a Good Day All Around

Yesterday's weather was cool, wet, and not quite so dull and grey. The high got to 6C. This morning it is 3C and we are to have a similar day with a high of 5C. 

Lifestyle

We had a great day yesterday. The Spousal Unit was lucid all day and we talked about many things. He is mainly worried I'm not getting the help I need and finds it hard to understand that I am getting it or will be getting it. He realizes I worry about getting groceries as he needs to be safe. Hopefully it will start this coming Friday. 

I got the bedding laundered and the bed made. All the laundry is folded and put away. I puttered a bit in the house during the day doing a few things. I was conserving energy as I did feel okay but weary. 

We worked on the puzzle. I did the fox and it was hard. The Spousal Unit couldn't help as I would have to move pieces around to get them in the right place. He played with some pieces and told me I was looking at the puzzle upside down. He was right. 

We looked at a plate of two Hereford calves I hung on the wall. I thought we had bought it on a trip but when we took it down, we realized it was a gift from the Canadian Hereford Association when we hosted a luncheon and tour of the ranch we managed for years.

Sewing

I spent some time in the sewing room. The Spousal Unit visited with me while I was sewing. Before lunch, I got one side of the front done. I was pleased with it. 

The lace is delicate and blends into the fabric. But I like it. 

After lunch, I got the second front done and added the bottom part. 

I then worked on the back and have the pleats done and sewn down. I am ready to attach the yoke and yoke lining. Once it is done, I have more seams to serge. I was going to add beads to the front but have decided against it. 

I did get May's sewing list posted. Other than starting a quilt, most projects are to use up the left over cat fabric and the fabric from the above outfit. That way I will have the teal fabrics left to use up. Some of it will be used when I sew cat fabric items and the rest could be used up to make a square bowl cozy which isn't on the list. 

Today

We are going to get apples and I will do a quick stop at Walmart. I would like to sew this afternoon so I can put the sleeves in when I get back into the sewing room. Depending on how tired I am, I may knit tonight. 

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

Edwardian Walking Skirt Completed

Yesterday was damp and cool. The high got to 8.5C. Today we are to see showers or flurries and a high of 5C. It is 4C at 7 a.m. 

Lifestyle

The Spousal Unit had a bad day yesterday. If he wasn't asleep, he was up and grumpy. He had aches and pains here and there in his body. He wasn't overly delusional so I'm putting it down to the vaccine shot. He seems better this morning. 

I was also very tired and my energy level was low. I was weepy and, at one point, cried. I pushed through doing some housework and laundry. I did rest but didn't sleep. Today my arm is sore at the needle site so I'm thinking I had my bad day with the vaccine also. 

I got a call from Continuing Care and there will be a lady come on Fridays from 9-11:30 a.m. I can go grocery shopping and get a few other things done that needs to be done. The first visit will only be for groceries as I want to hide in the basement to see how things go. Now to find out when the house cleaners can come. 

We both had a decent sleep last night which is was nice. I know I will be tired later today as I was awake several times due to the Spousal Unit getting up to the bathroom. 

Sewing

I made the Spousal Unit come sit in the sewing room while I sewed. He slept the whole time I was in there. I worked on the Edwardian walking skirt and got it done. As I was tired, I had to really think about what I was doing. But it turned out quite nice. 

The skirt is longer than a historically correct walking skirt of that era. This one was probably designed for walking in the park and having tea afterwards during the warm summer weather.

I love the pleats in the back. They give some fullness but are not exaggerated. Perfect for the top I'm making. The back of the skirt is slightly longer than the front.

I sewed a large white snap on the waistband and it is done. I want to make this skirt once more to go with another top I made in November. Then I will retire the pattern.

As I was hemming the skirt, the tension went on the Juki. After 2 tries, I turned the machine off and on and it worked perfectly. This is not the first time it has happened after I've wound a bobbin. 

Today

I have to launder the bedding and tidy up our bedroom this morning. I want to start the Antheia top and do some puzzle with the Spousal Unit this afternoon. We are having a quiet day after feeling off yesterday. 

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

The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

Yesterday was dull, grey and wet. The high got to 9C This morning is 8C and the temperature will drop to 6C. We are to have showers.

Lifestyle

We had a busy day yesterday. We took Elliott to the vet in the morning and he got a clean bill of health and his shot. He weighs 18 lbs so I'm cutting back on his food some. He needs to loose a pound. 

After lunch we went for our 2nd booster shot. We were done in no time flat which was great. Home for Tylenol and what I had hoped for was a rest. 

The Spousal Unit was out in the garage before we went for our booster shot. He was agitated about trying to find things but he didn't know what. Getting our vaccine seemed to distract him for a bit. When we were to be resting after the vaccine, he shot out of the chair, was verbally abusive and out the door. I trailed along behind trying to help him. Showed him one item three times and I don't think it registered even after I asked him to show me where it was. He couldn't find it. Got him in to relax and he had a nap. He woke still very leery about people. After dinner, we went for a drive to find magnolia trees. They are just coming out into bloom.

This one is down the street from us. We found about 8-10 others on our drive. Dark pink, pale pink and white blooms. 

The first part of the night was good but at 3 am it was a disaster. Thrashing, up and down out of bed, and looking for things in the bed. I realized he hadn't had his medication and gave it to him. About 5:30 am he settled down. We got up at 7:30 am and he has had a nap, eaten breakfast and is worried about keeping us safe. I've reassured him in my tired state all is well. 

Sewing

I got 1 hour of sewing in yesterday morning. I made 2.5 meters of piping for daughter. 

It is fabric I didn't like and it made cute piping. It always happens that way.

Today

Today is survival day. I hope to sew a bit, clean the bathroom, and rest some. The crazy nights take a huge toil on me. It is when I'm exhausted that I get bleary and teary and worry about things I shouldn't worry about. Safety is the biggest one.

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

A Day For The Books

 Yesterday was a lovely warm day. There was a cloudy haze which was nice. The high got to 16.5C. This morning it is grey, cloudy, and 7C. We are to have showers during the day and rain tonight. High 9C.

Lifestyle

Yesterday was a day for the books. The Spousal Unit woke up tired but sort of wound up. After breakfast, he was out the door to work in the garden. I lost him and he was in the garden shed. He was reading the label on the fertilizer. I left him as he was safe. 

I was able to continue monitoring him as I washed windows. He disappeared again into the shed and when I checked on him, he was going through everything. I caught him in the tub where I keep (hid) the poisonous stuff. I quickly removed the container and hid it in the garage. He got his small spade and started to turn the soil over to mix in the fertilizer. I started to remove dandelions from around the roses (which are dead). He was extremely agitated. I went back inside to clean up from washing windows.

I called him in to go for a drive. It was like having a child who was mad at you about nothing. I took him for a long drive the Sangster Bridge/Falmouth way to stop at the library in Windsor for Rapid Tests for covid. When I asked him about lunch, he was rude so I bought us lunch to eat at home. He ate well but didn't know what he was eating. 

After lunch, he was outside again in the yard. He was really agitated and yelled at me to call daughter-in-law. I got him inside and seated beside me. He was exhausted, agitated, and out of it. I let him talk and be nasty. I asked questions and finally he told me this had been going on for 2 weeks (no it hadn't been), people were in the yard telling him what to do and wrecking the garden. I talked to him soothingly and he started to relax. I stopped talking and he fell asleep. He slept for an hour and woke up feeling much better. His first comment was we needed to go to bed early as he was very tired.

We talked calmly about the garden and that it was too early to plant things. I let family know all was well and we kept talking as I made dinner. He ate a good dinner, and we had an early night. We both slept well and he seems fine this morning just tired.

One thing that is evident is I need to purge the shed even more. I need to do the shelving unit so there is only what he needs on the shelves. I will have to hide the bags of garbage as they can't go out for 2 weeks. I will figure it out and will try to do some on the day he is out for a drive with daughter-in-law (Saturday or Sunday). If I can get a good start, the rest will be easy.

Sewing

I got the thread changed on the serger when I realized the Spousal Unit was missing. Six hours later, I turned off the machine. 

Knitting

Not a stitch knit. 

Today

We take Elliott for his annual check up and shots this morning and then we get our booster shots after lunch. It will be a day of rest. If I have the energy or time, I may start sewing piping. It is ready to go. If not, we will do nothing. The Spousal Unit needs to rest a lot today. 

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

A Busy Monday

Yesterday was a warmer sunny day. The high got to 12.7C. This morning it is sunny and 5C. We are to have a high of 18C with more clouds coming in during the day. Rain is on its way. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning I got quite a bit done upstairs. More housework was done, laundry folded and put away, and the taxes filed. 

The Spousal Unit napped as it was dull in the morning. He woke up grumpy as he was stressed with people coming in the afternoon. I let him talk and finally stopped it by serving him lunch. 

At 1:30 p.m. son arrived for the Continuing Care meeting. It was a good meeting where a lot of paperwork had to be filled out. It was stressful for the Spousal Unit as he had to focus for well over an hour. A couple of things we found out - we are doing a lot for him by taking him for drives, doing puzzles, etc. when things were/are closed due to Covid and we have provided him with a safe and loving environment. We have qualified for 2 x 2 hours a week which is nice. We are being flexible and son is researching a few things for us that need to be done. 

At 4:30 p.m. the cleaning company came and did a walk through. We will be getting the house cleaned every other week. There is no clutter so it will be easy for them to do. It will be nice to know that it will be done and I can do some in between visits. 

We were out to get Elliott more cat food and then after we ate dinner, we went to family's for ice cream cake and a visit. We came home to relax before bed. The Spousal Unit was over tired and we had a restless night. 

Elliott showed us his handsome side last night. He usually puts on his grumpy face when I want a picture. 

Sewing

Grandson's second pair of pants got hemmed yesterday. One leg just before lunch and one leg between visits. That job is done and I'm pleased with it. 

After cutting out the Edwardian walking skirt and Antheia top, I had enough fabric for the 1914 Frock by Keepers Dolly Duds. 

I will probably do white cuffs and collar as I would like to use white lace on it. When sewn up, I will only have 1 meter of bought fabric left. There is a plan for it to be gone in the next month. 

I was told that one of my 2 hour sessions can be used to sew without having to worry about anything. I may just do that at least twice a month. 

Knitting

I didn't do any last night as we were out. 

Today

I am hoping to wash some of the windows on the inside. I have to do the track as they are dirty from the winter. I am going to sew and will have to monitor the Spousal Unit as he will be in and out all day. It is going to be a quieter day for us.

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

Making Plans

 Yesterday was grey, dull, windy, and down right depressing. The high got to 7.7C. This morning it is 3C, cloudy, and damp. It is suppose to get to 14C today with lots of drizzle. 

Lifestyle

The Spousal Unit slept a lot yesterday. He was really tired and not rested when he woke up in the morning. I didn't push him and let him nap when he wanted to. He was more rested when he went to bed and slept well all night. 

I spent the morning cleaning house. I folded laundry, vacuumed floors, did laundry and cleaned up the kitchen until I was happier with it. I also did a bit of tidy up on the food shelf in the basement. I am pleased with what I did get done and need to push ahead most days to keep what is done tidy and do a bit more each day. I am trying to put together a long and short term plan so I can continue to get things done in both the house and yard.

I did have a short nap in the afternoon as I couldn't stay awake. I was at the point of being weepy and was worrying about things that I shouldn't be worrying about. I was going down the black hole rather quickly due to tiredness.

We went over to family's to deliver grandson's hemmed school pants and had tea with them. We got home in time for me to make dinner. The evening was quiet so the Spousal Unit could relax before bedtime and he stayed up later than he has for quite a while. He was relaxed which was good.

Sewing

I hemmed grandson's school pants after lunch. He has only grown 2" since the beginning of September. Not bad for him. I have the 2nd pair to do this afternoon or tomorrow. 

I have been worrying about my output of sewing for several days. I was digging in what I'm donating and had an anxiety attack. I refocused and made a plan. I need two small packing boxes and I will go through all the donate boxes sorting items and pulling out at least 2 pieces of fabric to make dog blankets. 

I also had to remind myself that sewing 4 meters a month in our situation is good. If I keep it up, I can sew 100 meters in the next 2 years which is my goal. I need to refocus on the stash and get out my list of items I want to make. I'm focusing on Christmas gifts which has been successful. I'm also doing okay with the doll sewing. I keep telling myself that every half meter sewn up is a half meter off the shelf or out of a tub. I also have to remind myself that simple/easy is also okay. As I keep track of what I purchase, I have realized that I've sewn 5.8 meters of the 7.1 meters I bought this year. The 1.3 meters is slated for projects that I want to make in the next couple of months.

Knitting

No knitting last night but I need to get back into the swing of it. 

I am behind on my knitting but I'm not worried about it. Once I start I know I will knit most nights. I have also bought less yarn in the past 2 years. The only splurge was to buy yarn for 2 pair of socks for daughter when it was on sale last fall. Most of the yarn can be made into socks, doll items, and hats for the homeless. I'm looking into hats next winter. Maybe the local food bank or the Salvation Army. 

Today

I need to fold laundry and do a bit more cleaning this morning. I need to Lysol the house. We have Continuous Care and the cleaning company coming this afternoon. I may be able to hem grandson's pants between visits. I hope I can knit a few rounds tonight. 

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

A Busy Day In The City

 We have had some sunny days with highs at or above 10C. Today it is cloudy, windy and 1C. Flurries are in the forecast and the high is 6C. Ugly to say the least. 

Lifestyle

We are both tired as the Spousal Unit has been up several times every night. He naps during the day but I've just started resting. The last time I napped, I woke up more tired than when I went started. 

Yesterday was a very busy day for us. We were out of the house before 8 a.m. and the Spousal Unit spent the morning with son. He had to have coffee when he arrived at their house and he napped in their car into the city to watch grandson play soccer. 

Daughter-in-law and I went shopping in the city. We were done in good time, went to watch grandson play soccer. They treated us to Five Guys burgers which were delicious. We haven't had them for years. We came home and after the groceries were put away we rested. 

The Spousal Unit was overtired and had a bit of a rough night. I will have to make sure that he does less today so he can get himself back to his normal. He did enjoy himself as son spent a lot of time talking to him as did daughter-in-law. 

I am focusing on doing a bit more housework each morning. I need to keep focused on it even if I am tired. I keep the kitchen clean and have done the bathroom. I need to vacuum and fold laundry today. I also need to do a garbage sweep as the Spousal Unit has stuff everywhere. 

We are booked to have our 2nd booster shots on Wednesday. The Spousal Unit's took me no time flat and then I was on the phone for almost 50 minutes to get mine booked. Their was an error in their network. We go in one behind the other so I can have the Spousal Unit with me. The cat goes to the vet that morning so I am worried about leaving the Spousal Unit alone in the morning.

Sewing

Two pieces of fabric are cut out for piping as is the Edwardian walking skirt and Antheia top. I got the thread yesterday while shopping. 

I have to hem grandson's school pants. Since September he has grown but his pants only need lengthening just over an inch. Hopefully he is slowing down as he is now over 6 feet tall. I will hem one pair today and one pair on Tuesday. 

Knitting

I looked at it but did nothing. I will get back to it though once things have slowed down. 

Today

The goal is to do a sweep of the house and laundry. Put away what I can, do the floors, and have the house respectable for tomorrow. I have to hem pants and I may even get started on the Edwardian walking skirt. I doubt if I will knit tonight as I know I will be exhausted by then. 

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

Bowl Cozies Completed

Yesterday was a day of sunshine and warmth. The high got to 13.1C. This morning it is 6C and we are to have showers during the day. 

Lifestyle

I started the morning out sweeping the floor before breakfast and it did look much better. I tidied up the kitchen in the afternoon and it helps. I need to get rid of a couple of things and it will be back to where I want it. I also worked on our taxes and hope to have them filed in the next 3 days.

The Spousal Unit had a fairly good day. He was in and out enjoying the sunshine. The lawn care company was in to put lime on the lawn and he talked to the head person while the trainee did the lawn. He worked on the puzzle for a while and claims he got one piece in. He is back to being interested in the puzzle again. 

We had to pick up grandson from school so we took a drive to go in the back way. We looked at the daffodils that are blooming and, the surprise, the forsythia bushes are coming into full bloom. Soon it will be the magnolia trees. Spring is coming slowly but surely. 

We had supper with family and while son and the Spousal Unit watched how grapes are harvested in Europe (interesting), daughter-in-law and I talked about several things including shopping tomorrow. It will be nice to get 3-4 hours of shopping as we do need things. We will go in our car as we can put the seats down and fill it up. Daughter-in-law and I enjoy shopping together as we have similar shopping habits. Son will take the other car in and they will watch grandson play soccer. We will have lunch together after the game is over.

Sewing

I had over an hour in the sewing room yesterday. The bowl cozies are done and ready to be put into the Christmas gift box. Hopefully I can get the bowls tomorrow. If not the next time I go into the city.

They are really hard to photograph and I was in a hurry. They are heavier than the ones we have which could be the thickness of the batting. Different brands can do that.

Next up is piping and a doll's outfit. I'd like both done before the end of the month. 

Knitting

None as we were out last night. 

Today

I have laundry to do, clothes to fold, income tax to review, and a shopping list to put together. I hope to cut out the doll's outfit, and maybe knit some tonight. 

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

A Better 24 Hours

 Yesterday was a lovely sunny day with a high of 11.8C. The wind did blow. This morning it is 2C clear and we are to see sunshine and 12C. No wind this morning. This day last year we broke a record with 21.5C. Not this year. 

Lifestyle

The Spousal Unit had a much better day yesterday. He had a nap before breakfast, one in the morning and then in the afternoon. He was outside several times in the sunshine picking up beer cans, getting our tub out of the ditch, and getting the flyers at the end of the driveway. He enjoyed the sunshine a lot. He slept much better last night though his one spell was very short and it was funny. I am talking to the doctor today about the medication and to see if this is normal. 

I had a nap yesterday and rested off and on as I was verging on exhaustion and tears. It helped a lot. I did some clean up again in the kitchen and that helped my mental outlook. I bagged up the recycling last night and took it all out this morning. One more job on my plate but it isn't a hard one. I have been getting it prepped the night before so taking it out is no big job. 

The housekeepers are booked to come every other week starting Monday. I have a few days to get some clutter cleaned up before they arrive. I will try to keep up between their visits as I do like a clean house. 

Sewing

While the Spousal Unit was outside in the afternoon, I spent some time sewing. I took breaks to check up on where he was. 

I did all the darts on the bowl cozies using my little template. It worked like a charm. All the darts were cut back, pressed and the two pieces were pinned together in two spots. 

I still have to prep the seam where I will turn it under and hand sew it together. Then I can sew them together. They were so much fun to work on. And another Christmas present will be done.

My next plan is to do piping and the doll's outfit. The pot holders can wait until May as I will need an easy project then. 

Knitting

No energy to do any knitting yesterday. 

Today

I want to start our taxes this morning, sew this afternoon, and we are out for dinner tonight. Not a busy day but more than before as I had a decent night's sleep. 

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

What A Storm!

 Yesterday the weather was frightful. It rained heavy and the wind blew. There was 2" of rain fall. The high got to 7C and felt more like 2C with the dampness and wind. Today it is suppose to be sunny with a high of 11C. 

Lifestyle

The Spousal Unit slept most of the day and I'm not sure if it is the medication or if he was overly tired. He woke up about 4:30 pm, was alert, and remembered the house, the cat, and me. I really liked how he was - alert and calm. 

After doing March's budget and paying the bills, I rested for the rest of the morning but didn't sleep. I wasn't sure how things were going to go. Resting helps me relax and keep myself out of the pity party that usually goes with tiredness and the spells the Spousal Unit has. 

I did get the kitchen cleaned up in the afternoon. Garbage out, counters cleaned, dishes done, and stove washed off good. Not perfect but much better than it has been the past few days. 

With the high winds, the power went off just after 7 pm. We managed though it was confusing for the Spousal Unit. The power came on just over 3 hours later. 

The Spousal Unit had another spell about 2 hours after taking the medication. I spent about 2 hours trying to help him work through it all. I will call the doctor today about what is happening. This is not fun as we are both tired out after the spell is over with. It takes me longer to go to sleep as I have to deal with my stress, him jerking and twitching until he completely settles down.

Sewing

I spent some time in the sewing room but was upstairs often to monitor the Spousal Unit. I worked on the first bowl cozy. 

I spent some time cutting out a triangle 1" wide by 2" tall for a template for the darts. 

This is the 2nd one as the first has disappeared on me. When I fold the side of the square in half, I make sure the fabric is smooth under the batting, lay the triangle with the 2" side on the fold and stitch up the long angled side. Perfect darts every time. 

I pinned the triangle in place so I wouldn't loose it.

As per usual, I hand sewed the opening closed by hand after I had everything neatly pinned down and pressed well. I then top stitched 1/8" from the edge. 

I made sure the patterns goes in the same direction on the inner and outer layers. It will look smart with teal bowls.

Using a template for the darts made sewing the cozies quicker. I will probably do all the darts before sewing them together.

Knitting

I knit several rounds on the socks last night. I had to quit when the power went off. It was nice to have the needles in my hands once again. 

Today

I am calling the doctor this morning to get a telephone appointment, folding laundry, tidying up a bit, rest a lot, and sew if I can. 

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

The Doctor's Visit

Yesterday was a lovely sunny day. The high got to 11.5C but the sun certainly felt warm. This morning, it was 2C and hazy. We are to have rain starting this afternoon. The high is to get to 11C. 

Lifestyle

We headed out to the doctor's in the morning. My visit was good; blood pressure is fine and I have to have blood work done before we return in 3 months. 

The Spousal Unit's blood work came back good. His cancer blood work is still in the great range after 6 years. So happy about that. He is being referred to a specialist for his memory issues, given a prescription to help calm him down, and will see the doctor in 2 weeks. 

After lunch, the Spousal Unit spent the afternoon with son while grandson and I took the bottles to the recycling depot. We went shopping for groceries and home to put them away and watch the lawn get aerated. It was then time to get the Spousal Unit. He had been out for a drive and had had a nap. 

The first pill was taken at bedtime and after a couple of hours of sleep, the Spousal Unit awoke in total confusion. It was 20 minutes of him all over the house, pushing and shoving me, and being verbally abusive before I got him into bed. He awoke a second time but was less confused and then slept until almost 7 a.m. We are both tired, once again. The Spousal Unit is quite calm this morning which I hope will last all day.

Sewing

No sewing was done yesterday because of recycling. I am happy that job is done and we have more room in the shed. 

Knitting

None done.

Today

I must start paper work and then I want to sew, do a bit on the puzzle, and try to knit tonight. We wait and see how things go. 

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

Getting A Plan in Place

 Though yesterday morning was wet, yesterday afternoon was sunny and warmish. The high got to 10C. This morning the sun is shining and 3C. We are to see a high of 12C. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning was a rough one. Besides being tired, the Spousal Unit was very agitated. He was having problems finding things. He had a nap and woke up as bad or worse than prior to napping. His mind was working overtime. 

Daughter-in-law came and took him for a drive after lunch. They got lost but managed to find their way home. The Spousal Unit had a nap and was better after he woke but I could still see agitation. We had a lovely Easter dinner with them and came home. When time for bed, he was the worst I've seen him since his trip to the ER. I had to monitor him for 40 minutes before I got him to bed. He seemed to settle down and when he woke at 1 a.m. he was over his spell. He was calm and relaxed. We slept until 6 a.m. and he is still calm and relaxed. He is still in bed at the time of writing this blog post.

I feel that I haven't been doing well enough looking after everything. I cried about that but have been reassured that I am doing okay. We are trying to get a plan in place so that I'm not feeling overwhelmed or just surviving. 

1. I am getting someone to clean the house every 2 weeks. 

2. I am going to continue decluttering some a couple of times a week. One small area at a time. 

3. I will hire someone to trim the hedge, edge our side of it and weed it for us this spring. We have a great company to do the lawn care. Grandson will help out twice a week mowing the lawn and weed whacking. 

4. The vegetable boxes and flowers will get planted as a family effort. The little greenhouse will be assembled and put under the deck. I will maintain it all as I love having the yard look nice.

5. I will sew and knit some every day I can. It is part of my self care which is important also. 

6. Meal planning will start when I can get grocery shopping. That way we will have meals on hand to eat if it is a rough day. 

7. Respite care will begin when it can. I will take full advantage of it to grocery shop and do a few things around the house (basement).

Today

We go to the doctor's this morning and this afternoon grandson and I are taking the pop bottles/cans to recycle. That is today's decluttering. The Spousal Unit will spend time with son while that is being done. I may have to make a run to get prescriptions and a few food items. I would love to sew for a bit today also. 

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

Happy Easter

Happy Easter

Yesterday was a warm day with a high of 17.8C. The wind blew making it feel a bit cooler. This morning it is 9C and it is raining. It is going to be wet and windy this morning and nicer this afternoon. The high is suppose to be 10C.

Lifestyle

Yesterday was a write off. We were both exhausted as we were lacking in sleep. We napped and rested, which was the wrong thing to do. Last night started out bad but with Advil we both slept better most of the night. Tired today but not exhausted. 

I did get two loads of laundry folded and a few items tidied up in the morning. I also had to keep the Spousal Unit's rash covered with lotion as it is itchy. Almost gone but itchy. 

We worked on the puzzle yesterday and the edge is done. We also got 4 inside pieces put into place which was more luck than anything else. 

Our neighbor has Covid so we can't visit with them for a week. I feel for her as she has tried so hard not to get it and did. 

Sewing

I got the 3 remaining bowl cozy squares stitched corner to corner. The 8 squares were spray starched and pressed ready to start marking darts. 

I cut the bias strips from the purple fairy frost and put it away. I have no matching thread for it. (What a horrid blurry picture).

I spray starched and pressed this piece of fabric to make more piping. Sometimes fabric I don't care for makes the neatest piping.

I am also going to cut some blue satin into piping as daughter is using up the piece I sent her. Next project is getting prepped. Very unusual for me but I had time to spare and started prepping.

Knitting

Nothing again last night as I was too tired to think. I will get at it as soon as things stabilize. 

Today

I am hoping to do some cleaning in the living room this morning and then sew and do some puzzle this afternoon. We are out for Easter dinner at family's tonight. 

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

New Project Started

Yesterday was a grey dreary day that had showers, fog, mist and down right depressing. The high got to 7.3C. Today it is going to be sunny with a high of 16C. 

Lifestyle

 The Spousal Unit went out and counted the garlic. He thinks there is 35-40 where I think there is 32. He planted 39 last fall and the germination rate is excellent.

While he was outside, I finished cleaning the entry way except the window. The floor and stairs were scrubbed as were the two doors. I did the landing at the top of the stairs also. The closet got a good cleaning and wiping down. The floor was scrubbed. I then washed the floor outside the closet after wiping down the walls. I put away extras that are confusing the Spousal Unit, threw out what we didn't need and put a pair of gloves into the thrift shop box. It looks and feels so much better. 

The Spousal Unit's shingles are healing and are itchy. I've put lots of lotion on them to help. With feeling better comes the delusions of which started yesterday afternoon and lasted all night. We are both tired today due to 4 hours of sleep. He is still having delusions as he is looking at everything and seeing nothing this morning. He isn't angry which is good but he is far from relaxed.

Sewing

The mistake I thought I had made on the bowl cozies was me, once again, reading the ruler wrong. All 8 squares were 10" x 10". I was relieved. I cut out the batting for all the squares and started sewing corner to corner to form an X. Five of the 8 are done. 

Once I've done the X on each square, I will give them a light spray of starch and press well. Then it will be making the darts. A total of 32.

I had a good chuckle as this is as close to cutting out several projects as I can get. I am not fighting it and letting myself enjoy my sewing. 

I found one piece dark purple fairy frost to make piping for daughter. I need to find another piece to make a second batch after I've finished the bowl cozies. 

Knitting

None last night.

Today

All my plans for house cleaning are down the tube as I am exhausted. I hope to have a nap, clean up the bathroom, fold laundry, and rest. I may even get a chance to sew if all goes well. 

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

Pot Holders Completed

Yesterday was a nice spring day with a high of 12C. We had a light shower last evening and it rained some during the night. This morning it was 6C. It is a wet, dull, and dismal day. 

Lifestyle

We stayed home until after supper yesterday. The Spousal Unit was outside wandering around the yard. He has no energy which is to be expected. The weather this morning has left him tired, depressed, and confused. Though not angry, he is a bit delusional.

The shingles rash has started to improve. It isn't sore or hot when I touch it. I think the worst is over with and hope things go better for him. 

I did get the front entry cleaned yesterday but still need to wipe the doors and wash the window. I'm fighting a bit of depression and had to force myself to do the job. I did get the walls dusted, the steps and floor cleaned.

We listened to part of the weekly covid report. The number of daily cases continues to rise but it is doing that in every other province. We are in the 6th wave. We continue to do as asked by the Chief Medical Officer and are waiting to find out when we can get our 4th dose of the vaccine. 

Sewing

I went down to the sewing room to start prepping projects. I cut out the insulbrite for the potholder and before I knew it, they were done. 

They have been put into the Christmas tub ready to give away this Christmas. I just need to make a gift bags for them, the placemats, and mug rugs. 

I did cut out the bowl cozies and made a mistake. I have to add a strip to each side of 4 squares as they are 1/2" too narrow. That I will fix today and cut out the batting for them. 

I need to cut fabric for piping for daughter. I am thinking 2 pieces. I also want to cut out the next doll's pattern and get it ready to sew. I don't want any more than 3 projects ahead at a time as I'm usually a one project person. Too many projects cut out makes me feel stressed and has for years.

Knitting

None done as we were out to family last night for cake. It is the first Thursday they've been home for a long time. We celebrated that. 

Today

The goal is to finish the entry way and start cleaning the small area at the top of the stairs. It may take a couple of days as I want to clean out the closet also. I would like to finish prepping the bowl cozies, and do some puzzle. We are out for dinner tonight at family's house. 

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

Starting To Feel Better

The weather has been much more like spring. We've had sunshine and warmer temperatures. Yesterday the high was 13.5C. This morning it is cloudy and 6C. We are to have a high of 10C and showers today.

Lifestyle

The forsythia at the bank is just coming into bloom. Spring is coming slowly but steadily. 

You can barely see the blooms but I had to take a picture. The forsythia in the other locations that we watch do not have a hint of color.  These are protected and against a south brick wall. Spring is so late here that we celebrate any signs of flowers.

Life has been busy here. I've been administering medication to the Spousal Unit and keeping his shingles clean and medicated. Yesterday was Day 2 of him being more alert and he was agitated with delusions. We both had had a poor night's sleep due to the delusions on Tuesday so we napped in the afternoon. A drive after dinner brought him down and he was exhausted. We both had a good night's sleep and are feeling better today. He has started out being in a good mood which I hope lasts all day. His rash remains the same but doesn't feel as hot to the touch.

I am coping but am exhausted. My IBS is out of control which is normal when I'm stressed, exhausted, and trying to do things when I just want to cry and sleep. I want to do things and feel overwhelmed at how much I need to do. I'm going to start with a corner and begin cleaning up once again. 

Our neighbor texted me that she was exposed to covid and I can't go over for a minimum of 5 days. We are hoping she tests negative. Nova Scotia spent so much time keeping covid numbers down and vaccine rates high that Omicron is having a hay day infecting people. 

Sewing

I got to the quilt shop on Tuesday on our way to get apples. I bought insulbrite for pot holders and 2 pieces of cotton for potholders and possibly bowl cozies. I also got cotton thread for the bowl cozies. 

I am hoping that I can get three projects cut out ready to sew over the next 2 - 3 weeks. I find that once the projects are prepped I can sew 15 minutes here and there and feel like I've made progress. 

The doll clothes I made have been delivered to the hairdresser who will pass them along today. The little girl will have new clothes for her dolls for Easter weekend. It makes me happy that someone will have fun dressing her dolls over the weekends she spends with her Nan. 

Knitting

No knitting done but then I'm either exhausted or, as in last night, having the Spousal Unit leaning against me. Instead of knitting and watching a movie, I played solitaire on my phone while watching a movie. The Spousal Unit watched the movie and tried to stay awake. I'll get caught up once things settle down.

Today

Today I need to do laundry and I'm going to start in a corner and clean. I'm thinking the entry way as I have a cleaning plan for it. I'd like to prep to make piping. Tonight we plan on getting an ice cream cake and visit family to celebrate grandson's night off from soccer. 

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

Plodding Along

Yesterday was warm with a high of 12.5C. This morning it is 0C and suppose to get to 12C. The sun is shining at the moment and we are to have a few showers today. 

Lifestyle

We are plodding along with the shingles. The Spousal Unit is responding to the medication and the Tylenol is keeping the pain under control. I'm hoping the rash will start to crust soon. 

Yesterday was the first day that the Spousal Unit was more alert. He was angry which didn't take long for me to diffuse. After it was over, he was tired. This morning, he is confused but doing okay. He is looking at everything which is concerning as it usually means he is ready to have a bad spell. But, it could be the pain is taking its toll on him leaving him confused and searching to find things.

We both slept better last night. I had the timer wake me at 1 a.m. to give Tylenol. I went back to sleep and didn't wake again until 5:30 a.m.

Continuing Care and I finally connected and we will have a visit from a home care person in the next couple of weeks. I hope to have her come in for a couple of hours once a week so I can shop. We will probably hire another lady for another couple of hours once a week so I can do more things especially as I think more of the gardening will become my job this summer. 

Sewing

I wasn't in the sewing room yesterday as I tried to do more upstairs and keep the Spousal Unit calm. I will have him sit with me while I get projects prepped to sew. 

Knitting

No knitting again as I was too tired. 

Today

I would like to go for a drive to get apples and stop at the quilt shop to quickly buy three things. I need to do laundry and start back cleaning the house. I am hoping that getting a good night's sleep will give me the energy needed to do housework. I also need to prep some fabric for sewing. Way too much to get done it all done today.

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

First Daffodils In Bloom

 Yesterday was a wet one. It poured rain several times during the day. The rain gauge says .75" fell. It snowed during the night and is almost all gone this morning. Crazy weather. This morning it was 2C and is suppose to get to 10C.

Lifestyle

When out to go to family's for dinner, I saw the first daffodils of the season in bloom. They are a bright and beautiful. I drove by them slowly both ways as I enjoy looking at them. 

The Spousal Unit is feeling okay when he has Tylenol in him. Let it wear off and he is sore at the blistered area. The medications are working as a patch on his back remains as a rash and no more rashes have come out. The main area has wet blisters which I hope crust soon. That area is the sorest.

Yesterday morning, he slept most of the morning sitting beside me on the couch holding my hand. I did get the bathroom scrubbed when he was awake. I did 2 loads of laundry while he slept. I had a short nap which didn't help. I am exhausted and on high alert. When my body goes into a deep sleep, my mind brings me out of it quickly. 

In the afternoon, he was out with daughter-in-law for a drive. They went down to Gaspreau for a wine pick up and had a drive home through an area they hadn't been before. He really enjoyed that. He spent the afternoon with them visiting and really enjoyed himself. We had dinner with them which was delicious. 

While alone, I went out to get some groceries and in my tiredness I forgot to get apples. We may go for a drive tomorrow to get them. I also cleaned up the kitchen and prepped the meat for today's stew. Once done, I rested and watched a movie on Netflix.

The movie was Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. The time period is WW II and shortly after that. Four of the actors were on Downton Abbey which caught my attention. I really enjoyed this movie and I relaxed while watching it. 

Sewing

I didn't sew yesterday as I was exhausted and needed down time. I have decided to make piping, bowl cozies and the Edwardian walking outfit as my next three projects. I have all the fabric and notions to make them in the stash. If I need a spool of cotton thread, my neighbor will pick it up for me. If time allows me to get to the fabric store, I will pick up a piece and start daughter's quilt.

Knitting

No knitting yesterday as it was rest day while I watched the movie. 

Today

I need to do a few things this morning and we can work on the puzzle this afternoon. It all depends on how the Spousal Unit feels. 

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

When It Rains, It Pours

 And that isn't just the weather today.

DH spent two nights thrashing about all night. Both of us were exhausted. This is not a normal sleep pattern for him. He is one of the quietest sleepers going. 

He had also been lacking in energy and turned cranky on Friday afternoon. 

I checked his chest as I thought the "heat rash" under his arm was bothering him and, to my surprise, the rash had spread across half his chest and a bit going down his arm.

He has shingles.

The BIGGEST surprise in my life as his mom said he was the only one of the 4 boys not to have it. 

He must have had a mild case that went undetected.

We went to the pharmacy and our neighbor did the assessment on him. Text book case. She prescribed medication for him to take for 7 days. Forty-two pills.

I've bathed the rash and put camomile lotion on it and will continue to do that twice a day. I have him on tylenol also. He slept most of yesterday afternoon. 

We will go to emergency if he needs pain medication otherwise we will continue as we are until we see the doctor next Monday. 

I will blog when I have time and energy.

Doll Pajama's Done

Yesterday was sunny, then cloudy, and it rained. There was over 1/2" of rain fall. The high got to 9.5C. This morning it is 8C and it is to be an overcast day with drizzle. 

Lifestyle

We have both been sleeping poorly as the Spousal Unit tosses and turns with sore arms. It is a different spot so I am assuming they are phantom aches. Advil doesn't work which leads me to that thought. He has been pretty even keeled until yesterday and I spent a couple of hours calming him down. Same old stuff that includes anger and sadness. 

I try to nap when I can but I feel myself getting to the point of tears due to exhaustion. One good night's sleep should fix it. The exhaustion brings out a short fuse which is not good in our situation. I'm working on keeping it together.

We worked outside for a bit yesterday. Two planters are on the deck as well as two tubs. The tubs will disappear as they are not for planting. I will do that when I get two more planters.

We will be able to get our 4th shot of vaccine after June 2. That has helped me a lot as there is a lot of covid in Nova Scotia (and Canada). We want to keep ourselves safe but still be able to do things. This will help us. 

Sewing

With the Spousal Unit only wanting to sit in the sewing room and rest, I decided to work on the doll's pajamas. I finished them to the buttons which I did this morning. 

The pattern is easy to make and fits remarkably well. I thought it would be huge on the doll while sewing it together. The 3/4" hems brought it to the proper size. 

I did get pictures of blankets (folded) and the pillows. 

Next is 2 pieces of piping and then the Edwardian outfit. All when I have the time.

Knitting

I did several rounds on the socks last night. I'm down to 18 stitches on each side (from 24) so I've knit 11 rounds. I need to have 8 stitches on each side before I start the foot part. 

Today

We are going in to the city to watch our grandson play soccer this afternoon. We will have a quiet morning. 

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