Breaking news!

We just got a call and Dennis is officially on the kidney transplant wait list!  Not only that but his friend Dan is looking more and more like his match for a living donor so we have all of the bases covered.   We did our happy dance and now have to be vigilant about answering our home phone and Dennis' cell phone.  They want a call back within an hour if there is a non living donor kidney available.  Wow.  We are so excited that we are moving forward like this.

Last fall in Palm Springs

Working and working...

Well, but this kind of working is fun.  Updating our Etsy shop, getting some crocheting, knitting and spinning done.  Taking walks because the sun is shining, I have to admit to being a fair weather walker.  I even did a very little weeding today.  Just to make room for the tulips that are coming up.  Yay!  Spring is really on its way.

Crafting frenzy

With the days and nights being so cold, it has been great for getting some crafting done.  Finished a couple more projects and started a couple more.  Unfortunately the weather also makes me want to hibernate and take afternoon naps…not conducive to getting much done.  I try really hard to resist but sometimes 'resistance is futile'.  I love that line!

Finished a lap quilt for the Mr.

A man and his blankie

Another Queen Anne Lace scarf for the shop

And a really cute kitty

Wow…where have I been? And does anyone care?

Well my family and friends care, so there.  It's been a busy few months with the holidays, setting up shop with my sister Kate on Etsy  https://www.etsy.com/shop/EmeraldLotusFiberArt, crafting etc.

Spinning art yarn

Crafting for the shop

Renewed energy

What a great week!  I finally feel better and have been infused with a huge dose of energy.  I don't know where it is coming from…caffeine, the weather (cold and brisk), 'high on life'…but no matter the origin I'll take it.

Got a couple more scarves woven, dyed some corriedale fiber and started spinning it the moment it was dried of course.  I was mesmerized by its beauty and the fact that I produced it.  Finished a La La's Simple Shawl for myself, again mesmerized by the color because I dyed it.  And worked on piecing together the Mr.'s lap quilt.

And I'm so excited because we are going to our favorite pub this evening for burgers and a brew.  Life doesn't get much better than this.

La La

I think this shall be called 'Aurora Borealis"

WIP

Finished!

Finished!

Oh what a week it's been...

Well the vacation is over…it was great and very relaxing which is how we planned it. Because a week after getting back it was time for my last reconstructive surgery since being diagnosed with breast cancer back in March.  So excited to finally get this done, and dreading the process.  Another surgery this year brings the total to 4.  So…down from the great north comes my wonderful sister to lend support and help.  I have the best sister ever.  We got some spinning and knitting done in the days leading up to the surgery and then she was there to take care of Dennis and I afterwards.  She made a fabulous pot of soup, kept us entertained and was on standby to lend a hand.  Then all too soon she was back to the great north and home.  Which was good because all I was doing was sleeping and she was bored  lol!  

This week has been less than pleasant…the surgery went well and I've had no post-op pain.  However I developed a debilitating rash/allergic reaction to the pre-op cleanser, tape and anything else they put on my skin for the surgery.  OMG I've wanted to tear my skin off!  Happily my wonderful MD jumped on this fast and the rash is resolving.  Still a little itchy but oh so much better.  I feel like joining the human race again.

So, fresh out of the shower, all clean and lotioned up I decided I had the energy to craft!  

Blocked my just finished 'La La's Simple Shawl'

Started a new quilt for the Mr.

It's here it's here!!  My new jumbo flyer

Warped up a new scarf

Did some plying…oh jumbo flyer how I love thee..

Wound my handspun for the weft of the new woven scarf

Admired these beautiful little leaves just hanging on in the front yard

I have also admired my new and improved fake and real breasts…no photos though, I don't want to be inappropriate with the photo sharing.  Whew, now I'm kind of tired!  But it was a perfect day, and I'm so grateful to be able to do the things I love doing.

There and back again

Our time share condo in Palm Desert

Just got back from a very relaxing vacation in the desert...we were trying to extend our sun exposure as far into autumn as we could and we succeeded.  Left sunny 80 degree weather  today and enjoyed 75-90 degrees everyday we were there.  Sigh...I'm really happy to be home however I can hear it starting to rain outside...won't feel 75 degrees again until well into spring or summer of 2014.

Took a drive up to the town or Idyllwild

Overlooking the valley in the direction of San Diego

Snowed on Mt. San Jacinto one night

On our 1000 Palm's hike, the man

Oasis at 1000 Palm's

A very happy kitty now that we're home