Post 545 The still point of the turning wheel.

First thing on Wednesday I made the dress repair for which I bought thread last week. It was a fairly straightforward job once I got the heavier thread in the machine.  I then posted the finished cardigan, bought milk, and  prepared entries for the Guild's SALA Exhibition. Details of the cardigan are in my embroidery blog.

I have a lot of wool left over, including 5 untouched balls (on the right of photo). Plenty for pockets.

As I had a very late toasted cheese sandwich lunch, I took the opportunity to have a cup of soup. Guild friend Lee had given to me a packet to try - pumpkin soup with croutons -  as she thought it was excellent. Of course, she was right. I've subsequently tried the same brand tomato and parmesan, which is OK, but I agree the pumpkin is better. I have a good supply.

On Thursday I gave in and took my coffee machine to be repaired. The selection dial has not been working properly for a week and I've lived in hope of a miracle but that morning it died altogether. It is a solid, heavy machine. I emptied the water tank, cleaned it, found a large box in which I could carry it and set off for the Jura service agent. As usual, there was no parking outside, so I parked over their driveway, and left my boot open while I carried it in. I hate being without my machine. 

From the Jura shop I went on to the Guild to drop of my 7 SALA entries and buy a few bits and pieces from the shop.  I have entered 3 tote bags embroidered on Ink and Spindle linen, the two embroidered faces bags and two printed bags derived from those bags. They fitted nicely in my large exhibition bag

I was now (unusually) early for Pilates, so called at Queen St Cafe for a scrambled eggs with salmon and mushroom lunch. Unusually there were two classes in the Pilates studio, so 7 students and two instructors. Afterwards I dropped the mended dress and Guild purchases off before returning home, abandoning my plan to look at mattresses. That process requires unpressured time, and by 2.30pm I had had enough. 

The cardigan arrived at its destination and was a success. Whew! I have started knitting pockets which will be added later. 

In the meantime I have progressed one of the large sashiko Galaxy Dreaming squares.

On Friday I visited a Guild friend. She is working a stunning silk and gold piece - an ecclesiastical style. I stopped on the way home to buy ground coffee for my plunger - my go-to fallback while my coffee machine is being serviced. I didn't yet have a quote, so I bought a kilo of ground coffee.

Back at home in the late afternoon, another friend rang from the hospital I can see from my balcony, to tell me they have been diagnosed with cancer. They are to be operated on as soon as blood-thinners wear off. It's another shock. They are in good spirits and will see it through. 

After Book Club on Sunday I made a sign for my balcony which I hoped can be seen from the hospital.  They can see the banner, but can’t read it. It does at least make me feel as if I have done something. I have blocked the name out in the photo for privacy reasons. On the advice of one of our Book Club members I painted it on green cloth. My neighbours may be more tolerant of a sign if they associate it with the Olympics! Unfortunately the gold glitter paint I have wouldn't show up! So far no complaints.

Yesterday the Jura technician phoned with a quote for fixing my coffee machine, which is 9 years old.  Replacing the worn-out dial is expensive. It is possible to do a service and lock the dial on to my usual setting, with no movement possible. On balance, I decided to replace it. This morning I called in, had a lesson, and collected my new machine. I set it up as soon as I got home and tried it out. It is simpler than the old machine - and the coffee is good! I have yet to accustom myself to the cleaning and maintenance routines, which will be the real test.  A friend called in and gave her coffee a tick of approval! (I have about 750gm of surplus ground coffee).

Today was capped off with a dinner guest - an old university friend's son who is working in Adelaide for the week. As usual, I only managed to remember to take photos of the food before it went into the oven. Haloumi slices were added ( and a bit overcooked by the time I served) but it went well and we found plenty to talk about.

It has felt a bit as if there is some wheel of fortune thing working for me over the last couple of weeks - the demise of  the bed, the coffee machine, a chair; two friends with cancer. My rational brain says stuff always wears out, gets replaced and we adapt.  I have a great renovated chair and a new coffee machine. The bed is working at the moment and I will get to replace it when things settle down.  Friends are getting the best medical attention possible. I'm finishing (and starting!) projects, connected to family and good friends and meeting new people. The wheel of fortune turns continually. If we cling on we go down but up again. Change - and decay - is normal and inevitable.  Yet after seven decades even small changes are a bit scary. 

At the moment I'm trying to hold myself in the still centre.