That's strange isn't it? My BIL is up and down in Hospital. Lots of changes in Hospitals. My sister has to go and stay in Hospital with him for 48 hours so she can learn how to do this and hat etc. Then he can go home. Never heard of that before. Yes you are correct prices have skyrocketed. J spent the morning at school today as we are introducing him back to school slowly, He is very anxious about being with others.

makerealbany - 2020-05-27 18:45:00

L is having a second day off school this week. Not sure what's going on , he's not his usual silly self that's for sure but think it's more mental than physical health that's the issue. His Dad rolled his ankle at work on Tuesday so he's happy to stay home with L thank goodness, as I'm pretty busy at work now that everything is up and running again.

grizzly4 - 2020-05-28 07:47:00

I can imagine that a lot of parents have anxious children going back to school. Jo was bullied badly before Lockdown and A put a complaint in as another child told her that he and his brother saw J being hit and punched by three other boys. Investigation is still ongoing and the School has been instructed by the Department of Education to update their Policy on Bullying. They have sent someone out to make sure Process has vastly improved etc. The Principal had not informed the Parents of the other boys etc,etc. J received letters of apology from the other boys. One stated he would not beat him up again !!!!!!! J says he is still saying nasty things though. A is waiting for the final Report from the MOE after several Meetings with the Principal mmmm J does not want to leave the school as he has some friends there. The Boys who witnessed it all have been taken out of the School by their Parents.
I took K for his haircut after school today as it was too packed on the weekend. There was hardly anyone there to our delight.

makerealbany - 2020-05-28 23:22:00

That's just dreadful what J has gone through. All these anti-bullying campaigns don't seem to be working at all. The kids know they can get away with it because of the adult attitudes!

grizzly4 - 2020-05-29 07:17:00

We moved J from a decile 10 primary school to a decile 3 school after 3 1/2 years of bullying. School management said all the right things about not tolerating bullying but at heart they were very uncaring and nothing was ever done. The bullies had such a high sense of entitlement which was reinforced by the attitudes of their parents and the school management. When J started school he was a brilliant, self- confident shining star. Those bullies and the treatment by the school robbed him of his confidence, made him fearful and withdrawn and gave him deep anxiety that he still struggles with today. I wish we had moved schools earlier instead of trusting that it would be sorted. Nearly 20 years later I am still saddened at the memory and have such anger towards the bullies and the school management, and such pain in my heart that my beautiful boy suffered so much.
It seems that nothing has changed in all those years, makerealbany. They’re still hiding behind their investigations and processes - as if a letter of a apology is going to do anything to erase the hurt and confusion that your J must be feeling.

millefiori - 2020-05-29 08:57:00

I feel for your son milliefiori. Bullying does have a long term impact. There always appears to be lots of talk but nothing changes. We are determined that change will occur and will keep fighting this. Parents bully and so it goes down to their children who do the same thing. Throughout my work life I encountered it many times but was able to navigate my way through. Processes are only as good as the People who instigate them.
We have a high Gale warning up here for the next few days so we may lose power and internet .I hope not but we always do in storms. Hope the weather is better your way girls.
I'm sill crocheting that pink blanket. Used 500 grms so far. I'm using all my variegated Pink 100 grm balls I have in my stash. My right hand cramps a bit so I can only do so much before I need to switch to knitting lol.

makerealbany - 2020-05-31 13:13:00

Good luck with your weather up there!

I have finished a pair of dungarees except for the bands and have run out of wool! Grrr! It is out of stock at our closest Spotlights (Christchurch and Nelson) so I have ordered it online through them. Saved $1.50 on the ball of wool but postage charged is $11.99! Ridiculous. They could put it in a $3 postal bag. I have started a matinee set while I wait.

grizzly4 - 2020-06-01 08:56:00

Well it wasn't as bad here as predicted lol. T had it bad up at the Beach. I covered and tied down all my outdoor furniture and even brought my flowering pots inside duh. Anyway furniture can stay covered and pots are back on the verandah. OMG I would have cancelled that order I can send it cheaper from here.
I have been plodding away on this blanket which is larger than cot size now so it will most likely fit a single bed when completed. I also downloaded a free Ravelry Pattern for a French Macaroon. This is an easy fast little pullover for L Garter stitch . I finally found buttons for the last cardi I knitted her. They were in my stash . I knew I had another big box of buttons but I had put them in a container marked Ribbons, I was most likely in one of those moods. You know Buttons and Bows!!!! ha ha.

makerealbany - 2020-06-02 00:18:00

LOl. It's when I put something somewhere safe I know I have lost it forever!!

grizzly4 - 2020-06-02 07:10:00

I have to go to the Mall tomorrow. I have got my list so I can be in and out as quick as a flash ha ha. Started a pattern to test for a jersey and decided I didn't like the band so I pulled it undone lol. Did a 100 grms on my blanket to pacify myself. You have some lovely things in the shop grizzly.

makerealbany - 2020-06-02 23:55:00

Thank you. All our crafts people were so busy over lockdown. Luckily our customers missed us too as the weather gets colder. We have had a great first 2 weeks since reopening and it's just as well as the rent for the shop has just gone up. I hope it continues as their is no support for voluntary organisations who don't need the wage subsidy. Nothing has happened about rent relief for small business as far as I have heard. Ah well, it won't be the first time in our 40plus years we have struggled.

grizzly4 - 2020-06-03 07:50:00

Well at least Spotlight was on to it quick enough getting me the ball of wool to finish my knitting for Monday. Trouble is I now have a matinee set to finish as well and we have our weekend away in Akaroa this weekend. Yippee. I have been trying to get a motel over there for over a year. Finally it's worked, albeit it took a pandemic to do it.

grizzly4 - 2020-06-04 07:35:00

Unbelievable that they would increase the rent at this time. I bet there will be lots of vacant shops around soon. There are 3 new for Sale signs on our road. Big flash properties. My Sil said it would be a good time to invest in a rental. My daughter just shook her head No. Things will be very unsure for at lest a year. Big Client Companies are not able to get the work done they wanted to so A is very wary. I'm glad I'm on Superannuation.
That's great that Spotlight sent your wool at so quick. I have been busy trying to see if the Panasonic Service Centre can get me a replacement thermostat for my Bread Maker It still cooks the bread but its not as good as it should be. Farmers had 40 percent off but they had sold out of Bread Makers and of course are awaiting on stock. Same with parts, Don't know when they will be able to get any in.
That's sounds wonderful. A weekend in Akaroa. I have never been there. Read all about it's history though.

makerealbany - 2020-06-04 23:34:00

Lots of houses going on the market around us too, and like you said they are big houses. That's a shame about your breadmaker, I don't use mine as much as I should. I'm really looking forward to our weekend away and I'm hoping the highlight will be visiting the Giant's House with it's Mosaic garden. Google it, it looks amazing. You might have to make another trip south when all this Covid stuff is over. Fly down this time though. LOL.

grizzly4 - 2020-06-05 07:28:00

It's been a little over 3 years since your visit!!

grizzly4 - 2020-06-05 07:29:00

I know ha ha. Hope your weekend away went well. I have been busy sorting wool and destashing wool. Trying to declutter as well mmmm lol

makerealbany - 2020-06-08 22:10:00

Amazing weekend!!! Thank you. Really awful weather Saturday afternoon but we browsed the shops before settling into our lovely warm Motel room to watch movies in front of a stunning waterfront view. We walked around the wharf and other shops and then did The Giants House. Haven't had this much exercise in over a year!! LOL. The mosaic gardens were incredible and definitely worth a visit if you get the chance despite a walk uphill to get to it and lots of mosaic steps as the garden is set on the side of a hill. Back home now and back to sulky staff and funding issues at work. I look forward to my evenings at home knitting.

grizzly4 - 2020-06-09 07:23:00

Hi Grizzly4 are you able to knit a beanie for my special grandaughter, or know of someone who can. i have made scarf but that is about my limit. I have the left over wool to match it. i am in christchurch east side. thanks

trishy31 - 2020-06-09 11:31:00

Hi trishy31. I would love to help. Are you able to come into Purple Patch and see me on a Monday morning? If thats not a good time for you then you can drop the wool in there anytime with the pattern you want done if you have one and I will pick it up. Leave your contact number with the wool so I can have a chat about size etc. The shop is at 243 Colombo St, which is south of Brougham St, opposite the Salvation Army church.

grizzly4 - 2020-06-10 07:24:00

So glad you had a nice weekend. The mosaic gardens sound really lovely. I spent so much time in Spain and Italy admiring Mosaics. Takes me back ha ha. Ill bear that in mind and put Akaroa on my Bucket list. I have no desire to travel overseas for a long time mmmm. I sold a lot of wool and sent it by Pass the Parcel yesterday afternoon and lots of it has already arrived Palmerstone North and Hamilton. Pretty fast deliveries. Awesome really.
J is going to a Montessori School. He was and still is so anxious about school. He has been going to his new school for a few hours with A. Next week he will be going there all day. The bullying did not stop at his old school even with a new process in place . All J keeps saying is "Who will mind the little kids Nan? The Teachers don't see him doing it "I had to reassure him that Mummy will let them know. A had a final Meeting with them all . Very red faces as she can be very vocal in a controlled way ha ha. Needless to say they were very upset as she also resigned as Chair. I have a feeling she will have started an exodus there, Its a shame but J's
wellbeing comes first.
I, like you, also have an order for a Beanie ha ha. I cannot find my favourite pattern so am using a new one.

Edited by makerealbany at 9:32 pm, Wed 10 Jun

makerealbany - 2020-06-10 21:30:00

Poor J, having to settle somewhere else, but good on you all for listening to him and putting his needs first. Hopefully he will make some new friends soon. Silly school for not listening to a parent who is also their CHair. LOL. Serves them right. Has the Ministry been informed of the issues and reasons for her resignation.?.
We had a wonderful morning at Women's Group yesterday with a local artist, Shaugn Briggs coming to give a lesson in watercolours. There were some outstanding results! I know you like the photos I put up on the Purple Patch facebook page, maybe you will enjoy the ones I put on my work page as well, check out Woolston Development Project.

grizzly4 - 2020-06-11 07:27:00

Yes the Ministry have been informed. They tried to talk her out of resigning. It did not work lol. The results of he investigation are scathing. A couple of Board Members were shocked.
I have my son and granddaughter here again. Love having them. Ill check out the other page.

makerealbany - 2020-06-13 15:41:00

L1 is on my lap causing havoc. She just deleted my message ha ha. Lovely day here. I have to knit her some more cardis and Milos. She is growing like a bean.

makerealbany - 2020-06-15 20:09:00

No babies here to cause havoc on the computer but definitely 1 cat who is a pain in the neck. LOL. He is so attention seeking and really doesn't need to be with 2 men and a boy at his beck and call. Hi gets up on benches and knocks things off till he has your attention and chews papers left on the dining room table. I have found him with his head in my knitting bag twice in recent weeks!!!! I have to make sure he can't get my knitting when I finish for the night all the time now. So annoying. All my cats knew better and never found them on kitchen benches. Sigh. I miss them.

grizzly4 - 2020-06-16 07:32:00

It's taken 10 days to knit a matinee jacket and a bonnet!!! I must be really slowing down or it's this pattern...... very pretty but has wee bobbles on every 4th row. Still have bootees to do before I can put it in shop lol.
Off ten pin bowling with the Women's Group this morning. Yahoo!

grizzly4 - 2020-06-17 07:31:00

Is it me or has the world just got crazy busy? It's like everyone is racing to catch up on lost time after lockdown. I love having lots to do but with every second week being tied to school hours with L here, it's a more of a struggle than I thought it would be. Just finished the matinee set (although not sewn up) and have a couple of orders waiting now. Looking forward to the weekend hopefully for a slower pace. Everyone well?

grizzly4 - 2020-06-19 07:29:00

I am so over rude people who only think about themselves and are disrespectful and oh, so negative all the time! There I've said it and I can move on.......LOL.
I'm knitting an order for a 7-8 year old at present. (Completely unrelated to my first sentence) It's a pattern that has been around for quite a while, done in gold with black triangles and lines to make up a tiger fairisle pattern. The front has the whiskers and the nose etc. Easy enough but feels so big after baby knitting. LOL. I have another order coming in for me to do the snowflake fairisle borders on a jersey the customer is knitting. I haven't enjoyed doing snow flakes in the past much. Same as how I feel about milos on circular needles, makerealbany. LOL>

grizzly4 - 2020-06-21 10:02:00

HI. Know what you mean about cats, Dunhill is meowing at my son every night ha ha. Its like 'Wow Dad is back ' I'm just the fool who feeds him ha ha. Its hectic at the moment and for the last few days I have being going to the Resthome to spend time with R . She sleeps most of the time now but when she wakes we make sure someone in the family is there.
L1 is always on the go. A had her out this morning and now her father has taken her to see her Mum so I will whizz around the Cottage cleaning. You just cannot hoover with her around ha ha. She loves pushing buttons so ugh. I am sending my great nephews knitting and other gifts tomorrow so its back to the crochet. My daughter T asked for the blanket. I have been taking it to the Resthome and she loves it. M doesn't like the colours now so T is happy lol.
Everyone up this way is the same . Racing everywhere.

makerealbany - 2020-06-21 15:48:00

I guess you will be getting lots of knitting or crochet done sitting at the rest home. Or maybe not? I never get much done whenever S is in hospital. Doing this larger size jersey is doing my shoulder in big time, the back is done and a couple of inches up the front done. I'll keep plodding along with it.

grizzly4 - 2020-06-22 07:12:00

Not a great day yesterday. Ended up knitting a row last night, falling asleep, knitting another row, falling asleep till about 9pm then I was wide awake, enjoying Netflix and knitting happily for the next 2 hours. LOL.

grizzly4 - 2020-06-23 07:29:00

Yes I manage to get some done there. Its so hectic here sometimes I'm not sure if I'm Arthur or Martha lol.
Waiting for the Electrician as we have a problem grrrr. Anyway I'm going to see my sister E in Rotorua this weekend. No matter what ha ha. Need a break from here.

makerealbany - 2020-06-23 11:24:00

Yes get your visit in before we all end up in Lockdown again, I reckon. I can't believe whats happening up your way with people not being tested. I feel sorry for that Bloomfield guy, it's hardly his fault mistakes are happening much further down the line. We are going to Blenheim weekend after next to catch up with my parents. Haven't seen them since Christmas.

grizzly4 - 2020-06-24 07:20:00

I think they have been very slack at the Border. They were asking them how they felt instead of testing them. People lie !!!!! Bloomfield cannot be blamed for lackadaisical Border Control.
That will be lovely to catch up with your parents. I will call in on my way home to see my other sister in Hamilton. Electrician did not arrive yesterday. Was supposed to be here today at 10 grrrr. Sold some more Wool. Ill never knit it all even if I live for another 20 years ha ha. I keep finding more. I thought I was so organized but sadly ha ha

makerealbany - 2020-06-24 10:58:00

You know a project will come up in the future that would be perfect for the wool you have sold!!! Then you won't remember where you put it. LOL. Sounds like me. I have almost finished the front of the tiger jersey. The customer provided Crucci wool and I had forgotten how badly it fluffs, especially the black. I now have another order for Barbie doll clothes - from one extreme to the other. LOL.

grizzly4 - 2020-06-25 07:29:00

Looks like a wet next few days ahead for us. It needs to be up your way more to fix the water issue, I guess. Hopefully time to catch up with housework, finish that jersey and do my GST for work. So busy lately, I'm a bit behind on the normal stuff.

grizzly4 - 2020-06-27 10:31:00

Home today with another wicked headache. At least I can sew up that jersey.

grizzly4 - 2020-06-30 10:13:00

I got sick and did not get to go and see my sisters. The weather was lousy so they were relieved I wasn't travelling. I gave the bug to Lila 1 as she and her Dad are still with me. It was just a cough but annoying. I finished he last blanket and am knitting L1 more clothes as she is a bit short with this weather. Went and bought Merino Body suits for her today. We have no idea where her mother stashed all the larger things we bought for her and she is not telling us ugh. They have been here 3 weeks now but Family Court is so far behind. So we do what we have too in order to look after L. She has the whole family twisted around her finger ha ha. She is back to normal sleeping routines which is great. Its been 5 years today since Mum passed and 41 years since K passed. Time is just flying now. Got a haircut today and looked in the mirror wondering who that old lady was ha ha.

makerealbany - 2020-07-02 18:42:00

Sorry to hear you haven't been well. We didn't get our trip away this weekend either. Well we got as far as the other side of Amberley early Friday morning before I's car gave up. We turned back in time to get it home to the mechanics. Turns out a small leak in the windscreen seal has fried the computer that runs everything!!! $4000 to fix so we sold it back to them and bought another. We had it 3 years and something major went wrong each year. I wasn't prepared to put up with it any more. I couriered up Mum and Dad's presents and ordered another cake from a place in Blenheim to be delivered to them on Tuesday. LOL. We are eating the original cake. Not the cheapest weekend, it has to be said.

grizzly4 - 2020-07-05 09:52:00

The week feels frantic already. I'm having to more of my hours into the holiday programme this time, a few dramas at the shop to sort out and daughter S. goes in for surgery on her liver tomorrow. Even had to enlist son S's help geting his Dad to and from work while the new car is in for a towbar to be fitted. We are all going to need a lazy weekend this week.

grizzly4 - 2020-07-07 06:56:00

What a week! S is safely home after surgery. Although the stent is costing up to $5000 over the surgery amount covered by Southern Cross. Looks like her body isn't tolerating it either so may come out earlier than the 6 weeks it's supposed to stay in. !!!!! We thought it was a permanent method of sorting this out. Sigh. I have had a lovely week with L13 on the holiday programme, had some great Lego challenges. LOL. I will miss him next week but B12 is joining the programme so that will definitely keep me busy. Entirely different kettle of fish!

grizzly4 - 2020-07-11 10:09:00

That's a shame about your car grrr. Poor S hats awful having to cope with Surgery. all that extra cost and then to be told its not working. I really feel for you. I am in the midst of packing up. A and S have put an offer in on a larger property so we are on the move. I am having to really destash as we need to put a lot into storage for 3 months. Its bedlam here so I am going to mind my son's house while my DIL and granddaughter are in Wellington for a break. Its about 15 to 20 mins away so I will be back and forth until Sunday. I can do with an escape ha ha. Cannot go and visit my sis E now as her treatment date is approaching and she cant see anyone until after that. My BIL is still in hospital as they are trying new meds. Sent him home and two days later he had to go back sigh.
M and J are enjoying cleaning out their rooms and packing summer stuff up for storage. Not really ha ha.

makerealbany - 2020-07-14 21:26:00

OMG, huge changes ahead for you all. Will you still have your own place or move into the family home again on the next property?

grizzly4 - 2020-07-15 07:16:00

They want to build me another Granny Flat but I'm not sure I want to do that all again. I'm just thinking it through. Sales on Destash are pretty slow which is a sign of the Economy. I'm going to my sons tonight. I am so looking forward to peace and quiet and some knitting ha ha, Weather is lousy here. What are the sales like on TM ?

makerealbany - 2020-07-16 13:54:00

I haven't tried to sell much on TM lately. Like you I am completely peopled out so having a very quiet weekend. The men are busy doing various race things both days so it will be just me thank goodness.

grizzly4 - 2020-07-18 10:14:00

Judith, if you are still checking in on this site can you please contact me directly or the shop as they have no address/ph number for you.

grizzly4 - 2020-07-18 10:16:00

Very wet here today. Women's Group off to Brunch this morning for the first group of term. Has your family's offer been accepted, makerealbany? Are you on the move?
There are a few changes ahead for me, too, coming up and I'm finding it hard to settle into much knitting. Mostly baby socks and bootees at present just so at least things get finished. I have found some nice patterns on TM lately though and of course their is a pile of wool waiting to be used. LOL.

grizzly4 - 2020-07-22 07:27:00

Grizzly plaster came off yesterday. I mentioned knitting, specialist said go for it. Yeah

judith98 - 2020-07-22 16:25:00

Thats good news, Judith. I look forward to seeing the results in the shop.

grizzly4 - 2020-07-24 07:26:00

How are you millefiori? Making time for crafting these days?

grizzly4 - 2020-07-24 07:27:00

40th Anniversary yesterday was a lovely family day and family dinner out tonight. The cake I ordered is beautiful and we'll be taking it with us.

grizzly4 - 2020-07-26 10:26:00