Knees, Reading and Counted Cross Stitch

I got the last knee shots, for six months, yesterday. I've been a smart cookie - staying mostly in my recliner with ice packs. I can tell the difference and think I'll be able to start doing more in a couple of days! Yippee! Why is it so hard for me to do this each time? It pays dividends to just take care of myself and get over these things sooner. Oh, when will I learn? :)

Yesterday when I got home from the doctor, I fell asleep in my recliner for 3 hours! Yes, I was tired! I then finished a book I'm reading to review. It was a good book, with many funny parts that kept me entertained and my mind off my pain. I will be reviewing next week.

I have been just itching to get out my counted cross stitch, so did that last night. I worked on it for a little while, and then like so often, I decide to start searching the web for counted cross stitch blogs. I found one where the lady discussed how she uses a stand and a two-handed method that is less stressful for her hands and arms. She also never turns the needle, but pokes it back in from the top, eye first. I also have been visiting another site for a long time and that lady also uses a floor stand. She turns our projects like a machine and I always wondered how. Finally, the light dawned last night! With the two handed, non needle turning method, surely it must be faster than my no hoop method. So today, I set up my stand that I found at a thrift store months ago and tried this method. I was amazed how fast I moved along and how nice it was to work on a taut surface. I used my Q-snap frames for the fabric and then clamped it onto my frame. I actually had to have my younger son figure out exactly how the frame worked. I could figure out the clamp part, but couldn't figure out how to put the book holder on. He looked at it for a minute and had it put together quickly. I guess it needed a male mind to figure it out. lol I'm very much enjoying it!

However, I like to sit in my recliner (as you know) and the floor stand is not workable that way. I have to put my feel down, pillow behind my back, and sit up to the stand. It's fine sometimes, but I want to be able to recline while working. It's easier on my bad back and my bad knees. So, I've been searching the web for a stand that would work. I've found one that I like a lot and it's for a recliner. Have any of you ever had any experience with a stand that works with a recliner? Any input you have would be greatly appreciated!!

In other news, my son went to the doctor on Monday and the x-ray of his hip looks normal so that's good. Also, we got the approval for him to get an MRI! Praise God! He will go in, hopefully, next week for that test. The doctor did have some new ideas of what this may be, but he wants to see an MRI first. I'm so thankful that he will finally be able to get this test done! He is still in pain and is so tired of not being able to do anything. Very frustrating for him and it makes me sad that he is in so much pain.

Thank you for your sweet comments and prayers! They always bless me.

I'll have some pictures of my cross-stitch project next time. When I tell you what the project is, you're gonna laugh. Talk about a day late and a dollar short. But hey - better late than never, right?

God bless you - Julie