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.
We heard about different background media for embroidery - an extraordinary range, including wood, leaves. bark, leather and various forms of netting. I photographed a couple of the samples brought along.
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.
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!