When I
realized that George's knee replacement surgery was scheduled Valentines Day, I
did not really mind.  When I realized
that was also the opening day of Madrona, I resigned myself to skipping the
Yarn Market this year —- at first.

Then it
occurred to me that the Murano Hotel — where Madrona is held — is only about
12 blocks from St. Joseph Hospital — where George would be having his
surgery.  Hmm.  He would be at the hospital for a couple of
days and I, therefore, would be hanging around the hospital too…..a mere 12
blocks from Madrona.

At that
point I may have jokingly mentioned to family members that "While Dad is
recovering from his surgery, I'll be hanging out at the Murano lobby bar with
my knitting…and all the knitters!" 
And it was suggested — also in jest, I'm afraid — that I should just
go ahead and get a room at the Murano for the duration.  (Tempting!)

But in
all actuality, it did work out that Friday, the day after the surgery, George
was doing well and resting — and there was sort of a lull in the afternoon and
it was really a beautiful day and wouldn't a little walk be delightful after
spending so much time in the hospital? 
And if there happened to be a wooly treasure trove at the end of that
walk, well, so much the better!

So,
leaving George in the capable hands of an entire hospital (and with his
blessing, I might add, because he is such a sweetheart), I set out and 20
minutes later I was happily snuffling and petting my way through the Yarn Market.  I had given myself a 2 hour window — walking
time included — so I forced myself to focus: 
sock yarn for Sarah, sock yarn for me, skirt yarn for me, and a certain
circ needle that I needed for a current project.  (No bags, books, patterns, shawl pins,
needles, etc.)  And it worked — because
I came away with what I hoped to find (plus the most beautiful skein of yarn at
the Market…!) and, by walking briskly all the way back to the hospital (and
it was a steep uphill trudge!), I kept to my 2 hour schedule (which, I'm sure,
somewhat makes up for not so much sticking to my budget, right?).

Saturday,
we brought George home from the hospital and he has continued to recuperate at
home.  So, it was a good thing I hit the
Yarn Market on Friday!  Now George has
his new knee and I have my new yarn — and we all live happily ever after!