Starting A New Doll's Blouse

 Yesterday was cloudy and dark with rain. The high got to 15C. This morning it is raining and 7C. Today is supposed to be rainy with a high of 10C. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning I made the fish cakes. They turned out okay but I probably won't make them again for a while. I did put 5 bags of mashed potatoes into the freezer for a friend. I don't eat a lot of potatoes and when I do they are usually baked or roasted. I did clean up the kitchen afterwards. 

Laundry was done but it isn't folded. I wandered around wanting to get stuff out to the garage but couldn't as I wasn't willing to park the car outside. I need to park the car outside as I know the insurance will pay if the rats do chew on the wiring. No one on our side of the street has had rat problems so I need to park this silliness. 

Sewing

I cut out a blouse for the Gotz dolls and started to sew it. The pieces are small and it is like putting together a puzzle. The instructions are clear and I worked through the steps. Do what was required and pin the pattern piece back on. I now have the front of the blouse done and will start on the back. 

This blouse is to go with a pair of overalls I made years ago. It is also goes with a skirt and vest pattern that I don't have but plan on buying. 

Knitting

I knit a bit before dinner and then again after dinner. I got quite a bit done on the vest. 

The cables are interesting as you only hold the stitches to the front when you make them. 

Thoughts

    Though the wet days are making me feel like I want to sleep, I am not complaining. We need it to get the water table high and wells full. After last summer's drought, everyone is hoping we have a wetter spring this year. The prediction is for another hot summer. At the moment, it is wet as I am emptying the dehumidifier every few days. 

    We have quite the chat exchange here about everything so you have to monitor what you hear and what you want to ignore. Everyone talks about the deer which have moved into our area. We exchange ideas of which none work. The rat issue is being discussed and most people do keep their yards clear so they won't move in. From what I see and hear, it is only one house that has attracted the rats. The problem is that people want someone else to report it to the municipality. Eyes on me as I reported the chickens in my yard. I'm not doing it as I haven't seen any rats since moving here and my yard is pretty much a place they won't come to. I will if I see them but not until then. I said it is those who are affected that should report it. 

    I forced myself to do things yesterday though I wanted to sit and do nothing. I have to do that or I will hibernate. It was good to get up and activate my body and brain. It also helps reduce the stress I have had. 

    My stress levels are going down. I can feel it overall. I have parked the stress that grandson caused and am feeling disappointed with his actions. Daughter is in a better place in their mediation as what she sent in was well presented. The person she hired to help her is great. I know she feels overwhelmed but is trying to do a bit each day and is happier to know she can do it on her iPad rather than her computer. 

Today

I am going to turn on all the lights and brighten up the house and then do some cleaning. I have laundry to fold and I am going to try to get a few items out into the garage. I want to sew this afternoon and knit tonight. 

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

A Day Of Rest

 Yesterday was wet with a high of 18C. This morning it is cloudy and 10C. The fog is rolling in as I type. Today could be wet with a high of 16C. 

Lifestyle

I admitted to myself that I was tired and was not going to push myself to do a lot of things. I did go out and get groceries first thing. It was nice not to drive in a park without a lot of cherry pickers around as the store is getting a new roof. It was needed as it leaked every time it rained hard. The store wasn't busy so I got what I needed in good time and came home. 

I will have to say I sat and rested for quite a while and then went and had a good nap. I woke up groggy but I did feel better. 

I picked up my friend and we went to family's for dinner. We had a lovely chicken curry for dinner and a Black Forest cake for dessert compliments of daughter in BC. We sat afterwards and watched some videos on airport lounges and had some good laughs. We were home in good time.

Sewing

I napped instead of sewing. I am not panicking about not sewing.

Knitting

I did cast on the stitches to knit a vest for the dolls. 

I got the first 5 rows done with no issues. When I started to knit the 6th row, I had issues. I read the instructions for the row and it does not follow the same format that I am use to. After knitting the row and unknitting it severals times, I figured out what she meant. 

I am now ready to work on the design with is a combination of cables and knit/purl areas. 

The colour of the yarn is called muslin and will be the starting point for an outfit I plan on making for the dolls. 

Thoughts

    I did think about the rat problem on our street. I know we have rats and they have been here for years. I can't control that. How others live and allow the rats to live and populate on their property is also something I can't control. What I can control is making sure my property is clear of debris and my garbage is in secure containers and/or places. I can advise people to make calls if they are impacted and have proof of the rat problem. After that, I move on from the problem and monitor my property. I did look around and saw no signs of rats here.

    Though I had a nap yesterday, I slept fairly well last night. I made sure I watched my favourite videos last night to help me relax. I knit even if I had issues with the last row. I didn't dwell on it at all. I know I need another good sleep tonight but I am feeling a lot better today. 

Today

I have to do something with the mashed potatoes I brought home from the dinner. I also need to do laundry and start bringing up items for the garage sale on Saturday. I really want to sew this afternoon and knit tonight. 

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

A Busy Day

 Yesterday was a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 15C. This morning it is cloudy with showers and 10C. Today is supposed to have showers in the morning and rain in the afternoon. The high is supposed to get to 16C.

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning I think I texted more than I worked. My neighbour texted to ask if her son could do any jobs for me. We chatted and I said yes he could do the weed eating in the ditch. He came over so we could talk and he could look at my weed eater. He would come over as soon as he had mowed 2 other lawns. 

I then started cleaning the fridge. It wasn't really dirty but needed to be wiped down on the inside and refreshed. It took me a bit of time as I was going to do it properly. When done, I washed the window in the back door and part of the kitchen window. 

The young man came back after lunch to do the weed eating. I was out to check on him a couple of times and replaced the batteries in the weed eater. I also spent time seeding the lawn and where the vegetable boxes were. I also cleaned away the old growth around the lilies and found that one of the hosta plants is up and going to be big this year. 

My friend and I worked a bar last night. We had so much fun with the people and got lots of compliments. It was an enjoyable evening. Daughter-in-law took over around 8:30 pm and we left the tips we made for her. She was doing the late shift and wouldn't make as many tips. She had also done all the prep work for the dinner and was serving and cleaning up. She deserved the tips we got. 

Sewing

I was down into the sewing room pulling projects I want to make. I have 2 quilts, a tree skirt, and placemats in tubs that will be done this year. I also have to design and make a quilt for an auction in October. 

Knitting

A pattern was chosen and the yarn was brought up so I can start knitting a vest for the dolls. 

Thoughts

    I had a great talk with my neighbour yesterday afternoon. She lives across the street from me. She let me know that the neighbour across the road from us is moving to the United Arab Emirates as soon as they sell their house. That is a huge move and we wish them well. 

    She also told me the rat problem is worse in our area. I have always known there has been rats but there are traps out for them. The number has increased as one household has garbage everywhere. A great haven for rats to get food and nest. One person has had the wiring chewed in their car twice and those people have trapped at least 6 rats and seen many more. Another person went to get something out their car and it was missing. They found it made into a nest in the engine of their car. I had parked the rental outside and it is now in the garage. I will be looking for rats around my property though my garbage is kept in containers in the garage. This did keep me awake during the night. 

    My muscles are sore today from doing things outside and standing in one spot for too long. This is called muscle soreness. My joints and usual pains are not bothering me at all. Hurrah for that. 

Today

I have to get groceries this morning. I would like to cut out the doll's blouse and maybe start sewing it. I am out for dinner tonight and may not knit tonight. 

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

Finding Joyful Things

 Yesterday was a sunny warm day with a high of 13C. This morning it is clear and 5C. Today is supposed to be a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 15C.

Lifestyle

I was out to make sandwiches in the morning. I was the one who cut them and put them on the trays. While waiting I do other things that need to be done. One of the ladies disappeared and we found her having low blood sugar. We helped her and then made sure she was good enough to drive home alone. 

Once home, I had a cup of coffee and did some small chores around the house. I did some genealogy as I want to find more information on some people on the tree. It is something I enjoy doing. Before noon, daughter-in-law called and after I had lunch I was off to buy groceries for the dinner at the hall tonight. I delivered them to the hall. 

I had a quiet afternoon as I knew I was going to be helping set up the hall at 4 pm. I was to pick up son so he could do the chairs. When we got there, the job except for chairs was done. I took one of the volunteers to get her car. I decided to get dinner at one of the fast food places. I drove in and parked beside family. We had one good laugh, ordered our food and went our merry way.

The things of joy I saw yesterday were numerous.

    Mother's Day flowers from family.

   Lots of daffodils blooming.

    Tulips in bloom 

    Magnolia trees in bloom

    Leaves coming out on the trees

Spring was very late this year but it is now here and everything is waking up rapidly. I will be looking for pepper plants and some flowers to brighten up the yard. I have to plant more grass seed. The grass seed can be done now but plants can't go out until the beginning of June due to the late frosts we can get. 

My sleep patterns are improving some as I am less stressed and anxious. Daughter is in a better place mentally as she had a session about what to submit for mediation. The person she hired to help is a genius and puts everything into clear and concise language. Knowing this, my stress level has gone down a lot. 

Sewing

I was down to the sewing room and looked at the top I want to cut out and sew. I am ready to work on it when I have time. 

Knitting

I am still trying to figure out what I want to knit. I need to look at my patterns and make a decision. 

Thoughts

    I decided to get a subscription to Ancestry as it was on sale. I enjoy genealogy and it allows me to escape from the world. I relax and before I know it, an hour has passed. I do make lots of notes on people when I look at death, birth, and marriage certificates, census records, and items found at Find A Grave. 

    I have enjoyed not sewing or knitting for 2 days but need to start knitting at night. I find it keeps my hands and mind busy in the evenings. Sewing will begin once I have the time to spend in the sewing room. That could be tomorrow. 

Today

I am going to continue cleaning the kitchen this morning. I want to get it finished. I may sew this afternoon. I have to be out to work the bar for a couple of hours at the hall and will be home around 8 pm. I probably won't knit tonight but hope to be ready to knit again next week. 

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

Working On Self Care

 Yesterday it rained most of the day. The high got to 12C. This morning it is mainly clear and 5C. Today is supposed to be a mix of sun and clouds with some showers. The high is to get to 12C. 

Lifestyle

I worked on cleaning more cabinets and a couple I didn't touch as they were clean and organized. The ones I did clean needed doing as I use them all the time, especially the one that holds my baking supplies. I have 2 cupboard doors left to wipe down and I am done the cupboards. The only things left are to clean the inside of the fridge and scrub the window.  

I was out most of the day visiting my friend. She is moving and has wanted me to see what she has left and to help her with some things. I got us muffins and coffee and spent 4 hours with her. She is doing really well with her packing and I helped her sort some paper work. We had lots of laughs and talked about things about stress, anxiety, etc. which we both have. I told her I was going to really miss her when she moves and will miss our visits. 

I did not sew or knit. I gave myself permission to do nothing. I did miss knitting but am not sure what I will knit next. 

I did some more reading on my circle of control and that led me thinking about the anxiety I can have. I have had anxiety for many years and am finally admitting what causes it. 

    I over explain myself as I feel I need to justify everything even when no on has asked. 

    Replaying conversations in my head - over analyzing what I had said and thinking I said the wrong thing. I also will over analyze what others said about me which I need to ignore.

    Struggling to relax and always feeling like I need to be productive. 

    Procrastination on some important things which causes stress in my life. 

    Playing out "what if" in my mind as I think of the worst case scenario. 

    Feeling exhausted as my nervous system is tired. 

I did feel guilty not doing a lot yesterday but I refused to let it bother me. I just reminded myself I deserved a day of doing nothing. I wasn't really anxious about taking the day off.

I had to stop myself from over thinking last night. I read where some people are concerned about poor sales at their spring craft bazaars. They understand people are tighten their belts due to the cost of living soaring. I started to worry about the craft bazaar I want to sell at this November. I reminded myself that the success of the craft bazaar is outside of my circle of control. I reminded myself this wasn't income for me to survive. I made myself park my thoughts and relax. Telling myself that what is left will be donated or taken to the thrift store helped a lot. It was part of my plan in the first place. 

Marianne, I think lemon pudding with gingersnaps would be divine. We do not make the desserts for banquets, we order pies which are easier for us to put out on a dessert table. 

Today

I have to go out and make sandwiches this morning. I am not sure how the rest of my day will look. I may have to help daughter-in-law prep for the dinner tomorrow night or I may have to help serve at the celebration of life after lunch. I am going with the flow though I do have to be home to get flowers from daughter for Mother's Day. 

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

Working Towards Calmness

Yesterday was a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 22C. This morning it is wet, windy, and 13C. Today is supposed to be wet, windy, and 14C. 

Lifestyle

I had a busy day yesterday. I started the morning out cleaning the pantry. I only had 2 items to throw out due to their expired date. I emptied out each shelf, washed it down good and put things back neatly. 

I did each shelf until I was all the way down to the floor. The floor got washed as it was dirty. 

Daughter-in-law brought over 2 glass jars and I put sugar and rice in them. I called this job done. 

After a short break, I folded laundry and got it all put away. I also tended to Rosie. She has been busy so I emptied her dust bin and put in a new one. I also filled her water tank. 

Daughter-in-law let me know that a person had called about having a celebration of life at the community hall Friday afternoon. They had never called back and she found out yesterday they wanted the hall for 2 to 3 hours on Friday. I had to spend my afternoon making cookies for the luncheon we serve. I was okay with that. I wanted to try putting parchment paper on the cookie sheets so the cookies wouldn't stick. Worked perfectly. 

After making cookies, I did my stretches and then got a call that I could get the rental car right away. I was thrilled and by 4 pm I was driving home in a Nissan Versa. Once home, I put out the garbage and made dinner. 

Sewing

None done as I had to make cookies. 

Knitting

I knit on the doll's hat last night and finished it. It is bigger than the first one I made. 

I put the hat on the doll and I like it much better on her. 

The smaller on will go into the Gotz doll's clothing bin as it will fit them due to a smaller head size. 

I had very little yarn left. I call this ball of yarn done. 

Thoughts

    I worked on my circle of control yesterday and found myself relaxing as the day went on. I did a lot of self talking when things came up and tried to remain neutral when dealing with stressful topics. I worked on being patient and not getting upset over things. I could feel a change in my body as the day went on. Getting the rental car was wonderful. The biggest bonus -- I slept all night with less awake time during the night. 

    We found out that grandson is now in Spain with his girlfriend and her father. He is supposed to be getting a job in a pizza place. When his girlfriend was asked some questions, she didn't answer so we know nothing more. All I can say is that this move was part of his plan. We know he is safe, he has done the paper work (what ever that is) and will be able to get diabetic supplies cheaply. I did not get stressed over it though I am disappointed he hasn't told his parents anything. It is his choice. 

    I saw a blue jay yesterday. The first one in a long time. I think they are building a nest in the same location as last year. I wonder if the cardinals will nest in that location again this year. If so, we will see them fighting with each other after the eggs hatch. 

Today

I am going to clean more cupboards this morning and make cookies this afternoon. I may get the doll's top cut out and will need to figure out the next knitting project. A bit of a relaxing day for me as the next two days are busy ones. 

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

A Great Check-Up

 Yesterday was sunny and hot (for us). The high got to 24C. This morning it is a mix of sun and clouds and 11C. Today is supposed to be a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 20C. 

Lifestyle

I had more conversations about the car rental at 8 am and I get a rental on Friday. They will pick me up to get it. It will be nice to know I have a car so I can do things on my own. 

I did my big stretch before going to see the doctor. I am trying not to take Tylenol so am back to stretching again. I do have a bit more pain but it is bearable. The stress I am having is causing me to have the muscle pain according to my doctor.

My visit to the doctor's was great. The blood tests showed my thyroid meds are correct, my liver is in the normal range, my A1C is 5.7%, my kidneys are at 48% and stable, and my hemoglobin is in the normal range. He looked at my blood pressure readings and is okay with them. We talked about my stress levels and I am to work on my circle of control. He asked if I wanted medication to sleep and I said no and he said good. He asked if I had gotten my covid vaccine and I said yes. My time at the doctors was about 30 minutes. 

I went with daughter-in-law to New Minas. She had to get hot tub chemicals and a couple of things at the hardware store. We had a great time talking and getting the items. We were home by 11 am. I had a drink and then started to clean the upper kitchen cabinets. I got two done and am ready to do the pantry so that side of the kitchen will be done. 

My two tomato plants are growing rapidly. They are healthy and are ready for a bit of fertilizer. 

Sewing

I did work on the doll's bicycle skirt. I am following the instructions to the letter. I serged the hems, finished the crotch seams, sewed on the pockets, and sewed the leg together on the left side. 

I marked the button holes on the right side. Once again, this skirt has stalled. I don't have buttons for it. 

On a positive note, the front flap is correctly done. 

Knitting

I knit on the doll's hat last night but had to stop. The house was too warm and my hands were sweating. I am ready to do the decrease rows for the brim. 

Thoughts

    I am relieved that my blood work was fine. I was a bit worried as I wasn't as strict with my eating habits this time. I have beat the odds as I haven't had any issues with my blood sugar for 3 years. I am going back to a more strict way of eating as soon as I can get around on my own. 

    I am working on my circle of control. I have to let go of what others are doing even if I know it is wrong. I have to remember that others learn through their mistakes just like I had to. I have to bring back the calmness I enjoy in my life. I need to remember that I need to be more patient and relax rather than let things upset me and go into overdrive with worry. I need to stop being over sensitive about everything that is happening which I cannot control. It is going to be hard but I'm hoping I can do it. 

    I am very grateful that my daughter-in-law takes me where I need to go. She is a gem to do that for me. I am trying to keep my trips to a minimum as I do know how busy she is. 

Today

My goal today is to clean the pantry. I also need to fold 2 loads of laundry. I am parking the doll's skirt and will start on the doll's top. I hope to finish knitting the doll's hat tonight. I want to walk around a bit outside today and enjoy the lovely weather. I want to work on a few things that I can control and try to have a calmer day. 

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

Success With The Doll's Skirt

 Yesterday was a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 15C. This morning it is a mix of blue sky and clouds and 9C. Today is supposed to be a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 22C. 

Lifestyle

I phoned about my car yesterday morning and the earliest they can do a full diagnosis is May 13. I was not excited about that as it meant no car for how long. I am in the process of getting a rental. 

While I waited to get more information on the rental through my insurance (a whole ball game unto itself), I cleaned the kitchen. I washed surfaces, cleaned appliances, and scrubbed the floor. All the grime is gone and I still want to do more in there. I still have the top cupboards to clean and I need to do the pantry also. 

Sewing

After reading the instructions and looking at the pictures, I went down and tried to figure out the front of the bicycle skirt. I spent a lot of time with the pattern pieces on the fabric, looking at the pictures, and folding fabric into place. I did a test try and I almost had it. I picked out the stitches, moved the fabric a bit and tried again. I think I have it done. 

The way it is in the picture shows the front panel hiding the fact it is pants. When I flip it back, it shows the skirt is really pants. 10 buttons and 5 button holes allow for that to happen. My next job is to serge the bottoms of the legs so I can hem them later on. I also have to finish the crotch seams. Progress was made after 90 minutes in the sewing room. I will say I was really brain dead after that session. 

Knitting

I cast on stitches to make another red hat for the Edwardian doll's wardrobe. I did knit 21 rounds on it. 

The yarn will almost be gone when I finish this hat. I will have to figure out another project to knit when this is done. I have down socks so I may start another pair along with something for the dolls. 

Thoughts

    My stress level was up yesterday due to the car and the fact that daughter's situation is not going to well. She has taken action which is good and will be doing more to keep herself safe. The information about the car added to my stress level and I am now working on calming down and not having my blood pressure elevated. I am going to keep myself busy so I don't focus on the negatives. 

    Parts of Nova Scotia got snow when we had the heavy rain on Sunday. Not a skiff but 3 or more inches of the white stuff. There were pictures posted on Facebook showing how much had fallen. We were the lucky ones only to get rain. The wind blew hard again yesterday and I have shingles from someone's house in my back yard. I have to remove them when the lawn is dry. Someone is going to have leaks show up in their house. 

    The forsythia is in bloom. Spring is here though we can expect cool nights and wet days. We are getting more colour which is nice. My tomatoes are growing and I will need to fertilize them soon. I will be looking for pepper plants and hope to grow cucumbers again this year. 

I did not take Tylenol last night nor this morning. I am going to see if my muscles get tight and sore. I am hoping that I can take Tylenol only when needed as I hate taking it or any other medications if I don't have to. I will live with some pain. 

Today

I am out to see the doctor this morning. I am hoping I can pick up the rental this afternoon when daughter-in-law goes up to New Minas. I may get to sew a bit this afternoon and will knit tonight. A busier day for me. 

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

And It Rained

 Yesterday was a very rainy day with a high of 7C. This morning it is cloudy, windy, and 5C (cold of 2C during the night). Today is supposed to be a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 13C. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday daughter-in-law and I went to Dartmouth. The weather was okay with just a misty rain. Around noon it started to rain hard. It rained until sometime early this morning. The wind came up in the evening and blew all night with some of the gusts hitting 50 km/hr. We probably had close to 2" of rain fall with some areas having had up to an inch of snow. 

Our first stop of the day was at Costco. We arrived 20 minutes after the doors opened and it was busy. About 75% of the parking lot was full. Inside was crazy with 2 check out lines going to the back of the store. People were everywhere shopping. We got most of what we needed and I got into the line up. Daughter-in-law went to get the remaining 3 or 4 items we needed. The line up crawled and when we moved 20 steps a person said that was a marathon move. When we left the store, we got out fast. There were still a lot of people going in to shop. 

We then went to Walmart to get what we needed from that store. It was less busy which was nice. We did get done in good time. A stop at Tim Horton's and we were on our way home. 

Once home, I put away everything and rested. My knee was swollen and stiff from the weather. It was more annoying than painful. My SI joint is a bit sore also so will be doing exercises this morning for it. 

Sewing

I pushed myself downstairs to sew on the bicycle skirt. I had read the instructions before going down. I followed them carefully rereading each step. I got steps done without problems. I was happy. Then came folding the front flap so it can hide the fact it's pants in the front. The right front was labeled as the left front in the instructions. I got confused as the left front has the opening in it and no center flap. The designer had gone to calling it the left front when you looked at it in the pictures. I finally got it sorted out, pinned into place, and called it a day. 

I have looked at the next steps and am still confused. I have to sew the flap in place at the waist. It is free from the waistband so it can either be folded back so the skirt looks like a pair of pants or the flap can cover the skirt. I need to play with it some before sewing as I am not sure how this works in real life. 

I went into this project excited and now feel frustrated. I will forge ahead and get it done but I doubt if I will make this pattern again. 

Knitting

I finished the hat to see what it looked like. Sitting on top of the doll's head is how it would look on an Edwardian lady. 

I pulled it down on her head and quite like it. 

I think I have enough yarn left to make another one using larger needles. I'll start it tonight. 

Thoughts

    I am on Tylenol Arthritis which the doctor told me I could take until I needed something stronger. I plan on stopping to see if I can go without them. I do not like taking any of these medications but after so much pain I needed to find some relief. 

    I was tired yesterday and knew it was from the weather. I had lights on at noon it was so dark. I was also cold due to the dampness. I had the heat on and was bundled up in a blanket. I am looking forward to a couple of warm days. 

Today

I have to pay two bills, put on a load of laundry, and clean the kitchen. I also have to call the dealership about my car.  I want to sew this afternoon and will knit tonight. It is going to be a quiet day for me. 

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

Sewing and Knitting Frustrations

 Yesterday was sunny with a high of 16C. This morning it is cloudy and 6C. Today is supposed to have showers (sometimes heavy) with a high of 7C. 

Lifestyle

First, I am not sure where yesterday's post went. It is posted but not in my reading feed. 

I was busy yesterday. My first job of the day was to finish cleaning the garage. I scrubbed the window and then moved on to moving more stuff, sweeping down walls, wiping surfaces and putting everything back in its place. It was nice to have that job done. The two snow shovels go out for garbage pick up this week and the weed eater has to go to the shed. 

I did go out to the shed to get the rake and ended up pruning the rosebush and pulling a few weeds. I raked the front lawn. That was hard on my SI joint but I finished it up and rested. Later in the afternoon I planted grass seed though I do need to buy more to finish up. 

I was over to family's for dinner and we had smash burgers. They were delicious. After dinner the talk somehow went to growing rice in Canada. It is grown in BC, Nova Scotia, and Ontario. Not large amounts like in China. That led to watching rice planted and harvested commercially in China (I think). Then son showed us how a couple planted two rice fields using small equipment. Son kept saying watch carefully as we can grow rice here. The amount of manual labor these people put in was amazing. The videos showed them preparing the fields to harvesting. They got about 500 lbs of rice. Once harvested and milled in their shop, they set about preparing the fields for the next year. 

Sewing

I cut out the bicycle skirt and started to sew it. I didn't reread the instructions and I struggled for a bit. I was not sure what I was doing so I took the pieces over to the computer and pinned the pieces there. I did get the right front of the skirt done. 

What ended my sewing was my machine broke a needle and then I had to rethread it twice as it wouldn't stitch. It is working fine now. The top stitching is done on the front. I did take a look at the next steps and there is a labeling mistake on the left front. I am surprised it wasn't caught by the testers. 

I think I won't have a lot more issues when I do the skirt as I will read the instructions prior to sewing. 

Knitting

I did knit on the hat last night. I finished the rows needed before decreasing the crown. It isn't as long as it is supposed to be. I will be trying it on the doll and deciding on what I will do. 

The goal was not to have a big beret but a smaller hat which is worn more on the top of the head and held in place with hair pins. At the moment, I need to try this on the doll and decide if I reknit on larger needles or if I unknit the 21 rows and knit that part on larger needles. Both ways I will have to wind the yarn as it will become one big rat's nest. 

I am going to slow down knitting socks. I have knit daughter-in-law 10 pairs, myself 5 pairs, and probably another 15+ pairs for daughter and grandson. I will be moving on to knitting items for the dolls and to donate to others. 

Thoughts

    I am sore today from working outside and from the weather. It is more annoying than really hurting. I am still taking the Tylenol twice a day and am hoping it is also helping keep my muscles from tightening up. My SI joint did let me know it hated me raking but it didn't flare up. Resting helped it relax and stay in place. 

    The leaves are finally coming out on the trees. It happened quickly. The forsythia are not in bloom yet nor are the tulips. This is late for us. I do know other provinces are having late springs as are other countries. 

    I am happy with the garage. Once the yard/garage sale is done, everything I own will go to the thrift store. I want to put things away that I keep and have the garage tidy. 

Today

I am heading out with daughter-in-law to Dartmouth to shop. We are going to Costco and Walmart for sure. Once home, I may have time to work on the skirt and I will definitely be trying the hat on the doll and deciding on my next step. 

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

New Projects Begun

 Yesterday was mostly rainy with a high of 12C. This morning it is sunny and 5C. Today is supposed to be mainly sunny with a high of 16C. We are under a weather statement for heavy rain tomorrow. 

Lifestyle

I spent some time early in the garage moving stuff away from the window so I could clean it. I was able to sweep the floor before going to make sandwiches. 

It was a fun session making sandwiches. We had lots of good laughs razzing each other. I did notice I was getting sore so I took stock of the situation. I was bending over to cut the sandwiches as the counter isn't at a normal height. I immediately stood up straight and made sure I wasn't leaning over. It really helped. We were done by 9 am and I was home not long after that. 

I did rest with heat on my back when I got home. I made sure I was moving around and having correct posture all day. I did work in the garage and got one half of the garage window cleaned. It is the ignored window and I haven't touched it for a year. I had to do a lot of scrubbing with the grout brush to get it clean.

I was hunting in the basement for something and I saw this container I was given many years ago. I always thought it was for my yarn but it was too big. I decided to put my onions in it. It keeps my pantry free of onion skins. 

My friend was over to let me know she is moving to Ottawa around June 20. The apartment she is in is rented out starting July 1. She will be able to move into her condo after she gets back from a holiday which is perfect. I will miss her a lot as we have been supporting each other for years and have a special friendship. 

Sewing

I printed off the Bicycle skirt pattern and trimmed it and a top pattern for the Gotz dolls. I pressed the fabrics and laid the pieces on them. I am ready to pin and cut out 2 projects for May. 

The bicycle skirt is on a black and white fabric which I really like. The print gives it tweedy texture. I will need to find 12 button for it. 

The blouse pattern is on a tiny print that I bought a long time ago for an outfit. It goes with overalls I had made when I bought this print. I need 4 buttons for it unless I do snaps. 

I am looking forward to sewing these two projects. Both are intermediate level projects which means lots of hand basting which I do enjoy. 

Knitting

Someone mentioned that I should make a red hat to go with the Edwardian outfit I just finished. I decided to wind the ball of red yarn I used for the vest into 3 small balls with each weighing 24 grams. 

Knitting the pattern with the aim of having 3 strands of yarn held together to get the tension was a gamble but it worked. I am slightly over tension but not enough to worry about. 

Thank you google for searching how many strands I needed of this yarn to make a hat. 

Thoughts

    I watched a Youtube video last night and the person showed Yurly Fedkovych Chernivsti National University. It is an UNESCO site due to its architecture. I stopped knitting to watch and was amazed at how gorgeous it is. The person did an amazing job of videoing it as she walked around the university. 

    My stress level is down as daughter got some help with her situation. What I had told her was what this person also told her. They worked out some of the finer details she needed to know which was great. She also got the parcel I sent her and she was excited about that. She is feeling much better mentally and I am feeling more relaxed. 

    The pain I felt cutting sandwiches was gone by noon. I know it was a posture thing and will have to watch that in the future. I am not stopping making sandwiches as I know what causes my pain. 

Today

I am going to work some in the garage and then outside raking lawn this morning. I am taking advantage of the sunshine. I want to cut out the patterns and see if I can sew a bit this afternoon. I will knit tonight. 

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

Two Doll Blankets Sewn

 Yesterday was cloudy with the sun coming out mid afternoon. The high got to 13C. This morning it is raining and 10C. Today is supposed to be wet with a high of 12C.

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning was busy. I made a batch of cookies and cleaned the kitchen while they baked. Once they were done, I folded laundry and put it away. I also laundered the sheets and made my bed later in the afternoon. I also did month end on the balance sheet. It was another low spend month. I have saved enough to pay my taxes and insurance later this year. 

I was out in the garage to sweep up most of the sand that had come out of a broken bag and then wandered down the driveway to empty the two bags of sand. I poured them down the side of the ditch where it was needed. I put the empty bags into the recycling bags at the edge of the road. Our recycling and compost wasn't picked up until later in the afternoon. With that job done, it was noon. 

I was tired in the afternoon but forced myself to do things. If not, I will sit and sleep which interrupts my night sleep. Knowing why I am tired makes me keep moving. Moving makes me tired so I will sleep better at night. 

Sewing

I decided to make the two doll's blankets yesterday. I just take a fat quarter, cut the edges so they are straight, serge and hem. It is basically brain dead sewing. It is using up a fat quarter of flannel fabric. It had me off the couch and doing something. 

I did my math and I sewed 4.4 meters and bought 1 meter of fabric this month. I did better than I thought I had. 

I have not done my to-do list for May and need to work on that. I have some ideas in my head but will need to buy fabric for one project. 

Knitting

I did not knit last night. I haven't a clue what I want to knit at this time. I need to think of something for the dolls. 

Thoughts

    I was a bit sore yesterday due to the rain coming in. Not as bad as it usually is. More achy than painful. 

    I noticed that my lilies are popping up out of the ground so I need to clean them up. I will do that on the next sunny day. I will also prune the shrub at the front entry and the rose bush. 

    I am working hard at parking the stress in my life. Most of the stress is about things I can't control. I have to let them go and focus more on being supportive. It is hard to do but I have to realize my daughter is an adult and has to solve her problems on her own. 

Today

I am out this morning to make sandwiches. Once home, I wand to do some more cleaning in the garage. I have to pay bills, figure out my to do list for sewing and knitting and cook dinner for tonight. 

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

A Day Dealing With My Car

 Yesterday was mainly cloudy with a high of 12C. This morning it is cloudy and 4C. Today is supposed to be cloudy with showers this afternoon and rain tonight. The high is supposed to be 13C.

Lifestyle

I wrote up the minutes yesterday morning and am ready to read them for the final time today. They took quite a while as they were some complicated parts to word correctly. 

Once done the minutes, I decided to get groceries. When I turned on the car, I got this message - check Hybrid system. 

I talked to my daughter-in-law to let her know and was going to call for a tow truck when she said she would look at it. She got the same message and the same google searches as I did. She called the dealership as they do all the work on our cars. It had to be brought in as it needs something replaced. 

I called the tow truck and got an ETA of 1:30 pm. Daughter-in-law took me out to get groceries. She dropped me off at home and came back at 1:00 pm to help with the car. The tow truck did not arrive until 3 pm. Grrrrr but I kept my cool and remained calm. The car was pushed out of the garage and loaded onto the truck. It is now at the dealership in New Minas. 

I will have to say my afternoon was shot except for a lovely visit with daughter-in-law. I did cast off the scarf while we visited and wove in the ends last night. 

Daughter-in-law and I did take the salt used on the driveway up to the shed and we hauled the sand down to the end of the driveway. I will spread it out today as I have some areas that could use it. I can finish cleaning the garage. 

Thoughts

    I certainly wasn't happy about the car. I know family will take me to wherever I need to go. I just don't have the luxury of jumping in the car and going somewhere on a whim. I will survive this. 

    Tylenol Arthritis is helping. My muscles are not sore like they were which was most of the pain I had. My SI joint hasn't acted up at all. I have had very little joint pain with the storm coming in. I am only taking two doses a day vs three that I can take. I am not allowed to take Advil, etc. as my kidney function is slightly below normal. My doctor is very strict about that. 

    Though we complain about the spring being long and cold, we are having normal temperatures for this time of the year. The trees are not in leaf yet which is late for us. I do know other places are experiencing colder spring also. 

    We got a third emergency alert yesterday stating that the person at large was caught along with a firearm. We can now rest easy and move about freely once again. Though the incident was a 90 minute drive from us, the person could have gotten to our community through hitchhiking or auto theft. 

Today

I have to make cookies this morning for sandwiches tomorrow. I will putter at house cleaning while they bake. I want to sew the doll's blankets this afternoon. I have to figure out and start a new knitting project tonight. If I have any extra time, I will take a few more tools to the shed in preparation to clean the garage. 

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

Doll's Shirt Completed

 The past two days have been sunny and warm with highs of 15C. This morning it is cloudy and 4C (frost last 2 mornings). Today is supposed to be a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 10C. 

Lifestyle

I did not blog yesterday. I had blood work on Monday which went better than I had expected. The technician was amazing and did it so quick. I got breakfast and came home. 

The rest of the day was spent helping make an agenda for the community hall meeting that night. I had a short break and was off to help with the food prep for a lunch on Tuesday. I also helped put up tables and set them for said luncheon. That night I was at the meeting and got home at 8:30 pm. No sewing or knitting happened on Monday. 

Yesterday was one of stress. Daughter is upset with her situation and I was trying to help her via text messages. I couldn't rake the lawn and plant grass seed as the company was scheduled to aerate the lawn. That was done at noon. 

I did do some cleaning and finally got the laundry put away. I decided to try out the new brushes I bought for cleaning the windows. I did one of the living room windows and am impressed with how well they work. I still have a bit more to do on it but am happy with what I did. 

I brought the tomato plants in the other day and am turning them twice a day. They are growing fast now that they are in the house with lots of light. 

Sewing

I spent quite a long time in the sewing room yesterday afternoon working on the doll's shirt. I finished it. I do not like the button on the shirt so will be looking for a flat tiny button for it. 

It fits the doll well which I really like. 

I added the red knit vest and do think it is a cute outfit. 

I can now make 2 doll's blankets which are on the list for this month. I have May's list made but need to look at it to see if I want to make any changes to it. 

Knitting

I knit on the scarf last night and it is now 64" long. 

I am going to cast it off tonight and weave in the ends. I'm calling it done. 

Thoughts

    We have had 2 emergency alerts in 5 hours. A dangerous person is on foot in a community just over an hour's drive from here. He is still at large with the police looking for him. The first alert came at about 2 am and scared the heck out of me. The 2nd one came as I was drinking coffee but I was better prepared for it. 

    I have started to take Tylenol twice a day to see if it will help my sore muscles. It has so far. I will stop for a day or two to see if it the Tylenol or if the nice weather has been kinder to my muscles. My joints haven't been sore but that could change as a storm is coming in starting tomorrow. 

    I am feeling a bit scatter brained at the moment. I have started jobs and stopped them. I know they need to be done but other things have cropped up and I don't finish them when I have the time. I know I am stressed and need to work on bringing calmness back to my life. When that happens, I do much better at getting jobs done in an orderly fashion. 

Today

I have to get some groceries this morning, write up the minutes, and try to focus on one unfinished job. This afternoon I will sew and, if the weather is nice, I will prune the rose bush. Tonight I will cast off the scarf, weave in the ends, and start a new project. 

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