Hi Girls We have my sister's 60th this Saturday in Hamilton and I hope the weather is okay for her. All these birthdays sure keep us busy. Not sure what I am giving her yet but it will most likely be Linen. She is always helping her kids out and never seems to be able to buy herself nice linen and lets face it linen does not last forever. Mind you I still have some linen tableclothes and supperclothes I Bought for my Glorybox. Grand daughter asks what a Glorybox was for when her mother and I told her she said"Yuk who wants to get married". She is only 13 ha ha.

makerealbany - 2008-08-19 14:54:00

Went swimming with bubs today She just loves the water now. She tries to wriggle out of her Mum's hands at times. Very confident when she is ducked under. Had a few chores after that to do. I have plants to plant out but ground is still too damp so they will have to wait. My daughter has started a new contract so she works from home 10 hours a week which is cool. I babysit and she will increase the hours when she feels like it. So I have to make sure our Diaries are the same. Lol. I just have to time manage a bit better. Still go to the gym 3 times a week and have Fridays off. Hope you are both feeling better.

makerealbany - 2008-08-20 18:19:00

Everyone must be busy Oh well just me and my shadow

makerealbany - 2008-08-22 10:04:00

Hells bells smartgirl I know what you are up to. You are busy. I love those little Boleros. Really cute.

makerealbany - 2008-08-22 10:15:00

makereal, I did them ages ago and have not sold them so just keep relisting them. Have sold heaps of good stuff and have some new ones to list soon. I am so enjoying it.

smartgirl - 2008-08-22 11:00:00

Zoes Sis Hi everyone, Sorry I haven't been around lately. Don't know if I told you but I suffer from Bipolar and have been very down lately. It appears that they have had my medication to high, now that they have decreased it I just fine.
I'm into candle making at the moent thru a firm in Australia called Candlelyte.

I'm going to be seeing Zoe on Sunday, so any messsages for her just postt and I will make sure she checks them.
Carol - Zoes Sister

stan17 - 2008-08-22 21:19:00

Hi Carol, sorry to hear you have not been well, and glad to hear they have sorted out your medication. Say hi to Zoe, I think of her often. Is she keeping well.

smartgirl - 2008-08-22 22:48:00

Hi Zoe How are you keeping? Are you trying out any new crafts these days? Still thinking of you each time I log on to this site.

grizzly4 - 2008-08-23 10:12:00

Hi everyone, my new job has a totally different routine and doesn't have me thinking about work so much at home. I am revelling in all this spare time I seem to have. Completely motivated now towards getting some new items into the shop for Xmas AND I have mastered the cross stitch computer programme. I have started a new one of my 31/2 yr old grandson when he was about 8 months. Very excited about this new project. Am still knitting clothes for one of Spotlight's calico bears. Will also load on a photo of the finished cross stitch today, I promise.

grizzly4 - 2008-08-23 10:16:00

Here you go! http://images.trademe.co.nz/photoserver/79/74562879_full.jpg

grizzly4 - 2008-08-23 10:29:00

Grizzly, that is so beautiful. it makes me wish I had done the same thing. What a real like image. You must be so proud of yourself.

smartgirl - 2008-08-23 10:47:00

I am, I think It's one of the best things I've done in a long time. Have you tried the cross-stitch computer programme by Ursa, at all? It converts any photo or picture to a cross-stitch chart with a list of cottons required. I have 2 more grandsons to do and I'm trying to take the perfect photo of each of my cats so they can be immortalised as well. After that there maybe my children's weddings that could provide future projects, haha. Would you believe hubby wants me to do one of his motorbike?!!!!!

grizzly4 - 2008-08-23 18:53:00

Good on you smartgirl I cannot wait until the cottage is finally finished so that I can find things and maybe even sell something on TM. Lol. Went into spotlight today and they had heaps on special. Winter sheets 70% off so I had to ring the kids and then go back and get some more.

makerealbany - 2008-08-24 18:03:00

stan17 Hi there glad to hear you are feeling a bit better. Medication is hit and miss at times. Was wondering about you and Zoe. Tell her hi for me and I hope she is doing okay.

makerealbany - 2008-08-24 18:05:00

grizzly You are just too clever for words. What a neat idea. You are getting me all motivated again. This jersey has been driving me insane. Ha ha. All I can say is he had better like it.

makerealbany - 2008-08-24 18:07:00

Hey Carol Have always wanted to have a go at candlemaking. How is it going?

makerealbany - 2008-08-24 18:09:00

makereal, how was your weekend. did you get to call in and see you friend. I hope she is feeling better by now.

smartgirl - 2008-08-26 11:00:00

Had a good weekend smartgirl My friend is coming to spend Christmas with me. When she told me that none of her kids wanted her to spend Xmas with them I could have cried. She looked so sad. Ungrateful wretches. She has her good days and her bad but my bad days are as good as her good days. She gets down so I have to remember to ring her more often. Our other friends all pull together and someone visits every day. She has a boarder (he lives in a unit at the back of her property) who is a great mate and he cooks tea for her 4 nights a week. One of her neighbours who is a solo dad also pops in all the time. These boys are like sons to her so that is great. Now that her Ex son in law has made his daughter move out she has peace and quiet at home without teenagers racing in and out leaving a hell of a mess. Auctualy her exsil is a really nice guy as well. Visits her from time to time.

makerealbany - 2008-08-26 20:36:00

Your poor friend.. How can families be like that? And yet you hear similar stories again & again. Very sad. Good on you for making her feel welcome and giving her something to look forward to. I've said before how I wish my parents wanted to be closer to the family we have created but there choice to be miles away from everyone else and now they can't travel any more.Their choice, I know! They did the same to their families when they came to NZ, stopping all contact.

grizzly4 - 2008-08-27 08:27:00

You are so right grizzly, and they forget that when the wee ones come along, they cant always afford to take them to the grand and great grandparents. Are you over your cough yet

smartgirl - 2008-08-27 09:05:00

makereal, you are such a darling you would welcome the world to your place.

smartgirl - 2008-08-27 09:06:00

Poor baby has two teeth finally With a cough to go with them. She is jolly miserable, won't drink her bottle but will drink from a cup thank goodness. Still eating okay but hates to be left alone. Poor mum is worn out and I have been feeling lousy all day as well. Ah well tomorrow will be a better day.

makerealbany - 2008-08-27 17:59:00

Yeh it is a better day Bubs is better than yesterday and so am I. It is a lovely day outside but I am babysitting so cannot get into the garden. Just a tad too windy for bubs. She is still coughing. Was watching Fair Go last night. I cannot believe what some people get up to on Trade Me. But then there are dishonest people everywhere.

makerealbany - 2008-08-28 13:31:00

Our baby has only got teeth 3 & 4 and she is now 13 months and she has cold and cough as well. I am spending tomorrow with her and big sister (2 1/2 yrs. I have had the most wonderful day at grandparent day with miss p (11yr) and mr t (8yr). Miss p made sure I had a coffee both at morning tea and lunch time. She is such a lovely girl and I did colouring in etc with mr t. The sun was shining and it was nice and warm. Off now to post some tm sales.

smartgirl - 2008-08-28 15:14:00

Love the idea of grandparents day!!! Bring it on!! 'Tis really the season with all these bugs isn't it? My cough has pretty much gone. Went for chest x-ray yesterday and hope that shows nothing. Hubby's surgery is happening next Friday.Didn't sleep much last night worrying about that, too. Don't know what will be worse it not working again or it working and he has to go back to really long work hours. I've really enjoyed having him around I have to say.
Second cross stitch is coming along nicely. Unfortunately the centre stitch is by his mouth this time so his lovely wee face is showing up pretty fast this time. I saved it to the last in the last one.Stay warm and dry ladies, after a beautiful day yesterday it's raining here again.

grizzly4 - 2008-08-29 08:50:00

I love Grandparents Day Years ago my eldest grandson(20) asked me to Grandparents Day. He was 6 so along I went. The memorable thing about that day was that he told me "I was never to have Blue hair and I was not allowed to wear old fuddy duddy dresses". I still gib him about it at times and he grins back at me and makes jokes about dark brown hair, etc, or else he asks me if I own any dresses yet. Cheeky devil. I have been to many others but that day never fades. Lucky you smartgirl two grandchildren at once. Best of luck for Hubby's surgery grizzly.

makerealbany - 2008-08-30 17:45:00

Been a great weekend! Wonderful, wonderful weather meant I could do all those jobs that were waiting for a fine day. Outside windows done, beds changed, gardens weeded and some vege seeds in, lawns done and I've done some sewing in the sun as well. Made some childrens fabric cushions for the shop. I've got such a buzz from knitting for myself this winter I might have a go at sewing for myself again. It's the fitting that's such a pain, I find.

grizzly4 - 2008-08-31 16:12:00

This is the second time I have attempted to post a message. Had it all done but then daughter gave me bubs and she deleted it all. Boy she is a real little handfull now. Lol. You have been super busy grizzly. I managed to plant some of my box hedge and a few groundcover plants as well as bake and ice a Banana cake for our visitors this arvo. Lovely drying day for the washing here as well. Son just rang washing machine is broken and they used all their towels to stop the water that flooded out so I am going to pop over there and take some towels. B--ger it wanted to watch a movie.

makerealbany - 2008-08-31 18:40:00

Good weather lasted through the first day of spring!! That really is a first haha.

grizzly4 - 2008-09-01 19:05:00

Saw some lambs in the padddock on my way to the gym so spring is here alright. My grandson who is 5 in a fortnight has requested a Ben 10 cake. So I have to come up with a picture or something. All these new characters they come up with. Bubs was taken to the dr this arvo she has developed a chest cough and the poor little mite has also just got a ear infection. She is still putting on weight regardless and is getting more independant every day. Teething is knocking her around though. Have to go and shop for a new washing machine for son. The machine will cost a bit to fix and is old anyway. They are a lot cheaper than they used to be. That will be Thursdays chore.

makerealbany - 2008-09-01 19:36:00

Saw a Ben ten birthday cake advertized for $105. I kid you not. Well at lest I know what he looks like now so I am off shopping for ingredients. Hope to goodness he doesn't want that cartoon character on his jersey. I am off to the Warehouse and the $2 shop. It is quite amazing what we can come up with when we set our minds to it, but then we are women. Lol. Got some more gardening done today. I am on a roll. Yah.

makerealbany - 2008-09-02 19:53:00

makereal, I have never heard of ben ten infact when I first saw you had written it I thought you had lost the plot but I have just typed it in and see what you mean. sorry for having such terrible thoughts. Have fun making that one.

smartgirl - 2008-09-03 07:15:00

I haven't heard of Ben 10 either! Hubby had surgery yesterday. Once again he reacted badly to the anaesthetic and his heart rate dropped very low. This time we were prepared and had arranged a bed for the night. However just got a call from the hospital this morning to say he is now reacting to pain relief they gave him over night and I can't visit or pick him up till later this afternoon. I can't believe they did that when they have a list a mile long of what he can't take!!! He was looking good when I left him at 7 last night, too.

grizzly4 - 2008-09-06 10:06:00

Oh grizzly, you poor thing. I think you have got your flu bug again. I havent stopped coughing since last night, I hardly slept a wink. But I should not be complaining. You must be brassed off having to hang around waiting to go and visit. Makereal, how is the cake making, you have been quite.

smartgirl - 2008-09-06 10:34:00

Hi girls Hope hubby is starting to feel better after that cock up grizzly. Yes it does make you wonder if they even read the bloody notes on patients. You must be worried too. Well smartgirl don't you come near me. Baby is getting better and I have been fending off colds and bugs. Touch wood. I have been so busy this week. Did a offer after an auction, emailed them on the 1st and have not received a peep in return. Very strange. If they had not received my email you would think they would email me. I basically just wanted to know courier rate. Guess I will email again. Oh I included my ph nos in my email too. I am off to take my grandaughter to a Soccer game.

makerealbany - 2008-09-06 11:41:00

Sorry to hear you aren't well, smartgirl. That constant coughing is dreadful. Finally got him out of hospital 7pm last night. We are both completely knackered now. I've used so much of my sick leave up over the last few months with 2 lots of surgery, ACC assessments etc otherwise I'd be ringing in tomorrow! He has another 3 weeks medical certificate now and sees the sugeon in 2 weeks. So we will see what miracles have been performed this time, hopefully.

grizzly4 - 2008-09-07 11:31:00

Just relax and try to rest grizzly. When everything happens at once you need to slacken up on the housework , etc and just do the necessary. Work will understand and that is what sick leave is for. My ex sil just had surgery again on his arm and he is in a lot of pain so he can imagine how your hubby feels. They told him last time it would be okay and it wasn't. It does get to them after having surgery you expect some positive results!!!

makerealbany - 2008-09-08 16:37:00

Work wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Something quite soothing about adding numbers. And thats what is for too, eh? Working for an hour or so on my next cross stitch, I think it's going to be just as effective as my last one. And I am knitting away towards increased sales in the shop before xmas.

grizzly4 - 2008-09-09 09:40:00

Good for you grizzly I am undercoating so not much knitting being done at the moment.

makerealbany - 2008-09-09 10:45:00

Forgot how much I hated painting Paint everywhere over me. Wear a hat and my hair is really short but still managed to get paint in it. Pretty darn sore this morning but went to the gym and all supple now ha ha. Been reading a lot about dishonest dealers on TM, Sad really but karma will get them in the end.

makerealbany - 2008-09-10 14:53:00

grizzley what is purple patch?? i live in chch and have never heard of it? Cheers

jodyw1 - 2008-09-11 16:36:00

Hi jodyw1 It's the retail outlet for a local craft co-op. On Ferry Rd/ Aldwins Rd intersection, diagonally across from Raeward Fresh. It's been around for about 35 years and very good value.

grizzly4 - 2008-09-13 10:07:00

I love painting often offering to paint things that might need doing. I agree the mess is a bit tiresome to clean up and I can't kneel any more so it's hard on the back but I always get that great sense of achievement!

grizzly4 - 2008-09-13 10:09:00

Come up here and finish this painting for me grizzly. Yes it does look great when finished but I like to do all the plastering than the undercoating for the whole area than the final coats etc. Here I have 3 walls nearly undercoated but cannot finish because there are rolls of carpet I cannot move and still plastering to be done. I am not one for piecemeal stuff. First time I have ever had to do it this way and it is b----dy frustrating. Ben ten cake turned out okay and birthday was great yesterday. We had lunch out and then went to the hot pools. So good on my aching limbs. Lol

makerealbany - 2008-09-14 13:16:00

Everyone is either really busy or out enjoying the sunshine. So hard having to go to work on beautiful days! Put some more vege plants in the garden on Sunday. And new plants in the rock garden. Had 15mth and 3 month grandsons on Saturday. Boy, did they keep us running! Had to find a fisn'n'chip shop as too tired to even think about cooking. Lovely to have them though.

grizzly4 - 2008-09-16 09:13:00

It is really cool to have the grandkids though Miss 8 Months is really starting to assert herself. Crawls backwards but loves to stand up and hold on to things. Demands a bit though and we are trying to teach her what no means. Ha ha. I was outside last night ripping all the snails off my plants. There are so many of them this season. I hate the ruddy slugs as well. I put some more plants in Sil's rock garden which is next to the Taj Mahal ie his tool shed. Best built thing on the property. Lol. Going to spend this weekend down the line with Mum. We are going to do some weaving and she is going to show me how she dye's flax with native plants.

makerealbany - 2008-09-16 14:34:00

Well have to go to Mum's next weekend No 3 son is going away for the weekend so I am babysitting the house and the cats. Actually I am looking forward to the peace and quiet. My sisters were all going over to Mums and I really wanted to spend time with her alone so we could concentrate. My sisters are not crafty and they could talk the legs off the chairs we will be sitting on so I will gear up for next weekend. I really love them all but Mum and I get impatient if we are on a mission. I want to knit some merino singlets for my next grandbaby who is due next winter. So guess what I will be doing this weekend.

makerealbany - 2008-09-17 23:13:00

Congratulations Makereal Another wee baby. How lovely. What number is this. If it is wet this weekend you will have a real hideaway one.

smartgirl - 2008-09-18 08:11:00

Next grandbaby!!!!! Oooooohhhhhh you are so lucky! I would love a wee grand-daughter but 13 weeks after one is a bit early for S to start again. And I think there are a few issues to sort out with my sons family before they think of bringing another baby into this world. They started so young I feel like wringing their necks at times when I see what they are up to. It's a learning curve, eh?

grizzly4 - 2008-09-18 08:43:00

Wouldn't you know it? Even though I have decreased my knitting auctions down to just the wee sox and bootees, thinking I would concentrate on stuff for the shop and my cross stitch, lo & behold people buy more pairs at a time! I would have though the warmer weather would have turned them away from knitted things.
Not that I'm grateful for the interest, of course, but you know how it is trying to fit everything in!

grizzly4 - 2008-09-19 08:48:00