Yesterday, I placed an order at a local nursery, and I'm waiting for my notification to pick up my plants. At least the few that I found will get naturally watered in tonight, as we are expecting showers around 4pm.
Thursday, May 28, 2020
FINALLY!
Yesterday, the first blooms opened on my iris plants. It has been a cold spring, but finally had some sunny days......
And one day later.....
DH and I visited 2 garden centers this morning - what a disappointment. Scant quantities of plants available, and little variety. I still haven't found a rosemary plant anywhere.....
Yesterday, I placed an order at a local nursery, and I'm waiting for my notification to pick up my plants. At least the few that I found will get naturally watered in tonight, as we are expecting showers around 4pm.
Yesterday, I placed an order at a local nursery, and I'm waiting for my notification to pick up my plants. At least the few that I found will get naturally watered in tonight, as we are expecting showers around 4pm.
Thursday, May 21, 2020
SPREADING KINDNESS
DH and his friend, along with a few others, formed a band that entertains at local nursing home, retirement centres etc., both at home and while we are down south. Of course, they haven't been able to do this during the virus lockdown.
He has kept in touch with several of the local homes since our return home, and many are keeping the residents in their rooms, with the only visit by staff happening at meal times, etc.
Several years ago, the group met in Syracuse NY, at one of the member's brother's home. They spent 3 days, entertaining 2-3 times each day at various locations, the the brother filmed a performance each year. DH made copies of the discs, and we drove to one of the homes yesterday, to hand them to the activities coordinator. She commented that the residents are so lonely, but they have not had any covid-19 at their facility. They have been given permission to allow 5 residents to get together, while social distancing, so she is going to play the performances in their new "theater room". They also discussed having a performance outdoors, where everyone can enjoy the music, and still keep distancing. DH is looking forward to the day that will happen. Apparently, our province hasn't met the requirements beyond the 1st stage of re-opening yet, but hopefully that will happen soon.
I just received a message from the "community quilts" group at my guild, asking for help completing some quilts, so I guess those will be added to my list soon!
We are heading out this afternoon to pick up some rhubarb from a friend. We may even share a cup of tea, staying 6 feet apart, of course!
He has kept in touch with several of the local homes since our return home, and many are keeping the residents in their rooms, with the only visit by staff happening at meal times, etc.
Several years ago, the group met in Syracuse NY, at one of the member's brother's home. They spent 3 days, entertaining 2-3 times each day at various locations, the the brother filmed a performance each year. DH made copies of the discs, and we drove to one of the homes yesterday, to hand them to the activities coordinator. She commented that the residents are so lonely, but they have not had any covid-19 at their facility. They have been given permission to allow 5 residents to get together, while social distancing, so she is going to play the performances in their new "theater room". They also discussed having a performance outdoors, where everyone can enjoy the music, and still keep distancing. DH is looking forward to the day that will happen. Apparently, our province hasn't met the requirements beyond the 1st stage of re-opening yet, but hopefully that will happen soon.
I just received a message from the "community quilts" group at my guild, asking for help completing some quilts, so I guess those will be added to my list soon!
We are heading out this afternoon to pick up some rhubarb from a friend. We may even share a cup of tea, staying 6 feet apart, of course!
Wednesday, May 20, 2020
BUSY DAY
DH has been car shopping! Our current set of wheels is 16 years old, and has MANY miles of travel on its record. It has only had one winter in Canada, so it looks brand new! At first, before they opened up some of our shopping sites, he had to make an appointment, and after test driving the vehicle, it had to be totally disinfected before anyone else could see it - lots of extra work for everyone, but with good reason.
This week most shops are open, if they have an entrance directly onto the street ( shopping malls are closed). Each step works for a couple of weeks before anything else is opened up.
We had to do some grocery shopping today, so off we went with our masks. The store wasn't too busy, but had lots of items on the shelves, except for flour and baking mixes. About 25% of the shoppers wore masks, and most of them were seniors or those with underlying health issues. I wish more people would wear masks, as they protect both ways.......
DH asked if I had any baby quilts finished so we could give one to our neighbours across the street. I found one that I made over the winter while south, so we dropped it off for them to enjoy.
Back to work on Unity! My quilt is draped over my ironing board!
This week most shops are open, if they have an entrance directly onto the street ( shopping malls are closed). Each step works for a couple of weeks before anything else is opened up.
We had to do some grocery shopping today, so off we went with our masks. The store wasn't too busy, but had lots of items on the shelves, except for flour and baking mixes. About 25% of the shoppers wore masks, and most of them were seniors or those with underlying health issues. I wish more people would wear masks, as they protect both ways.......
DH asked if I had any baby quilts finished so we could give one to our neighbours across the street. I found one that I made over the winter while south, so we dropped it off for them to enjoy.
Back to work on Unity! My quilt is draped over my ironing board!
Monday, May 18, 2020
WORKING ON UNITY
I completed all the part 7 blocks, and stitched them into border pieces. When I was pinning them on the quilt top, I discovered that I had turned the top and bottom set of blocks 1/4 turn the wrong way! Frog stitching to the rescue!
DH has been organizing our small garage with hopes to have room for the car! We may be staying north this year instead of heading south for the winter, so we want the car to be in the garage instead of the driveway, collecting frost and snow. He has redesigned his work bench, so that it can fold down flat on the wall, and has a huge pile of metal stuff and garbage! We had some baby items from our grandkids for their stays here, but the youngest doesn't need some of the items any more. We have a neighbour with a new baby across the street, so DH took the items over to see if she would like them. They were all of the plastic variety, so easy to clean and disinfect before use. DH and our friend are making a trip to the dump next week, so then we can test fit the vehicle in the garage.
Back to re-stitching the borders, so I can begin the final part tomorrow!
DH has been organizing our small garage with hopes to have room for the car! We may be staying north this year instead of heading south for the winter, so we want the car to be in the garage instead of the driveway, collecting frost and snow. He has redesigned his work bench, so that it can fold down flat on the wall, and has a huge pile of metal stuff and garbage! We had some baby items from our grandkids for their stays here, but the youngest doesn't need some of the items any more. We have a neighbour with a new baby across the street, so DH took the items over to see if she would like them. They were all of the plastic variety, so easy to clean and disinfect before use. DH and our friend are making a trip to the dump next week, so then we can test fit the vehicle in the garage.
Back to re-stitching the borders, so I can begin the final part tomorrow!
Sunday, May 17, 2020
STASH REPORT SUNDAY
Fabric used since last report 2 yards
Fabric used year to date 41.125 yards
Fabric added since last report 0 yards
Fabric added year to date 46.625
Net used 2020 - 4.5 yards
I'm still in the red, but almost caught up! I have some quilt tops ready to pin baste, but since I don't report yardage until the quilt is finished, I just have to get going.......
Right now, my cutting table is covered in fabric pieces being used in the Unity sew-along from Quiltville, but I plan on asking DH to bring in my DIL's folding cutting table, just so I can pin baste in the living room. (She inherited it from her Mom, and it is residing in my garage, along with some other items that don't fit in their city apartment.) She is gradually working through some of her stuff to make room for more, and she has sold some of the items online, before the virus arrived. Hopefully, she can get back to dealing with things again soon.
We just had our Sunday morning Skype with DS2 and family. My grandson said that he wants to give us a "big squishy hug!" He has really missed our visits, and his trips to our home. His little sister is getting more vocal all the time, and loves to follow her big brother. She tries to copy everything that he does, including playing with his toys. He is pretty good at sharing, and getting better at it all the time.
I guess I'll have to settle for a big squishy hug from DH!
Saturday, May 16, 2020
TRYING TO FIND MY GROOVE!
I think I greatly underestimated my own well-being after being so focused on DH after his stroke. We both had to adjust to staying at home, away from family and friends.
During out 14 day isolation, we were both dealing with unpacking, finalizing health insurance stuff, doctor stuff, etc. I found it almost impossible to focus on sewing, as I couldn't even focus on getting my studio space back to normal.
As DH starting feeling more like his normal self, he became restless, and wanted to get out more. I realized that our lives had been so different in the early years of our marriage. He was out to work, taking courses, going away on temporary duty for weeks or months, while I was a stay-at-home Mom. Later I did dressmaking and tailoring, and some custom drapery work from home, but my days were spent working on my own, while his were spent surrounded by people.
When he retired, it took him a year or so to get used to the new normal, and I guess that will happen again, following the covid-19 difficulties. We both miss seeing our kids and grandchildren, but we have chosen to stay away as long as we can. DH and I are both in the high risk category for the virus, and our grandkids are too young to understand that they can't have a hug from us! My son works in a hospital, and has to deal with the issue of the virus every day. He works in the locked mental health ward, and has to deal with clients who are missing family visits, extra supplies, and unable to be accompanied outside to smoke. (2/3 of the clients are smokers) This hospital is mostly used for outpatients, although they have opened a ward for covid-19 patients. He also had a scare a week or so ago, when he showed up at work with a stuffy nose, (pollen related), and had reflux overnight, so his throat was sore - the screener at the hospital decided to test him for the virus, so he was sent home to wait for the results. Fortunately, he tested negative, and was able to return to work a few days later, but he spent those day in the basement, by himself, with 2 kids who didn't understand why they couldn't have a hug from Dad, or have a bed-time story, etc. It was difficult for the whole family.
Fortunately, after sewing some masks for us and friends, my sewing mojo has slowly returned!
I also started to make a version of Bonnie Hunter's Unity quilt. I chose my colours, and gradually did more sewing each day. My quilt top is folded loosely, so my picture is of 1/4 of the top, up to part 6.
I also have the blocks completed for part 7, just waiting to be stitched together and added to the top.
During my spare time, I pulled out a quilt panel, that I had paired with some coordinating prints, and completed a quilt top too!
The border stripe was in my stash, and had all the colours in the panel! I'll be adding red binding after I get this layered and quilted.
During out 14 day isolation, we were both dealing with unpacking, finalizing health insurance stuff, doctor stuff, etc. I found it almost impossible to focus on sewing, as I couldn't even focus on getting my studio space back to normal.
As DH starting feeling more like his normal self, he became restless, and wanted to get out more. I realized that our lives had been so different in the early years of our marriage. He was out to work, taking courses, going away on temporary duty for weeks or months, while I was a stay-at-home Mom. Later I did dressmaking and tailoring, and some custom drapery work from home, but my days were spent working on my own, while his were spent surrounded by people.
When he retired, it took him a year or so to get used to the new normal, and I guess that will happen again, following the covid-19 difficulties. We both miss seeing our kids and grandchildren, but we have chosen to stay away as long as we can. DH and I are both in the high risk category for the virus, and our grandkids are too young to understand that they can't have a hug from us! My son works in a hospital, and has to deal with the issue of the virus every day. He works in the locked mental health ward, and has to deal with clients who are missing family visits, extra supplies, and unable to be accompanied outside to smoke. (2/3 of the clients are smokers) This hospital is mostly used for outpatients, although they have opened a ward for covid-19 patients. He also had a scare a week or so ago, when he showed up at work with a stuffy nose, (pollen related), and had reflux overnight, so his throat was sore - the screener at the hospital decided to test him for the virus, so he was sent home to wait for the results. Fortunately, he tested negative, and was able to return to work a few days later, but he spent those day in the basement, by himself, with 2 kids who didn't understand why they couldn't have a hug from Dad, or have a bed-time story, etc. It was difficult for the whole family.
I also started to make a version of Bonnie Hunter's Unity quilt. I chose my colours, and gradually did more sewing each day. My quilt top is folded loosely, so my picture is of 1/4 of the top, up to part 6.
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