Where to begin...

Hi folks,

A lot has happened since my last post. So I want to fill you all in on some of it.

My health took another nosedive unfortunately and the various medications I'm on aren't working the way they're supposed to, which sucks. My consultant won't actually do any more tests and I've been told to get help somewhere else basically. So a lovely friend has put me in touch with a Gastroenterologist in Canada to see if he can shed some light on why I'm so sick all the time. Fingers crossed, although by the time my file reaches him it will be the end of January.
In an effort to help myself I've decided, with the full support of my dietician, to try the FODMAP diet. Google it folks, my brain understands it is to do with the level of fructons, fructose and poly-ols entering my larges intestine which causes havoc. If it works then great stuff, however, I need to be able to eat more than 300grams in a day for this to be a realistic approach. My weight has dropped again and my calorie intake is worse again because my symptoms got worse. Because we don't know what's wrong we can't do anything about it and so the viscious cycle begins again. AHH!!!

So during this dreadful time my Christmas knitting list has shrunk. Not through finishing items though. I've had to turn around to myself and basically accept that I can't knit as much or as fast as before. Therefore, of the 7 items remaining, I finished one pair of mittens and have decided to just try to finish my daughters gifts. Kims Noro jumper has only about 12 rows left on the back before I start the front ( I know, never getting that knitted in a week, this I accept ). Keira's waterfall sleeveless lacey cardigan is actually growing quite nicely, I worked on it monogomously today and got another eight inches done.
Thing is, I haven't knit Dave anything, (my hubby) yet I've knit one male friend a hat and another male friend a hat and matching fingerless mitts.

 Cringe for the guilt. I wanted to knit him some fingerless mittens to match his zauberball hat, I just haven't cast them on yet. The shame. I'll cast them on after Christmas, then there's no pressure of a finishing date and this is England. We pretty much have chilly weather for six months of the year, we haven't hit the coldest part yet either.

Anyway, I've been catching up on all my podcasts, audiobooks, films, tv episodes etc recently. I've really hidden in the sand for a while I'll admit. Podcasts that have really cheered me up have been the Thanksgiving episode of the 2 Knit Lit Chicks (iTunes) and The Knit Girllls video podcast, both of these podcasts had me laugh out loud which felt good.
I've been geeking it up and watching the marvel films in order of timeline setting, so starting with Captain America up to The Avengers Assemble, so much fun !!!
I've finally caught up with the end of season 3 of Downton Abbey, no spoilers escaping from me though. Just that it doesn't disappoint. Can't wait for the Christmas special, yey.
Audiobooks, well, I'm listening to The Wolf Gift by Anne Rice. Dave bought me the hardback for Christmas last year, but I just haven't been able to find a way to keep it propped open to read. Hence the audio instead, plus I have got another eight audiobooks to listen to too. All good though.

Yummy yarn time. Today I signed up for the first years quarter of the fivemoons Artemis Sock Club. So very excited as it's my favourite sparkly yarn, I'd knit everything in it if I could afford to. I'll post photos of each instalment, I plan on hopefully doing the full year.

Next time, Beads, Anne Rice, Sewing and my knitting wish list for next year.

Just a note to say, Happy 10th Birthday tomorrow to my Kimberly, Love you sweety xxx
I'm proud to call you my daughter.
Bye for now folks, Christmas Eve??