June 19, 2006
Climbing Up Out of the Fog...
One of TMK’s least favorite smells—we’re talking barf-o-rama—is that of canned dog food, especially warm out of a fresh can. But she has always taken comfort in knowing that she didn’t have to eat the stuff, just suffer in semi-silence while she scooped some from the can to the dog’s bowl. Taken comfort, that is, until Wednesday when we were exposed to the horror that is hospital meatloaf. Oh. My. Gawd. And it was the best choice on the menu. I can only imagine what a hospital tuna-fish sandwich would do to one's palate. At its best, all the hospital food tasted like adhesive and antiseptic; at its worst, Alpo flavored with adhesive and antiseptic.
But I’m home now, and feeling like one of the grandparents in Willie Wonka, all of whom lived and ate and slept and confabbed in the same bed. I’m surrounded by pillows, blankets, food, water, books, knitting, Kleenex, teddy bears, pills, pens, paper, and patterns. And beautiful bouquets of flowers, including this one brought by Elaine:
Yep, that’s a fiber "bouquet:" Some funky, fun bright orange and bright green acrylic yarn skewered on straight needle "stems," some orange fish buttons and a lovely vase.
I’m doing as well as can be expected considering, as I wrote to Cuzzin Tom, that I feel as if someone cut open my stomach, put a hand blender in there and let ‘er rip. But I’m staving off the pain with an interesting cocktail of painkillers, more painkillers, anti-nausea medications, and anti-constipation medication. Oh, I feel so lovely, the belle of the ball, the belle, I tell you.
TMK is being the perfect Florence Nightingale, preventing me from doing the 15 stupid, stitch-ripping things I would already have done had I been alone. She and Frankie have both been scuttling around, nipping at my heels and barking (or, in TMK’s case, yelling, “No, no, no!") every time I try to pick up something heavier than a feather. My most favorite thing that TMK's doing is that, instead of getting me a bouquet, every time she goes into the yard, she is cutting and bringing back in one more flower to add to a vase. First it was a day lily which lasted, er, a day; then came a campanula, followed by a sprig of penstemon and, an hour ago, a rosebud. I never know what the next flower is going to be and the whole thing has been a pantload of fun.
Speaking of fun, Dear Readers, I have a number for you:
Four thousand six hundred and eighty six.
That’s our current tally of Dulaan items received, 168 items over our 2006 goal of 4,518!!!!!! And I know there is a mini-avalanche of boxes yet to come, including 6 boxes recently mailed by my aunt (the Cuzzin’s maw) and her cohorts in Vermont.
And I have another fun number.
Five hundred.
That’s the amount of money we’ve gathered through Café Press and mini-fund raisers and which I’m sending to F.I.R.E. this week!!
Lastly for you, a picture of the only "person" who is really enjoying the current state of affairs. Because we had to rearrange the beds and the bed linens for my convalescence, the goose-down comforter was folded, put on the floor, and immediately claimed by Her Ladyship. Any bets on whether we're getting it back?
Hey Ryan! Glad you are home and doing well. TMK is the perfect nurse and Frankie is the perfect nursemaid. I would love for someone to bring me a different flower from the garden all day long. That is so sweet, touching, fun (and very creative)! I sent my 14 items to Dulaan on Friday and am so happy the goal has been reached and exceeded. A big WOOT to all who participated!
Posted by: Sharon on June 19, 2006 06:22 PMHope you're feeling better soon! We saw a corgi during the sheep herding demos at the Wool Market at Estes Park, CO this weekend. Hilarious! What a bundle of energy and determination she was! Those sheep were going in the pen whether they wanted to or not, and she yipped at them in no uncertain terms so that everyone knew it. Whew!
Posted by: Tish on June 19, 2006 06:24 PMHooray for painkillers. They work best if you chase them with a shot of tequila. Just sayin', is all.
I had abdominal surgery last April, whilst pregnant. (Turns out pregnancy hormones make TUMORS grow too!) I wanted an ultrasound right after the surgery to make sure BB was fine (he was) and they wouldn't give me my morphine because they said it would make him sluggish for the pictures. So I went with no painkillers at all, and I cried, going from the hospital bed to the wheelchair, at which point the (exceedingly dumb) nurse said, "Well, I didn't know you were in THAT much pain!"
Um, DUH, abdominal surgery + no painkillers = crying patient.
On an unrelated note, I hope you get better soon because I am dying to send you money for a box of that Dulaan 2007 yarn.
On another unrelated note, why, even though I check "Remember info" every time, does your blog never remember info?
Posted by: Carrie on June 19, 2006 06:27 PMRest. Take those drugs. Get better quick.
Posted by: M-H on June 19, 2006 06:36 PMso glad you are home and doing ok (well except the pain, nausea and constipation **insert very small non-hurting giggle here*)
Looks like you have lost that comforter for sure that is one happy looking pup.
Our Knitting circle sent out a box last week too for Dulaan ....
Posted by: rho on June 19, 2006 06:55 PMYay! You're home, and doing as well as could be expected, considering you just went under the knife. Take the pills, and let others take care of you, that's what they do best (cuz they love you!).
Posted by: Knit Picking on June 19, 2006 06:57 PMHeh. Now I have an image of TMK in one of those old-fashioned nurse uniforms, the long kind, with the long, nunnish official nurse hair covering. *snicker*
I'm glad you're healing, and have two sweeties to nip at your heels. Stay careful! Don't knit with that really bulky yarn!
And I have a message for TMK - mark your calendar! Tuesday, September 12th! Blue Jays! Section 122, Row 22, Seats 11 and 12!
Posted by: Patti on June 19, 2006 07:20 PMThose are IMPRESSIVE numbers. I'm so proud of you, proud of us, and proud of you again for not ripping your stitches...yet. You stay DOWN. Let TMK bring in the endless parade of flowers. Too funny.
Posted by: Norma on June 19, 2006 07:23 PMPatti: Day-um, girl! You have my full attention. Those are some awesome tickets! Sept. 12th duly noted on my calendar. Send me an email with your phone number so I can give you a call and get the scoop! TMK
102 items were placed in in the mail on Monday, June 19, 2006 for the Dulaan project. These items are from knitters who read my blog.
Posted by: gerald on June 19, 2006 08:40 PMHi Ryan! Glad you are getting better!
I'm mailing my small box Wed. and hope it'll be there in enough time (shouldn't it?) for this year. As I am a late starter, next year should be even better...have the yarns saved!
Take care!
We missed you! So happy to hear you're home and on the mend. All that TLC will soon put you to rights and you'll be happily hoisting alpaca rug yarn hither and yon.
I'm slow, but am seaming my second sweater, and it will soon jump into a box with the first and a host of hats and a lone scarf and trek up to Flagstaff. I'm so lucky to live in Arizona for that reason, if not for the 107-degree heat which is broiling my brain.
And the PEI yarn is-a-lookin-gooood. Photos later this week on my blog.
Posted by: kt on June 19, 2006 09:26 PMI'm so glad they didn't remove your sense of humor along with whatever else that blender took! Take care, abdominal surgery is the pits. BTDT 3X, yuk.
My box to Flagstaff goes into the mail later this week -- a sweater, 7 hats, and a scarf. Pretty good for a late start; more next year! You have started a grass-roots revolution, girl -- every child in MOngolia will be wearing handknits in a few years!
*kmkat is the handle I use everywhere else; you know me better as Kathy the Tax Accountant.
Posted by: kmkat* on June 19, 2006 09:31 PMGlad to hear everything went well. I've had two c-sections so I know a bit of what you're feeling. Just imagine recovering from that surgery while getting up every two hours to breastfeed! It could be worse.
Take care of yourself and feel better soon.:)
Posted by: Jessica on June 19, 2006 10:39 PMCalloo, callay, oh frabjous day. You're back! Nobody can tell you what to do mo' better than a Corgi. Well - except maybe TMK, who has the advantage of height. And flowers. Knit, relax, bask in the love. Oh, and the drugs. All will be well. We missed you!
Posted by: joan on June 19, 2006 10:43 PMYay! So glad to have you back, safe and mostly sound. My Dulaan box heads out on Wed, too. Gizmo sends purry snuggles!
Posted by: Lisa Rogers Lowrance on June 19, 2006 11:51 PMSo glad to hear you are mend! I don't think "Her Ladyship" will be amused when it's time to give up the down comforter LOL.....Rest and get well soon!
Posted by: Pat on June 20, 2006 04:17 AMOh baby. Stitchripping is not good. I'm so happy to hear you're home and okay, and Whoaaaaaaa, the goal has been surpassed!!! Whoooohoooo!
Relaaaaax. The Crap Cocktail will...uh...pass.
(I need more coffee.)
Posted by: Lee Ann on June 20, 2006 04:23 AMWe don't knit in these parts, just cheer on knitters (you go girls!). BUT, my hulking teenage children went through all the stuffed animals saved from their childhood and yesterday I mailed off a big boxful to FIRE (plus a couple of really warm gloves - storebought). Here's rooting for your speedy recovery, dear Cuzzin Ryan!
Posted by: Cuzzin Sarah on June 20, 2006 04:31 AMYay! You're blogging again! I'm glad you're recuperating; TMK sounds like a great nurse.
My Dulaan box will go in the mail tomorrow. It's a little smaller than I'd hoped, but bigger than last year. Here's to a bigger box in 2007!
Posted by: Kirsten on June 20, 2006 05:26 AMGet better! Painkillers are your friends.
I Must remember to mail Dulaan items!!
Posted by: Mindy on June 20, 2006 06:29 AMHey Ryan! Isn't it nice to have all that behind you! I'm so glad you're home and hope you are feeling better each day. I'm afraid to tell you that I believe there are 2 'belles' in the house.....one of them has 4 legs..... Take care and listen to your nurses!!
Posted by: Bonney on June 20, 2006 06:34 AMWelcome back!! Not to be egocentric, but it was quite a blow to me to a) join in the Dulaaning and discover your blog, b) read the whole blog, c) develop a Mossy Cottage addiction, and then d) have you go on hiatus (okay, so a week off is an admirably brief hiatus when surgery is involved, I know). Best wishes for a speedy recovery...
Posted by: Tasha the erstwhile Yukoner on June 20, 2006 06:41 AMYay!
Posted by: Aarlene on June 20, 2006 07:26 AMHurray! Hurrah! You are on the mend. Please take you time with it. Mend now so that you don't have to sit down and mend later.
So excited about the Dulaan total. Happy that there is so much knitterly love in this world.
Also glad to see her highness is reminding you who is the queen there. Love those Frankie pictures.
Posted by: anj on June 20, 2006 07:31 AMHey Ryan - Glad you're home and glad to hear you sounding so chipper :) I hope whatever this was doesn't keep you out of circulation for very long - not, with your spirit, that I think that's likely.
As for the Dulaan numbers - BOO-yeah!!!!!
Posted by: Robbyn on June 20, 2006 07:46 AMGlad you are home and semi feeling better.Stay down and relax- I ripped my stitches after surgery and believe me-that is pain.So be good and don't move or lift anything.
My box is going out tomorrow with 16 items.I think we will hit 5000 this year.
Can't wait to get my hands on that yarn you got- picked out 7 patterns for heavy sweaters and cardigans .
I also got a feather pillow here for Frankie-waiting to be shipped.
Welcome home! (From your food report, it's a safe bet to say your stay was not at Swedish Hospital; that place really knows how to do food right.)
What great news on the Dulaan totals, too. Oh, and that comforter? I know *I* wouldn't want to see the forlorn look on dear sweet Frankie's face if you were to take it back...
Posted by: Denise in Kent, WA on June 20, 2006 08:19 AMGlad you are home and recovering. Lots of luck getting that comforter back. Perhaps your first outing should be shopping for a new one for yourselves.
Posted by: Carlarey on June 20, 2006 08:27 AMI'm so glad you're back amongst the blogging! It sounds like TMK and Frankie are taking excellent care of you, and you'll be better in no time. The news about the Dulaan total is FABULOUS. We're going to shock them with the final total.
Posted by: Melinda on June 20, 2006 09:47 AMGood to hear from you! I've been checking! Just lie around and make like a movie star for awhile.
Posted by: CarolineF on June 20, 2006 10:30 AMI'm so glad you are back! And how can I get one of those TMKs for myself? Hugs and scritches to everyone (I say hard-working Frankie should get to keep the comforter!) ;-)
Posted by: Laurie on June 20, 2006 12:13 PMSoooo good to read that you are on the mend. AND the Dulaan goal has been surpassed. Yipee!!!
Get well soon! I just made eight hats for Dulaan out of awesome superbulky yarn. Hope they get a lot of use! I took a photo of my hats posing in the warm California sun, alongside my warm California doggie (its on my blog of course).
thanks for doing Dulaan again, sweetie.
Glad you're back, and that your surgery went well!
There are 3 more hats and 2 blankets coming from here...
Posted by: Melissa on June 20, 2006 02:55 PMA small box -- 6 items, assuming a pair of socks is 1 item -- is on its way to F.I.R.E.
Feel better soon!
Posted by: Anonyknits on June 20, 2006 03:07 PMjust a quick question for ya, ryan. i don't know if you've addressed this or not (i've been out of touch for a week & 1/2 and considering i'm still playing catch up with another charity group, i dont' have a ton of time), but with july 1 being on a saturday, is that going to impact F.I.R.E. in any way? i'm going to send these priority (flat-rate boxes just ROCK!), so the planning is going down to the wire. i've got 5 hats, one vest, and one keyhole scarf done, plus a pair of (slightly mutated) mittens & another hat in the works. i'll knit all the way to the wire (i'm going to wash on saturday, and spread it all on my baking hot porch to dry), but if i can squeeze in another day, and ship on wednesday instead of tuesday, that will be helpful. thanks!
Posted by: minnie on June 20, 2006 08:02 PMHello Ryan! Glad to see you back, best wishes for a speedy recovery. I think you lost your comforter, I've lost several throw blankets that same way. :) I've got a few more items just about ready to go, I'll be mailing one more box Priority on the 26th, so it should get there by the 1st. You ladies are just so awesome--it is a great thrill and honor to be a part of the Dulaan brigade (thanks for having me!). Have a great day everybody!
Posted by: Nancy O on June 21, 2006 09:36 AMWelcome back. I'm so very relieved.
Posted by: Rabbitch on June 21, 2006 09:37 AMWelcome home, Blog Mistress. You were horribly missed and I can't tell you how happy I am everything came out ok! Rest. Take your meds. Don't give TMK too hard a time as I'm sure she's been a nervous wreck. Gentle stalker hugs, dear Ms. Ryan. Feel better soon.
Posted by: Stalker Angie on June 21, 2006 09:58 AM