An unexpected blogging break...

It feels like such a long time since I lasted posted - I think it's only been a week but it feels much longer.  I wish I'd been off having a marvellous time while I wasn't posting but unfortunately it's been full of worry.  On Friday my dad commented that Archie wasn't his usual self on his evening walk and hadn't been the night before either - I'd noticed he'd been spending a lot of time in his bed but that isn't necessarily unusual.  By Saturday morning it became clear he really wasn't right and I was lucky enough to get a vet appointment the next morning.  I got myself in a right state as Archie was so unlike his usual cheery self - taking him out for a walk on Sunday morning was awful as he lagged behind the whole way with his tail down and only perked up when I put his lead on to come home.  It was then I noticed that occasionally one of his back paws dragged on the ground and I became convinced that this was a sign his 'back end was going' and that they would put him down (have to whisper so he doesn't hear and also just typing it still upsets me).  As a special treat I let him on the settee with me but you can see he wasn't himself...

This photo makes me so sad...

In fact I got in such a state that my mum had to miss church to come with me to see the vet who was lovely with him (and me!).  He thinks it's either a bit of arthritis or that Archie has tweaked a muscle jumping and he's got to have complete rest for two and a half weeks.  He's currently on antibiotics (in case he has a spinal infection) and anti-inflammatory medicine and can't run, jump, use the stairs, jump in or out of the car or go for long walks.  He's currently allowed three very short walks a day and is being treated like a king - he's soon got used to being lifted in and out of the house and he's carried upstairs on an evening and then back down the next morning.  I've also had to disconnect my doorbell (which is on the same circuit as the downstairs lights so it's distinctly dingy of an evening!) as every time it rings he runs through the house and jumps up at the front window to 'greet' the visitor.  He's much brighter now - we went back to see the vet this morning who agreed that there's a definite improvement but that he still needs lots of rest and painkillers and we have to go back in two weeks...please keep your fingers crossed he continues to improve...

If she thinks I'm going to keep still while she takes yet more bloody photos she's got another think coming...

In classic Helen style I distracted myself from my worry and between worrying, crying and keeping busy I've exhausted myself and really need a week or so where very little happens as it's been quite an awful summer...I'm sure autumn will be better...

My stripy turquoise fabric has arrived from The Eternal Maker (yummy!) and I'm waiting for the medium grey to come back into stock at Simply Solids.  I've put the Drunkard's Path blocks back into second place as my hexy addiction is back with a vengeance!  Be warned: there are lots of photos on the way - I told you I'd distracted myself!  In the interests of honesty I should tell you that I stitched five of these about two weeks ago but I was in the grip of DP madness at the time so didn't share them!

Patterns found here - thanks Melissa! and here - thanks Joanne!

Pattern found here - thanks Lynne!

 

The top left hexy is based on this hexy - thanks Sheila!, the hexy on the right makes me very happy and the pattern for the bottom hexy was found here - thanks Liz!

Pale pink stripes are so hard to photograph - you may have to put your nose to the screen to see this one!

I loved this hexagon by Joanne at Possum Blossom Patch when I saw it in the Lily's Quilts Flickr group but I really thought it was going to end in tears. This is the only hexy I've contemplated trying with EPP instead but fortunately cup of tea and a break resolved our differences and hand piecing triumphed!  I love it but will I be making another one?  Not on your nelly!!

There's also been a little bit of embroidery going on (I'd run out of prepped hexies and didn't have enough light to prep any more!) - I've been working on this (on and off, very much off recently!) for a couple of months and it will eventually be a garland for my mum.

And just to prove it hasn't all been successful stitching...

I knew there was something wrong but it took me a while to realise I was making a pouch instead of a hexy!

I think that's enough for now...I also think I've proved that I'm completely incapable of writing a short post so I may as well stop feeling bad about it!

There are more hexies being prepped...

All laid out neatly waiting their turn with the iron!  Is it wrong to like your new ironing board cover so much that you're considering buying a second one for when this one needs replacing?!  And no, Mr 'I'm from the LEA' man, they're not dinner money envelopes you can see, honest!

 ...ready to join the group...

36 pieced and 5 whole...about 20% done!

...so I think I'd better go and pay them (and Archie!) some attention - it's time for a very short walk in the lashing rain!

Thanks for visiting and happy stitching!

Edited to add:  I knew there was something I'd forgotten!  Karen is requesting blocks so that she can make some bed clothes for child victims of sex trafficking in Thailand - she's going over there in November so you've got a while to make some and get them to her...please help if you can - thank you!