Today is Wednesday, right?

Since I retired in August I haven't been too mindful of what day it is. But, now I am really losing track of the days.

Good news! Husband was able to pick up a CPAP machine today. He had to also get instructions for wearing, using and cleaning it. I went along because sometimes it's better to have two people listening. He was given a packet with information and the nurse said we could call if there are any questions.

It was so nice out when we got home that he decided to go to the field to chop cornstalks that he wasn't able to get done this fall. And I took a walk. We are suppose to possibly have storms later today so I thought I better get out now. I listened to an Audible book while I walked. Lovely.

The daffodils are still pretty and this lovely little surprise greeted me in the flower bed right outside the garage door. And then I planted some radishes.

I tried to see the super pink moon that was suppose to be visible last night, but it was covered with clouds. I did see the moon this morning through the trees in my front yard, but it didn't look pink to me. Maybe you got to see it.

I am still busy making masks. I had decided to make some for my parents. When I asked earlier Mom said she was just pulling her turtleneck up over her face and Dad stays in the car. Shopping has become frustrating and confusing for him and he is happier in the car. But, I decided to make masks for them anyway now that it is recommended that they be worn in public. I was just finishing that up and getting them ready to mail when Mom texted me asking me to make them each one.

I texted a photo to her asking is these would be ok? She thought I was fast getting them done so quickly! Dad is a life-long Cubs fan so hopefully he will wear it if needed. 

I have been reading that when people are out and about that they are seeing women wearing masks, but not men. I don't know why that is, but I am going to make some masks with more masculine fabrics that will go to my niece's hospital. 

With all this cutting for masks I see some scrap quilts in my future!

I am having trouble getting this to post. Our internet is sooooo slooooww. 

Design Wall Monday

Well, I don't have anything to show on my design wall. 

To see what other quilters are up to go to Small Quilts and Doll Quilts.

I did finish removing the papers from Circle of Life, but did not do any sewing on it.

I still need to piece together five more of the small star/large NYB units. Then attach them to the center with the black background pieces. The outer pieced borders are done. 

Oh, I just realized I need to remove the papers from those. I don't know when I will get to that. The masks are calling!

Son called and requested masks for himself, GF, her brother and two of their friends and their wives. I am making enough for them each to have at least two, plus a few extras in case they think of someone else in need. 

 Husband wanted some to give to the guys who work on his farm machinery.

Then I got an email from the hospital that my niece works at saying that they have been overwhelmed with requests for masks from the public health department, their satellite offices, their employees (for their families), community requests. They are sending me elastic for 50 more masks. Guess I know what I will be doing for the next little while. I am thankful for the ability and the fabric stash to make the masks. I just wish it wasn't needed. 

I took a little walk outside - just on the wheelchair ramp outside my door and was greeted by these lovely sunny daffodils. 

It is still chilly this morning, but is suppose to warm into the 60s with mostly sun. I hope to take a walk later. 

Our internet is only ok on most days with spotty/slow connection off and on at any given time. It is so much worse now. I know there a lot more people on-line now with everyone staying home (hopefully) and students trying to do their on-line learning, but good grief. It goes from pretty good one second to nothing at all the next. Time of day or night does not seem to matter. Same with the TV. We don't have satellite or cable, just an antenna. Something in the airwaves, I guess, makes the signal come and go, usually during the interesting parts or right at the end so you don't know 'who done it'. Kind of frustrating. OK, really frustrating. Oh well, I should be sewing masks anyway. Ha 

Hope you are safe and well.

Today

I mailed off another 25 masks to the hospital where my niece works. I will make a few more for family and friends, then I am taking a break. I mean it this time. 

I will say again, I love my fabric.

Husband has been getting his equipment ready and seed was delivered yesterday. We got a little rain during the night, but soon farmers around here will be in the fields.

I had ordered some plants this winter. They were delivered yesterday. It is too early to plant them so I am hoping I can keep them alive until it is time. They will live in the garage where it is not too cold, but cooler than the house. I am thinking I could set them outside on nicer days for some sunshine if only I could remember to bring them in at night. They will get some light in the garage, just not direct sunlight. 

This little beauty is blooming.

And, I made a cake!

The recipe is Chocolate Wacky Cake made with no eggs, no milk, no butter. 

Well, there is butter in the frosting if you make that part, which I did! It was yummy. How can a person not feel better if eating something chocolate!? with sprinkles!

Trying

to find the joy and be positive.

I feel like I am trying to keep ahead of the panic, fear, crazy. I am not sure I am succeeding. I thought taking a break from making face masks would help. I like to sew, I am thankful for my stash and skills so I can make masks that will hopefully be a benefit to people, but it makes me sad that masks are even needed. I did get some other things done, but little things are making me feel frustrated and I am still feeling restless, scattered. 

When taking the Charm Quilt on Point off the frame I felt a pin stick my hand. 

That happens a lot so I wasn't surprised or concerned - until I saw blood dripping. I guess I hit a small vein. Later that day my thumb looked like this. 

It feels a little bruised, but is looking better today. No blood got on the quilt, thank goodness. The hazards of quilting!

Lots of little things keep happening that normally would not bother me, but they do now. I know all this will pass and things will get back to normal. And, this really isn't all that abnormal for us. We stay at home most of the time anyway. I think it is just all the news reports. And, there always seems to be something new added, new symptoms, new timelines, more cases, more deaths. 

And to add to the fear and panic my husband has been battling lung issues for a while. He was diagnosed with and has been being treated for COPD. He never smoked. His co-workers did. He has been a farmer all his life and worked in a printing factory for years. Recently he has been having more difficulty breathing. This started long before COVID-19. He has had many tests - X-rays, CT scans, blood work, lung function tests, sleep study, Cologuard, ECHO and other tests for the heart. All the heart tests had normal results. The Cologuard, Sleep Study and latest chest CT scan showed abnormalities. It is recommended that he have a colonoscopy to see more of what is going on there. Holding off on that for a while. He definitely needs a CPAP machine. We are waiting to hear from that vendor. The latest chest CT scan was to look at enlarged lymph nodes. The results are in and we had a phone appointment with the doctor today. She didn't want to cause any unnecessary COVID exposure to us or her and her staff. I understand that, but it was hard. She said she hated having to have this conversation on the phone instead of in person. The CT showed some abnormalities and she strongly recommended a PET scan. Enlarged lymph nodes can mean several things from something less minor like an infection to something much more serious like cancer. A PET scan will give a better picture of what we are dealing with and we can then make a plan of action depending on what those results are. She will contact insurance and set up the PET scan. We are hoping the test can be scheduled. Many elected procedures and tests are being cancelled around here. He needs the scan, but it makes us both nervous to have to be out in public and possibly exposed to things we don't want to be exposed to. 

I have an appointment for lab work tomorrow that must be done to renew my thyroid prescription. I am hoping that the appointment with the doctor on Monday to discuss the results can be done over the phone so I don't have to go to their office. 

To combat some of this restlessness I took a walk around my yard. 

The roses have leaf buds.

The moss phlox and daffodils 

will bloom soon.

 

The maple trees and lilacs have buds.

 

The poppies are up.

The sun is trying to shine and it isn't as windy today. The temperatures are a little warmer and expected to continue to warm over the next few days all of which help to make a person feel better.

I hope you are safe and comfortable. 

Stay home and stay well.