I GOT NOTHING

 Might have to sew.

It's going to be a lazy Sunday.

I had suggested to Stew that we go for a drive to Raglan, which is in within our boundary but... we decided it was just not worth going, just for a drive.

We are both tired.  So another quiet day at home is probably a good idea.

There will be plenty to do once the new carpet is down, getting all our furniture and odds 'n' bobs back in their rightful places.

So, we shall relax while we can.

AllyS:  Thanks for that tip on the Online Fabric Shop!

I spent a couple of hours this morning looking at all their stuff.

NOW I have to make an order!  edit:  or not.  Looks like that site does not ship to New Zealand.  BUGGER.

I've embraced online shopping finally!

Been ordering up a storm in fact.

I'm now waiting for 3 parcels, and I have a 'Click and Collect' order too.

Such fun.

It's now 12.18 pm and we are back in Hamilton after taking a drive to Cambridge.  Stew hadn't seen all the developments there.

Now we are going to have lunch and then spend the afternoon quietly at home.

There really is bugger all you can do when 70% of your household effects are stacked up in the garage!

I will get back to me sewing for sure... cos at least that hasn't been packed up.

ABOVE:  I bought some new flowers from this guy in Cambridge.  He's parked here every day and I felt sorry for him.  It's a really dismal day, wet and windy.

OH and it's been nice having flowers in the house, I should do it more often.

ABOVE: We picked up the boys so they could have a play date with the dogs.

When ya have no furniture... you improvise.

Well done boys.

The boys didn't stay very long, no toys to play with, not allowed in the garage to play hide 'n' seek, so home they went.

I did some 'gardening' with some of the succulents I bought the other day from my friend.

I'll show you what I put some of them into tomorrow.

Right now I'm trying to get out of cooking dinner.

Well that was easy!  Stew had a chicken salad sandwich for dinner and I'm about to have the same.  Waste not, want not.

I better cook tomorrow night though, doubt I will get away with that two nights in a row.  😂😅😊

Off to make me sandwich, then watch something on YouTube.  

LAST BIG PUSH

 Today and tomorrow is our last big push to get everything off the floors, ready for new carpet coming on Wednesday.

Lacy and Griffin are going to give us a hand to move the bigger stuff today.

Tomorrow Stew and I will concentrate on getting all the doors off their hinges and putting them in the garage.

I will be numbering each door so we know where it belongs, when it goes back.

By the end of today we should only have a couple of lounge chairs and our bed and bedside drawers left to move on Tuesday night.

I feel like we are well ahead of the game, so to speak.

But that's just me.  I hate leaving anything till the last minute.

I should have heard from the Carpet Court Install lady yesterday, confirming all the details for Wednesday.  *sigh*  I will have to ring them today to make damn sure they are coming on Wednesday.  I'll be furious if it isn't happening on Wednesday!

Imagine going to all this bother and they don't turn up.  I would have to kill someone.  Slowly.

And that's me for now.  I will get some housework done (washing etc) before the kids come around.

Catch ya later.

11.20 am:  And between Lacy, Stew and I we have moved almost everything.  Just a few more things and it's done.

I rang Carpet Court to confirm the carpet is coming on Wednesday.  He is going to check and ring me back... in five minutes.  

It's now been..... 35 minutes and counting.

ABOVE:  Steve sent me a photo of his 'breakfast'.  Nice.

ABOVE:  FYI:  Barbie is 85 years old today.

ABOVE:  And it's done. 

This afternoon Stew will remove 16 doors.

Last minute things on Tuesday night.

And we are still awaiting the Carpet Court man's return phone call.....

And... it's now 3.30 pm and I've given up on hearing from Bryan from Carpet Court.  He can be relied upon to be consistent if nothing else!  He does NOT get back to you, you have to hound him to get results/answers.

Not impressed at all.

Stew and I are now literally twiddling our thumbs, nothing to do!  I might get back into the sewing room soon.  At least I have that to do.

I tried having a nap late this afternoon.  No luck.

So I joined Stew in the lounge and we just relaxed and watched tv!

Stew made us amazing chicken burgers and wedges for dinner.

Then... more TV!  So lazy.  But perhaps we needed it.

Off to bed very soon.

Catch ya tomorrow.

FRIDAY... YAAAA.

 But really, does it make much difference to me that it's Friday?

NOPE.

Every day is the same.  I get up, do some housework, do some sewing, or fluff around the house.

Stew is home every day, working in the lounge.  So there is no change there, with him going 'to work'.

The only thing that breaks up the day is if we get a parcel, or our bubble mates visit.

I have been doing some online shopping.  Some fabric from Gordonton, which arrived yesterday... and some Christmas presents.

They should arrive in the next week or so.

I'm starting to enjoy online shopping.  But I only order from sites within New Zealand.  I don't feel confident ordering from overseas, just in case the products don't turn up.

Do you know of any totally TRUSTWORTHY International online sites?  What has your experience been with them?

Something damn cute now.

ABOVE:  Archer gave Marley a soft toy (Rabbit) on Boxing Day, 2020.

She has loved that rabbit to, literally, DEATH.

ABOVE:  It has absolutely NO stuffing left in it, and it's coming apart at the seams.  Yet, she still loves it!  How damn cute is that???

She has very specific tastes does our Marley.

ABOVE:  We are moving into dangerous times.

Stew LOVES rich fruit cake, and coming up to Christmas ...  there's plenty around.  He bought a small cake yesterday.  I don't think there's much left.  I had a small piece last night, it was delicious.

DANGEROUS.  Must try not to have any more, or I will get hot flushes even worse than I am already.

I'm like, far out they are SO BAD right now!  And I don't know why.

Maybe it's just because it's getting warm again?  We have 95% humidity going on too.  Sticky.  

Moist.

LIKE THAT BLOODY CAKE.

Lesson learnt.

You can spell ICK wrong.  I put IK.  Too much confusion.

Rectified now:

ABOVE:  Now it's meaning is clearer.

MOVING ON... cos that kept me awake half the bloody night!

6 pm: Have ya missed me?  Yeah, probably not.

So.

I've been sewing all day, cos I got engrossed in cats.

I tweaked that one above, and then I made another 'Hanging Cat':

ABOVE:  It's as cute as the first one.

Then this afternoon I got this one 85% done:

ABOVE:  I will probably finish this one in a couple of days.

Now?  Both Stew and I have stopped working and are contemplating dinner.

I've got some beef sausages out so just have to pair them up with something.

Don't ya get sick of meal planning/cooking?

I tell ya, if it was only me I'd live on crackers and cheese.  And maybe pies.

I'm gunna have a tipple now, cos IT'S FRIDAY NIGHT! 😂😅😆

And that's a wrap on the day.  I feel like I got heaps done today. Feels good being busy.

MIRROR MIRROR

Large-ish girl gets outta car in front of me.

 Black hair, with white accent stripes.

WEARING ONLY:

Black push up bra.   Size 16 G minimum, boobs spilling out the top of the bra.

Pure white, exposed belly, jiggling.

Black, see through nylon stockings.

Full brief, black undies.

Black boots.

And I just go... WHAT THE FUCK? Where's ya shirt and skirt?

You are going into a supermarket like THAT?

Yeah, I get that she was dressing 'GOTH LIKE', and everyone has the right to dress however they like, but her outfit was borderline indecent FOR THE SETTING.  

Worse:  

'Lady' in the carpark at Pak n Save.  

Wearing baggy long pyjama pants that were not even half on... you could see her entire naked bum.

And a bra 2 times too small.  Bare feet. That's it.   Vaping.  Looked drunk.

I thought I'd seen everything by now.

Apparently not.

That was yesterday.

I think I'll stay home today.

Talking of today, there will be sewing involved.

As long as I don't get distracted by something else.

Steve saw his Doctor yesterday.  Then he talked to his Gastro Doctors at the hospital.

There is some speculation about his ongoing muscular pains and stiffness.  It could be a reaction to the Covid vaccination, (Reactive Arthritis), or it might be something entirely separate from that.  Either way, it's extremely rare.

So, he's had a blood test and they will go from there, depending on the results.  In the meantime, he's back on Steroids to try and settle the pain and stiffness down.

His immune system is shot to pieces right now.  

He is not going to have his second Covid jab until this latest issue has settled down.

He's a constant worry for this Mum.

Right, best get moving... I've got stuff to do.

11.15 am:  and no distractions.

I'm in me sewing room, have been since 8.30 am.

ABOVE:  And I'm finally ready to start sewing the next Cat Runner!

I made another one, different from the first two.

So I had to make the pattern.  That took a while.

But... let's get back to it. 

What are you doing?  

2 pm:  Stew and I both stopped working for lunch, and to listen to the daily Covid Report.

No good news there really.

Moving on.

Steve:  Heard from his hospital team.  His bloods show he's fighting a viral infection, all his 'infection markers' are elevated.  So, his Pancolitis is flaring up again, and his body is fighting to get some equilibrium.

He started Prednisone today, so hopefully that will help with the inflammation.

He also has to start a two week course of anti-biotics, as while he's on the Prednisone (and his other medications), his immune system is non existent. 

He will need to be very careful who he comes into contact with for the next month or so.

So extended family, he's a 'don't go near him' for now.

Brylee, Griffin and Lacy... we will need all of you to help us this weekend, moving our furniture into the garage and sunroom.  Steve will not be here, or helping.

ABOVE:  And there is today's Cat Runner.  It took a lot more work.  But I love it.  "IK, PEOPLE".

Now I'm stopping to get dinner in the oven.  Pork Belly.

Dinner was amazing!  Can't really go wrong with Pork Belly, slow roasted in the oven.

Catch ya tomorrow.

LOTS OF IDEAS

 I sat in front of the computer, scrolling through cat pictures last night.

Getting ideas for more cat runners.

I've now got quite a few ideas, and am excited to make more.

But first, I will be making the first two again... cos SPARKLING bought them both!

I will be sewing all morning, then after lunch I'm going to Cambridge to pick up some plants.

A friend's kid has been growing succulents and selling them over Facebook.  He had a few left so I am getting them.  How hard is it to kill succulents eh?  😂😅😊

Actually, I am going to plant them in the front garden.  They can grow and propagate, then I can give them to others.

Sooooo.... I might not be back on here much today.  Ya know... got stuff to do, places to be, peeps to see (FROM A DISTANCE).  😖

I will try to remember to pop back, I promise.

10 am:  And we all know about those 'best laid plans' eh?

Yeah.

So, the boys got dropped off so Bex could get the groceries and take Steve his lunch.  Yes, Steve is back at work, but still not 100%.

Then the SKY Technician arrived, cos we've been having problems with our Sky reception.

Then... I got distracted by a little job just waiting to be done.

ABOVE: These tiles by the sliding door in the family room needed to come up.

So.  I did it.  And it wasn't that hard a job at all!

I think we have to grind the grout/glue off now?

Or maybe the carpet company can do that?  Dunno.   I'll talk to them about it before they get here.

We don't even know how long the carpet lay is going to take.  One day?  Two?  Another thing to find out before next week.

The boys are quietly watching TV, so I might just sit and relax for a little while myself.

2.30 pm:  Just home from Cambridge.

ABOVE:  Hardly any traffic on the expressway, but PLENTY in town (Cambridge!).  Anyone would think we were not in lockdown, there were so many people and cars in town.

I drove past our old house, they are putting an inground pool in, and have stripped most of the gardens.

Looks so sad from the road.

They have even taken out the lovely railway sleeper garden by the kitchen and lounge windows.  Such a shame, my gorgeous Robinia Lacy Lady tree is gone.

There is now a preschool at the end of our road, and a new block of shops just around the corner.

It feels weird being back there and seeing so many changes.

I now have several pots of baby succulents to plant in the gardens.  That might be a job for tomorrow.

For now... I'm off to do some work in the sewing room.  FINALLY.

COVID NEWS:  Our area is going to be staying in Level 3 lockdown for longer.  BUT we now have the freedoms that Aucklanders have.  We can meet up with neighbours, up to 10 people.  Go golfing, fishing,hunting, boating etc.  But still have to stay in our area, no crossing internal borders.

No shops open, unless it's online/contactless purchasing.

A few other things opening, like preschools with number restrictions bla bla bla.

So ... still stuck at home really.  Like I'm gunna go golfing/fishing/hunting/boating!

  

Oh yeah, you can go SCUBA DIVING too!   Like... I hold my breath when there's an underwater programme on the TV!!!  No way am I going friggin scuba diving ffs.  Thanks for that 'freedom'  JACINDA.

I lay down for 'a minute'.

Woke up at 6.15 pm!  Whoops.  Not cooking dinner now am I?  Stewie went out for takeaways.  😅😆

I can't keep track of the days.  I swear all day I've thought it was Saturday or Sunday.  So weird.

It's probably because Stew is home all the time?

Anyway.  It's sign off time.  I'm not doing anything else except watch idiot TV.

BACK TO WORK

 As we are stuck in Level Three lockdown, Stew is still working from home.

And I'm at home with nowhere to go.

It seems crazy that Auckland is in Level Three like us, but they now have more freedoms than us!  Yet their Covid numbers are 90 to 100 + most days, and ours is less than 9 most days.  What's with that?

The other crazy thing is, all year 11, 12 and 13 college kids can go back to school as from today.  Ummm, hello... LOCKDOWN does not count for them?  WTF?  Or have I got that wrong somehow?  

It is totally Mickey Mouse, and I'm pretty sure hundreds of thousands of people are friggin over it.

I used to think Jacinda was doing an amazing job handling this Pandemic.  Now?  NOT AT ALL.

And now that I've had a little rant... I don't actually feel any better.  

Today I'm gunna empty the bottom of the linen cupboards, and then do another runner.

ABOVE:  A sneak peek at the next runner.  It's a cat.

What is it with me and friggin cats?  I don't even like cats.

ABOVE:  Bloody man, he's far too sensible. 

He's always pulling me into check.

He now says "You do what you want, BUT ...".

Grrrrrr!  

The damn annoying thing is, I can see where he's coming from.  So.  Another little rant done and dusted.

I am just feeling... frustrated.  Time to stop whingeing and just get on with me day.  OK.

10.15 am:  And it's very noisy outside my  house.

ABOVE:  There's road workers fixing some big pot holes in our road.  Marley is not impressed.  And Coco?  She just wants to go and play with the  men.

Lacy arrived bright and early, and helped me take down three sets of curtains that need shortening.

I'm NOT a fan of the extra long, pile up on the floor curtaining.

So, making them 'just touching' the floor.

It's a job I've been putting off for ages, no better time than now to do it, with nothing in the rooms to get in me way.

ABOVE: The last one... then I can press them and re-hang them.

Meanwhile, Lacy has moved some stuff into the sunroom, and vacumed.

Thanks Lacy.

5.46 pm:  YES, I know I've been quiet virtually all day.

Sorry.

I've been busy doing stuff around the house, then I did another cat runner.

It is NOT going to appeal to many, Sorry Liz, probably not your cuppa tea either.

I will make you another one, like the first cat one from the other day, OK?

ABOVE:  I LOVE IT!  Totally is my sense of humor.

Remember, when Stew annoys me I say "I'm gunna stab you 16 times in the chest!"  

So, it's down 'tools' time.  Might get takeaways for dinner as we are both knackered.

We had Pizza for dinner.  Filled the gap.

SPARKLING:  OMG you are a dag!  Thank you for taking BOTH my Cat Runners!

I really didn't expect anyone to want the 'WHAT' one... it is a bit 'out there'.  

LIZ:  Don't worry, I am going to be making more.

And now... it's time to sign off for the day.

Catch ya tomorrow.

MONDAY ... NO MARKET

 Today we should be getting up bright and early and heading off to the Cambridge Labour Day Market.

Thanks to Covid restrictions... we get to stay home.

How bloody wonderful.

I've got all this stock ... and no way to sell it.

Most frustrating.

Sometimes I'm tempted to pack up the sewing room, move it into a small bedroom, and rent out the studio.  Sure would bring in more money than my sewing does.  But then we would lose the privacy we have come to enjoy.  Still it's tempting sometimes.

It might be an option further down the track, who knows?

ABOVE:  This kid!  Her Mum said "Smile".  And that's what she got.  

ABOVE: Cooking her own dinner, scrambled eggs with cheese.  She really enjoyed herself.

ABOVE:  THIS.  This is so me.  You too?

Right... today I am going to continue moving smaller things off the floors, putting them in the garage and sunroom.

I want to move as much as possible this week, so that there is virtually just the big stuff to move on Saturday and Sunday. 

The only thing we won't move till the night before the carpet comes will be our bed and a couple of lounge chairs.  

Gosh, we even have to take all the doors off their hinges... and they might not fit back on as the carpet and new underlay will be higher than what's on the floor now.

Which means Steve will have to cut a small slice off the bottom of some doors, if not all of them.

Things you simply don't think of eh?

Lastly for now, I'll just leave you with this:

11.30 am:  and Stew and I are making excellent progress on getting the smaller stuff moved out of the bedrooms etc.

We have done way more than I imagined we would today.  And I'm knackered already.

At least there will be bugger all to do next week.

And we can take our time putting it all back.

YEAH RIGHT.  You know me.  It will be done in a matter of days for sure.

A bit later on today, I am going to finish a Medium Runner that I made last night.  It's not a tree!

It was rather fun.  I'll show you once it's finished.

I stole the idea off a t-shirt I saw online.  In fact, I've got a few ideas off t-shirts. 😉😊😅

9 year olds who lie to please others... Grrrrrr.

Exactly what we expected.  Coached to give the 'right' answers to please the questioners.

Accused of conversations that NEVER happened.

One day this shit will ALL STOP.

AUDREY:  WE do not hold adult conversations in front of any child.  If a child relays information that is deemed 'adult', it is being FABRICATED, or having words put in it's mouth by 'others'.

And that is it for this subject.  It won't happen again.

ABOVE: The garage is starting to really fill up!

ABOVE: on the right is the front bedroom's floor.   The carpet is in a disgusting state.  Looks like originally it had two single beds in it, cos the flooring in the middle of the room is filthy.  

So glad we are ripping it all up and putting down new carpet.

Nice to know we are not living with someone else's dirt.

5.07 pm:  And it's been a fairly nice afternoon.

Bex and Steve came over with lunch for us, which was a nice surprise.

They stayed a couple of hours.

Then Stew and I both just chilled out in our lounge chairs and listened to music etc for a couple of hours.

Now, I've done a few little jobs around the house.

ABOVE:  With all this talk of flooring, I remembered the left over tiles we had from our Auckland home, so Stew brought them up from the shed.

They should look good here in the laundry area of the garage.

We just have to get the fixative.  I am sure we can do it ourselves.

It will probably be done in the next few days.

Stew and I are having Lemon and Garlic chicken with rice and veges for dinner.  But for now... I'm in me sewing room finishing off the runner I started last night.

ABOVE: This one was fun to make.  

SPARKLING:  Of course you can.

LIZ:  I can always make another one, if you want one.

WHOOPS, I DID IT AGAIN

 Well... today I'm going to be in my sewing room again.

I'm thoroughly enjoying myself in there.

ABOVE:  This little 'fence' was in front of the heat pump unit, under the lounge window.  It's here now ... until we can build another one specifically for here (with a little gate).

Having it there means I can have the door wide open, but the dogs can't take off down the road.

It will be wonderful once it gets really hot in summer.

ABOVE:  And here is the re- arranged sewing room.

I hope this works out, and I don't have to sit there and feel like it's not 'RIGHT'.

Is anyone else like me, who simply cannot work happily unless their area is RIGHT?   

It sure makes life slightly more bothersome being a pain in ya own arse!

So... what shall I sew today?  More Wonky Tree runners?

Yeah, I think I will. 😊

11.45 am:  And I've been sewing all morning, and I am thrilled to say the new room configuration is working PERFECTLY.  I'm pretty happy about that.

Stew is busy working outside, laying down weed killer. The dogs have gone on a 'Playdate' at Steve 'n' Bex's ... so they are safe.

Might stop shortly for some lunch.  And do some fluffing around in the house.

ABOVE:  And whoops!  Marley struck again.  No toy is safe when she's around.

Bloody hell, where is everyone?  Having fun?

I don't think there's been such a quiet day on here in months and months!

So... anyway.  I've made two more of these:

ABOVE:  I'm still having fun with them.

Stew's cooking dinner tonight (again!).  We are having sausages and veges, nice standard fare.

It's shitty outside, cold and wet.  So, not done much else today.

I'm gunna bugger off now... cos well, no one is here.

7 pm:  Well Stew did well with our dinner, it was delicious.  He even made us cauliflower cheese in the oven.  So yummy.

I'd have seconds, but I'm too full.

Must have been REALLY good, cos the kid even ate all her dinner.

Time to wind up this for the day... nothing much is happening around here.