So yesterday we had a bit of a scare with Daisy. The vet thinks she may be having seizures, which somehow caused her to traumatize her right eye early, early Friday morning while we were still sleeping. The vet kept her all day and ran a battery of tests but couldn’t find the cause. All of her tests were coming back normal, nothing in her blood, no organ failure, despite the fact that her pupils were different sizes — a possible symptom of a neurological problem or even a stroke — and her right eye just wasn’t responding to light for most of the day. Finally, the vet tried some steroid antibiotic eyedrops. The steroids are supposed to help the eye heal and the antibiotics will help prevent any possible infection. We’re supposed to watch her over the next couple of days to ensure there’s no more seizure activity, or else she may have to see a neurologist.
But for now, the drops seem to be working. She has both eyes open and focusing and practically seems to be back to her old self. I’m still watching her like a hawk though, and I’m hoping for a full recovery by the 24th, her 13th birthday. She’ll be 68 dog-years old.
So the second of the two baby blankets is now under way. I’ve decided to go with a lovely green colour for the blanket since we don’t yet know the sex of this new bundle of joy. It’s a very similar basketweave pattern to the first one, though not exactly the same. I actually found this pattern in a book, Knitting For Baby, that Dave’s mom got me a few months ago. I think it’s fitting that I should use it to knit up a blanket for her first grandchild!
But, instead of using the cotton chenille yarn they suggest for the pattern, I’ve decided to go with a bamboo/wool blend. I’ve never knit with bamboo yarn before, but I’m already impressed with how even it is to work with. Plus, the wonderful woman at The Wool Mill told me that bamboo yarn is antibacterial. Did you know? Apparently it’s a property of the fibre itself, no extra treatment needed. Perfect for tiny babies. And I mean, come on, they even call the yarn “Snuggly Baby Bamboo” so really, how could I pass it up.
I can’t wait to see how this one turns out. But I won’t have to wait long. My future sister-in-law’s baby shower is just a month away! Better get knitting!
Details for this blanket are ravelled here.
Happy Groundhog Day, everyone! Did the groundhog see his shadow this morning or no? I actually haven’t checked yet. Either way, I feel like we’re heading into the final month(s) of winter here in Toronto. But still, there’s nary a snowdrift to be found. It’s been a cold winter here, but a dry one. It was a cold autumn too, almost as though we’ve been holding in this weather pattern since September. So if that groundhog really didn’t see his shadow then I am happy. Knowing that spring is right around the corner is what Groundhog Day is all about.
Because change is good, right? Right. So on that note, let me introduce you to a new monthly blog feature:
My Inspiration of the Month.
February’s inspiration is this lovely card that I got from Dave on the occasion of our 4-year Date-aversary. It seems odd somehow, celebrating our “anniversary” in January when we’re already knee-deep in October wedding plans. I guess this was the last time we would celebrate January 19th as our official anniversary. And so what better piece of loveliness to inspire me for the month ahead.
So, what do you think? It’s a little bit romance, a little bit whimsy, a little bit luxe. It’s royal purple and cool silver and the deep red of Valentine’s Day. It’s quiet mornings and sweet treats. It’s a great big pop of colour in this still dreary month of winter.
Hope you like it! I’m sure it’ll inspire me all month long as we head into February. And if you’d like to see a close-up of the board to catch all the little bits and pieces, you can find it here.
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