Yes I agree. Spent the day cleaning and gardening. It was a lovely hot day.

makerealbany - 2017-11-22 07:59:00

Yesterday Womens Group went for a walk along the beach and went for coffee. Lovely morning, lovely weather.

grizzly4 - 2017-11-23 07:38:00

Finally finished a doll's matinee set for the shop, now I can start on the orders. I think they are going to take a while at this rate.

grizzly4 - 2017-11-24 07:40:00

Everything ok, makerealbany? Another long week over, off to Woodford Glen Speedway again tonight but taking son S. B12 and L10 with us as well. DIL is in Australia with her father as an early celebration of finishing her degree. Always about her really and S gets to take care of their kids once again. She has her registration exam next week so she better *%#*^ pass it! Daughter S. and B9 will be there tonight as well so it will be the first time the boys have been together for ages. I hope the weather stays fine.

grizzly4 - 2017-11-25 08:32:00

I had to rush down to Rotorua for a big Tangi. I'm back in time to get E5 for the weekend. She went with her Aunties, Uncle and cousins to the Santa Parade in Orewa and then they went to the night show. I stayed at home to catch up on things and mind the animals. Puppies are so big now. My plants all needed care and watering, A few days away and what growth. It was so hot in Rotorua and being dressed in black was stifling. We had fans on but even so ugh. Much better than the wet and cold though.
Yshe certainly had better pass it ha ha.

makerealbany - 2017-11-25 23:35:00

Another busy week for again, then? I truly don't know how you manage it - you are an isnspiration to us all. It was a good night out with all my grandsons together for the first time in months. A long night and expensive but if that's what it takes to bring my family back together for those precious moments then so be it. I said to my son the one thing that would have made it perfect would have been DIL to be with us and all the drama over. He told me not to worry and that will happen. I wish I could believe him.

grizzly4 - 2017-11-26 10:43:00

How nice to have all your grandsons together. Your gut instincts are telling you its always going to be up and down with your DIL.
I had to mend 2 of M's school uniforms today and sew on 6 buttons. They have 4 buttons on these silly little tabs, I know she's having a hard time yanking her uniform on and off with her arm in plaster. She's also managed to crack the second lot of plaster sigh. She has to have it on for another month and its driving her and us crazy. She is so sporty and not being able to do gymnastics is very hard for her.
I am going to do some sewing tomorrow . Another Christmas Tablecloth for T as we are having Christmas there this year.

makerealbany - 2017-11-26 23:30:00

Is your tablecloth Christmas fabric or plain and you are embroidering it? We had a lazy day yesterday after looking for and finding a hand held vacumn cleaner that I can pick up crumbs and cat hair on the chairs with, without geting out the big vacumn cleaner. I've done the pants, bootees and bonnet of the first layette and half way up the back of the dress. Hopefully I get it finished plus at oleast another complete set by next Monday.

grizzly4 - 2017-11-27 07:13:00

Its a Thick Christmas Fabric. I made one last year and T liked it. I have spent the day flat on my back. Just starting to move around now. I was cleaning out my wardrobe and lifted a heavy box and boom I was on the floor. Ugh I felt it jarring as I tried to get up. Ive had such a good run with my back really so I think I got too complacent lol. Anyway its easing so tomorrow will be more productive, I ve got one of those little vacumn cleaners. Had it for years. Excellent knitting.

makerealbany - 2017-11-27 22:23:00

Oh no! It always happens when we don't think about it to prevent it, doesn't it? I hope you are feeling better today and don't over do it. Long day ahead, today, as I have the youth volunteer dinner tonight.

grizzly4 - 2017-11-28 07:37:00

Just took it easy today .I don't want to have a bad back for Christmas so I am being very careful ha ha. I cleaned out my wardrobe and drawers and cleaned the silver. Had to dust because I can smell dust in the air and I start coughing ugh. I have not really emptied contents of cabinets for a few months so it was time today but no heavy lifting. I really did want to transfer a couple of trees into bigger pots but I cant lift them so have to wait for my grandsons ha ha. I have the material sitting next to the machine ha ha. Hope your dinner was good.

makerealbany - 2017-11-28 21:32:00

Yes, dinner was fun. Today includes a public meeting about some changes in the road outside work which will remove all our carparks. Grrr!

grizzly4 - 2017-11-29 07:46:00

Oh heavens what a pain that will be. I'm over road works. Everywhere you go they are tearing up roads. I went up to the beach today had tea with T and two of her boys. She is getting the Food Bag three nights a week and loves the meals. So easy to prepare and the fact that she spends less time shopping suits her very well. She gave me some fruit as she is always given too much in her Food box. I like heaps for my smoothies. I cooked the Christmas cake up there last week and now I need to make another one for us. K's Grandparents are coming for Christmas lunch as one daughter will be overseas and the one that lives just down the road told my daughter that she and her husband just want to have Christmas with their two children. I cannot believe how selfish they are. That's not their culture either. So my daughter has stepped into the role of checking on them, visiting them and having them over whenever we have a family dinner on because they love company. I am so glad my daughter is keeping an eye on them as they are both very frail. Little K visits them often. He loves them to bits and vice versa which is lovely considering the history.
I measured her table and I took two lots of fabric up and T picked the one I thought she would so that was easy. Ill do that in the morning. You know how tables differ in size . I was about to sew her tablecloth then I remembered the extension is rather large . If I had made it like I was going to it would have been too short. She also wants some crocheted dishcloths so I can do that. Two of my grandchildren just want money as they have items in mind, Boring but easy ha ha. I haven't started wrapping yet but will this weekend.

makerealbany - 2017-11-30 00:24:00

I still have the vouchers to get for the boys presents so they some outings to look forward to during their holidays, and something else to get for Dad and my sister's present. Feels like I'm running out of time, it would normally be well done by now.

grizzly4 - 2017-11-30 07:57:00

Well I repotted plants today just before we had a shower so happy about that. I started sewing and ran out of cotton and for the life of me I couldn't rethread my bobbin. I was going to have another try and visitors arrived grrr.
Sooo the tablecloth has one side seam to hem. Ill try again tomorrow.

makerealbany - 2017-11-30 22:40:00

That sounds so frustrating...why are the simplest of jobs the hardest to get to done somehow.I finished one set of dolls clothes for this order but no way I'm getting the second set done by Monday. Have been searching everywhere for apricot 4ply acrylic but 4ply acrylic is really hard to find in any colour now.

grizzly4 - 2017-12-01 07:51:00

Wow didn't realize that about 4ply acrylic. I must have a look in my stash tomorrow. I have helped put up 3 Christmas trees although my one I did by myself. M came over took all the decorations out of the boxes and snaffled one as she does every year , grinned and raced back home to put it on her tree in her bedroom ha ha. I even put three sets of Solar lights up before we went out to dinner, They were all twinkling tonight.
I cleaned my deck in anticipation of my new Outdoor table and chairs I bought . Should be delivered on Monday. I'm just off to bed , Didn't notice the time ha ha.

makerealbany - 2017-12-03 01:10:00

You are well and truly up for Christmas. LOL. We put our decorations up yesterday as well but still hasve the tree to do. Going to the markets this morning before it gets too hot then groceries so maybe this afternoon.

grizzly4 - 2017-12-03 08:02:00

We raced to the shops at and were home by 11. By that time it was already hot. A glorious day. I got A and S a Solar Lazer Light for Christmas so they were having fun with it tonight after the children were in bed. They love it and it is so pretty.

makerealbany - 2017-12-03 23:52:00

The games we play!!! LOL. I still have the decorations on the tree to do. Sigh.Still working on the dolls clothes order, in fact have extended the time to have them ready although I. is tied up for the next 2 Saturday nights so I can catch up on a bit then.

grizzly4 - 2017-12-04 06:28:00

Spent the day in the garden loading the trailer with the clean up lol. Went up to T's for tea and we played with her Lazer lights. Full moon sitting just above the sea. Great Day

makerealbany - 2017-12-04 23:12:00

Very warm morning in the shop yesterday, hotter afternoon in my office. LOL. At home today tidying up all the bookwork for the shop before the end of the year and to prepare food for tonight's end of year dinner. Still working on dolls clothes, finished the 20 inch dress last night. I received an order for another vintage style matinee jacket (the one I did recently with pleated skirt and cable yoke) but the mum wants it in grey and to fit an 18 month old!!! Lucky she doesn't want it till closer to Easter.

grizzly4 - 2017-12-05 07:54:00

You are busy with your orders. I spent the day helping my SIL load up the trailer for the last trip to the Rubbish Depot. Tonight I went with my daughter to Pak an Sav for our Christmas Club shopping. Didn't spend all our savings as they will have another one before Christmas but got some amazing Specials. Came home and fell asleep ha ha. That hot sun tires me out lol. I started crocheting a dishcloth and that's as far as I got. Now that all the gardens are done I can do other jobs like washing my cottage walls. The roof needs cleaning but I'm not getting up ladders anymore.

makerealbany - 2017-12-05 23:52:00

I should hope not!!! Just the bonnet to do for the 2nd set now and I'm going to redo the smaller bonnet as well. I don't likethe pattern I used initially. The 3rd set is in 8ply so won't take as long hopefully. Women's Group end of year lunch is today at The Tannery, another 'last of' for the year. All these meals!....but I have no more evening functions now.

grizzly4 - 2017-12-06 07:40:00

A few showers this morning which is very refreshing.

grizzly4 - 2017-12-07 08:08:00

I was about to post last night and the power went off until 1am ugh I'm glad I have battery Christmas lights everywhere and solar lights outside, I had been baking and still had to do the dishes. Today I got my new outdoor furniture my son and dil bought me for Christmas. I even put the table together myself ha ha. Sil left yesterday morning but we did get most things done. I have spent most of my days working outdoors with a hat on and loads of sunblock. I did manage to mix up another Christmas cake to steep for a few days and I put two jars of Strawberry Rumpot away. I have just done a jar of pickled eggs. Meant to do two but we ate the boiled eggs this afternoon ha ha, M and J have finished school for the year and were allowed to stay up to watch our Christmas lights . Wish we had a few showers for the garden.

makerealbany - 2017-12-07 23:27:00

I can't imagine doing all that cooking in this heat! I thought our schools were closing early next Wednesday but yours are off 2 weeks before Christmas. If these dates continue I may have to run a few days holiday programme before Christmas next year. Sigh.

grizzly4 - 2017-12-08 07:30:00

Phew! The weekend at last, although gardening in this heat is probably not going to be pleasant. LOL.

grizzly4 - 2017-12-09 08:44:00

I was out in the garden at 6 and back inside by 8 then I was out again at 7 tonight. Yes M and J finish so early K and E finish next week. I have K for the night. Its been awhile since I had him for the night. Ive been so busy and I do miss him staying. By the by I turn on my air conditioner when I cook in this heat ha ha. Otherwise I would melt away.

makerealbany - 2017-12-10 00:17:00

No heat pump means no air conditioner for us unfortunately. Every door and window is open to catch a breeze and we have a fan going when we are sitting in the lounge. Tried to get as much knitting done as possible yesterday but still have kost of a dress and a bonnet to do by tomorrow. Not sure it's going to happen.

grizzly4 - 2017-12-10 10:49:00

Spent another day out shopping for plants for my daughters garden. We still have things to catch up on before Christmas sigh. I had a Nana nap this afternoon. I sat in my chair and woke up two hours later lol. Another puppy Pepper left for her new home today so we have 4 left. One goes before Christmas and another in January. so then we will have Bear who belongs to M and J staying while Mischief goes up to Aunty T who is looking after him for G until he comes home. A picked up Teddy for a few days to his and my delight ha ha. I'm too old to do the puppy family again and so is A so Tess will be visiting the vet soon. I have a mountain of paperwork to get through but too tired tonight. I need to be able to concentrate as you will know.

makerealbany - 2017-12-10 23:45:00

Last week of work for me this week, then 4 weeks off, thank goodness. Swimming trip planned tomorrow for all the kids on the programmes and, can you believe it? Rain is forecast for the first time in weeks!

grizzly4 - 2017-12-11 06:58:00

We could do with some rain here lol. I did my paperwork and posted all the relevant letters and that is all I achieved today sigh. Feet all swollen and feeling exhausted .

makerealbany - 2017-12-11 23:09:00

Overcast and slightly cooler this morning. Waiting to see how the day progresses before changing the swimming plans. Haircut planned this morning and GST this afternoon. Trying to stay organised so everything is done by the time I finish on Friday.

grizzly4 - 2017-12-12 07:39:00

Oh and all the dolls clothes are finished and going into shop this morning. Phew that was a mission... now I can work on some more to put in on Monday. LOL.

Edited by grizzly4 at 7:40 am, Tue 12 Dec

grizzly4 - 2017-12-12 07:39:00

I'm getting a haircut tomorrow ehh I mean today ha ha. Just finished baking as I had a visitor today. My granddaughter is up from Queenstown as we are all going to the Cat Stevens Concert tonight. I have my gardening up to scratch but I'm behind in the crochet and sewing department. I will have a few days spare this weekend as the family are off to Wellington on Friday. Good work on your projects.

makerealbany - 2017-12-13 00:28:00

I have a few 'projects' I'd like to work on during my month off but we'll see how much actually get's done. LOL. Knitting of course, and finishing my book, I'd like to get a couple of fleece cuddly blankets into the shop with appliqued motifs - I've been planning them for a year now after doing one as a gift this time last year, and of course my cross stitch is another year older and not much further on. LOL.

grizzly4 - 2017-12-13 07:48:00

Early meeting this morning and still raining a bit. Then I have the senior staff lunch where we complete an evaluation of the services this year. Hopefully will be an earlier day as the programmes have all finished now.

grizzly4 - 2017-12-14 07:18:00

Went to the Cat Stevens Concert last night with T and all her children. Had a blast. We rocked and sang the night away. Stiffness disappeared ha ha. It rea;;y was awesome. Fantastic Musician. Always been a favourite in our Family. Kids grew up singing his songs around the house.
Two more puppies leave today so the load is getting lighter.
Yes it rained a bit here in the night. Wonderful sound.
I have not wrapped a present yet but will do so this weekend.
You will be looking forward to your break.

makerealbany - 2017-12-14 07:44:00

Last day today! Have a few errands to run and a supervision client then I'm free!!!!! I finished a dolls dress last night and started a jacket - I hope lots of wee girls are asking for dolls for Christmas. LOL.

grizzly4 - 2017-12-15 07:59:00

Officially now on holiday! Yippee! Having a home day today after buying a few new plants for the garden yesterday on the way home. One of the dahlias I bought off TM has flowered and is beautiful. A lovely dark red withloads of tiny petals to form a star. I'm waiting for the white one's buds to open and the other white one doesn't seem to have come up at all.

grizzly4 - 2017-12-16 09:50:00

Dad used to plant lots of Dahlias and he lifted them out every year and put them under the house. Memories. Woohoo Holidays. A is in Wellington but will be home tomorrow. She took the children and left them with their other Nana while she worked. They are having fun with all their other cousins.
Meanwhile I had J22 and her brother K 8 for the night. I have only one puppy left to look after, Bear is the biggest and the naughtiest. I had to put my pots on the deck up because he started chewing the leaves grrrr. I planted the hanging baskets but need help to hang them ha ha. I cooked my last Christmas cake yesterday. Thank goodness ha ha. I have wrapt all the presents so far. Forgot a few I need to buy ,

makerealbany - 2017-12-17 00:26:00

I bought sox for all 3 boys and they are all too small! Can't find the receipt so will donate them to our family support service next year. LOL. Planted more lettuce and spring onions yesterday and we cut back the trees along the driveway as the growth with all this heat is scratching the cars. We are going to daughter S for dinner tonight to share presents as we won't be here for Christmas. I have wrapped all there presents and son S's family. Can sort Mum and Dad's and ours out this week now although I have bought most of them.

grizzly4 - 2017-12-17 10:11:00

LOvely dinner last night. Great spending time with S and B9. In shop this morning and meeting a new Supervision client this afternoon.

grizzly4 - 2017-12-18 07:13:00

I got some socks that were too small as well sigh. Spent a lovely day with my eldest son yesterday. We had lunch in the city and then went to the Laundry mat to do his washing. Huge machines do the wash in 20 mins and then dry in 20 mins. He needed to wash all his blankets and it was fun. We watched people walking past and were in stitches at some of the antics. Auckland is such a diverse city.
Woke up this morning with a full on throat infection. No warning. I'm off to GP tomorrow as need all my meds for over the holiday period. My surgery cancelled again. Cant with infection. Ah well its Christmas.
I need to buy my second son and my DIL a present for their 30th Wedding Anniversary. They are on a Cruise to celebrate until the 23rd. I have no idea what to get as they have everything sigh. No use buying plants. No green fingers there and my Son is away a lot.
Ill think of something. I have a few little things to buy and will most likely do that tomorrow before the G Ps .
Thought you were on Holiday. Get out of the shop and no more client meetings. Enjoy your Holiday.

makerealbany - 2017-12-18 23:26:00

LOL. Shop finished til the 8 Jan and client meeting went really well. I'm looking forward to working with her. I'm so excited as I just received the acceptance email for a 9 month leadershiop programme next year! Hopefully that will sort out some of the issues I have been having.
I'm off to Ballantynes this morning with daughter S and B9. Really looking forward to that, too. I'm so sorry you aren't well, I hope they give you good strong antibiotics to get rid of the infection before Christmas. Mind you then family can do all the work on the day instead of you? Still have had no word from son S and DIL re time to give the boys their presents. Sigh. Running out of time to do anything as we go to Blenheim on Sunday.

grizzly4 - 2017-12-19 08:48:00

Had a wonderful day out yesterday. Explored new shops in the inner city as well as Ballantynes. Son and DIL finally made contact regarding the boys presents but suggested coming here on the SAturday. I wasn't having a bar of that where I get all the work to do and all the leftovers to deal with just prior to going away! We are having a picnic lunch at Spencer Park where we went camping last year. The boys will be much happier with that and so will I as long as the weather holds out. Cooler here today and it's been raining over night. I hope you are feeling better today.

grizzly4 - 2017-12-20 09:02:00

I hope you are just too busy and not really sick!

grizzly4 - 2017-12-22 09:55:00

Well the last few days have not been good. I'm starting to feel better at last. Very weak though. I feel lousy as my poor daughter has had my sons two children as well as her own to take care of . She has still managed to cook me tea. etc. Tomorrow we are having a Christmas luncheon before litte E5 and her big brother J13 head back home to their mums. The kids have had a great time. Tonight J came over and hovered my cottage for me and then made me a hot lemon and Honey drink as he says. It will help my cough. Bless him. He went and picked lemons in the dark.
At lest my head has stopped spinning when I sit up. Today was a good day.
Enjoy your time with your parents. I so miss mine. Christmas brings back some very happy memories.

makerealbany - 2017-12-22 23:51:00

I'm so glad you are feeling better. I knew something was up! I hope you are able to enjoy your CHristmas with family and friends. All the very best of wishes from us. I and son S are out on the bikes this morning and then we have arranged a picnic at Spencer Park with the L10 and B12. Weather is a bit dodgy as usual whenever I plan a picnic. Sigh. We will back from Blenheim on Wednesday so take care till I can check on you again. LOL.

grizzly4 - 2017-12-23 09:52:00