sunday

—

by

Kate Davies Designs
in

Did I mention just how good it is to be home? Outdoors, the blossom is finally starting to appear on Jesus’ plum tree

Inside, I am stitching up my own leaves and blossoms . . .

Not the neatest tent stitch you ever saw, but it requires little thought, is incredibly relaxing, and I really am enjoying it immensely.

Tom bought me a gigantic chocolate rabbit with, I fear, ulterior motives . . .

. . . and I just walked over two miles!

I am feeling very pleased with myself. Just check out the efficient gait and particularly the heel strike ! I couldn’t do that even a week ago. For those who are interested, after much effort, the foot has finally regained a little movement — the plantarflexion is much better than the dorsiflexion, and neither are very strong or very reliable movements, but at least there is now something there to work with. I intend to walk a little further next weekend. See you then!

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Comments

93 responses to “sunday”

  1. Sara Avatar
    Sara

    Nice to see you standing!

    Reply
  2. Alison Avatar
    Alison

    Oh, congratulations! You are doing so well.

    Reply
  3. shana Avatar
    shana

    Kate!
    Seeing a picture of you walking has brought a few happy tears to my eyes. It looks like a magnificent gait!

    Reply
  4. Wendolene Avatar
    Wendolene

    I’m so glad your happily home and taking your walks. The comfort of the familiar must be wonderful.

    Reply
  5. knittingoutloud Avatar
    knittingoutloud

    Congratulations on the walk. It is a privilege to read this blog. LOVED the story of walking with Richard.

    Reply
  6. Paul Avatar
    Paul

    Sunday? I guess you know the Hare is a symbol of resurrection? ;-)

    Reply
  7. Mitty Avatar
    Mitty

    Wow! Look at you! What excellent progress! Thank you for the link to the Spoon Theory. As a person with a “hidden” disability, I really appreciated it. It’s true that planning, prioritizing, and resting become major components of the new life, along with determination that you *can* do this. Even tho’ you feel weepy sometimes, your positive attitude will take you far.

    Reply
  8. Lisbeth Whitney Avatar
    Lisbeth Whitney

    What a happy Easter for you and your dear ones! I’m so glad for you that you are home and enjoying yourself. It is wonderful to see you walking and in such a dashing coat!

    Best wishes,
    Lis

    Reply
  9. Melissa Avatar
    Melissa

    So great to see you walking! In your red coat!

    Reply
  10. Naomi Avatar
    Naomi

    I read your posts and all I can think of is ‘amazing’ and ‘wonderful’. Neither original nor erudite, but heartfelt.

    Reply
  11. pbmum Avatar
    pbmum

    Thought of you again today as we paid a return visit to the Benjamin Franklin House. They were having special sessions for children concentrating on William Hewson and the Craven Street bones. It was a different ‘Polly Hewson’ from our last visit, eqyally terrific – teasing out of our children a description of this wondrous thing called ‘a biro’ and horrifying my small feminist 8 year old by remarking on the innapropriateness of her garb (trousers!) The highlight for my kids was being allowed to hold a bone saw – immediately aimed at their siblings, of course. Some really great education work going on there. And such lovely surroundings to learn in.

    Reply
  12. Philippa Avatar
    Philippa

    Oh happy post for a happy Easter! I am mid-revision (so commenting rarely!) but watching your progress and reading your wonderful posts about everything under the sun is continually inspiring. Thank you!

    Reply
  13. Clare B Avatar
    Clare B

    Congratulations on the dorsi and plantar flexion – hopefully more strength to come now the neurons are firing again. Oh, and I love your coat, particularly the colour!

    Reply
  14. Sarah Avatar
    Sarah

    Bah! I’ve never had a stroke and I can’t walk like that!

    Reply
  15. Jennie Avatar
    Jennie

    So proud of you!!

    Reply
  16. Jen Avatar
    Jen

    Shrieking with Utter Joy out here in Northern California !!!! I am so ecstatic how well you’re progressing! LoveLots, from Jen

    Reply
  17. Justine Avatar
    Justine

    I, too, have just learnt about your stroke. I am so glad to hear how well you are recovering. Your spirit shines through your posts and reading them has brought tears to my eyes. You are a lucky woman to have so much support around the world and more importantly, in Tom. Keep up the good work in your rehabilitation, your writing, and your designing. You are an inspiration!

    Reply
  18. Lee Ann Avatar
    Lee Ann

    Just finding out about all of this, and I’m sending cheers, good wishes, and a whole lot of I-get-it-and-you-rock energy your way…I had a smaller stroke back in 2006 at the age of 39, and most of my symptoms went away, but they discovered a brain aneurysm, so I had cranial surgery to repair it. The fatigue is sometimes soul-crushing, and you are doing an amazing job, fighting it to retrain your brain and body to talk to each other. Keep it up! I’ll be thinking of you.

    Reply
  19. Linda Avatar
    Linda

    I’m so glad you could walk so far and so well. Well done!

    Reply
  20. yarndarling Avatar
    yarndarling

    Kate,

    I am an occasional reader of your blog and was very surprised to hear your news. Rehabilitating after a stroke is extremely exhausting not only on yourself but on your family & friends as well. I understand what you must be going through as I have seen it happen recently to my BF’s mother. She was a very out-going person, post-stroke however, she found it difficult to find interest in almost everything – even things she loved before. However, she is getting better day by day and to think of the progress she has already made in only 1 year is remarkable.

    Keep up your work! Be determined … we all look forward to your full recovery and your interesting, intricate designs.

    Reply
  21. Ruth C Avatar
    Ruth C

    Yay for the less confused brain monkeys remembering how you move your foot. All will be well.

    Reply
  22. pbmum Avatar
    pbmum

    Thought of you today when we went to the designs of the year exhibition at the Design Museum. Some really good stuff but my hackles were raised by the ‘ski helmet for girls’. Clearly it is important to encourage women to wear ski helmets and providing one that fits (and allows the wearer to sport a ponytail) is a good thing. But why, oh why, does it have to be decorated with a pink butterfly? You can see it here:

    http://perfinne.no/

    The very laudable NHS Design bugs out initiative was also represented.

    Reply
  23. Victoria Avatar
    Victoria

    Movement in your foot – yay! Stitching looks good. I haven’t done needlepoint in ages – it does have a very particular soothing/addictive quality. Plaits and coat looking fabulous. Your determined approach to your recovery continues to be an inspiration. I hope the Spring brings many more flower-filled walks.

    Reply
  24. laliloo Avatar
    laliloo

    Love. And a big grin. :D

    Reply
  25. GeekKnitter Avatar
    GeekKnitter

    Ulterior motives indeed. I can accept that the thought counts, inasmuch as he may be trying to save you from overindulgence, but still…

    Great to see you walking. So pleased for you.

    Reply
  26. AlisonK Avatar
    AlisonK

    Hurrah for you! Terrific!

    Reply
  27. holly Avatar
    holly

    Yay! A walk always works wonders, I am glad you were able to enjoy one and here’s to the next!

    Reply
  28. funkyflower Avatar
    funkyflower

    what a fantastic way to spend your spoons. must take more photos myself!!!! :)

    Reply
  29. yahaira Avatar
    yahaira

    two miles?! that is awesome!! go kate!!!

    Reply
  30. Mandy Avatar
    Mandy

    Yay! Spring is the best time for walking. I’m glad you’re able to enjoy it.

    Reply
  31. Kirsty Hall Avatar
    Kirsty Hall

    Brilliant news, Kate, I’m so thrilled to hear that the foot is regaining movement.

    Reply
  32. Everlasting Avatar
    Everlasting

    Bonjour, Hi,
    I am so happy for you. Walking in nature again is such a reward when you can do it after wishing for it.
    Have a nice day :)

    Reply
  33. the other Kate Avatar
    the other Kate

    Hooray! What great walking and WHAT A BEAUTIFUL COAT you have on. Glad it is going well and keep getting lots of sleep!

    I haven’t had a chocolate bunny since Hector was a pup but still remember the year our Yorkie named after Stonewall Jackson stole mine out of my hand and ate it. This was before we knew chocolate was bad for dogs … it didn’t seem to affect him, but I was devastated. Hmmm the things we remember so strongly.

    Reply
  34. Disco Avatar
    Disco

    Congratulations on your walk Kate :0). How exciting for you to enjoy your beloved outdoors again. Your needlework looks pretty- I look forward to seeing the end result :0)
    best wishes

    Reply
  35. Cate Avatar
    Cate

    Wow! Well done, Kate!

    Reply
  36. Melly Avatar
    Melly

    My thoughts are with you. I enjoy keeping up with your progress, and hope my good thoughts are helping you along.

    Reply
  37. bizzilizzi Avatar
    bizzilizzi

    Hurray!!

    What else can I say?

    L

    Reply
  38. Cindy Avatar
    Cindy

    Dear Kate and Tom,
    So pleased to see you’re doing so well.
    I wish you both all the strength and love in the world. Know there are a lot of people sending you positive thoughts!
    Hope to read a lot more in the coming future.
    Did you see your Manu/ fans on Ravelry, it’s big….We love you Kate!
    groeten Cindy

    Reply
  39. sarah Avatar
    sarah

    I am so happy seeing that picture of you walking. It’s made my entire weekend. And you are undoubtedly even more pleased, and with good reason.

    Reply
  40. tinebeest Avatar
    tinebeest

    Happy Easter! That tent stitch looks better than what I usually end up with, so don’t worry :-)

    Ah, heelstrike, dorsiflection etc. I came across those when I was constantly injuring myself with running and picked up “Chi running”. There now is also “Chi walking”. Just sift out the hippy blurb and then it’s quite interesting.

    Reply
  41. lisa Avatar
    lisa

    Plantarflexion and dorsiflexion! Oh, those are words that I know well.

    I’m delighted to see you walking with such style and purpose.

    Happily, I also ended a blog post with an image not unlike yours, today. Walking in the springtime, when walking once seemed impossible. What could be more delightful?

    http://howsrobb.blogspot.com/2010/04/californias-spring-wildflowers.html

    Reply
  42. Connie Avatar
    Connie

    Excellent post, am overwhelmed and gladdened to see you out walking. Thanks for the spoons post, I’m sharing it with my mom as she handles her spoons very well, but can always use the encouragement of others. And that you are!!

    Reply
  43. orianna Avatar
    orianna

    Congrats! That’s wonderful!

    Reply
  44. MaryjoO Avatar
    MaryjoO

    the photo of you walking brought tears to my eyes — yes, the internet does bring humanity together. What a wonderful Easter treat for us to see what you can do!

    Many many congrats on all your hard work! And I do hope Tom enjoyed the chocolate LOL — I bought small versions of the exact bunny for my dinner table.

    Reply
  45. jeannette Avatar
    jeannette

    two miles! i hope you’ll hear the cheering all the way from albuquerque.
    xxx

    Reply
  46. Naomi Avatar
    Naomi

    Hello Kate,

    I have been reading your blog for some time for its knitterly content and especially now as you chronicle your experiences and achievements post-stroke.

    The thing that strikes me most about this particular post’s photograph is your ability to be with yourself as you are right now (cane, brace and all) and be visible in the world (in a stunningly beautiful red coat) as you go about the process of healing self.

    Thank you for the link to the article on Spoons that was so enlightening and gives me a way to practice making daily choices. I do not have an illness, but am starting to age and cannot do all the things I once was able to. I can count spoons too and preplan my days for more efficient use of time and with a better feeling of accomplishment rather than setting myself up for too many things only to be disappointed when a number of them fall off the rails.

    Many blessings to you on journey of healing.

    Naomi

    Reply
  47. annri Avatar
    annri

    that picture of you on your long walk caused a big smile on my face! go, go, go!

    Reply
  48. Tuli Avatar
    Tuli

    Dear Kate’s Brain:

    THANK YOU for allowing that gorgeous heel strike. Our Kate has mountains to hike with her Tom and that heel strike will make the hiking that much easier. Please heal yourself as quickly as, and as much as, possible.

    Cheering you on from Michigan, USA,
    T

    Reply
  49. Wendy Avatar
    Wendy

    Focus on that dorsiflexion…you look so cute in the your red coat! I remember a physiatrist (an American MD specializing in rehab) looking at a patient/client who’d done well and said to the patient “you’re a work of art…” that’s how your therapists should feel when they look at you, but you mostly did the art…xoxo

    Wendy

    Reply
  50. Gudrun Avatar
    Gudrun

    So good to see you out and about!

    Reply
  51. Ani Y. Avatar
    Ani Y.

    Amazing progress! I knew you could do it! Happy Easter.

    Reply
  52. Lydia Avatar
    Lydia

    Happy Easter!! What a wonderful red coat. What a great photo of you. What a lovely post!
    Lydia

    Reply
  53. Madeleine Avatar
    Madeleine

    Happy Easter to one amazing woman! I love how your coat swings with your stride. Continued best wishes to you and Tom from Vermont.

    Reply
  54. Emma Avatar
    Emma

    Cripes ! I can’t manage two miles. Well, not even one for that matter. I’m so impressed with your progress and strength. I also covet your fab red coat, and the figure to wear it. ;0)
    Stitching looks good. Bunny looks fantastic. Wonder how long it will last. Does it still have ears ? :0))))

    Reply
  55. Claudia Avatar
    Claudia

    You look blooming marvellous in that lovely red coat, and ever so strong! There are cheers for you in Australia this Monday.

    Reply
  56. seashoreknits Avatar
    seashoreknits

    oh hoo-rah!!!
    what a joy to see you in that smart red coat walking so well (and so far).
    what a joy to see those beautiful blossoms.
    and that tom? a keeper. giant chocolate bunnies – the perfect gift.
    the joy of easter to you both :)

    Reply
  57. Heather Avatar
    Heather

    Oh gosh what a joy to see you out and about! And umm yeah where the rabbit is concerned, I wouldn’t trust Tom as far as I could throw him ;)

    Reply
  58. mariainblog Avatar
    mariainblog

    Beautiful blossoms, beautiful stitching, beautiful picture of you walking in that gorgeous coat!

    More hugs from Toronto

    Maria

    Reply
  59. sparklycat Avatar
    sparklycat

    Yay for the left foot – what a superb heel strike :o)
    You’re doing fantastically well Kate.
    The photo of Tom and the bunny made me chuckle – very similar here too!
    By the way, have you ever listened to Radio Lab’s podcasts? You might find them very interesting.

    Reply
  60. JelliDonut Avatar
    JelliDonut

    You look wonderful! So happy for you.

    Reply
  61. molly Avatar
    molly

    You are a harbinger of Spring in your natty red coat, inspiring in so many ways! Happy Easter to you, Tom & Jesus.

    Reply
  62. Jane Avatar
    Jane

    You look great! So glad you’re feeling improvement.

    Reply
  63. kathy perron Avatar
    kathy perron

    Reading your Easter post was one of the nicest parts of my day. Here in Philadelphia the cherry blossoms are in full bloom along with magnolias and even a few azaleas. We loved our Easter walk this morning, and I am so happy you were able to enjoy yours, too.
    Best wishes in your recovery.

    Reply
  64. Suzanne Avatar
    Suzanne

    Good job! Now go scarf that bunny before Tom gets his teeth into it.

    Reply
  65. JoannaD Avatar
    JoannaD

    Hurrah! It’s great to see you striding out. Today my daughter finished sewing the buttons on the Owls sweater I knitted for her – we both LOVE it and send you lots of encouraging hoots.

    Reply
  66. Sue McB Avatar
    Sue McB

    Great news – good to hear, and well done!

    Reply
  67. LauraB Avatar
    LauraB

    That photo of you walking was better than any Easter treat, ever! Thank you so much for all that you are doing to record this experience. It means a great deal to me to peek into your life this way…

    As for your walk? WELL DONE!

    Reply
  68. Stella Avatar
    Stella

    Fantastic gait, go Kate :)
    take care
    na stella

    Reply
  69. felixbadanimal Avatar
    felixbadanimal

    HURRAH for the plantarflexion and dorsiflexion movements! It’s amazing to see you regaining specific movements from week to week and piecing together from these wins, your ways of moving.

    I think you cut a most distinguished figure in your fine red coat with your precise heel strike and I can’t wait to see what that lovely stitching becomes.

    Glad you are enjoying the Spring.

    Reply
  70. Knitnana Avatar
    Knitnana

    Oh, Kate, that’s wonderful news, and thank you for the photo! Seeing you UP and out! It’s great news.
    ((((hugs))))

    Reply
  71. Sue LO Avatar
    Sue LO

    Happy Easter Kate, enjoy the bunny. Wonderful, wonderful to see you walking. If you are looking for tapestry kits Erhmans is value for money with a good selection.

    Reply
  72. Lacewing Avatar
    Lacewing

    Excellent to see you are getting out and about.
    Cheers and be well.

    Reply
  73. mick Avatar
    mick

    You are heel-striking! This is so exciting. I’m glad you’re enjoying being home, spending time with some hobbies, and surrounding yourself with the humans and critters you love.

    Reply
  74. Chesley Avatar
    Chesley

    How wonderful! You are so great!
    Tons of love to you.

    p.s. How is Jesus?

    Reply
  75. Kristy Avatar
    Kristy

    Yay, what good news. I also love the coat!

    Reply
  76. juniperjune Avatar
    juniperjune

    excellent, glad to hear things are improving! (and that’s a fabulous red coat!)

    Reply
  77. Mr Puffy Avatar
    Mr Puffy

    Happy Easter and it is so good to see you walking!

    Reply
  78. DMP Avatar
    DMP

    Wow, Kate – the photo of you walking is the most fabulous thing I’ve seen in months! Congrats to you – I know you will keep up the struggle and overcome your difficulties!

    Reply
  79. virginia Avatar
    virginia

    I knew Tom was a good one. Glad to see he didn’t hold back on the size of the bunny either. I am sure you worked up an appetite! The tent stitch looks amazing to me, I may have to try something of the sort myself. I can see where it would by very fun to do.
    Happy sunday!
    Virginia (again..)

    Reply
  80. Mary Avatar
    Mary

    Great to see up walking down the street in your lovely red coat. And, clearly, having something creative to do is very therapeutic. As for the chocolate bunny, yum…I’m with Tom. Want to share?

    Reply
  81. fleur Avatar
    fleur

    Happy easter! I’m happy to know you’ll feel better!

    Reply
  82. Alex Mason Avatar
    Alex Mason

    That is so wonderful Kate, that chocolate bunny looks good too :) Happy Easter xxx

    Reply
  83. Martha Avatar
    Martha

    What a happy post!! Thanks for sharing! Sooooo wonderful to see you walking!
    :o)

    Reply
  84. kmkat Avatar
    kmkat

    Two miles?!?!?!? Yay for you!

    Reply
  85. Emily Avatar
    Emily

    Nice work! You’ve definitely earned some chocolate bunny…

    Reply
  86. Kate G. Avatar
    Kate G.

    Atta girl! Looking particularly stylin’, too!

    Reply
  87. dozenoaks Avatar
    dozenoaks

    Happy Easter :) Don’t let Tom eat all the chocolate at once, he’ll be sick…. he he

    Reply
  88. Emily Friedman Avatar
    Emily Friedman

    I want to print out that last image as inspiration… I find myself (able-bodied as I am) following in your footsteps, and stronger for having done so…

    Reply
  89. Lynn Avatar
    Lynn

    Congrats! I admire your grit.

    Reply
  90. Sasha Avatar
    Sasha

    Y’know, I fell behind on your blog for a week or two because of a job interview, and this is the first post I’ve caught back up on. WOW!!! :-D You’re quite smart-looking and inspiring, you know. I really admire your determination, and I’m so happy to see it paying off!

    Reply
  91. phyllis howe Avatar
    phyllis howe

    Lovely spring post–lovely coat–lovely writing–lovely bunny! As someone who has gone through a lot of loss, I write to tell you that you inspire us all – Happy rebirth!
    Phyllis in NYC
    where you’d be right at home with that purposeful gait!

    Reply
  92. lucie Avatar
    lucie

    Good work Kate! The stitching is neater than mine and your plaits look great too.
    Very best wishes and Happy Easter.

    Reply
  93. Helen Avatar
    Helen

    Wonderful, Kate. Just wonderful! Well done :-) Huge hugs from this part of the highlands. And hopefully you’ll hear the cheering from all the way down there.

    Reply

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