Downs and Ups

I've been struck down by a mid-winter bout of ennui and cant-be-botheredness. Hence the complete lack of blogging this last week. I can't even claim to be so busy that I haven't had time - its just that nothing interesting has happened.

I think my immune system was weakened by the startitis I contracted a few weeks ago, which the Dayflower failed to cure, and has been compounded by the failure of Bendy to deliver the order I put in at the start of last week. I tried treating it with a course of the Spotlight yarn sale - Jet and Inca at $3 a ball, Caressa at $2 a ball, Cleckheaton Country at $2 a ball - but since I was there for another yarn that had a high specificity for startitis, which was unexpectedly on sale but was (naturally) sold out - the general nature of the treatment barely made a dint in my condition. I did file it all using the RRSSS, but none of it inspired me. Not even for a swatch. I've been wallowing.

I suspect the good folk at Bendgio Woollen Mills have underestimated the power of the web - the order I placed (online) last Tuesday finally arrived today. My impatience got the better of me this morning and I called to check - only to be told by a very hassled-sounding woman that they are quoting a 10-day turn around at the moment!

However, my order, now that its here, is as good as ever, and I can finally feel enthusiasm for a new project or few returning.

So far, the list is short:

• Colquinette jacket from Buton D'Or for my god-daughter's third birthday in October
• Spring Fling in Harmony

There were plans afoot for Isabella for me in 4 ply cotton, but since I received 8ply, Ive got to get that sorted. And then there's the 4 and 8ply that is destined for Ms Spider's magic dye pot - can't wait!

The astute amongst will note that I bought 4ply - I can feel socks getting closer. Still not quite there, but I'm making good progress on Dashing, so my confidence is building. I have to kind of sneak up on my brain, distract it with bright shiny things over here, while I edge in closer and kind of slip socks on in there without it really seeming like its socks that I'm knitting. If I can trick it with It Just Looks Like Socks, then I might shake the sock-monkey on my back.

I know, I'm tragic. Socks, scmocks, get on with it already!

Yes, the startitis is on the wane, and the ennui is lifting. Pirate Jim turns two on Sunday, and finally after much procrastination, I've got myself sorted for the influx of guests - all four of them! PJ's Nanna and Grandpa arrive tomorrow (I'm not sure who is more excited - PJ or them!) and then Ms D and her mum V will join us on Saturday. There's shopping and cooking and cleaning and cake-making and gift-wrapping to be done.

And then, next week will be the start of the Brain Spring Clean of 2007. There will be lists made, there will commitments made, there will be sucking up of...whatever it actually is that you suck up when you get on with it, and there with lots of Getting On With It. I thrive on routine and organisation, and so there will more of that. More details as they come to hand.

In the meantime, I plan to flush out the cobwebs with a glass or few of wine and enjoy celebrating PJ's birthday. Can anyone recommend a good wine match for green dinosaur cake??

**Yes, part of this post is recycled from the deleted one last night. Thankyou everyone for the supportive and concerned comments, I really appreciate them!