On Hold

Yesterday was cloudy and wet. The high got to 22.7 C with a humidex of 29. Today is sunny and 12C and it will get to 25C today. There is some wind which could be beneficial. Or Not.

Lifestyle

Life was put on hold yesterday as I had to deal with the Spousal Unit. He was angry as he wasn't allowed to do what he wanted and lashed out at me verbally. I had to constantly monitor him for safety and make sure he ate. As he was angry and stressed, he had a lot of pain which makes him feel even worse.

We had a talk late in the afternoon about his verbal abuse. It must have helped as he didn't do any more of it to me. He did say he was packing up the garage and leaving so I quietly watched him move the battery charger back and forth, and up and down. I asked him to come in and he told me he could pack another day. He was over the spell and had a short nap before dinner. He ate well and was to bed early. All he remembers is -- it rained some and he couldn't water the plants in the garage. 

I was exhausted all day and quite emotional. I got a fairly good sleep last night and feel rested. Emotionally, I know I am a wreck as I try to do everything on the run, feel isolated and alone, and unable to do all that needs to be done each day (the list is very long). There is no down time as I nap or prepare meals when the Spousal Unit is napping. He is at a stage where I have to monitor him constantly even at night.

Sewing/Knitting

I didn't get anything done. I was at a point that I was going to pack up everything and get rid of it. It was a pity party and it won't happen. I will sew and knit when I can otherwise it will gather dust. My goals are gone but I will make plans and do what I can.

Today

The Spousal Unit is with son and grandson while daughter-in-law and I do a bit of shopping and watch the Downton Abbey movie. 

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

Fabric Pouches Made

 The past two days have been warm with temperatures around 20C or a bit warmer. We had a touch of frost yesterday morning. This morning it is 12C and it has rained. It is suppose to get to 21C today.

Lifestyle

Life has been busy here. The Spousal Unit has swung between anxiety and anger to calm and relaxed. The last episode of anxiety was getting the plants which we did yesterday. Only one nursery had what we wanted. The others are waiting for their orders to come in. We are early. He settled down on the ride and enjoyed looking for the plants. Once asked to rest after lunch, he did but got up angry as he "had things to do". He was tired last night and slept well so I'm hoping he will be fine.

The beet seeds are coming up. You can see the little red plants showing their first two leaves. The bean seeds have swollen and are coming out of the ground so I pushed them back in. We still need to plant the pea seeds. The carrots will be a while before they germinate. The plants will stay in the garage for a while as we have a few cooler nights coming. The tomato plants are quite young so need to have a chance to grow and harden off slowly.

We see the lawyer this morning to try and hope to get a power of attorney document done. He knows what it is but we've been trying to do other documents at the same time. Today it is only the 1 document. It is his limit. 

We do not have respite for another 3-5 weeks as we want to keep the lady we've had. They can't send a temporary person from another agency in the meantime and this agency doesn't have a person in our area who can come. 

I have been tired hence the after lunch naps. I do get 20-30 minutes of sleep. I am not only physically tired doing all the work and checking on the Spousal Unit, I'm mentally tired from his moods and not getting some things done. I miss my time alone where I can escape from the world and sew. Last night I realized I needed a week's break. Like that will happen. But it was a nice thought. 

Sewing

I got the fabric pouches made. I am not totally impressed with them as they are too small for most gifts. I haven't tried a gift card in them but I will add a few small items to them and shove them into stockings. 

The instructions say to use 20" of ribbon. I'd say 24" and cut back if you want to. I didn't have enough of the green ribbon for the 2nd pouch hence why it has white ribbon. 

I would also advise not to use a larger directional print unless you have lots to fussy cut. I was using up what was left and have not cat in the middle of the bottom. Another disappointment but that was me not the pattern. 

Next up is to make more piping for daughter and then onto cozies for 900 ml glass containers that can be used for lunches. I hope to get the containers on Sunday. 

Knitting

The evenings are a write off. We have been watching a series on the iPad and I've not knit as we talk about what is happening.  

Today

We are out this morning to try and get the power of attorney done and then home to relax. If not too wet, we will plant the pea seeds. We do need to have a rest and we will see what else happens. As it is a cloudy grey day, I'm sure there will be mood issues.

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

Another Bad Spell

 Yesterday was a bit of a mixed bag. We had a good rain shower in the morning and then sunshine. The high got to 16.2C. This morning it is sunny and was 3.9C. It is suppose to be 19C. There is frost advisory for tonight. 

Lifestyle

It was a crazy day yesterday. The Spousal Unit has been building up to have a spell. He has worried about the lawn and why no one has been over to mow it. We have talked about the fact the family was at grandson's soccer tournament this weekend. I thought a drive with daugther-in-law might help him. It didn't.

When he got home from his drive, he was suppose to nap. Instead he read. When he put down his book, he noticed the neighbor mowing his lawn. He got worked up that our lawn was to be mowed and started to go out to get the lawn mower out. I tried to talk him down. He was out the door to the shed. He got the garage door opened (it is manual) on the shed, the lawn mower out, started and mowed. He wanted the phone to talk to daughter-in-law and was yelling at her and me (more me). She raced over to help me out. We guided him while he mowed and he got half of the side lawn done before son was able to convince him to let him do the rest. The Spousal Unit was exhausted but had to supervise daughter-in-law while she weed whacked. We finally got him to sit down and rest. 

I was a bit of a wreck as he was very nasty verbally to me. I burnt the spaghetti sauce. It wasn't a write off but I never burn the spaghetti sauce. We ate dinner, left to talk to grandson and came home with him relaxed. He slept for the first 3 hours and then tossed and turned and was up to the bathroom every hour. This morning he is tired and cranky. I'm tired and trying not to be cranky. I am hoping he will have a nap this afternoon though it is to be a busy day as is tomorrow. 

We have the option of ordering our groceries online and picking them up. There is a cost involved from what I gather. For me, I like to see what I am buying and use the time to have a break from the house. The only one I get at the moment. And I really need it. 

Sewing

I did get some sewing done yesterday. Two potholders are done and 2 more almost done. 

I have promised myself that I will try to sew a bit most days. I've given up a lot to take care of the Spousal Unit and need to sew for my mental health. 

Today

I have to grocery shop, prep the house for the cleaners, take DH for a drive while they are here, get him showered and try to take a nap. I would like to sew if it is at all possible. It is going to be a tough day.

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

Potholder Tutorial

Potholders are a quick project to sew up. Mine is based off a set that our daughter bought for us 14 years ago at a craft bazaar. We loved these potholders as they were the right size for us to use when cooking.

When sewing this project, I press my seams open. You can press your seams to one side if you wish. There are no sewing police to say which way is right.

What You Need

6" square of the main fabric

7.5" square of backing fabric

27" of contrasting fabric 1.25" wide (2 pieces 6" long and 2 pieces 7.5" long)

7.5" square of Insulbrite

I am making 2 potholders and have 2 pieces by the width of the fabric of the contrasting fabric.

Procedure

Shorten stitch length. My machine regular length is 2.4 and I shorten it to 1.8.

Cut 2 pieces of the contrasting fabric 6" long and sew to the sides of the 6" square a 1/4" seam allowance. Back stitch at both ends.

Press the seams open for a flat finish. I press them open first with my pointer finger.

And then press with the iron for a very flat seam. You have no ridges on the right side. 

Cut 2 pieces of the contrasting fabric 7.5" long and do the top and bottom seams. 

Press the seams open for a flat finish. Or to the side if you wish. If pressing to the side, press towards the narrow strips.

On the bottom of the potholder (I used a directional print), stitch (long stitch length) 1/4" for 3" in the center. Do the same on the backing.

Layer the three pieces in this order:

Insulbrite (bottom)

Backing piece right side up (middle)

Top right side down (top)

And the back to show that I cut the backing and insulbrite 1/4" too small.

Sew 1/4" all the way around starting at the bottom and leaving the 3" section open for turning. 

Cut corners diagonally to reduce bulk. 

Turn right side out and push the corners out as square as you can. 

I like to roll the edges and pin for nice finish. Turn under the opening 1/4" using the stitching line you made as a guide.

Press well.

Hand stitch the opening closed using a ladder stitch. 

Top stitch in the center of the contrasting fabric and 1/4 - 3/8" from the seam allowance on the main fabric. I use a longer stitch. You can back stitch but I tend to pull the thread up to the top or bottom, knot and bury it into the insulbrite using a hand sewing needle. Quilters use this method when quilting. 

 Give a quick press and you're done. I don't add a loop to hang up as we tend to keep ours on the counter or in a drawer. 

Have fun making these quick, easy and cute potholders.

Sewing Potholders

 Yesterday was a warm one with quite a bit of sunshine. The high got to 28C with a humidex of 34C. That broke another record. This morning it is 13C and cloudy. It is suppose to be cooler today with a high of 17C. Tonight is suppose to be cool with a risk of frost.

Lifestyle

Yesterday was very different. The Spousal Unit started the morning out with poor balance and fell once. He rested on the couch, ate breakfast and I finally got him to rest on the bed. He slept until almost 1 pm when I fed him lunch. His balance was much better but he was still tired.

After lunch, we planted the bean seeds and I started a sprinkler on the boxes. He didn't like it so I got him to shut it off. We went for a drive and he slept again in the afternoon. He was sore all over which told me he was worrying. When he woke up, he was much better mentally and had no balance issues. We sat, talked, watched an episode of "My Big Family Farm" and we both slept well last night. 

On our drive, we noticed family wasn't home so we expect grandson's team had won 2 games and had to play a third one. That was a good guessing conversation for us while we drove. We also noticed that the lilacs are coming into bloom.

I got the laundry folded and most of it put away. I did some cleaning and had 2 naps. One good nap in the morning and a short one in the afternoon. Worrying certainly makes me mentally exhausted. I am fighting a vicious cycle of trying to make no respite work. Getting groceries is the hardest as I depend on someone watching the Spousal Unit while I'm doing it.

Sewing

I did get down to sew in the morning while the Spousal Unit slept. I was up and down the stairs a lot but I did sew.

I worked on the potholders and started a tutorial on how to make them. I got 2 almost made and there is enough cat fabric to make 2 more. That gives daughter and I a total of 5 potholders each from the cat fabric.

These are the fronts prior to me getting them sandwiched and ready to sew together. 

My goal for the next couple of days is to sew up the cat fabric so I can start the next projects on the list. I am slowly getting through the list as best I can. 

Today

I need to do laundry, make spaghetti sauce, plant peas, tidy up for the cleaners who are to come tomorrow and sew on the potholders. 

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

1914 Frock Completed

 Yesterday was another lovely sunny day with a high of 21.5C. This morning it is cloudy and 12C. It is suppose to be 23C today. 

Lifestyle

We had another great day yesterday. The Spousal Unit was out tinkering in one of the vegetable boxes and put away the hoses neatly. After a good rest, we went out and planted carrot seeds. 

While he was outside, I tidied up some and washed the floors. Not perfect but they are done. Two loads of laundry was done also but not folded. 

The afternoon was quiet and the Spousal Unit was in and out and I monitored him. He watered the garlic and beet/carrot boxes last night. He was worried we hadn't done enough planting but we will be finished seeds on Monday and then we will be buying tomato, leek and pepper plants. We are actually on time. 

Sewing

I got the 1914 Frock done. I am happy it's done as it was one dress that talked to me all the way through sewing it. I had no firm picture of what is was to look like when done but I'm happy with it. I had no time to do proper pictures.

Though very monochromatic, the top stitching defines the lines of the collar, upper bodice pieces, sleeve cuff, and peplum. The flowers add some interest to the dress.

The cuffs are really nice and the top stitching and flower add to the interest.

The back peplum is cute and I did the 5 buttonholes that were called for. 

I took the last 2 flowers and stitched them onto a barrett. It finishes the outfit. 

I have cut out 2 potholders and 2 gift pouches. I have a third pot holder to cut out and the cat fabric will be finished. I need to fold fabric and do a bit of a tidy up before I start the next projects. 

Today

It is going to be an iffy day. The Spousal Unit was up to the bathroom every hour all night. We are both tired. He is sore all over. The goal is to fold laundry, plant beans, have a good rest and sew if I can. If I'm not too tired, we will go for a drive later on. I have a feeling the Spousal Unit feels this way as he was worrying about not having enough of the garden planted. Until he relaxes, he will be sore and be angry with everything in life. 

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

Back To The Basics

 Yesterday was a lovely sunny day with a high of 19.6C. This morning it is 8C and we are to have more sunshine and 22C.

Lifestyle

We had excitement yesterday morning. We were talking and I saw the Spousal Unit handling his matches. The next thing I knew they were flying in the air and he was pouring water on the floor. The matches had caught on fire and he was quick to put out the fire. No damage done except a small burn on his hand. 

I dropped the Spousal Unit off at family's to do a quick grocery shopping. In the end, they kept him until after lunch. I was able to do the extra shopping I wanted to do. I am so grateful for family helping us out.

In the afternoon, I tried to get him to rest and he did a bit and then leapt up to "work". He got the hose hooked up to the tap and started to water everything. I finally got him talked into not watering the dandelions in the hedge. I got him inside and on the couch where he sat quietly while I made dinner. He was angry as he "still needed to work". After dinner, I got him in the car and we went for a drive. Once home, he was relaxed and ready to settle down for the night. We both had a fairly good night's sleep. 

I was on the phone many times yesterday with continuing care. The lady who comes will be off work for 4-6 weeks. They are trying to find people to take her clients. We are hoping for a temporary person and have ours come back. If not we get a new person or we wait out the time with no one. 

I have a feeling we may be waiting it out as there is a shortage of people doing continuing care and we are low on the list. People with higher needs will get assistance first. At this time, my plan is to get 1 hour a week to grocery shop by using family and then hunker down at home and going to get things we can do together. It isn't the best but I can handle it. Things like writing my blog, sewing, and knitting may get pushed to the side but that is how life is at this time. It is back to the basics of life.

Sewing

I had hoped to finish the 1914 Frock yesterday but it didn't happen. I spent all afternoon monitoring the Spousal Unit outside and trying to get him in to be out of the heat and rest. 

As family took the Spousal Unit for 2.5 hours I went up to the quilt shop to get supplies I need to make more Christmas gifts. I also got some notions I needed. It was nice to be in the shop and look around a bit. Basically I can sew until the end of June. Or into July depending on how much time I have.

Knitting

No knitting as I spent the evening out on a drive. 

Today

I hope to get 2 loads of laundry done, floors swept and washed, carrot seeds planted, and finish the 1914 Frock. Family has said they will be here to weed whack this afternoon but it depends on grandson's soccer games. Tonight I hope I can relax and not be out driving around. 

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

 

A Good Day Yesterday

 Yesterday was a lovely day with sunshine and a high of 17.8C. It was warm overnight (8.5C) and we had a shower. The sun is trying to shine and it is suppose to get to 19C.

Lifestyle

The Spousal Unit had a great day yesterday. He was busy outside in the morning doing things he thought needed to be done. I just monitored his where about and safety. 

After lunch, we headed out for a drive. We stopped at family's and was given a box with a new BBQ cover in it. Ours was shredded by the winds during the winter storms. 

Next we went to New Minas and stopped in at a greenhouse to buy beet seeds. Then it was to get a ice cream treat and head home. At home, we watched son mow the lawn, planted the beet seeds, and watered them. The Spousal Unit's lawn mowing job was to put the eave's pipes up and down and put the lawn mower away. He was tired after a busy afternoon. 

This morning, he is quite tired and cold. He has slept in a chair wrapped in a blanket. He did eat his breakfast so may be fine with aches and pains. We have no respite today and maybe next week so I'm scrambling. 

Sewing

I worked on the 1914 Frock in the morning. I just have one flower to hand stitch down and the buttons to sew on. This dress has evolved like no other dress I've sewn. I usually have a plan and follow through. This dress spoke to me at each stage of sewing. 

I got the Thread Director 2 yesterday and am looking forward to trying it. I have a plan to sew some modern doll clothes over the next 6 months and I will be using it so I can do some detailed top stitching with 2 threads. 

Knitting

None last night. 

Today

I have to do laundry, a bit of cleaning, and watch the Spousal Unit. He is having a rough morning. He will be with son for an hour this afternoon. I hope to finish the dress this morning. Shopping this afternoon and maybe plant the carrot seeds. Or it may be for a drive to calm him down. Who knows.

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

A Rough Spell

 Yesterday went from having down pours in the morning to sunshine in the afternoon. We had 1/2" of rain fall. The high got to 22.3C which just broke a record. Today is suppose to be a mix of sun and cloud with a high of 14C. 

Lifestyle

We spent the morning napping as we were both tired. The Spousal Unit was stressing and had pain everywhere. It continued into the afternoon. I got him in the car and took off for a drive (yes gas went up by 10 cents a liter). We ended up in Wolfville and drove by friend's place. We talked about my uncle who was a baker there in 1932. We drove downtown looking for a place to see if we could find out if he owned a bakery and for how long. We then drove up another road to see if there was a church where a great uncle could have been a minister. Though it shows on maps, we didn't see it. The drive did relax the Spousal Unit and we had a good dinner and evening.

Just after midnight, the Spousal Unit got up to go to the bathroom. He was delusional and aggressive. He not only was verbally aggressive, he was physically aggressive. I spent an hour trying to calm him down and finally called family to help. He relaxed and fell asleep in his chair. Our son sat with him until he got him into bed. This is one time I truly appreciate him being a night owl. And I truly appreciate how fast they came over to help in the middle of the night. 

We both got a few hours sleep and are tired. We will cope with a nap or two.

Sewing

I did get down to the sewing room and got the skirt pleated and on the bodice. The seam still needs to be serged. Buttonholes, buttons and some hand stitching and it will be done. 

Knitting

None

Today

We will have a slow day with resting, getting Elliott's cat food, and basically doing nothing. 

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

Christmas In May

Yesterday started out wet and grey and ended up sunny and warm. The high got to 20.4C. This morning it is wet, grey and 15C. It is suppose to be wet until early afternoon with a high of 19C.

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning I folded all the laundry, tidied up, and had a bit of a rest. The Spousal Unit was in and out as the weather improved. 

In the afternoon, we had the care lady here. The Spousal Unit was outside when she arrived and had disappeared when she went to talk to him. I called him and he came out of the shed. The second time he disappeared, he was at the end of the driveway talking to the neighbor about his wife horseback riding. I joined in and we talked about a variety of sports. 

I got a few more groceries and the Spousal Unit's prescription while care was here. I came home and sewed. 

We went out to get the mail yesterday and when we arrived home with it, the Spousal Unit reminded me that we needed to get gas. Gas prices are suppose to change by 10 cents. I'll be happy if the price goes up but not quite so happy if it goes down. It didn't leak out which way it was going so we played the guessing game. 

We had a quiet evening but the night was rough. The Spousal Unit had pain and I knew he was stressing about something. I got him the cold bag and he slept until it fell off. Repeat during the night. Hence, we are both tired today. It will be a quiet day. 

Sewing

I worked on the skirt of the Edwardian frock. I hemmed it and did the top stitching. I started the pleats and the top pleats are going in well but when I do the pleats at the bottom of the skirt, they are skewing towards the center back. I will have to take them all out and start again. I have a plan in place on how to do them and will see if it works. 

There was a parcel in the mail for me from the US. A virtual friend was sending me a pattern that she picked up for $1.99. I was expecting an envelope but got a box. Inside the box was more than I had expected. It was Christmas in May. 😁

The top layer was fabric and notions. How I wish we could get notions like these. 

Ideas are running through my head for the fabric. The trim will be perfect on an outfit later on. 

The pattern is wonderful and I was squealing with delight when I saw it.

Below it was two more patterns. The next pattern had me squealing more. It was a pattern I wanted also.

The third pattern is just down right cute and I will be making outfits for the little girl (whom the Spousal Unit said is our adopted grand daughter) I sew for. 

Knitting

I didn't knit again last night. I need to figure out a time when I can knit as I am missing it. 

Today

 It is going to be rest day. I had hoped to do more but I know I can't do too much. I will try to sew on the frock skirt this morning. This afternoon we will try to nap and take it easy. All plans are out the window for today.

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

1914 Frock Bodice Completed

Thursday, Friday, and Saturday we broke records for high temperature. Saturday's 21.8C was .6C over the record. Yesterday was a cooler day with a high of 16.3C and no where close to the record high. We had some rain, clouds, and very little sunshine. This morning, it is 9C, cloudy, and damp. We are not to have rain the high is to be 21C. 

Lifestyle

On Saturday we went to watch grandson play soccer against the best team in the league. They played a really good game and lost 4-3. We cheered, we clapped, and we had fun. Son drove us home a back way and we enjoyed the drive. 

Once home, we had a rest and the Spousal Unit woke from his nap in one of his stress/panic/anxiety sessions. He was out the door to water everything in site. The only problem, he couldn't hook up the hose or the spray nozzle. He was so wound up that I had to get son to come over and help me calm him down. He did calm down but we had a rough night as he wasn't fully relaxed. He was agitated when he woke up yesterday morning and until he finally sat down and napped around 2 p.m. He had finally come out of it 22 hours after it started. There were no delusions this time which was good.

When done, I was exhausted both mentally and emotionally. I realize that there is no real break from looking after the Spousal Unit. There is little time for myself which is necessary to keep going. Respite is good but I've spent most of my time either grocery shopping. When it's calm in the house, I rest or sew but I have to make sure the Spousal Unit is safe. Family has been great which does help us both a lot. Without them, I'm sure I'd be at a complete loss some days. 

On a plus note -- I got 3 loads of laundry done (not folded) and the upstairs floors washed yesterday, and the fridge cleaned on Saturday.  

Sewing

I did get down to the sewing room to sew. It was an up and down time to check on the Spousal Unit. 

The bodice of the 1914 Frock is completed and I'm happy with it. 

The flower on the little over skirt is only pinned down and I will see if it stays or not. 

I do love the flowers on the cuff though. I will tack the collar down in the front and back when I sew the flowers down. 

Knitting

I looked at my knitting yesterday but did nothing. I was just too tired to concentrate on it. 

Today

I need to fold laundry this morning. I should work on the budget and pay bills. This afternoon we have respite so I'm going grocery shopping and then home to sew by myself. Maybe tonight I will knit if I'm not too tired. Hopefully we will watch a video tonight to relax by while I knit.

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

Part Of Our Lives

 We have had some lovely warm (almost hot) weather. On Thursday we set a record for the day with a high of 26.9C. Yesterday was cooler with a high of 25.6C which broke another record. This morning it is 16C and we are to have a high of 25C which could set another record high for this date. 

Lifestyle

We have had our ups and downs the last couple of days. Part of our lives. 

Yesterday, the Spousal Unit had a reasonably good day. He had the respite worker in so I could shop, then we went to watch the private school march from the school to the Anglican Church as part of their year end traditions. 

Grandson was in the parade but we didn't see him. He is hoping to become a part of the cadet's brass band next year. 

All the students take part in cadets and they have a huge group. They actually are 3 deep and a block long. Last night, they had final inspection which was to last for 3 hours. 

Daughter-in-law was over to mow the lawn and did an awesome job. The Spousal Unit's job was to take her water. 

After dinner was a gong show. The Spousal Unit hid his tobacco in the garage and it took me 45 minutes to find it. It was tucked away in a cupboard. Then, he hid his pipe and 15 minutes later I found it hidden in a work glove in a drawer. I was a wreck by the time I found them. I had him sit beside me and we watched an episode of My Big Family Farm. He relaxed and calmed down and slept the best he has in a couple of weeks. I am also rested. He had no pain in his shingles area. I'm wondering if the pain is caused by stress.

My 2 hours of respite was a race to get shopping done. I still have to shop on Monday but hope it will be a short shop. I had wanted a bit of time in the quilt shop but that did not happen and won't happen until next Friday. 

Sewing

None done as I was too busy. The care person did look at my dolls as the Spousal Unit loves to show them off. 

Knitting

None done as I was too exhausted to think about lifting up my knitting at 8 p.m. when life got calmer. 

Today

We are out to watch grandson play soccer at noon. I have to make us lunch. We need to get Elliott cat food on the way home. We will watch another episode of the show tonight in hopes we can both get another good night's sleep. 

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

From Heat to A/C

 We've had two wonderful warm days. Yesterday's high was 20C. This morning it was 11C and we are to have sunshine and a high of 26C. The a/c was on yesterday afternoon and will be on again today.

Lifestyle

It has been a rough couple of days. The Spousal Unit has had pain from his shingles at night. He has been worrying about the lawn so much so he got into a frenzy. Tuesday night it took a long time to get him calmed down for bed. I was tired as we hadn't slept well Monday night. 

Yesterday we were both tired from another poor sleep. I spent a lot of time trying to settle the Spousal Unit for a nap and we'd just dozed off at 4 pm when the door bell rang. Son and grandson were getting the lawn mower and weed whacker started. It wasn't too bad though he was grumpy from being awakened. 

Daughter-in-law arrived as we were finishing dinner to do the weed whacking. The Spousal Unit helped out and was happy as could be. He went to bed early and woke up in a fairly good mood. 

Sewing

I was down to the sewing room and cut out the interfacing for the frock. When I turned over the front neck facing, I hadn't lined up the pattern on the fabric and it has a piece missing. I have to cut it out of white broadcloth now. Not what you want to see when you are bone tired.

Knitting

None done.

Today

The goal is to tidy up the bathroom, sew, clean an area of the garage, wash the car, and relax a bit. If we have no spells, I might get to knit tonight. 

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

Progress On The Doll's Dress

 Yesterday was another lovely sunny day. The high got to 17C (though the car's thermometer said 19C). This morning it was 0C and frosty. It is suppose to be another warm and sunny day.

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning I did a few things in the house and a load of laundry. The Spousal Unit spent some time looking for the "parts for the weed whacker". He also put fertilizer in the garden boxes. I also called to get a quote for having the hedge cleaned up.

In the afternoon, Home Care arrived and we got the perfect person. Elliott does not need to be locked up which made all of us happy. She spent her time talking to the Spousal Unit, looking at items, and walking in the yard. 

I went grocery shopping and am set up for the next week. It was great to be out without worrying. I stopped and talked to our neighbor on the side of the road. It was delightful. 

We found out yesterday the lady we talked to twice a day while she walked her dog passed in December from her cancer. She was such a nice person and we will miss her. 

Last night was not so great as the Spousal Unit woke up yelling he was hot. I got an ice pack and settled him down. He woke again yelling he was wet from the ice pack. As a result I'm tired this morning but need to slug on. At least I have a list so I won't forget anything. 

Sewing

I did get some time in the sewing room before lunch. I worked on the dress and got the collar on. I did go through one tub of zippers, rick rack, etc and found these lovely little flowers. 

I got the flowers glued on ready to hand sew down. I have to try and move one flower. Heat from the iron may do it. 

After fooling around and realizing this won't be a school dress but more of a party/church dress, I laid more flowers on to see if I like it.

I'm getting quite fond of it looking like this. Without the flowers it would be a very bland dress but now it has some life to it. I won't sew the extra ones until I finish the dress.

Knitting

None done yesterday as the Spousal Unit had an evening sitting close to me so he could relax and then I had to stop him from going out to work in the yard. He goes from one extreme to the next which I'm getting use to.

Today

I have to prep dinner, get ready for the cleaners, and try to mow the lawn this afternoon. We also get a quote for the hedge. Writing down what I need to do certainly helps keep me on track especially when I'm tired. 

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

A Lovely Mother's Day

 Yesterday was another sunny day with a high of nearly 13C. This morning it was -2C and frost. The sun is shining and we could see 17C. Spring may just about here. 

Lifestyle

We had a somewhat nice day. I did loose the Spousal Unit and finally found him. He had been in the basement looking at the pictures on the ledge. He spent time outside looking for the weed whacker (once again) and dug up some weeds. 

I've spent some time pondering about our situation. I feel I was grieving the loss of the person I married. I was also missing visiting with friends as we've lived in isolation so long due to the pandemic and the Spousal Unit's paranoia. 

I've also realized that the Spousal Unit does have delusions but they aren't as often as I thought. He spends a lot of time trying to keep track of things to keep us safe. He wants to be busy outside but can't quite get it together. I am making plans on how we can do some tomorrow. 

We had Mother's Day dinner at family's last night. Pulled pork, coleslaw, and roasted baby potatoes. It was delicious. I got a lovely pot of flowers for the front porch from grandson and son and daughter-in-law gave me tickets to the new Downton Abbey movie and lunch or dinner. Daughter-in-law and I will be having a lovely afternoon out. 

Sewing

I got the pieces ripped apart and the lace removed on the 1914 Frock. They are sewn back together and top stitched with the perfect blue embroidery thread. I also marked the pleats on the skirt, serged the hem and center back seams. 

I swept the floor in the sewing room and there was a lot of fabric lint/fluff and thread. It is good to have that little job done. I will look at the pressing area next as it needs some cleaning done due to starching fabric.

Knitting

None done yesterday as we were out and I was tired when we got home. 

Today

I have started a list of what I need to do daily. This morning I need to clean the bathroom, call about the hedge and put on a load of laundry. This afternoon, I will shop while Continuing Care is here. I am doing some shopping during that 2 hours. If time, I may sew a bit and I would like to knit tonight. 

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

Feeling Better

 We've had frost the last few morning. Yesterday morning it was -2.1C and this morning -3C. An abundance of sunshine and yesterday's high was 12C. Today is suppose to be the same. 

Lifestyle

Friday I got cream for the Spousal Unit's burning sensation in the area he had shingles. While it takes care of that area, he has a pain show up somewhere else. I'm thinking sympathy pain as it does go away when we do something like go for a drive. 

With the sunshine, the Spousal Unit wants to be outside working. He continually looks for the weed whacker. He is also looking at the fertilizer. He doesn't do anything as he has no energy. The delusions and the pain are leaving him exhausted. The medication leaves him dopey. When the time comes, I will help him do it as the lawn needs mowing. We will have to share that job.

On Friday afternoon, I had time for myself. I was so tired that I got groceries, rested, and visited with our neighbor. It was wonderful to be on my own for 5 hours with no worries. I did feel better and have slept okay for the past 2 nights. I am grateful for family who gives me breaks to rest and recharge.

I looked at the garage and quit before I started. I will work on it for a bit daily this week. I keep saying baby steps. My stuff first and then his. I need to do the shed when I am alone for several hours. I am getting a plan in place for both areas. Slow but sure.

We went for a drive and saw this wonderful yard light. 

It is an old chandelier that has solar lights in where the bulbs go and is hung on a Shepard's hook. Daughter said it probably falls over on a regular basis as hers did. She finally hung her chandelier from the house.

Sewing

I spent some time sewing on the lace trim and now I need to rip the pieces apart and take it off. Though a nice lace, it won't cooperate on curves or points for me. I have decided to top stitch using an embroidery thread for a bit of shine. 

One of the reasons the lace may not be cooperating is that I'm up and down checking on the Spousal Unit. While sewing yesterday, he woke up and snuck outside. So quiet that I didn't hear the door open or close when he went out but heard him come in.

I bought 2 patterns for the dolls yesterday. One is a 1930s/40s bibbed overall and blouse and the other one is a modern romper. 

I also ordered a thread director 2 for my Mother's Day gift. I want it so I can sew 2 threads at one time for a heavier top stitching and to use some of my wonderful sparkly embroidery thread.

Knitting

I actually knit on the socks yesterday while the Spousal Unit was resting. The first sock  has the gusset done. When I started the 2nd sock, I noticed the heel was wonky. Took it apart as the number of stitches was wrong. Fixed it, picked up the stitches for the gusset and got 2 rounds knit. It was nice to be knitting again. 

Today

I have a couple of things to do upstairs, pick apart the sewing I did and redo it along with the top stitching, and knit a few rounds while the Spousal Unit sleeps. We may go for a drive if necessary. We are out for dinner tonight at family's.

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

A Beautiful Bouquet

 Yesterday started out grey and ended up sunny with a high of 14.4C. This morning it was 2C and frost. It is suppose to be sunny and 12C. Let's hope we see 14C or warmer today.

Lifestyle

The Spousal Unit had a bad day starting Wednesday. He was delusional and angry when I started putting out the garbage for Thursday pickup. I talked to him quietly for 90 minutes and he got worse. Family talked to him for another 90 minutes and got him calmed down enough to go to bed. He slept but woke up with some anger. Two naps and he was much better. He did get anxious when daughter-in-law was late coming to visit last night. 

The Spousal Unit slept well last night but woke with burning in the shingles area. I have given him Tylenol to see if it will help. If not, off to the emergency we go for something stronger. He has promptly fallen asleep as I write.

I hit the brick wall of exhaustion yesterday. I did what I could and rested a lot. When I finally got to sleep the doorbell rang and flowers from daughter were delivered. 

The little flower shop in town does such lovely arrangements. 

 I did sweep a bit in the garage yesterday but I need to have the car outside so I can move stuff around. The garage needs a less is more cleaning up. It will be a slow process for sure. 

Sewing

I got piping sewn for daughter. A full 3 meters of it. 

She uses the piping I make on the western shirts she sews for sale. Yokes and button bands. Custom made piping is loved by the buyers. I usually make enough for 1 shirt though I will make it again at a later date if I have enough fabric.

I watched episode 2 of the Great British Sewing Bee yesterday morning. I totally agreed with the garment of the week. 

I did sew for 15 minutes yesterday afternoon. I got the lace on one of the upper front pieces. It took a bit of time to figure out how to do it. I can now do the other front and the outer skirt pieces easily. 

Knitting

Nothing for the past two days. 

Today

I want to do a bit of housework this morning. Vacuum, fold laundry, and wipe the bathroom. This afternoon I need to get a few groceries and then tackle some of my stuff in the garage while I am alone. If I am lucky I may get the other 2nd upper front piece and do a bit of knitting tonight. 

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

A Day Of Ups and Downs

Yesterday was another lovely sunny day. The high got to 15.7C. This morning it is 2C and there was frost on the houses. Today we are to have a high of 16C with a mix of sun and clouds. Rain tonight. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday was a day of ups and downs. The Spousal Unit was angry at me, pouted, and decided only to eat sweet food. He had a nap in the afternoon and woke up wanting to weed eat. The gong show started with that. He refused to eat supper but did eat some a bit later on. He showed daughter-in-law his nasty side. She took him for a walk to see the neighbor's dogs. He snapped out of the delusion after that only to go back into it when he went to sleep. A rough start to the night but he settled down about 12:30 a.m. and slept the rest of the night.

The visit to the doctor went okay. The Spousal Unit is a hard one to treat as he is responding poorly to the one medication he is on. He now gets 2 pills a day; morning and night. He is also being referred to a specialist in dementia. Our doctor is great and trying his best. He wants us to keep the Spousal Unit stimulated with his interests. And like us, he doesn't want him over medicated. 

While watching the Spousal Unit, I cleaned out the antique server. A small bag of junk went into the trash and 2 erasers went into the Christmas box for grandson. I also polished the antique flatware I have on display. It was great to get that small job done. 

Sewing

I got a bobbin wound and the sewing machine threaded with purple thread to start sewing piping. 

Carol, I sew the doll's outfits for satisfaction mainly. I give the modern outfits to a little girl who has 5 dolls. That brings me lots of joy. One day, I will sort the doll clothing and box up a bunch for each doll and donate them to a good cause. For now, they are a ray of sunshine in my life. 

Knitting

None done.

Today

I want to wash the living room windows as they need doing. I would like to sew piping this afternoon and have a nap. I have to monitor the Spousal Unit carefully as he is tired and out of it so far this morning. 

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