New Medication

Yesterday we had a nor-easter and it was a wild one. The winds were howling and snow/rain fell most of the day. Over 200 000 people were without power yesterday morning. We had our power for which we were thankful for. Today is cloudy with wind but nothing like yesterday.

Lifestyle

I took my first water pill yesterday and ate carefully. This morning I am down 3 lbs, most of which will be water. My hands are not as puffy (I thought they were fine but they weren't) and my legs and ankles are much better also. I didn't realize I had so much fluid on me. I do feel better overall. 
This fluid retention started back when we lived in Kamloops. It wasn't much but it was there. I'm wondering if it will affect my thyroid medication. We shall see. 
I also watched what I ate yesterday. I'm trying to eat less points to help the weight come off easier. Not sure how this will work. 
I did a quick clean up of the house as I had to be out to get more medications and return books to the library. 

Sewing

I did not do any sewing at all yesterday but took a nap instead (wind kept me awake during the night). I have to finish up grandson's pajama bottoms and then make a reusable grocery bag. That will be another 1.1 meters out of the stash. 

Knitting

I worked on the sweater in the afternoon and evening. It is coming along. We are starting to make suggestions to the designer. 

Today

I have been busy with cleaning this morning and am ready to head down to the sewing room and sew in the afternoon. We pick up grandson and he is spending the night with us. 
Until the next time...........................

Devasting News

Yesterday was grey with a few showers. The temperature got to 6C which was nice. Today, it is raining hard, the wind is blowing and it is to be cool at 1C. We actually had a bit of snow fall and it could continue falling during the day.

Lifestyle

I was to the doctor yesterday. My thyroid is running a bit fast so I am starting to alternate between 2 different doses. Have done this before. My blood pressure is still up and my dose was doubled three months ago. I'm now on a water pill to see if that will help. I see the doctor in 3 months unless I have issues. 
Our daughter texted that their male dog died during a simple operation. We were stunned and then angry when we found out they didn't give him oxygen (forgot to turn it on). Simon will be sorely missed by everyone as he was such a goof ball. Always happy and always on the go.

Sewing

After a morning of running around, I headed to the sewing room to cut out grandson's pajama bottoms. I bought this flannel quickly as it was gone within a week of putting it out for sale. 

The flannel is cozy and warm and I enjoyed handling it. The back pieces are serged and I'm ready to start serging the front pieces. A couple of days and they will be done. 

Knitting

I crocheted this cute little shawl for the dolls. I want to make an outfit to go with denim colored one. 

I cast on the sweater body a second time yesterday. I made a mistake on the first row. While knitting the first row the second time, I counted out the pattern (2 purls, 1 knit) and got it right. I'm about 2/3rd the way done the ribbing. I will keep knitting away on it until it's done. Once done, I can start my scarf. 
Today
I have some housework to do and then it will be sewing on the pajama bottoms. We do have to go out and pick up my medication and return books to the library. Other than that, it's a great day to stay inside. 
Until the next time...........................

Moving Along With Everything

Yesterday the weather was wet. It rained off and on all day. This morning, it is warm (6C) and cloudy. Our weather watch is gone. 

Lifestyle

With the wet weather, I decided to spend the morning doing housework. The idea was to get the upstairs tidy. Surfaces wiped, floor swept and mopped, and items picked up and put away. It wasn't a project. The idea was to get caught up in the housework so I can do a bit more each day in getting the house really clean. I actually did succeed. 
The only room that got a good cleaning was the bathroom. I did the remainder of the house so it looks clean. I am ready to start a cleaning schedule. I hope to set the schedule up in the bullet journal. 
My pain level yesterday was virtually non existent. I was able to do everything with only a few twinges. It felt good. Today I am a bit sore between the shoulder blades but am hoping it will ease off as I do things. 

Sewing

After lunch, I hemmed grandson's school pants. They are done and delivered. When I got home, I started laying out the fabric for his pajama pants. I need to smooth the fabric out in preparation to putting the pattern on. The flannel is soft and lovely and I bought it over a year ago. 
I have no more flannel for him in the stash which is nice. I will have to buy him a piece for the next ones I make. 

Knitting

The second sleeve is done and the body stitches are cast on ready to start knitting. I am really liking the pattern and am thinking of how I can adapt it for the Gotz Girls. 
I am preparing to start my scarf. I will put it all into a small knitting bag so it is contained. I'll do the same for grandson's socks. 

Today

I am off to see the doctor for the results of my thyroid test and to get prescriptions. In the afternoon, I will work on grandson's pajama bottoms and then knit if I have time. 
Until the next time...........................

Test Knitting A Pattern

Yesterday, the weather was grey, above freezing, a bit windy, and no moisture. Today, we are suppose to get to 5C and have rain. The first of two low pressure systems is moving in. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday, I had some pain but was more tired than I have been. I slept in for an extra hour but roaming the house at night is keeping me tired. I refused to nap yesterday and slept better last night. I woke this morning virtually pain free. I will keep stretching during the day to keep the pain at bay. 
My eating habits were off yesterday -- tired and cranky does it to me every time. 

Sewing

I sewed a button onto grandson's suit jacket and took it over when I house sat while the cleaners were there. Next up is lowering the hems on his pants. 
I did finish a cute craft project. The left over fabric will be bagged to use for Japanese fabric weaving. I am looking forward to doing that in 2019.

Knitting

I am doing a test pattern for a lady. It is a cute pattern and page 1 of the instructions is well written and easy to follow. Too bad I got carried away and had to unknit 8 rows. 

I love the pattern and it is just knit and purl. I need to see where it fits under the arm of the doll and if too short, I will have to redo it in a larger needle size. 

Today

The plan is to clean house and hem grandson's pants. Actually 2 pairs of pants as he is getting a pair for Christmas. With rain in the forecast, I will enjoy being inside. 
Until the next time.......................

Black Friday Madness

Yesterday was cool but we had no rain or wind. The high got to 3C. Last night the temperature stayed around 0C. We get a repeat today with some sunshine thrown in for a good measure. We have 2 low pressure systems coming in starting tomorrow. 

Lifestyle

I am having great success with stretching. My soreness is under control and I rate it at a 2-3 most days. Yes!
My sleep habits have turned to bad again. I'm awake for at least 2 hours at night. I'm tired during the day, something I hate. 
I am trying to keep my eating under control. It is easy but not easy depending on what is happening. I will work hard at getting it under control and keeping it under control.
I went shopping yesterday and got quite a bit of groceries and some necessary clothes for us. I also did a bit of Christmas shopping. 
It was the continuation of Black Friday and it was busy. I did Michaels looking for yarn but it was pretty well sold out. The store was busy and I left buying nothing. It does happen to me. 
I did Costco and that was a 30 minute trip. I got what I needed and lined up at the back of the store. 3-5 minutes later I was 4th from the till. They had traffic control in place and were moving people through quickly. It really helped that they had every till open. 
After I finished in Dartmouth, I headed to Bedford. I went into Fabricville and had a good chuckle in there. I got what I needed (2 small items). The ladies who were cutting were having issues due to being busy. The cashier wandered off to ask a question of a cutter leaving a huge line up. Good thing a second cashier was called for. Two ladies behind me got a lesson on fusible batting while we waited in line. They were thankful for the help. It helped pass the time as we waited. 
I headed home glad to be out of the Black Friday madness. At home, I had a nap. Not good to break the sleepless cycle but I really needed it. 

Today

I will be putting a button on grandson's blazer and returning it when I go over to house sit for an hour. I want to finish the fun project and start on grandson's pajama bottoms. 
Until the next time.....................

Anthology Bag Done

Yesterday was sunny and windy. Though the temperature was above 0C, it was still cold in the wind. Mid afternoon, the wind quit and the temperature rose to 6C and we were out the door. 

Lifestyle

As the goal was to put up the Christmas tree lights yesterday, we thought it wasn't going to happen. The Spousal Unit came to talk to me and said it was lovely outside. I was ready to go in a flash. I climbed the ladder and got all the lights up around the garage and front door. Decorating is done. No one was hurt and no one died in the process. The sunshine was the best thing for both of us. 

Sewing

I headed down to the sewing room in the morning and worked on the lunch bag. I really wanted it done. Some one on a forum stated the link needed a password so I'm hoping this one will work. 
Anthology Bag
I worked on the tab and got it done with no issues. I put in the button hole after finding a button in the stash. I pinned it onto the bag and zig zagged it into place. 
The lining was made by adding a 3" strip of fabric to the top. I made the lining like the bag and when done I inserted it into the bag for a trial fit. I used the flashlight on my phone to see what was going on. 
The lining was too big. I had an idea it would happen so I took it out and sewed the triangles a bit deeper. The width was now perfect but the lining was too long. I started taking  the lining up by 1/2" and then crept it up 1/4" at a time until it fit. I removed 1" from the top of the lining and it fit perfectly. 

It is hard to see but the lining fits smoothly in. I do love the matching fabric at the top of the lining. 
When done, I was thrilled with the results. 

I am having fun with the scraps and what is left will be sorted out and the useless pieces tossed and the rest kept to do some Japanese fabric weaving. I will have to get the fabric as I have a wonderful idea rambling in my head. 
I have put the flannel and pattern on the table to cut out the pajama pants for grandson. 

Knitting

I finished crocheting the cowl for the dolls. I always struggle with the last row which is reverse crochet. I have enough yarn to knit a messy bun hat to match. If there is enough time, I have to knit another doll size messy bun hat and that will be two balls of yarn gone. 

Today

I am heading out to shop. We need more meat as we have only got chicken in the freezer. I have to get grandson's blazer (button repair) and pants (let hems down) so I can work on them. 
Until the next time..........................

Progress Made

Yesterday was cold and windy. The snow is dry so every time the wind gets blowing hard, you see it lift the snow and move it across lawns, up from ditches, and down the road. Pretty but not very nice to be out in. Today it is warmer out and will get to 4C. 

Lifestyle

I got the entrance and stairs done early yesterday. They were dusty and quite dirty. It has been a while since I washed the area though I have swept it several times. I dusted the window ledge above the front door and the ceiling fan also. We are clean until next week when I repeat the process. Hopefully it won't take as much time but I bet it will. It is a high traffic area into the house and garage. 
My idea to clean the bathroom became a quick wipe so it is presentable. I ran out of time. 
I tracked my food and had my pain under control for another day. Stretching is really helping. By watching what I eat once again, I lost weight. That made me happy. 
Last evening we went to Mamma Mia with son, daughter-in-law and grandson. The senior students at the private school grandson attends put it on. It was superbly done. The students and staff were dedicated to the project and it showed. We thoroughly enjoyed the performance. 

Sewing

I did work on the bag yesterday. The bottom seam of the bag needs to be pressed opened before doing the side seams. I found I had to be careful with the corners as the interfaced fabric is very stiff. Instead of measuring down 1.5" to make the corner triangle, I did just over 2.5" so the bottom is wide enough to hold containers. It was perfect. 
The handles had light fusible interfacing put on them and I did the handles by 

• folding in half 
• fold edge to center line on each side
• fold in half so all seams are enclosed and pressed well
• stitch close to the edge on both sides. 

At this point, I put the handles onto the bag. After pinning them down, I triple stitch zig zag them in place (I narrow down the width and length of the stitch). 

The bag is ready to have the tab and the lining made. 

Knitting

I decided to use up as much of the Jeans yarn as possible. I started to crochet a cowl for the dolls. I will knit a messy bun hat next.

I do like this yarn a lot and would love to stash some for a sweater for myself. It goes with my plan for a wardrobe. I'll give myself a month to make the decision. 

Today

The main goals are to put up the Christmas lights and try to finish the bag. Anything else will be a bonus. 

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