Mission accomplished, two, Textiles and Tea

Today Handsome Son and I went to my doctor's office to discuss and sign my instructions for end of life care, including the DNR. I wanted them to meet under undramatic circumstances so that if they meet again later, they'll know each other, better all round.

I did change one decision after discussing it and understanding better the gray area, and now it's done, signed, filed with my doctor, original on my refrigerator, copy home with Handsome Son. 

Here cropped because of privacy issues, in place for the benefit of EMTs, first thing they see coming in 

Then sandwiches and iced tea provided by Handsome Son, then he worked on my Christmas present!

He checked my tires, adjusted fluid levels, recalibrated the tpms, finally getting rid of the low tire pressure alert on the screen. 

This was a lovely gift, mainly about peace of mind. Then we finished off a pot of hot tea, with toasted cranberry walnut muffins and had a wonderful visit. Christmas officially completed 

After he left, it was time for Textiles and Tea, with Maximo Laura, internationally famous Peruvian tapestry weaver, fifth generation of his family. 

I think he was in Lima, anyway I lost the connection for quite a while, so I went in search of more of his work to show you. 

See if you can breathe after seeing these stunning works!

Meanwhile, back on earth, about eyeglasses, Steve wondered how useful they can be to donate. Exactly the question I asked my eye doctor who used to collect them for donation to poor countries.

I wondered how useful, for instance,  Handsome Partner's glasses would be, massive correction in one eye, plain glass for the other, blinded by measles in childhood, before vaccine. 

Dr  G.  had gone in the past on charitable missions to Haiti with collections of donated eyeglasses, and explained that in affluent countries we're  used to exact prescription lenses that enable flawless vision.  

We don't realize that for people without access, even a near enough Rx is better than nothing, after examining the patient's vision for maybe the first time in their lives. Andy's massive correction could be the difference between being employed and being considered blind.

So they're not wasted, even when the Rx is not totally accurate. This surprised me quite a bit, but it certainly computes.

So this was a stellar day, and I fell asleep after Textiles and Tea, just so much activity, much of it emotionally demanding.

Happy evening, everyone. I hope your day was even half as satisfying as mine.

Cotton, silk and doing hard things

 The Cotton and Silk book is a great history of how the politics of Central Asia have affected their culture and with it, their textiles. 

The different powers that have swept over the area, from Tamerlane to Genghis Khan to the USSR, have impacted the available materials and markets. The basic cultural assumptions seem to have survived though, despite mass displacement and famines.

Some great illustrations of clothes and hats in this collection. Sleeves are long enough to cover the hands, and a lot of sparkle and tassels and complicated decorations, particularly on baby clothes, are believed to ward off the evil eye. Women's head dresses have a long back panel to cover the braid, same reason.

These short dresses are a modern adaptation, seen at a folk festival in the late 20th century.

Some women's hems are left raw, unfinished, as a symbol of hope for more children, and, in children, the hope of healthy growth. Images such as the ram's horn, are seen as protective. Interestingly, the women's tall head dresses and dark face coverings, looking very ominous to onlookers, are often lined with brightly patterned fabrics, usually Russian printed cotton. Veiling has pretty much gone into disuse in modern days.

On to other grown up things, which I'm taking care of next week

 It's the DNR (do not resuscitate) order, along with other instructions to medical personnel when I get to that point. It's the actual medical orders, to be signed by my doctor and copy with her files, copy on my fridge door.

Handsome Son is coming with me to the doctor meeting where doctor and I will  review and sign.  Seems like a good idea for him to meet my doctor under calm circumstances when I'm feeling pretty well, definitely lucid and able to decide these things. 

Also for him it's useful to see what decisions there are. I already have a Living Will, aka Expression of Wishes on file and Mike has a copy, but that's about final illness. This one is specifically about last moments, when medical personnel are involved.

Not saying it's easy. Especially when I'm clawing my way back to health from this draggy old virus. But I don't want any dispute over it later, with medical personnel assuming life at all costs, as I believe they usually are supposed to.

Anyway I'll set it and forget it. Meanwhile wondering what to do with my wild and beautiful today..

Happy day everyone, enjoy whatever your day is full of!