FLAG

 Right, once I drag my sorry butt outta bed, I'm heading out to look at:

ABOVE:  A flag to advertise that I'm OPEN at home.

I've been thinking about it for a while, but never went ahead with getting one.

Partly because I went to Aussy, and partly because I wasn't sure I needed one.

Now that I am committing to keeping the shop open, on a limited basis at least, I think a nice flag out the front will (perhaps) draw people in?

At least they will know I'm OPEN.

I spent a bit of time last night thinking about what I want on my flag.  Still not 100% sure, but I will go with some ideas, and see what the flag maker can come up with.

After I get home from Speedy Signs, I am going to give the new Treadmill a burl.  I'm keen to get on it at least 3 times a week, if not more often.

Stew plans on using it after work tonight.  Like me, he's only going to use it on the 'Manual' setting. Which means we set the speed and incline we want.  There's quite a few pre-programmed workouts on it, but for now, manual will do.

I love that it has a fan.  And a place for my phone, so I can listen to my music or watch a video while walking.  

OK... time to get up I suppose.  Catch ya later.

ONWARD...

12.26 pm:  And I don't think I will be getting a flag!

With graphics (as in some colour and words), it is likely to be over $400.

NOT a necessary expense.

Sad, but never mind.  I will come up with something else.

On my way over to the Sign shop, I had a very funny moment.

I was sitting at the lights opposite Pak N Save, and glanced to my right.

Saw this guy waiting to cross ... and he was BUTT NAKED!

Like... I didn't even do a double take, I just laughed out loud.

When he got the 'CROSS NOW', he jogged across the road.

It made me laugh even more, cos CLEARLY he wasn't cold and 'things' jumped around quite nicely.

Opposite me, about to turn was a Police Car, lights flashing.  YEP.

Someone must have dobbed the naked guy in... cos they were on his tail.

They parked and took off down the road after him.

WARNING  *  WARNING  *  WARNING  *

NAKED GUY ALERT...

ABOVE:  His mother would be proud. 

ABOVE: Sadly I didn't get to see the outcome, as I got a green light and had to go.

I couldn't stop laughing for quite a while. 

After that, I went to The Base and posted a letter, then came home.

Now.... jobs before treadmill. 

4 pm:  And my jobs are done.  And I had a lovely visit from Christine H from Cambridge too!

It's always so neat to catch up with an FBG girlfriend.

Now... I'm actually tired, so will get on the treadmill a bit later on.  Maybe before or after Stew.

There's another fairly pressing 'problem' to be dealt with next.  Well... hopefully it can be sorted out quickly.

But... more on that later, or even tomorrow.

For now... I'm taking a break.  I've been standing on me feet working for what feels like hours.  Time to put me feet up for a bit.  

DANG... headache crept up on me.

And OMG... I'm watching music on TV... and I swear to god what I'm watching is positively PORNOGRAPHIC!

How the hell can they get away with having that on the TV in the middle of the day???

It's 'WAP' by cardi b ft. megan thee stallion - wap.

DISGUSTING! Not music at all, it's just gratuitous filth.   And that is MY OPINION.

8.50 pm:  And the new problem got sorted out tonight... I will show you what it was tomorrow.

Emily and Liam came over for dinner while their Mum, Amanda, attended a meeting.  Was lovely to spend some time with those two little rat bags.  😊

Now it's post dinner, kids have gone home and I'm thinking about going to bed soon.

Catch ya tomorrow.

STUDIO SORTED

 First up for the day?

SLEEP IN!

Then... unpack all my patchwork and so on, and set my studio shop back up.

It has been closed for over 3 months.

I closed it before I left for Australia, and it has remained closed.

Now that yesterday's market is over, I don't have another market until the end of January.

That means I might as well get everything out of the boxes and set up the Studio shop again.

When I first got home, I didn't know if I even wanted to re-open the shop.

But now?  I'm feeling more settled, and think I will.  But only for two days a week.  I don't want to be tied to it too much.

So, I'm thinking of Tuesdays and Thursdays, midday until about 6 pm.  That way anyone who works can pop in after work.

I can at least try those hours and see how it goes.

Luckily nothing is set in concrete, if it doesn't attract any customers I can always just give it a miss and go back to just the odd market here and there over summer months.

I will NEVER do winter markets again!  I HATE being cold!

The weather forecast is for shitty weather today, we were so lucky with yesterday's beautiful day that's for sure.

Stew taped last night's rugby game, so he will be parked in front of the telly after breakfast watching that.  

So I'll sort out the studio while he does that, then we might go out for lunch.  Brylee is at work today, so it's just me and the man.

NICE.

ABOVE:  I absolutely LOVE Candy Floss!  And I had NONE.  Even though I was positively drooling watching the boys have some yesterday.

ABOVE:  I can't get over how tolerant this girl is!  Archer is all over her all the time, and she just let's him.  She's never growled, not once. So special.

ONWARD...

12.30 pm and I am finally sitting down again!

It took me three whole hours to get the studio shop set up again!

I didn't expect it to take that long.  But my back was killing me, so I had to sit down often to take a break.  No idea why my back is so sore, it was yesterday too.  Painkillers ain't working either.

Might have to take the 'next level up' painkillers to get some relief.

As soon as the photo has uploaded, I will show you how the studio shop looks.

ABOVE:  There ya go.  All set up for Tuesday.

Now... we are off to have lunch.

ABOVE:  Lunch at Foundation, The Base.

Now home. Going to chill out for the remainder of the afternoon.  

7 pm:   And a totally relaxing afternoon. Tried to have a nap, but Stew was making far too much noise in the kitchen.

I'm happy though, because he made a really lovely potato salad for our dinner.  Which was accompanied by a lettuce salad and chicken schnitzels.  

So, another weekend comes to and end.  It was a good one.  Stew and I both enjoyed the market, getting to interact with lots of lovely people. And spending time with family, even better.

MARKET TODAY

 Well... here we go.

My first market in months and months!

I'm still not actually looking forward to it, at all.

But I'm hopeful I will find my mo-jo again, and actually enjoy it.

ABOVE: That's the school where the market is being held today.  My spot is under the arrow (obviously!).  Rototuna High School on Kimbrae Drive.

IF you are in the area, please do pop in and say 'Hi'.  I'd love to see some of my friends enjoying the market.  There is upwards of 150 stalls, so it's going to be a large market.

So... I'm up and just gathering the last few things we need.  Diet Coke it top of the list of course.

I will try to do an update or two during the day... so come back later and see how we are doing.

Stew is coming with me, and helping run the stall all day too.  Thank goodness... it's so much easier with two of us.  

ONWARD...

ABOVE: All set up and waiting for the crowds.

Its a sunny day, but very windy. Wind is the pits.

ABOVE: THE FEILD before anyone started setting up on it.

We are in a courtyard between the buildings, there's also many stalls inside the school too.

ABOVE: GETTING BUSIER.

ABOVE: Well these are new! Hot swirly chips on a stick..  with chicken salt. Stew and I shared one.

Secretly... I could have eaten it ALL ON MY OWN. 🤣😅😊

Sales are steady today, so I'm happy.

1 hour to go till pack up time.

3 pm:  home and happy as.  Bex was even happier, she did VERY WELL today.  She now has to work like hell to build up her stock in readiness for the next market.

I need to make more runners for the next market... I sold several today.

ABOVE:  I just love our pool!  We are going to LIVE in it over summer.

Once we got home and unloaded we ALL jumped in the pool.  It was FREEZING!  But so refreshing after a hot day.

9.25 pm:  So... we had Steve, Bex and the boys here for dinner.  I didn't have to cook, so wonderful!

We had Chicken Sausages, Saveloys, potato wedges and lettuce salad for dinner.  

Then the kids went home and we watched some TV. 

Now, we are both tired and will be heading off to bed shortly.

Catch ya tomorrow.

TREADMILL

 After a very long four month wait, we are finally going to have a working treadmill again, TODAY.

Elite Fitness peeps are coming here at 10 am to assemble the treadmill.

So, all going well it will be in our gym and working this afternoon.

Stew will be thrilled to bits.  He's really missed having a treadmill.

We had our last one for over 20 years, here's hoping the new one lasts as long.  Should do us till our OLD AGE.  

I can't actually imagine me using it till I'm 82 somehow.

But... ya never know!

Vacum cleaners.

Everyone is going on about the 'stick' ones being the best thing since sliced bread.

Who agrees, are they as good as everyone says?

Who has one?

Why did ya buy that one?

What makes them better than a 'normal' one?

And lastly... should I get one when I already have a Kirby and a 'normal' one?  Is it really necessary?  I am considering it, but just not sure.

I hate vacuming btw.  Would having a stick one make it more fun?  Easier?  Or just another vacum to look at and not want to use?

And... now I'm gunna go and start the day, and clock watch till the bloke(s) get here to assemble the treadmill.

ONWARD...

11.48 am:  And the treadmill is done.  The guy turned up EARLY!  Unheard of. Impressed.

ABOVE: And there ya have it.  All bright and shiny, ready to go.

But I'm not getting on it until Stew has read all the instructions and can show me the basics!

For now... I'm off to do the grocery shopping.  Brylee has run out of spaghetti!  Shock & horror.

OH MY GIDDY AUNT!  It took me a full 30 minutes to get from home to The Base!!! It normally takes around 5-8 minutes, depending on the traffic.

TODAY?  There was some EVENT on, so the traffic was backed up for kms.  Lucky I wasn't in a hurry.  I was perfectly happy to sit and listen to me music as we crawled along.

It wasn't so bad heading in the other direction, on my way to the supermarket thankfully.

I've now been home long enough to unload and put away all the groceries.  Now I'm taking a break.

5 pm and ... the ONE thing I needed for dinner tonight, and I forgot it when grocery shopping.  So I drove down to the local supermarket at crazy o'clock and got some.

I went the 'back way' and avoided the main road and all the traffic, parked on a side street and walked to the supermarket around the back of it.  Much easier I must say, but wouldn't want to do it if I was getting very much.

Now : dinner tonight is going to be a beef and bacon pie.  I will no doubt get horrible heartburn.  But I don't care. I really, really want PIE.

8.50 pm:  Dinner was very nice.  I doubt I will get heartburn as I only had a little piece.

Stew and I have packed the cars ready for tomorrow morning.  Time to get everything else sorted for the market tomorrow, then off to bed.

PAINTINGS

 TODAY'S MISSION:  finish all these paintings...

ABOVE:  4 of these paintings are ALL DONE.  But the rest need to have their hanging strings added and be signed.

Then I will be taking some of them to market with me on Saturday.  

Bex is calling in this morning with some clips, so I can hang them on the side of my gazebo.  Well, I hope that will work.  Might be a case of trial and error.

ABOVE:  This darling wee man just ADORES our dogs!  It's such a shame the family cannot have a dog at their rental property.

It's lovely for Archie that they only live around the corner now.  He can come and love on the dogs most days.  I swear, he loves them more than us!

Once I'm up and dressed, I will put me face on and give you a look at the front of my hair.  I just LOVE IT!  I'm so very happy to have found a hairdresser 5 minutes walk from home, who can do it perfectly!  It's taken 4 years to find a good one again.

ONWARD...

So far today, it's been excellent!

Bex called in and we went down to the local shops, where I bought a dried flower arrangement in a cute pot, a tin of chocolates and a little Boot of chocolates.  

Then we took them to my new hairdresser, as a 'Thank You' for getting it right!  The tin of chocolates are for all the ladies who work there, the little boot of chocolates is for my hairdressers little boy, and she got the dried flowers.

Good deed of the day - DONE.

Now... here's photos of the hair from the front:

ABOVE:  Even tied up it looks good!  

And now I'm going to get to work on those paintings.

1.24 pm:  And all the paintings are done, boxed up and ready for market.  Another good job done.

Now I feel a bit jaded.  At least I slept last night, compared to two night's ago, when I hardly slept at all.  Too much stuff on my mind, always keeps me awake.

Have I told you how I'm feeling now?

WELL... I finally feel like I am 'AT HOME' and settled in again.

The world does not feel 'off tilt' anymore either.

That was a weird feeling I must say.

It has taken almost 2 weeks to get my head around everything that has gone on, and IS going on.

But, my equilibrium is back, and life is ticking along nicely.

I'm even almost looking forward to this Saturday's market!  ALMOST.  Getting up extra early?  Nah, not so much.

8.50 pm:  Well I've had a relatively quiet afternoon.  Didn't do much.  Stew got home after work and we went up to the local college to check out our market site.

Then home for dinner.

Cold meats and salads like last night.

Now, watching some mindless TV before bed.

PAMPER TIME

 Today I am going to the local hair salon, for a colour.

I know exactly what I want.

Time will tell if I get it.

The last time I was really, really happy with a hair colour was back in Cambridge, in January 2017!

ABOVE: That is what I want again.

So, today I am taking a photo of that hair colour with me!  Fingers crossed they can replicate it.

The appointment isn't until after lunch, so damned if I know what I will get up to until then.

Actually, I do know what I will do.

I'll go to The Base and see if I can find a plain black cardigan to wear when it's chilly.

I didn't get there yesterday.  Freakin' visitors!

The Christmas shopping is still on hold.  I've decided it would be a good idea to go with said grandchildren's MOTHERS, so I don't end up getting something they already have.

Good thinking eh? 

And that is all I have for now.  I'll be back, later.

ONWARD...

It's later. 10.50 am in fact.

I went down to the mall, wandered around till i realised cardigans were not to be found,

So I decided to get a new calendar for next year and a cordless phone charger.

My last phone crapped out on me purely because I could no longer plug the charger into it and have it work.

So, the latest innovation is cordless chargers.  Love it!

ABOVE:  I went to Noel Leeming's first for the charger, but they assured me it would not work with the phone cover I have (Defender), as it was too thick.

So I wandered over to SPARK, and they kindly offered to test it out before I bought one from them.   Obviously it worked, cos I bought one off them.

Now I should have no trouble charging my phone and protecting the charging port.

I've just had my sandwich for lunch as I won't be home later on.  I'm still loving my Burgen bread/hummus/ham/cheese and onion relish sandwiches.

OH  ... I just remembered this:

ABOVE:  WHO in their right mind walks into a busy mall with what looks like a REAL GUN?  I am presuming it was an imitation/child's toy, but still.

I was gobsmacked.  It looked damn real to me.

And now, it's time to head off to the hairdressers.  Wish me luck.

Or not ... pfffft!

ABOVE:  Four hours later.... and the hair is exactly how I wanted it.  AND it was half the price I expected!  SCORE.

Subtle change, but more from the front.  Only ya don't get a 'front' shot cos I'm really, really tired, have no make up and look haggard.

After the hair was done I went to the supermarket for some supplies as we have a few family members here for dinner tonight.

OMGosh, we had a really wonderful dinner tonight!

I 'cheated' and bought a few ready made salads from the supermarket, and cold meats.  I also baked some bread rolls in the oven, the ones that come par-cooked, and all you have to do is heat them for 5 minutes in a hot oven.

SO YUM!  We also had some pork marinated steaks and little cheerios for the little boys.

ABOVE:  Steve has a pair of swimming shorts at our's permanently now.  Just as well... he jumped in to cool off after dinner tonight.

He said the water was 'pretty fresh'!  

Yeah, still too cold for me.

ABOVE:  The little boys teaching Griffin how to play 'Chopsticks'.  I've never seen or heard of it before, but it seems like a good 'thinking' game.

Right, I'm just so tired, I will be going to bed early tonight.  I have been awake since 4 am.

MIGHT NEED TO CHANGE DOCTORS AFTER ALL

 Here's the story:

Stew had to take daily readings of his blood sugar levels (6 times a day), for 5 days. It was for a review of his medications.

 Yesterday he had to take his little thingee (ABOVE), in to be 'read' by the nurse.

So he went in at 8 in the morning, so he wouldn't be late for work.

He knew he had to hand the reader into the Diabetes nurse.  So he went up to Reception and told them why he was there, and was told to sit down and wait for the nurse.

THIRTY MINUTES LATER... he was starting to fume.  So he went back up to Reception, and 'reminded' them that he was still waiting.

He go the distinct impression they had not notified the nurse that he was waiting.

Anyway, the upshot was he was there for 45 minutes, for something that should have taken 10 minutes.

He left there really pissed off.

Around 10.30 he got a phone call from the Diabetes nurse, informing him that he had a new prescription.

FOR INSULIN!

No discussion, no talk with the Doctor... just... You are going on INSULIN!

So he said "Like hell I am".  And the nurse said "But it means you can eat whatever you want, whenever you want, the insulin sorts it all out for you!"

WRONG attitude.  If he sorts out his diet and exercise he can and will get his sugar levels down!

We are NOT impressed with this clinic at all.

So, even though I rather liked 'Ken' the other day, we will probably start looking for a new Medical Practice.

Very frustrating I must say.  We have not been happy with the Medical Practices we've been with, ever since we left Auckland.

NEXT: Our new treadmill arrived yesterday, after a 4 month wait for it.  That little virus COVID caused the delay... of course.

ABOVE:  Here's another bitch.  NO ONE said it would arrive in a huge, heavy box.  Not assembled either!  I was rather annoyed yesterday I can assure you.

Not only that, Elite Fitness can't come and assemble it for us until Friday.

STEVE:  NO, I don't want you to do it!  I need them to do it, so if for some reason it doesn't go, it's on THEM.

While I'm relieved it's finally here... it is tempered with annoyance.

I must admit... it really doesn't take much to annoy me at the moment!

I'm crabby as ...

WELL... YOU KNOW.

Now... back to today. I am going out to do some Christmas shopping.

Just as soon as I go through what I already have... and make a list of the 'gaps'.

I'm not going overboard this year.

Everyone is getting ONE GIFT, and it will be a modest gift.

No more being over indulgent.

Most kids have far too many toys!

And on that score, I'm outta here.  Might even get out of bed! 

ONWARD...

10.10 am:  And the shopping is on hold till after lunch.

Bex came around and we went walking.  3.24 kms, so a nice distance.  Bex is not fit at all.. poor girl kept getting cramps in her calves.

She's now left and I'm expecting a girlfriend from Cambridge in the next half an hour or so.

It will be lovely to see Pip again.  I used to do some house cleaning for her when I lived in Cambridge.

My house cleaning days are over.

I am thinking of getting a job here in Hamilton, maybe next year?  Not sure yet though.  It would have to be something I really wanted to do and would enjoy doing.  I'm no longer interested in wasting my life doing shit I don't enjoy.

LIFE IS TOO DAMN SHORT, and you just never know when it will be over.

If the past few months have taught me anything, it's that.

ABOVE:  a house in the neighbourhood. Bex and I thought it was beautiful... and the gardens are so pretty.

ABOVE:  How's that for very clever pruning?  Very effective and different.

ABOVE:  A baby rabbit on our walk... it wasn't even scared of us.  I walked right up to it before it hopped away.

1 pm:  Well... my girlfriend arrived and we had a lovely visit. 

I'd put 4 eggs on to hard boil before Pip arrived.  Then forgot about them!

Whoops.  They were on simmer for over an hour.  Think they are well done now.

Now... Lacy and Griffin have arrived.  Lacy went up to Auckland to pick him up, he's down till the weekend.

ABOVE:  Coco seemed to really enjoy those glasses!

ABOVE:  He's such a big boy now.  He was 19 a few days ago!

I am FREEZING!  We are expecting rain later on today... hence the drop in temperature I suppose.  I HAVE ONE warm cardigan.  Think I'm going out later to get another one.

2.45 pm:  And that just solidifies my resolve to change doctors!

I JUST got a phone call from the Diabetes Nurse at our current Medical Center.

She wanted me to come in for a blood test and a review of my medications!

WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK?

I told her I'd had blood tests LAST WEEK, seen the Dr and had all the medications I needed, THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

And she said :"Oh, so you don't want a review then?"

I felt like hanging up on her, but played nice and said "No thank You, it's NOT necessary".

Don't you think she would have checked my records BEFORE ringing me?  Like really?

I spent a bit of time this afternoon looking online at Medical Center Reviews.  There's virtually NONE that have glowing reviews.

Most have a mixed bag... and the negatives are predominantly about Reception Staff!

Very interesting.

So, Stew thinks we should stay where we are for now.  I can't think why?  Will discuss it more with him after dinner.

DINNER.  Yeah.  Having Pizza tonight.  Just do not feel like cooking at all.

I really struggle with some people.  Ones that open their mouth and state a FACT... when in fact they are 100% wrong, and I know it instantly.  They don't even give it a second's thought, just out comes their 'fact'.  I love proving twats wrong. And that was just a mini rant.  Cos I can.  

Clearly today's blog was brought to you by a CRABBY TART, who's finally starting to feel 'at home' again.

And I'm gunna bugger off now and eat dinner, watch some TV, annoy Stew and Brylee if possible, then go to bed.

Catch ya tomorrow.

GLASSES

 Remember Stew and I went to Spec Savers on Saturday?

Well.. I didn't really get around to telling you anything about our consultations.

First up.  My eye 'health' was excellent, as was Stew's.  No damage due to diabetes at all.

Also, Stew's eyes have 'strengthened', which meant his prescription is less than what it was before.  Mine is the same.

And the best thing of all?  WE BOTH are getting two pairs of glasses.

Stew will have two exactly the same, but one will be sunglasses while the other will be normal.

Mine?  One pair will be for driving/distance wearing, and the other will be for computer/reading use.

AND can you believe this?  Our FOUR pairs of glasses will cost LESS than what I paid for my last SINGLE pair of glasses at OPSM!

***LESS!***

WTF?  I cannot believe that.  It's crazy.  Why the hell have we not gone to Spec Savers before now?

I will show you what our new glasses will look like:

ABOVE:  bloody awful photos of me!  I had no make up on, and I look tired.  Probably was.

ABOVE:  I'm really happy with our choices.  We just have to wait several weeks for them to arrive now.

In the meantime, I get to wear glasses held together with tape.

And that is just fine.  I can be patient.

So, today is the start of a new week.  A week that I hope is nice and normal.  No dramas.

First up for me will be some housework.

Then I really don't know what I shall do.  I'm still in a real funk.  No motivation to do much at all.

I wonder how long that is gunna last?

ABOVE:  I woke with a nasty headache.  Not fun.

ONWARD...

ABOVE: One big job accomplished today.  Groom and bath the girls.

I now have lovely clean smelling dogs, with no knots.

And I too smell like a wet dog.  Such an attractive aroma.

Next on my to do list is hang out the washing.  Then?  I MIGHT set up my stall in the garage so I know what I'm doing on Saturday morning at market.

It's been ages since I did a market!  And this time I am restricted to just 3 X 3 meters, within my gazebo.  Best get my thinking cap on.

ABOVE:  Before that though, I might just go and get out of me wet stuff!  I'm surprised I didn't get wetter to be honest.  Bathing the girls in the shower is great, but sometimes you forget and spray yourself!

ABOVE: Well, Bex called in and gave me a hand with sorting out how to set up the stall.

I am happy with the table placements and the Table Runner Rack.  

There will be room on the 'walls' of the gazebo to hang cot quilts, banners and paintings.  

Obviously, I did not put up the gazebo!  Way too hard in the garage.

Bex has now gone home with my two excess trestle tables, to use at the market for her stall.

Now... time to relax for a few hours until I have to make dinner.

Something TASTY ...

Well, dinner was a very tasty Beef and Bacon Stew, mashed potatoes and veges.

I give it a 10/10!  lol

Sorry, forgot to take a photo.

Now... watching some tv, then off to bed later.

Catch ya tomorrow.