On The Phone

 Yesterday was a nice day with a high of 6.4C. The temperature did drop during the day as the cold front is arriving. This morning it is -2C and should remain at the temperature all day. It is snowing lightly out at the moment. 

Lifestyle

I did no housework yesterday. I started the morning off on the telephone to get an account unlocked. That took a long time as I had issues which we resolved over time. When done that, I was on the phone to another agency for paper work. I filled out the online form. At that point, I went out to mail the paper work and go to the bank. I only got half of what I wanted to get done at the bank. Back home, I was on the phone for a third time to another company. Getting ready to file taxes this year is a lot of work I hadn't expected. I have been reading government info off and on since then. Another form is ready to be signed and mailed off today. 

As I was in a phoning mood, I called for an appointment for my yearly visit about my sleep apnea. It's been almost 18 months since I had a visit. I asked about when I would be getting a new machine and the paper work hadn't been done. The lovely person did it while we were on the phone and sent it to the doctor. When I go for my appointment, we will be talking about a new machine so it can be ordered as soon as the paper work is returned. 

Sewing

I spent some time in the sewing room working on the horse. I fused 6 pieces onto the fabric, cut them out and got 4 pieces laid out when the light box shut off. The battery pack needed to be charged. 

I am now at the point where I need to trace and layer the mane pieces onto the large dark brown area and do the ears. Once that I finish those pieces, I can cut out the background and border pieces and put it together. 

Someone mentioned that you can buy the kit with the pieces all laser cut. That would be wonderful but it wasn't available when I bought this kit. 

Knitting

I finished knitting the doll's sweater and started to sew up the sleeves. I had to reknit several of the rows as I would either forget to pass a stitch over or not make a loop. It got easier with time to remember what to do. Pictures when it is done. 

Thoughts

    I had thought that a lot of the paper work was done by the funeral home when the Spousal Unit passed. They did what they legally must do. I had more to do that I didn't even know about. It is a live and learn situation. I will survive the process and come out a stronger person. 

    The horse is coming along and I hope to have it done by the end of February. I will have a break while my friend is away and will quilt it when she returns. That will allow me to do some sewing that is easier and relaxing. I haven't turned on my sewing machine for almost 2 weeks. I think I am having withdrawal symptoms. 

Today

I am going to work on getting the command centre done and the paper work organized. I have one big mess on the bed that I need to work on organizing as I was going through them rapidly while on the phone. I need to visit my friend to get papers signed and, if I have time, do some tracing on the horse. I'm out to family's for dinner tonight. 

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

More On The Horse

 Yesterday was another lovely day. Sunshine and a high of 6.2C. This morning it is 6C and the high is to get to 5C. That's a bit of miscalculating. We are going to have several days of cold weather which will be our first cold spell this winter. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning I worked on the balance sheet and paid bills. It didn't take long and I was ready to move on to doing a bit of organizing of the bills. I need to figure out exactly what I need which is starting to form in my mind. I also know I want to keep up on the this area Sunday mornings. 

Once I got the job done, I moved furniture, swept the floor, and washed it. When it was dry, I used the swifer on it as I could see fluff. I was surprised as I did clean the filters on the heat pump head. All was shiny and I put the area back together. I was done by 1 pm. It took longer than I had expected. 

While the floor was drying, I folded laundry. It was quite the job as Elliott decided to sleep in the area I fold the clothes in. He was being a pain as he didn't want cuddling or petting. I did succeed in getting it done without disturbing him too much. 

Sewing

One of the things I did while cleaning the dining area was to soak some dirty yellow snowflakes in a mixture of Tide, Oxi-Clean, borax, and very hot water. They came out white which was exciting. I left them to dry. 

The next step is to make a starch to stiffen them in. This will take time as I need to pin and stretch them on a foam board. A perfect job on a cold day. 

I took a picture of the horse head as I was able to look at it without wanting to cry. The rest from it was good for me mentally. 

I spent some time tracing 6 large pieces that go on the right side of the head, rough cut them so I can work on them today if I have time. 

I made myself stop when they were rough cut and headed out to have tea with my friend. 

Knitting

I didn't knit last night but must start doing it again. I would like to get this sweater completed before the test pattern arrives by email. 

Today

I want to start tidying up the living area. It is messy and I have a few items to put away. When done, I will go into the bank and put gas in the car. If I have time, I will put the 6 pieces on the horse but will not do any more tracing. I can figure out what pieces I need to trace tomorrow. I will knit tonight. 

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

A Half Day of Rest

 Yesterday was mainly sunny with a high of 4C. There were high clouds in the afternoon but it was still bright outside. This morning it is -1C. We are to have a high of 4C, a mix of sun and cloud with periods of rain tonight along with warm temperatures. Trivial information: on Thursday we not only broke the record for high temperature but we also broke the record for most precipitation. It wasn't surprising. 

Lifestyle

I was exhausted yesterday and was on the verge of tears twice in the morning. Nothing was going right for me. I was quickly becoming a basket case full of emotions. 

At noon, I hauled two boxes of donations and the bag of patterns into the car and after lunch I went to New Minas. When I touched one box, I removed a clamp-on lamp that the Spousal Unit used when doing puzzles. I clamped it onto the design table in the sewing room for better light in that area. 

I stopped at the thrift shop and was greeted at the unloading dock with a coupon for 20% off in the store (for daughter-in-law). The lady put the two boxes and I put the bag of patterns into the bin and I left feeling happier. The stuff is gone and it made me feel lighter. Now to find 2 more boxes I can handle to fill. I have two large packing boxes to deal with in the next few weeks.

I also stopped at a shop that sells frozen foods. I got onion soup that I love, baked potatoes, and a chicken pie. I am set for treats for a while. I also need to start thinking about cooking more freezer meals. That shop reminds me of doing that.

I was home just before 3 pm feeling much better mentally. It was nice to get out and about for a couple of hours. I need to do this more often. 

Sewing

I traced the 5 pieces I needed to finish the left side of the horse. I fused them, cut them out, lost them, and was on the verge of tears twice. I finally corralled them all and when I went to put them on, my neighbour arrived with me staring at the horse wondering why I had started it. 

She quickly got me back on track and we got all the pieces put on, hand pressed down and then got it over to the ironing board and pressed in place. It took both of us 45 minutes to get that job done. But, it is done and I knew it was a day to ignore the horse including taking a picture of it. 

When done, we looked at my fabric and chose the backing. A piece of black and gold batik that I've owned for 15+ years. It was the perfect choice as the quilting threads will blend into it. 

While shopping, I stopped and got .5 meter of fabric at the new quilt shop. When I walked in, there were more units of fabric, a unit or two of notions, and more patterns. It is so bright and cheerful in the shop. The classroom is set up (it's huge) as is the long arm quilting room. I want to snoop shop a bit later on. I didn't have time yesterday and my mood was such I would have bought fabric I didn't need. 

My last stop was to the other quilt shop. I walked into it and it is neat and tidy but darker. I still like it. The fabric I wanted wasn't there. The owner has decided not to carry it even though it is popular. She wants to bring in a new line of fabric that people can use for projects as this one has been in the shop for a long time. She has limited space and has to make choices on what to carry and what to change. 

I now have to decide if I will break down and order this fabric online or if I go with something different. It is the mixer cover fabric and I want it light grey to blend into the kitchen when I have it done. I want the other accessories to be the colourful parts. I may grab my neighbour and head into the city to a fabric shop to see if they have something similar in their huge stock. That will be after I check in the new quilt shop in a couple of weeks. I certainly won't be starting anything new until the horse is done.

I got the brayer for the Cricut. I still need to find the stylus pen (it was there hiding in plain sight) and then get some card stock to make some tags for daughter. Slowly but surely I am getting the supplies I need. Next is to organize them.  

Knitting

I didn't knit last night. I let my brain rest from all projects including knitting. 

Thoughts

    I realized that I have been driving myself back into a funk again. Focusing on the horse and staying home has not been good mentally for this person. I need to do a few things outside the house even if I plan on going somewhere once a week. And it just can't be grocery shopping.

    Not finding the fabric I wanted and then realizing I can't buy that line in the store anymore made me think how I have become stuck in my fabric choices. Buying a new piece from a different line and store for the winter placemats was good for me. Finding a piece of fabric in the stash for the backing of horse was very different than what I had pictured in my head was also good. I need to venture outside of my comfort zone in fabric choices.

    I have found that I am sore once again. I am doing some more exercises. It may be from standing for long periods of time at the cutting table. I need to do more stretching and walking.  On the upside, I am stronger than I was. I got those bigger boxes out of the house and into the car. 

    I am thinking about the dining area a lot. The server is cleaned and ready to become the command centre for holding bills, and important papers. I need to get the supplies for it put together. The long term papers that I have to keep will be stored in the spare room closet. I still need to figure out a few things but I am on the road to having this space done. 

Today

I am going to continue working in the dining area this morning. I need to do the balance sheet first thing, empty garbage, and then sweep and wash the floor area. If I want to, I will trace some larger pieces of the horse head but not fuse them onto the fabric. I am hoping to knit tonight. Today is another rest day for me. 

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

Will I or Won't I?

Yesterday was sunny with a high of 1.2C. This morning it is -4C. We are to have sunshine with clouds coming in this afternoon. The high is to get to 3C. There is a chance of rain or snow in the afternoon.

Lifestyle

I spent the last half of the morning cleaning the "server" in the dining area. It has a door which has a shelf in it and 4 drawers. The drawers were purged to within an in of their lives. I found items I question myself on having kept. The door area housed dishes that I don't use. I put them above the fridge until I decide what I want to do with them. The area is clean and will become my area for paper work. I have a tray in there housing all my papers. I need to get a few things for to help organize myself. 

The table is cleaner but not cleaned up properly. I still have items to deal with - a camera, some crocheted doilies, and items that need to be put into a container for shredding. My planner is big and I like it on the table. I have to figure out a way to deal with it. I don't want it hidden away or I won't use it. Also on the table is my lap top. I can put it away in the server when I want the table to be totally cleaned off. Truthfully, I don't like having all of this stuff out on the table. But, this house has no place for me to have an office space and I don't want it downstairs. So I work on balancing tidiness   and having easy access to what I need. 

Last night I heard one of my cousins passed away. I had met her once and we corresponded a bit about the family tree. She was an avid genealogist and gave me enough information to get going on that branch of the tree. I was saddened to hear of her passing. 

Sewing

I got the 13 pieces fused onto fabric, cut out and placed. I was pleased with the results, very tired, and almost lost it when I found a piece on the stairs. 

Finding the piece on the stairs almost did me in. I now need to figure out where it goes and put it back on. I have learned that I can do this but shouldn't push myself to being mentally exhausted. I need a day off to relax my brain. On the other hand, I want to get it done so I can give it to daughter and then move on to other sewing hence the pushing myself.

Knitting

I finished the second sleeve, joined the body and got 4 rows of the pattern knit. I have to watch while I knit the pattern as I forget to do one step at least once each pattern row. 

I will be testing another pattern for the Nova Scotia designer. I am excited to be doing it for her as I love her designs. So far I've tested all the designs she has published. 

Thoughts

    I signed up to take a course on selling items with a multitude of presenters. It runs for 3 days with today being the last day. I decided in the end not to take part but just watch one video a day. The two I've watched have left me knowing I probably won't do craft shows this year. I am not prepared for it for several reasons.

    1. I am trying to adjust to a life alone and want to get the house purged and tidied up. It is more important to do this than to spend hours figuring out what will sell successfully. 

    2. Figuring out what people want to buy is a lot of work and I only attended one craft show last year. I know what I make some people do like but will others want to buy them due to the cost. Will they be popular or not? 

    3. Building inventory is not exactly what I want to do. Do I really want to sew up a bunch of items one after the other? No, as I am not a person who likes to do assembly line sewing of any kind. I am not a speed sewer as I am too much of a perfectionist. 

    I have decided that this is a "will I or won't I" situation. I will make some items to offer for sale to friends and gift what I make to others. I want to sew up the stash, have fun, and not feel stressed to meet deadlines. I will look at it again later on after I talk to a lady my age who sells at craft fairs in the fall. I also need to go to more craft fairs this year and scout out what is selling.  

Today

I have 5 pieces to trace and put onto the horse. I am hoping my friend will come over and help me press it down so I can start on the right side of the horse. I am exhausted so I want this to be a short day. I need a change of pace and may go out for a drive to clear my head. I am also hoping that I can work on the balance sheet for January but that remains to be seen. I hope to knit tonight. I can tell I am tired when I say the word "hope".

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

Like Dealing With An Octopus

Yesterday was a very wet day. It rained heavily for around 8 hours and the wind blew. With the high of 12.4C, the snow melted. They say we had 1.25" of rain fall which I think is not enough for our area. Around 3 pm, the sky brightened, the rain slowed down and by 8:30 pm, the moon was shining. This morning it is -1C, the wind is still blowing some and the high is suppose to be -3C with some flurries. We broke the high temperature for yesterday. 

Lifestyle

I was very stressed out yesterday with all the rain falling and the snow melting. I looked out and saw the shed two yards down was sitting in about 6" of water.

The water was running in to the yard next door and was coming out between us and going down into the drainage pipe and into the ditch. The house behind me has the rain and snow run down towards my house. I made 2 trips to the basement to see if we had water seeping in. Nothing. I was very relieved when the rain eased off and then stopped. By dusk, there was no snow to be seen anywhere. The ditch ran like a swollen stream all day. It goes through a big culvert pipe next to my driveway and heads down towards the road going into Windsor. I'm sure the water was up to the road in that area yesterday. 

I spent the morning finishing cleaning the kitchen. I polished the stainless steel, pulled out the stove and cleaned around and behind it. I swept the floors and tidied up some more. My final job was to wash the floors. I gave them a good scrubbing. It is good to have the kitchen cleaned up in a way that I like. It took longer than expected as I was checking to make sure the house was okay. 

The items for the thrift shop were put into a larger box which I can add more to it. The smaller box is ready to be filled again. 

Sewing

I traced 2 pieces of the horse and did all the steps to put them on. I then traced 16 more pieces and got 3 onto the horse. The last piece I cut out after fusing it onto the fabric was like dealing with an octopus. It took me quite a while to figure out how to put it on correctly. It is the top brown piece and it added more personality to him. When in the correct position, I added the already completed eyes. 

The remaining 13 pieces goes on the large brown piece at the top of the head. Once done, it needs to be fused together, the silicone mats moved and then finished up. 

I was exhausted when done. It wasn't from my back or leg hurting, it was mental exhaustion. I am focusing so hard on this project I am using up all my brain power. It is good that I am exercising my brain with something new but the exhaustion is something I didn't expect. 

Knitting

I forced myself to pick up my knitting last night. I am ready to try the sweater on Lily to see if the sleeve is the right length. I did knit 6 extra rows. If long enough, I can knit the 4 rows of garter stitch and cast off and start on the other sleeve. 

Thoughts

    I was happy that there was no water in the basement from the storm we had. We had the power off for about 20 seconds due to the wind and rain. I read that 20 000 customers were without power due to the rain. We've had a lot of rain this month. 

    I am picking up speed at wanting to finish the horse's head. I am enjoying the process but am over focusing on it as it has taken over the cutting table. I can't do anything else as I've have fabric, paper, and the horse laid out over entire top. 

Today

My morning job is to clean the dining room, purge the cabinet so I can put some paper work into it. I want it all of the papers off the table. In the afternoon, I want to put the 13 pieces onto the horse and tonight I would like to knit. I have no need to go anywhere today.

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

A Horse Is Acquiring A Personality

 Yesterday was a bit warmer with a high of 0.3C. It was sunny which was nice. This morning it is 2C, the wind is blowing and it's going to be a wet one. The high will get to 12C today. 

Lifestyle

After taking grandson to school, I visited with my friend at the end of the driveway. I rushed in to have breakfast as I was going to be in the sewing room for the majority of the day. I did go out mid morning to get groceries.

Sewing

The first part of my sewing was to make sure all the threads were cut on the gift bag I am making. When done, I sprayed water on it to remove the chalk. It is almost gone and I need to cut the sides down and remove the remaining chalk. It is set aside as my cutting table is now in full production with the horse. 

My friend arrived at 9 a.m. and we set up her light box. All but one piece was in the proper position. She fixed that for me. We admired it and made a game plan for yesterday. 

After lunch, I cut out 13 pieces for the left side of the horse's head. That means trace the pieces onto steam-a-seam, rough cut them, fuse them onto the right side of the fabric, and cut them out carefully. I had to wipe my scissor blades down twice due to the stickiness of the steam-a-seam. 

Once the pieces are cut out, the remaining paper is removed and they are laid onto the horse. I use 2 silicone mats to lay the pieces onto. They are laid over the drawing of the horse. 

It took 2.5 hours of work to get what I wanted done yesterday. But, the horse is taking on a personality now. 

Next up is to finish the mane up the left side to the ear and across the head. Once that is done, I am sure we will fuse those pieces and start up the right side. 

My friend is doing a fox and she sent me a picture of where she is at now. The colours she has chosen are gorgeous but some will be switched out until she is happy with how it looks. 

She is so creative and I admire her for that. She turns each small piece under and hand stitches them down onto the back ground fabric. Not for the faint of heart. 

Today

I am out shortly to take grandson to school. The last day as he will be on a short break starting tomorrow. I am going to finish cleaning up the kitchen this morning. This afternoon I have to do 12-13 pieces on the horse. I will see how I feel tonight if I knit. I didn't last night as I was tired from working so hard on the horse. As the weather is going to be wet and windy, I will be staying home today. 

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

Progress On The Horse

There was sunshine yesterday and the high got to 1.7C. This morning it is -5C and we will have a high of -3C and more sunshine. We are under a wind and rain/snow warning for tomorrow. 

Lifestyle

I was out the door at 6:45 a.m. to shovel the snow off the driveway. It was easy going and I had about 1/3 of the driveway done when our friend came over with his snowblower and his son with a shovel. We were done at 7:02 a.m. After taking grandson to school, I salted the driveway and it was free of ice by the afternoon. 

I did my exercises during the day and went for a walk down the street. I was very sore all day and finally took an Aleve and went to bed at 8:00 a.m. I slept most of the night and feel better this morning. I've done some stretching exercises and it has helped. I think the weather system coming in has made me feel sore. 

I made a stew in the Instant Pot. I thickened the gravy and then added dumplings. The meat stuck to the pan at the bottom. Next time I will add more liquid when pressure cooking the stew, sauté the dumplings and then thicken the gravy. It was delicious though. The pot was soaked and scrubbed clean before I went to bed. 

Sewing

I went down and traced the 10 pieces of the horse's face and put them together. I was 3 hours doing that job. It was demanding as I couldn't see the placement lines for the pieces that went on the face. I fiddled and I am hoping it is right. 

It will be checked today and then I will start on the ears. I am borrowing a light box for other parts of the layout. 

I didn't look at the gift bag as I was so sore that I had to rest and do a few other things to help my aches and pains. 

Knitting

I knit on the sweater last night. I got the 20 rows for the neck and shaping done, and 3 rows for the first sleeve knit. It is progressing quickly. 

Today

I am off shortly to take grandson to school and then home to get ready for my friend to come over and look at the horse's face before I press it in place. I should go grocery shopping after lunch and then I will look at the gift bag if I have time. Tonight I will knit. A busy day for me. 

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

Two Projects Started

Yesterday was a wet day. It rained hard in the morning and then it just rained. It stopped in the late afternoon. We had a high of 2.7C and 44.3 mm of rain (1.75"). This morning it is -2C (wind chill -8C) and it has snowed during the night. and will continue to snow and blow today. There could be sunshine today but we will have a nasty wind and a high of 0C. 

Lifestyle

Physio went well yesterday. My soreness was caused by a lactic acid build up from over doing it on Friday. It left while I was on the bike. I did all the exercises and we are noticing my core muscles are getting stronger. I'm doing a lot more sucking and tucking and the core muscles are sore from that. But they are getting stronger which is important. And I am noticing that I can do some things easier than I could. 

I rested some when I got home as I was tired. My body didn't want to relax as well due to the soreness and it fought the long leg stretch. It was sore and stiff all day (weather system coming in didn't help either). I woke last night with the pain running from my hip to my knee and then to my arch. I got up to help ease the pain and then slept the rest of the night. 

Sewing

I spent a lot of time in the sewing room. I decided to embroider the front of a gift bag. It has been perking in my mind for a long time. I used up a piece of black cotton from the stash and got going. I finished it after 5 pm last night. 

The chalk lines will come off with water. I need to take the green basting thread out and cut the long threads in the back. Once that is done, I can make the bag. I am excited to see how it will turn out. 

My neighbour arrived and helped me with the horse wall hanging. We rough cut out the eyes and pressed them onto the fabric. We then cut out the pieces and she started to assemble the eyes. Once they were layered together they were pressed to fuse them. Then we worked on the nose/mouth area. Both are done and in the tray. 

I got a list of pieces I need to do over the next couple of days. I am going to get this project done sooner rather than later. I have a feeling it could be done to me putting the finishing touches on it by Feb. 10. 

Knitting

I looked at patterns for a sweater for Lily last night and chose one I made a couple of years ago. It will be in white yarn. I cast it on and got 11 rows done. I will add length to the sleeves as the Gotz dolls have longer arms than the American Girl dolls. 

Today

My trip for shopping is not happening today due to the snow. I have to take grandson to school so need to shovel a strip down the middle of the driveway so I have a line to follow when backing out. I will have to work slowly on shovelling the driveway today. I would like to trace some of the pattern pieces for the horse today and knit tonight. I also need to make a stew in the Instant Pot for dinner. 

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

Time In The Sewing Room

 Yesterday we had sunshine and a high of 0.9C. There was very little wind which made it nice when outside. This morning it is 1C and we are under a rainfall warning. 

Lifestyle

With my body aching, I decided to try a few exercises on the bed. They helped a lot. My abdomen muscles are sore from being on the little ladder but the other aches have basically gone. My knees are stiff but not sore. Hopefully physio this morning will help all of those aches and pains. 

Daughter-in-law and I brought a floor lamp to the house and it is working out nicely. The living room area is brighter with it on. I can see my knitting so it is a win-win. 

I delivered the cookbooks to our friend and here's hoping he has fun using them when he smokes. He and son can discuss recipes as they now both have the same books. 

I used my cane when out yesterday as there is still some ice around. I am walking better which I am happy about. I do worry about slipping on the ice which is not new for me. There is a bit of ice on the front landing which will disappear today. The driveway is bare and I can walk safely on it. 

Sewing

I spent the morning in the sewing room. My first job was to make piping for daughter and it turned out gorgeous. It is black with a copper foil print on it. 

Next on the list was to attach and try out the new embroidery foot on the Diamond. I got it on but it wouldn't lower down to embroider. I then found a quick video on installing it and the lady told us to look in the computer panel and click on the Q foot. I did a sample stitch out (The Grinch) and it stitched quite out nicely. No issues at all. 

I pulled out the fabric for the Kitchen Aid cover. Not enough of the outer fabric for it so it is on hold until I get to the quilt shop to buy more. Annoying as I thought I had enough. I seem to have enough lining which I will cut out and interface. I may even cross hatch it. 

Lastly, I took my grungy embroidery hoops up and soaked them in the kitchen sink with Dawn dish soap. An hour later, I scrubbed them and they are quite clean. Not perfect. At least the majority of the basting spray is off them. 

I visited my neighbour to see if we can do the eyes and nose on the horse this afternoon. We are going to if I'm not too tired from physio. The first thing I noticed was she had started her fox wall hanging. It is going to be spectacular. She has the eyes and one ear done. After drooling over it, we watched a YouTube video on how a person used bias chenille strips on quilts and clothing. Interesting but not my cup of tea. 

Knitting

I worked on the socks last night and got them finished. They took 153 grams of yarn and there is 120 grams left. Not enough for another pair of socks. 

I am tucking them away in the Christmas box for daughter as I think she will need them next year. 

I now need to figure out a project to start this evening. 

Today

I have to take grandson to school this week. I am out for physio this morning and then I hope to work on the horse wall hanging. I need to find a pattern to knit and get that organized so I can start tonight. I also need to do my exercises in the evening. I'm working on core muscles and balance. 

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

Doll's Juliette Hat Completed

 Yesterday was cool, windy, and sunny. The high got to -0.7C. This morning it is -5C and we are to have sunshine and a high of 1C. 

Lifestyle

I was sore yesterday from climbing up and down the small ladder I used when cleaning the upper cupboards on Friday. It was basically sore muscles. I hobbled around doing what I had to do and put heat on my back and legs last night. It did help. I actually did more than I had thought I would.

Grandson spent the morning with me. He and our friend's two boys shovelled the driveway and back deck. I put out some salt on the icy patches and by late afternoon the driveway was bare and almost dry. 

After he did some of his homework and grandson played his saxophone for me. We had a delightful time together. We took some time and dismantled Santa's Workshop (Lego) I had bought for him in 2015. I want him to sell it as I won't be putting it up any more. As we dismantled the pieces, one of the pieces broke. After searching the Lego site, we found where we could get the piece replaced free of charge. It will arrive in a month. I will put the bag of Lego pieces away and store the tub in the basement. Another decluttering job done. 

Sewing

I spent time in the sewing room yesterday. I finished the Juliette hat. The finishing touches weren't hard. It was hand sewing the flowers and the opening and then pressing it well. 

I am pleased with it and it fits the doll's head well. 

It looks quite nice with the dress. 

I will not be making this dress again so all the pattern pieces are gone. I did enjoy testing the dress for the designer. The hat was harder to make than I had expected but it did turn out okay. 

Once the hat was done, I put together the drawer insert for the doll's cube. As it is from Ikea, it wasn't hard to do. The hardest part was screwing the insert part into the cube. I had to get the battery operated drill. I have the Diamond sewing machine's feet in one drawer and the cording for piping in the other one. Those items are now contained which makes me happy. 

Knitting

I worked on the sock last night and have the gusset almost done. I am happy at how it is progressing and need to think about what I am going to knit next. I'd like to use up the left over yarn from these socks so will have to find a doll's sweater for it. 

Thoughts

    I had a fairly good day yesterday even though it's been 4 months since the Spousal Unit passed away. I didn't feel any depression though there was a bit of sadness. No tears either. I got through the day in a fairly good mood. Being busy does help. 

    I am happy that I decluttered and purged the kitchen. Everything seems to be working for me. I need to get the spices organized as I think they will work in the Lazy Susan. I don't mind having empty spaces in the cupboards. The space has been easy to clean. My next job is to clean the fridge and shine the stainless steel appliances and scrub the floor. I actually enjoy being in the kitchen now.

    My plan for paper clutter is forming in my head. I want it simple so I will use it effectively. My big plan is to do paper work once a week. Rather than spending a couple of hours twice a month, I would like to spent half an hour once a week. It is going to take me several hours to set this up but the goal is to have it effective and easy to use. 

    I keep wondering why Blogger fools with the font size on my posts. It is annoying that parts come up in the extra large size when I use large. 

Today

I am going to rest again today with heat on my sore spots. I want to make piping for daughter this morning, do the books, and then I may go over and see my neighbour for help with the horse wall hanging. The walk over there will be good for me. Tonight I will knit on the socks. 

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

Snow, Shovelling, Sewing

 Yesterday was our first snow storm. It started to snow mid morning and it snowed all day and into the evening. We got about 11 cm of snow which is over 4". The high got to -0.7 but the wind made it feel colder. This morning it is -1C and we could have snow flurries during the day. We are under another weather warning as it is going to rain on Monday. 

Lifestyle

I started the morning out sorting cookbooks. I have 5 or 6 to go to our friends. All are on smoking meat. I did copy a few recipes that I like; mainly seasonings I've used in the past. 

Once that was done, I spent most of the morning climbing up and down the little ladder cleaning the top cupboards. I sorted, moved, cleaned, and rearranged some items. A couple of items left and a couple may leave in a month or so. If I don't use them, they are taking up valuable space. 

I was really sore when I got done and rested while I ate lunch. After lunch, I started shovelling snow off the front step and small sidewalk as our friend was going to snow blow the driveway. I did the back deck so I can get out of the house in case of an emergency. When I came back in, there was a man and the little boy across the street shovelling my driveway. The little boy suggested they do it as it was easy to shovel. By the time we finished talking my friend's sons were over helping. It was done in no time flat. What great people to have around me. Mid afternoon daughter-in-law texted to ask if I needed the driveway shovelled. I told her the story. So happy she is in my life also. 

The county was out 3 times to plow the roads. They brought out the big loader with a blade on it. I am sure they were out to salt the roads as they are bare and wet. The roads are kept in good condition during winter storms. 

Sewing

I spent time sewing after I had a short rest. I cut out the Juliette hat and started to sew it. It was a lot of work. The easy part was laying the lace on the top. The rest required accuracy and careful sewing. The interfacing was hard to sew as you are to butt the edges of the darts together and zigzag closed. I struggled with that as they wanted to over lap. In the end I had to trim the interfacing so it would fit in the cap. 

I cut out and added 3 bunches of flowers to the back to cover the darts. In 1978, there would have been large flowers on the back but I'm using what I have on hand.

I was a bit worried about how it would fit the doll but it fits fine. 

I can now finish the hat with hand stitching the opening together and doing the back flowers. It and the dress can go into the basket for the little girl I sew for. I will not be making this outfit ever again. I enjoyed it but it is a one time sew. It is now off my to-do list. 

Knitting

I went to pick up the stitches for the gusset and realized I had done 5 extra rows on the heel flap. I ripped it back and started the heel flap again. I now have the heel flap knit, turned the heel, and picked up the gusset stitches. I also have 4 rounds knit on the gusset. 

Today

It is rest day for me as I am aching. The only job I have is to shovel the back deck again. I'll check the driveway to see if I should shovel it. I am going to launder a piece of fabric to make piping for daughter, and finish the Juliette hat. I will knit tonight. Another stay at home day. I don't need anything. 

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

Decluttering and Sewing

Yesterday was cloudy and cool. The high got to 1.8C. The wind blew in the afternoon which always makes me feel cold. This morning, the temperature was -1C, the wind from the ENE and the snow fall warning is now in red. We are to have up to 4" of snow fall today. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning, I tackled the remaining bottom cupboards and drawer. I started with the little cupboard that I deem almost useless but the tubs with the immersion blender and Kitchen Aid accessories fit in it perfectly. I wanted the toaster in a tub or ?? in there also. I found it in the pantry. The spices went into another bin and are on the Lazy Susan and the toaster is in the bin in the cupboard. I moved the Kitchen Aid mixer to where I had the toaster after cleaning the counter. 

The last drawer was tackled and I got rid of a set of measuring spoons I don't use. The other two sets I use on a regular basis. I have two spatulas that I may get rid of as I don't use them and will replace them with smaller ones that I do like to use. The pull out cupboard that is like a deep drawer was emptied out, cleaned and rearranged. Everything went back in. I use it all. The last thing to do was scrub all the counter tops and admire the results. But there is one thing left to deal with. 

I have a tub on the counter that I put recycle, garbage, etc. in and empty it once a day. I hate it but it saves me many trips out to the garage. I need to find something that will work better and be off the counter. It may mean going out to the garage several times a day with the garbage. 

I made homemade fries in the air fryer last night. I soaked the cut potatoes in cold water for 20 minutes and dried them well. I tossed them in less than a tablespoon of olive oil. I cooked them at 165C for 5 minutes (will do it at 175C (350F) next time). I then shook them and turned up the heat to 200C (400F) for 15 minutes shaking them every 5 minutes. They were almost as good as the ones I bake in the oven. They both take about the same amount of time. I had them with a pulled pork bun for dinner. I will make them again in the air fryer.

Sewing

I finished the microwave bag for baking potatoes in. 

It is slightly bigger than my old one. I didn't put the over lap in the centre as I like it near the top. I fiddled with that until I got what I liked. It is now residing in the drawer by the stove. With this project done, I have now sewn 3.9 meters of fabric. 

My next project is to make a Juliette cap to go with a doll's wedding dress I made in 2019. The hat and dress will go to the little girl I sew for. Once done I will make a cover for my Kitchen Aid mixer. It will be in grey fabric to keep everything on the counter more neutral. 

Knitting

I got the heel flap knit and the heel turned. It was neat to watch the video on how to do this on the TV. I watch to remind myself what I need to do or I will forget to knit the extra plain rows before starting to do the slip 1, knit 1 heel flap padding stitches. You need the two extra rows for picking up the gusset. 

I am enjoying knitting these socks as they are going so fast. But, I do enjoy knitting socks in finer yarn also. Not sure what I will knit next thought I have an idea if there is enough of the sock yarn left over. 

Thoughts

    I am enjoying cleaning the kitchen and getting it to where I want it to be. It makes me happy to see my plan come to life. My focus at the moment is to buy spice jars and the organizer to hold them in. After that, I will decide on what I will buy to help contain items. I have a couple of ideas I'm mulling in my head. One is for tea bags and coffee pods. I know what I don't want - something on the counter. 

    I am thinking ahead on how to deal with paper effectively. This has been bothering me for a long time. I don't have a lot of storage space to put it into that I can access easily and quickly. I do a balance sheet to track how I spend my money so I keep receipts. I keep things in several different areas of the house. I'm now looking at videos on this and will be revisiting them over time so I can figure out where to put everything in one spot and what I need to buy to keep it contained.    

    My mental health is improving. I am feeling more content and want to do more purging in the house. Up and down need to be done. As I am doing it, I am trying to figure out a plan for each area and decide if I need to keep things or let them go. I am getting to a point where I want to loose weight once again. I hope to walk further and will set that as a goal. These are all good signs for me.

Today

I am not sure how much of anything will happen with the snow warning. I will need to shovel the driveway a couple of times to keep up on it. But, I am thinking I will work on the cookbooks today. It is something I can do off and on at the table. If I get to sew, I will start on the Juliette hat and if I'm not too tired tonight, I will knit on the socks. It all depends on the snow. 

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

Cleaning Not Decluttering

 Yesterday was one beautiful day. We had hours of sunshine and a high of 7.4C. I had all the curtains opened and the heat turned down. This morning it is cloudy and 1C. We are to have a high of 2C and some flurries. We are under a special weather statement -- lots of snow tomorrow. 

Lifestyle

Elliott and I enjoyed the sun yesterday. He slept on the bed in the sunshine while I decided to clean the dining room which was bathed in sunshine. 

I decided not to finish the bottom cupboards yesterday as I had a sneezing fit that was allergies. It started up in the dining area where the heat pump head is. So, it was time to clean (not declutter) that area. I washed the filters which were quite dusty and wiped out the area where the heat comes out (quite black). I tidied up the table, washed it good, and then dehired the chair that Elliott sleeps on. He loves the warm heat blowing on him. I swept the floor and I felt much better. The dust, cat hair, and what ever else was corralled and gone. 

I took the heavy pot from the small cupboard and put it on the bottom shelf of the Lazy Susan and put the 2 tubs into the cupboard. I now need a tray to sit the toaster on so it can reside in that cupboard also. It is so nice to have all the pots in one area rather than in several areas. 

Daughter-in-law and grandson came over with dinner and put together the TV stand and set up the TV. It was so nice of them to do that for me. I was on garbage detail as we wanted to get the styrofoam out to curb side as it is garbage day today. I was able to watch TV after I set up the apps. So nice to have a 55" screen to watch rather than the iPad. 

Sewing

I did sew yesterday. I decided to make a new bag to microwave baked potatoes in. My old one is about 15 years old and on its last legs. 

I was able to find .3 meter of fabric in the stash and started to work on it. I had to rip out some as I didn't use cotton thread. It had to be quilted so I cross hatched it. Just over half done the cross hatching when I stopped for the day. 

Starting My Only Kit

 Yesterday was foggy but much warmer. The high got to 4C and only 1.5mm of rain fell. This morning it is 2C and we could have flurries this evening. At the moment, the sun is shining and we have some blue sky.

Lifestyle

The cleaning of the kitchen continued yesterday. I got the bank of 4 small drawers cleaned out and totally organized. A bunch of tea towels that are about 25 years old were tossed and 8 new ones laundered. Ancient pot holders were also tossed. One item was put into the donation box, and two were tossed as they were rusty. The bottom drawer was empty so I moved the tin foil, cling wrap, etc into that drawer. The little cupboard is almost empty. I have a tiny food processor, flan pan, and a small casserole dish in it. Not sure what else I will put in that cupboard but I'm not stressing over it. 

The final big job of the day in the kitchen was the 2nd Lazy Susan. All of the containers for left overs were removed and lids put on them. They went into the bottom large drawer that use to hold pots and pans. I need a few more which is on my need list. I kept about 9 plastic containers that Chinese food comes in and tossed the rest. I use these on occasion now though I use to use them all for freezing blueberries and strawberries. The cake pans and pie plates were kept. The whole area got cleaned. Onto the bottom shelf I put the cake pans, pie plates and the plastic containers. On the top shelf, I put some spices into a tub. On my want list is storage bins for them. They form a circle around the pole and I will store spices, soya sauce, etc. in there. That has opened up a space in the baking cupboard and another space in the pantry. Hurrah. The last small job was to put the pyrex baking dishes into the middle large drawer that held frying pans and pots that are leaving the house. 

I am finding the bottom cupboards in my kitchen feel much better organized, my inventory has decreased, and what is left is what I will use on a regular basis. I have my want list going and will pick up a few items when I shop. My next area to clean is one cupboard that has my one big pot in it, a drawer with baking utensils in it, and the pull out that holds cookie sheets, etc. Then it will be onto the top cupboards. 

I was out mid afternoon to help daughter-in-law and they are going to take the boxes of matches. Those will be delivered either today or tomorrow evening. 

Sewing

I was able to get into the sewing room yesterday afternoon. I am in the process of working on the only kit I own. This is the year to make it. My wonderful neighbour is going to help me and I have a goal set before she leaves for Florida in February. 

When I bought this kit, I bit off more than I could chew. I had no idea of what to do hence why it languished on the shelf for so many years. I started off last year tracing one page of the pieces which I've since trashed. Yesterday I traced off the 2 eyes and the nose of the horse. I am keeping track of what I am doing as I trace. 

I will now get help to press the pieces on to the fabric, cut them out and then layer them. I have everything I need and am ready to do this step. I am working on manageable chunks as my neighbour told me to do. 

Yesterday declutter challenge was fabric scraps and to be honest, I don't keep a lot of scraps for scrappy projects. I do keep pieces I know I can use for larger projects. When I make placemats, I will cut out pot holders and sew them up immediately. I am fine with tossing the small bits and pieces that are left over. 

Today's declutter job is batting scraps. I keep them and one thing I am learning is that I will only buy one type of batting for placemats, table runners, etc. I have several different types and it is hard to keep them sorted and organized. What I am not sure about is used in bags, cushion covers, etc. If it is thin, it goes into mug rugs, pot holders, place mats, etc. If I am still struggling with this, I will get rid of the scraps and start again with only one type of batting. 

I also keep insulbrite, and some batting for bowl cozies. I try to keep them separate from the rest of the batting. I have two craft size packages of batting and 2 packages of foam type batting that will be used this year. One package of foam batting is actually to be used this month. 

Knitting

The second sock got cast on and I'm ready to start the heel flap. It went really fast. I've got my sock rhythm back. I took this picture to show daughter and knit another 22 rows before I stopped for the night. It helps that the yarn and needles are bigger and the knitting goes faster. 

Thoughts

    Since starting to declutter the whole house, I am feeling better mentally. I realize that having kept so much in the past couple of years has been hard on me. Letting go is helping me heal. What I am keeping is right for me. How I am doing it is right for me. I am learning more about myself as I go through cleaning out the house. I love being more minimalist, need to work on having broader categories (not micro-managing) and that things need to be contained. I realized a while ago that I know my stress threshold and need to work on capacity. The Less is More concept works well for me. 

    I am worrying about how to deal with papers. It is something I am working on mentally. I know it is going to take some time to organize and set up. The big thing is I don't want clutter on the table. I'm tired of it. It doesn't go away as I am not in tune with my system. 

    I am now looking at storage containers. I want some clear ones and some solid ones (all in one colour). I am going to store items in them and put on big labels. I am still working on this idea but it will come to fruition as time goes on. I do know what I want I can buy at Staples or on Amazon for labels and the tubs I'll look for at other stores.

     Once the kitchen is done, I may divide my time between upstairs and the maintenance room in the basement. My plans for that room are coming to the forefront of my thoughts. It is an area that I put a lot of stuff into in the past year and a half and I need to sort, organize, and let go of a lot of it. This is one area I want to have the tubs in on a shelving unit. 

Today

I need to go get a few groceries once I do some work in the kitchen. I want to work on the wall hanging if my neighbour is available. If not, I have a small project to work on. I need a new bag to microwave potatoes in. Tonight the TV stand will be put together and the TV set up. 

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

A Successful Day

 The saga of the weather continues. It rained again yesterday and the high got to 2.6C. There was heavy fog last night. 29.8 mm of rain fell yesterday. This morning it is 2C and we are to have rain or drizzle today. On a side note. We have had 3.3" of rain fall in 3 days. 

Lifestyle

I could have curled up in a ball and hibernated yesterday due to the weather. It was dark and dingy most of the day. But, I didn't. I forced myself to do things.

I changed a light bulb in the kitchen. It took 6 times going up and down the little ladder to get the job done but the kitchen is so much brighter. With brightness on my side, I forged ahead with decluttering and cleaning. 

My job was to clean under the kitchen sink. I removed everything from under there plus over run from the lazy Susan. Under the sink got a good cleaning. When out on the floor, I was amazed there was a lot but not as much as I had thought. My big surprise was having 2 part and 1 full bottle of window cleaner. I now have 2 bottles of window cleaner. I put all the extra cleaners into a back corner where I can see them. The rest I started to sort. The empty window cleaner bottle will go into the garage to be with the gardening stuff. A box of white bags went into the linen closet. The cleaning vinegar went into a clean spray bottle. Recycle was sorted out from garbage as I went along. Everything was put back in and I don't need cleaning supplies for a while. I can't add any new products until I use up some of the old ones. 

Next I tackled the lazy Susan. I hate them with a passion. I dusted the floor space and scrubbed the two shelves. On the bottom shelf I put the Kitchen Aide attachments and the hand blender both of which are in tubs. Between the two is a container with a few boxes of wooden matches. At the back I put two large pots for my set that I use. On the top shelf I put the pots and pans I am keeping. My set plus two extra items I bought and use. It all fits. I kept one other large pot that I use on a regular basis. What went into the donation box is pots and pans that I haven't used in ages. Ones I bought when we were moving here and I used quite a bit until last year. They have sat and gathered dust with me stressing about how much space they took up. 

When that was done, I wiped the cupboard doors inside and out and called it a morning. I was tired, a bit sore, and happy. I felt that I had exactly what I wanted in both cupboards; I am at capacity but not over my stress threshold. I took out the garbage and put it into recycling and trash. All I am left with is a lot of matches I had bought for the Spousal Unit. He was going through matches and I needed a stock pile. But not as many as I had. I now need to find a home for them. 

Sewing

I spent the afternoon in the sewing room. I am feeling a bit more recharged as it is clean, neat, and tidy. I looked at the pattern piece for the doll's stole, measured it and cut it out using rulers and the rotary cutter. It was made in no time flat and is perfect for the outfit. 

I then started to make the drawers for this outfit. Linen fabric, nice lace from the stash and then disaster hit. I sewed the front upside down to the back at the side seams. Not thinking on my part. I should know better as I have done it before. 

No salvaging this item as I had cut off 3/4" to make the legs fit. So into the trash it went and I started again. I talked my way through the second pair and all was good. I wrote on the pattern to add 1/8" to the waistband so the elastic will go through easier. 

The drawers are on the doll and this ensemble is now complete. There will be no corset or chemise as I don't feel the need for them. I cleaned up and am ready to start something new today. 

Knitting

I finished sock #1. I quite like the colour combination -- cheerful but not over powering. 

The markers remain in until sock #2 is done. They help me knit the 2nd sock exactly like the first one. It will be the reverse to this one. Once done, I will weigh the yarn and and make a decision on the left over yarn. 

Thoughts    

    I am realizing that the house needs to be purged once again. I am over capacity in some places and need to get it down so I am not worrying and stressing over it. I felt so much better doing the small area yesterday that I stood and admired it twice while heating soup for dinner. 

    I have stopped looking at decluttering videos for the moment. I was becoming overwhelmed with the information and needed to stop and do some of what I was watching. I will go back to them when I am needing more information. In the meantime, I will do the tasks I need to do at this time. When I need to organize paper work and other items, I will watch those videos. 

    I am still trying to deal with where the Cricut goes. I have realized that I do not want what goes with it in the family room. The paper storage, the recycle bags, etc. I feel that I want it in my sewing room where I can keep more control over it. In the meantime, I have not done anything with it other than have it on a table staring me in the eye. 

Today

My goal today is to do more decluttering in the kitchen. I have 4 small drawers that need to be done. If time, I may get another cupboard cleaned out. I am going to start working on a kit of a horse's head for daughter. My goal this month was to trace out the eyes and put them together. That will happen today. Tonight I will start the second sock. 

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