Sunday Ramblings

The First Sunday of Lent is almost over, and I have been trying to add some spiritual learning and giving to my daily routine. I am following a daily Lenten program by the Augustine's and am really enjoying it. There is a 3 minute video by Dr. Tim Grey, and then a question or task to ponder. It is causing me to stretch in ways that I never thought I would.

I spoke to Kris today and he is doing well, or at least he says he is doing well. Since the weather took a turn today (snowy, blowing and cold) I sure hope that Friday is decent. Think by that time he will want to get out of the house for a bit, and be more than ready for me to visit for a day and spend the night. He got to take the dressing off his surgical wound today and even have a seated shower (still no weight allowed on that leg).

We also spoke to Kurt tonight and he seems much more like his old self. I think whatever was troubling him has passed by. Now he is just wondering about his taking the students on their Easter trip..... Unless this Covid-19 disappears I have a feeling the trip will be cancelled.

The coming week will be one where I try and get caught up (almost done that, just a few minor things to do). I want to get some sewing done, and learn to use my Cricut a bit more. While I made some Sympathy cards (my sister-in-law lost her Father) and they turned out not too badly, I realize I need lots more practice using it. I had actually forgotten how it worked for awhile.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Month End

It is so hard to believe that summer is almost over. The fact is we are just starting to get summer-like weather. Today we reached a temperature of 32 C but it felt like 37 C outside. This is more what we are used to in the month of July.

The monthly budget was entered and even with the buying of the laptop we are still under budget for the month. I am especially happy that we were under budget for groceries. However, a stock up is in order during August (don't know when I will be having surgery...still, and I have no idea how long recovery will be, I want to be prepared for any and all eventualities). This usually means a very high grocery spend for the month.

While I did get all the extra cleaning done, I am afraid there are lots of little things left on my goal list. I moved them to the upcoming month, and only added a couple of small items. Small items added are mostly those Christmas projects that I want done and dusted well before that holiday arrives. There is one big project that will have to wait until I manage to get the supplies (during the stock up trip).

I managed to knit up all that leftover fingering weight yarn into 4" squares. Those will be sewn together in the evenings once I get some Christmas knitting done. Still not too sure what they will become though.

Decluttering is moving right along. As of today 333 items are no longer in the house. I am hoping to reach 500 again this year. Each year it seems to get a bit harder to part with things, but I will get it done. Downsizing and simplifying are my mantra for the next few years (probably much longer).

Harvesting of the garden is slow. I have been harvesting herbs and dehydrating them. This will be ongoing until the herbs no longer seem to be growing. We have also eaten onions, kale and the occasional strawberry that the birds have missed in their gluttony (wouldn't mind so much if they didn't peck a bit and leave). Harvey ate a few of the cherries off our new trees before the birds got all of them. Think some netting might work next year while the trees are still fairly small.

Kurt and Kris were home and it was wonderful having some time with the two of them. We get to see Kris quite often as he is only a couple of hours away and we do our stock up shop in that city. Kurt on the other hand lives 9 hours away so our visits are few and far between. The next time we will be lucky enough to have the two of them home at the same time will be Thanksgiving. Only a few months away, but still will miss having them around before then.


Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Thursday Tidbits

While the days have been for the most part nice and sunny, temperatures most days have started off below freezing and haven't really risen much. I am glad however that this corner of the Canadian prairies is not getting the snow and storms that our neighbours directly south of us are getting.

I managed to get the third quilt top completed and pulled out the strips to start the next one. I have a different idea for this one, but I am not sure that it would work out. Guess all I can do is give it a try. The idea I have could make it much quicker to set up and complete. Now I just hope that next month I can complete the sandwich, and the quilting on all of them (going to be very simple quilting).

All this means is that I only have one drawer left to clean out. Those 4" square fabric pieces. I just don't know if I could face making another two or three quilt tops this month in order to use them up. So I may just make some fabric out of them and construct a few shopping bags. I am going to wait on that project for a week or so. Perhaps even after Easter.

Shopping today was a breeze. This was the first week of not heading across town to pick items up at Walmart. Instead I made sure to pick up enough pet food, over the counter medications and various other items to last two weeks. So far this seems to have worked out okay. It does take some planning to make sure I have everything on my list. If this works, I will be driving a bit less saving gas, wear/tear on the vehicle, and time every second week. I think I will try this for a few months and then try a monthly shop, though that could be pushing it a little bit.

It was weigh in today and at first I thought I had only lost 1/2 lb, but in checking my numbers I actually lost 1.1 pounds. I don't know if it will be possible to meet my goal before the family reunion, but I am going to try my best. Right now this means I have lost close to 18.5 lbs. Not much more to go to reach 20 lbs and my goal is 25 lbs by the end of June. I will set the next goal after that probably another 10 or so and I will be almost at my pre third child weight. 

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

And The Cold Continues!!!!!

The last few days have been bitterly cold due to the polar vortex. I think it has been the worst cold snap we have had for the last few years. Up and down, a few days not too bad, and then the piercing cold has hit once again.

The night before last we hit a low of -47 C with a windchill bringing it down so it felt like well below -50 C. 

At times like this the only safe thing to do is stay inside and if you are forced to go out (like I was yesterday) you bundle up so you end up looking like the old Micheline Tire Man. 

Tomorrow is supposed to be much better, with a gradual warming up over the next few days. However another cold snap is heading our way and should hit late on the weekend. 

Staying in has at least given me time to work around the house. I finished the mitts and headbands, even have a bit of yarn left over. I considered tossing the small balls, but then decided that perhaps making a few squares at some point and starting another one of my many coloured afghans at some point (need to get other projects completed first of course).

I started a cardigan for myself, using yarn that I picked up at the Salvation Army many years ago. It is moving along nicely and much quicker than the hand quilting I am trying to do.

Today I entered most of the paid bills and receipts in the budget sheets. Tomorrow I will enter the last few for the month. So far we are under our total budget, but I will know more after the final tally.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Saturday Roundup

Another wash, rinse and repeat kind of day. More beans and tomatoes frozen for use this winter, and a couple of cucumbers made into a salad for supper tonight. 

When we go to the football game tomorrow I plan on taking some beans, cucumbers and tomatoes up to Kris. That will clear things out a little bit (not much as I will need to pick even more cucumbers tomorrow).

I did finish one project though. I made the little hat decorations for our Christmas tree using up some of the yarn from my stash.

Here is a picture of the finished project.

For anyone that has small leftover balls of yarn and are interested on how these are fashioned, I will share how they are made.

First you need cardboard tubes either from toilet paper or paper towels. Mark the tubes in 1/2 to 1 inch intervals (for mine I did 1 inch)

Cut apart.

Once this is completed, you can cut your lengths of yarn. 

I cut mine approximately 8 inches in length. These are then folded in half.

The halved yarn is passed through the inside of the cut ring of cardboard and the ends are passed through the loop at the top. The yarn is then tightened.

Like so. Continue until the ring of cardboard is well covered.

Now you can either tie everything together at the top now. Trim and add a hanger or do what I prefer to do. That is push all the loose ends back up through the center of the covered tube.

Like so and tie, even the puff at the top, and add a piece of yarn as a hanger.

And there you have it. A small and fairly quick decoration for your tree, a present tag or even as something you could make a garland from. Made from leftovers and something you recycle.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Thursday Tid Bits

Well the men have disappeared for the football game, and probably will not be home until the early hours of the morning.

I used up some of the rhubarb making this.

A rhubarb pudding cake. The men love it and have been nibbling on it constantly. I think I better make some in tinfoil containers so that Kris can take one home as part of his care package.

If all of you remember I mentioned something about yarn all over the floor in the sewing room. Well I have made a start on getting all that yarn off the floor. The first batch is gone and I made it into scarves that can be given away as gifts if I get asked to anything.

Thirteen hostess or birthday gifts made and ready for whatever happens over the next few months.

I have started the next knitting project a wrap for myself and will share a picture once it is completed.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Saturday Roundup

Thought I would share a few pictures from this week on the old homestead.

My anniversary roses. I am actually amazed that they are still alive today.

The finished vest. Not bad, but I can tell it has been awhile since I knit this pattern. I may have to make another one in a blue colour just to keep my hand in.

Once again I have a winery in one corner of my kitchen. Oh well it keeps Harvey happy and busy and considering that he has been kind of depressed lately seeing him want to do something is awesome.

The summer tunic top, just needs a good pressing and it will be put in the closet to be worn next summer.

I collected some of the leftover sock yarn and partial balls of worsted. I am going to be knitting socks for awhile. Those are the only things that seem to be keeping my feet warm this winter. One can never have too many socks.....right! It also allows me to use up all those leftovers I seem to collect. No wasting which saves money and keeps me busy.

Everybody have a wonderful evening. 

God bless.

Squishy Goodness

Needles, heat and bond binding, embroidery stabilizer (three different kinds), and two skeins of scrubby yarn (those are to make Kurt and Kris scrubby washcloths). I always need needles and stabilizer.

Some nice creamy white ponte de roma to make a winter dress.

Some black (yes this is black though why it looks brown if beyond me) sweater knit. I am hoping I have enough for another dress.

Enough of this teal, gold, brown and black challis to make a long sleeved winter top.

Yarn to knit two prayer shawls, dish cloths, and some dark green mitts (the colour of our Saskatchewan Roughrider football team). 

I just might be a bit busy over the next little while what with Christmas gift making, knitting for the church, and sewing myself some new winter clothing.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

What To Do

I have often spoken of the inherited craft projects from my Mom. I am slowly but surely working my way through them all. I do have to mix in a few of my own projects, but the end of the cross stitch kit projects seems to be in sight.

The following are the ones left from Mom's stash.

So a whole 8 kits left to work my way through (please excuse the yellowish pictures, for some reason the flash on my camera is acting very strangely).

I figure that doing the easy ones first will give me the most satisfaction, and perhaps the most bang for my time.

After these are done, I must get the stamped embroidery and the sugar bag tea towels completed. My mom always seemed to have something on the go, and it looks like she had planned to be busy for another 10 or so years.

At least now I will have room for a few of my own projects.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Sunday Ramblings

Mass was not quite as full as it usually is, wonder if it is because hockey season has started again?

Today the homily Father Brian gave was on how we need to open our eyes and see love (Christ) in everyone around us, the sick, the poor, the homeless and the persecuted. I don't know if I really do. I do know that I try, but sometimes fail dreadfully at this.

I also got the borders sewn on the two quilts and even managed to get one sandwiched. I need to do a bit of work on the backing (sew a piece across the bottom) and I will be able to get the second quilt sandwiched as well. Only using one flannel sheet to do so, but that is one less item in the craft/sewing room and every little bit helps.

This is Kurt's afghan. It will go wonderfully with his basement decor......I may even have enough of the strips left to make a pillow to go along with it. I do know I have enough stuffing to do so. This is also the quilt I managed to get sandwiched today.

 This is the quilt top for Kris. The pink stripe is actually a very light purple. Purple is his favorite colour. Don't ask me why. Hopefully this will be sandwiched by the afternoon. Pretty sure I have enough to make him a pillow as well.

I do want to get the borders done by Monday as well. Then comes the quilting, which should be fun.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Saturday Roundup

Ahh, the cooler weather that was supposed to arrive today....didn't. We do have quite the breeze though.

I have spent my afternoons working on a knitting project and am finally seeing an end in sight. I am making a pair of monster leggings just to see if I want to make them to sell.

I did learn how to knit in the round, so that is a good thing. However I do not have small enough circular needles for the legs and have resorted to knitting with four double pointed needles. I am really surprised that I did not lose stitches whilst knitting the one leg.

Here is a photo of the front of the leggings.

There is a big red smiling mouth on the back side, perfect for adding teeth to. I am hoping to get the second leg started tomorrow and for the first little while I can us my circular needle.

Well off to work on the embroidered baby quilt top. I hope to be able to share how far that has gotten with you in a few days.

I will be making plum jam after Mass tomorrow, and freezing a few bags of tomatoes. I may just be able to keep up with them this year.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Thrifty Tuesday

A nice no spend day, in fact it was so hot I only went outside to water my plants and do a bit of gathering from the garden.

Most of the day has been spent inside where there is air conditioning. According to the weather pundits these mid to high 30's C temperatures will be with us for the entire week. Getting to the point where I would love some cooler weather.

I finished "Go Set A Watchman" and I am not sure how I feel about it. I will need to think a bit more before I do a review of it.

I also started another project.... Silly me who promised themselves not to start anything new for awhile. I have had some interest in monster leggings though and so I decided to give them a go. So far the pair I started are knitting up well.

These are going to use up some of the excess wool from other projects and the bits and pieces from scavenging at various yard and garage sales.

This is my garden pick for today.

 Three large tomatoes, 5 cucumbers, two large green peppers and a large handful of cherry tomatoes. Adding to the pantry with no extra expense.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Changeable

Changeable is the right description of our weather right now. We went from lovely sunny, warm days to sunny cooler days with very cold nights, and now we are back to windy, cold, dreary days. I should have known better than to move my winter wardrobe into storage!!!

These last few years it seems as if spring never arrives, we move into a short cool summer and winter hits us once again.

 Today has been relatively quiet. I have spent time in the sewing room, and even managed to get a bit of sewing accomplished. I just have about 30 minutes left of sewing on the second pair of palazzo pants. Guess this means I need to start on that coat/jacket I have been procrastinating over.

With the weather being so unpredictable instead of being out in the evenings working on flower beds, weeding, and getting my baskets and pots done, I have pulled out the yarn once again.

I needed some new dishcloths.

I made these using up the white/black flecked cotton yarn I had bought to make Kurt his rug at Christmas.

A bright pink ruffle scarf. Not too sure what I will do with this, add to my collection of scarves or try to sell it.

I had this ball of rather different yarn and so today I thought I would use it to make another scarf. Kind of "funky" as Harvey says.

As long as the weather stays miserable I guess I will be spending my evenings knitting and my days sewing.

Both are thrifty ways to save money and keep occupied!!!

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Thursday Tid Bits

Only one day left of my subbing gig this month, and so far only one day booked next month. I could end up having a lovely rest and getting things done around the house. Perhaps even get a bit more work done decluttering which has sadly fallen to the wayside this month.

I did manage to go through all my cross stitch magazines and surprise, surprise I only found one double issue.

It's the one sitting all by itself. This will be going to another home shortly.

I have also found something I would really like to do for next Valentines Day.

Aren't these tiny hearts cute!! I can see all sorts of ways to use them, just don't have time or the right yarn to make them this year.

Harvey has finished the cupboard. He added a pull out shelf for me which will make reaching the middle shelf so much easier. I have started to put the items away, but I am on the look out for something to organize my many freezer containers. I hope to be able to finish it up this weekend while the men are out fishing.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Wrap It Up Wednesday

Today was spent getting a few things wrapped up and crossed off the "To Do" list. It was also a day of starts.

First off I got the gifts wrapped for my brothers and nieces.

These are the hooded cowls I made for the girls.

Then it was moving on to getting the Christmas cards stamped.

All this done while enjoying my morning coffee in the mug I bought myself for Christmas.

Somehow this just seemed so appropriate!!!

I then moved on to some baking. We needed bread and since I hadn't started my Christmas goodie making as of yet I decided to make these first....

Tiny little butter tarts. I made 4 dozen which is cutting back from the 5 dozen I usually make. I also made 2" ones instead of 3"ones.

Yesterday was my friend's and I annual trip to go Christmas shopping. While I was done she wasn't and so I had great fun helping her pick out gifts for her grandchildren. I did however buy something....

This rather large pile of yarn to make cowls with. The correct yarn size even!! To make matters even better it was all on sale.

With all the wrapping up going on I did not forget my give away challenge.

These two books, one of which we will be taking to Kurt for his in class library, while the other one is in the donation bag.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.