Sorry to have been absent for so long but it's been a bit of a peculiar start to the year here. January is the month when most of Toby's annual review meetings take place and so it's a time to focus on where he is making progress and where he needs more help. It's always uncomfortable to measure his progress as it's extremely subtle and gradual and sometimes he seems to go backwards instead of forwards. He is so very different from most 12 year old boys, being completely without speech and preferring his lego to any other activity and Maisy mouse, Richard Scarry and Baby Einstein videos to any other kind of TV. Still the paperwork and meetings are completed now and we'll see what this year brings in terms of his development.
It's also been a bit unsettling health-wise for me. I've had 2 potentially serious health issues recently, resulting in a few hospital appointments. Happily a series of tests have revealed that the first thing was nothing to worry about but the tests for the second thing have shown that I do have a problem with my eyes. I've been diagnosed with pigment dispersion syndrome which means I need to have my eyes regularly monitored as there's a significant risk of developing glaucoma. I'm in the process of reading up about this and I've been told it's best to avoid strenuous activity and exercise (which is not much of a problem for me!) but if anyone out there has any personal experience of the condition that they'd be prepared to share I'd love to hear from them. The positive side of this is that now I'm aware of the problem hopefully it means that I can take steps to minimise further damage to my sight. Anyway, that's the naff bit of January out of the way. There have been plenty of good bits too…
There's been lots of woolly stuff going on including knitting a bunch of animals which I hope to have ready for Easter, working on 2 new patterns which I hope to have ready for testing soon and lots of other bits of knitting and crochet including my frothy scarf which is getting quite long and the tiled blanket which is growing nicely. The lovely yarn above is from Jamieson and Smith and I'm playing about with some ideas for new bunny clothing – but more of that another time.
With all of the mild weather we've also been enjoying the woods and Amy has come with me on quite a few walks recently – it's been lovely to spend some time with her as these days I don't see much of her as she is usually in her room listening to music or on the computer.
And happily Toby did remember how to open presents this Christmas and he is having lots of fun building very tall towers from his new lego
Thanks for dropping in. I'll be back soon with some proper news of knitty stuff x
little cotton rabbits 
Sorry to hear of your health woes Julie, but it sounds as though you have a very positive attitude towards them. Good luck.
Lovely pictures of the children. The woodland walk with Amy looks fantastic. What a lovely place to have for walks together. We have the coast which is equally as beautiful at times, but a few more folks around to spoil the solitude.
Happy New Year x
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Julie, you always have such a positive attitude! Hope you can keep the eye problems at bay. Toby looks very happy with his lego tower! Love the woodland photos – particulary that photo of Amy looking upwards, she’s beautiful. And is there anything more pleasing than a basket of Jamieson and Smith 2 ply? Lucky you! Look forward to seeing that knitted up.
Here’s hoping for a bright and positive year ahead for you all.
Diana x
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Gosh Julie, it’s sounds like the start to your year has been been pretty much full on. I’m so glad that you have had time to enjoy some walks in the woods and lots of woolly therapy. Already on tenterhooks waiting to see your next little family of animals,
Take care,
Kate x
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Wishing you and your family a blessed 2014. Keeping good thoughts for you.
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lovely, lovely lady i am sorry to hear of your health worries and hope that all will be well.
life is a rollercoaster isn’t it!
wonderful pic of toby opening his presents and that tower!!
be gentle with yourself and i hope you get lots more walks in with your girl… my how grown up she looks – beautiful x
t x
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Hello dear Julie,
Now then, after such a hectic start to 2014 I think things can only get better! And with your beautiful children and creations you are in very good company!
I am sending you many a positive thought and warmest wishes for this year.
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I see your Amy does the same thing with her hair as my Katie -parts it at the back so that falls nicely over the shoulders.
The start of 2014 sounds like it’s been a bit of a bum for you Julie. Here’s hoping for improvements.
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So sorry to read that the start of the year has been pretty crappy for you. I hope it only gets better and better. Amy has grown so much. What a beautiful young lady.
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Glad one wasn’t a problem but so sorry about the eye one, I have a tendency towards glaucoma, get checked frequently. Gorgeous pictures of the woods and Amy, do miss a nice British wood!
Sending you prayers, hugs, positive thoughts for Toby’s progress.
Oh my, that basket of yarn, just heavenly!
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I’m sorry to hear about your health concerns. I’m glad one of them was nothing to worry about. I have a slight concern about my eyes because I had very high blood pressure during my pregnancies (preeclampsia/HELLP Syndrome in both) and it affected my eyes a bit. I hope that Toby’s progress continues, I am glad he was able to open his gifts and enjoy them. Good luck with all of the meetings and reviews.
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Sorry I’ve never commented before but just popped on to say that a lady who works in the same building as me suffers from glaucoma. I know she has had it for quite a few years now & has regular eye appointments & has to use eye drops. She is also a huge knitter & her condition has never affected that. Lovely photos of your children.
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Sorry to hear that you have had a rubbish start to the year ~ hopefully things will be a bit easier for you now. It is nice when teens decide to come out of their rooms and spend sometime with you ~ my daughter is exactly the same too. Loving that basket of yarn ~ the colours are wonderful :O)x.
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Sorry to hear about your health troubles but at least you know what it was and how to manage it. The yarn looks scrumptious, i am off to investigate. Xx
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Glad you have had some nice moments in between. Have you thought about knitting pyjamas for the animals? That would go down so well here…
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Glaucoma runs in my family. While the initial diagnosis is scary, the drugs are very effective. An early detection is always a good thing, as I’m sure you know. Keep us posted, please.
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I just wanted to tell you that I admire you so greatly. You really seem to have a knack for staying positive and strong – qualities a mother really needs. I always love reading your posts and seeing all your little creations – you’re very inspiring!!
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Goodness Julie you have had an unsettled start to the year, life can throw so many things at us sometimes thats for sure, take good care of yourself and I hope all of your worries considerably lesson very soon x
What a beauty your Amy is, it’s so lovely sharing girly time isn’t it? I miss my daughter when she’s at uni so much, but i guess one day she will set up a home of her own, what shall i do then???
I love the photos of Toby with his giant lego tower!
Now you say your playing around with bunny clothing ideas, so exciting! ….. please can i request that you hang them on the bunny washing line when they are done ??? my heart just burst with excitement last time ….. HEAVEN.
Love Jooles x x x
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Sorry to hear about you’re health troubles, glaucoma runs in our family as does retinitius pigmentosa, I guess it just impotant to keep getting them monitors like you are doing and maybe diet, my Mum is losing her sight to RP and she has been told cod liver oil is important as well as eating bananas as they have a lot of potassium in them.
Clare x
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I am hoping that the bumpy start to the new year will mean that the rest of the year is smooth sailing. Your daughter is a beauty. Toby looks like he is really having fun with his Legos.
My friend has has glaucoma and takes drops and gets her eyes checked regularly and she is still able to sew and quilt. I think you just need to keep up with the eye exams.
The basket of yarn is so pretty! I am so excited that you are creating new bunny attire.
Happy stitching
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Xxxxxxxxxhugsxxxxxxxxhugsxxxxxxxxxhugsxxxxxxxxx
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Oh dear poor you Julie, a bit of a shaky start to your year but as you say you are now aware of it and can look after yourself.
Goodness look how grown up Amy is getting such a lovely girl…..and Toby certainly seems to be enjoying his present!
I’ve been using Jamieson and Smith yarn myself recently, making a pair of Kate Davies mitts, it is lovely! 🙂
Take good care of yourself Julie,
V xxx
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What lovely photos, and a fantastic tower – well done Toby!
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Dear Julie
Sorry to hear about your health problems and your eye trouble. You have such a positive attitude which is the best way. I would be hopeless.
Amy is looking very pretty and I love the photos of Toby with his Lego.
Can’t wait to see what you do with the Jamieson and Smith wool.
Take care.
Love Zoe x
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Sorry that you have had a rubbish start to the year in health terms. I hope that the rest of the year picks up for you, and as you say if you know that you have a problem at least it can be monitored, which is better than not knowing at all. Take care of yourself. Lovely to see you back.
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sending you much love Julie, hope that basket of wool brings you happy times. x
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Sending you some virtual love, and I hope your health problems get better not worse.
Thank you so much for blogging – don’t ever apologise for not doing it, it’s wonderful when you do and there is no obligation.
Your little rabbits are so pretty!
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I wish you all the best for your health and sight!!!
you are such a lovely and kind person Julie and it’s such a pleasure to visit you all the times, even if I don’t leave a lot of comments!
Take care, xxxxxx Ale
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Hi Julie, happy new year! My father has had glaucoma for almost three decades now, and though he does have to use daily eye drops, nothing else has been affected and he even passes his driving test last month at the age of 74. So just keep it monitored and you should be fine. It is hereditary, thoug, so Amy and Toby should start getting tested when they turn 20, I think. Take care, I look forward to all your newest knitting in 2014! I just love everything you do, and your joyful outlook and love for your family. Hugs!
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Oh Julie I’m so sorry to hear you have had a rough start to the year – hopefully things will get much better soon. Sending you lots of love Lucy xxx
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Sending you a big hug too, Julie, along with everyone else. Hang in there, you continue to inspire us all with your positive outlook and determination. Looking forward to connecting with you throughout 2014. xxx
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gosh. Wishing you health this year. And Happiness. And sending big hugs.
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Sorry to hear that you have been having problems with your eyes, but as you say, now that you know what you are dealing with then you are in a better place than you were before. We love lego towers in this house too…shall we have a competition to see who can build the highest tower?
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Julie, good vibes coming your way with all your health issues. It always makes my day when a new post comes😀. I love watching Amy and her beautiful serene looks. I adore watching Toby with his Legos. Your knitting and photos of your life inspire me, thanks for posting today. You are very loved by many many people. Have an amazing year filled with all your joys.
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What a lot you’ve had to put up with you poor girl! I’m so glad though that they have your eye issue diagnosed and know what to do about it. Personally, I always think that’s a huge relief, to have something being DONE. I also wanted to say that the gorgeous basket of yarns really brightened my afternoon. You have an amazing sense of colour, which was also demonstrated in the photos of your tile blanket last month.
Keep positive and keep creating great stuff!
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It sounds like you have things well under control now Julie. I’m glad the first health scare turned out to be nothing and it sounds like you have good care for your eyes. Your sweet children are growing up before our eyes! I can’t believe how much older they look now — it seems like just yesterday that they were so small — I guess that’s a by-product of blogging as long as we have been LOL. I can’t wait to see what new patterns you’ll be coming out with!
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Hi Julie,
Now thats a hectic start to 2014. I think things can only get better! And with your beautiful creations and children you’re in very good company.
I am sending you the warmest wishes for this year.
Helle
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I have miss you a LOT!!!! Great to have you back. I know i’m going to sound like a cliché but remember: at the end everything works out for the best. I send you all my love, and please, keep us posted!!! Love!
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Hi Julie,
I’ve always enjoyed reading your blog and seeing your lovely animals. Sorry to hear your health news, but I’m sure it’ll be OK. All the blogger friends out there are holding you in their thoughts and saying a little prayer for you and yours.
xx Charmaine
(PS Love the pic of the the Jamieson yarn by the way. Winter is def. the time for knitting!)
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Good to have you back! I miss your blog when you are unable to post! Take care of your eyes! Hope 2014 is a wonderful year for you and your family!
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Lovely photos of Amy and Toby. I’m sorry you’ve been unwell, I do hope things are on a more even keel very soon. Great Lego tower – how boys love Lego. Look after yourself Julie.
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Hi Julie,
Just a concerned opinion here, but as someone who knows the toll that being a caregiver takes. Stress will attack your health and body.(first hand knowledge here) The walk in the woods is perfect. Please keep it up, weather permitting, and find other niches of time to carve out for yourself. I totally agree with Charmaine, your blog friends will be uplifting you and we’ll be here when you need us.
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Lets hope the year continues to pick up for you Julie. You always manage to sound so positive on your blog – an inspiration to us all.I can’t believe how grown up Amy looks!
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Always lovely to hear from you. Sorry to hear about how stressful it has been. Hope things continue to improve.
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As people said above, although you must take glaucoma seriously,do not be too alarmed. when caught early one drop in each eye at bedtime is all it takes to control the pressure in your eye and prevent loss of vision. Exercise is GOOD, especially those walks in the woods. it is just exercises that involves putting your head down that are to be avoided–like the “downward dog” pose in yoga as this would increase your eye pressure. I have had glaucoma for seven years and see just fine to read and drive, I never forget to put in my drops but that takes all of 5 seconds out of my busy day!
Good luck Julie,
Carol
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Hi Julie,
Lots of lovely photo’s as always. Annual review time is never an easy time. Hope all goes well for you and Toby.
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Wonderful work you do..I am learning to knit making your free patterns. Then hopefully I will then buy the little girl and boy pattern. I am stuck on making the little arm holes for the littlest dress, but I will keep at it. happy 2014, I know all about health scares..i will send good wishes across the pond from Canada. Kids look happy!!
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Ack – review time stirs everything up, doesn’t it? Hope you’ve managed to keep your equilibrium (not easy when you are dealing with your own health issues too). My Dad’s family is glaucoma-ridden, so I always get those odd air puff tests, but I have no useful first hand info to pass on to you. However, doctor mandated ‘no strenuous exercise’ sounds like an unexpected side benefit to me! All the more reason to sit and knit.
And Amy has really crossed over the divide from child to young woman hasn’t she? Your photos capture it so beautifully.
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SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR TROUBLES JULIE,HOPE YOU HAVE A GOOD YEAR.
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It actually makes me angry that another burden has been placed on your shoulders, but you continue to amaze with your gracious attitude. All my best wishes for getting a grip on your eye problem so you can continue to astonish us with your creativity.
I was diagnosed with cataracts a year ago, and while certainly not unusual for a woman my age, it was disconcerting. The eyesight in my right eye has deteriorated quite rapidly, and now I need to get the cataract removed. It’s scary to find myself in the market, and when I peer down an aisle to find an item I need, I have no idea what I’m seeing except for a riot of colorful packaging. Yikes, how in the heck did that happen so fast?
Luckily for both of us, todays medicine will help us to overcome and/or manage what I’m sure were once hopeless conditions.
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Julie, I’m so sorry to hear about your health worries and sad to hear about the problem with your eyes. I will ask the medical folk in my family if they have come across this pigmentation problem and pass on any information I glean. Take good care. xx
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Another vote for very regular checks with someone really good and the eye drops to control the pressure. My husband has been on this regime for many years and all is controlled and positive with his eyes. Very best wishes to you. And thanks for your beautiful posts
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Isn’t Amy beautiful?….Delicious yarn….serious OOOOH! Glad you are back, and Toby’s review is over. Reviews are better when you are on the right side of them! Let’s hope for some more small positive permanent steps this year for Toby…his tower made me smile in the middle of a difficult day…Thanks Toby! Love and prayers for 2014 Julie and …take care of yourself. Hugs Jenni xx
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Just wanted to let you know I’m out here cheering you on and sending love!
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Oh Julie,
My heart really goes out to you at this difficult time. Just try to keep positive.
i am glad to see your kids looking happy and healthy.
You and your blog are a real inspiration to me, it is guaranteed to lift my spirits if I am down. Your bunnies are simply gorgeous!
Take care,
Emily
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Oh Julie my dear!!! I’m so sorry to hear about your health!! I despise health problems. Oh how I despise them! I wish I could give you information to help with your eyes but I don’t know anything about that. West Nile I can tell you a ton! 🙂 But not what you’re dealing with…… So scary that you had to go to hospital a few times. So scary and the unknown is the worst.
Ack!! How is it that our children are growing up? Your Amy!! She is quite the young lady. I’m glad you are able to get snatches of time with her here and there. My Henny Penny spent this afternoon up in her bedroom plugged into her music and we could all hear her signing along bellering and carrying on. 😀
Love the photos of Toby. Quite proud of that Lego tower!! That’s a tall one and I bet makes a splendid crash when it comes down. Where would we be without Lego’s and Einstein movies??
Please do take care of your health and your eyes. You give and do so much for others and for your family. Please please take care of yourself!!
Much love to you!
Rachel
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Just ran across the September 08, 2010, posting you wrote about Mr. Ro-bot..have you ever written up a knitting pattern for him? I belong to a group of women who sew, knit and crochet things for children who must stay in hospital for long periods of time, cancer, organ transplants, heart trouble, etc. One of the current crazes for the boys is monsters/aliens, we cannot make enough of them to satisfy the demand. Your bot looks wonderful, so I am interested in seeing how he would work up. Thanks for your creativity and sharing.
Ollie
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Hello Julie so sorry you had a worrying start to the year and I hope from now on things go much more smoothly. Sending love to you and your family for 2014.
Helen xx
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Julie– Amy is going into quite the beauty—enjoy her!
xoxoxo
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I somehow missed this post and so am late enough with my comment to wish that February is being kinder to you.
I do hope your health worries settle soon … as you say, you will be able to better protect your eyes now you know what ails them. I’m waiting to discover the cause of a persistent cough and wheeze at the moment and will say to you what everyone keeps saying to me … look after yourself missus x
Lovely to see Amy … she is looking so grown up!
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I am sorry to read the bad news about your eyes and hope there are solutions for you. Your photos of your children are beautiful…. Anne
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