PAVERS

 

Well, we have another day of pottering around in the garden/house ahead of us.

First up we are going to get some pavers to put under the new water feature (once it arrives), and also our brazier.

ABOVE:  Both those blue pots are moving, and so is the brazier.  The umbrella stand is going into the middle where the brazier is.  I am going to get a small table that the umbrella can go down through the middle of.

So lots of plans.

The new water feature is going to be positioned to the left, where the left hand blue pot is.

Come summer, our dining patio is going to be beautiful.

This is the first 'tweaking' of that area too.  Such fun tweaking!

Like a twat, I left the washing outside last night.  This morning?  Pissing down with rain.

So I had a thought...

ABOVE: I got the large blind from the garage, which had no use here, and draped it over the lines.

ABOVE:  How handy is that?  Might not be perfect, but it's going to keep most of it from becoming sopping wet.

I like how I think sometimes.

I'm hoping it clears up at some point, so we can get on with tweaking our back yard.

11.58 am, at Mitre 10. In the carpark. This bloke sees his wife coming over from a distance.  He yells out "Hey, we are over here. Did you get the haemorrhoid  cream?"

Very funny. Like how he thinks.

ABOVE:  Standing in the queue, behind a bloke who took FOREVER to show the assistant what he was looking for.  On his phone for a good 5 minutes at least, trying to find it.  Grrrrr.

ABOVE: Finally home, and we managed to get most of the tweaking done in between heavy showers.

The Brazier looks lovely there, and we got some pretty flowers to put around our fire rock inside it.

ABOVE: The back entrance to our yard is now framed by the two blue pots.  

ABOVE:  I am thinking of getting four different coloured seat cushions (squabs) for the chairs.  There's nothing in the shops yet, I'll have to wait until summer stock starts arriving.  I want them to be bold, colourful and vibrant.

It is now 1.06 pm, and I have lunch cooking.  Salad and meat patties etc.

6.26 pm:  We have had a quiet afternoon, which was very nice.

Around 5 pm I suggested we go down for a bit of exercise, followed by a swim/soak.  So off we went.

I did 12 minutes on the recumbent exercycle, then swam and walked in the pool.  Stew just did some gentle exercises in the pool.

ABOVE: It is so nice having the pool all to ourselves. 

ABOVE: Same with the changing/shower room.  It is such a clean and tidy facility.  

I now smell like Stew though, as I had grabbed the wrong bottle of shower wash.  Oh well, just as well I like how he smells.

We are now going to settle down for the evening, so time to say...

ONE REALLY BIG JOB DONE

 

Yesterday I wanted to make a start on the 'Heart Wall' in our bedroom.

But there was a big job that needed doing, before I could get on with the heart wall.

ABOVE:  I needed to sand the two places on that back wall, where we had taken a light and light switch out.

Lacy helped me haul the mattress, bedside drawers, etc, out of the room, giving me room to work.

The sanding went really well with my little orbital sander.

ABOVE:  There's the 'BEFORE' photos of that wall.

Once it's a bit lighter in our room, I will take the AFTER photos, so I can show you what colour I used, and how it looks now.

I am doing two walls in colour, and two in white.  I will do the two white walls once I've finished the coloured walls.  

Stew's job for today is to instal the drop down clothes line.  It's going to be much better to use than racks, and where we are putting it gets plenty of sunshine.

While he does that, I will get some washing on, then finish the second wall of colour in our bedroom.  

ABOVE: This one was taken last night, when the lighting wasn't that good.  The next one was taken this morning.

ABOVE: And there it is... and we are both very happy with the colour.

I'm not going to finish the second wall today after all.  My arms are really sore.  It can wait for another day, I've got plenty of time to do it.

ABOVE:  I loathe asking him to do anything.  He hates jobs.  And they are always more complicated than one expects.  But there he is, putting together the clothes line.  And the washing is in the dryer, as it's an iffy day weather wise, so I can't even use the clothes line today. 😖😕😓

ABOVE: We have paused for lunch. Gone to a new Kebab shop a couple of suburbs over from home. Stews been here once already, and said it was OK. So now I get to try it as well. 

ABOVE:  WOW!  That Kebab was even BETTER than our usual one.  Solid 10 outta 10.  We could not fault it.  I could not finish mine, or the chips.  Very, very filling.

After lunch, I took Stew to look at 'something' I had my eye on.  

ABOVE:  I bought it.  Now all we have to do is figure out where to put it!

It will be delivered in a few days time.

Late this afternoon Stew finished installing the clothes line, and I promptly hung stuff on it.

I'll show you tomorrow.

Now, we have just sussed out possible locations for the new water feature.  We will consider them all over the next few days.

End of the day... just been watching docos on YouTube... time to sign off for today.

Catch ya tomorrow. 

NITE NITE

SEVEN YEARS!

 

SEVEN YEARS AGO, I did this:

ABOVE:  I jammed my fingers in the ranch slider in our Cambridge home.  I remember it hurt like hell!

Ever since then, my index finger's nail has continued to grow, but wasn't adhered to the nail bed on one side.

I never actually lost the nail, which was weird.

Yesterday, this happened:

ABOVE: It FINALLY lifted!  I was shocked.  I clipped the nail that was sticking up.  Now I have a good chunk of my nail bed exposed.  I wonder if the nail will grow and adhere to the nail bed ???  That would be neat, as it's been a bother for... well... SEVEN BLOODY YEARS ALREADY.

Fun fact, ranch sliders are dangerous!

Now, on with my day.

ABOVE: Now we have a little black overflow thingee.  Looks lovely.

ABOVE: AND black handles on the vanity.  The bathroom is now 100% complete.  I feel like it's a bit cluttered, so might do some tweaking soon.

Stew's leg: NO blood clot, which is fantastic. He's taking pain killers, anti inflammatory meds,  and antibiotics, and yesterday his leg felt a bit better.  Hopefully it continues to improve.

Today, I have every intention of making a start on my 'Hearts' wall.  Remember all the hearts I had on our bedroom wall in our last home?  Well, I have plans for them.

10.45 am:  Happy with my morning so far.

I have been struggling with reaching the microwave, it was simply too high for me.

Steve said he would bring it down a bit, but he's got so much on his plate right now, I decided to do it myself.

That involved demolishing a cupboard, but too bad.

It can be tidied up at a later date.

ABOVE:  Now, instead of the line up being Microwave/Medicine cupboard/Oven... it goes Medicines/Microwave/Oven.

It's not looking too flash but I don't care.  I just needed that microwave at a better height for me.

Next job.... Lacy called in and gave me a hand with the first part.  

ABOVE: Before she left she gave Coco a massive scratch session.  Coco lives in her winter jacket at the moment, so can't scratch to her hearts content.    She's a happy girl right now.

Now... back to my next job.

My next job is half done. I had to go out for supplies.  It was absolutely POURING WITH RAIN.  I got rather wet walking down to where I have to park my car.  I was not happy.

So I've just written the 'Management' here to see if something can be changed.  Probably WON'T happen, but it's worth a try.

4 pm:  My second job has only just ended.  I doubt I will be getting to the hearts today after all.  I'm knackered!  I will show you what I got up to this afternoon... tomorrow.

Cos I love making you wait!

Yeah Nah, I just need blog fodder for tomorrow! lol

7.32 pm:  Stew is home from work.  His leg is still bloody sore, but the swelling is going down.  So some positive progress.

We are now going to blob out and watch the telly till bedtime.

DUMP RUN

 

I have a couple of things on my 'to do' list today.

1. Take rubbish to the dump.

2.  Pick up our new vanity handles from Mitre 10.

I might get our new clothes line while at Mitre 10 as well.  Stew can install it on the weekend.

Stew is returning to work today.  I hope he isn't in too much pain, and one or other of the drugs the Dr gave him actually work.  Hopefully he hears from the Dr today with the results of the ultrasound he had yesterday.

Today will be another day I miss going to Mosaic group.  I just have too much on my mind right now... and I'm thinking of giving it up.  I don't think it's 'my thing' really.  Next time I go I'll donate all my supplies to the group and be done with it. 

It has taken me quite a while to come to that decision, but I'm happy with it.  My sewing and new activities here in the Village will take up my 'spare' time from now on.

And that's me for now.

Catch ya later.

11.29 am:  And a successful morning by all means.

ABOVE:  I now have a drop down clothes line, which Stew can instal on the weekend.  I also picked up the new BLACK handles for the vanity.

The dump run was easy, but expensive.  So glad to have that rubbish gone though.

Then I couldn't find me phone in the car, in my backpack or in me hoodie pocket... PANIC stations!  Went back to the dump, in case it fell out of me pocket.  Nope.

So then I figured it had to be at home.

So home I went, and there it was, sitting beside my seat in the lounge.  Derrr. Panic over.

You don't realise how much you store on ya phone, till you 'lose' it.

I will be saving a lot of photos and passwords this afternoon!

After that, I took more stuff to the Op Shop as donations, then bought a couple more Sistema dishes for cooking in.

Home now, and contemplating lunch.

Can you believe it?  Cos I can't.  It's getting warmer!  I had on a really thick sweatshirt today, and nearly died of heatstroke.  Got home and literally ripped it off in desperation.  

I wonder if this means we shall have a really hot summer?

I'm already looking for a sun umbrella, with no luck.  And some new squabs for the deck chairs.  And a sun lounger.... gosh that's quite a list eh?

Shopping.  So much fun.  I think that's what gets me up in the morning, that, and sewing.  😂😅

7.45 pm:  Just home from visiting the kids, and then joining Stew and friends at the pub.

Now... time to wind down for the day.

Catch ya tomorrow.

NEW BRITTO

 

Yesterday I found, and bought some new Britto.

I had planned on only getting ONE piece, but well.... the shop had just received a new shipment of Britto.  So I nabbed three of the new pieces, before they were gone.

Britto is quite popular, so first in and all that.

ABOVE:  The Little Mini on the left is a special one, released to commemorate Britto's 70th Anniversary.  The other two are new releases as well.  They are very cute.

Today I have plans to go down to the gym here at the village, and give the recumbent exercycle a go, then have a swim. Then a soak in the hot tub, before coming home again.

Sounds good eh?

11.21 am:  And I'm just back from the gym/pool.

I did 15 minutes on the Recumbent Bike, then 20 minutes swimming in the pool.  Followed by a 10 minute soak in the hot tub.  It was really nice.

I had three ladies to yak with in the pool, and G, one of my lovely immediate neighbours, to yak with in the gym.

Stew is home today.  His left leg is killing him.  He's had a sore knee for quite a long time, but now his entire leg is swelling up and hurting.

He has a Dr's appointment for next Monday, but I've just suggested he goes to Urgent Care to get it seen sooner.  

Right.... we did go to Urgent Care.  We didn't have to wait too long to see the Dr.  We really LIKED the doctor, he was so thorough, and friendly.  

He suspects either:

- Gout

- Infection

- Blood clot

So, Stew has a prescription to cover any and all of those possibilities.

He's had a blood test, and is now having an Urgent Ultra Sound.

Depending on the results, as to where to go from here.

Something funny.  The Doctor is asking Stew all these questions. 

  

-Have you ever had a blood clot?  NO said Stew.  In my head I'm like YES I have.

-Have you ever had a bleeding issue?  NO said Stew.  In my head I'm like YES I have.

-Have you ever had Oedema before?  NO said Stew.  In my head I'm like YES, all the time.

I can't remember the other questions, but for every NO Stew gave, I could have given a YES.  

It was a bit funny.

Next, we get to the Lab for his blood test.  And I'm like, OH, seeing as we are here, I might as well get the blood test I was supposed to have back in APRIL eh?

ABOVE: So yeah, we left there with matching sticky plasters.  Another thing that made us laugh.

Stew dropped me off at home, then went off for his ultra sound. 

'L' from the village was knocking on our door just as we arrived home.  He went around the back with me and showed me where I could put the new clothes line.

Lacy also arrived to drop off some papers she needs Stew to fill in for her.  (for her job)

It is now 2.45 pm, and I've just had me lunch.  Stew will get his when he gets home.  Which shouldn't be too much longer.

7.11 pm: His nibs got home just fine.  No results as of now.  Maybe we will get a phone call tomorrow?

I had a nana nap while he was out, didn't make me feel any more rested.

I am annoyingly bone tired, and do wonder when that will ever get better.

Right, I'm signing off for the day.

Catch ya tomorrow.

SHOPPING?

 

We need an insinkerator... so today I shall ring the plumber and ask him to come and fit one for us.

I also want a clothes line outside, one that folds down against the wall.  I am going to make sure it's permitted before buying one.  I am pretty sure it is, as I've seen plenty of them around the village.  But it's best to make sure first... having had the issues with the shed, I don't want to put another foot wrong!

ABOVE: a lovely sunset last night.  

While out today, I shall be looking for our ONE new piece of Britto.  I promised us a new piece for our new home.  So maybe I'll find it today, and maybe I won't.  Time will tell.

We given a few pieces away to kids and grandchildren ... so there's room for a new piece.

ABOVE:  I got this for Lacy while in Aussy.  She loves it.

ABOVE: She also got some pretty earrings.  Bex had some too, but they are not her style, so I got to keep them.  

I got Bex a piece of natural gem stone.  Sort of Green/Blue and brown, I think it's called Azurite.  It's really lovely.

So, an out and about day today... should be nice.

Catch ya later.

12.15 pm:  Shopping?  I found some Britto and bought some.  I also saw a few bits n bobs I was tempted by, but resisted.

Home now, just had left over salad and steak for me lunch.

ABOVE: This is where I want to put a drop down clothes line.  It's opposite the sheds, out from the garage.  The Village Grounds Manager is calling in this afternoon to suss it out. 

DONE.!  Just spent two hours solid doing jobs that I'd been putting off for the last two months.

Shortened the side of our bedspread.

Fixed a sweatshirt that has stitching coming undone.

Filled me car up with rubbish for the dump... it's been sitting in a pile outside for 2.5 months!

I'm taking it to the dump tomorrow.

I don't freakin' care what it costs, I want it gone now.  I'M SICK TO DEATH OF LOOKING AT IT.

It feels damn good doing that I can tell ya.

NEXT.  Tonight I am doing something I vowed and declared I would never, ever, ever do again.

AND I'M FREAKIN' DOING IT AGAIN.

AND..... I re-joined bloody Weight Watchers AGAIN.  Bugger me.  I know I can't do it on my own, and I have heaps of weight to lose again.  So, back I went, for the umpteenth time.

I have a new starting point... so now let's do the work.

I will have a good loss next week... all going well.

Time to sign off for the day.

Catch ya tomorrow.

A DO NOTHING MUCH DAY

 

Plan for today?

Get a load of washing on.

Go down to the Dr's and get an appointment for Stew and I.  We both have a few issues to get addressed.

Finish putting away what I unpacked last night.

ABOVE:  My outfit from yesterday.  One of the Tee Shirt Dresses and matching lightweight denim jacket.  And ummm... Nike Jordans on me feet.  

My legs were, and still are, very swollen, so I will be keeping my feet up as much as possible today.

ABOVE:  I now have two gorgeous little lighthouses to add to my 'house' collection.  They were my sisters, and given to me by her daughters.

Funny how I seem to have a 'new' collection.

ABOVE:  I was given a piece of this chocolate from Aliesha the other day.  OMG, so nice.  So when I went through Duty Free yesterday, I grabbed a couple of them... and some rum for Stew.  He's not going to run out in a hurry now.

Sadly, none of the Duty Free shops sold my perfume, so I didn't get any of that.  It was the one thing I really wanted too.

I've never done any Duty Free shopping before, so that was a first for me.

And that's me for now, I'm going to stay in bed for a bit longer ...

Catch ya later.

Well, the day is going well so far.

The washing is on, unpacking finalised. 

Doctor appointments made.

And now I'm at the Hamilton Gardens, about to meet up with my Cambridge walking buddies for morning tea.

After that I'm doing a grocery shop, as the kids are coming for dinner.

ABOVE:  Awaiting me walking mates.   We had a lovely morning tea, then I left for the supermarket.

Groceries grabbed, on to home.

ABOVE: Tonight is the first time using our cute wee dining table with it's extension out.  It did take me a little while to nut out how to get it to flip up!

But, mission accomplished.

Dinner is on the go.  Beef Steaks, Chicken Rissoles and lettuce salad, potato wedges and accompanying sides.

ABOVE:  Yeah, I know I've already shown ya the dinner... but this photo has it all. lol

It went down very well with the kids.  And we managed just fine in the smaller space with 8 of us having dinner.

I can't wait until we can have bigger gatherings outside over summer.

It is now 8 pm, everyone has gone home and it's back to just Stew, Coco and I.

Catch ya tomorrow.