Quilt Blocks Sewn Together

 Yesterday was a cooler day with a high of 26.3C and a humidex of 30C. It did rain a bit in the morning. This morning it is sunny, 18C and it is suppose to get to 29C with a humidex of 34C. 

Lifestyle

The Spousal Unit got himself so wound up after I found his wallet I had to call in family to settle him. He was non responsive to me; if I spoke to him I got one of 4 nasty answers. He then yelled he wanted someone with authority here to deal with me. It took them about an hour to settle him down. He was an emotional wreck.

After family left, he slept until almost noon, ate a good lunch and we talked quietly about the display in the dining room. It took a good hour to get things done the way we liked them and I did turn the wagon around later on. 

While I was hanging the picture, I asked him how he like it and he grunted and fell asleep. I took that as okay. I had done the prep work while family was calming him down. 

While the Spousal Unit was sleeping, I looked up the first choice of long term care homes for location. After we had dinner, we went for a drive and I took him to the location. It is beautiful and we had a slow drive around. He likes it has gardens. We talked about how each person has their own room with a bathroom, how they eat in a big dining room and some of the activities they do. I'll do this drive again later.

As the Spousal Unit was alert and interested, I did the drive through Falmouth going the opposite direction. He was very interested in everything, relaxed (his arm quit hurting) and talked about things he saw. We went over the Sangster Bridge (one lane) and in a field on the other side we saw about 20 Canada geese eating what was left after harvesting. We drove up Windsor Forks road looking at the apple trees and had a short visit with family telling them about the drive. 

The Spousal Unit was a bit restless due to how much he had slept but he finally settled down. We both had a good night's sleep. I was up around 2 a.m. to shut off the a/c and open windows. 

I was tired after the Spousal Unit was settled down. I did rest a couple of times during the day but couldn't sleep. Is it just exhaustion or is my thyroid running low again? If it is my thyroid, I will feel better in a week. If it is exhaustion, I will take a lot longer to recover. 

Sewing

While the Spousal Unit slept in the afternoon, I sewed. I finished the blocks on the quilt. 

I had thought the dark color would have popped a lot more than it did. One of the pinks pops just as much which gives it some balance. 

I am now ready to start cutting out the inner border. It will be cut 3" wide and will be 2.5" wide finished. I need to cut and piece, measure the sides and ends so I can square up the quilt. 

I looked at the room and have decided that I will sort through 2 bags on the cutting table. Most of it goes in the closet which will be next. I also looked at the fabric stash and I really need to focus on it again. The fabric will be sewn but will take longer than anticipated. 

I have pillow forms to deal with. Some are used and I'm not sure how I want to deal with them. One could be a pillow for the chair I sit on while working at the table. I'm still deciding on what to do with the other used ones. Maybe for the Spousal Unit in long term care. I won't make them as hard as I usually do so he can either sit on them or have them behind him in a chair.

Thoughts

As I looked at the fabric in the stash, I am going to start sewing for long term care homes. I will put the snaps on some adult bibs that are hanging up. They can be delivered to one of the homes. I will ask the homes if they need walker bags/caddies and can use up some of the stash making them. Pinterest is a good source for free patterns. I am going to do a prototype for them when I have time.

Today

I have to do some housework, change the bed, and monitor the Spousal Unit. I do hope to cut the inner border for the quilt and start sewing it on. I will get done what I can and the rest waits for another day. 

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

Finding A Wallet Isn't Fun

Yesterday was another warm one with a high of 28.7C and a humidex of 37C. The humidity is high because we had a good rain yesterday. This morning, the temperature was 16C. It is cloudy and suppose to rain. The high is to get to 25C. 

Lifestyle

The Spousal Unit had a rougher day yesterday. It started out with me having to go for blood work. I didn't know when respite was coming and, in fact, we didn't have anyone when I called. He was also tired and in all, his world got turned upside down. That in turn brought on thoughts of his items being stolen and that we will be moving. He did pace a bit in the garden but not like he use to. It took a while for him to settle down. When he did, he slept all night. He is still tired today. 

I had blood work yesterday and they had issues getting it from me. Tension on my part. I came home, ate, and exhaustion set in. I also had a headache brewing all day. I think that was caffeine withdrawal as I didn't have a cup of coffee yesterday. I did put away some clutter that was distracting the Spousal Unit. I woke up during the night with an anxiety attack caused by a multitude of things. So, I am tired this morning, once again. 

Respite was finally scheduled to come at 2:45 pm for 2.5 hours. Our favorite person arrived a bit earlier as she rushed through a few of her patients. Her supervisor stated we are a priority case which was nice. But, then again, she has watched him perform and throw her flip flops at me. I am hoping she has priority beside the Spousal Unit's name for scheduling. 

While respite was here, I went and got groceries and the medications I had blister packed. I also visited with our neighbor for an hour so I could just talk and not worry about a thing. 

Sewing

I did a quick figure on the table runner blocks. At the moment, it looks like the square is 3" finished and the strips are 2.75" wide (finished) by the length required. I am going to give it a try when I have time by making 3 blocks for the top of the Juki sewing machine box. Hopefully in late August. If it works, then I will plan to make it this winter.

Thoughts

I am being very careful about what I am doing at the moment. I'm only working on the sewing room when I can. Most of it is not visible and I can sneak what I want out to the garbage or recycle. The upstairs needs to be purged to next to nothing which has me sad. Our house will look like an institution rather than a home. I will have to start working on it quietly and it is making me feel depressed.

Today

What I am hoping for and what will happen are two different things today. He'd been on a mission to find his wallet and went through everything possible. I looked also and finally found it in his shirt pocket. Did I cry over this? Yes I did as what he said to me was really nasty. I did it when he was outside having his pipe.

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

A Very Quiet Day

Yesterday was another warmer day. The sun shone and the high got to 29C with a humidex of 35C. Clouds rolled in around dinner time and we had about 20 drops of rain in the evening. This morning it was 19C and we are to have showers. The high is suppose to get to 26C. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday was a very quiet day. The Spousal Unit had two anti-depressant pills and he was quiet all day. He helped pick beans (2.25 lbs worth) and then he had a relaxing day. He talked, was outside some, and sat around keeping cool. In the afternoon, he mumbled a lot which I couldn't understand. When I said he needed to rest, he fought it quietly. When I said he didn't need to close his eyes, he shut them and had a 10-15 minute nap. 

We went out to family's last night and had the last of the Spousal Unit's ice cream birthday cake. We walked around to see the retaining wall at the back of the garage. We all complained about the humidity. 

I was tired yesterday but not exhausted. I'm relaxing as the Spousal Unit is relaxing. I'm still having pain in my back and knee but I'm hoping as I relax it will ease off. I'm also going to try and go back to eating correctly if the medication keeps the Spousal Unit calm and happy most days. I am starting to work on a plan. 

Sewing

I got down to the sewing room as the Spousal Unit was inside a lot more. He actually came down and sat while I worked on the quilt. I pressed open the seam I had stitched the day before and sewed up one more column. As things were going well, I pressed those seams open and stitched it to the main quilt body. It got pressed.

Two columns left to go and I can start the borders.

I did some cleaning in the sewing room also. The table I do drafting at got cleaned and wiped as did the corner desk. Puzzles got organized as did some books. They will go to the used book store mid August. I wiped the baseboard and washed the floor in that area on my hands and knees. I put the Juki sewing machine box into a corner and will cover it with fabric and use it as place to put a few items I need. I may need to get something to put on top of it to make it sturdier. 

While looking at Pinterest, this gorgeous table runner came up on my feed. I am going to try and figure the size of the strips to make one for our house. It looks like it is fat quarter friendly.

I am thinking the squre is 3" (finished) and the strips are 2.75" (finished). Later on I will look for fabric to make this with. The designer did all straight line quilting on it which I will do also. A great project for me to work on that is quick and simple. 

I am still working on not doing a lot of buying of fabric for the next while. On my list to make in August is the doll's outfit in yellow and navy, two bags for daughter and son-in-law and a gift bag for daughter. I'm trying to stay on track and sew down the stash. 

Today

 I have to go and give blood for the doctor and drop off grandson for physio. I need to find out who is coming and when for respite as I need to grocery shop and pick up the Spousal Unit's medications. I want to visit our neighbor for a bit before we head into the weekend and being alone. I may get to sew and then again I may not. Depends on the day.

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

The Garden Is Producing

 Yesterday was warm with a high of 28.C with a humidex of 30C. This morning it was 14C, sunny and no wind. It is suppose to get to 30C with a humidex of 35C. 

Lifestyle

My morning of doing a few chores and resting turned into a morning of getting the few chores done just before respite arrived. The Spousal Unit decided we should pick beans early and then decided when I could help they would poison everyone. It was difficult to talk to him as he was agitated and frustrated with everything. On the up side, he didn't pace around the house or outside. 

The Spousal Unit was quite relaxed with the fellow who came and at lunch time he ate well and was happy. After he left, we had a few issues but I could talk to him. He ate his dinner and relaxed after dinner. When he went to bed, he fell asleep immediately and had a good sleep. 

Elliott hides when things are tense and visits us when it's calm. Last night he was happy to sleep between us on the couch. 

This morning he was out for his snoop on the deck. I left the door open to let in the cool air and he was a good fellow sitting at the door looking out. 

He never crossed the threshold while the door was left open. 

The garden is growing by leaps and bound. I am amazed at it. There are peppers which will be big when they are ready. 

And the tomatoes are growing also. They will ripen as time goes on as it is a late season this year. 

The beans need picking this morning and the peas will be ready Sunday or Monday. 

I did get the garden and flowers watered in a timely fashion. After cleaning up the kitchen, I did garbage and took recycling and compost to curbside for today. I am having to do more and more as time goes on. 

Sewing

I spent the vast majority of the respite time in the sewing room. I sewed on the quilt and am 2/3rds done the main part. It was nice to have the time to focus on a project even though I was tired. 

The mess the blocks were in weren't as bad as I had thought they were. Only 5 blocks needed to be straightened out which was easy to do. 

Today

I am on my own today. Beans need to be picked. Lunch and dinner are planned and are easy to make. I would like to go down to the sewing room for a bit to pick up the puzzles and books and get them ready to sneak out of the house the week after the tires are replaced on the car. I will box them up and get things ready to go. I would like to press the long seam open on the quilt if I can. Most of this depends on the Spousal Unit. So we wait and see what happens.

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

The Quilt Top

 Yesterday was warm and humid. The high got to 27C with a humidex of 31C. The lowest the humidity got to was 50%. This morning it is 15C with no humidex and the humidity is 81% which is low for this time of the day. We are to have 29C and sunshine.

Lifestyle

Yesterday was a rough day for the Spousal Unit. He was outside fussing while putting away the hose. When I got him in to try and calm him down, he said the neighbor who was mowing their lawn was going to ruin our lawn by mowing. I got him to watch and he realized she wasn't going to mow our lawn. 

Grandson came over to get two batteries to run one of their tools. After he left, the Spousal Unit got agitated saying that someone had stolen his tobacco. Then it was tools missing. I talked to him about the batteries going and he remembered that. It was about me letting my friends take his tools. He was just in a fussy mood. He didn't pace around, he was just worrying. He even went across the street to see our neighbors and when I checked on him, I didn't see him there. He can be sneaky. At dinner, he wasn't overly interested in any of his food but he did eat the main course. 

I'm not sure if he napped while respite was here. He had a hard time settling down when he went to bed. When he fell asleep he woke a couple of times just as he was going to fall out of bed. Who knows what caused this but I'm sure it was the lawn mowing that triggered it and he couldn't let go of people taking things.

I will have to say he is easier to handle when he gets frustrated or worried. He doesn't shut down into just pacing and touching items. He will talk about it and listen to what you have to say. He may construe what you say but he hears you. 

Sewing

Yesterday I went to the quilt store to get a few items. I bought a piece of grey fabric for the Spousal Unit's quilt. I got a couple of Christmas presents and my favorite interfacing but my biggest score was bobbin genies. They were on sale for 40% off and I didn't even know the store carried them. I got a package.

I've read a lot of great things about these and thought I was going to have to order them in paying a lot for shipping. When I got home, I put one into the Juki and what a difference it made when using Glide thread. I will put one into the Diamond and send 2 to daughter. I'm sure she will notice a difference with her machine. 

I also worked on the quilt and got two columns sewn while respite was here. 

I went down before dinner to sew the two columns together and the Spousal Unit followed me down. He was on about things missing. He was around the room looking and walked over to the sewing machine. He walked right into the quilt laid on the floor and when I told him to watch the quilt, he kicked a bunch of the pieces around. Hence, I have this to deal with. 

On the up side, I did take a picture of the quilt before he got it messed up. 

I got the first two columns sewn ready to press. I will deal with the mess when I sew during respite time. I would love to get the top finished today so I can have it off the floor. 

I am trying to get back to sewing up the stash. During August, I will only buy the batting and backing for the quilt and the fabric for the bags for daughter and son-in-law. I have the main fabric but need the contrast pieces and lining. 

The store is being rearranged and will open on Tuesday with the fabric, etc in the front and a classroom in the back. It was busy yesterday with one lady buying approximately 50 meters of fabric, another approximately 20 meters and more people coming in to buy. Finding things was difficult which always happens when you change the layout of a store. Besides, I will get to visit it in a couple of weeks to see how things look. 

Today

It is my rest day. I have a few small things to do first and then it's nothing major until supper time. This is a decision I made -- one day a week to rest. Respite comes at 11:30 and the person and the Spousal Unit can pick beans which I will put into bags for our dinner and for family. My goal is to finish the quilt top to the borders.

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

Heat Warning Over - Still Humid

Yesterday was another hot muggy day with a high of 33C and a humidex of 40C. Thunderstorms were predicted late in the afternoon but they didn't happen. Warning disappeared. The sky got dark in the evening and I saw a flash of lightening. The storm had arrived and we had quite the show with a heavy rain. That storm lasted 15-20 minutes. The next storm came through after midnight. In the end, we had a total of 1/4" rain fall. This morning the temperature is 21C with a humidex of 27C. It is suppose to clear off and be 29C with a humidex of 29C today. 

What warnings we had yesterday afternoon. 

Lifestyle

We were both tired yesterday and the Spousal Unit was a bit cranky due to tiredness and the approaching storms. My knee and back were very sore due to the storms. The Spousal Unit had a nap before lunch and we both had a nap in the afternoon. 

I did a few things up in the morning - laundry, bed made, and a bit of tidying up. Continuing care arrived at 10 a.m. and I got the necessary paper work done for long term care. I had to get the necessary paper work printed or scanned for our coordinator. 

Respite arrived at 10:30 a.m and I was out the door as soon as I could get out. Medications for delivered to the pharmacy and I got a few groceries. Home for lunch.

We delivered ice to family in the late afternoon. I emptied the ice into a 6 litre zip bag from Ikea. That is one big bag.

They were happy to get the ice and I'm happy to have the ice maker making new ice. We do use a lot of ice ourselves in the summer. 

We have entered the 7th wave of Covid so we now have everyone we don't know masking up when entering the house. For our safety and for theirs also. Confirmed cases have double when I read the news release on Friday afternoon.

My giggle yesterday. 

We all need one once in a while. 

Sewing

I spent some time in the sewing room laying out the rest of the quilt. I almost died as my back and knee were throbbing from the incoming storms. But I got it done with a few minor changes. 

I have two 6" squares to change and I'm ready to trim up the blocks that need to be done. If I do 1 - 12" block, I have to do them all. It won't take long as I will do them on the table. Then I can sew everything together. Daughter loves how it looks so I am happy. 

Today

I want to fold laundry this morning and try to figure out something for dinner. I've been horrid about that due to the hot weather. Respite is here at noon and I'm going to head out to the quilt store to get a couple of things, home to work on the quilt and have a rest when she is gone at 3 p.m. I have to make wraps for tomorrow which is easy. 

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

Heat Heat Go Away

 Yesterday was another hot day with a high of 32.9C and a humidex of 40C. This morning it is cloudy and 22C with a humidex of 29C. The humidity never got below 49% yesterday. We are still under a heat warning for today and probably tomorrow. There is no rain in the forecast until Friday.

Lifestyle

We are tired of the heat. It is making us all tired. Thank goodness for a/c or we would be extremely ill with heat exhaustion. 

The Spousal Unit had a fairly good day yesterday. He was upset thinking someone was touching the hedge and I let him rant for 3 - 4 minutes validating his concern. Then nothing more about it. The new medication is doing its job and will be increased on Thursday. He is more aware of what is actually going on around him, less anxious and isn't pacing. He told our son that he needed the medication as it was helping him. Family noticed how much calmer he is.

We had the Spousal Unit's birthday dinner at family's in the a/c in-law suite. Grilled steak, roasted potatoes and our version of Greek salad. Dessert was ice cream cake. Grandson took the Spousal Unit out to look at the huge rocks for the retaining walls. When we looked out, both of them were throwing small rocks at those big ones. We laughed at them. When they came in, they were sheepish when we asked them about throwing rocks. The Spousal Unit thought it was funny.

Sewing

I got no sewing done yesterday. I napped instead as I was tired. 

Thoughts

With the Spousal Unit more alert and aware, I am having to be more careful snooping around and arranging items. This will be both inside and outside. This is good (he's alert and aware) and bad (he will see what I'm doing) and could hinder me. The plan is to take some books and puzzles to the used books store first. I can sneak them in August when I need to shop in New Minas. 

So I don't start a scene, I am going to focus on the sewing room. A bit at a time starting in the area where I have a table I do pattern drafting and courses at. That area doesn't bother him at all and it needs doing once again. 

Today

I have two loads of laundry to do, take the Spousal Unit's medications up to be blister packed, and water the garden. I want to finish laying out the quilt while respite is here. I have to make wraps and devilled eggs for tomorrow's lunches. It's great having lunch ready a day ahead. 

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

First Picking Of Beans

 Yesterday was another hot day. The high got to 32.9C (91F) with a humidex of 37C (99F). The humidity was lower yesterday afternoon which did help but it was hot. This morning it is 17C and sunny. We are to have a high of 33C with a humidex of 40C. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday was calm and relaxing. The Spousal Unit was in a delight to be with. He was excited about the garden and kept telling me he has done such a good job of caring for it. I kept validating that he'd done a good job. 

We picked beans yesterday. We gave some to our neighbors and kept enough for a big meal for us last night. 

After picking them, I suggest we fertilize the garden before I watered it. We went into the shed to see if there was some fertilizer there but not what we wanted. While the Spousal Unit went into the garage to get it, I scooped up some junk and snuck it into the garbage. It is offically gone. The garden was fertilized and I watered it with a sprinkler. I also hand watered the flowers.

After lunch, we had a short nap, and a short drive. When we came home he was upset thinking someone had pruned the hedge. I suggested we go inside to eat our ice cream and then look when done. By the time the ice cream was eaten the hedge issue was forgotten. 

We had a lovely dinner and the beans were delicious. I steamed them and tossed them in butter, salt, pepper, and some onion powder. The Spousal Unit ate well all day. 

On the up side, there was no pacing inside or outside, no checking for "stolen" items or yelling at me. He was relaxed when he was inside sitting in his chair talking my ear off. Outside, he checked the plants to see how things were progressing. He wanted to pick beans two or three times yesterday. The agitation is minimal and he is feeling better mentally. 

The heat has us exhausted and we tried to stay inside as much as possible. I'm wanting cooler nights and some rain. The Spousal Unit wants it cooler also so he can sit outside on the deck. I agree with him. 

We are restless when sleeping. Our bedroom is the warmest room in the house even with the a/c on. The cool air can't flow in there. I have a fan running on high all the time which blows cool air over us. Thank goodness it is quiet. In the winter, the bedroom is the coolest room which is okay as we like it cool. 

Sewing

I didn't sew yesterday as I wanted to enjoy the time with the Spousal Unit. He was more important.

Thoughts

 Getting into the shed made me realize how much has to be purged out of there. I am hoping I can put on the lime and fertilizer on the lawn this fall when it is cooler. The bag of fertilizer that isn't slow release will be put into the garden boxes over the next several years. I can put it on in the late fall so it can be absorbed over winter. 

The miniature garden items will come up onto the deck. I will put them on the two small tables we have. I will ask our friends if they want the square table on the deck for their covered patio. There is a lot of things to sort through from canning stuff to garden tools to insecticides and herbicides. What will I do with a dolly which hasn't been used for 3 years? Storage tubs with holes drilled in the bottoms? That is what I saw in the few minutes I was in the shed. 

Today

It is the Spousal Unit's 77th birthday. We will be having his birthday dinner at family's. I have to do a load of laundry and water the garden. I would like to do one column on the quilt but that remains to be seen. It is important to visit with the Spousal Unit and enjoy our time together. 

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

Is The Spousal Unit Calming Down?

 Yesterday was another hot humid day. The high got to 30.7 (87F) with a humidex of 39C (102F). This morning it has heated up quickly and at 9 a.m. it was 24C (75F) with a humidex of 30C (86F). Today's high is to be 32C with a similar humidex as yesterday. 

Lifestyle

It was another rough day yesterday for us. The Spousal Unit is angry and when I had the respite coordinator here, he threw her flip flops at me. He settled down before dinner but was restless the first part of the night when we went to bed. He ate a big dinner which was nice. 

On my part, I spent the time walking carefully on egg shells which is hard to do. My stress level was up so my pain level in my knee and back were up. I put Voltaren on my knees and it helped one. The other one hurt so I put Voltaren on the sore spot on my back. The pain subsided so much that I slept for 6 hours straight. 

I looked at both the Instant Pot and an Air Fryer at the Superstore while grocery shopping yesterday. I may get the air fryer next week when I shop again. I need to save some more points for the Instant Pot. 

We picked some beans yesterday and I want to pick some more this morning before I water the garden. They are growing quickly in this weather. 

Sewing

I spent almost 2 hours working on the quilt top. Laying it out is a painful process. I'm working hard on it. 

The very dark fabric is throwing me. I need to put one more shorter piece of it in the the 6th or 7th column and the longer piece in the 9th (final column). 

A couple of things I've learned from this pattern. Don't buy fat quarters. Buy it the full width of the fabric. I have to trim most of the longer pieces as they have selvage showing. The remaining pieces I would sew together and make a scrappy binding. 

Once the layout is finished, pieces cut, it will be easy to sew. Four seams per column. then 7 seams to join it together. Once the two borders are on, my friend can quilt it for me. 

Thoughts

I opened the door to under the stairs and I need to deal with the items under there. I've made a firm decision to only have three displays for Christmas. Cardinals, Nativity, and one on the table. The rest of the items will go including the Christmas tree. The western ornaments will go to daughter. The rest I will donate to a family in need. I am also thinking of donating the outside lights as I can't put them up by myself. I need someone to help me and I hate taking them down in the cold. We have Christmas with family every year which has become a family tradition. The Halloween and Fall decorations will stay. There are other items I need to deal with and it will happen when I can do it. The Christmas items will be first. 

Today

Though the Spousal Unit growled this morning, he as been calm since he got up. Is the anti-depressant medication starting to work some? I am hoping to make a small potato salad and a couple of devilled eggs to go with pork chops for dinner tonight. I will make 4 wraps at noon so we have lunch made for tomorrow. The garden needs to be watered. What happens after that remains to be seen. 

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

Thoughts

 Yesterday was a scorcher. The high got to 33.4C (92F) with a humidex of 42C (108F). It broke the record for hot days. This morning it is cloudy and 22C. The humidex is 30F already. We could have showers today. The high is to get to 31C with a humidex of 38F.

Lifestyle

Yesterday was a day of anger. The Spousal Unit started the day off removing his belt buckle and blamed me. I quietly fixed it. After breakfast, he went outside and when I found him, he was in the shed. He came out and yelled at me that some people had opened the shed and were stealing items. He quickly went around the back of the shed to show me the people but saw no one. As I went with him, I saw the big tub of cucumbers on its side. I asked him if he knew why they were like that and he responded it was there to keep people out of the yard. I picked it up, tamped the plants back in place and water it. Plants saved as they have cucumbers on them. 

The lawn people arrived just as we were ready to go to have the oil changed in the car. He was upset as he didn't know we were having them. He stormed into the garage and told me he was getting out of here. I said to get in the car and I'd get him out of here. After 3 tries he got in. 

After we got home, he had issues with his pipe. Tobacco missing, no matches, trying to light it in the wrong place. I tried to help but left him as the verbal abuse was too much for me to handle. He finally got it lit, had his smoke and came in. Time - about 3 pm. He sat down in his chair and he fell asleep. We both napped until 4 pm. 

The car did get serviced and we have an appointment on Aug. 4 to replace the back tires. One tire has a belt broken in it and will be replaced by the tire insurance I bought. The other tire is wearing down and will be replaced. The front tires still have plenty of tread in them. 

Sewing

I didn't get any sewing done yesterday. I did peak into the sewing room and looked around twice. No energy to start on the quilt. 

Thoughts

As I said yesterday, I will continue to grow vegetables and flowers until I can't. I would love to clean out the shed and get rid of the items we don't need, use up what is in bags and have it well organized. It can be done when the time is right. I can keep the gardening/winter tools organized and easy to get to. 

My next thought is the sewing room. I am going to work slowly on getting it cleaned up and decluttered. Items like the puzzles I will find somewhere to donate or take them to the used book store. They are leaving as we've done them and they are taking up space in the sewing room. The books will go to the used book store. I am going to revert back (Aug 1st) to using mainly the stash. What will be bought is only what is needed for the project I'm working on at that time. The same goes for the yarn I have stored. Use it up first. I will ask for knitting needles for Christmas presents to replace those that are wearing out. I need to keep focused on sewing down the stash. 

Today

The Spousal Unit was up at 6:30 a.m. and had a fit over the garden (mainly the cucumbers). He was ranting and raving and ready to pull out the plants. I got dressed and sat outside and convinced him to join me. He did and he talked and I listened. If I validated, he got angry and construed what I said. After nearly 30 minutes, we came in and he is asleep at the table. 

We have respite today and I will grocery shop and lay out the quilt. I'm not sure what to expect after respite leaves but I am thinking I will try getting him to watch the last day of the Calgary Stampede which I recorded on the PVR. I need to water the garden and trim up some leaves off the one cucumber pot. 

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

Why The Garden Is A Target

 Yesterday was warm with a high of 26.7C. Add the humidity and it felt like 30C. Last night they posted we are under a heat warning. It is suppose to get to 33C with a humidex of 39C today. We can see these kinds of temperatures until Monday. It will be warm at night also. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday was another rough day. The Spousal Unit was on the fight except when respite was here. He was exhausted and fighting everything including a nap. He rolled his eyes at lunch but ate it. He continued to be unkind to me all day which makes it hard for me to be kind to him. He doesn't know the difference and will say I started it or I won't do something or another. 

Last night he was so tired that he bent over in the kitchen and said so. I started over to help him fearing I'd have to call 911 with him collapsing on me. He took 2 big breaths, stood up and off he went. He was in and out of the house with me monitoring him constantly. On his last trip out, he walked the garden lovingly touching the plants. I sat on the deck monitoring him in the cool evening breeze. When he saw me he asked what I was doing. I told him I was enjoying the cool breeze. He joined me and I talked to him quietly. We went inside and let him talk about the garden. He stopped and dozed off in his chair. Time - 8:30 pm. 

Medications were delivered while I was watering the garden. The driver located us as he could hear the Spousal Unit yelling at me about not watering enough. He gets the new medication after breakfast. 

I spent an hour on the phone talking the the challenging behaviors specialist. We are doing the best we can and she gave me a few strategies. When you can't talk to him, let him rage and when you can, validate what he is saying and let him talk. She talked about the garden. She feels that because he has taken on the gardening since we retired 12 years ago, he is realizing he can't do it now and is angry about that. He realizes something is wrong with him and he doesn't know what it is or refuses to accept what is wrong. The only thing he knows and can control is to tell us what to do whether it is right or wrong. It makes sense to me why the garden has been a target since April.

I also talked to respite and have will have respite 4 times a week starting next week. This is more for me to have a rest day. I also talked to the coordinator to see if we can have more consistency in who comes. It is far easier on all of us.

The garden is in production mode. We will have to pick beans in the next couple of days. The peas are loaded and will be filled out later next week. Tomatoes are growing as are the peppers. I even found a cucumber yesterday while watering. One thing I have decided is to grow a garden when alone. I enjoy the garden and want to have fresh vegetables to eat. I hope to have enough to share with family and friends. I will get over this year. The Spousal Unit has taught me a lot about growing vegetables.

Sewing

I did get to cut out daughter's quilt during respite even if I did have the important phone calls. 

I'm not happy about the width of the fabric. Including the selvage, it is 21" wide for a fat quarter. I needed it to be an extra 1" wider. Now I have to trim some of the pieces to get rid of the white selvage. I will do that once I get the correct layout. 

The cutting out is easy once you get started. Each fat quarter yields 5 pieces which makes one column. The 9 pieces make the 9 columns. The hard part will be getting a pleasing layout. 

All the pieces have been clipped together according to size. When I lay them out, I will put them into their color family for easier handling. 

The top dark fabric needs to have the 2 longest pieces on the outside edges so they are close to the dark inner border. The next darkest one will have handled carefully as the remaining fabrics range from mid to light pink tones. Some of the fabrics do have the grey in them. Once laid out I will decide which lengths need to be trimmed to get rid of the selvage. Then onto sewing the columns. I am thinking of doing a blue one for the Spousal Unit to have when he goes to long term care. 

I had a bit of time on Pinterest and this came up in my feed. 

I was excited and over a few hours found what I wanted pattern wise for a doll's outfit. The top will be this one. 

The skirt will be the pattern I designed for a tiered skirt I made in 2019. I will make bow tie sandals to go with this outfit. I am hoping to find fabrics in the stash to make it later this fall. It might be out of chambray fabrics but it remains to be seen. 

Today

The Spousal Unit is asleep at the table. He is exhausted from so many things happening in his world. He had a fit with his belt as he took the buckle off it trying to do it up. We have continuing care in this morning as I need to do the financial part of the paper work for Long Term Care. We have to be in New Minas to get the oil changed in the car and will have lunch up there. What may or may not happen is getting him a new hat from the John Deere dealers. I may get it next week when I go up to do a bit of shopping. I'm hoping the anti-depressant gives him a bit of relief today. Neither one of us will be able to cope with the heat if he is in and out of the house.

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

The Doctor's Visit

 Yesterday was a warm and muggy day. The high got to 26.7C with a humidex of 35C. Even the wind was warm. This morning it is sunny and 19C. We are to see it get to 27C before we see it turn hot for the next few days. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning was rough. The Spousal Unit thinks the cucumber plants, once again, are not right. He wanted to go to a place to ask about them and look at their plants. When I told him the garden centers were closed, he threw a fit. When he asked again, he threw his anxiety ball twice and stormed out of the house. I got him in the car to get cat food and he settled a bit. I got him to focus on going to see the doctor.

After lunch, we went to the doctor's office. Daughter-in-law met us there. I saw the doctor alone and I'm burnt out. The doctor suggested one more 3 hour session of respite a week to see if that helps. That time is to be spent sewing, sleeping, or visiting only. We also talked about the Spousal Unit's schedule, medication, and how Covid has impacted services like adult day programs. We then joined the Spousal Unit and daughter-in-law. We let the Spousal Unit talk to the doctor with me signaling correct or wrong. We got him a bit stressed out so the doctor could see that. In the end, he is taking one more dose of the medication he is on plus a anti-depressant to see if will help with his moods. 

Once home, I called for the extra respite time. I heard back very quickly and the request has been put in. The Spousal Unit has been accepted onto the waiting lists for the three homes I chose. I also called the specialist to get an approximate date for requested appointment. The doctor was lovely and we chatted a bit. She has moved him up on the list and we should be seeing her in 4-6 weeks rather than the end of October. 

After the visit to the doctor's office, the Spousal Unit calmed down. He was actually sad that he had to bring up stuff about me and my dad which I didn't hear. He fell asleep at 7:30 p.m. but was restless during the night. The visit to the doctor's was almost too much for him. 

Sewing

I didn't get into the sewing room yesterday but I did do some looking at YouTube videos on doll shoes. I watched the video that goes with the shoe pattern I bought. I then saw a video on making leather Mary Janes. I now know why they are so expensive to buy. What a lot of work goes into making a pair of those shoes. Then came up another video for bow knotted sandals. I got up the web page for them. Please note, this took me all day to look at these videos.

Happy Bankky Crafty Mom has quite a few free patterns on her website which one of the doll ladies has recommended. I've looked at her patterns earlier on and they are nice. It was the shoes that grabbed my attention and I'm hoping to make a pair of them if the soles of the pattern are close to the ones I bought. The pattern is downloaded ready to print.

I'm feeling quite unsettled in my sewing. I'm jumping all over the board with ideas which isn't me. I'm burnt out, between projects, and have only spurts of time to sew. I have lots of ideas but no time to execute them. I need both sewing and house cleaning to relax me and I'm not getting much time for either one. 

Knitting

I haven't looked at my knitting for so long it's pathetic. I'm too tired at night to knit and have not time during the day. I am missing my knitting time as it relaxes me before I go to bed.

Today

This morning I want to fold laundry and prep for making meatloaf for dinner tonight. Respite comes at noon and I'm heading to the sewing room. I have a call coming in from continuing care and I hope that the challenging behaviors specialist will also call. I will start to cut out the quilt. I need to water the garden and make sure the Spousal Unit is safe. He is tired today which means he could either sleep or start to pace. I have a small reserve of energy as I was woke up from a deep sleep this morning. Oh well, the life of a primary care giver.

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

Thinking Many Thoughts

 The past two days has been hot. Yesterday was 30.5C with a humidex of 37C (new record high). Sunday was similar though it cooled off a bit when it rained in the afternoon. We've had rain overnight (1/4") and it is 21C with a humidex of 28C this morning. It will remain about 21C all day with rain showers. The humidex will be about the same also. Yuck!

Lifestyle

The challenging behaviors are continuing daily. The little cucumber plants are gone and he showed no remorse when I said they were mine. He just said they were no good. He hasn't touched the rest of the garden as it is starting to produce and he can see the vegetables growing on the plants. 

We continue to alternate between trying to find out what is frustrating him and changing the focus to something that makes him forget about his frustrations for several hours. The Calgary Stampede has been a good distraction most of the time. We watched an episode of Finding Your Roots on Sunday and that put him in a really good mood. Yesterday I struggled for a diversion and finally mentioned how well a girl from BC was doing at the National High School Finals. That worked but it was almost 8 p.m. when I found the information on Facebook and got more info from daughter. 

Though I was exhausted from the challenging behaviors, heat, and not sleeping well, I went to Bedford to shop. In the end, I have 2 items to return as they are the wrong ones. Before I left, I did get the bed changed and some sweeping done in preparation for the cleaners today. Dinner was ice cream as he wouldn't eat what I prepared. And I cried when I saw him staggering from exhaustion as he refused to nap in the afternoon. I really noticed it when he had to go out to check that I had watered the garden to his standards. 

When he tells us his frustrations they are 3 topics - pain in his arm, no one listening to him, and being told he can't do things outside. 

On Sunday daughter-in-law came to visit the Spousal Unit and while she was outside with him, I cleaned the top and sides of the stove. As I was doing it, I realized I'd love to have a good stretch of time to thoroughly clean the house. Cleaning brings calm for me. I think it is because I can see the results of the work when I finish each room. I also realized how little extra cleaning I've got done in the past 2 weeks. I do appreciate having the cleaners come in and do the basics for me.

I did a lot of thinking driving to and from Bedford yesterday. On the way in it was about the future. I have many questions that I need to mull over in the next while. On the way home it was about getting ready to talk to the challenging behavior consultant whom called while I was in the middle of Walmart. I'm trying to connect with her over the next couple of days. 

Sewing

I've been thinking about the next doll's outfit.

I have the top lining, the capri cuffs, and the shoe lining pinned onto the yellow fabric. I have folded one fat quarter of the blue for the capris and the second fat quarter will be the top and shoes outer fabric. Once pinned and cut, I will set it aside to sew on a bit later. The t-shirt and leggings will be done also.

The quilt fabric is all pressed and waiting to be cut. As it is on the table I'm happy with the fabric choices now that I have the inner border fabric. 

I have realized when looking at the picture of the finished quilt, that the two longest pieces of the dark dotted fabric will have to be on the first and last row so they are closest to the dark inner border. I am trying to have the darkest fabric be less dominate in the quilt. I hope to start cutting tomorrow.

I went to look at the fat quarters in Walmart. The ones I want weren't there so I passed on by quickly to finish up my shopping. When I get closer to the next outfit, I will look once again. Maybe at the quilt shops. 

The soles in and insoles arrived yesterday and I'm thrilled to have them. They are perfect which I'd never accomplish with scissors. 

I heard back from the company about the Thread Director 2. They told me to keep the one they sent me and have shipped me the right one. I will get one more spool of the gold/silver variegated thread and maybe 2 of a different color. I want to play when things settle down. 

Today

The cleaners come this morning and we are to the doctor's after lunch. We have to get Elliott some food and hopefully we can have a nap after we get home. I am hoping to connect with the challenging behavior specialist and if not I will leave her a message of when I'm available tomorrow during respite time. 

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

A Red Cardinal

 Yesterday was another warm day with a high of about 26C with a humidex of 28C. This morning it is 17C and it is suppose to get to 28C with a humidex of 32C. 

Lifestyle

First and foremost, thank you for your comments as they are truly appreciated. 

It was another day of challenging behaviors. It started around 8 a.m. and ended at around 10 p.m. The garden is the trigger. It goes between people taking from it, the plants not producing, him not being allowed to do anything in the garden, and much more. He remembers nothing about us encouraging him to water the garden to him saying no and 10 minutes later yelling at me to water the garden. 

I did water the garden yesterday and I told the Spousal Unit I was thinning the carrots. I said it twice and got him to get me a dish pan to put the thinnings into. He did that and then watched me thin the carrots. The comments were almost funny. I sorted the carrots and got daughter-in-law a bag of baby carrots to eat. 

I ate a couple and they are super sweet. I am sure they would be delicious steamed with dill and a bit of butter. 

While watering the garden, I noticed that we have peas starting to develop. 

I planted cucumber seeds after the Spousal Unit pulled out 3 plants on Friday and one of the seeds is up. We will have late cucumbers. 

We watched the Calgary Stampede which I enjoyed and he sort of enjoyed. After that, the evening went downhill and daughter-in-law came over to help settle the Spousal Unit down. We got him to bed at nearly 10 pm. 

The Spousal Unit got up at 7 a.m. this morning and we've talked about the carrots being thinned and delivered, getting burgers for dinner, daughter-in-law being here to visit, and having a late night. He remembers quite a bit, the good parts and not the bad.  

When I went to Avonport on Friday, I saw a cardinal on the railing at the exit. I don't often see them in the summer and not in the open like that I am hoping it was a sign to give me encouragement to push forward or that something good is going to happen.  

Sewing

Every few spare minutes I had, I starched and pressed the fabric for the quilt. I am learning that when he paces in the basement, press fabric. When he's quiet, press fabric. I am not done but I'm over half done. 

I ordered the pattern for the shoes as the soles are probably in Windsor to be delivered tomorrow or Tuesday. I just need to get the glue and I will be ready to make shoes. I'm going to start with a pair out of quilting cotton. 

Knitting

It sits and waits for me. 

Today

I need to do a load of laundry, fold a load, and prep for the cleaners who come on Tuesday. I hope to press more fabric when I have a few spare minutes. Dinner is planned. I am sure we will have challenging behaviors today as he is tired as am I. 

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

Another Challenging Day

 Yesterday wasn't as hot with a high of 23.9C with a humidex of 28C. It got to 14C this morning and we are to have another warm day with a high of 27C.

Lifestyle

Yesterday was a day full of challenging behaviors. The Spousal Unit did a lot of pacing inside and out and was very verbal on how he hates everyone in the world. He did calm down some for the respite worker who was fabulous with him. In the afternoon, the Spousal Unit pulled out 3 cucumber plants. He wouldn't relax and rest which was challenging as he was getting exhausted. Around 4 p.m., I growled quietly at him telling him I was going to water the garden and he wasn't to talk back or stop me. I set boundaries for him and he went in and sat in his chair. As he went in, I saw him start to relax. When I came in, I started dinner, turned on the Calgary Stampede and we had a good evening. I am starting to think the garden is a trigger for him. He was out there this morning and is upset with it. He's giving up on the garden he said but is still talking about it.

I got the grocery shopping done and once I made the Spousal Unit's lunch, I had mine in the basement while I watched TV.  I needed the time to myself. 

While watering the garden, I found 2 tomatoes on one of the Early Girl plants. 

And a pepper which we haven't had success with for many, many years. There are a lot of blooms on the six plants I put in.

There are hundreds of tiny beans and more to come. No picture of them as they are too small. 

Sewing

I went up to the quilt shop to get daughter 2 pieces of fabric she requested. I also bought fabric for 2 doll's dresses and a piece of red/black lumberjack fabric for a jacket. I also got 2 spools of thread for embroidering on the doll's dresses. 

I have to look at the placement of the embroidery for the Soutache dress. It is going to be a challenge so I will be doing a mock up. I also want to find a simple pattern to embroider onto the next Regency dress pattern. The dress will be white with variegated gold/silver thread. 

I got the inner border fabric starched and pressed. I was very lucky to get that done. 

The stand for large spools of thread for the Juki has been paid for and shipped. It should arrive between July 22 - 26.

I had a good look at the Thread Director 2 as I want to play with it using 2 spools of thread on doll's dresses. The company sent me the original Thread Director which only has a place for 1 spool of thread. I won't hear back about returning it until Monday. Not only did I pay for the wrong Thread Director, I paid for having it shipped and their policy is for the buyer to pay to return it. I have questioned that. 

Today

I have to try and keep the Spousal Unit calm today. He is tense due to the garden (trigger?). I need to do a load of laundry and I would like to press the fabric for the quilt and start cutting it out. It all depends on the Spousal Unit and how he does. 

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