Landscaping Project Started and Half Done

Yesterday was a warm and sunny day. The high got to 28C with a humidex of 31. The humidity has dropped. This morning is clear and 16C. Another lovely day for us. 

Lifestyle

Housework went out the window when the Spousal Unit suggested we work on the flower bed around the shed. I was game and out the door in 10 minutes. The job needed to be done and the weather was perfect. Two and a half hours later we had just over half of the landscaping done. 

The Spousal Unit hauled the brick and bags of rock while I leveled the ground, picked a few weeks, and set the brick in place. Then we laid weed cloth putting the bricks on top, and dumped the rock on and smoothed it out. The rock has a coating of red soil on it and the Spousal Unit will hose them down every night when watering. 
We were hot and sweaty when done, went in, cleaned up, hydrated and had lunch. We were really tired from working at a steady pace. 

Sewing

I got a couple of hours of sewing in. I worked on the make-up brush bag. The cover that goes over the brushes was done in no time flat and looked great. When I went to do the pouches, I sewed over a plastic pin and cut the fabric when removing it. A few choice words were said and a second piece was made. When I gathered the bottom, all went well and when I read to cut it back from 16" to 12.5", I was amazed to see the waste of fabric. 

At this point, I stopped. I didn't touch grandson's pants for fear I might cut one leg off when snipping the thread. 

Knitting

After much hunting and handling wool yesterday, I decided to knit the child's hat from this yarn. It is from the deep yarn stash being bought about 2011 or 2012. The yarn is from England and is nice to work with. 
I got the ribbing done and started on the pattern. It is a repeat of one row and the design swirls around. I have unknit as many rows of design as I have knit. I kept forgetting a yarn over in every round. 

Accountability

• Doll's outfit - Done
• Lady bug shopping bag - Done
• Knitted doll's dress - Done
• Reading Pillow - Done
• Messy Bun Hat - Done
• Embroidered Make up brush bag - Started
• Children's hat - Started

• Child's vest
• Any article Sewn - Mug Rug 

Today

It's outside to finish up around the shed this morning. I am excited to see that job finished. In the afternoon, I will work on grandson's pants and I may get a bit of sewing done on the make-up holder. I have to make binding first. I want to get a few more rows knit on the child's hat. 

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

The Start On A New Project

Yesterday was warm, windy, and wet. The high got to 25C with a humidex of 36C. The wind blew for part of the day and we got over 1/2" rain by 5 p.m. During the night, the wind blew hard enough to wake me up and it rained enough that we have a total of just over 1" of rain. The low this morning is 20C. 

Lifestyle

We were both tired yesterday with the storm coming in. The air was warm and humid making it feel like walking into a sauna. We moved slowly all  day. 
The Spousal Unit moved brick from the driveway to the shed and when it is cool enough, we will lay it around the edge of the flower beds. He also started to cut the tops off the potatoes and we have quite nice potatoes this year. Looks like too many for us to eat so we will be sharing the crop. 
My sciatica is improving. All the heat I put on it has paid off. Our bed, which has a tight top is hard on it though. The guest bed, which has a pillow top, is wonderful to lie on and takes the pain levels right down to nearly nothing. You can guess where I laid yesterday.

Sewing

I fiddled around and got the embroidery done on the make up brush bag. I haven't done any of this for awhile so it is taking a bit of time for the tricks to return to me. 

The lining has since been basted to the front piece. I'm now ready to cut out the rest of the pieces in blue and the bias binding in the print. 

While the stitching was happening, I got one leg on grandson's second pair of school pants hemmed. 

Knitting

I sewed the buttons onto the doll's sweater and did the photo shoot. I am thrilled with the outfit. 

I also finished the hat to weaving in the ends. 

I have 2 full balls and 1 almost full ball left and will be tucking them into the stash for a later project. I found my pattern for a child's hat and will look for yarn in the stash to knit it. 

Today

Housework, sewing, and knitting are on the agenda. Sewing priority is hemming grandson's pants. I want them done so he has both pairs for school. 

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

Reading Pillow Finished and Onto Other Projects

Yesterday was a gorgeous sunny day with a high of 29C. There was low humidity which made it nicer when outside. This morning it is cloudy and it got to 13C early this morning. We are now waiting for a weak Tropical Erin to arrive and give us some much needed rain. 

Lifestyle

I headed into Bedford yesterday morning to get a few items needed for the pantry and the sewing room. I have enough to keep me going for a week. I was home by 12:30. 
The Spousal Unit mowed the lawn and started to pack the brick over to the shed. Once they are all over there, we will work on that area. 

Health

I've added too much to my diet so am going back to the basics again. I may have added it back too soon. Live and learn.
I have been having less pain in my hip, leg, and ankle. It may be healing on its own and I will monitor it. It does get tired at night making it harder to sleep. 

Sewing

While shopping, I got a pillow form for the reading pillow. At home, I finished up the seams by trimming off 1/8" and zig-zagging the seams. I am pleased with the results of this Reading Pillow.

I am ready to start on the next project. Fabrics and thread chosen, pattern printed, and instructions read twice. I am looking forward to this project. 

Knitting

The blue sweater is blocked and should be ready tonight for buttons. 

The spray bottle puts on a fine mist and once on, I push the moisture through to the underside of the sweater to ensure it is damp also. 
I have 87 grams of the blue yarn left so am putting it aside to make a doll's dress this winter (fall fair project). The pattern is chosen already though I do have to rewrite it for me. A good cold weather project. 
I merrily knit on the messy bun hat last night and have 2" left before I start decreasing. 

I love how the spiral pattern shows up with this yarn. I do keep track of each time I finish a pattern using waste yarn. 

You can also just see the pins that also tells me where the pattern's 4th row is. 

Today

The goal today is to do laundry, some housework, and retreat to the sewing room and set up the embroidery. While it is stitching out, I will hem grandson's pants. Tonight it will be knitting. If it's going to rain all day, I think I have the indoor bases covered. 
Until the next time...................................

More Projects

Yesterday high got to 22C and it was a cool somewhat cloudy day. It wasn't warm by noon but it did warm up in the afternoon when the sun came out. This morning it is 16C and clear. It is suppose to get to 28C today.

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning we headed out to Canning to get meat at the meat shop we do like. On our way home we drove to Grande Pre to look at the land lay out. Was hard to see as there is a lot of corn growing and you can't see it too well. We decided to go to Evangeline Beach and turn around. We got there and realized we had been there in 2017. The tide was high yesterday and the on the previous trip it was low and daughter-in-law and I walked on the ocean bottom. 
My pain was off and on yesterday and it seems to get sorer at night. I sat with heat on it as much as possible yesterday. This morning the pain is less but still there. Not throbbing or sharp so I will take it. We call this a good day. 

Sewing

I did sit a lot in the sewing room and almost finished the pillow. It needs the seam allowances trimmed and finished. 

To break up the pillow, I added the black piece and a bit of rick rack to the pocket. To give contrast, I used left over yellow fabric to line the pocket and do the trim on the front of the pocket. The handle is the black fabric with left over yellow piping. All the fabric comes from the stash. 

The back has a zipper I found in the deep stash. Now to get the pillow form. 
Next up on the to make list is a make-up brush bag. 

I did this case twice, the last time was 6-7 years ago. 

This time, I am going to make it in dark blue with a flower print for the lining and piping. I have the dark blue and need to get the other fabric and ribbon. I'm sure I have the thread but may pick up a spool to make sure. I'm sure this will take 2-3 days to make as there are several adaptions I have to make. I don't have the pressure feet she calls for. 

Knitting

I didn't block the doll's sweater yesterday. But, I did get into the yarn stash to find yarn for the hat I am knitting for the fair. What I had planned on using was too heavy. I dug deeper into a bin and came up with 4 balls of dusty pink alpaca/silk yarn. I cast on and started knitting. 

The yarn is a delight to knit and I was moving along like crazy when I decided it was time to stop. The pattern is certainly showing up nicely. 

Twenty rows done. I have another 12 to knit before I measure. 

Accountability

• Doll's outfit - Done
• Lady bug shopping bag - Done
• Knitted doll's dress - Done
• Reading Pillow - Almost Done
• Messy Bun Hat - Started
• Embroidered Make up brush bag - Ready to start

I am going to look once again at 

• Child's vest
• Any article Sewn - child's western shirt

After that, I'm starting to feel stumped on ideas for this year. 

Today

I'm off to the city to shop and then home to start on the make up brush bag. Tonight I will knit on the hat. 

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

Almost Completed The Reading Pillow

Yesterday was cloudy and cool. The high got to 17C and the low this morning was 13C. There was suppose to be a storm hit us yesterday afternoon but we got a small rain shower during the night. But we are under a warning for a tropical depression below South Carolina. We wait and see if it moves east or hits us on the long weekend. 

Lifestyle

My pain was under control until mid afternoon when it flared up again. I put heat on it to no avail. It is better this morning but not gone. Might be from the weather we are experiencing as the air pressure is falling. 
While I was relatively pain free, I did some housework and got areas cleaned up. I am learning to take advantage of those times. 

Sewing

I worked on the pillow yesterday. It took a bit of a turn fabric wise. 

The bat print was removed and I used the fabric to make this piping.

There was enough fabric left over for the pocket lining which overlaps over for a faux piping. 
The pillow is pinned together to sew and once done I will take pictures of it and explain what I did to get the look I wanted. 
Next up will be a small machine embroidered item. I hope to look at the files today so I can start it before the end of the week. 

Knitting

I finished the doll's sweater and it is ready to block today. I need to buy buttons for it and once done, I will do a photo shoot of it. 
Next up is a messy bun hat. I have to check the yarn today so I can set it up tonight. 

Today

The goal is to finish the pillow and start setting up the machine embroidery item. I have the fabric and thread chosen. 
Until the next time...........................

A Halloween Reading Pillow

Yesterday warmed up to 22C and was sunny. Last night, the temperature dropped to 11C and it is cloudy today. We are to have rain starting this afternoon and continue on for the evening. 

Lifestyle

We had a quiet day yesterday as my back was extremely sore. I hobbled around all day with it. Last night I put the hot water bottle onto it and slept with it there all night. The vast majority of the pain is gone though there is still one sore spot and a bit of pain in the leg. I see lots of heat for the next couple of days. 

Sewing

I spent time in the sewing room yesterday. I was able to hobble around to get things done. 

I spent a lot of time finishing up this outfit for the doll and may put it on the other doll for the fair. I needed to finish up the outfit and added a carpet bag to the outfit. I did add a small bead with a shamrock on it to the lapel as it looked a bit to plain. 
The fabric for the pillow was chosen and I have more fusible fleece. 

I will need to buy a 20" cushion form as mine are 18". I can make it and get the form the next time I shop. 

Knitting

I did knit on the doll's sweater and got the second sleeve done. I'm ready to start on the body once again. Once it is done, I'm knitting a messy bun hat. 

Accountability 

What is ready to go

1. Dressed doll
2. Lady Bug bag
3. Knitted doll's dress

Today

I would love to sew the pillow and have it done. The planning is done and I'm ready to begin. 

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

Two Projects Completed

Yesterday was our coolest day in a while. The high got to 20C and by evening, it was cool enough to wear a sweater or light coat. The sun did shine though we did have one shower in the afternoon. The temperature this morning was 6C. Chilly but sunny. 

Lifestyle

The Spousal Unit got the chop saw ready to use. I had to help him with the blade as it was being hard to deal with. The neighbor helped with one piece we both couldn't get into place. He jiggled it a bit and in it went. 
We looked at two blocks in place at the shed and it's going to look great. We need to spend a bit of time making sure they are all level. When the rock is in place, we have to hose the sand off them. They are dirty. 

Health

My leg pain comes and goes. I'm stretching and I keep moving regardless of the pain. 
We had onions in our dinner last night and I am having IBS attacks today. They won't be coming back into my diet for quite a while. I love onions but they don't love me at this time. 

Sewing

I had quite a bit of time in the sewing room yesterday. I made the Bendy Bag for my friend. It is a bit monotoned but I'm sure she will love it. 

I put the dog fabric on the inside. 
The doll's outfit is finished, pressed, and on the doll. She is ready for the fair. 

I couldn't add green beads around the pearls in the buttons as there was no way to attach them. But the beads at the neckline adds a bit of interest. 
Next is the reading pillow. If I don't have fusible fleece, I will have to cross hatch the fleece onto the front piece. 

Knitting

I worked on the sweater last evening and got one sleeve done and am ready to start on the second sleeve. Two more evenings and it should be done. 
Next up is the Messy Bun Hat. Size will be small. 

Today

The goal is to do some housework, sort some recycle in the basement, and sew on the reading pillow. In the evening I will knit on the doll's sweater. Focus is the name of the game until entry date for the fair (Sept 10).
Until the next time...........................

A Day of Prepping for the Front Landing

Though yesterday was suppose to be the start of the cool off period, it was a warm humid day. The sun seem to be burning hot until after 6:30 pm when it started to cool off. This morning it is 14C and cool outside. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning I read while waiting for the truck to deliver the decking for the front. I needed to finish up the book so I can return it. I'm reading Sister's and Spies by Susan Ottaway. A true story of WWII secret agents (England). I finished it up before bedtime. 
The truck arrived and unloaded our items. After lunch we headed out to get a few items so we can hopefully start today. What could take one day for most people may take two days for us. 
I bought this lovely lantern for 70% off ($16.50). It will go on our front landing this fall. 

I will get a large LED candle to put in it. I've been looking at these for months hoping they would clear out before winter. 

Health

My right leg hurt a lot yesterday then eased off and at bedtime put on a great performance. I could barely walk it was so sore. This morning, it is better but who knows what will happen today. 
I ate a bit off track yesterday and am wondering how I will react to that. I will have to behave for the next few days. 

Sewing

I did not get down to the sewing room yesterday. I may get an hour down there today. I want to start the Bendy Bag so I can mail out everything to my friend. 
I'm thinking of making this pillow for the Fair. 

I have fabric in the sewing room I can use up but I may have to buy some black and white fabric. I'll put in a book or two and donate it to the library when I'm done. 

Knitting

I did some knitting on the sweater last night and am ready to try it on the doll. If it is correct, I will be ready to do the sleeves and body. I'm thinking a couple of days and it will be done. Then I need to start on knitting for the fall fair which will end up as Christmas gifts. 

Fall Fair Accountability

My list is growing and now I need to pace myself and get it all done. 

• The ladybug bag is ready to go. 
• The doll outfit needs a few more beads around the neck and the buttons.
• The small craft may change if I find something better. 
• Child's vest - I may not do it as I don't have anyone to give it to. I hate to make something that will end up in a thrift shop. It is still a wait and see project. 
• Pillow - the reading pillow.
• Messy Bun Hat and scarf in the same yarn
• Knit doll's dress
• Small article machine embroidered - from patterns I have done before. 

Today

I'm spending time in the sewing room and helping where/when necessary on the front landing. 

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

Prepping Fabric for Sewing

Yesterday was a warm one with a high of 30C and with the humidity it was about 36C. Last evening there was a cool breeze which felt good. The low this morning was 19C which means another warm and humid day.

Lifestyle

After helping at the hall, I cleaned up a lot of the house yesterday and it looks much better. I still have some floors to wash and the kitchen counters to clean off. Trying to keep up as been hard but it pays off. 
After lunch I had a short nap. I was tired due to the heat and humidity. It continues to bother me and I'm hoping the cooling trend in the forecast happens. Everyone is tired of the heat and humidity. 

Health

With no IBS attacks the last few days, I've wondering if I can add eggs back to the list of foods to eat. I am thinking of trying next week. What I hate to do is upset the balance as I'm feeling so good. 
On the down side, my knee, hip, ankle have been hurting a lot lately. I've done some stretching exercises for sciatica but the knee is quite sore. I will keep at it and see. I read that sciatica can take up to a year to heal. 

Sewing

I headed down to cut fabric yesterday so I have projects ready for the one hour sprees I get on occasion. I grabbed the lobster fabric and flew at it. 

That is 4 meters of fabric cut into 8 napkins and two grocery bags. The white lobster fabric in the back ground will be used as trim on the bags. The blue fabric above it will be a Bendy Bag and a Bend It Bag. I will them out when I do the others. 

The fabric for my friend's Bendy and Bend It Bags. I really like it and was delighted to find the dog buttons. When I'm done with this lot of sewing, I will have sewn just over 50 meters from the stash. Maybe I'll get another 25 meters sewn before Dec. 31 but I'm not holding my breath on that one. 
I had a bit of time left so I measured the hem on one of grandson's pants, pinned it up, and have it half hemmed. 

Knitting

I did a couple of rows before I hunkered down and read my book. I have to return it tomorrow afternoon. 

Today

We have the materials for the front landing and the rock and brick for around the shed arriving. After that we will head out to get a few more supplies so we can start the front landing tomorrow. If time, I will do some prep on Bendy Bags. The Bend It bags can't be prepped as they are made from left over triangles from the Bendy Bags. 
Until the next time..........................

Yard Work and Sewing Kind of Day

Tuesday was hot and humid until mid afternoon when the wind came up. The humidity was less and you could feel the difference. Less sauna like. Wednesday morning was a cool 13C but it got to 31C mid-afternoon. Less humidity which was nice. Over night we had almost 1/2" of rain. 

Lifestyle

Though we both sleep, we were tired from the warm bedroom, the high humidity, and having to stay cool in the house. On Tuesday, we were out and about trying to get rid of that tiredness. We mentally felt better. We talked to a nice young lady who told us wild blueberries and blackberries grow in this area. We've not seen any but will be looking as we travel around. 
With yesterday morning being cool, we headed out to weed the hedge. One on each side sharing the pruning sheers. We got 5 shrubs done; weeded and trimmed before it got too hot. While the Spousal Unit finished up his side, I weeded and fixed up around one of the trees in our yard. We were both happy and pleased with how much we got done by 10:30 a.m. The temperature was 25C and we were happy to stop. 

Health

I ate gluten, dairy, and garlic for dinner Tuesday night. I did not have an IBS attack. It was back on the wagon yesterday so I can keep my body from having any kind of attack. I'm trying to keep well enough to go back to Weight Watchers in September. I am also hoping to modify my diet so I have less points at lunch. I'm trying to figure it out but it is hard. 

Sewing

I was in the sewing room yesterday afternoon and finished up the skirt for the dolls. I am going to do a doll post on it as it is worth sharing. 

The belt is made from a string of circles I bought in the jewelry making section at Michaels. I used a necklace closure to close the belt. Very easy to make; 15 minutes max. 
I did get a bit of fabric and zippers on Tuesday for Bendy Bags and Bendy Bits. The dog print will be next on the agenda as I need to ship out the last bag with them in it.
I got to thinking about my stash and how it seems to not be going down. I'm going to have to focus more on sewing it down and less on buying fabrics. I do have one more small shopping trip to make two placemats and some heavy weight interfacing for bags and then it will be back to stash sewing. 
I have a lot of the red lobster fabric left to sew up. I need to rip 6 napkins and then make reusable grocery bags from the rest. Very simple plain bags that take an afternoon to make. I think I will get them ready to sew. I find if I have an hour to sew and items prepped, I will work on them rather than start a new project. I also need to work on some items for the Fall Fair. 

Knitting

I set up a sweater to go with the skirt I just completed. I struggled with row 5; an increase row. I had too many stitches. After a break, I got it done and am working on increasing for the sleeves. 

The yarn is a high end merino wool I got in Edmonton 4 or 5 years ago. It is knitting up nicely it makes me want to give up knitting with cheap yarn. I'm hoping there will be enough to knit a dress out of it. I will have to knit more often at night. 

Today

I'm out for a bit this morning helping make sandwiches with a lady's group. It will be home to do some housework and then downstairs to sew or prep items to sew. This evening will be knitting. 
Until the next time...........................

A Day of Doing

Yesterday was warm and humid. The high got to 27C but with the humidity it felt like 34C. It was like being in a sauna. Last night the temperature dropped to 21-22C that feels like 28C with the high humidity. There was a thunder storm early this morning and it rained. 

Lifestyle

I did a bit of housework yesterday morning before we had to start removing the boards from the front landing. 

The building inspector came to look at the framing and was happy to report that all is in good condition. He was the inspector of this house when it was built. He did look at the back deck and gave us the go ahead to remove the boards and replace them and put up new railing. We are ready to begin as soon as the materials arrive. 
With construction beginning, we had to move everything off the front landing. I put a bunch of the plants at one corner of the garage and quite liked the arrangement.

Elliott rested up all day so he can supervise us working on the deck. He has windows to look out while we work. 

And he will be there watching us as much as he can. 

Sewing

After tidying up from bag making, I started on a doll's skirt. It is a fun project that is almost done. 

The formula is easy. Measure the doll's hips and add an inch (1/2" for seam allowances, and 1/2" for ease). Take that measurement and multiply by 1.5" for the second tier and then take the measurement and multiply by 1.5" for the bottom tier. The first tier is just under 4" and the second at 4" and the third is just over 4". The total unfinished is 12". Seam allowances are 1/4". How much I will turn under for the elastic and hem will be determined when the bottom tier is sewn on and I do a fitting. 

Knitting

I didn't do any knitting. But I did look to see if I had a cream yarn to knit a sweater to go with the skirt. I found the perfect blue yarn instead. Expensive yes, but it will be a dream to knit. 
The shoes I am crocheting are taking a back seat due to the lighting. I will spend some time on them in the afternoon to get the first row of red done and then I can work on them at night. 

Today

We will probably head out to get fabric and to a garden center. I would like to finish the doll's skirt in the afternoon. We wait and see as I'm tired due to the heat and humidity. 
Until the next time..........................

Garden Bag Completed

Yesterday morning was cool but it started to heat up in the afternoon to 24C. There was a bit of rain in the morning but not enough to have any effect. It was cloudy and warm last night with the morning temperature at 19C. 

Lifestyle

As the morning was cool, we headed outside. I got busy on weeding more of hedge and the Spousal Unit carried buckets of weeds to the ditch until we can get rid of them. 
I started on the yard side and got 10 trees done (35 total). There are no weeds and the under part of the bushes are trimmed. Much better. I then went to the road side and did 5 bushes on that side so both sides are now done 10 bushes down. 
I got a picture of the Spousal Unit beside the tomato plants. Those plants are almost 6 feet tall. Taller than he is. 

Health

I was IBS free yesterday. I did have potato (1/8 cup) and stuffing (1/2 cup) at dinner last night. We will see if I have an attack today. I've lost 6 lbs to date watching what I am eating. 
While working in hedge, I pressed on my right knee a lot to keep my balance in the ditch. I suffered from it being really sore below my knee cap. I hobbled around the rest of the day with it hurting. So bad that I could barely walk at times. I spent a lot of time stretching it out in bed last night and it is better today. Not 100% or 90% but 65%. I was upset after having two great days. On the up side, I'm not tired and sluggish. I'm getting there. 

Sewing

I finished the bag yesterday afternoon. I worked the lining so it fit nicely. 

I have to make her a couple of Bendy's to go with it but the fabric will have dogs on it rather than the garden theme. 

Knitting

None last night as we were out for dinner. 

Today

I was hoping to do more on the hedge but it is warm and muggy so it isn't happening. I'll do housework instead. Sewing this afternoon on doll's skirts. 
Until the next time....................................

A Busy Day - Out and Inside

Yesterday was another warm dry day. The high got to 28C and the low this morning was 18C. We saw more cloud come in and it is cloudy today. Rain?

Lifestyle

I headed outside to start weeding the hedge along the length of our property. I took the clippers with me and pruned underneath taking all the low branches out. This hedge has thorns on it and I like it much better when it is clear of low growth. Less prickles. I got about 16 feet done when I quit. 
I went into the city with daughter-in-law, mainly for the ride. We were home before lunch as it was a quick trip. I did go and look for something like this for the end of the shed. 

I found nothing so will look in another store when I go shopping again. 

Health

I was IBS symptom free yesterday. The only aches I have are those muscles used from weeding on my hands and knees. I did have one tiny mouthful of cheesecake (dairy and gluten). Otherwise I was completely on track. I'm down 4 lbs since I started watching what I eat and tracking to see if anything causes a flare up. 
I am enjoying being 90% pain free which has allowed me to be outside working in the yard, something I really enjoy. The Spousal Unit and I have done a lot in the past few days and it has started to show when we drive down the street on our way home. 

Sewing

I worked on the lining of the triangle bag. I am in the process of taking in the seams as it was too big. A trick I use when putting in the lining. 
The lining has both the outer fabrics plus a piece of solid green. I pieced them together to give it a fun look. I also made the loop so the bag can be closed with a custom button. It has piping on it, one of my trademarks. 
Once the bag is done, I will get a couple of pieces of fabric with dogs on it. I will make the owner of this farmer's market bag a Bendy Bag and a Bendy Bit bag and tuck them in as a gift. We taught together for many years and I love to give my teaching friends little gifts when I can. 

Knitting

The lightening was good enough that I got the soles of one shoe crocheted together. I can now weave in the ends and start on the red. With it so cloudy, I may have to wait until the sun shines to see the stitches for the first row of red. 

Today

The goal is to weed the yard side of the hedge twice the length I did yesterday. If time, I will rake up the ditch as far as I weeded on that side yesterday. I would love to finish the bag today but it may not happen as we go out for family dinner tonight. I do hope that I can take pictures today as I forgot yesterday. 
Until the next time...................................

Shed Flower Bed Done

The weather was warm and dry again yesterday. The high was near 27C and this morning's temperature was 16C. There seem to be showers in the forecast which we hope will happen as it is very dry here. 

Lifestyle

*We heard the first honking of Canada geese this morning.* 
The Spousal Unit and I went out and finished the flower bed around the shed. We dug, shook dirt off the weeds, smoothed the dirt and admired our handiwork. 

Moving tubs of cucumber plants was the hardest as they are full of cucumbers. 

In all, we were happy with the results. We now wait for the brick and stone to be delivered so we can finish up. 
Next year, the area will have more flowers and no cucumbers. We've talked how we are going to do this.
After several days of spraying wasps under the deck, I finally was able to get a picture of the huge nest they built. It covers the wire for the generator plug-in plus it goes across the back board. 

The nest will be removed when we take the deck boards off. 

Health

Other than one small cookie, I was off gluten, dairy, nightshade plants, eggs, nuts. I am relatively pain free and had very little IBS problems. I checked my blood sugar and it is under control. I am keeping at it to see if food does help with the issues I have been having. I did loose over 2 lbs watching what I ate. I also tracked what I ate so I can monitor if I have more attacks. 

Sewing

My sewing time was spent at the county office getting a building permit for the decks. Hopefully today I can get sewing done. 

Knitting

I started once again on the shoes. I'm back to crocheting two soles together and had to quit as it was too hard to see the stitches. 

Today

I hope to weed the hedge for an hour, sew this afternoon and try to get the soles crocheted together. 
Until the next time..................................

A Triangle Pocket Bag - Work In Progress

We continue with our warm dry spell. The day temperatures have risen to 27C and the night temperatures are in the mid teens. Even the humidity has been low. As low as 28%. Low for being near the ocean (in my mind).

Lifestyle

We have been in and out a lot lately. Yesterday afternoon we headed out and the GPS took us the back way to the store we were going to. Saw quite a bit of country doing the back roads. 
The garden is producing well. The Spousal Unit picked beans yesterday; enough for us and the neighbors. Cucumbers are producing and tomatoes are starting to turn. Carrots are ready to pull and enjoy as are the beets. 

Health

I had a relatively pain free day yesterday. I am not sure if it is my thyroid has quit attacking my body or if it is due to limiting the foods I shouldn't be eating. Eggs, dairy, and nuts are eliminated. Nightshade vegetables are almost eliminated as is gluten. I tried a bit of onion yesterday and had an IBS attack. Back off it again. 

Sewing

I worked on the latest bag in the morning. I'm ready to attach the handles and make the closure loop. 

Though the piping gets lost in the pictures, it is easy to see in real life. 

I will have a piece of piping left when I'm done the bag and some fabric to make more. 
I did make a button for the bag and pinned it on. 

I am still deciding on the lining fabric. 

Knitting

I didn't do anything on the shoes. I had cat naps instead. Elliott snuggled up against me and we both dozed. 

Today

We are going to work on the flower bed around the shed, get a building permit for the front porch, and I will sew on the bag. 
Until the next time...........................

A Bendy Bit Bag

Yesterday got to 26C with an overnight low of 13C. There was a bit of rain at home in the morning. This morning, the fog has rolled in. It is getting thicker. 

Lifestyle

I was into the city yesterday and got a few items to keep me busy. I did find more turquoise pots and think I have enough now. Maybe a black one in the spring. 

I also found some flowers for the hose wreath and will look at the dollar store for a couple more stems. 
I was home by 1:30 p.m. and tried to have a nap after everything was put away. We are getting phone calls once again for someone who has a financial issue. I asked to have the phone number removed but it is still happening. 

Health

I was almost successful at avoiding nightshade plants yesterday but I succumbed to potato salad. I have to give it up and I know it. I need to do some self talk. I also need to do some prep and organize the pantry. 

Sewing

I went down to the sewing room and made a Bendy Bit bag. The lady bug fabric is completely gone. It was a fun make and I did enjoy using up the fabric and having some items that are fun and useful. 

I did add two lady bug buttons to the bag (I have 3 left) to continue on with the theme. The three pieces go well together. 

It's on to the next bag and see what I will add to it with the left over fabric. And I will have to look for buttons or the pieces to cover. It is all a mystery at the moment. 

Knitting

As it was later when we sat down for the evening, I didn't go any work on the shoes. 

Today

I am to see the doctor, get my prescriptions filled, and start on the next bag. 
Until the next time............................

Bendy Bag Completed

Yesterday was another lovely summer day. The high got to about 28C and the low over night was 17C. It was gloomy looking outside with a chance of a thunderstorm this morning. But, it blew by and the sun is trying to shine. 

Lifestyle

I finished cleaning the upstairs yesterday. Things got wiped, dusted, and vacuumed. Some areas were quite clean and just needed tidying up. The stairs and front landing were their usual; dust, cat hair, and dead grass. 
We wandered outside with the company that was in charge of the restoration from the flood to look at what we did to help fix our drainage issue. We have a 2 year warranty so if we have issues, they will come in and fix them. We hope nothing more happens. 
The Spousal Unit walked up the road after dinner and gave a family some English long cucumbers. They were so excited as they love them. With the grape tomatoes in overdrive, they will be getting lots of them also. As will family and other friends. 

Health

My IBS is getting better and I have a few foods I can't eat. Onions and garlic are the worst. I have mini flare ups with other foods so am trying to eat them occasionally. 
What I am not happy about it the pain I'm having and the tiredness is creeping back up on me again. A friend, who also has low thyroid, suggested I stop eating nightshade plants, gluten, and dairy. She gave up those foods, has lost weight, and is feeling much better. I'm starting with nightshades (sob, sob) as I like potatoes, peppers, and tomatoes, especially peppers and tomatoes.  

I will slowly decrease gluten and dairy from my diet. My mom couldn't eat gluten and my brother can't have dairy products. 

Sewing

I worked on the Bendy bag yesterday. It was a lot of fun to make while watching the Craftsy class (no longer available for purchase). 

I added the buttons as I had them and they added a bit of excitement to the bag. When you open the bag up, you see.....

Yes, ladybugs. I see more of these bags in the future. 
There are two leftover triangles from the bag and I am going to make two small bags from them. The pattern is called a Bendy Bit. Once they are made, I will make the grocery bag for my friend. 

Knitting

Nothing was done last night. 

Today

I am heading in to shop and then home to start the Bendy Bit bags. Even if I just cut them out, I will be happy. I want to crochet the soles of the doll shoes together if the lighting is good enough for that. 
Until the next time.....................