Shifting Gathers

 Yesterday was sunny and humid with a high of 28C (humidex 35C). This morning it is cloudy and 20C. It did get down to 17C during the night and it rained. Today is supposed to have showers with a high of 25C (humidex 34C).

Lifestyle

I did my yoga exercises yesterday and I am starting to feel a bit more flexible. Not a lot but a bit. The next thing I did was to go out and stake up the tomatoes. You could feel it getting warm and humid. The tomato plants are staked and the stakes are tied to the deck railing. I am amazed at how heavy the tomatoes are on the two plants. That job took longer than I had thought as I had to get think a lot and be creative. 

I did launder the sheets and made the bed later in the afternoon. I also cleaned the bathroom. It was a morning of small jobs all of which needed doing. 

Sewing

I worked on the doll's top and I really struggled with the neckline. No matter what I did, the front gathering would shift on me. After several attempts I said good enough even though it isn't quite centered. I just have the snaps to sew on and it will be done. 

I put the dolls which are wearing Doll Joy clothing together. The only non Doll Joy item is the capri leggings which was designed by a friend. 

My next item to make is the Doll Joy jeans to go with the top I just made. 

Knitting

I did knit 8 rows last night on the afghan. The ball of yarn is getting smaller. I did get a good picture of the pattern last night. 

Thoughts

    I slept poorly last night. I had just settled down and someone left off fireworks (today Natal Day). I was not expecting it so I took forever to settle down. I may have to have a nap today as I do feel quite tired this morning. 

    I think I have most of the retained fluid gone as I lost no more weight. I did drink a lot again yesterday as I knew I was going to have Kolbassa sausage which has salt in it. I did have a small portion along with onions and potatoes roasted in the oven. No other salt in that meal and moderate amounts in the other meals I had. 

    Natal Day is the celebration of the founding of Halifax in 1749. There are parades, road races, activities, and fireworks to celebrate the holiday. Almost all stores are open but there are delays getting around the city due to all the activities. We don't go in as it is very busy and crowded. 

Today

I have to pay some bills, get groceries, put eyes on the reindeer and sew the snaps on the top. I am out for dinner at family's tonight. I will be pacing myself as I am tired but my goal is to drink lots of water and eat wisely. 

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

A Doll's Top Started

 Yesterday started out cloudy and wet and ended up with some sunshine. The high got to 22C (humidex 27C). This morning it is a mix of sun and clouds and 14C. Today is supposed to be a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 28C (humidex 35C). 

Lifestyle

I struggled yesterday morning with grogginess as I had slept in and woke from a deep sleep. But, I did get things done. I started out doing my yoga exercises first. I am still stiff but it will come with time. I just need to keep doing them. 

Next on the list was to do some more cleaning in the living room. That turned into cleaning the whole room but the windows. The weather made me not do them as it could have rained at any minute and it did. But, I moved furniture, vacuumed, dusted, and mopped. I also got my SI joint to tighten up. 

The last job of the morning was to do the balance sheet. I thought I had done better at spending more money but I didn't. Actually I spent less than last month. I wasn't deprived or unhappy. 

Sewing

I spent a bit of time pulling fabrics for a donation quilt but daughter has put it on hold. She doesn't know if she will be going to that field trial or not. Instead she wants me to make a reusable bag and an apron. I am now changing direction on that and will get those made for her. 

While waiting for her response, I decided to make another top for the Gotz dolls. This time, I used the Doll Joy dress pattern and left off the ruffle. 

The goal was to use a piece of fabric from the doll's fabric stash. I brought out 3 pieces. One was too small, the other wasn't what I wanted so I chose the third one. 

I cut out the pattern and sat down to sew. This top came together quickly as I was interested to see how it would look. The sleeves were exactly how I wanted them. I used some lace I had in the stash that I have no idea where it came from. I think my friend bought it at a thrift shop or garage sale. 

I inserted the elastic and then started working on the body of the blouse. I was on a roll having a lot of fun when I realized it was almost 4:30 pm. One sleeve has been inserted and the other one is ready to be done. 

I am really excited to see how it will look when done and on the doll. I have pulled some navy fabric to make jeans to go with the top. 

Knitting

I knit 8 rows on the afghan last night. I did lay it out on the floor and took a picture of it. 

Yesterday I said I had knit 200 rows whereas I had actually knit 480 rows. When I finished last night I had done 488 rows. I certainly did my math wrong. 

Thoughts

    I worked hard on my eating yesterday and got my sodium down to below the required amount. I did miss the flavour salt gives but I am on a mission to find some combinations of flavours. I had measuring spoons and cups out while I was making meals and I know it is helping me control the salt in my food. 

    I also drank a lot of water yesterday. I am sure I floated a boat but it was worth it. In 2 days I have lost 4 pounds. I think most of it was fluid. I wonder how much excess fluid I have left to get rid of. I am noticing a difference in my hands as they are not stiff like they were. 

    We are in for couple of muggy days and I am not looking forward to that. They will come and go this month. I will enjoy the nights that are cool and the windows can be opened. Soon we will be having fall and I am looking forward to that. Fall is my favourite season. 

    I have to prop the second tomato plant to day. It is heavy with tomatoes and starting to fall over. I am amazed at how many are on the two plants. I did look at the cucumber plants and they have their first blooms. We now wait and see how many cucumbers we get to eat. The jalapeño peppers are growing and there looks like there will be lots of them. 

Today

I have to pay some bills, prop up the tomato, do some laundry, and clean the bathroom. This afternoon I want to sew as it will be too humid to be outside. I hope to knit tonight. A quiet day for me. 

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

A Crafting Afternoon

 Yesterday was a day of showers and rain. The high got to 23C (humidex 30C). This morning it is cloudy and wet. The temperature is 17C. Today is supposed to be a mix of sun and clouds with a few showers. The high is supposed to get to 24C (humidex 28C).

Lifestyle

I did the yoga exercises again yesterday and it was a bit easier to do. I also had a crack which was my SI joint releasing. I was virtually pain free all day. 

I folded the laundry and got it put away. I then started cleaning the living room and got where I sit cleaned up. I also did a bit of vacuuming as it was needed. The last job I did was to empty the recycling into their bags in the garage. 

I did some research on salt intake with my kidney function. I have been having a bit too much salt. Not a lot but probably enough to have fluid retention. I did cut back on salt and am looking at what I can use instead. I also drank a lot of fluid yesterday. It had a positive effect on me as I am down 2.7 lbs this morning. I will be continuing with that trend also. 

Sewing

I didn't sew yesterday but I did get a panel out for the quilt that I will design for auction. I have a couple of ideas swirling in my head. I need to start designing it on paper. 

I ordered for free the Doll Joy vest pattern. I want to make it and a pair of Doll Joy jeans for the Gotz dolls. I may need to buy fabric for this outfit but I'll dig in the stash first. 

Crafts

I cut out 20 more reindeer and about 90 antlers on the Cricut. I now have the reindeer ready for me to cut out 300 eyes. 

I will do them one afternoon and have the TV on while I do it. It will be a tedious job but I know I can get it done if I focus on it. 

Knitting

I knit 8 rows on the afghan last night. I have now knit 200 rows and it measures 50" long. I didn't take a picture of it but will do one of it laid out on the floor. 

Thoughts

    We have TOPS here in our area but I won't go to it. The group has a terrible success rate. So bad a group of ladies left and started their own group. I did WW in a group setting but it closed down. In reality, I do better on my own. I need to be in the right mental mindset to do it. At the moment I am eager to loose the weight so know I can do it on my own. 

    I drank enough water yesterday to float a boat. Most of it was plain water and some had some flavour put into it. I didn't touch any of the drinks in my garage until I had done the research on them. I can have all but the Coke Zero and the Gatorade Zero. I have homes for those. I can have the rest but am trying to have only 1 per day. The rest will be plain water.

    It is hard to believe it is August 1. July was an unusual month weather wise. It was hot and dry putting us into a mild drought conditions. The nights were cool which was nice. Then we got rain and it has been damp and more humid as the storms are coming up the coast vs coming from the west. There has been little talk of hurricanes so one wonders if they will come or not. 

Today

I am not sure what I will be doing today. I need to do some cleaning and then will work on designing a quilt top to see if daughter likes it. I may start a new project while I wait for her response. I want to knit tonight. It will be a quiet day for me.

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

Another Project Completed

 Yesterday was cloudy with a mix of dull and dismal. It rained quite a bit yesterday. The high got to 19C. This morning it is cloudy, foggy, and 17C. Today is supposed to have showers with a high of 23C (humidex 28C).

Lifestyle

I started the morning off with my yoga moves. I was stiff but did limber up some. My core muscles aren't as weak as I had thought they would have been but still not strong as they should be. I ended the session on the couch doing a 3 minute stretch for my SI joint. I was not as sore when moving or sitting. I actually did the stairs correctly yesterday. 

I opened the windows in the house and started to work in the spare room. I put the quilt on the bed and it looks funny. A twin size quilt on a queen size bed. But, I left it there as it adds some interest to the room. I actually had to close that bedroom window as the rain came in from the north. 

I did get 2 loads of laundry done. One load was a blanket that is folded and put away. The other load is to be folded today. I am trying to do that job as soon after the load is done. It was late getting dried so the job is for today. 

Sewing

I finished the doll's blouse. I hand sewed the neck tie down before top stitching it. Next I marked where the snaps were going on the front and sewed them on with a button on top. It was a lot of finicky sewing which takes time. 

I gave the skirt and blouse a good press and Lily is modelling this outfit.

This little outfit was a success. 

I cleaned up the sewing room and left without looking at projects for August. I really need to do that so I can focus on what I am going to make and design. 

Knitting

I attached the ball of yarn to the afghan, knit 2 rows, unknit 2 rows and did the pattern rows correctly. 

I have started the 5th full ball of yarn. I have knit 4 full balls  plus one (almost) half ball to date. I have 5 full balls of yarn left. 

Thoughts

    Daughter told me she saw turkey vultures on the way to work yesterday. They do migrate to Ashcroft in the spring and leave in the fall. You only see them if there is something for them to eat. She sent me a picture of them.

The numbers seemed to have increased over the years as we would only see 3 or 4 when we lived at the ranch. 

    Daughter also informed me that there was a wildfire between the mine and a community named Logan Lake. There has been a lot of activity on that fire she said with the mine's fire department helping out. It grew quickly but hasn't grown much since yesterday morning. It has brought back memories for many as they had to evacuate in 2021 when they had a wildfire. They are a fire smart community which saved it from being destroyed. 

    I am frustrated with my weight. I have cut back my protein by 50% and am eating less. I have gained a couple of pounds so am now going to start measuring everything I eat. I am also going to drink more plain water vs drinking sparkling water. I will be talking to the doctor about this if I don't loose any weight before Thursday. 

Today

I need to do my yoga moves, fold laundry and then do some cleaning in the living room. I am going to plan what I will sew for August and maybe work on the reindeer this afternoon. I will knit tonight. 

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

Nearing The End Of The Blouse

 Yesterday was sunny with a high of 27C (humidex 31C). This morning it is cloudy and 17C (we had a rain shower). Today is supposed to be cloudy with showers and a risk of a thunder shower. The high is supposed to get to 21C (humidex 25C). 

Lifestyle

After I wrote the blog post, I heated up my magic bag and went to bed. I wedged the heated bag against my SI joint and had an hours rest. It helped but I still have some pain in the SI joint. I have to do the yoga exercises at least 4 times a week once again. 

Sewing

I did go and sew yesterday afternoon. It wasn't without its problems. I hemmed the blouse and then added the first front button placket. When I did the second one, I didn't reverse it so had to cut out a new one. It was then that I had to figure out which piece needed the inside edge folded under. Tiredness was interfering with my thinking. I did get it figured out and the placket sewn on. 

The next step was to add the neckline binding. I struggled with it but got it done and it is now ready for me to hand sew in place and top stitch. 

Once that is done, I have to sew on snaps and maybe buttons. This blouse went together faster than I had thought it would. I think making it once before helped as I knew how it went together. 

Knitting

I didn't knit last night as I was too tired. 

Thoughts

    It seems as if I over extend doing a job, I really throw my alignment out and cause my SI to flare up. I need to remember moderation when doing jobs. The physiotherapist feels my core muscles are a bit weak hence why I have to start my exercises again. 

    There has been a lot of dump truck activity on our street lately. The municipality is dumping dirt into a gully at the end of our street. Across the road, a bulldozer is working on making a road and there are dump trucks taking dirt from that area. The roads will not stand all the heavy traffic and we will be dodging potholes which will take forever to repair. What I don't like is that the dump trucks going into the development back down our street and then block my driveway while they wait to get their trucks filled. I'm sure I am not the only cranky resident. 

    I have been looking at what is new for fall decorating. I am not planning on buying but am just interested in what is new. It surprised me that brown is a popular colour this fall. Brown print on dishes was the biggest surprise. Green is also popular which wasn't as surprising. Also included is rust, mustard, yellow, and burgundy. What I didn't see was blue which is still popular this fall. 

Today

I have to do my yoga exercises and then will work in the spare room. This afternoon I will finish the doll's blouse and I hope to knit tonight. I need to plan what I would like to sew in August. 

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

A New Project Begun

 Yesterday was mainly sunny and warm. The high got to 27C (humidex 31C). This morning it is cloudy and it was 15C at 6 am. Today is supposed to be sunny and 28C (humidex 33C).

Lifestyle

I am late this morning as I was out at 7 am to help make sandwiches with daughter-in-law. She mixed and I made 2 loaves of sandwiches that required no mixed fillings. I did a 3rd loaf and she did 2 more. I cut the sandwiches and put them on the trays. We cleaned up and were out of the building at just after 8 am. Two other ladies were doing the rest of the sandwiches and cookie trays. 

I was out for physiotherapy and I was a mess. I was out of alignment and my SI joint was tight. It was a case of work through the pain so she could do everything in one session. I am exhausted from it. 

Yesterday I did go grocery shopping and then did some stretches to help with the pain. I felt pretty useless all day as it was persistent. I did make dinner and rested a lot with heat on my sore spots. 

Sewing

I did sew yesterday afternoon. I started on the Doll Joy blouse for the Gotz dolls. As I had made it before, I knew how I wanted to proceed. I do not like pressing the hems up before I sew. I was able to get a lot done on the blouse. They are easy to make even though there are a lot of pieces. All the seams are marked with numbers and you sew them according to the numbers. 

I am down to the front button bands and facing, the neck tie and the bottom hem. I tried it on one of the dolls and had a good laugh. The neckline needs to be gathered so it looks like a mess on her. 

Knitting

I knit on the afghan last night and used up another ball of yarn. I have knit 4 full balls and 1 part ball. 

I will have to unknit a few stitches and attach the new ball and then continue on. 

Today

I am off for a nap as soon as I post this. I am exhausted from all the pain I had from the treatment. I hope to sew this afternoon and will knit tonight. A very quiet day for me. 

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

The Quilt Is Bound

 Yesterday was sunny and more humid. The high got to 26C (humidex 30C). This morning it is cloudy and 18C. Today is supposed to be sunny with a high of 28C (humidex 31C). 

Lifestyle

I was out to make sandwiches at the community hall. We were done in good time and had all the sandwiches in the cooler for pick up later on. 

Once home, I had something to drink and then I started cleaning the front entry way. I did the top landing on my hands and knees and worked my way down the stairs. The landing at the door was cleaned with the vacuum cleaner and a mop. Then back on my hands and knees down the stairs to the basement. I have to say I was sore when I got done. 

Once done, I laid on the couch and did the 3 minute stretch. After that I sat on the heating pad for quite a long time. It did help and I was able to move around with way less pain. 

I watered all the vegetable boxes last night due to the heat. They need a lot of water. When I got up at midnight, I checked to see if I could open the windows and it was raining. It had cooled off but it wasn't cool enough to do any good. The humidity had left only an hour before that. 

Sewing

I finished hand sewing the binding down on the quilt. It took me almost 3 hours to finish it. I am happy it is done and I can move on to the next project. 

I am going to clean the spare room and put it on the bed. 

Knitting

I only knit 4 rows on the afghan last night as I had to take some things over to family's house. We had a good chat. 

Thoughts

    I finally got my protein cut back to where I am supposed to have it vs where I thought it should be. I wasn't hungry at all during the day. I did have lots of fresh vegetables which helped. My body decided I should retain fluid though. It does it when it thinks I am starving it and from the humidity we had. I didn't move as much due to the pain I was having both of which can cause fluid retention. I will be drinking a lot of fluid today to get rid of it. 

    Rosie is back to working like a charm for me. I set up her schedule so she will clean each day. I have adjusted how she is to clean to see if she does a better job of mopping the floor. I also realized she has been upgraded a bit. If I replace her, I will buy one that has a different mopping system which means I will spend more money. 

    My SI joint seems to have moved back into place as it isn't as sore this morning. I am happy about that but know that it will have to be worked on tomorrow. 

Today

I need to get groceries this morning at two locations. I want to do a bit of tidying up as I have a bit of clutter showing up. Once done that, I will decide if I will do more reindeer or if I will sew on the doll's blouse. I will knit tonight. 

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