Feeling Less Pain

 Yesterday's showers turned out to be rain all day. The high got to 15C. This morning it is cloudy and 14C. Today is supposed to have showers most of the day with a high of 17C.

Lifestyle

Yesterday I had an extremely busy morning. I started out doing the balance sheet and cursed myself for one stupid mistake. I got it done in record time even with the mistake. 

Next up was to empty the dishwasher and clean it. I took out the filter and sprayed it with a bleach based cleaner even though it was quite clean. I put in more dirty dishes and moved on to folding laundry and putting it away. 

At that point, I laid on the couch and did my first set of exercises. My SI joint was really sore and I was getting tired from the pain. I did them with a bit of relief but not enough to say the pain was gone. 

From there, I tidied up the table and scrubbed it. Then I took out the tub of recycling and sorted it into its proper bags in the garage. Rosie had her water tank filled and a clean mop put on. At that point I was done. The pain had done me in. 

I sat with heat on the SI joint and worked a bit on my family tree while I ate lunch. I then went and laid on the bed and did more exercises. When I did the last exercise to stretch my left piriformis, my SI joint released and I was virtually pain free. 

The municipality was out to mow the ditch on our street. They usually only do that ditch but this year, the person mowed the ditch along the length of my property. I was thrilled to see that being done. 

I was out to have dinner at family's. Daughter-in-law made smash burgers and they were delicious. We had tomato, bacon, mushrooms, and cheese on them. This time, we had them on sourdough buns and they were the best buns we have had for smash burgers. I was home in good time last night as they had company show up. 

Sewing

I hauled all the fabric I had laundered downstairs and pressed it. The left over fabric from the table runner was put away as I may make a doll's quilt using it. Some of the fabric did go into the drawer I have dog fabric stored. The placemat fabric was also pressed and folded ready for me to make in October. 

The cutting table is starting to look much better. I have got a few more things to work on before it is completely cleaned off. I will continue cleaning the room as I am behind thanks to my SI joint being so painful.

The Onyx in Autumn Table Runner pattern can be found here. There is a link on the page to download the pattern. It is a free pattern. 

Knitting

I did knit last night and got 8 rows done. The afghan is getting longer and the ball of yarn is getting smaller. 

Thoughts

    I have really dealt with a lot of pain this month and it has left me exhausted. My hip placement hasn't moved since Sept. 21 but my SI joint has been quite painful most of the month. It seems to have enjoyed flaring up on me. Though I was tired after the SI joint released yesterday afternoon, I didn't allow myself to nap. I pushed through so I would sleep better last night. I am looking forward to physio on Monday so I can get more exercises to strengthen the muscles in my leg. 

    We had a lot more rain than anticipated. It was the leftovers from the storm that hit the east coast of the US. We had about an inch of rain fall. I am hoping what we got and what we should get today will really help the grass seed sprout and grow. My neighbour is hoping also.

Today

I have to do more laundry and will try to do more fall cleaning in the kitchen. I should try to fix my neighbour's horse blanket this afternoon and knit tonight.

Until the next time...........................................................

Another Busy Day

 Yesterday started out with rain and ended up sunny. The high got to 18C. This morning it is cloudy and 11C. Today is supposed to be cloudy with showers and a high of 16C. 

Lifestyle

I was out to make sandwiches yesterday morning and we were done in 50 minutes. Once done, daughter-in-law and I headed to Dartmouth to shop at Costco for more supplies. It was busy there but not as busy as the last time. We lucked out and got a parking spot closer to the building.  

When done at Costco we headed to Walmart in Bedford. It is the Walmart we like to shop at. We got what we needed and headed home. By that time the sun was shining. The trees are turning colour very quickly. It is early for this to be happening. 

Once home, we unloaded the car at family's and I headed home. I got my three items put away and had lunch. I then started to struggle. I was sore and very tired. I went to bed and slept for almost an hour. I woke up feeling better. I realized the soreness could have been from the storm coming in today. I stretched in bed last night but had no cracks. 

Sewing

I didn't look at the sewing room yesterday. 

Knitting

I knit 7 rows on the afghan. It is now 12" long. Progress is being made. 

I took a picture of the other end of the afghan. It is bunched up as it takes up a lot of space on the couch.

Thoughts

    I had a small anxiety attack last night after I went to bed. It took me a while to get it under control but I got it done. It was caused by being over tired, worried, and a bit stressed. I am hoping that I will have quieter days where I can do things without having to rush. I have started to get my week in order so I can pace myself. I have to shop for sandwiches and do the prep work. 

    I opened a bunch of windows last night as the house was stuffy. It was nice to have them open all night. The house was cool this morning but I enjoy that immensely. I had kept the windows closed as there was supposed to be rain during the night which never really happened. 

    I saw two small flocks of Canada geese flying yesterday morning. They were flying down towards the community hall. I haven't seen or heard them over my place but I am sure they will be over here soon. 

Today

My goal is to stay home today and do some things around here. I want to do press the fabric I rinsed the other day and do some more tidying up in the sewing room. I am out for dinner at family's tonight and hope to knit once I get home. 

Until the next time.............................................................

Plans Made, Plans Revised

 Yesterday was a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 19C. This morning it is cloudy and 14C. Today is supposed to have showers with a high of 16C. 

Lifestyle

I was out to make sandwiches yesterday morning. Once home, I sat with a cup of coffee and heat on my SI joint and area. I had twisted it when turning at the community hall. It was sore. 

Once my coffee was done, I cleaned the bathroom and moved laundry from the washer to the dryer. I then cleaned the kitchen counters and stove. I cut chicken into chunks and marinated it. I then cut onions and peppers in to chunks and put it all into the fridge for dinner. Once that was done, I cleaned the kitchen counters once more and sat down. The pain was there and annoying me. 

I had a nap after lunch. I really needed it as I crashed for 45 minutes and one-third of it was in a deep sleep. I woke up groggy but with less pain. 

Once out of bed, I meandered down to the sewing room. I picked up all the left over fabric from the table runner and put it into a tub. I cleaned up my cutting tools and put everything away neatly. I found 4 missing pencils in with my cutting tools. 

I soaked the fabric in warm water so the starch would come out. I hung it up wet on the drying rack in the bath tub. They can be pressed and put away for another project. 

I sat some more after that was done and was getting ready to make dinner when daughter-in-law called me. The person who was going to help her didn't show. I headed out to get us dinner and then went to the hall to help bartend. The group was celebrating one lady's birthday and the party lasted a full 3 hours. We enjoy this group as they are fun, polite, considerate, and patient. I did a run to the liquor store in the middle of the evening. Was home by 7:30 pm. So was everyone else. 

I didn't knit but I did sit on more heat and by the time I went to bed, the soreness had subsided. I am back to feeling like myself this morning. 

Today

I am out to make sandwiches again this morning. Then daughter-in-law and I will head to the city to get more supplies for sandwiches. I will buy eggs and 2 tubs of soup as I don't have time to make it this week. Once home, I will try to fold laundry and then make my dinner. I do hope to knit tonight. 

Until the next time......................................................

Table Runner Done and Gone

 Yesterday started out sunny and then clouded over in the late afternoon. The high got to 21C. This morning it is cloudy and 12C. Today we could have a shower or two with a high of 17C.

Lifestyle

Yesterday was busy. The morning was spent finishing up the table runner. After lunch, I went to the tire shop to have a bit of air put in one tire. It has a very slow leak. I asked for an appointment for next week to have the tire checked. The service man wasn't busy so he did it on the spot in the parking lot. I was so grateful for them doing it right then and there. I also got the tire torqued after coming home from New Minas. 

I headed out to New Minas and the road was busy both ways. I got to the quilt shop, handed in my table runner and headed to the grocery store. Got what I needed and headed home. 

After a short rest with heat on my SI joint, I was out for dinner at family's. We had chorizo rice bowls. It was very nice. After dinner, I peeled 36 eggs while daughter-in-law finished the fillings. We loaded the car with the baskets of fillings and I locked the door. Oops, we didn't have the bread. A good laugh and we got the bread out into the car. We put everything into the fridge and cooler and headed home. Daughter-in-law was going to make a square and then get into the hot tub. She is really sore from her osteo treatment. I came home. 

Sewing

I finished the table runner in good time and spent a lot of time using the lint roller on it. Then I sprayed it and pressed it well. I have gone from hating it to liking it. 

The backing and binding are fabric I truly love. The colours are soft and muted. I have fabric left over so I put it into the drawer of dog fabric. 

I rolled it up, tied it with a ribbon and took it to the quilt shop. 

When I walked into the quilt shop, a spotted an employee who was gone for 2 years. He had a contract in another area of Nova Scotia and he rejoined the team when he got home. He is such a creative person and will be doing a lot for the store. I visited with him and a few other staff members and left. I didn't buy any fabric but I did admire a baby quilt made from Peter Rabbit fabric. It was stunning. 

I didn't buy any fabric as I am going to clean the sewing room and do a few easy projects for the next while. The next contest is Christmas stockings but I won't take part as I have made everyone stockings that needed them. That includes the dogs. 

Knitting

I did knit 5 rows last night. The afghan is growing which is nice to see. 

Thoughts

    I am having less pain every day. Everything is weak and gets tired quickly. I am trying to walk and do the stairs to help strengthen the muscles. I am looking forward to learning what I need to do next. Having less pain means I am sleeping better at night which does help.

    I am excited to get back into my regular routine. I know it will be busy for the next 2 weeks as daughter-in-law will be away and I am doing the buying and mixing of the sandwich fillings. But most days I can do my normal routine. Back to fall cleaning. 

    It is the 2nd weekend of the fair and it is another stay at home weekend or we go elsewhere to shop. The fair opened yesterday and I was nervous about the traffic congestion but I lucked out and it was easy to get around. Today and tomorrow will be another story. 

Today

I have to be out in an hour to make sandwiches and once home I need to do laundry and clean the bathroom. I also need to prep vegetables and meat to make dinner tonight. This afternoon I want to start cleaning the sewing room. Tonight I will knit on the afghan. 

Until the next time..........................................................

Half The Binding Hand Sewn Down

 Yesterday was a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 19C. This morning it is partly cloudy, foggy, and 6C. Today is supposed to be sunny and 18C. 

Lifestyle

I was out the door to make sandwiches at the community hall. I got there early to start the set up and we were gone in 55 minutes. Once home, I had something to drink and put some heat on the sore muscles. 

My lawn was cut at noon and it is looking so much better than it was. We have had a lot of dew in the mornings which is great for the new seeding. It has also been cool enough that ground is not drying out that much. 

Late in the afternoon I took the mixing bowls and containers to family. I also took son his jalapeño peppers. We chatted for a few minutes and I left. 

Sewing

My day was basically consumed with the table runner. I stitched and took out stitches. My machine decided to make rat's nests on the back. I had to rethread the machine and bobbin. It happens on occasion and usually when I a rushing. It is frustrating and I need to remind myself to stop, take some deep breathes, and rethread the machine. 

I finished the quilting, fixed a couple of areas I wasn't happy with. I did a row of stitching 1/8" from the edge, trimmed it square and started making the binding. By 4 pm, I had almost half of the binding hand sewn down. 

I am going to admit that I am at the stage where I hate this table runner. I have been so focused on it, that I can see every flaw and mistake. And yes, there is a mistake in it. I want to toss it but know that once I finish it and distance myself from it, I will, once again, like it. 

Once this project is done, I will be cleaning the sewing room as it is a mess. Then it will be on to fixing the light blanket for my neighbour's horse. Something that requires no hours of focusing on tiny squares. 

Knitting

I knit about 7 rows last night. The afghan is growing and I can't wait for it to keep me warm. That might be in January when it is cold outside. 

Thoughts

    I am looking forward to doing more fall cleaning. I have missed the routine of cleaning in the morning and sewing in the afternoon. I am also going to be doing some more cooking as I have one freezer meal left. 

    I was a bit sorer yesterday as I sat for long periods of time at the sewing machine. Once I got up to make the binding, I noticed the pain subsided but it didn't go away. My SI joint and a couple of muscles were rebelling on me. I am looking forward to doing things where I can get up and move on a regular basis. 

    The fog came in early and fast this morning. We didn't get frost this morning. But the frost has done its magic. The hydrangeas have turned to a dark red and look stunning. One variety of maple trees have turned a bright orange. I drove down a street admiring the colours.

Today

I am going to finish the table runner this morning so I can get it to the quilt shop. I need to do a couple of things before I go. I am at family's for dinner and to help with the prep for sandwiches tomorrow and Sunday. I don't know if I will knit tonight. It depends on when I get home. 

Until the next time..........................................................

Two Leaves Left To Do

 Yesterday was another lovely day with a mix of sun and clouds. The high got to 16C. This morning it is clear with frost and 3C. Today is supposed to be sunny with a high of 18C.

Lifestyle

I made cookies again yesterday morning. I spent some time prepping the ingredients so I could focus on making the cookies. It works so much better for me. I had the cookies done and the dishwasher runner by 10:30 am. I am done making cookies for now. 

The only other big job I did was to take the garbage out to the curb. It was lovely and warm out there which made is more enjoyable. 

Sewing

I spent an hour in the morning working on the table runner. I got quite a bit done. After lunch, I worked on it for another 2.5 hours when I decided to stop for the day. I only have two leaves left to quilt. 

It was a lot of sitting still sewing and then knotting the threads and burying them. I got sore from sitting still for so long and called it a day early. My goal is to finish it this morning so I can start the binding in the afternoon. I move around a lot when doing the binding. 

Knitting

I knit 7 rows on the afghan last night. It is now 10" long. 

The ball is now moving from dark to light coloured yarn. That is the fun part of knitting an ombre yarn. 

Thoughts

    I only had pain when I stood or sat for too long at one time. The muscles and SI joint don't like that so I was trying to move every hour. My muscles are learning how to work in ways they haven't for many years. They do get tired and they do like to let me know about it. Rest or movement does help a lot. 

    The storm coming in is letting us know it doesn't know where it wants to land. Yesterday the weather said lots of rain Friday through Sunday and today it says showers. Another report says nothing until Saturday night and it will last for a few days next week. We are in wait and see mode with Mother Nature as she makes up her mind. 

    We have had a touch of frost for two days in a row. This type of frost gives the trees a nudge to turn their leaves into the bright colours we get in the fall. What I haven't seen or heard are the Canada geese flying over. We usually hear them in the mornings and nights. All has been quiet here though they may be heard in other parts of the area. I know they like to spend nights over by the school grandson attended. 

Today

I am out soon to make sandwiches at the hall. When I get home, I will try to quilt the rest of the table runner so I can work on the binding this afternoon. I do have to read the bylaws for the quilter's guild and respond to it. Lunch time reading. Tonight I will knit on the afghan. 

Until the next time.........................................................

Nearing the Finishing Line

 Yesterday was sunny and 16C. This morning it is clear and 3C. We had a touch of frost also. Today is supposed to be sunny and 16C. Perfect fall weather. 

Lifestyle

I made cookies yesterday morning. I did enjoy the process as I prepped all the ingredients first and then mixed them up. I got 36 cookies from a half batch. I was done by 10:30 am. I am semi prepped for another batch this morning. 

I got notice that we have to make sandwiches on Thursday. That will be 3 times this week and it will be the same people making them. A bit much for volunteers to do. Hopefully the next couple of weeks will be quiet so we can rest up. 

I was sore off and on yesterday. I did my exercises and they helped some though my SI joint was really tight and sore. I stretched in bed and got 1 crack which seems to have helped ease the SI joint. Less pain this morning. 

Sewing

I spent a lot of time working on the table runner. I ran out of cream thread and had to go get more. I bought the thread for the placemat at the same time. 

The table runner is coming along nicely. I am down to the last rows which requires a lot of thread changes. 

I will keep plugging away at it changing the thread as I go. I keep reminding myself it will be done before I know it. And when it is done, I am cleaning the sewing room as it is quite messy from my creative endeavours. 

Knitting

I knit 5 rows last night. When I stopped and thought about it, that was 1500 stitches knit. I didn't take a picture as I didn't think about it. I will take one tonight if I knit. 

Thoughts

    I struggled with the pain in my SI joint yesterday. A couple of muscles were sore but not painful. Just the SI joint. I thought doing the exercises would help but they didn't. The crack last night helped. I think it is trying to release but is very tight and can't get itself back into place. I will keep doing the exercises and stretches hoping it will move back into place. Everything else is not really hurting. Muscles are tired from having to adjust to what they need to do which is normal. 

    I am looking forward to having the table runner done so I can get back to my normal routine. It was a lot more work than I had thought but I am pleased with it. My next job is to repair a light blanket for a horse and then I will work on some easier projects in the afternoon. Mornings will be upstairs doing housework and cooking. I am looking forward to getting my old routine back again. 

Today

I have to make cookies this morning and then spend as much time on the table runner as I can. I may have to go out to the hall tonight which means I may not get much knitting done. 

Until the next time......................................................