OK new approach to blogging immediately delayed by onset of the dreaded lurgy – shingles. Apparently my case is mild for which thank heaven fasting as I loathe not being well and could not cope with a severe attack. What I have is bad enough. I actually went to see my GP, well one of them, last week for the first time since pre-Covid and am grateful that I have not needed to. The practice operates an open surgery in the morning. If you turn up between 8-10 am you can wait to see a doc. Suits me so off I went with a book (natch) but saw a GP in about half an hour so pleased with that.
Anyway, as I said it is shingles so am slathering myself in cream and wearing cotton next to my skin. Jumpers etc really irritate. I also have some pills to take which are knocking me for six. They are also rather large and I nearly got one stuck in my throat and began to panic. I then saw that they are marked up and can be snapped in half. Doh……
A week later and the itching and burning is diminishing and things are on the mend but gosh I feel tired and exhausted. Everyone says oh Elaine you must Rest. Well I am not good at that but needs must. There is a lot of cricket and tennis on tv at the moment so very happy to watch that though I do tend to crash out and wake up and think Blimey is the match over already??
I have also been doing jigsaws. I have always loved doing them but really rediscovered them during lockdown, as did many others, and they keep me sane. When you are sitting down looking for that elusive bit of sky or trees you tend not to worry about anything else. Mind you, those pieces have a mind of their own. I tend to give up after a while, adopt a careless attitude and say Well I am off to make a cup of tea so hide if you want to. Inevitably when I return with said cuppa there is the missing piece smirking at me.
Another time I gave up looking for a piece and went and got ready for bed. The missing piece was in my bra. True. How did it get there? I have not the faintest idea….
I am a traditionalist when it comes to puzzles and love old fashioned pics but I was given a James Bond one for Christmas and this London puzzle is rather nice. The one of the medieval castle was a stinker.
And so, knitting. Another relaxing and calming occupation. I recently taught my granddaughter Beatrice to knit and she seems to be getting on with it ok. You can research and read dozens of articles on the advantages of knitting and its theraputic qualities and while I am sure they are totally fascinating I sometimes wonder if a simple hobby and pleasure can be over analysed. I am currently reading The Mindfulness of Knitting by Rachel Matthews Meditations on Craft and Calm. Well not reading, dipping into as I can only take a page at a time.
"the gift we knitters leave behind us is, of course, one of beautiful textiles, but alongside our material products we leave a subtle unquantifiable atmosphere"
"I have witnessed constant sparkle as knitting triggers enlightened thoughts in people"
"I realised that I needed to improve my relationship with cotton"
Ok I have no desire to be sarky and know it all, but to me this is taking what is an enjoyable and relaxing hobby and analysing it to death. I do not disagree with the author or what she is saying, but my response is Oh for heaven's sake. I have sat in knitting groups making squares for blankets and drinking coffee and chatting and it is a lovely, friendly, happy atmosphere and very enjoyable but, to be honest, I don't wish to think mindful thoughts during this time. I just like to sit back and enjoy.
I am not dissing the book at all, I am rather enjoying it but, as I said, one page at a time.
So there you have it. NOT a good week but hoping things will improve.
Once again my thanks to all of you who took the trouble and time to comment on my post re Random. Lovely and heartwarming. Bless you all.
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