Broadripple Spring

I cannot believe it took me so long to produce the first FO of year 2007. It's been busy, and there has been a lot of distractions, but I'm finally done with Broadripple Socks, by Rob Matyska.

I know I've said this before, but I LOVE this pattern. It's simple, and even I can memorize it. Looks pretty, but practical, and comfortable -- everything a sock pattern should be! This is by far my favorite.

The pattern uses Cascade Fixation with size 3 needles, but I used Lorna's Laces Shepherd Socks with size 2 DPNs. The colorway is called Georgetown. The finished product weighed only 58 grams (2.05 ounces) -- so close to just one-skein socks! I started with the leftover yarn from knitting Mitch's socks, and I now have a smaller ball of leftover from the second skein. I will definitely knit another pair of this pattern.

Huguette came over yesterday, and we talked about my cat Punky, who died last month, and her cat Wednesday, who's experiencing some health issues. It is hard to care for sick four-pawed loved ones. I have gone through that many times, and the helplessness felt was heartbreaking every time.

My 3 1/2 year old son had to come with me to the vet's office when I had to put Punky to sleep. He waited in the waiting room alone, and since then he had asked several times when Punky was coming home. I told him that Punky never would come home -- Punky was sick, and the doctor couldn't make him better -- that's what I had told him.

But the other day, I finally had to tell him that Punky had died. I didn't think Mitch would understood, but he did -- tears instantly welled up in his eyes, and said in his shakey voice, "You mean, he's never going to come back?"

The perception and understanding kids have are amazing. I spent some time explaining what death meant, but I had to stall many times to think it over before I verbalized it. I realized how much I didn't know about what I wanted my son to know, and didn't want him to know.

Then this evening, I finally opened the card my vet had sent me. I knew what it was -- another tear-jerking, and kind, sympathy note. I thought I could handle it now. But there was a small card with Punky's paw print. I bursted into tears, and Mitch came to console me.

Spring is approaching. Acasias and Cherry blossoms are in bloom already. A year passes by so quickly...