Where do I begin?

I've got just loads to blog about, but I'll never get a post out if I try to do it all in one post. I've decided to split it into two posts, so here's part 1!

We had a lovely week in Dungarvan last week. The weather was good and we had some nice days out, including a trip to Cushendale Woollen Mills (to come in part 2)

So, here's my knitting progress for the week.
I finished the Hemlock Ring Blanket:



Pattern: Hemlock Ring Blanket from www.brooklyntweed.com
Yarn: Cascade 220, a smidge under 3 skeins
Needles: 6mm Addi Click
This pattern used Emily Ochers (sp?) cast on for the centre, which I'm not really happy with. There's a bit of a lump in the middle, but I don't think my friend will notice :)
It also called for 6mm dpns for the beginning of it, which I didn't have so I improvised and used two sets of 6mm interchangeable 6mm tips. I always knew having two sets of interchangeables would come in handy!

Johns Plain Ol Sock progresses:

I've actually since turned the heel and am on the foot of this one since I took this picture. Grand plain ol stocking stitch. Perfect for whipping out anywhere.

My Summit shawl got some attention too:

I've completed one repeat of both curves. 10 more to go! I'm enjoying this knit immensely, it's really entertaining and interesting to do.

Just before I went on hols, I entered a competition on UnderMeOxter's blog. It was a treasure hunt, and great fun to enter. It took me a while, but I got there, and won a prize which arrived today:

Some fabulous Rowan Colourscape Chunky in deliciously rich colours. And she included Easter choccies! I just love Mini Eggs, just enough chocolate for me that won't give me a migraine. NOM. Thanks so much! I just love it.

It couldn't have arrived on a better day, either. Dad went into hospital today to prepare for his tests on Thursday. At 6am this morning my phone rang and it was my brother. He had come up to stay with Mam while Dad is in hosp, and he rang to tell me Mam & Dad were burgled last night. Some scumbag had taken out the kitchen window. My brother reckons he disturbed them, as they got nothing and the house was barely touched, as if they had just broken in. Thank God they didn't go upstairs to my Mam & Dad in bed. That doesn't bear thinking about.
I had to take the day off and go round.
So poor Dad was leaving for the hospital as I was dealing with the fingerprint police and Mam was wailing & sobbing about him going. Not the best of days. She didn't seem to give a toss about the burglary, just that Dad was leaving.
Still, I hope they catch the creeps that did it. I know what I'd do to them if I caught them!
I went to see Dad this evening in the hosp and I think he's ok. I know he's worrying about the house, but I got the window temporarily repaired and dealt with the insurance company so that re-assured him a bit. Plus my brother will be sleeping with an iron bar tonight!

Surely this will be the end of the crappy news for a while??