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Bits and pieces.  All that has been accomplished this week is packing and sitting.  I have gotten some knitting done, but my back has NOT been happy this week.  I don't know if it is because of the colder weather, but I have sat with ice on it quite a lot this week.  Which is making me dread the 24 hour drive this weekend.  The only thing that can get me to even contemplate this trip is that Piper, Mandy and family are waiting at the end of it.  I only hope I can move when I get there.  Seriously.  I don't want to be "Debbie Downer" about this, but my life of inactivity is getting very old.

Plus, I spent Sunday morning in the Emergency room with chest pain.  The only thing the doctor could figure out is that it could be related to my back spasms.  Apparently the muscles are all connected and they believe it was causing chest spasms, mimicing the symptoms of a heart attack.  They were sure it was a heart attack until the EKG and blood work showed differently.  As they always tell you, come back if it returns.  Well...I don't think so.  From now on out I'm taking my chances.  I had to give them $200.00 just to be seen for our co-pay, payable immediately.  Then will come the bills...deductibles, out-of-pocket, etc.  Something is seriously wrong with our medical system when you're afraid to go to the ER for a possible heart attack because of the cost.

Okay, I'm done whining.  Just frustrated and tired of being frustrated.  I have been knitting.  This is the Utilitarian Faroese Shawl which is on Ravelry as a paid for pattern.  It will be a Christmas gift for an unnamed recipient, just in case that person sees this, unlikely as it is, I want it to be a surprise.  As the pattern calls for, I'm using Homespun yarn. Next is the "Make a Long Story Short Blanket" and is also a Christmas gift.  I have used Caron "Big Cake" yarn.  It's been a super fun and easy knit, although the bigger needles have made my hands ache  a bit.  It is 40 x 68 inches and I am now closing up the end corner.  I'm very pleasde with how it turned out. The leaves have turned and are almost gone from one of the trees in our front yard although the other one is still green.  Many trees in our neighborhood are already bare of leaves.  Very unusual to be gone so early.  I love the fall colors.  It's as though the trees put on a pretty show to encourage us all just before winter's icy blast. These are the berries one one of our neighbors trees that is drooping over our fence.  There is a LOT of weight on this tree and it's hanging very low.  I think there will be plenty of food for the birds this winter. This past weekend Mandy was wearing the "Wonderful Wallaby" sweater I made her a couple of years ago as it was chilly in Omaha.  Piper's eyes lit up and she ran into her bedroom and came out wearing the matching one that I had made for her at the same time.  Mandy sent me this picture of the two of them.  Dennis says it's one of his very favorite pictures of them.  However, Piper's sweater will NOT fit her very long.  Look how short those sleeves are.  I'm searching for more of this yarn and I'm taking the pattern and needles with me.  Hopefully I can find the yarn and get it done while there, if not I could make a good start anyway. I hope all is well with all of you.  I met with our new house/pet sitter yesterday.  She's a sweetheart and we've known her for years and years, but none of the animals know her.  Ellen, our friend who normally stays here is having leg and hip issues and can't do our stairs.  We have a split level house with stairs everywhere.

To top the week off, I had to take both Amelia and Frannie to the vet on Monday.  Mandy thought one of them might have a UTI but didn't know which one.  Since Amelia had one before, we thought it would be her.  Nope.  Back home I came and returned to the vet with Frannie.  So now she is on antibiotics twice a day for 10 days.  She already seems much better and no more accidents, but it's not easy getting her to take her medicine.  I'm hoping that goes well for Sheila.  She has a cat herself, so I think she may be experienced in giving them meds.

Wow!  This wasn't a very upbeat post.  Sorry about that.  It's life right now and I share that with all of you.  I hope I have lots more happy things to report next time I write after spending time with Miss Piper. :-)  That won't be until our return home, but I'll try to keep up with all of your posts while gone.  I hope your fall is a happy one and that your gardens are all harvested and you are enjoying the bounty and fruits of your hard work all summer.

"The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold." Psalm 18:2

