PLANNING

Right my friends, Stew and I have a question to ask of anyone living in Brisbane.

We are going to be there from the 6th to the 12th.  What do you recommend we do/see/visit while we are there?

What's a MUST DO?  MUST GO to?  

We will be spending some time with my sister Lorraine's daughter and grandchildren, but not all our time.

We are staying in Waterford, and will be relying on public transport and taxis.

Any ideas will be greatly appreciated.

Now, back to today.  I am going to be lining up another round table runner.  Very similar to the last one, but using a few more fabrics.

I'm excited to be sewing again.

I am also expecting Lacy to visit.  I've asked her to come over and get up in our attic to find one of our suitcases.  We will need it for our trip.  I do not want Stew trying to get up there with his dickey knee.

ABOVE:  I am really enjoying this puzzle.  I've done the fairly 'easy' bits, now it's on to the tricky, shitty bits.  lol   Nothing like a challenge eh?

ABOVE:  I found this photo of my new ring on the 'official' paperwork... it shows it much clearer than the one I took with my camera, which had yellow tones from the flash.  I'm so excited to get it next Monday.  I think I'll spend all my time while flying over to Brisbane just looking at it!  😂😅😊

Right, that's me for now.

Catch ya later.

11.25 am, and it's been a busy morning.

ABOVE:  Lacy arrived and got the suitcase down from the attic, and put up the new Christmas tree.

Then I had a bright idea.

I found out yesterday that we are responsible for the gardens that are under our eaves, so I decided to get weed matting, and put rocks in those gardens, with pots on top.

So...

ABOVE: Lacy and I went off to the landscaping place, and got rocks and weed matting.

ABOVE:  My poor little car was heavily weighed down, but she got the job done.

ABOVE: Lacy is coming back later on in the week to make a start for me.  She will get it finished while we are away I think.

ABOVE:  I ordered a carry bag off TEMU, it arrived and was a bit small for the job, so I ordered this one. It's a much better size.

I will use it to carry things from my car (down in it's car park) up to the house.  And visa versa.

The smaller blue one will be kept in the car for groceries, fabric purchases etc.

After Lacy left, I wanted me glasses.  Do you think I could find them!  I hunted EVERYWHERE, and was starting to think I'd lost them somehow... ???  But knew they really had to be in the house somewhere.

ABOVE:  I finally found them when I sat down to do this update!  WHAT.  A.  TWIT.  😂😅😆

Right.. I think we might just hire a car in Brisbane.  Will make it easier getting around.  Thanks for all the suggestions too.

VICKI:  Hiring a car/Renting a car is the same thing here and in Australia I think.  You just get the car, no driver.  Eeeegads, I hate to think what that would cost!

Now I'll have to be the co-pilot once we are over there, and hopefully not get us lost!

I have been sewing this afternoon, the next round table topper is coming along nicely.

It is weigh in tonight at WW, and also jab night.  I'm not even feeling anxious about the jab!

Weigh in?  Not sure how that will go.

Weigh in ... DOWN .7oo grms.  I'm very happy with that.  The 'goal' is half a kilo a week, so I'm on track.  8.4 kgs in 5 weeks.

Home, had dinner then me jab, which I'm relieved to say didn't hurt one iota.

Now we relax for the evening.

Catch ya tomorrow.

NEW WEEK, NEW MONTH LOOMING

 

I got all the 'bits' of the new round table topper stitched up yesterday, and I'm so happy with how it's looking!

It took way, way longer than anticipated because every time I looked at it, I wasn't happy with it.  The colours just didn't jell... so I kept switching pieces in and out, adding a different colour here and there, until finally I was happy.

I shall take it to Craft Group this afternoon and try and get it finished. 

I will show it to you once it's finished.

How the HELL is it almost October?  I sure 'older' people all say the same thing... the years go faster as you get older!  

Before we know it, it will be friggin Christmas.

Talking of Christmas, from now on the day will be spent at Steve 'n' Bex's, primarily because they have a really big home now, and can host easily.

Unlike us, now living in our cute wee home.

Talking of our home, just to be clear, I am loving our little home now.  It's all Stew and I need, and I still have plenty of room for my sewing.  Re-arranging the garage the last time really made a huge difference to my space.  

I can finally say, we are all settled in.

10.47 am:  I've been out and about, getting some light yellow fabric for the back of the new table topper.  Funny, I've got about 4-5 pieces of plain yellow fabric already, but none of them were 'quite' the right shade. lol

No matter how big ya stash is, you almost always end up needing something you have not got.

After getting that, I called in at the Waikato Stonemasons, to suss out getting my Dad's headstone added to.  My Mum's details, and my sisters both need to go on it now.  That will have to happen in the next 10 months or less, to coincide with the internment of my sister's ashes next August.

11 am:  and it's now raining.  I've just finished loading my car with things for craft group this afternoon.  That was lucky, cos I sure in hell wouldn't want to get me sewing machine wet.  Now I have to watch for a break in the rain, to go and unload everything into the craft room.

3 pm, and just home from the group.  It was a nice number of ladies today, I'm slowly getting to know them all.

I arrived an hour early, as I knew the 'organiser' of the group was there, she's always there hours early.

So we chatted for a while, then I got to it and finished this:

ABOVE: It wasn't until I added the pink sections that it really 'worked' for me.  I really like it.

I'm starting another one in the same colours, cos I think it will sell well.  Maybe not immediately, but it will sell.

Now, I'm taking a break... I might even have some lunch.

8.55 pm and we've had a lovely evening.  Watching the telly, working on my jigsaw and so on.

Just the usual evening really.

Time to sign off for the day.

Catch ya tomorrow.

FORTY YEARS TODAY

 

Today is the 40th Anniversary of Stew and I meeting.

For those who are new here, this is the story of our meeting:

I was living in my parent's beach house in Whitianga, on my own with my four kids from my first marriage, which I had walked away from exactly 6 months earlier.

I got talked into attending a girlfriend's End of Year Prize Giving.  She played indoor netball.

It was the very first time I'd gone out in the evening, since moving to Whitianga.

ABOVE: The building where we met.  Mercury Bay Rugby Club.

ABOVE: Where we first met, and had our first dance together.

Jane and I sat down at a long table full of people I didn't know, and she introduced me to their netball Coach.

It was Stew. He introduced himself and I was totally upfront and honest with him, and said "Don't get interested, I'm a solo mother with four kids."

I also had NO INTEREST in a new relationship, nor did I think anyone would be interested in a solo mum with 4 kids.  

My ex had drummed it into me that 'No one is going to be interested in YOU".

So anyway, Stew invited me up for a dance, and honestly, we hardly left the dance floor after that!  We just clicked.

A sneaky kiss might have transpired on the dance floor... and when he dropped me back home at the end of the evening.

We met up again a week later, and after that.... he was mine and I was his.  Plus 4 kids.

After two years, we married.  Steve was about 6 weeks old by then.  Mike came a couple of years after than.

Then of course, Brylee and Griffin came to us about ten years later as well. 

So, it's a story I love to tell, and I remember the day we met so well.

I consider the day we met way, way more special than our wedding day, because the day I met Stew, my life changed.  I knew we were meant to be, and even though I already had four kids, he loved ME, and I loved HIM.

And forty years later, we both still feel the same.  

So there ya go.... our 'Love Story'.

Who else has a special story?

Today we have a few jobs lined up, just little, normal around the house type jobs.

12.04 pm, and the morning has gone well. We went into town and picked up a new Christmas 🎄  that we had ordered yesterday.  Then over to Mitre 10 for some potting mix and mint plants.

Home. I got the washing out then we got the new umbrella 🌂 up.

ABOVE: This area is completed now. 

We are now at Fergus for a lovely lunch. We've ordered a platter for a change. Hopefully it's awesome...

ABOVE: Looked great, but ruined for me with a spicy sauce that spilled onto several things. I give it 5/10. Stew had to eat 65% of it.

6.50 pm:  We've had a lovely afternoon.  Brylee and Dom came over for a visit and we got to spend a couple of hours catching up with them.

Once they left we did a few more little jobs around the house.

Now?  Just blobbing out in front of the telly.

And that's our day done and dusted I reckon.

Catch ya tomorrow.

AUCKLAND BOUND AGAIN

 Today we are off to Auckland, to a specific jewellers in fact.  I'm keen to see what's on offer up there compared to here in Hamilton.

If we don't find anything better than what I saw yesterday, we'll come home and get the one I have my eye on.

Or not.  I might even wait until we are in Australia next month, to see what's available over there?  Just not sure yet.  

But, it's nice to look, compare, and get a firm idea of what I want.  It's going to be the last ring I buy for sure, so I want it to make me happy.

Right, time to get ourselves up and sorted, ready to leave around 9.

...

Well... the first jewellers we visited was a no go. The sales person was not helpful at all. So we went out to Westgate (thanks for the suggestion Tracy). We found THE RING! We don't get it until we leave the country on the 6th of October.

Pick up from the airport, that way we don't pay the GST or DUTY on it. It's a legal loophole we knew about but have never done before.

When we get home I'll show you the ring up close... but for now:

ABOVE: We were given a bottle of Port as a Celebration of our 40th by the jeweller! I'm wearing the ring here. 

We are now having lunch before heading home.

2.08 pm and we are safely home again.  Stew has gone to do his weekly shop, and I'm here, just updating the blog, before heading into Crabby Quarters to start sewing up the new table topper. 

ABOVE: The ring.  A central cushion cut diamond, surrounded by 30 smaller diamonds.  It's stunning, and nothing like what I was originally thinking of getting!  But I'm so happy with it.

ABOVE: That is Craig, probably one of the best jewellery salesmen I've come across.  He was not pushy, he listened to what I was looking for, and didn't dick me around with anything other than that.

Before visiting this store, we had been to Partridges in Newmarket, and the salesgirl there did not listen, and only showed me one ring that was a bit like what I asked for, and basically dicked me around with things I did not ask to see.  She also clearly did not know what was in stock.  I walked out after only 5 minutes.

Craig on the other hand?  Excellent salesman, listened, and he was fun to work with!  He made it FUN... I highly recommend him.  

Now, we have to wait until we are leaving the country before we can pick up the ring from the airport Duty Free area.  It is worth the little wait for it.

Stew said it felt wrong leaving without it, having spent so much money!  But it's all good... it will be there when we go to pick it up, I'm sure.  😊

10.25 pm:  We've watched the telly all evening.  I made us a yummy dinner of a hamburger, minus the bread buns.  I worked on my jigsaw too, which I'm really enjoying.

Right, off to bed.

Catch ya tomorrow.

RING SHOPPING

 

Today I'm going ring shopping.

On Sunday it is the 40th Anniversary of our meeting each other.  And I'm going to get a ring to commemorate the day.

I had thought of waiting until our actual 40th Wedding Anniversary in 2 years time, but nah.  I've decided, why wait till then?

I remember our first meeting with super fond memories, it's worth celebrating too.

So... I'm off to all the jewellery shops I can think of this morning.  I reckon it's going to be FUN.  😊😏

At the last Tamahere Market, we ordered a couple of small side tables for outside, between the outdoor chairs.  They are ready to be picked up this afternoon.  I'm looking forward to using them over summer.

So, that's me plans for the day... catch ya later.

12.33 pm, and I'm home again.  Lacy and I spent a lovely three hours looking at rings, at pretty much all the jewellers in Hamilton.

We, or rather I, settled on one in particular.  BUT I need to explore all the options first, so Stew and I are going up to Auckland tomorrow.  lol

I can't get one and then possibly see something even more beautiful later on can I!  

So that's the plan for tomorrow.

I'm now having some left over mince and potato pie (minus the pastry), for lunch.

Then a bit later on I'll go out and pick up the outdoor side tables.

ABOVE: And there ya go, two new side tables.  I think Stew is gunna have to waterblast and re-stain the chairs now.  Much as I love the lichen look, it doesn't 'go' with the tables eh?  😂😅

7.14 pm:  Well it was a good day.  Stew is now home, he's had left over pie for his dinner too.

 Now we will just watch the telly till bedtime.

Catch ya tomorrow.

MULTI CHOICE TODAY

 

This morning I've got a few options on what to do.

I could go to Cambridge and mosaics.

I could join the village walking group and do a 6 km walk.

I could stay home and do some sewing.

So... what to do?  Maybe do the walk then sew?

ABOVE:  I am loving this jigsaw set up. I can slide it over me knees and work on it, while still watching the telly.  It is a challenging jigsaw I must say, and that suits me just fine.  I love hard ones.  I never look at the picture either, making it even harder.

This puzzle is a very good quality one too, making it even nicer to work on.

Right, enough waffling.... I shall lie here and read the news, then .... let's wait and see.

9.24 am, and a walk was out of the question.  Once I was up my back was awful... so pain killers are on board.

ABOVE: And this tart came over and did my vacuuming for me.  Now we are contemplating going to the mall for a wander.... 

ABOVE: Moment of madness....

I have NEVER done anything with my eyebrows, except use a pencil now and then.

Today I decided to do what my niece in Australia suggested, and get them henna dyed.

ABOVE: See, hardly any brows at all!

ABOVE:  My immediate reaction?  '

"Holy shitballs!"  The ladies laughed their heads off, and kept laughing every time I looked in the mirror and did clown faces at myself!

ABOVE:  Much better now!  I think I like them, though they will take a bit of getting used to, and maintaining.  Apparently in a couple of days they will 'tone down' a bit as well.

4.10 pm and I've spent the afternoon fluffing around in the house, taking Coco for a walk around the village (she absolutely loves it), and having a lie down.  

I used my massager on my back and shoulder/arm and I think it helped a bit.?  Time will tell.  I'm going to use it every day for a week and see what happens.

Stew will be home soon, and then I'll be taking him to the pub, and visiting the kids, until I join him there later on.

8.15 pm, just home from the pub.  We had a lovely evening, catching up with the kids, then all our friends at the pub.  Lot's of compliments on me new eyebrows too.  😉😊

Time to wind down, take some painkillers and later on head off to bed.

Catch ya tomorrow.

THIS 'N' THAT

 

Yesterday was probably one of the worst days I've had with the pain in my back/shoulder and arm.

Because we are heading back to Australia in 12 days, I think it would be prudent for me to see my Dr again.  Even if he can only give me something else for the pain, I'd be happy.

ABOVE:  My pie from last night.  It needed an extra long time to cook, but once done is was really delicious.  I was so proud of the pastry I made.  I will probably make my own from now on.

My Trulicity jab last night hurt a little bit, just stingy... nothing I can't put up with, considering how well it is controlling my appetite.  I literally can't wait for my next 3 monthly Hba1c blood test!  I'm hoping/expecting a really good drop in my blood sugar levels.

Going to twice weekly jabs was the trick ... once a week didn't work so well.

It still takes will power not to eat the 'wrong' food, so I'm not giving all the credit to the drug.

Hump Day, and I am not sure what I will do today.  I got so tired with the constant pain yesterday, I'm praying it doesn't happen again today.  So, no expectations on myself today.

I will certainly drive down to my Dr's office first thing this morning and make an appointment.  It is the quickest and easiest way to make an appointment, you just get the run around when you ring the call centre.

ABOVE:  That is me.... soooo me.

BLONDIE:  I'm not sure.  My shoulder and arm have been sore for months, the back bit only kicked in a couple of weeks ago, so that might be a muscle teaked?

Don't know.

I didn't end up getting a Drs appointment.  Two reasons.

1.  Our Dr is away for a month, and I don't really want to see anyone else.  I've finally found the combination of Tramadol and Panadol that seems to work, so I'll wait to see L when he gets back, if there's been no improvement.

2.  Two young ladies got pissy with me when I did a U turn down a side street, seems I shouldn't have turned into THEIR driveway?  So they actually FOLLOWED me into the Drs!  They got very mouthy, so I just went up to the counter and stood there until they left.

It was a very unpleasant, slightly scary experience.  

After that, I went over to the Base and got these:

ABOVE:  A nice, cheap rolling pin, and two 'portion controlling' plates that I loved when I saw them.  They are perfectly imperfect in shape.  And blue, can't forget that.  LOL  I've got quite a lot of that particular design/colour in our cupboards now.  I seem to keep adding to it.

And now I'm home, and heating up some left over pie for my lunch.  Later on I'm going to the Village AGM, probably for the first and last time.  I know it will be boring, but I want to go to ONE at least, so I know what I'm missing in coming years. 😂😅😊

5.45 pm:  And I am happy to report that the AGM went well.  It helped that I knew two people on the Board and could yak to them after the meeting.  And also a few residents that I've come to know.  I didn't feel totally out of it at all.

There was a very generous drink and nibble get together after the meeting too.  Lots of wines and lovely nibbles.  I had none.  I didn't even feel deprived.

L from the craft group took me aside and showed me where I can set up our gazebo for the village fair in November.  I'm happy to say I have a very generous area to set up in!  And it's inside, so weather will not be an issue.

Stew just arrived home, so I better get off here and spend some time with him.  

9.24 pm, and we've had a lovely evening, just chilling out watching the telly.  I've got Coronation Street to watch next, then off to bed.

Catch ya tomorrow.