Sunday 1 February 2009

mixed blessings

Back home again, and Cornwall is turning distinctly chilly again. Could we have a sprinkling of snow this week? Please...I need the boost that a dusting of white would bring.

I'm feeling drained and exhausted after many miles in the car in the space of a few days, and the emotion of gathering with my family for my Uncle's funeral. He died so suddenly and unexpectedly - a blessing for him, but for my Aunt and cousins, an enormous shock and loss. And inevitably it reminded me of my Mum. But it is perhaps fortunate that we are a large family - the support that brings is so comforting. It is lovely to gather together, but I hope next time will be a happier occasion.

So home to face the dreaded tax return and accounts, something I have a habit of leaving to the very last minute, thus setting myself up for a stressful January. I can remember in days gone by when I lived in London I'd get a letter from my accountant in about June asking for my accounts so that 'we can proceed in a timely manner.....'. It never worked, and every year I say I'll do it differently.... and so far, haven't. So at precisely 8.13pm last night my return was filed, with only hours until the deadline. I need deadlines - being a terrible procrastinator, a deadline will always spur me into action. So now I can relax, feet up, and contemplate knitting socks. Except my head is full of cold and my throat sore, and I'm feeling a bit pathetic.

One of the positives about my unexpected trip was the chance to photograph my version of the purl scarf which I knitted for my niece, together with the boyfriend hat I knitted for my nephew Ben (with much trauma and dropped stitches and rows unravelling in front of my eyes).



I love this scarf, and am tempted to knit one for myself. The addition of the kidsilk haze makes it very soft, and adds a beautiful sheen.

And this is the hat. My very first hat. Knit with Mission Falls 1824 wool in Ink. It's lovely and soft and also machine washable which must be a bonus. I love the decreases and the symmetry. It was worth blocking, too - it helped even out the stitches and gave it a better shape.



And if you want to see a gorgeous stripey version, it's here.

14 comments:

Simone said...

I am so sorry for your loss Diana and am thinking of you.x We have snow here in the outskirts of London but I would much sooner see spring flowers! I hope that you feel better soon. Cosy up with Walter and some knitting and I am sure you will soon feel brighter.

Anonymous said...

nice to see you back, and I think january is quite testing for everyone (thank goodness for xmas to distract us!)... take it easy and take care (I have had to just give in to the fact that I'm just not feeling too productive at the moment - great time for maintainance though).. you do need some time to 'empty' and be ok with that at this time, I think. Cx

Clare said...

Hi Diane
Thank you so much for your visit to my blog and comments. I am sorry to read of your loss. January always does seem to be the strangest of months.
In terms of the "move" we are looking at moving to Penzance - I am scared and excited all at the same time!
Take Care xx
Clare

Anonymous said...

I'm so so sorry about your uncle.

Your hat shows the talent you have!

Pipany said...

Glad you are back and the blasted tax return is done Diana. Well done. beautiful picture of the scarf. I am a bit obsessed with the knitting too at the moment and have been trawling through endless amazing blogs featuring socks! Great minds think alike! xx

Lisa said...

I am so very sorry to read your sad news Diana.
My thoughts are with you and your extended family, my heart really goes out to them having been there myself so recently.
Stay warm and hope you enjoy whatever snow you get.
Lisa x

dragonfly said...

I'm sorry to hear you've had such a sad time. Spend some time getting your energy back (read: keep knitting)
Hope the snow reaches you - I'm snowed in!

carolyn said...

I think for about the first time ever we got the tax returns sorted out last year instead of leaving it to the last minute. I must admit that although it was most unpleasant then it sure does feel sweet now!

carolyn said...

So sorry for the loss of your Uncle, sincere condolences.

Irene said...

Hi Diana, sorry to hear about your uncle, but it must have felt good to have your whole family gathered together. I hope you could all be of support to one another.

All that knitting that you are doing is very inspiring and I am thinking about knitting a scarf. I need to find a place to buy some luxurious wool that feels just right and the proper needles too.

I'll let you know when I actually start this project. I am only a little bit daunted by it.

JuliaB said...

Hi Diana. Sorry to hear about your uncle xxx but nice that you have a large and supportive family. I hope you feel better - less drained - soon. We have snow here so hope you got some too to lift your spirits a little. Gorgeous scarf!! Roll on Spring!! xx

dottycookie said...

I'm so sorry for your loss, Diana.

I'll be sending snow vibes your way - we have plenty! - so you can stay inside and knit some more.

Anonymous said...

Oh Diana I am so sorry to hear about your Uncle, my condolenses to you and your family.
Take some time to recharge your batteries. The knitting looks lovely and I really would like to have a go at socks. Purchased some beautiful sock yarn in Morris & sons but can't bring myself to actually start knitting with it.

Love Pippa. xx

Anonymous said...

Diana you have become an accomplished knitter with apparent ease! I really want to try to knit something other than a scarf but it seems so daunting. Well done for taking the bull by the horns and just getting on with it.