Early Summer Temperatures

It’s only April and temperatures this week have been in the triple digits, as high as 105 degrees. On the good side, though, because we replaced our AC system last year we are nice and cool inside. Bob has also been working outside, though, and I’ve been getting use out of our little “pool,” while I keep him company. It’s heated only by the air temperature and so far the water gets up to about 85 degrees.

Bob spent a few days insulating the ceiling of his workshop and is using a swamp cooler to manage the temperature in it. While not as good as an air conditioner, the cooler does make working in the workshop bearable. Especially when Bob sits directly in front of the blower.

A lot of his work is outside, though, and this is what he just finished.

It’s a yarn bowl! Isn’t it gorgeous? Bob had been wanting to turn a bowl on his lathe for a while now so this is his “practice piece.” Made of clear pine with a band of cherry, this bowl is so pretty and practical, too. He’s already started designing a set of individual salad bowls to try out some different patterns. Here he is working on the yarn bowl.

We had planned to visit Idaho and see our daughter Emily and her family this fall. Those plans are now on hold (as, of course, are the plans to visit Kristen, Catherine, and Tim and their families in NJ) but I had promised to make little amigurumi figures for Em’s children. Well, I finished crocheting the figures and sent them off with some masks to keep the whole family safe.

The mask project continues and so far I’ve made over seventy masks, donated to friends, family, and to the park’s mask project.

I also knitted some birds to brighten up our home.

So as you can see, we are staying busy and healthy, and are enjoying our days. We look forward, of course, to the world getting back to some semblance of normal but understand that it will most likely be a long time before that happens. We’re prepared to wait it out.

Life in Isolation

Life has gone on here in Arizona. I’ve kept myself busy sewing masks for friends and family.

I’m still working on weaving my pickup band but it’s almost done. It’s a slow but pleasant weave and I’m really in no hurry. I’m tickled pink about the heddle frame I’m using; Bob made it for me and I made string heddles for it.  It has regular heddles with little eyes and pattern ones, too, so I can do pickup patterns easily. It works so well, and the best thing is that I can have any configuration of slots, holes, and pattern slots that I want, just by adding more heddles.

I’ve made a dust cover for my sewing machine using fabric I purchased a year ago.

The motorhome has been moved to the site across the street and next to us. It’s good to have it nearby so we can keep an eye on it. Bob has been fixing little things on it and is in the process of washing it down. 

I’ve got a little garden growing on my windowsill, and I’m also growing sunflower sprouts and mung bean sprouts.

We have gotten to the grocery store once since April 6 (with the help of some neighbors who have picked things up for us when they went) and are prepared to stay away for at least another week.

We are able to see friends every day, too, as we stay six feet away. We gather each morning for the Pledge of Allegiance in front of the clubhouse. Then we sing the national anthem and say a prayer for our country. A few minutes of chitchat and we are on our way. We enjoy this little ritual.

Hoping you all are well and hanging in there!