Back to Crochet

I've actually been doing quite a bit of crocheting while nursing Mike. In the hospital, I finished a beanie for Mike to wear on the bus (in uniform blue) so he liked that. It is the Anarchy Irony Hat from SnB Happy Hooker book.

Next, I crafted Tara's Christmas present during the first 10 days at the hospital ... she actually asked for a handmade deep purple blanket so how could I refuse? It turned out lovely, made with chenille edges/border and Vanna's Soft Yarn double-stranded in the star-stitch body. This one got lots of compliments in the hospital and I was prepared to give it to our favorite nurse if Tara didn't absolutely love it. Sorry Bruce, but it was a hit on Christmas.

Then, I ran into a crafting "wall" for a week or so, until I decided to start something from my WIM/queue, the Boteh Scarf from Interweave Crochet Spring 2007. I used some sock yarn in my stash that I didn't make into my first pair of socks as intended; but this turned out so much better than my original idea anyway! I've already started a second Boteh for a late Christmas gift.

Since I am on a roll, last night I also felted my Beads, Welts and Popcorns Bag that I used some special Karaoke yarn to create. It is currently being blocked dry, then I'll add the handles and snap a final picture.

Merry Christmas!

We have been blessed with the Magic of Christmas -- the miracle that Mike survived his illness and is home, recovering; the kindness of family and friends shown in so many ways; and SNOW ... a wonderful white Christmas for the first time in two decades.

Thoughts, Prayers and Cards Requested

Just a quick note to ask for good thoughts and prayers for my husband, Mike. He's been in the hospital for over a week with a blood infection that is attacking his right lower leg. More info on the blog I created for him, Updates on Mike. Thanks, my crafting friends! If you have a minute, I know he'd enjoy a get well card:

Mike Halligan
PO Box 1326
Tualatin OR 97062

Thanks again, Shawnee

New Blog for Mike

Hello friends,

I have created a place for updates on Mike's health, http://www.mikehalligan.blogspot.com. You can check in when you think about it, or if you want to subscribe, you will get an email whenever I post an update. To subscribe, go to his blog and put in your email address or click here. So, I won't keep sending out these emails and will be updating the blog instead.

Yesterday, his pain ended up going through the roof when they were a bit late with his pain medication and it took several hours to bring it back under control. They are concerned about what's going on in his leg and have ordered a CT scan. However, the machine at Kaiser won't work for someone his size, so he's being sent this morning to Portland Imaging. I pray for a pain-free and safe trip, clear read on his condition and excellent prognosis. He felt some pain in his bone right above the knee yesterday so that's a point they'll be looking at.

Mike was pleasantly surprised yesterday with several visitors. Pastor Dave Carr from Rolling Hills visited for a second time and that was very encouraging to us both. Then, fellow driver and long-time family friend George Brown stopped by - George is the one who encouraged Mike to apply at Trimet after Mike had been laid off from the high tech industry for 2.5 years. Mike and Trev's friend Rich stopped by, and he's coming back today with his wife Sunny. Finally, we ended up the evening with Trevor coming to spend several hours with his dad. Tatum was at a playdate/sleepover so I was able to stay at the hospital until about 10pm.

Thanks again to all my ESD friends -- Connie bought Mike a mocha, Sarah delivered it and then Cindy treated me to dinner from Baja. You guys make it easy for me to just be with Mike.

Mike's mom Karen and Luis are coming to spend time with Mike this morning since I need to shop for a cooking session on Sunday afternoon. Tess will help me get ready today before she goes to work, then Tatum and I will head up to Kaiser. I need to be at my Oregon City session by 1:30 on Sunday until about 4pm, and could use some entertainment for Tatum if anyone is interested in helping out that way. Tara is also coming up on Sunday so she might help with T or maybe she'll help me at the session ... we'll see.

We appreciate all your help and prayers.
Shawnee

Please pray ....

We would really appreciate your prayers for Mike. He's currently at a Kaiser hospital being treated for an unknown infection.

He was driving bus yesterday and was suddenly overcome with chills, nausea, vomiting for half-hour straight, etc. during a break. He was able to contact his dispatcher who sent EMTs but was almost passed out when they got there. They transported him by ambulance to Kaiser and his temperature was 103.7 around 1pm. After trying to get in an IV for almost two hours, his temp has been hovering between 99 and 101, plus was treated for an asthma attack during this time.

The physicians are a bit perplexed since it's not the flu/pneumonia but Mike's white cell count is extremely high. We have found a spot of severe swelling, redness and pain under his left ankle so they suspect cellulitis (deep tissue infection) and that the infection has somehow gotten into his bloodstream. They are worried are about the possibility septic shock and are still running tests. He's currently being treated with two high-powered antibiotics, fluids and medical monitoring. As of late last night, Mike was coherent and in good spirits other than worried about the unknown. His nurse took an extensive medical history since we're new to Kaiser and was impressed with his overall general health. Even though his weight causes logistical problems and the potential for severe consequences, he has limited health issues all things considered.

Please pray that doctors locate the infection and it's cured quickly, that the details of his work settle themselves and that Mike is quickly on the road to total health. Thank you so much.

Rectangular Felted Shoulder Bag

I am playing angel to a sweet gal who did not receive her Fall Felted Bag from the exchange. She is a "less is more" gal so I had to restrain myself and tone it down. I LOVE how this bag turned out. It's all HDC, crocheted in the front-loop-only, and the end product is nice and smooth. She really wants a shoulder bag but I didn't like how my i-cord turned out so I sewed on these purchased handles.

Then, I decided it was just a bit too plain so made this Quatrefoil Octagon motif, felted it and attached it to the front. Oh yeah, and it really needed some help to keep its nice shape so I added magnetic snaps.

November Crochetoholic Swap Received!

Laurie --- you just went to town for the November swap! I was finally able to get to the post office during their business hours and picked up your HUGE November swap box.

Ladies, it was stuffed to the brim with yarn and other goodies. I have some pictures to upload, too, but will try to describe. I now own EIGHT skeins of autumn-colored wool yarn along with a pattern from a great magazine to make an amazing fall felted table runner. Laurie also included another creative magazine, CrochetToday, for lovely winter goodies. I also have beautiful handmade potholder that go perfectly with my kitchen, year round, plus fall recipe cards and napkins. Add to all this rubber stamps and an adorable scarecrow magnet and THAT is my amazing November Decoration Kit. Oh, I almost forget the cutest part -- macaronis shaped like little turkeys and a handwritten note describing Laurie's holiday traditions.

Thank you so much, my darlin'!!

Shawnee

50 Book Challenge- FINISHED!!

I made it! What a fun challenge, although scary to see how many books I read when I didn't do anywhere my normal this year because we had such a crazy busy year .... Here's the whole list (please note how the year started with a diet book and will probably end with one too - no pounds lost in between):

I've joined a challenge at Crochetville.org to read 50 Books in 2007. Here's my list so far. I'm going to get back in the habit of adding the date read. It was looking touch and go during our move, but I feel confident I'll read 50+ by the time we're knocking back the eggnog. A few of the books are from my friend, Nikki's, who is doing the British "Read Along with Richard and Judy."

1. The Fat SMASH Diet (1/3 too rigid)
2. The Rescuer, Dee Henderson (#6 O'Malley Series) (1/26)
3. Be My Valentine, Debbie Macomber (1/27)
4. Can You Keep A Secret? by Sophie Kinsella (1/30)
5. Maggie's Miracle, Karen Kingsbury
6. The Witness, Dee Henderson --- VERY good mystery, Christian writer
7. Family, Karen Kingsbury
8. Confessions of a Shopaholic, Sophie Kinsella
9. The Winter Lodge, Susan Wiggs
10. The Undomestic Goddess, Sophie Kinsella (I'm really enjoying her books - light and funny)
11. Shopaholic Takes Manhattan
12. Shopaholic Ties the Knot
13. Shopaholic and Sister
14. No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency, Alexander McCall Smith
15. Inside My Heart, Robin McGraw
16. Crime and Clutter, Cyndy Salzmann
17. Chocolate Cat Caper, JoAnna Carl
18. Before I Wake, Dee Henderson (a cliffhanger, first in the series)
19. Death Dines at 8:30 - a great collection of culinary short mysteries!
20. Chicks with Sticks (It's a Purl Thing) - it's a teen book but really cute and one of the main character also crochets
21. A Dash of Death, Claudia Bishop -- another culinary mystery
22. The Loop, Nicholas Evans -- such a wonderful read
23. 6 Rainier Drive, Debbie Macomber
24. Shopaholic and Baby,
25. Annie Freeman's Fabulous Traveling Funeral, Kris Radish
26. QBQ! Question Behind the Question
27. The Madonnas of Leningrad
28. Dancing Naked at the Edge of Dawn, Kris Radish
29. Waltzing at the Piggly Wiggly, Robert Dalby
30. Country Brides, Debbie Macomber
31. Yarn Harlot, Stephanie Pearl-McPhee
32. Salmon Fishing in the Yemen, Paul Torday (* from a British Must-Read list)
33. The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Caught, Neta Jackson
34. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (7/22)
35. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (#6) (7/26)
36. How to Talk to a Widower, Jonathan Tropper (* from a British Must-Read list) (7/27)
37. Out to Pasture, Effie Leland Wilder (7/19)
38. The Friday Night Knitting Club, Kate Jacobs (7/28)
39. The Savage Garden, (British List, Mark Mills (7/27)
40. The Mill House, Paul McCusker (8/17)
41. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (#5)
42. A Good Day to Die, Simon Kernick (I can't get his other book on my must-read-list)
43. Scots on the Rocks: A Bed-and-Breakfast Mystery, by Mary Daheim
44. The Summer I Dared, Barbara Delinski (swap rec'd)
45. Blood Orange Brewing, Laura Childs
46. Sunday List of Dreams, Kris Radish (not my style)
47. Sugar Cookie Murder, Joanne Fluke
48. The Magician's Nephew, CS Lewis
49. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, CS Lewis
50. Playing for Pizza, John Grisham
51. Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder, Joanne Fluke
52. Strawberry Shortcake Murder, Joanne Fluke
53. Blueberry Muffin Murder, Joanne Fluke
54. Lemon Meringue Pie Murder, Joanne Fluke
55. Fudge Cupcake Murder, Joanne Fluke
56. Peach Cobbler Murder, Joanne Fluke
57. The Main Corpse, Diane Mott Davidson
(my streak of culinary mysteries has my daughter a little worried! LOL!!)