I. was great yesterday, washing window frames, plunging drains in bathroom and laundry and using the carper cleaner in the dining room and hallway while the normal basic things. Going to DEnny's for brunch today with daughter S and B8 to celebrate his 9th birthday which is THursday but he will back with his Dad by then.

grizzly4 - 2017-06-11 09:52:00

Back to work for a long week this week. And a late night tomorrow night, in fact that will be the case for the next 4 Tuesday nights. Sigh. I hope you have had a successful trip, makerealbany, and a safe trip back.

grizzly4 - 2017-06-12 06:37:00

Full on day yesterday with shop in the morning, then straight into a training workshop on Nutrition for Seniors the home to bake for the next 2 hours for the sales table at work. Today starts with a mammogram, then meeting with local MP then organise food for staff training tonight. In between I hope to get my accounts done plus another funding application is due. I am currently working on a wee cardy done in 2 colours from one of my new books. It has a preppy look to it with wee pockets set into fronts. I started it on SAturday night and only have one sleeve and bands to go. Yahoo.

grizzly4 - 2017-06-13 06:27:00

Wow you are a busy girl. Had a really productive weekend and have just one more Hui before Mums Unveiling. My phones are running hot with people replying to invites, etc. I'm off to Wanganui in the morning but will be back late tomorrow night, Haven't managed to finish the current shawl yet ha ha.

makerealbany - 2017-06-13 22:19:00

I'll bet you get really busy leading up to the unveiling! I hope the weather is kind to you with all the travelling you are having to do. Yesterday went well and I finished this round of pills yesterday morning so felt quite well by last night with not having to take the evening dose. Feel ok this morning too, fingers crossed. Another staff member is taking the group out thisorning as I have a meeting with one of our major funders. Second sleeve of cardy is done so bands to do tonight. Matching buttons to this shade ciould be a mission I think.

grizzly4 - 2017-06-14 08:00:00

Just got back about an hour ago. Wow not a bad trip really and the weather was ok. Yes I had messages to answer. Its hard contacting everyone and I had to advertise in three groups lol. My sisters are frantic as well. I'm going to bed early. Cant keep my eyes open ha ha
That's great that you are starting to feel better. What colour buttons do you need ?

makerealbany - 2017-06-14 21:21:00

Wow! Yesterdays meeting was 5 hours not the 2 I thought. They put on lovely food but I kept thinking the cost of the day could have been funding given out! And the feedback we were putting forward was not being recorded by the contracted speaker in regards to the funding trends so how is this funding provider getting the information? Sigh, I'll bet they already know - there were 24 managers of non-profit organisations in the room and we were all on the same page!
I finished the cardy bar the buttons which I will have a look for today or maybe go to that new wool shop on Saturday and check their colours. LOL. I have started a wee blue hoody jersey from the same book now. Amazing if both are finished for the shop on Monday. I. is sic for the second day. I think he has a cold but I'm a bit worried his depression has escalated despite his regular meds. He's been taking such good care of me for 6 months I think it's taking it's toll. I really hope for his sake it's all over after last pills on 25 July.

grizzly4 - 2017-06-15 08:06:00

I hope I gets better and starts feeling better. He most likely will once he's sure you are ok. Its so nice to have someone who cares for you isn't it? Say hi to I for me. I had a lazy day cleaning lol. K7 is not well so I am going up there to mind him tomorrow while T goes to work. 'I've nearly finished my shawl. Ill be glad when you have finished all those pills as well.
I can relate to the big luncheons, etc the Funders have. Such a waste of money.

makerealbany - 2017-06-15 22:31:00

How can you put lazy and cleaning in the same sentence??!!
Boy, I feel like it's been such a full week but a good one. Trouble is spending time networking now I have to catch up on the paperwork piling up on my desk. LOL.Hopefully I will make a dent this morning. I. has gone back to work today after receiving results he was waiting for from blood tests that seemed to be worrying him, too. He has decided not to race this weekend which is not like him at all. Sigh. Although I will enjoy having him here on the days when I'm not feeling unwell.
I completed the back for the we jumpeer last night and started the front.

grizzly4 - 2017-06-16 06:56:00

Well by lazy and cleaning I just mean I did a job and sat down, then I did another one and sat down. Ha ha Usually with cleaning I go non stop. For example today while K 7 was asleep I hovered, polished and dusted the house for his Mum . I also did 7 loads of washing and dried them in the dryer except for the good clothes that I hung on the stand. My eldest grandson had two washing baskets full in his room including the sheets and duvet he changed grrr. No wonder my poor daughter gets so tired. K slept for 3 hours, woke up I took his temp, gave him a drink of water and back to sleep he went. T was up until 2 in the morning with him so its no wonder he slept most of the day. He seemed a lot brighter around 4 just as his Mum came home to see him eating toast.
I have started the last pattern on my shawl. Had to put it away as I had to undo the first row of the pattern 3 times lol. I kept leaving the lace and knit rib duh. My brain would not let me do anything else. I must be worried if he is not racing. I hope you have not got any visitors planned this weekend so you can rest. Knit maybe after the normal chores. We need a maid. What do you reckon ha ha

makerealbany - 2017-06-17 00:31:00

Not so much a maid but a DIY person would be good for a day and a gardener a couple of times during the winter. LOL. I'm not giving up control just yet. HaHa.I hope K is better todayand that you have e restful wekend planned. I. seems chirpier today and has gone off to clean his truck. I'm planning a trip to the wool shop for buttons and will try very hard not to buy wool. Maybe.....

grizzly4 - 2017-06-17 10:15:00

No will power..... more wool for another cardy for shop and some lovely 4ply for baby socks. Only $2 per ball as thety were all end of lines. Lots of stuff done in the garden, thanks to I. when he got home from work. Outside doesn't look so neglected now, thank goodness.

grizzly4 - 2017-06-18 10:52:00

Buttons on cardy and new wool shop sold them for 20c each, can you believe it? Jersey not quite finished, well the jersey is and all sewn up but I need to knit the border on the hood and stitch it all on. My groceries went $150 over budget yesterday for a fortnight's food etc!!! I can't believe that! Between the increase in meat and vege prices which are crazy at present, I's scroggin that he takes for lunch was $20 for not even a full bag and Mac's cat food wasn't on special this week either. Apart from that I bought nothing different. Sigh.

grizzly4 - 2017-06-19 06:28:00

Yes I did the groceries for A as well as myself and I was shocked at some things, I buy lots of things bulk and my pantries are stacked but I only needed a few things. When I tried to buy A Free Range Chicken. She gets Waitoa there weren't any left. The Butterfly one was $20 each and she would need two of those so I didn't get any lol. I needed fruit and veges, Fruit wasn't too bad but veges were criminal.
Dunhills Urinary Tract Cat Food is hard to get and expensive sigh,
O am finishing that awful shawl today no matter what. Somehow I keep mucking up the last pattern grrr. I threw it in the naughty corner on Friday night and started a different one . It is getting to me so time to finish it. K is
a lot better and T is working from home today.
Sil is putting the base boards on the deck for my shed. Action again at last ha ha.

makerealbany - 2017-06-19 11:35:00

Had overpaid one of our accounts and received the refund yesterday so at least that covered the extra in the grocery bill. My cupboards do feel more full than usual so I'm guessing I've doubled up a bit. Hopefully will show in a lower bill next fortnight. LOL. Next weeks fundraising sales table is winter warmers e.g beanies, gloves, etc so I started a new beanie pattern last night. It should be knitted in rounds but I hate doing that so have converteed it to 2 needles. Thank goodness it's an easy aran pattern to adjust.

grizzly4 - 2017-06-20 07:04:00

Beanie finished and mittens started. The beanie looks great, I'm really impressed with the aran pattern. I'm bit knackered today after another late meeting yesterday and I've started round 7 of the pills this week, too. I've got Breastscreen Aotearoa visiting the Women's Group this morning and they are doing a pot luck morning tea as well so it will be full on. LOL.

grizzly4 - 2017-06-21 06:45:00

Finished the shawl and started another lol. Today I spent the day helping my SIL build my shed. Its up the roof is on and he has to put the door on and finish the deck. whoop whoop. I'm off to the Periodontist tomorrow and SIL has to mind J6 and M as they both have colds. K has rebounded and is coughing again so Ill go to mind him after my appointment.
I wanted to finish a quilt but needs must sigh.
I have a list of things to take down to Rotorua this Friday and no doubt will have another list for the following weekend,
Round 7 is here. 7 is supposed to be a lucky number . It will be if this is the last round. Keep warm it must be freezing down there.

makerealbany - 2017-06-21 22:54:00

Went to the Periodontist for a two hour visit. $450 later I was feeling very numb but ok. Drove to T's to mind K for the day and an hour later my jaw was aching. My xrays show vast improvement in my gums so that's ok. I have some white patches on my gums and it could be the steroids in the inhalers, She wanted to take a Biopsy but I asked her to wait until my next visit. I want to get Mum's Unveiling over with before I have any more stress ha ha. Seriously though its like one thing blends into another and time is passing. I will have to look after K tomorrow. He is feeling well in himself but he still has that cough.
After his Mum picks him up Ill drive to Rotorua,
I saw that Families of the Pike River Disaster have said that they have camera footage to show there are bodies inside the mine. Its gone on for so long. No closure for those poor people. We can all say what we would do but it did not happen to our loved ones. I hope they get some peace soon.

makerealbany - 2017-06-22 23:12:00

I agree it must be awful for those families. I hope you are feeling better today after your treatment yesterday.

grizzly4 - 2017-06-23 08:11:00

My Shed is finished yippee. I'm just waiting for K to be picked up and I'm on my way. Jaw much better today. My phone has not stopped and I keep saying Ill see you later but!!!!! Its as if they want to tell me things before they forget. ha ha. Tonight we will be making Harakeke Flowers for the tables. I hope I miss the traffic but it is not looking promising sigh. Be in touch on Sunday night.

makerealbany - 2017-06-23 15:17:00

We've been up since 5am getting Iand son S organbised for racing today. They left at 6 and have just arrived back after getting a message telling them it's postponed due to the rain. Grrrrr! I could have stayed in bed and now L10 and B12 are mad 'cos they are being taken home instead of me taking them swimming. Sigh. Rough start to a Sunday morning. I hope your weekend is going well and safe travelling home today.

grizzly4 - 2017-06-25 06:38:00

Got home safe. I had a fabulous weekend. Called in to see my sister I have not seen for 18 months and so glad I did. She was thrilled to see me. We had a long talk and cleared up all the misunderstandings between us. I found out her husband broke his neck after Mum died and has been very ill in traction. He is home now but looks dreadful although he spoke to me its obvious he is still suffering. He had fallen over in the bedroom and hit his neck on the corner of the dresser. My Sis is so stubborn she wouldn't let me know as she thought I had enough to deal with. She looks exhausted. I just felt I had to go via Hamilton and see her . Thank goodness I always trust that gut feeling one gets. I have just unpacked and now have to make some phone calls.
The poor boys and you. What a morning. Hope the rest of the day went well.

makerealbany - 2017-06-25 21:58:00

I slept the whole day, just waking to eat meals. Crazy day. Not feeling great this morning either so don't know how long I will last at shop and my do the GST return for work at home this afternooon.
I am so glad you sorted stuff with your sister, I wish DIL would sort out stuff with daughter S but not happening any time soon. I've told them both to delete each off their instagram as I keep getting caught in the middle. DIL has left for her next placement in Ashburton. NOt has far this time but 6 weeks instead of 4. Sigh.

grizzly4 - 2017-06-26 07:03:00

Hope you start to feel better today. Sil is off again on Wednesday so it will be nose to grind for me lol. A just got this huge Contract so she will be flat out and school holidays are looming again. I caught up on all my washing while I was minding the kids . Still coughing they are. Half the school is off sick.
SIL was mowing and then cutting wood for when he is away. Hell be bringing it up to the house tomorrow as well as finishing other jobs. This time home has gone so quickly. J6 is starting to get ansy because Daddy is off again. I suppose you have to help out while she is away for 6 weeks sigh,

makerealbany - 2017-06-26 23:40:00

I don't mind helping out son S and the boys. They are so relaxed without DIL. My credit card has just been taken for over $600!!!!! I bought a knitting pattern online using Paypal which I thought was safe! I can't believe it I'm going to hacve sort all this out again. Can't reach Paypal by phone or email either. It's just a mess.

grizzly4 - 2017-06-27 06:42:00

It's all sorted as far as we can now. Luckily there is not a huge limit on that card as we only use it for emergencies (and wool and patterns LOL). The second transaction they made put it over the limit so it declined the thousands of dollars on transactyions they tried to make. I. managed to get hold of Paypal last night and sorted that end and the bank is investigating the rest. I got the same dodgy email that looks l;ike it comes from Paypal yesterday at work and so did the local community centre.Here's hoping all the transactions are reversed soon as it's handy to have a credit card when we go to BLenheim which is scheduled for 7/7.
HOw are all the sicky kids? I hope you don't pick up any of their bugs!

grizzly4 - 2017-06-28 06:55:00

OMG I have had a spate of emails supposedly from Paypal and the Bank. I ignore everything now and even phone calls. There is one going around from overseas to my cellphone. I never answer and don't ring back any numbers I don't know because if you ring back it gets charged to you.
Kids are still sick and I am running trying to get things done before we leave on Friday.
I only buy patterns through Ravelry. You should join . Lots of free patterns as well.
I had better run. A is off for meetings and S has left to go back overseas.

makerealbany - 2017-06-28 11:18:00

One of the transactions has been reversed already but it seems you don't get the overseas exchange rate back and I notice Westpac hasn't deleted the over limit charge either. Sigh. But still $350 back so far is great.
I joined ages ago and do use them a lot but the patterns through Loveknitting.com are a bit different and they have free ones, too. It wasn't that website that took the money it was definitely the Paypal scam email.

grizzly4 - 2017-06-29 06:55:00

I hope your weekend goes well!

grizzly4 - 2017-06-30 06:35:00

The devils. Well I am off to drop the dogs, cats organized with the neighbour. When I get home Ill have a cuppa and then we will be off. Catch you on Monday . Have a great relaxing weekend.

makerealbany - 2017-06-30 09:34:00

I hope you enjoyed your weekend! Ours was fairly quiet with only son S and L10 here on Saturday. Got a few things done around the house yesterday and the groceries and went to dinnerlast night with friends. Wasn't feeling the best yesterday but got through it all. I finished the fairisle cardy and a pair of bootees from the new pattern then found a knitting pattern on loveknitting.com for a dolls onesie. It's nearly finished, too.
Last week of the term and then I guess you'll be inundated with children for 2 weeks?

grizzly4 - 2017-07-03 06:38:00

FInished the dolls onesie. It's pretty sweet really but a bit boring being all in garter stitch. A full on day ahead today starting with an interview for some research around the earthquakes and responding to community need. I have the shopping to do for the holiday programme next week, then supervision then youth volunteer training with a game of bowls aftrward for team building. Hopefully I'll be home by 7.30 for the curry I cooked last night. LOL.

grizzly4 - 2017-07-04 06:32:00

It went very well aside from the normal hitches, I'm so pleased. We worked our butts off so to speak ha ha. On the Saturday night we were in the Wharenui still weaving the Harakeke Flowers to go on the tables for Sunday. I did not take my knitting as I fell into bed exhausted each night ha ha. Fingers were so sore from twisting the flax.
Spent today washing and more washing. We stayed in a motel but some of my family slept in the Wharenui on Saturday night. K8 loved it as did M9.
Ive got Mand J now as their private school always has their holidays a week before the Public Schools.
I'm going to work on my grey shawl tonight and relax. 7.30 is late for you my friend. Don't stretch yourself too much. J passed her Aeronautical Engineering Certificate with Air New Zealand so she will be back in Queenstown to carry on her apprenticeship after a week up here with us. She is finding it really hard to get accommodation in Queenstown this time round. I picked all three dogs up from the kennels this morning and they went crazy. M and I had to pet and cuddle for ages before we could drive home. The cats are fine and both needed patting and cuddling as well ha ha.
It has cost me close to $ 4000 so I have to watch my spending for awhile. Like about a year ha ha. I have one last meeting and that is that yah.

makerealbany - 2017-07-04 18:46:00

Huge costs always involved in family sruff, I find. So I guess you won't be planning a trip to relax any time soon? I. has had a bad cold the last week and now I've got it so I don't know whether to still go to Mum and Dad's on FRiday or not. I'll ring them tonight but it's so hard letting them done, especially with it being both their 85th birthdays this weekend. I have started another wee 2 tone preppie cardy - this time in greys. You'll be looking forward to finishingthose shawls etc......or not. LOL.

grizzly4 - 2017-07-05 06:45:00

Oh yes what a shame to miss their 85th Birthdays. I used to stay away from Mum when I was sick because I didn't want her to catch it.
I have spent a fortune on petrol costs. Checked last night and its astronomical because it is such a long way to go . My mileage is awful as well. I have to service the car earlier now sigh. Ive been asked if I could attend a Hui in Two weeks but I said I need a month to recover. Its ok for those who live there.
Yes I will be looking forward to finishing the shawls. I was asked to do another black one. So after this grey and that I'm knitting something else.

makerealbany - 2017-07-05 10:06:00

Everything you new you try everybody likes and you end up doing it in bulk orders. LOL.
I rang MUm last night and she wants us up there regardless. AS she says she can catch bugs off supermarket trollies easier. I hope she's right. Or not, nasty thought. So we leave early tomorrow morning and come home Sunday.
Despite being off the pills for a week my finger tips are still splitting. Makes it difficult for knitting and especially the sewing up. Using lots of cream on them and bandaids to protect them as well.

grizzly4 - 2017-07-06 06:40:00

Oh good on your Mum. She misses you. Hope you have a nice time with your parents.
Yes I know what you say about my knitting is right. Dash it ha ha.
Your poor fingers. Its darn strange but my finger tips haven't split for awhile. The Arthritis usually gives me hell in the winter but not bad this year, My nails split but I cut them as short as I can. It does indeed make it difficult for knitting.
M9 was a busy little Bee with me today. I just gave advice if she needed it. After we took the dogs to get groomed and did some shopping for her sick Mum, she asked if we could quickly drop into the Warehouse. She immediately raced to the shoes. Let out a big ';Yes' as she grabbed a pair of black canvas shoes for $4. We got home and she raced inside to check on the denim jeans , she had cut off into shorts yesterday. She had worn the knees out so she bleached them and coloured them with fabric paint.
She gets out the fabric paints and does a fab job on her shoes to match her shorts. After lunch she rummages through my throw out bag. Gets out a black Singlet of t-shirt material, cuts about 6 inches off the bottom and then paints that. Ill post a picture tomorrow. She is a very talented little girl. So creative. I love watching what she's going to come up with next ha ha.

Edited by makerealbany at 11:25 pm, Thu 6 Jul

makerealbany - 2017-07-06 23:23:00

M9 sounds amazing! Good on her and with an eye for a bargain as well. LOL. We are off shortly as soon as I. has breakfast. Last of the Clexane injections this morning. Yahoo!!! Talk to when I get back. Happy knitting this weekend!

grizzly4 - 2017-07-07 06:15:00

HOme safely. Had a great weekend with Mum and Dad, even went out to dinner. LOL.

grizzly4 - 2017-07-10 06:20:00

So cold down here. Struggling to decide whether to change activities on the holiday programme. Last visit with oncologist yesterday and started last round of pills last night.

grizzly4 - 2017-07-11 06:24:00

I'm so glad you had a lovely time with your Mum and Dad. Very special those times. Treasure them my friend.
I have been in the thick of it. A and J6 have been so ill and I had M9 and K8 to look after as well. I have had them in my cottage with me. I have run back and forwards between both homes to look after everyone. Cooking meals and taking them over for A and J. rushing over and doing the washing, getting in the firewood, doing the shopping and minding all the animals. It has been busy. A is starting to feel better today after starting antibiotics. She has to attend 4Meetings tomorrow and I don't know how shell go but she must go. J is on antibiotics and was cheerful tonight so improvement. K misses his Mum but she is flat out as well. Anyway I've just been muddling through each day, doing the essentials and coping ha ha.
Last lot of pills whoop whoop.
I had a terrible shock. One of my younger sister's best friend passed away and she was at Mum's Unveiling. My sister is devastated.
Sometimes even when you know something is so you still cant believe it. She was a tireless supporter of anyone who needed help. A great loss in their Community.
T and K are off to Figi for a holiday on Saturday so I'm trying to keep away from bugs. J is so disappointed he is sick. He rings up and they talk through the window but tomorrow K will have to be in contact so fingers crossed.
Its cold here but not like it is there down there. Keep warm and rugged up. I finished the grey shawl . Took me all this time as to busy to even cast off ha ha.

makerealbany - 2017-07-11 22:54:00

My goodness you are ion the run! Shame it's not you going to Fiji for a rest. THat's very sad about your sister's friend.
I think my cold is getting better but didn't have a great night last night. I have a 7.30 meeting this morning so I'm on the run as well. LOL.

grizzly4 - 2017-07-12 06:19:00

Omg the weather down your way brrrr Its cold enough here. Taking the digs outside I'm all covered up with a coat, my hat and scarf. They don't want to be out for long either. Just came back in and what a difference.
K was picked up tonight. So I have two until Sat then E5 comes until the 18th.
Getting through it ha ha. I'm counting the days.
My electric blanket is on and I will be jumping into that warm bed very soon.

makerealbany - 2017-07-12 22:12:00

I don't have an electric blanket. Sigh. And our heater is not doing much of a job either. I cannot get warm. I spent the evening sleeoping under a big blanket in my chair until it was time to go to bed. Too cold to knit.

grizzly4 - 2017-07-13 06:41:00

You need an electric blanket. I have sat in bed and knitted when I have been sick snug as. You need to get warm. Its so cold. I had my daughters fire going all day today. She got home at 7.30 tonight and will leave again at 6 in the morning. M is not so good and spent the day in her Mum's bed sleeping. I feel so bad for all those that are cold and cant get warm. I'm going to bed now. No knitting tonight.

makerealbany - 2017-07-13 21:58:00

THat's an early night for you. You must be feeling tired with all the running around you are doing. I hope you don't catch their bugs. Much better evening last night although nothing had changed weatherwise here, so feeling the cold must have something to do with the meds. More fingers are starting to split as well so not sure how long the knitting will continue over next couple of weeks. We did concrete garden mushrooms with the kids on the programme yesterday. They had a ball. Today I'm going with them on a swimming trip so I will be extra tired again. I have spent the rest of my hours at work completing a 3 year BUsiness Plan so funders will consider multi year funding. Fingers crossed.

grizzly4 - 2017-07-14 06:40:00

Yoo hoo its Friday. So A is home for the weekend and I pick up E5 tomorrow at 10. I came over to my cottage and rang my sister. Haven't done anything else. Its been a week ha ha,
I am sure the kids enjoyed making the concrete mushrooms,
Business Plan aye. Good for you. I'm sure it will help with the Funding.
What are you using on your fingers, I got so desperate at one stage I sprayed them with the Skin Repair for cracked heels. It worked. They healed faster than normally by just rubbing skin repair onto them.

makerealbany - 2017-07-15 00:39:00

What a great idea! Will definitely give it a try. Both thumbs and one finger have split now. I taped them up and carried on knitting last night. LOL. LOvely sunny day here today thank goodness. Probably not very warm outside but there is plenty inside to catch up on.

grizzly4 - 2017-07-15 10:04:00

It was a beautiful sunny day here as well. I opened all the windows to air out the cottage. Then I picked Elizabeth up and went to the Post Office, Library and the shops. I also went to the Auto Place, Super Cheap and got two sets of Industrial Shelving for my shed. I could not lift the big set out of the car so had to put the bottom on a blanket and drag it out Lol. My Sil just laughed when I told him on Skype he had more work to do ha ha,
I started M9's Gradient shawl tonight, She picked the wool herself. I need to buy more black wool for my sister's one.
Its not so cold tonight.

makerealbany - 2017-07-15 23:25:00

We gave in on Friday night and bought an electric blanket. LOL. We haven't worried about one for years but, boy, is it nice to get into. I aired the house out yesterday as well and did sheets and one of the big blankets. Felt very worthwhile. I've just been knitting wee things for the shop this week, some dolls clothes and another pair of the cable bootees.

grizzly4 - 2017-07-16 09:55:00