No, that's not a typo. Recently Marguerite and I were chatting about Cookie A's book, Sock Innovations. When it first came out, we both expressed our intentions of knitting every sock in the book – we were so in love with them. Marguerite has come a lot closer to that goal than I have, having completed several pairs. I haven't even completed one. We were discussing her experience that while the socks are indeed lovely, they are not quite as well fitting or wearable as a lot of the "Plain Jane" socks we love and wear almost every day. Which begs the question, "Why knit them?" The case could be made that they are works of art. As I explained, I could knit shawls for the rest of my life and never wear a one because I consider them works of art. But socks? If they were works of art, you'd only have to knit one! So this is indeed "foot for thought" and I am reconsidering my goal. Of course, it's an entirely moot point now because my knitting time is mostly engaged in completely mindless stockinette stitch sweaters for little bodies. I did complete Isobel's and I don't think it's been off her body except for a quick trip through the washer:
Note the blueberry face! Given her love of blueberries, I think the choice of yarn was perfect.
Mei-Mei is currently wearing the Wonderful Wallaby I made for Isobel when she was a baby:
It's a little snug but does the trick. Her new one is in the works and I just finished fusing the pocket to the body.
Wonder of wonders, I did manage about an hour of sewing in my sewing room yesterday. I asked hubby if he would help Abby keep an eye on the girls and snuck in there for some solitude and quality time with my sewing machine. It was a challenge – all of Ben & Abby's luggage is there, but I managed to clear a little hole for myself and finished the blocks I've been working on for a mystery quilt I'm doing with friends:
I can't remember if I've mentioned this group or not, but it's a small group that's alternated between 4-6 members. We've been meeting for over 10 years. At times we do a Round Robin project, other times mystery quilts or just help out on blocks for each other. We've done some pretty mind boggling projects, and others that are just simple. Regardless, they are a wonderful group of ladies and we so enjoy our time together. Next time we meet I'll try to remember to take some pictures.
I'm plugging along at work, literally counting the days (down to 60!!). Things have not been easy. I think I finally figured out why the new doc and I are a little like oil and water. The two previous docs have always treated me like an equal partner. The new doc treats us as if he is the captain of the ship and we are his crew (not surprising – he is a former Navy Captain). Don't get me wrong, he's a great human being and a great doc and is kind and compassionate. But there is no question that I am just an employee. Many administrative privileges that I had have been taken away. This is not necessarily wrong, but just a different management style and one that I am not used to. I've tried very hard not to make waves because it really doesn't make any difference. However, I do think it is good that I'm retiring and making way for someone who isn't used to the previous regime. We will be promoting someone from within to my spot, but she's only been with the practice five years and will not expect, or even desire, the amount of responsibility I was accustomed to. Tomorrow I start interviewing candidates for her replacement. With any luck we will have someone by the end of the week and I can start training.
I leave you with more granddaughterly adorableness:
missouristar 
Perfect timing on your retirement. It can be a very difficult transition with new doctors.
Hasn’t this fall been gorgeous with sunshine and foliage.
60 days! Calendar days or working days? How exciting for you.
The pictures of the girls are great, especially the last one. Where are you sleeping four extra people?
One of the many nice things about knitting is that we can vary our projects to fit what’s going on in our lives. There’s stockinette for challenging and/or busy times. There’s lace and fancy stitch patterns for peaceful times when we enjoy the challenge.
Most of the Cookie socks have been entertaining enough to justify their creation even if I never wear them.
I think you and Marguerite are so right about Cookie’s socks. While I love to see Marguerite’s beautiful work, I wonder if I would be capable of knitting or ever wear said socks. Especially, since the errata for the book seems endless.
I know what you mean about new regimes at work changing the rules. I’ve experienced it more than once. What about the older docs? Don’t they step forward in your defense? I agree it’s time to for you to go. That’s not to say you won’t ever work, again. Just not there. I stayed retired for seven years until I realized I needed people more that they needed me. But, you have such an adorable family to keep you busy.
Such a timely post for me, as I contemplate what my next pair of socks will be. After years of “art” socks, I have been stuck in the plain jane rut for quite some time now. I just finished spinning a lovely solid (relatively so) sage colored sock yarn. It would lend itself beautifully to a Cookie A sock. But….do I want to go there?? Hmmmm…. Or, perhaps a Nancy Bush? That may be a good alternative….half way in between.
The girls are lovely. Keep those photos coming!
Your job situation reminds me so much of what mine was. I was an equal too….actually with way more time with the practice than any others (except one PA) at the time that I left. It’s nice to feel so appreciated and needed, but does come with pitfalls. Hang in there – retirement is EVERYTHING you ever thought it might be. And then add in grandkids… get the picture??? :):)
I had a little trouble with the patterns in the Cookie A book, mostly because I have a hard time getting 8 stitches to an inch (I’m working on it, but it is hard to go down needle sizes when you start with 0). What I really liked the best about the book was the beginning section on designing your own. Just reading about her thought process and technique was worth the price of the book for me.
When I attempted one pattern, with my not-quite-right gauge, and its lacy stretchiness, I knew the socks would be huge and ill-fitting.
Love the pics, as usual.
Lucky you, with the granddaughters within hugging distance!
I’m still 9 years from retirement – I’d start counting the days, but it would be too depressing…
I’m with you on the plain socks. I’ve knit a couple pairs of fancy ones, but have pretty much decided that plain is fine for me.
The granddaughters are indeed adorable!
And do you want all of us to come on up there and give that new whippersnapper doctor a talking to? Does he know who he’s dealing with?? 😉
oh, such pretty babies! I love how the blueberry face matches the sweater!