A Good Visit With The Doctor

 Yesterday was warm and humid with rain in the early evening. The high got to 28C (humidex 36C). This morning it is cloudy and 17C. Today is supposed to be sunny with a high of 25C (humidex 30C). 

Lifestyle

I had a bit of anxiety yesterday morning as I couldn't find my passport and it wasn't in family's safe. I also could not get my blood pressure machine to pair with my phone. My blood pressure was high and I had to force myself to relax and get it down to a range the doctor would be happy with. Before leaving for the doctor, I took out a tray of items from the server and looked, once again, through it. When I opened the passport holder in daylight, my passport was in it. What caught my eye was the gold print. The passport vanishes into the holder as both are navy blue. I felt my blood pressure lower and I relaxed. 

My visit with the doctor was good. He is happy with my blood pressure, we discussed my medications and he faxed the prescriptions to the pharmacy. We then talked about the vaccines I need to get this fall. Shingle vaccine is on Tuesday. I need to get the flu shot, Covid vaccine, and RSV this fall. We then talked about living independently which we do once a year. He is telling me to stay in my own place and keep active and busy. He knows I have an excellent support system and that I can still look after myself for many more years. 

I went to see daughter-in-law and give her the news. She gave me her plans for the next 10 days. We suddenly decided to go out for lunch. We had BLT sandwiches which were excellent and fries that were okay. Once done that, I headed to the pharmacy to order my prescriptions only to find out the pharmacist had done it. The pharmacist is my neighbour and she is fantastic. We had a short talk and I came home with my meds. 

I did start to sew yesterday and got 2 seams sewn before a text came in from my friend. She needed to visit as her little place is full of boxes. She and the dog needed empty space to breathe. We had a great visit and she left around 4 pm as the dog needed a walk to do her business. 

I had a very quiet dinner listening to thunder rumble in the distance. It did rain hard for maybe 5 minutes and it felt like soup outside afterwards. I heard and saw lightening up to 9 pm which was worrisome. The fire near Halifax is contained and all evacuation orders are lifted. There are two down the valley with one growing from 30 hectares to 300 hectares. Forty-two homes were evacuated. They feel it was a lightening strike as they had 4 other lightening strikes to put out in that remote area. 

I did not knit last night. I was exhausted from worry, stress, and the heat. I am waiting for cooler nights and more rain. This morning I have emptied the dehumidifier tank as it was almost full and put the heat pump onto dehumidifier to dry out the upstairs. I have also watered the vegetable pots and picked tomatoes. 

Today

I am heading out to New Minas with daughter-in-law. We have to do pool water testing, take my quilt top to the long arm quilter, and get a few groceries. Once home, I may go and get my friend's dog and babysit her for a couple of hours while they load the truck with her items. I do hope to sew a bit this afternoon and knit tonight. 

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

Another Runner Top Sewn

 Yesterday was cloudy and humid. The high was 31C (humidex 38C). This morning it is hazy and 19C. Today is supposed to be a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 30C (humidex 36C). We could have showers tonight. Hopefully this is the end of the heat warning we are under. 

Lifestyle

I spent most of the morning trying to get the blood pressure app on my phone to pair with the machine. I know it worked on my old phone. This phone would not pair with yesterday's readings. I googled and googled and finally found out that I needed to remove the machine from my old phone. I did that and it still didn't work. In desperation, I removed the machine from the new phone and reloaded it. It worked perfectly after that. Nothing in the manual or online said to do that. 

When done that trying job, I went over to visit with daughter-in-law and see the painting she did in the in-law suite and to look at the staining done on the fence, deck, and stairs in the back yard. All looks fabulous. 

At dinner, I heard sirens coming up our road. I looked out and a fire truck dashed by the house with lights flashing and siren blaring. A couple of minutes later, an ambulance went by. They went into the 55+ community. I thought someone was having severe heat stroke or a heart attack. The ambulance went back out about 20 minutes later and onto the highway to the regional hospital about 20 minutes away. No fire truck. 

The fire truck left well over an hour later. I wondered if they went to a house fire was talked about on Facebook. I don't think so as there is no direct way to it from our area. Two separate incidents. 

The wild fire near Halifax is smaller than the day before and ground crews are hopeful they will get it contained today. The foggy damp weather they had yesterday was helpful. Another fire broke out down the valley from us and people are under evacuation alert at this time. According to our premier, there were 17 fires reported yesterday. I am sure some were from lightening strikes down the valley as they had some activity down there. 

Sewing

I spent the afternoon sewing. At first I wasn't as I had cooled the basement down to 19C and was shivering. But I got on with it and cut and sewed 9 patches until I had the second runner done. 

I have the binding to cut and sew for this one and then I can start the last runner for my bedroom. 

Knitting

I knit on the foot of the sock last night and got 30 rounds done. 

I need to figure out which yarn I want to knit next. 

Thoughts

    I still have to do a few things to be prepared in case of a fire in our area. So far we have been lucky but that could change in a second. It doesn't have to be someone having an open fire, it could be a spark from pounding a nail or hitting two rocks together. My grass is tinder dry but short. I have nothing near the house which is good. Still not safe from a wild fire coming through our area. 

    After tonight, our nights will be cooler. I am looking forward to having the windows open and enjoying the cool air. There will be plenty of dew which will put a tiny bit of moisture into the ground. 

    On a happier note, I am excited that my quilt top will be going to the long arm quilter tomorrow and that the runners are almost done and ready for me to quilt them. A big accomplishment seeings started the quilt July 6 and had to wait for more fabric to finish it. The next quilt will be bigger but the same pattern. 

Today

I have a doctor's appointment this morning and when done I want to pick tomatoes and do a bit more cleaning in the storage/maintenance room. This afternoon I will sew on the last runner for my bedroom. Tonight I will knit on the socks. 

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

Too Dry For Comfort

 Yesterday was another scorcher. The high got to 33C (humidex 40C) down the valley with a local report of 38C (humidex 44C). This morning it is cloudy (smokey) and 19C. Today is supposed to be a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 30C (humidex 37C). 

Lifestyle

Daughter-in-law was over yesterday morning to visit. She was tired as she had to deal with grandson's sugar high during the night. It was an extremely scary situation. We talked about it and she felt better. 

One of our discussion was to get ready for evacuation due to the dryness in our province. A fire could start anytime, anywhere. We both made simple plans to be ready for that just in case moment. She left with me going over for dinner that night. 

I picked cucumbers and did a delivery to our neighbour's and my friend. I visited with my friend for a bit as she needed a rest. She will be ready to move on Friday afternoon. 

As I ate lunch I read that a fire was reported 13 km from my house. It was reported early (very small) and the local fire department put it out quickly. I also read that a person told officials he was going to walk in the woods and upon his return, he was given a $25,000 + tax fine. He said he isn't paying it. Will he pay or will he have some jail time? We wait and see. 

I spent the afternoon looking for some receipts. I found a few I needed to put into my "to go" bag. I am still not done as I am sorting through 5 to 6 years of receipts. I will get it done. I stopped when daughter-in-law brought over dinner as her house was too hot for comfort and made it at my house. She was exhausted from the lack of sleep so we talked for a bit and then she headed home to get some sleep. 

I checked the news after she left and there was a fire in a business area near Halifax. Businesses were evacuated and the off ramps closed. I know where the fire is as we shop in that area. Our worst nightmare has happened. This fire is about 50 miles from us. 

Though out of control, it is being fought using water bombers, helicopters, firemen, and trained fire fighters. Other than businesses being evacuated and some roads closed, no one in the residential areas have been evacuated. 

Sewing

None done yesterday as I sorted through paper work getting files into my to go bag. 

Knitting

I did knit on the socks and got the gusset done on sock #2. 

I have 55 rounds left to knit before I start on the toes for this pair of socks. 

Thoughts

    The two wild fires yesterday made me have a small panic attack. It brought back memories of the huge fire in the Ashcroft area in 2017 and the wild fires in Nova Scotia last year. What helped me was repeating over and over again "We have very little wind". The scorching heat makes it hard on everyone who is fighting the fire and I truly appreciate the effort they put into doing the job. Even though we are far enough away from the fire, it is still scary. 

    We are still under a heat warning which is supposed to end today. Yesterday was the hottest temperatures in many years with a lot of areas breaking old records. If the smoke from the Halifax area drifts our way, we could go under a special air quality warning later today. We should have showers tomorrow night if we are lucky. We really need the moisture.

    I have been booked to have the rest of my upstairs painted in late October. I am excited and am going to get a quote to have the doors and trim painted also. I am looking forward to doing more in the house next year. 

Today

I have to go over to family's and get a quote for the painting. Once home, I want to sort through more paper work, and sew on the next runner. I want to knit tonight. I have watered the vegetable pots and will need to do it a couple more times today. 

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

One Runner Top Completed

 Yesterday was sunny and hot. The high got to 33C (humidex 39C). This morning it is clear and 17C. Today is supposed to be sunny and hot with a high of 33C (humidex 37C). 

Lifestyle

My first job yesterday was to water all the plants. I also picked the grape tomatoes. 

It was out the door to get groceries before it got too hot. I whipped through my grocery store as there weren't a lot of people there. It was back home to put away everything. By then my back was sore -- SI joint was tight. But, I had more to do and put the sprinkler and watering can into the shed. At that point, I called it a morning. 

I made a small salad using half of the grape tomatoes, some cucumber and red onion. All from my garden. 

I added Greek dressing and enjoyed it with my dinner. 

My SI joint(s) were very sore yesterday and I am not sure what was causing it to happen. I spent the day trying to walk it off but to no avail. At bedtime, I did two small exercises and there was a lot of grinding in my SI joints. Pain gone. I rolled over and slept all night. 

Sewing

I spent most of the afternoon sewing. I cut fabric and made 9 patches. I sewed them to squares of fabric and then sewed the rows together. I now have a top sewn which will be for my dresser. 

I also cut the and sewed the binding for this runner. It is set aside for now and I will start on the next one. 

Knitting

I picked up the stitches for the gusset on sock #2 with very few issues. The lighting was good enough that I could see everything without struggling. I also knit 15 rounds and only had to unknit 2 rounds as I forgot to decrease on one side. 

I will have to start thinking about the next pair of socks to knit as I will have to wind the yarn for them. 

Thoughts

    I did look in the storage/maintenance room but did nothing. I couldn't lift things without my back spasming. I had put it through enough when grocery shopping. I have a few things I can put into a box and take out to the garage for when I go to the thrift store. I will work through the rest slowly. 

    I have looked at a few recipes to make when this heat wave is gone. I am eating cold foods right now as hot foods are not what I want. I am looking forward to cooking some new recipes when it is cooler. 

    I had thought of going to Newfoundland this fall. Due to the wildfires in the area I wanted to visit, I won't be going. I am hoping the wildfires will be under control soon. Eastern Newfoundland is dry and is classified as having moderate drought conditions. 

Today

I need to water my plants shortly while it is cool outside. I want to do some housework this morning and then sew this afternoon. I hope to knit tonight. It is going to be another hot day so I will stay inside as much as possible and water the plants at least two more times.  

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

Working On A Runner For The Bedroom

 Yesterday was hot and sunny with a high of 31C. This morning it is partly cloudy and 18C. Today is supposed to be hot and sunny with a high of 33C (humidex 36C). We are under another heat warning for the next 3 days. 

Lifestyle

I was busy yesterday morning. I cleaned the kitchen and got the appliances wiped down and shining. Recycle was taken out and put into their proper bags. I was really pleased with how the kitchen looked when I was done. 

The next move was to do the balance sheet. It wasn't that hard and was done in good time. All done for another week. 

I also went down to look at what I need to do next in the storage/maintenance room. I opened the doors to the tall cabinet and was shocked. I expected having to clean it out and it was cleaned out. I just need to put some gift bags we use into a bag so they are contained. I looked into the freezer and started to make a plan for it. Old chicken broth was removed and thawed out and discarded. Some food items need to wait for a while to discard as the green bin doesn't go out until next week. But, I got started. 

My friend was over in the late afternoon for a visit. Her flat is full of packed boxes as she moves into her apartment on Friday. She wants it done just before then so they can load the truck and take it all over in one load. She may have to take a few things over in her car. We sat and talked and laughed. Her dog snuggled down into Elliott's quilt and slept. It was a great visit. 

I have been worried about the tomato plants. They are starting to look sick and the Early Girl variety are not ripening. I saw that the heat is the cause of this. The plants are stressed.

The grape tomatoes are doing better even though they are a stressed. I have tomatoes to pick but wonder if it will take forever for the next batch to ripen. 

The cucumbers and jalapeño peppers are also stressed. I water everything two to three times a day with hopes of cooler weather. 

Sewing

I worked on the Irish Chain runner yesterday. I got rows 3 and 4 done. 

The 9 patch blocks for row 5 are ready to sew together. I had to stop as my friend was coming over. 

I have three more 9 patch blocks to make and I can finish this runner, cut out the binding and start on the next one. I am excited to get them made so I can decorate my blah bedroom. 

One fabric purchase for August will be the backing for these runners. I am thinking of this fabric. I can get it at the quilt shop when I take the quilt top in to be long arm quilted. 

Knitting

I knit on sock #1 until I got it ready to start knitting the toe. 

I will pick up the stitches for the gusset on sock #2 this afternoon when I can see the black stitches easier. Then I will work on it tonight. 

Thoughts

    I got a bag of clothes ready to go to the thrift store. I will take it when I go to New Minas with the quilt top. I have some other items to put into the car that will go at the same time. I can't sell them in the garage sale. I now need to get paper work ready to take to be shredded. I am getting a good load ready to go. 

    We are going to have 3 days of hot humid weather. I am not looking forward to that. I have to water the flower pots and make sure I am watering the vegetables 3 times a day. I checked the onions I pulled and they are almost ready to be put into a cool spot. They have matured well with the hot weather. 

    My SI joint is stiff again and won't release for me. My IBS has flared up and I think it is caused by high fibre foods that I am enjoying. As a result, my weight has not budged even though I am eating less and trying to move more. I will persist as I know things will come together in its own time. 

Today

Watering the plants will be done first thing and then I will be off to get groceries. I need to get the items for the thrift store together and into the garage. I want to sew this afternoon and knit tonight. With the heat I will be hunkering down in the cool house as much as possible. 

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

Playing With Fabric

 Yesterday was another warm and sunny day with a high of 30C. This morning it is clear and 11C. Today is supposed to be sunny with a high of 29-30C. I feel like I am repeating this every day.

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning I started out cleaning the laundry closet. I wiped down the shelf (dusty), got rid of some things, and then wiped down my machines. I even laid on the floor and levelled my washing machine. Once that was done, I dusted the walls and trim in the hall and washed all the doors. The little half round table was dusted and the floors mopped. 

After a short rest, I cleaned the wall where the server is, dusted the server, and mopped the floor. Last job of the morning was to do the front entry closet. I wiped it down and mopped the floor. I use it to hold my coats and hoodies along with a trolley for cleaning clothes, etc. 

I took a picture of my bedroom. I have not started to decorate it as I need to figure out where I want to hang the pictures. I know one picture will go above the bed. The others are a bit harder to decide due to the two closets. 

It looks pretty blah right now but I know it will look better as time goes on. 

Sewing

I decided to play with the blocks to make the runners for my bedroom. I got 4 blocks made and decided to do two rows on the first runner. 

I have one block made and enough squares cut to make one for block for row 3. I am really liking how it looks. 

Knitting

I am almost done the foot on sock #1. I just sat and knit all evening. 

Thoughts

    I was up and down the little ladder all morning and my back was sore when I finished cleaning. It isn't a flare up, just tired and sore from doing a bit more than I should have. I will keep doing things as I know I need to get strong again after the flare up I had. 

    I saw the Sturgeon moon and it was beautiful. I normally don't look at the moon during the night but I did see it when I woke up at midnight and then again around 4 am. I could see it both times out my bedroom window. 

    I have to do a bit of meal planning as I am starting to run out of ideas of what to eat. Part is the heat and part is trying to continue eating healthy and loose weight. I will be looking at recipes I have and making some meals with a bit of adaptation to them. 

Today

I need to do the balance sheet, clean the kitchen and put a few things into the shed. If I have time, I will mop the front door floor. It is dusty. I need to look at my recipes and start a shopping list for tomorrow. I want to sew this afternoon and knit tonight. 

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

Progress On The Socks

 Yesterday was hot and sunny with a high of 31C. This morning it is clear and 14C. Today is supposed to be sunny with a high of 29C. 

Lifestyle

I folded and put away laundry yesterday morning. I also spent a bit of time in the storage/maintenance room seeing if my clean up plan would work. I got the craft bazaar inventory into tubs and stacked against one wall. When I looked at the opposite wall, I knew my plan would work but I was sore enough I couldn't work on it. I had to walk away. 

Though my level of pain was less, I was still sore, quite stiff and tired. I sat on the heating pad for a bit to ease the pain. When I went out to water the plants, I wandered around the shed and house pulling weeds. Though it hurt, I was glad I got most of the weeds pulled out. 

I had dinner at family's last night. Daughter-in-law made Pad Thai for us. I have never had it before and I really enjoyed it. They got the recipe when they went to cooking school in Thailand. She put shrimp in ours though you could use chicken or both. 

I stretched good in bed last night and I had several snaps and cracks in my back. I rolled over and slept soundly. I got up to no pain this morning so I know the SI joint(s) are released and nothing is pinched. This flare up was a long one and quite hard to get the joints to release. 

Sewing

I made the label for my friend and was done for the day. 

It is okay. I will be taking my machine in for servicing this month as it needs to be done. 

Knitting

I finished knitting the gusset part of the sock and got 5 rounds done on the foot. 

I still have 51 rounds left on the foot so will be knitting for a couple more nights on it before starting sock #2. 

Thoughts

    There is still not hope of rain for the next week. The farmers are worried about their crops due to the lack of moisture. The government is worried about fires of which there have been a few caused by humans. People are experiencing wells going dry and having to wait a week to get water delivered. We are on voluntary water restrictions while some areas are on enforced water restrictions. 

    I was pleased that my plan for the storage/maintenance room will work but unhappy I couldn't work on it due to the stiffness and pain I had when trying to do the job. I will work on it again now that I seem to be over the flare up. 

Today

My goal today is cleaning up the hall and laundry closet and tidying the kitchen. If I have time I will do a few things in the storage/maintence room. I want to do a bit of cleaning in the sewing room which means cutting scraps of the blue fabric into 2" squares and wiping down the cutting table. If I can do a more, I will be happy. Tonight, I will knit on the socks. I will also be doing some stretching exercises to keep the muscles limbered up. 

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