A Good Day In All Areas

 Though yesterday was cloudy with flurries, it wasn't dull and dark. The high got to -0.3C which was nice. Though they said flurries for last night, we got snow. This morning it is -10C and we are to have a high of -9C, flurries and a cold north wind. 

Small History Nova Scotia

Stage driver Steverman reports that LaHave River ice is 18 inches thick at Ritcey's Cove. Feb 29, 1888.

Lifestyle

I thought yesterday was going to start out bad but the Spousal Unit had an hours nap and woke up in a much better mood. 

I spent the time he was asleep and a bit more cleaning the bathroom. I did the lights and fan which had a light coat of white fluff on them. It is done and the whole room feels clean. 

We went for a drive in the early afternoon. We went down the main highway to Exit 4 (St. Croix) and drove home the old highway. The Spousal Unit told me what he remembered on the drive and I was amazed. He hasn't been on the road for 8 months or more. We stopped at family's on our way home for a short visit. The cat they are looking after was out visiting with all of us. 

It was a great afternoon.

Sewing

I spent an hour in the sewing room before lunch and a bit of time after lunch. I got the top of the Boardwalk Boutique outfit done. 

The ruffle is 24" and I am thinking when I make the pattern again I would make it 36". I will decide when I finish the pants. I may try the plain band or even just the outfit with no ruffles on it. I love patterns with possibilities.

The pattern is wonderfully drafted and goes together really well. The back has elastic in it as it is a halter top and it fits to perfection. Oh Sew Kat even shows how to use ribbon for the ties. I'm going to try that next time as this pattern is definitely one to be made again. 

Knitting

I got the first sleeve done on the sweater and am working on the 2nd one. The two sleeves will be different colors. I could have pulled the wool out and did them both in the off white but this sweater is one where I use the wool as it comes off the skein. 

This pattern is one I will make again after I have rotated through the others I want to knit in between socks.

Today

Our plans to go for a drive this morning are not happening so I will spend time cleaning our bedroom. I would love to sew the pants for the doll's outfit and knit tonight. 

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

Preparing Projects

 Yesterday was cold and sunny. The high got to -7.6C. This morning it is -8C and we've had a flurry. The sun may shine today and the high is to get to -2C.

Small History Nova Scotia by Sara Spike

Lumbering is going on here at present quite brisk. There has been a good deal of travelling on the ice lately between here and Baie Verte. Lorneville Feb 27, 1905.

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning our neighbor came over and blowed the snow out of the driveway at the road. The Spousal Unit went out and shoveled the driveway clean before lunch. Daughter-in-law and grandson came over and grandson scooped the last three bits off the driveway. 

After lunch, the Spousal Unit cleaned off the deck and he did enjoy the sunshine. The sun had some heat to it and he soaked it up. 

I finished cleaning the spare bedroom and got the floors vacuumed and scrubbed. It is good to have that room purged and cleaned. I also wiped down the washer and drier and vacuumed that closet to the best of my ability. The kitchen floor got vacuumed also. 

Sewing

As I was tired yesterday, I decided not to sew but to set up the Juki and do a few little things. The Juki works beautifully but I need to let them know the threader does not work. 

I spent some time cutting out the Boardwalk Boutique pattern. It is an easy pattern to sew and I am hoping it will only take a couple of sessions to finish. The stripe fabric is ruffles.

I also starched and ironed the fabrics for the placemats. It got hung over a chair to dry before cutting out the pieces. 

I was snooping through the jewelry I have and found these buttons. I am going to use them on items I sew or knit. The button covers will be the hardest to figure out so I may make myself something with them. 

Last year I made our Wolfville friends a reusable grocery bag and it has been well used and loved. I had thought she might like it when she shops at the Farmer's Markets but she uses it for everything. Here is a picture of it as a beach bag on a beach in Florida.

It thrills me when a gift gets well used.

Knitting

I got the body of the sweater done last night. I sit and knit when the Spousal Unit needs quiet time so am knitting a bit more in the afternoons along with evenings. 

The colorway is Tutti Frutti. The sleeves will be done next and I will put white buttons on it. It is a gift for the little girl I make doll clothes for.

Today

The Spousal Unit is a bit off today so plans may change. I want to scrub the bathroom this morning and then take him for a drive. I doubt if I will get any sewing done today which is okay with me. Keeping the Spousal Unit calm is the top priority for the day. I will knit tonight.

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

Another Friday Storm

 Yesterday started out cold and grey and by 11 a.m. the snow started to fall. The high got to -9.7C and there was about 6" or more of snow fall. The wind blew and there was drifting happening. This morning, it is -13C and the wind is still blowing. It is suppose to get to -5C with sunshine with little or no wind. 

Small History Nova Scotia by Sara Spike

The Rev TBA Allison recovered his Gordon Setter that had strayed and was advertised in the Bulletin. The dog had wandered from West LaHave Ferry to Milton, Queens Co. Feb 26, 1901.

Lifestyle

Yesterday was a better day for us. We had a good chuckle at the movers moving the people into the house behind us. They certainly are not experienced and doing it in a snow storm showed their inexperience. 

I packed a box for daughter and we took it to the post office before lunch. The roads were still good with just a light amount of snow on them. By 4 pm there was a good 4". Our road was plowed about 4:30 pm and twice during the night. The loader is noisy but we are thankful to have the roads cleared. They have been salted this morning.

Daughter-in-law and grandson were in to shovel the driveway last night and were done just as the loader came to plow. The Spousal Unit will do the driveway today.

I had a nap yesterday afternoon as I was tired and starting to fall apart. I felt better and was able to cope the rest of the afternoon. 

The number of cases continues to drop in the province and there will be weekly reports rather than daily. 

Sewing

As I wanted to get the parcel out to daughter yesterday, I spent the morning making piping. Both pieces are about 3 meters in length and I used up .5 meter of fabric. 

The black piping has silver dots on it and has been in the works for a while now. 

The brown is fairy frost and I love how it turned out. 

As I make more piping, I will have to head into Halifax and order more cording. I want to continue making it between other projects. 

Knitting

I had a good look into the 3 weight yarn yesterday. I have quite a bit of it as two designers used it a lot in the patterns I was testing. I found a ball I liked and I decided to knit a pattern I really enjoyed testing. I was knitting it a year ago.

I chose a Lion Brand yarn this time and got started on it. 

I am enjoying the bright colors and the pattern is easy to follow. By the time we had our tea I had the sweater divided.

The striping is amazing and I'm sure it will be appreciated when done. I will do the scarf and hat also. When this is done, I will knit a pair of socks and then back to a pattern for the dolls. 

Today

I am wanting to finish up the spare room (vacuum and wash the floors), set up the Juki and start sewing a doll's outfit. Tonight will be knitting. I also have to figure out what I want to sew and knit for March. 

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

Two Projects Finished

 Though yesterday was sunny, it was another colder day. The high got to -4.8C and it was windy. This morning it is -10C and calm. We are to expect snow about noon today. Not what we wanted. 

Small History Nova Scotia by Sara Spike

The popularity of Carnivals at this season has not waned a bit. At the Annapolis Rink upwards of 700 people put in an appearance including 150 skaters in grotesque costumes. About 40 couple took part in the Grand March. Feb 25 1884.

Lifestyle

When I arrived home from getting groceries, the Spousal Unit was depressed and anxious. The cold weather triggered a memory that was upsetting him. We talked about it and it helped a lot. The next bit of anxiety was the recycling not being picked up. Talked some more. The last one was what to expect from the doctors. He was agitated over not knowing but then I didn't know at lot either. 

The visit to the doctor's went fairly well. There is a bunch of blood work that needs to be done to rule out infections, deficiencies, etc. If all is okay then we know he has Alzheimer's and he will be on medication to help with it. The next part of our lives begin with many decisions to be made over both our care and how our lives will change. 

We ended the day with him more relaxed as he talked about what he remembered from his part of the visit. He was tired but happier at bedtime. 

I got a load of laundry done, all the laundry folded and put away, and a bit of tidying up done. It was more important to keep the Spousal Unit from having a major melt down than to do a lot of housework. 

Sewing

I raced between the sewing room and making sure all was well upstairs. I broke the sewing into stages and got the bag done. 

I made piping for the handles and used up a piece of old soft cording. I had just enough for this bag and one more bag. Everything went together easily and I had the opening hand sewn before we left for the doctors. 

I am extremely happy with how it looks. The pocket on the inside is huge but I'm sure it will have some items in it. 

Next up is piping and I will have a box to ship to daughter. Then I can set up the Juki sewing machine ready to start the placemats. 

Knitting

 I set a date to finish the socks and I got them done last night. Two days earlier than I had thought. These socks are an easy knit. 

Elliott decided he had to be in the picture. 

I am deciding if I will knit another pair of socks or if I will knit something for the dolls. I'll decide today.

Today

I want to vacuum the upstairs and wash the spare room floor. That room will be done. I am going to make piping and decide what it is I want to knit next. With snow in the forecast, we will be staying home today. 

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

Progress On Projects

Yesterday started out with rain and then it stopped. The high was 13.3C and we had 7.1 mm of rain. During the day it brightened up and cooled off in the evening. This morning it is -8C with a wind chill of -17C. 20C difference in a day. We are to have sunshine today with a high of -4C.

Small History Nova Scotia by Sara Spike

The ladies of the Presbyterian church are giving socials every Friday fortnight for the small sum of 10 cents. You get cake, coffee, innocent games, flirting thrown in. Baddeck Feb 24, 1897.

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning I cleaned and purged the spare room. I took out a bag of garbage, sorted paper work, cleaned the closet and put away mailing boxes and spare sewing machine. Only the floor needs doing and the room is done. 

Mid afternoon we went to get the Juki sewing machine from the post office. The Spousal Unit was worrying about someone stealing it so it needed to come home. He settled down once it was decided we would go.

We watched the briefing yesterday and it has been decided that restrictions will be lifted March 21. We will never see Covid Zero so must start living with covid. We are nervous but will start moving towards a more normal life. Masks will remain a part of our toolbox as will hand sanitizer. 

Sewing

I spent a good hour sewing on the lining of the bag. I put on a big pocket that has a velcro closure on it. The back seam of the lining is sewn ready for the bottom seam and boxing to be done.

I have to make black piping for the handles and button closure next so I can assemble the bag and finish it. 

Daughter loves this bag so much she is sending more of the fabric for one for her. If enough of the feature fabric arrives, I will make one for son-in-law also so they can have bags for when they go to dog trials and shows. 

Once this bag is done, I will set up the Juki and start the place mats. 

Knitting

I finished the gusset on the sock and have only the foot and toe to finish up the sock. 

A couple of nights and it will be finished. Hurrah. 

Today

I am heading out to shop in a few minutes, then sew on the bag this morning, doctor's this afternoon and knit tonight. I am a bit worried about how the Spousal Unit will be tonight but I will work through it calmly if I can.

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

A Very Productive Day

Though yesterday wasn't clear and sunny, the sun did try to shine and make the world brighter. The high got to 5.9C, at what hour I'm not sure as most of the day the temperature was 1C. This morning it is raining and 9C. 

Small History Nova Scotia by Sara Spike

A severe easterly gale has prevailed here for two days. Although the wind is high, this noble sheet of water is almost as peaceful as on a calm day, which goes to show how splendidly sheltered is our much coveted harbor. Shelburne Feb 23, 1898.

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning I got a doctor's appointment for us on Thursday afternoon. After that was taken care of we went to Coldbrook for apples. The Spousal Unit wandered around the store, talked to one of the employees and had a wonderful time. We were home for lunch and after lunch he wandered outside, read his book, and enjoyed our talks. It was a wonderful day for both of us.

The number of confirmed cases is remaining steady. The number in hospitals are remaining the same. There were 3 deaths yesterday which is sad. 

Sewing

The fabrics for the reusable bag.

The first thing I did with the fabrics was to give them a light starching to add some body to them.  

I worked on the reusable bag yesterday. I folded where I wanted the center front is to be and then cut the fabric so I had 40" in width.

I trimmed it so I had 1/4" on the top and 3/8" on the bottom. It was interesting as this was a leftover piece from a project of daughter's. This piece measured 13.25" deep and I wanted a piece that was 20" deep. The width is 40". I cut a piece of black fabric 3.75" deep by 40" wide for the bottom of the bag. 

I interfaced the two pieces with shirtailor interfacing and I carefully sewed them together so the white selvage didn't show. After careful measuring, calculating the 1/4" seam allowances, I cut a piece of golden yellow fabric just over 4". I can't remember the exact measurement but the total less seam allowances had to be 20". It was interfaced and sewn on. From there, I sewed up the bag ready for today. 

The black base does not show at all which was planned. I ended up finding a scrap that had a dog on it and made the button.

The handles and button closure will be gold with black piping. The lining is the gold fabric which I will interface with shirtailor interfacing. I have enough of the border print to add an interior pocket to the bag. In all, it was a good 2 hours in the sewing room. 

My sewing machine is in Windsor and should be delivered around noon. I won't be sewing on it until I finish the bag as I don't switch machines in the middle of a project. 

Knitting

I knit on the socks while I visited with the Spousal Unit in the afternoon and while watching a video last night. The heel flap is done, the heel turned, the gusset stitches picked up and the gusset is now being done. 

When these are completed, I will be shipping the two pairs to daughter and then will start the last pair for her in the heavy yarn. 

I have looked into the yarn bins and I need to keep knitting daily to get it down to a small amount. I know I need to buy wool for socks for son-in-law and grandson but the rest is coming out of the stash. I look forward to knitting it all up now that I don't have testing on my mind for awhile.

Today

We are staying home today due to the weather. I have to do some housework, sew some and knit. I also have to entertain the Spousal Unit with some TV shows this afternoon. 

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

A Rough Few Days

 Our weather has been crazy with cooler days and warmer days. We did have sunshine yesterday with a high of 6.9C. This morning it is -3C and we are to have a high of 1C. The temperature is to rise to 3C during the night as we prepare for another bout of rain. 

Small History Nova Scotia by Sara Spike

Although we have had some cold weather this winter, still the Little Bras d'Or Lake has been free from ice. Boisdale. Feb 21 1895.

Lifestyle

It has been a rough few days in our household. The Spousal Unit has been having a lot of anxiety and panic attacks. He has also been upset over many things and has become verbally outspoken. It finally came to a head yesterday and he spent most of the day with family. I couldn't talk to him about anything as he would flare up. It was the best move we made. Today I am going to get a doctor's appointment to have him assessed, tested, and get the support we both need. He needs to be able to have independence and I need to have rest.

I continue to try and keep the house clean and tidy. I did the bathroom and living room yesterday. I am keeping the clutter down and hope to get more done as time goes on. It keeps both of us calm and it is easier for me to keep tidy. 

I know posting will be more sporadic until we get things settled into a new routine. Please bear with me as this is a difficult time for us. 

Sewing

I got the test pattern done and was one of the last ones to finish. It was a difficult pattern to sew and not having the lace made this outfit a plain Jane compared to some of the others. But I love it and am proud of getting it done during difficult times. 

I didn't have the 6 meters of lace needed to doll up this outfit but I'm going to look and see if I have enough to do the neckline. I can hand sew it into place. 

The back of the skirt is wonderful. I love how the ruffles sit nicely on the bustle. 

At this time all 9 of the American Girl dolls are in historical outfits ranging from the 1700's to 1930. With that accomplished and the Spousal Unit's issues, I have asked for a temporary leave of absence from the testing groups. 

I started on the bag for daughter's breeders. I gave the focus fabric a light starching, pressed it well and let it dry. Once dried, I trimmed the top and bottom pieces so I can cut all the pieces to the correct width. Progress made on that project. 

My Juki sewing machine has now left Montreal. It is getting closer to home. 

Knitting

The 2nd unicorn sock has the leg knit and I've started on the heel flap. I am so excited to be that far along. 

I have also taken a leave of absence from testing knitting patterns. I am short on yarn for the items we've been testing and I find it hard to meet the deadlines. Knitting at my own speed is what I need. 

Today

We are going out for a drive to get apples. I am hoping to get some done on the bag and knit tonight. One priority is to get an appointment with the doctor for the Spousal Unit. 

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

A Drive In The Sunshine

 Though cool with a high of -1C, it was quite sunny yesterday. The temperature this morning was -4C. It is snowing and blowing and it is suppose to be nasty until noon. 

Small History Nova Scotia by Sara Spike

The Shipbuilding Industry is booming in Mahone Bay. The builders combined have 10 vessels on the stocks and orders for more. Feb 20, 1901.

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning, I got the kitchen cleaned up and the floor washed. Between cleaning, I was out looking for a tape measure that the Spousal Unit put somewhere and can't remember. 

Daughter-in-law arrived before lunch and invited us over for grandson's birthday dinner. We took advantage of the sunshine and went to get cards and gift cards locally and then went for a drive. 

The rain certainly made the snow disappear and there was some water damage as we went the back way to New Minas. We drove through New Minas and came home via the highway. It was a nice drive in nice weather. 

We had a lovely dinner and came home to have our tea. We were tired but happy. 

The number of people in covid designated units was 60 with 12 in ICU. These numbers are down which is nice to see. There were 200 confirmed cases reported yesterday.

I got the second sock cast on and several rounds knit on the cuff. 

Today

I have to do budget, fold laundry, sew and knit. 

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

Another Storm Arrived and Left

 Yesterday's weather was warm (13.8C), wet (over 1" of rain fell), cool (low -6.7C) and a dusting of snow. This morning, it is -10C and sunny though we are to get snow tonight. The high today is suppose to get to -3C.

Small History Nova Scotia by Sara Spike

The whistling buoy which has been serenading the Westport people for some time has been towed into the harbor. It is suppose to be from Lurcher. Digby Feb 19 1886.

Lifestyle

Between 60 and 70% of the snow disappeared during yesterday's rain. It was amazing how fast it went. The ditches were full of runoff and the ditch that runs down the side of our property actually was forming a lake that was up to the end of the hedge. The water cut through the snow and drained away through the culvert. The ditch at the front of the house seems to be draining away also as there is little water showing in it. 

We had to go into town for a very quick trip and the ditches were quite full and running fast. We were happy to get home as we were between heavy down pours. 

I did a bit of housework and a load of laundry. I had no energy and was watching for water in the house. Nothing happened but I did worry. 

There were 320 new lab confirmed cases of the virus and no deaths yesterday. The number of people in hospital (66) and in ICU (11) remain about the same. 

Sewing

I spent a couple of hours sewing on the skirt yesterday. The ruching got done which was nerve wracking. 

We had to guess where to start the ruching at the top and looking at the pictures I picked where the bottom of the side lap will be sewn on. 

I started on the back. It is time consuming as you need to gather the ruffles onto the pieces. I got 2 done. 

I still have 2 more sections to do.

I pinned the front of the skirt on so I could see how it looks. I am happy with it. 

I got a call and my Juki is coming home. They had to adjust the top tension. I ordered a upright spool holder and they gave me 10 bobbins. I will be so happy to have this machine back. I have missed it a lot though the Diamond has been well behaved. 

Knitting

I finished the first Unicorn sock and I really enjoyed knitting it. I seem to have got into the groove of knitting heavy socks. 

I will cast on the second sock today. I have enough yarn to make a pair of mirror socks and then I will be out of heavy yarn. Back to knitting fine yarn socks which I do enjoy also. 

Today

I have some housework to do, laundry to fold, sew on the skirt and knit on socks. A stay at home day. 

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

Like A Puzzle

 Though yesterday was cloudy, it wasn't dark. It was bright enough that I turned out the lights in the kitchen and dining area. The wind did blow and drove us nuts by 8 p.m. We had no rain and the high was 13C. This morning it is 11C and it pouring rain. The wind is blowing like crazy. 

Small History Nova Scotia by Sara Spike

Our reading room is getting along fine. Mr McCoul, or rather the Misses McCoul, keep the room tidy and clean, deserving more than praise for the interest they take in the welfare of those who are lovers of good reading. Trenton Feb 18, 1890.

Lifestyle

I rushed around and got the house tidied up. The floors were vacuumed as were the stairs. The bathroom was cleaned up and a load of laundry done. It is nice to have it all done so I can do a bit in the kitchen and budget today. 

The Spousal Unit wandered outside yesterday with not a lot to do. He was bored and that made him tired and feeling off. We did go and get grandson from school and took him home which broke up the late afternoon for both of us. 

The snow melted a fair amount yesterday and with the rain and warm temperature this morning, it is going quite quickly. You can actually see the ditch in front of our house. 

There were 242 confirmed cases of the virus and 2 deaths yesterday. There are 66 people in covid units with 11 people in ICU. The downward trend of cases and hospitalizations and the higher number of deaths is the normal in Canada from what I read. 

Sewing

It was a brain draining no picture day in the sewing room. I cut out all the pieces of the skirt, looked at it and was exhausted. I finished the hem on the ruffles I finished the hem and gathered the shortest one. It goes on the bottom of the front skirt piece. 

Next I marked the lines for ruching the outer skirt and at that point I got confused. I stopped, took a deep breath, and started again. I got everything sorted out and the gathering lines marked and stitched. I even played with a fancy stitch on the sewing machine to tack down the gathers. I'm ready to begin that today.

The back of the skirt is made up of 4 panels which have ruffles gathered onto them as they are sewn together. This is like putting together a puzzle made even more confusing when you think the skirt closes at the back when it closes at the side. It then makes sense on what you are doing. I have to say, the skill level is advanced. This is the only one I will be making. A simple project is in the books when this one is done. 

Knitting

The gusset is complete and I am now knitting the foot on the sock. It is coming along quickly and I am hoping to have the 2nd sock cast on this weekend. 

Hopefully there will be pictures of progress tomorrow for sewing and knitting. 

Today

I need to wipe down the kitchen, do the budget and pay bills. I need to wipe down parts of the kitchen also. Sewing on the skirt and knitting will round out the day. I need to go out this morning for a bit. 

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

Another Storm Coming

 Yesterday was sunny and, though it started out cold, it warmed up. The high was 3C which happened during the night. This morning it is 7C and we are under three warnings -- flash freeze warning, wind warning, and rain warning. The flash freeze warning is the high is going to be near 11C today and tomorrow morning and then drop rapidly to -4C tomorrow night. 

Small History Nova Scotia by Sara Spike

We regret to state that "mat fever" has broken out afresh. Its sister complaint "quilt fever" has been going the rounds for some time. "Tis confined to the ladies only. Victoria Harbor Feb 17 1897.

Lifestyle

Yesterday I got groceries and we headed out to take tulips to the family. Son had slipped on ice the day before and badly sprained his ankle. He is doing fine and we had laughed as he told the story of his misadventure. 

When we got home, we sat on the couch and promptly fell asleep for almost an hour. We are still recovering from everything this winter has brought us. 

There were 3 deaths and 66 people in covid units with 9 in the ICU reported yesterday. Though the number of hospital cases are going down, there are more deaths than I like to see. 

Sewing

 I finished the bodice of the Liberty Society dress. I got the waistband sewn on properly after attaching the 2nd side panel. It was on incorrectly. Took it all off, pressed the gathered pieces and tried again. Done correctly. Though the waistband is lined, my idea needs to be improved. 

I love how the side panels fit over the lobster tail bustle. 

The fit of the bodice is really good on this doll.  I wish I had lace for this outfit but I had none in cream. 

I have been quilt pattern hunting and I found this quilt for an idea for a quilt. I love the simplicity of the borders around a center panel. 

It took me quite a while to find the free pattern to download. 

The other free pattern I found was a small gift bag that I am going to make to hold a small gift.  

I have to refrain from getting too many ideas in my head until this dress pattern is done. 

Knitting

The Unicorn socks are coming along well. I got the flap done, the heel turned, and the gusset stitches picked up. I'm ready to start decreasing the gusset now. 

I'm a row counter hence all the markers in the sock. 

I love the padded stitches in the heel flap, heel and down the bottom of the foot while decreasing the gusset. They do add some extra strength to that part of the foot. 

Today

We are home today so I hope to do some housework and laundry. I want to start cutting out the skirt for the dress and knit on the socks. If there is no rain, I would love to shut off the heat, open the windows and clean the filters on the heat pump. 

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

Almost Done The Bodice

 Yesterday was sunny but cold. The high got to -9.3C. In the late afternoon we had a snow flurry which gave us an bit of whiteness. This morning it is -18C and we are to have -3C and we are to have sunshine. 

Small History Nova Scotia by Sara Spike

Winter dairying is carried on quite extensively in this place, there being 7 or 8 of our farmers engaged in it, and we believe with profit. Brule Feb 16 1900.

(It seems as if people didn't milk cows in the winter unless it was for their own use. They didn't have the facilities to do this in like they do today.)

Lifestyle

The Spousal Unit spent the day shoveling snow off the driveway and the deck. It was cold going for him but he did an awesome job. He was tired when he got done. 

I folded laundry, did laundry and some cleaning up. I am enjoying doing some housework each day.  

There were 226 confirmed cases of the virus and 6 deaths reported yesterday. There are 74 people in covid units with 11 in ICU. 

Sewing

I spent quite a bit of time in the sewing room working on the bodice of the outfit. I still have one more piece to add to the back of the bodice and then decide on how I am going to cover the waistband to hide the seams. 

I have only basted the front apron and one back panel on so gathering threads can be seen. I do like how the front apron is attached to the bodice and, at this point, wish I had lace to put on it. None in the stash. 

The side panel is nice also and I have to adjust it a bit. 

I am going to cut out a waistband in cream broadcloth to cover the inside of the waistband. I'm not going to put this much time and effort into an outfit to have an unfinished waistband. I have red buttons for the back - 2 of them which means that I have no more of them. Hurrah.

I started to layout the skirt and I need to have time to focus on folding the fabric, cut, refold, cut, and repeat 4 more times. Then it is more pieces to be cut out and a front skirt piece that need ruching. A lot of pieces to the skirt puzzle. 

Knitting

I worked on the sock yesterday and have started the plain knitting on the leg. I took a picture as I finished the cuff. 

I am finding this sock even easier to knit than the last one. I'm glad that I spent the time to knit these heavy socks one after another. Practice makes for remembering what to do easier. 

Today

I am going shopping a bit later this morning, doing some tidying up and then sewing and knitting. 

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

And It Snowed and Blowed

 Yesterday was a very snowy day. Storm #5 in 6 weeks. We are guessing there was over 8" fell and it drifted due to the wind blowing. The high got to -7.2C. This morning it is -14C with a windchill of -20. It is suppose to get to -10C with a windchill of -22C. 

Small History Nova Scotia by Sara Spike

There has been very good skating on our bay the past few days and young and old went in for the sport. A half holiday was given the pupils today to take advantage of the good skating. St. Peters Feb 15 1897.

Lifestyle

The driveway was shoveled around 3 times yesterday. The deck was done once. You'd never know it was done. The wind blew snow around and we have some drifting. Not as bad as others but enough to be annoying. 

The road has been plowed several times also. This is the loader they send out to do our area. We call it the big guns as we've never seen such a set up like this one.

He not only did the road but pushed the snow back to widen it. The snow banks are now as high as after storm #3. 

I got the living room cleaned yesterday but didn't wash the floor. I am happy to have that area cleaned and ready to do the floors today. I also swept the other floors to keep them cleaner. 

Yesterday there were 158 lab confirmed cases of the virus reported. There were also 7 deaths which is the largest number in one day. There are 68 people in covid units. There are 3 people in our local hospital with the virus. 

Sewing

I had a fairly good time in the sewing room. I got the over bodice pieces cut out and sewn together. The under bodice was added and I did a 1/8" line of stitching around the arm holes and the bottom to hold the two parts together. 

I am adding no lace to this dress as I don't have 6 yards of cream lace in the stash. I normally don't sew with cream colored fabric. I bought this fabric 5 years ago as it was lovely. I got it before we had to put it away for a sale a few months later. It is perfect for this dress. 

So far, the only adjustment I would make on this pattern would be to do most of the neckline gathering towards the center front and less towards the shoulder area. 

Knitting

The blue socks are done and they are heavy. Daughter says they are good to -40C. 

Elliott did a good job of displaying them for me. 

I cast on the purple ones and got half the ribbing done on the first sock. 

The color is lighter than shown. I have one ball of blue and one of the purple left so I will make mirror socks out of it. What is sad - I can't get this yarn any more. 

Today

More housework is in the books along with sewing and knitting. With the cold weather, we won't be outside much today. There is left over stew for dinner which is comfort food in our house. 

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

Under A Snow Warning

 Yesterday was a dull grey day. The high of 4.5C was after midnight as the temperature dropped all day. It was -8C this morning and there is about 3" of fluffy snow on the ground. It has been snowing since late yesterday afternoon. We are to have snow most of the day as we are under a snow warning.

Small History Nova Scotia by Sara Spike

The ladies of Coldbrook will hold and Oyster and Bean Supper and Apron Sale in the new Hall on St Valentine's night. The Kentville Brass Band will be in attendance. Speeches by prominent men. Admission, including supper, 25 cents. Feb 14 1908.

Lifestyle

I got the dining area cleaned yesterday and the items I had put away at Christmas back out on the server and half circle table. The floors were grubby but now it all looks clean and tidy. 

The Spousal Unit was in and out a bit yesterday but didn't have much to do. It was a boring day for him. Today is the opposite. He will be busy shoveling snow. 

There were 243 new lab-confirmed cases reported yesterday. There were 76 in the hospital with the virus with 13 in ICU. The question of the day is "Are we coming down on the other side of the Omicron wave?" I sure hope so. 

Sewing

First thing I did was try the petticoat on over the bustle. I put it on over the doll's head and it fits beautifully. 

This is how a bustle was originally worn according to a lady who makes and wears these clothing. 

I started on the Liberty Society dress. The under bodice is done in a cream broadcloth and I'm pleased with how it looks. 

I have started the over bodice and the fabric I chose is creams with tiny red roses on it. There will be no lace on the dress as I don't have enough in the correct width. 

Knitting

The socks are coming along nicely. I finished the gusset and have 15 rows done on the foot part. Hopefully it will be done by Thursday. No pictures as it's hard to get a good picture without it looking like a whale with its mouth open.

Today

The goal today is to fold laundry and start cleaning the living room. I would like to finish the bodice of the doll's dress and knit more on the socks. The Spousal Unit is shoveling the driveway with our lovely neighbor. We are so blessed to have them. Tonight we will have stew as it didn't cook fully yesterday. I'm sure the driveway will need to be shoveled again today. 

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