Starting A New Doll's Blouse

 Yesterday was cloudy and dark with rain. The high got to 15C. This morning it is raining and 7C. Today is supposed to be rainy with a high of 10C. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning I made the fish cakes. They turned out okay but I probably won't make them again for a while. I did put 5 bags of mashed potatoes into the freezer for a friend. I don't eat a lot of potatoes and when I do they are usually baked or roasted. I did clean up the kitchen afterwards. 

Laundry was done but it isn't folded. I wandered around wanting to get stuff out to the garage but couldn't as I wasn't willing to park the car outside. I need to park the car outside as I know the insurance will pay if the rats do chew on the wiring. No one on our side of the street has had rat problems so I need to park this silliness. 

Sewing

I cut out a blouse for the Gotz dolls and started to sew it. The pieces are small and it is like putting together a puzzle. The instructions are clear and I worked through the steps. Do what was required and pin the pattern piece back on. I now have the front of the blouse done and will start on the back. 

This blouse is to go with a pair of overalls I made years ago. It is also goes with a skirt and vest pattern that I don't have but plan on buying. 

Knitting

I knit a bit before dinner and then again after dinner. I got quite a bit done on the vest. 

The cables are interesting as you only hold the stitches to the front when you make them. 

Thoughts

    Though the wet days are making me feel like I want to sleep, I am not complaining. We need it to get the water table high and wells full. After last summer's drought, everyone is hoping we have a wetter spring this year. The prediction is for another hot summer. At the moment, it is wet as I am emptying the dehumidifier every few days. 

    We have quite the chat exchange here about everything so you have to monitor what you hear and what you want to ignore. Everyone talks about the deer which have moved into our area. We exchange ideas of which none work. The rat issue is being discussed and most people do keep their yards clear so they won't move in. From what I see and hear, it is only one house that has attracted the rats. The problem is that people want someone else to report it to the municipality. Eyes on me as I reported the chickens in my yard. I'm not doing it as I haven't seen any rats since moving here and my yard is pretty much a place they won't come to. I will if I see them but not until then. I said it is those who are affected that should report it. 

    I forced myself to do things yesterday though I wanted to sit and do nothing. I have to do that or I will hibernate. It was good to get up and activate my body and brain. It also helps reduce the stress I have had. 

    My stress levels are going down. I can feel it overall. I have parked the stress that grandson caused and am feeling disappointed with his actions. Daughter is in a better place in their mediation as what she sent in was well presented. The person she hired to help her is great. I know she feels overwhelmed but is trying to do a bit each day and is happier to know she can do it on her iPad rather than her computer. 

Today

I am going to turn on all the lights and brighten up the house and then do some cleaning. I have laundry to fold and I am going to try to get a few items out into the garage. I want to sew this afternoon and knit tonight. 

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

A Day Of Rest

 Yesterday was wet with a high of 18C. This morning it is cloudy and 10C. The fog is rolling in as I type. Today could be wet with a high of 16C. 

Lifestyle

I admitted to myself that I was tired and was not going to push myself to do a lot of things. I did go out and get groceries first thing. It was nice not to drive in a park without a lot of cherry pickers around as the store is getting a new roof. It was needed as it leaked every time it rained hard. The store wasn't busy so I got what I needed in good time and came home. 

I will have to say I sat and rested for quite a while and then went and had a good nap. I woke up groggy but I did feel better. 

I picked up my friend and we went to family's for dinner. We had a lovely chicken curry for dinner and a Black Forest cake for dessert compliments of daughter in BC. We sat afterwards and watched some videos on airport lounges and had some good laughs. We were home in good time.

Sewing

I napped instead of sewing. I am not panicking about not sewing.

Knitting

I did cast on the stitches to knit a vest for the dolls. 

I got the first 5 rows done with no issues. When I started to knit the 6th row, I had issues. I read the instructions for the row and it does not follow the same format that I am use to. After knitting the row and unknitting it severals times, I figured out what she meant. 

I am now ready to work on the design with is a combination of cables and knit/purl areas. 

The colour of the yarn is called muslin and will be the starting point for an outfit I plan on making for the dolls. 

Thoughts

    I did think about the rat problem on our street. I know we have rats and they have been here for years. I can't control that. How others live and allow the rats to live and populate on their property is also something I can't control. What I can control is making sure my property is clear of debris and my garbage is in secure containers and/or places. I can advise people to make calls if they are impacted and have proof of the rat problem. After that, I move on from the problem and monitor my property. I did look around and saw no signs of rats here.

    Though I had a nap yesterday, I slept fairly well last night. I made sure I watched my favourite videos last night to help me relax. I knit even if I had issues with the last row. I didn't dwell on it at all. I know I need another good sleep tonight but I am feeling a lot better today. 

Today

I have to do something with the mashed potatoes I brought home from the dinner. I also need to do laundry and start bringing up items for the garage sale on Saturday. I really want to sew this afternoon and knit tonight. 

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

A Busy Day

 Yesterday was a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 15C. This morning it is cloudy with showers and 10C. Today is supposed to have showers in the morning and rain in the afternoon. The high is supposed to get to 16C.

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning I think I texted more than I worked. My neighbour texted to ask if her son could do any jobs for me. We chatted and I said yes he could do the weed eating in the ditch. He came over so we could talk and he could look at my weed eater. He would come over as soon as he had mowed 2 other lawns. 

I then started cleaning the fridge. It wasn't really dirty but needed to be wiped down on the inside and refreshed. It took me a bit of time as I was going to do it properly. When done, I washed the window in the back door and part of the kitchen window. 

The young man came back after lunch to do the weed eating. I was out to check on him a couple of times and replaced the batteries in the weed eater. I also spent time seeding the lawn and where the vegetable boxes were. I also cleaned away the old growth around the lilies and found that one of the hosta plants is up and going to be big this year. 

My friend and I worked a bar last night. We had so much fun with the people and got lots of compliments. It was an enjoyable evening. Daughter-in-law took over around 8:30 pm and we left the tips we made for her. She was doing the late shift and wouldn't make as many tips. She had also done all the prep work for the dinner and was serving and cleaning up. She deserved the tips we got. 

Sewing

I was down into the sewing room pulling projects I want to make. I have 2 quilts, a tree skirt, and placemats in tubs that will be done this year. I also have to design and make a quilt for an auction in October. 

Knitting

A pattern was chosen and the yarn was brought up so I can start knitting a vest for the dolls. 

Thoughts

    I had a great talk with my neighbour yesterday afternoon. She lives across the street from me. She let me know that the neighbour across the road from us is moving to the United Arab Emirates as soon as they sell their house. That is a huge move and we wish them well. 

    She also told me the rat problem is worse in our area. I have always known there has been rats but there are traps out for them. The number has increased as one household has garbage everywhere. A great haven for rats to get food and nest. One person has had the wiring chewed in their car twice and those people have trapped at least 6 rats and seen many more. Another person went to get something out their car and it was missing. They found it made into a nest in the engine of their car. I had parked the rental outside and it is now in the garage. I will be looking for rats around my property though my garbage is kept in containers in the garage. This did keep me awake during the night. 

    My muscles are sore today from doing things outside and standing in one spot for too long. This is called muscle soreness. My joints and usual pains are not bothering me at all. Hurrah for that. 

Today

I have to get groceries this morning. I would like to cut out the doll's blouse and maybe start sewing it. I am out for dinner tonight and may not knit tonight. 

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

Finding Joyful Things

 Yesterday was a sunny warm day with a high of 13C. This morning it is clear and 5C. Today is supposed to be a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 15C.

Lifestyle

I was out to make sandwiches in the morning. I was the one who cut them and put them on the trays. While waiting I do other things that need to be done. One of the ladies disappeared and we found her having low blood sugar. We helped her and then made sure she was good enough to drive home alone. 

Once home, I had a cup of coffee and did some small chores around the house. I did some genealogy as I want to find more information on some people on the tree. It is something I enjoy doing. Before noon, daughter-in-law called and after I had lunch I was off to buy groceries for the dinner at the hall tonight. I delivered them to the hall. 

I had a quiet afternoon as I knew I was going to be helping set up the hall at 4 pm. I was to pick up son so he could do the chairs. When we got there, the job except for chairs was done. I took one of the volunteers to get her car. I decided to get dinner at one of the fast food places. I drove in and parked beside family. We had one good laugh, ordered our food and went our merry way.

The things of joy I saw yesterday were numerous.

    Mother's Day flowers from family.

   Lots of daffodils blooming.

    Tulips in bloom 

    Magnolia trees in bloom

    Leaves coming out on the trees

Spring was very late this year but it is now here and everything is waking up rapidly. I will be looking for pepper plants and some flowers to brighten up the yard. I have to plant more grass seed. The grass seed can be done now but plants can't go out until the beginning of June due to the late frosts we can get. 

My sleep patterns are improving some as I am less stressed and anxious. Daughter is in a better place mentally as she had a session about what to submit for mediation. The person she hired to help is a genius and puts everything into clear and concise language. Knowing this, my stress level has gone down a lot. 

Sewing

I was down to the sewing room and looked at the top I want to cut out and sew. I am ready to work on it when I have time. 

Knitting

I am still trying to figure out what I want to knit. I need to look at my patterns and make a decision. 

Thoughts

    I decided to get a subscription to Ancestry as it was on sale. I enjoy genealogy and it allows me to escape from the world. I relax and before I know it, an hour has passed. I do make lots of notes on people when I look at death, birth, and marriage certificates, census records, and items found at Find A Grave. 

    I have enjoyed not sewing or knitting for 2 days but need to start knitting at night. I find it keeps my hands and mind busy in the evenings. Sewing will begin once I have the time to spend in the sewing room. That could be tomorrow. 

Today

I am going to continue cleaning the kitchen this morning. I want to get it finished. I may sew this afternoon. I have to be out to work the bar for a couple of hours at the hall and will be home around 8 pm. I probably won't knit tonight but hope to be ready to knit again next week. 

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

Working On Self Care

 Yesterday it rained most of the day. The high got to 12C. This morning it is mainly clear and 5C. Today is supposed to be a mix of sun and clouds with some showers. The high is to get to 12C. 

Lifestyle

I worked on cleaning more cabinets and a couple I didn't touch as they were clean and organized. The ones I did clean needed doing as I use them all the time, especially the one that holds my baking supplies. I have 2 cupboard doors left to wipe down and I am done the cupboards. The only things left are to clean the inside of the fridge and scrub the window.  

I was out most of the day visiting my friend. She is moving and has wanted me to see what she has left and to help her with some things. I got us muffins and coffee and spent 4 hours with her. She is doing really well with her packing and I helped her sort some paper work. We had lots of laughs and talked about things about stress, anxiety, etc. which we both have. I told her I was going to really miss her when she moves and will miss our visits. 

I did not sew or knit. I gave myself permission to do nothing. I did miss knitting but am not sure what I will knit next. 

I did some more reading on my circle of control and that led me thinking about the anxiety I can have. I have had anxiety for many years and am finally admitting what causes it. 

    I over explain myself as I feel I need to justify everything even when no on has asked. 

    Replaying conversations in my head - over analyzing what I had said and thinking I said the wrong thing. I also will over analyze what others said about me which I need to ignore.

    Struggling to relax and always feeling like I need to be productive. 

    Procrastination on some important things which causes stress in my life. 

    Playing out "what if" in my mind as I think of the worst case scenario. 

    Feeling exhausted as my nervous system is tired. 

I did feel guilty not doing a lot yesterday but I refused to let it bother me. I just reminded myself I deserved a day of doing nothing. I wasn't really anxious about taking the day off.

I had to stop myself from over thinking last night. I read where some people are concerned about poor sales at their spring craft bazaars. They understand people are tighten their belts due to the cost of living soaring. I started to worry about the craft bazaar I want to sell at this November. I reminded myself that the success of the craft bazaar is outside of my circle of control. I reminded myself this wasn't income for me to survive. I made myself park my thoughts and relax. Telling myself that what is left will be donated or taken to the thrift store helped a lot. It was part of my plan in the first place. 

Marianne, I think lemon pudding with gingersnaps would be divine. We do not make the desserts for banquets, we order pies which are easier for us to put out on a dessert table. 

Today

I have to go out and make sandwiches this morning. I am not sure how the rest of my day will look. I may have to help daughter-in-law prep for the dinner tomorrow night or I may have to help serve at the celebration of life after lunch. I am going with the flow though I do have to be home to get flowers from daughter for Mother's Day. 

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

Working Towards Calmness

Yesterday was a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 22C. This morning it is wet, windy, and 13C. Today is supposed to be wet, windy, and 14C. 

Lifestyle

I had a busy day yesterday. I started the morning out cleaning the pantry. I only had 2 items to throw out due to their expired date. I emptied out each shelf, washed it down good and put things back neatly. 

I did each shelf until I was all the way down to the floor. The floor got washed as it was dirty. 

Daughter-in-law brought over 2 glass jars and I put sugar and rice in them. I called this job done. 

After a short break, I folded laundry and got it all put away. I also tended to Rosie. She has been busy so I emptied her dust bin and put in a new one. I also filled her water tank. 

Daughter-in-law let me know that a person had called about having a celebration of life at the community hall Friday afternoon. They had never called back and she found out yesterday they wanted the hall for 2 to 3 hours on Friday. I had to spend my afternoon making cookies for the luncheon we serve. I was okay with that. I wanted to try putting parchment paper on the cookie sheets so the cookies wouldn't stick. Worked perfectly. 

After making cookies, I did my stretches and then got a call that I could get the rental car right away. I was thrilled and by 4 pm I was driving home in a Nissan Versa. Once home, I put out the garbage and made dinner. 

Sewing

None done as I had to make cookies. 

Knitting

I knit on the doll's hat last night and finished it. It is bigger than the first one I made. 

I put the hat on the doll and I like it much better on her. 

The smaller on will go into the Gotz doll's clothing bin as it will fit them due to a smaller head size. 

I had very little yarn left. I call this ball of yarn done. 

Thoughts

    I worked on my circle of control yesterday and found myself relaxing as the day went on. I did a lot of self talking when things came up and tried to remain neutral when dealing with stressful topics. I worked on being patient and not getting upset over things. I could feel a change in my body as the day went on. Getting the rental car was wonderful. The biggest bonus -- I slept all night with less awake time during the night. 

    We found out that grandson is now in Spain with his girlfriend and her father. He is supposed to be getting a job in a pizza place. When his girlfriend was asked some questions, she didn't answer so we know nothing more. All I can say is that this move was part of his plan. We know he is safe, he has done the paper work (what ever that is) and will be able to get diabetic supplies cheaply. I did not get stressed over it though I am disappointed he hasn't told his parents anything. It is his choice. 

    I saw a blue jay yesterday. The first one in a long time. I think they are building a nest in the same location as last year. I wonder if the cardinals will nest in that location again this year. If so, we will see them fighting with each other after the eggs hatch. 

Today

I am going to clean more cupboards this morning and make cookies this afternoon. I may get the doll's top cut out and will need to figure out the next knitting project. A bit of a relaxing day for me as the next two days are busy ones. 

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

A Great Check-Up

 Yesterday was sunny and hot (for us). The high got to 24C. This morning it is a mix of sun and clouds and 11C. Today is supposed to be a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 20C. 

Lifestyle

I had more conversations about the car rental at 8 am and I get a rental on Friday. They will pick me up to get it. It will be nice to know I have a car so I can do things on my own. 

I did my big stretch before going to see the doctor. I am trying not to take Tylenol so am back to stretching again. I do have a bit more pain but it is bearable. The stress I am having is causing me to have the muscle pain according to my doctor.

My visit to the doctor's was great. The blood tests showed my thyroid meds are correct, my liver is in the normal range, my A1C is 5.7%, my kidneys are at 48% and stable, and my hemoglobin is in the normal range. He looked at my blood pressure readings and is okay with them. We talked about my stress levels and I am to work on my circle of control. He asked if I wanted medication to sleep and I said no and he said good. He asked if I had gotten my covid vaccine and I said yes. My time at the doctors was about 30 minutes. 

I went with daughter-in-law to New Minas. She had to get hot tub chemicals and a couple of things at the hardware store. We had a great time talking and getting the items. We were home by 11 am. I had a drink and then started to clean the upper kitchen cabinets. I got two done and am ready to do the pantry so that side of the kitchen will be done. 

My two tomato plants are growing rapidly. They are healthy and are ready for a bit of fertilizer. 

Sewing

I did work on the doll's bicycle skirt. I am following the instructions to the letter. I serged the hems, finished the crotch seams, sewed on the pockets, and sewed the leg together on the left side. 

I marked the button holes on the right side. Once again, this skirt has stalled. I don't have buttons for it. 

On a positive note, the front flap is correctly done. 

Knitting

I knit on the doll's hat last night but had to stop. The house was too warm and my hands were sweating. I am ready to do the decrease rows for the brim. 

Thoughts

    I am relieved that my blood work was fine. I was a bit worried as I wasn't as strict with my eating habits this time. I have beat the odds as I haven't had any issues with my blood sugar for 3 years. I am going back to a more strict way of eating as soon as I can get around on my own. 

    I am working on my circle of control. I have to let go of what others are doing even if I know it is wrong. I have to remember that others learn through their mistakes just like I had to. I have to bring back the calmness I enjoy in my life. I need to remember that I need to be more patient and relax rather than let things upset me and go into overdrive with worry. I need to stop being over sensitive about everything that is happening which I cannot control. It is going to be hard but I'm hoping I can do it. 

    I am very grateful that my daughter-in-law takes me where I need to go. She is a gem to do that for me. I am trying to keep my trips to a minimum as I do know how busy she is. 

Today

My goal today is to clean the pantry. I also need to fold 2 loads of laundry. I am parking the doll's skirt and will start on the doll's top. I hope to finish knitting the doll's hat tonight. I want to walk around a bit outside today and enjoy the lovely weather. I want to work on a few things that I can control and try to have a calmer day. 

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