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..................................................................

New Placemats Almost Done

 Yesterday was a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 10C. This morning it is cloudy and 3C. Today is supposed to be rainy with a high of 8C. 

Lifestyle

I started the morning out doing the balance sheet. I had to get myself oriented as the print out had amounts added between the last two amounts I had entered last week. All was good until it didn't balance. I hunted and looked and found out I had made a mistake when doing my subtraction. I did my little bit of statistics and put everything away for another week. 

Next up I folded the laundry. It was 2 loads and it took a bit longer than usual. All was put away and I declared that job done. I then put Rosie to work vacuuming and mopping and I escaped to the basement. I took down a couple of western items to put on top of the cube. 

I didn't take pictures of the items on the cube. I had put a piece of fabric on it and it was too dark. I need something lighter. It is just one dark piece of monotony. I did grab the blanket and pillow case off the chair in the sewing room and laundered it. It was full of Elliott's fur. It is now folded and put away to sell or give away at the yard sale. 

Sewing

I spent the afternoon sewing the placemats. I have one done and the second one needs me to stitch in the ditch. 

I used the Inside Out Placemat pattern that I had bought a few years ago. 

I am struggling if I like the pattern or not. It was easy to make and I like how it allows you to showcase a lovely print. I think what I am struggling with is no binding around the outside edge. I did top stitch it almost 3/8" from the edge to get that look. 

I have cut out a 6.5" square of the pink fabric and will add navy blue borders to it so it is about 12" square. It will be used on the dining table. I still have navy fabric left along with the other pink fabric I used in the quilt. I am thinking of making a table runner for the little buffet out of it. I want to use up as much of the fabric as possible. I am not buying any more fabric for this project. 

I have some fabric in the stash that I will buy fabric to go with it and make a set of placemats and what ever else I can to use up that fabric. It will be a present for her. 

Knitting

I knit on the gusset of the 2nd sock last night and am about half done it. 

These socks are not being cooperative. I am struggling with the pattern when knitting the gusset. I am doing it correctly but my brain doesn't think so. It is probably because I am knitting them for the 2nd time.  

Thoughts

    I did look at what to clean next in the sewing room. I am thinking the doll's clothing to see what I need to make for outfits. I know that some of the Gotz doll outfits will be simple patterns and I may go that route with the 18" American Girl dolls. I will need to make a list of what is needed and start using scraps for those items. These will be on the list when I finish the Edwardian wardrobe. 

    I have had a bit of pain with the weather systems going through but nothing like I had. That was one of the worst flare ups I have experienced. I am still recovering from it as it left me exhausted. I am making myself move more as I want to sit and rest. That does not help the joints and muscles. 

    My front lawn looks sad. I think it needs to be reseeded. I am going to have to do that this week as the nights are going to be warmer now. I will do where the vegetable boxes were and  a few spots that are dead as can be. I hope we don't have a bad drought again this summer. 

Today

I have a few small things to do this morning before my friend comes over to visit. This afternoon I will finish the place mat and work on the square. When that is done, I will put the fabric away and work on it only when I have time. Tonight I will knit on the socks. 

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

Family Room Cleaned, Placemats Started

Yesterday was either cloudy or rainy. The high got to 8C. This morning it is clear and 1C. Today could be sunny and windy with a high of 9C. 

Lifestyle

With the rain coming in, I was a bit sore yesterday. It wasn't too bad so I kept going all day. My first job was to finish cleaning the family room. I did a lot of sorting and moving items in that area. I cleaned the baseboards, vacuumed the floor and mopped it. It was done and I was happy. 

The cube hold items for the printer and paper shredder. It was full of cubes that were empty. I have it down to 2 cubes at the bottom. The other ones are now in the sewing room with yarn in them. I have to find a picture to put on top of the cube. 

Sewing

With the cape done, I put away the left over fabric for other small projects. I got out the fabrics for 2 place mats and started to cut them out. I was short the dark blue fabric so went to the quilt shop and bought a meter of it plus a new rotary blade for my cutter. I didn't snoop shop as I wanted to get home and work on the placemats. 

Once home, I starched the fabric and it is ready to press and cut today. I then did a bit more cutting of fabric, pressed the trim piece, and sewed it onto the border pieces. I laid out the first place mat to see what it will look like. 

I now need to cut fusible fleece and the backing plus one border strip and I can finish these up. They are not done in the traditional sense as the edge pieces are sewn onto the back of the placemat and folded towards the front and then stitched down. 

There was no video on Making Space To Make this week. It is her scheduled week off. With the family room cleaned, I will putter in the sewing room doing small things that need to be done. 

This month, Sewing With Cinnamon is about harmony. We are to make a 2-3 piece capsule focusing on what we have learned so far. I am going to use pieces from the Edwardian wardrobe as I have lots of pieces to choose from. 

Knitting

The four black tubs I took out of the cube in the family room are now housing some of my yarn in the sewing room. I have to buy 5 more at Ikea. The lime green ones are being folded up and will be sold at the garage sale. 

I knit on the sock last night and finished the gusset on sock #1. I did have some moments when knitting last night as I thought I had screwed up the pattern. I didn't. I was just over tired from lack of sleep. 

Now to do sock #2's gusset. 

Thoughts

    Though I was sore yesterday, it wasn't like before. Just mild soreness that was annoying. I kept moving around resting while I waited for the floor to dry. I wasn't going to let it stop me from working. 

    There are two scams going on in our area right now. One is a text message about working remotely which means the scammers want to have access to your computer and data. They targeted me twice yesterday. I deleted them and reported it. The other is scammers phoning as police officers. They targeted daughter-in-law. She called our local police and found out more about it. After months of nothing, the scammers are targeting us once again. 

    Our community yard sale is on May 16. I will have to sign us up and then spend a day cleaning the garage. I have a lot of stuff to move around in preparation for it. I will have to park my car outside while I get things organized. 

Today

I have to do the balance sheet, fold laundry, and do a quick tidy upstairs. I want to spend time sewing the place mats and I may even cut out some reindeer and work on them. I want to knit tonight. 

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

No Pain Means Lots Got Done

Yesterday started out sunny and then became a mix of sun and clouds. The high got to 17C. This morning it is cloudy and 7C. Today is supposed to have showers with a high of 9C. 

Lifestyle

I was out to get groceries. I was going to go to New Minas and then decided to shop locally. I was glad I did as the local grocery store wasn't busy and I was able to shop without crowds. Once home, I got the groceries put away. 

My next job was to sit and work on my knee. I did about 10 minutes and it is really helping. The outside part of my knee cap hurts which I will enquire about at physio. I had very little pain in my hip, back and knees all day. I think I had inflammation which caused everything to be so sore. I have a bit of pain this morning due to the rain coming but it is not affecting my walking, etc. 

Once the knee was dealt with, I was downstairs to do more cleaning in the family room. I worked on the area where I sit and do hand sewing. I moved furniture, cleaned, wiped, dusted, vacuumed and mopped everything in that area. I took out the recycling and have more to go out today. I am pleased with how it looks. 

While cleaning the coffee table I found a lot of Command picture hangers in one of the drawers. I had forgot I had bought them a couple of years ago. They will come in handy when I hang more pictures. 

The box on one chair has to be mailed to daughter. I am done putting items into it and just need to add a layer of batting to the top. 

I have one more part to do in this room. I did do a tiny bit on it. I now need to pull it apart and do the deep cleaning. It will be nice to have this area cleaned up. 

Sewing

I spent the afternoon finishing up the cape for the rabbit. After giving it a good press, I hand sewed the turning hole closed and then did the arm and ear openings. I added a hook and eye at the neck. 

I did clean up after myself as I am working on good habits to keep the family room clean. 

I have the fabric out on the table to start making placemats using up the left over fabric from the quilt. I will probably have to buy fabric for it as I think I am short of the darker blue. I am looking forward to making them. 

Knitting

I knit on the socks last night and got the gusset stitches picked up on both socks. Sock #1 has 15 rounds done on the gusset. I am about half done the gusset. 

Thoughts

    I am certain my shoes are not the main problem for my soreness. I wear expensive running shoes and alternate between 2 pairs. I will be buying new shoes in the fall as I only wear them for a year and then replace them. For the pain to disappear overnight means I had inflammation due to stress and weather. What was surprising was how long it lasted. I've never had this happen for so long.

    I was thrilled at how much I did in the family room yesterday. With little to no pain, I was able to do things quicker and easier. The space left will take me less than an hour to do. Once done, I will move on to cleaning the rest of the basement. I do want it clean and tidy. 

    I think the robins are back. I am sure I saw one on a neighbour's lawn.  

Today

I have to do my stretching exercises and work on my knee. Once that is done, I will be downstairs to finish cleaning the family room. This afternoon I want to start cutting out the placemats and see if I need to go and buy more of the dark blue fabric. I do have to make dinner tonight so I have a couple of meals in the fridge. I will knit on the socks tonight. 

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

A Busy Day Volunteering

Yesterday was sunny and 11C. This morning it is clear and 2C. Today is supposed to be sunny and 16C. 

Lifestyle

I was out the door before 8 am to the community hall to make sandwiches. Daughter-in-law finished mixing the fillings while I made the cucumber sandwiches. I got them made, cut, and on the tray before anyone else arrived. Once they arrived, we made 17 more trays of sandwiches. We cleaned up and headed home.

At home, I sat on heat as my hip and knees were sore. I am not sure why they were aching but they ached. I keep thinking they are worn out but other times I wonder if my muscles are acting up. I did do the rubbing around and behind my right knee. It seems to be helping it bend much better. 

I was back at the hall at 1 pm to help serve at the celebration of life. Daughter-in-law and I served coffee and then did the clean up. The people were wonderful bringing most of the dirty dishes to the kitchen. We were done by 4:15 pm and I was home by 4:30 pm. I did another session on my knee and ate dinner. 

I did not sew or knit yesterday. 

Thoughts

    It seems like spring has arrived. Though the temperature did not drop below 0C last night, there is frost on the roofs and cars. We will have frost for a while but it disappears quickly. Frosts can occur until mid to late May. 

    I have had a bad spell with my knees and hips. I am sure that part is stress and part is the weather. I also wonder if my muscles are acting up though most of the pain is in the joints. I had thought maybe the pain was from sleeping poorly but it isn't that. I am getting enough restorative sleep. I am puzzled as to why this has gone on for so long. This morning I do feel less pain but who knows if it will get sorer as the day goes on. 

Today

I need to grocery shop and once home I want to do a few things in the basement. I also want to sew and knit today. I also need to make sure I do the massage on my knee twice so it does not stiffen up. 

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