kiwimade64 wrote:

not knitting, but I have finally finished the Christmas stockings, all ready for Santa's visit :P

https://trademe.tmcdn.co.nz/photoserver/full/537848137.jpg[/
quote]

They are Lovely Kiwimade... Well done.

Its been drizzling all day. But we have had a lovely time. Wandered around 3 very large stores and the wheelchair was very handy.. tricky in spots cos of well stocked isles. But I didnt break anything.
Went to countdown to get some sausages and thought id run the lotto through the machine.. Was blown away to find we had won $77 in the strike. Have never played lotto with the powerball and strike. So that was a lovely bonus at the end of our day out.

Will get the groceries tomorrow as we didnt have enough room in the car.

Bianca1 from Tm finally had her son this morning at 7-15am. 4 days late and he was a nice 7lb 13oz. So she is happy now... I sent her a blanket and booties a wee while ago.

Time to sit with my feet up for a while.

popeye333 - 2016-12-08 14:39:00

Afternoon ladies, just home from the market, I had a bit better day today despite less than favourable conditions. The alarm woke me at 6am and I reached out to put the light on and nothing happened, tried again and thought "oh bother, the light bulb must have blown", but no, there was a power cut. Not to worry, I can boil water in a saucepan for my cuppa, just have to use a match to light it instead of just turning the knob. First world problems - so no problem. Didn't bother to make any lunch as I only had toast bread (which I like for toast but not sandwiches) and thought I would buy a pie or something at the bakery across the road, thinking the power cut would be very localised. What I hadn't bargained on was half of northland being without power which meant no lights or music in the hall, no hot water and the bakery across the road only had cakes, slices or muffins so I ended up with a coffee and walnut muffin for lunch.

The chap who runs the market is a very "chubby" bearded old fellow who departed to do a santa stint at one of the schools and returned with a gas ring and gas bottle so we could boil water for a cuppa - he forgot a saucepan so one of the locals who lives very close by was despatched to get a pan from home, and by the time she got back there was a row of cups lined up waiting for boiling water. Power didn't come back on till just before 3. Apparently someone had been shooting at the glass insulators on the power lines somewhere in the middle of nowhere in rugged terrain and with the awful weather it was quite a mission to find the fault and fix it. Course the atms weren't working so people who were carrying no cash couldn't buy anything. Grrrr!

Was told today I can have a stall on Saturday and Sunday so that's good, (if I manage to sell things) but I have a better chance if I'm at the market.

Feet up time and then think about cooking tea.

Have an awesome evening.

Edited by kuaka at 4:34 pm, Thu 8 Dec

kuaka - 2016-12-08 16:32:00

morning ladies :) Your power cut was on the news kuaka, seems someone was taking potshots at the glass insulators.

Housework for me today, and I'll have to find some more crafty things for me to do.

Happy knitting :)

kiwimade64 - 2016-12-09 06:52:00

Morning
Nice little windfall for you Popeye - will help with the wool order lol.
Just can't understand the mentality of some people - shooting at power pylons obviously no thought of the impact on others!

Have a morning tea at the school today, it's for all their helpers. Then this afternoon I'm helping with their "wet day". Brother has organised this for several years now he has a variety of water related activities such as relays of carrying water in leaking cans, shooting runners with water guns etc. I usually look after the water slide - a large piece of plastic with dish wash and water on it. The school runs it well with the teachers keeping the kids under control as they move between activities. The kids wear their togs and have a fun afternoon usually ending with a free for all water fight with some teachers joining in and getting as wet as the kids.

Think I'll be ready to put my feet up with the knitting this evening.

jayemtoo - 2016-12-09 07:22:00

Morning everyone.

Your right Jayemtoo, youngers ones dont seem to know about consequences of their actions. I think im probably in one of the last generation that do know.

Having gas is always handy in power cuts. When we lived in Mangakino the tranformer blew at the Whakamrua dam. Mango was between two hydro dams.
Luckily our gas bottle on the BBQ was full so we were heating water for peoples cups of tea for a few days. It was nearly a week without power. You would have thought we were giving them liquid gold lol.

Yes the extra money will be handy. We have asked if there is an extra side of hogget going, if we could have it. So it will pay for that if we are lucky.

My brain wasnt working last night. It was soo hot that it shut down. So I didnt bother picking up my hook.

I have to go get the groceries this morning. Wasnt any room yesterday.

Ive a pot of pig trotters on the stove (Yuck) MrP loves them, and they had a bag of them near the sausages yesterday so I got them. Thinking it was a bag of 6 for $6-60.. it had 10 in it,, so that was a good bonus too. I am really fussy foodwise but I can say I tried them, once.and it wasnt so much the taste I didnt like but the texture. Yuck i dont like jellied meat. but MrP will enjoy them. he wants them cold, but I will put some cabbage in the water at teatime.

Have a fab day everyone

popeye333 - 2016-12-09 09:39:00

Morning ladies, a late start. I woke a 4, read for a while and then dozed off and have only just woken.

Not sure if I will go to the Friday session of knit and natter or not. On Wednesday I waited over half an hour for my coffee, then when it arrived there was lipstick on the cup. So I sent it back and said not to bother, and I came home for a coffee.

I think I will put clean sheets on the bed and do the washing, then go to the supermarket and then do some snooker practise.

I'm really annoyed with myself. I said to a friend at the market yesterday that I hoped the power came on in time for me to bid on a pair of oars and rowlocks on here (and of course it was) but I forgot all about the auction and missed out. They went for well under half the new price. grrrr. My own fault, I should have put in an auto-bid.

I had to smile at the woman from the power company who said on tv last night that they couldn't rule out that it may not have been accidental (or something like that), seems pretty obvious to me when the bullet casings were found under the three pylons that were damaged.

My secret santa on fb on the nz yarn lotto, spoiled me well and truly.

Have a super day.

kuaka - 2016-12-09 10:02:00

morning ladies :) No crafting for me as our students arrive today. Boys this time so MrK takes over a bit more.

MrK was reading our local rag yesterday and there was a vine we have labelled 'noxious weed' so out I went with the lopers and spade and got rid of it. Luckily it wasn't going to seed just yet.

Happy knitting :)

kiwimade64 - 2016-12-10 07:55:00

Morning
Had a fun afternoon with the school kids, we all ended up rather wet in the free for all water fight at the end but it was nice and cooling. Noticed this am my neck is pinkish where I forgot the sunscreen!
Had a bit of a doze when I got home then made 3 Christmas cakes as had everything ready for them. So at least started on this years supply.

Have a BBQ this evening so guess no crafting today. Just found out another niece is expecting a boy early next year so will have to look out some patterns, have quite a bit of girl stuff done but not much for boys. Plenty of time yet.

Have a good day

jayemtoo - 2016-12-10 08:11:00

Morning everyone.

Have fun with the students Kiwimade..

Your thread about privet is very apt at the mo. The guy over the back is turning his into a tree. hes pruned all the bottom, so has left all the flowers on.. GGRRR..

Sounds like you have fun Jayemtoo.

I was going to bake our cake today. But pain has won this morning. So Ill be crocheting.
MrP asked why didnt I make our huge steamed pudding instead. Its a fryut pudding, and no fail.. And at least then we could have it cold with butter on and warm with custard. So that will be the plan once Ive checked the spices.
Do any of you ladies make truffles? I only remember making them once. But I want to know how they store? I would like to make some and keep them for as long as possible, so we only have one every so often.

The christmas parade has been postponed from today ,to tomorrow. Its trying to rain already.

Today would be my Dads 83rd birthday, I cant imagine him as being old. lol

Have a fab day everyone

popeye333 - 2016-12-10 09:07:00

time for a cuppa :) I freeze my truffles popeye, if you freeflow them, you can take one or two out at a time.

Phone your council about the privet tree, I have an 0800 number for ours I found late yesterday so will be calling Monday morning. Our council is trying to get rid of it but can't be everywhere at once.

kiwimade64 - 2016-12-10 09:36:00

Thanks Kiwimade re the truffles.. I thoght you could but wanted to make sure. And thats why I wanted to freeze them, so i could make them up and then not have to eat them all fast.

Yes I will our council and see what they are doing about it.. I could always PM the deputy mayor of Auckland cos we have known each other for 30ish years.. Could be handy having someone at the top lol

popeye333 - 2016-12-10 12:03:00

Afternoon ladies, just home from the market. Not a very successful day would be an understatement. Hardly anyone around and I sold the total sum of nothing. Oh well, another day tomorrow so maybe it will be better. Booked in for another on 22nd this month but there are 3 cruise ships in before then and no space for me at this stage. Might get one if there's a cancellation, so fingers crossed.

I had no sooner set up this morning and realised that I didn't have my knitting bag with me, yet I remembered carrying it downstairs this morning, so back up to my friends place where I park my car, but it wasn't there, so I nipped home and here it was sitting beside the cue rack in the billiard room. I would have gone nuts sitting there all day with no knitting to do. As it is, I just have a few rounds on the arm of an elephant and the elephant is finished, apart from embroidering the eyes on. I'll finish it today, then I'll have to find something to do tomorrow.

Right now I'm going to have a cup of tea and then a snooker practise and have a re-think about tea, and i was planning on having a bbq but it's raining.

Have a good evening everyone.

kuaka - 2016-12-10 15:41:00

Monring everyone.
A wild and wooly morning this morning, not too hot tho, so that suits me.

Had a lovely relaxing day yesterday, pottering around doing a few odd things and crochet. Ive done 105 squares now.. I think the last will happen faster now.

Our christmas parade hopefully will have finer weather, but the kids had better wrap up with the wind.

Going to have another quiet day.

Have a fab day everyone

popeye333 - 2016-12-11 09:15:00

Morning
Mmmmm truffles, I was thinking about making some too but didn't know how long they would keep as they have butter and cream in them. Now I know they will keep a reasonable time m definitely going to make some thanks ladies.

Went to a most enjoyable BBQ last evening had to take a dessert so made a biggish fruit salad - there were 2 more there! So brought some home, I like next day fruit salad fortunately.

Spent good part of the night reading so think it will take it as I feel like it today. Probably potter in the kitchen this pm as having fun making chocolates and fudges for presents and of course can always relax with the knitting.

jayemtoo - 2016-12-11 09:19:00

Good morning all - Haven't posted in a while - been unwell. The craft fair went very well - made over $200! My handmade chocs were my best seller - $100. Made another lot of chocs yesterday for gifts for friends and family - will be quite happy if I never see another choc again!!! Have been trying to decide whether to put up the Christmas tree or not - Have got it out of storage but still undecided - oh well - will have another think. By the time I make up my mind, DH will probably have put it away again. At least that will give me an answer!
Have a great day everyone

tinybaldone - 2016-12-11 10:27:00

MOrning everyone.

Not good you have been unwell tinybaldone. I hope your on the mend soon.

I still havent got as far as making the truffles. Im kinda hanging off till I get my new microwave. The other has huge paint flakes in it. I bought one off here last night and its an inverta one that grills as well. Only paid $92 and they are over $600 new. So much easier to melt chocolate in the microwave lol.
Only did a couple of squares yesterday, was pottering with housework instead.

Have a fab day everyone

popeye333 - 2016-12-12 07:49:00

Morning ladies, a much better day at the market yesterday - not "hugely" successful but I sold a few things, including a baby shawl which I virtually gave away just to get rid of it, but was pleased to see it go as I started it when my daughter was pregnant to give to her, and her oldest is 14 and the younger one 11. I thought I would never sell it as it was wool but not machine washable - big mistake to use wool that needs hand washing, nobody wants to buy it.

I made sure I took my knitting bag and managed to do four complete strips of a "mile a minute" blanket and joined them to the three I had already done, so it won't take me long to finish it.

Did a Deramores order as a Christmas treat to myself. Oops!

Cooked myself a bbq last night as I had steak to cook and didn't want to do it indoors, but I nearly got blown off the deck, which was a shame as it was nice and sunny. My poor little plants were looking very sad, especially the spinach so I've given them a good drink and fingers crossed they will have perked up overnight.

Op shop this morning, snooker tournament tonight (it's the final) so wish me luck ladies, tomorrow it's the last of our mah jong and we start earlier with a pot luck lunch, and tomorrow evening I'm out for a meal with the chap who took Mr K's funeral because he refused to bank the cheque I sent him, so he suggested I take him out for a meal. I was going to take him to the Thai restaurant but he suggested the Club, so that will probably get tongues wagging in this little town. Let them talk.

Have a super day everyone.

kuaka - 2016-12-12 08:05:00

Morning
You certainly did well at the craft market Tinybaldone do you put centres in your chocolates? I'm experimenting with making some for Christmas but not sure what to put in the middles. Made some Russian fudge yesterday and it turned out really well I'm going to have to hide it from myself I think!
I don't usually bother with sweets but am enjoying making them knowing I will be giving them away.

Ooooh wool orders for Christmas. I think I need to go to Skeinz this week to ensure I don't run out over the holidays, - good enough excuse to get more lol.

jayemtoo - 2016-12-12 08:25:00

Hi Jayemtoo - Yes, I put centres in most of my chocs. I bought the fillings at Spotlight - strawberry, mint, caramel, pineapple and a plain white which can be flavoured however you want. (I leave it plain!). Others I put nuts in, and also coconut. I use mostly milk choc, but do some with dark and also white. Have fun with them.

tinybaldone - 2016-12-12 09:45:00

A perfect christmas, Wool orders and choccies lol.

My plan is to make coconut ice which I know I havent had in over 12 years. but Im using a different recipe. It had Allens Redskin raspberry lollies in for colour and flavour. So it should be nice. I will make some normal fudge. Its a recipe I got from a lovely lady in Mangakino. She used to make it for C.W.I's baking stalls and it was the first thing to be sold out every time. And its a nice crunchy fudge, I prefer that to smooth ones. We got a card from her on the weekend, she is 94 now.. She recently got a walker and is still walking all over town lol

Plus the truffles lol.

I won the microwave last night Yayay.. They are about $600 new I got it for $92. This is it

"Panasonic Inverter Power Grill. 1 year old, very little use, pretty much in as new condition. Height 31cm, Width 52cm, Depth 40cm. Pick up near Waiuku or could possibly deliver on route to work in Mount Wellington."

https://trademe.tmcdn.co.nz/photoserver/full/538909250.jpg

Im hoping he will drop it off on his way to work.. Ill have to learn how to use it tho, cos it works differently plus it grills which will be awesome for just the two of us.

Been to drs, all is good and I managed to tell her how I didnt tell MrP that they were checking for liver cancers in his scan. She said it was a good desicion, cos its all fine and it would have made him worry.. he has to see her on wednesday so I was able to tattle tale today lol.

Seems ages since breakfast, was a couple of hours earlier than normal. So might have an early lunch

Edited by popeye333 at 11:30 am, Mon 12 Dec

popeye333 - 2016-12-12 11:29:00

tinybaldone wrote:

Hi Jayemtoo - Yes, I put centres in most of my chocs. I bought the fillings at Spotlight - strawberry, mint, caramel, pineapple and a plain white which can be flavoured however you want. (I leave it plain!). Others I put nuts in, and also coconut. I use mostly milk choc, but do some with dark and also white. Have fun with them.

Thanks for this Tinybaldone, I have to go to Hastings this week so will check out spotlight. I have some glacé fruit I thought of using for some of them.

jayemtoo - 2016-12-12 15:49:00

morning ladies :) Sorry to hear you are unwell tinybaldone, hope you are feeling better today.

Well done on the TM win popeye, what a bargain! Lmao kuaka, I also say let the tongues wag! Hope our tournament went your way too.

Our students have gone, phew, last lot before Christmas. I'm never really sure about having boys if they are enjoying themselves or not. Had one this time who was quite demanding but MrK soon sorted that out.

I have lots to do today starting with a vet visit for more of the Furry One's medication. The vet nurse can do it for me so don't have to bother the vet and I can just walk in and ask for it. I take the empty pill bottle and have them refill it. A small recycling gesture but with all of MrK's meds as well, we end up with lots of them.

I have hardangered a book mark for our daughter to go into her Christmas stocking but not happy with it so will have another go later today. Doesn't take long to do and uses up those scrappy pieces of fabric.

Happy knitting :)

kiwimade64 - 2016-12-13 07:44:00

Morning ladies, well I'm not going to have my name on the "champions board" this year, as sadly neither of us played that well, and kept giving points to the opposition. We conceded the first frame and lost the second black to win, I potted the pink but didn't pot the black and left it right over the pocket for the opposition to just go "plonk" and it was all over. Never mind. My partner didn't seem too upset, but I will keep practising and keep trying, maybe one day I'll get my name on the board. Mr K has his name on the board 13 or 14 times.

Well I phoned my "beau" to remind him I was taking him for a meal tonight and just as well because he was going to turn up tomorrow night. He sounds as forgetful as me, because he had suggested the club, but last night he asked where were we going, so I said I had thought about the Thai restaurant on the waterfront or the club. He said the Thai restaurant would be nice, so looks like the tongue-waggers at the club will miss out on some gossip!

Lunch today for our mah jong end of year break up - take a plate, so I've bought a couple of packets of brandy snaps and cream and will fill them this morning - I know I should have made them, but I didn't have much success with the last lot I made, and it's easier to buy them.

I brought a sad looking teddy bear home from the op shop, he has a leg seam coming undone and only one ear, so I decided I would make him new ears by undoing the one he has and using imitation suede to make new ear inners, so he ends up with two ears again. He's quite cute, I'm sure some little person will love him. Won't take me long.

Did anyone see that lady on tv the other day who has rescued 4000 soft toys from the Sally Army op shop and prevented them going to the tip. She takes them home and washes and mends them, can't remember what she does with them after that, but what an incredible amount just from one shop.

Right, I've got the sprinkler on the veg garden, so I had better go and move it to a new spot, so they all get a drink.

Have a super day everyone.

Edited by kuaka at 8:15 am, Tue 13 Dec

kuaka - 2016-12-13 08:12:00

Morning everyone

The pill bottles sure add up eh Kiwimade. With the loads we get I recycle in the bin the smaller ones and collect the others. Just in case theres something I can use them for. I have shampoo in one, for hospital stays.Id rather lose a smaller bottle than a full one, which is something MrP has done lol.. I now check even if he says he has everything.

Never mind re the loss Kuaka. you have plenty of time to get your name on the board. I think the lady gives the toys to the womens refuge etc.

I did 4 squares yesterday, need to do the ends.

I was very lucky yesterday to get a large scrapbooking bag on wheels for $20 from an old neighbour of ours. So Ive got my wool for the squares bagged up and in the bag.

My microwave is being delivered tonight.. YAYAY... Will have to make some notes from the net on how to use it lol. Thistle4 got the exact same one a few months ago, so If im stuck I can text her. Ill take the old one up to the recycle centre. but Ill keep the plate. they are handy for cakes and Pav's etc .

I want a quiet day today, Seemed to be busy all day yesterday lol...

HAve a fab day everyone

popeye333 - 2016-12-13 08:38:00

Morning ladies, that was a good score re the scrapbooking bag popeye.

Lunch yesterday for our last day of mah jong went very well, we had a visit from santa at afternoon tea time which was hilarious and my off-sider and I were each presented with a lovely little rose buttonhole out of the garden of one of the ladies, mine had the most heavenly fragrance and by the end of the afternoon I felt almost intoxicated by it. We were both thanked for our hard work and told how much it is appreciated (which was lovely but neither of us find it too onerous) but nice that we are appreciated.

Home for a cuppa and to freshen up then off to meet my "date". Waited as the ferry emptied and he didn't arrive, the skipper emerged and said he would be back shortly and I thought "charming, I've been stood up!" Maybe he missed the ferry and will be on the next one, no point going home and coming back, I'll just wait (cursing as I didn't have any knitting with me) so I sat on a park bench in the sun admiring the view and he snuck up behind me - he had decided to come on the vehicle ferry instead. He didn't say why.

We had a lovely meal at the Thai restaurant, and then walked to the street corner where he gave me a hug and kissed me on the cheek and went off to get his car while I went off to get mine. Not much of a saving over the cheque he refused to bank, but it was more enjoyable. He's quite an interesting character.

Doing an extra shift at the op shop this morning as they are desperately short of helpers. A new lady at mah jong asked if there was any chance she can help out at the op shop so I passed her phone number to the friend that I do monday mornings with and she was going to contact the lady who does the roster. I guess with everyone getting ready for Christmas there are lots of people cancelling their shifts.

I've just put my Christmas tree up and the lights on it but it still needs the decorations added, but I've made a start. Might finish it this afternoon.

Need to do some knitting, I haven't done any for a couple of days so must get busy.

Have a super day everyone.

Edited by kuaka at 7:29 am, Wed 14 Dec

kuaka - 2016-12-14 07:27:00

Morning everyone.

A busy day for you Kuaka. I dont remember that last time we went to an actual restaurant. MrP likes smorgasboards cos they usually have seafood.

Was a busy day here yesterday too.

Lawn boys came just before lunch, so we gave them our pressies.

The meat man gave me 10 mins notice to get ready for the meat lol.. It wasnt frozen either. Which in a way was good cos I could mould the meat into the drawers in the freezer. The Chops are HUGE. one of them weighed 398 grams alone lol.
So I got that put away and then the man turned up to delivehr the new cooker. its less than a year old and looks like it just came out of the box. I will put that in its place later.

MrP is seeing the geriatric drs this morning, Older Health persons they go by now lol.. But hes calling them geriatric lol. Then has to see our gp afterwards.

I learnt an important lesson this week.. DO NOT buy VO5 shampoo for Volume for our hair. Washed it on monday and it was very fluffy, so much so that i put it in a bun. Slept with it in the bun like I always do. yesterday I combed for over 5 mins with an afro comb and ended up with a cloud of hair lol... Sprayed heaps of leave in conditioner in and plaited it. I havent undone it yet.
But to top it off MrP used it this morning and we had to tame his hair down too lol.
My friend will try it next. We reckon she will look like she has an afro.. lol.

Have done 113 squares now.. so 31 to go, Yay..

Have a fab day everyone

popeye333 - 2016-12-14 07:45:00

Haha popeye, maybe the VO5 volume shampoo is what I need, my hair is very fine (I have quite a lot of it unlike my Gran who went bald like Friar Tuck) but it could do with a bit of oomph. Might try it.

kuaka - 2016-12-14 08:12:00

morning ladies :) lmao popeye, well it does say 'for volume', what a hoot. That was a good score with the scrapbooking bag.

Am glad your dinner 'date' went well kuaka, as you say, a much more enjoyable way of spending the money.

I found some Christmas fabric with dogs on it so will make a start on the Furry One's Christmas stocking soon. Today though, I have hired the rug doctor and am cleaning the carpet. It's reasonably priced and does a good job. MrK said he will help me and yes, I remember his 'help' last time we cleaned carpets. He literally took over.

Happy knitting :)

kiwimade64 - 2016-12-14 08:18:00

Morning
Don't think I'll try the shampoo thanks for the warning Popeye. I have very fine hair and unfortunately it is thinning with age but it gets sticks out all over the place without a good conditioner.
The new oven looks great Popeye - a great find. Used to love visiting my Grandfather's farm when young as he would kill a hogget every few days when we were there and we had meat 3 times a day! He reckoned that hoggets had the best flavour.

Been happily making fudges and chocolates for Christmas presents, have enough to take to Wellington this weekend so they can be my test ones and can make more next week if these ones are ok.

Have a good day

jayemtoo - 2016-12-14 08:49:00

Dont try it Kuaka... I have very long, very fine hair and its the worst its ever been.
I dont use conditioner when I wash my hair, but keep a leave on one handy incase it needs it.

Drs visits went well... They cant alter any of his meds, cos the pro's outweigh the con's. But we did learn the reason for a few things that are happening. And it appears that he has had symptoms of Parkinsons for many years, but we didnt know till now. Some from the early days of the 1990's.
The gp is very happy with how his hernia op is healng too. Yay.

Right a play on here then I have dishes and to move the cooker into its place.

popeye333 - 2016-12-14 12:41:00

I just love reading this thread. Its the first thing I go to when I turn the computer on. I work in Retail and someone came in just as I was about to read Kauka's post. How dear they LOL. You ladies inspire me every day. Still haven't got around to putting up photos of what I am doing. Will have to relearn how to do it.

carton - 2016-12-14 12:49:00

Morning
Nice to see you in here Carton - would love to see what you make.
I'm into knitting baby singlets at the moment using up 4ply wool and not having to think about the pattern.

Will have to brave town today I think as Briscoe have a 60% off everything sale and I managed to put a hole in a queen size sheet a few days ago so had better replace it. Am expecting several lots of visitors in January so will need it in case I can't get the washing dry between visits.

Have a great day Everyone

jayemtoo - 2016-12-15 07:09:00

morning ladies and welcome carton. I think it will be like riding a bicycle, you won't have forgotten. I had a long gap in my knitting years while the kids were small and I remembered.

I have plants to plant today as I spent a gift card I was given. And lawns of course to mow. MrK kindly pointed out this morning it is 10 days to Christmas.

I found some doggy/Christmas fabric for the Furry One's Christmas stocking and it is all cut out ready for sewing. All going to plan, I will do that this afternoon when the weather changes to rain. I also need to dig out all the recipe books I need for my Christmas baking... seems I have one or two favourite recipes in several books so will have a pile of them 'ready to go'.

Happy knitting :)

kiwimade64 - 2016-12-15 07:38:00

Morning ladies, another beautiful morning here in paradise - not sure if it will last the distance, but I'm hoping so.

Have to go to the nurse at midday for a bp check - other than that nothing planned for today, I want to clean some windows this morning and finish a card I'm making to send to Virginia, and then possibly mow the lower and upper lawns this afternoon, did the middle one yesterday and a little weeding. Maybe even some housework as we are trying to organise another get together of the folks in the street, and I think this time it's my turn to host, so need to smarten the place up a bit. Groan! All the time spent doing housework is time I can't be knitting.

Talking recently with the neighbours above me and they are happy to pay an arborist to remove a big totara on the side of my driveway which drives me nuts as it sheds leaves constantly - it blocks their view which is why they want it removed or shortened. The arborist is happy to leave me with the firewood and chip if I want it. Not sure I want the chip. I said I wasn't sure I wanted the chips, and the arborist responded: "all the reasons revolve around a health soil profile. Nutrient recycling, temperature, water and air, biological activity and encouragement of micro organisms that are involved in symbiotic relationships with other remaining plants." If anyone can explain to me what that means and whether I want the chips or not, I'd be grateful !!! I just want the tree gone and am happy that someone else wants it gone enough to pay for it.

Have a fabulous day everyone.

Here's a pic of puss helping with the Christmas tree:

https://trademe.tmcdn.co.nz/photoserver/full/539768471.jpg

Edited by kuaka at 8:17 am, Thu 15 Dec

kuaka - 2016-12-15 08:03:00

Morning everyone

Welcome Carton.. Nice to have you with us.

We are both still feeling very pleased about having more info as to why things have been happening with MrP.

We are off to town again this morning (Gasppp twice in a week lol). I saw a slim line water container with a tap on, which Im hoping will fit in our fridge. It holds 3 litres which is what I drink in water a day, plus my coke. And the fridge is always full of bottles. So I hope it will fit.

Have a fab day everyone.

popeye333 - 2016-12-15 09:10:00

I think what the arborist is saying kuaka is that the chips will rot down and provide good nutrients for your soil. I would take some, not all and dig it into the garden unless you want it to sit on top like bark. And it would depend how small the chips were. MrK would be gutted to see a totara chipped when he does so much wood work. Is there any way I could pay for some decent sized pieces for him? There could be other wood workers in the area who would be keen for some too. Such a shame to burn and chip it.

Lawns mowed and plants planted. I need it to rain now to water in the plants. We have big black clouds so it won't be far off.

kiwimade64 - 2016-12-15 10:02:00

kiwimade, apparently the neighbour who is paying to have the tree dealt with said that the arborist is bringing a portable mill and is going to take some planks off the main trunk. I will pm you on fb

kuaka - 2016-12-15 10:24:00

oh cool, so it will be used, awesome :)

kiwimade64 - 2016-12-15 11:20:00

morning ladies :) What a gorgeous day it is today. Am heading outside shortly to spray those awkward weeds I can't seem to get rid off (convolvulus is one). Then housework today, can finally strip the beds our students used and wash the sheets and duvets. They sleep under the duvets which is a pain with the extra washing.

I still have the Furry One's Christmas stocking to sew and a hardanger bookmark I made needs backing.

I trimmed my fingernails for the very first time last night - this avid nail biter has finally kicked the habit. Don't ask me how lol, just looked at my nails one day and they were long.

I need to buy some black 4 ply for my next project so will find time to do that today.

Happy knitting :)

kiwimade64 - 2016-12-16 07:08:00

Morning
That's good that the wood is going to be used, Totora wood is beautiful so hope they only chip the little stuff.

Went into town yesterday evening as Briscoe had a sale and got a very reasonably priced sheet and on the way home saw that the hairdresser was still open so on an off chance called and had a haircut so saving me another job to be done today.

We are having our Christmas "do" with sister's family tomorrow in Wellington as she is then going on to visit another daughter down south. So I've got quite a few messages to do today in both Napier and Hastings.

At some stage must vacuum out the car, it gets rather dusty when out at the factory and someone said to open the doors and use a leaf blower to blow out the dust, tried it and certainly moved the dust around but now the roof is very dusty instead of the floor! I'll just vacuum it next time I think.

Hear that washing machine has finished so better get going. Have a great day Everyone

jayemtoo - 2016-12-16 07:20:00

Morning ladies, Mr Ks birthday today, so I'm feeling a wee bit emotional, but so far not as bad as I expected.

Saw the nurse yesterday for a bp check, it was up a bit on last time (which was the best it's been in years) but it was still okay, she said Christmas is a very stressful time whether you really "do" Christmas or not, and I said it would be Mr Ks birthday today and she said that will do it. First Christmas and birthday without him very stressful.

Sorry jayemtoo - had to laugh at your dirty car roof - I would never have thought about using the blower on the car, might give it a miss.

Waiting patiently for my Deramore's order to arrive - and wondering where I will stash it all - at least now I don't have to try to hide it.

It's quite overcast and almost misty looking today, I want to mow the lower lawn and use the weedeater on the top scruffy lawn, so I had better do that this morning, I think it could rain this afternoon.

I need to nip to town to post a parcel, might call in at the Friday session of knit and natter as I missed my usual Wednesday one, but see how I go.

Still no cancellations at the market, so at this stage doesn't look as though I'll be there till Thursday which is a pity as there are ships in Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. I can't do Monday unless I can get someone to do my shift at the op shop, but Sunday and Tuesday would be good.

Have a super day ladies, and if you are travelling, stay safe on the roads, I see some crazy drivers going by my place.

Edited by kuaka at 7:36 am, Fri 16 Dec

kuaka - 2016-12-16 07:35:00

We see a few crazies too kuaka as we live on a very busy main road. A police car went by the other day siren going, lights flashing and STILL had to sit on his horn to make the driver stop! Have never heard a police car's horn going before. I would think the driver was in deep doo-doo.

Weeds are sprayed and just in time too, the sou'westerly has sprung up again. Beds stripped and partially made (duvets need washing and putting back) with the Furry One's 'help'. He loves it when beds are made and hides under the blankets.

My washing machine has beeped too so better get moving.

kiwimade64 - 2016-12-16 08:51:00

Cop car came past my place the other day, way on the wrong side of the double yellow lines, siren and lights going, tyres screeching, would have been horrific if something was coming the other way. Madness.

Edited by kuaka at 9:20 am, Fri 16 Dec

kuaka - 2016-12-16 09:20:00

Morning everyone,
Have had a couple of emotional mornings myself. Early in the monrings. My brain wont turn off something mum said and I need to talk to my brother about it. Shes doing my head in, with a couple of things she said ages ago. But I really need to have my sister and eldest brother here to talk to, but that cant happen as they are gone, then that brings on the feeling ripped off emotions.. Ill try and get hold of my brother today tho.

Had a good time yesterday in town. Couldnt get the water container I had seen last week, B*gger.. But got one that will suffice so long as I can get the smell out. And Mrp shouted KFC for lunch so that was nice.

Have to go do the shopping shortly.

Have been extra police here in town too, which is good.

Have a good day everyone

popeye333 - 2016-12-16 09:27:00

Just back from picking berries for tomorrow, huge blackberries and tayberries - so pleased they only weigh the containers not the pickers!

jayemtoo - 2016-12-16 10:25:00

We now have 5 raspberry spines.. YAYAY.. there are quite a few small berries on there.. And Im watching one very closely as its pink lol..
Blackeberries are a wee bit late this year, blossoms are coming tho.

popeye333 - 2016-12-16 12:26:00

And yes Kuaka Im waiting for my order too....

popeye333 - 2016-12-16 13:20:00

morning ladies :) omg yummmm jayemtoo, blackberries and tayberries! I've talked to MrK about planting some raspberries and I think we have found a spot. We have a gooseberry bush and strawberries. One of the good things with having the kids left home is we can plant lots of smaller plots of plants so have more variety. With just the two of us it's perfect! I noticed our scarlet runner beans have teeny tiny beans on the vines (omg yum!) and we ate our first tomato of the season the other day.

Sewing and baking for me today. Hopefully I can get the baking done without MrK wanting to use 'his' kitchen. He's taken it over since retiring.

Happy knitting :)

kiwimade64 - 2016-12-17 07:33:00

Morning
It's a beautiful day just right for travelling. Off to Wellington this am for a family get together this evening.

I have raspberries growing behind the garage I never planted them but one year they just arrived and as it's a bit of neglected land I've just left them there. Some years I get quite a lot off them and others not much. Do have to stop them from trying to take over the rest of the garden though.
Do you get many gooseberries Kiwimade? I have a bush but there is nothing this year, I believe they need some good frosts and we didn't get them this winter.
Have sorted out a bit of knitting to take in case there is some just sitting around time.

jayemtoo - 2016-12-17 07:56:00

Morning ladies, well I survived yesterday, called in to say hello to Mr K, there were no flowers (artificial or real) on his grave, so looks like the wicked step-daughters have forgotten him already.

No plans for today, might try to do some sewing this morning after I've done my little bit of ironing, and I might try to finish my "mile a minute" blanket that's been on the go for far too long. Just have to do the outer edges of three strips and join them to the others - I have 9 joined so far and I think 12 will be big enough, then to find something else to do. I'd like to knit myself a shawl but haven't found a pattern yet that sings to me.

We didn't get any rain yesterday, eventually the cloud cleared and it was stinking hot out on the deck - I sat out there for an hour or so with a brandy and contemplated while I crocheted.

Have a super day and safe travels jayemtoo.

kuaka - 2016-12-17 08:12:00