Needling the microbiologist
Monday July 27th 2009, 4:44 pm
Filed under: Family,Friends

My friend Wendy stopped by today, surprising me with roses to make next week come easier.  She was my daughters’ girls’ camp director back in the day (and I was always grateful she did the volunteering for that so I didn’t have to.  Brave soul.)  Thank you, Wendy!

Then the mail came.  Two boxes.  One from Germany. The other–Rookies HQ Games and Cards? What IS this?

You ordered it, Mom!

I did not!

Open it!

It was from Sam.  The tag proclaims, “1,000,000+ x actual size!” A teddy-bear leukocyte: a snuggleable white blood cell, complete with bug eyes and a stitched-in smile to make me laugh.

I gave it a monocle from the other box to help it squint better at those pathology slides.

I had a favorite pair of Holz and Stein knitting needles that disappeared in Santa Rosa last year, the 5.5mm ones I’d used to knit every shawl in my book that was done in that size needle.  Lisa Souza recently sent me this Ruby baby alpaca laceweight, and a large part of me wanted to again have dedicated Holz and Steins just for it and then to use forever after for size 3.5mm projects.  (This particular wood was a special edition that didn’t come in the larger size.) I’ve spent several weeks in anticipation of being able to put the two together and to work, while my needles were being custom made and shipped, and now I can!

But in the meantime, in the occasional contest for most unusual use of a knitting needle, I’d say using the cable part as a monocle for a stuffed leukocyte…yeah, that’s getting up there, wouldn’t you say?


16 Comments so far
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Absolutely!!

I LOVE the leukocyte!!!!!

And the roses are breathtaking (but keep breathing).

Comment by Diana Troldahl 07.27.09 @ 5:52 pm

Now that’s a set of needles with a sense of humor.

Comment by Michelle 07.27.09 @ 6:03 pm

All the way from Germany to be a monocle!! How great is that

My absolute favorite color Rose!!!

Comment by grace 07.27.09 @ 7:06 pm

As the Count would say on Sesame Street, “That’s one, ONE leukocyte! Bwa-ha-ha-ha-ha!

Comment by Barbara-Kay 07.27.09 @ 7:07 pm

you are so cute and funny, besides!

Comment by sherry in idaho 07.27.09 @ 7:22 pm

What is this, Christmas? I must say, young lady, you have a knack for knick knacks.

Fun:

All eyes were on the radiant bride as her father escorted her down the aisle.  They reached the altar and the waiting groom; the bride kissed her father and placed something in his hand.  The guests in the front pews responded with ripples of laughter.  Even the priest smiled broadly.  As her father gave her away in marriage, the bride gave him back his credit card.
  
——————————————————————-
Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea.

Comment by Don Meyer 07.27.09 @ 7:37 pm

I’m glad you liked the leukocyte! I used to describe leukocytes/wbcs as either being like little Pacmans (thus dating myself) or as “Nom nom noming” pathogens. Both descriptions got me odd looks from the undergrads.

Comment by Sam Hyde 07.27.09 @ 7:57 pm

Thanks for today’s LOL moment! Also, glad your knitting can get a move on now.

Comment by Ruth 07.27.09 @ 10:23 pm

It does looks like Christmas, Chez Hyde, doesn’t it, Don?

Comment by LynnM 07.28.09 @ 12:52 am

The flowers are beautiful and what a thoughtful gift.

To have your favorite needles again is wonderful. I’ll have to read up on those.

You will do fine next week with all the love, support and prayers of all of us who care about you and read your blog.

Comment by Joansie 07.28.09 @ 5:13 am

That has to be a very good day for you, emotionally wise if nothing else!

I think this is the most original present I’ve yet to see: a leucocyte!!! Who knew how cute they are! lol

I am yet to find favorite needles. I only know of one kind, as far as circular goes. I suppose I could go and shop a bit, some day, huh?

Keep taking good care of yourself and do enjoy the reunion!

Comment by Suzanne 07.28.09 @ 5:48 am

Those are such lovely flowers!

A Leukocyte! 🙂 Have you named him/her yet?
You win the contest for most creative way to use your needles. Congrats.

Ruby is gorgeous yarn, just gorgeous!

Comment by Toni Smoky-Mountains 07.28.09 @ 7:45 am

That’s funny. The Knight gifted me with stuffed dogs when I had my surgeries, but that’s definitely unique, especially with the knitting needle eyewear!

Comment by Channon 07.28.09 @ 7:52 am

Thank you for the smile & chuckle that brightened my frustrating morning 🙂

Comment by TripletMom 07.28.09 @ 7:57 am

Hahahh love you new little friend. We have them all over our Stem Cell bank. They are just soo cute!
Beautiful other gifts as well! Feel the love and support! ::hugs::

Comment by Alicia 07.28.09 @ 8:45 am

I’m so glad you got your favoritest, favoritest needles ever! Good going, my friend! Now you can start that beautiful rose yarn with them and have something to look forward to working on when you return home.
Love, Nancy

Comment by Nancy 07.28.09 @ 3:12 pm



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