Happy New Year!

Well another year has come and gone and we are starting into 2012. Another new start for everyone that is wanting to turn a page in their lives and a chance to reflect. Since my last update in December, there is has been lots of daily struggles and sometimes victories concerning the ankle fracture. On December 14th, the doctor removed my cast and I got to see how my leg was healing. I have 2 incisions, one on each side of my ankle; a 7" cut up the outside of the ankle and a crescent shaped cut on the inner ankle bone. Final hardware count is 13 screws along with 10" of steel plating that is holding everything together. I started physical therapy the next day and throughout the rest of 2011 attended therapy every weekday. I am riding a recumbent bike, walking steps, walking a thread mill and lots of stretches and exercises that the therapist dream up. My ankle seems to be progressing pretty well and I am able to walk along my hallway without any aid other than keeping my hands on the wall as I move. Mostly I am on crutches still but I'm hoping I can "graduate" to a cane soon.

Outer ankle incision as of December 14th

Inner ankle incision as of December 14th

X-Ray showing post surgical view of screws and plates. The two longer screws along the 7" plate will be removed in April 2012 to allow more function of the ankle joint. These are needed to promote healing of torn ligaments and tendons.

Stitching wise continued to be a welcomed respite for me during the holidays and I enjoyed giving several gifts this year to family and friends. I made my cousin Shirley a special ornament; Festive Trees by Turquoise Graphics & Designs which I finished in a diamond shaped ornament with a golden braid surrounding it. I also made 3 Prairie Schooler Snowy Nights ornaments all alike with a deep red braiding surrounding it and gave them to my sister-in-law, Michelle, and two my cousins, Sharon and Bobbie. A total of 16 dishcloths were knitted and given out as gifts to family members and friends and I'm hoping to complete some more ornaments throughout the year.

Festive Trees ornament
Threads: DMC
Fabric: 32ct. White Joblean

Snowy Nights ornament by Prairie Schooler Designs
Threads: DMC
Fabric: 32 count Lambswool Joblean

I have been working mostly on two larger projects since the ornament marathon; one being The Musician by Joan Elliott and Innocent Guardian by James Himsworth. I spend most of my time on the Musician however I am trying to put some time each week on Innocent Guardian and start making some definitely progress on this piece as well.

Innocent Guardian Dimensions Kit on 18 count beige aida

Joan Elliot's Musician on 32 count Antique White (I think) Joblean

While I haven't set any specific resolutions for this year, I have made some "promises" to myself. One is to spend more time with my kids doing things that we enjoy. Baking and cooking are things which both kids enjoy and Christmas time we made some homemade cookies to share with my family. Sugar cookies, peanut blossoms, old fashioned peanut butter, chocolate chip and snicker doodles were just the start. After all this baking, I decided it was finally time to buy that kitchen utensil of my dreams, a Kitchen Aid stand mixer in Empire Red. It is gorgeous!

Knitting has been progressing although I don't really have a picture to show at this point. I'm hoping to finish up the knitted hat now that I can make it to the Knitting Boutique for help in finishing this new project. I am also hoping to learn more knitting projects and methods this year. Hopefully I will have something soon to show for these labors.

Until next time, keep your stitchin' and knittin' needles moving, spend time with family and friends and most of all enjoy life!