Oh blimey !

That goes for just about everything !
I thought I'd have more time once the chick was back at school. Not a bit of it. This past week I spent rather a lot of time there,meeting the new headteacher [either he's really young or I'm older than I think. Or something ! ],resolving,I hope,some outstanding issues. Meeting with the Occupational therapist,teacher and SEN assisstant to discuss reading and tracking issues - common with cerebral palsy,it's related to poor eye muscle control and the ability to pick things out on a page. Then physio today. Don't forget the summer's backlog of cleaning and tidying.

***I'm so tired that I completely forgot to upload this pic.

This little package gave me a real lift. I'd read about Jagger Spun Zephyr yarn,but never seen it. As a lace knitter I have to say that this stuff is gorgeous. The presents for the chick made him very happy. :-]
I was invited to join the Better pal exchange [by two people ! Thank you both for boosting my self esteem.] Cara explains it so well [this link goes directly to the comments,so you'll have to scroll up].
Thank you so much to my thoughtfull and sweet Better Pal,who keeps asking what I'd really like. I wouldn't presume to ask,and I very much like spottily wrapped surprises.***

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The thursday of last week was a good day. We got a call to go to Wheelchair services. Oliver had another test. All that wheelchair training really showed and he did fantastically well. The O.T.,Melanie,and engineer Dave,who have both always been encouraging and helpful,told us that he'd be getting an indoor use electric chair in about eight weeks time ! Fab !
There may be some significance in the consultant not being present. Possibly. Having been told,at the previous test,that the wheelchair couldn't be used outside,at all,a concession seems to have been made in that he'll be able to go out in the playground in it. So very exciting.
The N.H.S. wheelchairs are serviceable and basic. The tax burden would be much greater otherwise. We are still aiming to get him an off road,state of the art wheelchair so that he can enjoy the freedom of racing along the sandy beach,or exploring the moors and hills we live so close to. We want Oliver to have as full and independant a life as possible. On the 29th we'll be going back to Whizzkids to try two or three wheelchairs recommended by their therapist as best suiting his needs. We'll then be applying for charitable funding from places like the Variety club.
The N.H.S. indoor use,mostly, chair will give him greater autonomy and independance in school,a controlled environment. A,very expensive,state of the art chair will give him freedom. Eventually. Once he's got used to self-propulsion! And learnt that with freedom comes responsibility. Well,as much freedom as you give a six year old. You know what I mean !
We went to sunny Newcastle on friday. Spent some time at Whizzkids,doing some wheelchair training. Had a fun day out.


I look so old and rough next to the chick's beautiful skin ! I'm awaiting a minor surgery appointment for the removal of that huge mole. Not so attractive,is it ?
Monday,the last day of the holidays was spent slobbing in front of the t.v. [propped up with loads of pillows to prevent slumping or flopping!],eating rubbishy extruded potato starch snacks !

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Oliver's Fund update.
The trike is on order and will take approx five weeks to arrive. Can I repeat that ? FIVE WEEKS ! We all might explode with anticipation and excitement before then !
The car seat,also on order,will take approx four weeks. Sigh.
It still amazes me that we have been able to get these things,due entirely to the generosity of,mostly,strangers. I find the whole thing incredibly emotional. Quite a responsibility as well.
We're waiting for stair lift quotes. I think we have enough in the fund for that,so shall order that as soon as I can. I feel the need. My left knee is problematic,and it's getting harder for me to carry my big boy up the stairs. The technique I use is to carry him on my right arm,hold onto the rail with my left hand,then go up one step at a time leading with my right foot/leg. My left knee isn't strong enough to take my weight and his. So,I've decided it would be sensible to deal with that health and safety issue first.
The fund has been boosted by the arrival of the Hipknits' auctions money,and some donations. A million thanks to everyone. You are changing,and greatly improving,all our lives.

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This is all the knitting I managed this summer. Seven weeks to not quite knit down to the armholes. Pathetic.

Tonight I'm starting something new with my collection of three colours of Noro Blossom [actually,I know where there are two hanks of a fourth colour !]. I still owe some trade for some of this . Sorry E. In time...

The reasons for starting another new project ? It's cold and wet. I feel a little fed up. I felt like it. Lis is doing a casual knitalong to,theoretically,make something chic,or make us chic,or something that involves perking up mother's wardrobe.

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Time to Get Equal

A campaign run by Scope,the British cerebral palsy charity.

It is a shame that freedom of speech is not as highly valued as it should be. Of course I would not want to offend people who stop by to read about my life and my knitting. I definately wouldn't expect everyone to completely agree with every opinion I may express. I wouldn't think less of them for having a different point of view either.
I mentioned Michael Moore's site because there are some really good suggestions on there for those who wish to directly help the victims of Katrina. I don't necessarily agree with everything he says. I don't think he hates americans or America. It's a pity that someone no longer feels able to visit my blog because I wrote his name. I will not bow to any form of bigotry,no matter how slight. I will just carry on being me,writing what I write and saying,pretty much,what I think.

I have to say that's quite put me off writing the post about wheelchairs,stair lifts and the incredible kindness of strangers ! Tomorrow,maybe.

* I feel that I need to say that,of course,I am well aware of the tragic aftermath of Katrina. I know that those in the U.S. have quite a bit of housekeeping to do,in so many ways. I'd like to refer you to Michael Moore's site,which,amongst other things,has suggestions for getting immediate help to those suffering in the Gulf states.
On monday there was a BBC report which described how large areas of outlying New Orleans seemed to have been forgotten about. The BBC crew had their own boat which they used to rescue five children who had been in their home,in a street under 3 feet of water,with their mother's dead body in the bedroom. Where was their government ? Why were there no other boats or rescuers in that area? From the outside it looks like very much an issue of race,socio-economic status and who you voted for. Bush's actions are damage limitation driven. It is incredible to me that people were simply left to rot. Until someone pointed out how bad that might look,and how bad it is for the polls.
Call me a left wing cynic. See if I care ! [joke !]
All that being said,life continues and I must take care of my son's needs. It's going to be a long haul. It's a lot of money,after all. I'm so very grateful to those who have helped us so far. *

So far we have raised £3,273 toward the cost of an off-road wheelchair and a stair lift. Thank you so much to everyone who has so generously donated.

Nichola has made some truly gorgeous needle rolls,which she is auctioning for Oliver's Fund. Stunning fabric,beautifully made. I wish I could bid on these !

I've added to the CAFE PRESS SHOP. The way it works is that the items are a set price. Any mark-up is what you get. I've put a mark-up of $2.00 on everything. Hope that isn't too much - no-one seems to want to buy anything !
All the logos are the work of the wonderful Jean. The ''Oliver's Friends'' logo on the t-shirts is particularly cute. The perfect addition to any wardrobe.

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I shall add onto this post later,if I get a minute. Today was the first day back at school. It was nice to get some physical rest,but I really missed my chick today.