Dismissed and glad, also socks

Last week Gary arranged to drive me today to the ortho who did Hippolyta a year ago, annual checkup. I called him to confirm this morning and he had forgotten. But he said he'd still do it. Then he and another neighbor showed up at the door -- she was taking over! Fine by me. 

And the surgeon told me my X-ray this morning was excellent, asked a few questions, manipulated my joint around, and said, all's well. If you feel like it you can come back in five years. I pointed out that this was a bit optimistic at this point but he said, correctly, you never know! 

So I did a happy dance on the way to the car.  Yay me.

And while I wait for the longnameshuttle which is in transit, to start weaving,  I started a pair of socks, using yarn I found while I was sorting out what to use in the weaving.

I think almost all my yarn is variegated. This one has cheerful colors and it's machine washable, fine for the Sock 'n Glove 'n Whistle Ministry.

Once home I took a walk to the pond and saw the first turtle of the year, cruising around, head above water, then diving and showing their underwater skillz.

A heads-up for May 1, on Friday. Traditional day for workers to celebrate, even a canonical Catholic feast day, St Joseph the Worker. This year there's a national shutdown on work and spending. Some people simply can't take the day off, but we can all do something. Sand in the gears. Make employers notice. Make everyone notice.

This blog will honor our workers and send my part of the message to big money. We'll go dark on Friday.

Happy day everyone, let's hope your joints are jumpin'.

White rabbits, May Day, Beltane, Spaghetti!

Greetings on all fronts. Continuing with the Pitman shorthand theme

It's also the Feast of St Joseph the Worker. I wonder if carpenters used shorthand.

And it's Beltane, between the spring and summer equinoxes, so here's some art

In France you rush out in search of Lily of the valley

In England you get out your Edith Holden

And at home, since May has set in with ferocity, the record rainfall now an icy wind, you stay home and warm and determine finally to read those classics. Or maybe find a shortcut

And Chez Boud, a pot of spaghetti was about right for lunch

Happy day everyone, enjoy whichever version you like. 

May Day, and other things too

 Happy May day!

And while we're frolicking, here in coats and gloves, let's remember it's also the Feast of St. Joseph the worker, celebrating the trades and all other workers. 

And remember the personal cost to the pickers of our food

Each bin holds about half a ton. They split $30 payment. For hand picking half a ton of fruit. 

When we complain about the price of food, we remember what the workers earn.  Machines can't pick citrus and stone fruit without damaging it.  Owners and middlemen take a much bigger cut of the eventual retail price. United Farm Workers Union working to protect their workers.

Spoken as the proud daughter and mother of union members, as well as a past personal member.

Currently registering support of Jorts the Cat, and his symbolism in the current resurgence of the trade union movement. You don't know Jorts? He has a Wikipedia entry. Check him out!  It's his birthday.

Meanwhile closer to home, my frugal heart was happy to score a patio chair at the dumpster, thus continuing a long personal tradition of never buying outdoor furniture. 

Perfectly good pieces to be found at the beginning of the season. Sometimes I swap out current found pieces for new finds.  I currently have three chairs, one a poolside lounger and the two you see here. All found at dumpsters. I'm still using a crate for a side table, until I find a good replacement.

All we need now is warmer weather.

Happy day everyone! 

And look for the union label!