Almost Done The Hedge

 Yesterday was a warm day for us. It was sunny and the high got to 16.8C. This morning, it is cloudy and 2C. We are to have a mix of sun and clouds and a high of 13C. Rain is on its way. 

Lifestyle

I really didn't want to, but I did go out and work on the hedge. I started off on the road side and weeded around the 6 bushes I didn't do the day before and then did 6 more. I was cleaning up weeds as I went so walked back and forth to the bag many times as this was the weediest part. I ended up the session weeding and cleaning up the 6 bushes on the yard side. I was tired. There are 10 bushes left to weed and round one of that job is done. 

I rested for a while on the couch before having lunch as I was really tired from doing so much. Walking on the road side is hard as there is the ditch. I finally ended up walking in the bottom of the ditch as it was easier. The last 10 bushes will be easier to do on the ditch side as there is a bit more level ground to walk on. I do have to say the Dutch hoe really works though I will have to do some hand weeding right at the bushes. After the hedge is trimmed so I am not being poked at. 

My glucose readings were lower yesterday which was nice. This morning I have a reading of 6.0 which is the highest I've had in the morning. I think I know why - rice and carrots for dinner. I'll work it off weeding the garden this morning. 

Sewing

My sewing time was spent trimming the stabilizer close to the embroidered design on the back yoke. I am now ready to embroider the other half of the design. 

I sewed 6.3 meters of fabric and only bought .5 meter in April. I have sewn quite a bit of the fabric I bought in March but not all of it. I will continue to work on that over the summer. 

In May, I want to see if I can find 9 fat quarters I like for the sheep quilt. I also need to buy the backing for the cardinal quilt I want to make. Most of my efforts will be in starching the fabrics for the next 2 quilts so I can make them. While the fabrics drys, I want to sew an outfit for the dolls. 

Knitting

I did knit last night. I got the cast off rows done and then it was time to divide the front into two halves. It took a bit of figuring out as I confused myself. I did okay until I made one cable wrong. I have to watch my rows carefully as I need to decrease on at the arm side every other row and at the neckline every 4th row. The time has come to concentrate. 

It is becoming very warm to work on it. My hands sweat last night as the house was 23.5C due to the sun shining in. I did close the curtains but need to do it earlier on warm days. I will survive this as I am getting excited about finishing it up. I can't wait to see it made. 

Thoughts

    I have been worrying about the house getting too warm to sleep properly in. I read on a blog that a person is using Reflectix on their bedroom window and I am going to get a roll. I have black out drapes but I can still feel the heat coming in off the windows when the sun shines on them for most of the morning. 

    I am happy that the hedge is almost weeded. It has been a lot of work and I have ignored the house work due to being tired. I need to text the lawn mowing company to come and trim the hedge and to talk about edging the length of the hedge for me. I will weed it this year and then decide on how I want the hedge landscaped. Weed cover and rocks is my choice as wood mulch blows away. 

    With the weather changing to rain/showers I am going to be cleaning the house once again. I have decided to start in the kitchen and do a thorough job. It is time once again to scrub all the surfaces. Four days of ignoring it has it looking untidy and feeling dirty. I think it being untidy makes it feel dirty even though I do keep the surfaces washed.

Today

I am doing the balance sheet and paying bills and then will be outside to finish the hedge. I want it done before the rain comes tomorrow. If I have the energy, I hope to embroider the back yoke if I have the energy. Then I will knit tonight. 

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

Fit And Fat

 Yesterday was a beautiful sunny day with a high of 15.2C. This morning it is clear and 0C. Frost on the roofs this morning. We are to have sunshine, clouds, and a high of 15C again today. 

Lifestyle

I got Elliott to the vet though I was late. I had put the time in wrong which was my problem. He was examined and given his two shots. He is fit and fat. Yes, he is on a diet once again to loose 2 to 3 lbs. Life will be miserable for both of us. He was quiet all day and didn't eat until evening. Normal for him after his vaccines. He didn't want to cuddle until later in the evening when he started to feel better. 

Once home and letting Elliott get settled in, I went out and weeded 6 more shrubs on the house side of the hedge. I then spent time cleaning up all the piles of weeds. I didn't get the road side weeded as I ran out of time. I needed to have lunch and check on Elliott. I have noticed that I am tired after weeding and did have a short nap. I have to stop that as I am not sleeping as well at night. 

I picked up grandson at school yesterday afternoon and he took me for dinner. We chose Chinese food which was delicious. I ate half the rice and very little of the sweet and sour sauce. I did eat the chicken and the spring roll. No IBS attack so I'm hoping all will be good. Grandson and I had a great visit and then I took him home so he could do his homework while his parent went to see a live musical. I do love being a part of their lives. 

Sewing

I spent my sewing time tracing the pattern onto the good fabric and embroidering half of it. Each stitch out takes a good hour and needs to be monitored. 

I hauled out the shirt pattern daughter uses (I do own it surprisingly) and measured the cuffs. I need to make my own pattern to see if I can make the cuffs out of some scraps which I will put the blue flower on. No promises here. 

While looking at the pattern, I am hoping I have enough chambray in the stash to make a longer shirt for myself. It is McCalls 6124 and I would make View D. I can wear it with leggings. 

I only need to buy thread and buttons. 

Knitting

I got the vest done to the underarms. I spent all evening on it so I can start working on towards the V front. 

Thoughts

    I still hate the hedge even though it has its benefits. One of the thorns on a dry branch jabbed me and the point broke off remaining in my thumb. I spent a good 10 minutes getting it out. I won't be taking it out but I will continue to weed it and, hopefully, only have to take out the occasional thorn. I will get it trimmed once it is weeded. 

    I did a bit of research on A1C and found that it should be between 5.7 and 6.5. My doctor wants it at the lower end of the range. I am still working hard at having good readings at each meal. It is a lot of work but I am hoping it will be worth it in the long run. 

    I am watching another series of house cleaning videos. This person is Canadian and I like her ideas but hate her presentations. She grates on my nerves. But, I am learning some things I haven't learned in other videos. I will start her approach to cleaning on rainy days. The outside work is taking up my time right now. 

Today

I need to weed some more on the hedge and do the clean up. I also need to get a few things at the grocery store. I would like embroider the other half of the back yoke. Tonight I will knit on the sweater. A stay at home day for me which is fine as I want to get as much of the hedge weeded as I can before it rains on Monday.

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

Back Yoke Test Done

 Yesterday was more damp than wet. The sun did shine for a bit in the late afternoon. The high got to 12.8C. This morning it is 4C and partly cloudy. We are to have sunshine and a high of 15C.

Lifestyle

I was out and got my hair cut in the morning. Once home, I got out the hoe and gloves and weeded 6 more bushes in the hedge and around one of the trees. I didn't do clean up as I was damp and cold. But, I was out there working. 

The lawn company was in to lime the lawn. We have acidic soil which is great for blueberries but not for the lawn. I asked about the weed and it isn't Creeping Charlie. It is another weed that I can either hoe out, spray, or pull by hand. The company will monitor it this summer when they do weed control. The house behind me has hired them to do their lawns and I'm thrilled. The weeds in their lawn will be gone and there will be a nice expanse of green grass from the front of my place up to the side of theirs. 

Yesterday I tallied up my carbs for the day. I am eating below the recommended amount by about 25 grams. This means I am being strict once again to see if it helps lower my blood glucose levels. I did loose another 1.3 lbs so far this week. I will continue to be strict to see what happens. I haven't heard from the Wellness Center and I haven't called the dietician at the grocery store as I've been busy with other things. 

Sewing

I embroidered the back yoke on the test fabric and daughter likes it. 

It goes well with the front. I could tip it upwards a bit but I have limited space. She likes it the way it is.

I will trace the yoke on the good fabric and set it up to stitch. 

I posted that I could not get any more of the bee fabric on a sewing forum and a friend suggested I do the the shoes in black and white gingham. I will look for that when I am shopping next week. 

Knitting

I did knit last night and now have 10 cable patterns complete (80 rows). I have 3 cable patterns left to do and I'll be ready to cast off for under the arms. 

I am finding that my hands are cramping when knitting as I am using the hoe to weed. But the cramps left and I was able to do more rows than I had been. 

Today

I have to take Elliott to the vet this morning for his yearly check up. When home I will see if I have enough time to weed more of the hedge or if I will just pick up the weeds from yesterday. I am not sure what I will do this afternoon. I have to take grandson out for dinner tonight and then back to school to watch a play. I will knit tonight. 

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

Progress Weeding and Embroidering

 Yesterday was a sunny day with a high of 10.6C. We sat on the edge of showers yesterday afternoon and it rained sometime during the night. This morning it is damp and 5C. We are to have showers today with a high of 9C. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning I vacuumed all the floors and it was nice to have them clean. Once done, I gathered up my hoe, bag, bucket and kneeling pad and went out to work on the hedge. I hoed 6 shrubs on each side and then cleaned up the weeds on my hands and knees. I got a half a leaf bag full of weeds. It was a bit of a hard slug as the soil is dry. But, I was happy to have that much done. 

While working on the hedge a person walked by and I asked him if he had gotten wood from us a couple of years ago. He said yes and is going to take the pallets from under the deck to burn in his fire pit. I didn't have to wrangle them down to the road for garbage pick up this morning. 

I was tired when done and rested until noon. It was a good tiredness that comes from doing a job I really detest doing. But, when I get it done, I can weed it every couple of weeks quickly. 

Elliott decided to show me how talented he is when lying on the back of the couch. He slept that way for quite a while. 

Sewing

I spent time in the sewing room working on the front yokes. I have them as perfectly aligned as I can possibly get them. 

Daughter will cut them out using the stitched lines I sewed after tracing the pattern onto the fabric. 

My next job was to work on the back yoke. I stressed over this for a bit and then cut out the yoke onto paper, traced it onto the test fabric and added the cross hatches for the center of the design. It is ready to stitch out now. 

I am hoping that I have this fairly close to where it should be. I will only have the cuffs to figure out when the back yoke is done. 

My parcel that took a trip to Newfoundland was delivered mid afternoon. I was happy to get it and am almost ready to start on the next quilt. I need a drying rack for the starched fabric to dry on. That will be purchased in May. I am going to starch the fabric for 2 quilts so I won't waste the starch I bought. 

Knitting

I knit 8 rows on the vest last night before I stopped due to my hands being sore from using the hoe. I have 5 more cable repeats to the underarm. 

I am going to have yarn left over from this project so I will be knitting something else with it. Probably doll clothes. 

Thoughts

    I made a couple of changes to my food choices yesterday and had lower glucose readings. Berries only at noon with no fruit at night. I have also cut back on how much rice I have at dinner. My readings were lower yesterday (except for the morning) which made me happy. 

    The hedge has been a worry as I didn't weed it last year. Family mowed it as best as they could. There is a lot of dead material when I rake and the weeds are starting to get thick in areas. I am hoping that weeding it regularly will help thin them out. I also noticed a patch of Creeping Charlie and will have to pull it by hand and hope that when the lawn company sprays for weeds it will help control the growth and spread of this weed. 

    I have been making a list of what I need to do "now" outside. I will spend time over the next few days getting some of it done. I will resume after the next rains have left. On the wet days I will have to do housework to keep up on it. 

Today

I have to get my hair cut this morning. I hope to pull the Creeping Charlie and weed under the deck when I get home. If time I may weed the next 6 bushes and leave the debris to pick up tomorrow when it is drier. If too wet, I won't do it. I want to embroider the test back yoke this afternoon and knit tonight. 

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

Magnolias Are Blooming

Yesterday started out cloudy and ended up sunny. The high got to 10C. This morning it is cloudy and -1C. We are to have a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 15C. 

Lifestyle

As I waited to see if my parcel would be delivered to the house or the community boxes, I did a few things like laundry, litter box cleaning, and a bit of organizing. When the parcel was delivered to the community box, I was out the door. 

I picked up the parcel and took off for New Minas. I had a list of things I needed to do. I also visited both quilt shops. I was on a mission to get the things I needed. 

First up was to get the big paper leaf bags and a new Dutch hoe. I also got my table top bbq (on sale) and the propane for it. Mission accomplished. Once done, I had lunch and then allowed myself to relax and enjoy myself. 

On the trip home, I went the back way. I noticed the magnolia trees were coming out in bloom. I was excited as the Spousal Unit and I loved looking at them in bloom. I did the route in Windsor to see if our favourite old huge tree was coming out into bloom and it was. The little one down the street from me is also coming out into bloom. I was so happy to see that spring is almost here. 

After unloading the car, I took the Dutch hoe and did a bit of weeding under the hedge. It works great though I will have to do a bit of hand weeding next to the bushes. I also noticed that two of the plants I was weeding around have dead branches in them and will have to cut them out. 

I was out quite a while yesterday and walked 1.2 km while shopping. That is the best I have done while shopping. I was sore but not so sore that I was in pain. I didn't rush but let myself move at a good pace as I moved about a lot of the stores I was in. 

Sewing

My first stop of the day was to the quilt shop closest to home. I was looking for a fat quarter of fabric but it was gone. I accept that it was popular and I will figure out what I will do for shoes for the bee outfit I am going to make. I did snoop around the shop and was surprised that they had the glue, the starch, and the nibs for the starch pen that I ordered. They also carry the Sewline pen and replacement parts. I picked up the glue, a package of nibs, and a bottle of soap that is suppose to remove pencil lines. 

My second to last stop of the day was the second quilt shop. I was going to just snoop and buy only a pattern if it was in the shop. I spotted it within 2 minutes of entering the shop. 

I saw the pattern on Facebook and knew I wanted to make it only if I could find the pattern locally. It will be quilt #4 which may not get made until after Christmas. I will slowly pick up the fabrics for it. I did look at all the fabrics and found one I liked for the sheep quilt. This shop also carries the Sewline pens and the replacement parts. With both quilt shops carrying them I won't have to order from England. 

My last stop was at the craft store where I picked up another board, a roll of vinyl, ribbon, and flowers. I love the flowers and now need to figure out what colour vinyl I need to use to make daughter a sign for her sewing room. The other signs are ready to go in the next couple of Sundays.

At home, I opened the parcel and was excited to see my starch. I shook one bottle and put some in a jar for my friend. She uses it when she shaping her pieces for her wall hangings. I took it over to her last evening. 

I noticed this morning that I my parcel of items (glue, starch, and starch pen) have had quite the excursion. They landed in Newfoundland yesterday afternoon. I may get them tomorrow which means a trip into town if they arrive while I am out. 

I did no sewing yesterday as I was late getting home and Elliott needed my attention. 

Knitting

I got 8 rows knit on the vest last night. I am just over half way done to the under arms. 

Today

I am watching the weather as I want to do some hoeing under the hedge. I have set a goal of 3-4 shrubs a day before it starts to rain. I want to vacuum floors and get some groceries. I need to start on the back yoke so I can embroider it on rainy days. I also need to take garbage out before dinner. Tonight I need to knit. A busy at home day for me.

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

Dinner Roll Success

 Yesterday started out foggy and by noon it was sunny. The high got to 12.2C. This morning it is cloudy and 4C. The sun is to shine by noon and we are to have a high of 15C. 

Lifestyle

I made buns again yesterday morning. I did change up a few things; more yeast and half and half bread/all purpose flour. I also started with liquids in the bowl, let the yeast bloom for 2 minutes and then added the all purpose flour, let it mix and then added most of the bread flour. The dough was sticky but it held together as a nice ball when I tested it. The first rising took an hour. I shaped them into the buns, let them rise again and baked them in a 375F oven which is hotter than I normally do. They turned out perfect. I had one for lunch and it was delicious and the remaining 9 went to family for their dinner. 

I cleaned up the kitchen from making the buns and then had a rest. I was tired and think I need to air out the house once again. I will do that this afternoon. I did go for my walk after lunch and I could feel the sore muscles from being under the deck. But, I walked and felt good. 

I signed all the papers for taxes and the accountant filed them yesterday afternoon. I usually do them but this year's was different due to the Spousal Unit passing away. I am glad it is done and I should be able to do mine next year. 

Elliott loves his quilt and sleeps under it most days. In the afternoon he sleeps on top of it so he can feel the sunshine. 

Sewing

I didn't sew yesterday as I was tired. I also didn't want to tackle the back yoke as I am still thinking it through. I need to cut a full yoke, add the seam allowances and then play with the paper design to get the proper layout before I do a test run. It is a lot of work and I need to be in the mood to do it. I wasn't in the right mood to do it yesterday. Only in a mood to think about it.

The replacement parts for the Cricut arrived yesterday at noon. I will be trying the rotary cutter on Sunday when I cut out another pair of doll shoes. The fine tip blade is to replace the one I bought and the cutting knife looks like it will be useful for sewing and crafting. I had 5 replacement blades with it. 

The precision glue and starch are in transit from the other side of Canada and should be here next week. The starch will be delivered today. I will be ready to start the next quilt mid May.

Knitting

I did knit yesterday after having a short nap in the afternoon. I now have 6 cable patterns done. Only 7 more and I will be at the under arms. 

This is the biggest project I've done in many years. I am really enjoying watching it grow before my eyes. I am thinking that I will make an afghan next winter. I have lots of small projects to knit until then and I don't knit as much in the summer due to the humidity.

Thoughts

    I talked to son about giving them the bbq. They are going to discuss it can use mine as theirs is at the end of its life. I know I will use a small bbq vs a full sized one.

    I enjoyed making buns yesterday and would like to make them once a week. I keep 1 and family gets 9. A treat for all of us. I also want to try a few other recipes and test them on family. 

    May is going to be gardening month. I need to buy soil, a hoe, and some other gardening tools. I want to get a lot done outside working a couple of hours a day at it. My goal is to have a nice looking yard this summer. Once I have the yard where I want it, I will go back into the shed and work on cleaning it out. By then, I will have the deck items on the deck and more room to move about. 

Today

I need to do some housework and laundry. I want to haul one of the pallets to the end of driveway for pickup on Thursday. After the starch arrives, I will go to the quilt shop for some stain removal/pencil mark removal stuff and a fat quarter of the bee fabric.  I am also going to get the table top bbq as it is on sale. I should start on the yoke if I have time and will knit tonight. It will be a busier day for me which I think I need. 

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

Epic Failure

 Yesterday was cloudy and sunny with a high of 12.6C. This morning it is 3C, foggy, and we are to have sunshine. The high is to get to 16C.

Lifestyle

It was quite the day for me. I was tired and wanting to nap. But I couldn't nap as I wasn't able to get comfortable. It happens so I do the best I can to survive. I hate being tired which is why I maintain a schedule of quiet evenings and to bed at the same time. I've done this for so many years as my body requires a good sleep before midnight. I also get up early in the morning as I am that morning person. 

I decided to bake buns for family. They didn't want to cooperate with me. They were not rising, I was questioning my technique, and in the end, I burnt them. Into the compost bin they went. Epic Failure!!

I spent some time thinking and am going to do a few things differently when I bake them today. I'm going to use half bread flour mixed with all purpose flour. I am also going to start with liquid ingredients in the bowl adding the flour afterward. I think I am adding too much flour so will have control over how much goes in if I add it last. I am going to increase the oven temperature to 375F. We will see how this works out. 

I crawled under the deck and cleaned it up. I threw out the weeds, garbage, wood, and plastic items that are no longer needed onto the lawn to bag. I put the ladders one on top of the other and tidied up the left over decking for our neighbour to take. I was sore as I was hunched over. There is only about 4.5 ft of head space under our deck compared to 8 feet everyone else has. I am now ready to spray the weeds when the nights are warmer. Not this week for sure. I also have to haul two pallets for garbage this week. It may only be one to see if they will take it. 

I got the balance sheet done late in the afternoon. It was quick and easy to do. No mistakes which surprised me. 

My glucose reading was 6.0 this morning which means I need to walk today. I did loose 1.3 lbs this week which is good. I will walk once my parcel arrives. I am tracking it and it should be delivered today. If not, I will walk after lunch. 

Sewing

I washed the second yoke and still have a very faint (almost can't see it) line at the shoulder. I have to get something to remove it tomorrow. 

I didn't sew yesterday as I was tired. I don't touch the machines as I will make a mistake without even trying. That meant I didn't do a craft with the Cricut. 

Knitting

Didn't even look at it. 

Today

I am going to bake buns again today. I want to do more laundry and some tidying up. I will walk after lunch and I may try to set up the back yoke to embroider. I hope to knit tonight. A quiet day for me which I am happy to have. 

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

A Busy But Fun Day

 Yesterday was quite a nice day with a fair amount of sunshine. The high got to 12C. Last night was clear and you could see the moon and a satellite near it really well. This morning it is cloudy and 2C. Today we are to have a mix of sun and clouds and a high of 15C.

Lifestyle

I headed into Bayers Lake with daughter-in-law and grandson. While grandson had soccer practice, we went shopping at Costco. We got what we needed and then went to the grocery store for a few other things. We were home by 1 pm. 

I had lunch and then was into the sewing room. At 4:30 pm I was back to family's for dinner and then out to watch the play put on by the senior students at grandson's school. It was great.

One of grandson's friends played and, though he didn't have a leading role, he stole the show. He did a really good job of playing his part. The rest of the cast did a great job of their parts making it a wonderful show.

Sewing

I spent a good 2 hours working on getting the second yoke to line up perfectly with the first one. The yoke is full of lines that I drew, redrew, and drew some more. I finally got it and stitched around the lines that are the pattern.

I am very happy with the end result and now can soak the fabric in the Dawn solution to get rid of all the marks. 

Next up is the back yoke which will take some time figuring out the placement so it is perfect. Not today. 

I plan on going up to the quilt shop on Tuesday and try to get a fat quarter of the bee fabric to make shoes for the dress I am making next. 

Knitting

None done last night as I was out until after 10 pm.

Thoughts

    My glucose readings ran high yesterday. I was 6.0 before breakfast and 6.1 before dinner. I could have walked a long ways with readings that high. I do know that I have to watch and try to walk on those days. This morning my reading was 5.5 which is much better. I wonder if stress causes the readings to be high as I have been stressing over the yokes I've been embroidering. 

    I really enjoy shopping with daughter-in-law. We have such a special friendship and talk about a wide variety of topics. They have such busy lives that spending time with them is special and enjoyable. 

Today

I am tired today so may not craft. I have to do the balance sheet first thing. I want to get the yoke cleaned up so it can dry. I am planning on making buns this morning and deliver them to family. I want to clean up under the deck after lunch and get part of that job done. I will probably rest for a bit and try to knit tonight. It will be an early night for me. 

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

Yoke #2 Embroidered

 Yesterday was another cool raw day. The high got to 8.8C. This morning it is 2C and cloudy. We are to have sunshine and a high of 13C today.

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning, I cleaned the living and dining areas of the house. I swept, dusted, and swept some more. Everything looks neat and tidy once again in those areas. 

I didn't walk yesterday as I was waiting for the lawn guy to come and give me a quote on mowing the lawn. He never showed up to talk to me but gave daughter-in-law the quote. I'm hiring him to mow once a week. I will call him to trim the hedge and power wash the house. That is if I don't do the house myself. 

The person who wanted his pants hemmed never showed last night. I sat and waited for him to no avail. It was a bust kind of day as I didn't walk or go out or do what I wanted to do. Just wait for people. 

My glucose reading was 6.0 this morning. A bit high but it lets me not worry when shopping with daughter-in-law this morning. I can walk as much as I want to. I will have to eat carefully though.

I also lost weight - 1.3 lbs and I'm happy about that. I'm slowly shedding the weight I put on while taking care of the Spousal Unit. He'd be proud of me for doing this which keeps me going. I'm proud about doing it also.  

Sewing

Soaking the yoke in a Dawn and water solution got rid of the blue mark. I retraced the pattern lines on the fabric, took out all the stitching and cut the stabilizer away. Once that was done, I restitched the lines to stabilize the fabric and turned up the hem on the curved edge. I got it hand basted down. 

I did trace and stitch out the other yoke. I thought I had the placement perfect but it is out. I have to trace the yoke lines again to get the flowers lined up. 

I need to work on adjusting slowly and carefully, draw the pattern lines, stitch on them, soak in a Dawn solution and then redraw the lines. Once done, I can turn up the hem on this yoke. It is a lot of work but this shirt is going to look fabulous when sewn up. Next up will be the back yoke. 

My brain is so full of "what to do" with the yokes that I haven't thought about the next project or my Cricut project for tomorrow. When the yokes are done, I will think about what I am going to do next. Something for the dolls so my brain can have a rest. 

Knitting

I knit on the vest last night and now have 3 cable patterns done. It is such an easy knit with such great results. 

The picture is horrible as I get so much shadowing at night. But you can see what I've done. 

Thoughts

    I hate saying that I will do something, make arrangements to get the item, and then the person doesn't show or let me know they aren't coming. I may refuse to do it now as it will have me pushing to get it done before the item is needed. 

    I am going to have to push myself to get more things done. I went through a funk as per usual and am now coming out of it. I need to get outside and clean up under the deck and in the shed. I have 3 days this week that will be warm enough. On the cooler days I need to work inside as I have lots to declutter and get things ready for the thrift shop. I will have to reverse that during the summer.

    The dreaded hedge is calling me to weed it. I will have to do it even if it prickles me and I will have to spend time picking out thorns. It didn't get done last summer so I need to make sure it gets done a couple of times this summer. 

Today

I am going shopping in the city with daughter-in-law while grandson is at soccer practice. Once home, I want to work on getting the second yoke to match the first one. I will knit tonight. I may even get outside for a bit and start cleaning up under the deck if it is warm enough. It may only be 20 minutes but I can do a lot in that time. 

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

A Faint Blue Line

 Yesterday was about as cool as the day before. It was sunny with some wind and a high of 11.4C. The wind had a bite to it as it was coming out of the NW. This morning it is clear and 2C. We are to have sun, clouds, wind and a high of 12C.

Lifestyle

I was out the door early to pick up some blowing paper and put it into the compost bags at curb side. Back in the house and got myself together for the day. There is a fair amount of garbage around and I'm trying to pick it up as I see it. 

I didn't do a lot around the house yesterday but did some. My glucose reading was low in the morning so I had some canned peaches with my breakfast. At lunch the reading was better and I had more peaches. This morning I have a higher reading and am happier. I may have to have canned fruit when my readings drop low again. 

I went out for my walk after lunch when I knew I had the energy to do it. I walked 1.2 km which was great. I wasn't overly tired when I got done which was nice. There weren't a lot of people walking as the wind was cold. In the protected areas it was warm making the walking really nice. In the wind, not so much.

Sewing

I spent quite a bit of time working on the embroidery for daughter's shirt. The last test was stitched out and I got the first front done. When I looked at it, there was a faint blue line from the frixon pen. I was really upset. 

You can barely see it but it annoyed me. I spritzed the areas with water but it didn't help. The fabric is now soaking in a dish of Dawn soap. I will leave it there until after breakfast. 

I did stitch down the stabilizer to the fabric prior to playing with the fabric. I stitched on the pink line I had drawn and then 1/8" inside. I will decide if I will keep the stitching in or remove it and cut the stabilizer back. As the fabric is going over denim, I don't want the shadow of the denim to show through the white fabric. 

The remaining shirt yokes are on hold until I get this front mark free. I'm trying to use as little fabric as possible as daughter wants to cut out cuffs, sleeves, and collar from it. 

I starched the squares for the quilt embroidery so they are really stiff. I want this fabric as stable as possible for embroidering and piecing. I did take the remaining napkins apart and that job is done. I did it while the test and main yokes were embroidering. 

Knitting

I got the ribbing done and the first cable pattern done last night. It feels slow right now as there isn't much knit but I know it will move quickly once I get 3 or 4 more patterns done. 

Today

I am taking grandson to school shortly and then my day is full of waiting. The company that does lawn mowing, etc. will be by sometime today to give me quotes. I have a person coming around 6 pm to get pants hemmed to wear to a wedding next weekend. I will be doing them while I embroider either cardinals or the yokes of the shirt. I needed something to keep me busy while I baby sit the machine. I doubt if I will get anything done outside as the wind will be blowing from the NW but if I do, I will work under the deck. I may embroider a cardinal this afternoon and knit tonight. It is a stay at home wait for people day.

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

A Cool But Busy Day

 Yesterday had a few showers and some sunshine. The high got to 10.7C. This morning it is 5C with a mix of blue skies and clouds. We are to have weather about the same as yesterday with a high of 10C. 

Lifestyle

I vacuumed all the upstairs floors yesterday and did some cleaning up. The house is pretty clean and I will need to start dusting and wiping once again as dust is starting to show up. 

I didn't walk again yesterday. I thought I was doing well and then I was tired. My glucose was low again. It was up a bit at dinner time and down to almost into the "low" zone this morning. I am confused as I ate more carbs last night for dinner. I am going to try something different today to see if that helps. 

The lawn care people showed up to aerate the lawn and I went out to talk to them. The person is happy with how well our lawn looks and I can't wait to see it this summer when it's lush and green. I also looked at the garlic. Most survived the winter and are growing. 

I went into the bank to pick up foreign currency for the two boys who are going to Japan this summer. I delivered it to them last night and the look of delight on their faces was priceless. They are so excited to have spending money while visiting Japan. 

My neighbour and I hauled the two bags of straw down to the end of the driveway to be picked up this morning. They were lighter than I had thought they would be. We also went across the main road and retrieved my missing bag of recycling from the ditch. It had blown in there when we had a big wind storm. Next up will be the ditch around part of my property as it is full of garbage. Then it will be onto weeding the hedge and under the deck. Lots to do when it warms up again. We are to have cooler/frost for the next few days.

I took pictures of the daffodils in my friend's yard. They are gorgeous and were bought from a company in Holland. I may get some to put in my yard. 

I love the frilly ones and they certainly make me feel happy looking at them. 

Elliott had been watching tv with me. He likes shows that have animals in them. Yesterday he stood up and looked at the screen closely. He has never done that before. I wonder if he was checking to see if the spices were fresh. LOL

Sewing

I did go down to the sewing room and prepped the fabric for the next test of embroidery. I wanted to see how stiff Mary Ellen's Best Press would get so saturated a piece of fabric, let it soak for a few minutes and then started to press it. I had an iron mark show up on one edge so heated up the Cricut heat press and used it. It worked to perfection and the fabric was stiff and stable. I traced the pattern onto the stiffened fabric and got the cross hatch lines on ready to start embroidering.

I ordered the glue and precision pen for quilting. I decided if I want to quilt more precisely I need to have the tools to help me do it. We are all different in how we handle fabric and I do admire those who don't have the problems I do when sewing blocks together.  

I went over to my friend's house and helped her sandwich a quilt she is quilting for a person. It is so much easier to do when there are two people. We smoothed, patted, and got it done. The quilt is gorgeous with hearts in peach tones on a white background. It will be quilted with a peach toned thread and will have butterflies and hearts stitched on it. It will be gorgeous when done. 

Knitting

I knit on the ribbing of the vest last night and am half done it. It is easy and relaxing to knit the ribbing. No pictures yet. 

Today

I am home again today and hope to do a bit of housework, embroider, walk, and knit. I have no need to go anywhere today as I have everything I need. 

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

Precision, Precision

 Yesterday morning started out with a good rain and by late afternoon the sun was shining. The high got to 19.4C which broke the high record for yesterday. This morning it is 6C and cloudy. We do have a chance of showers and a high of 14C. 

Lifestyle

I headed out the door yesterday morning to get the new lenses into my frames. What a difference they make. Not a huge change in strength but the world is bright and sharp. These lenses are ground in a different way than my old ones and the difference is noticeable. 

I did drive to the quilt shop and it was foggy in that area. I was surprised at that. We didn't have that at home. Their temperature was about the same as at home though. 

When I got home, I made Shepard's pie. It was fun to cook and have a few tasty meals to put into the freezer. I cleaned up the kitchen when done and will freeze the meals this morning.

My blood sugar was a bit high yesterday morning and went down as the day progressed. By dinner time, it was 4.9 and I was tired. I didn't walk as I knew it was getting low. My energy level declines and I do feel it. Also the storm going through had my knees and hips aching so much I had to take a pain pill. I hate doing it but I was so sore I was almost in tears. 

Sewing

I went to the quilt store close to home to get more Best Press starch. While in the store I found a cute piece of fabric for a doll's dress. 

I also bought bee buttons and will make a summer hat and dress using the fabric and buttons. I did get the Best Press and some more needles for my sewing machine. I also snooped around looking at notions.

After lunch and a rest, I went down and did test #2 embroidery. Not in the right place but closer than before. 

I cut out the yoke and basted under the seam allowance on the curved edge. This learning curve has me really thinking about placement and I think I got it right for the next one. (Or at least I hope I do)

I drew more lines on the pattern piece to help me with placement. I then wiggled the design around to get it positioned better. More lines need to be drawn though I did try to erase some of the lines to help cut down on the confusion. The pink one didn't want to disappear. 

When this project is done, I am going to sew a couple of doll's dresses plus the hat. I need to do something easy. 

Knitting

I cast on and knit 5 rows of ribbing for the front of the vest. 

I didn't get more done as Elliott was all over me wanting cuddles. But I got started and now can work on it in the evenings. 

Thoughts

    While looking at the notions at the quilt shop yesterday, I noticed a glue product made by a company called Acorn. I decided to look it up and found some great information on it and other products used to do precision quilting. I am going to order the starter kit which has the glue and a starch pen to make your seams lie flat. While watching videos on the products and one on precision quilting, I realized that I am a precision sewer and quilter. 

    I am so ready to cut out the good fabric for daughter's embroidery. I didn't realize how rusty I am at placing embroidery on shirt yokes. If you don't use it, you loose it and that is what happened to me. I know yokes are tricky but I didn't realize how much I had forgotten when I put that kind of sewing behind me. 

    The starch and Cricut orders are both ready to be shipped. Both companies have been great to work with. 

    I am a bit concerned about my glucose readings being low. Am I trying too hard? I hope I hear from the Wellness Center soon so I can get help with this issue. 

    It is 7 months since I lost the Spousal Unit and I am feeling sad. It creeps up on me and I have to deal and cope with it. There is still the pain but it isn't as sharp as it use to be. It is more of an ache. I keep thinking of him every day and do find peace in remembering the happy times we had. 

Today

I am back to the bank today and then I want to vacuum the house. This afternoon I will do the next stitch out on the yoke and continue to take the napkins apart (4 left to go). Tonight I will knit. If I have the energy, I will walk at least once today unless it is raining. I do have to get recycling out also. That means bringing the two leaf bags down from the shed. 

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

A Successful and Busy Day

 Yesterday was warm and overcast. The fog disappeared before noon and the high got to 17.1C. This morning it was 8C, wet, and cloudy. Though the high is to get to 18C, we are to have periods of rain today.

Lifestyle

I headed out the door early to get groceries as I was out of fruit. I got what I needed and will have to get more fruit before I need anything else. I got everything done before noon that needed to be done.

After lunch, I called the Cricut help line as I wanted to resolve the issue of the machine not cutting properly on the first cut. The person I got set me up on Zoom and over an hour later, he figured out that both of the blades sent with my machine were no good. I got a coupon to replace them. When I put the coupon in it would not accept it. I went onto chat yesterday and it shut down on me. Today I succeeded and the person said I had the US coupon not the Canadian one. I got a new coupon and all is good. Both of the people I talked to were awesome. 

I also ordered the starch yesterday and hope it will be delivered before the end of the month. I waiting for confirmation that I got the discount and that it is being shipped. 

I didn't walk yesterday as I was tired. The low glucose levels I had on Sunday dictated I not do anything strenuous. I also had a higher carb dinner which has me in good shape again. I need to make the pulled pork again to have when I have these low days. 

The neighbour has daffodils in bloom and I am enjoying them from the front windows. They are so cheerful. I have to clean up the front bed of my place as the lilies are coming up. I was not able to mentally do the job last fall. I hope to do it once this rain is over. I am going to add flower pots to the front of the house this year as I will have the time to do it and I do want our place to look cheerful. 

Sewing

I stitched out a yoke from scrap fabric yesterday so I could get the placement correct. I haven't done this for 12-14 years so a learning curve. The first stitch out was not correct. 

I lined up the center lines with the center front. I forgot that I should make it more angled. So I played with the print out and I am ready to stitch once again.

It is a good thing I have huge spools of embroidery thread. The design can't be pulled down any further on the pattern due to the seam allowances. I will trace the pattern onto the fabric, add the lines to find the center point and stitch away. We wait and see if this is what I want it to look like. 

I have not thought about the next project I want to sew as this one is consuming all my sewing time. All I can do is take the napkins apart as I babysit the embroidery machine. I am assuming it will take me up to 5 days to embroider this shirt once I start on the main fabric. 

I did get pictures of the doll wearing the shoes. One shoe is a bit big on the doll and I am wondering if she has a smaller foot. 

I think I will have to make her some tights or knit her a pair of socks to go with this outfit. 

Knitting

I finished the back of the vest last night. I am really happy to have it done so I can see what it looks like. 

Today

I have to go to the bank and to get my lenses put into my glasses this morning. This afternoon I need to stitch out the next test yoke and go for my walk. The rain is to stop this morning and I do need to walk at least once today. Tonight I will cast on the stitches for the front of the vest if I don't go over to see my neighbour. An in and out of the house day for me. 

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

Cricut Sunday

 Yesterday was cloudy with a bit of sunshine. The high got to 14.1C. This morning it is foggy and 8C. We are to have sunshine and a high of 20C today. 

Lifestyle

I did the balance sheet and spent some time thinking about upcoming expenses and how much I can spend. Life is not bad but I am not going crazy as I can spread what I want/need over months. 

I walked once yesterday which was further than before. I did 1.2 km which was great. I was going to walk in the afternoon but was tired and when I did my glucose reading it was 3.8. I'm glad I didn't walk and snuck a few extra carbs into my dinner. I'm at 5.2 this morning which means I will have to be careful today. I could have a low day like I did after the last time I had a 3.8 reading at dinner.

I lost 2.4 lbs this week and it's from walking and eating carefully. I am 4.4 lbs from where I was when I had to stop taking care of myself and put all my energy into caring for the Spousal Unit. I see the doctor in 9.5 weeks and hope to be at or below that weight. I also hope that my blood work is good. 

Sewing

It was Cricut time yesterday and I played with fabric. I decided to make the Plain Jane doll shoes. I used a fat quarter that I didn't like but got for free for the trial pairs. The first cut didn't work at all. I recut and all was well.

When I took the pieces off the pink mat, I had to clean it with the scraper and baby wipes. There were a few little marks on it from the cutting blade. I tried again and had to cut twice. The pieces fit the pattern almost to perfection and didn't stretch when I took them off the mat. 

Next up, I played with the cutting arrangement and cut out the pair from the left over skirt fabric. I managed to get the shoes cut out of 2 pieces of fabric 4.5" high by 12" long.

Waste was minimal - no more than I would have made cutting them out myself. 

I spent a lot of time making the shoes. I sewed carefully, trimmed the seams and then made clips to fold underneath the soles. I marked a line down the center of the chipboard insole to help me place the uppers more accurately. I was pleased with the end end results. 

I have to give the toes a bit of heat to remove the pen mark. I held them carefully so they set well and added the black foam soles. 

I will be putting them on the doll today.

What will I do differently?

    I will do a trick I accidentally found on the internet-- I will adhere the fabric to transfer tape and attach the transfer tape to the cutting mat. This is suppose to protect and keep your cutting mat clean and free from marks.

    The insole fabric is a bit short and I will enlarge it and cut off the excess after I glue them onto the chipboard. You don't see it but I know it is there. 

    Make sure I have about 2 hours to sew and put the shoes together. The more professional they are to look, the longer it takes to make them. I'd even think of starching the fabric before cutting it out. 

I will definitely use the Cricut to cut out more shoes. They cut the pieces out accurately which makes sewing them nicer. 

Knitting

I knit on daughter's vest last night and have 20 rows and the back will be compete. It hasn't taken that long to knit. 

Thoughts

    I don't know why I am having low glucose reading once a week at dinner. I know I have it because I feel tired. I eat the right number of points (WW) and have been monitoring my carbs. I will continue to check my glucose 3 times a day until I see someone about this. I don't walk when I feel tired as I'm scared of it dropping too low. 

    The seller of the liquid starch contacted me and will do a label for me to ship it. He has offered a discount of $6.00 on the order. I can't cancel it as he suggested so I have contacted him again. We will resolve this as he wants my business. 

Today

I need to do a bit of housework, get some groceries, walk at least once, and then work on daughter's embroidery. If I get it to the stitch out stage, I will take apart more napkins for my quilt. I hope to knit tonight and get the back done. 

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