Joan sent me some fingerless gloves which she had knitted for me from special wool from Nova Scotia in a packet with small cats stuck around the address. They are very soft and warm, and the colour of purple storm clouds, also she included the pattern which I will try later; it will make a nice change from knitting socks! They are particularly useful because if my hands get cool at the moment they get weird pins and needles sensations which is a side effect of the medication, and I feel as if I am wearing rubber gloves all the time.

Joan also emailed me knitting patterns for leg warmers as I had told her I have been making some out of old sweaters simply by cutting the arms off and to use them. I am thinking of threatened power cuts later on when the weather gets really cold.

The rest of the week passed in a haze of tiredness and looking after the kitten who has to be watched as he has not always been using his litter tray. Glen and Barry called round to meet the kitten, and on cue he ran up Glen's legs and made himself at home and looked very winsome indeed. They will be happy to look after him if we go away at all.

Friends and family all kept in touch which was nice. One evening we watched Amelie with Audrey Tautou which we enjoyed as much as the first time we saw it.

Interesting book present and visit from Margaret

We had breakfast and an early lunch before Toby left to go to Pete's in Brighton, and Mas and I had a quiet day and got on with various things that needed doing, Mas mostly working on his website, and my head is clear enough now to get back to knitting socks without finding myself knitting backwards all the time!

Later we watched two episodes of 'Ghost Whisperer' in the evening which is entertaining, but quite sentimental too.

On Thursday the postman called early and bought me a surprise parcel from Betty in Guernsey; she sent a book called 'The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society' about Guernsey while under German Occupation during the war, it is written by Mary Ann Shaffer who is American. I am saving this book to read next week when I have to spend the day in hospital again, and am really looking forward to it.

Mas and I went out to Edgware early and then went to The Man in the Moon in Stanmore for a traditional breakfast, and some shopping. Mas then had to go off to the bank, and Margaret called round unexpectedly, and we caught up with most of the news till Mason came in again, and we had some tea and more talk.

In the evening we watched 'The Bill', and both went off to bed rather early.

Kaffee Fassett, Hampstead sites and lunch with Diane

Yesterday I heard Kaffee Fassett, (the renowned textile designer, knitter, quilter and artist) being interviewed on the radio. He was born in California, but lives here now. When asked what he thinks of British weather he said he really enjoyed it, and when it was dreary and grey outside he looked forward to sitting beside the hearth and knitting, which he can do really fast.

I always feel like knitting in the winter too, I think it must be something to do with the survival instinct. One of these days I will try my hand at one of his lovely bright designs.

I took the tube to Hampstead, and walked down to Belsize Park to meet Diane. On the way I took a few photos.

Flask Walk, Hampstead

Hot crépes!

Moroccan Cafe.

Diane and I met as planned in 'Ask', and had a drink before going back to Hampstead and having a small lunch with some laughs and a long chat in The Flask Pub restaurant before going our separate ways.