Sunday, With Heat
Slightly odd picture, it’s true, but here’s my FO for the weekend. An adorable little baby kimono sweater which I started Friday night and finished this afternoon. All that’s left is finding and sewing on some ribbon as a tie at the side. This sweater really IS just too adorable, and so fast! Why didn’t anyone tell me that baby-knits are so quick and satisfying?
It’s a good thing, too, because I’ve been doing a lot of reading and knitting this weekend, because I’ve been spending a lot of time on the couch next to Chappy and his new best friend, Harry the heating pad.
It’s hard to say HOW Chappy’s feeling. He refuses to answer when asked, and yet he’s been happy to spend almost the entire day right next to me, preferably with the heating pad on his back. He’s walking around just fine, but won’t jump up onto the furniture or run up the stairs. (Down is no problem, it’s up that he’s reluctant to do.)
And yet, I can tell that he’s tired of not feeling well. You know how it is when you’re sick or sore or whatever–for a day or so, you can accept it, and sit calmly, waiting for the magical healing to occur. Take naps. Avoid chores. Get a little extra attention. As long as you’re not too miserable, it’s not that bad . . . but after a couple days, it’s old. You just want to feel like yourself again. That’s where Chappy is–he pounced on one of his toys before, and even asked for a walk by sitting outside the laundry room and staring at his leash. We went out on the deck for a little while, and he happily walked around, sniffing things . . . but then, reality would set in and he’d be like, “Oh, my back,” and go crawling back to me and Harry for the magical heat and TLC.
I’m surprised this has gone on for so long, and really wish he had shown some signs of this at the vet on Thursday. You know, so the vet wouldn’t have looked from me to the bouncing, eager, happy, dog, and back with disbelief as I explained how he was walking stiffly, panting, reluctant to lie down . . . “This dog?” the look said, “Well, okay, I’ll examine the back, but really, it’s clearly a waste of my time.” Did Murphy have a rule about car engines not making noises at the mechanic? Because that law clearly has a corrolary of dogs (and presumably cats) at the vet. No doubt infants, too. (”Really, doctor, she wouldn’t stop crying, and she had purple stripes all over her face not half an hour ago!”)
Is your dog cool? A public service announcement. Because other than the good, artificial heat focused on Chappy’s lower back today, it’s been hot outside. Not quite as hot as I think they were forecasting (upper 80s, and relatively low humidity for July in New Jersey), it’s still hot. As in, dangerously hot for dogs and children left in cars. Even 10 minutes can be too long–none of you would ever do such a thing, right??
And, oh yes, I’m not the only one in the family with a finished object today. After months and months of under-the-breath cursing, Mom finished this cross-stitch project. She hasn’t ironed it yet, and it’s not laid flat, but . . . it’s awfully pretty, don’t you think?
Oh, and sorry, no pictures of my hair today. It’s not looking its best anyway, what with spending almost the entire day on the couch, but I think this haircut is fine. Certainly I haven’t been wincing every time I’ve glanced toward a mirror, which is a good sign! The hair color I used two weeks ago, though? I won’t be using it again. It’s not an obvious thing, but if I look under really good light, I can see where the old color ends and my roots of two weeks ago begin. And the old reddish-brown is showing through a lot more than it was a week ago. I’ve seen reviews since I used it (I really should have looked beforehand, huh?) that it fades pretty quickly, doesn’t last like a permanent color should. So, next time, I’ll probably go back to L’Oreal Excellence, or maybe the Preference (which always gets good write-ups). I mean, this isn’t a horrible color, and I DID say I missed the red, but still–permanent colors should not be fading this much, this fast . . . that’s kind of the idea behind the “permanent” color!
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Tannenbaum.
House Calls
The kimono is adorable. I don’t want to freak you out, but if Chappy still doesn’t seem 100% himself, ask the doctor about Addison’s. I thought I was going nuts with Oscar with him not quite being right, until he got really ill and was diagnosed. I’m sure it isn’t it, but it is better to be safe than sorry. And if it is AD . . .it is easily managed if caught.
Poor Chappy!
I recognize the kimono….it is fun to make & what lovely compliments from the baby’s parents…..best to Chappie……and if you think NJ is hot…..it’s 100 degrees here in CA…..and will be all week: UGH!….
Sunday couch days are sometimes the best medicine for dogs and hair color:)
I’m having a couch day too. I love your mom’s cross stitch. Very beautiful.
Thanks for the link for cool dogs. It’s nice to see an organized approach to dealing with the issue.
Poor Chappy. He really should quit over-doing it the moment he feels better.
Yay for Mom. The cross-stitch is lovely.
Yay for you. The kimono is beautiful. And yes, baby knits are awfully fast! Baby socks make a good use for those sock yarn leftovers
Having done a cross-stitch footstool in Williamsburg pattern, I must say your Mom’s piece is exquisite. It is a beautiful work. The kimono is adorable. Lucky baby. Poor Chappy. It’s frustrating when you can’t make them feel all better and they just don’t understand. I’m thinking about you guys. Don’t feel bad about the vet. Dylan does the same darned thing. Happy to see them, waggy tail, the whole nine yards.
I know what you mean about baby knits - so satisfying. I have plans for more (now that I have babies to knit for). I was hoping Chappy would be all better - maybe it’s worth another try at the vet? The cross-stitch is gorgeous. I used to cross-stitch, but knitting has replaced that.
Cute cute kimono!! Baby knits are great, ok, besides the blankets!
Poor Chappy! I hope that he is feeling better today!
Poor chappy, I hadn’t read blogs in a few days and didn’t know he wasn’t well. WE’re all sending our get well wishes to him.
Just caught up on my posts and saw that poor Chappy is still not feeling well. I hope that you and the vet can find out soon what is going on so he can get better!
Your baby kimono is so colorful and pretty! And your mom’s work is out of this world…she should be so proud! Those stitches are so tiny.
Hey Deb, my baby kimono is taking me much longer than yours did, but my stitches look much smaller. I’m knitting fast to make sure I have enough yarn
Your mom’s x-stitch is fabulous. It will be stunning when it’s blocked and framed.
As to dogs, I think they act well to please their owners and only give into the pain when they think you’re not looking or can’t stand it any more. Would steroids help? My dog hurt his back a couple of times (I think pulling hard on the leash did it), and the steroids made a huge difference.
And thanks for the reminder about dogs and babies in cars. I feel like my brain is cooking in a hot car; I can’t imagine helpless ones who can’t tell you.
oh no chappy i hope you are ok! we all (my hounds and i) send you get well vibes.
the cross stich looks beautiful..my mom does that i can’t can’t fathom the tediousness of it all!
Hi Deb,
I am trying to get caught up and was sad to see that Chappy is still not feeling great. Have you had him tested for Lyme’s disease?
I hope he is feeling better soon!
Healing thoughts are heading your way