Post 489 Various disruptions

The week has been dominated by what I could manage to do without the use of my right thumb! As my brother pointed out, I have been learning what it means to be human. Without a right hand opposable thumb I am diminished.

The surgeon I saw last Wednesday was confident my damaged thumb would heal itself. I left with a lot of information, a rebandaged thumb and a handful of clean dressings and an appointment in a week's time. It has been sore, but not badly so. I just need to avoid using it, knocking it or getting it wet.

I discovered I can knit by holding a needle between my thumb and forefinger, but I can't hold a sewing needle and I can't use the top joint of my thumb to type, press buttons or manipulation. I can cook and clean with my hand protected by a disposable glove and my thumb at an angle. It's improving.

So I have fertilised my plants, taken photos, read, given up touch typing for now, proof-read for my brother and knitted. I have also very uch enjoyed hearing all about Niamh and Veronica's work experience last week.

I finished St Brigid. The detail is in my stitching blog.

I had planned to embroider when this was finished, but that's not yet possible. Nor is crochet. I moved on to a hat from the sample Alpaca-Polwarth blend Adagio Mills sent me. Again, the detail is in the stitching blog. 

In the last couple of days I have finished the samples of the 16 different ways to knit stocking stitch. This involved a bit of unravelling. I found it hard to stick to the specific stitching direction on each sample, however small. My mind would wander and my hands revert to habit.

The samples are currently being blocked. There is a lot to be observed and learnt from this exercise - that will be another blog post once it's dry and prepared. 

On Thursday morning I set out to meet a friend for coffee, only to find my car wouldn't start. I trawled the manual unsuccessfully for the meaning of the dashboard symbol (right). In the end I called the RAA. After some difficulty the serviceman got it started - battery completely drained. I took it straight away to the Toyota dealership where it needed to be left for about 30 hours while they sourced, installed and tested an appropriate Prius C battery. 

Fortunately I had already cancelled Pilates due to my finger.

On Friday, while I was waiting for the call to say the car was ready, a noisy miner visited my front balcony. I have not seen a bird land on this balcony, so took the photo quietly from inside. It didn't stay long, but I felt pleased and privileged.

On my way to pick up the car, once the call came, the city loop bus stopped right next to the Cook Island palm giving me an opportunity to take this photo.  It makes a change from the usual view from my window.

Saturday would have been Jim's 76th birthday, a milestone his renal physician had correctly warned he would never reach. I'm not sure why this age came into their conversation - presumably in relation to someone who had or had not reached it. Another memory milestone for me, a chance to draw strength and give thanks. 

So at the end of this week, my car is working, I am fed and functional, if partially prehensiley challenged, my knitting is progressing, I am supported by family and friends and there are plenty of ideas to develop. Deo gratias.