It's a short post today. I have a bandaged hand (more below) and typing is difficult. These sunrise shots were taken on Friday, from my bed. I love the play of light through the trees.
It's been cold and on and off wet this week - neither a cause for complaint at this time of the year.
Wednesday was our WES Group meeting, it was well-attended in spite of several apologies from members with colds, bronchitis and Covid. We are all so grateful to members for staying away when unwell. Hopefully they are on the way to recovery. 
This book arrived during the week - ready for a session later in the year on cruelty-free fabrics. I got a bit more ambitious with cooking this week. I cooked Duck a 'L'Orange for friends on Sunday and on Monday I used a honey-olive oil glaze and haloumi with the Chicken Marylands. Both worked pretty well and both meals were relaxed and convivial.
The downside was that with the duck I tried a potato recipe that suggested using a mandolin. I had forgotten I had one, which I haven't used in at least 6 years. Early on Sunday morning I got it out to try, grabbed a potato, completely forgetting the mandolin came with an implement for holding down the thing to be sliced, and promptly sliced through the ball of my thumb. I manage to staunch the bleeding, find a bandage, wrap it up tightly and cover the bandage with the last of a roll of elastoplast - all with my left hand.
I could see no point in going to a hospital for treatment. Emergency departments are stretched at the moment dealing with much more pressing things than cut fingers. I got through the day OK. It was a good meal and great company. The night was less relaxed. The wound ached and I slept badly. On Monday morning, after some searching online, I went to my local pharmacy to have the wound dressed but, in spite of advertising to the contrary, they had no trained staff. At this point I phone my GP Clinic to see if a nurse could dress it. After consulting my GP, the receptionist booked me in this morning. Last night I slept quite well.
This morning the nurse had a great deal of trouble getting my bandage off, and when she did the wound began bleeding again. My GP decided it needed more than her stitching skills and I now have an appointment tomorrow morning with a hand surgeon a few streets away - and an enormous bandage on my thumb.I promised my GP I would come home and rest with my hand elevated. It is quite hard to do this while typing, so I will stop. My neighbour, who called in to borrow a key, has insisted on driving me to and from tomorrow's appointment. I have antibiotics and painkillers. I haven't so far needed to use the latter.
I can't believe I was so stupid, but I was, and I am fortunate to have the help I need. I wonder if I will have to update my passport, because my fingerprint will change.
I have 10 rows of 102 stitches to go to finish the St Brigid jumper. It is possible, but very slow, to knit those rows with my finger vertical as instructed. I will let you know how I get on. The jumper is looking very good!
