Rollercoaster in review

Uh, I mean 'Week in review' – a rollercoaster week!

Last Sunday morning Brian left for a full day of labor – his usual Sunday gig working for one of Rick's clients, followed by some chores for his grandma (who in exchange is donating towards his mission trip), followed by a one-time job helping a friend's family pack up for moving. Around 7:00 p.m. he called to tell me he was headed home. At 7:43 he called again, shaking and breathless. He had taken a little (unauthorized) side trip on a gravel road, swerved to miss a deer (while probably going a little too fast), drove up the side of a bank – and landed like this:

Fortunately he was wearing his seat belt and other than a sore back, is perfectly fine. The truck, however, is most likely totaled.

When I texted the above photo to my folks, I found out that my step-brother, who lives with them, had fallen asleep that night in his room while warming his legs with a space heater (he has neuropathy from diabetes). When he awoke, he bad burns on his shins but wouldn't go to the ER.

The next day, Monday, my dad compelled my brother to go to the ER, not because of the burns but because there were signs of infection at the site of his recent surgery to repair a broken ankle. That night Brian had a basketball game. I spun an appropriately colored turtle while watching:

On Wednesday, I got a Christmas gift in the mail from a friend that 'sheep built' (she and her husband bought some fiber pets from me years ago and we've been friends ever since). She's a quilter as well as a spinner and knitter and made me the most gorgeous set of placemats! (I think the Laurel Burch horses bear a striking resemblance to my antique salt shaker.)

By Wednesday my brother was scheduled for surgery to remove his infected lower leg, but it had to be postponed until Thursday, which was also the day my BIL and nephew arrived for an overnight visit. Unfortunately my sister couldn't come with them for my BIL's uncle's funeral, but it was still good to see her husband and this little guy:

My nephew was jonesing to see ALL the animals and ride a horse, ALL BY HIMSELF, WITH REINS. We visited the chickens, sheep, and Chuckie Thursday evening,

and saved the riding for today (he rode twice, in fact).

Kudos to my big red goober of a horse who took good care of the boy while fulfilling his dream!

Now the Sabbath has begun. I am trying to rest from my rollercoaster week, resist a certain teenager's pressure, and pray this familiar prayer:

Good night from . . .

Back to 'normal'...

...whatever that means. Right now that means Christmas decorations are stashed away for another 10 months, the house is thoroughly vacuumed, furniture is put back in place, and I'm faced with the next 'big thing' – taxes. Not ours (yet) – first I have to do monthly and quarterly payroll taxes and W-2s for Rick's clinic. I plan to get all that done on Sunday, along with making a four-loaf batch of bread and getting some stuff listed on eBay. (MUST declutter more this year!)

We're in the thick of basketball season here. Brian had games Jan. 3, last Tuesday (he got his first double-double!) and last night; the next ones are coming up Saturday and Monday. His team won last night's game decisively, the first time they've done so; they are definitely improving as the season progresses. Here are a few iPhone shots of #23 (look for the fluorescent orange shoes) in the first three games of 2019 (Rick has gotten better shots on his 'big boy' camera but it's hard to get copies of those):

With the games getting more exciting, I've done less spinning and/or knitting, but sometimes NEED something to do with myself to keep from getting too worked up! Current WIPs remain knitting the green striped BSJ and spinning the flaming roving.

We're entering another short stretch of sunny weather before the drizzle starts again. It is both warmer and drier than average here. Hopefully the snow stays in the mountains so we get the slow melt needed to feed the rivers and reservoirs for the summer.

That's it for today from . . .

Fiber and flowers forever!

Along with some fog:

and a furry feline:

("Help; I've started alliterating and I can't shut up!" I know, it's a recurring problem.) 😉

Last Sunday a couple came to see sheep and pick up one last fleece (Bart's last, from 2016) I'd found and advertised on Ravelry. All four of us, Rick included, had a nice chat, finding all kinds of things in common between us – wood-turning, fiber arts (of course), being vegetarian, a veterinarian in each couple, and more. Brigitte was my little ambassador, being pushy eagerly seeking attention from both visitors, but we still managed to peek under the covers at several fleeces. Eventually they left with Bart's fleece and a reservation for a fleece from this spring's coming shearing. I could hardly believe my eyes when the wife sent me a photo of some beautiful combed top from Bart's fleece that very evening, and a photo of a machine-knit sample the next day! The woman is The Fiber Flash!

Meanwhile, I twiddle my little spindles and create a little yarn here and there. 😉 It does add up over time. Since the first of the month I've spun up a little bump of white Dorset a friend gave me a few years back. I finished the singles last night at Brian's basketball game and resumed knitting on a Baby Surprise Jacket.

Today I started spinning this flame-colored roving I got from another friend for Christmas after splitting it in two.

I'm thinking of doing a three-ply with it and the Dorset; we'll see.

As for flowers, here are the newest blossoms on my orchid inside, and the first of the annual flower parade, snowdrops, outside:

Finally, a little (and a LOT) of fanfare. First of all, I got three eggs for the first time this month. Second of all, my friend finally got to come home from the hospital today! I'm going to visit her tomorrow after work.

Farewell for now from . . .

Can-do atitude

Or maybe that should be CATitude!

When I was riding my horse in our arena recently, Chuckie joined us as he often does. Eventually he perched on the kick-rail. It took me a couple passes to realize that he was staring intently at something. Was it a mouse or a mole? No . . . look carefully (or click to biggify).

Apparently Chuckie was having visions of venison! Ha!

I thought of it more as a cute photo opportunity than proof of intent – until a few days later. I was riding again, and noticed the four does that frequent our neighborhood down in the woods below the arena. Chuckie joined us in the arena again, and when Lance got nosy, Chuckie climbed the fence and jumped into a nearby tree. From there he caught sight of the deer,

and struck a very stalkish stance!

(Then he just settled down and looked cute.)

Chuckie does like his trees.

Or maybe he just likes heights!

He definitely likes hands. 😍

So here are some New Year's recommendations from The Chuckie Channel:

1)  Dream big; add some excitement to your life!

2) Aim high; the view is better from up there.

3) Give and receive love with abandon – and get a massage once in awhile.

That's it for the first week of 2019 from . . .