Yes 54 is too young. I'm meant to be going to Rotorua for two huge Land Meetings but I'm not going. I have just got myself in a good state health wise and I will be exhausted if I endure that ha ha. I cannot afford to push myself at the moment. My two sisters will go instead. I spent the day doing things like cleaning my car and washing all the dogs covers and blankets. It was a lovely warm day. I do something and the rest up for 15 mins before I do the next job. I'm nearly to the lace section on my shawl. Did a bit tonight.

makerealbany - 2018-11-07 23:44:00

Good decision about that trip I think. I'm glad to hear you are feeling a bit better, shame all those chiuldren around can't do your car. LOL. The 10-13 year old group at work are fundraising at present so they can but books for their age group to donate to the new local community library. They have sold muffins this week, hopefully it's car washing next week. I have said I'll pay them to do it weekly LOL.

grizzly4 - 2018-11-08 06:30:00

M10 will clean the car for me but I couldn't wait until the weekend lol. She has been so busy after school what with gymnastics, training for comps and athletics. Sometimes I think they have too many after school activities. J15 is up for the weekend again and I am trying to arrange E 6 to come so she can spend time with her big brother. Pity its always so difficult to organise. Still on the lace part of my shawl 300 stitches now.

makerealbany - 2018-11-08 23:55:00

300! Wow that's a lot. LOL. How long does it take to do a row? Especially if lacy. I have a couple of hours cross stitch to look forward to today. I think my birthday dinner is down to about 20 now, haven't heard back from a few of I.'s family (typical!) and a few from out of town can't be here, that of course includes my parents who can't travel. I hope this rain settles down soon.

grizzly4 - 2018-11-09 06:23:00

Pick up my cake and helium balloons, go to funeral and then my dinner party. Pretty weird mix of a day really.

grizzly4 - 2018-11-10 09:14:00

What a big day that was! A huge funeral and my friend handled it well with her 3 adult children doing a superb job of supporting her. It's amazing what you learn during people's tributes. Even though you've known someone over 20 years, you find you have only been part of a small part of their life. Amazing! And my party went well, too, a couple of sticky bits with DIL and then all of I', family left without paying!!!!!! A genuine mistake, I think, and they realised on the trip home and sorted it this morning but it was a bit of a shock for poor I. who had to pay the bill at the time. I now remember why we don't do this very often. LOL. Still, one more thing of the bucket list - a party and a birthday cake. We have also sat down and set potential dates for 3 more weekends away. Akaroa, end of November. Blenheim, Nelson and down the West Coast over Christmas, back to Blenheim for the Airshow at Easter in April, and then!!!!! a trip to Auckland in early May.

grizzly4 - 2018-11-11 09:28:00

Happy Birthday . I'm late again sigh. Glad your dinner went ok, Did you take a pic of your cake. I have been flat out with visitors all weekend. I should have gone away ha ha, Finally got all the linen washed and the cottage clean again. I'm so tired I'm going to fall into bed. I only have 4 rows of my shawl to do but not tonight Josephine ha ha.

makerealbany - 2018-11-11 23:52:00

Nope, you are early!! LOL. I'm 60 today. Have to go to work unfortunately but going to lunch with the staff I think and will go have a quiet dinner with I. somewhere tonight. Will send you photos.

grizzly4 - 2018-11-12 06:26:00

Oh great. I hope you had an awesome day and got some pressies. I have just finished 4 hours paperwork for the Trust ugh. I'm going to wind some wool now as I finished that shawl and it is blocking. When I blocked it I noticed a dropped stitich grr. So I have a safety pin on it and will fix it up with a crochet hook when its dry. I don't know how I missed it but with all those stitches sigh ha ha,

makerealbany - 2018-11-12 22:26:00

Good luck with that stitch! Thank goodness you spotted it. I was so tired by the time I got home yesterday we postponed going out for dinner. LOL. Just too much celebrating LOL. I'm looking forward to getting back to normal for a while. Already one of our trips has been put off.... I forgot the next fundraiser for work was scheduled for the same weekend we thought we'd go to Akaroa.

grizzly4 - 2018-11-13 06:38:00

You looked fabulous at your Birthday and I love your cake. Yes I have the stitch worked out ha ha. I started a different pattern tonight and already I feel there is a mistake there in the pattern grr. Ill ask for clarification from the writer or should I say Pattern Designer ha ha.

makerealbany - 2018-11-13 23:50:00

Another 4hours of paperwork tonight after two hours in two banks for the Trust ugh. I'm loving the warm weather though.

makerealbany - 2018-11-15 00:31:00

I'm not envying the paperwork you are doing at all. I tried to type that message yesterday but was having keyboard issues for some reason. Seems fine this morning. Weird. I took the Women's Group to the A & P Show yesterday. It was a good morning out and I found a lovely new necklace for myself.

grizzly4 - 2018-11-15 06:46:00

I'm sick of the paperwork and all the hours of research needed sigh. I have to write a big report and it is taking ages as I have to verify it all . No knitting tonight and after my day I'm shattered, Had to get a repairman to fix my ranch slider door to the deck today. It has always been difficult to open and close and the door frame separated from the glass so it was touch and go ugh. I was thinking I may have to board it up. But after three hours labour and replacing of screws as well as taking the frame out , its all like new, It is so quiet and slides at a touch, I'm so pleased with the work done.
I have three necklaces that need fixing, The vintage necklaces usually wear the clasps out, considering some of them are 80 to 100 years old it is no wonder ha ha.

makerealbany - 2018-11-15 23:21:00

But how wonderful to have those necklaces! And to be able to pass them on as well. When my parents left Ireland as newly weds they didn't bring anything with them from family. They have had only limited contact asll these years and are reluctant to share any stories or information so it's been pretty much just them, my sister and I. I had high hopes marrying into a large family but it's definitely be careful what you wish for. LOL. The dramas over the years!!!!! I wish all this land stuff would settle for you, you have given it 100% plus of effort over a long time.

grizzly4 - 2018-11-16 10:24:00

I hope you have not spent your whole weekend doing that paperwork!!!! We have had a 3 day weekend here with our A & P Show Day being Friday. So far we went to Speedway on Friday afternoon, I. went back last night but too cold for me and we have been working in the garden as well. We will do a bit more before the weather turns again this afternoon and get the green waste to the refuse centre, then theres the groceries.... then I'll be knitting.

grizzly4 - 2018-11-18 09:55:00

I had K9 on Friday night and all day Saturday to give T a break. Its so hard for her at times. Then I had J8 on Saturday night so its been hectic here. The mess two little boys can make is incredible.
Yes I am lucky in some ways being the Eldest both my Grandmas have left Family Treasures for me and even my Father in Law left me Heirlooms. With all that comes a lot of responsibility ha ha. I am still awaiting Succession of some land to be into the Whanau Trust. It will be eventually but the Maori Land Court in Rotorua is so slow. Hamilton is faster so that was easy. Belonging to three Tribes does not make it easier either. I have a hell of a week ahead of me and need to look after Children as well as get paperwork in by due dates sigh. On the plus side I do like the new pattern I am knitting for a shawl. I worked in the garden today but tire too easily so I have to have lots of breaks ha ha,

makerealbany - 2018-11-18 23:11:00

https://trademe.tmcdn.co.nz/photoserver/full/913121486.jpg
Finished these two this week and had to go on a button mission over the weekend to get the right colours. LOL. Sometimes it is the smallest of things sent to try us....This weekend was the best effort I've been able to put into the garden in a couple of years.

grizzly4 - 2018-11-19 06:29:00

Those are cute. I need to make some little things after this shawl ha ha. Today I had long pants on and a long sleeved top . On Saturday I was in shorts and a sleeveless top. Silly weather and its cool tonight but not as cool as down there.

makerealbany - 2018-11-19 23:42:00

Every time I think I'm putting the winter tops away, out they have to come again. No wonder we get sick.

grizzly4 - 2018-11-20 10:20:00

I'm the same. I start thinking about packing up winter clothes and it gets cold. I had my eyes tested today and needed to update my glasses again. Also had to shop for little gifts to put in the Christmas Swap Magic Ball. Tomorrow I have to wrap them and wind a skein of wool. Then I unwind the ball and wrap the gifts in so that it can be unwrapped by my swap partner. I know who I'm sending to but not who I'm receiving from. It will be fun. My one love blue and purple so I have gone with the Purple theme.

makerealbany - 2018-11-20 23:55:00

Very clever idea. Today I am taking the group to Fudge Cottage which has now just recently returned to the Arts Centre after having to move to the suburbs after the eartquakes. The group is going to have a go at making fudge. Yummy. I am currently working on a fairisle cardigan which I saw a picture of on Pinterest but couldn't get a pattern so I am having to make it up from the picture as I go along.

grizzly4 - 2018-11-21 06:18:00

I am having all sorts of problems with a trade I made last week on TM for 2 patterns. Trader came back asking if I wanted copies rather than originals and she would increase the number of patterns for the money I paid. As I have never seen these patterns before I think she has produced them so I agree. Now I haven't heard from her in over a week. Grrrr.

grizzly4 - 2018-11-22 06:28:00

I've heard from the trader now so we'll see what happens as she says she's not posting now till Monday! Very wet weekend here, so indoor chores planned, little does I. know. LOL. Mind you we have a BBQ fundraiser at Mitre 10 tomorrow and we're on the first shift. When the heaviest rain is forecast. Isn't it always the way? It took me over 2 hours to sew in the ends of this latest fairisle cardy. Nope won't be doing it again. LOL. I'll find an easy project for this week.

grizzly4 - 2018-11-24 11:07:00

T had to fly to Christchurch on Tuesday as J had to have surgery. I have had K9 and dropping him to school and picking him up from afterschool care as M10 and J 8 had to also be picked up so it has been a busy week. T flew home this afternoon with J 22 as she will stay up here for a week to recover and then go back to Wanaka. J15 arrived last night and he leaves tomorrow so all the things I wanted to do are on hold. Tomorrow A leaves for a weeks work away so my SIL will need me to help more than usual with the children. I'm getting too old for this ha ha, Finished my Skinny Fibre shawl so I will block it tomorrow night when it is nice and quiet ha ha. That Trade me sounds dodgy . I would stick with the originals. Its against copyright laws to copy. She is most likely selling them everywhere. Weather here is wet. Santa Parade was cancelled today. I do not like sewing ends in either,

makerealbany - 2018-11-25 00:17:00

I hope J is doing ok? Wow sounds like it's really full on at present for you. Please make sure it doesn't start affecting your health again. Off to cook sausages this morning, wasn't well yesterday after trying the new food court at the local mall. Food was beautiful but there must have been coriander or similar that I hadn't picked up on. I react very badly too that, feeling a bit fragile today. Sigh.

grizzly4 - 2018-11-25 07:10:00

Yes she seems to be recovering well. I cleaned up after my visitors and then spent the day with my eldest son. We were in the laundromat when the Civil Defence text alarm went. 8 people checked their phones 3 of them were worried until I told them it was a National test. That gave us something else to talk about. It worked really well. I blocked my shawl , I'm going to pace myself because I don't want to overdo things before Christmas ha ha.

makerealbany - 2018-11-26 00:07:00

Pace yourself?!!!! Go on give it a go, I dare you. LOL. I still have presents to organise, food to organise to take to Mum and Dad's that will travel ok, work through to the 21st which includes a 3 day holiday programme the week before Christmas, wind everything else up over the next couple of weeks....... and I'll bet you have more than that on your 'to do' list.

grizzly4 - 2018-11-26 06:11:00

https://trademe.tmcdn.co.nz/photoserver/full/918380956.jpg

The one with all the ends to sew in is done!

grizzly4 - 2018-11-26 06:17:00

That's really nice. Are you selling it in the shop? I managed to accomplish a lot on my to do list today. I am off to watch M10 compete in Athletics tomorrow morning. Then I need to get all her sketches laminated as she is selling them to raise funds for the school, She is a little busy bee ha ha. She is a very good artist as well. We have had lots of salads as the gardens are doing well with this rain. Christmas cake to bake but M10 is making the Pavlovas for Christmas Day. She makes the best Pavlovas in the family. She is a great little cook. I guess we are doing a good job raising her . She wants to try a Lemon Meringue Tart this week. This afternoon after her uncle picked them up from school for me she had the hammer and nails out to work on her tree hut. What with all the PC police we have to keep a close eye on the construction ha ha. She told me uncle G is the Safety Inspector .

makerealbany - 2018-11-27 00:19:00

That was a lovely family picture you just painted in your last message. Cardy never made it to shop. LOL. I put the photo on the Purple Patch Facebook page when I sent it to you. It sold within the hour. Trouble is if I end up with orders I'm going to have to buy all those colours next time. It's a great way to use up bits but will be expensive otherwise, I think. Maybe if I try some other colour combinations...mmmm.....

grizzly4 - 2018-11-27 06:23:00

For the moment I'm trying the dinkiest little dolls shoes from a new online pattern.

grizzly4 - 2018-11-27 06:23:00

I started another shawl in Needle Food 4ply 50% Merino 50% silk on size 3 circulars. It will be more defined. I took J22 to Watch M10 representing her school today; It was fun then we went to lunch and I came home and had a nap. Sil was early enough to pick them up from school and take M to Gymnastics and J8 stayed with me.

makerealbany - 2018-11-27 22:35:00

Looks like son S is moving in with us for awhile. Apparently DIL needs her space! Can you believe it?!!!! Of all the selfish, ungrateful............... Ok, I'm taking a breath.

grizzly4 - 2018-11-28 07:13:00

OMG hope things settle down. If its not one thing it seems to be another in Families. I guess she needs her space when she is on holiday from her course grrrr. M10 raised $70 for her school today selling her sketches. Considering she charged $3 for an A3 that was a lot of sketches. We are so proud of her. I purchased J8s Coffee cup he painted to his delight. A very nice two hours after school. The children did very well selling their wares.

makerealbany - 2018-11-29 00:25:00

That sounds like a great event for M10's school! DIL has been a qualified midwife since January, walked into a great job as soon as her registration papers came through. She has a right to feel proud of what she has achieved but not to feel more deserving than her kids or her husband! He (and us) supported them for 4 years during her studies. They are in a worse situation now financially than when she was studying as they have lost all their entitlements because of income thresholds, to the extent they can't afford childcare now which means I barely see L11 and B13 now. She seems to have the idea that the money she does bring in has to also cover all the special activities planned for her and her new friends rather than focussing on getting their heads above water. Sigh.

grizzly4 - 2018-11-29 07:31:00

Oh oh that doesn't sound good. I hope she rethinks how she is living. Gosh they should be doing ok now. Something is going to give if she carries on like that. Its sad how when they achieve their goal they suddenly feel they are better than everyone else. Its also sad that you don't see much of your Grandsons.

makerealbany - 2018-11-29 23:20:00

It's felt like a long week, this week. I. is back at work today after 2 days off with some virus but at least his blood tests came back with a better result than last month so all good. Weather is putting a stop to racing this weekend unfortunately and may stop us from going to Speedway on Saturday night as well. Hopefully there will be some fine spells to do a bit more to the Vege garden.

grizzly4 - 2018-11-30 06:30:00

Yay, not raining this morning. I'm on a mission to get as much done as possible but I also have to clear out my craft cupboard and drawers in the spare room by Monday for S. Where to put everything?!!!!

grizzly4 - 2018-12-01 08:47:00

Well it wasn't raining till I actually stepped out the door. LOL. Lawns are done and the trees along the driveway trimmed but then went grocery and Christmas shopping. I finally received those patterns and she has sent me photos of new patterns she has in stock but she is copying them so not sure if I should go any further. I have our Board dinner tonight which I guess DIL will be attending, the shop Committee dinner tomorrow night and a Christmas lunch on FRiday. And so the season begins....

grizzly4 - 2018-12-03 06:22:00

Oh My I had a meltdown with my laptop and then I had to reboot and lost passwords etc so finally lol. Avoid those patterns. Lots of Christmas events ha ha. You will so be looking forward to your break after all that. Things are flat out here and I will be looking forward to a break as well ha ha.

makerealbany - 2018-12-03 23:01:00

OMG I was so stressed before that dinner! I had let a couple of the Board members in on what has happened and they were amazingingly supportive throughout the night. Another dinner for the shop tonight, hopefully much more relaxed. I am home for the day today as the insulation in the ceiling is being replaced. I am amazed as we thought the owners would choose to sell before putting more money into this place. Kind of feel obligated to stay put for at least another year as I think they have done it so as not to put us out. Really nice people but we will have to find somewhere cheaper and with less work required in the garden by the time I. retires in 2 years.

grizzly4 - 2018-12-04 06:27:00

It will be warmer in the winter though and I know what you mean about less work in the garden. I'm finding it hard to keep up with mine. These bones are really starting to creak ha ha. Its nice the Board Members were supportive.
I cannot believe the people below us pay $800 a week rent. Its shocking.
A sold J8's Bunk bed so its easier to make his bed now. She had a massive clean up of his toys and books so I took a car load to the Salvation Army. Today she sold M10's Bunk Bed which had the wardrobe, desk and drawers in it as M is too big for it so we are sorting her stuff out so she can put her new bed in. It is all go here, My lazyboy needs replacing so the kids are getting me one for Christmas. I'm looking forward to it ha ha. So is my back. I just have to make it through two more weeks. Shawl is coming on slowly, These fine needles are tedious.

makerealbany - 2018-12-05 00:11:00

How fine are the needles?! I love redoing rooms with new furniture. LOL HOw exciting for the kids. The most I need to do now is new drapes for the lounge but I will wait till after summer. I'd love your neighbours income if they can afford to pay $800 a week. Phew. We pay $370 for the house you visited last year (can you believe that is nearly 2 years ago?) and I'd prefer to get something less than thast by the time we are on superannuation.

grizzly4 - 2018-12-05 06:26:00

I'm knitting on a 3m which is fine to me ha ha. Up here the one bedroom cottages go for 450 to 500 a week. Rentals are crippling up here. People pay 280 for a room in a dump, sharing a bathroom as well as having to pay for Laundry. I went Christmas Club shopping tonight . Thank heavens G my youngest son called in there to lift things. He ended up bringing most of it home in his car ha ha. I had a list for A for alcohol and he got all the specials for her. I nearly fainted at the price of Champagne that was at a huge discount according to the drinkers ha ha. So I got what I needed which didn't amount to a lot. My cupboards and Freezer are full and I have extras in boxes. So Ill just need the basics before Christmas. No one wanted a Turkey so it was a Ham only. All of the kids want a barbeque and M 10 is making the Pavs and a Lemon Meringue Pie so its going to be very laid back.
I did a test and found out I am a Mystic Knitter ha ha. Basically it means I knit as a form of self care losing myself in time and space.

makerealbany - 2018-12-05 23:50:00

I like the sound of your Christmas! Mystic Knitter.... I like that too. LOL. What other sorts of knitters are there.... mines probably more along the lines of therapy. S had a bad day yesterday after DIL txt him at work to say she was moving her stuff out completely this weekend and leaving him to sort out the rental they are living in and all the furniture etc. He is so upset and now she's telling him that him wanting her sign a parenting agreement around L. means he doesn't trust her. Ya think?!!!!

grizzly4 - 2018-12-06 06:38:00

The Dreamer, The Giver and The Seeker are the others. OMG your poor son. Yes get that Parenting order signed. Fancy doing this right before Christmas. Always thought she was selfish by the way she has interacted with you . Well I hope it gets sorted and at lest you are there to support your son.

makerealbany - 2018-12-07 00:08:00

It has occured to me that she thinks if she lets him have the furniture etc to set up somewhere else she can go back and pick up where she left off when she has had enough social life. And he woill probably let her. Sigh. What did I do to my kids that they stick with these people even when they are being kicked to the ground constantly?
I am so glad it's Friday with all the end of year stuff to do at work, all the social stuff as well ( I have another lunch to go to today) and the emotional crap at home I am knackered. We spent our Christmas club on meat and frozen desserts last night and it barely fitted into our 2 freezers. LOL. Fingers crossed the rain stays away this weekend so I can potter in the garden for awhile.

grizzly4 - 2018-12-07 06:13:00

I feel for you. We cant choose partners for our kids and its nothing you did. There comes a time in their lives when they suddenly wake up. It is hard to watch though. Yes shell keep him on a string.
You will be exhausted with all that is going on. I hope the rain stays away as well as I have lots to do outside.

makerealbany - 2018-12-07 22:49:00

The rain and then bits of sun has sped up the weeds! Won't be putting spuds in this year as S's garden shed will need to be stored there. Hopefully that improves the crop next year by resting that garden. Really need to plant out the other 2 small gardens though. I have a cardy and a book to finish as well.

grizzly4 - 2018-12-08 10:02:00