Popping Out of My Cave To Say Hi

I know it's seemed like I've been awfully quiet -- well, because I have, I guess. I've apparently alarmed a few, but don't worry:  I'm still here and kicking strongly! It really is rather pathetic, though. This formerly-every-single-day blogger (for several years running) is so rusty at it that I could not remember some of the commands in the Typepad software and it took a while to make this post. That is just sad.

But since we last spoke, let's see, I have....

1. Passed the Certified Realtime Reporter, Certified CART Provider, and Certified Broadcast Captioner exams. (Caveat: These are PRELIMINARY scores only! To be verified by the officials before they are OFFICIAL. You know. They have to check the security camera and the audio recording to make sure I didn't cheat, etc. I wonder if the "what the fuuuu..." that I once uttered will be used against me? I shouldn't joke. Heh.) These are long overdue and I should have taken them years ago, but I'm just getting around to it. You know how that goes. I've signed up for them a few times in the past, but then would get booked for a really great job that I could not pass up, and had to cancel them. This time I managed to fit them in. So now I have so many initials to put after my name, it's longer than my actual name.

2. Underwent a cardiac stress test with echocardiogram. That was fun. Not so much. But apparently it all looked unalarming and good enough.

3. Recorded into a log every single piece of food I have eaten, every single thing I have drunk, and every step of exercise I have done since I got out of the hospital. Taken and recorded my blood pressure, ditto.

4. Done a lot of CART work. A lot. 

5. Went to Vermont Sheep & Wool, trudged through the cold drizzle and mud for a couple of hours, and even bought some yarn. 

5. Went to Rhinebeck (!) and roomed with my traditional crew of lovely ladies:

Jenn (Nipperknits), Sandy, and Leigh

We have roomed together just about every year since 2004.

(Except that I couldn't go last year. I'm not bitter at all.)

Needless to say, we had a blast. I forgot my camera the first day, so I have appallingly few photos, but I did manage to get a fabulous one of Kay the second day:

We were underdressed for the weather the first day, and got chased back to the hotel by the cold and rain showers, so we missed out on seeing a lot of folks we wish we had seen. And we made a conscious decision to shop and eat and drink tea in the actual town of Rhinebeck. What a treat! All these years, and we've never really patronized the lovely little shops on the Main Street, as it were. We are so glad we did. I got two pieces of gorgeous jewelry -- one for me and one for a gift for Mr. Jefferies' sitter (Shhhhh, don't tell her. She doesn't read here, so I'm safe.), and we each got a few other great things. We ate a very special dinner at The Terrapin. So.good. SO good.

What else do I have to tell you? 

Oh! I got a new sweater kit for you-know-who:

And some lovely buttons for a sweater I hope to knit someday. I will knit again someday, won't I?

What number was I on? Aw, never mind. Bullets it will be from now on.

• I finally managed to mail Martin's package to him containing the two baby sweaters and the little hat I made way back last spring. You remember the ones, eh? This and This. They were received, and Martin was over the moon. I'm desperately hoping they still fit the baby boy, and hoping for pictures of him wearing it someday soon. 
• And well, because not enough of my body has started falling apart already, I had laser surgery today on one of my eyes, and the other is scheduled for Monday. It was for the condition as described in this YouTube video, should you wish to watch it. I love to watch it just to hear the name of the doctor speaking on that video. 

• Now, I know you really just wanted to see a photo of His Royal Highness, so here you go. Not a very glamorous one, but it's the best I could do in the failing light after my eyes were dilated and then one of them lasered. 

 

Comments

[gale (she shoots sheep shots)]

So great to see you Norma last weekend!
FYI for Norma readers & fans: Kay is standing in front of the Fussy Cuts blanket that she & Ann designed for the book Craft Activism- the pattern is in the same section as Norma's profile.
Now you have TWO great reasons to go buy the book. You're welcome. :-)

[Konna]

Good to know things are going well! Fun with the eyes! Congrats on all the letters after your name! The pic of HRH is great, eye issues and all! :)

[--Deb]

I'm so sorry I missed you on Saturday, but am glad to hear you're doing well!

[Sunnyknitter]

Houndstooth dog coat, groan. So punny! Hahahaha

[NerdGirl]

Wow, you have been busy! You are the first knit blogger that has mentioned doing anything in the town of Rhinebeck. I'm guessing it wasn't nearly as busy/crowded as the fairgrounds. The buttons you chose are lovely & I look forward to the day that you get to knit a sweater for them to live on.

[Carole]

I've always wondered about that restaurant Terrapin, glad you enjoyed it. And yes, the shops in the town of Rhinebeck are wonderful. Was the new Everready open yet? When Dale and I were there last April they said it would be opening soon.

[Lois Budnitsky]

Glad to hear from you and to read that you are quite busy. You used to be the first blog I read every day so when you didn't write I wonder why. Rhinebeck sounds like a fun place and especially with such great friends. Looking forward to that new knit with those lovely buttons.

[CindyCindy]

It's good to hear your "voice" again. And, I'm glad you haven't had any other little surprises on the health front. Oh, and thanks for the Mr. J fix, too!

[Patty]

Hi Norma!!! Glad to see you're doing well.

[Becky]

Well, Norma, why didn't you find world peace and cure cancer while you were at it! Wild woman, I reckon! Sorry for your troubles, glad for your joys. Have really missed you, as I know others have as well. Nothing like starting a day avec Norma. Hope to hear from you again soon.

[margene]

Shopping in Rhinebeck would make the trip totally fun and no so woolcentric. I LOVE the buttons! What a cool find. So relieved you're feeling better. They better get to the bottom of what's up.

[Natalie]

Awww, no fair! You're just another person to add to the list of people I didn't get to meet at Rhinebeck. You've been very busy - congrats on all the extra letters after your name.

[Leslie]

All those letters -- impressive! Pretty soon you'll be "the standard" against which all CART providers are measured.

I think that houndstooth coat will be just perfect for Mr. J and yes, I do appreciate the pun.

Stay well, I will continue to look for your postings on facebook -- at least I know you're alive that way.

[Sandy]

Hi Norma,
Good to 'hear' from you again! Thanks for the pictures from Rhinebeck & your yarn purchases. Love the 'hound tooth' (too funny)sweater kit for Mr. J-he's sure one styling young man!

[Seanna Lea]

I'm not very old, but I completely understand about the strangeness of having extra doctor's appointments. I am as far as anyone can tell completely healthy, but I am having a ton of doctor's appointments. Gah!

[Elizabeth]

Hi Norma!!
so very nice to see the update from you. I've missed hearing about how you are (glad your heart is doing better) and seeing pictures of his highness. and congrats on passing all those certification tests!! woo-hoo-- way to go!

[Vicki]

I think I love the color of that yarn. What are you making with it?

[BeckyinVT]

- So glad you're doing well.

- Beautiful buttons!

- I'm surprised I didn't see you at Rhinebeck OR the VT sheep and wool festival.

- Ok, not really surprised I missed you at Rhinebeck, that place is huge.

[KarenV]

So glad to hear the cardiac tests came out OK, and congratulations on the CART tests. I think letters can make for higher wages. Mr. Jeffries will be adorable in the houndstooth. Is it the maroon and green?

[Cookie]

Yeah but did you eat at the diner? ;^)

[Kym]

Great update. Sounds like you've been having a great time while Not Blogging (well, except for heart thing. . .). And that little coat for Mr. J will be so very adorable!

[gayle]

Did you show Mr J the coat kit, or is it going to be a surprise?
Congrats on all the good stuff, from CART to cardio.

[bullwinkle]

Is knitting for Mr Jeffries sort of like knitting for infants? :)