SOMETHING NEW

 

I did a rather dumb thing at the begining of the month.

Because we had a contract on our home, and we had another home lined up... I ordered two pieces of furniture for the 'new home'.

Stupid move, seeing as our sale fell through.  And there is NO GUARANTEE we will now get the place we have an offer on!

But I still have the new furniture coming.

TODAY.

We didn't even need new furniture.  I have given or sold so much in the past few months, what made me think I needed it?

But there was a place to put the new things... in the potential new home.  

I feel like a right twat.

So anyway, the new shit is arriving today.

I'll probably show it to you.

Be prepared.  99% of the population is going to HATE IT.  

But we like it, and that's all that matters at the end of the day.

Now, a change of theme...

ABOVE:  Lily looking so damn adorable, with her hair in a tiny pigtail and bow.  She is a constant delight to all of us.  

Back to right now, I'm gunna get up, do the little bit of housework necessary, then sew the binding on that Square Table Topper.

Catch ya later.

8.50 am:  I've just spent the past hour pottering around in the house, and the garden.

Our tomato plants were not doing well where they were, so I moved them.

Then I had to 'fill the gap' where they were...

ABOVE:  The tomatoes are now here, where they will get the afternoon sun.

ABOVE: And under the trees are some succulents, and the chooks.  That will suffice for now.

I also pruned a couple of trees/shrubs that were getting unruly.  And pulled out my cucumber plants.  This year they simply came to NOTHING.  They tried, I'll give them that, but basically they didn't get enough water.  

I've now put some pots in that garden ... just to fill those gaps as well.

Now... I can move on to something else, something that doesn't make me all hot and bothered.  It's already stinking hot outside.

ABOVE:  I was in the sewing room... ya know, like sewing.  And a bloke bangs on me door.  Whoops!  I totally forgot about them coming with the furniture.

I let them in, they put the furniture in the sunroom, and I start to bloody CRY!

Like, those men didn't know what to think!  

I quickly told them they were HAPPY TEARS, cos I loved the furniture SO MUCH.

They left happy.

And I just looked at it and sniffed some more.

I'm not a twat.   It has made me so very happy.  And no matter where we end up once we sell, I will fit them in somehow.

ABOVE:  A Wingback 'Patchwork' Chair, with matching Ottoman.

ABOVE:  I am in love with this chair!

ABOVE:  And the Ottoman will come in handy to store stuff in.

We had an Ottoman as part of our Brown Lounge Suite, which has now gone to Griffin.   Lacy and Brylee got the other parts of that suite.

Steve and Bex are getting our cream lounge suite once we move, so we will be left with the pale blue leather lounge suite, and the 'Patchwork' furniture.

SO..... what do you think of them???  If you hate them say so nicely! 😂😅😉

OMG it's a hot afternoon.  I've had me lunch, I've done some more sewing.  I've sat in the Wingback chair and just smiled ... life is good.

I am looking forward to a full and busy weekend.

But right this minute, I need to remove the goddam facial hair that sprouts up like evil tendrils from hell.  👺

Gosh!  Thank you for all the lovely comments today about the furniture.  I really didn't expect most of you to like my Patchwork Furniture.  

It is really 'out there', but totally me.  

But in saying that, you really would only want one or two statement pieces.  Which I now have.  

Stew just arrived home from work.  So we shall settle down for the evening, like boring old farts.  And probably like usual, there will be bugger all on the telly.  😕  Shit, I might have to actually talk to Stewie.

8.54 pm:  And I'm done for the day.  Going to bed perfectly happy with my day.  

Catch ya tomorrow.

A NEW PROJECT

 

Here we are again... another glorious summer day.

And I'm gunna sit in me sewing room and finish  this :

ABOVE:  It's nothing like I planned on making next, that's for sure.  All it's stripes are not on in this photo btw.

It's funky and 'modern', and will appeal to someone I'm sure.

And that is all I have on my agenda for the day.  A pretty normal day then!  😊

ABOVE:  10.16 am, and I actually went out and did the grocery shopping that got put on hold yesterday.

It was a good time to go, the shop wasn't very busy.

Now I shall probably go into the sewing room and get some work done.

Thank goodness I actually kept some fabric here, instead of packing ALL of it away!  I'd have nothing to do otherwise.

1.40 pm:  I've made good progress on the new Square Table Topper, I only have to bind it now.

But that can wait till later on today, or even tomorrow.

I got sore arms manhandling it, so decided a break was due.

I was going to try for a Nana nap, but the windows were screaming at me.

I cleaned the ones facing the pool the other night, but they were damn streaky.

So, I've just cleaned them for the umpteen dozen time.  So damn frustrating.  I'm sick to death of cleaning friggin windows.

I can't wait till I can have dirty windows without worrying about it.  

MEH.... it's a boring afternoon here.  I've done bugger all.  It's 'pub' night for Stew and he's due home soon.  I'll probably go over to Steve and Bex's for a while, then join his nibs at the pub for some hot chips for dinner.  It's slowly becoming a habit.  Probably not a good one, but shit, ya only live once.  

7.50 pm :  just home from the pub, where we had a very nice catch up with friends.  Hot chips were shared with everyone, so we didn't over indulge.  We always share 'em.

I'm now signing off for the day, and am going to spend a couple of hours just sitting here with Stew for company.  

Catch ya tomorrow.

GROCERY SHOPPING

 

It's another hump day.  And all I have planned for today is to do a grocery shop.

Of course, there's bound to be something else pop up that needs doing/getting, but for the life of me, I can't think what right now.

Oh!  Now I remember what I wanted to get while out... a lightweight jacket or cardigan.  I am starting to feel a bit cold in the mornings and evenings, and I only have a couple of heavier weight sweatshirts in me wardrobe.

Cos, well... I packed all my winter clothes and they are in a box, in storage.  If we don't sell the house by winter, I am gunna have to go through all the boxes in storage, and hope to find the one that has all me clothes in it!  😖😏

I've stewed on this all night.  Wanting to address a 'wrong' done against me.

But, this keeps coming to mind:

ABOVE: There's several 'versions' of this 'saying'... I've read several of them.  

And I've finally learnt to just walk away, it's not worth it to try and defend yourself to people who are only too happy to believe a 'story' that SUITS THEM.

It hurts, but time heals everything.

Hmmm.... it's now 1.07 pm and my day has not quite gone to plan.

I did go to the mall looking for a cardigan, but couldn't find anything I liked.  

I got a new screen saver for my phone as the current one was chipped and cracked.  That one sure didn't last long I must say.

Then before I could do any grocery shopping, I ended up having to go over to Cambridge on business.

Once that was concluded, I visited a girlfriend and her son.  Which was lovely.

Just home and I'm about to do nothing for a little while, before deciding what to do with the remainder of the afternoon.

I must finally be 'growing up'.... and I'm so proud of myself.

I could have blown my stack over 'something' last night... but I held myself in check.

I did stew about it, obviously.  But I didn't REACT like I would have in the past.  Ten outta ten to me.

Just when I thought I might lie down for a nana nap....

ABOVE: These two hooligans arrived for a swim.

Lacy and her friend Ash.

ABOVE:  Lovely to see the pool getting more use.

I've hardly been in it all summer, due to the non-stop winds.  They make it too cold for me, cos I don't 'do' cold.  As ya all know.

Well, come to think of it, I don't 'do' hot either!

I know, I'm difficult.

Happy to say I did some sewing this afternoon.  It felt really good to be back in my happy place again.

It felt like forever since I made anything... probably isn't though! lol

I haven't done enough yet to show you my latest Square Table Topper.   I surprised myself and did NOT make another blue one like I had planned to do.

Stew just arrived home from work, so I've downed tools and taken myself back to the family room, to spend the evening with him.  Cos I kinda like him.  (most days)  😂😉😊

Off to bed soon.  I'm not staying up to watch Coronation Street this evening, it doesn't start until 9.50 pm.  That's too damn late when I'm already tired.

I shall watch it sometime tomorrow.

A DAMN LAZY DAY

 

I know it's Tuesday today, but it feels like the start of the week.

So... let's have an amazing week OK?

Stew is less than enthused, he has to return to work.  Poor bugger. 

I have a girlfriend from Cambridge visiting me this morning, I'm really looking forward to it.

After Christine has been, I am going to go through the market stock, and re-arrange what's in each bag etc.  I am going to cut down how much we put out on the racks from now on.

We always try to put out HEAPS, and it backfires, because then people have TOO MUCH CHOICE! (yes, it can happen)

Yesterday we had one lady ummm and ahhhh over three similar Runners for bloody ages.  Then she bought one, but came back half an hour later to change it for one of the others!

It made no difference to our sale, but it was like... clearly we give you too much choice!

So cutting down what is on show might be a good idea.  I'm gunna give it a go for the next market and see how it goes.

And that is me for now... catch ya later.

1.42 pm, and my first update of the day.  Bit later than usual I must say.

But in my defence, I've been a bit busy.

My friend arrived, and we had a very nice visit.  So lovely to see someone from Cambridge.

After she left, I carried on sorting out runners/market arrangement.

ABOVE:  I have lost count of the number of times I've set up the 'market layout' in my garage!

This time it took just as long as every other time.

But, I think I've got it sorted, with what will go where next time. 

I've certainly paired it down ... and I'm happy with it.  Even Christine said it looks better with less, you can see what's there much easier with less on the racks.

YES, we will take spare with us, and just keep it in the car.  
  

ABOVE:  Sometime last year we bought a couple of plants from a market, and put them in this garden.  They died off, but are now coming back up.  I am dying to see what they were, cos I can't remember.

Stew noticed them coming up the other day, otherwise I might not have even noticed them.

So, I've not actually finished in the garage yet, been taking a lunch break.  I think I'll leave it until Stew gets home, to get his opinion on the set up.  

Stew arrived home at 6 pm.  At 6.20 pm we got a call from our Estate Agent ... someone wanted to view the house at 7.30 THIS EVENING.

And that is why I keep the house 'viewing ready' ALL.   THE.   TIME.

It took us 20 minutes to get the last minute things done, a batch of cookies in the oven and ready to leave.

They arrived half an hour early!  PHEW... lucky we are damn good at this shit.

Oven off, jumped in the car and took off down the road while they spent half an hour viewing the house.

Probably come to nothing... but ya never know.

Meanwhile, I had to turn the oven back on to finish off the cookies as they were not 100% done.

ABOVE:  Anyone want some cookies?  Cos we don't need them!  😋😂😊

10.08 pm:  Well, it wasn't that much of a 'lazy day' after all that.  But at least I wasn't bored.

Time to finish watching Coronation Street, then head off to bed.

Catch ya tomorrow.

FIRST MARKET OF 2025

 

And here we go again.

The first market of 2025, for us.

From now until October, we will probably only be attending one a month.  At Tamahere.

Today's is in Cambridge, at the Anglican Church.

I'm looking forward to it, as I've missed doing markets. And I am interested to see if my new Square Table Toppers attract much interest.

ABOVE:  Our dogs and Beau got on beautifully this past weekend.  There were no scraps at all!

And Beau didn't even bother chasing Coco around, maybe he's learnt she will just ignore him?  lol

ABOVE:  A funny moment yesterday ... Lily decided to sit down.  Right on top of Marley.  Steve had to take her off.  I was super proud of Marley, she didn't do anything, just lay there with baby on top of her.  

It was such a neat weekend, Stew and I really enjoyed having the kids over.

Right, enough waffling, it's 5.48 am,  time to get a move on.

Catch ya later.

...

7.53 am... and we are all set up.

The sun is shining, and there's bugger all wind.  

ABOVE: In our spot... waiting for the shoppers now. 

We have both had a quick wander around the market... I saw some earrings and necklace sets that were lovely.

ABOVE: Next thing i know... Stew has gone and bought them.  Isn't he so lovely to me.

I spoke too soon about wind. It's now quite blustery. Most annoying.  But it's not raining!

ABOVE: Call it lunch.

This market is slow. The wind is horrendous.  But its still nice just sitting .. people watching, having the occasional conversation.  Two and a half hours to go....

3.09 pm:  Finally home, feet up, relaxing.

It was a very average day today.  Not that many people, and as I said before, the wind was a right shit!  I couldn't wait to pack up and get out of there.

The Square Table Toppers were quite popular, so I'll probably make more of them at some point.

But nothing else for now, we still have PLENTY of stock.

Steve, Bex and the kids are coming over soon for a visit/swim.  It's a lovely sunny day, out of the wind.

Just a small edit.

Gosh it's nice to be home again.  Today started, for me, at 4.30.  That's when I woke up and couldn't get back to sleep.  There's been far too many night's where I've goT bugger all sleep.  

What's a natural 'something' to help with sleep? And NO Stew, it ain't 'that'.

ABOVE:  PHOTO OF THE DAY!

Dante jumping in the pool, before he hit the water.  Lucky click.

ABOVE: They are having a ball out there.

And... then they left, and it was back to just Stew and I.

We are both knackered, so won't be up late this evening.

Catch ya tomorrow.

SUNDAY WITH THE FAMILY

 

Yesterday was such a good day, it got me out of the utter funk I've been in for over a week.

And that was unexpected.  I had thought yesterday would be stressful.  But it wasn't, and I'm so thankful for that.

This morning we are hoping the kids will come over and we can all hang out together, until Mike and Joyce have to leave for home again.

In this area, Monday is a public holiday, being Auckland Anniversary weekend.  But where Mike and Joyce live, (Palmerston North), it is not a public holiday.  So, they have to go back today, as Mike has work tomorrow.

So, we must make the most of them being here today.

Once they have left, Stew and I must get our act together, and get the house ready for today's Open Home.

For the first time, our Open isn't until quite late in the afternoon.  It will be interesting to see if a change in time makes a difference or not?

And that's about all I have for now... catch ya later.

On Friday, Stew painted the house soffits (eaves) along the back of the house, where Lacy and I could not reach.

He did a decent enough job, but ummm... no finesse.  He got paint on the bricks in quite a few places.

ABOVE: Sadly, he didn't think to wipe it off immediately with a wet rag.

So, the paint dried.  And would not come off.

I went down to Mitre 10 at 7.30 am this morning with one of the spare bricks, and bought paint to match it.  

ABOVE:  I dabbed some paint along the side of this brick, waited for some to dry, then painted it.  * The left top edge is what I painted.

BOOM!  Problem solved.  Stew can get up the ladder today and paint over his sins.  😂😅😇

We are both bloody KNACKERED today.

Stew's phone went off at around 1.30 am, and he had to answer it.

Someone was in dire need of help.  It was a D.V. incident involving NO ONE IN OUR FAMILY, but someone Stew knew well.

So he had to get up and call 111, and arrange for the person to get help immediately.

The phone calls didn't stop until some time after 3.30 am, and then we both tossed and turned for the remainder of the night.

So yeah, TIRED... it will early to bed for both us of tonight.  We have market tomorrow, another early start.

D.V. stands for Domestic Violence.

ABOVE:  Mike taking a trip down memory lane, looking at old photos of himself over the years.

I gathered up all the photos of my kids, and made up packs for each of them.  He's also got some precious keepsakes from my brother Vern's stash of stuff too. 

Not that I had much of my brother's stuff, mainly things he gave me, or things we bought while visiting Vern in Singapore back in 1997.

Still precious.

ABOVE:  Such happy family times today.  We had a really nice lunch of cold meats and salads.

And Bex made a banana cake, so all the bases were covered.

4.48 pm:  The Open Home was a bust.  Only 1 couple through, and they were not serious buyers.  So the wait continues.

We just finished packing the car for our market tomorrow, so NOW, we can relax.

9.04 pm:  All done and ready for tomorrow.  Time to head off to bed, to get a decent night's sleep.

Catch ya tomorrow.