Hi Ellen!
Not only did Ravelympics start this weekend, but Yarn Smackdown Summer 2008 started as well. I only entered two events given that I rather over optimistic for the medal chase. And the two events I entered were small and therefore very achievable — the Food Fight and the Lace Bookmark event. For the Food Fight, you only had to knit a 4″ by 4″ piece of toast — any pattern, didn’t have to actually look like toast, but did have to meet the measure within 1/4 of an inch. The lace bookmark gave two patterns, I picked the one that looked a bit more interesting, and therefore, a bit more challenging. I never imagined I’d be frogging several times on such a small piece! I did complete both projects and get them into the mail before the weapons of my destruction arrived here, so at least I know I get a few kills. I have been notified by one of my assassins that I will soon be toast.
On Friday I couldn’t dedicate myself to knitting — our directorate was doing its annual hike of Pikes Peak. As the orthopoedist told me that I should in no way go hiking till he had the MRI results of my Achilles heel, I was a driver/greeter. We dropped the hikers off at the trail head, had delicious breakfast at a family diner and then drove to the summit. We were sure we’d beat the hikers, but when we got there two of them had already made it. One was a guy who is seriously training for this coming week’s competition involving running to the summit on Friday and then running to the Summit and back to the foot of the mountain on Saturday — one and a half marathons and about 24,000 feet of climb and drop. The other one was…Dale. He is now called “The Animal” by all the J6′ers.
It was beautiful up there — some did have issues with oxygen deprivation, it didn’t bother me much at all. The views were gorgeous — I can’t tell you how much I regret not looking at the settings on my camera before I started snapping shots. It was set for “economy” which is what I use so I directly upload pictures to the web and it means that these pics are all grainy. I’ll do better next time! And I’m looking forward to going up with you and Wilson. And this afternoon I got clearance to do it under my own power…the MRI shows thickening and changes associated with a partial rupture, but the fibers connecting the muscle tissue are completely intact! The physical therapist said that I can hike all I want as long as I avoid jumping, quick starts or high impact….basically got told to stick to old people’s sports. This direction was of the never again variety and it included running. I’m not happy about that, but am happy that I’m cleared for hiking. They’re going to do some additional therapy and I harbor some hope that maybe she’ll change her mind if it starts improving again.
Oh, and in keeping with old age sports, I’ve started golf lessons. I went to my first one yesterday and it was rather fun. Mary Mc came along with me and we pretty much laughed our way through. Fortunately Michael, our instructor, has a good sense of humor. He actually reminds me a bit of Kevin Smith. Afterwards we stopped back at the house to have a glass of wine and review our notes.
Today was a short day due to my appointment at PT, ergo the post. I’m going to sign off and grab the needles for 20 minutes before heading to the gym to swim.
Love, Jan
Jan and Ellen are identical twins who have always had an innate fashion sense. Crafting is an integral part of their lives and they stay stitched together sharing their love of knitting, family and community.
August 11th, 2008 at 11:51 pm
Grainy or not, it looks beautiful up there! I’m sorry to hear about the permanent restriction from running; I’ll keep my fingers crossed that that diagnosis changes over time. Big injuries are so frustrating — but I’m glad that hiking’s back on the list, that must feel like a relief.
August 12th, 2008 at 1:52 am
What a great weekend you had! BTW, Wilson and I have always called Dale “The Animal”. Oh, wait, that’s what we call you.
It is a serious bummer about the exercise restrictions. I know how depressed I was at not being able to run for a year; I really feel for you being told never. But the PT probably doesn’t realize what over-achievers we are, so I am still crossing my fingers for you.
I bet you bought that sweater in one of your stopovers in Iceland, didn’t you?
August 12th, 2008 at 4:09 am
Thanks to both of you for the sympathy over the potential loss of running (see, I’m not willing to accept it!). And yes, Ellen, the sweater is from Iceland.
August 13th, 2008 at 12:33 pm
I keep learning more and more about both of you, - over achievers, -how in the world did we click so well??? Hmmmm oh well, I am definitely an achiever, and am working toward being a moderate one.
Glad to hear that you are still able to do a bunch of the things you love.
My first thought was, “WOW, I didn’t see any posts about Ellen finishing the sweater… man she is good” Then again Jan, I am not an morning person and it is morning here.