Saturday Roundup

As Harvey said this past week has zipped right on by. I think he was a bit surprised at how fast time is flying by.

We have a winter storm warning out and the snow as well as wind has started up. I believe that by morning we should have quite a lot of snow on the ground. So far the weather pundits are divided on how much we will receive. I am thinking with a high of 25 cm, and a low of 10 cm, we will more than likely have something in between. This means sticking close to home as it will be doubtful that we will be able to get out of our road. We are on the valley edge and any wind at all causes some nice drifts to form.

I have been busy today, as I decided to get a few of the already cut out or easy to do goals done today.

First off I made those two new pillowcases for my special pillow. In less than 30 minutes they were cut out and sewn. No photo however as they need to be washed and pressed.

Then I moved on to getting those pinned infinity scarves sewn up.

Three new and slightly fancier ones completed. Took no time at all to sew.

Here are the mitts, fingerless mitts and headbands I quickly put together last month but didn't get a photo of.

Finishing off with this.

Every supper Shania decides that she is human enough to sit at the table with us. Perhaps I should set a plate for her.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Update On My Victories and Failures For January

1.  Knit a temperature blanket. (This is a year long project so will be number one every month). Been doing my row every day.

2.  Sew some winter clothing that is already cut out.  Not completed so will be moved to this month.

3.  Finish our quilt. (This project has been three years in the making) Started the hand quilting.

4.  Make some soup bowl cozies for our own use.  Moved to this month

5.  Knit 4 pairs of mittens for myself using the lovely yarn Kris got me for Christmas. Done

6.  Knit a couple of headbands to match the mittens. Done

7.  Knit one prayer shawl this month. Done

8.  Make more meatless meals this year (another ongoing goal). Managed four mostly meatless meals.

9.  Finish the embroidery project started in October. Moved to this month.

10.  Clean up pictures on the computer. Done.

11.  Declutter. (Once again an ongoing monthly goal). I made it up to 44 items leaving the house this month.

12.  Up walking speed on treadmill. Done

13.  Fill out paperwork for my upcoming tests. Done

14.  Plant rooted vines. Done

15.  Get all the decorations away and condense them into fewer totes. Done

Actually I managed to get more done than I thought I would. Still I would have like to get a few more items crossed off the list.

So now I get to list the goals for this month.

1.  Work on temperature blanket every day.

2.  Sew winter clothing.

3.  Work on our quilt.

4.  Try for 5 meatless meals this month.

5.  Finish embroidery project.

6.  Knit one prayer shawl.

7.  Sew three infinity scarves.

8.  Continue with decluttering.

9.  Knit one cardigan or vest for me.

10.  Sew two large pillow cases.

11.  Make Soup bowl cozies.

So those are my goals for this month. Just a few less than last month so hopefully I will get more crossed off.

Tomorrow we are supposed (notice I say supposed) to get a fairly heavy snowfall. In fact most of the province is under a snowfall warning or a winter storm warning. We could use the moisture and as there is no place I have to be I will be quite content staying in and working on my goals for the month.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Thursday Tidbits

The frigid weather has broken for a few days, I even managed to get a bit of a walk outside this afternoon to get the mail. I used my walking poles just to be on the safe side. It really was lovely to be out in the fresh air.

Shopping was done early this morning and my goodness have prices risen over the past month. Part could be because of the carbon tax that has been levied, but I have a feeling that it has more to do with my healthier eating habits. Fresh produce does not come cheap at this point in the year. 

I ended up moving some of my unfinished projects for the month to next month. Hopefully a few more will be wrapped up and gone for good. 

Here is a photo of the first month of the year done in knitting. Only 11 more months to go, so this is one project that will be carried on for the entire year. This project will use up a great many of those orphan skeins and balls of yarn. Making a bit more room in my sewing/crafting area. Hopefully enough will be gone over the next few months that I can actually get my second serger set up with dark thread.

I finished up the budget and while we went over in one or three categories we ended up being under budget for the month!! Hope to shave a bit more off here and there.

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.

Results Good And Bad

Today I got back my results from my visits to the Radiology Department and the Bone Density Scans.

The mammogram was good, no abnormalities what so ever. The other test was not what I wanted to hear at all.

Seems I am suffering from osteoporosis, and not a mild case of it either. I guess this could be part of the reason why I am aching a bit more each and every day.

I will need to up my calcium intake as well as my vitamin D3 and stay on the calcium binder for another 4 years. This does not make me a happy camper, though I suppose the results could have been even worse. I have informed Harvey that our diets will be changing yet again as there is no way I am cooking two totally different meals. This should be interesting as I need to watch my cholesterol as well.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Menu Monday

The last week of the month!! Winter is slowly but surely passing by. That makes me happy as soon I can start my plants and start planning my garden. Just have to get through February and part of March first.

Monday

Smoked sausage, a salad and perhaps pasta (not sure about the pasta)

Tuesday

Leftover chicken from Sundays roast. Will need to try and find a new recipe or a twist on an old casserole for this one. Leftover salad as a side dish.

Wednesday

Leftover roast beef made into a stir fry. I will freeze leftovers to be used at a later date.

Thursday

Soup and sandwiches.

Friday

Trout fillets, rice, and sliced raw veggies and dip.

Saturday

Ribs made into sweet and sour casserole. Served with rice and the remaining raw veggies and dip.

Sunday

Pork Roast, roasted potatoes, roasted carrots (though I am thinking a tray with a mix of roasted veggies would be nice).

This should manage to clear a bit out of the freezers both downstairs and the one in the fridge. At least I hope it clears them out a bit.

Everyone have a wonderful day.

God bless.

Frugal Friday

1.  Used some leftover cream fabric from a previous project (making drapery for the school) to cut for the binding on my quilt.

2.  Used up all the leftovers for various meals this week either as the main course or as sides.

3.  Seven no spend days since last Friday.

4.  Saved $19.79 on groceries and sundries this week.

5.  Using up those small sample hand lotions.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.