Placemat Completed

 Yesterday was sunny until late afternoon when the clouds started to show up. The high got to 13C. This morning it is cloudy, foggy, and 3C. Today is supposed to be a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 14C.

Lifestyle

I started the morning out typing the minutes of the hall meeting. No issues there. I just need to reread them and send them off. 

My issues started when I went to print the bank statement. My printer kept saying off line. I was up and down the stairs quite a few times. Each time I took items downstairs and put them away. Each time I looked at the printer it said the firmware needed to be updated. My issue was - I was running out of time as I had to be at the doctor's office at 11 am not noon as I had thought. I got out all my paperwork to do the balance sheet and left. 

I got to the doctor's office at 11 am and there was a small crowd waiting for their flu shots. I waited about 10 minutes and it was my turn. The fun began as the doctor's son said I was "normal". I ask what does that mean. The receptionist said it was because I was 65 I got the normal dose of the flu shot. I said let's try 75. She checked and said oops. And we laughed like crazy. I got the normal dose as the nurse said I had no major health issues. That made my day. 

Once home, I decided to google about the printer. I went down to see if it had the wifi password and it didn't. I entered that. It didn't print. I then googled how to update the firm ware. I did that. The printer printed what I needed. I did the books later in the afternoon. No issues there as it went smoothly. Getting there was the issue. 

Sewing

I sat downstairs and hand sewed the binding onto the placemat. I was done in a couple of hours and I do like the end result. 

I found this picture of another placemat that I like. I may make a couple of them using fabric in the stash. I wouldn't put in the pocket and I would do the piecing up each side or a plain strip of fabric up the right hand side. There are options for this placemat.

Knitting

I did not knit last night. I rested my wrist which flares up after knitting on the afghan. 

Thoughts

    I really have enjoyed the sunshine the past couple of days. It has been so nice to sit in a bright house and feel the warmth of the sun coming through the windows. 

    I have been following the election of municipal governments in the area I lived in when in BC. Ashcroft was just a glance and I knew who would win. The village next to it surprised me. The mayor came in last and his wife just got in as a councillor. There was a huge shift in people's thinking once again in that community. The Alberta referendum was interesting but all the numbers aren't in. The only thing known is that the people voted not to separate from Canada. 

    I didn't have the big reaction to the flu shot like I normally do. My arm is sore at the injection site but I didn't feel tired from it. I am happy that I was able to truck along all afternoon getting things done. 

Today

I am going to clean the kitchen and prep dinner this morning and put away a few things that I have put off. I want to sew this afternoon but am not sure what I will make. It really should be the doll's jeans. Tonight I hope to knit on the afghan. 

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

Nearing The End Of the Placemat

 Yesterday was sunny with a high of 8C. This morning it is clear and -1C (windchill -3C). Today is supposed to be sunny with a high of 14C.

Lifestyle

Daughter-in-law and I headed to Bayers Lake to shop at Costco. I bought a jacket and a pair of leggings. We also got what was needed for sandwiches and a few other things we needed. 

Our next trip was into Halifax to shop at the Wholesale Club. We bought more stuff for sandwiches. Then it was on to Walmart which is beside the Wholesale Club. We split up and did our thing in that massive store. I got a few things I needed and daughter-in-law got what she needed. While getting some sparkling water I saw this pop. We drank the no sugar version while in Uruguay.

It has a very light cherry flavour. When I saw it at the grocery store near the place we stayed in, I bought it. If I ever see it with no sugar I will definitely buy it for a treat. 

We really enjoyed the drive home as it was sunny. The colour of the leaves were intense and gorgeous. I forgot to take pictures. This year has been one of the more vibrant falls I can remember for a few years. We are enjoying it while it lasts. 

I was over to family's to give daughter-in-law her receipts. They were enjoying the warm sunshine coming in their large living room window. I had been enjoying it coming in my house also. It was making our houses cozy and warm. 

Sewing

I did sew yesterday afternoon. I stitched in the ditch around 11 red triangles and love how that turned out. I also made the binding and sewed it on. I am ready to hand stitch it down today. 

I have been looking at making some bargello that is different to the pattern we will be making next month. I have found 2 I like and am thinking on both of them. In the mean time, I have a few other things to make before I start learning something new. 

Knitting

I did knit 6 rows last night. The ball of yarn is getting smaller and we are now knitting the light part of the ombre. 

I still have a long way to go but it is now a length that is keeping me warm while I knit. 

Thoughts

    I was amazed that while walking in the stores only my knees got tired from being on cement floors. My SI joint was fine. It was while we were in the last store that I really felt them start to ache. After a rest they were fine. 

    It was so nice to have a full day of sunshine. Though it was chilly when outside I really didn't notice it as I was too busy absorbing the sun's rays. I am looking forward to some more sunny days this week. 

Today

I have to do my balance sheet and the minutes from the hall. Extra time will be spent tidying up my messy areas. I have to be at the doctor's office at noon for my flu shot and once home I will hand sew the binding down on the place mat. Tonight I will knit on the afghan. I know I will feel off tonight due to the flu shot. 

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

Table Runners and A Placemat

 Yesterday started out at 7C and it stayed at that temperature until 10 pm. It was a mix of sun and clouds all day. This morning it is clear and -2C. Today is supposed to be sunny with a high of 8C. We could experience a wind chill today with the wind. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday I was to New Minas and really enjoyed the lovely fall colours. I went to Walmart for a few things and then over to the quilt shop. I took pictures of the table runners and admired them. 

The first ones were appliquéd and interesting. 

The next ones were pieced and quilted. I did love the maple leaf one. Very well done. 

And the last one is embroidered and as it was the only one, it won its category. It has little mini lights in it. 

I did snoop around but bought nothing as I don't have a plan in my head for what I want to make for a spring table runner. 

I did stopped at the other quilt shop and found what I wanted for the class in November. The instructor works at the shop and said my choice of fabrics was great. I may be able to make 2 of them. 

Last night I was out to family's for dinner. It was delicious. I got home at 8 pm which is late for me. 

Sewing

I did sew on the placemat yesterday. I made more flying "cardinals" and then cut out the center piece. When it was all sewn together, I quilted the center part and am now stitching in the ditch around the cardinals. I am quite pleased with it. 

I am thinking of making a 2nd one. Who knows how much more I will make using this fabric. 

The fabric I bought for the table runner is from the same line with a couple of extra pieces added to finish up. 

I have enough of it to make two table runners. I wanted more blue in it but there wasn't enough choices in blue. I need to buy more fusible fleece, the backing and binding for it. I am also going to order a 9 degree ruler. 

Knitting

None done last night as I was out later than usual visiting family.

Thoughts

    I did enjoy my time out yesterday. When I left New Minas it was time to go as the traffic in town was getting heavy. The drive home was lovely but when I got into Windsor, the traffic was lined up until you couldn't see the end of it. Thank goodness there is a left turn light where I turn or I'd have been hooped getting home. 

    I have had 2 good night sleeps. No waking up either night. I am hoping that it continues for a few more nights. Maybe adding an extra blanket was the trick. I know I wasn't cold when I woke up this morning. 

Today

I am out to the city this morning with daughter-in-law to get supplies to make sandwiches on Friday. I may do a bit of snoop shopping in Costco for a pair of heavy leggings. If we get home in good time, I will continue quilting the placemat and cut out the binding if I have time. I do have to make dinner tonight and I want to knit on the afghan. 

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

A Christmas Place Mat

 Yesterday started out promising and then it clouded up and rained. The high got to 10C. During the night, the temperature rose to 15C only to drop to 11C this morning. Today is supposed to be cloudy with showers and  a high of 11C. 

Lifestyle

My morning started out late as I had to help daughter with an issue. It entailed me doing a couple of hours of research for her. It ended up she had to do what I had told her months ago. She did most of it and I hope she does more as it will help her in the immediate future. 

When that was over, I got the bed stripped and the laundry on. I moved the bedroom furniture and washed the floor. I was surprised at how clean it was so Rosie gets an A on her report card. When I made the bed, I added another blanket to it as I was feeling cold at night. I was a lot warmer last night though it was warmer outside. Tonight will tell the full story. 

I did put the pictures I had been looking at back into the storage tub. I really enjoyed looking at the pictures and it prompted me to do a bit of work on the family tree. The elusive still remain elusive but I did find a few bits of information on some family members. 

Sewing

I decided to work on the Christmas placemat challenge the quilter's guild has for the December meeting. Mine will have flying geese on it which I am calling flying cardinals. I made one mistake when cutting the geese and cursed myself for that. I made another one and carried on. The two sides will have the flying geese on them with a block of the white fabric (snow flakes) at the bottom. 

I spent a lot of time marking, sewing, pressing, and cutting accurately and it paid off. I am pleased with the two rows of flying cardinals. 

I will have to check my diagram for sizes and then cut them out so I can work on it some more. 

Knitting

I did knit 6 rows last night. No picture taken. 

Thoughts

    I was really tired yesterday as I hadn't slept well for a couple of nights. My energy level was rock bottom and I had to push myself to do things. I did have a good night's sleep and didn't wake until 5:20 am. I am hoping this bad spell of sleeping is done and over with. 

    I signed up to take a class in late November. I know have to look for fabric for it. I need 8 different fabrics and a small amount of each. It is going to be a bargello table runner and I am hoping to make 2 of them. I want to do them in Christmas fabrics. I am on the hunt for fabric ideas. I am really leaning towards the fabric I am using for the placemat as there is a lot of them at the quilt shop. 

Today

I have to do the minutes for the community hall meeting. I am going to go out to New Minas and look at fabric. Once home, I will work on the place mat as I want to see how it looks when the top is sewn together. I have to make a couple of meals today also. Tonight I will knit on the afghan. 

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

Going Down Memory Lane

 Yesterday was a mix of sun and clouds with lots of wind. The high got to 12C. This morning it is clear, frosty and 2C. Today is supposed to become wet this afternoon and night with a high of 10C. 

Lifestyle

I was late getting started yesterday but I did get the walls in my bedroom washed. I used the mop and went at it. They were dusty which is what I expected. I also washed the floors under the furniture I moved. I am down to washing the floors and cleaning the windows. 

I sat down to rest my SI joint as it was tired but not overly sore. While resting, we had a good power flux which shut down the everything. It was caused by the winds we had all day. 

I was going to sew yesterday afternoon but daughter asked me to go through the pictures looking for a couple she wanted. It was a lot of fun looking at the old pictures. My mom and dad were outdoors people and after they married they use to go to my dad's oldest brother's place in Alberta. Here is his "house" which was a cabin with a shed where guests slept. 

I remember sleeping in that shed as a child. It had no power and was pitch black at night. 

When my parents visited in 1947 or 1948 they were involved with the haying. My mom tried her hand at everything and ended up behind a team of horses on a mowing machine. 

My dad helped out also and had something to do with this piece of equipment that brought in the loose hay. 

I am sure we were involved with the haying when we went to visit my uncle. I do know we were outside all day only going into the cabin for meals. 

While growing up, we use to go on holidays throughout BC. One of our favourite places was outside of Merritt. I didn't realize my parent went there before I was born. Mom and dad took pictures of a small cattle drive in that area which I am assuming was near Nicola Ranch. This picture was taken in 1950 and the road was gravel. 

I spent about 2.5 hours looking at about 200+ pictures. I did find what daughter wanted and will scan them for her. 

Knitting

I knit 4 rows last night. I laid it out on the floor and took a picture of it. 

I am not even half done it but am loving it. It is big enough to keep me warm while knitting. 

Thoughts

    I am really tired right now. I have been sleeping poorly which I hate. I didn't nap yesterday but I haven't slept since before 4 am. Some of it is going to meetings at night and some is stress. None is pain as I have been almost pain free since Monday. 

    Yesterday's wind was really annoying. It kept up all day long and is bringing in a storm and then some cooler weather. Just as long as it doesn't snow. 

    It was a lot of fun going through the pictures from years ago. I was amazed at how often my dad's family visited us when we lived in the Vancouver area. My mom's mother and sister visited us once when we lived there. They had to travel from Nova Scotia whereas my dad's family came from Alberta and Manitoba. I do know they all came by train as we would go to the train station to pick them up. 

Today

I am going to wash my bedroom floor and fold laundry this morning. This afternoon I am going to put away the pictures and start on the placemat. Tonight I want to knit on the afghan. 

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

Out To A Quilter's Guild Meeting

 Yesterday was a day of rain and showers. The sun did try to peak through the clouds for a few seconds. The high got to 14C. This morning it is cloudy, windy, and 9C. Today is supposed to be a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 11C. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning I got the 2nd closet in my bedroom cleaned. It wasn't bad as I had done a big cleaning on it earlier in the year. I have a few boxes to toss. One of the things I did do was sort through the Christmas gifts I have bought and put them into their boxes so I can ship them late next month. 

Once I had done with the closet, I wiped down all the furniture and the window ledge. There was some dust on all of it. The room is now ready to have the walls washed. 

After lunch I laid down and had a nap. I was tired for some unknown reason. Part was from a poorer night's sleep and some was from the dull grey day. I did wake up feeling better.

In the evening I was out to the quilter's guild meeting. They are 2 hours long which is a tad long for me. There is the meeting, a short presentation, and show and tell. The meeting was good. The presentation had its issues. The presenter couldn't get the power point presentation to fill the screen so no one could read what she was presenting. Most of what she was talking about I was familiar with. Show and tell was spectacular with many showing the beautiful quilts they have made. At least 5 of them will be sent to Africa (charity quilts). Many of these ladies quilt for hours each day. 

I did not sew or knit yesterday. 

Thoughts

    It rained more than anticipated yesterday. When driving to the guild meeting it was quite foggy in spots. The drive home was much better as it had quit raining. We will have more rain tomorrow night. At the moment, we are going into winter with lots of moisture in the ground. 

    The fruit flies have been unreal this year. I have seen them in spaces where no food is available. I put out a dish of apple cider vinegar and there are around 100 dead fruit flies in it this morning. I also poured a lot of boiling water down the kitchen drain. I have heard a few comments on how bad they have been in other people's houses. I wonder if the warm damp weather we had earlier was perfect for them to reproduce quickly. The only other bug complaint I heard this year was how many earwigs were around. I noticed them everywhere this summer also. 

    I had very little pain in my muscles yesterday. No pain in my SI joint. Nothing even with the storm that came in. I am hoping that I am on the road to having this problem over and done with. We wait and see. 

Today

My plan today is to wash the walls in my bedroom. I hope to do some planning and cutting for the Christmas placemat I want to have for the guild's contest. I hope that I have enough energy to knit tonight. I don't always sleep well after being out to an evening meeting. 

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

Time to Rest After Osteo

 Yesterday started out sunny and turned cloudy very quickly. The high got to 9C. This morning it is raining and 7C. Today is supposed to be rainy until mid afternoon and then cloudy. The high is to get to 15C. 

Lifestyle

I was off to osteopathy yesterday morning. I am properly aligned and was the best she'd ever seen. I showed her my improvements and she was happy with them. She worked on my adductor and hip flexor as they were tight. She warned me I would be tired and somewhat sore after the session. 

After the session I drove into Bedford to shop. I walked a lot of Walmart getting a few things and snooping. I got my groceries and was going to do Dollarama when the tiredness of the osteo session hit me. I headed for home instead of stopping at Dollarama. 

The drive home was stunning. The colours of the leaves are at their peak. Reds, oranges, yellow, and shades of green could be seen everywhere. I wished I wasn't driving so I could have taken pictures of it. I slowed down a bit and enjoyed the scenery.

Once home, I put all the groceries away, got something to drink and crashed on the couch. I was exhausted from the session and it was a bit sore in the two muscles. I will have to say, I spent the afternoon resting on the couch and walking to keep the muscles loose. 

I was out to the community hall meeting. It took a bit longer than usual as there were some lively discussions on some topics. I got home about 7:45 pm and knew I was done for the day. 

Sewing/Crafting

None done as I was too tired from osteopathy. 

Knitting

I got 4 rows knit last night. 

I am going to have to lay it out and take a picture of it. I haven't even seen it laid out. 

Thoughts

    The heat is on in this house. It has been cool here. The house is not warming up as we are not getting much sun. I have switched to winter mode with the heat on during the day and turned down or off at night. I still like a cool house at night. What made me decide on this was the fact my feet were cold last night. 

    I think I had my first sugar low at noon yesterday. It hit me as I was going to get lunch. I thought it was coming while shopping as I was looking for something sweet to eat. I refrained and had a breakfast sandwich at Tim Horton's. I did have applesauce after I got home. I was fine the rest of the day. Lunch was the only meal I deviated from my eating plan but it wasn't heavy on calories. 

Today

My plan is to clean the 2nd closet in my bedroom. I have blinds to charge as two have dead batteries. I would like to do something in the sewing room this afternoon. I am out to the quilter's guild meeting tonight so I won't be knitting. 

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

Trying To Finish A Long Over Due Project

 Yesterday was rainy though the sun tried to peek through late in the day. The high got to 14C. This morning it is cloudy and 4C. Today is supposed to be a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 10C. Rain is coming tonight. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning I texted with a friend in BC. Her husband passed in September on the same date as the Spousal Unit did. She is going through what I did at that time - feeling lost and alone. 

When done talking with her, I decided to clean one of the closets in my room. The one with my clothes in it. I took almost everything out, sorted it, and cleaned the space. I need some more winter clothes which I will buy slowly over the next couple of months. I have enough summer clothes as I bought lots for Uruguay last year. 

Once done the closet, I did my exercises on the bed. I had a deep movement and felt much better. I then sat on heat so the muscles wouldn't tighten up. 

I looked out the window and the deer decoy was still in my neighbour's yard.

Two yards down, there was a doe and her fawn eating grass totally ignoring the decoy. You can barely see the doe in the pictures but she is there. The fawn was behind her. 

The decoy has now been put away. 

We had Thanksgiving dinner at family's last night. It was a chicken pasta curry dish that we like. It was delicious as usual. Daughter-in-law got me caught up on her trip. The snow fall wasn't as bad as anticipated so driving from her parent's place to her brother's wasn't too bad. 

Crafting

Rather than sew yesterday afternoon, I decided to redo one page in the memory book. What I had made ripped when I used it. I redid it in another way which is easier to open. The long book is to show the characters in the book. 

I used some washi tape on the booklet as it was looking a bit boring. 

It is a bit boring as I don't have a lot of scrapbooking paper, stickers, etc. left. 

I do have some stickers to put in the bare spot on the page. Now I have to watch the video on how to bind the book and I need to see if I have some glue which actually comes out of the container. Some of my glue containers need to be tossed. 

Knitting

I did knit 8 more rows on the afghan last night. The yarn is now the dark blue. 

It is getting longer every night I knit. 

Thoughts

    It was wetter than anticipated yesterday. More rain in the morning and more showers in the afternoon. That rain was the dregs from the hurricane. Tonight and tomorrow's rain is coming from Ontario. After it is gone, the temperatures will be closer to the normal fall temperatures. 

    My appointment this coming Monday is for my flu shot. I was wondering when it was going to happen. I can tick that off my list and then wait to get my Covid vaccine later in the month. 

    The weight is coming off quickly. I have a feeling that portion control is the main reason. I will still eat the same way I have been for the past while as I am enjoying it. I am also enjoying having less processed foods in my diet though I know a few will sneak in. 

Today

I have osteopathy this morning and then will head into Bedford to shop. Once home, I will see what needs to be done and get ready for a meeting tonight. I will probably have time to knit after the meeting. 

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

Doll's Vest Completed

 

Yesterday started out sunny and quickly became cloudy. The high got to 13C. This morning it is showering and 11C. Today is supposed to be wet with a high of 15C.

Lifestyle

Confession time -- I turned on the heat for a while yesterday to warm up the house. It wouldn't get warmer than 18C and with no sunshine, it stayed cool inside. 

I started out the morning doing the balance sheet. One small error on my part which I caught quickly. I was done before I knew it, had it all cleaned up and ready to do the next job on my to-do list.

While laundry was on, I got chicken thighs into the Instant Pot to cook. I was able to shred the chicken and put it into small bags to freeze for soup. The broth was divided into 2 portions and frozen also. 

Laundry dried and I got it folded and put away. A first in a long time where I got it completely done in a day. 

I was out quickly to family's to take back all the tubs for sandwiches. I didn't see son as I was wanting to get back home quickly. 

Sewing

I spent time sewing tiny snaps on to the vest. I didn't loose any but they were hard to work with. I sewed buttons on top of the snaps and when done, I called it a day. 

I do like it a lot; it fits the dolls perfectly and goes well with the skirt. 

I cleaned up the mess I had made and called it a day. 

Knitting

I did none last night. I rested my left wrist which was sore from knitting. It is fine today. 

Thoughts

    The storm we were to have tomorrow is here today. I am sure it is the dregs of the hurricane going south of Nova Scotia. We will have showers and rain until it's gone. It will be warm on Wednesday which is a sign it is tropical not northerly. 

    I just got a notification that I have an appointment at my doctor's office on Monday. I will be emailing them as I am not sure what it is. I am assuming it is my flu shot. I am happy about that as I need it and my Covid vaccine. 

    Daughter let me know that Ruger won the "pageant" today. New judge who liked him. He is 3 points from becoming a dual champion. Clark earned 2 points on the weekend which is great for a puppy. He is not a year old yet. I am sure he will be a dual champion also. 

    I need to get my therapy lamp out and start using it. I have done well this fall as we have had enough sun to keep me happy. We will now have less sunshine so I need to have more lights on in the house and the lamp to help me feel "happy" as grandson said when he was 5 years old. 

Today

I plan on doing some housework this morning to keep busy. This afternoon I would like to start the Christmas placemat and make the flying geese. Tonight I want to knit on the afghan. It will be a quiet Thanksgiving for me. I am okay wth that. 

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

The Vest Is Ready For Closures

 Yesterday was sunny with a high of 12C. This morning it is clear and 3C. Today is supposed to be sunny with a high of 14C. 

Lifestyle

I started the morning off wash the back door window. The door is mostly window. I also washed the kitchen window. Both are a bit streaky as the sun was on that side of the house. But they are clean. I do have to open the window and do the screen and the frame. A job I don't like as I have to balance on a ladder over the sink. 

I did wash the walls in the kitchen. I used a mop as I can't reach most of the walls thanks to the counters. I did hand wash the wall under the cupboards which was clean as I do wipe it constantly. The kitchen is officially fall cleaned.

I put away the laundry and then I had to do my exercises. My SI joint was sore. I did them and had immediate relief. The tightness was gone and I could do things with minimal pain. 

Around 3:30 pm, I went out and pulled the pepper plants from the containers. I put the containers into the shed and the pepper plants into the compost bin. That job is done before the rain starts on Tuesday. 

The deer decoy is still around. The wind blew it over and I could see it lying on the ground when it was bright and sunny. Someone stood it up in the afternoon and it is facing another direction. It is still standing this morning.

Sewing

I got the doll's vest finished to the closures. I am debating on using snaps with buttons over them. 

I do like the style of the vest but how the designer finishes the bindings is very confusing. 

Knitting

I measured the afghan before I started to knit. It is 25" long. I did knit 8 rows on it last night and it is covering my knees now. I still have a lot of knitting to do before it is finished. 

Thoughts

    Daughter showed 2 of her dogs at a "pageant" (conformation show) yesterday. Ruger didn't place but Clark, the youngest, went out, strutted his stuff and won his categories. He has points. Both dogs are shown twice today. Here is hoping they both do well. They are working towards becoming dual champions.

    We had frost last night. I can see it on the roof of my neighbour's house. Not surprised as it was clear last night. We can see frost off and on from now on. We can also see some warm days and nights also. I haven't turned on the heat yet but I may have to do it in the next while. I have been warming the house up during the day using the sun. 

    It was nice to be virtually pain free for part of the day. I am hoping it will continue so I can do the things I want to do and build strength in my muscles. I have osteopathy on Tuesday so here is hoping I will be pain free when I see her and she only has to do minor adjustments. 

Today

I have to do the balance sheet first thing and will have laundry going while I do it. I want to cook more chicken broth and meat for the broth. I want to finish the vest today and work on the memory book if I have time. I will knit tonight. 

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

And Poof Another Ball of Yarn is Gone

 Yesterday was mainly sunny with a high of 16C. This morning it is clear and 6C. Today is supposed to be sunny and windy with a high of 10C. We could have frost tonight.

Lifestyle

I decided to tackle the pantry yesterday. It was time to declutter and purge it. I started at the bottom and moved upwards. I got rid of some outdated food that got hidden in the back -- 2 cans and a bunch of gravy and dried soup mixes. As I went up the shelves I took the time to organize it all and wash the shelves well. I can say I have enough Ikea zippered bags for a long time. I may send daughter an unopened box of which I have 3 in that size. 

I have too much pasta but I do eat it in the winter when it is colder. Canned goods are less than I've had in a long time. I can buy them as I need them so am not worried. In all I have more than enough for someone who lives a 3 minute drive from the grocery store. 

I had just finished up when son arrived to take me for a drive to New Minas. He had to get the water samples to the pool place as the pool is getting closed on Monday and the hot tub needed to be tested for chemical balance. After that was done and the chemicals put into the car, we headed into the business part of the area. It was slow going with traffic backed up for a good couple of miles each way. No accident, just Friday noon's traffic jam. We went to the burrito place and had a delicious small burrito for lunch. 

We had a wonderful talk about ethnic food. This month we are supposed to go to a Thai place to eat. We talked about Japanese food particularly about sushi coming on a conveyor belt in some restaurants in Japan. They had experienced it when they went to Japan and I saw it on a video. 

Late in the afternoon, something caught my eye in a backyard. I thought a deer was standing by the neighbour's pool. It is a full size decoy. Not sure why he has it up unless it is supposed to keep the deer out of his yard. I do know the deer come in where you can see a fire pit behind a tree. 

I had a good chuckle and wait and see if it works. I just looked and it's gone. They must have put it away.

Sewing

I did sew yesterday afternoon. I got the binding onto the arm holes of the vest. I did top stitch them and the neckline binding down. Next up I sewed the side seams, finished them and top stitched them in place. I am ready to do the bottom facing. Lily chose to model it as she is wearing a skirt from the same fabric.

It fits her beautifully both in the front and back. 

And a full length picture as she is quite proud of it and is hoping I finish it today. 

The front points will take some time to bind as they need to be folded very carefully to get nice sharp points. 

Knitting

I knit 8 rows last night and finished the ball of yarn. 

I will measure it tonight before I start knitting. 

Thoughts

    I was relieved to hear that the hurricane downgraded to a tropical storm. It seems as if it hit hard in some areas and has done a lot of damage. I do hope that it doesn't do as much damage as it moves northwards. 

    Alberta is under a snow warning. It is supposed to start snowing today affecting many who will be travelling for Thanksgiving weekend. Daughter-in-law is in Alberta and will be flying home tomorrow morning. Here is hoping the planes will be flying on schedule tomorrow morning. 

Today

I would like to wash the kitchen walls this morning. I need to get the pepper plants put into recycling and their pots put into the shed. This afternoon I want to sew on the doll's vest and tonight I will knit on the afghan. 

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

Success With The Doll's Vest

 Yesterday was sunny for most of the day. The clouds did roll in late in the afternoon. The high got to 20C. This morning it is damp outside and 10C. Today is supposed to be a mix of sun and clouds with a chance of showers this afternoon. The high is  supposed to get to 17C.

Lifestyle

I sat for a bit after breakfast and enjoyed the sunshine pouring in the windows. Then I got up and started to clean the upper cabinets. Each cabinet had some area that needed organizing and wiping. The biggest job was the baking cabinet. All the cupboard doors were wiped down. Once that was done, I scrubbed the counters and called it done. I just have the pantry to do and the walls to wash. 

I put on a load of laundry and folded the load I had done the day before. I put the clean sheets back on the bed later in the afternoon. 

Son was over to see me for a few minutes. He has to go grocery shopping as the stores are closed on Monday. We are not having Thanksgiving this weekend but may have it later on. Daughter-in-law will be exhausted as she has a long flight home plus time change on Sunday. 

Sewing

I did sew yesterday. I cut out another doll's vest and sewed it up. I kept the first one so I knew which way to press the seams before top stitching. It was an easy sew until I got to the neck. 

I looked at the pictures, thought for a minute and sewed the little seam It worked though it is not 100% perfect. It will do. I carefully trimmed the seam at the neckline, turned the little facing down and hand stitched it in place. 

At this point I stopped as I had accomplished my goal and it was getting dark outside. 

Knitting

I knit 8 rows last night and the afghan is now 23" long. 

Thoughts

    It was a surprise to see a hurricane forming in the Gulf. Mother Nature let us off in September only to surprise us in October. In our province we wonder if it will hit land or veer off into the ocean. 

    I ate well yesterday. My portion control was great (small) and I felt full. The only thing I need to remember to do is add salt to the rice. I didn't as I usually have my rice with my meat. I am still figuring out what to eat but I do know that what I ate yesterday was a good start. 

Today

I am going to tackle the pantry and may even get some kitchen walls washed. I would like to sew on the doll's vest this afternoon and knit tonight. 

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

A Day Of Food Prep

 Yesterday was sunny with a high of 15C. This morning it is clear and 9C. Today is supposed to be mix of sun and clouds with winds. The high is to get to 19C.

Lifestyle

I went grocery shopping locally. It wasn't overly busy in the store and I see some of the prices have dropped a bit. I picked up what was on my list plus a couple of other things I needed. I was in and out without having to deal with crowds. 

Once home, I spent the time putting away the groceries and then I started prepping the food I bought. I put a whole chicken on to roast and when it was cooked, I took the meat off the bones. I have dark meat, light meat, and the bones for broth. 

I also prepped chicken breasts and put them into the freezer. I then cut up 2 chicken breasts and marinated them. Onions and pepper were chopped and put into containers. I even cut up a cucumber and some onion slices and put them into vinegar. 

The last job was to fry onions, grated carrots, and ground beef/pork for another meal I want to make. 

I have enough food prepped for 6 meals. I will keep adding cucumbers to the vinegar as I do like them like that. 

It was mid afternoon when I got everything done and the kitchen cleaned up. I was tired so sat down to rest. I was also happy that I can make some quick meals over the next week. 

Son picked me up at 5 pm and we went out for dinner at a restaurant close to where we live. I had salmon glazed with honey and soya sauce on a bed of rice with peppers in it. It was delicious. The portion size was perfect and the only thing I wished for was a vegetable. 

Sewing

I didn't sew yesterday as I spent the day in the kitchen. 

Knitting

I knit 7 rows last night. The afghan is growing and the ball of yarn is shrinking. 

Thoughts

    I was surprised at how long it took to prep the food I bought. I will be doing shopping again next week and will be spending another day prepping food. My goal is to have meals ready to cook quickly and to eliminate food waste. 

    It is Canadian Thanksgiving this Monday. I am not sure if we will celebrate it as daughter-in-law gets home late Sunday  night. We might wait until friends come and celebrate then. Thanksgiving is a low key holiday in Canada and people will have their dinner on the Sunday or Monday. They will even put it off to another weekend. The stores are all closed on Monday which is normal in our province. 

Today

I have to do another load of laundry and fold the one in the dryer. I hope to sew this afternoon and knit tonight. It is a day at home for me. 

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

I Had Sewing Issues

Yesterday was sunny and quite windy. The high got to 12C. This morning it is clear and 6C. Today is supposed to be sunny with a high of 14C. 

Lifestyle

I spent the morning in the kitchen. My first job was to clean the fridge. I had to toss a few items that had gone bad and then I gave it a good cleaning and polished the outside. I then moved on to the microwave and cleaned it thoroughly. Next was the stove. The glass top got cleaned thoroughly and I pulled it out and cleaned the sides. I also polished it. Last I polished the dishwasher which I had cleaned earlier. I stood back and looked at the shining appliances and enjoyed them. I then scrubbed the counter tops. My last job of the morning was to vacuum the floor and mop it. It wasn't as dirty as I had thought. I did thank Rosie for keeping it clean. It was a productive morning. 

While I was working in the kitchen, I looked in the top cupboards. All the doors need cleaning but only two need cleaning on the inside. The rest are clean. I took that as a win and will get that done as soon as I can get to it; maybe tomorrow. Once that is done, I can wash the walls.

Sewing

I decided to start sewing the vest for the Gotz dolls. I am using the left over fabric from the apron and placemats and there is lots of it. I cut out the pattern which consists of smallish pieces. 

I sewed the pieces together like a jigsaw puzzle. It is always fun to sew this designer's patterns. When I got to the neckline, I stalled. I could not figure out how to do it. I struggled and I finally got it to where I was happy. I trimmed the seam allowance and lo and behold I had cut the facing at the fold line. I took the facing strip off and stitched where the sewing line was. 

I stopped for the day as the room was getting dark even with the lights on. Sewing dark fabric is hard with the lighting I have. 

I have thought on it overnight and I will cut out the pattern and sew it again. It isn't a hard pattern to sew. And I did figure out the neckline issue. 

Knitting

I did knit last night and got 6 rows done. No picture of my progress but the ball of yarn is getting smaller each night. It covers my thighs and will certainly keep me warm this winter. 

Thoughts

    It was nice to be back in my old routine yesterday. It was nice to have the morning to work on the kitchen and I was surprised at how fast the time flew by. I was relaxed and happy even if the chores were not my favourite ones. 

    The wind blew all day long. It brought in some lovely fall weather. It will soon be time to turn on the heat though it may not be this week. I almost did it yesterday but I didn't. 

Today

I have to grocery shop this morning and do food prep for the next couple of days. Once done, I will start on the doll's vest again. Tonight I will knit on the afghan. I am hoping for another quiet day. 

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