Restless

If you’d asked me a month ago what I’d do with two weeks at home with no outside obligations except my regular freelance work which is done from home anyway, I’d have given you a list of projects.

Knitting projects to finish and new ones to cast on (duh!), recipes I’d like to try, a book or two to finish, several long-deferred home repair projects, building the frame for a vegetable garden — that would’ve been just the start, I’d expect.

But these past few weeks have been very different, sometimes terrifying, unsettling in so many ways, and surprisingly wonderful in others. I’ve found it hard to settle and focus except when I’m doing something for someone else — usually in the form of preparing a meal or a cup of tea but also calling to check in on a friend or neighbor or relative or dropping off a bag of diapers and baby Tylenol at the local food pantry.

My brothers and I were already pleased that we’d moved Mom to a memory care residence in late January and that she’d adjusted so well. That relief has only been reinforced given the pandemic we’re all living amidst. She’s blessedly unaware of the public health threat and doesn’t have a sense of time, so she doesn’t miss us — at least, she doesn’t express that to the amazing staff who care for her. She’s still participating in activities and keeping to the regular routines there, no more anxious than she was before. At our first weekly family video chat, she wasn’t communicative at all but wasn’t upset either. After a few minutes of our trying to speak with her, she lay back on her bed and just looked at the computer and listened (I think) to our conversation.

With the arrival of all three adult children, we’ve got a full house for the first time in eight years, and I’ve got to say, it’s really great that we all love, like, and enjoy each other’s company — and know that no one will be offended when we need our own space. Evening meals are a high point of the day.

Michael, home from college and taking classes online, is particularly enjoying the kitchen facilities and supplies at home. A big improvement from his New Orleans house with four roommates. Note the cup of spices he prepped for the meal he was cooking (in a porcelain cup made by a potter friend). A bit of Big Easy flavor here in Massachusetts.

Video chats with friends have been a welcome treat on many evenings. Sure, they can be a bit loud and confusing as several people talk at once, but that’s what we do in “real life” so why change now? As usual, I’ve got a sock in progress — the light here is dim so the true colors don’t show. (cue Cyndi Lauper)

For some inexplicable reason, I’m on hiatus from the On the Grass sweater. Having reached the end of a skein, I found myself unable to wind another one. I just couldn’t be bothered. Didn’t have the energy. So I pulled out some chunky Hayfield Baby Blossom from my stash and started a chevron baby blanket.

It’s bright and cheery, and I’ve only had to rip out a total of about 10 rows so far! Good thing I’ve got plenty of time.

I hope you and yours stay well, dear blog readers.