Gaining Perspective

 The sun is out, the days are looking brighter.

 Carly was walking pretty quickly today on our constitutional. She seems happy despite the suitcases in the back bedroom. We are packing to go to Maui for two weeks.

 But first we have to figure out what our kids are doing for the summer. Or they have to. Finals ended yesterday. D went in to Langley for the first of about 3 trips with his dad's truck to collect Emily's things from her first apartment.
Today he's on the Island helping Scott put his stuff in storage until he has a job or a plan. There are no parenting magazines for this stage.
But we are proud of them and the work they put into their schooling.
We need Emily to be home to look after the house and the dog.

 I whipped up a prayer shawl. This one in less than a week of 400 meters of alpaca and silk that has been in the stash so long it's not in the Ravelry database. I love the pattern, Twilight, by Lisa Lloyd. I will knit it again, maybe as a shawl. I hope it has the balance of fine but not fancy for my dear neighbour, the painter of my children, who lost her husband last week. The boys played with my kids and were in and out of each others' houses for many years. There is a wake today and I stayed up late last night to finish and block it.

 Even as I am sad for the unimaginable loss of a husband, I am thankful that I still have my partner. I rejoice with knitting for the children of Terrazes and look forward to casting on my next sweater for them.

And we have a new baby in the family. I will get to see him next month.
There is another Antler cardigan on my needles for another baby in our vet clinic.
I spent two evenings this weekend partying with lady friends. Such joys, and laughter and naughty tricks. I haven't had a shooter since I was 21!! But apple pie?!! Had to try it.
I am also signed up on the Stash and Burn Podcast Cold Sheep page. Yes. I have enough yarn. For now. My goal is to finish 5 projects before I buy more. They're latest show is wonderful!
As I look closer, and step back, I am finding a balance that works for me right now.

Too Close to Home

 It has been a pretty wet April so far. I am working at Hospice a few days a week, enjoying my Tuesday night knitting group and doing extra work with the young people at our church. Every day I try to walk the dog at least a short walk.

 The blooms are slowly coming out and then the wind blows them away like its snowing petals. I appreciate the brave blossoms.

 But we have been a bit rocked by the loss of two dads. One used to be the principal of our music academy and was such a warm, hugging, smiling man. Our hearts go out to his lovely wife, also a great musician and their three sweet daughters.
Then, while D was canvasing for the Canadian Cancer Society, he found out our neighbour, whose kids went to school with ours, and whose wife was a good friend when we were thrown together in various activities, was really sick this time. He has survived a roller coaster of treatments and set backs. We made a plan to visit them the following Wednesday. But when the cookies were baked and we called, he had already passed away.

Words are not enough for the terrible loss. So I am knitting his wife a "prayer shawl". Not a shawl but the Twilight scarf pattern from Lisa Lloyd's A Fine Fleece. The yarn is Classic Elite Alpaca Silk that doesn't come up on Ravelry. Couldn't tell you when it joined the stash party.
I hope that making a non-fancy, but fine shawl will give her as much comfort as making it is giving me.

Something From Nothing

 I cast off the Foreign Correspondent's Scarf in Misty Alpacas hand painted lace in time to block it for giving at our Tuesday Rally. The woman who is doing all the work is doing a great job. She asked me to speak on the theme, Nurture.

Nothing says nurture like alpaca. Then I started dreaming about what I wanted to knit next with the needles free. And I looked at my feet and saw three knitting bags.

There are at least two or three other baskets in the basement.

The first is the Antler sweater by Tin Can Knits. I'm making the 6-12 month size in Berroco Comfort because I love it! The sweater is pretty quick. Can I get it done in time for my sister to take to a baby shower this weekend? I've already joined the sleeves and am starting the cabled yoke. We'll see. I can always send books.

The second is the teaching sock for my knitting group. It's the cable sock in sport weight, cuff down. I knit on it as I teach on Tuesdays.

The third is a child's sweater in gifted Paton's Shetland Chunky for the sweet kids at Terrazes. I wanted to knit for them last year and never got it together, so Diane of dianeiam on Ravelry gave me this yarn and I cast on last Wednesday, two days after I got back. I hope to make a few at least before their cold and unprotected winter.
In the blink of an eye I went from no knitting to plenty to fill my time.

More Than a Vacation

 I spent Easter weekend in Tijuana again. We are part of Project Help Mexico and went with a crew of 13 to help at a foster home and food station. About 20 kids live there with Maria Esther, but over 100 come after school for food, homework help and a safe place to stay until their mothers are done their 12 hour shifts at the factories.

 It is achingly beautiful. The people are warm and friendly and share everything, even though they have so little.

 At least 3 Daves. All friends from the computer world. Amazing gifts of building and team work and playing with the kids.

 We did a children's program at another commodore for some of the poorest. I set up a pinwheel craft that went very well and we handed out granola bars and little toys.

 The ladies let me help in the kitchen this year. I enjoyed taking a break from stuccoing.

 We have built 3 buildings in the last 3 years. From dirt floor shacks to tile floors and proper rooves. This year we put tar paper and wire on the buildings and trowelled cement into it. Another coat of cement and then paint will waterproof the houses from the very heavy rains.

 As a treat we took all the kids to the beach. Probably their first time, although it's only a half hour away. My Emily was a great play mate and life guard. The water was cold!

 Such a lovely beach. Many local families were crowded on the other side. Rosarito is charming.

 We bought churros and shared them all around. He made them in his cart right on the beach!

 Christian was in a wheel chair last year. This year he has a walker and was so excited to use it in the sand and the water.

 Carlton led us in a very moving Easter Sunday service. The other guys don't really go to church, but I wanted an Easter worship.

 Sarita sat on my lap and made me cry when she laced her hands in mine when we prayed. I'm already making her a sweater. This winter they had frost and they just aren't prepared for the cold.

 At first we were scorning those people who come down to Mexico to rescue dogs, but we all fell in love with 4 month old Fidel. He has such a nice temperament and loves all the cuddles from the kids.

 The pinata was hit on Easter Sunday. And then we said good bye. We went back to the beach for some quiet.

 The local dancers put on a display at the hotel.

 The hall was decorated with traditional banners.

And Emily was a great travel mate. She has done a mission before in a more rustic setting and really enjoyed the urban vibe. The kids adored her and she did her share of building. D is planning to come with me next year and we have some friends and youth from church to make it a real Carman United trip.
I come home to my open, sunny home and look at what I take for granted. We are so blessed and we are asked to share our time, talent and resources. Thanks to Project Help Mexico, it is an experience worth repeating.

Away From Home

I'm packing work clothes for the sunny terraces of Tijuana. This year we are stuccoing the boys' dorm that we built last year and it's going to be messy. I'm taking Emily, 20 years old, lots of experience leading campers, looking forward to it, but not sure what to expect.
I always get wistful when it's time to leave our lovely home. Will the Great Blue Heron miss me?

This time I have a Canada flag on my back pack. It is an old tradition. When we were in Africa, it would have been helpful to be identified as Canadian instead of ... German, South African, American. Just about anything. I can wear my apologies on my back.

There will be plane trips to SanDiego and knitting on a scarf/shawl for a dear friend who is organizing everything at church for us. She deserves not only my support and effort, but a special thank you.
I will miss Easter at my home church again this year. Dan and I usually do special music with our instruments. But we will be reunited with our Calgary friends and I look forward to Carlton's Easter service this year. Project Help Mexico. It is a small organization, but we make a difference in the lives of the children of this lunch room/ foster home. And they make a big difference in our lives.
Everything looks different when I'm away from home.

Sunrise, Sunset

 Emily and I took a quick trip to Victoria for her audition to music school. The ferry ride is always so beautiful, no matter what the weather. There was good knitting and visiting.

 We got onto an earlier ferry than we expected, so settled into our room at Craigdarrock House and watched videos and had some wine.

The campus is set up on the edge of the sea with wild gardens and totem poles. She played beautifully and was quite relaxed. We had sushi with Scott before heading back.

The trip home was earlier and the light was lovely. The ferry riders were in a good mood. Unfortunately, my sore throat had travelled to my nose and I was starting to get tired and grumpy.

Fast forward to Wednesday. I have been home coughing and sleeping. I finished the baby blanket and picked up the Hoaloha KAL sweater. Well, there were mistakes to rip out and uncertainty. With Mel's encouragement, I tried it on as I went and I'm pretty sure it will fit, even after blocking. I'm on the sleeve now and back on the Ravelry board with the few who have not yet finished. My sister finished but wouldn't pick a fitted sweater. I'll bet it looks good on her.
Today I will try to get the sleeve done as I'm feeling a bit better. Had a little visit from a knitting friend, which lifted my spirits.
The days are short when you just malinger. Tomorrow is another sleeve.

Messing With My Clock

 I've been picking up shifts while yet another nurse has been injured on the job. Mom says I should quit before I'm injured, too. Went from working, to our Fiesta Lunch fundraiser for Emily's and my mission to Mexico at Christmas. Then to Vancouver for a wonderful concert of Great Big Sea!!!!!!
Crazily, we met one of D's very fun cousins there.

 The opening act cancelled, so the band gave us two acts. Stunning. this was their 20 year tour. I have been a fan from almost the very beginning. Go Newfoundland music!

 This is my normal morning view. The mountains sometimes take longer to wake up and pull back their covers.

 This was the view we woke had from the 30th floor of the Wall Centre. I love staying in the same place and having a second familiar space. We can walk everywhere downtown from here. I lived in the city after high school, working in the Reserve Armed Forces Medical Corps and going to UBC. Sometimes I miss it. But D takes me there a few times a year for a taste of the big city.

 I took time on Wednesday (Wednesday?) to block out the Icarus. As much as I hate knitting for commission, this was a very different endeavour. My friend chose the yarn and pattern with me, and she is making me a quilt. I have been delighted by this alpaca yarn, but was a bit surprised by how big it turned out. Much bigger than the one I knit for myself when Scott graduated.

 Had to improvise blocking tools (fishing line and sewing pins) because my kit was loaned out.

 The cotton mix baby blanket is coming along. I enjoy the math, even if I don't always pay close enough attention. I would knit this pattern again. I love Berocco Comfort, but this is close and was on clearance as all our Zellers stores are being replaced with Canadian Targets.

I worked Wednesday night with a raging sore throat. You know you look bad when your palliative patient is worried you look tired. Yesterday was Pi day (3.14) and my dear Jean brought me apple pie from the famous Chilliwack Airport (I fly for pie!). It's now the Ides of March. Can't help but laugh at Wayne and Shuster!
This is my cranky pants day, after my night shift. Not the first morning, the next one. But I made reservations for the ferry and Em and I should have a good crossing as we head to UVic for her audition and to see Scotty. She is a good driver, so I will get extra knitting time and can listen to Great Big Sea and maybe figure out what time it is.
Have a wonderful weekend.

Back and Forth

 The weather has been adolescent lately. Either pouring so hard you have to run to the car (and I am not made of brown sugar), or glorious Michelangelo clouds and blue sky. I have good rain gear, and my old black dog can't walk very far, so we go out every day anyway.

 Our driveway has puddles big enough that flocks of neglected single male mallard ducks think they can live there. Very disconcerting when they try to land in a body of water you are driving through. Worse when the puddle forgets to show up.

 The water level has risen all around. The "Pineapple Express" storm is now called an "Atmospheric River." Nuff said.

 Only 3 more rows and 4 cast off rows to finish this alpaca shawl that has kept me company throughout the depth of February and my convalescence. I am so excited and worried about how it will turn out. This is for a friend. Not a gift but a swap, but I love thinking of her during the long rows, back and forth, and of the cheerful quilt she is making me.

 I am teaching entrelac soon. Apparently one of the necessary elements is terrible gauge. Oh well. This was never going to get to go to the dishcloth ball. It is much easier if you can knit backwards (which you can if you try) and if you change the dressing on your pinkie to one less bulky.

Flowers found in the wild verges of the train tracks. Tiny, isolated and entirely charming. I may have a new purpose to my walks.
I'm glad my new little camera doesn't mind the walks, though it is a bit bossy with its options and commands. Look out, or I'll go back to my phone.
Can't decide anything today as I worked a night shift last night. It was pleasant and I always have a great LPN partner, but I am dithering today and must be careful what I pick up to knit. Soup or salad, back and forth. Maybe just a cup of tea, coffee?
I would like to make up my mind but it is elusive and drowsy, going back and forth.