Time In The Sewing Room

 Yesterday was hot with lots of sunshine and a high of 28.C (humidex 37). We didn't break any records. This morning it is 21C (humidex 28C) and we are to have a high of 25C (humidex 30C) and showers. 

Lifestyle

The Spousal Unit is showing signs of stabilizing. He ate an apple fritter that son and grandson brought in for him. He was awake, talked to them in his little world, tried to talk to people walking in the hall, and read the nurse's name on the board. He wasn't sedated which was good. He mentioned a name which son and I could talk about at home. A kid that the Spousal Unit helped when he was in school and having a hard time. 

I did some grocery shopping in the morning and had lunch with family while the cleaners were here. I have decided to keep the cleaners until the end of October so I can do the heavy cleaning and get prepared for winter. Once I get a system going, I can do it myself. 

With the house clean I decided it was my day off from doing housework. 

Sewing

I decided to spend some time in the sewing room. I set up the embroidery for the skirt. There were two issues, I ran out of bobbin thread and the needle decided to shred the thread. Once those were fixed all went well. 

I pinned in the pleats but they won't be pressed. I still need to do a pleat on each side of the outer piece of embroidery. The skirt will be gathered to the bodice with minimal gathering over the pleats. 

I tried the single spool thread director yesterday once again on the Juki. No success. It hates the thread coming off in the position you have to place it. Next step was to figure out where I was going wrong in threading the machine. 

I have been watching a lot of Juki Junkies videos. They have only 2 on the Juki NX7 so I watched them both. I picked up that I haven't been threading the machine properly at the beginning. I haven't been holding the thread taut when taking it into the tension disk at step 2. I did that step using glide thread (which they recommend for all sewing and embroidery) and it stitched perfectly with the factory settings. Huzzah!!!

When the embroidery was completed, I set the thread director onto the Diamond. 

With some fiddling of the disk at the end of the spool, I got the machine to stitch out some of the decorative stitches using both metallic and regular embroidery thread. I didn't even use tear away stabilizer like recommended. The only thing I have to do is pull some thread off the spool when I need to cut the thread. This sample was done using metallic thread. Ignore the blue as that is from the Juki

I was totally impressed with these designs and the fanciest one reminds me that I need to add this to a doll's outfit.

These were done using regular embroidery thread. 

I am totally impressed and happy to play on the Diamond once again. Next up is trying the Thread Director 2 (2 spools of thread) on the Diamond.

I stopped as my brain was getting tired from doing so much thinking. I'm not use to doing so much thinking in the sewing room. I was also feeling a bit guilty as I did feel like I should be looking after the Spousal Unit rather than enjoying myself.

Today

I have to wash the beets and get them ready to deliver to households. I would like to get the mattress pad back onto the guest bed, clean the litter box and look in the closet and make a plan. I have an appointment at the bank at 1:30 p.m. and I may do a bit of sewing after I get home. I need to embroider the 2nd skirt and put the extra pleats in the skirt. I am tired as I didn't sleep well due to the house being hot. We had a humidex of 28-29C all night. 

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

Update From the Geriatric Specialist

 Yesterday was another nice sunny day with a high of 26.4C (humidex 32C). There was a bit of wind yesterday but not a lot. This morning it was 21C (humidex of 28C) and cloudy. We are to have a high of 29C (humidex of 35C) and sunshine. 

Lifestyle

The geriatric specialist called yesterday to give me an update on the Spousal Unit. He is stabilizing to the new doses of medication levels. The last couple of days have been good which was nice to hear. He will have episodes of aggression. She said he has declined rapidly with the episode he had last Monday but he also has been a more alert when he's awake. Daughter-in-law was called in early last evening as he was crying (depressed) about his usual concerns. She got him settled in 30 minutes which is normal. Though he asked for her, he didn't know who she was. Once settled he was back to talking about trains and wanted cigarettes which he hasn't smoked for over 50 years. We don't know what the obsession about trains is about as he was never interested in them. 

I finished cleaning the bedroom yesterday morning. What a lot of work as there were dust and dust bunnies mainly behind the furniture they don't move. The main part of the room was cleaner from their regular routine. I did get the rest of my chores done in the afternoon. 

While I was cooking dinner, family showed up to pick tomatoes, peppers, and I helped them pull the beets. The pepper plants are producing and it is going to be hard to keep up with them. I am going to plant them again next year plus we are talking about planting jalapenos. No beets, less tomatoes, and the usual carrots, beans, peas, leeks, and cucumbers. 

I spent some time looking for freezer meals and will be making a lasagna (have the sauce frozen) and a pork roast. From there, I will decide what to make next. Most freezer meals are large but I can freeze the leftovers. The ones for seniors look bland and the ones for young people are spicy or use a lot of processed food. I am still thinking, once again, about an Instant Pot. I am moving out of survival mode to thinking about meals once again.

I was over to deliver fresh vegetables to the neighbor's and had a glass of wine with them in their outdoor patio. They built it last year and it wonderful. It is behind their garage and at the edge of a small green belt; very quiet and cooler than the rest of their back yard. 

The saga of the chickens continues. They are still loose and I've had to herd them out of the yard. There is a rooster who has decided to crow just after 6 a.m. No roosters permitted. This person has no regard for the by-laws nor does he care if his birds are on your property. 

I didn't sew or knit yesterday. No time at all as I'm trying to get things done in the house and yard. 

Today

I have to get ready for the cleaners, shop, and then sew. I'm taking the day off from doing much of anything except to make dinner and keep the kitchen clean. I need one as I've been doing so much lately. The only chore I may do is wash the beets and trim off the greens. That needs to be done and delivered to people. I may even knit tonight. 

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

He Cracked A Joke

 Yesterday was sunny with a high of 24.1 (humidex 27). There was very little wind all day making it feel even warmer. This morning there was fog and it was 12C. It is suppose to get to 28C (humidex 33) today. 

Lifestyle

The Spousal Unit was awake and ate breakfast and cracked a joke or two with the nurse. They bathed him and he slept most of the day. When he does that, he does not need sedatives which is good. He has declined in his mental health and will not bounce back to where he was like we first thought he would. The episode he had last Monday was him having a rapid decline.

I started cleaning our bedroom yesterday. I did both closets, wiped shelves and washed the floors. I didn't get rid of a lot of items from the closet. I also did both bedside tables where I did get rid of a lot of junk. I also got rid of the broken lamp. 

All of the bedding was laundered and the bed was made. I also did the mats beside the bed and a load of clothes. Laundry done for 4-5 days. When done, I swept most of the floor and called it a day. I was sore and tired but happy with what I got done. I was sad handling the items in his bedside table. I kept what he would have treasured the most. 

Mid afternoon I went out to fertilize the garden and weed around the shed. I found 3 cucumbers in the large pot that were ready to be picked. (This morning it looks like there are two new plants in another pot). The cucumber plants defied all odds as the Spousal Unit was hard on them this spring and early summer. 

I also thinned 2 rows of carrots and had some of them for dinner. There is another meal in the fridge plus more to be thinned. I will probably use some of them in freezer meals.

I watered the garden a lot yesterday as it is to be hot for the next 2 days and I don't want to water it tonight. 

Sewing

I didn't sew again yesterday as I was too busy with other jobs upstairs and outside. It is okay as I will get there. 

On Friday there was this pattern offered free on Pixie Faire.

It has a back seam and you pull it over the doll's head. We had a discussion on this on one of the forums I'm on and I saw this on Facebook yesterday. Very clever. 

I am going to try this and add a snap to the collar to hold it together. This way my curly haired dolls can wear it. 

I want to make a 1920's dress with a neckline adaption. I contacted the designer for the embroidery file and she can't find it. She lost a lot of files when she had some major computer problems. Maybe I can try to digitize it this winter. 

Knitting

I got out the socks and got 8 rounds knit last night while watching Murdoch. I had to stop as my hands started to ache. But, I did get it out and it was nice to have my hands busy. 

Today

The list is long. The main job is to finish our bedroom. I have to fold laundry, tidy the dining room, and prepare for the cleaners tomorrow. We will be picking tomatoes, beets, and peppers sometime today. I doubt if I will get to sew but I will knit tonight even if it is only a few rounds on the sock. 

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

Still Not Stabilized

 Yesterday was a cool 20.4C. There were a couple of times a few drops of rain fell. This morning it is very foggy and 13C. It is suppose to be sunny and 23C today. 

Lifestyle

The Spousal Unit had a rough Friday night and had to be sedated. He slept all day Saturday which is not uncommon after he has a spell. I am sure he didn't eat much either. It hurts me to know the spells haven't stopped so he can be peaceful. It also means he is still declining with the disease.

I finished cleaning the dining area yesterday. Most items are put away and I got the floor swept and washed. It was clean but I just had to do it. I'm happier now that it is done and the extra stuff is gone or going. 

I went out to watch grandson play soccer. He has shown excellent growth and development since we last saw him play in the spring. Going to soccer training has really helped him. He will continue that this winter, play on a team plus play at school. He will be one busy boy. I will watch him play at school this fall as I do enjoy it.

I slept good last night which was good. I still wake around midnight and sit up for about an hour. That is a habit I hope to break in the next couple of weeks. Up and go back to bed. Part is taking that quiet hour prior to the Spousal Unit going into Acute Care for me and part trying to adjust to a new schedule. 

Sewing

I turned on my sewing machine for 20 minutes yesterday and played with settings. My machine does not like Glide thread though it is straight stitching better than it had been. To get a good zig zag stitch, the tension has to be at -5.0 which is crazy. 

I am itching to get at the skirt of the Soutache dress. I will see what today brings but family is coming over this afternoon which is when I normally sew. 

I spent some time looking at the 1920's One Hour Dress. It was an interesting search and I'll report more on it later. I was falling asleep watching a video I was so tired.

Today

I am going to do laundry, start cleaning the bedroom closets, and help harvest the garden. I need to plan dinner for myself and relax this evening. If I am not too tired, I may knit on the socks. I need to start knitting again in the evenings to help pass the time productively. 

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

Keeping Busy

Though yesterday was cooler with a high of 24.5C, the humidex was 31C. This morning it is a warm 19C. The high is to get to 23C with a humidex of 26C. Our humid weather may be leaving us. At least I hope so.

Lifestyle

I'm plodding along. I made the Spousal Unit his favorite salad and then made him and daughter-in-law devilled eggs to eat as it was her birthday. Those 2 eat devilled eggs together on their birthdays.

I purged the server yesterday and by the time I was finished, I had filled a Rubbermaid dishpan full of recycling/garbage. I took a break at noon and finished up in the afternoon. All of the receipts are contained in bags, prescription receipts in the container for income tax, and items ready to be put away or returned to family. It was a lot of work but most of it was unemotional. It was a job that needed to be done. As of last night, I have taken out 3 Rubbermaid dishpans of recycle/garbage from the dining room. 

Son and grandson were over to pick tomatoes and there are a ton left to ripen. I have a bag for them to eat. I kept enough to make a salad if I need to. I can always go pick more. I will be pulling beets on Monday as our neighbors will take some as will our son. 

I had lunch with our neighbor and we had a great time eating at her place. It was just what I needed and gave me the energy to finish the purging of the dining area. I am thinking I may have her for dinner once a month so we can enjoy each other's company.

I phoned the hospital to find out how the Spousal Unit was going. He is still sleeping a lot. He does wake up and will eat some food. Since he started to sleep a lot, he hasn't been out of bed. I also talked to the doctor and she is amazed that I looked after him basically by myself until Monday. I wouldn't have been able to do it without the help from family but she was still amazed. We do what we have to do.

I am starting to feel less tired but I have a long way to go before I'm back to feeling like my old self. I feel lost and I am doing jobs to keep busy. I was so busy taking care of the Spousal Unit that I, basically, did nothing else. I am slowly figuring out a plan and cleaning the house is one of them. I am also going to change some of my routines.

I haven't been into the sewing room yet but hope to do a bit in there this afternoon. I have been just too busy to sew but must take some time and relax in front of my machines. 

Today

I need to put away every thing that needs to be put away and return what doesn't belong here. I am going to finish cleaning the dining area today which will include washing the floor. While I am doing that, I will do laundry. I want to do some sewing this afternoon for therapy as my next area to tackle is the bedroom. That will be emotional but I want it done. 

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

An Update

 We have been having temperatures in the mid 20C but with the humidity, the humidex has been around 33C. Today is suppose to be a repeat of yesterday though it is cloudy outside at the moment. 

Lifestyle

The Spousal Unit's episode that started Monday lasted until Wednesday. He was kept sedated but wasn't sleeping much. He finally fell asleep Wednesday morning and slept all day. as of 6 pm yesterday, he had slept most of Thursday but hadn't received any sedative for 17 hours. That was good.

He was awake and ate his supper. He doesn't remember anything and, according to the doctor, he has declined during this episode. He is further along with his Alzheimer's than we expected. The decision has been made that he will be fast tracked to a nursing home so he can receive proper care that we can't give him at home. It was a hard decision to make but it is the right one for him. 

I am still dealing with both physical and mental exhaustion. I did some cleaning yesterday and when I touched the Spousal Unit's iPad so I could wash the table, the tears flowed for an hour. I am grieving, feeling deep sadness, and exhaustion. We've had to do many things very quickly, some easy and other very hard. 

I am relearning to look after myself and am beginning to be busy again. I actually did get the table cleaned off and now have to deal with garbage and items that need to go away. I am tossing things that should have been tossed a couple of weeks ago and am looking at what I don't need and getting rid of it. I am going to start meal planning for myself and will have freezer meals so I can put them in the microwave for those days I come home from visiting the Spousal Unit. I am still not visiting the Spousal Unit but family is. There is a reason for that which I will talk about later. 

Today my goal is to do laundry, make devilled eggs and a salad for the Spousal Unit, finish cleaning the dining area, and have lunch with a friend at her house. I am hoping that I can slowly do more in the house and get the excess out of the house before winter sets in. It will give me something to do. 

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

Exhausted And Burnt Out

 Yesterday was our last warm day for a bit. The high got to 27.3C with a humidex of 32C. This morning it was 18C and raining. The high today is suppose to be 25C with showers. 

Lifestyle

We ended up having to take DH to the hospital as he was having a lot of issues with his medication, agitation, and his arm hurting. They have admitted him and have him sedated to help him stay calm. I am not visiting him as I am still a trigger and a target. Family is visiting with him at this time. 

I didn't get a lot done yesterday as I was exhausted and my body was screaming for me to rest. I will be taking it easy while I am alone taking care of myself so I can recuperate. 

I won't be posting as much as much but will let you know what is happening as time goes on and I start sewing again. I am looking forward to embroidering the soutache design onto the skirt of the dress and doing any adjustments necessary. I am also hoping to clean up the sewing room as it is a mess. 

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

We Are Recovering

 Sorry I didn't post yesterday but I was exhausted and needed to do a few things that just couldn't wait. 

We are in the midst of another short heat wave. Yesterday was sunny and the high got to 29C with a humidex of 34C. This morning it is 15C and is suppose to be sunny with clouds and a chance of showers. The high is to suppose to get to 30C with a humidex of 34C. 

Lifestyle

Friday I was exhausted from the lack of sleep. The Spousal Unit was tired but couldn't relax. He woke me at 6:30 a.m. but didn't get out of bed until 7:45 a.m. He was delusional and irritable. Wouldn't take his pills though I did get him to take them with toast at 9:20 a.m. He was still responding to me which was good. He paced the morning away.

Respite arrive around 11:30 a.m. and I left her to feed him lunch while I had a nap. She tried to get him to nap but his eyes were darting around and he kept moving on her. She just talked to him about many things which did help. After she left, he did cat nap late in the afternoon. I think he had 3 5 minute naps. 

I let family know what was going on while he cat napped. Daughter-in-law brought over dinner and fed us. She left and I said I would call if needed. At 8:30 she had to return as the Spousal Unit had taken all the bedding off our bed and was very agitated. I had tried everything I could and nothing was working. We got him onto the couch and covered with a blanket. I went to bed and he came later on. He got into bed and started to have delusional conversations on the "phone". Got him over that one and he had a second conversation talking to customers. We settled him again and he rolled over facing me. I rubbed his hands and he went to sleep. He slept until 7:30 a.m. I was up at 6 a.m. and saw daughter-in-law off so she could get some sleep in her bed. 

The Spousal Unit is over this spell. He ate 3 really good meals yesterday and was really calm. He had a nap in the morning and one in the afternoon. It was recovery day for his exhausted brain and body. We picked tomatoes for his salad at noon. I woke him around 3 pm and he had been in a deep sleep. I got him in the car and we went for a drive. We looked at the apples which are growing rapidly. We saw some horses in a field and checked them out. Saw some cattle and checked them out. Came home, watered the garden, and had dinner. All was good. 

After dinner we sat and talked. As it got closer to bed time, I started saying how the chores were done for the day. Referred to the horses and cows and how they were safe for the night. Talked about watering the garden and that chore was done. He went to bed in good time and fidgeted with my hands some, turned over and slept well all night. Just his usual trip to the bathroom. I had a good night's sleep also. 

I did get the bathroom cleaned and disinfected yesterday morning. I also cleaned some in the kitchen. Quiet chores that wouldn't disturb the Spousal Unit while he slept. I found the missing potholders -- only 2 were missing and under a cookbook. I think I did that but one can't be sure when the Spousal Unit is having a bad spell. I also napped in the afternoon which helped me considerably. 

I spent a bit of time on Pinterest and found this website for some freezer meals. I am starting off with the lasagna which we both love. I have to figure out the meat sauce for the Ravoili casserole. I think we will like that one also. The goal is to have one to eat and one for the freezer. I hope to make more and get ideas of how much there will be for future meals. 

Daughter texted thinking she has Covid though she tested negative. Not sure what she has but she did sleep most of the day. I am sure she will keep me posted.

Sewing

I did get down to sew on Friday after I had a nap. I got the 2nd bodice done for the American Girl doll and it is really nice. I didn't sew yesterday due to being tired and monitoring the Spousal Unit. 

Thoughts

This last spell was one doozy of a session. It went on for days and got worse as time went on. It had to be broken as we couldn't let the Spousal Unit go on any longer or he'd be sick and in the hospital. That brings its own issues. 

I am grateful that family is close by and will step in when I am unable to look after the Spousal Unit when I can't due to exhaustion or if I am the trigger and target. They can get him calmed down and let me recuperate some before it starts again. In this last case, it was what I needed to help break the session he was having. They are also great at helping him do what he still can do. It allows him to have pride that he can still do some things as we've taken away mowing and weed eating which he enjoyed doing so much.

I am also very surprised at how well the Spousal Unit is doing without his tobacco and matches. He is using the nicotine inhaler 3 times a day. He does pack his pipe in his hand when he is in the garden. He may mention tobacco once a day but it is usually forgotten within minutes. He knows it is missing and thinks it is stolen. We leave it at that. 

I haven't thought about the shed or garage for a bit. The shed may be done this fall as he no longer can get into it. I have hidden the keys and am letting what is in it fade from his mind. When it is cooler, I will sneak out and dispose of some things when respite is here. Small items at first then bigger ones later on. We will devise a story about them going if he notices. 

Today

I am hoping to make a potato salad and roast a chicken. I have to clean the bathroom again and do some laundry. We have to go for a drive so he can look around and we can give family some flowers as a thank you. What ever else gets done will be a bonus. 

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

A Rough 22 Hours

 Yesterday was a sunny day with a high of 22.7C (humidex 28C). It cooled off in the evening and was 18C this morning. It was raining when we got up.

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning was a rough morning for the Spousal Unit. I did get him to have his hair cut and once we left, he was back at it again. I had to call son to help settle him of which he did an awesome job. He was totally relaxed by the time grandson finished the lawns. 

Respite arrived and I made lunch of which he ate heartily. Things were really going well with respite looking at the garden and pictures. When he left, the Spousal Unit was tired but wouldn't nap. He just sat and did nothing. He ate well. We sat after the kitchen was cleaned up and at had his evening pills. At 8:30 pm he went to bed. He was extremely restless and wouldn't settle. I got up to see if that would help but it didn't. He got up and things were interesting. He needed to do chores (dairy oriented), talk to people and find his keys which are missing in the house or garage. He would sit and think and then up again. He wasn't relaxing. At 2 a.m. I made us toast and at 2:30 a.m. I had him in the car for an hours drive. Just after 3:30 a.m. he was in bed and went to sleep. When I woke at 6:30 a.m. he wasn't in bed but on the guest bed with no blanket on him. Today had started as he wouldn't go back to sleep after he went to the bathroom. I am exhausted from being up for 22 hours, dealing with is moods during the day and then the night. 

Sewing

I did spend some time in the sewing room yesterday. I got the embroidery machine set up and did a test run on the soutache dress. I had put a bobbin genie in and the machine seemed to stitch better. 

I used some fabric I had bought in 2009 and the embroidery thread was given to me (discounted to $1.00/spool and decent thread). I found the pattern for Lily's dress and cut out the bodice. 

I am going to play with the neckline so it is more scooped and maybe invert the pattern so the V is up at the neckline. 

I cut out another piece of fabric and embroidered on it. When I cut out the American Girl doll pattern, I didn't have enough fabric but I got the idea of how it will look.

I will redo the embroidery and cut out a new front bodice. I am going to make both of the dolls dresses in this fabric and then their good fabric. 

Thoughts

I found that the tireder I get the less I can cope especially if it has been a long rough spell. By midnight I was a basket case and upset with every action the Spousal Unit did. He wasn't aggressive or not knowing me but he was on the go for hours and into things. I was also stressed as his car and house keys are missing. By the time I took him for a drive at 2:30 a.m. I was a mess and was treating him like has been treating me. It was a bit of a shock for him to be treated like that. By the time I got him home I was exhausted. I could only drive 80 km as I was scared to go faster. The drive did calm him down and we struck up a deal he either went to bed and sleep or I kept driving. I was so tired that when I went to sleep I didn't hear him get up and go to sleep in the guest room. That scared me. 

This morning the Spousal Unit is pacing and into things. I am sure he is adjusting to his new medication. His pacing and handling items is irritating me as I am exhausted. I'm trying to stay quiet. He is delusional and talking nonsense to me. Not angry talk as he is not angry or upset just irritable. He is tired and his balance is off some. 

Today

Today is a write off. Respite comes at 11:30 am and I will go get a few groceries if I feel I can drive. Otherwise we make do with what we have until Monday. I am giving the Spousal Unit a full dose of his sleeping medication to see if he will sleep tonight. I am going to monitor his naps today so he will be rested but not so rested he won't sleep tonight. Other wise, I will be in survival mode for the day. No sewing for me. 

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

An Interesting Morning

Update

I had to call in family to help with the Spousal Unit hence why this is posted late. 

Yesterday was one full of showers. The high got to 21.7C with a humidex of 30C. We had 8/10" of rain fall. This morning it is cloudy and 17C. We are to have a high of 22C (humidex 28C) and wind. No rain though.

Lifestyle

We were both tired yesterday and I tried get the Spousal Unit to relax and have a nap. Mission not accomplished. I did get 2 loads of laundry done. 

Respite arrived early and she kept the Spousal Unit busy. She actually over stimulated him and he was exhausted by the time she left. I took him for a drive to help him relax which it did to a certain degree. The sleeping pill I have him at dinner did help him relax more.

I had to go to the pharmacy to get our medications and to talk about when to start his vitamins which they will blister pack for the first of September. 

Sewing

I did spend time in the sewing room yesterday. I got the Plain Jane shoes completed. 

The outfit looks great with the shoes.

I started and finished the sandals. They were fast to make and are cute. They are big on the doll but then so were some of the ones the designer made. 

I also forgot to cut the insole fabric big enough to turn under at the front. I was cruising along and forgot that they were sandals. 

I had a few minutes to play with the Thread Director that uses one spool of thread. 

I put the Glide thread onto the holder and the tension was perfect. The thread coming off the other holders was giving tension issues. 

Thoughts

I did sleep well last night but I know that my patience is going to be tried today. The Spousal Unit has lost his tobacco and he is accusing me of giving it to someone. His behaviors have accelerated to me being told to leave this house by noon.

I have taken his matches from him as he was trying to light his tobacco in a plastic container. I did light his pipe for him once last night. I'm trying to get him to use a nicotine inhaler the rest of the day. He isn't as upset about the matches as I had thought he would be. 

They talk about keeping people in their homes for as long as possible. Unfortunately there are some who can't be in their homes due to behavior issues. The Spousal Unit is one. It is hard to make that kind of a decision and I know he will be at home for quite a while. It is something I have to live with and I need to put better coping skills in place especially when he is agitated. What he says to and about me is very hard to take. 

Today

The Spousal Unit is really upset today and has carried on for almost 2 hours. We have hair appointments that may be cancelled. Respite comes at 12:30 and I need to pull myself together to see I can do anything. I do have lunch and dinner planned but if it gets on the table and eaten is another thing. Breakfast has been made and not eaten. I'm trying not to be a wreck but if I have to put up with the verbal abuse I may have to call for help to deescalate the situation. The big accomplishment is I got him to take his pills which he put into his pants pocket earlier. 

Today is what gets done, gets done. I not, it gets done tomorrow.

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

A Shoe Is Started

 Yesterday was another warm day with a high of 25.9C (humidex 30C). We are under a rain warning and this morning it is raining and 18C. We are to get up to 2" of rain and lots of wind. The high is to be 22C.

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning started off quietly. At 10 a.m. respite arrived and the Spousal Unit was happy to see his favorite person. She is so good with him. She made us lunch and did some cleaning up after they explored the garden. They brought in tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers. 

At noon the cleaners arrived so after we ate lunch, the three of us exited to the garage. The Spousal Unit is trying to light tobacco in a plastic container so I have that to deal with today. Everything has to be hidden now so he can't burn the house down. 

Respite, cleaners and us left at 1 p.m. We were off to see the specialist while the others continued on to their next jobs. Daughter-in-law came with us as she is part of the care team. The specialist is lovely. She made the Spousal Unit comfortable and had him answer a series of simple questions. From there, we talked about many things of which I gave the correct information. We talked about his spells and as I described what happened and what we did, the Spousal Unit became distressed. The pain in his arm flared up so much that he asked for it to be cut off. The pain radiates from the area he had his shingles down his arm and stress brings it on. He was taken for a walk to calm him down. The doctor and I talked about his spells. Daughter-in-law and I left to fill out some paperwork while the Spousal Unit and the doctor did more tests. We were there for 2 hours with her. The Spousal Unit is in mid stage Alzheimer. She was surprised at where he was but I wasn't. Once she realized that he had chemo, pneumonia, bad flu, moved, and the flooded basement she wasn't as surprised. The flooded basement was the trigger for the disease to get worse. 

The Spousal Unit was exhausted and his behavior got worse as the day wore on. He got verbal, moved things around, and threw a package at me. I got him into bed and he had a hard time to settle down. Pillow thrown on floor and then at me, trying to take the bottom sheet off the bed, playing with the lamp and bedside table. I finally got him turned towards me and he settled down around midnight. I did have to speak to him sharply to get him to turn to face me. He was obsessed with fidgeting.

Sewing

I took a bit of time and spent it in the sewing room. I made one shoe. My first job was to sew the uppers together and add the crystals. 

I did press the seam allowances well. Next I sewed the fabric to the insoles so they could dry while I sewed the back seam on the shoes. 

I did press the back seam allowance well but will have to get out the jewelry pliers to make the seams even flatter. I sewed 1/4" around the outside edge of the shoes for placement on the insoles. After doing a bit of a dry test, I applied glue and started to make the shoes. I am pleased with my first shoe. 

The back of the shoe needs a bit more attention as you can see it is not flat but has a bit of a fold. Other than that, the toe is smooth and it looks good. I can now glue the sole onto this shoe. 

I have to say the pattern is well written and the video is excellent. I followed both carefully when making this shoe and will continue to do so until I am more confident. 

Thoughts

The doctor and I talked about my health and I told her I'm burnt out. Exhausted is more like it. She told me I am not using respite effectively. They are to help me more rather than just visit with the Spousal Unit. They can help him shower, make us lunch, and do some small chores. I need to let go of doing it all. 

My biggest issue is meals. I do well for a while then get so tired I quit. Dinner is the hardest as that is when I am the most exhausted. I cook but am not passionate about cooking at this time. What I'd like to make the Spousal Unit won't always eat. I am tired of eating what he likes and that really puts me off cooking. I need to blend our likes and hope he will eat what I make. I'm going to try and meal plan once a week and then do it. 

Another issue I have is sleeping well. If I have to settle the Spousal Unit, it takes me longer to get to sleep. I wake up when he gets up to the bathroom. I am somewhat sleep deprived. If I nap during the day, I don't sleep as well that night. My nightly routines are scrapped. I am hoping that the sleeping pill the Spousal Unit will be taking will help me sleep better. I'm giving him one a night for the next several nights. 

And the last issue we talked about was getting out to talk to people rather than sitting at home in isolation. I try to visit our neighbor and enjoy that. My one day of respite to do what I want is necessary. But, I also have to do so many other things that I will forget my day. 

Today

I was going to head into the city today but am too tired to do that. Instead I will go to the pharmacy about the Spousal Unit's medication and have both of ours delivered (free). I will try to make the second shoe and plan a good meal for us. I may even nap this morning while laundry is running. As it is a gray day, I am sure that the Spousal Unit will have a blah day in which he will sleep a lot. I think it is a recovery day for us. 

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

Capri Pants Are Complete

 Yesterday was a warm and sunny day. The high was 25.7C with a humidex of 30C. This morning, it is 14C and cloudy. The high is to get to 25C with a humidex of 28C. We are to have showers tonight. 

Lifestyle

The Spousal Unit had a fairly good day yesterday. He was quiet and fidgeting with things. Not pacing, just moving things around. He was somewhat depressed I think. He smoked his pipe once yesterday though he took it out several times, looked at it, and put it away. He ate well yesterday though he had to be reminded to eat all of his lunch.

I spent time trying to get things done and succeeded somewhat. I went grocery shopping when respite arrived and got what we needed, ordered my prescription, and came home in less than an hour. 

We picked peppers and cucumbers from the garden yesterday afternoon and took 2 cucumbers and 2 peppers over to the family across the street. They are trying to grow cucumbers and peppers in pots and we found 2 cucumbers on their plant. One for each of her boys. Our friends were smoking a pork loin and brought us some for our dinner tonight. We gave them 2 peppers from the garden. Oh, I did eat 2 grape tomatoes from the garden. They are sweet and delicious. 

Sewing

I did get to sew yesterday while respite was here. I got the capri leggings done. They seem a bit long so I will have to check the pattern. They went together fast and with no issues. Basically the blue and yellow wardrobe is complete.

After a lot of fiddling around with the tension on the machine, I figured out that I needed to loosen the top tension for the Eloflex thread. The top tension is set at -0.8 for this thread and it sews beautifully. Still not my favorite thread but I will use it for knits until it is gone. 

Daughter has informed me that me that Lily (Gotz) needs a purple party dress. I will do the same dress as I made for Emilia in May 2021 and will add the soutache embroidery to it. I can do it when I do the American Girl dress.

From looking at the above picture, I will trace the bodice again and remove 1/4" from the neckline. The fit of the dress is great so I'm not fooling around with it. 

Thoughts

I am still feeling overwhelmed by everything and it is making me tense enough that my back and knee hurt all the time. I don't want to take anything stronger than Tylenol as I can't be overly drowsy or sleep a lot. That leaves the Spousal Unit unattended and unsafe. I am thinking I will get a hot water bottle and apply it to my back to see if it helps. It has in the past. 

Yesterday I realized that I was much better mentally as I forced myself to do things. It was hard but I found that I was happier. I also cut back on the amount of sugar I ate. I need to cut back more but I started. I also picked up things and took out the garbage which made me feel good. There is more to be done but I will make a point of doing more each day. 

Carol, we won't be getting a dog. We have a cat and he sleeps part of the day beside the Spousal Unit. They are good for each other. Elliott (cat) will disappear when things get tense but overall he has been a fairly good therapy cat for the Spousal Unit. We do go over to see our neighbor's dogs. Two are big and one is small. He likes them all but he is happier with Elliott. 

Today

It is a busy day. We have the cleaners, respite (I hope) and the doctor's visit. By mid afternoon we could have a melt down especially if I have to stop to get prescriptions filled. I am somewhat prepared for it and ready to call in family if necessary to help. I am hoping that I can start the shoes as they are cut out. Even if only to sew the uppers together and press them well. Time to start on the shoes. A new learning curve for me. 

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

Overwhelmed But Planning

Yesterday was a cooler day with a high of 21.2C with a humidex of 27C. It cooled off in the afternoon and the wind came up. There was an inch of rain fall after midnight yesterday. This morning it is 14C, is to be sunny and 25C (humidex 28C). 

Lifestyle

We were both very tired yesterday. After doing a few small things, we laid down on the bed for a rest for an hour. Afterwards we both sat on the couch trying to get our energy levels up. The Spousal Unit went to have a smoke and came in angry. He claimed someone stole all his matches and threw the empty packages on the couch. I got him more matches but it took me almost an hour to calm him down. 

After a late lunch, we rested again as his spell took what little energy we had. With matches in hand, he spent time in the garage having a smoke but when I went out, he had tobacco in a container and I was wondering if he was trying to set it on fire. He got agitated when I cleaned it up then and again after dinner. He is loosing the ability to use his pipe so I will be starting him on a program. I fear he will set the place on fire unintentionally.

I did a bit of housework yesterday but, as we didn't have respite, I spent most of my time with the Spousal Unit. We get respite on Thursday instead. 

Sewing

The first thing I did when I went into the sewing room was to sweep the floor behind and around the sewing cabinet. It had a lot of thread and pins on it. Oh I did find some fluff. 

I fixed the snap on the yellow top and want to get a plain yellow button for the front. The star flops around which I don't like. The shank is too big and thick for a doll's top. 

Fixing the snap made the top fit better around the neck. The sleeves do stick up from the shoulders but I am calling that a pattern design. I am happy with it now. 

I also worked on the t-shirt and finished it. I added 3 more crystals to each shoulder to give it a more finished look. 

I love how this pattern fits the dolls and the adaptions were worth the time. I sewed on Unique snaps which I hate. They are not well finished and break the thread. I used a product on the thread called Thread Magic and it helped a lot. The thread goes through the fabric easily (little to no drag) and the thread broke only when I sawed it against the snaps. Otherwise it worked beautifully. 

Thoughts

Yesterday I felt overwhelmed. I was very tired, it was cloudy, and I probably was having some depression. I am doing everything and taking care of the Spousal Unit basically on my own. Respite helps as does family coming in to do the lawn. Having the cleaners every other week helps also but I do a lot in between to keep the house clean. When the Spousal Unit has a spell, I try to diffuse it myself but I do know when to call in family. But day to day I plug along doing what needs to be done, calming the Spousal Unit, and not seeing anyone other than respite. Conversation is around the Spousal Unit all the time. After I have done everything that needs to be done, I can sew if there is time or if I have the energy. 

As I thought about how to not feel overwhelmed I came up with a bit of a plan. The big thing is to get up and move even if I don't want to. Eating no chocolate or refined sugar is also going to happen. They are givens in my world.

I am going to spend a few days working on meal planning and getting groceries. I hope to make a meal a day and freeze half of it or have it ready for the next day. I find that having a meal ready every other day helps me out a lot. I get a bit more time to myself. The meals won't be just what the Spousal Unit wants. I am going to include a few meals that I want. I am going to use one page folded in half for meal planning and grocery list each week.

I am also going to set up my simple planner as I will be going to the city on Wednesday to exchange the one I got for a leather covered one. I will keep track of everything in one book and it will be toted with me everywhere. 

I am hoping that these changes will help me feel less overwhelmed. I know that being organized does help especially as there could be medication changes happening after tomorrow. That could throw all planning out the window during the adjustment period.

Today

It is a hodge podge day. Respite comes at 10 a.m. and I need to go to the grocery store for my medications and the plan to help the Spousal Unit stop smoking. I do want to get some groceries and then sew for an hour if I can. I would love to get the capri pants done today so I can move onto the shoes. I know I will feel overwhelmed some today as I have lots to do in preparation for tomorrow (doctor's visit, cleaners, and respite).

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

Sewing Items Sorted

 Yesterday was warm with a high of 26C (humidex of 31C). It started to rain about 8 p.m. and we had almost 3/4" rain until midnight. This morning it is cloudy and 18C. We are to have showers and a high of 22C. There is virtually no wind again this morning. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning I did a few chores and was happy that I could watch TV for about 20 minutes before lunch had to be made. 

Respite arrived on time and, after a quick briefing as she was new, I left to shop at New Minas. I took the puzzles into the used book store and got a $34.00 credit. I went to Walmart and shopped. Half of what was on my list wasn't in the store. It reaffirmed why I hate shopping in that Walmart. I did notice that the curtains I bought for our bedroom come in a lovely light grey. Only 1 there though so will have to look in Bedford for two for the guest room. 

I went to Staples and got the items for a new planner. I will return the journal and get a leather bound covered one plus larger sized rings. I was home in really good time so know I can do Bedford next week. 

The Spousal Unit was confused when I arrived home. He was getting upset and the respite person told me he had just woke up. That was why and I spent a few minutes calming him down, giving him a hug, and talking to him. He had actually been missing me.

In the evening, the Spousal Unit went out to look at the garden, came in the front door and into the garage. I made sure the door to the garage was left open a crack. I was busy washing dishes when the front door opened again and I said "What do you want now?" and daughter-in-law answered. We hugged each other laughing our heads off. She had come to say hi to us as she had spent the day in Halifax at the Wanders' game. 

Sewing

I spent a few minutes in the sewing room moving binders off the table onto the new low shelf I had created. I need a hole punch as one of the binders has lots of loose papers in it. 

I looked for heavy duty page protectors and there were none in the New Minas Walmart. I use them in the binders when I want to store items as they have a flap on them. I also store patterns I keep for the dolls in them. 

While watching TV, I sorted the beads. I can use them all. 

The pearls will make necklaces for the dolls. I am going to string them onto heavy cotton thread with a small bead between each pearl for chokers and long necklaces. I was using jewelry wire but read to use thread. I'm debating about the hemming braid. It is too wide for the dolls but I may keep it for the skirt on a long full gown.

Next up I did the trims and laces. Most went to the garbage but I kept some. They are airing as they smell of mothballs. There is one piece of trim I really like though.

And there is a lot of this lace which can be used on dresses. 

Thoughts

My thoughts for the last two-three days were about using a planner. I have tried over the years to use one and I failed. I used a bullet journal and was a total flop on it. I found the dots were nice for designing but when I did a page of delight, I really never used it. I kept asking why. I realized when I found the last bullet journal that it was always closed, when opened it, I couldn't fold it over on itself and I felt I had to design pages to use. I had it out for a day before I put it away. It wasn't my thing.

Fast forward.........

Last year I started using a small coiled notebook for grocery shopping. It folded open onto itself and I could add to the list as necessary. I could have it opened in the grocery cart when shopping. I really loved it and have filled one and have almost filled the second one. This summer, I also started to use the last one as a journal/planner and found it too small for what I needed to write. I was also figuring out quilts, sewing ideas, etc in it. It was becoming a jumbled up mess but I was just coping with it. My sewing journal has been put away for almost 6 months now as it was table clutter that irritated the Spousal Unit. As I thought about a new planner, I realized I needed a one that I could:

• Incorporate daily life, sewing, quilting, knitting, and house planning into.

• Have plain lined pages rather than dots or plain pages.

• Be able to add page dividers to it.

• Be larger in size so I can write using one page a day without spilling onto the next page.
  

• Be coil bound so I can fold it onto itself with just one page showing. 

I researched out ideas and found that I should look at Staples Arc system. It was perfect as it met all the above criteria. I bought the plastic cover planner but will return it for the leather bound one. I will also buy the larger rings so I can have 120 pages in it. I did buy extra paper and page dividers. The planner will be simple and probably messy. I can write what we do each day with respite time and who. I can add an area for a shopping list and meal planning on the necessary pages. I will have separate areas for sewing, quilting, knitting, and the house that is separate from the daily information. Those I can use for ideas, calculating amounts, etc. and see it at a glance. This is not going to be fancy as I don't have time for that. It will be open to the page, write, add to it, and get on with what ever I need to do.

Today

We have respite from 2-5 p.m. so I need to make sure that I have dinner ready to go into the oven quickly. I am not sure what chores I will do but I know I have a few. Laundry for sure and clean up the cat box area. I want to keep it low key today. I will be sewing during respite and hope to get the t-shirt and capri pants done.

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

A Quiet Day

 Yesterday high was in the average at 24.9C. The humidex made it 30C. There is no wind to move the humidity out of here. This morning it was sunny, 14C, and no wind. When I looked up at 8 a.m. the fog had rolled in. The high is to get to 26C with a humidex of 29C. 

Lifestyle

It was a quiet day at our house. The Spousal Unit slept most of the morning and I rested for an hour and then did quiet chores so the house was tidy. After lunch, grandson arrived to mow around the vegetable boxes and weed eat. He found us a good cucumber for lunch today. After that we went for a drive and the Spousal Unit had another nap. He did eat well which keeps me happy. 

As you can guess, we didn't have respite yesterday but starting today we are to have it for 5 days in a row. I had to put everything on hold for the day which was a bit annoying. 

I did get the Spousal Unit's pipe cleaned while he watched grandson mow the lawn. It seemed to take forever but I got two areas cleaned that were blocked. I will be weaning him off the pipe in the near future. 

In the late afternoon while supper was cooking, I took books and puzzles out to the car. The Spousal Unit was fine with that and know other people will enjoy doing them. It is nice having them gone from the sewing room. I had the sprinkler going while I did that job. After dinner, I cleaned up the kitchen and relaxed as did the Spousal Unit. 

Sewing

With the puzzles gone the area with the table and desk in it looks great. I put a board on the sewing machine box and it will hold the binders when I find book ends. I will cover it up with fabric when I find something in the stash. 

I looked briefly at the dolls and am uncertain if I want to sell some or keep them all. I have one that I don't use as a model as she is slightly smaller in the body than the rest of the dolls. At the moment, I will keep them all. My goal at the moment is to clean the sewing room. I can't let my mind flutter around on a bunch of different things like selling dolls. 

Thoughts

I keep looking around at the house deciding on what I am going to do with it as I have firmly decided to stay here. I haven't touched the shed or garage as the Spousal Unit is still in and out of them. He has talked about his saw and we talked about the smoker going to our friends across the street. I will pack up my stuff once I sort through the Christmas items. I will have a tub once I purge the items in them. I will have them put up on the top shelf in the shed. I may do some of the Spousal Unit's items that way also. 

I am also going to get a new journal but will get one that I can add pages to it, dividers so I can have daily, sewing, and knitting. It will be bigger than what I am using but I want everything in one book in an organized fashion. I haven't looked at my planning notebook for months as it's in a drawer out of sight. It will be harder to pack to the stores so I may have to start using a shopping list again. 

Today

The Spousal Unit is having a lot of pain with his arm but ate his breakfast. I need to do a few things and when respite arrives I'm heading out to take the puzzles to the bookstore and do some shopping. I have a plan in place for dinner so we will eat well.

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