You have spoken. The new socks will be named S(p)ocks.
And I finished one S(p)ock.
A heel shot:
Teddy took the opportunity to model the toe of the second S(p)ock.
Sock Toe 070507
(Teddy has a new polar bear pal.)
We had a lovely Independence Day celebration. The KOARC made a great meal — oven-fried chicken, coleslaw, corn on the cob, and this for dessert.
Strawberry shortcake. Yum.
Speaking of yum, I got something exciting in the mail today.
Tess’ Designer Yarn sock yarn, from Michelle and Christy — a prize from their Arthritis Walk. I’ve never tried this sock yarn before so I am very excited to have it. It feels wonderful, and this colorway makes me hungry for berries. 
Thanks, Michelle and Christy!
Not So Yum
I’ve hesitating mentioning this, because I don’t write a whole lot about my real-life issues on this blog, and I don’t want to use it to whine about my health. (That’s what emails and phone calls to my friends are for — heh!) However . . .
For the past two weeks I’ve been having health issues that have caused me pain that ranges from bad to agonizing. I’m in the process of wading through the idiocy that is our health care system to get some resolution and relief, but it’s clear that this situation is going to continue for a while.
My point in telling you this is not to whine for sympathy. Rather, to let you know that my online time is by necessity lessened. I have good days and bad days — some days I can sit at the ‘puter for a while, others I just can’t. I habitually get lots of emails from people asking for knitting help. I always do my best to answer these, but right now I can’t keep up. I’m conserving my online time for blogging, because I enjoy writing the blog and would miss it if I stopped.
Don’t feel too bad for me — I’ve got lots of sick leave accrued, some very good drugs, and an MRI scheduled for early next week. I go to work when I feel up to it, stay home when I don’t.
So if you email me and I don’t respond, please cut me some slack, ‘nkay?
I’m having good days and bad days when it comes to knitting too. Some days I can get a lot done, others, not so much.
That is all.
Lucy Sez
“I have to keep up my strength. I’m Momma’s chief nurse! Well, Daddy helps too, but I’m in charge.”
Wendy, I understand about daily pain. I’ve had vicious sciatica for years. It’s the absolute pits, to put it in polite terms. Keep insisting on help and change doctors, if need be. You are the only one who knows how you feel. They don’t even if they mean well. Don’t let them bully you, even gently. (climbing off soapbox now)
You have a beautiful, loving nurse who has your best interests at heart, the sweet girl. I, too, am owned by blue eyed girls and I love it. Let Lucy be your guide in how to nap. She’s a pro and it really helps.
You are in my thoughts and prayers. Be well soon. Dee
I voted for Spocks! My prayers are with you in your current health challenges. Feel better soon!
I’ll be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Take care of yourself, that’s the most important thing. Let the blog slide if need be—we’ll understand. And thanks for sharing with us. It’s not whining. We all want to help in any way we can, even if that means just holding a good thought. Hope you are feeling better soon!
And if you don’t mind a bit of unsolicited advice, I used to work for a rheumatologist, and I’d second the suggestion of getting a referral to one if you haven’t already done so.
The S(p)ocks look great! Hope you feel better soon.
I hope you feel much better soon. The S(p)ocks look fun. I love the name.
I am thinking of you!! I have had three major back surgerys like bones being removed etcetera and I have found a Tush Cush really helps whenever I sit. I know pain can absolutely wear a person out and the pills only do so much. Hope you get help very soon and start to feeling much better.
That’s nasty, Wendy. I’m so sorry to hear about what you’re going through. Praying for an accurate diagnosis and wise and effective treatment. Hang in there, lady!
I’m sending good vibes your way.
The socks are gorgeous, and I’m seriously drooling on that sock yarn.
Hope you get to feeling better… I’ve been having my own little odyessy with the medical system and it kind of makes me crazy, too.
Enjoy the Tess yarn — I really like the socks I made from some I bought a while back. It’s pretty durable stuff, too!
Sorry to hear your not doing well, I hope it goes away quickly. At least we know Lucy will nurse you back to health with all due haste.
Hope you’re back to your healthy self, soon, Wendy! I’m sending warm tribble thoughts your way. (gotta keep the whole Star Trek theme going, right?)
I hope you will get better soon! As usual, your socks are absolutely amazing, although to my opinion Lucy is the star of this blog. Best wishes from the Netherlands!
Hello, I hope you feel better soon. Glad to hear that Lucy is taking good care of you! x
ps the s(p)ock looks fab!
I read your blog everyday as you have taught me a lot about sock knitting (esp toe-up). Thank you! I really enjoy reading about the socks that you are knitting & they are all so lovely. Take care & all my best wishes from Down Under!
Get well soon! I hope you get the paperwork sorted and you’re back in health quickly.
hi Wendy,
I’m a very assidue reader… But scarcely leave message…
Some times it is good to change habits.
Wendy I LOVE to read you daily, (or so). I send you MANY positive thinking for you to get better VERY SOON.
Please, can you tell Lucy to take care of you for me ? (purrring as loud as she can and speaking as much as she can)
And if by any chance you meet Gregory HOUSE M.D. on your way… tell him you’re not interesting enough for him to be your doctor
(but please ask him an autograph)
many hugs, Tokaya
Wendy, so sorry to read you are unwell. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
I just love the S(p)ocks! I hope you’re entering them into the Summer Of Socks design contest.
I hope you feel better soon. Being ill is never fun and having it cut down on your computer time just makes it worse.
Sending get-well thoughts your way…
Aww, bummer Wendy! That’s not good at all.
Sending good thoughts your way!
Hee hee, I have visions of Lucy carrying your meds in a little cup, with some water, watching as you take them, then taking your temp. Of course she has one of those old-style nurses hats on.
‘k I need to get more coffee in my system.
I know you aren’t whining, that’s cool. Nonetheless … I’m sorry you are experiencing what you are with your body. Dang bodies, they can be such a nuisance at times.
You will have an extra spot in my thoughts these days, and it is good to know you have Ludy–one of the most elite feline nurses of our time–on hand to cuddle you.
Warmest,
firefly
Sure hope you will not have to go through this for long and will be completely recovered in a flash! Take good care
Feel better! Maybe you should recruit some other bloggers to disseminate the knitting help questions to. I’m sure lots of people would be happy to help!
Sorry you’ve been feeling poorly – take care of yourself, and we’re just happy we get as much of you as we do. Feel better!
Hey, Wendy, thinking of you – hope things start to improve soon!
Fibromyalgia? I don’t know your symptoms but I know mine. It took me years to get a diagnosis and I still haven’t found a decent doctor. I do, however, have a pretty good pain specialist that gives me cortisone shots for my neck, shoulder, and hips. But alas, there are no great cures for the rest. My heart reaches out to you. You have been a blessing to us. Thank you and hang in there.
I’m so sorry you are not feeling well. I hope you can find out soon what the problem is and treat it.
Hope you are feeling better soon.
I LOVE Tess sock yarn, it’s one of my very favorites. The colors are saturated, the yarn is tightly spun, and it just knits and wears very very well. I have knitted it on both 0s and 1s with equal success. It is really great stuff and I buy some every May whether I need it or not… that is a great colorway.
Feel better.
I hope you enjoy a speedy and complete recovery! there are days I think being laid up on the sofa with pain meds and nothing to do but knit (and someone to make me yummy food!) would be glorious, but I know its not really any fun.
Isn’t federal sick leave great?
Wendy, I’m adding my healing thoughts and good wishes to those above. Please take care of yourself and feel better soon!
I really hope you feel better very soon.
Please know I’m thinking of you and sending you good wishes.
Also, Lucy, you take care of your Momma!! She needs lots of love!
Wendy, I wish you a speedy and full recovery. Sick time is good, also DC has generous FMLA coverage, I think its something like 16 weeks? I just went through a seminar on the ins and outs and have a booklet on all of it.
I have seem that Tess colorway called Peach Melba… the only moot point about that yarn is they don’t label skeins. I have a pair knit from Tess that I have machine wash/dried dozens of times and they hold up amazingly!
Hi Wendy,
I hope you feel better really soon! I’m thinking of you.
Take care,
Rosane.
Take care of yourself! Sending positive thoughts for healing your way. In the mean time, cuddle up with Mz Lucy and relax, knit when you feel like it, blog when you can, and get better.
Lucy looks like she’s a great nurse. Nothing like a sweet kitty to help when we don’t feel great. The s(p)ocks are wonderful. I love the name (could be cause I’m old, and never really got into the newer Star Treks). Take care!
I am so sorry for your health problems. I am hoping that they discover the problem is something simple at your MRI. I will be keeping you in my thoughts.
Take Care Wendy, we ALL understand. I’ve experienced back pain and it is certainly no pinic. Good luck with getting better.
Wendy, take care of yourself. Knitters are a powerfu bunch, and with all of us pulling for you, you can only get better soon. -pattiO
I do not like to offer unsolicted advise but I have had some issues with chronic knee pain and would like to gently suggest…………….accupuncture. I was very weary at first but the difference is mind boggling. Feel better. Lucy looks very adept at the fine art of providing care. cecilia
Wendy! I truly hope you get well soon! It is so frustrating and down right scarey to have intermittant pain and not know what is causing it. I know, and I got better fast. I wish the same for you.
Take very good care of yourself, please! Nothing strenuous or stressful…as if that was possible.
And speaking of stress and frustration….don’t take any shit from the medical/insurance communities. And get a second/third opinion. Of course, all this has been repeated ….
If there is anything we can do, please let us know!
Prayers, vibes and healing Hugs!
Sending healing thoughts your way.
Hope the sock yarn helps!
In the words of Spock. “Live long and prosper”. Love the strawberry shortcake.
Liza the blogless
Wendy, I’m sorry that you have been feeling ill. Take care of yourself and rest up. I hope that you find out what the source of trouble is and that it is quickly restored. Be well.
Oof. I hope you feel better soon!
Good luck with the MRI! I had one, once. I’m not a fan of enclosed spaces, and having an abundance of curvature to my upper torso (and hips, thighs, butt, etc) meant the top of it was only 2 inches from my forehead. A slight panic attack later they drugged me up and then I stopped caring
Thinking of you! And, strangely, thinking of strawberry shortcake too…
I feel your pain Wendy… I’ve got some crappy auto-immune stuff and its just the damn pits getting older
I’ll keep the good thoughts comin’
I’m worried for you Wendy! I hope you feel better real soon. Do you think it is from that crap you were smelling at work?
The “berry” yarn you just received looks amazing. Your Spock socks are very cool indeed!
FEEL BETTER!!! You are such a lucky lady to have such a wonderful “Lucy” nurse!
WendyT
Take care of yourself! Lucy should be a great helper.
Sock looks great!
Your socks are lovely. Hope you will be publishing the patterns sometime in the future — maybe a book of sock patterns. That would be fantastic. I know I’d be first in line to purchase it!
So very sorry about the health crisis. I have lupus, fibromyalgia, and osteoarthritis (I’ve already had one knee replaced and am putting off getting the other done even though it needs it badly). Anyway, I know the pain situation sucks big time! I work full time as a paralegal, so pain meds are out of the question (they make me loopy). So, I have found that keeping a positive outlook and not focusing on the illnesses really helps me the most. In fact, I usually pretend I am perfectly healthy. I know this sounds sappy, especially on those mornings when I have to crawl on my hands and knees to the bathroom for a warm soak in the tub before I can get moving. However, for me, so much of it is mental. I will myself to feel okay, and so I do.
Anyway, I hope you soon find out what the trouble is and get some relief however you can find it. (((((hugs))))).
Feel better, Wendy! I’m sure that Lucy makes a terrific nurse. And I’m sure I’m not alone in saying that if you don’t blog/respond to emails, it’s not the end of the world. Make sure you are taken care of first & foremost!!
I know it’s already been said 151 times before, but I wish you well, Wendy. May you have a complete and speedy recovery to good health. I know my furry little nurse helps when I’m ill or injured, and I’m sure Lucy will be working hard towards your healing. Be a good kitty for your mama, Lucy!!!
Wendy,
Don’t worry about us, take care of yourself first. Prayers and hugs are being sent to you. Feel better soon.
I read your blog all the time, I’m coming out of the woodwork to wish you well and hope you’re “back to normal” in no time. We’ll still be here when you come back. Lucy and hubby will get you back to us in better health than ever.
Joining many others in wishing you well and hoping you get some answers and relief soon. Thank you for your commitment to blogging and keeping us informed and entertained. Jo
Wendy,
I hope the diagnosis is speedy and that it reveals something that can be either managed or eliminated.
It is true . . . cats make the best nurses!
I’m keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. And, while I’m sure that you have everything take care of, please let me know if there is anything at all that i can do to help you (after all, I live in the DC Metro area and work near you). My Best to the KOARC (his strawberry shortcake lookes awesome! Does he take requests?) and, as always, Love to Lucy!
It looks like your Chief Nurse was sleeping on the job
Or is looking extra cute while sleeping part of her duties 
Wishing you best!!
Feel better–however long that takes!!
I don’t get your pictures here at work anymore, so will have to adore Teddy and his friend later……phooey silly work rules.
Please get well so you can keep the Lucy Pics coming
Love the socks and the name! (Big Star Trek geek here.) I’m sorry about your health problems…I know what it’s like to have chronic stuff and have to argue with insurance companies/billing departments–ARRGGGHHH!–so I totally hear you. I hope things go more smoothly from here on in, and that you’re feeling better soon.
Wishing you a speeding health resolution and good drugs in the meantime! And all the Lucy loving you need to make it through, not that there was ever a question of that.
Feel better Wendy!
I can’t believe my kids nor I didn’t think of S(p)ock!! They are the biggest Trekkies. I like S(p)ock, the socks that rock! :p
Oh, I just read through the rest of your post. I hope whatever it is that’s wrong, you will get better soon.
If good wishes have any influence (and I would like to believe they do) you will be better in no time! Take care of yourself, and do what the nurse tells you to do (well, all except for the part about giving her the baby chicks). Love the S(p)ocks!
So sorry to hear you are not feeling well and that the medical community is giving you the run around. Not knowing what the heck is going on is VERY frustrating. I’m sending warm wishes your way for a quick diagnosis and a speedy recovery with little to no pain along the way. With nurses ike Lucy and the KOARC at your side, I believe you are in good hands. And as always, beautiful S(p)ocks!
Get better soon. Lucy has everything under control I’m sure. I’m sorry you have to go through this.
The S(p)ocks are great!
Best wishes. Do what you need to do and don’t worry about us!
Take good care Wendy. I’ll be thinking of you.
Please take care of yourself, Wendy. I hope you feel better very soon.
Take care of yourself, write when you can – knit as much as possible!!!! When you have a bad day, we’ll read the archives and re-read your book! And then we’ll knit in your name.
Hi Wendy, I hope you’ll find lots of things to make you smile and push that pain into the background. I’m currently knitting one of your sweaters from your book and enjoying myself, so I hope some of that good karma gets back to you.
Today was going to be the first time I posted a question in the comments but I think I’ll put it on hold! Feel better!
don’t worry about us!! we love seeing your progress on your beautiful knitting and updated pics of lucy but YOU are more important than that! we’ll be here whenever you are…. the faithful wendy fans!…
sending good healthy, pain-free thoughts your way!
Hey Wendy. I’m really sorry you’re suffering and I hope you get good care really soon!!
Hope you feel better soon Wendy!
GET WELL SOON!!!
I hope that all the stupid stuff that the health care system can come up with does NOT happen to you, you get the BEST care ever, and get back to feeling great soon!
Wendy, I hope you feel better soon. Bad health is no fun. My sympathies and good wishes for a speedy recovery.
Me again. If you’d told me they were going to be named S(p)ocks I would have voted for them.
I visit your site to see what Queen Lucy is doing and to admire your knitting, whatever it may be. I wish you well and will be thinking about you. My Bob kitty has this “thing” about Lucy.
Prayers and Reiki coming your way, my friend. You are an inspiration to so many.
you are so quick at making socks, I’m so amazed!
Let Lucy take care of you, cats make the best nurses. You do what you need to do, everyone will understand and be wishing you the best. So this is a bad time to ask where the cable tutorial is? *tease* Get Well!
1) It’s OK to curse. At times like this a big juicy 4-letter-bomb can help a bit. 2) Whatever it is, however bad it is, Lucy makes it a lot less bad. Fact. 3) When a longtime reader gets an inkling that she/he might not be forever able to rely on the pleasure of reading this blog, she/he feels queasy for an instant. Then the thought of missing the blog turns to worry for the blogger. Sappiness not allowed today, but I’m concerned and sorry and I hope relief is in sight for you. 4) Please don’t answer. Save up energy.
Ah, declare an e-mail moratorium, insist that friends use that most ancient of contraptions (pen and paper) or the telephone and relax. If your pain is that bad, irritating it won’t help it go away. Take care and by the by, cats make excellent substitutes for hot water bottles if they’ll sit in the right spot. Purring makes for feel good endorphins too.
Wendy, so sorry to hear about your health problems. Prayers and best wishes for a quick diagnosis and a speedy recovery. I see you are in good hands and paws so be as positive as you can and enjoy the good aspects of forced relaxation!
Hi Wendy,
I’m wishing you steady, if not speedy, recovery. Hang in there.
I LOVE the S(p)ocks!
Margie
in Maryland
I know Lucy will take very good care of her mommy. There is nothing like a soft warm kitty curled up next to us when we don’t feel well. I send good thoughts and Sassy sends her very best purrrrr.
Take good care of yourself!
I read your blog every day, but don’t comment often. I’m de-lurking to send good wishes and warm knitterly vibes for good results on your MRI. Hope you’re feeling 100% again soon:)
Hi Wendy,
I’m so sorry to hear youare having health problems.
See if you can get an Open MRI to avoid the potential clautrophobia. If not, ask for drugs. MRIs seem to take forever and are much more tolerable if you are mostly asleep during them.
Use your sick leave if you need to. Since you are probably FERS there’s no advantage to saving it. If your agency has leave share sign up for it, if the problems aren’t resolved quickly.
Don’t do anything that hurts unless its part of physical therapy and then ask if it’s supposed to hurt.
At least you now have a good excuse for staying out of the smelly office.
I’m sure Lucy and KOARC will do a great job of taking care of you. Let them spoil you if they want.
We’ll all muddle along without you while you heal and will be looking forward to your return.
You are in my thoughts; be well.
you are an inspiration to a forever-beginning knitter. i love reading your blog, and seeing pictures of lucy. good luck on monday, and even though our health care system is its own pain to deal with, finding out what you have and how to treat it is worth the hassle. my thoughts are with you. focus on your health, and your loyal blog readers will be ok, (even if you just post pics of lucy and nothing else! when things are tough. maybe lucy or koarc can send updates when you are not feeling up to it…)
Lovely S(p)ocks!
Wendy, keeping you in my prayers. Get well very soon. Thrilled you are putting your healing first.
Sorry for your pain. Don’t forget about acupuncture.
Love the S(p)ocks!
Here’s hoping that you are able to navigate the medical messes and get yourself back in tip-top knitting shape soon. Anything that keeps you from the blog and/or knitting is *so* not good. The knitters won’t allow it! 
Pain is bad, sick leave is good, good drugs are even better. I hope your docs figure it out soon, so Lucy doesn’t get worn out taking good care of you.
Strawberry shortcake must be the national dessert. That’s what we had, too. Yum. The Spocks are great!
I really enjoy your blog–thank you for taking the time to write it. Hopefully the medical problems can be diagnosed and successfully treated. In the meantime, take it easy and let Lucy be in charge.
I tried to access your blog archive for June, and only a few entries were available. I wasn’t sure if you knew there were problems, so I thought I would let you know.
Thank you for the fabulous book prize! I can’t wait to read it. And posting my lucky win on 7/07/07 seems perfect.
S(p)ocks are startship academy material. Live long & prosper.
Sending healing vibes your way.
Thinking of you and hoping you are feeling better VERY soon!
Hugs!
My kitties said to tell Lucy to keep up the good nursing work!