MOSAICS, JABBY JAB FOR STEW, SEWING, THEN A SHINDIG.

 

I  have a very clear agenda for today.

First up, I'm going to spend about an hour and a half at Mosaics here in the village.

After that I'll make our lunch, which is going to be pork chops and veges.

Next, Stew has an appointment at the Doctors for the start of his Shingles Vaccinations.  He has two jabs, three months apart.  You qualify for them for free in your 65th year.  I had mine already.

Then I am getting into C.Qs to start quilting those four Braid Runners.

Oh and AFTER ALL THAT, we have an 'event' on, here in the Village, this evening. It's the annual St Patricks Day Shindig.  Music, laughter and food.  Should be good.  It was last year, when we were invited to attend, even though we had not moved here yet.

So there ya go... our day mapped out nice and early in the day.

What are you doing today?  Entertain me.

ONWARD...

I went down to mosaics at 9 am.  At 9.30 one lady joined me, then another lady arrived for about 20 minutes, then they both left for morning tea.

ABOVE: So, I was basically there on me own for most of the time.  Not ideal, as going was more about company than the actual craft.

I spent my time scraping off the grout that was put on last time I was there.  It wasn't looking right to me at all.  The mosaic 'expert' had helped me put it on 'her way', taking the grout right out past the edges of the birds etc, and it just looked awful to me.   So, lots of scraping to get most of it off.

I'm feeling a bit happier with it now.  Not 100%, but happier.

It is now 10.35 and I'm going to clean myself up and work on another runner.  I got one finished this morning before I went to mosaics.

ABOVE:  Today's lunch was pork chops, mashed potato with cheese and onion added, and a lettuce salad.

Coco and I shared my chop, and I had WAY LESS than what I served Stew.  Even he couldn't eat all his, he now has a pork chop to eat tomorrow.

I got another braid runner finished before lunch, so I only have two left to go.

Then I can sort out my market stock, and get ready for Saturday's market.

I'm starting to feel flat... been on the go all day.

Next thing... take Stew to his Dr's appointment, then off to a $2 shop to find something GREEN for this evening.  I had thought of making something, but just can't be arsed.

7 pm.  I had maybe a 15 minute nap this afternoon, just enough to recharge me batteries.

Then Stew and I went down to the Community Centre for the Irish Shindig.

It was lovely.  Nice company, good music, lots of smiling people.

Supper was hot ham on a bun, the ham was amazing.  I didn't have a bun, just the ham.

ABOVE:  I found these green lei at the $2 shop, and while mine started around my neck, it was scratchy, so it ended up on me head.  It looked fine there.

Stew got 'Os' hat plonked on his head at one point:  

ABOVE: Stew seemed to cope well enough sitting there for almost three hours.  He's home now with his knee elevated.  He has dropped half of the painkillers now, and the anti-inflammatories end tomorrow.  So as I've said all along, he's doing really, really well.

And that is a rap on a fairly busy day.

Catch ya tomorrow.

SHOPPING, THEN CRAFT GROUP

 

*sigh*, since Stew's been home from work on 'sick leave', I think I've been to the supermarket twice as often as I usually go.

We are going again today!  He has a list.

Mostly the stuff he usually gets on the weekend.

I think he's going to have a go at walking around the supermarket himself too.  

ABOVE:  He's graduated to only using one crutch around the house now.  AND he's doing a few more things for himself.

Last night he got his own 'dinner', fruit, yoghurt and left over cream from lunch.  Nice.  I'll have him cooking us a three course meal before ya know it.  (JJ)

ABOVE:  I forgot this photo of Miss Lily from yesterday!  She slings her handbag over her arm and declares she's off to 'work'.  So damn cute.

ABOVE:  I got all three Braid Runners pieced together yesterday.  I will start quilting them after I get home from Craft Group.

I shall piece together another Braid Runner while at Craft Group, that's about all I like to do on BABY Brother. 

So, that's today's plans.

Catch ya later.

ONWARD...

Well, I finally failed in the 'good, caring wife' duties.

I had a terrible night's sleep, and slept in after waking a gazillion times overnight. 

When I finally got up, I realised Stew had made his own breakfast, opened the curtains and all that first thing in the morning shit.

OMG I am so bad!  I didn't even last two weeks being the dutiful wife.

MUST.  DO.  BETTER.

We shall be going out soon to do that shopping, and Stew needs to get a follow up x-ray of his knee as well.  So, we shall do that.

3.30 pm, and it has been a busy day again.  We did a small grocery shop, Stew was only on his feet for probably 20 minutes.  Then he had his x-ray and I took him home again.

Then we had lunch, a Chicken/Pasta salad with coleslaw on the side.  It was OK.  

Then I left him to it and went to Craft Group, where I sewed up this Braid Runner:

ABOVE:  YES, it is very busy.

And yes, it's not straight on the edges, but once I've trimmed it, quilted it and put binding on, it will be just fine.  😊  And again, the colours are not 'true' either.  

ABOVE:  A close up of the kiwi birds fabric, which I've not used before.  

Now that I'm home, I'm going to be a lazy arse for a while.  In a couple of hours I'll think about getting us some dinner.  Something light.

Right, I've now got four Braid Runners on the go, and ready for quilting etc.  I'll start on them tomorrow, I've run out of energy to even think about doing them now.  And they will take quite a few hours to do.

So, the evening stretches ahead.  I've just watered all the outdoor pots and lawns.  Tick Tick.

Time to sign off for the day.

Catch ya tomorrow.

JUST A LAZY SUNDAY

 

I had to stop and check my phone to see what day it was!  With Stew home every day, it's buggered up me timelines.

I simply have nothing to judge what day it is... cos they are all the same.

Shit, is that what it's like when ya both 'retire'?

I think Stew needs to go back to work for a bit longer... I'm not ready for this 😂.  

My plans for today are to sleep in, then get back into C.Q. and get another 2-3 Kiwiana Braid Runners made before next weekends market.

I'm a bit nervous about that one, as Stew won't be able to help me with the set up at all.  Lacy is going to be helping me, and possibly Bex too.

But, it is still going to be a bit stressful, cos I'm a worrier, and get me tits in a knot really easily. 😖

And that reminds me... I need to make a few more little straps for the gazebo.  I best do them first thing today, so I don't keep procrastinating about making them.

ONWARD...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY  to Bex .... hope to see ya later. 

11.30 am.  Did I say a LAZY Sunday was ahead?

😂😅😆

Yeah right.

What with looking after the man, making a second Kiwiana Runner top, and making a BIG batch of scones for lunch, I've been BUSY.

Steve, Bex and their kids are coming for lunch.

No one else could come... it was kinda short notice.

I'm taking a moment to sit still, then I will be getting said scones out of the oven.

We have 'plain' cheese scones, to be accompanied by jam and cream, and my new favourite, Cheese/Bacon and Onion scone scrolls.

Stew loves them.

Any left overs can go in the freezer for another day.  Excellent idea, cos I've made quite a few.  One is going to be enough for anyone!

They are huge.

ABOVE: Dante arrived wearing his knock off, cheap as 'crocs'.  He said they were too small for him now... so...

ABOVE: I nicked them off  him!  I will wear them in C.Q., and take them off when I leave the garage, that way I'm not traipsing threads and fluff all through the house any more.

Dante will get new, bigger ones as soon as his parents can be arsed taking him to the shops.

ABOVE:  DOGSTARS, I was heading off to have a nap when your comment came through!

So there are the scones!

ABOVE: Archer asked me how many scones he could have?  I said (tongue in cheek), he could have 5!

He said no, he'd only have 4.

In the end he had 1 huge savoury scroll and 2 scones!

I could only eat one savoury scroll.  They were very filling.

And went down very well with everyone.  Except Lily, she was only interested in the cream, and pieces of bacon out of the scrolls.  😋 

ABOVE:  A particularly nice photo of Steve today.

Coco, getting her belly rubs, which she demands from anyone who crosses our threshold.

ABOVE:  The closest I got to a photo of Bex today, on her birthday!  Whoops, not good enough, must do better next time.

And that's a rap on lunch.  NOW I'm off to have a nap.  

ABOVE:  I'm happy to say I did get an hour's nap.  So did Coco.

Isn't she so cute.

After my nap, I went down to my local petrol station, to fill up me car.

ABOVE:  Petrol is now over $3 a litre.  Who can we thank for THAT I wonder?

A ginger faced, maniacal, egotistical, despot who is hell bent on causing World War Three, that's who.

It just makes me so angry when I think about him.

And I try NOT to think about him too much, cos there is NOTHING I can do about it.

So, I've been sewing up a storm since about 4 pm, and I'm happy with my results for the day.

Now though, I'm done for the day.  

Catch ya tomorrow.

WILL IT BE TODAY?

 

Well... I am hoping like hell we get to use the driveway extension today!

'W' did say it would be either this afternoon, or tomorrow morning.

I simply cannot wait.

I WISH I could put a big fat 'fuck you' finger on the back of my car!  For those shit neighbours who cost us THOUSANDS of dollars, so we could actually park both our cars at our own property.

But... I can't of course.  But, I am just so happy we got a win at the end of the day.

Today I have a bit of housework to get done, just the norm really.  Then I might do some sewing.

I didn't get any done yesterday as I was feeling really jaded.

My cold is much improved today, thank goodness!

And Stew's knee is coming along well too.  He's moving much better, using the leg more, and doing all his exercises.  I'm so proud of him, he's had to go through so much to get where he is now.  I feel it won't be that long before he's back to doing everything he wants.   Like going on lovely evening strolls with me around the river banks.  😊  AND getting back to the pub on a Thursday night!  He's not been for two weeks already... and can't resume until he's off most of the pain killers.  Those drugs and alcohol don't mix.

We might go out for lunch today, let's just wait and see how the morning pans out.

ONWARD...

ABOVE:  Progress shot.  I can't see much of a difference yet... we've been told it will take quite some time for the swelling to go down.

And now... I'm off to C.Q. to do some work.

ABOVE:  Two and a  half hours... cutting out strips in readiness for sewing.  Do you have any idea how much time is taken with just cutting up strips?  Easily a third of the time it takes to actually sew them into a runner.  My legs have gone numb from standing still for so long.  Time to take a break.

It's a gorgeous day, for the washing to get dry.

It's out on the line.

I've hand washed his nibs compression stockings, got them dry and put them back on his legs.  THAT was a workout for me I can tell ya.  Those things are freakin' murder to get on and off.

Isn't Stewie lucky he doesn't have to do it.  For now.

This 'nursing' malarky isn't my forte for sure, for sure.  I'm hoping in another week or so he will be able to do more.

It is now 4.30 pm, and I decided to take down the driveway barrier, and do this:

AND...

ABOVE:  I am so, so happy!  

ABOVE: I never, ever have to leave my car down here again... or walk down to get it, or walk home from there.  

IT'S A MASSIVE WIN.

* during the week that carpark is full of staff cars, service vehicles etc.*   

9.34 pm, and it's been another long, sorta lazy day.

I did me wifey duty, and fed and watered the man.

Got all the housework done and even got some sewing in as well.

Now, I'm probably gunna go to bed.  Cos I'm feeling a bit tired.

Catch ya tomorrow.

YET ANOTHER FBG WALK

 

Well... I'm off on another FBG walk this morning.

Luckily, it's not a super early start.  The walk starts at 9.30, so I don't have to leave home till around 8.30.

When I get home the first thing I must do is gas up the car.  Petrol prices are rising rapidly, so best get some in the car now, before it gets any higher.

Because Stew is doing so well, I will stay for the post walk morning tea today.  I might even buy him a treat for his lunch while I'm out and about.

I'll take a photo of the last bag I made too... it is so lovely.

I think I've got enough bags for now, so later on I might make another Kiwiana Braid Runner or 10!  lol

I gave one to 'W', the driveway man the other day, by way of a personal 'Thank You' for such a beautiful job he did.  He loved it.

Right, I'm off to get ready for me walk.

Catch ya later.

ONWARD...

1.20 pm.

Walk was HOT and STICKY.  So, so hot.  

I was not the only one who got beetroot red in the face, and I think everyone sweated buckets!

ABOVE: Walk stats, slow but steady.  It really was too hot to go fast.

ABOVE: The area we walked in today has many beautiful homes.  I love this one's letterbox.  And there's cute little 'R'.  A very dear friend.

11.15 am, back in Hamilton.  Got changed and then we went to PakNSave for a few groceries.  Then gassed up the car, came home and put the groceries away, made our lunch and so on.

I'm now knackered.  It's just too hot... probably not as hot as other places, sorry other places.

We are supposed to get rain soon, it can't come soon enough for me.  I'm just dripping.

ABOVE: I have so much fun putting funny faces on everyone, even the dogs.  😊😉

ABOVE: The last bag for a little while.  I love it, probably cos it's... blue. LOL

ABOVE:  7 pm, and Coco and I had a lovely walk along the riverbank, then up the bush path to come home along the road side.  Coco was ready to get home after about 20 minutes... so luckily for her our walk was only half an hour long.

That's me for the day, time to chill out and look forward to BED.

I'm freakin' tired.

Catch ya tomorrow.

SLEEPING IN HOPEFULLY

 

It will have been one week since Stew's operation this afternoon, and he's doing so well!

This afternoon he has an appointment with a physiotherapist.  Hopefully he gets a good report on his progress, and an outline of what he needs to keep doing, or add into his regime.

He was seen by a physiotherapist in the hospital for a grand total of about forty minutes, and we just got the bill.  $260 +.   I nearly spat the dummy.  OMG that is daylight robbery.

If today's physio charges that much, we won't be going too often.   And YES, I know he needs physio, but they can just give him a list of what he needs to do and send him on his way!

So, not much happening this morning, I shall take a photo of #4 Tote Bag, then get on with another couple.  They will probably be wonky house ones.  Or a Fat Bottomed Girl.  Dunno yet.

ONWARD...

11.30 am, and I've just finished the first bag of the day.  I'll start another one after we have been out this afternoon.

ABOVE:  A really pretty dog one.  I have just enough of that dog fabric to make one more... I will pair it with a pretty Blue.

ABOVE: This is the one I finished last night.  

After I've done the second dog one for today, I will switch to a Wonky House Tote Bag I think.

3.30 pm, and we are home again.  Stew's physio appointment went well, all is as it should be.  We will probably go back again in a week and re-assess the necessity after that.

After physio, we went to Foundation for lunch:

ABOVE: We both had the Lamb 'sandwich' and fries.  To be clear, I did not eat the top bun of mine.  And Stew got half me chips as well.  

JUST in case someone wants to tell me off for eating so much.  As happens.  Too often.

Moving on, my cold seems to be marginally better today, I'm certainly not sneezing quite as much, and my head doesn't feel so awful either.

On the mend I hope.

Now... gunna have a quiet couple of hours, before heading back into C.Q.

8.15 pm, and I've had a wonderful afternoon/evening.

Stew and I both had a nap (couple times, so cute), then I went into C.Q. and got another Tote Bag made.  It's lovely.  I'll show ya tomorrow.

I'm now having Caramel Probiotic Yoghurt and a pear chopped into it for my 'dinner'.  Stew passed on dinner, his tummy is giving him a bit of grief.

We think it's the drugs he's on for the pain... hopefully it settles down once he starts weaning off the drugs.

But that's not yet, he still needs them to enable him to do his exercises.  Baby steps... or Stewie steps as the case may be.  😂😅😉

I'm going now, I wanna relax and eat me dinner, watch some telly then head off to bed.

Catch ya tomorrow.

DRIVEWAY WILL BE FINISHED TODAY

 

'W' told me yesterday that he would finish the driveway today.

He just has to put the concrete 'anchoring' strips around the edges, cover them with soil and grass seed and it will be done.   I wonder if he will actually put the soil and grass seed down today?  

I suppose I'll find out eh?

ABOVE: That's how the extension looked yesterday afternoon.  

ABOVE: Stew and I are very impressed with the attention to detail... I love it!   I know it's 'only' a driveway at the end of the day, but it's bloody lovely.

The left hand side is going to be the 'walkway' to the front door now.  

My plans for the day?  Think I'll make a couple more Tote Bags. I've got some fabric already cut out.

While I do that, Stew can lounge around in the house, watching sport on the telly, or a movie on Netflix.  

I suppose I better get up and make him breakfast...

Catch ya later.

ONWARD...

11 am and MEH.  I feel like death warmed up.  So shitty with this cold and sore throat.  I tried having a mid morning nap.. no luck.  Wasn't really tired, just feeling ikkk.

Stew is doing great, his knee is still hugely swollen, but I think I can see some improvement with that today.  He's getting around much easier and his pain is under control on a whole.

ABOVE: The concrete is going down, and 'W' said the soil and grass seed will go down today as well.  He is going to 'barricade' the driveway so no one drives on it until the concrete is set.  He reckons it will be totally fine by late Saturday or Sunday.  I can wait.  It will be worth it at the end of the day.

I'm now going to do an hour or so in C.Q's, before getting our lunch.

2.30 pm and I've been sewing for a couple of hours now.  Getting things done.

'W' has finished the driveway, and is just watering the grass seed.  I'm now taking a little break for a late lunch (Stew's already had his).

Someone asked me if any of the neighbours have made a comment about the driveway yet?

YES.  Two have said it looks very good.

And the ARESHOLE to our side/back, who made us lose our shed?  He drove past yesterday while I was out there with 'W', and 'L' from the village.  He drove INCREDIBLY SLOWLY, looking in at our place the entire time ... it's a wonder he didn't drive into something, he certainly was not looking where he was going!

I couldn't help myself.. and said "Take a photo why don't ya"?

I do believe 'L' sniggered.   He's well aware of how much of an arse that man is.

If there's been any negativity about it, I've not heard.  And ...

TOO LATE.  It's done.  A fait accompli.   Come Sunday my car will be permanently at my actual home.

ABOVE: Done and dusted.  The barricade will be up till 'W' comes back on the weekend.

I shall water the grass seed every day, it won't be long before it grows.

ABOVE: One Tote Bag done, and the second one of the day is about 50% done.  I don't know if I'll get it finished today, my batteries ran down.

Lacy called in to check up on us... that was nice.

She's doing well, keeping busy with her cute little home, her two cats and a bunch of guppies (fish), that's she's breeding.  

:Lacy wants you all to know she is not 'breeding' guppies, they are just doing it all by themselves.  She didn't set out to have 30 baby guppies!! 😂😅😆

It's now 8.36 pm, and I've just finished a second bag for the day.  I'll have to show you tomorrow, as it's now dark outside.  I like to use my tree as a prop.  lol

Catch ya tomorrow.