it’s wonderful wallpaper. Yesterday we had a "cameo" from the Duke of Wellington, whom I love more than most historical figures. Even in old age, I don't think he was like that.
More knitting news – someone in the “Vintage Shetland”
thread of the “Stitches in Time” group on Ravelry has actually had the temerity to ask
for news, given that the website still promises publication for August 15. And
we have been told that a new projected schedule will follow soon. Susan has
finished chemotherapy for the moment, and now faces surgery.
Happier knitting news: I plod on with Flipboard, and today
they came up trumps. Mason-Dixon
knitting (I should read them much more often) recommend “Drop Down Easy
Knits” by Gale Zucker, Kristen Kapur – and our own Mary Lou! Just the thing for
one struggling with the Uncia, which surely qualifies as drop-down difficult. I
ordered the book at once. Here in GB, it hasn’t been published yet.
The blog illustrates a log-cabin-type blankie which I will
keep in mind for Hellie and Matt’s baby, when they get around to one. They used
to say they hoped for a dozen. I’d better add it to a Ravelry list.
Non-knit
Helen and I hope to go to Strathardle tomorrow, returning
early Monday. So, silence here for two days. No Uncia, either.
There is a basement-level flat on Cumberland Street
inhabited by what we think of, on no evidence whatsoever, as the Mad Cat Lady. (It’s
probably a male High Court Judge.) There is a cat flap, and a doormat in the
shape of a cat, and a ceramic plaque saying “Attenti al gatto!”, and a lovely
stone cat with flowers on it. Archie and I walked past it on our way home from
the Gallery of Modern Art the other day, and I pointed it out and said, “I can
hardly knock on the door and ask if she knows a tom cat.”
And Archie said, “Why not?”
Poor Perdita is in heat again. My husband remains very
reluctant to having her spayed before she’s had one litter, as indeed do I.
Yesterday I went twice to the door of the Mad Cat Lady, but no one answered. I’ll
try again this morning. Courts don’t sit on Saturday.
There's enough unwanted kittens in Edinburgh, why add to them? If you want six more cats then I'm sure the cat rescue would oblige. There's absolutely no evidence to show that it's healthier for cats to have a litter before spaying and it's a myth for dogs too. Pregnancy carries it's own risks, speak to your vet. It will only add to the stress of life to have a litter of kittens, an ailing husband, dozens of carers and what happens if you're all whisked off to the hospital again at short notice? I mean this in the kindest of ways, you're mad to be thinking about letting Perdita get pregnant. Put her out her misery and get her spayed and adopt her a small companion from the rescue to play with.
ReplyDeleteAgreeing with Isabella and others here... we dont mean to 'lecture' but it seems not the best time to do this. and the point of finding a tom... if you desire another warm cuddly animal adopt a second cat. i am actually surprised that the place you got Perdita let you NOT come back to be spayed. Here in the US any place you adopt a cat from REQUIRES you to come back for the operation - and they hound you by calls and emails til you do. a litter at this time would really not be wise methinks. remember we love you and are only thinking of you having to add another thing to care for in this stressful time.
DeleteThere is absolutely no reason not to spay her!! Poor cat is in misery every time she comes into heat and who ever said that a cat has to have kittens? There are so many unwanted cats in the world, why add to it?
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with everything Isabella said. We have four cats all spayed and neutered as are our dogs. I absolutely will NOT contribute to the misery of animals.
I love reading your blog and hope you don't take offence but please please rethink this.
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ReplyDeleteI'm not sure all the upheaval going on for the foreseeable future would be good for a pregnant or nursing cat and kittens. Perdita might well get stressed and lose her kittens, or destroy them, or get very ill herself. Why do you think her having a litter is essential? Genuine question as I haven't come across that view before.
ReplyDeleteI bought "Drop Dead Easy Knits" this week and am eager to knit several things especially a scarf which is knit in the round and then cut to make fringe. Neat! Jean, if you get impatient for the book I'll be glad to buy it for you and mail it.
ReplyDeleteThanks, KAyT for the kind words
DeleteJean - thanks for noticing. And never fear, there is one winging its way to Edinburgh soon.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Mary Lou on getting your pattern in the book! I'll definitely be buying a copy.
DeleteEnjoy your time at the Center of Your Universe. It will be nice to have a break from your routine.
ReplyDeleteOur spayed cats have lived until ripe old ages if that is your concern. Isabella's point about the chaos of kittens is a good one. With carers going in and out there would be more animals to worry about getting out onto the street. On the other hand, kittens would be a great amusement during this time of grieving.
My opinion, for whatever it is worth, is to gear your decisions toward simplifying stress. You are obviously a smart woman and you now need to take control of life for you and your husband. When you make a decision broach no opposition by your husband. Be strong and make the rest of your own life the best it can be. Maybe your husband can then relax and enjoy his remaining time as best he can. This is such a difficult time for you both.
I hope you have a really good visit to the Big House & find lots of spuds to dig.
ReplyDeleteSpay poor Perdita for her sake. She will live longer, be healthier & happier. You said you're a bit unsteady on your feet, well, I sure don't want to hear you tripped over a kitten & wound up in hospital too!! And need I mention that Kittens really, really love knitting . . .
One other thing that occurred to me...Perdita hasn't actually seen another cat since she was a tiny kitten, has she? So what's going to happen if you find a tom cat and bring him into the house? You're going to have to do the new cat introduction over a week or two to let them get used to one another, you can't just chuck them in a room together straight off. Even breeders let the cats have a period of time in adjacent pens to get used to one another before mating.
ReplyDeletePS: And I wouldn't fancy having an intact tomcat in the house for two weeks. Think of the smell!
Deleteand tomcats SPRAY when they are in heat. its VERY hard to get out of upholstery
DeleteI do hope that you had a wonderful time at Strathardle.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed the set-up rows of Uncia, so much that I'm wondering whether the format could be used, increasing as required, to create a plain ribbed circle segment, without all the elaborate lace and cable work.
I have been turning out simple baby jackets and children's mittens for charity for some time; the Uncia is a refreshing return to something more challenging.
And your blog has reach - the Vintage Shetland Project is now showing an expected delivery date of December 2016
ReplyDelete