Palmycritter, I can speak for makereal as well as myself, in saying we would be down in a heartbeat but she lives in Auckland and I live in Hamilton and we find it hard to catch up.

smartgirl - 2009-04-20 12:17:00

Hi Girls Maybe you and I should save up and go and see them in the summer smartgirl. Everyone has left again and I am about to shower and get dressed to go. I don't know where we are going. Ha ha. I just have to pick them up from the airport this arvo and we are off. It is raining up here so the knitting bag was the first thing I packed. Be home late Wed so catch up Friday. If the weather is lousy nothing like curling up on the couch, knitting and watching a good movie.

makerealbany - 2009-04-20 12:54:00

Hee hee I'll start preparing the spare room now shall I? A retreat sounds nice. I'm taking my usual week off before winter next week. Would be nice if the hospital appointment would come through but haven't heard a thing and it's been 3 weeks. Nothing new I suppose.

grizzly4 - 2009-04-21 08:00:00

BUGGER Well hi all. Well you can't rush good things you know. They have there own rules.My friend here has lined up three times and Rang each morning to put her off again. 1 st was double booked ,Next On call, and the last time .Well here's. Finger crossed for both of you. Yeah a retreat would be nice. What part of Auckland are you in.

palmycritter - 2009-04-21 09:00:00

I am in Albany palmycritter Had a fab time at the Formosa. Talk about spacious Villas. Had one all to myself with an adjoining door which I locked at night so I could stay up late and knit whilst watching tele. I soaked myself in that huge Spa bath for hours. It was lovely. Great meals. Bubs and I had a ball while Mum worked. Lots of Asian tourists and golf players there. Great golf greens. The boys were envious when we told them. Little Miss had her photo taken so many times. Dark hair, blue eyes and a cheeky grin got them every time. Ha ha. Picked up the dogs this morning and they had behaved themselves. Grizzly Jed was waiting at the letter box and raced up to the car. My lovely neighbour looked after him.

makerealbany - 2009-04-23 11:06:00

Smartgirl Merino wool is so expensive and your Layettes are beautiful. You can not be making much with the prices you charge. Some People do not appreciate all the work either. I only knit for family because I have so many grandchildren, Lol. Some of the prices people pay for wool alone on TM is ridiculous. I do buy some wool here but I always look out for specials at the shops.

makerealbany - 2009-04-23 11:12:00

No2 cross stitch portrait is finished!!! Yahoo, very pleased with myself. And I finished the book, it was hard to put down in the end so have just bought the sequel on TM. Hee hee. I'll be able to start new projects on my week off. Yahoo again.

grizzly4 - 2009-04-23 16:41:00

Hi Ladies Thats nice that u great had time away a rest for the few days. Knitting etc. I have done a lot more on ny father inlaws jursey to with been home.
What are you going to start now grizzly. Must try and catch up for coffee on day.

palmycritter - 2009-04-24 07:49:00

You are doing well grizzly How is the cough? Has that improved yet. Lucky FIL Palmycritter. I refuse to knit for adults now. It takes too long ha ha. I knit for myself though. Well Son is laying a wreath somewhere tomorrow at dawn so I am going to ring and see where it is. If it is not miles away I will go to the Dawn Parade. Two of his children are going as well. It will be cold but not as bad as down there girls. Had a lovely day today with my expectant girl. Her house renovations are nearly completed so she is happy.

makerealbany - 2009-04-24 18:05:00

Yay finished work for a week! Now about the cough, what do you know its.......STILL HERE!!!!About What I am going to start next? Cross stitch wise I have a lovely photo of youngest grandson to do next, next book is the sequel to Twilight bought of TM last night, knitting wise just finishing a vest for youngest grandson who will be here tomorrow to try it on, and have to get some jerseys into the shop.

grizzly4 - 2009-04-24 19:22:00

Went to Dawn Parade and Service this morn Son looked fab in his uniform and I proudly wore my Grandfathers medals which were worn later by my son as well as his own medals, when he attended another service to address the crowd. Anzac Day is a very busy day for all the boys and girls in the Defence Forces. You will know this grizzly. We were at Browns Bay and went to the RSA after for breakfast and liquid refreshment. Ha ha. That bl--dy cough is persistent grizzly. I am bushed after shopping for my other son and will go home soon to have a well deserved nana nap. Lol.

makerealbany - 2009-04-25 15:32:00

If you have missed me it is because my bl***y computer has died this time. My dil has lent me hers for the weekend and then I will have to see what I can do. I got up at 5.55am to watch thedawn parade.
Grizzly, I cant believe you still have that cough.

smartgirl - 2009-04-25 18:14:00

Darn computers smartgirl My son is still working on mine. He can only do it when he is feeling okay but says it will be ready this weekend. Yah. It is a pain having to use my daughters so I know what you mean. If it is not one thing it is another. I slept most of yesterday. I just crashed like your computer. I feel much better today. The foot played up all weekend though so I was popping painkillers which is most likely the reason I just slept. I reckon we all need a good sleep in now and then. Ha ha.

makerealbany - 2009-04-27 13:19:00

It seems we have all had computer problems!! Had to get BIL to check ours out last week. Frantically saved all our photos and important bits on a flash drive just in case. Having lovely weather down here for my week off. Had a dreadful job framing the latest cross stitch, it seems that Spotlight had sold me 16 count aida instead of 14!!!! The end result too small for the intended 10" x 8" frame but quite a bit of work is now lost behind the 6" x *" frame I have had to use. I think I will find another craft outlet even if I have to pay a little more. Really shocked to see Shepherd 4ply baby wool jump from $7 per ball to a whopping $9 over the weekend as well!!!

grizzly4 - 2009-04-28 09:17:00

Yes wool prices have gone nuts I am amazed at what people pay. Even on TM some of the prices are ridiculous. I bought a mitre box to make my own frames because like you I did not like losing some of my work. Went to a picture framing course. Have an Aboriginal oil painting to make a little frame for at the moment. Modern technology is handy but when it plays up it drives one crazy, speaking for myself of course. Ha ha. Nice day here today.

makerealbany - 2009-04-28 11:09:00

Goodness me! I had to look way down the loist for our thread this morning!!
Can't believe it's Friday already! I've done lots of knitting, started the new book and cross-stitch and cut out 3rd dressing gown for the last grandson. Hopefully will find time to start sewing this morning. I have watched lots of DVDs and went to the movies yesterday to see X-men Origins: Wolverine. Pretty good movie it was, too. How are you ladies or are your computers still letting you down?

grizzly4 - 2009-05-01 10:52:00

Hi grizzly, I am still on my borrowed computer, I think I have to buy a new one and think I might get a laptop if I do. I am snowed up with my knitting, I have at least 5 sets to do before I can start knitting for stock. I need to clone myself. You have been busy too.

smartgirl - 2009-05-01 11:04:00

Hi Ladies How come you have been snowed under with knitting. Do you do orders. Is this at purple patch shop you want them for. As I have quite a few really small ones hre at home.Prem knitted ones and heaps of bootties and hats too.Just let me know.OK

palmycritter - 2009-05-02 14:44:00

sorry forgot to add Finished father in laws jesery and mother in law wants another. But got some scarps to knit in between as she has not got wool yet. Yeah a bugger about the wool going up. Have you tried the wool shops as they might not have put there up yet.Knit world ar pretty good here in CHCH. Or warehouse knitters.

palmycritter - 2009-05-02 14:55:00

Hi Girls I have another beautiful grandson born yesterday after a very difficult labour. My daughter was induced on Thursday, the same day my other daughter had surgery to remove a lump in her breast so I have had a couple of really stressful days. I am exhausted but so pleased everything went okay in the end. We still have to wait for results of tests on lump but specialist is feeling positive and so are we. My grandson was 7lbs 7 and is a little cutie(of course ha ha) Looks a lot like his daddy. A mass of jet black hair and fabulous lungs. Fed a moment after he was born, clever boy.

makerealbany - 2009-05-02 16:33:00

As to knitting You girls are making me envious with what you have completed. I have a little jacket to finish tonight that his Mum started. She won't have time now. Little Miss is still unsure of her little cousin but she has only seen him asleep. She is possesive of her Mum though and wanted(up) when Mummy held her cousin. Ha ha. We have to get her used to the idea of babys before her little brother or sister is born before xmas. It is freezing here and wet. My friend will be moving to Darfield grizzly.

makerealbany - 2009-05-02 16:39:00

Congratulations!!!! I am so pleased everything went for you all and my best wishes for the test results, too.

grizzly4 - 2009-05-03 11:14:00

Palmycritter If you are interested in providing knitting for the Purple Patch you would have to supply a sample of your knitting for approval and join as a member. Best way is to go into shop and check out whether your patterns are different to what is already being done.

grizzly4 - 2009-05-03 11:16:00

Grizzly How far is Darfield from you?

makerealbany - 2009-05-03 18:38:00

smartgirl Hope your computer is fixed soon babe. Mine is not ready yeeeeet. Lovely day up here today. Great for the washing. Water tanks are full so it can stay dry for awhile now. Ha ha.

makerealbany - 2009-05-03 18:40:00

Sunny day but freezing wind Great for the washing though. Knitted myself another scarf last night. My grand daughters and daughters have huge stashs of my scarves. Ha ha. Just thought I would do something for me again. This ruddy heel seems to have spurs on the side of the heel. How the hell that happens I do not know but 7 months is a long time and just when I feel smug it zaps me again. Putting weight on too around the middle because I cant not excercise. Ah well could be worse.

makerealbany - 2009-05-04 16:30:00

That is not good news about your heel, makerealbany, the pain sounds awful. Darfield is about 3/4 of an hour from Christchurch, quite a nice drive apparently. WHY? is that where your friend is moving to?

grizzly4 - 2009-05-05 08:29:00

Yes grizzly That is where my friend has bought some land. They were down there last week and she burn't her hand whilst burning scrub. Silly girl. It is not too bad but annoyed her. They are unsure about when they are moving. Her hubbie is retiring. Had a radox bath this morning and felt like staying in there all day. Ha ha. It was bliss. SIL back tomorrow. Hurrah it has been a hard 6 weeks. I can do my own thing for awhile. Yes!!!!!

makerealbany - 2009-05-05 10:11:00

Hi girls, just catching up, I have been so busy playing catch up with my knitting, plus still have not got my computer sorted out. I am so lucky to have such a kind dil. Congratulations makereal on another beautiful grandchild, although I have 6 I still felt a bit envious of the new baby thing. Stupid realy but I am a real soft touch for a brand new baby.

smartgirl - 2009-05-05 11:16:00

I have my girls here today, Miss B 22 months had decided to potty train herself. We were going to wait for the start of spring but no, she want to do it now. You spend half the day taking her jeans off and putting them back on. She has only had about 3 accidents, so she is very good.

smartgirl - 2009-05-05 11:19:00

Me too, smartgirl about the new baby thing. Currently working on 2nd vest for youngest grandson, the first went down so well. I reckon he will be crawling soon and that will really have his mum & dad moving to keep up.

grizzly4 - 2009-05-06 08:54:00

I am dreading the potty training too smartgirl Clever little girl though. Little miss 16 months is now chatting away all day. At lest I am not lonely. Ha ha. She is very active grizzly and parents really have no idea what they are in for when they start crawling, then running. Lol. My latest grandson is turning brown now that he has his colour. He is so cute. His dad is Indian so he is spoken to in Hindi by his Dad and grandparents, English by his Mum, siblings and our family but my daughter wants me to speak to him in Maori. That is what his great Grandmother will speak to him in. They learn better from an early age but 3 languages!! Ah well it's his heritage. He has 2 Great Grandmas, the lucky little fellow.

makerealbany - 2009-05-06 14:46:00

Spent a couple of hours up at the hospital with DIL and grandson L who will be 2 in a couple of weeks. For the last 3 weeks he has vomited almost every day he has been at pre-school and of course they send him home that day and he can't return the next day by their rules. This is playing havoc with DIL's studies etc and despite numerous visits to her GP they can't pin point anything. As it always happens within a couple of hours after his lunch which is prepared by Kindercare (which is completely vegetarian) the hospital suggested he has developed an allergy to something they are giving him but also said it is going to be very hard to find out what.Poor wee man is pretty miserable and DIL quite distraught that she can't get someone to help.

grizzly4 - 2009-05-07 08:19:00

Boy this week went fast... Lots of work at work so the days go quick. Family here today for tea and I need to finish a wee jacket for the shop on Monday.
Guess what?....... No the coughs still there. Guess again!

Hubby has been offered a job !!!!! as a Property Manager. We have a meeting with ACC next week to discuss how we do it and what support is available to him. He is so chuffed with himself!

grizzly4 - 2009-05-09 10:41:00

Hi grizzly, astar on the good morning program has a remedy that may be worth trying. You finely slice an onion and cover with honey and leave for a few hours. Drain the liquid and that is what you take. It may be on the tvnz website. She swears by it. Must be worth a try.

smartgirl - 2009-05-09 10:58:00

Happy Mothers Day for tomorrow girls Congrats to hubby grizzly. I am sure He will do well. I am off to Rotorua first thing in the morning to Mums. She was in Hospital again and is not the best so I am turning up as a Mothers Day surprize. Hope I get there ok I have to drive myself. I wll have lots of short rests to stretch my legs. Most likely be home by Thursday the campfires burning and have a good week.

makerealbany - 2009-05-09 21:23:00

Forgot How is the wee fella grizzly How awful for him and his parents. Maybe he needs to take his own lunch. There could be something they are giving him that he can not tolerate. There are allergy tests which are quite comprehensive. Two of my boys were allergic to all sorts of foods until they were teenagers, now they eat everything.

makerealbany - 2009-05-09 21:31:00

Hi grizzly, how are you going I hope your wee man has sorted out his problem, cant be fun for anyone. We were down to 52 so you must be busy too.

smartgirl - 2009-05-12 10:05:00

Yep pretty busy and trying to get finances sorted for when hubby starts work next week. Trouble with starting in a new field is the drop in wages BUT ACC have been wonderful. They will top up his new wages for approx 6 months while he continues with assessments etc to make sure he has made the right decision regarding his job. Didn't expect this amazing support. Really can't complain about ACC at all over the past year. My wages are great but I only work 30 hours so have to say I was panicking a bit.

grizzly4 - 2009-05-13 18:17:00

2 yr old grandson is having allergy tests in a few weeks and for now the centre is not giving him anything with soy in it and keeping a food diary. It never rains but it pours... his mum slipped yesterday and is now on crutches with a bad spain! But wee L is happy as now his tummy is settled.

grizzly4 - 2009-05-13 18:20:00

I had a lovely time in Rotorua Mum was so pleased to see me. She seemed very fragile though. That is great about support hubby and you will get from ACC grizzly. It appears your poor family are going through the wringer at the moment. At lest the little guy is feeling a bit better.

makerealbany - 2009-05-14 16:30:00

Hi smartgirl I dashed down to Mum's through the back way. Taupiri to Cambridge and back the same way. Knitted up a storm there so have two little jerseys to sew up and I have nearly completed another cardi. My latest little grandson put on a pound in a week so that is good. He feeds so well. Raced up to see him last night when I got back with all sorts of pressies for him from his great nana and his great aunties. Lucky little boy.

makerealbany - 2009-05-14 16:35:00

Lucky you and your lovely family.

grizzly4 - 2009-05-14 19:07:00

Amazing weather here this weekend after a miserably cold week! 21 degrees yesterday!! I had the ranchslider open on to the deck for the boys to play outside again. Wonderful stuff. I spent the week knitting a hat and slippers for 11 month old and mittens for him and 2 yr old. 2 yr old's birthday party this afternoon. The cake I'm doing this time is a turtle! 'Cos my son has a turtle called Chartreuse and L just loves it.

grizzly4 - 2009-05-17 10:40:00

Just seen this thread have any of you joined this group - great crafty people http://www.craftyfingers.socialgo.com/welcome.html

marlin9 - 2009-05-17 10:42:00

No I have not marlin Thanks will have a peep.

makerealbany - 2009-05-17 14:24:00

That turtle sounds cool grizzly You are so innovative with the birthday cakes. I had a lovely time too yesterday. Went up to Orewa and baked all day for my daughter and got to hold my 2 weeks old grandson in between. Really enjoyed my day, Weather was nice so managed to get heaps of washing dry for her. One girl plays soccer and her brother plays rugby so as well as the school uniforms there are all the training gear, the playing gear and then home clothes and last but not lest bubbie's clothes. Daughter here has washing out so I am watching the weather as it looks pretty black out there now.

makerealbany - 2009-05-17 14:30:00

Had a great day at the party. But both hubby and I up with a tummy bug most of the night. There's been a lot going around at work and with the wee kids so I guess it had to be our turn sooner or later. I had a look at that website marlin mentioned but didn't go any further than the sign in page where it asks about your commitment to participation etc. Spare time, what spare time?? I'm assuming it's a free site, too?

grizzly4 - 2009-05-18 13:09:00

I had a peep too grizzly Thought the same thing ha ha. Raced sown to Hamilton with my son this morning and got back too late to get across the bridge before all the traffic so I am stuck here until about 7 then it will still be busy but at lest the traffic will not be crawling. Plus it is pelting down buckets. Yuk. Yes tummy bugs are going around. I have been lucky so far touch wood. Hasn't the price of wool rocketed. I want to knit my DIL a very fine soft scarf and I will be searching thru my stash for that wool. Lol.

makerealbany - 2009-05-18 17:49:00

I'll say about the wool!! So where did you park up to wait for the bridge to clear, sounds like a long wait over dinner time? We hear so much about the traffic hassles in Auckland on the news. I think a 15 minute crawl along one of our main roads in the morning is bad enough!

grizzly4 - 2009-05-19 08:32:00