Crochet and Mrs Jeffers again

Here's what I've learnt recently. Cheap laminating pouches are cheap for a reason. They're crap. And prone to jamming in the laminator. Fortunately my clever husband was able to fix it, but like the stationery-saddo that I am, I was gutted for a few days when I thought it was unmendable. Similarly, refilled ink cartridges are also a waste of money. I am resigned to having to part with £80 whenever I need to replace both my HP ones. Next time I have this sort of money to spare I will be able to crack on with my photo family tree poster project which is 70% ready and just needs printing and sticking. Then I can put it up in the girls' bedroom so they can remember the names of all their many relatives.

Speaking of projects, I've finally been able to devote some time to learning how to crochet. I've wanted to learn for years, having always been a big fan of granny square blankets. Yet the skill eluded me despite some tuition from my good friends Liz at L'Ange Gaston and Amy. Anyway, a weeks forced bed rest finally provided me with the space and peace to concentrate and crack it. Now I have mastered double, treble and half treble stitches, circles and granny squares. I ordered some hooks off eBay (big mention to knitterknacks who delivered within 24 hours of my order) and am now embarking on a poncho for Brooke. Don't hold your breath or anything.

So my weeks bed rest followed my hernia repair surgery. That was NOT fun. I am glad that the unsightly protrusion above my belly button has been repaired. However now it looks as though I've had a Cumberland sausage implanted horizontally in the same place, rather than emerging from theatre with a flat belly as I was hoping. Sneezing is AGONY. Inhaling and choking on food resulting in a desperate compulsion to cough? Much pain. And here's something they didn't tell me beforehand, sometimes after open surgery (though more commonly with keyhole), air can get trapped inside you under the diaphragm. The nerves from which run up to your shoulders apparently, which is where the pain manifests. Ow. Anyway I'm much better now and people go through far worse things every day so I'll stop moaning now.

Here's an exciting snippet though. My sister worked out the origin of Mrs Jeffers! It's Brooke copying me telling Taya she's MISCHIEVIOUS. I LOVE IT! Also explains her indignation whenever we suggested that she was Mrs Jeffers.