An alternative title to this post could be, “Bodily Harm,” or more creatively, “Bad things that happened this week.” But, “New Chapter” sounds so much nicer, and does apply just as well to recent maladies and events.
Last week, we bought the house we’ve been renting for the past ten months. The events leading up to that, including, but not limited to the sale of our previous home, have been (understatement) very stressful. But now it’s done, and I’m happy and relieved, but unfortunately, I’m also extremely itchy. While planting bulbs last week with the help of some friends, (I’ve planted hundreds of them in recent weeks), I evidently encountered poison ivy. My hands are currently a lumpy, leathery, oozing mess. Five days post exposure, I still have new bumps emerging. The itching and burning has been so bad that it keeps me awake at night. Based on what I read in the information that came with my tube of Zanfel (recommended by several friends) I must have handled the roots of poison ivy, which are worse than the leaves! I had no idea. I feel certain that having daffodil and crocus lined woodland paths this spring will be worth this week’s pain and suffering. Thankfully, I think I have turned a corner and am on the road to healing.
But that’s not all…I also stepped on a double pointed knitting needle this week in the most bizarre, freak accident I’ve ever had. I don’t want to make you sick, so I won’t go into detail, but it was worse than you would imagine. So bad that Beatrix passed out. AND I learned today that I need a root canal and a crown. I called my sister in tears over that news, and then apologized that all week I’ve been calling to tell her my problems. She replied that she LOVES it when I call her and tell her my problems, and I think she was being sincere. Sisters are irreplaceable.
But, it certainly hasn’t been all bad. My younger kids are spending so much time in their new little outdoor town called, “Mulberry.” Their latest game is a mud pie version of The Great British Baking Show. I believe the “buns” pictured above were for a competition that involved making six sweet, and six savory buns. Beatrix told me, (in utter seriousness) that she was “Sticking with simple for her savories.” I told her that was a good plan, as long as they were perfect. (None of that will make much sense if you haven’t watched the show. If you haven’t, you should!)
I have a tendency to daydream, and when I get that look in my eyes, Jonny often asks me what I’m thinking about. This week the answer has frequently been, “Shrubs.” I’ve been working on landscaping a little each day. It’s a wonderful feeling knowing that this place is ours now and we will likely be here for many years to come. I’m putting a lot of thought into what I want to grow here. Almost makes me forget about my poor itching hands.
Oh-and knitting! I finished Job’s birthday sweater, tried it on him, and realized it was too small. I took a little break to add to my collection of knitted oak leaves before ripping back on the sweater to add length to the sleeves and body. Sometimes it’s hard to face needing to rework a project like that. But, I am really excited about this knit and it was worth the extra work to know that he’ll be able to wear it for longer. I also finally wove in all the ends on my Find Your Fade Shawl (while waiting at the dentist’s office with knots in my stomach). It’s blocking now and it must be ten feet long. HUGE! I am so, soooo happy to be finished with that project. I can’t say that I enjoyed knitting it, it just went on for too long, but I do think I’m going to love wearing it.
p.s. Thank you, Maria, for recommending Great Possessions! It’s absolutely perfect. I skipped straight to the Autumn essays.
Kris Sherrill says
Ginny, I’m so sorry for all the bad things that have happened to you. When I read about your poison ivy, I wanted to tell you that you should make a plantain salve. It’s GREAT to have on hand for all things itchy, like bee stings and poison ivy. You just gather plantain leaves, make sure they are dry, infuse them in olive oil. To speed it up, put it in a saucepan on low, or crockpot, for a little while. Then strain and add some bees wax. I never measure, but it’s probably like 3 to 1 olive oil to bees wax. Pour into small jars. It last a long time too. I hope you are all better soon. And OUCH on stepping on the DPN! I think I would have fainted too. Poor B!
Jackie says
Ginny here are some awesome remedies for poison ivy, burt bees poison ivy soap and bentonite clay ( make a paste and let the clay dry so it will pull out the oils of the poison ivy out). Bentonite clay is great to have around.
karen says
never ever store your knitting on the floor!! yikes. I have never reacted to poison ivy ….yet but I have a husband who gets it fiercely! I predict this week will be much much much better, it has to right?
Ginny says
The needle fell from it’s case as I was walking across a room and landed in the carpet at the perfect angle to catch my foot as I took a step-the whole thing took like half a second. Truly a freak accident!!!
Bee says
Ginny, I’m sorry to hear you’ve had such a freaky week, but hopefully everything is looking up now! I recently had a root canal as well, and while it wasn’t exactly enjoyable it feels really good to know that the tooth is fixed and won’t cause you any (more) pain…because toothaches are the worst :).
And wow, those “sweet and savory buns” actually look great, haha! I love watching the Great British Baking Show! Keeping it simple is the best way to please Paul ;).
Hope your hands are healing nicely (and your foot too, of course). Have a good weekend!
Bee says
Just saw all the comments below and just wanted to add…do what makes sense for YOU regarding the dentist. The bottom line is doing SOMETHING so you no longer have a toothache and feel good again :).
Barbara Nieweg says
Ginny,
I am so happy about the closing on your house!! So so sorry to hear about everything else. I will be praying for quick healing. And wisdom on your dental work. I feel your pain, literally. We have no dental insurance I have a cracked tooth and the dentist won’t pull it want a to do a root canal and crown I know what to expect though, since I have two:-(
Anyway, I have not dropped you a line since I am not sure if your forward is still on. If you find time can you let me know?
Much love to you and your sweet family.
Kelliinkc says
I am so sorry to hear about all your medical related injuries/problems. Ouch! There were 3 of them so according to folklore you should be done with troubles now???, right? I am interested to hear what you decided about the root canal. I had no idea it could be bad for a person? My son had to have one at age 4 and I don’t know of any problems as a result. My daughter had one as a high school freshman. I was worried sick for her but times have certainly changed from back when I remember hearing terrible things about root canals. She said it was not painful at all and doesn’t know why I was so anxious about it. We got her crown done a year later and that was easy Peasy as well—the procedure, not the financing part……. she was in agonizing pain with the abcessed tooth and said the procedure was a blessing as it was such a relief from the abscess pain. I didn’t know there was concern over having the procedure, although hers came on suddenly, was excruciating as the nerve was involved, so I did not even think of taking time to research alternatives and just went to the specialist as our pediatric dentist recommended. Fingers crossed we didn’t do her long term harm….. but it hurt me to see her unable to eat, or sleep and with tears streaming down her face for the 20+ hours it took to get in to the dentist. Best of luck to you Ginny. I look forward to the update.
Taryn @ WoolyMossRoots says
So sorry Ginny! What a week- oy. Hugs! It was a week of flat tires and all things of the sort around here and I’m looking forward to a weekend at home. Need to check out the British Baking Show, thanks for the recommendation.
Angie says
I just love the beautiful pictures of the knitting and children! That, and I’ve been a reader so long (since Beatrix was a baby) that it’s been wonderful to see your family grow. I have weeks like that, too, when I just wonder what new crazy thing will happen next. Wishing you good healing!
Clémence says
Oh MY poor you! I admire you for finding beauty in things however bigs the clouds upon you may be! That’s a great news for the house isn’t it? Getting flowers all over the place is the best way to settle…
Sandra Davidson says
Ginny I agree with the ladies above they say no root canal especially with your thyroid problems. Ask Dr. Izabella Wentz about it. Also my daughter who has type 1 diabetes and on dialysis is having to go to Ohio to
a holistic Dentist to have all of her Mercury fillings and root canals removed at cost of $40,000 which they don’t have and she is getting sicker. She tried a Gofundme on line but they don’t work well in Canada. Wishing you the best with all of your mishaps this week. Hugs and blessings from Canada
Marion says
Ginny I hope you are feeling better. Your knitting is very nice. Beatrix is a cutie and a joy to read about. Love hearing about your family. Thank You for sharing.
Marion
Jeannine says
Ginny, Congratulations on your new home. I’m sorry about your accident with the knitting needle. My two cents regarding poison ivy (I had it for two month the first time and had to get steroids), I found that washing it and then applying baby oil (because oil breaks down oil and the oozing is oily) relieved the itchy temporarily better than anything I found. Best wishes.
sonrie says
Ginny, I’m almost finished reading Winter Solstice by Rosamunde Pilcher. It starts in the Fall, then finishes around Christmas. I noticed this year that I tend to love books that talk about seasons. Apparently it’s a thing for some people and now I can navigate some recommendations. I’ll look for the one you are reading.
Cathy says
Ouch, get well soon. I trod on a bumble bee, barefoot this Spring and was in agony as it swelled up over several days. How lovely that the house sale is through, a super New Chapter. I hope the girls don’t suffer from soggy bottoms!
Elizabeth says
I am sure selling the house was super stressful! I am so glad that is behind you now! I hope you can have a moment to catch your breath; also so sorry about the knitting needle accident! God bless you and help you in every good thing!
Martha says
your life is fulllll of adventures! 🙂 i’m reading “we took to the woods” by louise rich and her writing in some ways reminds me of yours. i can’t remember if i’ve told you before, but i think you’re an excellent writer (photographer, knitter, momma, etc. too of course) and that these accounts of your daily life as a maker and mother, homeschooler and homesteader–these could be gathered up into a beautiful book one day. hoping this week ahead is less painful and that your hands especially heal soon!
Wendy says
Oh dear! I hope the bodily harm incidents end soon for you! We LOVE the Great British Baking Show! My kids and I joke about whether or not Paul would approve of my bakes. Most recently he would not, because my chocolate chips sunk to the bottom of my banana bread. ?
Kate says
Have your kids read “Roxaboxen” by Barbara Cooney? Their Mulberry town reminds me of it.
BethP says
Yes! Definitely check out Roxaboxen, Ginny, your family will love it.
A Little Blue Dragonfly says
Wishing you peace and rest and health and beauty after the week you have faced! Congratulations on your home. And best of luck to Lark on those simple savories! 😉
Leslie F says
So sorry to hear about your foot injury. Many years ago, my dad was walking barefoot through the house and stepped on a toothpick (it was caught in the carpet). We removed it, but due to his diabetes, he still went to the doctor to have it checked. The nurse was from an older generation and, after checking the chart, she looked over her reading glasses (but still down her nose) at my dad, and asked, “Toothpick in your foot? Huh. How’s the other guy’s mouth?” Still one of our favorite family stories!
Poison ivy is the arch nemesis of my clan – we are all highly allergic – even what starts as the mildest case evolves into steroid treatment for all of us. I have found that ice packs are a blessing when the itching gets unbearable, especially at night. Best of luck with your recovery!
Jeannine says
My tough father stopped on one too and said it was the worse pain he had ever had. I never forgot that.
Lori Ann says
Sending you huge hugs! All is well – and will be well! Enjoy the weekend and those yummy children.
Ravenna says
If you still have bumps emerging, you may be an overreactor, like me. My body continues to respond to the poison ivy irritant, even after it is no longer present. I had to be put on steroids to stop it from spreading. I didn’t even know that was a thing. It’s something for you to consider if it continues to get worse.
Angela says
Me too! I also get it if someone is burning it and I smell the smoke.I’ve had steroid shots galore, tried every cream available (otc and prescription) but! The only thing that works for me is alcohol and gold bond powder. Both work to dry it out and help with itching. The alcohol burns, but it feels great–like scratching it, and the powder dries it out further.
Lisa says
I would step on several dpn before doing a root canal ? I’m terrified of the dentist lol. I feel your pain !! Congrats on the house and I honestly do not know how you get all your knitting done and die wool not to mention take care of all your children , homeschool and do the blog! Ypu must never sleep
Nina says
I read the paragraph about the Great British Baking Show aloud to my husband and we were both dying laughing. We love that show!!! Hope you heal up from all your injuries soon.
Ruby says
My 6yo stepped on a toothpick that was stuck in the carpet by her older siblings as part of some elaborate game. It broke off but at least 1/2-3/4 of an inch of it was in her sole. I removed it with tweezers and she passed out during it…afterwards I kicked myself for not just taking her to the dr. because I swear I was probably, practically doing surgery to get that thing out. I’m so sorry you have a similar story now! The poison ivy sounds horrendous-hopefully it goes away soon & isn’t making it hard for you to knit! One of my biggest fears is I will do something to my hands and not be able to knit-the medicine that is knitting helps me so much in this stage of mothering I don’t know how I would make do without it. Blessings on your new home! Can’t wait to see photos in the spring of all your hard work. X
Debi says
Ginny, I find so much inspiration in each and every post. Thank you!
Sue T says
I would research root canals on your own before you jumped right in. Sometimes they aren’t all that healthy of a decision.
Ginny says
I don’t want to jump right in, but am afraid I will have to. It’s an old filling (the only one I have) and I’ve been having pain to the extent that I can’t chew on that side at all anymore. 🙁
Sue T says
That’s okay! Jump on in. 🙂
What I was trying to say, without actually saying it, is that sometimes(always?) it may be better for your health to have the tooth pulled, rather than to have a root canal. Cheaper too!
There is lots of info on the dangers of root canals. Dr Axe might even have something on his site. I know that you read his book recently.
Ginny says
My first response to the folks at the dentist office was just that-to say maybe I’d rather save myself the $2500 and just have it pulled. They looked at me like I’m crazy! I have been doing some reading on Dr. Mercola’s site about root canals. Doesn’t sound like the best option for me. I’m going to keep researching and may try to get an appt. with a holistic dentist. I can’t actually jump in yet anyway, because I don’t have the $$s!
Julie Z says
I was going to leave the same comment. I really think root canals are the ‘root’ of a lot of health issues we have. No pun intended. I have one, and am seriously contemplating having the whole tooth pulled out and getting a bridge instead. And this is my front tooth I am talking about.
Ginny says
I’m so thankful to you and for Julie (below) for speaking up about root canals. I had just resigned myself to it, but because of your prompting I called a local holistic dentist. It turns out he’s not practicing anymore, but he actually answered the phone, talked with me at length about alternatives and then prayed for me! So I’m going for a second opinion with a dentist he recommended. Thank you!!
LindaDV says
A recommendation for a good dentist is the best! A good oral surgeon will make short work of a root canal, no pain and it is over in minutes. Save the tooth! Extraction and bridges are no picnic either.
LindaDV says
Forgot to add that my dentist doesn’t do a crown if I don’t want one, she puts a new filling in and they have lasted for years.
Sue T says
You are welcome!
I was hesitant to say anything, but would be disappointed in myself if I didn’t at least say SOMETHING.
Everyone has to make their own decisions. I feel that most dentists are not the place to get ALL of your decision-making information.
Sara says
My friend, also named Julie, needed 4 root canals at $10k each. She started fermented cod liver oil (Green Pastures), and the pain diminished in one day, and was completely gone by the 3rd day. That was a few years ago and they’re all healed. Now she sees a holistic dentist, but she did the fclo before that.
Lissa says
Oh I LOVE big shawls. And especially when they turn out bigger than intended. Don’t get me wrong. I like a little shawlette every once in a while. But I love being wrapped up in yards of woolly goodness. 🙂
Alicia P. says
Oh hun!!! That’s too much. My hands and feet hurt for you. Happy that everything with the sale is done, tho. Xo
Larissa says
Thanks for sharing – even the hard things!
Lisa G. says
Your foot accident sounds horrible! But the root canal is really nothing, Ginny – I’ve had four of them. They numb you; it’s just that you’re there a while. It’s really no big deal, just the time it takes. I had the procedure in July and my dentist said I could have the whole shebang in one visit: the root canal and the crown, so I decided to do that. I was there four hours! It was a little longer than they expected. 🙂 You may want to go in two sessions. Don’t worry!
Heidi says
Well, after all that,congrats on the house! Bet it’s a relief to have that chapter finished! Hope you’re feeling better from head to foot!
Gillian Hadden says
How miserable! I hope it all passes quickly and you are on the mend for the rest of fall. My kids, too, play GBBO in the mud kitchen and have us come judge their delicacies. Their big worry is always soggy bottoms!!
Rachel Wolf says
Oh, honey! I’m so sorry. I had a nightmarish case of poison ivy that I got off of my goats that was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. I have loads of tips if you want to talk this weekend. Also: kids obsessed with the British Baking Show are pretty much the best. Sage is always noting that “the sponge is dry”. xox
Julie C says
Sisters really do not mind. I have 2 that consider a phone call from me a blessing, no matter the content. So sorry about your hands. We have poison ivy in our back yard. We sprayed it this year as it is near the play structure, but I am still not sure it is gone. Sorry about your dental stuff, not fun.
Gris fleur says
Ouch ! it happened to me once: I threw myself on the sofa where my knitting was. In my b… !!!!! Thanks God I was knitting a baby project so the needles were thin ;)))))
Congratulations for the house!
nicole says
Oh no! I am imagining some pretty bad things with the dpn and your foot. gulp.
I just had a root canal and a crown done before we left Idaho (looking at our insurance now, I was smart to do it before Kevin retired). It wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be but I was a big mess beforehand so I feel for you!!
Ginny says
I’m glad to hear it wasn’t as bad as you expected! Sadly, we don’t have any dental coverage. That’s the part that hurts the most!
Traci says
Oh my Ginny that’s too much, and probably even more you don’t want to share with the world. Wishing much peace and rest this next week. Your kids house/baking show play reminds me of my kids doing something similar, only it was Iron Chef, HA! Now grown daughter and I watch the British baking show and run to the kitchen to bake something we can actually eat. mostly. Congratulations on the closing of your home. We made and offer and it was accepted, on to the next chapter for sure.
Shannon says
I never have words to use that express how much I love your blog and how I wished I lived down the road from you so that we could be friends (at least that wouldn’t make me sound creepy), but after reading this post I find myself wishing there was an academy award of sorts for best blog so that I could nominate you. You would win the equivalent of best film every year. For sure!
Maria says
So glad you also like the book! Hope you continue to heal well from all the misadventures!
Isabel says
we’ve had excellent results with Jewel weed as an antidote for poison ivy… as a soap or a tincture.. If you have it in your immediate environs you might want to get some now to have on hand in future….
carry on!
Eileen says
What a week you have had! So glad you are healing and have shrubs to dream about. Wonderful pictures, take care and continue to dream.
Sally says
Have your children read Roxaboxen? Their ‘town’ reminded me of it and made me smile! Its a beautiful book and their town is lovely ?