I keep telling myself that life will smooth its skirt soon but the telling thing was when The Husband and I had to talk to his mom's doctor about when she was in the hospital...we kept thinking that it was a mere week before. Nope, two weeks. We looked at one another and this elderly doctor and fading woman and thought...we're next. The time goes so quickly when you are on the run all of the time and we kept thinking...how did we lose a week? Well, we roared right through it and how could we NOT when Show week started with the arrival of my wonderful pal Sheila Ernst on Wednesday. Tank and Sasha were EVER so glad to have her to snarfle and lick and by the time we were done with the weekend, they were her devoted disciples. (me, too.)

We had a very nice weekend at the Knit&Crochet show in Oakland, which was sort of a mini Stitches. I really really liked the atmosphere and found that the folks that attended could have more time with all of us during the quieter moments and that was good for everyone. I will certainly do the show again next year, even though it is on the heels of Stitches West. It is smaller and more manageable. I loved shmoozing with the teachers and designers, getting to know a few of them a bit better. The rumors are true, folks, Cheryl Oberle is a very nice woman. :o)

It was so nice to meet some new people from Knitter's Review and to touch base again with Bloggers who share their passion. Having been born and raised in Oakland, The Husband and I felt that it was Old Home Week when we ran into old school-mates. Scary when you think of how long we have known one another. :o)

It was like one big slumber party with Sheila staying with us (the dogs thought so, anyway) and there was a definite let-down when we came back to our house and deflated the fancy shmancy blow-up bed and returned this room to my office. (Oh well, it will revert to the other form this weekend when The Daughter and Shnicklefritz come to stay. I get him all to myself on Saturday and look forward to introducing him to my mom.)

Now, on to the things that people were asking us about at the show. The MIL is not doing well and after the visit to her GP yesterday, we were told that she should have never been discharged to her Assisted Living facility and that she is going to have to go to a nursing home for a little while and then on to a board and care home where she can get nursing staff help 24/7. It was an emotional day for us because she slipped in and out of lucidity and the lucid moments are the ones that bother me, simply because I worry about her getting sad about having to move out of her little apartment where she has had her own things around her these last few years. It is really necessary at this point because over the long weekend the home called to say that she had done some dangerous things and that we would have to have a 24 hour companion stay with her. I just told The Husband that this would keep her safe and surprisingly she did not seem to mind. The very sweet woman kept her clean and nicely dressed and I am so grateful. The difference in her appearance this time and the last was remarkable because this nice lady had taken the time to fix her hair and put on some makeup and earrings. It is so hard to see someone that was a pistol become a docile being but with the grace of God, she will be comfortable and taken care of and then be able to slip the skin when she is ready.

Life is an interesting journey. We have had a birth, a death, a wedding and the problems with our moms, all in a short shot of time, while finding the business take off like a rocket. I certainly count my blessings and try to make the best of each day. Today we will move the MIL to her next home base. It is weird but ok. The Husband and I make a strong team and will get through all of the bitter and sweet together. I so appreciate the caring and good wishes of you all. It bolsters our strength and allows me to carry that into a place where I must take off the mantel of sadness and put on joyful music and create.

One more day at a time and I promise that the next post will be picture laden. :o)

Comments

[Nancy J]

Blessings and chocolate and caffeine and hugs to you! There is some very nice talk going on the lists about your Sock! yarn.

[Jan Clark]

Sending white Light, strong of soft, as you need it, Lisa.

[AlisonH]

Blessings to you and yours, and thank you for including us in on what's going on. I love that you're putting music on to create by as you go; me too! Your Joseph's Coat Sock! Merino helped sustain me through a rough day here, too, yesterday; not just the yarn itself, but the deep pleasure at taking something that had become beautiful in your hands, shaping it in mine, and looking forward to gifting my little sister with it to bless her, too. Celebrate the colors, pass them on. Love made tangible. To life!

[Sheila E]

I had such a great time with you and Rod and the Fam this past weekend. You two took such good care of me I felt like I was in the family that I never had!!! Anyone who gets the opportunity to come and visit with you WILL NOT BE SORRY! I know that I have said thanks in person, but I wanted to let everyone know how wonderful you both are and how happy I am to be considered your friend.
I'm glad to be home....but...I miss you!!
Love and Hugs

[Laurie]

There really is no good way to leave. The rite of passage happens, it's the way it has to be. The love of family and friends is what makes the difference, and fills the gaps left behind.

[elizabeth]

I don't know what to say other than I will be thinking of you and yours.
You will need to come off the emotional roller coaster somehow and take a breather every once in a while. For yourselves and those who are counting on you.
Hang in there:-) It has to slow down eventually,doesn't it?

[Lisa S]

Thanks, you guys. This latest turn of events is taking its toll. Rod is gaining strentgth and I am still reeling from the day. Man, if something could make a person want to drown their sorrows, this is it.

[vanessa]

you are very lucky to have such a wonderful mate in rod, and the same goes for him! don't forget to take care of yourself, and give the schnitzefritz a kiss for me :-)

[CarolineF]

Hang in there Lisa. Wish you were coming here next week.

[Chris]

Hugs!! And hugs again. It's a tough time. I watched my Dad slip into the awfulness of Alzheimer's and yes, those lucid moments are tough. I'm glad you have a good mate and you two can draw strength and comfort from each other through this time.

[Joanne]

Wow, what an emotional rollercoaster. I wish you and Rod peace as you help your MIL through this transition time, and a lot of restorative cuddling with Snicklefritz. Thinking of you.