I hope this finds you fit and well and rested, perhaps, after CHristmas with your family. We had a lovely time with Mum and Dad and having the extra day slowed everything down from the usual manic catching up. The workers on State Highway 1 up the coast through Kaikoura have done an amazing job and I am so grateful to them for cutting our travellinf from 7 hours to 4 again. My sister is spending the day with us today so not sure how that will go as I expected a morning visit and gone by lunch time. Hopefully there is somewhere nice open we go to for lunch LOL.

grizzly4 - 2017-12-28 09:04:00

Yes I am feeling a lot better. Christmas Day was lovely but I didn't do a thing as I was not the best. My daughters and DIL cooked and prepared everything. I slept on and off sigh. Was awake for dinner but got tired far too quickly. Today has been a good day.
I'm so glad your trip went ok and that you had a lovely time with your parents.
I pottered around the garden today but had to come inside when the wind got up. Very windy here. I cut some of my lillies and got them inside before the wind damaged them.
T gave me an amazing fern in a large pot as well as a Banana Tree. A gave me more lillies and perfume. My granddaughters and grandsons spoilt me as well so I have garden vouchers and visa pressie cards up my sleeve ha ha.
I started knitting tonight. Just a dishcloth to use up cotton but it is the first time in awhile.

makerealbany - 2017-12-28 23:42:00

Thank goodness you are on the mend! I've saved my prezzycards etc till Christmas is over and I have time to browse the plant shops. Yesterday was ok with sister's visit but we honestly don't have much in common. Took her to lunch at the Tannery which was very pleasant and she hadn't been there before. I'm still working on dolls clothes for now but have to try and m,atch some wool as I have run out with only the collar of a coat to do. Sigh.

grizzly4 - 2017-12-29 10:02:00

Went out for the afternoon to catch up with a friend. Then I came home and was busy in the garden until 8 ha ha. Knitting dishcloth cotton is so hard on the hands grrr lol.
Yes I have two sisters like that, Thank heavens for the other two ha ha.

makerealbany - 2017-12-30 00:16:00

Funeral this morning for I.'s last Aunty. She is the last of that generation for his family. We never saw her much but she was a lovely lady who always had nice things to say about the work I was doing in the community. If it stays warm enough we are off to Speedway tonight for the meeting that was cancelled due to bad weather while we were away. I actually got to dead head all the roses yesterday now the dahlias await. Still waitying for the Gladioli to flower. LOL.

grizzly4 - 2017-12-30 08:50:00

Had a lousy day . Got stung by wasps that had a nest in one of the pots I had under the trees, Had my gloves on but they got me on my arm so I have an ugly red swollen arm. Couldn't knit of course lol. Antihistamine is not working grrr. Apart from that lovely weather up here.

makerealbany - 2017-12-31 00:02:00

That's dreadful!!!! What have you done about the nest? Can the Pharmacy give you something a bit stronger?

Grocery day for us today, not that I need much and a BBQ if the weather holds out.

grizzly4 - 2017-12-31 09:40:00

I got rid of it lol. No I cant have anything else because of other meds. its blistered now ugh. Happy New Year my friend. Someone in the neighbourhood has been letting of jolly fireworks. so inconsiderate. no loud parties though so that's a blessing ha ha..We had a BBQ tonight. A has a new one so its very easy.

makerealbany - 2018-01-01 00:24:00

LOL, we were in bed by 11. Couldn't find anything decent to watch on tv to keep us awake any later. There were fireworks going off around us as well despite really high winds. Stupid people putting the rest of us at risk. We are off to a coffee date with friends this morning.

grizzly4 - 2018-01-01 09:14:00

We had a lovely morning out and came home to take all the decorations down for another year. Off to spend a gardening voucher on plants for the rockery this morning and then I might attack my craft cupboard (with I.'s help in case there is a big spider in there).

grizzly4 - 2018-01-02 09:46:00

I took my decorations down as well. My arm appears to be infected now so I'm going to the GP tomorrow. Its sore and so itchy. I have been washing it with Aqueous Cream as I cannot stand anything else on it . I think the antihistamine cream caused it to blister ugh. Its really hot tonight but although we have had a storm warning nothing is happening yet. We got some rain yesterday which was opportunistic after my gardening. Everything looked fresher this morning. I haven't spent any of my vouchers yet ha ha.

makerealbany - 2018-01-02 23:21:00

Infection's not good! I wonder if that's why any mosquito bite I get always blisters? I always use antihistamine cream, I'm on antihistamine tablets daily too. I haven't heard of that reaction before. I bought 2 plants for the rockery - 1 a red colour leaf and one a silver to contrast with the green already there. Don't ask me the names. LOL. It's like cars - it's the colour that's important. LOL. Daughter S and B9 coming over for the day so will probably end up out for lunch somewhere. I have started to clean out the craft cupboard. I've done the half that is furthest from where the spiders are I'm trying to find. I. is going to help me with the rest. (Shudder) THen we can fix the crack that has appeared in the wall in the cupboard.

grizzly4 - 2018-01-03 08:35:00

Well I Have an infection and an allergic reaction to the antihistamine lol. As if I didn't know that, I spent an hour bringing my lighter pots and fragile plants in from my deck. With the rainstorm warning I'm not taking any chances with my flash new pots ha ha. I covered my outdoor set and tied it all down. I have not taken the hanging planters down but if the wind gets bad I will. I had the boys today while M went with her Mum and Aunty to shop at a store that was closing. They were delighted with their cheap purchases. If those two are pleased you can bet it was a great sale. Both of them wear designer clothes ha ha. M had her ears pierced and told me they did not hurt a bit . I told her mine did but considering that was 60 years ago times have changed, They numbed her ears and she shopped for 30 mins and then they did the two at the same time, I have a friend who has 4 sets of earrings on every day, I could not be bothered with that ha ha. Watch those spiders ugh. I put my hand in the peg bucket a couple of weeks ago and an ugly bug ,possibly a weta or stick insect although it looked strange latched onto my finger with his pincers. I had to knock it off with my other hand. It drew blood on both sides of my fingers ugh, My grandchildren reckon bugs are drawn to me ha ha,

makerealbany - 2018-01-04 00:25:00

Og gosh, I couldn't cope living with those bugs. Shudder. I have finished 4 sets of dolls clothes and working on a second dolls blanket. I have a pile of stuff to go to charity bin today but hoping to finish craft cupboard first. Supposed to be 27 degrees today so will be pretty warm in that room. LOL.

grizzly4 - 2018-01-04 11:31:00

It poured here all day but it didn't stop J 7 and I going out for the day ha ha. We caught up with T and K8 and shopped then had lunch. J and I went to see Coco at 3 then we came home in time for tea. Bed Bath and Beyond had some lovely gardening Pots at 60 percent off so T and I loaded the boot ha ha. I crocheted two facecloths tonight. Much faster then the other two I knitted. Its easier to crochet the thick cotton than to knit it, Its Ms Birthday tomorrow. Can you believe it she is 10. Sil is back late tonight just in time.

makerealbany - 2018-01-05 00:13:00

I hope the weather does not spoil her birthday! Pouring here today, my garden is loving it but I have errands to run so me, not so much. LOL. Moved back to baby knitting for awhile.

grizzly4 - 2018-01-05 10:33:00

Had a fab Birthday Dinner out with the Family for M's Birthday despite the pouring rain lol. Yes our gardens are loving the rain as well. I managed to crochet another face cloth tonight. I must admit the knitted ones are so much finer ha ha, I have a large roll of cotton to get through before I have to do some baby clothes.

makerealbany - 2018-01-05 23:45:00

Another baby on the way? I'm doing beanies (the one with the leaf pattern around the top), sox and bootees to use up some 4ply bits. Went browsing in shops for a while looking at replacing our breadmaker and would like a new duvet cover for our bed.Shops were very busy because of the weather.

grizzly4 - 2018-01-06 10:42:00

Only the drawers in the craft cupboard left to go but I can attack them one at a time now. The gaps in the cupboard that are letting the spiders in has been fixed and I am safe at last! LOL. I've started the order for an matinee jacket for an 18 month old after spending last night altering the pattern. Fingers crossed.

grizzly4 - 2018-01-07 10:53:00

Had a Day out yesterday with T. Then today spent gardening and loading the trailer. Had to take Teddy's Kennel, crate , blankets etc to my son's as he has now moved back home. It is quieter for me with just old Paku and Dunhill but less work which is great ha ha. Tonight we went out to Dinner again for SIL's 50th. Now I can relax and finish more face cloths I have 6 and still the cotton is on the reel. It was a good destash buy for $ 20. I think it multiplies at night ha ha. Two of my great nieces are expecting girls. So it will be pinks and whites.

makerealbany - 2018-01-07 21:20:00

How exciting to have babies coming.No more for us for many years I think and I hope the boys don't rush into that. Went to Speedway yesterday and got sunburnt within the first couple of hours then sat in rain after that. LOL. Crazy weather. No knitting done yesterday but back to shop this morning so taking my pile of goodies that I've done over the holidays.

grizzly4 - 2018-01-08 07:15:00

An at home day today planned. Those last few jobs to get done before starts his new job on Thursday.

grizzly4 - 2018-01-09 10:44:00

Had a busy two days gardening and buying plants and pots with A. She has the gardening bug ha ha. I went to visit my invalid son tonight and took him tea and of course groceries. I had a box full of preserves I have made which he loves. The gardens are so prolific I had to pickle garlic when I got home, I had peeled it all and put it in brine last night. Its a busy time of the year isn't it. If only the fruit and veges were ripe in the winter lol,

makerealbany - 2018-01-10 00:41:00

Agreed. LOL. Raining here today so going out for lunch and then staying indoors. I'm still working on the back of the large matinee jacket.

grizzly4 - 2018-01-10 10:47:00

Home alone today, LOL. Still raining so no gardening, I'm going to Lincraft to try and find a new set of scissors. Warehouse didn't have anything decent yesterday.

grizzly4 - 2018-01-11 09:59:00

I hope everything is ok?
I'm back at work today. Sigh.

grizzly4 - 2018-01-12 08:37:00

Yes I had another darn fall in the garden and landed on my back on a jagged tree stump so have not been up to much. Honestly I'm a jinx ha ha. Surprized I did not fracture my ribs again so someone is watching lol. No rain here but so hot. Would love some more rain. My friend down your way has had a terrible drought and has to move her sheep to a neighbours.
Our plums are ripening and the kids are picking them. I'm not up to jam at the moment but have finished lots of little projects. Back to work yuk. That went too fast.

makerealbany - 2018-01-12 10:05:00

OMG you are in the wars! I hope you feel better quickly. My Dad had a fall while they were shopping on New Years Day. His head hit a concrete curb and required stitches and his glasses broke and cut his face also needing stitches. It was awful not being there for them. A couple of travellers drove them and their car to the hospital. Such nice people around.

grizzly4 - 2018-01-13 10:56:00

Oh your poor Dad. It would have been awful for you. Yes there are some lovely people around. I met some today . I was driving to pick up my son to take him to the beach for the day. Hit something sharp on the motorway and I heard a big bang and started to lose steering. Slammed on my hazard lights and left indicator and eased the car to the left verge off the motorway. Lucky for me drivers in the other lanes took note of my hazard lights and braked. I was doing 100 at the time. So no damage to anyone else or me . Apart from the fact that I have never been so scared in 50 years of driving. I droped my phone 5 times before I calmed down enough to ring the AA. They arrived 30 mins later which is great for Auckland. The driver could not get out of his Van as Motorway was too busy. I had to climb over my gear shifts to get out of the car safely. I walked over to him and he wound the window down and told me I cant change your tyre as its too dangerous. He ordered a Tow Truck which arrived 2 and a half hours later, He towed my car and took me off the Motoway to a huge Carpark and changed my tyre. He couldn't believe I managed to get off the Motorway without crashing into anyone. My tyre was completely blown. Anyway I'm ok and I ll get a new tyre fitted on Monday as well as replace the Space Saver even if it is a Perelli which is top of the line, etc. You can only drive at a maximum of 80 which is diabolical on the motorway.
I picked up my son and we had a great time at the beach with my daughter and her family. I haven't been home long so its bed for me ha ha.

makerealbany - 2018-01-14 01:50:00

I would have been so scared, too!! Thank goodness you are ok. I can't believe to AA left you on the side of a motorway to wait - not safe at all!!

grizzly4 - 2018-01-14 10:31:00

Back to early starts again, at least for the next 2 weeks anyway, for holiday programme. Looks like the weather is going to muck around with our planned trips again. Sigh. Today should be ok though. I finished the 2nd front of the oversize matinee jacket last night. Yahoo. The sleeves are plain so should be easier to finish now. I'm not at shop for nerxt 2 Mondays so no rush.

grizzly4 - 2018-01-15 06:19:00

Took my car to get a new tyre. Ended up buying a pr as one does and they are holding my other good tyre until they have a rim for me so I can replace the space saver. I cannot deal with those ha ha. A and S have had a truck load of mulch delivered so we are spreading that around the gardens while the boys build more fence to house the Spa Pool, etc. Finished three more dishcloths and still going. I am not going to stop until that reel is used. Its variegated so not boring ha ha. How big is the oversize Matinee Jacket. Just got the papers for the Land case which is on the 2nd of February so not far away. I have to get my submissions done sigh.

makerealbany - 2018-01-16 00:07:00

Matinee jacket is for an 18 month old!
You are so busy still. LOL. Not much knitting last night as we went for a swim instead.

grizzly4 - 2018-01-16 06:10:00

Too tired last night for a swim or to do much knitting. LOL. Was in bed by 9.30. I'm finishing work earlier today as I finally have an appointment with the specialist. It's been 12 months since surgery and 6 months since finishing chemo. He has left this followup so long it's not covered by my health insurance now. Grrr. He hasn't asked for any blood tests or xrays prior to going today so goodness knows what he is going to tell them that's very useful. So frustrating.

grizzly4 - 2018-01-17 06:06:00

Omg that Specialist is really hopeless. I would have rung and rung and bugged the devil out of his office to get an appointment. Not covered by Health Insurance indeed. Why do we bother with Health Insurance when this can happen? grrrrr Yes it will be very frustrating.
Yes I am still busy but slowing down a lot now. I get so tired its annoying. Swimming is good ha ha. No knitting here I took three little boys to the movies and then lunch and shopping. Got home and fell asleep ha ha.

makerealbany - 2018-01-17 22:01:00

A little holiday programme of your own! LOL. Really positive appointment yesterday - NOT. Apparently the antigens that normally show in blood tests when you have cancer did not show in mine pre-surgery so that means we may not get a warning that it's returned. Still have to have them 6 monthly though with a CT scan and colonoscopy again before CHristmas Wonderful. Apparently it was a T4 'angry' tumour so the concern is now that it will appear in my liver. Again Wonderful. Sigh. Feeling a bit defeated this morning especially with the hardest few months financially at work fast approaching again. Ah well onward and upward as they say.

grizzly4 - 2018-01-18 06:14:00

You would be feeling awful after that news my friend. I would be feeling a bit defeated as well. Sigh. That is strange about the antigens not appearing. I don't know how you can cope with work as well. One does what one has to though because no one else will. You are such a worker but try not to stress about the financial situation at work. It happens every year and it must drain the hell out of you.

makerealbany - 2018-01-18 23:43:00

You are so supportive and say the nicest things! Are you still doing daily activities with children till the end of the holidays? And still fit in that paper work you need to do? Takes a hard worker to know one. LOL. I'm not sure that's what retirement is merant to be? LOL.
So hot here yesterday I didn't even turn the tv on last night. We had a late tea in McDonald's air conditioned restaurant LOL the sat in thebreeze and read a book till 9.30 and then went to bed. No knitting.

grizzly4 - 2018-01-19 06:25:00

And same last night. STarted to watch a movie and 20 minutes into it, turned it off and went to bed. It was 9.15. LOL. Sad people without a life.

grizzly4 - 2018-01-20 07:59:00

Even hotter yesterday. Phew! Every window and door open and the fan going. It almost makes me wish we had a heat pump then we would have air conditioning as well. Still managed to potter around the garden and get housework done during the early morning. Even managed half a sleeve last night. LOL.

grizzly4 - 2018-01-21 10:21:00

I posted late last night but my daughters internet went down as it went through grrr. I was in there with three grandchildren for the night. I have E6 until Wednesday. No crafting of any kind lol. Yes I feel like I'm one of those people without a life ha ha. Just got home from the beach and tea at T's place. So hot alright. I left the air conditioner on so cottage was cool,

makerealbany - 2018-01-21 23:33:00

Nearly there - I am half way through the collar. Yay! and then I have another order for some dolls clothes. Only small items though so everything will be in the shop for next week. Then I can choose something I want to do for a change. LOL.

grizzly4 - 2018-01-22 06:20:00

A day out getting my windscreen hoses fixed, shopping and then picking up my new spare tyre. Money seems to be pouring out of my bank at the moment sigh. Off to GP tomorrow as blood tests no darn good again sigh. Cant keep food down. Its been two weeks and Ive been a cheap dinner date at our functions ha ha. I have started to feel very tired as well which is a nuisance. I managed to finish those dishcloths so I have to get on with the baby clothes again. 30 weeks and counting ha ha. I missed out on some tiny crochet hooks which was a shame. So easy to crochet dolls clothes with little hooks.

makerealbany - 2018-01-22 19:02:00

But so hard to hold! My fingers struggle trying to hold a needle to sew my knitting up these days. LOL. It's not good you aren't well again. You will be tired because you aren't eating let alone anything else. I was feeling really great yesterday morning - it's like there is no underlying exhaustion from the drugs anymore. I got so much done at work but by 3pm I was knackered because of the heat. LOL.

grizzly4 - 2018-01-23 06:13:00

Jacket is finished! Yay, I am so pleased. LOL. I've also finished the book I started reading on THursday and started another. I'm doing the dolls clothes now but shouldn't take long. Ooh, the anticipation of starting something fresh.....
How did you get on at the doctor's?

grizzly4 - 2018-01-24 06:07:00

Well I had to go and have more tests and have to go back tomorrow to see her. I'm feeling a lot better today though. I spent an hour just sitting in the cool pool tonight with M10. E6 went home today so I most likely didn't work as hard ha ha. I got myself a Mad Millie Fermenting Crock today. It was on Special so I used my last Visa Pressy $100. I have been wanting a big one and asked my group which one they recommended so I'm happy with it. Tonight I made some Pasta Sauce to freeze as the veges are growing like mad with all the heat and the rain. So are the lawns but not my problem anymore ha ha.

makerealbany - 2018-01-25 00:09:00

It's hard watching lawns grow waiting for someone else to do them though, I would imagine. LOL. I've never heard of a Fermenting crock!!!!! What are you using that for?

grizzly4 - 2018-01-25 06:06:00

I'm the backup staff member on the swimming trip today and then coming home early. I hope my hips can cope with the standing for a few hours. Sigh. Two evenings home alone this weekend as I. is refereeing at speedway tonight and tomorrow. Hopefully I can get dolls clothes order finished tonight.

grizzly4 - 2018-01-26 06:03:00

Had an easy tea and watched 2 movies last night with some knitting done. Nice quiet night. I. is at work this morning and back at speedway late this afternoon sp probabl;y a repeat evening for me too. LOL.

grizzly4 - 2018-01-27 09:35:00

I use it to ferment food like Sauerkraut lol. I'm struggling still. Had my last lot of bloods and specimens done again on Friday. Paku my Foxie has not been the best and so I was awake all night with him. A had to take us to the vet because I cannot lift him and he only weighs 9 Kilos so that's how darn weak I am at the moment. He had an infection from a cut he got somewhere in the bush. Seems to be perking up a bit as he is now eating again. I was so upset last night about him . I'm off to bed again as I am just so tired after the lack of sleep. Thank goodness for air conditioners ha ha

makerealbany - 2018-01-28 00:29:00