Sunday 10 June 2012

Oh, the pain, the pain...

Sorry I haven't been around much.

I ended up in a nasty way with inflammation of the chest wall lining. It may have been due to the angiogram I had just over a week ago....seems too coincidental for it not to be.  I've been in a great deal of pain every time I cough, sneeze, take a deep breath, or move a certain way.  It's at its worst when I'm lying flat on my back and then I go to get up.....makes me scream out loud in pain.  I'll be glad when it clears up. Doctor's orders are rest and pain-killers.

So, while resting on my comfy lounge chair, I have been busy with the crochet hook and the knitting needles.

I finished the Granny stripe blanket throw AT LAST!!

I finished it off with a simple picot stitch border.

Jack hopped up on my bed to inspect it.
Cody and Jack LOVE to sleep on my crochet blankets.
I can't say I blame them because these blankets are so warm and cosy.
I've now started another ripple throw blanket for Aaron.
I LOVE working in ripples!

I also knitted the first pair of bootees for my next Grandchild due in November. Aren't they darling?!!  For now, I'm sticking with neutral colours until Michelle and Alex find out the sex of baby in a few weeks. I still have to sew the seams on this pair and add the ribbons.

What an amazing cloud formation we had in the sky on Friday morning!
I was totally mesmerised by all those bobbles!

Same morning, I spotted this butterfly resting on the fronds of my potted fern under the pergola.
I think it's called a Common Crow butterfly. We get a lot of them around here.

By the way, if you go to leave a comment, you may notice a new addition which I added today.  On top of the standard Blogger comment form, there is now a Facebook comment form too which will give my family and friends on Facebook the opportunity to comment if they wish. If you don't have Facebook, simply scroll down and use the regular Blogger comment form as you would normally.
I'm looking forward to catching up with everyone but, for now, I'm only allowing myself short stints at the computer until this rotten chest inflammation clears up.

I hope you're all having a great weekend!!
It's a long weekend here with tomorrow (Monday) being a Public Holiday in celebration of the Queen's birthday.


~ Love, light and peace ~



54 comments:

  1. and I'm complaining tonite cos I'm coming down with a cold! blah!

    hope you get rid of that chest pain... its hard not to get complications after all these procedures - at least the result was good, and hopefully this will pass soon!

    love those bootees... awww....

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. OH, complain away, Krissie....you have my complete sympathy as I detest getting colds myself. I hate the clogged up feeling!! Vicks rubbed on my chest and neck at night is my saviour.

      True...I'm pleased that the angiogram results were clear....now to just get rid of this horrible chest pain.

      The good thing with bootees is that they knit up pretty quick. I've got lots more to do. :)

      Delete
  2. So sorry to hear about the health issues causing so much pain. Sending healing vibes ~~~. Thanks for sharing the beautiful photos :).
    Stay inspired!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for those healing vibes, Michelle! I can sure use them. :)

      Delete
  3. I hope that darn chest congestion clears up quickly, Serena! Your blanket is colored so light and fun...what a beauty! I am so happy you have a new grandbaby on the way to sew for again! You make the cutest baby items, ever!!!

    Please feel better soon! Sending healing thoughts your way!!!
    xoxo-Julie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's not congestion but rather just terrible pain caused by inflammation. Glad you like the granny stripe blanket. YES, I'm quite excited about my second grandchild....can hardly wait but yet, I need time to get all the things made for baby.

      Thanks for the well wishes. xo

      Delete
  4. O Serena, I am sending you thoughts of well being. I know you are looking forward to the day of just being your fabulous self without all the added drama and it is coming. In the mean time, I love your blanket. You are just on a roll with these amazing crochet creations. I have begun a granny square sampler as a CAL. Fun, fun! and I think little ones look best in neutral colors for the first few months of their lives. Gives us a chance to appreciate their true beauty for awhile before we begin to adorn them. Have a lovely week and I am thinking good thoughts for you!!
    Peace~Dawn

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Dawn...so lovely to see you drop by!

      Thanks for the well wishes. OH yes...I've had such a bad run with health for just over two years now. I keep wondering when it will end. Good for you starting a granny sampler. You'll be a whizz at it because you are so clever with your fabulous knitting projects. Yep, can't go wrong with neutral colours. I usually only do a couple of items that are gender appropriate anyways but there usually the big items like shawl and blanket. :)

      Peace to you my friend ~ xo

      Delete
  5. Hi Serena!

    So sorry to hear about your pain and hope you are doing well. Sounds very painful!

    Love your crochet blanket and the colors are just lovely! Seems like you and me share the same interests! My artist name is Ansota (Ansota's Art Journal and we also know each other on flickr though I haven't been there in a long time! I have been so busy setting up my crochet blog (Krowshay D'Zine.blogspot) and between a full time job and life happening I can't get to all the things I want to.

    Good to visit here in your world once again!
    Keep well and hope you feel better soon.

    Namaste
    Monica (Ansota)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Monica...so great to see you here!

      Yes I do know you from Flickr...I've been a little lax there myself of late.

      Glad you like the blanket and how neat that you are into crochet too! I'll add your blog to my sidebar. It looks wonderful!!

      ~ Namaste

      Delete
  6. Your home must look like a beautiful rainbow...everything you create is so colourful. This throw is just a stunning show of bright cheeriness! I really hope you're feeling better soon Serena. It's a good thing you get so much joy from creating with your hands while you're on an enforced rest cure! Sending you healing thoughts and hugs, Kate

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Kate. With plain cream walls, I like to contrast lots of colour with them. I appreciate the healing thoughts and hugs. xo

      Delete
  7. Colour and cosiness, the perfect recipe for feeling better! Rest well.

    ReplyDelete
  8. The blanket turned out well. It looks amazing when its spread out. I wish i hadv seen those clouds too. Great pictures xo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Beau! So good to see you join Blogland!

      Love,
      Mum xo

      Delete
  9. Sorry you've been suffering so; I hope you're feeling better soon! *Hugs*

    ReplyDelete
  10. Sorry to hear you've been having the chest pain. Hope it clears up soon. I feel extra tired today with pain in my knees. I told hubby that maybe we are going to get some humidity or something. I don't know why I would have pain. Haven't done anything unusual. Your granny stripe turned out beautifully. Looks like you have nice, thick yarns there. The ones we can buy here are so thin. The colors you choose are great. And those little booties are the sweetest. White and cream are perfect for a little newborn. Wishing you all the best, Tammy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for the well wishes, Tammy. So sorry to hear you're dealing with pain in your knee. My daughter had trouble with pain in her knee for months...she is now attending regular physiotherapy sessions and seeing an orthopaedic surgeon although, thankfully, she won't need surgery. If it keeps up, get yourself to a doctor. Is it the same leg that you hurt your ankle on a while ago??

      Yes, we can buy a variety of thick wool here...I use 8 ply for my blankets which I think is supposed to be sport weight or double knit for US conversion.

      Yep, can't go wrong with white and cream for newborn.

      Enjoy your week, Tammy ~ xo

      Delete
  11. :( really hope that clear up fast! its one thing after another :(

    love how the blanket turned out, might have to make one for each of the dogs ;p

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yep, I just can't seem to win a trick when it comes to my health of late.

      Glad you like the blanket. I might make one for each of the dogs although they usually snuggle up with us and share our blankets anyways. :)

      Delete
  12. Thanks, Tracy! I do love to knit and crochet...did so for each of my five babies. They were the best dressed babies in town. lol

    Thanks for those well wishes...I can sure use them. xo

    ReplyDelete
  13. That blanket is so beautiful I could hardly believe it. I so hope that whatever is causing you so much pain is gone soon! And that sky? It looks totally unreal!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, DJan! I sure hope this pain goes soon too, especially before my upcoming surgery. I agree, the sky was quite surreal that morning. I was totally taken with it. :)

      Delete
  14. Serena, everything you do is so bright, beautiful and colorful. I enjoyed seeing all that you created this week.
    Sending you lots of positive energy. Hope you are feeling better soon.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Ginny. I hope to get over to your blog soon. xo

      Delete
  15. Sending healing vibes and good prayer that you may be feeling better very soon, Serena! Hooray on the blanket finish--it is GORGEOUS! Love the happy colors of this one, and the picot edge is scrumptious. Sweet booties...aaawww... Be taking good care. :o) ((HUGS))

    ReplyDelete
  16. You've just been having such a time with your health. I hope you feel better soon. At least you're using your time productively!! The granny stripe blanket is so cheery and bright, and those little booties are adorable.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Janet. Yep, I just can't seem to win a trick. Hopefully, after the hysterectomy, I can get back on track with my health. xo

      Delete
  17. hi Serena...lovely photos and early congratulations! take care of you and get well soon. I know the pain is awful.Xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Linda. Pain can be very hard to live with sometimes. :(

      Delete
  18. I do hope you feel better soon. Sorry about the pain you are going through. Great photos and love the blanket. Great job you've finished and while in pain too. You go girl!! ::hugs:: Get better.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Gloria. Resting can be quite boring so it's handy that I know how to knit and crochet. :)

      Delete
  19. i posted on FB, but saying hello here too! so glad to see you back to your blog! I will be praying for a quick recovery and much rest. xoxox

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Jenny! I am feeling a bit better today...hoping that the anti-inflammatory medication is finally working. :)

      Delete
  20. OMG! Is it pleurisy? I've had an inflammation of all the cartilage in my ribcage before and everybody told me it was similar to pleurisy. Hurt to move, hurt to breathe! It took a good 4-5 months for mine to go away, but mine was viral. The very worst of it lasted around 2 months in the middle of it all where I had to sleep in a lounger. It hurt to even wear a bra and I couldn't even lift the pot of water to pour in the coffeepot to make coffee. Oh, I hope this passes quickly for you. *gentle-gentle-gentle hugs*

    I love the blanket with the sweetly scalloped border and the delicate new booties. The butterfly may be common there, but it's unusual to me. Very pretty and a great shot.

    You really just can't catch a break with your health lately!! Good grief!! Take it really easy!! Rest!! Don't worry about us. Just please take extra good care of yourself. You're in my prayers!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is similar to pleurisy...yes, very painful to move a certain way or even take a deep breath. It hurts if I press anywhere on the left side of my chest. I've been taking pain-killers and anti-inflammatory medication and, one minute, I'll think it's starting to get better and the next, I'm screaming out in pain again. I think it will take time...hopefully not as long as five months though.

      The good thing is that I will be able to get the hysterectomy done now.

      Love and hugs ~ xo

      Delete
  21. Blanket is GORGEOUS! In fact anything you create with wool turns out fabulous! Hope that you are feeling much much better now - keep your strength & spirits up!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Cindy! You are so sweet and kind. xo

      Delete
  22. oh dear Serena, i'm so sorry to hear you're in pain!! i hope things have improved for you since you wrote this.
    The blanket is gorgeous!! i LOVE the colors you chose - so vibrant. Unlike most of the "crochet" blankets i've seen, that's for sure. It looks beautiful on your bed there... i caught up on a few posts of yours - OMG, your new little dog (i forgot the name already!!) O. MY. GOD.... how friggin' adorable is THAT?! And what a lovely sketch... you are incredibly talented, girl. Hope this finds you in better health. A great, big, Canadian ((HUG)) for you!!! xoxo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Pauline,

      Thanks for dropping by.

      I think that I have improved pain-wise so that's a good thing.

      I'm glad you like the blanket...it's so cosy and warm too.

      Abbey is actually my Grand-puppy. She belongs to my daughter and my Granddaughter adores her new playmate.

      Have a lovely weekend ~ xo

      Delete
  23. By some chance how did you manage to put that link from FB to Blog?

    I just left a message using my FB name: Anit Fritz

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Rosy,

      I followed the instructions at the following link -
      http://jensontaylor.blogspot.com.au/2012/03/integrate-facebook-comments-for-blogger.html

      I find it a handy tool to have as a lot of Facebook friends don't have blogs and aren't registered users in the blogging networks. The Facebook comment box makes it so easy for them.

      Good luck if you decide to give it a go. Just remember to download and save your current Template before making any changes with your blog code. That way, if you make a boo-boo, you can always revert back.

      Delete
  24. Serena
    I am sorry to hear that you are in such pain and hope that by this time you are feeling much better. I love what you have created with your crocheting. That bedspread is wonderful. Those colors are compeletely uplifting and gorgeous!!! I love the little booties too:))) Take care of yourself and I hope you have a great day today!! Love FranT , Huge hugs!! xoxo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Fran,

      I am doing much better as far as the chest pain goes, thanks. It will take a while to clear completely tho. I'm glad you like my handicraft projects...I love making them.

      (((hugs))) back to you ~ xo

      Delete
  25. I hope you are feeling better Serena! The finished blanket is simply gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Jane...I am doing a lot better. xo

      Delete
  26. Yes, it is very similar to pleurisy except mine wasn't caused by a virus but rather, a reaction to the coronary angiogram I had done. Glad you like the blanket....I was pleased with how the border turned out too. :)

    ReplyDelete
  27. ohhh, i didn't realize you were having anoher grandchild in the family, congrats...

    love the afghan and sorry to read about the inflammation - ouch.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Yes I am and VERY excited about it too. Thanks for the Congrats. xo

    ReplyDelete