A Delicious Birthday Dinner

 Yesterday was cloudy with rain and some freezing rain. The high got to 2C. This morning it is cloudy and 5C (was 6C earlier). Today is supposed to be clear off, be windy and sunny with the temperature dropping to 2C. 

Lifestyle

I had another busy morning. I got a load of laundry on and cleaned the bathroom. Once that was done, I put the laundry into the dryer and did my exercises. 

The exercises are getting easier to do. I am still stiff when I start but do loosen up as do the exercises. I had a lot of cracking yesterday as everything is starting to go back into position. My muscles are sore which I think is from all the stretching and other things I am doing. 

I am also working on my posture. I was starting to slump when sitting and I realized that was causing some of the back pain. I am working on sitting straight when I sit on a chair or the couch. I have to keep reminding myself. 

I was out to family's for my birthday dinner last night. Our friend picked me up and took me. I had asked for smash burgers and they were delicious. Daughter-in-law made fresh hamburger buns. I will say that these hamburgers were better than the best ones we had in Montevideo. 

The evening was spent laughing over crazy things. Son is learning how to make ramen noodles and we had to learn about his experiences making his first batch. He did get enough noodles for them to have ramen for a couple of days. 

Family gave me a new lock for my front door. I was excited to get that as a gift. Now I can come and go without having to use a key when my hands are full. 

Sewing

I did some cleaning in the sewing room yesterday morning. I decided to clean the open shelves where the dolls are. They were dusty. I did take out one of the tubs which holds the Gotz doll's clothes. I sorted through them and put together items that I had made -- leggings and tops, dresses and sweaters. I now have a small pile of orphans that I need to sew or knit items to go with them. I can add them to my list of what I want to make this year. 

I also looked at a tower of drawers. It is well organized and the bottom drawer is empty. I pulled it out and found a dead hornet behind it. I vacuumed the floor and cleaned the baseboards. A start in that area of the sewing room. 

I sewed after lunch. I got the binding on the table runner and hand sewed it down. 

I looked at the scraps of fabric and have two pieces that are just over 10" square and I am going to quilt them together and bind it for a hot pad. When that is done, the remaining small scraps will go into the trash. There will be nothing worth keeping or donating. 

I remembered I had made a doll's cape a few years ago and I put it on the doll over the sacque back dress. Though an Acadian woman would probably have worn a blue cape of a shorter length, this shows how she could have looked in the winter. 

Knitting

I was able to knit on the socks last night and got 19 rounds done. 

I have figured out the pattern so I can knit while watching tv. I am disappointed that the pattern doesn't show up much due to the yarn being multi coloured. 

Thoughts

    It rained hard several times yesterday. We certainly need the rain after last year's drought. Everything is soggy right now which is good. Once it warms up the grass and plants will grow quickly. It is trying to snow one moment and have the sun shine a few minutes later. 

    I had a lot of thoughts go through my head when I was sorting through the Gotz doll's clothes. I don't sew for them on a regular basis. I need to do more sewing for them and finish off the orphan pieces. This will include finding the patterns I have in my collection and buying a few more. I love these dolls but it seems like very few people I know have these dolls. I need to include them in the sewing and knitting plans. 

Today

I am heading out to shop with daughter-in-law. We are going to have a fun time looking upstairs in Ikea and I can get groceries at Walmart. Once home, I will decide on what I want and can do though I do know I will be knitting tonight. 

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

A Day of Busyness

 Yesterday was cool and cloudy with a high of 2C. This morning it is cloudy and -1C (windchill -4C). Today is supposed to have freezing pellets changing to rain. The high is to get to 2C. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning I put the sheets into the washer and cleaned the kitchen. It was time for it to have a good wipe down. When I wiped one counter, it was black and I freaked out. First thought -- black mould. When I calmed down I realized it was spores from the ferns in the bouquet of flowers. I wiped it all up and then dealt with the flowers. Hopefully no more black spores on the counter. 

While the sheets were in the dryer, I did my exercises. They are getting easier to do though I am still sore in my back. I do 10 exercises and I had cracks while doing 5 or 6 of them. My muscles are loosening up a tiny bit which is nice. My back is still sore and that is more annoying than the muscles. 

When done the exercises, I headed downstairs to do more work in the family room. The area I did is the same size as my living room. I took the table cloth off the table and saw some damage to the finish on the table. Not overly worried as it has lots of other damage to the finish. I did scrub it and organized everything when I put it back on. The floor area was vacuumed and mopped and I did a bit more floor in the rest of the room. 

I am ready to tackle other parts of the room once I spend a few days cleaning the sewing room. I am alternating between the two rooms. 

I forced myself to make dinner last night. I cut up 2 peppers, an onion, and some mushrooms and cooked them in a hot frying pan. I added some cooked chicken, teriyaki sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. I put it over rice. I had enough for dinner tomorrow night. It was nice to have a home cooked dinner which I enjoyed very much. 

Sewing

I worked on the two mug rugs and got the binding sewn on them. I sat in the family room hand stitching the binding down. 

I do not usually do a contrasting/darker binding. I like the binding to blend in. This binding's colours are in the print fabric which is why I chose it and allowed it to frame the mug rugs. 

I played with the doll's dress trying to figure out how an Acadian rural lady would wear it when dressing up. I know they wore a scarf (fischu) at the neck of their clothing so I found the one I had made when I had sewn the Isla Lass outfit. I tucked it down the front of the stomacher. 

The outfit is complete. 

Knitting

I played with the yarn and got it wound into cakes. I had to do one cake twice as it didn't wind all that well the first time. 

After dinner, I knit the cuffs on both socks. I am now ready to do the leg in a simple pattern. 

The yarn looks like it had a spiral perm but it isn't hard to work with. 

Thoughts

    We are no longer under a freezing rain warning. I am sure that if it happens it will disappear when it rains. If there is none, then it could be snow which will also disappear when it warms up and rains. 

    I have been working on not being stressed. I am still parking emotions and try not to let both situations make me feel overwhelmed. I know that some of the soreness I have is from stress hence why I am working on parking my emotions. 

    I am back to struggling with decorating the bathroom. I need to do a mood board with ideas I want and see what I can find. My bathroom just won't talk to me and I am not sure why. It didn't seem to talk to the previous owners either as it was not decorated when we viewed the house. 

Today

I have to clean the bathroom first thing while another load of laundry is done. Then I want do a bit more cleaning downstairs. I do want to bind the small table runner this afternoon. I am going to family's for my birthday dinner tonight so may not get a lot of knitting done. 

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

April's Projects Started

 Yesterday was wet until late afternoon. The high got to 5C. This morning it is cloudy and -2C (windchill -7C). Today is supposed to be mainly cloudy with a high of 3C. 

Lifestyle

Daughter-in-law came for a short visit yesterday morning and then I was out to have my hair cut. I was home by just after 10 a.m. It was down on the floor to do my exercises. Though I am still stiff, it is getting easier to do the exercises. I still have cracks which means joints are releasing and my muscles relaxing. 

As I was getting ready to go downstairs and finish cleaning the area of the family room I had started, I got a text from a good friend asking if I would do something for her. I was out of the house to get it done and didn't have a chance to work in the family room. 

Sewing

I did get to sew and worked on a table runner and mug rugs. They were fun to sew and are now ready for me to put binding on. 

The dark fabric at the top of the picture will be the binding. I am not sure if I will keep it, gift it, or sell it at the craft bazaar in November. The runner is big enough for a teapot, creamer and sugar bowl. 

While doing this project, I finished a spool of thread which was great. I did have another spool of that colour as I use it a lot. 

The cutting table is quite tidy. I do have a small pile of scraps left over from other projects and am deciding on what to do with them. The group I give them to may not be doing quilts after my friend moves away. I don't do scrappy quilts and don't know of any group that could use them. 

Knitting

I watched the video that goes with decreasing the top of the hat I was knitting. I am so glad I watched it as the lady explained why she does it this way. I sat and knit on the hat and got it finished. 

I now need to wind the balls of yarn from the socks I ravelled out and start on them. I will use the same pattern I did before but cast on less stitches so they fit me tighter in the leg and foot. 

Thoughts

    My back was sore yesterday and I was tired. I wondered if my thyroid is low. I am having all the symptoms, including back pain, and have to push myself to do everyday chores. I do have blood work near the end of this month and see the doctor in early May. 

    I pulled out the stakes that show where my lawn is when it snows. I thought it was time to put them away. I would love to put the salt away. I am not sure if that is a good idea as we get freezing rain tomorrow. We are hoping this is it for wintery weather. 

    I thought I saw a robin yesterday but I don't think it was one. Usually they arrive in groups of 5 or 6. This was a lone bird. 

Today

I have launder the sheets today. I want to do some cleaning in the kitchen before going downstairs to work in the family room. I would like to finish the space I started. I will work on finishing the items I started yesterday. I do have wind the yarn and start the socks tonight. 

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

Doll's Sacque Back Dress Completed

 Yesterday had snow and rain with the temperature dropping steadily all day to 1C by 5pm. This morning it is raining and 1C. Today is supposed to be rainy with a high of 6C.

Lifestyle

I did my yoga exercises and it is getting easier every day. I did have 2 or 3 cracks while doing them which means joints are releasing. I was very sore all day due to the weather system we are having. I pushed through the day doing small exercises to stretch muscles. 

My job yesterday was to start cleaning the family room. I finished cleaning the ledge (pony wall) and some spots on the walls. I cleaned the baseboards and furniture in the area I am focusing on. Cardboard from the blinds was put into recycling. Finally I was able to vacuum the floor and mop it. Part of the floor was clean and part was dirty. I didn't take a picture as I am not finished but I am happy with what I got done. 

Sewing

I did sew yesterday and got the petticoat for the 1750's outfit done. It went together nicely for me and I did hand stitch the waistbands in place. When I put it on the doll, I thought you tied it up at the sides but you don't. You tie the back ribbons at the front and the front ribbons to the back. The skirt fits perfectly. 

The back looks nice and fits the doll well. 

I got notification that the snaps were to be delivered yesterday and they didn't arrive. When I checked this morning they have been delayed and should be here by April 6. I have to set this project aside while I wait for them. 

I am deciding if I will sell some of my dolls. I have 13 of them and do not make clothes for some of them. I am thinking of putting together a small wardrobe and selling one that I ignore. I think it is time to start downsizing the collection. 

Knitting

I knit on the hat last night and got the main part done. I have added the markers so I can start decreasing the top. I think there are 18 rows to do and it will be done. 

I have to go in and adjust what I will knit during April as I am ahead of schedule. 

Thoughts

    I pushed through yesterday doing everything I had planned even though I was very sore. The pain did subside in my knees first and then in my back which was wonderful. I did do some research on activity and one thing I found out was not to do bed rest. In honesty, I did want to go back to bed and rest but knew it wasn't the right thing to do. It was recommended to alternate between movement and resting which I did all day. I made sure I went up and down the stairs several times, stretched my body, and rested when I needed to. 

    Spring is coming slowly but surely. Some of the trees are starting to have their leaf buds swelling and are ready to open soon. I haven't seen the robins yet and am waiting for them to arrive. We have seen some Canada geese but think they may have stayed around here all winter. 

Today

I have to get my hair cut this morning. I am hoping to fit in my yoga exercises before I go. I would like to finish cleaning the area of the family room I started yesterday. I am going to work on a small sewing project today as I need to cook myself a good dinner. I will knit tonight. 

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

Another Trip Around The Sun

 Yesterday was started out sunny and was cloudy with a few drops of rain mid afternoon. The high got to 11C. This morning it is cloudy and 5C. Today is supposed to have showers this morning and rain (possible freezing rain) this afternoon with the temperature dropping to 4C. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning I did my yoga exercise and I had 3 cracks while doing them. I was a bit less stiff than the day before. I even got up off the floor easier. In 24 hours, I have had 8 cracks in my right side. I was so stressed that I had tightened my body up causing joints and muscles to react in a bad way. 

I went out for lunch with my friend as it was my birthday. I wasn't celebrating even though I turned 75. We had a lovely lunch and she got 75% off my meal. We did have some good laughs and talked about a lot of things. 

I got these beautiful flowers from daughter for my birthday. 

Sorry about the mess you can see but I have cleaned it all up. 

I was over to see family for a bit. They are doing well and their sense of humour has returned. Daughter-in-law said I will get my birthday gift on Friday and son said I could have it now. He picked up a beanie chair with the cat in it to give to me. We all howled with laughter over that as he is always trying to give the cat away. 

My back cracked several times in bed last night. I was happy that it did that. What surprised me was the loud crack from my knee. It released and has much more flexibility today. It allowed me to have some restorative sleep last night. My back is sore this morning as we have a storm coming in today. 

Sewing

I did sew a bit yesterday morning. I gathered the waist on the front of the skirt and I spent more time cursing at the thread. It kept slipping as it is 100% polyester. I did get the waist band sewn on but had to rip back a small piece as the top of the skirt folded over and peaked on the outside. I did learn a lesson about using Glide thread for gathering a seam -- don't use it. I didn't take a picture as I had to get ready to go out for lunch. 

Knitting

I knit 10 rounds on the hat last night. I now have about 5" knit on it. 

It is definitely going to be a warm hat. 

Thoughts

    After doing my yoga exercises, I laid on the mat and cried my eyes out for a good 10 minutes. It helped release all the feelings I was having. I was able to park everything into what I call my neutral zone and move on with the things I need to do. I have to let daughter and grandson solve their own problems individually without me interfering. Daughter and I chat during the day and grandson will chat with me when he is ready to. 

    March is going to go out like a lion. There is a storm coming in today and tomorrow. We are luckier than parts of Nova Scotia who will get snow and freezing rain. I did look back at the weather for the end of March and it has ranged from being very warm to cool and wet. Not pattern can be found. 

Today

I have to do yoga this morning and then I will go downstairs and start cleaning part of the family room. I can do one area as it is ready for me to finish wiping the ledge, vacuum the floor and mop it. I want to finish the doll's skirt/petticoat this afternoon and will knit tonight. 

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

Doll's Jacket Completed

 Yesterday was a day of sunshine with some clouds. The high go to 2C. This morning it is cloudy and 0C. Today is supposed to be a mix of snow and rain with a high of 6C. 

Lifestyle

I did my yoga exercises yesterday morning and half way through the 2nd exercise I had a crack somewhere in my right hip area. Continuing on with the exercises I had 2 more cracks in my right hip area. I finished up with less pain though I a still stiff and a bit sore in my center waist. I had at least one more crack during the day and one after I got into bed last night. 

My next job was to do the balance sheet. I met my goal for the first quarter of the year and am pleased with that. It was another low spend month as I really didn't need anything big or fancy. 

I got a load of laundry wash and dried and it is waiting for me to fold. It will get done today. 

Sewing

I got the 2nd cuff onto the doll's jacket. It wasn't quite as hard as the first but it took quite a bit of time. 

I also started the skirt. It is ready for me to gather the front and back sections separately and put on the two waistbands. The waistbands will have ribbons attached to them so they can be tied at the waist. 

I don't think I will get 2 pieces of piping done for daughter. I cannot find fabric I want to use for piping. I will have to have a good look and see what I can find in the stash. 

Knitting

I finished the transition row and knit 11 rounds on the hat. 

This hat is a quick and mindless knit. I have enough of the yarn to make the scarf and then do the set again. 

Thoughts

    I was very relieved that what ever was tight in my right hip area released and left me with a lot less pain. It is now tolerable. I do know some of the pain is muscles rebelling but I am not sure why my back is sore. It might be rebelling also. I will continue with the exercises to see if it helps stretch the muscles and stops the back from being sore. 

    The electric blinds are needing to be charged one by one. Yesterday was the middle blind in the living room. Today it is the one beside it. I will move the charger over to it this morning. I do leave the charger on for 18+ hours. I am sure we didn't fully charge them when we put them up. 

Today

I am not sure what I am going to do today. I have a few little things to do before I go to finish the doll's outfit. I will knit tonight. 

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

I Am Sore Once Again

 Yesterday was clear and cool with a high of -3C (windchill -10C). This morning it is clear and -10C. Today is supposed to be a mix of clouds and sun with a few snow flurries thrown in for good measure. The high is to get to 0C. 

Lifestyle

I did my yoga exercises yesterday morning and I am stiff. I will be continuing them on a regular basis. It was good to do them even if I was stiff and sore. 

I also got the kitchen cleaned up. It needed my attention as I haven't been as diligent at cleaning it as I had been. It is now clean which makes me feel much better. 

I was at the community hall at 1:30 pm and helped to peel potatoes and get the food ready for the dinner which we served at 5:30 pm. I helped with clean up and left at 7 pm extremely sore. We had a good crew helping but it ended up that 4 of us (family and friend) were left to finish the job and I wasn't able to stay until the end. 

At home, I sat on the heating pad to see if it would help. I had muscle cramps and a large amount of pain. I hobbled into bed and fell asleep fairly quickly. I woke around 3:30 am and after a bit of stretching I had a crack somewhere in my right side. A lot of the pain I have been having is from stress and the weather. 

Sewing

None done yesterday.

Knitting

I am working on the transition row. It takes time as I am moving stitches from doing a knit 2 purl 2 ribbing to a knit 1 purl 1 ribbing. 

Thoughts

    Thank you Marianne for the article. I read it and it is exactly what happened. Another person gave us some words of wisdom last night which was similar to the article. At the moment, we know he is safe and we are satisfied that he did that. 

    I am still sore today but not as bad as yesterday. I do know that I am using muscles that are rebelling as I am walking down the stairs correctly. I am going to be doing more exercises to see if it will help me as I may need to strengthen my muscles more. 

Today

I have to do the balance sheet, yoga exercises and a bit of housework. I am hoping to sew on the doll's dress and to knit tonight. I may even try to walk a bit outside on the driveway. 

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