Congrats to hubby grizzly. Hasn't that boy done well!!!!!! Pretty good abput the phone too. Wonder where our old mate is? She is pretty quiet these days. Probably busy with her grandchildren and all that knitting she manages to get done. I had a full on day with my granddaughter and had to have a Nana nap when her Mum arrived home. Lol.

makerealbany - 2010-02-04 00:20:00

Another hot day. Still have not heard back from that Council guy yet. Daughter said she would ring him again. Whenever you are dealing with local government it takes ages. Mind you if we owed them money, etc they would be sitting on top of us. One of my neighbours had a baby rooster and the little ratbag was gone so fast I never even got to see it. She had chickens and one of them started to crow. He must have been quiet because I did not hear this one. Going to take M to the library today, do some shopping and be home for lunch. She has a fascination with my wool and I am always having to rescue any I leave within her reach. She likes to unravel it just like a naughty kitten. lol. The salt worked too.

makerealbany - 2010-02-04 08:29:00

Smartgirl must still be having computer issues, must be very frustrating. Being on here each morning is better than counselling, just like a good cup of tea it sets me up for the day. Hehe. We discovered the big fire extinguisher is missing at work after the break in. When we rang Chubb to cost a new one they said a lady found one in our local park. They reckon once it's been checked over we might get away with the cost of refilling it only. That would be great. My moan for the day is the insurance company is charging two excess amounts of $1,000 each as it was 2 break ins. Doesn't matter that we hadn't made the first claim before the 2nd break in. There seems there is something very wrong about that on all levels let alone for a non-profit community group. Don't you think?

grizzly4 - 2010-02-04 09:08:00

grizzly4 the next step is insurance company won't insure you because of all the break ins. Had that happen with Aranui Plunket rooms years ago after lots of break ins.

judith98 - 2010-02-04 20:27:00

I know "crafts is my passion". I moved on to my cross stitch on Monday. Haven't done any for about 12 months. About two thirds of the way through a portrait of a tiger. Knitting is on hold at present. 2500 piece jigsaw is extremely hard and very slow going.

judith98 - 2010-02-04 20:32:00

What a mean Insurance Company. There are some organisations that are quite helpful and others that are not. We actually got some funding for Insurance once. I will check it out when I am back there next. judith is also correct about the no insurance lark as well. Poor grizzly. What a pain in the --se !!!!!! My darn house phone went flat right in the middle of an important work related phone call tonight. There I was searching thru my boxes for another phone. By that time it was 11 so I did not dare ring her back. I will in the morning though. We need to employ someone to replace a worker who is leaving. On the one hand I am sorry to see this girl go as she is a brilliant worker but on the other, I am happy she will be working in a better environment. As I have said many times before we always lose the best workers because of the nature of the work and the eternal politics that get in the way.

makerealbany - 2010-02-05 00:24:00

judith another cross stitcher. I do have some cross stitch projects somewhere. Tee hee. I am not a whizz like grizzly though.

makerealbany - 2010-02-05 00:27:00

I have had success of late in selling some of my cross stitch. Not for true value of course. All were done many years ago. If you are interested current listings are 269892501, 269892646,269892487.
I am enjoying reading this thread.

judith98 - 2010-02-05 00:50:00

Thats a big move, Judith! Are you moving soon? You might be able to meet makeralbany, lucky you!

grizzly4 - 2010-02-05 08:56:00

grizzly4 wrote:

Thats a big move, Judith! Are you moving soon? You might be able to meet makeralbany, lucky you!

When I have a job to go to. His nibs may already have a job, they have put his application on hold and will fast track him when we have shifted. I have been looking back over the thread. Where did I say we would be shifting??? hehe!!!

Edited by judith98 at 9:18 am, Fri 5 Feb

judith98 - 2010-02-05 09:16:00

Do you guys like "Stoney Creek" cross stitch patterns? I think they are the nicest of all and have done a lot.

Edited by judith98 at 11:39 pm, Fri 5 Feb

judith98 - 2010-02-05 23:38:00

Lovely cross stitch work judith. It would be nice to meet someone else up here.

makerealbany - 2010-02-06 00:51:00

Had another flat out day starting at 5-30 when I had to get up. Was across the bridge by 6-20. Yah. I succumbed and purchased some more baby wool grizzly. Yes slap my hands but it looks so nice and I wanted it for my great grandson. Guess what I will be doing tomorrow. Finishing some ufos. So that I can get knitting for him. I looked at his scan pictures and had a little sob or two. Lol. I am starting to feel my age. Mum laughs when I say that and then says "Slow down daughter". She has great, great grandchildren and still knits and crochets for all the new babies.

makerealbany - 2010-02-06 01:01:00

Wise mum, your mum, makeralbany! I think my 3 grandsons are going to be it for me. My daughter's endo is back at the extreme stage, it's been 20 months since she had her son. She has an appointment in a couple of weeks with her specialist to talk hysterectomy talk. Poor thing, I'll be glad when it's all over for her.
I have had to bring work home this weekend because of the lack of computer, but things are moving along slowly with repairs and claims etc. Finally got a few hours yesterday to do some 'normal work' which felt wonderful.
Drove past a house last night that will be available at the right time for us. Lovely gardens and has a wee green -house. Hopefully will get to see the inside in a couple of weeks. It will mean moving to the other side of Christchurch which will be a BIG move for me. I will be the one doing the travelling to work then. Not like Auckland though, eh?

grizzly4 - 2010-02-06 09:32:00

No grandchildren for me. Son is 28 on Monday and has a new girlfriend. Daughter is 25 and has never had a boyfriend - not interested. She has had four years at University. Both live in Dunedin. grizzly you must be starting to put two and two together if you haven't cottoned on. We regularly have god daughter and her elder sister. They are seven and five. They are sleeping tonight and we often have them all weekend. Nothing nicer than one on each arm of the chair having cuddles or arguing "my auntie, no my auntie" and poor auntie is underneath.

judith98 - 2010-02-06 17:32:00

Oh your poor girl grizzly. Yes we are blessed with our grandchildren. I cannot remember what it was like not having any. Had another hectic day that just ran away from me. Only got home 30 mins ago. Thought I would check my bidding, check our thread and then I will fall into bed. Lol.

makerealbany - 2010-02-07 01:37:00

Well grizzly, I am the same. 6 is my lot, but we should be very grateful, there are some people that have none. I have had my computer back for a while now but am so out of practice coming in here. I hope that house turns out great for you. Sounds neat.

smartgirl - 2010-02-07 06:34:00

makereal, you are so lucky, I have asked for more but the answer is no. I have been asking for another baby for ages and then I realised I would never be happy cause all I would want was a constant baby. haha. Sounds like your lot is making up for our lot. how do you keep going. look at the hours you are keeping girl.

smartgirl - 2010-02-07 06:37:00

Judith98, Yep I have cottoned on, by the way. And I read about your moving on one of your auctions when I was admiring your cross-stitch that you are selling.
Good to hear from you again, smartgirl, I bet you had lots of emails to catch up on, too. Haha, cos I was still sending the funnies through regularly. I think makerealbany is making up for all of us with her lovely big family.

grizzly4 - 2010-02-07 15:59:00

Good heavens 10.09 pm. Where has the day gone. Have done some knitting this evening. Bought two more balls of Tekapo wool yesterday. Watched Mary Poppins with miss seven this morning. Miss five nagged all afternoon to go home.
grizzly4 sorry to hear S has the endo bad again.
I tried last year to knit and crochet Moda Vera flurry. I couldn't see the stitches for eitherand had to go by feel. Gave up on the crochet. Knitted about three inches of a scarf, then discovered I was a stitch short so that was the end. Gave the wool to my next door neighbour.
makerealbany I will look you up if we get to shift to Auckland. Have been twice to Auckland for interviews. Employers are not keen to employ me due to having to shift to Auckland.

judith98 - 2010-02-07 22:27:00

Kia ora smartgirl. We have missed you pal. Slept in until8 this morning. It was great. Spent the day at one of my son's. He was in Wellington but his brother was doing some stuff for him so I kept him company. By that I mean I had to go and change 30 litres of paint. Darn salesman gave me interior instaed of exterior. Then I had to return stuff to the hire centre. We had a good day. In between keeping him supplied with food and cool drinks I managed to watch some TV and do some knitting. Got home and had to sort out committee work by phone. I have to cut some cucumbers to make pineapple and cucumber relish. Will leave overnight.I got some tasty mangos at the fruit store for $1 20 each. They have some good specials there in Northcote. I had to text the girls to see if they wanted any and ended up having to buy some for the whole family Ha ha.

makerealbany - 2010-02-07 23:40:00

Judith I have knitted a bit of the Moda Vera Flurry. It is a b--ger if you drop a stitch. I have used it for scarves for the girls, to trim hats and beanies and also as edging on baby blankets. Yes do let me know when you get here. My cottage needs a going over again but I have no time for housework at the moment. Lol. I might give it up altogether. Seriously though once I cannot find something I have a clean up. After all Jed does not complain. As long as I sleep at home and feed him the little ratbag is quite content.

makerealbany - 2010-02-07 23:46:00

Judith, I dont like knitting the likes of flurry etc. I have done a few scarves but I do like it as a trim. Makereal you and I are working at opposite time lately, but you must be ready to drop. I have my girls for 3 days this week and they are staying the 2 nights so that will be fun. I love it when they stay over, they are so cute in the morning when they wake. Miss H sleeps in my bed and Miss B has a day bed in my room as well. I pretended to be asleep the other morning and I watched her sit up and look over at us, saw we were asleep and promptly lay back down again and waited for us to rise. That is the only time of day she is an angel. She is full of mischief from there on. I am so happy Miss M is having a wee brother or sister.

smartgirl - 2010-02-08 06:01:00

Grizzly, I am still catching up. I hope you daughter in law is ok. One of my girls has the very same problem. It no fun. Hope you are catching up with work after that dreadful time you have been happening.

smartgirl - 2010-02-08 06:03:00

Goodness that was an early start, smartgirl! It's my daughter with the endo but having as many problems with DIL whose car has blown up so will have to help with picking up kids from daycare when her work hours coincide with my sons. This could go on indefinitely as they have no money to fix the jolly thing. They asked to borrow hubby's car but we had to say 'no' for insurance reasons so they are not happy with us at present. Once S has her surgery I will racing over there every morning to take baby B to his carer as well. I'm having nightmares about the petrol already. Haha.

grizzly4 - 2010-02-08 08:11:00

Grizzly if it is not one thing its something else. My life is dull compared to yours. One friend of mine who has many dramas says "dull and boring" is good. Will have to resort to "crafts is my pasion". I agree with you about the petrol. My girls live in Halswell.

judith98 - 2010-02-08 10:58:00

Two lots of wool and a cross stitch pattern came in the mail today. Excellent. Cross stitch is a lot bigger than I thought it would be. A fairy sitting on a lily. Ive got a problem - the carpet needs the vacuum cleaner run over it. I may need lessons on how to use the vacuum. Ha ha!!!

judith98 - 2010-02-08 21:25:00

Smartgirl I am looking forward to M having a little baby brother or sister too. She is off to Playgroup 2 mornings this week and Mainly music one morning. Mum is starting early so it is full on. I have not organized her dancing yet. She helped her Mum put the washing away tonight. She was so chuffed with her Mum praising her for her help. She is painting on canvas now. They are so cheap these days and if she does not like them later she can paint over them. Lol.

makerealbany - 2010-02-09 00:20:00

judith I think my vacumm cleaner is on strike. Ha ha. Meant to clean the windows today but forgot again. Unless it is logged into my diary I forget. Had to cut down some darn ginger plants today but need to buy some more escort to slay them. The bulbs in the paddock are huge. SIL will have to dig them out.

makerealbany - 2010-02-09 00:25:00

grizzly you are in the thick of it again girl. Yes I know what you mean about the insurance. We always seem to be the transportes don't we? I cannot recall anyone doing any of it for me with my 5 children when my first hubby was so sick. Times have changed. We used to just struggle along.

makerealbany - 2010-02-09 00:29:00

bll will be flat out. How is school going?

makerealbany - 2010-02-09 00:30:00

jan how are things in your neck of the woods? All good I hope.

makerealbany - 2010-02-09 00:31:00

Yep it's always full on round here, wouldn't change it for the world though. I remember struggling with a young family and my parents and sister were no where around. I am happy to be a part of my kids lives. Their dramas are exhausting at times but it's my choice when to switch off for a bit. Will always be there when things affect the wee boys.
Finished the jacket for the shop. Really have to step up with my prem stuff now. Will only have cross stitch time one evening a week maybe.
We get to see inside the house we like tomorrow night. Fingers crossed. I have lived on this side of town for 25 years but I keep telling myself a change is as good as rest.

grizzly4 - 2010-02-09 09:18:00

makerealbany Maybe we could get together perhaps Palmerston North is half way to find a course on vacuum cleaners.

judith98 - 2010-02-09 10:37:00

Thread was interesting reading again this morning. Now look forward to it on a daily basis. Thanks guys.

judith98 - 2010-02-09 10:43:00

Would you believe my work was broken into again. Yesterday morning we found the outer office absolutely trashed and the hard drive from that computer and the phone taken. We had security people with us most of the day yesterday to sort out the right system for us that we can afford.There is a house of druggies not too far away and a couple of troublemakers with a Mum to match not too far away either that the Police are watching. We are a non-profit organisation providing kids programmes for goodness sake!!! We have also been there 20 years with only a bit of vandalism e.g. smashed windows during that time till now. It is truly heartbreaking.

grizzly4 - 2010-02-10 10:30:00

This message was deleted.

jan.w1 - 2010-02-10 12:13:00

Oh grizzly, You poor dear. I cannot credit it. What an awful time you are having. My darn internet up our street is dropping out. Will try again later. At my son'shaving tea with my lovely daughter in law.

makerealbany - 2010-02-10 19:28:00

Grizzly, you must be fuming by now. They say things happen in 3s so hopefully you have had your share all in one go.

smartgirl - 2010-02-11 06:34:00

It looks as if we don't have to look any further for a house to move to in April. Such a relief. The one we went through last night is lovely. Bigger than what we have but only 2 bedrooms. It is a '60's house so each room is bigger than they build now. So much storage space, I probably won't use half the cupboards. That's a laugh!! I bet I fill them before we leave with craft stuff like you guys!
It will be hard leaving this side of town because I have lived in and worked with this community for so long but all these break-ins recently have tainted it a bit for me now. (Yes, I know it can happen anywhere). It will be nice not having everyone know who I am, too, in my personal time. And I will still be over here for work and the shop during the week. The change will be a healthy challenge for me and I guess we all need one of those every now and then, don't you think?

grizzly4 - 2010-02-11 09:05:00

That sounds like great news. When do you move? I have just got home from walking in the pool, I have been doing it for about 3 weeks now. I feel really great on the days I go.

smartgirl - 2010-02-11 09:44:00

Hi grizzly, that is great. Hopefully your last shift. We have lived in Woolston for 31.5 years. I can't imagine living any where else. How long will it be until you are back this side of town???? Hehe. The car might break down somewhere (maybe down Brougham Street) and refuse to go inland any further.

judith98 - 2010-02-11 13:51:00

Well that is nicer news grizzly. Yes I think the change of area will do you good. You will fill up those cupboards too girl. Ha ha. My darn phone was out as well. Some fibre whatever was damaged. Hopefully it is fixed. Touch wood. Sometimes I think they just make up heaps of excuses for the lousy service we are supplied. Aren't I the cynic these days? Naughty, naughty. I have more major probelms with my Organisation and I am tired of it. Most likely down the line again at the end of the month.

makerealbany - 2010-02-11 20:25:00

Smartgirl. Good on you for going to the pool babe. I admire your tenacity. I should go but my swimsuit most likely will no longer fit. I miss going to the gym but my foot appears to be healing at long last. I will not be tripping the light fantastic but I may start exercising again. I do miss it so much. It is all very well running around after grandchildren but certain parts like the hips and stomach are not getting any smaller. Lol. In fact I think I eat more because I have less energy.

makerealbany - 2010-02-11 20:31:00

Makereal, I am off again this morning. I cant believe how addictive it is. It is the only time I am pain free and can walk any distance. I am so glad about your heel, one day you will think, when did I last feel the pain and you wont remember, at least that is how it was with mine. I can tell you I have to have a nana nap these afternoons. Mr L thinks I should go to bed earlier and sleep longer in the mornings. He cant understand that when I am awake i am awake and cant go back to sleep. Blxxxdy teenagers. It will happen to him one day. haha.

smartgirl - 2010-02-12 06:12:00

I am having those awake times as well !@#%* At least 3 times awake I can't sleep at all till 3am. Absolutely ridiculous when I have to get up at 7 in the morning. I am knackered. And when I'm awake the coughing starts during the night as well. Grrrr, I feel sorry for anyone else trying to sleep in the house.

grizzly4 - 2010-02-12 09:30:00

grizzly, I have no trouble falling asleep but at the moment I keep waking up at least 6 times and some mornings I am wide awake from 5 onwards. That is just too early. I enjoy getting up from 6 on especially if I am going to the pools so I can have something to eat and take my pain killers in plenty of time for them work first.

smartgirl - 2010-02-12 11:42:00

That is a great addiction smartgirl. I started dreaming of exercise last night. HA HA. I am so glad for you. I felt a lot better physically and psycologically when I went to the gym. I am going to give my leg abother 2 weeks and then I will go again. I will just take it easy at first. At the moment Although I am up at 6 I could sleep longer. Lol.

makerealbany - 2010-02-13 00:31:00

Grizzly that darn cough must drive you up the wall!!!!!! No wonder your sleep is broken what with the stress of all those bl--dy break ins, having to move house, helping out with the family and that persistant sucker of a cough. That is enough to disturb anyone's sleep. I drop like a hammer these days and sleep until the alarm goes off.

makerealbany - 2010-02-13 00:36:00

Grizzly, you have had that cough for so long now, it really must drive you mad. Did you have it before you moved it to the house you are in now, if not it may be your house and it will be the best thing moving. I can remember if you have seen a specialist or not but I think you should try and see one before winter kick in. I have been awake since 5.35 but did manage to doze till 6.15. I am off to the pools again this morning at about 8.

smartgirl - 2010-02-13 06:38:00