Busy

I am so busy at the moment but thought it was time I attempted to blog again. I tried to write up my weekend away earlier in the week and it wouldn't let me add any photos. It still isn't doing that so here is the write up and I will try and put my photos in an album and then post a link to it.
The weekend started after dialysis on Friday as we left on the train up to London. I catch this train a lot to Swindon so we were able to dash around to the correct platform at Bristol with no problems. We got up to London early Friday evening, had a snack and then lounged around as we were all tired, the weather was foul and we were waiting on a phone call from my brother as my nephew was having emergeny blood tests that day, because he is still jaundiced. They have to go back to get the results but they are pretty sure it is down to a lack of calories when he was first born and it should be ok and they are pretty sure nothing serious was going on.
One of the things I must just write before I talk about Saturday is that an Iraqi looking man joined our table at Reading on the train and he had a holdall with Iraq all over it and also a phone which had rather an inordinate amount of wires coming from it. Now I and my mum can be rather paranoid at the best of times but tried to act cool calm and collected as we speeded towards London. However as she later told me she had been busily looking at all his wires and I had been checking out his shoes and do feel mean for doing this. I guess these people have to put up with this and although it isn't fair I and I am sure many others can't help questioning it if something looks rather iffy.
Anyway onto Saturday: After the most fabulous breakfast we headed off to Selfridges in Oxford Street and it was the most overwhelming shop and we could have spent all morning in there. There was a rumour flying around that Fern Britton was in there but as she is doing a charity ride in India it obviously wasn't her, but dad reckoned he also saw her father the actor Tony round there too, so maybe it was lookalikes doing the rounds. We left Selfridges empty handed and checked out the rest of the street but in the end we didn't buy much, but I got a lush leather handbag and mum bought a Christmas present too.
Then after a brief lunch we called in at Harrods to see how the other half live and were pleasently suprised to see they had a gift shop which had reasonably priced items in it and we all got some gifts in there and then went round the rest of the store. The things we saw were an astronomical price and after lifting some crackers with china masks off the shelf-just for a look I nearly keeled over at the price-they were £499. I am just glad I didn't drop or break anything.
After Harrods we went back to the hotel for a rest before heading off for dinner and a look at the Christmas lights. This was the only slightly sour part of the trip as the hotel opposite don't serve dinner at a weekend!!! and the lights were really not that good. The traffic was also abisimal and after a Macdonalds as there was literally nowhere decent to eat unless you wanted to pay an exhorbitant amount we got the tube back and picked up a taxi for the last leg. As we were approaching the hotel a commotion seemed to be going on in the street next door, with police guarding the road and a group outside one of the buildings. The taxi driver told us it was where Michael Jackson was staying and we hadn't long been in the room when screams and alot of noise was heard. On rushing to the window a stream of black cars and vans pulled out with lots of flash photography and screaming people chasing them. They went in the other direction so I didn't get a proper look but I think the taxi driver was probably correct-or at least someone obviously very well known was there. We then vegged in front of the tv and had an early night to prepare for getting up the following day.
After another breakfast which was gorgeous we went to the London eye and for us all this is the highlight of our trip. As I said yesterday the picture taken of me was on the way up and also included all the wheels' mechanism but there were excellent views from all sides. Then it was time to grab a bite to eat and head back to get our train home.
I have to say that although not going to Lanzarote was a huge disappointment it was well worth it to experience this weekend. The London eye was a particular highlight and if we go again we are going to try it at night next time.
I have alot on in the next few weeks leading upto Christmas so this year the festive season will hopefully give me a chance to recharge my batteries. I have an assignment due in the week before Christmas and then we do get some time off from the course. I got my first assignment back today and it wasn't exactly what I wanted but it was a good pass so I am trying not to dwell on it too much.

Haloween finishes

I have finished two Just Nan Halloween Whimzi's the past couple of days. The first one is this years limited edition called Horriefied. I love the little frames these come with and it makes finishing it professionally a doddle:



The next is the freebie chart from last year which is called Poor Jack:



I have ordered the frame but something in the order is out of stock so I am still waiting. Oh and before those who know I am on the wagon shout this was all legitimate spending. It was an order from mum for my birthday and I added some finishing items for my stash projects in there-there was a sale on so technically I actually saved money lol.

What a day!!

What a wonderful day this has turned out to be. I nipped into town early to buy cards and gifts for the new arrival to our family and then we all made the trip to Birmingham to see them all.
For those who don't know I became an auntie for the first time on Tuesday and I am utterly smitten with my new nephew Benjamin James. After all the problems throughout this pregnancy it is just wonderful that he has made it safe into the world and is completely healthy and content.



Then waiting on the mat when we arrived home was my university certificate which finally means I could use letters after my name if I wished. I think it is a bit pretentious so probably won't do this, but it is nice to get confirmation that despite the adversity of the last year I did achieve something major.



All in all an absolutely fantastic if busy day.

Knitting finish

After a big disaster I have finished knitting a hat for my friends daughter. The stripey one I had previously knitted was also for her and the tension seemed ok. However this time it came out so big I could almost have worn it myself. So after dropping down a size in age and needles this is the finished product:





I am really pleased with how this one turned out and the colours work really well together. I haven't so far got any more knitting projects lined up and I am busy trying to get my stash down to a more acceptable level. The problem with this is that most of my stitching consists of big projects so it is going to take awhile. For the moment I am also stitching small stuff inbetween to try and get some stash down.
There is no other real news at the moment. I am just going along as usual doing my course and all my hobbies and am enjoying it all.

A finish

This is the piece we did as a class project with Zoe at the recent GTG. It isn't perfect by any means but for a first attempt it isn't bad:

Mini Kats update

Another row done and the end is in sight. Which means we are also getting towards the end of another year which is slightly scary as time just goes too fast now. Anyway here they are:



I have also pre-ordered the last two and have to say that I am not at all sure about October's as it is slightly strange. It isn't at all what I would have envisioned but I will do it as I think it fits with the main theme of the piece and will probably fit in overall.
Otherwise life carries on but it's not so good at the moment as the virus is still with me which is making me feel pretty rough. Dialysis is also not as easy as it could be with alot of blood pressure drops and general stuff going on. They can make me feel rough as well, so that and the virus together can mean I feel pretty grotty at times. But I can stitch and knit a little now so am able to do some stuff to keep me out of mischief. It is also a good job I got ahead with my OU stuff so I wouldn't be rushed when I came back from Lanzarote as at least I don't have to worry about that whilst I recover.

Had to share this

I got this through the post today and it really cheered me up. It is innovative advertising at it's best:





Seeing as at this moment I should be sat on a plane heading for Lanzarote I am a bit down in the dumps. I also feel pretty rough as it is a bad virus that has stopped me going. Although it has been touch and go for the last couple of weeks with every conceivable problem hitting the family. We have decided this wasn't meant to be at this time and will look at a weekend away later in the year. C'est la vie. :-S

Two finishes

I managed to finish Angel of the morning yesterday:



And today I finished knitting my first pair of socks:



These were knitted in Regia Canadian colours Montreal which was a gift in the last exchange from Danni and they are beautiful. They are going to mum as they are slightly big for me, so have worked out what to reduce and where next time I knit a pair of socks.
Things are ok here but it is a bit mad and as yet no firm arrangements have been made regards my uncle's funeral except that it will be in this country. We are not making any firm plans about whether to go away or not either at the moment because a couple of other things are being thrown into the mix too. Taffy is still not well although after being bought some proper gourmet food he is eating better today, but the question of what to do with regards putting him into a cattery remains. Also my expectant nephew could well make a very early appearance, possibly the end of the month and as they are giving steroids to mature the lungs it is definitely quite likly. This of course would also fall around the time of the holiday so it does look like a conspiracy is afoot to stop it lol. All we need now is for me to get a call for a transplant and we will have everything thrown into the mix. Although this is unlikely it would make for a very busy time with everyone needing to spread themselves thinly. I hope it doesn't actually happen until some of this is all sorted as we all have enough on our plates without another thing on top.
I am rather disappointed today as I looked up the trains to Birmingham for the knitting and stitching show and for some reason I can't fathom it means a bus has to be taken for a good portion of it. Reluctantly I have had to pull out from going as it would take a very long time and I think it would be too much for me, plus the connections can't be guaranteed either. It is a shame as it is a new show for them and I was looking forward to seeing what it was like. I have been to the London equivalent before and it is usually very good and although I had decided not to go to that one maybe I will think again but it really depends on how my course and other things are going.
Anyway for those who do go I hope you have a super time and sorry good old British rail has deprived you of my sparkling company this time. But I will make another and for my bank managers sake maybe it isn't a bad thing.

Sad news

We have today heard that my uncle has passed away whilst on holiday in Canada. It is a bit of a shock to say the least as although he hasn't been completely well, it never seemed that serious. There has been a bit of difficulty getting news today because they initially didn't have our details to hand, but some very kind friends and family got word to us it was serious and then we chased it up from there. What happens now is a bit of a wait and see game as we don't know what the law is out there and where everyone will return to. They lived in Spain but all family is here including my cousin who has flown out this week. Also because it maybe prolonged sorting it all out we may have to cancel our holiday. Mum doesn't want to do that necessarily but we can go again whereas with this sort of thing if she misses something important she could regret it.
In other news, today has been weird with this going on as me and mum were at my psychologist appointment and returned home to the news. Then whilst waiting to hear how things were in Canada the transplant co-ordinator phoned to say I am being put on the list today which with all this has taken a back seat and I have hardly thought of it.
Taffy is also going around like a pirate at the moment as he has one eye closed due to something or other and is off to the vet tomorrow. He turned very skittish on Saturday and was frightened of everything even us doing everyday things around him and has eaten very little since. So dad made an appointment for the vets in the mean time, but when he came in today he had a mucky eye which appeared to be on his nose too and he can't open it properly. He also appears to have some fluid from his nose too today and although I am hoping it is only a simple infection I am concerned it could possibly be something more.

An up and down time

It has been fairly busy here the last couple of weeks and alot of it hasn't been too good. I seem to have crashed down badly in my moods again and although I try to remain positive it isn't always that easy.
Last week I found out a lady I used to dialyse with had passed away. She had a multitude of problems so it wasn't a total suprise. But it brings it home and this is extra sad as she was a single mum with a young son who now hopefully will be looked after how she would want.
Then this week I found I wasn't actually on the transplant list. I hadn't heard from the co-ordinators so decided to get it looked into and they had handed my details to one who was on holiday. She is adamant we must meet before she pushes the magic activation button and is hoping she can visit me at dialysis tomorrow. However it isn't certain this will happen and alot of stuff was said that didn't make sense. In the end I rang my consultant to complain and he rang me back and said he will look into it. Unfortunately given my history and the nature of the situation everyone has to be happy and know where they stand so it is perfectly reasonable to stick with what the co-ordinators want for the moment. It is just so frustrating and seems never ending but I suppose we will get there eventually.
I did however today get my first lot of course materials for the next one and I bought a lap top. I hadn't originally intended to get one today as such. But there have been several good buys in Comet's and whilst in town I asked mum if we could stop off. I am now the proud owner of an Acer Aspire with very good specifications with a whopping reduction well withing my price range. My computer expert of a brother even thinks it is a bargain so it I am more than happy. I have checked it works and set it all up but for the moment it is away until I buy my desk next week. I must admit the course materials look very intresting and I can't wait to get stuck into this one. I will be starting a bit early as the course officially starts as I go on holiday at the end of the month so I don't want to drop behind.
Finally I am booked every weekend this month with various stitchy things and as summer finally comes to an end I can satisfy myself that it has been action packed and I did loads. Then the hard work starts.

An eventful few days

What a busy few days it has been and involving a real roller coaster of emotions. Last weekend I enjoyed a GTG with some stitchers from a board I frequent and I can honestly say I haven't laughed so much in a very long time.
Some of us met for a meal the night before where amongst other things we were taught how to brew tea properly. They turned up with the teapot but weirdly also a timer set up ready to go off when the tea was brewed. It wasn't a mega posh place either and I have never known anything like it. Most people peer in the pot and stir but it was an experience that I won't forget in a hurry.
Tuesday I went to see my consultant and agreed to go on the transplant waiting list. I am not as estatic about it as I might have thought as I am still not sure I can actually go ahead if the time came. I am hoping the psychologist will help with this and sometimes I think what the hell I will do it and other days I get panic attacks about it all. My consultant has said because of many factors it probably won't be for a good while-although you can never tell on these things and is happy for me to decide at the time. Whether I accept the organ will depend on several things and it will be the match, my psychological feelings about it among other things. One thing that came to light was that the reason I was refused should never have been a complete bar without further investigations, which is why they have been working so hard to try and sort it all out. I was originally told that my vessels were full of calcium and I would haemorrage as soon as they clamped them to stop the blood flow to graft the kidney on. A scan proved that they were not like that but this surgeon still won't have anything to do with me and it has been noted by a new one that he is usually the one to say yes where others say no. I really don't know what has happened or why, but he will not be considered to do the operation now and my consultant has clearly put it on the computer that he won't do it, not that I refused to have him which is great. Apparently alot of patients can have this calcium build up and I still could have but the scan proved it was not enough to cause a problem. I got rather freaked when I found out I could have it anyway and wondered why we had gone through all this, but this is when my consultant said that they can still do it because they can tell at the time if it is safe to go ahead. If not then they don't do it, but it is unusual that this is the case as there is often some way around it. This floored me somewhat as that definitely means that I should always have been considered for the list and had more tests to make sure not to forget that by shutting the door on me the vessels could have got worse anyway. I am so very cross about all this and just glad this surgeon won't be the one doing it as I would either thump him or run out the door.
The major risk for me now is the success of the thing because it could be difficult to get in and attach as a previous transplant was there so they have scar tissue to contend with. Also being a patient who never does things by halves my blood pressure could stop the kidney working as it would mean reduced blood flow to it and especially so if the kidney works well and I get dehydrated. So my consultant has said I will need to go to ICU after so that I can have some very good drugs that will help my blood pressure stabilise in the first crucial period after the operation. This scares me a bit but apparently it isn't a big deal and if all goes as they hope I would be awake and aware of what was going on just in a place that can give me the drugs easier.
It is early days and at the moment I just feel relief that chapter has closed and all the uncertaintly gone, and am trying not to pressurise myself on deciding what I would do at the time. After all it may never happen but at least now if it does I have all the information at hand to make an informed decision.
Today I am chilling out and stitching and later off to the retail park to look at laptops. I am considering getting one to do my course and as I get a fair bit of financial help it is feasible. I found that last time using the desktop in the hall made it difficult to concentrate at times and me and mum both wanted to use it so one or other of us had to come off it. I am reckoning that a fairly cheap one just for course stuff shouldn't be too hard to find, because I would still do all my leisure surfing on this one, so I don't need to spend loads on this as it is only for one thing. I also need to find a smallish desk for my room as I did all my work on the floor before and that really isn't ideal long term which this committment will be.

Finished White Satin

Today I finished the clss piece that me and Gina took at Judy Dixons. I am really pleased with how it has come out as although I have stitched similar before this is my first go at such an intensive piece:

A finish

Just as Big Brother is drawing to a close I finish the first piece that I have been stitching whilst watching it. It is by Margaret Sherry and is called Home is...




I stitched it on Silkweavers desert sky lugana and left off the whiskers as they didn't show up.
I also started my first pair of socks with the Regia wool I received in the exchange and so far so good, but I have yet to turn the heal lol.
Rotation wise I am still mulling it over and even though I have started another round I may still change it again, but am so far not sure how, so am carrying on as usualy until I stop procrastinating.
Other than that I have been a bit under the weather with a cold and tummy thing so had to cancel the OU celebrations of last night. I do feel better today which is good as we are off to my brothers tomorrow for the day and I wouldn't want to pass anything on.
Thats it for now, off to grab lunch and to stitch the afternoon away.

Rotation news

I have decided to leave my rotation as it is for the moment and to do my obligation pieces as breaks from it. I do have a couple of things to finish before I can start the obligation pieces but none of them have a dead line as such, as long as they get done.
In other news I have just signed up for my next OU course and have printed all the forms so will start filling them in soon. It starts whilst we are away on holiday, but hopefully if I receive the materials in time I can do a bit before we leave. I don't feel as nervous this time around either as the studying is such a positive experience and did so much good that I can't wait to start again. I am also meeting with my old tutor group on Friday for a celebration of finishing and passing this course. At least one of them is going to be on the next one so it will be good to celebrate as well as chat about what we are all doing next.

Lovely stitching gift

I took part in a Christmas in July exchange on a bulletin board recently and today my gift arrived. First of all I got this absolutely exquisite box which may or may not have been made by my partner:



Then inside was some sock wool and some ribbon and apparently there is more to follow but it is winging it's way from further afield:



I have also today ordered a full sock kit as so far I hadn't got the needles and it was a good offer. I chose Opa Rainforest wool in flamingo so now will all being well have 2 nice pairs of socks this coming winter.
Other than that I have been sorting my room out as I want to get a proper work space sorted for my future courses and I am getting alot more storage space already, with more to follow when I tackle the other corner.

I passed!!

Yes folks I passed the course and got a better grade than I could ever have imagined. I am so pleased and over the moon with it at the moment and think some stash shopping is in order. Also there is no better excuse than the fact that several of the online places I shop at have sales too. Bring it on!!

One final bout of stalking

I went into the main message board for my old course at the weekend and stumbled across the news that our results are coming early-this week in fact. On investigating how true this is I found out it is listed on our student homepage so it is supposedly gospel. Eeekkk. I really hadn't thought anything about it as it was too far away to worry about but now it is looming I want to keep stalking the page where it will say. I also wish they hadn't put the word 'by' when giving us a date as now I feel it could be anytime up to then. If we had just been told it will be on this certain date I could just go and check it on the day concerned. Yes I am being cagey I know but I feel like it is tempting fate if I tell anyone which day it is-even may family don't know.
Stitching wise I am getting near to a number of finishes and still can't work out what to do about a new rotation, so for the moment I am having a break and stitching on the Margaret Sherry when Big Brother is on, my mini kats piece and the class piece I took with Gina which I have nearly finished. It would be great to have a number of finises together but the downside is that it will be ages before I have any more significant ones if I don't stagger it. Which brings us back to what to do about a rotation. Hmmm.

The red arrows

They have just put on a spectacular display on the seafront and although we live a good couple of miles away our house is perfectly positioned:


The beginning:




The starburst:



And they also did their turns to go back over us this year. It is pot luck whether they do this or not and this year it was a real treat:



This is my favourite picture as two of them came screaming overhead, before being joined by the other two in the above picture:

Nearly there

I don't usually post many wips but felt I had to show how close I had got to finishing Angel of the morning this rotation round. I actually only estimated I would get the wing finished and possibly a very tiny part of the halo. So this progress means I will finish it in the next round, which won't take that long as I am changing my rotation to get some obligation stitching done. I have to think how the rotation is going to work but for the moment here is the Angel in all her glory:

Half way through Mini Kats

I am now officially at the half way point and can honestly say I am really enjoying this piece. Although they are not necessarily designed to be stitched on one piece of fabric they are blending together well at the moment: