I have been having trouble with my hearing. I think six times up and down in planes in a ten day period was a bit much for my delicate Eustachian tubes and they have become resolutely and immovably blocked. I have done steams, nasal sprays, ear sprays, all the exercises and then some, hung myself upside down and hummed loudly – you name it, we’ve attempted it!
As I hit the ten day mark and if anything the hearing loss is worsening, I am resorting to chiropractic care to try and get everything moving again. This is a man I have an enormous respect for and his ability with understanding the body and what happens when it is even slightly out of whack is quite amazing. My body is apparently quite a lot out of whack! Time will tell if he has success.
In the meantime I am gaining a whole new respect for and understanding of, what being ‘hearing impaired’ is like. I used to think a slight loss of hearing maybe wasn’t such a very bad thing, given the inordinate amount of noise in our daily lives – which just goes to show that I equated deafness with silence.
This world is not silent! It is accompanied by an on-going high pitched hum that only I can hear. It is like listening to people talk while six feet under water. There is a ring of exhaustion around my head from having to listen carefully and work through the constant high pitched hum. I am aware of the space between my ears in a new and quite unpleasant way. There is a weight in my ears I never knew was there. I can hear my bones creak and crack, every swallow made in my throat. the sound of myself chewing food. I hear the throb of blood moving through my head that keeps pace with the beat of my heart. I am forced into a noisy, internal world that is quite solitary.
I noticed today that I was relieved I met no-one on my morning walk with Siddy. The intensity required to conduct a simple exchange of pleasantries is getting too much for me. I understand now why some people just give up on the polite, phatic exchange and opt for avoidance of others.
How many ways can you say ‘I’m sorry, can you repeat that?’ in any conversation without driving the other person bonkers. Lip reading is an art I am quickly learning and guessing what is said also forms part of it.
It’s not a pleasant world to be trapped in! And as there is always a silver lining to every experience we have, mine is that I shall have much more understanding and empathy for the deaf and hearing impaired from this point on.
My enforced solitude means I am making good progress on my Lace Leaf KAL which is over on Mollie and Claire and I am up to date I think – these photos were taken a few days ago.
I am knitting with a bamboo yarn that is deliciously soft and silky. The Indian Silk yarn didn’t suit this pattern so I am saving it for something else.
I love the pretty leaves and now I know where I am by sight in the eight row repeat pattern things are moving along quite smoothly. Though I have just spotted there is a mistake in the centre leaf on the left side………… I am not frogging again. I have frogged at least three times back to the beginning and any imperfections can now stay in place!
I want to show you my beautiful sea dragon, Arthur. He arrived soon after I returned home from my American Interlude. He comes from Wales and was made especially for me by the divine Dr. Snail of Happiness fame. These are her photos and you may admire her pristine work and delicate finishing touches all you wish and if you want to see more, go here.
The photos on the dark background are true to colour, the last two shots give you some idea of the detail that has gone into this magnificent beast. Just look at those cute webbed feet – I am a little in love!
And for those of you who love him – here is the first photo taken of a happy and exhausted puppy the day his mumma came home to him
I must remember to take my camera on our walk tomorrow – the weather is beautiful and autumn is at her best. I love having the images of spring still in my head and knowing that we live in harmony – autumn really does reflect on the youthful vibrancy of spring, only in an older, wiser more muted version of what once was. It is quite lovely!
Thanks for coming by today, I love that you did!
The Contented Crafter 
The yarn is so Iovely I can hardly stand it. The pattern seems perfect for it, too.
What you describe is tinnitus, a ferociously common hearing problem among humans. Another commenter mentioned Meniere’s disease, and tinnitus is a major part of that one. It just means a ringing/buzzing/humming/rumbling sound in the ears. I, too, experience this as a result of being exposed to screeching B-52s in the Air Force and not wearing any ear protection. And see how many people commented that they, too, know what you’re talking about. It’s really sad that so many people suffer with hearing problems.
I read once that there was a theory that Beethoven’s “deafness” was not experiencing silence, but experiencing tinnitus that was so distracting that it prevented his work and eventually drove him mad. I find that theory easy to believe.
In any case, it’s often temporary, and I hope that is what yours is. I am reading this so late, I am hoping that your hearing is all back to normal right at this moment, and you can have some peace. Hugs. ❤
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How lovely. I love Dragon; it is gorgeous!
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He is very lovely! Thank you for visiting him 🙂
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I Love the beautiful sea dragon, Arthur!!!
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I do too! Thank you for coming by !
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I am so sorry Pauline to read about your hearing loss:-( That is so difficult to deal with and until it happens one does not appreciate their hearing. I was visiting my parents a year ago and my mother mentioned the “hum” or “piercing” in ears as you get older. I was like, hmm…I have never noticed that…then-the hum/high pitch started in my left ear. Oh my, it has started, so I do feel for you:-) I can still hear but the humming/ringing is noticeable only when I am in a room that is quiet/going to bed. Noise drown sit out:-) so that is not the same thing as Losing your hearing-I can’t imagine!
You are in my thoughts-hope it gets better soon:-)
Love the dragon-adorable + you love your pink!
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Hi Robbie – goodness, I hope your humming doesn’t last forever! I never imagined I would be having all these conversations about hearing loss – it appears to be fairly widespread in different degrees. I still expect mine to suddenly resolve itself and it is definitely improving. I may have to bite the bullet and seek allopathic assistance but I am delaying that for as long as possible.
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I often say to people, I feel like an old car-lol…have to go in for repairs:-)
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Oh what an exhausted puppy, so adorable! Love the dragon too and your beautiful, delicate knitting. I am so sorry for your hearing problems, it definitely sounds like the pressure from flying has caused a problem with your inner ear. I used to get sinus infections most time I flew between the US and the UK. Once I had such awful pain in my left ear drum that it made me cry with pain 😦 I do so hope you feel better soon Pauline.
Interesting what you say about avoiding people on your walks at the moment. This is just what it’s like for my Aspie daughter all the time as she doesn’t want people to start asking her questions like ‘what do you do?’ and ‘where do you go to college?’ She became socially avoidant with strangers a while ago as she found it all so exhausting and draining (Aspies aren’t good with small talk).
We hope to get a dog one day as she adores all animals and I know that if someone were to ask her about her dog, she would find that much easier 🙂 Pets are so theraputic in so many ways.
Get well dear friend. Hugs ❤ xx
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I’m part Aspie too then – I cringe and shrivel up when forced to deal with small talk! We are all on the spectrum somewhere! I think getting Aspie D a pup is an excellent idea. I recommend a Siddy dog 🙂 Once-upon-a-time I used my dog, an Old English Sheepdog named Jeena, as a therapeutic tool in my classroom. She soothed hurts and hearts, calmed hyper activity and actively participated in movement exercises. It was with her that I learned the power of an animal to heal. Kids who came from dysfunctional homes found a great deal of comfort in her large doggy heart and found their own hearts in the process. A boy on the spectrum would seat himself beside her quite happily, they would both sit and stare off into the far distance – but he would be relaxed and breathing easy, which is something we didn’t often see with him. xoxo
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This touches my heart greatly Pauline, thank you for sharing with me. And I think I must be part Aspie too for very similar reasons 😉 xoxo
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Siddy is adorable, as is the dragon. I am so sorry to read about the problems with your hearing. I hope it clears up soon, and that your hearing is soon as clear as it should be.
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It’s still a work in progress Robin – but is definitely improving. I’ll be right as rain in no time as they say 🙂
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Because a WP gnome attacked my notification settings, I’m late … 😦 … but at least here 🙂 … but to find you dealing with hearing issues … 😦 …. must be horrible … 😦 … but Siddy, knitting, and our other creative projects make you happy. 🙂 … .hang in there!
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Those WP gnomes are quite disruptive at times aren’t they! I know they do mean things yet still I forget to check if someone disappears for too long. So often I find out much later it’s not that they aren’t posting, it’s those naughty gnomes at work again!
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Why don’t the gnomes do something useful like picking on politicians throughout the world.
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Oh, Pauline, I am so sorry to read about your hearing issues. But I can relate to so many of the comments you made, for I have worn hearing aids for the past 4-5 years. Marvelous inventions, hearing aids, and yet in many situations, I still find myself struggling to hear and relying on my ability to lip read (which has gotten better over time, but is far from perfect). Lip reading, even with my hearing aids, has become important – I often find myself telling family members to turn towards me or to move their hands from in front of their mouths when they speak.
As for social situations, forget cocktail parties. The inherent noise level makes hearing very difficult, and meeting new people in these kinds of situations is fraught with peril. It is difficult enough to ask people you know well to repeat themselves; something much different when meeting for the first time. I have answered questions in the wrong way (much to my embarrassment), and I have to admit that sometimes I just give up and nod my head or laugh, signaling I understand (despite the fact that I don’t). And large, cavernous spaces? Forget hearing well in those.
I remember the day I picked up my hearing aids and put them in for the first time. I actually cried. I was in my early 50s, but felt so much older. And then I put my big girl panties on and realized that I was indeed fortunate that I could purchase these little wonders that would allow me to function better. And, on the bright side, when I want to tune out the world, it’s as easy as removing them from my ears 🙂 I end up with that underwater feeling, but because it’s my choice, it’s okay.
I don’t have the “internal” stimuli that you mention, though I did when I first started wearing them, and again each time they are adjusted. After a while, my brain was able to sort out the extraneous noise. Sadly, it doesn’t sound like that’s happening for you. Have you tried a Neti pot? That helps to clear sinuses with warm salinated water. Google it if you don’t know what it is. Otherwise, I do pray you find the help you need with your chiropractor.
Love the dragon! And your shawl (?) promises to be lovely 😀
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Well if you were having any hearing difficulties at our lunch together I never picked it up – and I was having difficulty hearing then and my hearing was affected only half what it is now….
Thank you for sharing all this – it made me aware I am adjusting in many ways to what is going on. I am just as impaired in the hearing level, but not so aware of the internal noises, better at lip reading and already training the people around me to speak up and look at me 🙂 Makes for them paying attention too which has advantages 😀 I am also blissfully unaware of intrusive noises now which given where I live is an absolute plus! Puppy barks if I need to know someone is coming. And I have learned to say ‘I have trouble hearing’ to new people who immediately nod, straighten themselves up, look at me and speak louder – should have tried this years ago! I can see there are many pluses to this state of affairs. Still, I hope it will shift soon. xoxo
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The location we had in Clyde’s was perfect. If we had been at a table in the middle of the room, it would have been a different story 🙂 “I have trouble hearing” works wonders! I also have a little gizmo that can adjust the hearing level if need be (but that also increases the ambient noise, so that can lead to sensory overload 😉). Anyway, like you, I hope all returns to normal soon. xo
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I hope your hearing corrects itself soon Pauline! My first husband became increasingly deaf after damage to his ear drum and I know how frustrating he found it.
I love this little dragon, it’s just the cutest and your knitting is lovely. I used to be a great knitter and it’s great relaxation. I have been doodling, bought a sketch pad and doing that to relax, our latest run of quakes setting me on edge again. I hope you have recovered from your travels, I imagine Orlando and Siddy happy to have you home 🙂
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I was thinking about you when I heard there were more quakes in Seddon – I never felt them here. There’s a lot of activity going on around the globe at the moment. It is hard to live with isn’t it. I have ChCh friends who still have PTSD four years later! I am really happy to hear you are doodling – I bet you are producing things a bit more than ‘doodles’ too! Keep at it, it’s a great way to de-stress and you need to ensure you are releasing not building up in that area! xoxo
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I am not surprised your friends are still feeling it 4 years later Pauline, it’s very scary, not to mention the trauma they have faced just trying to get back to rights. Yes, there is alot going on around the planet, poor Nepal, how awful 😦 Doodling IS a great way to de-stress.
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Hi Pauline, I hope your doctor can work his magic and your hearing recovers soon. Your lace leaf shawl is coming along nicely, I like the pretty delicate pink colour you have chosen. And the little dragon, how cute is he?! The attention to detail and finishing touches from the beaded wings to the little whiskers are just perfect. The picture of Siddy made me smile, he looks very content to have you back home from your travels, I bet he missed you terribly!
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I’m hoping he can as well – he is certainly straightening out all the creaks and aches and mis-alignments so that my energy is returning – but the ears remain stubbornly blocked as yet …. hopefully soon! Poor Siddy was exhausted at the end of that day of being so happy and so excited that things were back to normal. He was very well cared for, and missed me just a little I think.
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Hi Pauline, I hope you are feeling better and your hearing has returned by now. I have the same thing happen when I fly, which is why I have only done it twice, well one of the reasons. It becomes painful and is very annoying.
Your knitting is beautiful I set out with a goal of learning to knit this year but at the rate things are going it might be next year before I get to it.
Siddy looks very happy to be home with you again.
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Learning to knit is pretty easy Lois – and will quickly become relaxing and fun! As long as you stay away from complex patterns! It is also something you can do with your grand children. Making a peggy square blanket out of knitted squares made with scraps of yarn is a lot of fun and everyone can contribute and hone their skills.
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Sure hope your hearing gets back to normal – that sounds very frustrating and uncomfortable! Didn’t realize how much beadwork had been done on the seadragon until I saw the close up on the wing – LOTS of work! I bet that’s where some of the magic comes from!
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Isn’t that beadwork incredible? I agree, taking so much time and care, putting all that attention into the creation makes magic! He is a magical Welsh dragon named Arthur!!
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I worry about your hearing and ears, Pauline. I love your creations and beauty you display. The blue dragon and the pretty pink lavendar. I love Siddy looking content. Out of time at the library! Smiles!
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Thanks for taking the time to pop in Robin – it is always lovely to hear from you! Please don’t worry – it isn’t at all good for you and doesn’t help me either. They will be right as rain soon enough I’m sure! xo
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Pauline, I am so sorry to hear about what’s going on with your ears and your hearing. I trust that the person who is treating your condition will get you back to your normal self soon. Siddy looks adorable in that corner. I like your knitting – the bamboo yarn looks so soft and pretty. Yes, do take your camera on your walks and share some of your photos with us. Have a good week, my friend.
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I took my camera and took a series of shots that were all blurry and totally unusable – so much for my photograhy skill! Now it is raining so that opportunity has gone. I’m sure my ears will come right soon! xoxo
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Oh, Pauline, so sorry about the ears. It certainly sounds like you’re doing all the right and necessary things. My mom–for some wonky reason no one has been able to identify–loses her hearing in one ear at almost the same time every single year. She has to get it cleaned out (I think they do a warm, gentle water flush) and then because her eardrums are somewhat swollen, it takes a couple of days to get back to normal. And the first thing I do with any kind of ear/nose difficulty is Neti pot. This is an award winning treatment, but mainly sinus related. Still, they’re all interconnected, aren’t they?
Your post is so beautifully written with it’s descriptions of how you’re managing and what you’re noticing. The writing is wholly enigmatic, but then again, I’ve always found your posts captivating.
And Siddy! I’m looking forward to hearing about the homecoming event. Just want to squish that edible pup.
Feel better soon, Pauline. I’m thinking healthy thoughts and sending them your way. ❤
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Do you know the neti pot never crossed my mind for this situation! Silly me!! That pup is definitely squishable! Haggis could make a meal of him in one or possibly two bites – but we both know that wouldn’t happen! Isn’t it a wonderful thing that when the kids grow up and get all independent and so on we have these delightful creatures to brighten our days! Thank you for your kind words about the writing – it was more of a whine really, just to get it off my chest, or out of my ear, whichever is applicable 🙂 Hope you are doing well xoxo
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Where to start. I’ve been away a while so I’m playing catchup again. I love the pink lace you are working on. So delicate and light. If I saw it in a store, I would oooh and ahhh over it and want to take it home.
Siddy looks quite content his mom is home and is not permanently lost. He is just more adorable each time I see him.
As for the hearing, welcome to my world. For the last 5 years that ringing sound is louder than the TV. I lost 25% when the Bells hit and damaged that nerve. I pinch my nose, close my mouth and blow to clear out the blocked tube some. But most of the time I just smile, nod or shake my head like I understand what’s being said. Then I ask whoever is close by what was just said. It’s a way of life and after awhile, you become accustomed to it. Second nature. It helps somewhat when you have a roommate that snores. 🙂
I hope yours is temporary and with time you get back to your normal.
The dragon is delightful. I love all the beads on her. She’s so delicate and gorgeous. I’m amazed at what creative people can do. Dr. Snail has done it again. I guess it’s time for me to get busy too. 🙂 Glad you are home safe and opps, no sound. Hugs,
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I have a new appreciation as I said for people who suffer this impairment Marlene. It is the constant noise in the ears and head that wears me out! For me it is not permanent – though some days I wonder! I’m waiting for some special homeopathic treatment to arrive in the mail and am off to the chiropractor again tomorrow…… fingers crossed!
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I’m doing more than crossing my fingers. If you find something that works I’m all over it. That constant ringing IS exhausting. I’m ready for relief. I’ve been reading lips most of my life but the Bells made it really bad. I’m really hoping you get better. Keep me posted, Please
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Will do!
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Hearing loss is isolating. My mother says this (she has hearing aides but still can’t hear well), and so does a friend’s husband who has Meniere’s Disease. I think of Helen Keller who was blind and deaf from early childhood, and who said deafness was by far was the greater challenge. My heart goes out to you, Pauline, and I hope (pray?) for a cure. Soon.
I didn’t even know there was bamboo yarn!
With love and big Hawaii hugs, Christi
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Thank you Christi – I’m sure my condition is temporary even though it has been on-going now for almost four weeks. I don’t like the constant noise in my head, especially as it took me so many years to turn down the volume on the negative internal voice! I like my quiet mind, not this constant high pitched humming and throbbing! I will have renewed appreciation of it when things return to normal!
There is a bamboo yarn, spun from the fibres. It is silky soft but tends to split easily when being worked. There is also milk cotton now and I love that! It is 80% cotton and 20% dehydrated, spun milk molecules. It is an absolute pleasure to work with and is soft yet strong and holds shape really well. It’s made me all enthusiastic about knitting and crocheting garments again!
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OH, Pauline! I hope this thing is temporary. It sounds like something unpleasantly with you all the time what with all the internal noise and worrying about hearing. I hope it resolves soon. There is something called dysfunctional eustachian tubes, where they don’t clear the way they should. In any event, I hope it resolves soon. I have been able to use your beautiful gloves as our temps have dropped back to early spring again. I just love the dragon’s sparkly wings and whiskers. Another masterpiece and you have it in your home. Glad for the pic of Siddy as I did wonder how excited he got when he saw you. He’s going to fear suitcases after this! E.B. White has an essay where his dachshund gets into the suitcase he’s packing…And as for your shawl, it’s beautiful and I do love the color.
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I’m so glad the mittens are getting a bit of an outing before the heat sets in. Your blue pig is also on display on my shelves, currently sitting beside Orlando’s Mini-Me from Gentle Stitches in Australia. I’ll upload a pic when I get to that part of the story 🙂 My ears are definitely dysfunctional and obviously are going to have to have a bit more help getting the air bubble moved than we had hoped – I do not like visiting doctors and avoid ’em at all costs – but sometimes you just have to bite the bullet!
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Just shot you an email! hearing is not something to mess with, so do what you need to. I keep seeing Orlando protesting the opera!
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Oh, no! I was hoping you had dodged the seemingly inevitable toll of post-travel sickness! I sure hope you find some help soon so you can get on with all the important things in life, like the sweet cat and dog and the knitting. Jan’s dragon is a thing of beauty!
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It’s the bummer of getting a bit older and not quite able to bounce back as quickly as one did when younger isn’t it – I just needed to have a bit of a moan and a whine and now I feel much better 🙂 I’m sure my hearing will return to full volume soon and I shall probably be complaining about how noisy the world is in no time at all 🙂 And yes, Jan’s dragon is indeed a thing of beauty!
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So sorry to hear about your troubles! But knitting, dragon and sweet dog are all gorgeous. Wishing you a weekend of love, peace and healing, Johanna
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It’s such a small inconvenience in the larger picture really Johanna – I just needed to whine for a bit 🙂 thank you for your good wishes 🙂
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Goodness Pauline! What a trial! i’m so sorry and am hoping your chiropractic will help deliver healing soon.
How like you to find the positive in a challenging situation.
Love that sweet photo of Siddy and your new friend, too.
Take care my friend. XO
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Laurie it is so good of you to take time out from your uber busy schedule! I’ll be fine. It’s a small price to pay for a fabulous event! I hope you are keeping balance and not being too stressed by those more challenging activities of being out there on the campaign trail – sending you lots of love and strength and good things 🙂 xoxo
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Hi Pauline, what a bugger about your ears… do hope they come to their senses sooner rather than later 🙂 x I like the dragon and do hope Siddy doesn’t take a shine to it and give it a good shake and throw lol. He looks absolutely pooped, must have been all that excitement at having his bestest mummy back 😀
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Hi Kym I have replied to your comment three times now and it keeps disappearing – this one is a test to see what happens…..
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Oh that’s annoying 😦 This came through 🙂
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I’m so sorry about your hearing, Pauline. I can relate, I have major issues with my ears, especially when flying. The last time I flew, as we landed, I thought my eardrums had exploded…very painful.
Your crochet is beautiful. I love the colors.
Aw…Siddy…he looks so cute and snuggly! xo Feel better!
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Thank you for sharing Jill – I had that feeling as the plane landed for the second time on the homeward journey – and the deafness really began then. Isn’t that a cute shot of our Siddy. Teaser: there’s a video coming next post of him playing with a favourite toy 🙂 I hope your pursuit is going well – I’m sending your wishes for every success xoxo
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I’m really sorry. I hope there wasn’t any damage to the eardrum and this is only temporary.
Oh…I can’t wait for the video!
Thank you so much for the well wishes. It’s coming along, some days better than others. xoxo
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Ah, here’s the pink shawl – it really is lovely. Mine harbours a few mistakes too, but even I can’t spot them as it’s a very forgiving pattern especially in mohair. Puppy looks like he is in a happy sleep with almost a smile on his face! My mother describes her permanent hearing loss in exactly the same way as you. Ours is hereditary and I am also on the brink of needing a hearing aid. It sounds like your ears are just blocked though, as I don’t have any internal echoes, just loss of hearing so fingers crossed that you can get yours reversed! Good luck:)
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I’m so sorry to hear you are losing sound – will a hearing aid solve the isolation issue for you? My ears are just blocked – it’s not permanent and I fully expect to be returned to normal volume soon 🙂 Maybe I just needed this experience to understand better what it is like.
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I hope you get your hearing sorted. It’s really uncomfortable not being able to hear what’s going on around you or participate properly in conversations. I love the Sea Dragon fro The Snail of Happiness.
xxx Massive Hugs xxx
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Isn’t the sea dragon – George – a wonder? Dr Snail has golden hands for sure! Thank you for the tweet David – I so appreciate your kindness – especially as I know you have been slaving away in your email for hours!
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Yesterday was St George’s day… dreadful man, slaying endangered species… I’m just trying to redress the balance!
Oh, your poor ears (still) hope you hear some improvement soon.
xxx
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Ha! I shall never think of St George in the same way again!! 🙂 Still hoping on the ears front too!
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Siddy looks like a contented pup! I am a bit in love with Arthur too. With eyes made from vintage Czechoslovakian turquoise glass, how could he not be magical? I hope your poor ears get better very soon. ❤
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I forgot to mention Arthur’s eyes – they are quite lovely! I see something new in him to admire almost every time I pick him up! Thank you for your good wishes, I’m hoping my poor ears pop really soon!
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Pauline, do hope your hearing and ear troubles will soon be over. Your account of your difficulties helps me to understand a little more of what my mother’s world is like. She is very deaf but will sometimes say things like,” What’s that song? Can you hear it?” It is a song in her own head but it’s so real she thinks we should be able to hear it too. The gorgeous Siddy and the gorgeous water dragon look as though they know all the answers to life’s challenges. If only we could hear what they are thinking! 😉
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I remember once being high up in the Swiss Alps and hearing the ‘Sound of Silence’ and being amazed at how loud it was. It was a powerful and profound experience. It’s like that. From Siddy I learn that every moment there is a new opportunity to throw yourself happily into life. It’s a wonderful thing to observe and try to live by. Is your Jack like this too?
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I have had a similar experience on a high mountain. It’s unforgettable. My Jack does offer similar advice to Siddy but, being considerably older, he also places a lot of emphasis on snoozing. 🙂
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I am so sorry to hear about your hearing! (no pun intended! !) Your poor self must need time to recover from your travels. I hope the doc can fix you right up! Love the dinasour -to cute. Such talent to be able to put the little critter together so beautifully. And speaking of beautiful. … your knitting is quite impressive. Painting-knitting-you are a woman of many talents.
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Well, thank you Jan – you are very kind! There are some beautiful shawls being made in this KAL – it is such a lovely pattern! I’m up to the exciting bit now – you should get to see the finished product next week.
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I will look forward to it! Be sure to post a picture.
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So sorry about your hearing Pauline. This is potentially so isolating. I pray it is a temporary problem. Love the dragon. Good for you to stop frogging
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I like the way you sound as if you know what it means – but I bet your chef/carer/chauffeur/nurse/gardener/betterhalf knows 🙂
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She does, of course. Mine has been learned through my work; hers both her work and her mother. I had a somewhat similar experience in France when younger at meal-tables. Everyone spoke at once in a language I was not accustomed to hearing. Eventually I would go to bed early
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Oh Pauline, I do feel for you. I always have problems with my ears when flying – sometimes it’s downright painful on the descent and then after I get that awful humming for a while after although eventually it clears. Hope you get some relief soon!
Your leaf shawl looks amazing and makes me think that creating something like this requires a lot of patience.. and Siddy looks just adorable – bet he’s happy to have you home.
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My ears were a little blocked up all the time I was in the US and the return journey seemed to just finish them off. I think it’s improving slowly. The knitting pattern does require a bit of getting your head around – its an 8 row repeat with two quite demanding rows in terms of utter concentration and counting correctly. In other words not a sit and chat or watch TV kind of a job. But it grows quickly and is very pretty! I’ve just finished the main body and am on to the fancy edging – feeling proud!! 🙂 Siddy IS adorable and he is very happy to have his mumma back!
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lovely crochet. Hope the ears are better now…
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Thank you Maureen! Ears are a work in progress as well 🙂
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So sorry to hear that your ears are bothering you. It can be as simple as all the up and down from being in planes. I hope they can do something other than say “It’ll work itself out.” A good eye, ears, throat guy should be able to recognize what it is and fix it. Siddy is just so, so, so adorable. From half way around the world I just wanna give him a hug and a kiss. I like the dragon present very much. So many talented people in the world. I love the way your shawl is coming. And I love the color. I almost made mine out of a color like yours, but since this is destined to be a charity gift for the local hospital to help women with breast cancer, I thought pick me up, see me coming colors might be a tad more cheerful.
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I love the colours of your shawl! I decided to go plain to show the pattern off. You are right there is so much talent in the world – such a pity we don’t hear more about it!
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Love the beads.. So pretty.
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Hours of work I’m thinking!
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Hope your hearing is back to normal soon ~ all of our senses are valuable adjuncts to daily life.
Cute puppy. Darling sea dragon.
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Oh-oh – here comes a song – ‘.you don’t know what you’ve got til it’s gone ….’ Paving Paradise or losing the ability to hear ???? Now there’s a conundrum!
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Pauline, I’m very sorry to read of your current situation. It sounds miserable. The closet I’ve come to anything like this was with a cold and quite temporary. To have that go on for ten days is really too much. I hope your chiropractor can bring your body back into alignment quickly so that you are returned to good health. It must be frustrating when none of the usual things work. Sending healing thoughts your way.
As for Siddy, he really only has one look: adorable. What a sweetheart. Did he jump and pounce and sqee for hours. I bet he’s hardly left your side.
I read about your lovely dragon on Dr. Snail’s post and instantly fell in love. He’s delightful.
Your pink bamboo looks so soft and ethereal. I bet its a dream working with that yarn. It’s the counting I find difficult when I knit. I’m so impressed with what you’ve accomplished so far.
I hope you feel better soon. Miss you.
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Thank you Alys – I miss you too – It was such a treat! Siddy’s welcome home will form part of the last chapter of the saga. As I don’t want to spoil it – let’s just say it was a surprise to all of us. 🙂
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Pauline, I’m looking forward to reading the next chapter in your lovely voice. I hope your hearing is doing better as the days go on. xox
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Your knitting looks very delicate and lace-like. I am also covering your dragon. He’s awesome. I know if I show my four boys they will all covet him too.
I had a terrible ear infection many moons ago that a doctor mistreated which led to minor surgery and a permanent hearing impairment for me. It’s only a very minor impairment but I’ve definitely experienced what you describe with certain frequencies of sounds. I hope your ears are all healed and tickety-boo soon.
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Stories like yours is exactly why I’m not rushing to a GP – though if it doesn’t get fixed soon I’ll go ask for the balloon in ear trick …….. I am sorry you have to live with any degree of this awful pitched ringing thing – it is most uncomfortable!
My dragon is highly covetable and I think Dr Snail should give up her day job and make and sell these instead. 🙂 I’m sure if enough people express interest she may well consider it!
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The GP I had then was terrible in every respect. Thankfully I’ve just been left with slightly reduced hearing in one ear and the weird thrumming noise only happens in certain contexts such as crowded echoey rooms. But it’s very annoying to think that the correct prescription would have avoided all of that.
Do share if your friend does decide to sell dragons.
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Will do!
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