OSCAR ON THE MEND......

Hello there! Good to see you again. I hope you've had a good weekend. It's been glorious here in Norfolk today. Just right for sitting in the garden and catching up on a bit of knitting, whilst Oscar soaks up some 'recovery' sunshine.  He had his operation on Tuesday. We didn't know beforehand, quite how the orthopaedic vet would tackle the problem. There were three possibilities, the most cutting edge approach being keyhole surgery. Luckily that was the decision, so at least he has only a very small entry lesion with three stitches and has been a brilliant boy and left them alone, which means he hasn't had to wear the dreaded 'halo'. A flap of cartilage, about one and a half centimetres across, was removed. Mr S collected him on Thursday at about 5pm. He was still not over the anaesthetic properly and spent much of the evening feeling very sorry for himself, moaning and groaning and looking as though he wasn't really too sure where he was!

However, come Friday morning and being a 'let's get on with life' kind of guy, he was pretty much back to the Oscar we know and love. He has a very pronounced limp and only wants to put his toes to the ground at the moment, but we have been told this is normal after such a procedure. He is supposed to be confined to a small room, with no running, jumping up etc. for four weeks, save for 5 to 10 minute slow walks to see what's going on in the world and to do what dogs have to do! Hmm, easier said than done with a ten month old exhuberant, 'isn't it great to be alive' lab. We're doing our best and he now seems a little more resigned to the regime. At least today, he could lay outside with me and soak up some September rays. The operation has a. 80 to 90% success rate. So, fingers crossed.

Between Oscar nursing and entertaining, school paperwork (a lorry load!!!!!) and general first week back at school 'oh so tired' ness, not too much knitting has been done. I did finish the first of my Jules socks last Sunday.

The pattern works perfectly and I love how the ridges run on down into the heel. Hopefully, it's twin will be under way this week.

I had planned to make a little short-sleeved cardi for Sophie, with the yarn from Kate Blackburn, but decided there probably wouldn't be quite enough. So, I've started this gorgeous drop stitch scarf instead.

I love this simple, fun, but very effective pattern The two 50g balls of Artesano Inca Cloud baby alpacca yarn will be plenty to make a soft and snuggly neck warmer. It knits up so quickly.

I've also started a little hooded coat for Sophie. I bought the Debbie Bliss 'baby cashmerino' a while ago, especially to knit this pattern. I got started this afternoon.

I love this beautifully soft yarn and the colour is so pretty. Just right!

Just before I go, Oscar would like to thank everyone for their kind good wishes and says he'll soon be back on top dog form.

Well, that just leaves me to wish you all a happy and successful week, whatever you are doing.