Greetings dear Unravelers and Happy Wednesday!
My doctors appointment on Monday did indeed result in more appointments (one surprised me with the urgency… I see specialist #1, the ENT, next Tuesday. I assumed my stomach issues would mean I would see a gastroenterologist…but nope, I am seeing an ENT because I am having some major issues swallowing.) The second specialist, a urogynocologist, is not as urgent an issue and I have made an appointment with them as well. And despite the “state of the country” my blood pressure was phenomenal… now I just hope my bloodwork is equally good (I go Friday morning to get that done!)
I am allowing my making this week to take credit for my low, low blood pressure! That’s right… I am in making Nirvana right now. My year long whole cloth stitching is making me so happy! As you can see, January is all done and I am right on track with February.
And my 100 Day Stitch Book is also a thing of joy! Pages two and three are done! Page two is part of the two page spread on the Flying Geese quilt pattern. Page three is my take on the nine-patch pattern. I have pulled fabrics for page four, but have yet to cut any shapes. I got this fun book from my library because I was inspired by the quilting that Laura does here. I will find a block to emulate and cut shapes shortly and begin stitching. I also have my next “two page spread” set in my mind… it will revolve around the log cabin pattern!
Lest you think that I have abandoned knitting… fear not! As you can see in the header photo, I have departed for delight journey to Sleeve Island! Sleeve knitting that has no decreases and clever cables every 10 rows to keep your place… pure genius! I hope to have sleeve one finished momentarily and begin sleeve two shortly after that! Then all that remains is the front bands… I am feeling a sense of urgency because there is only so much “sweater weather” left this season!
The reading this week is so good… I am listening to There are Rivers in the Sky and loving it! I am just over a third of the way through and it is a delight story to meander through. I am happy to report that I “caught up” all my missing book reviews this week… a task that was not at all painful thanks to the book notes I have been making as I read.
I also began the RWU March book selection, a re-read of The Secret History. I was so surprised at the things I am noting with this read! I am even more excited to discuss this book!
I had one Netgalley finish last week that I have not stopped thinking about The Garden by Nick Newman. The description is what drew me in to request it. The story though… I could barely put it down at night. If I was not reading it, I was thinking about it… wondering what might happen next. The book will be published on February 18th and if you like a twisty bit of a mystery, you might very much enjoy this book! (And are there twists!!) The book happens at an unnamed time in the not too distant future and while I can see that it has been “categorized” on Goodreads as: Dystopian, Apocalyptic, and Horror… I would not place it firmly in any of those categories. It is really about the lives of two sisters… and what happens when another person is suddenly inserted into their lives. It is about beliefs and the fears that are based on things you were told. If you are in need of a book to shake up your reading… The Garden might be it!
How about you all? What are you excited about this month?
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I’m sorry you have more appointments in your future but am sending you a big high five on your blood pressure! The current state of the world is infuriating, but I don’t want it to impact anyone’s health. The stitching and the knitting are looking wonderful. I love those fuzzy cables!
Your fuzzy cable knitting looks so comforting, Kat. (Beautiful color combination, too.) And your stitching is really glorious. I’m so glad you’re finding some piece in the stitching. And I’m really glad you’re getting the medical attention you need. Hopefully, they’ll quickly identify the issue — and come up with a workable solution for your stomach woes. XO
I, too, am sorry you have more appointments…but good for you following through (I do need to schedule my colonoscopy…) and I’m sending all the positive wishes for excellent results. I am really enjoying your stitching Kat. You are having so much fun with it and that shows. The Japanese book on design and color looks like it will be very inspiring. Your sweater has really come along!! (love the yarn colors you are using). Here’s hoping that your visit to sleeve island is enjoyable and not too long! Based on your review, I just requested “The Garden” from my library. Only one person ahead of me in the queue!!
I’m sorry you have more appts., but glad you are getting things looked at and taken care of. I’m really glad that your making is providing you with a wonderful respite from the world. Your stitching looks really wonderful and your sleeves are beautiful. I am going to take a look at The Garden. Dystopian apocalyptic horror is not what I want to be reading, but I’d love a book that provides something else to think about. Thank you!
I hope all goes well with your other appointments and nothing to be concerned about pops up. And hooray for good blood pressure!
Yikes to appointments, and urgency! Glad they’re on top of things, and hoping for good answers for you — and bravo on crafting your way to calmness 🙂 <3
I am praying for you and that you get answers that are easily addressed! LOL, I just added a blood pressure med last week after the being down to one for four months. I knew it was too good to be true.
I’m glad your blood pressure is normal. That is an accomplishment right now. Best of luck with your upcoming appointments. Your stitching is a delight and so is all the reading. I loved “There are Rivers in the Sky.” Enjoy the sleeve knitting.
Sure hope you get some good news in the coming days! It’s amazing that you can keep your blood pressure low under that kind of stress. Our book club book for Feb. is Eleni by her son Nicholas Gage. It takes place in Greece during WWII and is informative but very sad.
Hmmnn…. sending love and good juju with those follow-ups. Troy’s in the midst of that now, and it’s been a bit mixed around here. Finding the gratitude in early detection and making good decisions about health care. I hope you are finding yourself confident in your doctors AND your body.
Speaking of bodies, do you see what I see in your first block in the photo gallery? It looks like the curve of a woman’s body with her belly button in the middle. I love it, that cropped picture of your January stitching.
Thinking of you.
Hope all your appointments and tests go well for you. You shall be in my prayers.
Wishing you the very best with your appointments! Your stitching looks lovely, as always.