Oh yikes, has it been that long since I posted? Apologies. Let’s pretend that my absence was due to Very Worthy And Important Stuff, rather than the truth, which is that I was struggling with post-cancer-treatment side-effects that made my right arm medium-useless for a while. Fortunately, I was still able to walk and run in pretty places around here. This is Thrupp Lake on a crisp November morning:-
Since I wasn’t able to knit very much, I didn’t feel as though I had a great deal to share with you. Fortunately, continuing to go running seems to have helped enormously, and I’m now the proud owner of two reasonably functional arms. Also, I just haven’t been feeling very funny, which was worrying because I know you only come here for the LOLs.
Anyway, welcome to a cold November night. To set the scene, I’m curled up in The Chair…
…working on the gazillionth incarnation of a mitten for the book. The design is pretty much sorted, so this is a left mitt to mirror the already finished right mitt. What could possibly go wrong? Um, plenty. Lets have a quick photo before this too goes purls-up and I have to rip back to the start, yet again.
Never mind all that Second Sock Syndrome; I’ve got Gazillionth Mitten Syndrome which is, I can tell you, a far more unpleasant condition.
But at least the fire is lit, and my wine glass is semi-full.
Looking further to the right, since it’s a good moment to give the sitting room tour that absolutely none of you have ever requested, is my great grandfather’s sea chest, which just over a century ago went with him to war – the First World War – in a submarine. Obviously, it wasn’t painted blue with a gold keyhole back in those sober, scary, days.
Miraculously, he returned alive. They hadn’t perfected the engineering of submarines in the early twentieth century, and he was lucky to be assigned to a battery-powered (yes, really*) E-class sub, rather than the steam-powered K-class which had a thoroughly irritating tendency to spontaneously blow up, killing everyone on board. On days when I think my job is hard, I ought to remind myself of this fact.
And just when this sea chest and its owner could be forgiven for congratulating themselves on surviving World War One, then along came World War Two, and the family (my grandmother and both her parents) cowered (safely) in a garden shelter whilst their beloved home was bombed to smithereens. Very little survived from the house, but the sea chest was saved, as well as my great-great grandmother’s sewing machine – bought in 1899 – which now sits in my study. (You can see more pictures of it in this post.)
I remember my great grandfather from childhood, though he lived too far away for frequent visits. He was tall, I think… but I’m the stunted runt of the Twisted family, so absolutely everyone seems extremely tall to me. By the time I knew him, he was nearly deaf and blind, and my seven-year-old self wasn’t sure how to interact with him. So I sat quietly in a corner, and watched as my great grandmother read the newspaper to him at glass-rattlingly high volume, whilst he inhaled pinches of snuff from a tiny, ornate tin. He didn’t say much. Occasionally he’d excuse himself to go and use the cold, spidery, outside lavatory. Strange to think that this was a mere four decades ago. Once I felt I’d done my social duty, I’d flee back to the upper two storeys** of the house, where my grandmother lived. At least she had indoor plumbing and good hearing, though she was intimidating. It was only in adulthood that I learned that Joe Cox wasn’t my real great grandfather, but that’s a story for another blog post…
Anyway, where were we? Ah yes, the sitting room. Moving on from this century-old chest, there’s a mess of seedlings and other veg-growing paraphernalia snatching what daylight it can beside the French windows. Overwintering broad beans and peas are germinating in compost-filled loo roll tubes, ready to be cast out into the cold harsh garden. Dinner won’t be ready for another five or six months, so feel free to help yourself to a snack.
A little further round the room, sitting on my late grandmother’s favourite table is an illuminated paper model of our house, made by my wonderful friend Silvina. More pictures of its detailed brilliance are in this blog post.
Should you ever decide that there’s not enough paper-cut beauty in your home, go visit Silvina’s site, here. She sells her work, and she teaches her skills, and I promise you that she’s the most talented and inspirational woman you could encounter. (In case you’re curious, here’s how we met.)
I’ll spare you the shabby old green sofa, with its cushions that have survived years of being lobbed at one twin by the other, as well as the giant wicker toy chest. So that takes us back to the bookcases and The Chair in the corner. Mostly, this post was an excuse to say hi to you, my Fine Fibrous Friends, despite my lack of knitty progress, and check that you’re all still there and OK. In these crazy covidy days, may your yarn never tangle and your stitches never drop.
Until next time,
Phil x
*Actually it was battery-powered underwater but diesel-powered on the surface.
**Translation: “stories” for those of you in the US.
Suzie says
So lovely to hear from you, Phil – knitty or not. Stay safe our friend. ???? xx
jeaniemaier141gmailcom says
So glad to hear from you!
The Twisted Yarn says
Aww, thank you!
Sandra Houghton says
Wow!!! How spooky !!! I was only thinking about you today ( don’t ask me why but it was as I was cleaning the bathroom!!).
So nice to read about your “older” family. I am a WW1 fanatic and I’ve reading about it and visiting the sites in France and Belgium.
Stay strong , healthy and funny!!!
Sandra
The Twisted Yarn says
Hmm, I’m trying to figure out how bathroom-cleaning triggered these thoughts!! WW1 is fascinating and heartbreaking in equal measure, don’t you think?
adolmakr says
Dear, dear Phil – I’m absolutely certain that I am not the only one reading this who is thinking that we don’t ask anything of you (see, being funny) but that you BE here! Your focus now and until you-know-when is to get and stay well!! And not even be here if that is not comfortable for you…you get the point. You are loved, even adored by all of us and ask only that you are healthy and happy, etc. This with much love, Ann
The Twisted Yarn says
Ann, you are making a grown and hard-hearted woman blush! But thank you for your kindness and your generosity. There are so many people here who are warm and witty, and it’s a pure pleasure to hang out with you all.
Dianne says
We’ve missed you! And even without much knittiness, your blog is a breath of fresh air. I adore your chair btw…. hope the side effects from your treatment are easing x
The Twisted Yarn says
Thank you for each and every part of this. Side-effects MUCH better now, thanks.
Victoria Margerison says
My sister assures me, having had chemo 3 times, that you just get through each day and that’s all you need concentrate on though I am sure you know this.
I do love your lols but you know you are still very amusing even when you think you’re not being so.
Just take great care and look after yourself.
The Twisted Yarn says
Yikes, your sister has NOT had an easy time. May she have the best possible health-related good fortune in the future. I’ve been lucky enough to escape chemo – just surgery, radiotherapy, hormone therapy, and more surgery here.
Helen B says
Oh excuse me, but taking care of yourself post cancer treatments IS Very Important and Worthy. So there.
The Twisted Yarn says
❤️ and THANK YOU is all that I can say in response to this.
Jayne Jarrett says
I can only echo what others have said , as much as I love to read your musings , looking after yourself is the most important thing you have to concentrate on. your paper house is beautiful and amazing. Take care
The Twisted Yarn says
Thank you. The paper house is indeed a fabulous thing: Silvina is a genius.
smittyesq says
So good to hear from you. Glad that things are improving – walking, running, knitting, wine – all good for you. The pictures are beautiful. Thank you for sharing. I loved seeing the sewing machine. My great grandfather worked for Singer in the 1880s and 1890s. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if he helped create your family heirloom.
Take care, sweetie.
Maureen
The Twisted Yarn says
Thank you so much, Maureen. Gosh, that would be truly amazing. I wish we could go back in time and watch your great grandfather work. It would have been fascinating to watch these beautiful machines being put together.
Bobbie Jean says
You are thought of even more than you know. We’re just happy knowing you are well and thriving.
Be well.
The Twisted Yarn says
Thank you so much, Bobbie. Seriously, thank you.
Karen Martinez says
So happy you’re back! Knitting will come as you recover, don’t rush. Thank you for the house tour and heirloom pictures..how wonderful to have the Sea chest and sewing machine. Take care, I’ve missed you.
Karen Martinez
The Twisted Yarn says
And I’ve missed all of you, too. Thank you for your kind words.
pomegranateandchintz says
Lovely to hear from you. Stay safe and hope your recovery continues to go well
The Twisted Yarn says
Thank you!
Alexandra Mary says
We all have days when our joke bag is empty. Covid has changed our social landscape and cancer sucks.
But the beauty in life with unexpected vistas and changing seasons remains.
Any post from you is always delightful and welcome in my inbox.
The Twisted Yarn says
Thank you. Encouragement like this makes such a difference. And you’re right, this crazy, covidy year has sucked so much joy out of everything.
Debbie says
Very happy to read your post you truly lift my day. Be safe and happy
The Twisted Yarn says
Thank you for this. May many other things happen to lift your day, even in these crazy times.
Sue says
Absolutely wonderful to “hear” your voice! Funny or not, you are ALWAY a breath of fresh air???? So glad to know you have progressed into better territory! Your chair will always be a marvel.
The Twisted Yarn says
Thank you. You just gave me a big smile. May your day be bright too.
Spooky Ward says
I certainly echo Anne in her sentiment that you just need to take care, rest, run, be happy. We, your nutty knotty knitters and Fine Fibrous Friends (or in my case Crochet Feind), will be waiting for you safe return to full purlish glory.
Stay safe and take care of you (and your fledgling loo roll dinner).
Family tales are most welcome xxx
The Twisted Yarn says
Thank you, Spooky. And I love “nutty knotty knitters”!
tineke says
It’s very special and rather miraculously we are here, Phill, after all what happened in those two world wars, I could write a book about that. Our stories emerge when times gets tough in our own little world, do they? I slowly starting crocheting again with fingers that hurt from medication. I am with you, hun, we can do it. Big hug ;>*
The Twisted Yarn says
You are so wise and so right. Meanwhile, may your fingers begin to feel much less painful. Not being able to crochet much sounds like a horrid torture.
Spooky Ward says
I certainly echo Anne in her sentiment that you just need to take care, rest, run, be happy. We, your nutty knotty knitters and Fine Fibrous Friends (or in my case Crochet Fiend), will be waiting for you safe return to full purlish glory.
Stay safe and take care of you (and your fledgling loo roll dinner).
Family tales are most welcome xxx
Sandy says
So glad to hear your voice….please take care of yourself so that we can continue the conversation ???? love the tour!! Thank you for sharing!
The Twisted Yarn says
And I’m so happy to see you and everyone else here! The people who visit this blog and comment seem without exception to be warm, kind-hearted, wise, and witty folk.
Spooky Ward says
I certainly echo Anne in her sentiment that you just need to take care, rest, run, be happy. We, your nutty knotty knitters and Fine Fibrous Friends (or in my case Crochet Fiend), will be waiting for you safe return to full purlish glory.
Stay safe and take care of you (and your fledgling loo roll dinner).
Family tales are most welcome xxx
Michelle says
I do LOVE your beautiful singer sewing machine. My grandmother had one too but much to my Mom and my aunt’s chagrin, my grandfather threw out the sewing machine after she died but kept the table and the pedal to use as a place to put potted plants!!
It may be slow-going but your knitting is completely beautiful. How do you keep your stitches so neat with stranded knitting??
Thank you for sharing bits of your story with us.
The Twisted Yarn says
Nooooooo! HOW could he throw out such an important and beautiful thing! The knitting is indeed exceptionally slow-going. As for your question, the biggest single piece of advice I can give is to stretch your stitches apart a little on your needle, so that the ‘floats’ of your inactive colour are slightly longer than you think they need to be. Does that make sense even slightly?
sue says
Lovely,lovely,lovely to have you back….keep strong x
The Twisted Yarn says
And lovely, lovely, lovely to read comments like this from all of the lovely, warm-hearted, wise, folk who read this blog.
captelaine says
One day at a time… so glad to see this message from you… LOLs not required, you’re a knitter, gardener, Mom and blogger not a comedienne. Just seeing the email notice of your post brought a smile to my face. Fyi I loved seeing your sitting room tour, and the submarine sea chest… my husband was on nuclear submarines for 20 years, so he glows green at night (just kidding). I have a t-shirt that says… ‘I LOVE the smell of diesel in the morning’. Take care of yourself… your international fan club is pulling for you.
The Twisted Yarn says
Wow, I bet your husband could tell some tales! And looking on the positive side, at least the green glow means you can save on energy bills? More seriously, thank you for your kindness and encouragement. Stay well yourself in these unnerving times.
stevestonheather says
Thanks for the indoor tour and the family stories; I’m already looking forward to more about Joe Cox! Thrupp Lake is beautiful. We are so blessed to have easy access to our nature outings, and your lake will bring joy no matter the weather. Seeing you grand wishes for healing, comfort, patience, and joy!
The Twisted Yarn says
Thank you! Yes, however crazy life can be, there is always beauty to be admired outdoors – thank goodness for that!
DeAnne says
It is wonderful to hear from you and how you are doing. Wishing you well as you continue the hard work of healing. I absolutely love the idea of using loo rolls as seedling containers and shall have to try it!
The Twisted Yarn says
Thank you! I heartily recommend the loo roll trick – especially for deep-rooted seedlings like peas and beans.
MummaP says
So good to hear from you and to share this story with you. We’re with you all the way.
The Twisted Yarn says
Thank you so much. I appreciate it.
Rebecca says
You are so loved x
The Twisted Yarn says
Thank you. And I love all of you who come here and share wit, kindness, laughs, and wisdom.
rebelflairsnowbird says
I was so glad to hear that you are doing well and getting over the chemo. I know it can be a challenge, but I see that you have not lost your sense of humor! That’s so helpful during the healing process.
Dog and I were out hiking today in the glorious sunshine and though it was only 37 degrees Fahrenheit it didn’t seem that cold, no wind helped. Lots of horses on the trail looking like they really needed to be out there too!
Keep on taking good care of yourself and know that all of us are thinking of you and wishing you a return to cancer free status. ???? (that’s a hug from me)
Peggi
The Twisted Yarn says
Thank you so much, Peggi, I appreciate it. (And yeah, it seems unseasonably mild over here, too.) I managed to escape chemo – just surgery (done), radiotherapy (about to begin), more surgery, and hormone therapy.
Elinor says
Hi Phil, thank you for your post. Looking at your old sewing machine made me remember an old one that was left to me by my great grandmother when I was a teenager. My parents promptly sold it to pay for repairs on a more modern one I’d also been given (not sure why everyone kept giving me sewing machines, I suppose even then it was obvious i was only fit for crafting!) That ‘modern’ one didn’t last 5 minutes and I so wish I had my great grandmother’s Singer still. Anyway, despite all these well meaning aged people throwing sewing machines my way, I’ve never been the sewing sort, always a knitter! Keep resting and healing Phil. Love and best wishes, Elinor xx
Kathy says
It’s lovely to hear from you. The photos of the lake are beautiful, your comfy chair, fire and wine look perfect and little tour of the living room (with history) is a bonus.
Take care of yourself,
Kathy
Sue Jung says
So glad to hear from you. Your post was just what we need in this pandemic world. I too am fighting cancer. Walking, knitting, and yoga have gotten me through so far. I travel the world through knitting blogs and websites. Just keep moving, praying and living, we will survive. I just found a new book on eating to heal your body with an emphasis on cancer. It’s called “Eat to Beat Disease” the new science of how your body can heal itself by William W. Li MD. It’s about combining foods and what types of food will help. I’m always eating for iron and vitamins (chemo) why not regeneration of the bodies defenses. Keep up the great work normal not laughs is what we need right now.
Cheers
Sue
Grandma Flea says
It’s so good to hear from you – stay warm and be very kind to yourself. We are all thinking of you and sending good wishes to you. It is a difficult time but be very kind to your self – hugs xx
Faye. Maplestone says
Wonderful to hear you are coming out the other side of this “knitless” stage. Keep up the good work. (On all counts) It’s strange to see a fire on, as “down under” it’s been rather warm.
You blew me away with your resilience, and fortitude. Stay safe from all nasties.
You took me down memory lane with the photos. I have my Mothers old “hand turned “machine still in its wooden case. …oh the clothes she managed to make with that contraption…we had little money, but I was always dressed in beautiful home made , with love, clothes.
Keep “twisting” you are on the “up “now. Love Faye
kathleenalice says
How lovely to hear from you, I have been thinking of you and sending positive thoughts your way . What a lovely , interesting post.
Take care of yourself ????
Twink Lester says
Oh Dear One, I don’t expect anything from you other than to let me know how you are feeling. Actually, I wouldn’t even mind a little complaining or a lot of complaining. You’ve earned it! Things will take an upswing soon and I’ll be there with you then, too. My mother once told me that she didn’t trust someone who was always all smiles and laughs. She wanted friends more like herself. I’m not sure this fits, because I surely trust you, but it’s ok to talk about this being a really trying time and own having aches and pains like the rest of us. My healing thoughts are heading your way. Stay safe, my friend. Twink Lester, North Carolina, USA
Debbie says
I’m not disappointed that you’re not posting more often – only happy that you’re finding time and energy to post anything at all. Thank you for the lovely visit with your knitting corner – it’s kind of a dream of mine to have such a thing. My knitting tends to happen in various locations, depending. :-} But I do have to ask – do you really actually sit ON that lovely knitted garden on the chair? It seems to be in pretty good shape for having been sat on so much…. 🙂 I also enjoyed the family stories – I find such stories quite interesting. I’m totally impressed by your great-grandpa’s story of being in a sub in the 1st WW. Now that’s courage!! And such a great reminder of him via his sea chest.
Not sure what’s up with the mitten, but it is very pretty. Good luck with it.
Teresa says
Thanks for the post. We all step away from our knitting, but it’s always there when we are ready again. We may have lost our place in the pattern, forgotten why we were making it and wondering who picked out those colors. You just have a mitten who does not want to be a reverse copy of another mitten. Thanks for the tour of your sitting room, the family memories and the beautiful lake. Thanksgiving is Thursday, a family time of good food, good memories and this year we are in “stay safe and stay home”. Thanks for sending out a smile. Teresa, Michigan, USA
Joanne says
So glad to receive your post!! Get well and stay safe.
craftilycreative heather says
So lovely to hear you are going along ok after your surgery Phil. My daughter experienced similar arm problems after her surgery too but all good now! Lovely to see some of your family treasures! Take care of yourself x
ailsabusby says
It was so good to read your post. Your humour is very welcome at this time. I hope that your path back to health is smooth. Stay safe x
Ali Burns says
Just sending love….
Jane Sturgeon says
Wrapping you in much love, Phil, always. <3 Xx
Debbie MacKenzie says
Persevere, the world needs you, we need you and your wonderful humor. You always make me smile. Sending warm thoughts your way❤️
JosieHolford says
I think people come here for you. The lols are fun but you are better. And then the yarns about yarn – not me so much because I don’t knit, quilt, sew, crochet or any of that good and useful stuff. So I’m an irregular reader. But when I’m here, I’m here for you! The rest is gravy.
Karen says
For those of us lucky enough to never had had chemo you are an inspiration – I lost most of the use of my right arm from a fall downstairs but being stubborn I used to knit using wrist and hand! Thankfully I now have about 90% use back for which I am truly grateful. The pictures of the lake are amazing – thank you for sharing. You have lots of support out here and thank you for supporting us. Good luck with the mittens! Merry Christmas to you and the twins.
Postcard from Gibraltar says
Lovely reminiscences of your your great grandfather Phil. Glad your arm is heading back towards normal. Good luck with the mitten xx
MicheBing says
Glad you are making your way back – I have missed the lol’s! Hoping your recovery gains speed and strength with every passing day.
ReginaMary says
Well, Phil, you don’t need knitting for your posts to be interesting! I loved every bit of these stories.
Lindsey says
I’m so pleased you are using your chair cushion for sitting. It’s a beautiful and useful item, like sweaters and socks and hats. You make the everyday into works of art.
I’ve been thinking about you a lot recently. I have been knitting a frog and am now knitting a toad. Your pond and your love of nature come to mind while I knit.
Keep on keeping on. Stay careful from this virus that is going around. On your good days you are brave, plucky, and can spit in the face of adversity. Awesome. On those other days just take the day off and and say fuck it.
VICKY says
Lovely to read your post… Your front room sounds so wonderful and cosy. Loved the reminiscing about your Great grandfather…. What a fabulous thing to still have his sea chest. Take care x
Elaine Miller says
Great to read your post… always puts a smile on my face and joy in my heart. So-o-o glad you are getting over the effects of your treatments… 2021 is just around the corner and it has to be better!!!! In looking around my home, I seem to have lots of my families treasures. The best is the desk my parents went into housekeeping with 90+ years ago!
Nada Roberts says
Hi Phil, Good to hear from you. As usual your photos are fantastic as too is your living room tour. Ten years ago I was in my 60s and where you are now, but not knitting mittens it was socks I was knitting. The radiotherapy left me with very little energy for a long time after the treatment was finished, an ideal excuse for concentrating on my knitting again. It helped me get my life back in order. Now, though I never recovered my energy levels to pre- cancer levels, I still have a very full life. We made it, Luv, we are still here, still knitting, crocheting and gardening and you are running! Wow! You have such strength and determination that I bet it won’t be long before you get the “All clear”. Lots of love. xxxx