Tuesday, October 20, 2020

I started this journal, in part, as a way to keep me positive when I was feeling a bit down. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t suffer from depression in the way that I know some people do. But this Covid-19 isolation is getting me down, in particular because it has been too long, much too long, since I’ve seen my kids and grandchildren.

For the past month it has been particularly tough for whatever reason. I remember writing to a friend that Thanksgiving was a holiday that I didn’t feel particularly sad about missing family; I guess that might be the reason because since then I really have felt sad.

In this past month in speaking with a number of friends I’m good until they ask “So how are you doing with all this”. I tend to lose it more often than not – only briefly but it is a sign that “all this” is getting to me. Yesterday a friend even got teary while we chatted because, even though she has her family here, they haven’t been getting together for their usual special occasions.

Christy posted this on Facebook a few days ago and it rang so true for me. Let this be a warning to my children. When this is over (or when I win the lottery and can secure a private flight) I will be visiting – often! Even when I lived in the North I took trips outside more often than I have been able to since the pandemic hit.

So now that I’ve said “it” I hope I have it out of my system and I intend to move on being thankful that we are all well.

I discovered another error in my Hex-Along blocks – I don’t know why I’m having so much trouble translating the photos from the clue with my own choices of fabric. On that positive swing, I’m going to say that the photos with the clue aren’t that clear. I’ve spent a lot of the day putting together the blocks from our online retreat. I’ve picked out a spot to hang it so I may keep at the project and get it quilted.

Pat bought a new-to-us glider rocker with a footstool. We’re not sure where it might end up but I think it will be somewhere in our Powell River home. There just isn’t enough room in the studio for any more furniture.

Tonight Kathryn and I are going to have a discussion around my Advance Care Planning options – that should cheer me up!

Monday, October 19, 2020

Before I left for Texada Taylor requested masks made from cow fabric. I didn’t have any cotton fabric so I checked at the fabric shop; they didn’t have anything either. What I had was some cow-like flannel fabric (white with black splotches all over it) and the sewing crew seemed to think this would be okay. I use batik as the backing for all my masks and since the mask was to be worn outside while trick or treating I felt it would be safe for Taylor and her friend.

After a week on Texada Taylor (through her Mum) wanted to know when the masks would be ready. Since she was so patient waiting for her blankie I thought I’d get the masks done right away. I had to wash the flannel but I still had time to make two masks and get them into the mail this afternoon.

I had an appointment for my flu shot today. I registered online and had an appointment set for 2:15. The day after I made my appointment the pharmacy called to see if I could come in at 2:00 instead. They certainly weren’t going to let you forget your appointment. I got reminders every day on my cell that it was coming up and then today I got an e-mail from them. And shortly before I headed out to the appointment I got a text reminding me that I was due for my shot in less than an hour. If only a Covid-19 vaccine was as quick and easy but maybe it will be when we eventually get to it.

I have some time this afternoon so I’ll cut out fabric and templates for the last clue of my Hex-Along. Someone in the group spotted a mistake in one of my photos so I fixed that last night. It doesn’t take long to do the prep work for these so I may have time left to put together a few more blocks from the quilt I worked on with Stacia and Deloise (they, of course, are long done theirs).

Sunday, October 18, 2020

I’m quite pleased with my accomplishments for my week on Texada. My big goals were accomplished. I still had a few things I could have worked on but I decided I’d done enough so I packed everything up and spent what extra time I had starting a new book.

Clockwise from the left:

• My October UFO – all the blocks are done but I wanted to wait until I was home to put them together. Unless I’m using steam and my wool pressing mat I don’t feel I’ve done a good job.
• Several bits done for my Christmas projects.
• The right side of my Thunderbird is done.
• Clue 4 of my Mystery Quilt is done. This puts me ahead to February of next year while the Guild participants won’t get Clue 2 until next month.

Thursday, October 15, 2020

I’m enjoying a day away from my sewing machine and surrounded by a few of my favourite things.

• Coffee in my new Grandma birthday cup.

• Some cross stitching (and a small plant pot from Diane for my clippings).

• My puzzle book (with pencil, eraser, sharpener and pen for the odd time I’m sure of an answer).