Monday, August 31, 2020

A Reusable Bag Made

Yesterday was warm and muggy. The high got to 25C. It seemed as if the humidity didn't want to go down even when it was windy. This morning it was 13C, cloudy, and some wind. It is suppose to be cool today with a high of 18C. 

Lifestyle

The Spousal Unit spent a lot of time picking tomatoes yesterday. The grape tomatoes are coming to an end but the Early Girl's are producing like crazy. Next will be the Roma's which are loaded. I think I will be making salsa this fall.
There were no new cases of the virus reported yesterday. This is good but we are preparing to be in our own bubble if the numbers rise. That could be mid to late September. 

Sewing

I spent the day in the sewing room. I made a bag for daughter. 
It looks very smart and will be a great prize at the dog trials they are going to. 
I attached a small light to the sewing machine and it sure makes a difference on seeing the stitches. 
I have to keep moving it as I hit it with my hands while sewing. But worth the few times I have to reposition it. 
I have not done my post for what I want to sew in September. I know I will be sewing less as I want to do more cleaning inside and out. I also want to finish up the downstairs bathroom. My focus will be on more Christmas items at this time. I will get it posted tomorrow. 

Knitting

I finished the second sleeve only to realize that I didn't change needle size after the ribbing on both sleeves. I am starting them again. This sweater is now becoming the Very Long Knit sweater. I will unravel the sleeves and use them for the cowl and the closure bands at the back of the sweater. 

Today

I am off to the quilt shop to get more fabric for another bag for daughter. She needs one more. I will do some laundry and sew for the rest of the day. I had hoped to mail out the parcel today but it will be tomorrow. Express post. Enough said. 
Until the next time...................................

Sunday, August 30, 2020

A Shopping We Went

Yesterday was warm with a high of 24C. The humidity went up and the rain came down. We had about 1/2" of rain fall and the night temperature was between 17-19C. Today will be warm and muggy with chances of shower. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday daughter-in-law and I went to the city to shop. We filled our car to maximum. 
We had a great time together and were home well before lunch. 
Elliott has been an idiot this morning. He was running around and jumped into his soft sided carrier (condo) and was growling. He jumped around several times and finally has settled down for a nap. It's hard work being Elliott. 

Sewing and Knitting

Nothing done yesterday in that area. We did talk about a desk for the sewing room and are thinking about using a treadle sewing machine for it. Ideas are coming together for an October project. 

Today

I am going to be sewing all day today. I need to get the bag done and in the mail tomorrow. 
Until the next time.................................

Friday, August 28, 2020

Landscaping Project Is Complete

Yesterday was a cool one for us. The high got to 19C and the wind blew all day. This morning it was 10C, sunny, with some wind. It is to be warmer today. 

Lifestyle

The Spousal Unit was outside early getting the last of the landscaping ready to start. He dug out a bucketful of grass and weeds prior to me showing up. We hunkered down and got the job done. Lots of measuring some weeding, holding the weed barrier down with lots of bricks due to the wind, and finally seeing the job done. We did the final 11 feet in good time. 
This side of the yard is no where near level from back to front but is rolling. We have dips here and there in the brick. You can feel it when you are down on your hands and knees crawling along the grass. 
When done, I pulled a bunch of weeds the lawn company didn't spray and piled the extra bricks up neatly under the deck. They are for next year's project. We have one or two ideas up our sleeve. 

Health

Though I am not back to normal, I am noticing that I have regained a bit of strength and muscle. I wasn't as sore as when I started this project. My back (kidney area) isn't aching nor are my joints. I am getting up off the ground a bit easier also. Packing heavier items is also getting easier. Between watching my diet and landscaping, I'm feeling better. 
There were no new cases of the virus reported yesterday. There are 5 active cases in the province. 

House

I was painting a table during the hot weather and had quite the issue with it. The paint was drying too fast and leaving a rough finish and the wood was bleeding through the white paint. I am going to sand the painted finish, apply shellac to all the wooden pieces and use Fusion Mineral Paint in Picket Fence (white). I want to finish the basement bathroom by the middle of September and this table is, hopefully, going in that room. 

Comments

Comments have been turned off for the blog. I only allowed followers to comment and I was still getting unacceptable comments to monitor. I will leave the comments off for as long as it takes to stop what is happening. 

Sewing

I got started on the bag and made the piping first. There is a good 80" of piping; more than I need for the bag. 
The triangle pocket has been cut, the outer bag fabric is ready to cut as is the lining. I am hoping to finishing cutting the fabric, apply the interfacing and sew a few seams today. 

Knitting

I took the evening off and will start again tonight. 

Today

The morning I have potato salad and deviled eggs to make and to start cleaning the kitchen. Then I want to sew this afternoon and do some knitting tonight. 
Until the next time....................................

Thursday, August 27, 2020

On To New Projects

Yesterday was one of our cooler days with a high of 19C. We had a lot of wind also. This morning, it is clear, breezy and 10C. It will be another cooler day also.

Lifestyle

We had our outing and then the afternoon was spent finishing up projects and doing some photography. Fabric was also laundered. 

Home

I have been doing a lot of thinking about our house and how to update it. With the color scheme chosen, I want to do something a bit different than I've ever done before. Add a different pop of color to each room. Yellow in the downstairs bathroom and a tiny amount pink in the guest room. I am trying to figure out how to add a bit of Hudson Bay blanket look to the family room. It may just be a couple of pillows and table runners. 

Sewing

I finished up the doll's test pattern and got pictures of it. 
I am thrilled with the look. I'm happy I chose this pattern to do this month.
The trip to the quilt shop was lots of fun. I picked these fabrics for a bag for daughter. 
I am so in love with this combination that I may have to get some for me. 

Knitting

I finished the sweater and photographed it. Another pattern I love but will refrain from knitting it for a while. 
I am back to knitting the slow sweater pattern. The second sleeve is almost done. When it is finished, I am going to start knitting an afghan for our living room. I will need to buy the yarn for it and get use to knitting with bigger needles. I've done a lot of knitting with tiny needles lately. 

Today

We are going to finish up the landscaping and tidy up the blocks that are left over. This afternoon, I want to start on the bag (have piping to make) and this evening knit on the sweater. 
Until the next time...........................

Wednesday, August 26, 2020

Finishing Up Projects

Yesterday was warm with a high of 28C (the same as Monday). The build up yesterday was one spectacular thunderstorm in the early evening. There was almost 1/2" of rain. Today the wind is blowing and they are forecasting cooler temperatures.  

Lifestyle

Tuesday morning we have heard a lot of Canada geese honking in our area. Hopefully it means that they are here for a long fall and that fall will not be early. 
Monday we had a busy morning. We headed out to buy blueberries. We got 15 lbs which I froze for the winter. 
The berries are not as big as last year due to the dry weather we had. We chose not to pick our own this year due to the virus. Next year we hope to be out picking our own. 
After we got berries we took the scenic route to the book store where the Spousal Unit stocked up on books for the next month. We were home by 11:30 and had the berries frozen by just after noon. 
I was back down that way Monday night with daughter-in-law to get packing boxes as they have to pack up their house for renovations. Son was over to help move stuff in the garage for holding some of their things. 
Yesterday was a home day with grandson here. I cleaned the bathroom, did laundry, and visited with him. Two more Tuesdays and he starts school. 

Health

I have cut back on high potassium foods and am feeling better. I have less painful areas and a bit more energy. I'm getting ready to start putting together a better diet for both of us. Having broken the exhaustion/eating chain, I'm able to focus and do more towards the menu part. A good thing. 
There were no new cases of the virus reported for two days in a row. There were 7 active cases in the province with no community spread. It was down to 4 yesterday. 

Sewing

I finished the dress Monday and made the belt. Kit loves it  and is happy to have it in her wardrobe. 
The jacket was made yesterday afternoon. It is a simple sew and I have to put on the buttons and snaps. 

Knitting

The sweater is done and ready to be photographed on a doll.
 It is quite cute and I hope it fits well. 

Home

Once the yard is done, I plan on painting the inside of our house and doing some decorating. One room at a time. I want to start in the guest room. 
With the wall color choice being a light grey, I decided, last winter, to move towards blues in this house. I plan on adding blues to each room. A bit of other color will surface to add a pop of color (like the yellow I added to the downstairs bathroom). I'm really happy with what I am planning. 

Today

I have already been out shopping and am planning going to the fabric store to look for fabric for a bag daughter wants made. I have to put the buttons on the jacket and get the outfit photographed. If there is any spare time, I should do a bit of housework. 
Until the next time..................................

Monday, August 24, 2020

Spam Mail

I have tightened up the comments on my blog as I am getting a lot of spam mail. I will still be moderating comments and publishing those that meet my criteria. If you are having issues, please email me and I will try to fix your problem. 
Thank you for understanding. 

More Landscaping Done

We have had a couple of days of sunshine and mid 20C weather. Yesterday the humidity was higher but not oppressing. This morning the temperature was 17C at 6 a.m., the warmest we've had for a few days. Today is to be another nice day prior to showers coming in. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning, we headed out and worked on more landscaping. The Spousal Unit was out before me and did some cleaning up so when I arrived it was easy to finish up and lay the weed control cloth. We did another 9 feet. 
We have 9 feet left to go and we have to move bricks and clean up the grass. 
But we are happy it is so close to being done. Next up is the hedge. I am giving myself a month to do it. 
In the afternoon, we headed over to see family and deliver tomatoes. I helped them as they were putting wood into their wood shed. We watched a bit of the soccer game being played in PEI under strict rules. We came home around 4 p.m. 

Health

I had a better day by reducing the number of high potassium foods in my diet. I need to print out a list of the foods I can eat so I can do better. I had less pain in my back (kidney) and joints. I am feeling okay today which is nice. If I keep up having little to no pain, I will start to build my muscle mass again. Low kidney function weakens your muscle mass considerably and it is one thing I have noticed in the past two to three years. 
There was one new death and 2 new cases reported yesterday (North Health region) and all are related to the people who had traveled outside of the Atlantic bubble. 

Sewing

I didn't go into the sewing room at all. Too busy with other things in the yard. I do miss my time sewing but with the weather cooling off, it's outdoor jobs that take the front seat for now. 

Knitting

I worked on the sweater last night and got one sleeve done. 

Today

We are heading out this morning to the book store in Coldbrook, home to try and sew this afternoon, and to finish up the sweater tonight. 
Until the next time.....................................

Saturday, August 22, 2020

Two Good Days

Our weather has cooled a bit. The high yesterday was 23C. We even had it drizzle last evening. It is quite nice after so much heat and humidity. Today is to get to 24C and we may see showers. 

Lifestyle

Thursday morning was spent outside landscaping. We pulled weeds and grass and dug up the edging as we continue the journey down the side of the house. I smooth the slope, lay the weed cloth, lay the bricks, and spread out the rocks. The Spousal Unit makes sure I have bricks and rock and gets the next section started. It is quite the team effort. 
After lunch, the Spousal Unit hosed the red mud off the rock. We have done a good 20 feet down the side of the house and have another 18 feet to go. About 2 more days and we shall be done. Next up is the hedge I hate to work on. I need to get it done as I am hiring someone to keep it up starting next year. 
I spent some time washing some windows yesterday. I ended up spending quite a bit of time doing the bathroom window. It had moss growth, dirt, and probably some mould. I wiped, prodded, picked and bleached that window to within an inch of its life. Not only is the glass sparkling, the tracks are clean. I also scrubbed the back door so the glass is sparkling and the dirt is gone. Next window - the kitchen. 

Health

I was to the doctor's yesterday. I got a face to face appointment for my blood pressure. My machine and his match so that is good. He looked at my readings for the past three weeks and was pleased with them. I'm on the same medication as before. That was good news.
With my thyroid and blood pressure under control, I am now focusing my poor kidney function. It is the cause of the aches, pains and tiredness I am having. I am not to have any pain or antacid medication for a while and then only in limited amounts.  I am now going to start changing my eating habits. What I need to cut back on, what I need to have more of. The Spousal Unit will like some of the food choices and I will have to eat others on my own. One thing I know is that being sore and tired has its issues for me and I have problems focusing on what I need to do and slip back into bad habits easily and quickly. 

Sewing

I spent Thursday getting the dress ready to hand sew the lining in place. I got less than 1/4 done when my hands started to cramp. I had to stop.
Yesterday I finished the hand sewing and got the 6 button holes in the back done. The little buttons are also sewn onto the bodice front. I'm ready to start the jacket. 

Knitting

I worked on the sweater last night and got the body done. I now have to sew the sleeves up and put them in. 
I have pewter looking buttons to put on this sweater. With no test patterns on the horizon, I can go back to the slow knit sweater. 

Today

I am off to the city with daughter-in-law while she shops for new appliances. I'm going to have fun looking at what is available. If there is time, I would like to work on the doll's jacket (cut it out) and start on the sleeves of the sweater. 
Until the next time.............................

Thursday, August 20, 2020

Feeling Better

Yesterday the high got to 26C and the humidity was around 28-35%. It was a nice day overall. This morning it was 14C with some dew on the ground. Suppose to be sunny and about the same as yesterday. 

Lifestyle

We took Elliott to the vet yesterday. He and I went in and waited to see the vet. Their cat, Andy, came to visit and there was a lot of sniffing. Elliott was not in a good mood with the vet. He hissed at her when he got his needles and then he hissed when she went to check her nails. I showed her his nails with no issue. Elliott is back on a diet as he has gained 2/3 pound in the past year. He is quite happy to be having canned cat food again. 
I felt better yesterday and had more energy. The feeling of exhaustion has gone and I just have lingering tiredness. Nothing that a few breaks doesn't cure. I did eat better but not the best. I did sleep almost 6 hours straight last night which helps. What ever I had, I don't want it again. 
There was one new case of the virus reported yesterday and is under investigation. Four are travel related and hopefully this one is too. But it may not be. 

Sewing

I did a fair amount of sewing yesterday. I am working on the test pattern and got the bodice finished. 
There are tucks in the front that turned out beautifully. The collar took some time to line up the plaids and cut out. I had hoped they would be perfect and, surprisingly it did. 
I took my time with marking the lines on the fabric and stitching carefully. The pattern is well drafted which makes it a delight to sew. The skirt will be in the plaid. It is a gathered skirt. 
One of the doll pattern companies has a spin the wheel for a prize. I got 15% of your purchase so will be buying a couple of patterns I really want. One will be the coat pattern Laura Ingall Wilder wore during the Long Winter. It is for Nellie to wear with the Mary Laura dress I made. 

Knitting

I finished the first sleeve and am almost ready to start the shaping at the top of the second sleeve. Hopefully it will be done soon so I can finish up the slow knit sweater. I am wanting to start another project for the dolls -- a dress. 

Today

This morning we are to work on the lanes in the books. 
Until the next time.................................

Wednesday, August 19, 2020

A Day Of Uncalled Exhaustion

Yesterday the high got to 25C and with the wind it was a lovely day. Without the wind, it felt hot. This morning it is 16C and we are to have another sunny day with a similar high as yesterday. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning, the Spousal Unit and I went out to remove over half of the clothes line post while grandson weed whacked the ditch. Neither one of us could get the blade into the sawsall, which has been unused for over 5 years. The instructions I found on the  iPad were pathetic. I figured it out by accident. Off to the races. While the Spousal Unit sawed, I held the post in position with the clothes line. We got it down with no issues. I remarked the post so the neighbor can cut it off evenly. It will be capped with a solar post cap. A plant hanger and the rain gauge will be hung on it. 
We had the neighbor's oldest son over to pick beans in the afternoon. It was fun to listen to him get excited and he told me it was beantopia. He had never seen potato plants and ended up taking a potato home. Two of the gardening boxes are now empty (peas and beans). 
I was exhausted yesterday and after helping outside and sweeping the floors and stairs, I did nothing but sit. I didn't sleep. The exhaustion lasted until almost bed time. I felt better and slept fairly well last night. I ate horribly as I had no energy to make any good decisions and was too tired to spend time cooking properly. It was a bad day for me. 
I did not sew or knit yesterday which was disappointing. I hope to do some today. 
There were no new cases of the virus reported yesterday. The 4 active cases in the north health region and all are in isolation. 

Today

Elliott has to go the vet this morning and I hope to get a few things done today. At the moment, I should be able to handle it as I feel better this morning than I did yesterday morning. 
Until the next time..................................

Tuesday, August 18, 2020

Last UFO Completed

Yesterday's high was almost 20C and we had over an inch of rain. It rained during the night and this morning the temperature was 13C. The sun is shining and we are to see a high of 25C. 

Lifestyle

I called the doctor's office yesterday and got a face to face appointment with him on Friday. We will be doing the blood pressure thing with hopes of a medication increase. My goal is to get off the medication so I am working on that. 
We were out to get my thyroid medication and I got a few groceries. It was almost noon when we got home. 
There was one new case of the virus reported yesterday giving the province 4 active cases. All are in one health region and all are international travel related. 

Sewing

I finished the last UFO. I am so happy that is done and I can now work on other projects. 
The bag isn't a hard sew but the front pocket adds more time. Then I add piping (this time purchased) and more time is added. But, in the end, it turned out the way I wanted it to. Fun but grown up looking. 

Knitting

I did no knitting last night and need to get back to finishing up the test sweater. I think it is going to be a case of doing a few rows, rest shoulder, do a few more rows. The shoulder is healing slowly. 

Today

Grandson is here for the day. I am going to do some housework and sew. Then I will knit some tonight. 
Until the next time....................................

Monday, August 17, 2020

A Morning In Ikea

Yesterday had a high of 25C and it was quite nice. During the night, we had rain and the low was 16C. We are suppose to have more rain during the day. We really do need it. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning, I went to Ikea with daughter-in-law. I haven't been there for 6-7 months. We did the whole store, looking at the display rooms. I saw how grandson wants his room to look like. After doing the upstairs, we went downstairs to the Market Place. We looked for items we wanted; got some but not others. We left when it started to feel too busy for us. That was a good 90 minutes in the store. 
I also went to Fabricville to look for a specific fabric. A line up and no fabric. I waited 20 minutes to get in only to have 5 minutes in the store. It was busy as people are making masks and getting ready for fall. 
When we got home, we spent some quality time in the garden. Daughter-in-law went home with a big picking of peas and some tomatoes. The Spousal Unit has pulled the pea vines out as they are done. Beans need to be picked when they dry off. I'm sure it will be the last picking. 

Health

I walked a lot yesterday and it was nice to be out there doing it. I am having joint pain again so my knees and hips did get sore and it left me feeling tired. I pushed through and rested after I got home. 
I have not quite eliminated processed sugar from my diet though I have gotten it down to the almost gone point. I have been watching carbs also and trying to eat those with more fibre in them. I am also pretty much dairy free but know I will have cheese on occasion. I am also decreasing fruit (more berries, less other fruit) and increasing vegetables. I did loose weight yesterday even if I was aching. I am going to maintain what I am doing right now for a good week to 10 days and then will decrease the amount of gluten I am eating. One step at a time. 
The main reason I am doing the above is to control the amount of carbs I am eating. Carbs turn to glucose and if I have too much glucose in my system, it turns to fat. Less, and I use up my body fat and loose weight. This is how my body works. I've known about it for years but tend to go through spells where I ignore it. It is time to pay attention to it for long term good health. 
There were no new cases of the virus reported yesterday. For that we are grateful. We are waiting for the 2nd wave though. I need to get a few items for the stock pile. That way we can go 3-4 weeks with only buying the basics. 

Today

I am not sure what is happening today. I have to pick up a prescription that was filled in July and call the doctor's office for an appointment. Other than that, I'm not sure what I will be doing. 
Until the next time.............................

Sunday, August 16, 2020

We Welcomed The Rain

Yesterday was cooler with a breeze out of the north. It was very nice to enjoy a day without the air conditioner on. The high got to 24C. It rained hard after supper. We suspect a good inch fell in our area. This morning, it was 14C and foggy. It is suppose to get to 26C today.

Lifestyle

The rain yesterday was a relief from the hot dry weather we have had. We actually stood and watched it come down. 
I actually watched the down pipe from the neighbors gutters as it was quite the flow coming off the roof. 
I'm sure everything will be greener today. 
It was hard to get going yesterday. I rested a lot to see if it would help. Not really. It will be a battle for the next while as I change my eating habits. Really, I'm thinking it is what I am eating. I have been making poor choices. I began eliminating sugar from my diet (cookies and other sweet sugary foods). I actually wanted a cookie with desert but I refrained and ate some cucumber slices a bit later. 
There were two more cases of the virus reported yesterday. All in the northern health region and all international travel related. 

Sewing

I got the handles done on the bag yesterday. I hand sewed piping on prior to top stitching. I fixed one of the boxed ends and am ready to start the lining. 

Knitting

I knit a few rows on the sleeve and stopped as my shoulder was hurting. I am casting off to shape the upper part of the sleeve. 

Today

I am going to push myself to do more housework, sew, and knit. It is too wet outside to work on the landscaping. 
Until the next time............................

Saturday, August 15, 2020

Cool Morning Delight

Yesterday the high got to 30C but it felt cooler as the humidity was 31% and there was a north breeze. This morning, it was 17C with a good north breeze. It felt cool outside but very refreshing. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning I folded a large load of laundry and did some extensive cleaning in the bathroom. The rooms were very warm and it was exhausting working in them. 
Elliott goes to see the vet on Wednesday. We brought up his soft sided carrier and reintroduced him to it. I put him in it, closed the door and left him for a minute. I opened the door, kept him in it and petted him telling him he was a good boy. Once out, he went back during the day to look in and see if there was treats in it. 
Sometimes there was, other times he found nothing. We will repeat this until he goes to the vet. 
There was one case of the virus reported yesterday. It is in the Northern health zone (across the Minas Basin and east from us). No information was given other than it is under investigation. 

Sewing and Knitting

I did none yesterday to let my shoulder rest. It has been sore and both seem to have made it sorer. 

Health

Between now and my next shopping trip, I will be cleaning up the bad foods in the house. Bad meaning foods I shouldn't be eating with my thyroid issue. I want to loose weight but have been tired, hungry, eating poorly, tired, and around it goes. I am not sleeping well due to our bedroom being so warm at night. This morning I woke tired as I was up many times during the night. I want to figure out more things and prepare a shopping list. The three big things all say to stop eating are:

  • Gluten
  • Sugar
  • Dairy
I am starting out by eliminating sugar as it is the one I can control first. The other two will be eliminated after I have sugar withdrawals under control. 

Today

I am going to rest this morning as I slept poorly last night, sew this afternoon and try to knit 5-6 rows tonight. 
Until the next time...............................


Friday, August 14, 2020

Last Bag Worked On

Yesterday was another hot day with a high of 31C. On the up side of the heat, the humidity dropped to 35% making it more tolerable. This morning it was 15C. Today it is suppose to get to 28C. The heat warning has been removed as the humidity has dropped. 

Lifestyle

With the heat, we opted to stay inside all afternoon. It was a good choice as the temperature rose steadily. 
We had no new cases of the virus reported yesterday making it 11 days with no new cases. While reading the report, I noticed a headline stating many people are not traveling outside of the province very much this summer. 

Sewing

I headed out to the quilt shop yesterday wanting a grey fabric and white cotton. I ended up with more than that as I have a plan for the guest room. I still need one more piece for the guest room and it will be ready to be decorated. 
I worked on the last reusable bag and I do love how grown up it looks with the grey fabric. 
 The handles will be the pocket soccer ball fabric and the lining the other soccer ball fabric. When done, I will clean up all the left over fabric and toss it. There won't be much and I will be happy to see it gone. When done, I will have sewn 59.9 meters or 65.3 yards of fabric. My next UFO to do is putting snaps onto adult bibs and donating them to a seniors home. 
I will be ready to start the test pattern tomorrow. I am looking forward to starting it. I will be cutting it out in stages starting with the bodice. 

Knitting

I continue to work on the first sleeve. It is ready to start decreasing. I will only be knitting a few rows a day for the next while as my right shoulder has decided to be very painful if I knit for long periods of time. It is annoying as I enjoy knitting in the evenings. 

Today

I will be doing some housework this morning and sewing this afternoon. This evening a bit of knitting and a bit of boredom. 
Until the next time.................................

Thursday, August 13, 2020

Last UFO Bag Started

Yesterday was another hot day. The high got to 30C and with the humidity it felt like 37C. This morning it is 19C and foggy. But it is suppose to be just as warm as yesterday. Hopefully this is the last day of the heat warning. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning I headed out to Bedford to shop. About half way, I hit foggy like conditions and 21C. But it was humid (95-100%) and it felt more like 30C. You could barely breath it was so humid. And there was no rain. I did what I needed to do and came home. 
Walmart wasn't too busy so I got what we needed in good time. But Fabricville was busy and humid. I was in and out in no time flat. I was home by noon. 
I had a short nap after lunch and, though tired, I was able to do a few things in the afternoon. 
I bought 1 (and the last) yellow facecloth for the down stairs bathroom. I am loving how this room is coming together. 
I should have bought a hand towel but will get it on the next visit. 
There are no cases of the virus reported in Nova Scotia yesterday. People are wearing masks as are children. The vast majority of places are making masks mandatory and the rest say highly recommended. But, our great record can disappear in a wink. 

Sewing

I got the second bag photographed and it has 4 placemats and 6 napkins. 
I got the last bag out and started to work on it. It is a triangle pocket and I used bought piping on it. 
I am thinking of buying some grey fabric and using the back print as the lining. The handles will be in the grey. This is the last bag UFO and when done I will be one happy person to have them done. 
While at Fabricville, I was able to grab some off white linen. I bought half a meter and then got another piece that was cut wrong as a remnant. I picked up a couple of patterns, some lace and enough craft interfacing for 3 bags. 
I don't know when I will be back to the store as it was busy, humid, and crowded. Maybe in the late fall. 

Knitting

I finished the body of the sweater. 
I turned the collar under but haven't sewn it yet. The first sleeve has been cast on and knit. 

Today

Laundry and maybe out to get fabric to finish the bag and for another small project. I would like to sew this afternoon also and get the last bag either completed or near completion. I need to start the test pattern this weekend. 
Until the next time...............................

Wednesday, August 12, 2020

Heat Fatigue

Yesterday was warm and muggy. The high got to 29C and with the humidity it felt like 36C. This morning it was 20C at 6 a.m. and it is suppose to be warm and muggy again today. They are forecasting 31C for a high. 

Lifestyle

We are feeling fatigue from the heat. A couple more days and hopefully it will be over. It has been a long haul of heat warnings this summer that has left us feeling tired and crabby. 
I cleaned the hall yesterday morning. It was quite the job for a small space. The washer and dryer are in a closet in that area so they got a good cleaning. The washer was easy but the dryer took longer. I was in a lint cleaning mood. I found lots. When done, I washed the floor and cleaned a couple of pieces of furniture. I swept floors and cleaned the dining table. 
Grandson did a bunch of weed whacking in the ditch. He did quite a good job. The Spousal Unit picked cucumbers, peas, and tomatoes from the garden in the morning. I made a salad using tomatoes and cucumbers (from the garden) and onion. We put Greek dressing on it. Grandson ate a full bowl of it as it is his favorite. 
We have no new cases of the virus reported yesterday. 

Sewing

I finished the second reusable bag yesterday. When I went to photograph it, I noticed it needed more pressing. It looks like the first one in all respects. I have one more to sew and that little pile of UFO's will be done. I need to buy more interfacing for them. 

Knitting

I finished the back on the sweater, picked up the stitches for the collar and got the first row knit. The sleeves will be next. 
I have printed out the information to make the dolls a new dress. It is a project for the fall fair. It can't be started until I finish the slow sweater. But, I will be prepared to work on it most of the winter. 

Today

I am heading out to shop today. I hope to be home before it gets hot. I hope to press the bag and take pictures of it this afternoon and if there is enough time, prep for the last bag. 
Until the next time...........................

Tuesday, August 11, 2020

Sewing Progress

Yesterday was a warm one with high humidity. The high got to almost 29C and with the humidity it was like 34C. There were two showers in the afternoon and one during the night. This morning the low was 19C. We are under another heat warning for the remainder of the week. It is the humidity that is causing the heat warning. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning was clean the kitchen. It got a good scrubbing and I did the floors on my hands and knees. Did a bit of digging and found glass along the side of the dishwasher from when I dropped a dish. Got them all out safely and the areas well wiped. The grill at the floor on the fridge had a good coating of cat hair on it so it was cleaned really well. I was sweating when done and realized that the house was humid. I put on the dehumidifier part of the heat pump and the house was fine a couple of hours later. 
We had 30 minutes before lunch to talk about vegetable seeds for next year. We planned it all out and after lunch went to see if one place had seeds. They didn't as they send them all back to the company. We will order from that company in the next few days. 
There are no new or active cases of the virus in the province. Will we see more cases sometime next week from the long weekend? We wait and see. 

Sewing

I got the one bag pressed and took pictures of it as a picnic bag for 2. 
I had made the napkins and place mats a while ago. Some one can add plates, utensils and containers of food and have a lovely lunch at the beach. 
I started the second bag and am ready to do the handles and the lining. 
This bag will have 4 place mats and the rest of the napkins. It will be a bag for a family or 2 couples on a picnic. 
I still have one more bag to make and that container of UFO's will be done. Will be happy when they are done. 

Knitting

The right front is done and I ripped back the left front. The second button hole was done wrong. I'm back to knitting the left front now. It is my fault as I didn't read the pattern correctly. 

Thoughts

I am still thinking about selling doll clothes and I need to have a conversation with a friend. She is very busy at the moment and it's hard to meet up with her. I also need to get a light for taking pictures of the dolls wearing the outfits. I have a plan for that. 
As we don't have a fair this year, I won't be doing any entering. I have put a list together for 2021 and will be working on it. The goal is to use up as much fabric in the sewing room as possible. I will have to buy some fabric, trims, and patterns. I am looking forward to doing some each month. I have 19 items to sew and knit and 12 months to do it in. I'm looking forward to what I do each month. 

Today

It is clean the hall and dining room today, finish up the second bag and knit on the sweater. Work a bit on Fall Fair ideas to keep me excited.
Until the next time.....................................

Monday, August 10, 2020

Beans, Beans, And More Beans

Yesterday was a warm one. The high got to 31C. The humidity was low which was nice. This morning it is 17C with chances of thunderstorms today. The high is to get to 28C. 

Lifestyle

I did a major cleaning of the bathroom yesterday. I'm on round what ever of doing the house again. It will keep me busy while it is hot outside. 
With the heat, I can't paint the little table. The paint dries as I as fast as I put it on leaving me with a horrid finish. It's on hold for now. 
After lunch, we picked beans. A tub full that weighed in at 4 pounds. The bean patch is 3' x 5'. 
We have one more picking and then they will be done. 
The Spousal Unit and I sat and talked about what we wanted for the garden next year. We wrote down what vegetable varieties we wanted to grow, and we will be looking for seeds. We are ready for next year already. 
We are now a week with no new cases reported. There is only 1 active case in the province. 

Sewing

None done yesterday. Garden planning instead. 
I did think briefly about the doll clothes and how to sell them. Nothing is working in my mind right now. It could be I am over thinking it. I'm letting it rest for a bit as I haven't talked to a friend about it. 

Knitting

The left front is done on the sweater. I got the first row done on the right front. I am liking this pattern a lot, enough to want to knit it again. 

Today

This morning, the kitchen is getting scrubbed down. I do hope to sew this afternoon for a bit and knit this evening. We may even get out for a bit to look for seeds. 

Sunday, August 09, 2020

The Garden, Oh The Garden

Yesterday the high was 28C with a humidex of 32C. It was muggy but tolerable. This morning it was 13.5C at 6 a.m. and the high is to get to 30C today. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning I headed out to pick peas. The crop is good and we delivered them to family for their dinner. There is another picking in a few days that we will enjoy. I also dead headed the geraniums at the shed. They needed doing. The beans need to be picked again and a lot given away. What a crop of them this year. We had a lovely meal of them last night. 
There are no new cases of the virus reported yesterday. There are still 2 active cases in the province through international travel. We are faring well at keeping the curve flattened at this time. 

Sewing

I finished one reusable bag and it is ready for a good pressing. I had to stop hand sewing as my right hand started to cramp up. I got back to finishing it later but no time for pictures. 
Daughter had a parcel of fabric sent to me. I had to open it for her and take pictures. 
The yellow/blue batik on the right was a gift from the seller (actually 2 fat quarters) so I am going to sew it into something for the dolls. 
I am waiting for another pattern to put up onto the testing site. It is another Keepers Dolly Duds and I have the perfect fabrics for it. 

Knitting

I was making great progress and discovered I dropped a stitch. Had to go back and pick it up and am back to where I was. It is still a relaxing and easy knit. 

Today

Housework this morning for sure. A bit of sewing and out for dinner tonight. Knitting may or may not get looked at. 
Until the next time................................

Saturday, August 08, 2020

Puttering Around

It has cooled off some at night. This morning it is 14C and very refreshing. The day time highs have been around 28C with very low humidity and some breeze. It has been more tolerable the past few days. 

Lifestyle

We have been somewhat busy. I got the fridge cleaned before shopping yesterday morning. We also went shopping in New Minas. We had a busy morning. 
I have started to paint a little table I bought 2 years ago. One shelf has been bleeding wood through the white paint so I have to shellac it to seal the wood. 
I bought some flowers and buckets for the downstairs bathroom. I got them done and need to pick up rocks from the side  of the street to put in the buckets for weight. One will be on the basement vanity. 
The second one will be on the little table with the candle on the bottom shelf. 
I bought a grapevine wreath and got one with legs on it. It stands beautifully but I need a plain one for the door. I will return it next week. 
There have been no new cases of the virus in the province and the last two are not resolved yet. 

Sewing

I dug into the UFO pile and started to make a reusable bag from the old lobster fabric. It is ready for the handles and lining to be made. There is another one cut out ready to be sewn also. I decided to get these two plus one other bag sewn and out of the way. 
I am still pondering how to sell the doll clothes. I am not certain I want to start an Etsy shop. There will probably be no craft bazaars this fall due to the virus. There is Kijji which is a hassle but doable. I could find a couple of groups on Facebook also. I need to talk to a friend about that. 

Knitting

I put the knitting aside for the past couple of days and read a book. It was due back this week. Back to knitting now it is finished. 

Today

Housework needs to be done, some sewing, and knitting. Peas need to be picked also. If time, some painting but probably not going to get that done today. 
Until the next time..........................

Thursday, August 06, 2020

Done With The Heat

Yesterday was the last day of the heat wave. The high got to 30.7C with a humidex of 37C. This morning it was 21.6C with a humidex of 29C at 6 a.m. At 7 a.m. the temperature was 19.6C with no humidex. At 8 a.m. it was 20C with a humidex of 27C. The coolness in the air is now gone. It is suppose to get to 28C today. 

Lifestyle

With the heat wave, the Spousal Unit and I felt like this yesterday afternoon. 
We had no energy what so ever. 
In the morning, we got our hair cut and I went to find out about a back order at a local hardware store. I had ordered river rock in late May and half the order was back ordered. I've talked to them twice; once I was told I could get a refund and the 2nd time I was snarled at by someone who didn't want to wait on customers. When I saw the bags of rock in the garden center, I was angry. The lady who dealt with me was wonderful. Another lady (higher up) told me they didn't flag back orders (a lie) and I reminder that they should be. I asked for delivery and we had it an hour later. You can guess I will not be buying from them if I need anything delivered. I will go to another community. I am not the first person who has had bad service this summer. 
We have no new cases of the virus reported in the past 48 hours. There are still 2 active cases in the province. 

Sewing

I didn't do anything in the sewing room yesterday. I had a nap instead. 

Knitting

I worked on the sweater yesterday and started on the left front. 
I quite like the colors in the yarn, the mustard gives it a wonderful pop of color. I know I will knit this pattern again as it is easy to knit. It is a Henley sweater and will be great with several outfits I have in mind. 
I've been trying to use up the yarn I have in the stash and am knitting the expensive wool now. I plan to continue knitting it until it is gone. With the sock yarn, it won't be that long as I've been knitting with it a lot lately. The heavier yarns will be longer but I will make a dent in them over the winter. 

Thoughts

I have been thinking about all the doll clothes I have made. I really need to think about how to sell them as outfits. I look at the wardrobe I made for Kit and it is cute and someone might enjoy it more than I do. I look at other outfits I have sewn and knit and the same thing. I was going to make each of the dolls a wardrobe, which I will still do, but I should sell the pieces and keep only what I really want for the dolls. I'm thinking about this once again. 

Today

I need to do some cleaning upstairs. I should do something in the sewing room and I will knit. And think about how to sell the doll's clothes. 
Until the next time.............................