CRAFT GROUP, PLACEMATS, BIG TICK?

 

First up for the day... I will try getting some of that mosaic stuff out of the car!  Certainly did not get to it yesterday.

Next, load up the sewing trolley and head down to the craft room to do some sewing with company.

After that, home to have a quiet afternoon, all going well.

The Village Manager did not turn up yesterday to formally approve the new window.  I hope he makes it today.  We now have the quote for the window, and it is pretty much exactly what I thought it would be.  On top of that, we have the brickies fee, and the building expenses.  All good... all budgeted for.

Bex is a member of several 'de-stash fabric and wool' sites on Facebook.  She showed me some fabrics that were going for 1/3rd of the normal price.  I could not resist... OF COURSE.  😂😅

ABOVE: I just got these two fabrics, and ordered another piece last night via Bex.  That heart fabric is adorable.  I'm bloody tempted to use some of it for .... placemats!  lol  If not placemats, certainly bowl cosy's. 

I have to wash it first though, so it won't be used today.

*  HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO BRYLEE *, we hope you have an awesome day.  

And that is me for now, catch ya later.

ONWARD...

C & C, THEN FINISH THOSE PLACEMATS

 

Well, another morning attending Coffee & Chat ahead of me.

ABOVE:   Then home to continue working on those 14 placemats.  They will probably take me a few hours.

After I've finished them, I will start work on some more placemats, but using different fabrics, and not the WAVE pattern.

One of the ladies in Craft Group (on Monday) said I should make some that were more 'ordinary', to suit people who don't like  bright/busy patterns.   Whatever Lady, but OK.

Ordinary it is.   Gawd how boring.  😖😕

Can you believe it is OCTOBER already?  

We have three markets this month, so I want to have a good stash of placemats ready to go.

At some point I'll take time out, and go for a walk, starting with 'the hill'.  Probably after lunch.

Catch ya later.

ONWARD...

ABOVE:  I think those 6.7 kgs have gone off my belly.  Still got a way to go... slow and steady of course.  But like, I want it all gone YESTERDAY.  😂😖
I'm now back home and working on those placemats.  The village Manager is calling in sometime today to suss out the window size/placement, then he will give me the 'official go ahead'.  I will be asking for it in writing.  I'm not silly, lesson learnt after the shed fiasco.

ABOVE:  2 pm, and they are done.  Yaaa, now I can move on to the next lot.  I have cut out quite a few more in various fabrics, all ready to start stitching.  But not right now.  Right now I'm a bit cold and want to take a break.

It's pub night/visit the kids night, so Stew will be home early today.  I might just be a lazy tart until then.  😊

8.10 pm.  Stew and I went for a walk that ended up at the pub.  I spent about a hour with Stew and the group, then walked home.  Jumped in the car and went around to the kids for a while, then back to the pub for another hour or so.  It was a very enjoyable evening, I even had a glass of bubbly wine.  

Now... sitting getting warm again, and waiting for Coronation Street.

Catch ya tomorrow.

SLIGHT CHANGE

 

Because the sun was shining quite a bit yesterday, I went outside several times to check out how long the sun stayed on the garage wall.

I wanted to make sure that I position the window in the best possible position, to take advantage of the sun as much as possible.

After a few hours of doing that, I realised it would be better sited more towards the middle of the wall:

ABOVE: I took that photo at 1.45 in the afternoon.  As you can see, if the window was further to the right, it would already have a lot of shade on it.  Siting it more in the middle means more sun, and it is not facing right into the pesky neighbour's windows.  

I can't wait for my window.  I will be able to look out and actually wave at a couple of my friends who look towards our place.  And just being able to look outside while working will be wonderful.  I have missed that, being stuck in a dim garage.

Now back to the day.... I will be sewing as I didn't get much done yesterday at all.  And moving things around so my work space is more in the middle of the interior wall.

After lunch I am going over to Cambridge to pick up some mosaic supplies for our village group.  The Cambridge mosaic group is closing down due to the venue no longer being available.  

ONWARD...

2.10 pm.  As is obvious, I've been rather busy today!  I did my sewing all morning, then took off for Cambridge at midday.

ABOVE:  I was given a SHIT LOAD of mosaic supplies!!!

I am going to sort though it, keep some and give the rest to the mosaic group here in the village.

That means going through our back sheds and making some room for stuff.  *sigh*  It can wait, I'm not unloading that lot right now.

I'm hungry, so will have some lunch.

The glazier is coming later on to measure up for my new window.  I'm still very excited about it, and will deal with any heat issues once it's in.  I think some vertical fabric blinds will sort out most of the "sun in my face, getting too hot" issues.  The primary reason for the window is for during winter, when it's really dark and dingy in Crabby Quarters, and to allow some sun in as well.  IT.  WILL.  WORK.  OUT.  I'll make sure of it.

6.20 pm.

The glazing guy arrived around 4 pm, sussed out the job, had a nice yak and then left.  He should have the quote in to Steve tomorrow.

I spent the rest of today sewing, and actually got all 14 new placemats stitched ready for having their backings put on tomorrow.

It felt good to get that far along with them... it was a huge amount of stitching.  I went through about a dozen bobbins full of thread!  Just as well I really, really love the wave pattern eh? 😊😉

I have stopped now as Stew is home and I am freezing.  Time to sit down, put my heated throw on and relax for the remainder of the night.

Catch ya tomorrow.

WHERE? AND C & C

 

I've sussed out where inside the garage I want the new window:

ABOVE:  The arrows indicate the side of the window I want to be sliding (to the right).  It will give me a lovely opening for air flow.

That will be especially good over summer, when the garage can get very hot.  

Steve is still working on getting the glaziers to come and do a measure up and quote for the window.  

Once that is done we can order the window, and Steve can work out when he can fit it into his already incredibly busy schedule.

This morning is another Coffee & Chat in the community centre.  I'll go... because otherwise I would just be sewing in Crabby Quarters all day long.

Before I go to C & C I've got a little bit of housework to do, and I'll also do 'the hill'.  I'll have to do it twice, cos I forgot to do it yesterday.

ONWARD...

C & C was a very small group today, but still nice to chat with the few there.

After that I went to Spotlight for more backing fabric for the placemats and more thread.

Then off to the supermarket for a couple of things.

Once home, Lacy came around...

ABOVE: And I got her to do some gardening... like planting those passionfruit vines!  And move a few pots around and pull some weeds.  Not that we have many, thanks to the weed mat and rocks.

Now she has left, and I'm about to have some lunch, then go and do some sewing.

LYNDA:  some good points.  I will probably look at getting a sun block type film on the windows.  I still want the window to be sliding.  I will wait and see if the sun lands on any of the fabric and deal with that then... like a blind if necessary.

I really appreciate the concern about my window, and the suggestions to make it 'safer'.  How about I just close and lock it whenever I leave Crabby Quarters?  I'm pretty sure security bars would not be allowed!  Not the look the village is going for.

It is nearly 4 pm and I'm not in the least bit inclined to go into Crabby Quarters and sew... in fact I have a mild headache.  I'm going to take a panadol and hope it buggers off.

7.35 pm.  I'm just in from Weight Watchers, which was a small group as well.  Everyone is staying home and keeping warm I reckon.  Clever people.

It was a nice group though, us die hards really.  Our Coach is going to be away for the next month, so we'll have a reliever coach. *sigh*, she's not my cuppa tea, so I will probably not go until Andrea is back.  

While I was out, Stew arrived home from work, put the rubbish out for tomorrow's collection, then he went for a walk.  

Now, I'm cooking his dinner.  He's having a home made pizza, using my Almond Flour 'bread'.

And.... that is me for the day.  Catch ya tomorrow.

CRAFT GROUP, LOTS OF PLACEMATS

 

Late yesterday someone (Anon) correctly guessed what I have planned for Crabby Quarters.

ABOVE:  There's my plan.  Add a window to this side of the garage, where the sun pours in ALL MORNING.  It will add much wanted natural light, some more warmth and a breeze in summer.  I want it to be a sliding window, so it opens up heaps.

Steve is working on getting a quote for the window, then we will 'employ' him to do the job.

My biggest concern is the neighbours.  I KNOW, 100%, they will make a complaint about it.  But, the manager here has given me the go ahead, so let's see what happens.

ABOVE:  Today's job.  I've got these placemats laid out ready for cutting the 'waves', pinning then stitching.  That will probably take me a couple of days at least.  After those 8, I've got 4 more to do, before moving on to some other placemats.

Nothing like being busy, I love it.

Legs?  Way, way better, but still a bit sore!  Clearly I did them a mischief last week. 

ONWARD...

12.20 pm, and I just had lunch down in the craft room. AND... I struggled  to eat even half of it! Wow wow..  the WEGOVY must be finally working on me! Yàaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!

3 pm, and I'm just in from Craft Group.  It was a small group again this week, but still pleasant to have the company.  I got 6 placemats 1/2 done.  Still plenty to do over the next week.

Winter is certainly lingering around... it's bloody cold today.  Nasty cool wind, with patches of sunshine that have no warmth in them yet.

I did hang out the washing this morning, and expect it to be dry soon.  

But right now... I'm going to sit and watch something on my laptop, and keep warm.

6.50 pm:  I didn't sit for long, the placemats were on my mind.

So I went back into Crabby Quarters and continued working on them.  There is still heaps to do, but I have plenty of time until our next markets in October.

Cooking some dinner now, Lamb Sausages and veges.  Weird thing is, I'm not even feeling very hungry!  But, I know I shouldn't starve, so shall be having some.

Though in saying that, I feel like some days I HAVE kinda starved myself.  Much good it did me!  My weight has hovered around the same 2 kilos for over a month!!!  I'm hoping that now the WEGOVY has increased a bit, things will happen a bit quicker now.

I am going to sign off for the day now, it's time to just chill out, watch some tv and be with Stew.

Catch ya tomorrow.

SHOPPING, GARDENING ETC

 

First up for today is to do a small grocery shop.  Stew and I will do that together.

Then once we are home again, we shall plant the two passionfruit vines we bought last weekend.  And there's a little bit of weeding to do, but not much thanks to the weed mat and rocks.

I talked on Friday about doing 'something' in Crabby Quarters.  It's not moving it somewhere else... cos there isn't anywhere else all my sewing stuff would fit in this place.  

I have been told by Management it can happen, but knowing my F-tard neighbours, I'm sceptical.   The last thing I want to do is spend thousands of dollars, to then have another BIG problem with the neighbours.  😖😡

So, until I know it's a definite 'GO', I won't tell you what it is.

Daylight saving started today.  I hate it.  Why the F don't we just stay on the same time year round, and not dick around like this?  One hour 'extra' sunshine at the end of the day makes 5/8th of F all difference.  We still get THE SAME amount of sun!  Grrrrr.   Anyone else feel the same?  Or do you like it?  

ONWARD...

Interesting comment just in:

AnonymousSep 27, 2026, 10:58 AM Have you ever received a diagnosis of ADHD? You tick all the boxes.

And that would be a 'NO' from me.  This may sound very controversial, but I don't even believe in ADHD.  I have my reasons.  Each to their own.

I don't get why you think I have SO CALLED ADHD??? Explain yourself.

Just finished the shopping, and have now got some Almond Flour Cheese bread type things in the oven.  I just made up the recipe... fingers crossed it works.

We shall have them with some Angel Bay rissoles.  Was going to add a lettuce salad, but whoops! The freakin' lettuce is looking really sad.  Might give that a miss.

ABOVE: My Almond Bread things came out PERFECTLY!   

Recipe:  3 eggs, 2 cups Cottage Cheese, 2 cups Almond flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 cup grated tasty cheese, 1 teaspoon Garlic and Herb Salt, 1 Tablespoon Crispy Dehydrated Onions.  

I whip the eggs and cottage cheese, then add the almond flour and whip again, then add the other stuff with a spoon.  Then onto a tray in generous dollops, and into the oven at around 210 degrees C until cooked.  About 15-20 minutes, keep an eye on them.   They come out like a slice of tasty bread!

ABOVE: The lettuce was OK after all, but in the end I didn't eat mine.  I was full after having 'most' of my rissole and bread.

Steve, Bex and the kids called in for afternoon tea.

ABOVE:  I must admit to having some of those little cakes.  It was so nice to have something sweet.

ABOVE:  Happy afternoon snaps.  Lily in the dog bed, which Coco hardly ever gets in.  

The kids have left now, and I'm going to have a little relax, before heading into Crabby Quarters to get things ready for Craft Group tomorrow.

Well I relaxed for a while, then thought, stuff it, I need to do 'the hill'.

There's two ways to leave our village, one via the road, and 'the hill'.  And then you can also walk down to the river bank and walk along the path and take ANOTHER HILL.  I decided to do that one today.

And ANOTHER HILL is steeper than 'the hill' via the road.  Way Steeper!  And I did it.

ABOVE:  It doesn't look that bad eh?  It is, but luckily it's short and sharp, then turns into 'just' a normal hill !  lol

On my way home I popped in to visit a dear friend who's having some health issues.  She's one of the craft room ladies, and she's been in hospital for a week, then home for the weekend, and goes back to hospital tomorrow.  Hopefully they get her sorted out in the near future, she is missed.

Right, I think that's quite enough for today.  

Catch ya tomorrow.

OUTLET SHOPPING

 

I've not tried getting out of bed yet, so I'm not sure how bad the calves will feel.... I'm hoping they are settling down.

7.30:  Right, I'm out of bed, the legs are MUCH better.  Not 100% yet, but getting there.

ONWARD...

We have decided to go to Auckland for the day.  Stew suggested we visit the 'new' outlet shops out by the airport.  They have been open for a couple of years now, but we have never gone there.

So, because we have nothing better to do right now, that's what we shall do.

I can feel a visit to Ribbon Rose looming as well... cos well... we will be in Auckland right?  lol

We left home at 8.45 and all was going well until 9.10 am.

ABOVE: Then we came to a screeching stop. There must be an accident ahead. There is no traffic moving in either direction.  I wonder how long we will be stuck here??? 

ABOVE: Cop car just whizzed by on the shoulder.... 

ABOVE:  We will be fine. We've got our drinks and I'm keeping warm. We turned the car off as we could be here a while. 

There is traffic coming through on the other side of the road now, so the accident must be on our side, further up. 

ABOVE: Yet more emergency responders heading to the crash. 

Thank goodness for our phones! We can read the news, blog,  play games, watch a movie all from the car. 

OMG...  9.43 and our side is MOVING! Very slowly 🐌... but we are moving.

ABOVE: It was a single vehicle accident... one car tipped over on its side in the middle of the road. 

We are on our way again... luckily that didn't look too bad, or cause a huge delay. 

ABOVE: We got here,   no trouble finding it.

ABOVE: A gorgeous crystal shop. The cabinetry is stunning, never mind the crystal 😅🤣😅.

ABOVE: I saw a girl in a lovely coloured top. She showed me where she got it from. Online. Might check it out later.

ABOVE: It's a very nice mall. Lots of clothing and shoes.

And Le Cruet... got a couple of things there.... but not anything hugely expensive, cos OMG some of that shit is EXPENSIVE,  even in an outlet shop! 

We just had some lunch, sort of greasy Asian food. I had half what was on my plate and now feel IKKKKK.  Hmmm, maybe the WEGOVY is finally doing something?

ABOVE:  well that was fun. So many lovely clothes shops. We will certainly be coming back once I've lost the weight... which is ONLY 10 - 12 kilos away, depending when I choose to say ENOUGH.  I keep changing the 'goalposts'.... lol.

2.30 pm, and we are safely home again.  The day was wet and dreary, but we enjoyed ourselves.  I'm SO LUCKY.... Stew loves shopping just as much as I do.  😊

ABOVE:  I got a new notebook for next year.  Good for recording daily food consumption, weight, and doing WORDLE.  At the moment I have two notebooks by my laptop... paring down to one next year will be good.

ABOVE:  Some new dinner ware, just for two.  I love them very much.

ABOVE:  We got some new business shirts for Stew... cos he's got to keep working for a while yet!  Poor bugger,  I'm expensive to keep.  😂😅😆

We also did some Christmas shopping... a few more items to add to the growing pile in the wardrobe!  Luckily, we only buy for a few family members now, not the whole lot!

One of the Online News Channels, (STUFF), covered the car crash this morning:

ABOVE:  Us in the queue, waiting to get moving again!

ABOVE: The crashed car from the other side of the road.  

Three people were injured, one seriously and the other two moderately.  So good to know no one died.

It's good to be home and snuggled up nice and warm.  I am thinking of heading into Crabby Quarters soon though... I'm itching to start a few more of the blue wave placemats.

8.45 pm:  Stew's in 7th heaven... he's been able to watch rugby all afternoon/evening.

I felt really ill mid afternoon and took myself off to bed.  I slept for THREE HOURS!  Woke feeling much better, so no idea what happened there.

Since then it's been a 'normal' evening.

Him watching sport, me listening to real crime docos on YouTube while doing a jig saw.  Nice and warm.

Catch ya tomorrow.