February 11, 2009
Debating
I've been sitting here debating whether to start with knitting or the bushfires. But the bushfires are playing on my mind, so I'll do those first, but there is knitting, I promise.
Rachael, whom I mentioned in my last post, has taken down her blog for personal reasons but she does appreciate your thoughts and prayers. There is not yet any word on her husband Martin, but the family home is confirmed lost, and they found his car in the fire area. I am more than happy to pass on any messages if you so desire.
The current death toll is at 181 and there are 80 people currently missing, just like Martin. 750 homes have been lost, and 5000 people are currently homeless.
Want to help? The lovely, considerate and resourceful Jacqueline has come up with a wonderful way to help, details are here. Basically, for every $AU10 you donate to the Australian Red Cross (that's around $US6.60), you will get an entry into the draw for some wonderful knitting prizes. There's Colourmart Cashmere, Kidsilk Haze, Colinette, some great gift vouchers, and more prizes yet to come.
All you have to do is make your donation here, then email a copy of your receipt to knittershelpingvictorians at gmail.com and you'll be entered into the draw.
The pictures coming out are just awful to look at, whole towns are just gone. And the toll isn't only human, of course. David sent me this picture yesterday, which I wanted to share.
The RSPCA in Victoria and WIldlife Victoria are also taking donations to help the animals who require aid and accommodation.
Onto the knitting.
It was most definitely way to hot to knit on the weekend. Over 40C both days, on Saturday we went out and bought more fans. Sunday, we gave in and spent the day at the local shopping centre and the movies so we could leech off their air conditioning.
Monday dawned grey and much cooler, and it's stayed that way, so I made up for lost time.
Autumn Rose.
Getting there! I think I only have about forty rounds to go! Then I get to cut the steek. Eeek.
And I finished the first of the Ankle Biter socks.
I'm not looking forward to wearing these until they've been soaked. Maybe several times. My nice bamboo needles are stained blue. Every time I work on them, my fingers turn blue. I'm thinking they will need a vinegar bath before I wear them, or my feet might turn blue!
Posted by Donna at February 11, 2009 04:02 PMComments
Thanks for the update. Autumn Rose is looking lovely :)
Oh, and there is video of the koala here - http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25038828-5006785,00.html
Posted by: Lara at February 11, 2009 07:05 PMI saw that photo of the CFA guy and the koala - breaks your heart, poor thing. so touching to see
your autumn rose coming along so quickly, too. I'm looking forward to hearing about the steeking process when the time comes. Hey that'll be a good jumper for Bendigo this year!
Posted by: Kylie at February 11, 2009 07:42 PMThank you for updating on Rachel, I had been keeping an eye on her blog, then it disappeared. I emailed her but it could be an old email address. Pass on my love and thoughts for her and Parker to her.
Posted by: Anne at February 11, 2009 08:11 PMI saw the koala getting a drink on TV. Here the local politican's office was stacked to the ceiling and the steps of the old tourist bureau was covered in boxes of donations as well. I love living in Australia, when there's a crisis, you can count on the rest of us to help.
I want to ask why there's another armhole opening in the front of your jumper, but I expect it's for the neck????? I can't restrain myself.
Thanks for the Rachael update, I was a bit concerned when her blog disappeared.
Thanks for the Rachel update - I've had an eye on her blog, and have been really worried for her since it went down. Send on my thoughts and prayers as well, please.
I love you ankle biters - they look gorgeous, and Autumn Rose too - you're so fast!
I've been watching the photos and reports of the wildlife coming in with horror - but that photo really does tell a thousand words doesn't it?
Posted by: Shelley at February 11, 2009 10:13 PMThank you so much for sharing this link! We have been hearing a lot about the fires here in the states. It's scary it really is. I made my donation and I hope you don't mind I posted the link for your blog entry on my local Ravelry group. Will keep everyone in our thoughts and prayers over here.
BTW The sweater is amazing!
Posted by: Stacy at February 12, 2009 12:30 AMThanks for the update. Its all so heartbreaking. All the people affected by this ... the animals too. :(
The knits, as always, look great. :)
Posted by: Samantha at February 12, 2009 09:25 AMThanks for the update. She is in my thoughts.
Love the sock and the sweater.
Posted by: Suzanne at February 12, 2009 10:18 AMIsnt Sam the koala just beautiful and apparently she has a boyfriend now too called Bob. I watched it last night on the tv and the way the koala held his hand and drank from the bottle was just such a special thing. I cant imagine how many animals have been lost but they are guessing about 1 million. I do hope that Rachael hears some news soon about her husband as it must be devastating to wait.
Your Autumn Rose is looking beautiful. I cannot believe how fast you knit it up.
The fires are terrible - so sad. Thanks for the link.
Autumn Rose is looking great - and love the socks - great color!
Posted by: Jeanne at February 12, 2009 11:41 AMI'm about to start the steek. Eek.
Thanks for the word about Rach,Please send my heartfelt regards,she needs peace and this is a nice way to let her know that we here for her with our thoughts and prayers.
Your knitting is lovely as usual, well done,those fans must be god send!!!
Just saw this:
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,25046866-5018723,00.html
That's Raches husband, right? I have my fingers crossed for her that they find him soon. Pass on my best wishes.
(Autumn Rose looks awesome, btw!)
Posted by: chocolatetrudi at February 13, 2009 09:03 AMJust saw this:
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,25046866-5018723,00.html
That's Raches husband, right? I have my fingers crossed for her that they find him soon. Pass on my best wishes.
(Autumn Rose looks awesome, btw!)
Posted by: chocolatetrudi at February 13, 2009 09:03 AMJust saw this:
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,25046866-5018723,00.html
That's Raches husband, right? I have my fingers crossed for her that they find him soon. Pass on my best wishes.
(Autumn Rose looks awesome, btw!)
Posted by: chocolatetrudi at February 13, 2009 09:03 AMAutumn Rose...WOW. Just...WOW!!!
And everyone in Victoria is so unbelievably grateful to the rest of Australia. It's times like these that remind us all that we're not just states, but one nation.
Posted by: Andrea at February 13, 2009 01:25 PMThanks so much for the update on Rachel, I've been worried about her since the blog went down...still am. Let her know she is being thought of.
Posted by: Shan at February 13, 2009 11:49 PM
I love that photo!! and everything it represents.
Hey, look at you powering on Autumn Rose - can't wait to see the steeking pics (mmm, video opportunity perhaps??!!)
Posted by: Rose Red at February 11, 2009 07:01 PM