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crafts is my pasion

#Post
4301

IT's awful thinking people are missing out on Christmas and being with family. (As much as they can be very trying at times - I have a stress headache today after yesterday). My daughter won first prize in the shops Xmas raffle - it was a huge hamper of goodies and I was very pleased to hear she shared it with some of her people at work, took all the children's stuff to one of her tenants who is really struggling and dropped the rest at the Mission.

grizzly4 - 2011-12-18 10:33:00
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What a good girl your daughter is grizzly. Feeling for my DIL and her two children tonight. I did not go to the Airport or I would have starting blubbing and that would not have helped. My SIL is home tomorrow. Hurrah. Got some more xmas shopping done today so only 3 more presents to buy and two parcels to post. I hope it stops raining soon. My roses are all damaged. The flowers will need to be cut. Darn it.

makerealbany - 2011-12-18 22:39:00
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Poor roses! Mine didn't fear so well in the downpour last week either. Will have to dead head most of the flowers this week. Such a shame. The scent this year has been amazing while we've been working out there.

grizzly4 - 2011-12-19 06:52:00
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Went shopping again with daughter today. It was not too bad. Had lunch out then drove to the airport to pick up SIL. M has been excited all day. Dad was hugged and kissed before he had a chance to waik half a dozensteps out of customs. Little J then spied him and it was all on. He had a child in each arm and my daughter had to drag his bag while I pushed the pram. Little J was trying to push his big sister out of the way so that he could have dad all to himself. The little devil. So Nana can sleep in tomorrow if I want. Yah. I won't though as I have a lot to do for myself. Yippee. Even managed to deadhead the roses tonight.

makerealbany - 2011-12-19 23:10:00
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Didn't finish my roses last night as I got sidetracked by the tomatoes which needed some attention and then I noticed how big the veges had all got so decided to make a salad for tea. Just as well as I. didn't get home for tea till 8.30pm. I was starving by then. Heehee. Last full day at work today.

grizzly4 - 2011-12-20 06:34:00
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Last day today but not going into office at all. I left it spick and span yesterday. I have a bit of paper work to do here at home and list another job here on TM and then we are going out to our end of year lunch. I have been home a bit earlier last couple of days and sit down to knit or read for a change and end up dozing off! I hope that's not how I end up spending my month off!!

grizzly4 - 2011-12-21 07:46:00
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Had a lovely lunch out yesterday with workmates and now I'm officially on holiday for a month! Except for managing TM auctions for the shop and work, cooking for family, housework etc, etc. LOL. You know how it is. But thank goodness as i would probably go stir crazy!

grizzly4 - 2011-12-22 06:55:00
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Yea I do know how it is grizzly. Had to take my SIL down to pick up his Volvo this morning. Took M for a drive and she fell asleep so had to park outside the ATM dash over grab some money and go home. Lol. Neighbours were up with pressies so we had a cuppa and then had to literally throw all the bags in the car, drive to my son's house, pick up takeaways on the way, saw S and J , picked up my son's keys for his Wellington apartment and his Lease car keys then drove to the airport. My SIL had 4 bags, 2 carseats and the J's nappy bag on his trolley. A had the kids and the pram. I kissed them all and drove over to the Manukau to pick up my grandson K (The one who lives in Christchurch) He had been to Hamilton to see his Mum. We drove home and I spent 2 hours in the house tidying up and doing the washing. I cooked tea and have three Christmas cakes in the oven. Talk about go,go,go. The place is very quiet. How wonderful. Lol

makerealbany - 2011-12-22 22:48:00
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So who is left to spend Christmas with, makerealbany? Sounds like there was a mass exodus! Yesterday was very productive: I spent the morning sewing the retro apron which is part of my daughter's Christmas. Needed a bit more broderie anglaise so nipped down to fabric vision. I had a wee look round to check out the price for knit fabric which I need to make my dress for the wedding in April. Found out it was going to be appros $30 per metre so tucked the info away until after Christmas. BUT THEN I found a bolt of lovely plain black polyester knit for $8 a metre. Couldn't remember how much I needed so bought 4 metres. (Actually only needed 2.5). What a find! And lots of time to make it up....... or could be like the apron and be done two days before I need it. Haha.
Today I am cooking the meat for tomorrow's picnic and organising the trifle etc. I'll brave the local supermarket for the last minute items like cream and strawberries, too.
Ladies, Christmas is almost here!!!! Get ready, girls....

grizzly4 - 2011-12-23 06:46:00
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Hi Bev. hope you weren't at the shops when the quakes hit. We had just got home, i had been at a funeral and my mother and daughter had just got home from picking Bella up from groomers. Can't believe we had 3 back to back like that, we ended up sitting outside when the 6.0 hit and boy was it strange watching the ground roll and the house move. They are saying it is the new fault line they found just off the coast here in Brighton, just what we need. At least the power was only off for 4 hours and i can still glaze my ham tomorrow. Not sure if i will be going to work yet, not sure if the mall will be open.

suzy59nz - 2011-12-23 19:37:00
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I can't believe we are going through this all again. Luckily I. had just arrive home before the first one so we were at least togerher and had decided to wrap the presents (huge job) before going to the Mall! The rest of the family are ok thank goodness and weirdly enough my daughter and I are the ones with stuff broken this time instead of my son who is close to Sue's on the east side.Worse though is our 2 white cats are missing! We went to get some chips for tea last night,and Flurry appeared from under the car when we were nearly at the fish and chip shop. She dashed across the road (just missing a full line of traffic) and headed for home. However she got a fight and took off up a long drive and we lost her after that. Spoke to the people who live there and they are on the look out. We left the cat door open in case she came home and of course her sister Mac took the opportunity to stay out and got in a fight, can't find her now either. What a mess! We have been down to the vets (3 doors down from us) and they are now on their data base now. God, I hope we find them soon. Christmas is a bit of a nightmare right now.

grizzly4 - 2011-12-24 10:50:00
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Hope they come home Bev, i know what you are like with your fur babies, they are your family just like mine are. All my fingers crossed for for their safe return

suzy59nz - 2011-12-24 11:52:00
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I truely thought you girls had been through it all, what a dreadful shock for you. My thoughts are with you and your families. This is what you dont
need. I have been feeling a bit sorry for myself with Mr 19 in the states and got out of the habit coming in to say hello, buy decided to pull finger and let you girls know that I am thinking of you. Grizly, I really hope your cats are home by now or very soon. I was hoping you were in for a nice quite break cause you deserve it. Take care and have a great day, Jo

smartgirl - 2011-12-24 13:09:00
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Oh my goodness and here I was about to wish you all a Merry Christmas. I hope your cats are home now grizzly. I spent the day mowing the lawns, carting stuff up to the beach for tomorrow, weedspraying and I had to buy one more pressie, duck into the supermarket and visit 3 neighbours to take their pressies. I have just finished wrapping the last of the presents and I do not mind admitting that I practically threw the last 3 into paper. Lol. I am off to bed as I have a very early start picking up my son's children to go to breakfast in Orewa. They are missing their Dad. Hope you all have a lovely day tomorrow without any thing spoiling it.

makerealbany - 2011-12-24 23:39:00
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Hi smartgirl. So nice to hear from you.

makerealbany - 2011-12-24 23:41:00
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Best presents ever was having Mac arrive home for tea last night when we got home from the family picnic and THEN just as it got dark Flurry came through the gate and sat looking at us through the lounge ranch slider! I haven't moved so fast in ages. I am so happy my 3 girls are all together again. Had a lovely morning having breakfast cooked for us by our daughter and SIL, lots of presents later came home to prepare for tea at son& DIL's. And maybe have a nap heehee. Merry Christmas everyone!

grizzly4 - 2011-12-25 12:53:00
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Off to our usual breakfast out on Boxing Day to celebrate a friends birthday which falls on CHristmas Day. We have always gone to the casino but after last year when the 'quake hit wehile we were there we vowed never to go back so we are all off to the Harewood Tavern, one of my favourite places anyway. And no wasn't my decision - just lucky for me and only just down the road. Have a great Boxing DAy everyone!

grizzly4 - 2011-12-26 09:39:00
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i spent the day at the mall working 9 till 6, didn't feel a single shake while there.
There is a bit of cosmetic damage around the mall but nothing too bad and seemes to be confind to certain areas. was quite busy.

suzy59nz - 2011-12-26 20:19:00
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Glad you had a good Xmas girls. We have not had a good Xmas. Spent Christmas Day and today in Intensive care. My grandson C who had surgery a few months ago was in a coma and in a critical condition. They are unsure about how long he was not breathing before a friend did CPR. There is no doubt she saved his life. Although it was touch and go the last 2 days. He may have long term brain damage but although he has a serious chest infection he appears to be progressing well. We are all exhausted and totally over hospitals. I am so glad my daughter, SIL and M and J are away. Although my daughter was so upset she has had great support from her in laws and the children are loving their holiday. I have the house full with family as we are closer to the Hospital. IXmas presents are still sitting all over the place. We had breakfast on Xmas day with my son so that K (2) and J who is 8 could open their pressies. J went back to his Mum unaware of what had happened to his cousin. K is with his Aunty in the city and loving it so we only have my great grandson who arrived today. My other 3 grandchildren will be told tomorrow. We just did not want to ruin their Xmas although we had to fabricate a story as to why we were all not together. I took the Xmas trees down and put the decorations away as I could not stand to look at them. I have pressies that were given to me by neighbours and I have not even opened them. I did cook the young ones and I a roast dinner tonight. The ham has not been cooked yet and the pavs are sitting in their boxes. Might have to have one tomorrow night as they cost so much. No one was interested in food. I have to get us all back on track as we will all get ill if I don't. Must pull up my socks the sadness is drowning. Have to keep strong for the kids. If I moan and groan about them not putting dishes in the dishwasher etc, it gives them a sense of normality.

makerealbany - 2011-12-26 22:56:00
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Your poor family. This is dreadful news, makerealbany, I am so sorry. He had surgery on his face didn't he? So what caused him to stop breathing?

grizzly4 - 2011-12-27 10:27:00
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so sorry to hear your terrible news, hope he gets better soon and makes a full recovery, what caused him to stop breathing?

suzy59nz - 2011-12-27 18:39:00
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Another day, makerealbany....how are things going?
I. has gone back to work, I'm glad I'm already used to getting up early with him because I certainly wasn't looking forward to him not being here. I have organised lots of work for me to do to keep busy, it's the only to stay sane. I went to my office yesterday but only checked for liquifaction around the outside which was minimal. It's such a drama with the alarm company if you go in after hours so I just looked through the windows and it didn't look too bad. The boss will be back in town tomorrow and she will probably have a good look.

grizzly4 - 2011-12-28 06:48:00
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How are you, makerealbany? I do hope your grandson is improving and your family is getting some respite.
I went to Lincraft for the first time yesterday.Service is certainly an improvement on Spotlight, I have to say. I found a few things I needed/wanted that I couldn't get at Spotlight, too. I had my daughter and B3 with me so felt I couldn't spend too long checking out the shelves but will definitely go back.

grizzly4 - 2011-12-29 06:50:00
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Hopefully, everything is continuing to improve, makerealbany.
Today my plans include making rhubarb and ginger jam, organising photos to take to my Mum this weekend and taking down the CHristmas decorations. We are off to Blenheimm tomorrow for a couple of days asnd don't feel like coming back to doing it. Gives me something to do while the jam is cooking. Suzy and I went to look at the new shop yesterday. Boy, do we have lots of work to do, eh Suzy? It's not only filthy but floors need repairing and everything needs a coat of paint and we need to organise carpet and shelving. There is so much rubbish to be removed before we can even start. The previous tenants have all but destroyed the place without any help from earthquakes!

grizzly4 - 2011-12-30 07:16:00
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Things are better than they were. I am still so busy hardly any time to even think. Lol. C is on the mend but it will be a long slow process. My grandchildren have all left for home except for the one in Christchurch who flys out tomorrow. I am flat out stripping beds, cleaning the fridges, washing, putting away things that have no place being where they are, and trying to figuire out who left what? It is Rubbish day tomorrow so I have to organize all that. I have just noticed my nails. Yuk. I finally opened some pressies. Very nice. Trying to get grounded again but it takes time. C is 18 today. We are extremely lucky so an angel is watching over that boy for us.

makerealbany - 2012-01-01 20:31:00
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So pleased to hear he is on the mend. All that work can be very therapeutic, can't it? We are back home again after getting texts at 6 this morning about the dreadful night down here with more big shakes.
Found I also had my second redface on TM feedback as well. Not the one I thought it would be either. This person sounds like she had a terrible Xmas so gave her some lee way to sort it out but now her stories about Christmas Day are getting more and more dramatic, I do have to wonder, especially when she listed a whole bunch of new auctions herself the day after!! Funny way to grieve, me thinks.

grizzly4 - 2012-01-02 15:25:00
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Time to catch up on lawns and laundry today. Thank goodness it's fine.

grizzly4 - 2012-01-03 09:38:00
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Boy a full day of visitors but managed to get the outside chores done as well. I. goes back to work again tomorrow so need to make lists to keep myself busy and take my mind off 'quakes etc. I hate being back feeling like this again.
How are you getting on, makerealbany?

grizzly4 - 2012-01-03 19:56:00
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Well all of the family have left. Mowed the lawns, cleaned out the dog kennels, thoroughly cleaned my cottage, even washed the curtains. Lol. Had the cleaner in the house for 4 hours today. She even cleaned the ovens bless her. Daughter and family arrive home tomorrow to a lovely clean house and tidy yard. Aren't they lucky? My grandson was very happy to be back in Christchurch. He hates the humidity up here and says he is used to the quakes!!!!!!! Drives me crazy that boy. Tomorrow I have the cars to clean and some time to relax and sew up M's top for her Birthday. It is so peaceful and quiet here yippee. I keep waiting for a brick to fall on my head. ha ha. Yes 2011 was a hell of a year for us. C is progressing every day. Tests tomorrow but he is at home. Although my daughter has to limit the visitors because he tires easily. He is very thin and needs building up. He has so many friends and they all want to come see him. Some of them are from down South so they will be going back soon so they are allowed all the time. By 6 it's "everyone out". Wonder how smartgirl is. Too late to ring now. I will try in the morning.

makerealbany - 2012-01-03 21:49:00
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Don't worry about that feedback grizzly. Your explanation speaks for it's self. Some people are just plain wierd. I waited after paying immediately for an auction for 2 weeks and that seller did not even give me feedback. When I emailed them they never replied.

makerealbany - 2012-01-03 21:54:00
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I hope you have managed to catch up on some rest, makerealbany! Sounds like you haver done an amazing job. I'm feeling a bit on edge today after having bad 'quake dreams during the night. Have lots I can do to keep busy but finding it hard to get motivated this morning.

grizzly4 - 2012-01-04 07:04:00
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omg just checked your feed back Grizzly, you are the least nasty person i know, stupid person, don't let her bother you she is silly.
It was a good write up on the front page of the Press today about our friend B, saw her at the supermaket and gave her a hug, told her she was a star.
Looking forward to hearing news about our new shop, can't wait to get in there and roll my sleeves up.

suzy59nz - 2012-01-04 18:12:00
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Rang smartgirl for a chat tonight. So nice to have a conversation with someone I am unrelated to. Lol. The kids arrived home tonight and I was cuddled and kissed by my two grandchildren. They missed me. ha ha Little J was so excited, his legs were going flat tack. He is walking all over the place. The dogs went crazy and even the cats lay down in the driveway to watch the fun. Life is back to normal in this household. I did have a nap this afternoon grizzly. lol

makerealbany - 2012-01-05 00:04:00
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I hope smartgirl is well and has a good Christmas, makerealbany. I'm glad you had a nice debrief with her.
Suzy, my Dad suggested contacting one of those places that steam clean houses. Might be the best way of cleaning the shop and B. suggested getting the PD guys to clean and/or paint. Good ideas, eh?
Yesterday, I did my normal housework plus cleaned the oven and then finished all my new planting with putting in another 30 plants. Even had time to do some knitting and visited Hands and bought a new pattern book. Very productive day. We'll see about today.....

grizzly4 - 2012-01-05 06:57:00
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Another productive day yesterday..... kitchen cupboards cleaned inside and out, some mending done, weedmat down on the path through the new flower garden and I've started moving more of the river stones over there. Also organised top soil through TM for us to pick up tomorrow. We have to shovel it on the trailer there but hopefully can tip it off at this end as we have 2 loads to do. Our son is going to help thank goodness. I even finished a jersey last night. Now today.......

grizzly4 - 2012-01-06 06:46:00
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Wow what a busy girl you are grizzly. Yes smartgirl was away for awhile and enjoyed it too. I had a lazy day although I spent the afternoon with friends and had a great time. My tomatoes are getting blight. It is the stupid weather. Cucumber and Peppers are producing and look very healthy. I must go for a walk down the paddock tomorrow because I should be able to pick some plums. Cannot see the fruit from here because of the forest. Lol. I have been checking out some old recipe books and copying those I want and tossing those I don't. It is amazing how many one has and if you dont use them they are just taking up space. I am trying to declutter again.

makerealbany - 2012-01-06 22:48:00
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Happy New Year girls, I have just been reading the past postings, so much has happened. It was lovely catching up with you again Makereal. Grizzly and Suzy, I cant believe it has all started shaking for you girls again. It must be dreadful. I had a lovely christmas and new year, I went away to my daughters and dog sat for 6 days, it was so peaceful. I got an e reader amongst my presents and have read quite a few books. It is so much easier when you have arthritic thumbs. Old age catching up. Talk soon, Jo

smartgirl - 2012-01-07 08:18:00
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got a good wake up call at 1.20 this morning 5.3, just getting a little sick of it now, not too bad during the day, but scares the s#@t out of me during the night. Wish i could win lotto, i would leave the house and move away.
Looking forward to getting in the new shop, have to do a news letter and let all the past and present members know we are back.

suzy59nz - 2012-01-07 19:52:00
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I do not know how you cope with it all suzy. It seems to be a regular thing. Quakes and more shakes for you all. I hope it is not raining as well. It is raining here again or should I say still. I have had a lousy day healthwise but that happens when I am run down. Lol. Will pick up in a few days. The new shop will give you both a lift.

makerealbany - 2012-01-07 23:50:00
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Hiya smartgirl I got a E Book reader as well. I have not had a chance to use it yet. I also got a cheesemaking kit, 6 boxes of chocolates, Heaps of smellies including Coco Chanel, White Linen and Green tea perfumes. I was thoroughly spoilt again. One advantage about having 5 kids and lots of grandchildren. Ha ha. I have one more book to read before I can use my E Book reader. My daughter gave me Brisinger and Inheritance which is the last book in the Eragon series by Christopher Paolin. All of my grandchildren have enjoyed these books as well.

makerealbany - 2012-01-07 23:59:00
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I loved the Eragon movie but haven't read the books..... mmm will add that to my list of things to do this year. Lol. All the top soil is here! So happy and I. finished the stone path through my new flower garden yesterday for me as well. Yippee. Stages 1,2, and 3 are now complete. Stage 4 is underway with the arrival of the top soil. Knitting a wee jersey with a teddy on the front but it has come out very 'wee'! Definitely a prem size.

grizzly4 - 2012-01-08 10:16:00
4342

wow grizzly, i just missed you. you will have to show us some pics when you have finished. yet you still find time for knitting. i have struggled with my knitting since christmas, but i went to spotlight yesterday and met a plunket nurse from auckland and her daughter who works in the nicu unit here and they need pure wool blankets, (car seat size) for the wee babies and then they take their blanket home with them. so thats what i started last night. Makereal you will love your e reader, definetly my best ever present. I am back to spotlight as they have pure wool for just over $2 a ball. Have a great day girls.

smartgirl - 2012-01-08 10:23:00
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I have just finished sewing up 3 summer tops for the littlies. I crocheted around the armholes and necklines as the cotton tends to stretch a bit with wear. Might knit something for our new little girl who is due any day now. Went down the paddock to check on the plums and they are all still green. This time of the year we have usually picked most of them. Everything has gone to hell!!!!!. I am staying out of spotlight until I really need wool smartgirl. Lol. I still have a long way to go.

makerealbany - 2012-01-08 23:33:00
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What a great idea, smartgirl, giving a wee blanket when they leave hospital.
Haven't heard that they do that here.
It's raining here today so won't be out in the garden. I have started defrosting the inside freezer and I will work on my cross stitch until it's ready to wipe out. Sounds like a plan.

grizzly4 - 2012-01-09 06:48:00
4345

It is still raining here grizzly. I cannot believe the lousy summer we are having. Have not even had a swim at the beach yet. When the weather is ok I have to do something else. Feet are swollen again so I am a bit fed up. lol. Tomorrow is another day.

makerealbany - 2012-01-09 23:15:00
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No cross stitch done. Did my lounge windows instead - they are the biggest. And a bit of knitting. Came out really hot by evening, weird weather.

grizzly4 - 2012-01-10 10:07:00
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It was hot last night, I have just been in to knit world and brought some of their sale items. I really dont know where to store it as I have so much already. Have a great day girls,

smartgirl - 2012-01-10 11:44:00
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My grandson is doing really well so we are all so relieved. Little J is running around everywhere now and the only signs of his disease are his little red fingernails and toenails. He is still teething though poor little mite.Have knitted the body for a little matinee jacket for our wee girl who is still nestling in her mummy's tummy. I love knitting the back and sides in one piece. Lol. My SIL has fenced in the back deck nearthe clothes line so little J can play out there while we are hanging out the washing which will be great once the weather is nicer!!!!!

makerealbany - 2012-01-10 23:53:00
4349

You have had some dreadful weather up there, makerealbany and smartgirl! A disappointing summer for you both unfortunately.
Yesterday was a bit of a weird day for me, I. was off sick, got the groceries done and bought a rimu cabinet for under the large lounge window so I could put the carved mustang aeroplane that I bought I. for Christmas on display. It was so hot and muggy I couldn't get motivated to do anything else at all. NOw today I have to catch up because I am on the stall at Barrington Mall for the next 2 days. On my list are the windows in the conservatory and dining room, tidying the garden by the back door and possibly doing all the windows outside as it is our water day today. Quite foggy out there this morning though.

grizzly4 - 2012-01-11 06:36:00
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lovely hot day today, got the backs of my legs burnt reading a book outside, been doing a lot of reading just lately, daughter bought me a book called The Host for Christmas, really enjoyed it. now reading one i got on special at the warehouse. Also trying to finish some ufo's seem to have a few of them hanging around lol.

suzy59nz - 2012-01-11 21:45:00
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