Sunday, I watched Mass live online but this was the first time we were allowed to return to church for Communion between 11AM and 12 in small groups. Funny how one can take such a regular grace for granted. The first Sunday I drove there because of the rain but the second time I walked there with the dogs and tied them under a tree. It was hot so the girls wanted a break under every shade tree on the way home.
I got a Regency era dance dress on eBay and it looked like this. Of course it needs hemmed for my shortness so I chose growth pleats. There is a decreasing demand for sewing masks and dwindling supply of free/low cost materials.
I'm
trying to put horizontal "growth pleats" in a dress hem. Not that I'll
grow but I'm short and this dress may someday be turned over to a
taller person. I figure I may need 6 pleats. I used to call these
things UFOs (unfinished objects) . I like referring these as PHDs (projects half
done). Since I haven't had this sewing machine very long, I want to
figure out what the other attachments are used for. I find that 3 pleats did the job but I was expecting more.
If you look close, you'll notice a difference in the fabric quality between what I got and the advertised photo. I had to hem it and then tried it on for the proper length and noticed the lace neck line curled. I had to split every other eyelet and tack that down.
I have been on a Facebook page for a daily trick. The latest was called "place" but it looks to me like rally sign number 15. Call Front - Finish Right - Sit. So easy that even a Pekingese can do it (just kidding). I have been working on beginner rally with Sophie for June trials that were canceled. I know that AKC says pekes are independent when it comes to training so she is special. I haven't been in this training thing very long but I haven't seen another peke doing rally either. I'm grateful for what ever this little sweetheart can do. Nobody can resist that wagging tail of hers.
Friday I took the flags I'd saved out to Camp Butler since the scouts were not going to place flags on the graves this year. The gates are open but just no gatherings this year because of the pandemic. I had about 10 flags so I made it look bigger by doing our row. Then I stomped on that vacant space next to my husband's grave.
I went to Menards and picked up two of those plastic grass-like rugs to wipe feet. All these clippings come into the house and show on tiles. I'm also starting to see an end to sheltering so I better make a list of unfinished projects, like sewing and a book I wanted to read. I've been so lazy!
Summer heat has arrived and I got the fans down from the attic. Sean had already turned on his air conditioning.
Sunday I got word that there will be no summer activities at the historic sites. That really sunk in after fixing up the historic wardrobe with a new petticoat and hoop. Then it occurred to me that there is nothing to look forward to. No agility, no vacation, no nothing.
Meanwhile, the legislators voted themselves a wage increase to offset an increased minimum wage that is going up to $15/hour. How generous of them. I see all of this parallel to that of a parent withholding a kids allowance to gain control. It's the new normal they say. I have been thinking about moving out of Illinois a long time. It would be a major undertaking and a lot of downsizing. I have no destination yet. It would be nice if I could continue my activities with therapy dogs, veterans and reenacting. I think I would have to give up reenacting the most because of local, age and better to be with a male partner. I would really miss my sons.
Memorial day was honored in a social distance fashion around the Chatham Memorial for 30 minutes. I put up Veterans Flags up on Saturday and helped take them down on Monday at 5:00 P.M.
Yes, that's my mask hanging around my neck. There was a poppy art display and a car parade. That parade made me feel emotional because it communicated that the community cared. The rest of the day I spent watching Fury and Grant on TV. As administrator for for a few veteran Facebook pages, that kept me glued to the computer. Pretty inactive Memorial Day.
Next week the gym is supposed to open up with restrictions. I think there's a limit of 10 so I don't know how that's going to work.
I have been sheltering in place and rarely leaving the house except
to walk the dogs. Both Sophie and Amber are therapy dogs and the
cancellation of visits by our national organization was the first of
many that followed. Meanwhile, Sophie rests in place and Amber is
younger and still in training. We have been enrolled in a temporarily,
free online course called "home school the dog". I've attached Sophie
resting like St Joseph and our national motto "Paws Awhile for Love".
I've been exercising in the morning with Powerworks via Facebook live. Sometimes Amber wants to exercise with me. Sometimes there's technical difficulty. I can always watch the classes in re-run mode but that takes self motivation. It's one thing to have an instructor encouraging me to finish to the end but another to watch on my own time. Heck, going to class knowing that others are watching and working to the end would shame me if I teetered out early. I don't want to be a quitter.
I've got my garden planted and trying to get caught up on my unfinished
sewing projects as I've run out of twill and other remnants for masks.
I've had to get into the mechanics of my sewing machine to remove
tangled thread in the mechanism. Hence I leave the cover off to watch the threads before it gets tangled. TV is on but not really watching it as
much as some, but then I didn't before the shelter in place order. TV
mostly kills the silence (and I have hearing aids). I appreciated
the welfare call from Harlan Meister from church. I watched many other live Masses but
seeing my own parish online reminded me how much I take for granted
being in a pew for Mass can be. My son normally visits on Sundays and
does his laundry here but since the pandemic, he drops it off on the
porch on Saturday and picks up on Sunday and then we walk our dogs to
minimize contact.
Getting down to the wire and end of my scraps, I finally found an easy
way to make pleats with a jig but I must use the pause on the video of how to make one. I sometimes I think it's easier to just iron and estimate.
Clothes pin shows the opening for inserting an optional filter. Scissors
points to an insert pocket should one need a wire nose piece
I have a nose piece on the one I wear but it’s sewn in rather than
pocket
My son gave me a package of these (5) that he got at work. They are 2
ply. Made by Fruit of the Loom. He calls them the tighty whitey
masks. It works. I shared it with my "Maskateers" group and they got a chuckle. One suggested a tie die. I learned that the label mentions silver and I learned that was in there for odor control.
My dogwood tree is in bloom
Since I've been taking a class called "Home school the dog", our latest
lesson pertained to tugging. I ordered this Braided Fleece and Faux Fur
Dog Leash, Sport dog collar, dog leash tug, dog leash on Etsy which is
similar to that in our lessons.
I may have completed the course but it's a daily lifestyle to maintain what we learned. For me, I am learning patience. She taught us to basically wait the dog out for a change in behavior that's desired. Then we reward the dog.
I've been walking the dogs a mile every day but it is stop n go n sniff n
pee. I know because my Apple watch ticks at 1 mile. Monday I walked
further to the post office with the dogs and hooked them up to a pole
while I shipped masks to my son. I hadn't been out much and noticed how
things have changed in the past weeks. This is the plexiglass shield
in the post office and the employees wore masks as did I. Alan sent me his hearing aid batteries since my
source was closed through the end of April. I sent him some of the
masks that I've been sewing.
On the way, I saw these bushes trimmed like an Easter bunny.
I did some sweeping that involved moving furniture. I noticed that
there was still dirt where I had just been ~~~ then I looked at my
shoes. O no.
Here's my other UFO (unfinished project). The dress is stained. I had
started doing the slip and pantaloons a year ago but the outer dress was
puzzling and put off.
You may recall from my last comment that this was a goal.
After seam ripping the skirt off because I sewed
the wrong side, I think I got it. But now her petticoat is showing.
Well, I'm done for now.
I hate to say it but there are still a number of unfinished projects to sew. My new sewing cutting board and rotary cutter arrived yesterday from Joanne. On my is this slick. I can’t believe I thought a and my cardboard mat was good enough. I have been fixing a hoop that I had ordered on Amazon that was poorly constructed and the wire boning was sticking out. It was constructed with cross-grain ribbon instead of twill tape.
This is the photo taken off of Amazon. Looks nice doesn't it? And the description: 8 Hoop 109" Reproduction Civil War Cage Crinoline Petite Regular Ladies 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 Period Correct Hoop Skirt Gown Civil War
When it arrived, I immediately saw poor quality. This shows the wiring sticking out of cross grain ribbon. Notice the boning on the left vs the right re-made and covered by hand with twill tape. I recovered the of the rings of boning to prevent poking out with the exception of those in the bottom casing. I also saw a video on YouTube that gave me an idea for trimming the lower kick bag. I found the trim in my scrap stash that is perfect.
I need a little bit more work and securing the boning in the right place for the straps but I do like the ruffle over the bag. The bag cover prevents tripping. I still have one ring to recover as you can see. Alignment is the trickiest part to obtain for the bell shape rather than a lampshade look. Back on the dress form for finishing touches.
I finally got my AKC certificates from the March 14-15 trials in Champaign on April 24th. Usually takes less than 2 weeks but circumstances are different with CoVid-19 and essential business. I was anxious to get them because of all I went through.
It was a rainy day on April 29 but across the street
there was a drive by birthday (I suppose). At first when I saw them in
the back of the van, I thought it odd. Then I heard a car honk. So I
went on the porch and rang my school bell at them. This car was pretty
unique with a costumed kid in a bird mask was sitting on the sun roof.
After being so leisure-like, I wonder how fast I can
pick things up when we are released from this "Shelter in Place". So
many cancellations and I picture all of them to be rescheduled at the
same time.
May 1 ~ Feast Day of St Joseph the Worker
Following St Joseph and our current Pandemic problem, I shall follow
St Joseph's example and sleep through this. (painting by Francisco Rizi.
The Dream of St. Joseph, 1665). This rest comes with caution that things may not be the same when you wake!
Tuesday, May 5th, I got a surprise gift from Joe and Maureen. I had been saving all of my cork from my wine bottles since Joe mentioned that his wife was using them in crafts. Well they stopped by and gifted me a project. I was surprised. I gave her one of my masks. Joe mentioned that his blood thinners were making him spot blood frequently.
I got this little Ikea Ekorre walker cart for $15
on Facebook Marketplace. I sewed a cushion handle and will teach Amber
how to use it. Amber is learning to push a cart. This is an Ekorre child's walker cart
from Ikea that I've modified with a soft handlebar. I like the fact
that there are screws to tighten the tension without a slick push away
and scare Amber from trying it again. It is weighted with a couple of
cans of dog food to practice grocery shopping.
I put Sophie in her Cinco-De-Mayo outfit that says "Not your Average Senorita". Amber's outfit needed some sewing.
Sophie went to the groomer on May 11. Her former groomer at "Bubbles of Fun" had moved without me knowing. When I went back to Bubbles, it was a disaster with the new owner. I've tried 4 groomers since. Two gave her razor burns. I liked one that was local but she had to give up her business when her father became ill. I did find another that I liked and was ready to set another appointment but it's nice to go back to her and her new location is real close and a little bit less expensive. Since I was leaving my shelter, I tried to get other errands done as well. I got Sophie's prescription for her eyes and then since it's the 11th of the month, Ace Hardware has a discount for veterans and I had a few things to get. Here's Sophie checking out the plant section.
5th Sunday of Easter Mass with my family (and coffee). My photo below made the church bulletin the following week.
I am a virtual judge for the Illinois History Day virtual competition. All done online. I'm looking at Junior competition exhibits for history.
My Pandemic Mother's Day was nice. Alan gave me so many plants for the garden, fertilizer and two mushroom boxes to grow. He also brought a cake. We saved our carb intake just for the cake. Alan arrived at the end of Mass online so he came real early. That meant that Sean's plan to bring carryout lunch was off schedule and they would not be open yet. So I baked a fresh chicken I had gotten the day before from Aldi via Instacart delivery. Chicken is in low supply but having an early morning delivery helped. It was a big chicken too. Almost like a small turkey. Then we also had potatoes and kale salad. Alan also delivered a bag of mending for me to be done. Mostly winter items that I can take my time on.
I was hoping to have lunch in the sun room but it seemed a bit chilly. I had to clear the sewing projects off the kitchen table. I had intended to minimize others being in my home during the pandemic. After lunch, I cleaned my kitchen while my sons socialized. Part of Mothers Day is really Brothers Day. After I was done in the kitchen we walked around the block with our dogs. Probably would have gone farther but the wind really make it difficult and cold. Sean was not dressed for it. Sean's dog is also having difficulty walking with a bad leg. Mo is often seen with a leg off the ground. He's been seeing a veterinarian.
Many people are concerned about getting their hair done. Not me. I just have long straight hair that is wash and wear. Maybe in fall it will be ready to harvest for donation to "Wigs for Kids" but then who knows what restrictions there will be then.
So I'm making a list of things I would like to do after this "sheltering" is over:
Get a massage St Louis on July 4th for the dance
Lipstick
Fix the tires on my bike
Fireplace burned the last of my wood . I was hopping for sale on logs to stock
for next year but I don't view that trip happening this year. Seems so non-essential.
The famous mathematician, physicist, inventor, writer, and Catholic
Theologian Blaise Pascal (1623-1662) said "All of
humanity's problems stem from man's inability to sit quietly in a room
alone." According to Pascal, "We fear
the silence of existence, we dread boredom and instead choose aimless
distraction, and we can't help but run from the problems of our emotions
into the false comforts of an over busy and very distracted mind." I
felt Pascal was actually writing about me. So, I decided to spend time
each day and night being "...in a home alone" with no outside
distractions. With prayer, reflection, and blogging, I have gone
from fear of the virus to being at peace with myself!
There are a lot of things I will never finish by the time the state opens up like organizing photos.
It wasn't long ago that CBD oil was touted as a cure all. CBD can boost your immune system but it's no match for this Cornoaviruas. Now we have a new enemy ~ COVID-19 ~ that seems to be impenetrable.
The first of all cancellations was given by Therapy Dog International on March 6 with a recommendation to discontinue visiting and on March 18th that recommendation became mandate. It was the weekend of March 14-15 when all the pandemic rules from the state blew up. I was in Champaign getting my AKC Rally Excellent dog title with Amber that was planned months before. The Champaign-Urbana Dog club put extra hygiene precautions in place so we all felt pretty safe. That's the weekend that Governor told all restaurants to close and only allow take out as the start of social distancing. After I got home that Sunday night, I hunkered down only leaving to vote on Tuesday and again on Wednesday for my tax preparer. I did not leave much. I went to the store for the first time (with mask) on Apr 11 to Ace Hardware with my list and it was a veteran discount day. I already had plenty on my shelves and freezer.
Since then, the rules have been tightening. At first it was 2 weeks shelter in place. Crowds were told to be limited in size and the number in that size had shrunk as the days went on. That was extended through April. After restaurants were closed, then all non-essential businesses were told to close. That was left up to debate. For example, computer stores stayed open because they provide essential means of communication.
After the 3rd week, we were told we should wear a mask in public. The virus is spreading by people who have no symptoms and that created a demand for citizens as well as medical staff. One local was ridiculed when her name was first in the news as being positive for COVID 19. Heck, this is really innocent and invisible contact. It's a pandemic and even a 15 year old teen in a a remote Amazon tribe tested positive. There are a lot of rumors about the pandemic and the rollout of G5.
I have been going to my exercise class via Facebook live over the internet. The gym at first wanted to stay open saying they were taking extra hygiene measures but I didn't go at that time knowing that the gym is the most likely place to pick up a virus. After a few days, the gym did close.
On Thursday I did this in my PJs with my funny face mask.
I did get some sewing done. Although my bustle dress was wearable, I wanted to add a second ruffle at the bottom that was originally there before I shortened it. I moved the original bottom ruffle to become the new top ruffle thereby allowing it to be shortened. I also added a hem guard since it's silk.
I also finished a petticoat that needed shortened via numerous tucks. This project had been unfinished for years. Right now it has a drawstring waist. If I like it after a wearing or two, I may convert that to a button.
I made FU patterned face mask. This was the first of many.
These are the other style with tucks that expand. Notice the remnants are historic prints.
March 27, I drove my car for the first time in a week and half to pick up some free home made bread from one of my exercise instructors at her home. She left it in a basket on her porch as she watched from the window.
ROBO calls were greatly reduced.
Every Sunday, Sean comes to do his laundry and plays guitar and we watch TV together. I asked him not to come. I suggested he leave his laundry on my porch on Saturday and I'll finish it for him and pick up Sunday. Sean seemed pretty concerned that Moe couldn't play with my dogs and Moe wouldn't understand. So we go for dog walks instead.
I am now cutting the grass in the back yard for the beginning of the season and every 3d week the front needs it. I was just happy the mower started. I missed mowing the back yard in the fall because the mower was in the shop. By the time I got it home, the weather had already changed.
Dog training
What's unbelievable is that the treat on the nose is considered a novice trick. Amber already has a "Do More With Your Dog" advanced title. Oddly that a treat on the nose is considered a beginner trick and more difficult to achieve. I started by having a thumb on her nose and then a bottle cap.
Upgrading from the bottle cap on the nose to a small biscuit was a big
step of temptation (and many attempts). She looks serious but if you
could see the person doing the video, you'd see another serious face.
She did get freeze dried chicken heart was
her reward. That's what is so difficult for her to understand: a simple treat
on nose or the promise of a better reward. I continue reinforcing her recent "take a bow" position while learning new tricks. We will continue the cap and biscuit but also moving on to the next trick which some call this "the orbit".
I am also frustrated with commands given at a distance. I need to work on distance.
Here we are learning to "get the tissue" under close supervision lest we have a shredded mess.
Someday I'd like to gain "AKC Elite Performer Routine" title. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7iUxWvpP25c&feature=youtu.be
I have been enrolled in an online class by Susan Garrett called "Home school your dog". She offered this class for free and it would normally be over $200. We can upload our videos for a critique by her crew. I find it real helpful and glad to have this free opportunity.
I've been sewing home made masks. I donated 18 to the hospital and couple to friends that were high risk category. The masks in this photo I gave to those veterans that I met in the VFW parking lot on April 6 at 1PM.
April 6, 2020 is national tartan day so we had a theme for our Facebook live exercise class.
Anyone that pranked on April Fools Day didn't get the usual laugh this year.
So moving on to other sewing projects, I wanted to fix my droopy shoulders on my regency dress last year. Even when I did wear it to St Louis ball, there were many alterations.
I tried stringing ribbon through the bodice netting and although it worked, the ties got in a knot. I recreated the collar. Then I decided to take the bodice apart and raise and narrow the waistband. What a mess.
Finished product with much better fit. This was a mess and a seam rippers nightmare.
I had these little circular pearls in my stash that I added to cover up the sheer line and tack down the inner collar excess. I have regular loose pearls but the needle will not fit through.
Now on to a couple of other unfinished projects. I've been trying to make a new dress for this china doll that I got at the Salvation Army. The original was stained. I've already done her pantaloons and petticoat. I've been using the old (yellow print) as a pattern over the red print fabric.
After this I have plans to make an 1830s dress for New Salem. I've selected the fabric behind which is thrift store curtains. I hope there's enough.
I found a nice back drop for this photo op on for Sophie's Easter Morning walk. I walked past this house before and planned it for Easter.
I pay many things electronically: utility, church tithing, internet, etc and now for the first time I signed up my quarterly trash hauler's bill. I used to pay that in person.
April 16 we had a spring snow. I decided to try snow agility since the hoops were up in the yard. That didn't turn out too well.
The following morning the news reported an inch of snow and a record low for that date of 26 overnight. Good thing I covered my tomato plants in the ground (bought at Ace Hardware). That evening, we had a Zoom meeting of the Catholic War Veterans.
After that I watched "Anna Karenia" just to stay awake.
My next door neighbor had twins on Thursday and the babies came home on Saturday. I knew they were expecting a boy and a girl. They were originally expected in May but twins usually come early and for a twin pregnancy scale, they were only born 4 days early.
This is how I knew:
I got my marker and signed that card on their porch. Welcome Walker and Charlotte Worth.
I have been getting groceries through the InstaCart app. Small $10/mo and an added tip on my credit card delivered to my porch from the local County Market.
So far I know one person that tested positive ~ my niece that works in the health care industry. She says she's fine. Bless her heart.
