Good Morning and Happy New Year Everyone.

A better one would be gratefully appreciated thats for sure.

Glad to hear your SIL has rallied Kiwimade, any extra time is precious. And nothing better than being in your own home when your not well.

Glad to hear you are on the mend too Sunflowers.

MrPs Tuesday appointment has been put back to the 14th. We were both a little disappointed cos we were looking forward to doing the mall.

We went into the Warehouse yesterday and instead of either me ducking in and out alone, cos their wheelchair is taken, or us both being there but trying to be as fast as possible incase someone else may need the chair, We used ours and it was a pleasure to wander around in our own time.

We were in the right place at the right time tho cos they were having a clearance of electric blankets, Single normal tie down ones were $4-97 but the Fleece tuck down ones all sizes were $9-97, so we grabbed two of the queen fleece ones. Our beds are only double but we will just tuck them in better cos they have a 50cm tuck in part anyway.

Everywhere was busy but flowing well.

Kiwimade I cant wait till Spotlight opens in Pukekohe, apparently March is being Muted.
Now if they could do a Kmart out here we would only need to go up Manukau city way for medical appointments lol.. A friend would be happy if they did bring Kmart out cos that usually means a dunkin donuts would be right near it lol

Ive picked the Tomato and it smells devine..

Have an awesome day everyone and stay safe

Edited by popeye333 at 9:22 am, Fri 1 Jan

popeye333 - 2021-01-01 09:20:00

Happy New Year everyone. Let's hope 2021 is better than 2020 was. I've been really slack lately, not motivated to do much at all. No gardening nor much in the way of crafts. I went to Wellington for Christmas with my new partner to meet his family. They are all lovely except his brother's wife. I said to the wife of one of his nieces, I'm pleased she's your mother-in-law, not mine. She said they are keen to move further away!

We had a nice time, but boy it was cold down there. It was lovely on Christmas day but every other day we were there it was freezing cold, pouring with rain and everywhere we went everyone was wrapped up in overcoats and they had the heating on indoors - not my idea of summer. Felt sorry for those sleeping rough in shop doorways with the wind howling in.

Good to be back here in the warmer weather at home.

Take care everyone, stay safe.

kuaka - 2021-01-01 13:51:00

Welcome home Kuaka,,

Ohhh a new "other half" I hope you are having a wonderful time and are happy.

Lets hope this year is great for everyone

popeye333 - 2021-01-01 14:10:00

Happy new year!!!

staplenz - 2021-01-01 19:04:00

Happy New Year staplenz.

We have Rain, slightly heavy at times too... Long may it last. lol

Its warm with it tho.

I just seemed to have pottered around yesterday and didnt really achieve anything lol.. But Im ok with that.
I still havent hemmed the hankies , being very productive Not lol.
I hope everyone is well

Have a fab day all

popeye333 - 2021-01-02 09:13:00

Happy New Year Everyone. Good to hear that you are ok kuaka. Best Wishes.

What have I been up to? Been working on the gardens and planing what to keep and replace. We have taken the top soil off all the gardens and gave it a good fed Just waiting now for the top soil to come.Gave the driveway a spray and just need now to cleanup weeds off it.

Finally all my fabric has been washed ironed,fold up and into the plastic bins.Lost about $100.00 dollars of fabric. All my wool,loom etc was ok.
Going to pop into town and met up with a friend for coffee. Maybe a walk along the sea front.as well.

Good to hear your sister in law is now back in her own home. It will make it easy for you to visit her. Kiwimade.
Popeye, come on take each day as it comes and enjoy it. Hope Mr P appointment goes ok and you enjoy the visit to the mail afterwards.
Time to move if I'm going into town shortly.
Have a great day everyone. If you on roads take care.

sunflowers28 - 2021-01-02 10:09:00

afternoon ladies :) It's been a busy few days in between having family stay and MrK's family. His sister is improving daily, we can't believe how well she is doing.

How exciting, kuaka, a new partner. And along with that comes meeting all the new family and their quirks.

I'm still trying to finish the foo cover, it's hard to stitch at then moment.

Happy crafting :)

kiwimade64 - 2021-01-03 12:32:00

Morning everyone

We had a good drop of rain yesterday, which Im sure the garden enjoyed. I picked another tomato this morning, big enough for crackers lol.

Im being soo lazy, lol feel norty sometimes but oh well lol. I know one thing tho, we need to stop grazing and eat proper meals again.

Its funny the things that pop into my head when Im thinking about MrP and him not being here forever. I wouldnt ever use the main toilet lol... The bathroom yes cos I cant use the shower in my en-suite, but the toilet no lol. And the fridge would be empty. remove his sauces etc and it might echo in there lol.

Have an awesome day everyone

popeye333 - 2021-01-04 09:04:00

Good Morning everyone the sun out and looks like lovely day. Yesterday it rained on and off till afternoon. Spend some time catching up on some inside jobs.
Looked for some wool for a baby blanket for a friend. They had a baby girl in Dec. We all so happy for them. They have had a very hard road over the few years.
So what have I been up too. Catching up on jobs that I half did and now I have all my fabric washed dried,folded and back in the plastic bins. Some where only in boxes and large plastic bags.
Starting to feel a lot better. Friend and I went to Mitre10 over the w/end, Fresh garden mix for my tubs and now have fresh new herbs. Have a hoe coming in this week to go over the veggie garden.Still working on the flower gardens, Cutting back in a few places.

Kiwimade, how your gardens looking now? I'm like you up early and into the gardens before it gets too hot. You must be so happy with the bedroom finished for your visitors. Enjoy your time with your grandchildren.
How the food cover coming along? My mum gave me a food cover,made with fine netting and lace around the edge. I use it a lot and many have asked where did I get it.They are so handy.

Popeye,if sounds like your veggie garden working for you. It's so good just pop out and pick what you need for a meal. I have a bath that I have turned over and got some summer veggies in it. The fruit on the vine is covered, but I see the birds are still helping themselves to the fruit. My crab apple tree needs a pick today or the birds will have them all.
Hope you are going to have some time out to yourself this year Popeye you need it. Ask the nurse, if there some where he could go for a few hours or come in for a couple of hours. You don't have to go out yourself. Please ask!
Time for me to have shower as I been outside and washed all my windows,now have to do the inside ones. They can wait for another day,I'm going to clean out some cupboards or just may go out and have a coffee.
Hope everyone has a great day.

Edited by sunflowers28 at 10:19 am, Mon 4 Jan

sunflowers28 - 2021-01-04 10:14:00

evening ladies :) We're home from Rotorua and had a lovely day with family and time at the lakefront. I must admit it was a longggg drive with the 'are we there yet?' question every five minutes lol.

My garden is coming together, sunflowers. The convolvulus is taking over and it needs regular weeding but that's gardening. The roses are about to start their second flush and the dahlias are finally flowering. We're eating the bok choy, beans, tomatoes, lettuce and spring onions and have picked the garlic.

My food cover is slowly coming along, I haven't had much time to stitch but grandkids are more important. I can finish it when everyone has gone home.

We're off fishing sometime during the week and I have the chocolate fish ready lol. Tomorrow I have to go to the supermarket, my goodness I had forgotten how hungry seven year olds can be lol.

Happy crafting :)

kiwimade64 - 2021-01-04 20:17:00

Morning everyone
Sounds like you are having fun Kiwimade. I was trying to figure out how old your grandgirl is. Are both with you?

I thought the power had gone out last night, but thankfully it was only a fuse. So I flicked that, but had missed some of the celebrity chase, so set the recorder to record the delay channel and I went out in the cool and weeded and pulled out lettuces nearly as tall as I am lol.. It all looks nice and tidy again. I might plant the left over seed potatoes tonight when its cooler. The first lot are starting to die off yay.

Yesterday was the hottest we have had here, it was 28 on an internal wall. Nothing like the other house close to and over 40 at times.

I got a new catalogue from Knit world yesterday and they are trying to get 5000 squares for blankets for premmies, they want 10 x 10 cms knitted or crochet but they didnt say what ply wool so I will ask them today. It might just be enough to crank my mojo back into gear.

Have an awesome day everyone

popeye333 - 2021-01-05 09:08:00

Morning everyone

Another hot day yesterday. 29 this time. phew..

Kiwimade I hope you are enjoying your time with the Girls.. Fishing today? its beautiful out there. dont forget to slip slop slap and wrap..!!

We are popping up to the oppies this morning. To see what they have in the way of couches. In the past we have thought of how it had to be high enough for MrP to get off.. but he has his chair now so it can be any height.

I don't want to get rid of the red one MrP broke so I'm going to put my rocking chair into the guest room and put the couch in mine. Thankfully my room is huge lol And I will make some new cushions to dress it up. I hope to have it restored one day.

I heard back from Knit world they accept squares in 3,4, and 8 ply so Il hunt some down later.

Sunflowers sound like you have been putting in alot of work cleaning all the craft stuff and your gardens... You will be able to snuggle up in the winter and craft to your hearts content.

Have a fab day everyone

popeye333 - 2021-01-06 08:23:00

morning ladies :) Our granddaughter is seven, popeye and grandson four. We have mum and granddaughter staying. Fishing today lol, our grandie has her 'plan' all drawn and written out for us to follow. Poppa is trying hard not to see what is going on and we have to sneak the chockkie fish into the chilly bin soon.

Sunflowers, that flood has caused an awful amount of damage and work for you. Hopefully things will be becoming easier for you now.

Happy crafting :)

kiwimade64 - 2021-01-06 08:44:00

Afternoon Ladies. Was up early and clean the windows on other side of the house,now only have the inside of the windows to clean. My lawn mower guy called this morning and we cleaned down the driveway as the bin coming in next week to finally clear out the car shed and have it relined in second part of the shed.
Can't wait to have my sewing/craft-room cleaned up,and all my fabric bins are all back room of the shed,
We both enjoy jigsaw puzzles most of them are going to a op shop and others going to a friend who likes doing jigsaw puzzles to relax in the evening.So they are going to a good home. Can't wait to see what ones he takes.
I hope to have a few days away in Feb. It's over 2 years since I have had a break. Have a project to start working on mid Feb.
I going to use my garden pots for my herbs as I miss my fresh herbs to pick.

Popeye so pleased to hear your garden is giving you some fresh veggies. It's lovely to pop outside and pick what you want. It's good to have your own space to craft or go on line. Have you been doing any crafting?

Hope the fishing go to plan or will the choc fish get eaten first? Kiwimade. Your Granddaughter is a hard case. Enjoy your day at the beach.How the food cover going. I'm sure it will get a lot of use by your daughter.
Take Care!

sunflowers28 - 2021-01-06 12:48:00

Sunflowers after the point of no stairs and an easy shower, having a room , a decent size room for my craft was next on the list. And its full lol.

It is nice being able to pick what I want. I cant wait to dig potatoes, but MrP says I have to wait for them to die off properly. I know hes not fibbing cos they do the same in the many fields but they spray them to make them die faster lol.

Do brassicas do well in the heat? They dont grow many around Pukekohe, and the ones they do always seem to bolt. I was thinking of getting one of those mixed packs, 2 each of cauli, cabbage and Broccoli. but you can see how much heat the bricks hold cos the potato plants are all stretched as far away as possible..

We didnt find a suitable couch this morning, but I got a pretty piece of cafe curtain only 40cms long but there is over 4 meters of it. So Im going to join 4 strips of it. Perhaps with some fancy stitching in, most likely red since its my colours lol..
And I got a lovely smaller pot with a nice heavy bottom and the handle on the lid wont burn my fingers like they do on the pathetic thin one I have now. ...
Heavy Bottoms Can be handy hahahaha..

popeye333 - 2021-01-06 18:23:00

morning ladies :) Our daughter and grandie have left for home while the day is nice and cool. Love them to pieces and it was great to have them stay.

The chockkie fish plan didn't quite go to plan so we improvised and told poppa his hat wasn't on properly and as I straightened his hat put the fish on his head. He was 'surprised' to find it there and was 'surprised' again when he found another in the chilly bin. And yes, sunflowers, our grandie is a real hard case.

The lawns are mowed, got them done while our daughter was packing their stuff and before the fog lifted. I knew we'd have fog as it was so hot yesterday and cool at night.

I didn't get the food cover finished but now our family have gone I should be able to find the time to do it. I'm happy with what I've done so far.

Right, time to move the hose on the garden again and put the kettle on. Love being on bore water.

Happy crafting :)

Edited by kiwimade64 at 9:25 am, Thu 7 Jan

kiwimade64 - 2021-01-07 09:25:00

Afternoon Everyone

Glad you still had a Form of surprise for your grandie Kiwimade... It will be quiet again now lol.

MrP wanted to go and have another look at the couch in the warehouse. Its actually quite comfortable. he thought we would be buying one on tick.. but I told him , nooo it can wait a little longer until we have saved for it. I certainly dont want any more debt if he pops off.
Once again we were in the right place at the right time and got shower gels, pretty Palmolive ones for 97 cents for a 500ml bottle.. Fig and white orchid and Macadamia and Peony....

The cloud is coming in.. so its humid..

I had to remind MrP that he can turn the wheels of the chair... just as easy as I can.
Hopefully the hook handle I got from here will arrive today, it will make it so much easier for him to get in and out of the car, and save me reaching and lifting.

Have a wonderful day everyone

Edited by popeye333 at 1:36 pm, Thu 7 Jan

popeye333 - 2021-01-07 13:35:00

morning ladies :) It was great to have rain last night, the garden is loving it and the temperature has cooled down. Am glad I got the lawn mowed though.

The Furry One had been very quiet over the last few days as he had a seizure lasting just under an hour. Then two days later he had another small one lasting 20 minutes. Yesterday was the first day he was near-normal. It really knocks him about. We may have to increase his medication again so will be talking with our vet.

Housework is on the agenda for me today and then I hope to finish the food cover. One more corner to go.

Happy crafting :)

kiwimade64 - 2021-01-08 07:02:00

Morning everyone

Ohh the poor little man Kiwimade, I hope and increase in dose will bring him right. Is it like an epileptic fit?

Raining here too, I had the fan on two last night and it cooled down enough to be under the covers.
Had a crap sleep tho with pain then feeling sick in the tummy.. but a bit better today thank goodness

Housework here too. I washed a load of washing last night so will put that on the airer, and do the floors. Have to pop up the road for fruit too, so that will be my morning done lol.

I hope to sew my food cover and dig out some wool to do some squares for blankets on the weekend.

I have to admit I miss baking, not the heat but the creating side of it... But we still have the sugar cookies I did before christmas lol.. I guess we just dont need it... mind you it would be different if it was Afghans lol.

Have a fab day everyone

popeye333 - 2021-01-08 08:57:00

Morning ladies, well what a strange start to the New Year for me. My new man and I got back to Auckland on 28th and I had planned to come home the following day, only I had lent my son my car while I was gone because at the moment he doesn't have one (and his specialist said he's okay to drive again) only he refused to give it back. I didn't get it back till 31st and then he didn't want me to have it, chucked the keys at me and slammed the front door. Course it was on empty and it was half full when I lent it to him, so he's not talking to me because he thinks I'm being selfish!

Had a long phone call from my daughter in the UK and hadn't heard from her for months and months.

First thing I did when I got home was a load of washing and the wire in one of my bras came out slightly and got wedged in the rubber seal on the drum of the front loader and ripped a big chunk off it. Apparently the replacement seal is as much as $140 + gst + freight and it takes about 2 hours to fit it at $75 an hour + gst. A couple of days ago my kettle died. Luckily Briscoes had them $39.99 reduced from $129 - same as the one that died, so my new man picked one up for me in Auckland as he was coming up that day. He got the last red one as he thought that was what I wanted, but I wanted a bog standard stainless steel one - he said "oh they had plenty of them" but I've got red in my blue kitchen. Oh well, at least it works.

What next I'm wondering.

Last night there was a fatal stabbing just along the road from me. Apparently a 14 year old boy is in custody! What is a 14 year old boy doing with a knife one might ask - it was at or outside the pub according to reports.

I have a market tomorrow and Sunday and I must admit, I'm not very enthusiastic about it, but at least if it's raining tomorrow I won't feel so bad about sitting in the hall all day, so I'm hoping this weather will continue for a while. Course I watered the garden last night!

Right, I have some jeans to turn into shorts for someone, so I think I will do them this morning.

Hope everyone is well and staying safe. Have an awesome day.

kuaka - 2021-01-08 10:17:00

Hi Kuaka

Wow what a time you have had..

The son needs a kick in the butt, what way to treat his mother, and he understands what being selfish means cos he has it down pat.
I didn't realize you had a daughter in UK.. how is she doing with all the lockdowns etc?

The new Man is going to have to brush up on things lol.. Im sure he will notice the red standing out lol.

I had wondered how close that stabbing was.. I hope he gets dealt with Properly.. .
I dont understand why the world is soo Angry.

Ive done the washing and been up the road, found some wool I knew I had close so will make a start tonight

popeye333 - 2021-01-08 12:23:00

Popeye - yes it's a kettle and it works. It does rather stand out in the kitchen but what the heck - just that red is one of my least favourite colours.

I'm just wondering why a 14 year old had a knife on him and why he was out late at night. Probably just as well if he's off the streets for a while.

Yes, my daughter went back to England when she was 18 and only came back to attend her father's funeral whenever that was, must be 20 odd years ago. I had already divorced him before then.

I still haven't turned the jeans into shorts - better do that.

kuaka - 2021-01-08 12:55:00

morning ladies :) Crikey kuaka, after everything you have done for your son, he still behaves this way. At least your new man is trying lol, and at least your kettle works. You can hope it goes the same way your old kettle did and quickly lol. I hope you can get your washing machine fixed soon, if it's not one thing it's another.

I see the 14 year old has been charged with murder, sadly he's not the first child to have killed someone in NZ. Two lives wasted over doing something extremely stupid.

I finished the first food covering last evening, am happy with it even though my tension wasn't always right. The fabric was slippery and sometimes it was easier not to use a hoop. I'll start the bigger one today sometime. This one is going to be all white.

Time to get out in the garden for a bit and to hang out some of yesterday's washing that never dried completely. And I had also watered the garden the day before the rain lol.

Happy crafting :)

kiwimade64 - 2021-01-09 07:07:00

Morning everyone

I do believe the humidity has dropped a little. Sunny out at the mo.

Sadly that 14 year old has ruined two families lives. I might sound mean but I hope they dont call the "he's from a poor home life" Its too simple to be used these days.
At 14 I knew right from wrong, and walking around at night with a knife is Not right.

I started a square last night, but doing it in rows, and it took a few tires to get the right size. So Im going to undo it and cut off the "used" too many time part of the wool and start again lol.

dishes washing and the floors again today .. And Im going to make some rissoles for MrP and some tuna patties for me, for tea.

MrP had now lost 27.5 kilos. We got a letter about how his scans went but theres not alot I can understand in it..

Have a fab day everyone

popeye333 - 2021-01-09 09:20:00

So much for the garden lol, decided I just couldn't be bothered today so the ironing is all done and the first bit of the design is on the next food cover. I took a pic of the cover I finished, it's not the best pic but you will get the gist of it.
https://trademe.tmcdn.co.nz/photoserver/full/1465833010.jpg

Popeye, if you are unsure of what the letter means, phone them and ask. Sometimes re-reading it helps too as we can skim read and skip words.

kiwimade64 - 2021-01-09 11:49:00

Oh Kiwimade that is soooo pretty... Mine wont be anywhere near pretty but it will work lol.

Ive done the housework and prepped tea.. And there are enough rissoles and tuna cakes for 2 meals so that's tomorrow night sussed too lol.. And I'm sore dammit.. I'm over being sore.

Yep I'm going to google some of the words, but his urology appointment is Thursday so Ill take it with us for questions.

Ive told MrP I'm doing his hankies and the food cover tomorrow and that's all lol..

popeye333 - 2021-01-09 12:40:00

Kiwimade your embroidery is beautiful. Love it.

mica3 - 2021-01-09 13:31:00

morning ladies :) Thank you for your kind comments, I'm pleased with it and I know our daughter will love it. She's already seen most of it while she was here lol. I started the second one yesterday and it's longer so will 'do' for a bigger table.

Popeye, that's an awful lot of weight MrP has lost especially is such a short time.

It's foggy as heck here but that's always expected after a hot day. This morning I'll get back out and weed for a bit to make the most of the cool start to the day. It doesn't take long to weed now but I do need to keep on top of the damed convolvulus, it's nasty stuff. My orange tiger lillies are flowering like crazy, I've always loved them since I was a child.

Time to move, the Furry One wants to play for a bit. He's not playing for as long as he used to and he's missed the couch a few times when he tried to jump onto it. He's not 'old-old' if that makes sense but we do wonder what damage these seizures are doing to his wee body.

Happy crafting :)

kiwimade64 - 2021-01-10 07:47:00

Morning everyone

A Long food cover will be awesome for your outdoor meal Kiwimade. Ive never been fond of eating outdoors.. Dont really know why lol..

Yeah MrPs weight loss is not a good sign. I did dr Google a few things yesterday and I can say Ill be pleased when he as seen the specialists.

I too love tiger lilys such a pretty colour and "design"

MrP is still in bed so Im pleased about that..

Im going to sew. I have some hankies to hem. The cafe curtain to join and a while back I got some white thermal drape by mistake really but Im going to make thicker curtains for the en-suite window for the winter.
Well thats the plan lol I might not get all of it done. Depending on interruption's lol.

Have a fab dayeveryone

popeye333 - 2021-01-10 08:55:00

Kiwimade my little maltese had epilepsy he was medicated for a few years but being only 1400 grams it was hard to find the right dose so in the end l stopped his meds he had a few small seizures but was a happy boy then one night l woke to him falling off my bed dead l don't know if it was a seizure or heart related but it was very quick and he was with his mum so it was the best way to go. He was popped back on his blanket so Violet could say goodbye in the morning she was 21 months and they were best buddies. Out of the blue the other day she said l want another white fluffy puppy like my friend and recalled us walking to the Hunua Falls with him in the stroller, he hated to put his feet on the ground and the stroller was his walk.

huntlygirl - 2021-01-10 10:25:00

morning ladies :) awww huntlygirl, it's tough isn't it, watching our pets seize. Your poor wee guy <3 I hope you do manage to have another dog
:)

Back out in the garden for me while the morning is cool, we're meant to have some scorchers over the next few days. At least it's just a matter of running the hoe through the soil now to keep on top of it all.

I've almost finished the first side of the food cover, so much easier using one colour lol with no stop and starting. I'm very tempted to make another one for us but I said to MrK I would use rayon/satin thread to add that extra bit of gloss. I guess I just like the punishment of using slippery fabric and thread lol.

Time to get motivated and move. Happy crafting :)

kiwimade64 - 2021-01-11 06:44:00

Morning everyone

Ohh Huntlygirl soo sad. Maybe it is time to bring a new love into the house.

I had a nice time sewing yesterday, did the hankies, joined the pieces for the food cover. and did the curtains for the en-suite. So much so that Im going to cut out a couple of skirts. The net curtaining had a few marks on it so Ive soaked it overnight, will wash it later, it will only take a few minutes to dry lol.. Then Ill see what stitching I want to do on it. well the machine will do it, Ill just drive lol

Picked 5 tomatoes yesterday so they will be on MrPs menu today. he finally admitted hes gone off mince.. Yay I dont care for cooking it that much either lol.. and I dont eat it so Im ok with that lol.

I also crochet 3 squares last night, so it seams Im close to normal again lol.

Have a fab day everyone

popeye333 - 2021-01-11 08:50:00

morning ladies :) A very early start for me this morning as a friend is dropping off a device on her way to work. The courier will pick it up from here so it can be repaired.

The roses need deadheading this morning so will do that and the lawn edges around the pump shed need trimming. Always something to do outside. Yesterday I weeded and trimmed all the lawn edges as I went (it hadn't been done for three weeks). I can't use a weed eater as there are a lot of plants hanging over the edging that need to be lifted as I trim and the weed eater gets heavy after a while.

The sunrise this morning was sooo pretty, should have taken a pic. We're lucky being rural we have great views of the sunrises and sunsets.

Still beavering away on the food cover, haven't quite finished one side yet but was busy yesterday so didn't get to spend much time on it.

Happy crafting :)

kiwimade64 - 2021-01-12 06:29:00

Morning Everyone

Wow such an early start for you Kiwimade.. Enjoy the cool when you can.

Its very still here this morning so I think it may be a hot one later. It was still 25.5 at 8-30 last night.. inside that is.

Well I got the fabric out yesterday, but that was as far as I got lol.. Too busy yakking and then my games etc got in the way. Ive decided since they are just skirts for home, Im just going to cut rectangles, join the side, do a fake seam to even it up and do the hem on the top for the elastic. Its not fabric I would normally choose for myself but Im not going to let it sit there till Im 90 either lol.
MrP wants me to go get him some popcorn this morning, he is missing it lol.. its been about 12 so he has done well lol..

Kuaka how did the markets go?

Have a fab day everyone and stay hydrated.

popeye333 - 2021-01-12 08:59:00

morning ladies :) Up and about early again this morning as I want to mow the lawn before the day gets hot.

Sometimes popeye, using fabric you wouldn't normally choose, works. You may be surprised at the outcome.

I'm going to need some more thread shortly for the food cover. Next week we are visiting MrK's sisters so will get some from Spotlight while in Rotorua. Sadly, MrK's youngest sister is now under palliative care. He was in tears yesterday trying to process the news. Thank goodness we can spend more time with her and don't have lockdowns.

The Furry One has decided if we are at the computer (which is near the front door and his doggy door), we can let him in rather than him come through the doggy door. Why jump through it when your slaves will let you in? So I walk away and he has to use the doggy door but MrK lets him in. The Furry One knows who the sucker is!

Time to move and put the washing on before I start the lawn. Not that there is much to mow but it keeps it tidy and I don't have a lot of clippings to get rid of.

Happy crafting :)

kiwimade64 - 2021-01-13 06:50:00

Morning everyone

Yep your right Kiwimade. I got the skirts made.. 5 of them. One will be for going out but the others for home. They are very simple with elastic at the waist and that's it no frills nothing. I just have to check the length cos I cheated and used the selvages for top and bottom. but may have to shorten them.. And have to put the elastic in and they are done. That will keep me going for a few more years.
The one I have on today MrP brought for me when Mum was still alive so that was 10 years ago in April.. and the other few I use are older lol.. Will make good cleaning cloths tho .

I enjoyed sewing so will be thinking about what else Id like to make.. I really should look at some patterns... I figure that might be a scary experience when it comes to the cost. lol

Animals are such characters, Missy will do as I tell her normally, I send her to our room so I can open the doors and put the screens in. but This morning she was "hiding" in a small cardboard version of a fruit box. So I picked her up box and all , carried her into MrPs room and asked if he had seen missy, she popped her head up. Carried her into our room and sat her on the floor and she was still there when I opened the door lol

Have a fab day everyone

popeye333 - 2021-01-13 09:13:00

Morning everyone

Looks like its going to be a doozy of a day. Thankfully MrPs appointment is mid morning and we4 should be home before it gets too hot.. Was going to do Manukau city but after what he is having done he might not be very comfortable.

I finished my aprons last night. Left the bibs off and adapted them for a waistband.. I learnt one thing.., Im consistent lol I did 3 and all three have their tie straps facing the wrong way lol.. But they are just serviceable ones, nothing pretty about them. but I might make some Pretty ones later.

I didnt need to shorten the skirts so I just had to add the elastic and they were done. I put one of the three matching ones on straight away lol.. im going to wear the pretty blue and white one today if I can find something in the wardrobe to wear with it.

Have a fab day everyone..

popeye333 - 2021-01-14 07:36:00

morning ladies :) Am glad you are happy with your skirts, popeye. It's great to rediscover a favourite craft.

I thought there wouldn't be much lawn to mow yesterday but I was wrong. A weeks growth = seven full catcher loads. It didn't look that long that's for sure. Still, one load went into the compost bin on top of the new 'roughage' to start the bin off again.

My Christmas lillies are flowering again, it must be just the right conditions for them this season.

Today I'll give MrK a hand to prune some of the shrubs that have gotten a tad big. We're expecting thunderstorms this afternoon so won't water the garden this morning.

I've almost finished one side of the food cover and have traced more of the pattern along a short edge. Once that's done I'll be half way. I'm thinking of adding some beads to it just for a bit of weight to hold it down while being used outside.

Happy crafting :)

kiwimade64 - 2021-01-14 07:40:00

Afternoon all

Well it went well. The dr couldnt see any obvious cancer spots but had taken a sample and given MrP a script to help relax the bladder.. Wont need to rush so much hopefully.
It was soo much easier pushing him in and out of the clinic cos we were
right at the back upstairs.

We didnt do Manukau city, we will do that ibn the winter. Its far to hot today. But we took the scenic route home and went down the motorway to Bombay, then stopped at PnS for the few groceries we needed.

MrP even complimented on how nicely dressed I was today... Which doesnt happen often lol.. I found a top that went ok with the skirt.

MrP is now worn out..

I might have a look on here at sewing patterns, might be cheaper otherwise Ill wait till spotlight opens in march

popeye333 - 2021-01-14 14:50:00

morning ladies :) That's good news about MrP, popeye. It sure was a hot day to be out and about.

We didn't manage to trim the shrubs yesterday, it got too hot too quickly, so will have another go this morning. I stitched for a bit and finished the first long side and started around the corner. I put the first food cover I made into the sun to help fade the heat transfer pencil lines I never stitched over and they are almost gone. Will pop it into the sun again today and by the end of the day you won't even know the lines were there. The magic of sunshine lol.

Happy crafting :)

kiwimade64 - 2021-01-15 07:25:00

Good Morning Ladies. Just came in for a drink as I have been out in flower garden that has heaps of spring bulbs in it. Remover then turned the soil over and added 3 loads of compost on it. Will water it tonight. Cleaned the pots that I am going to use for my herbs. Go shopping for plants over the w/end. Starting to get hot again today,so I will do some inside jobs. Knitting a blanket for a baby at present. Need to check my sewing machine and give it a good clean and oil it.
Met up with a friend yesterday had lunch and catch up. Did some op shop shopping as well. We have four in one street and spread along the street.

Popeye that was good news for both of you from the Doctor. I try keep away from shopping malls or large stores when it's so hot and kids everywhere. We have K Market opening up in Napier in March. Hastings had one for years.
That handy of Mr K to help with the the shrubs.
Time to put out the washing and tidy up around the house.
The shed is still not cleared yet. Have no med/small bins at present,all in use.
Happy Crafting Everyone.

sunflowers28 - 2021-01-15 08:42:00

Morning everyone

Yesterday was hot and I'm feeling it already today. Im not doing much today tho, just tidy the kitchen and a load of washing.

Need to get something out for tea too we havent been eating properly for a few nights. What id really like is Toad in the hole with mashed tatties and gravy lol.... Winter stodge in this heat wouldn't be a good look lol.

The first thing I need to do today tho is to trim my nails.. amazing how much better they grow without having to wash dishes and I'm making too many spelling mistakes on here lol.. I spend just as long correcting my spelling as I to typing it in the first place lol..

I wouldnt mind going to the oppies today but too hot to be bothered lol.

Have a fab day everyone

popeye333 - 2021-01-15 09:06:00

Very hot in Kerikeri today my lounge thermometer is reading 32 it gets the sun until 5pm. We have been in the river that runs along our property my neighbour has cleared it to make it easier to get up and down. Violet took some meat down to feed the resident eel as long as he stays on the other side l am ok with him. I have rearranged the rocks a bit so l can sit under the waterfall so nice on a hot day. Still getting a big bowl of strawberries everyday so went across the road to the blueberry farm and asked if they would like to swap for blueberries in the farm shop they were very happy to oblige and sent us home with a giant blueberry icecream as well. They have invited me over at the end of the season to strip the last berries for the freezer.

We have been busy with some horse riding lessons and now little madam is tackling bigger jumps and can ride backwards in her saddle. She can do the halter herself and helps with the saddle l am thrilled with the progress in all her activities in the last year. Because her self-esteem has been boosted l am hoping for a great year at school. She learns so much pottering around with me all day.

We went to the op shops yesterday and found a few fun things and a huge teacup planter that we are going to turn into a bird feeder bext week. There is a large flock of parrots that come every day they are so noisy we always hear them coming l put out very ripe bananas last week that they enjoyed. Last night l put food and water just outside my bedroom window and at 3am had 2 kiwi arrive l sat quietly and watched they knew l was there but weren't worried. I feel so blessed with my bird friends.

huntlygirl - 2021-01-15 15:00:00

morning ladies :) Huntlygirl, it sounds like you are in a perfect spot! I am so jealous of your kiwi, how lucky are you! Well done to Violet, it sounds like she is on the up and up and getting on with life. Are those parrots the red and green ones? We have had a few over the last few years and they love the apples on the trees. Our birds start their dawn chorus at 5.13am lol and are still going right up until dark at just before 9.00pm.

MrK is struggling with the shrub trimming and I don't like climbing ladders (even painting the inside of the house had me nervous as heck) so I phoned WINZ and asked them if the lawn mowing help they offered us a couple of years ago was still on offer and could we use it to pay someone to do the shrubbery. They are happy to do that so now I just have to get the info they need and MrK needs a doctors certificate. He's starting to slow down quite a bit now.

Yesterday I finished the first long side and am half way round the first short side of the food cover. I underestimated how long this would take but there's no rush. Today I'll put the design on the rest of the fabric so I don't have to stop and start.

Housework first though, the spiders have moved in again and as much as I love their fly catching abilities, I hate the cobwebs.

Happy crafting :)

kiwimade64 - 2021-01-16 07:07:00

Good Morning Everyone. Spend hours out in the gardens,the last few days. First thing in morning and again in the evening. Clearing out a lot of plants and spring bulbs in front of the house as it all needs fresh soil. Would like to have the bulbs in for next Spring. Have not started the gardens around the back and side of the house. Will get there.Have pots of fresh herbs again. Missed my herbs.
Still need to have a rest in the afternoon since I have had that bug before Christmas. I go off to sleep for a couple of hours most days.

Huntlygirl,how lucky you are to have kiwis come out at night around your house. So pleased to hear you girl enjoying been around you as you garden etc.
Popeye it's too hot to cook a lot of meals just now. for any of us. I have been cooking a lot of bulk meals and pull out one if I need too.Hope you are able to get some selling patterns. Try the op shops.

It's hard Kiwimade to watch someone you love struggling to do jobs. I had to watch Mr M in the last three/four years.Yes there was a lot words said lot of tears as well. It's lovely to hand stitch the food covers.Looking forward to see your next project.
Have some sewing to do and knitting a couple of baby things. For a very much loved little girl.
Time to move the sun coming in the office window,finished my cuppa as well.
Have a great day everyone and go easy on yourselves.

sunflowers28 - 2021-01-16 08:32:00

Morning everyone
Ohh Huntlygirl it sounds idyllic up there. And soo many awesome things for Violet to learn from. she will do well in life.

Kiwimade does MrK get the disability allowance for his drs visits and pills etc? They can cover all that. One thing Ive learnt with WINZ is you have to know what you can get help with cos they wont tell you. In saying that tho they have always treated us well.

Your place will look lovely again sunflowers when you have finished it all. Bit of a drastic way of being able to redesign everything tho.

MrP is still in bed, and I have to admit I was up late. I covered my eyes cos the digital clock lights even on dim are brother. Im going to pop up the road to one of the cheapie shops and buy an eye cover. And yes I have made them before but Ill see what they have. Might pop into an oppy or two as well. I need a break.
Our homecare lady suggested asking our dr for incontinence pads or pull ups for MrP. So Im going to ask her on Wednesday. We have the freedom of the wheelchair but now his waterworks limit us even more. If we can have that little bit of security we can start to enjoy life a little more.

I did find one nice pattern on here for a dress.. I was looking at Kmart and their clothes are soo cheap that its no wonder sewing is dropping off.. I haven.t looked at spotlight yet, I think it may be too scary lol

I might tickle the tatties today.. See if it was successfull or a total waste of time lol.. Some at the back of the bath are well dead now.

Have a fab day everyone

popeye333 - 2021-01-16 09:21:00

morning ladies :) Yes, popeye, MrK does get the disability allowance for his medication. We were offered (didn't have to ask!) extra for lawnmowing a couple of years ago and every so often they ask us again but I can do that so we said, thanks but no thanks. So I wondered if those $$$ could be used instead for things he can't do. I've found the people who work in the superannuation part of WINZ are very helpful and approachable.

I bet you are looking forward to having your garden back, sunflowers. I would miss my herbs too and would be one of the first plants to be grown again. We would be in serious trouble if we flooded as the septic tank is under the lawn.

I might just have a cruisey day today, ironing needs doing but that's about it. I'm almost halfway around the food cover and about to run out of thread but still have to trace the design the rest of the way round the edge. The heat transfer pencil lines on the first cover have faded nicely and can barely be seen. A few washes after it has been used and they will be gone completely.

Happy crafting :)

Edited by kiwimade64 at 7:02 am, Sun 17 Jan

kiwimade64 - 2021-01-17 07:01:00

Morning everyone

Thats awesome Kiwimade.. The Super team here are good too, but sadly only here on Tuesdays.. but you can do most things over the phone now which is brilliant.

MrP put a t-shirt on this morning I got last year its sooo baggy now. As of last week he had lost 28.6 kilos, our Dr will be shocked when she sees him next.

I went to the oppy yesterday they had all their clothing for $1.. but it was over an hour after opening when I saw the post on FB so it was packed when I got there. Found one dress for me, its home made.. I haven't tried it on yet but its a long dress, I don't think its even been worn cos the fabric still has the new feel. If the top half doesn't fit Ill simply cut it down to a skirt.
I also brought a 2 seater couch.. MrP got up bitching about the one he doesn't like , so the new one will arrive on Tuesday, so Ill be moving my dressing table over to put the one he doesn't like into my room on Monday. Im planning on making a firm cushion to try and make it look Chaise Lounge-ish.
Otherwise its going to be quiet here, rubbish and recycling later

Have a fab day everyone

Edited by popeye333 at 8:48 am, Sun 17 Jan

popeye333 - 2021-01-17 08:46:00

morning ladies :) We had rain yesterday afternoon and evening so I don't need to water the garden. And my poppy seed heads have finally ripened enough for me to give some to my sister-in-law. No wonder I end up with hundreds of seedlings lol, there are loads of seeds in each pod. There was a lady in the local garden group last season who wanted some of my seeds but I was too late to collect them so I promised her some this season. I will track her down and see if she still wants them.

oohh a new couch, popeye. Hopefully MrP will be happy with it. Our couches are getting on a bit but there is no point replacing them while the Furry One uses them to look out the windows. He's too long in the tooth now to convince he can't sleep or sit on the couch.

I did a bit more of the food cover while watching the Prada Cup. Omggg just watching the American boat go over had us screaming at the telly. It must have been damed scary to be on it. At one point we thought they could right it but nope. As soon as we saw one of the guys fall off we knew they were in trouble.

I've had an idea for an embroidery piece for one of the spare bedrooms. It's a mish-mash of things I have seen on the internet and books. It takes a few days for my ideas to gel so I'll start sketching soon. I still want to have another go at stitching a picture of the Furry One. I just need to take a decent photo of him.

Happy crafting :)

kiwimade64 - 2021-01-18 07:35:00

Morning everyone

Well new to us Kiwimade.. Its a leatherette type one with wearing on the top and I think it was probably animals of some kind lol. Im sure Missy will make it her Zone, she's tries on the red one but even tho she is a skinny Minnie she cant quite sit on it let alone sleeping on it lol.

OMG we normally don't watch the Americas cup until its the actual races for it, but there wasn't anything on tv yesterday before tea.. So we saw the fall.. and we were yelling at the TV too.. Only I have to admit I'm a true Kiwi and I consider Dean Baker and the previous one who moved onto other countries boats as traitors and deserve anything like a falling over, its Karma.. Pleased no one was hurt but they reap what they sew.. I just feel sorry for the team mates.

I made a couple of eye masks yesterday, They work well but I will make another couple with a higher rise for the nose.. but I had such a better sleep.
Im planning a cushion in my mind for the red couch that is going in my room later today.. I want to sort of make it into a Chaise lounge. But before I go too far Ill see how it looks with my crochet blanket and cushion and toys on it first.'
The dress I got from the oppy is a little snug on the armholes so Im either going to make it a skirt, or I might see if I can just turn it into a singlet type top half. And its full length too so plenty of fabric.
I was thinking as I sewed yesterday, I have had my machine for about 26 years and it was secondhand when I got it .. And shes still going strong.

When I was a kid Mum had a green Husqvarna.. She made just about all our clothes. She decided to do some piece work for a bit more money. but she found it boring doing the same thing... It was sewing a hem on the top of squares of fabric to make the covers for the spring in jack in the boxes. I took over, I loved it... but sadly the old girl started smoking oneday and that was the end of the sewing.. And when I was 16 I started in the jeans factory here..
Im very methodical and can sit and do the same thing over and over again cos My brain goes onto Autopilot and I do alot of thinking lol... but Mums poor machine couldnt handle it lol

Right I better get moving , I want to vacc my room and get the rocking chair out of there.

Have a fab day everyone

Edited by popeye333 at 8:33 am, Mon 18 Jan

popeye333 - 2021-01-18 08:30:00