Letter C

Sailing the Seven Nine “Cs”

Cruise

It’s been quite a few years since I was on a boat/ship. I think I was having many MS issues at that point, but I remember I had such a difficult time keeping my balance on board. Whenever I had sailed in the past, I used the same technique one uses on trains and subways – you get into the same motion as the vehicle, instead of against. That method always served me well, but not so on that particular cruise. I kept banging into walls, tripping, and losing my balance. I was so miserable, and I spent a great deal of time just sitting. My husband was baffled since I had always done well at sea. About a year later, I got the diagnosis. I never sailed again

Cold

The front came through during the night with a great deal of bluster. The winds howled and the rain poured. It’s still pretty windy outside, and the temps are dropping. I feel the change as I look out my window. The sun is shining, and the sky is blue, but listening and watching the wind blow through the trees, I know it isn’t 70° anymore. I don’t wear shoes when I’m inside – walking is easier when I can feel the floor – and my feet are feeling colder. Sometimes if they get cold enough, they change colors!

Chaud or Caliente

That’s French and Spanish for hot. Speaking of feet – once I go to bed, my feet lose that cold feeling, and they begin to get very hot. At times (last night) I have to get up and walk (hobble) on the cold tile in the bathroom, just so they get cool enough to allow me to sleep. I wish they’d choose to be either hot or cold and stay that way.

Cramps

Still with the stupid feet (and now legs) I continue. I went without eating bananas for several days, and I paid the price. If I stretched even the tiniest bit, my feet and legs cramped up. It always happened as I was in bed. I have to handle the legs/feet very carefully so they don’t just go stiff and cramp. Then I have to relax totally and let he spasm ease off.

Crafts (with subtitles)

Despite my difficulty using my hands, I still like to imagine myself doing crafts. I follow Martha Stewart’s website and Pinterest to get ideas. If the craft is something I can no longer do, I just look and admire. Among these interests are:

Card Making

I can no longer draw or paint, but I can use the computer. I’m also saving my pennies to get a cutting/embossing machine. I follow blogs and websites of card making artists, and I fall in love with them. Our own Karen makes absolutely gorgeous cards, and I drool over them! I need to find a place where I can get unique papers and cardstock. I was fortunate growing up – my father worked in printing and publishing, and he brought home all the outdated paper catalogs (think wallpaper books, only with papers.) Now, I have to buy them. BUT I’m thinking of using the colored parts (even patterns) of old cards.

Calligraphy

This is another art form I can no longer do. My favorite was Irish Uncial, and I used it all the time. Now the brushes, pens, croquilles, and inks sit in the drawer untouched. So many people try to do calligraphy, but it takes a great deal of time and patience before you “see” the proper way of doing it.

Crochet

Along with knitting, this was a relaxing hobby. I’ve made so many items over the years and have given them away. Now, I have all sizes of needles, tons of patterns, and skeins of yarn just begging to be used.

Counted Cross Stitch

I follow several blogs of stitchers who do beautiful work; unfortunately, those days for me are also gone. I used to stitch constantly, and I keep thinking now of all the things I could make for my two little grands.  [sigh]

This blog was brought to you by the letter “C!”

Peace,

Muff