Good Morning everyone
Wow what a change in Temp. Yesterday was clear as a bell and cold winds, woke to cloudy skies and rain.. I thought there might be a frost overnight.
MrP is still snuggled in bed, in a grumpy lol.. I think he likes being grumpy lol.

Shopping local this morning, I only need fresh stuff and dont need to do my blood.

No crafting yesterday, I did the annual make sure we are getting the best deals on phone, insurance etc.. Now what i did find out, that I didnt know is Spark have Goldcard deals, Havent seen them advertised.. Mainly on Mobiles I think it was... Might be worth looking into.

I swear the rhubarb is growing an inch overnight.. Its obviously liking the container its in lol.

Stay safe warm and well everyone

Have a fab Day

popeye333 - 2020-05-07 09:27:00

Morning Ladies :) happy birthday for the other day Popeye hope you had a good day.
One of my daughters had a birthday yesterday she was 26. We have had 4 birthdays in the family within the lockdown 2x daughters hubby and one of the daughter's partner.
It was a very chilly start to the day this morning i got up at 6.15 it was still so dark hubby had already left for work and 2 sons left not long after.
I took hubby's car for a warrant this morning and yay it passed lo so now I've just got to wait til post shops open to get the rego. It all expired in the lockdown period and also one of the boys car was the same but i took his car for a warrant and the dam thing failed on a frayed seatbelt.
What have you all been crafting lately? me, knitting, as usual, I've just put a country chicken casserole in the crockpot on low for tea.
I might go hang out some washing now that it has warmed up a bit, save the dryer going.
Hope you all have a fantastic day
Take care

10ofus - 2020-05-07 11:51:00

Afternoon ladies, I had another night of almost no sleep, was still awake at 5.30 this morning and was just about to get up and get dressed and of course, finally drifted off into a deep sleep and didn't wake till 11. I had planned to do some gardening (again) and there wasn't a breath of wind so I decided I would spray some weeds, but then it looked like rain so felt it would most likely be a waste of time, so I did some manual weeding instead, and have tidied up two sections of the garden and have given some thought to what to do next to make it easier to maintain. Can't wait for the garden centres to re-open.

It's not all that warm here today, but I guess it's just a taste of what's to come. I hate winter. Luckily I have enough firewood to see me through, but half of it is still down on the lower level and needs to be lugged up to the house, but I've run out of storage up here, so will bring it up as I need it.
Something to look forward to!!!

I think what I need is a strong man who likes chopping and lugging firewood and doing gardening but can't cook. He could do the work, I could cook him a meal and then he can bugger off back home. I wonder if there's anyone around who would fit that bill????

Right, seeing as I was gardening when the 1pm update was on, I will now go and watch it on 1+1.

Stay safe everyone.

kuaka - 2020-05-07 13:58:00

Morning ladies:)Thats funny Kuaka lol just a man to do the firewood, id help you if i lived in your town, we have got all our firewood sorted for the winter dont think we will be running out anytime soon. Another chilly start to the day here in Christchurch this morning completating putting the fire on actually but it is supposed to get to 17. The chicken casserole was so delicious last night it was a hit with everyone guess il be making that particular dish again.
I got a ring from my doctor last week and i have to have more cut out of my arm, another 1cm all around the original piece he already cut out. I think that's happening next week if we go too level 2.
I think its time for another cuppa and I've decided to put the fire on.
Take care and have a super day

10ofus - 2020-05-08 07:57:00

Morning everyone
The sun is out but still a bit of wind... Its cooling down tho, Im in 3/4 length sleeves now lol.

Today is a year since we moved.. and I still have to go get a letter from the old place.. Its either a random one I didnt think of or one that hasnt changed the address as I have told them. Thankfully the lady in the other house is fine about it, but its annoying me.. Ill leave her a treat in her mailbox.

Good that your dr is onto things 10ofus.

I did lambsfry and bacon in a gravy with mashed tatty for MrP last night. He loved it. I dont eat offal but am fine with cooking it for him.

Kuaka you could probably hire a bloke to do the gardens and fire wood... It would be worth every cent, and no headaches with having to live with someone. Might be able to get your dr to say you need it and put it on a disabilitly allowance.. since people get their lawns and gardens done. Theres bound to be a retired bloke around who wouldnt mind a few extra dollars.

Right I had better get my butt into gear..

Stay safe and well everyone

Edited by popeye333 at 9:24 am, Fri 8 May

popeye333 - 2020-05-08 09:23:00

morning ladies :) yep, see if you can get it as a 'disability allowance', kuaka and pay someone to do it. Whenever I sort out MrK's super at WINZ they ask if we need it and no, we don't, but thanks for asking. Our garden centre is open for click and collect, maybe yours is too?

The casserole sounds delish, 10ofus. Our crockpot is in regular use too. So good to set it all up and walk away. I can garden or whatever and know dinner is pretty much done.

Housework today, pretty much done most of it. Just a blat around with the vacuum cleaner (with the Furry One as an attachment). He knows my routine and is sitting beside me barking as the vacuum cleaner is out and not going. I'm sure he thinks if he barks long enough it will switch itself on lol.

Roll on Level 2, I have a list of things I need, including a new vacuum cleaner head. My hairdresser has posted on FB she will be back and set out the safety guidelines for us to follow. Can't wait for my appointment. My last appointment was on lockdown day lol.

Better move, the Furry One is now jumping up at me, I can take a hint and am well trained. Time to move and vacuum.

Take care, stay sane and stay crafting :)

kiwimade64 - 2020-05-08 09:36:00

morning ladies :) A real pea souper of fog out there this morning. I want to clean the outside windows today and might rug up and do it in the fog before the sun breaks through.

So much for doing heaps of crafting during lockdown lol. It's a busy time of the year in the garden anyway and the last few weeks have gone by pretty quickly for us. All I've done is the hardanger piece and started a thread painting of an iris. But looking outside is a different story.

Anyhoo, I'm off to disappear into the wilderness and do the windows.

Stay sane, stay crafting :)

kiwimade64 - 2020-05-09 08:21:00

Morning everyone
A beautiful day here, so Ill put the washing on soon.

Got up just before 6 and put bread on and went back to a deep sleep and didnt wake up till 8-40.. that is late for me..lol. So the bread is cooked.

Last night I booked online to get take aways for tea. Our normal place is still shut. Got a $5 pack that had a piece of fish, 1 sausage was meant to be 1 potato fritter but there was 2 and $1 chips.. A very good buy, hit the spot, was nicely cooked too.. So I nearly feel normal lol.

Today I will start Jam. I do it the way Delia Smith makes her jam by soaking it in sugar overnight, it draws alot of moisture out.. so Ill put plum in the jam pan and I have a smallish bag of strawberries so Ill do that too. So I will be cooking tomorrow.

I got a painting from a friend in Tauranga yesterday, its a Sloth.. I have to do photos later. And a goodie bag with good diabetic food in it.. lol A Cadbury cream egg bar of chocolate and a bag of Jaffas lol.. and a snowman which has knitted clothes on him. lol..

I havent done any crochet etc for about a week, but have been painting, although I didnt do any yesterday.

Has anyone grown tomatoes inside? Ages ago I saw a post about planting slices of tomatoes in seed raising mix and letting them grow.. I have a tomato that is beyond its best, so thought Id try it, more to prove a point than anything, but Just wondered how they would go if I put them in pots and let them grow over winter, putting them outside on nice days?

Have a fab day everyone. I have auctons finishing shortly..

Edited by popeye333 at 10:01 am, Sat 9 May

popeye333 - 2020-05-09 09:59:00

Windows are done :) By the time I finished I was warm and toasty so a bonus.

MrK has two tomato plants that popped up from seeds in the garden and has them potted up on the front door step. We're also seeing if we can grow them during the winter. They should be well protected from frosts where they are and get lots of afternoon sun. Will be interesting if nothing else.

Time for a cuppa :)

kiwimade64 - 2020-05-09 10:07:00

kiwimade64 wrote:

Windows are done :) By the time I finished I was warm and toasty so a bonus.

MrK has two tomato plants that popped up from seeds in the garden and has them potted up on the front door step. We're also seeing if we can grow them during the winter. They should be well protected from frosts where they are and get lots of afternoon sun. Will be interesting if nothing else.

Time for a cuppa :)

Awesome Kiwimade

Ive been busy this morning so havent got to the tomato yet,, will do it later today

Edited by popeye333 at 1:16 pm, Sat 9 May

popeye333 - 2020-05-09 13:16:00

Morning everyone and Happy Mothers Day to the Mothers.

The sun is just hitting the house after a grey start

The jam is on, just on low while I have my breakfast. Both beautiful red colours.

I will have everything done this morning, so I should be able to sit and paint later.

Have a fab day everyone

popeye333 - 2020-05-10 08:42:00

morning ladies and happy mothers day :)

The day started out fine but is dulling over so heaven knows what the weather is going to do. I've cut back the salvias so that's the last of my pruning now until July when I prune the roses. I still have a good trailer load of green waste to go to either the tip or onto our neighbour's farm. It's a marathon effort for around six weeks of the year but worth the effort for the summer growth.

I am really struggling with this embroidery piece but will stick with it for now. My sewing machine has been out for a month now and I haven't had a chance to use it. Am really tempted to spend a day sewing, might do that tomorrow.

Stay sane, keep crafting :)

kiwimade64 - 2020-05-10 11:36:00

Morning everyone
Had a nice day yesterday doing the jam.. Only one jar didnt seal, a strawberry one, of which we dont have one open so thats all good.

After two busy days I am giving myself the day off, so Im going to paint for most of the day.

I really need to decide what to do at night time cos I keep missing patches of tv lol.

Dull and overcast today, meant to be be fine in the middle ... but the washing is all caught up..

Have a fab day everyone

popeye333 - 2020-05-11 09:13:00

morning ladies :) It's cold this morning, a bit overcast and bleak. I'm waiting for the bin to be emptied so I can fill it again with garden waste. Yesterday I went Round 3 on the jasmine and it's finally looking under control (sort of lol). I'll never ever leave pruning it back for so long again. And I thought I had pretty much finished the pruning lol.

Today I'll potter about, I should do the lawn edges so I can mow again. Can't believe I'm still mowing weekly.

I did a bit more to my iris yesterday and it's starting to take shape. I do a little bit and put it down. So much for spending the day at my sewing machine. I'll have another attempt at that soon.

Stay sane, Level 2 is nearly here! happy crafting :)

kiwimade64 - 2020-05-12 08:41:00

Morning everyone

Yay level 2... not that we will change anything other than MrP will come out for a ride when I do the shopping. hes never been in Reduced to Clear so if its not busy he might come in there on Thursday.

No crafting yesterday, again, but I am going to get the squares out that I dont quite a while ago and see what design I can make with them. A lady here on my FB does some beautiful blankets, and I havent made one for ages.. so fingers crossed... Cos Im missing too much tv if I dont have something in my hands at night lol.

Stay safe and well everyone

popeye333 - 2020-05-12 09:31:00

morning ladies :) It's a stunning morning here so I'll go for my walk shortly. The 'fish man' is back in business so while out and about will buy some fresh fish for dinner. He came to town once a week but had to stop with lockdown. Am pleased he's back as his fish is so fresh. Yesterday on my walk I found more field mushrooms so they were a yummy lunch.

Tomorrow I will finally be able to post off our granddaughter's knickers she left behind lol. Of all the things to post home. And I have some cross stitching things for her too. And I have a book I sold the other day which can be posted too. Just those little things that are starting to pile up and need doing. I have a separate Level 2 List of things that have been waiting to get done.

I was sorry to hear Bunnings are closing some of their stores. We use the Cambridge shop often and will miss it. Bunnings had already closed three of it shops late last year so I wonder if these shops had been 'ear marked' for closure a long time ago and Covid-19 was the excuse they needed. Maybe I'm just being cynical here.

Stitching later today. Yesterday I stitched the Turkish knot stitch to make the 'fluffy' stamens of the iris, am still debating if I like it or not. But it does add interest to the picture. I'll take a pic and post it.

Happy crafting :)

kiwimade64 - 2020-05-13 08:05:00

Kiwimade64 look forward to seeing your needlework iris are my favourite flower after violets l tossed up between Violet and Iris when l named my 7 yr old Violet Rose.
It is raining steadily here in Kerikeri l was hoping for sun tomorrow as planned a trip to paihia for a picnic we will just go for lunch now l am a bit stir crazy after being home so long.

huntlygirl - 2020-05-13 08:52:00

Morning everyone

Dull and breezy out there, and not terribly warm either.

Yay for the post shops being open.. Ive been using Book a courier on TM. I discovered you dont have to actually sell the item on here to use their courier. I have 3 sales being picked for delivery today.

I got the squares that I had done for a blanket out yesterday, I have no recollection of what design I was doing. I want to make it fairly big, so Im going to do more squares. Its in a darky grey, deep maroon red and navy.. Once I have worked out a pattern Ill do the extra squares I need and chrochet it together with black.

Todays mission is to find MrPs open ended spanners, I have a feeling they are in the drawers he had tools in at the other end.
It also reminded me I need to get some for my toolbox too.. Easier to find in my toolbox than going through his stuff in the shed lol..

I dont know if you have seen the story about our Mad Butcher comitting suicide on the weekend.. He had been on the news at the start of the Covid stuff.. Had been struggling for a long time, but the covid was the straw that broke the camels back. He was only 38, with a young family.. He was an awesome guy. Nothing was ever too much trouble for him.
There are now only 20 of the original 40 Mad Butcher shops left now. Many saying the franchise expenses is whats putting them against the wall.
Very Sad.
Huntlygirl I have to admit, I am starting to feel locked in, so level 2 has come at a good time. And at least MrP can come with me for a ride tomorrow.

Have a fab day everyone

popeye333 - 2020-05-13 09:48:00

Morning ladies, I'm pleased to report that I have been sleeping better these last few days, not that that means I'm feeling any more motivated to do anything. I had planned to do some gardening today and heavy rain in the night and early this morning will make the ground a bit gluggy but it is also blowing quite hard, so I will decide when I poke my nose outside whether to do any or not. I'm hoping the car will start as I want to go and fill with petrol and get a gas bottle refilled. I said to my son yesterday I feel like a naughty schoolgirl who has been grounded for weeks - and I don't remember every being grounded as punishment - probably because mum didn't want me hanging round at home and was pleased to send me out to play - or maybe I was just never naughty enough to be grounded.

I tried several times yesterday to get hold of my hairdresser but no luck. I'm hoping she will be open tomorrow. I will go into town tomorrow and see.

That's very sad popeye about your Mad Butcher.

Huntlygirl my favourite flowers are violets too.

Right, time to do something useful.

Have an awesome day everyone.

Edited by kuaka at 10:40 am, Wed 13 May

kuaka - 2020-05-13 10:39:00

https://trademe.tmcdn.co.nz/photoserver/full/1323461835.jpg

So here's what I've done so far. Not much but I keep unpicking it lol. I'm thinking I might trim the stamen back a bit closer.

kiwimade64 - 2020-05-13 13:47:00

Yay, I'm getting a haircut tomorrow - does a happy dance.

kiwimade, your embroidery is beautiful, even at this unfinished stage - I couldn't even attempt anything like that. I'm too busy tinking my knitting these days!

kuaka - 2020-05-13 13:53:00

Very Pretty Kiwimade.. I too couldnt attempt anything like that.

Yay for both of you getting your haircuts.... I might splash out before summer and get my ends trimmed lol

popeye333 - 2020-05-13 14:34:00

afternoon ladies :) yep, haircut tomorrow for me :D :D

Today I drove to Hamilton and hugged our son at his work lol... omg I cried! Didn't think I would become emotional lol. I also did groceries and 'popped into' Bunnings. The queue for Spotlight was horrendous so I will go back when things have quietened down a tad.

Time for lunch and will turn the telly on to watch the budget. Will be interesting to see how things are going to be. No new virus cases again today, how cool is that!

Happy crafting :)

kiwimade64 - 2020-05-14 13:30:00

What a day lol..
Awake at 5 am with what sounded like gunshots near by. I rang the cops, and tried to go back to sleep but that wasnt happening.
MrP decided he woudlnt go to town last night, then changed his mind this morning.
Went to PnS, Noel leeming and the warehouse, only a couple of minute wait at Noel leeming and that was only cos it was before opening time. The warehouse was straight in and out.
Couldnt get a park up the main street to take my ring back to the jewellers, so I went to the clinic for my mamogram early. Ended up talking to another Su from Waiuku lol..
Finally got a park nearish to the jewellers,, the linesfrom the hair dressers and post shop were massive.
Got straight through KFC and it was yummy lol.

Baack up the road to get the things at NW that PnS dont have, saw the lines at the oppies, gave them a miss lol.. and finally home...

Im out of practice lol.. And the amount of traffic in Pukekohe has put MrP off going again lol...

But Ive done all I need and hope not to have to go out again until next shopping day..
The testing station in pukekohe has been taken down now, so no detours.

yay no new cases.. pleased to hear it.

popeye333 - 2020-05-14 14:23:00

Morning everyone

Was out like the light by 9-15 last night lol.. And remembered I hadnt done everything cos I didt pick up my pills.. So thats on the agenda this morning and Ill hopefully find some ripe bananas, the ones at PnS yesterday were shocking lol.
I didnt crochet last night, I knew even tho its simple squares, thats Id stuff it up lol.
A quiet one today and I get my grove back toorrow with everything.

I hope everyone enjoys their haircuts and the little bit more freedom that we have.

Have a fab day all

popeye333 - 2020-05-15 09:14:00

morning ladies :D :D I cannot believe how excited I am to get my haircut today lol. Am well overdue as I was booked in for lock down day and needed a hair cut badly then. Was not brave enough to cut my own hair and I knew if I did my hairdresser would say something lol.

Housework is pretty much done, just need vacuuming and washing the floor. Another load of washing done. The Furry One is shedding his summer coat and we have fur everywhere. I wash the throws on the couch weekly but they are pretty bad this week with fur. He sheds more than our cats ever did.

Traffic has picked up on SH29 but not as bad as when there were a gazillion tourists using it. Bit like old times really.

There is an arborist cutting a massive tree down near us and we've been watching him climb and work in the tree. No problem with social distancing there lol.

Washing machine has finished, will hang this load out and throw our sheets in.

Crafting later I hope.

happy crafting :)

kiwimade64 - 2020-05-15 09:23:00

Good Morning Ladies Sun is out,washing on the line. Yes, I watched the budget. My hairdresser is not going to open till Monday,so ring and see if I can get my hair cut next week..
Kniting a shawl for a friend. I will get there,pulled it off the neddles a couple of times. Need to return some books and pickup the books I ordered last week.
Like your stitching Kiwimade.
Yes the roads are starting to get busy again here as well. The road between Napier and Hastings has been busy. The express is very busy and holdups. There 3 roads that we can use to get to Hastings but no they just want use the express way.

Read that our Farmers Market is open again this Saturday so will see if there any veggie and herb plants.

Have a great day everyone
Happy crarfting

Edited by sunflowers28 at 10:50 am, Fri 15 May

sunflowers28 - 2020-05-15 10:48:00

morning ladies :) We caught up with friends last evening, so good! Kept our social distancing and all that but there was a sense of 'normal' kicking in. We didn't go into town, just a few beers at home.

Today MrK is coming with me into town to the garden center. This should be interesting lol.

My haircut didn't happen as I mucked up the online booking time. Was gutted but oh well, it's just a haircut. Booked in for the 29th. Could have been next week but we have a funeral to go to. It's going to be a very different funeral that's for sure.

It's MrK's and my wedding anniversary shortly, 35 years is quite the life journey that's for sure. So we thought we would do the tree tops walk in Rotorua. It's something we have been wanting to do for quite a while now and it seems appropriate to do it now to support the domestic tourist industry. We tend to do things rather than buy stuff. Although in saying that, MrK is buying me a pair of earrings for my birthday :P (another reason we're going into town :P)

Crafting later I hope.

Happy crafting :)

kiwimade64 - 2020-05-16 08:33:00

Morning everyone

Grey here today, but not as dull as yesterday.

Have fun at the garden centre Kiwimade... I dont remember the last time we went to one, but possibly before my Stepfather died in 2000 lol. Ohh No it was up here when we got the blackberries and citrus trees from Smithies
But that would have been early in the pice so 2004ish .

Housework today, floors, dishes and put away some washing away anyway.
Then Ill paint.

Got a facefull of something yesterday and I had a chronic sinus attack, nasty headache, hot face, stingy eyes.. Worst Ive had in ages,, since before my antihistamines thats for sure.. Alot better this morning thank goodness.

In my shopping travels yesterday I bumped into 6 people I hadnt seen since before Lockdown. One is one of the nurses from the Med Centre.. She looked totally worn out. I hope she can get some time off soon.

Have a fab day everyone

popeye333 - 2020-05-16 09:38:00

morning ladies :) Loved the trip into the garden center, so pleased they were open. We had to sign in of course as they couldn't guarantee the meter distancing rules at the entrance. They were saying some refused to sign in and had to be turned away and one was an elderly chap. They told us private info you give out is locked away at the end of the day and will be destroyed in three months. I think we have to give up some privacy for the good of all and therefore has to be a good dose of trust on all sides. Interesting times. Sorry for the lecture lol.

Didn't get to the jewelers and didn't get a new latch for the gate. Tomorrow is another day.

MrK is going to show me how to use the weedwacker today. I've been doing the edges by hand as so many plants have been growing over the edging but they have all been pruned back now. And then (sorry Aucklalnders lol) the hose is going on the garden. We could really use some rain here too.

I did some stitching yesterday, will keep going with it. Not 100% happy but I am still learning how to do this style of embroidery.

Happy crafting :)

kiwimade64 - 2020-05-17 08:11:00

Morning everyone

One could say the Silly old man.. It people like him are at risk the greatest. Ive only had to sign in at a few places and I certainly know its for our own safety.

We poped back over to Pukekohe, Briscoes frames were half price so we got frame for 6 of the paintings... Soo pleased I can finally frame some of them.

So the housework that didnt get done yesterday will happen today..Finally lol.. Thank goodness we dont get many visitors.. Mind you Im not one to sit and craft or have time on the computer with a dusgustingly messy house either lol.
Planted the new silverbeet plants last night. MrP reckoned there was going to be a frost but they are all standing up nicely.

Did 3 squares last night. so finally have some craft in my hands.. I really need a design to pop into my head, although I am thinking of going with rows of each colour alternated.. At least that would save on farting around changing colours etc lol

Have a fab day everyone

popeye333 - 2020-05-17 09:38:00

morning ladies :) Yep, popeye, that was our thought too. The registers were his protection.

We had our first frost this morning, only a light one but enough to tell us winter is pretty much here. Had the hose on the garden yesterday as omg the garden is dry. A dahlia I cut back has regrown and is flowering, so out of whack for this time of the year.

Yesterday I used the weedwacker for the first time in a very long time. I had forgotten how heavy it can be but it does a really good job and saves my back. Amazing how it started first pop and hadn't been used for years. Today I rake leaves, we don't have as many as when we lived in town thank goodness, but there's enough to make a decent pile.

Still stitching, did a bit more yesterday and hope to finish a petal today.

Happy crafting :)

kiwimade64 - 2020-05-18 08:23:00

Morning everyone.
I dont think we had a frost but it is very nippy. beautiful day tho.

Weedeaters can be heavy, but I agree they do a good job. Another one is electric hedge clippers, I sold mine when we got to this house, theres nothing to trim lol.

The Jam pots are on, Blackberry in one and Apricot in the other.. Im slowly making my way through the fruit and vege freezer lol. I hope to get one completely empty, and Ill turn it off until I do the big meat shop at christmas.

Madam is now sleeping fulltime on me at night. So shes def in winter mode.

Didnt crochet last night. I sneezed badly and the pain in my back brought me to tears.. There has to be something not right about that. And its only happened since my epidural 2 years ago. And its not healthy to hold a sneeze in, sometimes I have time to prepare but not last night, I couldnt get comfortable after that.

Painting later, cos Ill need to sit by then lol. Ive only got the leaves and the birds to do. All the bright stuff yay.

The School and work traffic is back to normal, I didnt realise how much noise there was till it stopped on Lockdown day.

Have a fab day everyone

popeye333 - 2020-05-18 09:12:00

It was nice to send little madam off to school this morning she had me totally worn out. It has assumed me the shared care is best for us both. Hard to think l had up to 7 fosterkids just a few.years ago. I feel.everyone of my 62 yrs now. Been busy wiping down walls and cupboards they get so grubby. I started a jumper for school last night it is still hot.up here still in.tshirts but it won't be long before it gets cooler. My strawberries are still flowering and giving enough for breakfast everyday.

huntlygirl - 2020-05-18 11:01:00

morning ladies :) I bet there were a lot of tired kids yesterday! I hope your daughter enjoyed her first day back, huntlygirl and you took time for yourself at some stage. Can't believe you still have strawberries growing!

Bin man's been so I can start the lawn soon. I managed to stuff the last of the garden prunings into the bins yesterday, meant a bit of chopping up and squashing but it's done :)

We took our stereo in for repairs yesterday, I even found the warranty lol. It has to sit for three days before they can send it away so it has it's own quarantine. Makes sense, but it means you can't just take something in for repairs like we used to without delays.

I'll mow the lawn today and the car needs washing inside and out. I'm trying to make the most of the fine weather and getting the out door jobs done.

Crafting I hope, later today.

Happy crafting :)

kiwimade64 - 2020-05-19 08:04:00

Morning everyone

A chilly one this morning.. brrrrr

Izzy was a tired lass yesterday.. the other 4 were on the bus but for some reason the school didnt put Izzy on. So her Mum went and picked her up. She slept on the way home..For her its like restarting school again, since she wasnt at school long before covid hit. And there wasnt many grumbles when it came to bed time lol.

Its odd about things having to be in their own quarantine, but they are doing that with donations to the oppies too.
And speaking of those... Ive been thinking about making some aprons for a wee while, bright light went on about 2am, lol... the oppy has 10 items of clothing for $1, to get rid of summer stock... Im going to duck up and see if I can get 5 skirts and 5 tops.
Open the back of the skirts and cut to strips for the ties,,, take the back off the tops (and save any buttons) and make the bib part and neck strap. 5 aprons for $1 and a little time.

I have to stick a couple of diamonds on the painting I did for my brother in law and send that down to him. MrP spoke to him about it on the weekend and he said he would make his own frame, he has plenty of timber and glass... So that makes it an easy post and much cheaper too. He was a cabinet maker /joiner so will do a good job.

I want to vaccum but MrP is still sleeping.. So it will wait.

Painting later. Im on the birds now.

Have a fab day all

Edited by popeye333 at 8:45 am, Tue 19 May

popeye333 - 2020-05-19 08:42:00

Morning everyone.
Tis starting to get chilly now. Winter is here finally lol.

Didnt get much at all done yesterday.. MrP slept till 11am when I decided that was way more than late enough to sleep lol.

Needless to say the vaccumming didnt happen. And Im popping up the road shortly. But Thankfully its just the bedrooms so it wont matter cos the Queen isnt visiting today lol.

Lawns have been done, a bit wet nd long to be caught nicely, but they sure had grown.
I have 14 tomato seeds growing,, Yesterday morning there was 8 and by bedtime there was 11... So they obviously like where they are. The new silverbeet is happy. and the rhubarb is massive lol...
Ive decided Im going to move the old fashioned violets out of the big tub and put some dirt into old litter trays. And move the bulbs when they are done in the summer. Ill either plant tomatoes in the big tub they are in or into the square box. But id like to get a small mandarin tree, so I think the larger planter box would be better for that.

Ill finish the birds later, only 2 reds to do.

Have a fab day everyone

popeye333 - 2020-05-20 09:53:00

afternoon ladies :)

It's been a busy day today outside moving a rose bush and spreading compost. I shifted some miniature dahlias to another home where they will get more sun and weeded a bit. Tomorrow I have a bit more compost to spread around and will plant out a rose I grew from a cutting last spring. Not sure of it's name but I suspect it's Cecil Brunner, a lovely climbing rose. It's going along the fence to hide the water tank. I have another rose cutting from the same plant to give to a friend so will do that tomorrow too.

No time for crafting today as I was too busy outside. Trying to make the most of the fine weather and get things done.

Happy crafting :)

kiwimade64 - 2020-05-20 16:35:00

Morning everyone

Winter at last. The singlet is on, the thermal top is on and Ill be digging out the heaters today lol..And another blanket for each bed lol...

It was not very warm when I got up at 6am to put bread on lol.. but its cooked so it smells wonderfull here.

I finished the parrots yesterday. Im quite pleased with it.. Ill do a photo later.

So once I have done a couple of jobs here Ill pack down the spare diamonds and set up for the next picture.

Not shopping today cos my main bank eftpos card is having huge hissy fits and being very temperamental. So Ive had to transfer from one bank to another, until my card arrives. Tad annoying.. Will pick up my ring too,, it was done by Tuesday which was really fast but I guess they didnt have a big build up of jobs to do after the long break.

At last count I had 25 seeds up in the tomatoes... I havent got them out yet. I have to hide them in the pantry overnight, along with the ornamental Bamboo I got for Christmas, otherwise Madam eat the leaves,, she loves her greens. lol

Hav a fab day everyone, stay warm and well.

Edited by popeye333 at 9:29 am, Thu 21 May

popeye333 - 2020-05-21 09:28:00

morning ladies :) Well that was a doozy of a frost this morning. Yesterday's frost was just a warning shot over the bow lol. All good though, it's a stunning day.

I've finished spreading the compost this morning and planted out the rose I grew from the cutting. It had a really good root system on it too so am really chuffed with myself. I'll buy some pansies or something to fill in the gaps over winter.

Things are settling down now garden wise so I can slow a bit too. We have a funeral tomorrow and had to register we were coming. MrK's cousin passed away in her sleep which is a good way to go I think.

Bunnings phoned yesterday afternoon saying my sprayer hose has arrived. Only ordered it on Thursday so will pick it up when in Hamilton next. Good timing too as I need to spray weeds before the weather changes.

Might even have time today to craft.

happy crafting :)

kiwimade64 - 2020-05-21 10:15:00

Popeye l used to grow trays of wheat grass for my budgies and my cat always got into them so l started giving him one to munch on and he left my plants alone. I used an old kitty litter tray and kept one thick with longer grass to roll in.

huntlygirl - 2020-05-21 10:16:00

Afternoon ladies, I've had a busy few days. Monday morning I went further north to see a friend and stayed the night and on the way back called in to see another friend. Then went to the Warehouse for a few bits (had to wait and as one person came out another was allowed in but I didn't have to wait long and we were a metre apart). Quickly got what I needed and then went to Mitre 10. There were all of about 5 customers in the huge store. It must be having a devastating effect on their turnover.

Yesterday I went to the local cafe for "stitch and bitch" and caught up with friends I hadn't seen since early March, and some of us stayed for lunch. Fish and chips and it was good. I had an hour to kill before going to the nurse for a blood pressure check so I came home and then went out again. Blood pressure on Friday was really high, yesterday it was the best it's been in years. Have to go again next week.

I had a phone call from the hospital and I'm booked in for a colonoscopy on Saturday 30th - I am really looking forward to it - NOT - but I am hoping it will find out what is causing all my problems, and hopefully it's not cancer. Doctor says she thinks it's unlikely I have bowel cancer (presumably she is thinking that I've had the problems for so long that if it was cancer I'd be dead by now!)

Right, I must go and plant the things I bought on Tuesday.

Happy crafting everyone

kuaka - 2020-05-21 12:42:00

morning ladies :) Fingers crossed for you, kuaka they find what is wrong. 30th is part of the long weekend I think so they must be working longer hours to get through all the appointments.

Sadly, we have a funeral to go to today. It will be different having fewer people and no cuppa 'back at the house' afterwards. But at least we get to say goodbye.

We have the double whammy of frost and fog this morning, no wonder it's cold. But the sun is coming out so the day should warm up.

I started knitting (yep, knitting) a jumper for our grandson last evening. Our daughter asked for a couple please mum. And I found a cute pattern for our granddaughter too. So I'll embroider and knit.

Yesterday our local Gull had petrol for $1.67 a litre so filled the car up. Can't believe they could be $1.67 while Z was $1.99.

Better get moving. Happy crafting :)

kiwimade64 - 2020-05-22 07:52:00

Morning everyone,
Bright and chilly again, the sun has just gone high enough to get above the trees.
Hope all goes well for you Kuaka..

Yeah it will be a weird funeral Kiwimade.. but it is good you can go.

The weirdest funeral we have been to was one of MrPs brothers. we got to the chapel and it was like the great parting of the seas.. Our side of the family sat on one side, and his wifes side sat on the other. Our side got up and told a few yarns about funny things they had done. Went to the cemetary and then went back to the chappel for a cuppa.... But None of her side went back to the chappel.. It was Really Weird.. one of the most memorable ones for sure.

MrP is finally up so Ill get the floors done.. Money transferred fast yesterday so we went and did the shopping, and picked up my ring yay.

Need to look up some pj prices, we cannot find MrPs winter Jammies. Ive looked everywhere twice and they have vanished lol.. Bound to find them once we get some new ones.

Yeah we got our petrol for $1-77, that 10 cent tax keeps it high.. Gull has a special on the 3rd thursday and till noon on the Friday of each month.

Im thinking about knitting myself another long sleeve cardy, Ill see if I can find the pattern I used last time. And I have plenty of yarn to chose from.

Have a fab day all.

popeye333 - 2020-05-22 09:33:00

Morning everyone

Well the day changed again yesterday, we ended up going to get MrP the new pjs. I was aiming at getting thermals, but they were practically cleaned out. bar one long sleeve top. But got some mix and match and he had a much better sleep last night.. Yay.. he annoys me at times, he is a Major Marter.. would rather not mention he is cold, than actually get something warmer on, or another blanket. Silly man, the only one he is hurting, is himself.

Have got washing on, dishes will go in the dishwasher when Im done here, then the floors, trim his mo and beard, will put him on peeling the potatoes for tea. Im going to make some crumbed potato balls which have cheese in the middle. And will do some small crumbed meatballs too.
Want to start on the outside cobwebs... Ive never lived in a house that has soo many cobwebs on the outside. Im pleased theyre not inside, but if I left them for a year we wouldnt be able to open the windows or doors I reckon lol.. So mass eviction hopefully before the rain tomorrow.

Then I will find the recipe for the cardy.. MrP asked if I had enough wool.. cheeky b*gger lol... I said yeah far too many choices lol.... I have some fluffy cream yarn that I might risk using. I know fluffy yarn used to affect mums sinus, but I think that was mohair.. This from memory is brushed acrylic.. Although it would make a lovely cuddly blanket too and I think there is 1000grams.

MrPs brother in law got his Indian cheif yesterday. A few diamonds came off, which I expected, but Ive told him to make a note of what symbols came off and Ill send them down marked so he can put them back on before he makes a frame.

Right I better get cracking, I want everything done today...

Have a fab day everyone

Edited by popeye333 at 9:34 am, Sat 23 May

popeye333 - 2020-05-23 09:32:00

First cold night in Kerikeri woke up at ram with a little body clinging to me she had kicked her blankets off and was cold of course l got her cold feet put under me a quick awakening ensued. She is 8 in a few weeks and asked if she was still allowed in my bed then so l said even when you are 18. I even hot toast and coffee in bed l am so glad l have taught her how to do things at a young age she is very capable in the kitchen. I will have to get my other winter duvet out today l have had the 200gm one on and have a 300 that buttons to it. Have a lovely crafty day my jersey is growing fast will probably finish next week.

huntlygirl - 2020-05-23 10:26:00

If you were my favourite 8ply set in / drop shoulder round necked cardigan pattern, where would you hide? lol

Ive looked everywhere and its driving me crazy lol...

Its a nice easy knit and its awesome to wear...

Looks like Ill be trolling through the patterns at the oppies this week to find something that suits...

Its a hard life lol

popeye333 - 2020-05-23 18:21:00

morning ladies :) The funeral was lovely, one of the best funerals we have been too. MrK and I have both decided that's what we want when we fall off our perches.

omgg huntlygirl, cold feet in the morning lol. It's been a long time since I've had that happen!

I scan my patterns so I have a digitalised copy so if they are lost I still have it. But I can see how things like patterns can go missing when you have recently moved, popeye.

It looks like rain today, can't wait. The garden is so dry I've had the hose on this week. And one tree that has usually lost all of it's leaves by now hasn't even changed colour yet. The maples look stunning though.

Today is going to be a cruisey day, will try and get this wee jumper finished and maybe finally, some sewing. I cleaned the car out yesterday, need to vacuum and wash it now. Sewing and cleaning the car are the last things on my Level 4 lockdown list lol. I knew my list was long but I didn't think it would take till Level 2 to get through it all.

Happy crafting :)

kiwimade64 - 2020-05-24 08:28:00

Morning everyone

Well I did everything but the cobwebs yesterday, so was pleased about that.

That was of course after I blew the plug on the lead of my vaccuum cleaner.. But Never fear I kept the little one we had for the car, so I got that out and she did a better job than the original one.. But I will get a plug for the other one at some stage. Sometimes it pays to be a little hoarderish lol

This morning Ill do the cobwebs, the weather is iffy out there but Ill get some done I think.
Then I will sit and go through every file book again.. I wouldnt have thrown it out so it has to be there somewhere.

Our lawns have stopped in their tracks. Mowed on Wednesay I think it was and theres nothing grown lol.. and with the weather coming our lawn people will likley get a week off lol.

Finally MrP is sleeping welll again.. not needing pills he isnt allowed lol.

Right I will get a few things done and then Evict the Unlawfull tenants.

Have a fab day everyone

Edited by popeye333 at 9:24 am, Sun 24 May

popeye333 - 2020-05-24 09:23:00

morning ladies :) It's raining! Thank goodness. It started late yesterday afternoon and is still raining now.

Not sure what I'll be doing today, I have spiders on the house too but the birds are cleaning them up nicely. Will have to deal with the cobwebs though eventually. I'm thinking this spring we should have the house sprayed for spiders and flies.

Might be a knitting/sewing day today, it's not often the house and garden are both up to scratch lol.

Happy crafting :)

kiwimade64 - 2020-05-25 08:13:00