Drifting back

I’m still here!

Nothing monumental has kept me away from the blog. I drifted away; I don’t know what else to call it. I’ve heard from many friends — little notes with worry attached to them, hesitant questions about my absence and my health — and I want to tell you all how dear you are, and how sorry I am to have concerned you.

I’m also a little sorry that lately most of my (spotty) contact with my friends and my family has been through Facebook, because not everyone uses it, and it certainly doesn’t replace the blog, or an email, or a call. I want to remedy that.

My life has been occupied with realities, and I suppose they have been enough to have changed my focus and drawn me away from the small bits of writing that I’ve always done, both here and privately.

My health has been one reality — but it’s “just” the chronic lymphedema that is one of the souvenirs of my cancer treatment (my lymphatic system in my legs doesn’t function properly any more). I spent a couple of months going for treatment at a Wound Care Center for an infection in one leg, then at Christmas I developed another infection in my other leg. I’ve made progress, but still, I have to learn how to live with and manage this condition, because I can’t function when it’s taking over my daily life. That, and I’d like to be able to take a walk.

Another reality — which I’ve spoken of on Facebook — is that my dear cat Annabelle is seriously ill. At Thanksgiving the vet diagnosed an inoperable tumor in her small intestine, and since then I’ve been giving and getting all the love I can, and waiting for the time when her little self lets me know she needs to leave. Right this minute, she’s purring in her usual place, under the lamp on my desk. She spends her days eating a little, sleeping a lot, and reminding me that she’s in charge around here. I’m going to miss her so.

Since having to spend so much time with my feet up, I’ve been doing a lot of knitting. I made some beautiful Christmas gifts, but did I photograph them? Of course not! There was: a Porom tam in Foxfire Fibers Cormo/Silk/Alpaca, a Honey Cowl in Sundara DK, two Hydrangea Neckwarmers in Spirit Trail Berte and Foxfire Cormo/Silk/Alpaca, a pair of Foxglove mitts in Berrocco Blackstone Tweed, and some silly coffee cup cozies for my coworkers in miscellaneous leftover yarns. I did take a picture of the sock yarn /lavender sachets, though.

So here I am. It’s a new year, and the days are already growing longer. I hope I can be present here more often. I’ve missed it, and I’ve missed you. ♥

24 thoughts on “Drifting back

  1. Welcome back, Jane. It's so wonderful to "read you" again. I have been keeping up with you on Facebook, but I think the multi-channel approach will be nice, too.I'm so sorry about Annabelle. Enjoy every moment with her. When my dog, Jake (the Wonder Dog), was at the end of his life, I just tried to bring joy to him every day. He was very spoiled. Very. But it was a fine way to celebrate his life.Hugs to you.

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  2. I have missed you and your writings so much…glad you are back. I am very sorry to hear about Annabelle, she is in my daily thoughts and prayers. Kathy

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  3. Drift happens. I remain your devoted fan and grateful reader whenever you do feel like sharing yourself here. I'm sending Annabelle extra cans of Fancy Feast (the virtual kind that gets there immediately).

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  4. Glad to see you posting. You know, I can't help but worry – though I try not to. Much love to you and sweet Annabelle. Hope you're securely tucked in, safe and warm, not having to contend with all the snow. Love to you.

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  5. Glad to see you back, especially now that I have more time and am trying to get caught up on the blogs of my friends. Good timing! Nice of you to be absent when I was so busy. Heh. 🙂

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  6. All is well – I know of two lovely Xmas knittings that can still be photographed on lovely models. Reya, you can always contact me if you're worried! I'll put you at ease.

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  7. Jane! Yes! you blogged; finally. Good to see you back dear girl.Love the photo. How much snow did you get over the past two days? We were spared the brunt of the storm this time and only got 7 inches. We have shared emails and you already know how sorry I am about Annabelle, so enough said there. You already know how I feel.Facebook (I guess since I don't partake) is okay for some things but it can't replace blogging. Truly, I believe it can't.I am just so happy to see you blogging again!XXXOOO

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  8. You have been MISSED aplenty, dear Jane. And as one who eschews the whole FB scene, I'm so glad to have you back. It has been already a winter of some discontent – snow or no snow. I hope the rest is gentler. You deserve it.

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  9. Glad you are OK. Recovering from the treatment I am afraid is a life long adventure. Mine was 7 years ago and not as harsh as yours and I'm still recovering. Hoping long walks are in your future this summer! I enjoy your knitting projects so much, but I know the issue with Facebook – my family uses it all the time now.

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  10. I am soooooooo relieved. I am only a reader, but I am a faithful reader, checking the blog often, and I began to worry in the latter part of the fall when the same post still greeted me at each checking. So I have thought of you almost daily and am glad to know that the health issues can be managed. Annabelle's situation is such a hard one; I wish you every precious minute of good time with her. Thank you for letting your readers know all that has been going on.

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  11. It's so nice to see you. I'm sorry to hear about your Annabelle. Our pets are so very important to us; they are so loving and loyal.I hope you are able to improve and enjoy all the things that you want to do.Hugs,Lois

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  12. I drift too. It's necessary sometimes. Glad you are back to share your gentle observations of life. Your musings and knitting always brighten my day. Very soon you will post a photo of the first blooms of Spring that you saw while out taking a walk….. I am sure Annabelle feels your deep love as she declines. It is so very painful to let them go. I will be thinking of her.

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  13. Hi Jane! I missed you! I'm glad you are doing okay. Sorry to hear about Annabelle's illness. I lost my best little buddy Willow (a pembroke welch corgi) last February and, of course, I think of her each day. Your knitting projects are always a treat to see and your photos are truly stunning. Thanks for sharing with all of us. Karen M. from Long Island (too!)

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  14. You and Annabelle have been in my thoughts, and will stay there nestled in warmth. I have been neglecting my blog too. I think this time of year just does that to us.

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