Cleaning the Garage Has Begun

 Yesterday was warm and cloudy except for one burst of sunshine. The high got to 19C. This morning it is clearing off and 3C. Rain fell during the night. Today is supposed to be cloudy with a high of 9C. 

Lifestyle

I did the balance sheet yesterday morning. There were no problems and I have not spent a lot of money to date. It is another low spend month without even trying. 

I put on a load of laundry and put the dried laundry on the couch so I would see it and fold it. I was getting it all put away if it killed me. I got both loads folded and put away before lunch. 

I decided to start cleaning the garage. What needed to be done was what I needed to do by myself. I chose the wall that is attached to the house. I moved stuff out from the wall and started to sort through the items. I put things into recycling, the garbage can, and the compost bin. I swept down the walls and wiped everything down until I ran out of cleaner. I hung up items that could be hung up. I swept the floor area and the mat and put everything back in its place. That area looks great until I looked at how some things were still dirty. 

After lunch I went shopping. I got some cleaning items I wanted and a container of cleaner that people recommend. At this point I am able to have a new container of cleaner as I am out in the garage and running low in the house. When home, I started cleaning the containers and a piece of furniture. I was amazed at how much dirt that cleaner removed. 

I took my friend for dinner at family's and we had Moroccan stew and carrot cake. It was delicious. Moroccan stew is my favourite way to have stew. I love its sweetness from the dates and orange juice and the spices that are used. The carrot cake was delicious and moist. We had a great visit afterwards about Ramen soup and then food in Montevideo. We also was watching soccer out the of corner of our eye and saw one great play which had us excited. We got home late last night as time flew by. 

Thoughts

    I did not sew or knit yesterday. I chose to work on the garage and do the things I can do on my own. I will be getting daughter-in-law to help me a bit later on. 

    When I was out to shop, I drove down to the bank to see if the forsythia was in bloom. It wasn't so I can't prune the rose bush yet. I did see a yard beside the bank had many purple and white crocuses blooming in the grass. On our way to family's I showed my friend the daffodils blooming and we also spotted another three daffodils blooming at the end of the next driveway. Daughter-in-law's daffodils are almost ready to bloom as are the ones across the street from my house. 

    I did do my exercise for my SI joint. I had one crack in my knee. My SI joint is a bit stiff this morning so I will be doing the exercise twice. I go to osteopathy tomorrow for a treatment. 

Today

I have to do the minutes for the financial committee meeting and get some items into the car for tomorrow. I have more laundry to do (sheets) and will continue to clean the garage. The next area has been picked and it needs lots of attention. I hope to sew this afternoon and will knit tonight. 

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

Progress On The Doll's Shirt

 Yesterday was warm and sunny with a high of 15C. This morning it is cloudy and 4C. Today is supposed to be cloudy with showers and a high of 18C. 

Lifestyle

I was out to the community hall to make sandwiches. We had several really good laughs while making them. We were done and leaving for home in just over an hour. 

Once home, I did my exercise and had one small crack. It was then up and cleaning windows. I started in my bedroom and was ready for the worst. They weren't as bad as I had thought they would be. I did scrub the frames good and then washed the glass. That took quite a while as I am hoping I don't have to do this job until fall. I will do the glass on a regular basis. The next room was the bathroom and it was surprisingly not that bad. I made sure it was done well so I don't have to do the frames until fall. Once they were done, I stopped as the windows were getting too warm to work on. I did not want streaky windows. 

I went back out to the shed to look for a rack for the bbq. I am amazed at how well I got that shed cleaned last fall. And how well I stored items. I did find the rack after moving a few items. It was on top of a tub and I couldn't see it until I moved the tub. I took the rack over the family's as the bbq was being picked up there. 

Daughter-in-law was cleaning up the garage. She had strips of pool covering out and was rolling them up to put into bags for recycling. I stayed and helped her and we got 5 bags of strips to go. I came home after that job was done. 

Sewing

I worked on the doll's shirt yesterday and put in the sleeve plackets. I cut new plackets longer and then had to cut them wider and at the longer length. They are finicky to put in and by the time I had them in I was tired of working on them. 

It is one boring looking shirt which is to be worn with a skirt and a jacket or vest. 

This shirt reflects the type of shirts worn by ladies for horse backing riding and baking around 1917. I still have a bicycle skirt and jacket to make which I found a picture. Thimbles and Acorns has it in a doll size version. These two pieces will be made in May and June and will finish the Edwardian Wardrobe. 

Knitting

I knit on the scarf last night and it is coming along nicely. It is a beginner's project and the instructions are not for beginners. I do like the pattern as it is easy for a beginner as you only knit and purl. It is the first and last stitch that has no instructions on what to do. I realized last night I do have the instructions in another pattern.

Thoughts

    I am going to spend one afternoon in the shed going through everything and deciding on what I will I will sell in the garage sale or online. I don't need some of the items I have stored in there. Other items I will keep as I do use them. I want to be able keep it tidy without having to do a major amount of work moving stuff around. 

    I also need to spend a morning or afternoon in the garage cleaning it up. It may take more than one session as I have to move a lot of stuff around in preparation for the garage sale. It is one job that I am not looking forward to but know I will enjoy it once I start. 

Today

I have to do the balance sheet first thing, fold the laundry I ignored yesterday, and do some cleaning upstairs. I am going to target one small area in the garage which doesn't require me to do a lot of moving stuff. This afternoon I will sew on the doll's shirt. Tonight I am out for dinner at family's and I hope to knit a bit tonight. 

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

First Daffodils In Bloom

 Yesterday started out cloudy and then cleared off and was sunny. The high got to 13C. This morning it is clear, frosty, and 0C. Today is supposed to be sunny and 15C.

Lifestyle

I started the morning cleaning the bathroom. Not too dirty but I did a good job. Next was the kitchen and I was surprised that most of it was clean but some areas were dirty. I did a good job cleaning it up. 

I marinated chicken for dinner. I rubbed it in mustard and added some spices. It was spicier than I thought it would be though it was tasty. I am looking at some new spices and haven't bought any as they come in larger sized containers. 

I walked out to the shed after lunch and was amazed at how clean it was. I still need to go through it to make sure I get everything I don't need into the garage sale. I walked around the shed picking up the neighbour's shingles. I threw a hub cap out of the yard but need to put it up on the road. I didn't throw it far enough. The Spousal Unit's rose is showing some growth but I can't prune it yet. Soon though. 

I was out mid afternoon for a meeting and got home later in the afternoon. I have minutes to type up today. On my way to the meeting I saw the first daffodils in bloom. 

This spot is protected by trees and many more daffodils will bloom on the hillside. 

Sewing

I didn't sew yesterday as I didn't have enough time. 

My snaps arrived. The company sent them by mail directly to me. When I had put the tracking number into Canada Post it didn't track the parcel. I can now finish up some doll clothes that are waiting for snaps. 

I did watch a video yesterday where the lady made placemats. She does not line them but serges all the seams. Where she joins the ruffle she puts a cotton lace over the seam. We can buy that lace but it's very expensive. She put a lovely trim on the top and they were beautiful. Fabric and trim was from a thrift store and she did buy the lace. 

Knitting

I cast on and knit quite a few rows on the scarf. I used up the yarn I had left over from the hat. 

I have to bring up another ball of yarn and am deciding if I will make it using only 1 more ball or if I will use 2 balls. 

Thoughts

    It was so nice to have the sun yesterday and walking around the yard was wonderful. I looked at the pots of dirt for the few vegetables I will plant and am looking forward to getting them out next month. 

    I did my exercise yesterday morning and I had 2 cracks in the first 3 minutes (SI joint and knee). I did a second 3 minutes and had one more crack in the SI joint. It is still tightening up and the muscles are still a bit sore. Not sure why this is happening but am going to invest in some expensive insoles for my shoes. I am not sure why I stopped buying them as I use to get a pair every time I bought new runners. 

Today

I am out shortly to make sandwiches. Once home, I have a load of laundry to fold and put away. I also want to wash a few windows. I hope to sew this afternoon and will knit tonight. 

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

Socks Are Done

 Yesterday was mainly cloudy with some showers later in the day. The high got to 11C. This morning it is cloudy and 6C. Today is supposed to be cloudy with some showers and a high of 15C. 

Lifestyle

The company that does the health care of my lawn was here early yesterday morning. They were applying lime to reduce the ph of the soil. I have to rake spots in the lawn and throw grass seed on it. It is still too early to plant as the soil is cold. I can rake and plant later. 

I made cookies after I had my lawn discussion. I was well organized and barely had time to do anything but make cookies. Daughter-in-law was over shortly after she called me for her cookies. She loves them. I cleaned up the kitchen and froze the cookies for Saturday. 

Once done, I did the exercise and got a crack at almost the 3 minute mark. I sat on heat after that. I was waiting for the person who bought the lamps to come. After she left, I had lunch. 

Sewing

I started a shirt for the Edwardian outfit.  I had cut it out before we left for Montevideo and it was ready for me to sew. I got the front facings on and then the back yoke done. I was being very careful as this fabric frays. I then tackled the collar and it is ready to put on. 

I stopped at this point as I have to do the sleeves next. I am going to cut new lap bands a bit longer than the ones I had cut. I also have to serge the side seams of the shirt and the sleeves. I knew I needed to start fresh another day. 

Crafting

I decided to cut out more reindeer and attach the antlers I had sorted out. What amazed me was how nice the craft paper cut. I actually got 20 reindeer done. 

I went to get the cutting mat from one of the trolleys I have to hold my Cricut materials. One of the bins had slid down on top of the mats. I wheeled it out to work on while the Cricut cut. I ended up having to get a wrench to tighten the bolts. I moved the rolls of vinyl to the bottom bin as they are heavy and the cutting mats to the middle bin. The one thing I don't like about the Ikea trolleys is that the bins do slide down easily if not tighten up. I really think you have to watch them as they will loosen up over time. 

Knitting

I wasn't going to knit but forced myself to. I finished knitting sock #2 and then did the toe on sock #1. All yarn ends were woven in. 

I am happy to have these socks done and ready to wear next winter. I will be casting on a scarf next. 

Thoughts

    Our weather is going to be nice for the next few days. Warmer nights and 20C on Sunday. Everyone is waiting for the leaves to come out on the trees. 

    I am working on keeping the family room tidy. I am still forcing myself to do it rather than leave my mess behind. I am slowly getting there. It feels so nice to go down and see the room tidy rather than having a mess to deal with. 

    My back is slowly having less pain. I am doing the one exercise daily and am trying to move more. I really do not want the SI joint to lock up again. 

Today

I have to clean the bathroom and give the kitchen a quick clean. I am out for a meeting this afternoon so won't be sewing today. I will knit tonight. 

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

Pain Problem Solved

 Yesterday was cloudy and damp with a mist falling most of the day. The high got to 9C. This morning it is cloudy and 6C. Today is supposed to have some rain with a high of 10C. 

Lifestyle

I was out the door for an 8 am physio appointment. I got there a bit early so did the gym exercises first. They were hard as I was sore. When done the therapist did an evaluation and I was stiff and tight. My SI joint was locked tight which was giving me all the pain I was having. She worked on me for about 20 minutes and left me doing one exercise. I had 3 cracks while holding the position for 3 minutes. I had the TENS machine and heat for 15 minutes. 

Once home, I sat on heat for the SI joint and then got up to move while waiting for daughter-in-law to pick me up. We were off to New Minas to shop. Our first stop was the thrift store where she unloaded some stuff. Then we went to Home Depot. I got light bulbs, filler for small holes in the walls, sanding block and 2 tomato plants. 

I need to get some soil so I can plant them into bigger pots. 

Our next stop was Dollarama. I was looking for small bins to hold thread. I couldn't find the ones I wanted but found some that should do the job. We wandered over to Home Sense and looked around. We got our osteopathy therapist's baby clothes for her first birthday.

Walmart was our last stop before lunch and we got groceries there. We then went to Wolfville for lunch. Wolfville is a university town which has lots of historical attractions. It was first settled by the Acadians and then became a seaport where apples were exported to England for many years. 

We had lunch and then daughter-in-law went for her appointment. Once done we headed home. I put away all my groceries but still have a few things to put away this morning. I sat on the couch as I was sore from walking and physio and fell asleep. I slept for an hour. 

While dinner was heating up, I did the exercise to make sure my SI joint was locking up again. No cracking which told me it was fine. The long length makes sure everything is stretched so the SI joint can seat itself correctly. 

Sewing

I did none yesterday. 

Knitting

I knit on sock #2 and got a lot done on it. 

At the rate I am moving, they should be done either tonight or tomorrow night. 

Thoughts

    I was sore yesterday after physio which I was told I would be. It was more muscle soreness which I had expected. My gait was much better than I had thought it would be though I was slow when walking. I noticed the improvement when I took the recycling to the curb late in the afternoon. No soreness when walking down the driveway. I did it twice as I had a lot of recycling to go. Going down hill/stairs is hard for me as it stretches the area around the SI joint which gives me pain. It is good for me to do it as it allows the SI joint to unlock. 

    I looked across the street to see how the daffodils were doing. They are up and some buds are visible. It will be nice to see them in bloom as there are lots of them at the front of the house. They always mean spring is here. Next I will be watching for the magnolias to bloom. 

Today

I have to make cookies this morning. I also have to get the lamps that sold upstairs for pick up. I would like to start sewing on a shirt for the Edwardian outfit and knit on the socks tonight. I also need to do my exercises. 

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

I Did It Again -- Back Pain

 Yesterday started out cloudy and ended up sunny. The high got to 15C. This morning it is raining and 8C. Today is supposed to be cloudy with showers. The high is to get to 10C.

Lifestyle

I started the morning out taking some western pieces downstairs and arranging them on a small cube. The nesting cows were a present and the other ones were ones the Spousal Unit and I bought on a holiday. The picture is of our children when they came home from college (circa 1997). 

I have since moved the nesting cows to another spot and rearrange the items left. I still need to try another fabric on the top to see if it will work. 

Next I did some cleaning in the storage room. I focused on the shelving unit in there. I cleaned off the top and put those items in the pile for the garage sale. I then put empty boxes and small tubs on the shelf. While doing that I really over extended my reach and my back rebelled. 

My next job was to sort through two tubs of doll clothes. I made outfits as I went. The modern clothes went in one tub and the historical clothes in another. I had very few orphans. I went in and cleaned the spots on the cube where they went and put everything away. I was really sore at this point. 

I walked out on the deck yesterday to enjoy the sunshine. I always do some stretching while out there. I had a small crack in my back and a bit of relief. My next relief came when I woke up in bed, rolled over. As I rolled over, I had cracking and as I rolled my hip and back, I had many, many cracks. The pain was gone. This morning I have a bit of pain in my back and a sore glute. 

Sewing

I did sew yesterday but had to stop and walk around so I didn't stiffen up. I hand sewed the binding on the pad I had made the day before. 

I then took the last of the print and made another pad. This time I put the fusible fleece on the backing and then used something similar to Wonder Under to fuse the top fabric to the fleece. I bound it and hand sewed the binding down on it. 

I have a tiny bit of the blue fabric left for something I will work on in May. The print was used up except for a small scrap. I did clean up the cutting table and put everything away from this project. 

My next project is the shirt for the Edwardian wardrobe. 

Knitting

I knit on sock #1 and it is ready for me to do the kitchener stitch to close the toe up. It was an easy knit last night. 

I should be done these socks by the weekend. 

Thoughts

    I was really upset when I realized I had over extended my reach and flared up my back and hip/thigh. I forced myself to relax to see if it would stop but to no avail. I walked to see if that would help but to no avail. When it cracked on the deck I knew I would have to have to stretch a lot to get what ever was tight to release. I also knew it would happen when it was ready. I didn't expect it to happen during the night. I thought it would happen at physio this morning. 

    Daughter-in-law put three items for sale yesterday. Two sold and one will probably have to have the price reduced. She does an excellent job of selling items on line. I have to have one item ready for pick up tomorrow morning.

Today

I am out to physio in an hour and then home for a bit. I am heading to New Minas with daughter-in-law to do some shopping and then to her appointment after lunch. Once home I would like to set up the next sewing project. Tonight I will knit on sock #2. 

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

A Day of Being Busy

 Yesterday was a wet day with a high of 7C at 5 pm and 10C at midnight. This morning it is cloudy and 10C. Today will be a mix of sun, clouds, and showers. The high will be 11C. 

Lifestyle

I was busy yesterday morning doing a few small chores before my friend arrived with coffee. She is moving to Ontario at the end of July and wanted me to see pictures of her condo and help with furniture layout. She is going to be living in a 500 sq. ft. space that is spotlessly clean and freshly painted. She has done a great job of figuring out her furniture arrangement so she can sew in the living room. She is moving to be closer to her sisters and their children. I will certainly miss her when she moves but in the meantime we will be visiting lots. 

Daughter-in-law arrived just after lunch with some fabric tubs for me. They do not fit in the yarn cube -- too big. Can't put Ikea tubs into a Home Depot cube. I will sell the cube and get an Ikea one on legs. 

While here, she took pictures of the corner desk in the sewing room and will put it on Facebook to sell. She also looked at the old gramophone and if they don't take it, she will put it up for sale. We also talked about the yard sale (I have us registered to be put on the map) and she will be bringing her stuff to sell soon to put in the shed. We are making our plans for that as the garage needs to be cleaned and I need to sort items for sale in the shed. My wagon is going to be busy moving stuff around. 

Sewing

I got the placemats done. It took me about 20 minutes to finish up the 2nd one as I sew very slowly when doing stitch in the ditch. They do add some colour in the dining room.

I am ready to hand sew the binding down on a 12" square. I am not sure I like it but I will use it on the table. I think I should have made the blue part smaller. 

I have one piece of the print left and I am going to sandwich, quilt and put blue binding around it. It will also be on the table. I will have a bit of the blue fabric left for another project. 

Knitting

I finished the gusset on sock #2 with no issues. The mistakes I thought I had made were only caused by me being very tired. 

I picked up sock #1 and knit half of the foot on it. 

Thoughts

    Spring seems to have arrived in the past couple of days. The nights have been above freezing which is our first sign. I am sure the trees will have leaves and the spring flowers will be blooming soon. 

    I had a good day mentally yesterday. I was busy all day. I had company and I moved a lot more than normal. I also had very little pain. I know that I need to be out more and amongst people in an environment that I enjoy. I am thinking on that and wonder what I could do to have a day out a few times a week. 

Today

I am going to do a bit of housework upstairs and then work downstairs getting more areas cleaned up. I want to hand sew the binding down on the square and maybe start the last one. Tonight I will knit on the socks. I want to be busy today. 

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