I'm back...

...from the brink of despair, from a wretched abyss of emotional pain, from Bend, Oregon. You knew I'd be back, right? After all, I am a "journaler" at heart, so it is my wont to write down things, to think on paper/computer screen.

Before moving on, I want to thank you for all your comments and personal emails in response to my last post. Friends really do multiply joys and divide sorrows. I haven't said a lot about Rosie on this blog, but she was the "Dog of My Life." There WILL be other dogs, of course, but the next one will probably be "Brian's dog." It will be awhile before I can devote the time, emotions and energy to a puppy; at this time in my life my higher priority is to be Brian's mommy.

Last weekend I was signed up for a Christian womens' retreat in Bend, OR. I was prepared to cancel when Rosie got sick, but decided to go after we had to put her down. Figured I was more likely to be distracted from the aching void Rosie left behind while off somewhere else, listening to inspiring speakers and being with a bunch of nice women. Twas true. It was a good retreat, in a beautiful setting, that kept me thinking mostly of things other than my sweet dog. The suite I shared with seven others looked out on a small river, and on both Saturday and Sunday mornings I got up early with a friend and went for long, brisk walks before breakfast. The view from our room (there was a dusting of snow on the ground Saturday morning!):
Some photos taken on our Sunday morning walk:

While in meetings, I knitted. It's a wonderful way to listen without getting sleepy. Before leaving home I had bound off my lacy shawl, so I took the rest of the yarn from Becca and a pattern I found for lacy fingerless gloves so I could have a matching ensemble. I finished two pair, and a ribbed headband! (Photos later; my camera batteries are charging and I still need to weave in ends.)

The fingerless gloves were knit on double-pointed needles, the first project I've done on DPs start to finish. I may actually feel brave enough to try socks now -- but don't hold your breath. There's a sweater pattern I want to try first. :-)

That's it for now from . . .