A Weird Weather Day

 Yesterday was cloudy and windy with a high of 22C. This morning it is clear and 11C. Today is supposed to be mainly sunny and windy with a high of 26C. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday's weather was eery. The sky wasn't really grey but kind of yellowish. The wind came in from the NE and the barometric pressure was dropping. The air felt funny. It left me feeling like I could have a massive headache at any time but it never developed. Hurricane Erin was giving us the outer edges of her storm. 

I did clean up the kitchen and folded the laundry but I didn't do much else until after lunch. I did sit with my eyes closed and rested hoping the feeling of the headache would leave. It wouldn't. It hung like a weight around my head. 

I did go shopping after lunch. The store was busy and full of people who didn't know what they wanted or needed or so it seemed. People were probably shopping so they could leave for their summer places last night. The last weekend before Labour Day weekend. 

Once home I noticed that my fridge was sitting just in the danger zone. I monitored it and it is still there this morning. I have let the appliance repair man know and have moved some food to the small fridge. I will be moving more shortly. I will probably have to get a new fridge. 

I sat on the couch and rested my eyes some more. As the barometric pressure levelled off, I started to feel better. The wind was still blowing from the NE at the same speed but the air felt less electrifying. 

Sewing

I did not sew yesterday. I couldn't think about doing anything like that without making a massive mess out of it. It is waiting patiently for me. 

Knitting

As my head cleared I was able to pick up the sock and knit on it. I had mistakes to fix along the way but I got 50 rounds knit. 

Knitting 2 socks from 1 ball of yarn has been interesting. I haven't had any issues with it. If I was to start knitting socks from a full ball, I would start sock #1 from the outside of the skein and sock #2 from the inside. I do know this will not work for striping yarn as you are not knitting the same way through the yarn. They are coming from opposite ends of the ball. 

Thoughts

    I looked out at the evergreen tree in a neighbour's yard. It is full of cones. I wonder if we will be having a hard winter.

My daughter said their trees are the same this year. 

    The rain from the next disturbance doesn't look promising. Showers at the best, nothing at the worst. I saw a map that said we need nearly 20" of rain to fall to get over the drought conditions we are experiencing. It would be nice if we could get it this fall and winter as we usually get 55" of rain in a year. So far, not this year. 

Today

I am hoping to get some things done this morning. I want to sew this afternoon and knit tonight. I am hoping for a more productive day than I had yesterday. 

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

A Doll's Dress Started

 Yesterday was another sunny and warm day with a high of 24C. This morning it is cloudy and 11C. Today is supposed to be a mix of sun and clouds with wind. The high is to get to 22C. 

Lifestyle

I started out the morning putting away the items I had bought (perishables were dealt with as soon as I got home). I then cleaned up the table and scrubbed it. It was dusty. From there I went and cleaned the bathroom. Once it was cleaned, I got Rosie the Robot to clean the floor. 

I went downstairs to work on sorting paper work. After an hour of doing it, I decided to order a shredder. It will be here tomorrow. I will set it up so I can run some paper through it when I go downstairs. Hopefully it most of it will be done so I can put it out in two weeks for pick up. After that, I can keep up on shredding paper as needed. 

The roofer came after 4 pm and fixed the roof. He had to replace 2 shingles, glue down one that was starting to flap, and fill a couple of nail holes in shingles covering the soffit. It was pricy but he was on a very steep roof and did a thorough check for me. I waited a long time but am grateful that he kept me informed of what was happening and that he finally made it. One important job completed.

The fire fighters at the big fire down the valley have one on the fire and one on Hurricane Erin. The Canadian Lifesaving Surf Championships have moved their competition to Bayswater Beach in Nova Scotia. For us on the Bay of Fundy side of the province, we will get some wind and nothing else. 

I have been eating properly now for 5 days and have lost 2.2 lbs. I know the IBS attack and the side effects of the shingles vaccine I had contributed to some of the weight loss but I have been measuring and tracking everything I eat. I am hoping it will continue to come off as I am over the trigger foods. 

Sewing

I did go and sew yesterday. I cut out the doll's dress except for the bow. I got the bodice sewn and had hemmed the top skirt and was working on the bottom skirt when I had to leave for the roofer. 

The back is shaped in a V and crosses over. The bow is sewn to the side that crosses over. 

There is enough fabric to make another one of these dresses which I might do. Two dolls can have them in their wardrobes. 

I did look at the batting I have and may have enough if I piece it together. I will be doing it once the dress is done. 

Knitting

I finished knitting the leg of the first sock. I figured out how to set the ball of yarn so I can knit the leg of the 2nd sock while the first one is attached. I have 2 rounds knit on it.

Daughter-in-law said I knit her a pair of socks from this yarn and was surprised at how much was left. I am hoping there is enough to knit the heel flaps but know I may have to knit them in black along with the foot. 

Thoughts

    I am glad that the roof is now repaired. My next job is to get the heat pumps cleaned. I am slowly doing the necessary maintenance on the house.

    They are saying the next disturbance behind Erin may bring us some much needed rain. There is no guarantee at the moment but we are hoping. 

    My knees hurt yesterday afternoon and it was from the barometric pressure dropping. They could hurt today as the pressure is still dropping. At least I know the reason. Otherwise I feel good and have very little pain in my SI joints. 

Today

I need to get a few groceries this morning and fold laundry. I need to do some cleaning in the kitchen. This afternoon I want to sew on the doll's dress and then knit tonight. 

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

A Horrible Day

 Yesterday was a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 22C. This morning it is clear and 10C. Today is supposed to be sunny with a high of 24C. 

Lifestyle

I was up and ready to go for 9 am to shop with daughter-in-law. I put my bag of donations into the car and off we went. We got them to Value Village and went to Walmart to shop. 

I got what I needed in Walmart plus a few items of clothing that were on clearance. I was not feeling all that well. I was really sore and achy. I blamed it on Hurricane Erin coming north. I pushed on. 

We went to another store to look for summer clothing on clearance. I got some more tops. I pushed through that store hobbling along. Daughter-in-law decided we would come home as I was struggling. 

Once home, we sat for a while with my friend as she was there to monitor her family's house being packed into the moving van. It is a story I won't talk about as it makes me angry. We visited with our neighbours and had some good laughs. They are like family to me. 

I staggered home with a sugar low and ate. I was exhausted and went to bed and slept soundly for almost 90 minutes. I woke up feeling better -- no fever, sore joints or muscles. Just tired. 

I did look up to see why I felt so horrible after the shingles vaccine. I found out it is an aggressive vaccine that starts to work immediately. It will give you all the symptoms I had and will knock you on your butt. 

I went to bed early and slept until almost 5 am. Up to the bathroom and then slept until 6:30 am. 

All I can say is -- yesterday was a horrible day. Here is hoping today will be more productive and that I feel much better. 

Today

I have the roofer coming in this morning and I hope to put a few things into the shed. I want to clean the bathroom and fold laundry. I hope to sew this afternoon and knit tonight. I am not pushing myself but I need to get a few things done today. 

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

New Projects Started

 Yesterday was another cooler sunny day. The high got to 22C. This morning it is a mix of clouds and blue sky and 10C. Today is supposed to be a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 22C. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning, I got the items for the thrift store out of the basement and bagged to go today. It was great to have that job done and off my plate. My next job was to go and pay my water bill which I did. Then it was off to get my shingles vaccine. 

I was a bit early to get my vaccine but did get in early. The nurse had to mix the dry vaccine with a saline solution before administering it. I got it and left. During the night, I woke to my arm very sore and I couldn't get comfortable with it. I was awake for almost an hour with the pain. When I woke early this morning it wasn't as sore. I will admit I am tired this morning from the lack of sleep. 

Once home, I didn't do a lot of work. It was more puttering with me giving up in the late afternoon and resting quietly on the couch. I knew most of it was from the vaccine which does happen to me. 

Sewing

I did take the vacuum cleaner down to the sewing room and vacuumed the floor. It was a mess of threads and fibre fluff. I went over the floor twice to get it all off. I did do a bit of tidying up but not a lot. 

I laid out the fabric for the next doll's outfit. No picture of it but here is the pattern I am going to use. 

I am thinking of the blue dress with the floral for the outer dress and the bias stripe for the under skirt and bow. The pattern is printed and I am ready to start it. 

Knitting

While I was resting in the afternoon, I cast on the next pair of socks. The leg and heel flap will be the pretty yarn and the foot and toe the black yarn. I am using up part balls of yarn this time along with a new ball I bought well over a year ago. 

I was able to get 31 rounds knit by 8:30 pm. 

Thoughts

    I was aware my arm would hurt after the vaccine but I didn't realize it would keep me awake for an hour last night. I do remember my arm hurting the last time which is a sign the vaccine is doing its job. Maybe the worst of the pain happened during the day. I really can't remember. 

    I ate very carefully yesterday and it did help my IBS attack calm down. No dairy and only some salsa in the morning. The rest was bland foods which is boring but necessary. I really don't need another attack like that. 

    It has been 3 years since we had to put the Spousal Unit into the hospital due his Alzheimer's progressing at a rapid rate. I still think back the day we did it and I still have some feelings of guilt that I could no longer look after him at home. I have come to terms that I wasn't a failure and that his disease has progressed to the point he needed professional care. I still feel guilty at times which I am told is normal. 

    The roofer is hoping he can come later this afternoon to fix the roof. If he doesn't show by dinner time, he hopes to come on the weekend. It is a small job and he tries to fit it in where he can. I will be glad when it is done and off the house to-do list. 

Today

I am off to the city with daughter-in-law to do some shopping. Once home, I am going to rest, maybe cut out the pattern for the doll's dress and knit tonight. If necessary, I may have a nap after lunch. 

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

The Garage Is Clean

 Yesterday was sunny and cooler with a high of 21C. This morning it is clear, cool, and 8C. Today is supposed to be sunny with a high of 22C. 

Lifestyle

I changed my plans yesterday. I went out to the garage to decide on how to clean it and ended up cleaning it. What started with "I'll clean the very dirty window" ended up doing the whole space. 

The garage is usually cleaned twice a year but I always seem to forget the window. Hence why I started there. Once it was done, I swept, moved stuff around, swept some more, washed surfaces, put items away, and took the bottles to the depot. 

I did it in two sessions. One in the morning and then in the afternoon. I had to stop in the afternoon for a rest as my back was sore. I took the 2 boxes of blinds to the basement which was awkward. It caused my back to start to hurt. By 3:30 pm I was finished the job. 

I parked my car inside last night, the first time in a month. I didn't complain as I knew I was helping friends who needed to get things out of their house while they were trying to sell it. The man and his boys are moving today and their house will be packed today and tomorrow. She and the dogs leave in just over a week. 

I had a terrible IBS attack at midnight and I know exactly what caused it. I had rich ice cream last night and it was the high cream content that set it off. I have been monitoring this. The other food that gives me IBS is tomatoes and I have cut back on how many I eat. Will eliminating these foods stop the attacks? No. There may be other foods that trigger these attacks and I haven't figured them out.

Sewing

I did not look in the sewing room yesterday. I was okay with that as the cooler weather allowed me to clean the garage in one day. Cleaning the sewing room is still waiting for me. 

Knitting

I wove all the loose ends of yarn into the socks last night. It took a long time as my right hand started to cramp. The job got done and I am happy to have those socks completed. 

I now need to wind more yarn so I can start the next pair. 

Thoughts

    The wildfire down the valley has grown a lot and was at over 3000 hectares last night. No structures had been lost at that time. Many people have been evacuated. As of last night, there were 5 wildfires burning in the province. There is no rain in sight which is scary. 

    I had very little pain while cleaning the garage. Just moving the two boxes of blinds downstairs. I see the physiotherapist on Monday so will know if all is aligned and if one SI joint is still a bit tight. I am hoping to go to osteopathy in October to make sure my hip hasn't tipped forward. 

Today

I have to be out to get the 2nd dose of shingles vaccine this morning. I am not sure what I will get done today as I am tired from the IBS attack and have to wait and see how I react to the shot. I may sit and work on hand sewing the lace down on the purple fabric. I should try to wind yarn for the next pair of socks. I also want to knit a hat to go with the sweater I made. We wait and see what gets done. 

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

Projects Completed Ready To Finish

 Yesterday was warm and mainly sunny. The high got to 29C. This morning we woke to clear skies even though it rained last night. The temperature was 13C. Today looks like it is going to be sunny with a high of 20C. 

Lifestyle

When I looked out the door yesterday morning I saw fog. That fog was smoke from the fire down the valley. I had to close up the house as it was making the house smoky and smelly. It did disperse later on which was nice. 

I did the balance sheet first thing and got everything done and put away. I have a few little things to do when I sorted the mail and will get them done in the next couple of weeks. 

I started to clean the living room. I dusted the window ledges first and then the end table. I moved on from there to vacuuming the sofa I sit on. It needed doing. I pushed it out so I could vacuum the floor. It was very dusty. I vacuumed it and dusted around the spindles of the railing (which is the wall). I got that done and was going to start on another part when I had to stop. 

The company that is going to do the painting came around to give a quote. She looked at what I wanted done and we talked a bit about paint and paint colour. She took pictures of the area to be painted and the paint chip/colour code I have. She gave me a quote that is reasonable and will be starting in early November. 

Daughter-in-law showed up with leftover spaghetti and sauce for my lunch. She took home the tomatoes and one jalapeño pepper. She is making Pico de Gallo for herself to enjoy. 

Our friends came over and emptied their belongings from the garage. I now have to clean and organize it so I can park the car in it. 

I sat in the family room and sorted through more receipts. I am almost done. What is left in the box is very old receipts that need to be shredded. I do have to go through them and put what I can into recycling. That job is almost done and will go to be shredded on my next trip to New Minas. 

Sewing

I spent the afternoon finishing runner #3. I finally decided to make it 9 rows long and I know it will hang over the end of the treadle sewing machine. I wanted all the runners to start and end with the 9 patches in the corners. I also cut and sewed the binding for the last 2 runners I made. I did the binding for the first runner earlier. 

I have 10" of the blue fabric and 34" of the white fabric left. I will not be doing anything with it until after I quilt the runners. I will put it away for the time being. 

I need to buy baby blue thread. I may have to buy batting also. I need to look in the box of batting pieces first. Then I will have to go shopping for what I need. 

Knitting

I finished the toe on sock #1 in the morning before cleaning that part of the living room. Last night I knit the toe on sock #2 and got it finished. 

My next job is to weave all the loose ends into the socks. A lot of work but I will do it while watching TV. I also have to wind yarn for the next socks I want to make. 

Thoughts

    The fire down the valley continues to get larger. I read yesterday mid morning it was up to 1100 hectares. They had a good down rain which will help the fire fighters. The wind needs to die down to prevent more spreading. 

    All the weather people are monitoring Hurricane Erin. At the moment it seems as if she might miss us but who knows as it is too early to predict her path. It is hurricane season for another 6 weeks in the Maritimes. 

    I am continuing to work on cleaning the storage/maintenance room. With the paper work almost done, I will be moving on to getting some items to the thrift shop. There is still a lot to do but I am slowly plugging away at it. 

Today

I need to do some housework and take bottles to the return depot. I want to tackle more paper work and tidy up the sewing room. I am not sure if I will get any sewing done but I may dig out the pattern and fabric for a doll's outfit. I may even get a skein of yarn wound into two balls. Tonight I will weave the yarn in on the socks. 

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

Another Runner Almost Finished

 Yesterday was sunny and warm with a high of 27C (no humidex). This morning it is clear with some light fog. Today is supposed to be sunny with a high of 27C (humidex 31C). 

Lifestyle

I made this version of chicken chow mein yesterday morning. It was fairly easy to make but did take some time getting everything prepped before cooking it. I made my own Mu Shoo spice blend by mixing .5 tbsp of ginger and .5 tbsp of garlic powder. I haven't eaten it but the taste test was good. The next time I would prep more vegetables (2 carrots and 3 mini bok choy) and add a bit more water to the sauce. I cooked half of the noodles and it made 3 meals. I found that Chef's Plate had more rice/noodles than you needed and was told this is the same for Hello Fresh. 

I did some cleaning in the kitchen and got all the dishes I used washed. I have noticed that the house is dusty again due to the dry weather. My car (as has everyone else's) has a layer of dust on it. I will be back to cleaning the house once again to get rid of the dust. 

I was over to my friend's new apartment to pick her up to take her to dinner at family's. Her apartment is lovely and bright. She has got some boxes unpacked but not a lot as they moved the last of her belongings in yesterday morning. She was exhausted so I am glad that I was driving her to and from dinner. 

Sewing

I sewed on the last runner yesterday afternoon. I am almost done it and am deciding if I want to add one or two more rows to it. 

I will cut the binding first and then decide. I still have some of the fabric left and have a couple of projects in mind of which I will have to make one of them. 

Knitting

The first thing I did yesterday afternoon was try the sweater I made quite a while ago onto the doll. 

I had knit this one on larger needles and the tension was correct and the fit is perfect. The bonus -- the dark colour matches the print in the outfit Kit is wearing. 

I also knit on the socks last night and have the toe done on sock one. It is ready to have the toe closed. 

I probably should have put the black stripe closer to the foot but I like it where it is. 

Thoughts

    There are 11 wildfires burning in our province. Most are caused by lightening strikes. The one down the valley has grown from just over 400 hectares to just over 800 hectares. The county has declared a state of emergency at this time. The Maritimes are tinder dry and the provinces are fighting wildfires. The only thing that is good is the cool mornings we are having and the huge amount of dew that is on everything. Also there is virtually no wind at night which is another good thing. 

    Looking at my friend's apartment has made me realize how much stuff I will have to do when I decide to move out of this house. It isn't just about decluttering it is about how will I do some of the things I want to do in a smaller place. I keep thinking about this as I continue to declutter and purge in this house. 

Today

I am going to do the balance sheet first and then some cleaning in the living room. This afternoon I want to finish the last runner, cut the binding, and decide on what I want to do with the remaining fabric. I have to wind yarn for the next pair of socks I want to make. I hope to finish the socks I am working on tonight. 

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

Project Progress

 Yesterday was sunny with a high of 25C. This morning there are some clouds and it is 10C. Today is supposed to be sunny with a high of 27C. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning, I was pain free and noticed that I was walking more normally. I walked down the driveway which is sloped and didn't have to adjust my gait due to pain. I also did the stairs properly. 

Daughter-in-law and I headed to New Minas where our first stop was to have the pool and hot tub water analyzed. She is doing awesome as both water samples came out great. She had to get one chemical for the pool and nothing for the hot tub. 

Our next stop was at the quilt shop. The store was quiet so I was able to look at the wide width backings for my quilt without getting into anyone's way. I chose this one after daughter-in-law pointed it out. 

I also bought fabric to back the runners with and then we snooped for fabric for family's quilt. Ideas are flowing which is a good start. 

Once home we stopped to see if my friend needed help moving to her new apartment but her son said most of the boxes were over there and they would get everything else over in the U-Haul truck. 

I used one of the tomatoes to make a toasted tomato sandwich and it was delicious. 

A branch broke on the grape tomato plant and I lost about 100 tomatoes. It was so heavy it couldn't hold the weight even though it was supported. I will still get lots of tomatoes and know that I will need to buy stakes next year to support the grape tomato plants. 

Sewing

I worked on the third table runner yesterday afternoon. I am just over half done. This one is supposed to be 8 rows long. It may become longer or shorter.

At this time, I need to make 5 more 9 patches and cut out 5 more squares and the binding strips. I will see what I can do with the remaining fabric. I want to use it all up. 

Knitting

I knit on the socks last night and have the foot done on sock #2. 

I am ready to start on the toes which will be white with a black stripe in it. I have to look at another pattern to see where to put the stripe. I also need to wind yarn for the next socks. 

Thoughts

    The blanket of warm humid air has disappeared and a cold front is working its way towards us. The conditions will be right for unsettled weather. Hurricane Erin is being monitored to see where she will go though in the end, she will go where she wants to go. I also read we only had 1/4" of rain on Thursday night. Some areas got just over 1.5" of rain. How we wish. We do have showers coming Sunday night which means we may or may not get anything. 

    I also read that there were 1100 lightening strikes on Thursday night. Not all turned into fires but some had to be dealt with. I haven't read how many small fires had to be put out and probably won't. 

    The fire west of us is still out of control and has grown larger in size. More homes were evacuated. A helicopter crashed into a shallow lake when picking up water. The pilot was talking to EMT and was taken to a hospital to be checked out and put under observation. These people put their lives at stake when fighting fires in any country and  are heroes in our minds. 

Today

I am hoping to do some housework this morning and then sew this afternoon. Tonight we are having our friends over for supper at family's house. All my plans can go out the window if my friend needs help setting up her apartment. 

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

A Good Visit With The Doctor

 Yesterday was warm and humid with rain in the early evening. The high got to 28C (humidex 36C). This morning it is cloudy and 17C. Today is supposed to be sunny with a high of 25C (humidex 30C). 

Lifestyle

I had a bit of anxiety yesterday morning as I couldn't find my passport and it wasn't in family's safe. I also could not get my blood pressure machine to pair with my phone. My blood pressure was high and I had to force myself to relax and get it down to a range the doctor would be happy with. Before leaving for the doctor, I took out a tray of items from the server and looked, once again, through it. When I opened the passport holder in daylight, my passport was in it. What caught my eye was the gold print. The passport vanishes into the holder as both are navy blue. I felt my blood pressure lower and I relaxed. 

My visit with the doctor was good. He is happy with my blood pressure, we discussed my medications and he faxed the prescriptions to the pharmacy. We then talked about the vaccines I need to get this fall. Shingle vaccine is on Tuesday. I need to get the flu shot, Covid vaccine, and RSV this fall. We then talked about living independently which we do once a year. He is telling me to stay in my own place and keep active and busy. He knows I have an excellent support system and that I can still look after myself for many more years. 

I went to see daughter-in-law and give her the news. She gave me her plans for the next 10 days. We suddenly decided to go out for lunch. We had BLT sandwiches which were excellent and fries that were okay. Once done that, I headed to the pharmacy to order my prescriptions only to find out the pharmacist had done it. The pharmacist is my neighbour and she is fantastic. We had a short talk and I came home with my meds. 

I did start to sew yesterday and got 2 seams sewn before a text came in from my friend. She needed to visit as her little place is full of boxes. She and the dog needed empty space to breathe. We had a great visit and she left around 4 pm as the dog needed a walk to do her business. 

I had a very quiet dinner listening to thunder rumble in the distance. It did rain hard for maybe 5 minutes and it felt like soup outside afterwards. I heard and saw lightening up to 9 pm which was worrisome. The fire near Halifax is contained and all evacuation orders are lifted. There are two down the valley with one growing from 30 hectares to 300 hectares. Forty-two homes were evacuated. They feel it was a lightening strike as they had 4 other lightening strikes to put out in that remote area. 

I did not knit last night. I was exhausted from worry, stress, and the heat. I am waiting for cooler nights and more rain. This morning I have emptied the dehumidifier tank as it was almost full and put the heat pump onto dehumidifier to dry out the upstairs. I have also watered the vegetable pots and picked tomatoes. 

Today

I am heading out to New Minas with daughter-in-law. We have to do pool water testing, take my quilt top to the long arm quilter, and get a few groceries. Once home, I may go and get my friend's dog and babysit her for a couple of hours while they load the truck with her items. I do hope to sew a bit this afternoon and knit tonight. 

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

Another Runner Top Sewn

 Yesterday was cloudy and humid. The high was 31C (humidex 38C). This morning it is hazy and 19C. Today is supposed to be a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 30C (humidex 36C). We could have showers tonight. Hopefully this is the end of the heat warning we are under. 

Lifestyle

I spent most of the morning trying to get the blood pressure app on my phone to pair with the machine. I know it worked on my old phone. This phone would not pair with yesterday's readings. I googled and googled and finally found out that I needed to remove the machine from my old phone. I did that and it still didn't work. In desperation, I removed the machine from the new phone and reloaded it. It worked perfectly after that. Nothing in the manual or online said to do that. 

When done that trying job, I went over to visit with daughter-in-law and see the painting she did in the in-law suite and to look at the staining done on the fence, deck, and stairs in the back yard. All looks fabulous. 

At dinner, I heard sirens coming up our road. I looked out and a fire truck dashed by the house with lights flashing and siren blaring. A couple of minutes later, an ambulance went by. They went into the 55+ community. I thought someone was having severe heat stroke or a heart attack. The ambulance went back out about 20 minutes later and onto the highway to the regional hospital about 20 minutes away. No fire truck. 

The fire truck left well over an hour later. I wondered if they went to a house fire was talked about on Facebook. I don't think so as there is no direct way to it from our area. Two separate incidents. 

The wild fire near Halifax is smaller than the day before and ground crews are hopeful they will get it contained today. The foggy damp weather they had yesterday was helpful. Another fire broke out down the valley from us and people are under evacuation alert at this time. According to our premier, there were 17 fires reported yesterday. I am sure some were from lightening strikes down the valley as they had some activity down there. 

Sewing

I spent the afternoon sewing. At first I wasn't as I had cooled the basement down to 19C and was shivering. But I got on with it and cut and sewed 9 patches until I had the second runner done. 

I have the binding to cut and sew for this one and then I can start the last runner for my bedroom. 

Knitting

I knit on the foot of the sock last night and got 30 rounds done. 

I need to figure out which yarn I want to knit next. 

Thoughts

    I still have to do a few things to be prepared in case of a fire in our area. So far we have been lucky but that could change in a second. It doesn't have to be someone having an open fire, it could be a spark from pounding a nail or hitting two rocks together. My grass is tinder dry but short. I have nothing near the house which is good. Still not safe from a wild fire coming through our area. 

    After tonight, our nights will be cooler. I am looking forward to having the windows open and enjoying the cool air. There will be plenty of dew which will put a tiny bit of moisture into the ground. 

    On a happier note, I am excited that my quilt top will be going to the long arm quilter tomorrow and that the runners are almost done and ready for me to quilt them. A big accomplishment seeings started the quilt July 6 and had to wait for more fabric to finish it. The next quilt will be bigger but the same pattern. 

Today

I have a doctor's appointment this morning and when done I want to pick tomatoes and do a bit more cleaning in the storage/maintenance room. This afternoon I will sew on the last runner for my bedroom. Tonight I will knit on the socks. 

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

Too Dry For Comfort

 Yesterday was another scorcher. The high got to 33C (humidex 40C) down the valley with a local report of 38C (humidex 44C). This morning it is cloudy (smokey) and 19C. Today is supposed to be a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 30C (humidex 37C). 

Lifestyle

Daughter-in-law was over yesterday morning to visit. She was tired as she had to deal with grandson's sugar high during the night. It was an extremely scary situation. We talked about it and she felt better. 

One of our discussion was to get ready for evacuation due to the dryness in our province. A fire could start anytime, anywhere. We both made simple plans to be ready for that just in case moment. She left with me going over for dinner that night. 

I picked cucumbers and did a delivery to our neighbour's and my friend. I visited with my friend for a bit as she needed a rest. She will be ready to move on Friday afternoon. 

As I ate lunch I read that a fire was reported 13 km from my house. It was reported early (very small) and the local fire department put it out quickly. I also read that a person told officials he was going to walk in the woods and upon his return, he was given a $25,000 + tax fine. He said he isn't paying it. Will he pay or will he have some jail time? We wait and see. 

I spent the afternoon looking for some receipts. I found a few I needed to put into my "to go" bag. I am still not done as I am sorting through 5 to 6 years of receipts. I will get it done. I stopped when daughter-in-law brought over dinner as her house was too hot for comfort and made it at my house. She was exhausted from the lack of sleep so we talked for a bit and then she headed home to get some sleep. 

I checked the news after she left and there was a fire in a business area near Halifax. Businesses were evacuated and the off ramps closed. I know where the fire is as we shop in that area. Our worst nightmare has happened. This fire is about 50 miles from us. 

Though out of control, it is being fought using water bombers, helicopters, firemen, and trained fire fighters. Other than businesses being evacuated and some roads closed, no one in the residential areas have been evacuated. 

Sewing

None done yesterday as I sorted through paper work getting files into my to go bag. 

Knitting

I did knit on the socks and got the gusset done on sock #2. 

I have 55 rounds left to knit before I start on the toes for this pair of socks. 

Thoughts

    The two wild fires yesterday made me have a small panic attack. It brought back memories of the huge fire in the Ashcroft area in 2017 and the wild fires in Nova Scotia last year. What helped me was repeating over and over again "We have very little wind". The scorching heat makes it hard on everyone who is fighting the fire and I truly appreciate the effort they put into doing the job. Even though we are far enough away from the fire, it is still scary. 

    We are still under a heat warning which is supposed to end today. Yesterday was the hottest temperatures in many years with a lot of areas breaking old records. If the smoke from the Halifax area drifts our way, we could go under a special air quality warning later today. We should have showers tomorrow night if we are lucky. We really need the moisture.

    I have been booked to have the rest of my upstairs painted in late October. I am excited and am going to get a quote to have the doors and trim painted also. I am looking forward to doing more in the house next year. 

Today

I have to go over to family's and get a quote for the painting. Once home, I want to sort through more paper work, and sew on the next runner. I want to knit tonight. I have watered the vegetable pots and will need to do it a couple more times today. 

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

One Runner Top Completed

 Yesterday was sunny and hot. The high got to 33C (humidex 39C). This morning it is clear and 17C. Today is supposed to be sunny and hot with a high of 33C (humidex 37C). 

Lifestyle

My first job yesterday was to water all the plants. I also picked the grape tomatoes. 

It was out the door to get groceries before it got too hot. I whipped through my grocery store as there weren't a lot of people there. It was back home to put away everything. By then my back was sore -- SI joint was tight. But, I had more to do and put the sprinkler and watering can into the shed. At that point, I called it a morning. 

I made a small salad using half of the grape tomatoes, some cucumber and red onion. All from my garden. 

I added Greek dressing and enjoyed it with my dinner. 

My SI joint(s) were very sore yesterday and I am not sure what was causing it to happen. I spent the day trying to walk it off but to no avail. At bedtime, I did two small exercises and there was a lot of grinding in my SI joints. Pain gone. I rolled over and slept all night. 

Sewing

I spent most of the afternoon sewing. I cut fabric and made 9 patches. I sewed them to squares of fabric and then sewed the rows together. I now have a top sewn which will be for my dresser. 

I also cut the and sewed the binding for this runner. It is set aside for now and I will start on the next one. 

Knitting

I picked up the stitches for the gusset on sock #2 with very few issues. The lighting was good enough that I could see everything without struggling. I also knit 15 rounds and only had to unknit 2 rounds as I forgot to decrease on one side. 

I will have to start thinking about the next pair of socks to knit as I will have to wind the yarn for them. 

Thoughts

    I did look in the storage/maintenance room but did nothing. I couldn't lift things without my back spasming. I had put it through enough when grocery shopping. I have a few things I can put into a box and take out to the garage for when I go to the thrift store. I will work through the rest slowly. 

    I have looked at a few recipes to make when this heat wave is gone. I am eating cold foods right now as hot foods are not what I want. I am looking forward to cooking some new recipes when it is cooler. 

    I had thought of going to Newfoundland this fall. Due to the wildfires in the area I wanted to visit, I won't be going. I am hoping the wildfires will be under control soon. Eastern Newfoundland is dry and is classified as having moderate drought conditions. 

Today

I need to water my plants shortly while it is cool outside. I want to do some housework this morning and then sew this afternoon. I hope to knit tonight. It is going to be another hot day so I will stay inside as much as possible and water the plants at least two more times.  

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

Working On A Runner For The Bedroom

 Yesterday was hot and sunny with a high of 31C. This morning it is partly cloudy and 18C. Today is supposed to be hot and sunny with a high of 33C (humidex 36C). We are under another heat warning for the next 3 days. 

Lifestyle

I was busy yesterday morning. I cleaned the kitchen and got the appliances wiped down and shining. Recycle was taken out and put into their proper bags. I was really pleased with how the kitchen looked when I was done. 

The next move was to do the balance sheet. It wasn't that hard and was done in good time. All done for another week. 

I also went down to look at what I need to do next in the storage/maintenance room. I opened the doors to the tall cabinet and was shocked. I expected having to clean it out and it was cleaned out. I just need to put some gift bags we use into a bag so they are contained. I looked into the freezer and started to make a plan for it. Old chicken broth was removed and thawed out and discarded. Some food items need to wait for a while to discard as the green bin doesn't go out until next week. But, I got started. 

My friend was over in the late afternoon for a visit. Her flat is full of packed boxes as she moves into her apartment on Friday. She wants it done just before then so they can load the truck and take it all over in one load. She may have to take a few things over in her car. We sat and talked and laughed. Her dog snuggled down into Elliott's quilt and slept. It was a great visit. 

I have been worried about the tomato plants. They are starting to look sick and the Early Girl variety are not ripening. I saw that the heat is the cause of this. The plants are stressed.

The grape tomatoes are doing better even though they are a stressed. I have tomatoes to pick but wonder if it will take forever for the next batch to ripen. 

The cucumbers and jalapeño peppers are also stressed. I water everything two to three times a day with hopes of cooler weather. 

Sewing

I worked on the Irish Chain runner yesterday. I got rows 3 and 4 done. 

The 9 patch blocks for row 5 are ready to sew together. I had to stop as my friend was coming over. 

I have three more 9 patch blocks to make and I can finish this runner, cut out the binding and start on the next one. I am excited to get them made so I can decorate my blah bedroom. 

One fabric purchase for August will be the backing for these runners. I am thinking of this fabric. I can get it at the quilt shop when I take the quilt top in to be long arm quilted. 

Knitting

I knit on sock #1 until I got it ready to start knitting the toe. 

I will pick up the stitches for the gusset on sock #2 this afternoon when I can see the black stitches easier. Then I will work on it tonight. 

Thoughts

    I got a bag of clothes ready to go to the thrift store. I will take it when I go to New Minas with the quilt top. I have some other items to put into the car that will go at the same time. I can't sell them in the garage sale. I now need to get paper work ready to take to be shredded. I am getting a good load ready to go. 

    We are going to have 3 days of hot humid weather. I am not looking forward to that. I have to water the flower pots and make sure I am watering the vegetables 3 times a day. I checked the onions I pulled and they are almost ready to be put into a cool spot. They have matured well with the hot weather. 

    My SI joint is stiff again and won't release for me. My IBS has flared up and I think it is caused by high fibre foods that I am enjoying. As a result, my weight has not budged even though I am eating less and trying to move more. I will persist as I know things will come together in its own time. 

Today

Watering the plants will be done first thing and then I will be off to get groceries. I need to get the items for the thrift store together and into the garage. I want to sew this afternoon and knit tonight. With the heat I will be hunkering down in the cool house as much as possible. 

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

Playing With Fabric

 Yesterday was another warm and sunny day with a high of 30C. This morning it is clear and 11C. Today is supposed to be sunny with a high of 29-30C. I feel like I am repeating this every day.

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning I started out cleaning the laundry closet. I wiped down the shelf (dusty), got rid of some things, and then wiped down my machines. I even laid on the floor and levelled my washing machine. Once that was done, I dusted the walls and trim in the hall and washed all the doors. The little half round table was dusted and the floors mopped. 

After a short rest, I cleaned the wall where the server is, dusted the server, and mopped the floor. Last job of the morning was to do the front entry closet. I wiped it down and mopped the floor. I use it to hold my coats and hoodies along with a trolley for cleaning clothes, etc. 

I took a picture of my bedroom. I have not started to decorate it as I need to figure out where I want to hang the pictures. I know one picture will go above the bed. The others are a bit harder to decide due to the two closets. 

It looks pretty blah right now but I know it will look better as time goes on. 

Sewing

I decided to play with the blocks to make the runners for my bedroom. I got 4 blocks made and decided to do two rows on the first runner. 

I have one block made and enough squares cut to make one for block for row 3. I am really liking how it looks. 

Knitting

I am almost done the foot on sock #1. I just sat and knit all evening. 

Thoughts

    I was up and down the little ladder all morning and my back was sore when I finished cleaning. It isn't a flare up, just tired and sore from doing a bit more than I should have. I will keep doing things as I know I need to get strong again after the flare up I had. 

    I saw the Sturgeon moon and it was beautiful. I normally don't look at the moon during the night but I did see it when I woke up at midnight and then again around 4 am. I could see it both times out my bedroom window. 

    I have to do a bit of meal planning as I am starting to run out of ideas of what to eat. Part is the heat and part is trying to continue eating healthy and loose weight. I will be looking at recipes I have and making some meals with a bit of adaptation to them. 

Today

I need to do the balance sheet, clean the kitchen and put a few things into the shed. If I have time, I will mop the front door floor. It is dusty. I need to look at my recipes and start a shopping list for tomorrow. I want to sew this afternoon and knit tonight. 

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