First off, I want to announce the winner of the Blogiversary Contest. Here is the appropriate knitted container to put all of the names into: (i.e., the sock monkey hat I made for Kate).

Here are the names all neatly written on pieces of paper and put into the hat. And here is the name that Kate pulled out of the hat: So, Amy Lane, if you email me your address, I will send a prize package your way! And thank you all for taking the time to think about what you have learned about yourself from blogging. I think the most interesting thing is that we all learn that we are not alone and there is always someone who understands and empathizes no matter how stupid/dumb/awkward we think we are!

I met with the surgeon today. He came into the room and looking over my paperwork, commented that I had had an appendectomy in 1972. "Good year 1972. That's when I was born". I wanted to poke him with the knitting needles. I said, "Yea, well I was in 8th grade then". The good news is that I got an appointment for April 28th to have the gall bladder taken out. I have to get an EKG (because I am over 50) and another ultrasound next week and then some blood drawn. I made appointments for all of this and hopefully the surgery will be laprascopic and I will heal easily. It's a little nerve wracking to sign a piece of paper that essentially says "I give you permission to cut me to pieces if necessary in the course of this surgery". I can't wait for this to be done. The pain is almost constant and even if it's not excrutiating, it is not fun to always feel pain. If they had told me I had to wait, I would have cried right there in the office.

The biopsy results were negative for cancer. It's just cystic tissue and is best left alone. Phew. That was a huge relief. I appreciated all the support I felt while it was being performed. Maybe you all could come with me for the gall bladder operation, too?

In the meantime, I started the Annetrelac Sock. I thought the color block yarn that Roxanne dyed would knit up differently. The entrelac is easy enough once the concept got through my thick skull. The colors don't look like what I envisioned but I still like it. In fact, I like it better than some of the striping yarns. I don't think it was made for entrelac but I am enjoying it so much that I will keep going. I like the texture of the knit.

Oh, and I almost forgot. This is the weekend that Franklin is coming! Kate and Em and I are going to Wool Gathering in Kennet Square, PA to be photographed for the 1,000 knitters project. We are very excited!!! I will try to contain my excitement enough to take some photos.

And Saraspunda is on her way from New Zealand. She should be here in time for me to play with her while I recuperate from the surgery. It's all about the timing, folks.