Carole Knits

october zinnia
october zinnia
martinis with a view
martinis with a view
gettysburg fence for
gettysburg fence for
germinate shawl on rocks
germinate shawl on rocks
field of flags 2
field of flags 2
color affection with edge
color affection with edge
cedar leaf shawlette 2
cedar leaf shawlette 2
3_27_2014
3_27_2014
3_18_13
3_18_13
2_24_2014
2_24_2014
1_11_13
1_11_13
peony-bouquet-for-carole-knits
peony-bouquet-for-carole-knits
dale-and-jackie-for-carole-knits
dale-and-jackie-for-carole-knits
nightshift-progress-for-carole-knits
nightshift-progress-for-carole-knits
  • Home
  • Carole Julius Photography

Sock Madness and Sadness

March 12, 2007 By Carole

I’ve never considered myself to be a fast knitter. I actually think my time is rather average – faster than some but slower than some, too. And yet, with the pressure of Sock Madness, I managed to knit a sock in a day on Saturday.

That, my friends, is a new record for me.

And I woke up Sunday morning and thought: my progress is good. I may not be loving the pressure of knit, knit, knit, but I’m making progress and I’ll get most of sock two, it not all of sock two, done by the end of the day. I was hedging my bets because I knew, what with church in the morning and our kids coming over in the afternoon, that I wouldn’t have unlimited knitting time, but I still thought I’d have decent knitting time. And I still believed that it was a priority.

IMG_2489.JPG
progress as of Sunday night

And then our kids (meaning my stepson Brant, his wife Heather, and my step granddaughter Ambrynn) came over and dropped a bombshell. They’re moving to Florida in July. We’re in Massachusetts, in case you aren’t following this geographically.

Florida.

That’s damned far away form Massachusetts. I get the reasons for the move, I really do. Massachusetts is expensive, they aren’t getting ahead, they can’t afford a house, Brant would have to work two jobs and he’d never see Ambrynn, Heather’s mom and brother are in Florida. I get all of that, I really do.

And you know, you want your kids to be independent and self-sufficient. That’s sort of the whole point, isn’t it? You raise them to go out in the world and make a good life. This is what Brant and Heather believe is best for their family and it’s exciting for them. But for Dale and I, it’s just so sad. We managed to hold it together while they were here, putting on a brave face for their sake and self-medicating with a martini or two. And then we went to bed and cried together and felt miserable. We also realized that this is something new for us to face. A challenge of a new sort for our marriage, learning to miss such close members of our family. I know we’ll figure it out and I know there are worse tragedies in life but I just keep coming back to this photo and thinking how precious few of these we’ll be taking in the coming years.

dale_ambrynn_march2007.jpg

Suddenly, competitive sock knitting just doesn’t seem that important anymore.

Related posts:

Default ThumbnailThere’s No Place Like Home Default ThumbnailSock Madness: I’m Done and Out Default ThumbnailSock Madness Stealth Default ThumbnailSock Madness, Round Two
« Eye Candy Friday
I Made It! »

Filed Under: Knitting, That's Life

Comments

  1. Lizzy B says

    March 12, 2007 at 12:16 pm

    I can sympathize completely. My husband’s parents retired to Scottsdale, AZ about 10 years ago and we had SUCH a hard time with it. But then we discovered the Mac’s iChat and Isight feature with the camera that enables us to video conference regularly. It’s not perfect, but it’s better than email and phone all the time. I’m sending you hugs and a few tears too. I am still heartbroken that my in-laws are so far away, but we are planning on moving out to AZ in 3 years to join them.

    I understand their frustration with trying to afford a home. While MD isn’t New England, it is just as bad tryingto afford a home starting out. It’s nearly impossible. I don’t know that my hubby and I could do it now if we were starting out.

  2. mamacate says

    March 12, 2007 at 12:28 pm

    Aw hon. That stinks. But you know, extended winter vacations in florida…maybe you need to buy a condo, you know, as an investment…I see “snowbird” in your future. My neighbors’ kids moved to Florida, and they just keep their eyes on low airfares and go visit 3 or 4 times a year. She works per diem, but I bet you could make it work work-wise. Anyway, I’m sorry, I know it’s a big, tough change, but I hope it means you’ll have lots of sunshine next winter.

  3. Esther says

    March 12, 2007 at 12:41 pm

    oh Carole please talk to them because I live in South Florida and with all of the hurricanes year before last it’s SO EXPENSIVE to live here now – the insurance rates have skyrocketed – ours went up 50%!! And the homeowners taxes are also through the roof….we’ve been seriously thinking of how to move “out” of Florida because of these things…we purchased our home 5 years ago for $169,000. The same exact home next door (minus all of our upgrades) just sold for $465,000 and I live in the “outskirts” of Miami where prices used to be really economical because of how far “out” of the city we are…not anymore. The people that purchased that $465,000 home didn’t realize that when the taxes get assessed again post purchase they got stuck with a $7,000 tax bill…it’s truly crazy down here.

  4. blogless sharon says

    March 12, 2007 at 1:27 pm

    that’s a tough one.. Having them far away is hard. But…. You can go and visit!

  5. Susan says

    March 12, 2007 at 2:20 pm

    I’m so sorry. I know you’ll take comfort in seeing them successful and happy, though. And you have a nice warm place to visit in the Winter!

  6. Knitnana says

    March 12, 2007 at 2:33 pm

    I know how you feel! My DD and family moved twice in a year – to FL and then to New England. (complicated reasons)

    I miss those 3 DGSs so much!

    But you will phone, and they will take pictures, and you will email, and you’ll get that video thing for your computer (yes I have it but it’s not connected yet!) so you can “talk” online and “see” each other!

    (sigh)
    And no, I haven’t convinced myself yet, either!
    (((hugs)))

  7. gale (she shoots sheep shots) says

    March 12, 2007 at 2:36 pm

    That is so sad, I’d be crying too. That picture you posted is enough to get me teary! AS much as my sons drive me crazy, the thought of them moving far way just kills me.

  8. BigAlice says

    March 12, 2007 at 2:39 pm

    I’m sorry, Carole. I hate living so far away from family and friends. It’s funny how I didn’t always realize how precious it is until I only get to see them a couple times a year.

  9. Pat says

    March 12, 2007 at 2:58 pm

    I feel your pain; middle step-daughter C. *had* to fall in love with an Australian and – yes, she now lives there. I think the hardest thing I ever witnessed was the day she came to say goodbye and my husband had such a brave, smiley face as she hugged him but before her car was even out of sight, he pretty much collapsed in tears. We see them every 2-3 years – it sucks…

  10. ~Kristie says

    March 12, 2007 at 3:11 pm

    Oh no! My heart is breaking for you. I don’t have my own kids, but if my step-daughter told us she was taking the grandkids and moving far away, it would definitely take more than one or two martinis for me to hold it together.

    On the bright side though, Florida is the perfect place for you to visit next year during the most dreaded month of March!

    I wish you & Dale the best in getting through this.
    {{BIG HUG}}

  11. Dee fm KS says

    March 12, 2007 at 3:40 pm

    Carole, I know the pain that you feel. My daughter told me a couple of weeks ago they are moving to Portland Oregon. I live in KS, she lives in Tn and the difference is about 10 hours drive. But Oregon………..can’t drive that…..:(. Consequently, I really know your pain, but like you I realize that is what we raised them to be, independent and do what is best for their family…. Grandma is going to have to find some funds to fly with. Dee fm KS

  12. Deb says

    March 12, 2007 at 3:44 pm

    **Sniff** Best wishes go to all of you; you all sound strong enough to survive this.

  13. elizabeth says

    March 12, 2007 at 4:29 pm

    Carole, I’m sorry. I live two hours from my parents and sister, and with school and work I only manage to see them once every three months or so. It basically sucks, but I call home every day and that helps a lot.

    On the bright side, you have an excuse to go to Florida now! Airfare is pretty inexpensive and you get to escape snowy New England for sunny Florida!

  14. pippi says

    March 12, 2007 at 5:03 pm

    AWW!
    ((((((((((((HUGS)))))))))

  15. claudia says

    March 12, 2007 at 5:38 pm

    Bummer. Just don’t get the bright idea to move to Florida too. 😉

  16. Chris says

    March 12, 2007 at 5:44 pm

    Hugs, Carole! With my daughter moving to Outer Banks, NC, I know exactly how you’re feeling. Kick in the gut wind knocked out of you pain. It sucks. Knitting and spinning won’t change that.

  17. Monica says

    March 12, 2007 at 5:52 pm

    Oh, Carole, I’m so sorry. I’ve been away from my parents since college and there have certainly been times when it’s been hard to be so far away. I know you and Dale will make the most of it.

  18. Sue says

    March 12, 2007 at 6:00 pm

    My kids are 12 and 13 and lately I have had that same feeling I did when they were babies – the feeling that you just want to pin them down so they stop growing, stop becoming independent, and so on. But, at the same time, I know the joy that comes with watching them grow into their own lives, which is only a foretaste of years to come. I hope that they will make their way back once they are on more secure financial ground.

  19. Dave Daniels says

    March 12, 2007 at 6:26 pm

    Sock in a day, as in SOCK in a DAY? One sock? One DAY? Lordy, that’s either really fast, or a really long day. And I thought that three weeks to make a pair was good. You’ve raised the bar incredibly high, you know. (Have you checked the Guiness Book of Records on this one?)
    Not to worry about the kids moving to Florida. Look at it as a new place to vacation to. And you can have them back for holidays and stuff. Yes, grandma, it can be even MORE fun. (Calling you that makes me laugh. It wasn’t meant as mean.)

  20. --Deb says

    March 12, 2007 at 6:31 pm

    Oh, that IS far away . . . I’m so sorry!

  21. Anne says

    March 12, 2007 at 6:32 pm

    I remember the look on my dad’s face when we told my folks were moving to New England. (I’m such a daddy’s girl.) It’s gotta be extremely hard. But think of all the cool vacations you can have in sunny Florida to visit now!

  22. Kathleen says

    March 12, 2007 at 6:42 pm

    Southwest from Providence has good rates. Hang in there you two.

  23. Debi says

    March 12, 2007 at 7:18 pm

    I’m sorry Carole but maybe I can console you with a Mojito or six IN PERSON when you come down to visit!

  24. Birdsong says

    March 12, 2007 at 9:11 pm

    Oh, honey, this news brought tears to my eyes… I know it would be hard for you to even consider following them, but hope you can at least make a plan to go back and forth regularly. I may not be a geography whiz kid, but that’s too damn far, even I know.

  25. Donna says

    March 12, 2007 at 9:16 pm

    Oh Carole, we know exactly how hard this is. We were in West Virginia for 2.5 yrs. and missed home the whole time. Your kids may need to go south to promote their work and careers, but their hearts will be with you both. It’s so hard when their are little ones involved. You guys will all be in my thoughts. I hope their time away passes quickly.
    Love,
    Donna

  26. Sylvia says

    March 12, 2007 at 9:27 pm

    We’re living in the little carriage house at my in-laws’ because we wanted to live near our family and anything else was too expensive. It was really tough emotionally living far away, though we loved having our own house. Ended up moving back home.

    Fingers crossed that someone figures out a cheap and stress-free way to teleport soon!!!

    Do you have skype and a Plantronics DSP-400 headset for the calls?

  27. Laurie says

    March 12, 2007 at 10:30 pm

    Ah, the only constant is change, and that is NOT easy. The adjustment is hard. The IDEA of adjustment is hard.

    You’ll do more traveling.

  28. scoutj says

    March 12, 2007 at 11:19 pm

    Oh Carole. I’m so sorry you’re sad. I’m hugging you tight. You feel it?

  29. Annie says

    March 13, 2007 at 6:26 am

    That is tough news. My oldest are almost 19, (twins, girls), and I know that day is coming for me, too. There is a saying about giving them roots to grow, and then wings to fly. Turns out maybe the roots are the easy part.

  30. Jan says

    March 13, 2007 at 8:00 am

    Welcome to my world, Carole. It does get easier, though I admit, I don’t have to deal with the grandchild factor.
    Skype will be your best friend and webcams are pretty inexpensive. Honestly, when we chat with Molly, it’s as if she’s here in the room with us.

  31. sean says

    March 13, 2007 at 9:46 am

    don’t you just love bitter-sweet? Visit my blog and listen to a song I posted…my niece is getting her own apartment—sure she’s not as far away as your family is moving, but I love the sentiment in the song.
    I guess Florida is now on your list of vacation places. Hang in there!

  32. Marcia says

    March 13, 2007 at 10:05 am

    Our oldest son moved from CT to Utah right after grad school, almost fifteen years ago! He married and started his family there, so we just look at it as a great place to have an excuse to visit! (And look at all the great Utah Grrls I’ve met since I’ve been blogging!) Our youngest went to New Orleans for college (again, great place back then to visit) and now lives in Baltimore, although we can drive that one. I think that’s our job as parents, to make them independent enough people to be able to leave us, but it is still painful. If it’s any consolation, my nephew moved to Florida several years ago and is in the process of moving back to the New York area…they do NOT want to raise their brand new daughter down there. Maybe yours will come to that realization. Meanwhile, I have two words: Jet Blue.

  33. KnittyOtterk says

    March 13, 2007 at 5:32 pm

    Wow. That is some news. *HUGS*

    Well now you have some good reasons for visiting them in Florida every winter. ;^)

  34. Teyani says

    March 13, 2007 at 11:32 pm

    my heart aches for you – Florida is so very far away. and as often as people tell us that we’ll get used to it, we don’t. We love them, we want to see them. period.
    It is tough to ‘understand’ and still be sad. All my hugs go out to you. I get it.

  35. sandy says

    March 15, 2007 at 7:48 pm

    My biggest fear. Sending love and lots of it. Late, sure. But heartfelt nonetheless!
    xoxo

  36. Rhonda says

    March 22, 2007 at 9:19 pm

    I am very close to my parents, especially my Mother. When I married my husband 11 years ago, I moved to Tokyo, Japan. I have lived there ever since. My parents live in Atlanta, GA. I know they miss us, but they have always supported my decision. They see my daughter and I at least six weeks a year. Which is more than they see my brother in Chicago.
    You will remain close. Think of the good vacations ahead. I will keep you in my thoughts.

« Older Comments

Archives

carole AT caroleknits DOT net
my read shelf:
Carole's book recommendations, liked quotes, book clubs, book trivia, book lists (read shelf)

2020 Reading Challenge

2020 Reading Challenge
Carole has read 5 books toward her goal of 75 books.
hide
5 of 75 (6%)
view books

carolejuliusphoto

One last turkey dinner by the Christmas tree. I sw One last turkey dinner by the Christmas tree. I swear we are taking it down tomorrow. Yep. I swear. #turkeydinner #dontjudgeme #mychristmastreeisstillup #saturdaynightathome #saferathome
It’s been a hot minute since I shared a Friday N It’s been a hot minute since I shared a Friday Night Snacks photo so here we are. Cheese and crackers, salami and grapes and apples, and witty cocktail napkins ... nothing has really changed, friends. #fridaynightsnacks #thosenapkinsthough #martinitime #cocktailhourathome #cheeseandcrackers #happyfriyay #helloweekend
On Fridays we bake. #attaboyjack #nanalife #baking On Fridays we bake. #attaboyjack #nanalife #bakingwithjackie  #bakingbrownieswithlove
A rainy Saturday morning, the perfect excuse to dr A rainy Saturday morning, the perfect excuse to drink coffee and read in bed. #rainysaturday #cozyvibes #readinginbed #mudandyarn #christmasbedroom #ignoringmytodolist
Amaryllis Watch 2021 continues. Getting very close Amaryllis Watch 2021 continues. Getting very close now, I think. #amaryllis #amarylliswatch #waitingtobloom #amaryllisvelvetnymph
Amaryllis watch 2021 is on! #amarylliswatch #white Amaryllis watch 2021 is on! #amarylliswatch #whiteflowerfarm #amaryllisvelvetnymph #winterblooms
If there’s one thing the pandemic has been good If there’s one thing the pandemic has been good for, it’s my sourdough game. I actually started learning about making sourdough bread a week before the stay at home orders thanks to @sprboston as he shared his starter and recipe and technique with me. Since then I have kept Mama Cass fed and alive and have baked many loaves of bread. This one might be my best one yet. I did the final proof in the fridge for 24 hours and baked it from its cold state. Great spring and ear and crumb, it was delicious with dinner tonight. #sourdough #sourdoughbread #lookatthatcrumb #lookatthatear #homebakedbread #imadeitmyself #homemadeisbest
Nothing melts my librarian heart like taking my gr Nothing melts my librarian heart like taking my grandson to the library to pick out books. #nanahasakey #librarytime #readtoyourkids #attaboyjack #nanalife
Scenes from our dinner last night. There were only Scenes from our dinner last night. There were only 2 instead of our usual 8 and I missed my crew. Still, it was special to have my guy all to myself and we enjoyed an evening of good conversation, lots of music, and a few dances, too. GoodBYE 2020, Welcome  2021! #happynewyear #capresesticks #bakedstuffedshrimp #filetmignon #cocktailhourathome #dinnerathome #newyearsevedinner #thosenapkinsthough #imadeitmyself
My Instagram #topnine for 2020. Sure is a lot of D My Instagram #topnine for 2020. Sure is a lot of Dale. Good thing I love him! #topnine2020 #instagramtop9
When a very kind neighbor texts you and says, I ha When a very kind neighbor texts you and says, I have French onion soup and I’d like to share it ... you say YES! And when it turns out to be much more than soup but also crocks and bread and cheese and garnish ... you say, I sure am lucky to be part of this community. Thank you, Deb, from the bottom of our hearts. #homemadesoup #frenchonionsoup #kindneighbors #buildingcommunity
For the first time ever I have made ROUND Swedish For the first time ever I have made ROUND Swedish rye bread, ridges and all! That’s right, my local friends, no more stalking the Italian Kitchen for their bakery order to arrive, I can do it myself! Medwurst sandwiches forthcoming! #swedishryebread #limpabread #vörtlimpa #swedishchristmas #homemadeisbest #roundrye
God Jul! #godjul #happysolstice #welcomethelight # God Jul! #godjul #happysolstice #welcomethelight #glugg
Totally in love with our Christmas bedroom! #chris Totally in love with our Christmas bedroom! #christmasbedroom #christmasallthroughthehouse #christmaspillows #christmasbedding #letsstayhome #cozychristmas #letsstayinbed
Tonight at our house it’s sushi and Scrooge! #su Tonight at our house it’s sushi and Scrooge! #sushitime #tatamieastbridgewaterma #sushifordays #watchingchristmasmovies #achristmascarol #georgecscottisthebestscrooge #tistheseason
That’s a lot of trees! #christmascookies #spritz That’s a lot of trees! #christmascookies #spritzcookies #swedishchristmas #homemadeisbest #cookiebaking
I’ve had it for 33 years and it’s still one of I’ve had it for 33 years and it’s still one of my favorite ornaments on the tree. #wheatoncollege #christmasorbaments #wheatoncollegema #christmasbaubles
Of course I made lussekatter for St. Lucia Day. Di Of course I made lussekatter for St. Lucia Day. Did I post the photo I took, though? Nope! I forgot until today but here they are, a day late but definitely not a dollar short. #stluciaday #lussekatter #saffronbuns #swedishchristmas #swedishtraditions #christmasfood #lussekatt #homemadeisbest #julbak #godjul
I may be a shiksa but I can still make good potato I may be a shiksa but I can still make good potato latkes! Happy Hanukkah, my friends! #potatolatkes #happyhannukah
Happy December Friday, friends! #fridaynigntsnacks Happy December Friday, friends! #fridaynigntsnacks #martinitime #cheeseandcrackers #choppedliver #thosenapkinsthough
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Categories

ABC Along Adventures of Dale and Carole Birthdays Bloggers Books Charity Knitting Contests Eye Candy Friday Feeling Crafty Fiber Festivals Food Good, Bad, Ugly Hmmm Knitting Knitting Olympics Macro Monday Memes Monday On My Mind Movies One Little Word Photography Project Spectrum Quilting Random Read With Us Reenacting Run For Your Life Saturday Posts Selfies Show & Tell Sock Knitting Spinning Sunday Funnies Swaps Ten on Tuesday Thankfulness That's Life Think Write Thursday Three Things Throwback Thursday Thursday Things Uncategorized Vacations Wordless Words in the Wild

Copyright 2014 Carole Knits · Log in