Congratulations, Peppersha How exciting! And about ACC they almost went down that line with hubby's knee last year but were great about after no fuss. We have been very lucky with ACC, you hear some dreadful stories. They are still supporting us till hubby is well and truly settled in his new job. They have made all the difference with a full on past year of surgeries etc.

grizzly4 - 2009-07-29 10:05:00

Another great day I am knitting yet another beanie and scarf for my daughter's birthday on the 8th. Knitting a nice cable pattern. Started a jersey for my granddaughter and then realised that the Moda Vera Hope wool was only 50 grammes not 100 so I only had a pack of 10 so not enough. I was furious because the pattern is from Spotlight and it is their wool and they only do 50 grm balls. Asked the lovely lady why did they put out that pattern and she just shook her head. It is knitted on no 10 needles so the balls are quite large. Will try and get another batch but doubt that they will have any left now.

makerealbany - 2009-07-29 19:14:00

Very busy day Tomorrow is my eldest grandson's 21st and we are off to Hamilton for the night. Still unsure what I am wearing so I had better get sorted and start packing. Really enjoying knitting cable patterns again. Needless to say I will take my knitting as I will be back in the motel early babysitting and I will gladly leave the others to the partying. Ha ha.

makerealbany - 2009-07-31 21:34:00

That's very annoying about the Moda Vera, Makeralbany. I'm trying to use up all the bits of wool but more often than not I'm just a bit short everytime for what I want to do. Maybe I should just sell the 'bits' on TM and then go shopping. Heehee! JUst doing the leggings of a prem layette for the shop and trying to find time to sew a dressing gown to sell as well as keep up with my cross stitch of baby B. I need more hours in the day, or days in the week.

grizzly4 - 2009-08-01 08:48:00

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peppersha - 2009-08-01 16:48:00

You will be busy peppersha Yes I am still looking for the wool. Ran out of time in Hamilton and could not get to Spotlight. Had a lovely time last night. My eldest grandson and his cousin both celebrated their 21sts in true bloke style. My sons were hopelessly outrageous much to the younger generations delight. I went hope early to look after the 18 month old and the 5 year old. Little Miss was put to bed by her Parents in the motel which was only 5 mins away. They went back to the party and I put Master 5 down and he was out like a light. Then my 13 year old ( this wed) grandaughter and I had a lovely chat as I knitted.

makerealbany - 2009-08-02 22:09:00

The young ones and I Were up early and sat in the spa pool until little Miss had to have her breakfast. Got everyone out of the motel by 10-30 which was a mission. Ha ha. All of the uncles and one of the aunts were hung over and denying it. When you party until 4 in the morning it is no surprize.!!!!! They all had a great time and it was nice to catch up with people. Some I had not seen for 10 years. They have aged to thank heavens. Ha ha. I felt quite smug by the end of the night. Vanity is so enjoyable at times. Lol.

makerealbany - 2009-08-02 22:15:00

Bring on more craft hours grizzly But not more work hours. I have to make my grand daughter something by Wed and I am stuck for ideas. I think I will mosaic something. I have knitted most of her other pressies. I have some wooden boxes so I will make her a jewellery box.

makerealbany - 2009-08-02 22:18:00

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peppersha - 2009-08-04 10:25:00

peppersha I have a huge stash of mosaic tiles and crockery also mirror bits. I will have fun with this. Gloves sound a good idea for another pressie though. We had a lot of trees on the road frontage cut yesterday and the sun hits the garden early now. Really fantastic. Also got the arborists to cut down some monkey willows that were near the clothes line . Now the line gets the sun early. Neighbours across the road are so happy and the neighbour on the side is delighted to get sun in her lounge after 30 years. All in all a good days work. Plus the gardens will benefit from all the braches we got chipped for compost.

makerealbany - 2009-08-04 23:10:00

Hi girls Lovely day today. Went to Playgroup but only 1 other Mum. We seem to be the only ones going on a regular basis. I know winter is bad for attendance but we are tired of opening up, getting all the stuff out and having to put it all away again. We are having a meeting next week. Maybe we will close down. They are taking the hall back in November and maybe people have just got slack because of it. I would rather take bubs somewhere that is more populated. We are going to have lunch at the mall. My b day today so it is a lovely day and we will fed the ducks after lunch.

makerealbany - 2009-08-06 12:09:00

Another nice day At my eldest daughters. It is her Birthday tomorrow so I am up for the night to cook dinner for tomorrow. Have an ear infection which may be a perforated eardrum. Dah. Rather painful at times. Bubs is talking his little head off. He can pull himself up and he is only 13 weeks old. Thought miss 18 months was smart but this little fellow has them all beat. ha ha.

makerealbany - 2009-08-07 19:42:00

Another Birthday over We had a family dinner at my daughters and I have just arrived back home. Lovely day after soccer was over. Son from Wellington and his family arrived in time to set up her new TV before dinner so that was handy. Did not knit a stitch was so busy. Decided to sort out my wool stash again tomorrow. Mum wants some more silko for her taniko and I cannot remember where I have stashed mine. Ha ha funny that.

makerealbany - 2009-08-08 23:07:00

A very belated Happy Birthday! Sorry to have missed the actual day, makerealbany. I've been trying to get in a couple of hours sewing before I get to work but more often than not I found housework or bookwork for the shop instead. Really tired lately and hubby is so full on with his new job we don't get much time at all. My daughter's birthday was yesterday and had the whole family over for that which was lovely but a lot of work. Hubby and I planned an outing to see motorcycle racing today but it turned out to be just a club day. Not so exciting but we still had our picnic in the sun.

grizzly4 - 2009-08-09 19:36:00

That Picnic sounds nice grizzly It was pretty windy up here and we kept inside. After yesterdays effort I don't know where you got the energy to even go on a picnic. I slept in this morning and it did me the world of good. M'S Mum off to work tomorrow so another long week for me. Ha ha. Thanks for the B D greetings. I got make up. a new dress and cash as pressies. Got strict instructions not to spend it on wool. Lol. Did not even get to sort out my stash. sigh. Tomorrow is another day. Have a Playgroup meeting tomorrow night though so maybe Tuesday night. I have to get the bookwork done for Playgroup tonight so I had better get a move on and get off TM darn!!!1

makerealbany - 2009-08-09 20:49:00

Smartgirl Have you heard from Zoe yet? How is the knitting for Beanies for babies going. I have a stash of bits and pieces so may do a 1 day charity knit for hospital here. My daughter the Midwife says they are always in need to. Modern mums do not knit as much as we do if they knit at all. Ha ha. How is the family?

makerealbany - 2009-08-10 09:39:00

Weather is still fine down here... it's been pretty amazing for a few weeks now. As long as we get a bit of a frost first thing it's lovely for the rest of the day with just a nip in the air. Makes me want to stay home, sit in the sun knitting etc or potter in the garden. But, oh well, back to work we go. Someone suggested recently (not a doctor) that it may be wool that is causing my cough! I hadn't thought of that before but the start of it did time with knitting the natural wool for my aran cardy and geurnsey in early 2008. I have noticed the Shepherd and Patons baby wool I knit for the shop has merino through it now as well. I've been knitting dolls clothes in acrylic for last week to see if I notice a difference but none so far. Someone else mentioned being desensitised but I don't know what that involves, do any of you?

grizzly4 - 2009-08-11 09:07:00

Hi grizzly I believe it involves exposure to the allergy in small doses until you can deal with it. I could be wrong. It has been known to happen. Ha ha. That would be awful if it is wool. Keep knitting acylic for a while and see grizzly. It is worth a try. I knew a lady that was allergic to wool but she itched and scratched. My grandaughter comes up in hives if she goes near a cat but she is also gluten intolerant. She inherited the cealiacs from her mum. Nice day here to and I have the lace curtains in the wash. Enjoy the day. How is that lousy landlord?

makerealbany - 2009-08-11 10:09:00

Just home from playgroup What a mission today. We are closing down due to lack of attendance so spent the morning cleaning up. I am sad but do not see the point in opening up, setting up the hall when no one comes. Then you have to put everything away again. Support in winter has always been an issue here. Even with the purchase of heaters we have not had the attendance. We want miss M to interact with other children in a good environment so will be looking for a new playgroup or playcentre to attend. Have had a pile of work to do for my other organisation so feeling a bit jaded and ruddy shingles are appearing yet again. Darn. Have to go on another dose of suppressants. Never mind it is a really nice day here.

makerealbany - 2009-08-13 12:30:00

Bumping Are we all busy? Lousy day today but as my South African friends say rain is lifegiving. After norain for 6 years one time they know what they are talking about. I cannot imagine how I would deal with that scenario.

makerealbany - 2009-08-14 08:46:00

Thats not good about the shingles again! What sets off again, do you know? I've been knitting acrylic for over 10 days now and no change really. Need to do some baby stuff for the shop so times up and I have to go back to baby wool for a while. Such a shame about the playgroup, do you think it will pick up again during the summer? We've lost most of the playgroups round here due to mum's going to work and putting the kids in daycare. I often wonder how the paycentres survive.

grizzly4 - 2009-08-14 10:13:00

When I get run down Shingles kick in to warn me to slow down. Ha ha. That is what my GP says. It is sad about playgroup. It is always busier in the summer but we were going to lose the hall in November anyway. I just received all the last lot of documents I will need to fill out for the Ministry. Had a lovely day shopping with daughter and two grandaughters today. Did not do a scrap of work at home all day. Felt guilty so just finished all my washing. Lol.

makerealbany - 2009-08-15 20:37:00

Son and DIL gave me Vouchers for shopping Dashed off to wesrfield after

makerealbany - 2009-08-16 19:18:00

Hit the wrong button lol Delivering my other son's shopping. I got a lovely summer blouse from Farmers(eight brand) Was $70 and I paid $10, plus a pair of black cords. Was $50. I paid $20 then finally a new pair of sunnies. Misplaced my good ones. They were reduced from $50 to $20. I had a brilliant day and am really chuffed with my specials. My daughter said" You always seem to be able to zero in on good bargains Mum". I cannot remember the last time I purchased something for the normal price. But then what is normal? Ha ha.

makerealbany - 2009-08-16 19:25:00

Have any of you knitted dishcloths What ply cotton did you use. I want to do some for chrissy pressies as I have loads in my stash. Cotton I mean.

makerealbany - 2009-08-16 19:27:00

Hi smartgirl How are you? What have you been up to lately besides knitting furiously. I am amazed at the number of garments you knit. I bet you knit in your sleep.

makerealbany - 2009-08-18 00:18:00

Hi from Dawn Hi my name is Dawn and I love making things. I would love to start seling some of the stuff I make, but don't know how to price it. Also would love to meet up with other crafty friends in Wellington if anyone is interested.

Also to the lady who's daughter is having problems conceiving, there has been some research about food intollerances keeping you from conceiving. We follow the Failsafe diet (as we have salicylate/anime intollerances), and take pro-biotics and omega 3+6 oils. I was told early in life I wouldn't be a mother (I now have three and feel really blessed), but dietary changes definately helped us conceive. Not everyone realises they have a food intollerance and it's only when you cut the foods out that you realise all the niggling health issues were linked to diet.

titchyditchy - 2009-08-18 16:46:00

Hi Dawn welcome You are so right diet is important. What kind of things do you make? I am in Auckland darn it so coffee is out ha ha. I had a major toss out today and cleaned out my warddrobe and drawers. I purchased a top on TM and realized there was no one to hang it. I have sorted out half of my ward-drobe. I kid you not. Bags of clothes that are too small for me are named for two of my nieces. I could not believe the things I had kept. Trinny and Sussana would have been proud of me. Lol. Now I can open the drawers without struggling plus I can get into the ward-drobe at last. I am knitting a cotton dishcloth. Don't laugh now. It is the in thing.

makerealbany - 2009-08-18 19:41:00

That is great news about your family Dawn My eldest daughter has a 13 week old boy. Beautiful baby he is. The eldest boy from her first marriage is 21. She is a lot braver than me 2o years on from my youngest boy (in his late 30s)and there is no way I would have tried again not for all the tea in China. Ha ha.

makerealbany - 2009-08-18 19:47:00

Thanks for the welcome Hi again. I thought six years between my first and second children was a big gap. Good on her and I bet the older one will babysit too.
I make lots of different stuff because I get bored easily. Mostly beaded and button jewellery, rag dolls, cross stitch, purses, dress up outfits (just finished kimonos for our two girls), cardmaking and anything else that the library books make look interesting. Difficult to find the time with my 3 year old boy loving to "help" with mum's craft, but he is a good little beader.

titchyditchy - 2009-08-19 08:22:00

Hi Dawn... Welcome to our wee chats. Wondering, like you makerealbany, what smartgirl is up to?? Hope everything is ok. Never tried knitting a dish cloth, I have to say. Haha. I am in the middle of knitting an 8ply baby swing top and leggings pattern to 4ply for a prem outfit. All the prem stuff in the shop is the same old matinee sets and I thought I might try jazzing it up a bit.

grizzly4 - 2009-08-19 08:30:00

Hi girls, I am here. I have my second chesty cold but otherwise I have just got the winter blues I think. I havent had a chance to go and see Zoe. Apart from having the girls I havent done much else. roll on spring, I am sure that will make me feel better.

smartgirl - 2009-08-20 10:08:00

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lee447 - 2009-08-20 16:51:00

Good to hear from you, smartgirl Sorry to hear about your cold, though. I know what you mean about the winter blues, too. Nearly thought I'd have to try drugs I felt so down for awhile. Couldn't seem to shake it no matter what. But seem to have come right now, thank goodness.

grizzly4 - 2009-08-20 21:01:00

Hi girls I know what you mean about the winter blues smartgirl. I have stuff to finish for the Playgroup and I am on a Panel for a PG case for a Charity organisation I do voluntary work for. I am getting phone calls about it every night and most days. Lots of effort required and it is catching up with me. My daughter is working flat out at the moment so I have had little Miss more often and she keeps me constantly moving. My foot is still swollen after 10 months and I want a foot transplant. Lol My son is having no luck with his ACC review and is struggling along financially, physically and mentally. That is worrying me a lot. On the brighter side it was a lovely sunny day today. Roll on the warmer weather. Cheaper power bills and you can grow more of your own food. Ha ha.

makerealbany - 2009-08-22 00:00:00

Welcome lee447 Hastings is such a long way from Auckland. Sigh. Have not been there for years. I have heaps of scrapbooking stuff buried in my cottage amongst other things, Always meant to do something but always doing something else. Ha ha.

makerealbany - 2009-08-22 00:04:00

grizzly Have you got anything in your garden at the moment. I have had a hell of a time with snails in the herb planters. There seemed to be thousands of the little b------S. My Pepino was nearly stripped of leaves. Had a look at the garden today and thought I have to start paying it a bit more attention. Needs a good clean up. Snuck a bottle of my SILS beer to set-traps for the snails. Only put half of the can in the traps and somehow drank the rest. I do not even like beer but I was as thirsty as hell because it was so warm. Glad you are feeling better.

makerealbany - 2009-08-22 00:19:00

Got some free patterns for dishcloths Off the web. My gosh there are all sorts. Even a Teddy bear. Ha ha. I am going to get some vege plants tomorrow as it was another lovely day today. Got some lovely mohair to add to my stash off TM. Grand daughter was over today going through my Jewellery boxes staking her future claims. Ha ha. She is starting to sew. First item is an apron. I can even remember the first apron I made many moons ago. Come to think of it all mine seemed to have disappeared into my daughters drawers.

makerealbany - 2009-08-23 00:51:00

You girls have had a busy weekend I can tell ha ha. I did heaps of chores today as well. My little cottage looks so immaculate. It won't last though sigh. I even cleaned the car today. It is a wonder it did not fall apart with shock. I have just finished clarifying a report for my Charity and now I can have the rest of the night to watch a movie. Sweet!!!!

makerealbany - 2009-08-23 22:31:00

Smartgirl I am going to work for the day in Rotorua on Friday and will be passing through Hamilton on Sat in the afternoon. Have you got time to catch up for a coffee.

makerealbany - 2009-08-24 19:29:00

I bid on some cotton I missed out but although it says closing. It has done for 15 mins, it has not appeared on my lost list. Sometimes wierd things happen on TM.

makerealbany - 2009-08-24 19:31:00

You were right about the busy weekend! Had a family tea on SAturday for my son's birthday and a lovely day on Sunday brosing shops. Have had a bad time with a WEstpac worker and a loan request to get hubby his new motorbike. She never returned calls, made errors on the application so it was returned all the time and then never posted the stuff for us to sign. What should have taken 3 days tops took a full two weeks! Hubby lost 2 auctions for the bike he wanted during that time. I made a formal complaint about the woman's work process and the money went in quick smart after that, her boss rang and apologised and I found a gift box full of goodies on my doorstep when I got home Friday. He found another bike he really likes and we have bought that, a Yamaha 1100 Virago for anyone reading this who is into bikes. It's an older hippie type bike, hee hee. Suits him really well with his gimpy leg and this 'old woman' might even get on the back!!

grizzly4 - 2009-08-25 08:09:00

The 8ply pattern I knitted in 4ply on smaller needles turned out a perfect prem size. I just had to check the length with other prem patterns. It is so cute. I'm trying another one now.

grizzly4 - 2009-08-25 08:11:00

Well the Bank got into action eventually grizzly Nice goodwill gesture too. I am imagining you two on that bike. Ha ha. I had a things about motorbikes at one stage. Two of my sons had big bikes and one of my grandsons is still a bike freak. We always had bikes in pieces all over the workshop floor. Those were the days. Grease and oil for miles. Once one of my boyfriends went around a corner too fast and I ended in the ditch and that was the last time I went out with him. Lol. That is also cool about the pattern. I have another little jacket done for my grandson and have to finish a jersey for the nearly 6 year old.

makerealbany - 2009-08-25 19:51:00

We went and picked up the bike last night!! Hubby is so excited. It's supposed to be 20 degrees down here today so hopefully it will be warm enough to go for a ride after work. It's like life has gone full circle except that we don't have to ride it in wet weather to get to work like we did 30 years ago. Those were the days, slim line skirts hitched up past my knees and high heels. My goodness I can only guess what my kids would say!! When I was pregnant with my daughter I rode and hubby was on the back so my baby bump could rest on the tank. What a laugh!!!

grizzly4 - 2009-08-26 08:00:00

Weather stayed nice.... but work intruded. So ended up having a late tea anyway and then knitting in front of the tv until bed time. Probably much more in keeping for a Nana and Poppa. Having the 4 and 2 year old for tea tonight. Really looking forward to picking them up from pre-school after work. Their Mum has picked up some part-time work for a while. Another lovely day here and I really don't feel like spending it in my office!

grizzly4 - 2009-08-27 08:08:00

Now you are all just getting your own back for me not being online so much lately, aren't you. Oh well, will just have a wee natter to myself... have to be at work soon but getting the bug for sewing my own clothes again after more than 20 years of just looking for the right size in something i kind of like at the Warehouse. When the kids were small I made all our clothes so time to get back into it I think. Have just bought some great patterns on TM to get me started again.

grizzly4 - 2009-08-28 09:14:00

If I remember correctly, makerealbany, you may be having a coffee with smartgirl today. Have a nice visit !

grizzly4 - 2009-08-29 08:35:00

Hi girls Have been home since 7 but had to make phone calls and finally got off the phone at 1am. What you say grizzly?. Had to sort out stuff before I could relax. Worked until 11 on Thursday night, Started at 8 Friday morning until 10 at night. Worked for an hour before I left Rotorua to come home. Missed contact with you smartgirl. Never mind next time. Anyway I have a lot of work left to do on this job. Not til Monday. Waiting for more info to arrive. Have to do a Property Inspection on Son's house tomorrow as tenants are moving out. The Organic rubbish has to be put out tomorrow, etc, etc. Ha ha. No rest for the wicked as my Mum says. Lol.

makerealbany - 2009-08-30 01:40:00

Wow, you are putting in some long hours! Life is pretty full here, too but not really in a work way for me, that just muddles along as usual. Hubby and I took the bike out yesterday for a couple of hours. It was great fun and so many memories came flooding back. It was a good day.

grizzly4 - 2009-08-31 08:15:00