The surgery was successful on Lon’s eye. I don’t have any pictures as he looks like someone punched him in the eye. He said that he’s decided he doesn’t want any plastic surgery. Casey Institute is a great place. All of the staff were wonderful. And Dr. Steele called up a few hours after we got home, to make sure everything was okay. I didn’t really feel like I had any time off, since there were people in and out of the house three of the four days.

I am still working on the second shawl for Julie. The post office lost the first one. I was going to replicate it, but then decided that might be a mistake. They could still find the original. So I used a different yarn, in close to the same colors, same pattern. I ran out of two of the colors, so am waiting for more yarn this week. Meanwhile, I am working on a shawl for a co-worker. I really want to retire and I’d like to do something nice for her, when that happens. It’s been awhile since I used lace weight yarn! And I’m also still spinning up some Shetland roving. I haven’t blocked my handspun hap, but will post a picture of it, unblocked.

 

I managed to pay the property taxes on the house this week. That’s always a big deal for us. Still need to pay the taxes for the river place. And we are still waiting to hear if we are going to be selling that place. It’s so frustrating. The people that have been helping us are finding jobs. It’s getting harder to get anything done. If we had cash, we could pay to finish this place up.

Haven’t done any sewing but I really need to get at it this weekend. I have two skirts done that need to be hemmed and have the fastenings attached. And I really need new skirts. I may have to set aside my knitting for a day.

 

I have been a very busy knitter lately. I updated my politics free Spindlitis blog. This blog is not going to be politics free. Very troubled by the nonsense in the knitting community lately. I am a knitter and spinner and I like to discuss those activities with anyone that is interested. I reject the busy bodies of the internet, who feel they have the right to attack anyone when they are outraged for someone else.

Abby asked for a sewing machine, so that she can patch Quinn’s work pants. I didn’t take her seriously at first and gave away two perfectly good machines that would have done the trick. So I had to buy a machine for her. I considered giving her my Singer Fashionmate, but I am convinced no one will ever love the perfect stitches on that machine like I do. So, I found a Wards Signature.

The zigzag didn’t work, when I first started messing with it. I finally figured out how to use the settings for the built in cams and I oiled the hell out of it. It really needed the oil. It still needs a bit of work, but it’s not too bad for a $15 machine. It’s heavy and the only plastic parts seem to be the cams. It has a built in, four step buttonhole selector too. I picked up the service manual and found the owner’s manual so she will get both of those. I really need to do some sewing myself. I have two skirts that just need to be hemmed and I really need some new skirts.

 

I picked up another ThinkPad to use for my work machine. Just maxed out the RAM in it too. I like these old ThinkPads. They are easy to work on and solid. I put Linux Mint on this and it’s been working just fine. I did have to pick up a trackball. I like to use the track point on these computers. This one has a tendency to make the pointer swing back and forth. It was slowing me down too much. I just have to adjust to reaching for the trackball.

The hummingbirds have really appreciated having the feeder. I’ve never seen as many hummingbirds here, as I have this winter. When we sell the place, I plan to leave a feeder and instructions for the new owners. The birds do fine most of the year, but appreciate the extra food in the winter.

Wish I had more actual news to report. Work on the house is at a standstill. We are waiting to see if we’ve got a buyer for the river place. If we do, we can kick things in high gear and finish this house. Lon goes in to have the growth under his eye removed, towards the end of the month. I’m taking a couple of days off for it. The growth isn’t cancerous but he picks at it. He’ll have this done at OSHU and we both like his doctor. I’m trying to pack up the rest of the stuff in the office. I have been buying fleece and books. I’m tired of not being able to find things I need. And all the drawers in my desk have jammed,so I’ll try to deal with that this weekend.

Lolo is not fond of me spinning, but seems to be getting better at dealing with it.

And this is the latest picture of Abe. We’re at eight months now.