More Cleaning Done Up And Down

 Yesterday was warm and humid. The high got to 27C with the humid making it feel like 33C. This morning it was 20C at 6 a.m. with a humidex of 26C and it is misting out. Showers are in the forecast for the day. The high is to be 24C and the low 13C. 

Lifestyle

The kitchen is clean except for the oven. I need to have a cool day to do that. It is so nice to have it spotless and organized once again. I finished the job at noon. 

I was out this morning to do our grocery shopping. It was super quiet in the store and I was the first person in. I was out in less than 30 minutes. I need to shop in the city when it is cooler as I have a few things to get.

There were no new cases of the virus reported yesterday and 1 active case remains. 

Sewing

I spent some time in the sewing room and cleaned the sewing machine cabinet. It was a big job and I still have to wipe the tops and put away a few small items (buttons in a bag and elastic). 

It is nice to have it organized once again and ready to sew new projects. 

When the top was cleaned off, I spent some time taking some cotton eyelet off the binding. It was gathered and I like to use it flat. 

It needs to be pressed and put away. 

Knitting

I finished the second sleeve yesterday. 

I also took a picture of the hat. 

The body of the sweater is cast on and the first row knit. My hands started to cramp up when I started the second row so I stopped for the night. 

Today

The goal today is to clean the bathroom and tidy up the dining area in preparation to washing the floors in both rooms. I want to wash part of the sewing room floor today and knit tonight. Not sure if I will cut out masks or not. I should as they need to be ready to ship on Tuesday. 

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

The Last Appointment For September

 Yesterday was warm and somewhat humid. The high got to 27C with a humidex of 32C. When I got up this morning, it was 22C with a humidex of 28C. The a/c has been on for the past 24 hours. Today is to get to 23C with a humidex of 30C and we could see showers. 

Lifestyle

We were out until 1:30 pm yesterday. I took my CPAP sim card to the respiratory therapist to be read and all is good. I am being well treated. After that we headed to get some LED light bulbs as we need a few more to replace bulbs. 

The Spousal Unit wanted to see if this year's crop of apples were ready and we got both Honey Crisp and Sweet Tango varieties at Scotia Gold. The price is the best and they are brought out of cold storage daily. Going through the store to pay was a maze but an interesting one. 

Our last stop before lunch was the used book store. The Spousal Unit got quite a few books and I got one. I'm set for the winter now and he will need to go back in December. We noticed that the one way arrows were removed from the aisles but there is a limit on how many people can be in the store at once which is less than before. That has changed since our last visit. 

Elliott was cuddly when we got home and just before dinner he was in the chair soaking up the sunshine. 

Yesterday was the 6th day of no new cases and one active case remains. It was the first day we met a person who refuses to wear a mask which are mandatory inside any business. He was also vocal as we had to wait outside as the business would only allow 5 people to line up at once to get their lunch made. It was a first for us also at this chain. We understand the safety behind it.  We are adjusting to the new normal in our province. 

Sewing

I had a nap yesterday rather than work in the sewing room. I had hit exhaustion with the heat, not sleeping well at night, and worrying about everything. 

Knitting

I have the second sleeve almost done. I have about 15 rows of plain knitting to do before I can start the main body of the sweater. 

Today

I am hoping to do more cleaning in the kitchen and sewing room and knit. I may go out and get my medication but may save that until tomorrow morning's 7 a.m. shopping. 

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

Starting To Clean The Sewing Room

 It is almost 2 a.m and I'm up due to being thirsty and warm. The temperature is 21C and the humidex is 25C. It got to 25C with a humidex of 29C. At 6 a.m. it is 19C with a humid of 26C. For almost the end of September, this is certainly lovely warm weather. Today is suppose to be about the same. Warm, humid, sunny with clouds. 

Lifestyle

The Spousal Unit has been busy outside. He has got rid of the Early Girl tomatoes as they were done producing. The Romas have lots of tomatoes that are semi ripe and they will be picked before the next frost. He also mowed the lawn which, unfortunately will not be the last mowing of the year. 

I cleaned more of the kitchen yesterday morning. The top cupboards are cleaned. I'm happy about that. I had degreased the dirtiest of the top cupboards but took the time to wipe them with a disinfectant wipe. That removed the last of the grease so I will be wiping all the cupboards with wipes at least once a week. 

I also used disinfectant wipes to spot clean the kitchen ceiling. The cloths were used to clean out the air exchange vent in the ceiling. It had quite a bit of dirty fluff in it. I need to find out who cleans these systems. I'm now ready to clean the bottom cupboards and scrub the floor on my hands and knees. 

We are once again, counting the days with no new cases and are at day 5. The only active case is recovering. We wonder if we will have a second wave of the virus or will we continue to keep the curve flattened? We really don't know. 

Sewing

I spent a good 2 hours in the sewing room yesterday cleaning. I swept the floor in the sewing/doll area. Full of dust bunnies and thread webs.

As I worked along the back wall, I realized that one of the quilted items had about 12" of binding left to sew down. I did that job and put it away. 

I have one more wall hanging to finish the binding on -- Halloween. It will get done as I don't want them lying around collecting dust. 

I also spent some time sorting through the doll clothes. The Spousal Unit watched as I cut button and snaps off the outfits I really don't like. I trashed them. Why did they go? 

• The yarn and pattern were not a good marriage. This could be using the wrong size needles, the yarn was horrid, or the pattern had wonky areas in it. 
• The pattern and fabric were a bad marriage. That happens. 
• The pattern was not what I liked. I've tested patterns that I truly dislike and I am not afraid to trash them. 
• The fit is horrid -- too small or too big or plain unusual. 

In the end, I have some outfits I need to try and sell. Some I will keep as they are special in my mind. The Gotz doll outfits may be the hardest to sell but I will try. Now to figure out what venue I will use and where I will photograph the outfits for sale.

Other than wipe down the doll's cube, I got it cleaned up and more presentable. No unnecessary items in them. 

Once that is done, I will resweep the floor, clean up the sewing machine cabinet and scrub the area. Then onto the next area of the sewing room. 

Knitting

I knit on and off late yesterday afternoon and evening. I have the first sleeve almost done. I am happy with it now. Once the other sleeve is done, the sweater will move along quickly. 

Today

We are up to New Minas to the respiratory therapist. Then we need to pick up LED light bulbs, and lastly to the used book store. We will have lunch in Coldbrook and should be home mid afternoon. I may or may not knit tonight. 

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

Warming Up For a Lovely Week

 Yesterday was warm with a high of 23C. The sun shone for most of the day. Last night it was warm with a low of 14C. By 6 a.m. it was 16C. We are to have another warm day with a very warm night. Actually we have warm weather for the next week. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning I cleaned more of the kitchen. The top cupboard shelves were wiped down and organized. When I got to the microwave, I decided to see how to clean the filters and learned there is a charcoal filter. A good hour was used up cleaning that area of grease and dust. The hardest part was putting it back together. The little screws didn't want to go back in properly. I have to take it apart again when I replace the charcoal filter. 

I did a bit of searching on painting kitchen cupboards and had a bit of success on prepping them. The big item was wiping the doors and drawers with disinfectant wipes to remove dust and grime. I'm going to wipe mine today for grime to see how well it works. 

I keep looking at the hedge and what needs to be done. I need to get back out to it but the weather and appointments put it on hold. My last session left me with several thorns in my fingers. Slowly they are festering and I am working them out. Most are tiny but I've removed two that have been 1/8" long. As I squeeze they come up from deep in my skin. 

Sewing

My plan to clean the sewing room was thwarted. Grandson was over and needed to be helped with his homework. He would read his work to me, we would talk, and he would write more. He did well. 

Knitting

I unknit the sleeve to the ribbing and then did the increase row. I'm back to doing the design and, hopefully will do lots on it tonight. 

Today

More upper kitchen cabinets will be cleaned and the doors wiped to see if wipes remove grease as claimed. I'd like to do some cleaning in the sewing room as it really needs to be done and then knit. 

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

Two Busy Days

 The weather has been beautiful the past couple of days with highs nearing 20C. The mornings are cool but no frost since Teddy went through. We are to have warmer days and nights for the next 5 days. 

Lifestyle

We have been busy for the past 2 days. On Thursday the car had to have its big service and it was 2 hours. We did some shopping and headed home. Day was done. 

Yesterday, we headed back to Halifax as the Spousal Unit had to have the stitches removed from his last surgery. He was in for 50 minutes while I waited in the waiting area. 

We were both very tired when we arrived home from Halifax. Two nights of disturbed sleep with an alarm clock being the cause. The first night, the radio buzzed at midnight. The snooze button was hit thinking it was turned off. Fifteen minutes later, it was on again. I got up and turned it off. On Thursday night, the alarm came on at midnight. I was out of bed wondering what emergency alert we had gotten. After a bunch of cussing and fumbling, I finally got the alarm turned off. Last night was quiet. We slept well. 

Sewing

I haven't been in the sewing room but will be back in as I need to clean it up. I have curtains to hem while family's house is being renovated. 

The sewing room needs two to three days of cleaning with dusting, putting away items, doing the floors and making sure everything is in its place. 

Knitting

I got the stranded knitting done on the first sleeve only to realize I didn't increase stitches. I have to go back 7 rows and do that. This is what happens when you're tired. That will be done tonight. 

Today

Grandson is coming to do his homework here while his parents are getting items for the house renovations. I will do laundry and some cleaning upstairs before going downstairs to start cleaning the sewing room this afternoon. I will be fixing the knitting tonight. 

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

Teddy Hugs Us Twice

Teddy gave us hugs on both Tuesday and Wednesday. He arrived with some light rain Tuesday at 9 a.m. and then let us know he was around for the day. He backed off during Tuesday night. A nice rain until 4 a.m. when he decided to up the volume of the wind and rain. It was heavy winds and rains until mid afternoon. It was cool (9-15C) and wet. 3.5 inches of rain fell. 

Lifestyle

On Tuesday, the Spousal Unit was out before breakfast to uncover the tomatoes and put the blankets in the garage. After that it was wait and see how the tomatoes faired. No damage at all as they were buffered by the shed. 

On Tuesday, I vacuumed the upstairs and cleaned up some rooms. The couch got a good cleaning of Elliott's hair. It was nice to get that done. 

Wednesday morning we had no power for 45 minutes so coffee was late. I dusted the furniture and mopped water up off the garage floor where it leaked in by the doors. We had no damage done by the storm and it wasn't as bad as we thought it would be. But, we were happy we prepared like it would be a bad storm. 

I thought my IBS issues were caused by stress but it was from salsa. I can have it occasionally but not daily like I was. 

We had one case of the virus reported on Tuesday and it seems as if that person could be in intensive care. No new cases were reported yesterday. 

Sewing

I haven't done any sewing though I want to make masks soon. I do have shorten curtains for family's bedroom but have time to work on it a bit each day. 

Knitting

The hat is done and I'm almost done the stranded knitting part of the first sleeve. I'm trying a new method of knitting and it is helping me keep the balls from tangling. It is hard to hold the knitting correctly when you have 24 stitches in the round. I persist. 

Today

I need to fold laundry prior to heading out to have the car serviced. I will knit tonight unless I am too tired. The alarm clock buzzed at midnight and then again 15 minutes later. That woke me up for quite a while. Not funny then, but humous now.

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

Prepared and Ready For Teddy

Yesterday was another sunny day with a high of 16.3C. There was a frost warning for overnight. The low got to 4C and it is cloudy this morning. We await for Teddy to arrive. It is the calm before the storm here. 

At 2 a.m. Teddy was on the weather map screen. Had not seen it until then. 

It is closer to land this morning and we will have two surges of the storm. It has a tail that reaches down to Cuba. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday was housecleaning. Laundry was done, laundry was folded, bathroom and kitchen cleaned, and our bed changed. It was a busy time in here. 

I was also on the phone a lot yesterday. This week, the car gets inspected on Thursday and the Spousal Unit has his appointment on Friday. Stitches removed from his nose. 

After supper, we headed out to cover the tomatoes and put the last of the flower pots into the shed. We looked around and most places are ready for Teddy. Nothing on porches or in the yard. 

There was one indeterminate case reported yesterday. Though it doesn't count as a case, it is being treated as a case. His next surgery is Oct. 16. Next week has one appointment. 

Sewing

I spent some time in the sewing room making piping. I have used up 8 of the 10 meters of cording.

That is another 3.25 meters made for a total of 22 meters of piping this month. 

It is masks next. I have 4 to make; 2 for daughter and 2 for son-in-law. I need to get measurements so I can start cutting them out. 

Knitting

I worked on the hat and had to unknit twice as I was not paying attention to what I was doing. I am working on the sheep now and am half done the design part. 

Today

There is one load of laundry to fold, vacuuming to do and, hopefully a couple of floors get washed. I would like to cut out masks and continue knitting. I will also be cooking chicken so we can have it cold if we loose power. 

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

A Record Breaking Visit To Ikea

Yesterday was sunny with a high of 13.6C. A true fall day. This morning it was -1C, clear and a good frost on the ground. It is suppose to get to 15C. Hurricane Teddy is coming though it isn't suppose to be as strong as first predicted. Still, we will have wind and rain. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday's plans blew out the window. Daughter-in-law and I headed to Ikea to get grandson's bed and from the time we lined up til we were out, it was less than 40 minutes. Everything needed was purchased. The bed had to come out of the box as it wouldn't fit in the car. We made one other stop on the way home to get candles incase of a power outage with the storm. 

Once home, I didn't do much. Grandson came over to do his homework in the afternoon and he got it done. It was a quiet afternoon for us. 

Sewing

I didn't go into the sewing room yesterday. I am thinking about the desk I want. The decision is made and I have to wait for it to come back into stock in Ikea. There are lots of the top and only one leg in white. I will do any early morning trip when it is back in stock. The desk will be just under 4 ft in length which is perfect for the space. In the mean time, I will prepare the spot for it and decide if I need another storage unit or not for that space. Or will I get a cart on wheels that can be stored under the desk when not in use. I need to think on that one. 

I have also decided that I will be making a concerted effort not to buy much fabric between now and the end of the year. I do have to get some for specific Christmas presents but other than that, I really need nothing. I can dig around in the stash for everything I need. It is time to sew more of the stash up. 

Knitting

I set the one sweater aside and started on the test pattern. It is the one I made in March which the designer has updated with more pictures and mini tutorials. 

I am using the same contrast colors but the main color is a pale blue. 

I am also not buying yarn at the moment but using up what I have in the stash. I have lots of yarn to knit and some of it is luxury yarn. I discovered this when looking for the yarn for this pattern. 

Today

It is house cleaning today. I need to get it done and over with. I may get downstairs to make piping and I will knit on the test pattern. But the main focus is cleaning. 

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

What Will Happen Next?

 Yesterday was cooler with a high of 15C. It was also windy with the wind coming in from the north. This morning it was 0C with frost. We have a repeat of yesterday today. 

Lifestyle

On Friday the Spousal Unit had 2 of the remaining 4 lesions removed. The one by his eye was fine; no bleeding. The one on his nose bled a lot and after a fair amount of pressure, we got it stopped. It was like he had a nose bleed. All was well until 3 a.m. when it started up again; not as bad as the first time. I had to make sure he didn't lift a lot or have his head down too much yesterday. He didn't like it but he did as told. 

We spent yesterday morning preparing for the arrival of Hurricane Teddy. We have the deck cleared of most everything, the BBQ pushed tight into the house in a safe corner, and the umbrella top and other deck furniture put into the shed. The items on the front landing are in the garage. We just have flower pots to put into the shed tomorrow afternoon. I have done the shopping and we are prepared for the arrival on Tuesday. Once the storm dies down, we can get out the generator and run it if we have no power. I will run the heat in the house to warm it up. Our game plan is in place and we will be fine. We even picked the pink roses. 

One rose in particular was beautiful. 

With everything that has been happening, I was ready to have a fight with anything at noon yesterday. I went and had a nap and woke up feeling better. It was from the lack of sleep and a lot of stress. 

There have been no new cases of the virus reported for 11 days now and there are no known active cases in the province. 

Sewing

I haven't done any sewing for a few days. I did play with an embroidery pattern that I would love to put on pillows for Christmas. 

I would love to make the pillows in navy blue with the trees and stars in white and dull silver. 

There are two patterns coming out to test that I am excited to make. Both are from Keepers Dolly Duds and one is from the Victorian/Edwardian era and the other is from the 1940 -50's. The designer has 4 more patterns she will put out for testing this fall. 

Knitting

I ripped out the second sleeve back to casting it on again. I picked up the wrong needle and was happily knitting it on smaller needles. I will be setting it aside today to start testing a pattern. It is one I have already knit. 

Today

It is house cleaning day and tonight I will knit. I won't be in the sewing room until tomorrow at the earliest. 

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

Surgery Day for The Spousal Unit

 Yesterday's weather was cloudy, warm (23C), humid, and windy. The wind was warm and very gusty. This morning it is 13C, cloudy and we are waiting for rain. Hurricane Sally is on her way but I'm sure she isn't a hurricane any more. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning, I cleaned part of the house. It is nice to have areas cleaned up and spotless. It was far too humid and warm for me to work outside on the hedge. A huge load of laundry was also done. 

While I was inside working, the Spousal Unit was outside cutting down the grape tomato plants. There are some stalks that need to be pulled out and that box will be put to bed for the winter. 

I had a nap in the afternoon as the humidity sapped my energy. I managed to get an hour and felt a bit better. Other than knitting some on the doll's sweater, nothing else was accomplished. 

Today

We are off to the city in a bit for the Spousal Unit to have the rest of his basal cell lesions removed. I will sit and wait for him, get us lunch on the way home and be home by 2 p.m. I will knit some but the sewing room will not be looked at. Hopefully, we will be back to normal soon.

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

More Piping Made

Yesterday started out cool but the high got to 20C. This morning it is 16C, up 3C from the lowest temperature during the night. It is cloudy as we prepare for rain tomorrow. The high today is to get to 24C. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday was hair cut day and we had some great laughs with the hair dressers. We talked about gardening and how lucky we are to have no cases for so long in our province. 

After hair cuts, we headed out to the fabric store. Once home the rest of the day was as usual. I did do some research on smoking roma tomatoes for salsa. The consensus was to smoke the tomatoes, onions, peppers, and garlic. Going to give that a try. 

We had no new cases of the virus reported yesterday. Day 9 of no new cases which is great. 

Sewing

At the fabric store, I got cording and a couple of pieces of fabric to make masks for daughter and son-in-law. The fabric for son-in-law's is this one.

I made another 3.25 meters of piping yesterday. 

It is a fun piece that is bright with pinks, orange, yellow, and purple in it. 

Next up is mustard colored piping and the group of fabrics will be done. 

Knitting

I worked on the second sleeve and got quite a few rows knit. It could be done tonight. 

I have to start a test pattern. I'm redoing one as the designer has joined Pixie Faire and needs it retested. 

Today

It is house work and laundry day. The dreaded hedge has to wait until the weekend. I will make piping and knit. 

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

Two Days of Progress

The past two days have been beautiful fall days. The highs have been between 14-20C, the sun has shone, and the wind has been from the north. This morning it is 4C and the wind is from the south. We are to see 22C today. 

Lifestyle

On Monday I did housework as it was too wet to work outside. Yesterday I worked outside in the morning weeding another 6 bushes in the dreaded hedge. I have done 22 bushes and have 14 left to go on the yard side. I feel I have 5 days left on the hedge. Maybe it will be done by next weekend. 
The Spousal Unit has been busy picking tomatoes. He picked 4-5 tubs yesterday and has about 20 lbs in the garage. He gave away 5 lbs to the neighbors in the afternoon. He has also seeded the worst looking area of the lawn. Doing it ourselves is extra work, but we are thriving doing it. Less boredom in our lives and more exercise. 
We covered the tomatoes the last two nights as there was a risk of frost. Both mornings there has been no frost. 
I have been looking at ideas for the inside of our house. I am going to work with blue and grey as the basic colors but am going to add other colors. I am loving the warmth yellow gives but like soft pale pinks also. Red for Christmas. The colors will be come out in the accessories I have and will make. Once the yard work is done for the fall, I want to work on the house over the winter. 
We have had no new cases of the virus for 8 days now. We continue to be careful and follow the health rules -- masks, hand washing and social distancing. 

Sewing

I spent 2 afternoons sewing the pillow cases grandson started. One afternoon was doing the burrito part and yesterday was sewing the seams using french seams. They are put away for one of his Christmas gifts. 

Sewing them made the cutting table cleaner. I have 2 pieces of fabric left on it to make into piping. Then I will sort what is left and put it away. Most is patterns that I need to deal with. 
I checked how much I have sewn to date and it is an amazing 70 meters. I may make it to 100 meters this year. My original goal was 50 meters and then I bumped it up to 75 meters. Now it is 100 meters. 

Knitting

Of the 15 rows I knit, I spent Monday evening unknitting 8 of them. Last night I reknit them plus did 11 more rows. 

I had to unknit those rows as I forgot to change needle size. At the rate I am going, I may get this sweater done by Christmas. 

Today

We are out for hair cuts this morning and from there we have to go get the cording for more piping. This afternoon I will do more piping and tonight I want to knit. 
Until the next time..................................

Inside and Outside Progress

Yesterday was another lovely day full of sunshine. The high got to 21C. This morning it was 17C and it rained during the night and again this morning. We are to see 23C with clouds. 

Lifestyle

We headed out in the morning to work in the yard. I weeded and trimmed 6 bushes in the hedge. A lot of work as it was the most weedy part. There were 8 big buckets of weeds and branches removed from that area. I am not half done yet but there are less weeds to pull from here on. All of the bushes but 5 or 6 need pruning from the underside. The road side still needs weeding and pruning but it isn't as bad. I reach through and pull as many weeds as I can from the yard side and prune around as far as I can reach. There is a method to my madness. 
The Spousal Unit mowed the lawn and did a strip down the road side of the hedge. I did the weeding around the shed. When I pulled one large weed, there was a beautiful green frog under it. 
There were no cases of the virus reported yesterday and one active case still remains. 

Sewing

I turned another fat quarter into piping in the afternoon. It was a fun color of pinks and purples. 

I put it up against a pink fabric and it is unique. 

The fat quarter made 3 meters of piping that is now bagged and in the box to go. 

I had about 10" of cording left and hope to get more on Wednesday after we get our hair cut. I have 2 more pieces of fabric on the cutting table to make into piping and then a big pile on the shelving unit. I'd like to make a good size dent in the pile this year. 

Knitting

I cast on and knit 15 rows on the second sleeve. I stopped as my hands were starting to cramp. 

Today

Housework this morning, sewing on grandson's pillowcases after lunch and knitting tonight. With the rain, it will be an inside day. 
Until the next time.........................................

Outdoor Work

Yesterday was a lovely sunny day. The high got to 20C. This morning it was 6C with some fog and a few high clouds. It is suppose to get to 21C and showers tonight. 

Lifestyle

It was work on the dreaded hedge yesterday morning. I set a goal of 8 bushes of which 2 needed pruning. Working from the yard side, I reached through those prickly branches to get as much out on the other side. The idea is to do the road side fast as there will only be a small amount of weeds to deal with. 

The Spousal Unit sprayed the weeds in the lawn so it can be reseeded. He also mowed the lawn except the area he sprayed. Lawn rejuvenation has begun on our part. 
Last night they predicted a risk of frost so we were out the door to cover all the tomatoes once again. No frost but better to be safe than sorry. 

Sewing

I was in the sewing room but didn't clean anything. Shame on me. I made piping instead as it is part of clean off the cutting table. 

I had about .3 meter of this fabric and made 4.5 meter (closer to 5 meters) for daughter. Part of it is for her birthday shirt and the rest for another shirt she will sell. 

I have 5 meters of cording left in one piece and just over 1.5 meters in another piece. That gives me maybe 2 more pieces of fabric to make into piping. Hopefully I can get more cording on Wednesday. 
Left on the cutting table -- 3 pieces of fabric for piping and 2 pillow cases. Once that is sewn, I will clean up around the cutting table and try to hang the peg board where my desk will go. 

Knitting

None done last night as we were out to cover the tomatoes and then I realized how tired I was. Also my hands were cramping some so didn't want to over do it. 

Today

It is back out to do more on the hedge. The goal is 6 bushes this morning. Sewing will be another batch of piping. Will see if I can knit tonight or if I have to take another night off. Not really worrying as I am no under any time pressure. 
Until the next time..........................

A Touch of Frost

Yesterday was a cooler day with a high of 16C. It cleared off last night and the temperature was 4C. We had a touch of frost. Today is suppose to be 20C and sunny. 

Lifestyle

The Spousal Unit and I spent some time researching how to get our lawn ready for fall. After we were done, we headed out to get fertilizer. 
After lunch, I sat down to have a rest and woke up over an hour later. Before I could really wake up, I was out helping the Spousal Unit with the weed spray. He happily sprayed weeds while I woke up. 
We were outside after dinner to cover the tomato plants due to the frost warning. We have learned to move when they say a risk of frost. And 4C can bring frost. 
I woke at midnight to the smoke detectors chirping. The whole situation is stressing me. So I was on google trying to figure out what I am doing wrong. I tried something new - don't take out the power before taking out the battery. Do it after taking out the battery. Both detectors sounded better doing that and they haven't chirped in 8 hours. We wait and see. 

Sewing

None done yesterday. I was just too tired to think about cutting out piping. 

Knitting

I finished the sleeve. Using the right needle sizes makes for a better sleeve size. 

Today

I was going to weed the hedge but there is so much dew that I'll be soaking wet in 5 minutes. I may go out mid morning for an hour. I will do some housework. This afternoon I want to make more piping and tonight knit on the 2nd sleeve. 
Until the next time.............................

The Good, The Not So Good, and the Ugly

Yesterday was quite warm with a high of almost 29C and when you add in the humidex, it was 36C. Late afternoon, it rained hard for a very short period of time. Didn't cool off either. During the night, it rained and by this morning, it was 14C. 1.5" of rain fell. That is wonderful.

Lifestyle

It was a crazy morning yesterday. The lawn care company came to do weed control and was spraying our cucumber plants. We are now doing our own lawn care and have spent quite a bit of time researching. The cucumber plants are almost dead but we have our fall plan in place. 
I also cleaned our bedroom but have to go back and finish up the floor. It needs to be swept again and washed. With my hip improving, it may become tomorrow's job. 
We had no cases of the virus reported yesterday. People on the whole are following the mandates but there are concerns being raised that social distancing is not being followed outside some businesses. 

Sewing

I made 4.5 meters of piping yesterday and the red is stunning as piping. 

It would look great on any shirt, especially black or denim. 

Knitting

I knit about 10 rows on the first sleeve and am getting down to having it almost finished. I have to say it has been easier to knit it this time. 

Today

As it is late, I have been out to grocery shop at 7 a.m. and down the valley to buy fall fertilizer and home by noon. That was after doing an hours worth of research, which was interesting. I'm now ready for a nap. 
Until the next time......................................

Beginning to Clean the Sewing Room

Yesterday was another warm day with a high of 26C and a humidex of 33C. The temperature this morning is 17C. Today is suppose to get to 29C and we prepare for rain. 

Lifestyle

I was slow yesterday as my sciatic nerve is bothering me once again. But, we delivered tomatoes for someone who arrives tonight and begins his self isolation. 

After supper, I climbed up on the ladder several times to fix the smoke detectors as they were chirping. All was quiet until 5:45 a.m. this morning. I have one to check again -- the battery may be low even if I did put expensive ones in the 5 smoke detectors in this house this spring. 

There were no cases of the virus reported yesterday. I've been watching another province's numbers (daughter lives there) and have had to stop as it was stressing me out. I realized it is out of my control to do anything about it. I'm limiting my time looking at the information. 

Sewing

Before lunch, I spent 1 hour in the sewing room. I started cleaning off the cutting table and it looked like this at noon. 

I was in such a rush to start I forgot to take a before picture. There is still some items to deal with on the table and it will get done. 

Once the table was cleaned off, I made 3.5 meters of piping. I got the fabric cut into bias strips and the bias strips sewn together before lunch. 

After lunch and before I finished the bias, I had to deal with this chair. 

Most of the fabric went into the doll's, the fabric on the back of the chair onto the table to be sewn and I made piping. 

The piping was bagged with a spool of extra thread as I had 3 spools in the drawer. 

Once done, I got the broom and swept the floor in the desk area. The floor is ready to wash. 

I also laid out the fabric that will be piping. Missing is the red fabric that is under the rotary cutter. 

In all it was a good day in the sewing room with a lot done. 

Knitting

None was done last night. 

Today

I've fixed the smoke detector again this morning. I have laundry to do, some cleaning upstairs and then downstairs to sew more piping and do a bit more cleaning up. 

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

I Am Sore - Working Through It

Yesterday was sunny with a high of 27C with a humidex of 30C. It was muggy until the wind came up and then the humidity dropped. This morning it was 13C, foggy, and very damp. It is suppose to be another lovely day when the fog burns off.  

Lifestyle

It was a busy day yesterday. The Spousal Unit picked tomatoes for a person who will arrive tomorrow to their new home. We still have a lot of tomatoes to pick and freeze. 
I spent time in the house cleaning. The fridge got the outside cleaned and is shining. No streak or dirt marks on it. I also cleaned the bank of cupboards beside the fridge. A few things got tossed, a few things are going to the thrift shop, and everything got organized. There is space in the upper cupboard if I need more storage space. It feels good having that job done. 
While climbing up and down the little step ladder, my hip/leg issue flared up. It was painful and I hobbled around the rest of the day but didn't give up. I stretched it really good last night and it is better today. Tired with some soreness that will leave with time. I have to keep moving through these spells to help it get stronger. 
We had no new cases of the virus reported yesterday. School started yesterday and there were 10 children (K-5) catching the bus at the end of our street. All were/are wearing masks and were great at putting them on. The older students catch the bus in a different location and all were/are wearing masks. The new normal for school.  

Sewing

I spent some quality time taking grandson's masks apart, making them narrower across the face and resewing them back together. 
I did look briefly at the mess before I hobbled out. The plan is to work on the cutting table -- sew piping for daughter, press and fold fabrics for future projects, and things tossed on it put away. I'm sure it will take a few days to get to the bottom of that mess. I'll post a before picture for sure. 

Knitting

I found a needle of the right size and knit close to 20 rows on the sleeve. I'm happy with my progress and hope to finish the sleeve soon. It is so much easier to knit on needles that aren't worn out. 
Testing patterns for both knitting and sewing have been slow. I don't crochet so no new knitting patterns. Sewing patterns have been for smaller dolls that I don't own. I continue to look every couple of days for a pattern to sew or knit. 

Today

Laundry needs to be done, we have to be out to deliver tomatoes and masks, and I will fill in the rest of the time cleaning the sewing room and knitting on the sweater. 
Until the next time...............................

Another Busy Day

From Facebook

Yesterday was a lovely sunny day. The high got to 25C. This morning it was 16C and cloudy. The high is to get to 29C. It could be a warm, humid day.

Lifestyle

We started the day off getting a chair for downstairs. It is perfect for the sewing room's desk. It came from daughter-in-law. 
Once home, I cleaned the cupboard above the fridge and set up a couple of areas that I had neglected after Christmas. It was fun to wipe off the dishes and put them out. I got out the pieces of antique silverware and cleaned them. I put a layer of foil on the bottom of a glass dish, sprinkled on 2 tbsp each of salt and baking soda. The pieces were put on top of that. I boiled water and then let it cool for 30 seconds and poured it in. I was amazed at how the tarnish started to lift. I used a micro fibre cloth to polish them and they are shiny. 
Once that was done, the fridge was cleaned. I'm trying to do it on a regular basis now. In the afternoon, I made dinner (pirogies and cabbage rolls) and swept the floors. We had a wonderful dinner with family which allowed them to go home and pack some more (they have a big kitchen reno starting soon). 
We had one new case of the virus reported yesterday. It is to be expected. 

Sewing

I headed down to the sewing room right after lunch and got the last 2 masks sewn for grandson. 

The pattern is another Mia mask. I have to take off the side pieces and cut the mask back by 1" to fit grandson's face. They are too wide for him. That will be done today for delivery. 
As I made the masks, I looked at the cutting table (yuck) and have decided it will be cleaned first. It is annoying me to no end (as is the chair at the corner desk). At first I had thought of sewing my way through it but that isn't happening. Some will be pressed, folded and put away for future projects. I can hunker down and sew for the next few months with minimal shopping. 

Knitting

No knitting was done last night. 

Today

I will be cleaning up the area beside the fridge and cleaning the outside of the fridge. Though I keep it wiped, it needs a good shining. This afternoon, I will fix grandson's masks and start cleaning up the cutting table. I do hope to knit tonight. 
Until the next time............................

A Busy Day

Yesterday the high got to 23C. The sun shone until mid afternoon and it clouded up and we had a short shower. It did clear off again. This morning it is 8C and foggy. It is suppose to be sunny and 25C today. 

Lifestyle

Daughter-in-law and I went to the city yesterday morning. We did Walmart (not busy), Costco (line up, but in and out in 15-20 mins) and Ikea. We did not go into Ikea as the line up was longggggg and what was needed was out of stock. On the way home, we stopped at Cobbs. A very quick trip for us. 
Our neighbor (and fabulous friend) was over with 2 pints of salsa for us. It looks yummy and we will enjoy it this winter. 
While in Walmart, I did find a yellow facecloth and hand towel. I put them into the container in the downstairs bathroom. 

I need to roll one of the facecloths again and pull up one of the blue ones. I am liking the yellow and blue together, very cheerful. I'm wondering if I use this combination it upstairs also. The upstairs blue is more of a denim color and needs a bright color to go with it. 
We had no new cases of the virus reported yesterday. There are 3 active cases in the province. Not too bad considering 6500 university students and 150 (approx.) boarding school students have entered the province since mid August. 

Sewing

I took the box to the sewing room and put daughter's fabric into it. Half filled the box. I also got 2 fat quarters on the cutting table to make into piping. I will be putting them into a tray so they are tidy and ready to make during the week. 
Two packages arrived with fabric that daughter had ordered for bags. I am keeping them and will make them starting in January. 
These two will be pockets for the triangle bag. I will line them with a light colored fabric and then choose coordinating fabrics for the bags. 

This is a quarter meter strip of fabric and I'm not sure yet how I will design the bag. This one is a bit of a challenge for me.  

I am thinking about fall fair sewing for next year. I bought this pattern on sale. I am only going to sew the dress and probably in pink or blue. The goal is to embroider flowers on the bodice in pink or yellow with green foliage. A challenge for this winter. And, I will buy extra fabric for mistakes. 

Butterick 4110

But, first, it is to clean the sewing room and make piping. 

Knitting

I knit and I unknit last night. I dropped a stitch. I am also having issues as the tip of the needle is moving and causing the yarn not to slide off the needle. I need to see if I have that size in the needle stash and then replace this one. I have literally worn this needle out from knitting so much. 

Today

The morning is in the kitchen as I have several things I need to do. The afternoon is making masks for grandson and I hope to knit tonight. 
Until the next time...................................