Tiny Pockets On A Skirt

 Yesterday was sunny and warm with a small shower. The high got to 23 (humidex 26C). This morning it is cloudy and 15C. Today is supposed to be a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 21C. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning was more productive though I was tired. I got the bathroom cleaned. I even mopped the floor. It was dusty in that room. Once it was done,  folded laundry and have most of it put away. 

I am having an issue with Rosie the vacuum robot. She doesn't go back into her charging station properly. Yesterday I caught it right away and gave her a push and in she went. I am not sure if the pad she sits on has moved some and she can't align with the charger properly. 

I was looking for something on the internet after I finished my to do list and came across a site that made me angry. People were criticizing some YouTubers. The comments were upsetting and after reading a few, I had to close the tab. If you don't like a YouTuber, then don't watch it. I have done that and each one I stop watching has been for different reason. 

Daughter-in-law and I went to see Downton Abbey last night. It was "cheap ticket Tuesday". We really enjoyed the show. The costumes were spectacular and the acting was great. How the story line progressed showed that this is the last of Downton Abbey as we knew it. The ending was perfect with the movie being dedicated to Dame Maggie Smith. 

Sewing

I did sew yesterday. I sewed the ties for the dress. It was quite the job turning them right side out using a bobby pin. I finally figured it out after many attempts. They were pressed and pinned to the bodice side fronts. I then finished sewing the bodice together and gave it a good press. I was ready to start the skirt. 

Sewing tiny pockets on the skirt of the wrap dress was interesting. The pocket pieces are unusual in shape and a puzzle to figure out. I got them done and am happy with how nice they look. I serged the two ends and the hem and sewed them in place. 

Once I had done all that, I had a panic attack. How I had vision attaching the skirt put them on the back. The video I was watching didn't help until I saw how the skirt was gathered onto the top. I had forgot it was a wrap dress and, yes, the pockets were in the right place. Once I had that straight in my head I started to gather the skirt onto the bodice. 

The other half of the skirt is not gathered as I had to stop and have dinner early as I was going to Downton Abbey. 

Knitting

None done as I got home late. 

Thoughts

    My osteopathy therapist starts back on October 1. I will be reaching out to her to get an appointment before we leave on our holiday but don't expect it will happen. I know I can wait until January to see her. I will try to have 2 physio appointments before we leave. 

    My SI joint is sore this morning. I know it is from sitting in the theatre seats. I will be applying heat to it and doing some exercises to help it release. 

    My new fridge will be delivered on Sept. 30. I am eagerly awaiting its arrival so I can use a full size fridge again. It will be nice to have one that I can trust rather than worry if it will work. 

Today

I have to go out this morning and deliver some things to a store in town. Once home, I will try to do a few things which could help my SI joint. I want to sew this afternoon and knit tonight. It will be a quieter day for me as I am tired. 

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

I Escaped From Reality For A Few Hours

 Yesterday was sunny and warm with a high of 23C. This morning it is cloudy and 9C. Today is supposed to be a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 22C. 

Lifestyle

I did get groceries yesterday morning while it was quiet at the store. Once home, I put them away and headed over to see my friend. She is doing well and was packing to leave this morning. She will be gone for over a week.  

Once home, I had lunch and then fell asleep on the couch. I was not willing to deal with anything as I knew I was feeling low mentally. It has been 3 years since the Spousal Unit passed and the anniversary date always hits me. Sleeping is the way I avoid it. 

I was out to our community hall meeting last night which was good for me. I needed it and the drive I took before the meeting. I looked at how ripe the apples are getting. I heard they will be smaller in size due to the drought. 

Sewing

None done

Knitting

None done

Thoughts

    It was a rough day for me yesterday and I had to exit life for a while. It means I don't do much until I get over it. The last one I had was on his birthday. 

    I was a bit concerned about my oxygen level. It was below the normal reading for 2 days. This morning it is above the normal reading. I think part of it was dehydration. I am monitoring it carefully. 

    I have done a few things with my computer. All the old files are on the external drive and I have unsubscribed to over 60 YouTube videos. It was past time to do that. 

Today

I hope to get some things done this morning and sew this afternoon. Tonight I will knit on the socks. I am trying to keep busy as I do not want to have another afternoon of escaping the world. 

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

It Doesn't Rain It Pours With Things Happening

I am sorry this is late. My morning has been busy beyond busy. 

Yesterday was another sunny day with a high of 19C. This morning it is partly cloudy and 4C (no frost). Today is supposed to be sunny with a high of 20C. 

Lifestyle

I spent a good part of the morning cleaning up the deck. I got the umbrella into the shed. It is awkward and I had to balance it and hold onto the railing going down the stairs. I wasn't going to have it take me out on the stairs. I spent quite a bit of time cutting back the tomato plants and digging out the roots. The pots and poles were put into the shed. I swept the deck and it is done until I do the pepper plants. At that time I will also turn the table upside down. 

I did get warm sitting on the composite decking with the sun shining on me. I am also finding out that doing this kind of work is helping my SI joint also. Though it gets tired, it isn't hurting as much now that I am up and down the stairs, sitting and standing, and moving around. 

Daughter-in-law came over to see me before lunch. We had fun with my list and filled my back pack. I put it on and it is lighter than when I wore it to Sweden. I learned a lot about back packs on that trip. 

My friend came over to visit in the late afternoon. She told me her mom (98 years old) is not doing well and she will be heading to Ontario in the next day or two. Update - my friend's mother passed away this morning and she is leaving tomorrow morning. 

I covered the peppers again last night but there was no frost. Close but it didn't happen. I am trying to get the last of the peppers to turn red so son can use them. 

Sewing

I did some sewing yesterday afternoon. I got the wrap dress cut out and then did some tiny sewing. The strip of stripe fabric was added to the front pieces for decoration. That took some time as I had to do a lot of hand basting. It was worth it as it went on nicely. I got the fronts sewn to the back on both the outer and lining pieces. Then it was time to sew around the neckline. Job completed. 

I tried it on Anika the rabbit. I have it pulled over too far and it fits tight on her at the moment. 

The next job is to sew around the armholes. Then I can make the ties and attach them. Once that is done, I can work on the skirt. It is coming together easier than I thought it would. 

Knitting

I knit on sock #2 last night and have it done to the same spot as sock #1. 

I now know I have enough yarn for the socks. I have about 28 rounds left to knit on each sock before I do the toes. They should be done this week. 

Thoughts

   If it doesn't rain, it pours with things happening in my life. 

Today

I have been out to get groceries while it was quiet. I am heading over to my friend's to be with her for a bit. Then it will be doing a few things here (maybe sewing). Tonight I have a meeting at the hall. 

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

Outside Work Started; Bags Finished

 Yesterday was another sunny day with a high of 15C (more like 18C locally). This morning it is clear, cool, frosty and 2C. Today is supposed to be sunny with a high of 20C. 

Lifestyle

I started the morning out putting the sheets into the laundry. I left them to wash as I gathered my stuff to work outside. I picked up the tub of fertilizer and the container the cucumbers were in and headed to the shed. I moved a few things around in the shed, grabbed the bag of weeds and pulled it outside to start weeding around the shed. 

The first area was the back of the shed. I pulled weeds and pruned the rose bush. I will need to prune the rose bush again and cover it in late October. 

Next up I started on the side of the shed. I removed the solar lights and started pulling weeds. I also emptied the flower tubs and put the two smaller ones into the shed. This was a lot of work as there were more weeds to pull. But, it is done and I am happy. 

I carried the bag of weeds down to the garage and put it into the compost bin. I also took a bunch of pots down for the yard sale and some empty dirt bags for recycling. With everything locked up, I sat down for a rest. I was tired and it was nearly lunch time. 

I covered the pepper plants again last night. They have 4 blankets on them as the 2 I used the previous night were not quite enough. I did look at the deck and I am tackling it next. Then the side and front of the house and my yard will be ready for winter. 

I started to make my bed late in the afternoon but stopped. I had to have Rosie re-vacuum the bedroom. She had a hard time in the bedroom yesterday. She got stuck under the dresser and then under the chair. I helped her and she scooted back to the charging station not finishing the room. I had to clean her charging points so she could charge. I figured out how to make my bedroom as a separate room and sent her back to do it again. When she was done, I made the bed. I did learn how to separate my big space into rooms which is good to know. 

Sewing

I finished making two bags yesterday. It was a good session and I am thrilled they are done. 

Making the handles takes the longest amount of time. The actual sewing of the bag is easy and fairly quick to do. I didn't rush as I wanted to enjoy learning how to make them. I am happy that daughter-in-law found the pattern (video). 

I did sit for 5 minutes and sewed a button on a top before going upstairs. It was quick and easy to do. 

Knitting

I knit on the socks last night and got the gusset done.

I am ready to knit on the foot. I think I have enough yarn to finish both socks. If not the toes will be a solid black left over from the last socks I knit. 

Thoughts

    It was nice to get outside and do some weeding without getting overheated. It reminded me, once again, how much I love the cooler weather of fall. I feel more energetic and happier as I can be outside doing the jobs I enjoy. 

    I am in the process of cleaning up my computer. I started with my YouTube subscription list. Most of what I unsubscribed to was paper crafts and some decluttering videos. I am only doing a bit of paper crafting now and the decluttering videos are ones whose ideas don't work for me. My next job is to move a lot of files to my back up storage so I have a clean screen. I usually do that in December but will be doing it over the next month. The last thing I have to do is delete or move photos so I have less of them on my phone. 

    I am trying to remain calm and enjoy what I do. I am trying to make the jobs I don't like doing enjoyable. It is working most of the time. There are still things that stress me when I do them and other things I want to put off. I am working on alternating those things with things I enjoy doing. 

Today

I want to clean up the deck leaving only the pepper plants to ripen. I want the rest of the deck ready for winter. I want to do a few things inside so I am keeping up on the housework. This afternoon I would like to work on the rabbit's dress and tonight I will knit on the socks. 

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

A Busy Day

 Though yesterday started off with a few rain drops, it turned sunny and warm. The high got to 22C. This morning it is clear and 5C. Today is supposed to be sunny with a high of 19C. Risk of frost again tonight. 

Lifestyle

I had a terrible IBS attack for 48 hours and was tired yesterday. I know what caused it -- romaine lettuce I had for salads 2 nights in a row. Too much fibre in my system and it rebelled. 

I went to shop yesterday morning. First stop was Dollarama (Canadian version of the Dollar Store). As I walked in, I saw that they were putting out Christmas decorations in one aisle. Another aisle was packed with fall decorations. I avoided those aisles. I was looking for specific items. I found all but one. This store seems to run out of canned air on a regular basis and is slow to get more stock out. 

I went to shop for a few groceries also. It is close to the exhibition park and the streets and parking lots were starting to fill up. The gates weren't open but people were arriving to support the horse competitors. Last evening would have been busy as the grounds opened for the weekend. 

I picked peppers yesterday and got another container full. 

The rest of the peppers are turning red so I will leave them on the plants for as long as possible. I did cover them last night due to the risk of frost. 

Sewing

I did sew yesterday afternoon. The bag I started was finished and the handles are done for the last 2 bags. The bag fabric was prepped and is ready for me to work on. I didn't take any pictures as my phone was upstairs. 

Knitting

I knit on the socks last night. The heel flap was completed and I turned the heel. I had enough light to pick up the gusset stitches and knit one round. 

I am pleased with how much I have gotten done on these socks. I am going to do the next pair in a pattern as I need a bit of a challenge and will have lots of time to make them before we leave on our trip. 

Thoughts

    Our hopes for a shower certainly left us disappointed yesterday. A small sprinkle and it was done. No rain this weekend which is nice for the fall fair. Not great for lawns, fields, etc. 

    I am hoping to get the bags done today so I can put everything for making them away. I will just have the dress to make for the rabbit's outfit and I will be done sewing. Then it is on to tidying up the sewing room, finishing a book, and cleaning under the stairs. Still a lot to do but I will get it all done. 

    It is coming up to the third anniversary since the Spousal Unit passed away. I still miss him every day. There are time when I wonder if I could have done more for him and there are times I blame myself for his death. It is usually close to dates like his birthday, Christmas, etc. I am feeling a bit of this right now and am trying to keep busy so I don't sit and get depressed about it. 

Today

The to do list is growing with small things that need to be done. One light bulb in the kitchen needs replacing, a button sewn on, begin packing items to see if my ideas will work. I want to do a bit of cleaning up on the deck also. This afternoon I am going to finish the bags and clean up the cutting table. Tonight I will knit on the socks. 

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

Pin Tuck Top Completed

 Yesterday was another lovely day with a high of 25 (humidex 28C). This morning it is clear and 15C. Today is supposed to be mainly cloudy with a high of 23C (humidex 26C). 

Lifestyle

I was out in the morning to have a hair cut. It was trying to rain with little to no success. I was home an hour later. My jobs of the morning were to clean the kitchen and fold laundry. The kitchen got a good cleaning as it was due. I spent quite a bit of time making sure everything was super clean. Four items are ready to be put into a box for the thrift store. 

I folded laundry and got it put away. That job is done for this now. It wasn't hard to do. It is just something that gets put down at the bottom of the list and forgotten for a few days. 

It was humid yesterday and I really could feel it in the afternoon. We need a good wind that will move the high pressure system out to sea and give us some rain. We are starting to beg for it to happen. 

Sewing

I had a wonderful afternoon in the sewing room. I finished the pin tuck top for Anika the rabbit. It wasn't a lot of work and I had a great time finishing it. 

I enjoyed making the top but still wonder why it has a skirt on it when it will be worn underneath a wrap dress. 

The snaps are on and I am ready to start the dress tomorrow. 

As I had time before dinner, I decided to work on the next bag. I cut out the handles and got them sewn onto the main bag. 

There isn't a lot left to sew on this bag as the handles take longest to make. 

Knitting

I did knit last night and got the leg done on sock #2. I am ready to knit the heel flap. 

At the rate I am moving, I may have another pair of socks made before we leave on our trip. With it getting dark earlier, I seem to start knitting earlier in the evenings. 

Thoughts

    I enjoyed my sewing time yesterday. No rush, no pressure. Just calm and relaxed. Once I finish the wrap dress and the bags, I am done sewing unless I have to make something for the trip. I want to clean up the sewing room so it is tidy and ready for its big cleaning in January. 

    There is a chance of frost tonight and tomorrow night in low lying areas. I need to pick the peppers this morning just in case we get frost. We have a 50% chance at this time of the year. It is also time to start focusing on tidying up the deck and yard. I will do it slowly over the next few days. 

    The fog is rolling in quickly this morning. The conditions are perfect for fog; high humidity and cool. I like watching it come in and go down our street. 

Today

I want to pick the peppers and start putting things away into the shed. I need to do a bit of grocery shopping and go to the Dollar store. I hope to sew on the bags this afternoon and knit tonight. 

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

Another Bag Made

 Yesterday was another sunny day with a high of 25C (humidex 27C). This morning it is cloudy and 11C. Today is supposed to be more cloudy with a chance of showers. The high is to get to 23C (humidex 27C). 

Lifestyle

Yesterday it was back to New Minas to shop with daughter-in-law. This time it was to get items for our trip to Montevideo. Sunscreen, underclothes, socks, and other smaller items from Walmart. Our next stop was to return daughter-in-law's black luggage and get the bright blue set. A bit of snooping and we were gone. Our last stop was at Giant Tiger. I got 2 more tops and one of my favourite treats (like popsicles but less calories) was on sale for half of what I pay for them at the grocery store. We had one on the way home. 

My SI joint was much better yesterday; not nearly as sore as it has been. I did sit and rest it after we got home. Last night I stretched and had 2 more cracks. It is pretty much back to normal this morning. 

Sewing

I got a late start sewing as I almost fell asleep on the couch. It was too warm upstairs so I put on the a/c and headed downstairs. 

I cut out the body section for 2 more bags and have the fabric ready to cut in half for an additional 2 more. I used the scraps to make 2 handles and found a stripe fabric for the remaining handles. I sat down and sewed one bag. I only needed to refer to the video for the handle. Otherwise it was sewing and pressing. 

The fabric is Tilda's hibernation print and I bought it as I liked it. When I got it home, I didn't know what to make from it so it sat on the stash shelf waiting for its turn. The other piece I will make a bag with striped handles and gift it to daughter. The remaining 2 bags will be the solid blue with the mouse print handles on one bag and striped fabric for the other one. Then, the bags will be done. 

Knitting

I knit last night and now have 51 rounds done on the 2nd sock. 

I have to remind myself I have the first sock still attached to the ball of yarn and that I need to make sure all is set up correctly when knitting this sock. 

Thoughts (Sewing)

    I have done a lot of thinking about my sewing going forward. I stopped my brain dump as I needed to really think about what I want to do. I am moving away from sewing up the stash just to get rid of it. I am moving towards sewing what I want to sew and if it includes fabric from the stash that is a bonus. If it doesn't then I will get rid of the stash. That I decided on a while ago. 

    When I did the brain dump on what I wanted to sew, I realized that I want to make items that allow me to enjoy what I am making. I want to be able to spend time doing some research on an item, searching for the right pattern, and taking my time making it. I want to enjoy hand sewing which I love to do. 

    I don't want to pressure myself to sew 4 hours every afternoon just to make something. I want to have the option of not sewing and not feel guilty about it. If I want to do something else, I want to feel that not sewing one afternoon is not going to be the end of the world. 

    My first job in January is to clean the sewing room and take stock of what I need to have and letting go of the rest. While I am cleaning I want to sew a bit each day as a reward for doing the job. It may be using my sewing machine or it may be some hand sewing. 

Today

I am off to get a hair cut this morning and then will come home to do laundry and fold the load in the dryer. I want to do some cleaning in the kitchen. This afternoon I want to work on the pin tuck top and try to finish it. This evening I will knit on the socks. 

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

An Exercise On Tiny Sewing

Yesterday was sunny with a high of 24C. This morning it is clear and 9C. Today is supposed to be sunny with a high of 25C. 

Lifestyle

I was out the door to New Minas to get my travel cPap machine. I saw a respiratory therapist to go over the machine and found out I had to buy a hose for it. The therapist helped me put the app on my phone and I can turn this machine on using the app. She also gave me two humidity packs for the trip. 

I did a bit of shopping and came home. My SI joint was sore and I could feel where it was out at the top. I was starting to get exhausted from the pain and not sleeping well. I did do my exercises in the morning and stretched in bed last night. I had 2 cracks last night and my SI joint is almost completely released. One more night and I may be fixed (or I hope). 

I took the bag over to family's and daughter-in-law filled it with items from the fridge. Other than reinforcing the handles a bit, this bag is a winner. It folds up small enough to fit in daughter-in-law's pant pockets and it can fit into a purse. Even son was impressed with it. 

Sewing

I did reinforce the handles when I got home and know that I will have to do it on the remaining bags. I have the fabric ready to make 2 more, maybe 4. I will send daughter one for her to use.

I started making a pin tuck top for Anika the rabbit. This is an exercise in tiny sewing. I successfully got the pin tucks to look good. Not perfect but good. I serged seams very carefully and sewed the shoulder seams together. I cut out the teeny tiny neck facing and sewed it together. I knew I couldn't serge the raw edge so I used the pinking sheers on it after stitching a row around the edge. I pinned it onto the top and hand basted it in place. 

I did fix the back part as the facing was to sit on top of the folded part. I carefully sewed it in place using a small stitch length. It was trimmed, turned back and pressed. 

Next up was more serging and getting the sleeves in. No pictures of that as it drove me nuts. I think I spent as much time inserting the sleeves as I did getting the top to that point. It may have been longer. It was a case of fiddling, pinching, saying a lot of things and then sewing. I gave them a good press and sewed up the side seams. 

The next job was to do the ruffle and it was easier. I got it hemmed and the lace sewn on it. 

At this point, I had no energy left so I tidied up and went upstairs. 

Knitting

I cast on sock #2 and got 21 rounds knit last night. This sock is knit from the outside of the ball. I can't move the ball around a lot as the first sock is still attached. I only do this when I know I will knit both socks at home. 

When I wind another skein of yarn, I will divide it into 2 balls so I can knit the socks from separate balls of yarn. It is easier to knit socks from their own ball of yarn. 

Thoughts

    I was in bed early last night and wasn't awake as often during the night. I had less pain so could sleep for longer periods of time rather than waking up constantly. Monday night's sleep was the worst as the SI joint was very painful even after it cracked. Hopefully this will be over and done with and I can sleep well and be more active during the day. 

    I decided to remove pdf files from my iPad. It was a job I had put off for a long time. While removing the files, I found a pattern I was looking for. I thought I had lost it but somehow I had put it on the iPad. I will be printing it off and using it when I start to sew in January. 

    I am slowly starting to get things ready for our trip. I have a huge list made and some things need to be bought, others need to be found, and decisions made if I need to make bags for items I will put into my suitcase. We still have to book our hotels and get travel insurance. 

Today

I am off to New Minas with daughter-in-law and when we get home, I want to cut out and start sewing 2 bags. I would like to have them done by dinner time. Tonight I will knit on the socks. 

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

A New Grocery Bag Completed

 Yesterday was a repeat of the day before: sunshine and a high of 22C. This morning it is clear and 9C. Today will be sunny with a high of 25C. 

Lifestyle

I did the balance sheet yesterday with no issues. It is put away until Sunday when I will do it once again. 

I went down a rabbit hole when I started to delete emails after I finished the balance sheet. I went to see what info there was on my Newfoundland relations. Specifically my great great uncle's daughter. It was a goldmine with me finding out she and her husband had a son who died in action in WWII. I was also able to get into Newfoundland's census (1921 and 1935) which has been difficult. I found through one census that This couple had a daughter who married and lived with her husband at his parent's home which was next door to them. I put it all to bed once again as it was noon. 

My SI joint was better yesterday though I did have pain. Last night I did a backwards stretch of the leg and the SI joint released with a loud crack. It is almost back to normal though I do feel a bit stiff in my sacrum. It may or may release or loosen up. Only stretching will tell. 

The one jalapeño pepper plant has many peppers turning red. It is the only plant doing that which is strange. I will be picking the green ones so son can make more salsa and leaving the one plant to turn red. 

Sewing

I made the grocery bag. It took me almost 2 hours as I had to watch the video many, many times. I had thought it was done a bit differently but actually was quite easy to make. 

The blue fabric I bought about 5-6 years ago and the print came in a box from daughter. There was only enough of the blue for one bag and a piece leftover to make something for the dolls. There isn't a lot of the print left but it will be used for something. 

I did a lot of careful stitching on the bag handles as I am sure they are going to be strained when items are put in the bag. The side seams are French seams which allows it to be unlined. The bottom of the bag is folded up which makes it have a faux boxed bottom. 

The handles are only 8" in length which is short. I am sure they will work for what we need these bags for. They will be great to have when you run into a store for a few things as you can throw it in your purse. 

I now need to launder some fabric so more bags can be made. 

Knitting

I knit away last night and have finished the gusset and have 35 rounds done on the foot part.

I stopped there and will start the 2nd sock tonight. I am a bit worried about not having enough yarn for both socks. I weighed the ball and there was 116 grams of yarn which should be enough. I do this every time when I make larger sized socks.

Thoughts

    Our friends had a viewing on their house last night. Only 2 parties have looked at the house in 50 days. The market is very slow here. Inventory continues to be low but not like it was 3-4 years ago when it was so low it was hard to find a place to buy. If you blinked twice it was gone. Today buyers are in a better place to offer below listing price rather than be in a bidding war. 

    I have been watching for when my fridge will be delivered. It has gone from Sept 25 to Sept 22. I am happy it could arrive earlier than anticipated. I know I will have to empty the old fridge and defrost it before they take it away. It is still working but I do not trust it. 

    My neighbours just across the street from me have been playing pickle ball. They set the net up in the street and play. It is usually a parent and one child and they have lots of fun. They have also set up their hockey net and the youngest boy roller blades up my driveway to practice shooting in the net. Other children will bring their hockey sticks and join in the fun. It is great to see the kids out playing on the street now that it is cooler. 

Today

I have to go to New Minas to get my travel cPap machine. I want to do a bit of grocery shopping before I come home. I will launder the fabric for the grocery bags and start sewing a top for the rabbit. Tonight I will start on sock #2. It is going to be a bit of a busy day for me. 

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

Rabbit Bloomers Made

 Yesterday was another sunny day with a high of 23C. This morning it is mainly cloudy and 12C. We may have had a shower during the night. Today is supposed to be sunny with a high of 23C. 

Lifestyle

I spent the morning either sitting on the couch with heat on my SI joint and glute or on the bed doing exercises. Both of those hurt like crazy and I was walking with great difficulty and was leaning to the side. It was up and down between the two places. 

After lunch, I decided to walk around and took out the garbage and recycling to the garage. I also picked the over ripe sun burnt tomatoes and put them in the compost bin. It was hard but the walking did help some. Doing the stairs severals times also helped. 

My friend and I were to dinner at family's. Daughter-in-law made jambalaya and it was delicious. Son told us all about his trip to Uruguay and we had a great visit. We got home a bit later than expected but we had a lovely evening with them. 

Sewing

I was able to sew yesterday as long as I moved around the room to keep my SI joint from getting really sore. I finished the bloomers and am pleased with how they turned out. 

Instead of adding ribbon to the end of a small amount of elastic and sewing it in place, I thread ribbon through the waist casing. It worked out just as good and was easier to do. 

Overall, I would make these again if I need to but would make them in white so they would go with all of her clothes. 

Knitting

None done last night as I got home late. 

Thoughts

    My SI joint released more during the night. I did hear one crack before I fell asleep. It is less sore this morning so I am going to continue with the exercises and heat. I will also keep moving around to make sure I am balancing sitting and walking. 

    I am slowly getting the fabric I bought this year sewn up. I know I will have a few pieces left to work on next year as I won't be doing much sewing in October. The good thing is, I. haven't bought a lot of fabric this year and most of it has been sewn and a piece put in with the quilt fabric. What is left is minimal and will be sewn up in early 2026. 

Today

I have to do the balance sheet this morning and sew a button on a top. I have to do heat and exercises for my SI joint. I want to make a bag this afternoon and knit tonight. I have a quiet day planned so I can focus on getting my SI joint released and the muscles around it relaxed. 

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

Runner #3 Completed

 Yesterday was sunny with a high of 22C. This morning it is partly cloudy and 11C. Today is supposed to be sunny with a high of 23C. 

Lifestyle

My SI joint was very stiff yesterday and had me in a lot of pain. I did my exercises 3 times and only got one small crack. I pushed on all day and finally got some good cracks in bed last night. I am still sore today as my SI joint is still tight. I am going to be working on my exercises again today. 

I did get my bedroom dusted and I cleaned and wiped the dirt off the dining room table. Having windows open all the time brings a lot of dust into the house. I also cleaned the kitchen up as it was getting a bit messy. 

Just before noon I went to get some food for lunch and dinner. I went in to town the long way and went to the grocery store I normally don't shop at. All was quiet. I decided to go home via the hospital as it is quicker. Not yesterday as there was a line up of cars as people were looking for parking. Our exhibition opened yesterday. I had to wait about 5 minutes before the line up moved and I could turn to go home. 

I worked the bar at the community hall last night. Daughter-in-law and I were entertained. The people were nice and were enjoying themselves. I was home just before 9 pm. I did take Tylenol before going and was very tired. Still in a lot of pain just felt dopey. 

Sewing

I finished the binding on the last runner yesterday morning. It took me about 20 minutes to do. It is on my grandmother's wash stand. 

I put the wash bowl and jug on it like I have done for many, many years. 

In the afternoon, I cut out the bloomers for Anika the rabbit. I made the pin tucks on both legs and got the lace on the ruffles. One ruffle has been sewn on and is ready to have its seam finished and pressed. 

Knitting

I didn't knit last night as I got home late. 

Thoughts

   The exhibition in our community is 260 years old and draws a huge crowd. Some exhibits are really interesting -- oxen pull is one I enjoyed watching. Other exhibits have decreased in size due. One is Homecrafts. Though there are people who still do take part, some areas have remained empty since 2021 and have been eliminated. I have not gone for a few years due to Covid, Hurricane Fiona, and my SI issues. I do not enter as many of the sections do not have what I would enter. They have slowly disappeared due to the lack of interest which is sad. Record numbers of people do attend and enjoy all parts of the exhibition. 

    I am pushing myself to keep moving even if I am in pain. I hate the fact that I am slow and hurt all the time but I also know that moving helps. I know that all the moving I did yesterday helped me partially release the joint last night. If I can't get it fully released today, I may have to call and get a physio appointment. 

Today

I have to do a few small things today and will sew this afternoon. I am going out for dinner at family's tonight. If I get home early, I will knit on the socks. My plan is to do my exercises at least twice today. 

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

An Afternoon Out And About

Yesterday was a lovely sunny day with a high of 19C. This morning it is clear with the fog starting to roll in. It is 6C. Today is supposed to be a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 20C. 

Lifestyle

I had a busy morning with cleaning the living room. I moved all the furniture, dusted, dry mopped, and then wet mopped the floors. I over did it and my SI joint is tight and very sore. When daughter-in-law came in she asked if I washed the floor with red wine. The fresh smell was overwhelming. We had a good laugh and a great visit. 

I did get a load of laundry washed and dried but failed to get it folded. I went to the city with daughter-in-law around 2 pm. We did our round of stores looking for bright blue suitcases for daughter-in-law. None to be found but I did get the green carry on case to complete my set. 

We did Home Depot to return a light and the went looking for a mounting block for an outside light. Their website said they had 17 in stock and we found 0. I asked a sales representative and we got first class service from him. None on the shelf, 17 in stock. He set about looking for it and was baffled he couldn't find the box. I set about looking and found a box with the number on it. We thought it was in the wrong department but when he got it down there they were. He apologized profusely about not getting it down, gave us one, and proceeded to restock the shelf. We thanked him for his excellent customer service. 

Our last stop of the day was to pick up daughter-in-law's glasses. As we were talking we found out the optician is the aunt of two boys grandson played soccer with. We chatted for quite a while with her. I have met the two boys, their sister, and their father. A lovely family and the optician is also very friendly and helpful. 

Dinner last night was a small burrito. It was delicious and I ate it knowing I was within my allowed points. I scales were down 1.3 lbs and I have lost 6.2 lbs in 5 weeks. I am happy with that and hope to have a good weight loss when I see the doctor in early November. 

I walked over to my neighbour's house last night and picked up the flyers on their driveway. I am going to do that each week so they don't get a huge pile of them to blow around. 

Sewing

Daughter-in-law's visit in the morning was to show me a video of a bag she thought I could make for us to have on our holiday. Once I get going, I will be making 3 or 4 of them so we can have them when we go grocery shopping. Very simple and quick to make. 

After lunch I sat down to finish sewing the binding on the last runner. I was almost done when I had to get ready to go with daughter-in-law to the city. I will finish it this morning. 

Knitting

I turned the heel, picked up the gusset stitches and have 21 rounds knit on the gusset. Big progress last night on the socks. 

I am loving the blue in these socks. 

Thoughts

    My fridge made a lot of noise for 2 days and is now back to working properly. I am so upset with it and am happy that I have a new one coming later this month. It can't be trusted at all. 

    There are more peppers turning red on the one plant. At the rate it is going, most of the peppers on that plant could be ripe by the end of the month. I have never had much luck with peppers and to have this happen is quite exciting. 

Today

I am going to fold laundry and finish the runner. I would like to dust my bedroom and clean the dining room table (layer of dust on it). I am resting a lot today as I am sore and have to work a bar tonight. I know I will be doing some exercises to see if I can release the tightness in my SI joint. 

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

Nearing The End Of The Irish Chain Project

 Yesterday was sunny with a high of 24C. This morning it is clear and 11C. Today is supposed to be sunny with a high of 19C. 

Lifestyle

I had another busy morning working on my list. I cleared off the dining room table and got out the clothes I had bought for our trip. I took off all the tags and put them in the washer. 

I grabbed the two table cloths off the back of the couch and put them into a tub with the rest of the craft bazaar items. Next was to tackle mopping the family room floor.

I decided to use Swiffer wet mops. I started in the area where the windows are. It was dusty but not overly dirty. As I moved towards the back of the room where the TV is, it got dirtier. I was embarrassed with how dirty it was. Five mops later, I was done. The floor was really clean and the whole room smelled nice. I picked up my cleaning stuff and headed upstairs. It was lunch time. I hung the clothes on the drying rack before I had lunch. 

I went out to check the pepper plants yesterday. There are now 3 ripening and more to come. I am amazed at how those 4 plants produced this summer. Son will be busy making salsa, etc. for the rest of the month. 

Sewing

I finished runner #2. I put it on the dresser and love it. 

The dresser was my grandmother's and the marks on it were there when I got it. Cause was dampness and plastic doilies touching the finish. It isn't high end furniture but I do love it. I have had it since the early 1990's. 

I worked on runner #3 thinking it would take me a lot longer to do. I had to piece the backing. I did it and you can hardly see where I joined the fabric pieces together. I got it quilted and the binding sewn on. I sat down and almost got all the binding hand sewn in place. 

This one goes on another piece of furniture that belonged to my grandmother. When it is done, I will have finished the projects for my bedroom. 

I put the fabric for the rabbit's next outfit back on the table. I will cut it out and sew it before the end of the month. 

Knitting

I quietly knit last night and got the heel flap done. 

I usually turn the heel right away but I had run out of time so will do it and pick up the gusset stitches tonight. 

Thoughts

    My IBS has settled down a lot. I have been very careful about what I am eating. My portions are smaller and I stopped using spicier seasonings. I am also trying to stay hydrated. My weight hasn't changed which is good. I usually put on fluid weight when I have a major attack. 

    I am slowly getting things done in the house. I will be starting to add some outdoor work to my list as I need to get things done out there. One or two items at a time so it will be done in the next few weeks. 

    I have been looking at quilt patterns so I can start a new quilts in January. I have 2 chosen. One is Blown Flying Geese for a doll's quilt and the other is 18" blocks using a 12" block and two 6" blocks. That one is fast and easy and will show case some printed fabric I have in the quilting stash. 

Today

My goal today is to clean the living room, fold the clothes I laundered and finish the last runner. If I have time, I will do a bit of cleaning on the deck. I am not sure if I will get to sew this afternoon but if I do, I will be working on the bloomers for the rabbit. If I have time tonight, I will be working on the socks.

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

Almost Done Runner #2

 Yesterday was sunny and warm with a high of 22C (humidex 24C). This morning it is cloudy, damp, and 15C. Today is supposed to be sunny with a high of 23C (humidex 26C). 

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning was busy. I put the sheets into the washer and then did a bit of cleaning up. I checked the pepper plants to see how they were doing. It was out the door to get groceries. I got home at noon. 

I put the sheets into the dryer and sat down to eat lunch. I was tired as my IBS was still ongoing. I decided to have a bottle of Gatorade Zero as I knew I was dehydrated. It settled my whole system down and I was fine for the rest of the day. 

I made my bed and got the garbage out to the curb for pick up this morning. I also checked the pepper plants for some unknown reason and there were two more red ones. They had ripened during the day. I was shocked at how fast they had turned red. 

Sewing

The binding was sewn onto the 2nd runner and I sat and hand sewed the binding down. I am almost done it. 

The last one will take longer to get done as I have to piece the backing. I am hoping it will be done by Monday unless I have lots come up that I am not expecting. 

Knitting

I knit on the socks last night and have the leg done (80 rounds) and 2 rows done on the heel flap. 

Though the yarn is dark, I am enjoying knitting it. The blue in the yarn keeps me going as it gives the socks some brightness. 

Thoughts

    I was surprised to see how fast the jalapeño peppers ripen. Once they turn to a very dark green and sit for a while, they turn red in a matter of hours. I am watching the plants carefully as I don't want to pick the peppers that are dark green. I am hoping they will turn red so son can make chipotle. 

    I was shocked to hear that Charlie Kirk, whom I had never heard of before, was shot and died from his wounds while speaking at the University of Utah. I cannot understand how someone could do this to a person over the fact that you do not agree with his political views. 

    The rain we had this morning was a surprise. It is cool and refreshing outside. I see that my flowers have revived from the rain we have had. I will keep them going for a while longer as they are bright and cheerful against the shed. 

Today

My list is made for this morning. The big job is to mop the family room floor. There are other smaller jobs to do also. This afternoon I want to finish runner #2 and start working on runner #3. Tonight I will knit on the socks. A quiet day for me as I have nothing to go out for. 

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