Not Discouraged

Well that didn't take long! In less than three hours, I used up all of my "yarn ball" of fabric scraps to crochet this oval rug. Amanda's tutorial makes a rectangle-shaped rug, but after chatting with a couple knowledgeable crocheters in my Happy Stitchers group, I opted to make mine oval.

20" X 30"

Lucky for me, I found a size P crochet hook in the Happy Stitchers' stash of donated needlework items, so I got it for free. To make an oval rug, chain 20 stitches. Then single-crocheted into one side of each chain. At the end, stitch three single crochets in one chain. Keep going with single crochets to reach the opposite end. Stitch three single crochets again. Continue to single crochet into each stitch, randomly adding a chain stitch to allow for the convex curve at each end. Really, it was that easy!

I can't say that the rug is perfectly oval, but I don't care. I love the colors! After a wash, I think it will ease into shape. The rug will likely be put to use in the laundry room, or in front of the guest room sink.

Oranges in the neighbor's back yard tree.

Health Update
For those of you who have been so kind as to ask after me since my balloon and re-stent procedure (for severe peripheral artery disease) on Friday... I feel perfectly fine! The procedure went very well, and I have had zero pain or discomfort. Gosh, I'm not even showing signs of bruising as I have after previous procedures.

What was unexpected was the extent of the blockage in my left femoral artery. The ultrasound showed a 1 cm blockage when in fact it was 80% blocked at the top of the 8" stent, and 90% blocked in the middle and bottom of the stent. No wonder my calf ached, for lack of oxygen, whenever I line danced! It seems the mesh stent has been gathering floating plaque. This time the doc put a 6" solid stent inside the mesh stent. It's gotta work, right?

While "in the area" the doc also peeped down my right femoral artery, the one with a 6" mesh stent. Not surprisingly, it's beginning to collect plaque too. (I've begun to notice it.) So, when I return to the doc this week, for my follow-up appointment, we're going to discuss when I'll be having my right leg ballooned and re-stented. You can be sure I'm not happy about any of this, but if we happen upon a permanent fix, I'll be tickled.

This is all causing me to think of my word for 2014.

In the big scheme of life, this is a temporary and fixable problem. While it's certainly not pleasant, and is always inconvenient - Really? No sewing machine for two days?! - I am reminded that others face much greater pain and challenges. From my perspective, my problems are very small.

God's Word always comforts.

Deuteronomy 31:8 - The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. (NIV)

Linda