Phew, no leaking pipes. It appears that when the floor is mopped each night the water is getting under the vinyl around the drain from the basin because it was never sealed. Just have to have a square of floor replaced around that drain pipe now and have it sealed. I am working on dolls clothes at present. Although 8ply on no.10 needles is a bit of a chore.

grizzly4 - 2019-02-14 06:22:00

Yay it's Friday. I. is racing in the Ronnie Moore Memorial meeting at Speedway tomorrow. He is riding a solo speedway bike that he used to race 40 years ago! Scary plus to have to watch this, I have to say. What is it about men that they can't grow old gracefully?

grizzly4 - 2019-02-15 06:20:00

Grizzly I know exactly what you mean - I don't think they realise how frightened we get. But I guess it's also good that they aren't as limited by worries as some of us ladies tend to be.
I hope all goes well tomorrow.

millefiori - 2019-02-15 07:16:00

Thats a good way of looking at it, millefiori. It's raining down here at present and about to load bikes on the trailer. Have to be there at 11 although actual racing doesn't start till 3! For these blokes it's all about talking about it as much as doing it. Haha.

grizzly4 - 2019-02-16 09:01:00

What a full day yesterday. Out by 10am, home by nearly 10pm! 81 races later but each class only raced 3 times each plus the finals. Such a great day, was so proud of I. and his 2 mates who rasced together 40 years ago.

grizzly4 - 2019-02-17 14:55:00

Everything ok, makerealbany?

grizzly4 - 2019-02-18 06:02:00

Glad it was such a successful and enjoyable day, grizzly.
I was looking on Pinterest (major obsession) and found a pretty colour combination idea for a hexie quilt (hexies are another major obsession). I needed plain green fabric. I have more fabric than I could ever hope to use but did I have plain green? No. Well I couldn’t get this project out of my head, so had to make a trip to Spotlight. Definitely my lucky day as they had 40% off fabric- didn’t have the exact colour I wanted, but I what I got looks good and I’ve enjoyed piecing hexies the last couple of evenings.
5 days until the weekend ... sigh.

millefiori - 2019-02-18 08:28:00

Hi I'm back ha ha. Had a great time. Although I was up at 5,30 this morning ugh. Well you have been busy you two. Fancy not sealing it. At lest it was simple and cheaper to fix than pipes. There hasn't been any rain up here yet.
I didn't take my knitting away. I forgot as I was in a mad rush. These spur of the moment things have consequences ha ha. Our big Court Case for the land Mums house is on comes up next week so Ill be off back home on Wednesday afternoon as soon as my daughter gets home from work. I'm going to bed early tonight to catch up on lost sleep.

makerealbany - 2019-02-18 21:34:00

You working during the day millefiori? Sounds like me trying to fit a life for me into evenings and weekends. I'm knitting dolls clothes still. And I'm still not getting much done to put in the shop.
Welcome back, makerealbany. That was a very spontaneous trip. And you are off again tomorrow - I hope this trip doesn't turn out too stressful.

grizzly4 - 2019-02-19 06:19:00

No I'm off next week but I might pop up to the beach for sat night. Its handy having the caravan up there I just grab some clothes and go. I'm knitting another little Bolero. This next Court Case will be stressful and I'm dreading it . My sisters and cousins are also dreading it. We are going to need more than coffee afterwards. Now the Council is involved as well so it wont be easy. We are dividing land in two lots so of course the Council are trying to increase the rates as 'Its Lakefront Land" Actually it is not. However because my idiotic Brother cleared trees he had no right to You can see the lake across a huge hot pool and a road. So we will see what happens.

milliefiori I had to laugh at your trip to Spotlight, I am exactly the same.
More material than I can sew but when you want to do a special project? ha ha. I have often admired Hexie quilts. Looked briefly at paper piecing.
Hope you took photos on your new phone of I and his mates grizzly 40 years wow

makerealbany - 2019-02-19 23:42:00

Makerealbany how stressful to have the court case coming up - it sounds like you'll be battling bureaucracy and I don't think that can ever be easy or pleasant. I hope it all gets settled quickly and with a good result for you.

Grizzly I do admin work from home which is great as I am full-time carer for my wonderful adult son with disabilities. It does mean that I quite often have to work evenings and weekends ... and I feel guilty at taking any time for myself.

You ladies have really given me a boost - you are so busy, with so much going on, yet you find pockets of time for your crafting. Since I've been chatting to you I have made time to do a little crafting each day and it's made me feel really happy. I really want to make a hexie quilt out of Liberty lawn, so my little project at the moment is with Liberty-type fabric (with a few real pieces of Liberty thrown in), just to see how it goes.

Three family birthdays coming up over the next 3 days, so things are going to be busy here.

millefiori - 2019-02-20 10:04:00

This has been going on for three years ugh. I have a feeling it wont be settled after reading the submissions Ah well it must end sometime. You need to take time for yourself millefiori and crafting is so therapeutic. I put a pond in today a neighbour gave me. What fun and she had not realized until the other day it still had a Goldfish in it, He or She has been surviving for 6 months without her feeding it. Nature is a wonderful thing but I got some fish food tonight and it swam right up to the top and ate away. Ill get it some friends tomorrow after I go and collect the pond rocks,etc. I love ponds and have always had them until we came here. The great thing is if I move I'm taking my pond ha ha,
M11 is away at camp so I only have J8 to mind, What bliss ha ha, I am halfway through the Bolero but no knitting tonight. I'm up at 5.30 so I'm off to bed.

makerealbany - 2019-02-20 23:02:00

mmmm.......Lots of thinking going here at present....and talking. We are thinking of finding a house tp provide enough separate living for S and L11 to stay with us. There is no way he can afford to live on his own while paying off his car and maybe its a way of us being able to save a bit more before retiring in 2 years. Daughter S is coming for tea tonight to play devil's advocate in case we haven't thought of all the worst case scenarios.
I love the pond idea, and the fact you can take it with you. Like S's turtle! LOL.

grizzly4 - 2019-02-21 06:44:00

That could be worth thinking about. Its hard at times. I have supported my oldest son for years as he could not cope otherwise, Luckily I'm in a position to do that but everything changes with time . I got all the pond rocks and plants in and it looks great. Had a hectic day and love that it is now Friday. Was going to the beach for the weekend but its supposed to rain so I'm staying at home. I have plants to put in the garden if it rains ha ha.

makerealbany - 2019-02-22 00:11:00

Yes I need to plant out a redone garden but not sure what I would like yet. My vege garden has been a dead loss this year. Oh well, less to tidy if we shift.

Edited by grizzly4 at 6:35 am, Fri 22 Feb

grizzly4 - 2019-02-22 06:35:00

I think I know how you must be feeling, makerealbany, not knowing what the plan is regarding moving. One day we are asll on the same page and the next not so much. Sigh.

grizzly4 - 2019-02-23 09:07:00

I know, I know ugh. We have been shopping for baby furniture. I only wish I had kept all my stuff sigh. Farmers had 50 percent off on Thursday so we researched and shopped online, Got our purchase through at 11,30 pm ha ha. I meant to tell you and forgot. My son and his partner were very happy. I took up a swag of knitting for them today with instructions on washing ha ha. It rained here but not enough. We need more.
I had a very relaxing day and intend for tomorrow to be the same. I baked last night and nearly burnt the Apple pies and the Date scones were close to it as well. Saved them all but multi tasking skills are fading lol.

makerealbany - 2019-02-23 22:47:00

I also know what you mean about things fading. I was in conversation while heating something in microwave. Why oh why I put it in for 1 minute 30 I'll never know, but ruined the tray it was on and took ages to get the smoke out of the kitchen. Never done that before. We have made a decision to stay together, the four of us for at l;east the next year. Looked at one house yesterday for $600 a week and I asked the property agent what maintenance plans were in place before a new tenant moved in. NOthing apparently!!!! I told her it was a real cheek asking that much money for something so unhygienic and unkempt. LOL. I guess we won't get that one. LOL.

grizzly4 - 2019-02-24 09:47:00

Oh yes Ive been there with the smoke lol. It was toast that got stuck in the toaster and did not pop up.
My son said the unit he is in was recently painted and insulated. They went to do the insulation check because that is the Law now and there was no man hole into the roof so a builder has to come and cut one because they need to physically see in order to pass it. He moved into a spotless place and the bathroom had just been done up as well. Its very nice. Some of the places they looked at were dreadful. One place had not had anything done to it since the seventies and the curtains were falling apart. The Landlady did not want anyone smoking outside the place either, Probably because the place might burn down. The Agent said she was so unrealistic and he didn't have any decent tenants who would want it. She wanted $ 460 a week and everything was grotty and needed replacing. Its still for rent and no wonder. Make sure your next place is insulated. Its quite cool here tonight. What a switch in the weather.

makerealbany - 2019-02-24 22:46:00

I was in long pants until 9 this morning. We have a builder here repairing all sorts. Busy day and had to keep all the front windows and doors closed because it was windy and the sawdust was blowing in. Made some Pear, Apple and Date Chutney tonight as it was cool.

makerealbany - 2019-02-25 23:48:00

Definitely cooler! Decision made, we have notified landlord and property manager we are leaving before 14 April. After 9 years of being here, it's a bit sad but the garden is getting a bit much for us time- wise (and energy) and I'm sure the rent will go up again this time. This house has seen us through the earthquakes and cancer. Lots of memories I guess with the boys growing up in those years too. But now we have to find a house.... Viewings for 4 over the next 3 days.

grizzly4 - 2019-02-26 06:51:00

Gosh 9 years, I remember when you moved in and you have worked hard in the gardens, Hope you can take some of your special plants, I have a lot in pots and the gardens here are huge.
I'm of to Rotorua tomorrow and will be back on Friday, I'm going fishing on a Fishing excursion on Saturday so will have to be up really early.
Hope you see some nice houses.

makerealbany - 2019-02-27 00:26:00

Have a safe trip. Fishing, that's a bit different, isn't it? I haven't heard you mention that before. LOL. Yesterdays house was a no go when we walked up the drive or should I say the lack of driveway and then there were so many people viwing you couldn't move, children running riot. I hope there is better control with viewings here when we are still living here.

grizzly4 - 2019-02-27 06:33:00

Wow we saw a house last night they we all love and it would perfectly with almost separate living for son S upstairs. Now we wait to hear whether we get it. On top of all this daughter S was back in hospital for more surgery yesterday so I was there twice inbetween 2 viewings and trying to do my job.

grizzly4 - 2019-02-28 06:36:00

I have to say, this is all getting a bit much. You think you have a handle on it and then one more thing happens it tips you over the edge. Going to have to deal with security company at work today and I just don't need it at present. Still waiting to hear about the house so it's not looking good. We will be so disappointed if we don't get it.

grizzly4 - 2019-03-01 06:29:00

Grizzly, what has happened? I hope you are okay.

millefiori - 2019-03-01 11:39:00

I am very ok, thanks, millefiori. Thank you for your concern. We got the house we were after so now the next 1-2 years we will have our son and grandson living with us. S will be quite independent in his own living area upstairs. Probably only see him for food LOL. L11's room is downstairs by the main living area and I. and I have the master bedroom and our own bathroom etc at the end of the house. The garden needs a fair bit of tidying but we have photos of how beautiful it was years ago so thats my mission - to restore it LOL. S can get back on his financial feet and we can save a bit more for our retirement by pooling our resources. Hopefully its a win/win situation. Although their is an overlap where we pay for 2 houses for a month but whatever, couldn't lose this house.

grizzly4 - 2019-03-02 09:10:00

How was your fishing, makerealbany? Did you put dinner on the table? LOL

grizzly4 - 2019-03-03 09:01:00

Sure did. Had an awesome day I caught 11 scnapper and only one was legal size,So We were throwing back undersize all day and trying to fool the shags who dive down and swallow them whole. These scnapper were 27 to 28 legal size is 30. I reckon we lost about 50 to shags, the darn things. We released from both sides of the boat but they were very cunning. When some were missed by the shags we gave a huge cheer. My son and daughter caught some really big ones so were all had a great day. My grandsons and great grandson caught fish as well. My ex SIL did well so we were all very happy. I'm going to do it again ha ha, The kids go often I used to. I did drop my rod overboard when a inconsiderate yuppy tore past exceeding the speed limit and rocked the hell out of our boat. Court case went ok and we will get a decision in a month or so. I had a great time with two sisters and three cousins.
Its great you got the house you wanted whoop whoop. Sorry to hear S had to have surgery again. What a worry.

makerealbany - 2019-03-03 22:40:00

Mmmm, daughter S in a lot of pain this as they have tried a different procedure. The nearly-ex made himself scarce the whole weekend and she had to fend for herself. We offered to bring her here for some company but she preferred to slleep through the pain as much as possible. We had our current landlords over for afternoon tea yesterday to say good-bye and show them through the house so they know what needs doing before the next tenant - can't trust info is getting to them via property manager.

grizzly4 - 2019-03-04 06:05:00

Your fishing trip reminds me of all the holidays with Mum and Dd on their boat before I left home. LOL.

grizzly4 - 2019-03-04 06:05:00

Poor S. Useless male. I was a bit stiff today but worked through it. I had things to plant out and holes to dig in the garden to bury the fish frames, We had fish for tea two nights in a row ha ha, No one complained. I didn't even knit tonight. That was nice of you to have the Landlords in for a cuppa.

makerealbany - 2019-03-04 22:35:00

Sign up day today ant also means emptying of bank accounts to cover the costs. LOL. I'm going to have to be good for a while until we are not paying for 2 houses.Because we will be out so early Property Manager is now saying if she can get tenants in we can stop paying for the current house so heres hoping it's soon. She's also going to see if we can leave cat door in place which will save a bit of money too. Fingers crossed. Very little knitting being done, I have to say.

grizzly4 - 2019-03-05 06:30:00

Wow I hope they can get Tenants earlier but it sounds like they wont be doing any fixing of anything lol. I had a lazy day today sewing on buttons and blocking two little baby Boleros, My great niece is having a girl in Aussi so more pink to knit and crochet,

makerealbany - 2019-03-05 23:47:00

Boy, must be stressed - so many typos in my last nessage. LOL. All signed up and paid for. Trouble is now DIL is threatening to get rid of the cat they had as a family because her new dog doesn't like it. Already attacked it. L11 is so upset and expecting us to take him once we have moved. Trouble is we have agreed to no pets. Talk about between a rock and a hard place.

grizzly4 - 2019-03-06 06:22:00

Oh heavens that's what my ex DIL did. How mean. Getting a dog when they had the cat first. Some people are so selfish,, No crafting of any sort today sigh

makerealbany - 2019-03-06 23:20:00

I have started a wee hooded coat with a farisle border. Only been able to do a few rows each night as I have a few of S's work pants to hem. Black at night is a bit of a mission. Daughter S came for tea last night and it was great having a few laughs together after DIL came between my son and daughter. Hopefully it's the start of our close family again.

grizzly4 - 2019-03-07 06:20:00

So much going on at present! I'm in the middle of doing the end of month payout for the shop plus we are very involved at work in the annual youth festival tomorrow. I am part of the organising team plus my organisation is doing the sausage sizzle fundraiser. On top of all that we shift in a week! If I am on my feet all day tomorrow I'm not sure how my back and legs will cope with more packing and cleaning on Sunday. LOL. And knitting is probably out the window although I did finish the back last night.

grizzly4 - 2019-03-08 06:29:00

Youth Festival day today. Sun shining now but doesn't look great for later on. Why is it the weather always lets these events down. Grrrr.

grizzly4 - 2019-03-09 07:47:00

Grizzly it’s great that you got the house. How lovely for your grandson to have you so close. I never knew my grandparents so I know I missed a very special relationship. Makerealbany your fishing trip sounded great (apart from those darn yuppies) - you cant beat fresh fish.
The weekend at last. I dislike weekdays so much at the moment.
Long ago I was very in to knitting, but not so much lately. I’ve had a simple scarf project languishing for ages - I love the yarn and how it’s knitting, but when I try it around my neck I hear my mum saying scathingly “mutton dressed as lamb”. It’s true, it’s very pink and very fluffy .... but so pretty!
Recently at the op shop I found some huge needles and wondered if I could use these instead to make quite an open effect scarf. I think it might be like knitting with tree trunks though!
https://trademe.tmcdn.co.nz/photoserver/full/989920131.jpg
https://trademe.tmcdn.co.nz/photoserver/full/989920467.jpg
Any comments/ suggestions much appreciated.

millefiori - 2019-03-09 11:40:00

I knitted that very yarn for a teddy bear ha ha. Yes you could just knit Garter stitch on those needles. Try it.
GrizzlyI cant believe its Saturday. It has been a full on week here as the Builder is still here, A was away and so it was very busy. Friday was awful with the rain pouring down and picking kids up. etc. Only one side of A''s house had spouting as the other side was still being repaired so water dripped everywhere. I'm cold tonight, I'm in winter PJS ha ha

makerealbany - 2019-03-09 23:18:00

Your week sounds like what mine might be like this week coming. LOL. Festival yesterday went really well but heaps of sausages left, darn it.
Wet today, so gardens on hold till one evening, I guess. Packing and cleaning planned inside.

grizzly4 - 2019-03-10 10:10:00

A and I took all of the four youngest grandchildren to Jump today, A worked on her Laptop whilst I kept an eye on the children who had such fun. An hour later they were all red faced and hungry so off to Lunch we went. T was helping A and C clean their last rental and they were very happy to move into their lovely new rental which is a Palace compared to the damp house they had. I took K home this afternoon and all of the children went to bed early lol. I made some Saurkraut, fed the sourdough starter and made two salads to put in the fridge. Washed up the dishes and its bed for me.

makerealbany - 2019-03-11 00:13:00

Wow that was a busy day for you, makerealbany.I finally stopped at 9.45 to watch the end of a movie. Never woke once during the night. LOL.Shop this morning with one set of dolls clothes to take in. Have only managed to do the back and one front of a jacket. STaff training tonight at work so won't be early home either. THere is a viewing here this afternoon so I really hope they lease it and get us off the hook from paying 2 rents for the next few weeks.

grizzly4 - 2019-03-11 06:33:00

I hope they lease it as well. Well I got up at 6 and then ran all day. The builder left to go home after two weeks and I thoroughly cleaned the house for A and S. There was sawdust all over the place. Tracked in on the carpets in the ranchsliders, etc . I finished the house and all the washing at 2.45. Picked J up from school . Its only 5 mins down the road. Then I swept the concrete in front of my cottage as there was wood and all sorts there. I have the framework up for a nice porch over my front door now. I had to move the big pot planters as well but its looking good. I then swept the front porch of the house picking up nails, screws and bits of wood. M11 arrived home from school and gave me a glass of cool water, She said I looked very hot ha ha. I swept up the concrete at their back door and cleaned that mess up. By that time it was 5, Got the washing in and M helped me fold it all and put it away. At 6 A arrived, I came home had a shower and left for Orewa, I took the woolrests up to the lovely new Laundry, Put them through the huge machine for 30 mins. I rang my youngest son as he lives up there so he popped down to keep me company. I gave him 3 bags of fruit and he gave me a hug lol. He wanted me to go to his townhouse and have a coffee but I just wanted to get home. So got back here at 9 and had to grab a salad and feed the starter etc, I'm ready for bed.

Edited by makerealbany at 12:04 am, Tue 12 Mar

makerealbany - 2019-03-12 00:02:00

I know I'm tired I had written 43 bags of fruit ha ha.

makerealbany - 2019-03-12 00:05:00

LOl What an enormous day you had. Those tradesman did a shocking job of cleaning up after themselves by the sounds of it. I'm finishing work early today so I can have a haircut. Daughter S and B10 are here for tea so I will have to find the box with pots in it. LOL. S is back to work after surgery and now she is trying to get B assessed once anf for all after being stood down at school. It's been a bit obvious that B is on the Autistic Spectrum somewhere but because he is so academically high functioning no-one is listening whe we ask for support around his not being able to socialise . It's costing $385 for the assessment as Ministry of Ed won't make a referral through their system and yet they can't mange his behaviour on the bad days. Her ex-husband is on the spectrum and had no support so doesn't want his son labelled now. He forgets that by the time he was a teenager he was severely depressed and attemted suicide at least twice that we know of. If it doesn't rain, it pours round here at times! Just one thing after another but I am really pleased finally there will be some wrap around support before B gets to high school.

grizzly4 - 2019-03-12 06:52:00

OMG poor B, S and You. Health Support in this country has gone to the dogs. One of my grandsons is extremely bright but also had so much trouble socializing. Was always a loner at school. Couldn't settle into Varsity but indulged in his passion for music which seemed to settle him somehow. He and his girlfriend are working in Japan and he is doing well. Years of worry for my DIL and my son though.

makerealbany - 2019-03-12 21:53:00

B had his first appointment yesterday and has a pre-diagnosis of Asbergers plus something else, I can't pronounce. Full assessment happening in a couple of weeks. Doctor was astounded that school had not already set up referral years ago considering has Dad's family history and the number of ticks B is presenting!!!!! MOE Pyscologist put it down to S being a working parent, remember? B was 6 then. I am so pleased something is happening for him now.

grizzly4 - 2019-03-13 06:34:00

h mygosh, we are so tired. LOL. I pack and clean before I go to work and then we are all outside tidying gardens and organising our outdoor stuff after tea. It's geting darker earlier, too. I got eaten alive by mosquitoes on Wednesday night because I was in garden after dark. Thats the first time this summer but I just didn't think about it. Grrr. I have the day off tomorrow and get to pick up the keys to the new house. Hopefully I get a few trips in with the small stuff before the men finish work.

grizzly4 - 2019-03-14 06:16:00