ODD 'N' ENDS, MIKE AND KEERA

Let's start with 'odds n ends'...  I went into the Warehouse yesterday to buy tester strips for the spa pool.  Came out with these:

ABOVE:  Dante is mad about planes right now, so I got him some little ones.  And his very own Nerf Gun... not that he can operate it.  But at least he has his own.  I also finally found some microfibre hair towels to try.  Been wanting some for ages.

I also found some Skip Boo cards.  We were introduced to the game of Skip Boo about 23 years ago, when we went down to Hanmer Springs to meet Stew's birth mother, and the rest of his bio family.

It's been many, many years since we have played Skip Boo... since my brother Vern died in fact (1999). Stew, Vern and I used to play it all the time together.  So, last night Steve, Bex and I played it and it was just so nice. 

First time we three have played cards in a while too.  We all thoroughly enjoyed playing it, and Stew said he would join us another night.

And yep, I got the mints too.  Nice to have in ya handbag.

Guess what?   I didn't get any tester strips for the spa after all that.  They had some, but they were for IPhone users?  Maybe I could have used them ... not sure.  I will eventually get more.  I'm pretty good at knowing what our pool needs anyway.

ABOVE:  I just love this photo!  Coco was sitting there propped up like a toy on Griffin.  So, so sweet.  Griffin takes a gorgeous photo too... very photogenic.

ABOVE:  more progress on Rena's Ballerina. This will be the last photo of it, I want to do the finishing touches and give it to Rena for her Birthday on the 22nd ... then I will post a photo of the finished project.

I hope Rena likes it!  Kelly, don't show her this photo, I'd like it to be a surprise from now on.

Today my Dad would have been 80 if he'd not died 14 years ago.  I can't imagine what he would have been like as an 80 year old!  Probably still driving a V8 Holden Ute and hanging out at the Game Fishing Club in Whitianga.  lol

Hopefully we catch up with Mike sometime today,  I doubt he will be playing netball, so we should be able to spend some time with him.

We are also picking Keera up for the weekend. Saturday and Sunday only.

Right, I'm off to wash me hair and give that Microfibre Hair Towel a whirl.  Let's see what it does to help draw the water from me mop.

P.S.  No one has yet guessed any change on my blog correctly, because nothing has changed YET.  I did say it would take a while to be noticeable.
ONWARD...

Well... Miss Muppet has arrived for the weekend...

 ABOVE:  she is already happily playing with the toys.

ABOVE:  Teddy has his cone off.  I took it off because it was cruel keeping it on.  If he chews himself, he will have to deal with the consequences.  So far... in a period of about 24 hours, he's not done too much damage at all!
I am surprised.   

He still has an area on his hindquarters that's a bit itchy still.  But, I am TOTALLY over the cone and how it caused his ears to get infected, then making him smell DREADFUL.
Over it.

If it doesn't work.... maybe an injection IS the best thing for him, and us.

LYNDA:  Nope.

MAGPIE:  YEP.  

We have been out and about today.  We caught up with Mike and Joyce at the Netball venues.

 ABOVE:  Mike getting his ankle taped up in the hope he could play.  He didn't play though.  His team lost, bugger.

ABOVE:  Dante didn't like the netball.  It was too loud, and too hot. 

ABOVE: Keera on the other hand had a ball.  She loved being there.  Deceptive photo, it was actually very busy inside the venue.

ABOVE:  Steve, Mike, Joyce and Joyce's baby niece Mia. 

After Mike's team had played, we left for home. 

Did you all notice Mike trimmed his whiskers right back?  He looks like himself again now, not some bushy hobo! 

End of Day:  another really lovely day.  I even got some sewing done late this afternoon!
Score.  AND after dinner and the babes were in bed, Steve, Bex, Stew and I played Skip Boo.  It was neat.
Funny how you get the munchies when you are playing cards!
nite nite

I'M A VERY KNEE JERK SORTA PERSON

Last night, for all of about 2 minutes, I deleted my blog.  

WHY?

I just get so angry with things that I can't change.

You can thank Steve, Bex and Stew for my blog still being here.  I really was going to stop blogging.  

Sometimes I think my life would be so much easier without having a blog.  Without worrying about who is reading it, or who is getting all crabby about stuff on it.

BUT...  As Steve and Stew said, I should not let the few ruin what the majority enjoy.  So... I'm still here.

There IS going to be a few 'noticeable changes' on my blog though.   I will not say what they are, I will wait and see how long it takes to be obvious.  In the next few weeks I'm sure it will be noticed.

TODAY?  I'm going to the mall.  I am posting a CD to Sandra down in Palmy of her 50th Birthday party.
Not sure what else I shall get up to, but fabric might just feature.  Fabric is like chocolate to me now.

I love it.  And it doesn't have any calories at all!

Before that, a couple of photos: 

 ABOVE:  My friend Sandra, she who just turned 50, loves bears.  She collects them.  I'm not sure how many she has, maybe she doesn't know either, but it's well over a thousand for sure!
Let me assure you, there's more in boxes in the wardrobes... poor things.

But, they are getting a new home built for them very soon.  Then Sandra and Neil will actually have a lounge. 

 ABOVE:  my lunches will consist of rice and meat, with fresh veges added on the day.  I love Rice Risotto.  We hadn't had any in YEARS, but I tried some about a month or so ago and yep, it's lovely.  I add a few more herbs/spices, onions and meat, and it's just delicious.
Clearly I'm not doing 'low/no carb'.  This is what works for me. 

ABOVE:  Last night Dante tried his first ever baby Hot Dog.  I think he liked it once it had cooled down.

ABOVE:  progress on the Ballerina for Rena.
What do you think Kelly?

Last time I was grocery shopping with Stew I spotted these delicious looking bagged Brussel Sprouts.  I ♥LOVE♥ Brussel Sprouts!
This is how Stew sees them:

ABOVE:  Yep, those were his exact words!  Pffffft.

Right... time to bugger off and do something productive... or go shopping.

ONWARD...

Well... I haven't been to the mall yet.  I decided to bath the dogs.  It's a beautiful sunshiny day, so they will dry fast.

Now I have to clean 'dog' off me before I go out.

Our son Mike is up here in Auckland with his Netball team, they are playing in the National Competition.  He text me at lunchtime, and told me he had 'fucked his ankle' and wouldn't be playing any more!!!

I've not been able to contact him since then, so I don't know how bad his injury is.   I just hope like hell he's not in hospital getting his ankle set in a cast again.

He's had a broken ankle before, and it took months to heal.  I hope he's ok.

So... I rang around all over the city, trying to track down Mike.  I rang both Indoor Netball venues, the motel and Mikes Team Captain?  Left messages everywhere.
And finally Jade, Mike's team captain rang me back.  Apparently Mike's rolled his ankle, it's not broken.

Huge relief there.  But I was mad as that Mike had not elaborated when he text me, and told me more.  I was worried sick.  So... I told Jade to give Mike a slap around the ears for me.

When Jade caught up with Mike, he told him he had to RING HIS MOTHER! (I wonder if he slapped him for me?)  lol  

Mike was like "How the hell do you know my Mother?" and Jade said "Your Mum and I go waaaaay back!".  

So funny, Mike was like "Really?  How?".

So... all is OK.  Mike probably can't play for the rest of the weekend, which is a shame after coming all the way up here from Palmerston North.

Dinner tonight is courtesy of Bex, mince/bacon/tomato stew with fresh breads.

End of Day:  best evening in a while I must say.
More about that tomorrow, though it wasn't anything earth shattering ... just nice.
nite nite

TEA TOWELS, A BALLERINA, AND THE KID

Here's a photo of the two gorgeous tea towels I bought while in Palmerston North...

ABOVE:  I'm not that fussed on the cats, but my Mum will love it.  The other one is gorgeous.  It's given me ideas ... pretty tea towels might be the 'theme' for Christmas Presents this year.
*smiles*

ABOVE:  I made some good progress on Rena's Ballerina... it's for her Birthday, which is on the 22nd of March.  I should get it finished by then.

ABOVE:  his nibs locked out of the kitchen.  I really don't like toddlers under foot in the kitchen when the oven is on, or when there's pots on the stove.  So... needs must.

ABOVE:  Sadly, Master Dante didn't think much of my idea.  

ABOVE:  he just wanted his Mummy.  Awwww.

ABOVE:  this was him before his bath... chillin' out on the couch... trying to change the TV channels.  

In the 5 days I was away, he learnt how to climb on and off the couches.

ABOVE: AND reach the door handles.  Sheesh, we will need to latch it soon.

Soooo... plans for today?  Sewing.  Housework.
All the usual stuff.  Might even go for a walk with the dogs if it's not too hot.
We will see.

What are YOU doing today?  Anything exciting?

ONWARD...

Just in... photos of darling Paisley!

ABOVE:  she looks like a little ratbag... but adorable.

There is one thing I hate more than anything else in life.

LIARS. 

Being LIED about  ("She is such a bitch!") comes to mind... 

Being LIED to.... and my god do I have a few amazing LIARS in my family!

Also... something else comes to mind:

"I will NEVER stop you seeing ***** Mum"

YEAH RIGHT. 

Now I have to wonder if your behaviour in the future will be blamed ON ME... because I won't play the game how you want me to play it?

GUESS WHAT? I am finally doing what is best for me.

I am not going to be screamed at, lied to or about, and have grandchildren withheld to hurt me.

It is not going to hurt me anymore, because I am now taking care of ME.  I have learnt how to live with the hurt, but still enjoy my life, and those who choose to be in it, without having to be lied to.

YOU want to do something I might not necessarily like, tell me anyway, then at least YOU are being honest with me.
It's not like I can't take what you throw at me!
I'm used to it.  TOO USED TO IT.

Now put that in ya pipe and smoke it... or have a drink and blame me for driving you to it.  I'm sure any excuse will do.

Clearly it didn't take long after getting home for shit to hit the fan.

ABOVE: our neighbours have painted their house and deck/fence... so now it looks PINK from the sunlight bounching off the deck onto the house!  Pretty.

ABOVE:  nope, not dog food.  Lunches.
For me.  I am going to be having my 'main' meal at lunchtime from now on.  It's just a better option for me. 

It's been a good afternoon, I've got a bit more done on Rena's Ballerina.  Still got heaps to do to it... but I'm confident I shall have it finished on time.

It's 'takeaway' night tonight... and I am going to enjoy it!
I'm starving, and from now on ... Thursday night is my 'day off' being careful with what I eat.   And that is ONE MEAL off, not the whole day!

I stood on the scales this morning expecting a gain after my gluttony during my Palmerston North trip, and I had stayed the same.  Score!
Maybe not having alcohol helped?  I just don't do alcohol much now, only the odd glass of wine once in a blue moon.  I just don't like it anymore.


HEADS UP: I won't be revolving my life around anyone ever again.
You only get one time on earth, and from now on, I am going to be putting Stew, Brylee, Griffin and ME first.

It's long overdue.  I know we are still limited in what we can do for ourselves, because Brylee and Griffin's needs come first.  But I am on the 'countdown' to when they leave home.

It's just a shame I will be almost be bloody pensioner by then!  Not quite how I thought my life would end up like.

I just hope when Stew and I are old and wrinkly, one of my kids steps up and takes care of us.  Nicely.

End of Day:  well it's been another beautiful day weather-wise, I'm happy to have got some sewing done.  No dog walk, it was too hot.
nite nite

WELL... IT'S BACK TO NORMAL FOR ME

I just had the most lovely time away!
And I'm going to be doing it a darn sight more often.  I missed my girlfriends so much, and it was WONDERFUL to spend time with them all again.

I didn't tell you how I 'sprung' myself on them on Saturday did I?

I spent Friday night with my girlfriend Michele, she was very kind offering me a bed for the night... AND the use of her car even.
I needed to spend my first night with her so my arrival in town was a surprise for my other girlfriends.

It worked!

Sandra, Chris Davies and Anne almost always have morning tea together at The Coffee Club on a Saturday morning.

So... I got Mike to drop me off down the road from the coffee shop on Saturday morning... so I could walk in and surprise the girls.

Before that though, I had set the scene by sending my Birthday Present for Sandra to Chris Davies, for her to give to Sandra at the Coffee shop in the morning.

So, my timing was PERFECT!   Sandra apparently had been secretly expecting me to arrive, but when she got my present from Chris Davies, her heart sank... cos she 'realised' I was not going to arrive for her birthday after all.  *snigger*

I had even expressed my sadness at not being able to be there for her big 50th.  She bought it hook, line and sinker.

Ha ha!

Right, back to me walking down the street, about to surprise her and Chris.  ***Anne knew all about me being there, she was my 'accomplice'... her job was to make sure they WERE there.
So, as I walked up to the coffee shop door, I could see them all sitting at a table, just starting to enjoy their brunch... thank goodness they didn't see ME as I walked to the door!

I stood in the door way, peeked around the glass and kinda yelled 'WHERE'S MINE???" !!!

Chris D looked up and kinda squealed, went bright red and shoved her chair backwards in shock... and shoved the table in front of her!  Anne was scared she was going to wear Chris's food!

SANDRA... well she screamed, covered her face and was shaking, went bright red like Chris (impressive both of you I might add), and I do believe she shed a few tears!   

Awwwwww.  I felt very loved, as did they I think.   *smiles*

It really was perfect.  All those bloody hours on a freakin bus were WORTH IT.  

And I would do it all again just to see my girlfriends again.

So... clearly it was just wonderful.  After the first night with Michele, I spread myself around and stayed with me other 3 girlfriends too.

My whole visit consisted of yakking, eating and shopping... pretty much in that order!

Before I forget... I also wanted to catch up with our son Mike too... OF COURSE!  And I did manage to see him a couple of times, which was lovely.  We miss him heaps, and look forward to the day he MOVES NORTH, so we can see him all the time.  HURRY UP MIKE.  We miss you dreadfully.

Also, I had three shops I really wanted to visit in Palmerston North, and I did.  AND I bought a little something from each of them.

Ya gotta shop on holiday eh?

Well... I do.

Now... I am going to bugger off, unpack, get me washing on, spend some time with Master Dante, then upload some photos!

I hope you come back later to see if any of me photos are good!  I can't even remember what I've taken with me camera.  Hmmmm....

ONWARD...
Whoops,  I forgot I had a doctor appointment!  So right now I'm sitting waiting to get me blood pressure checked.  My appointment wad for 10 am...  but he's running late, no surprises there.   *sigh*

Fingers crossed me b.pressure is down.

Dumm dee dooo.....

Yaaaa!  My blood pressure is back to within 'normal', so I'm happy and so it the Doc.

After seeing him, I went to the mall to do a few things, check out a few things, and just wander for a while.

It was lovely.

Then I came home and cooked myself lunch... onion/peas/brussell sprouts and gravy.  So yum.

Then Bex and I watched a few taped Home and Away episodes.  And then I hopped on here to update.

PHOTOS:

ABOVE:  Sandra's reaction to me arriving at the coffee shop.  LOL

ABOVE:  Blowing out her birthday candle.  The wee girl is her granddaughter Ella.  She's the wee girl who jumped into bed with me on the Saturday night.

Unbeknownst to me, the family were frantically searching for her the following morning... scared shitless she had been abducted!   The last place they looked?  In the bedroom I was in... and of course she was with me... sound asleep we both were.

 ABOVE:  Sandra's little girl Honey, begging for tid bits.  She got heaps!

ABOVE:  somewhere under all that fluff is my girlfriend Chris D!   Harley on the left and Buddy on the right.

ABOVE: I have always loved this art work ... and yaaa, I spotted a Mini!  
Spotting minis is a 'family thing'... usually whoever spots the most when we are out and about kinda 'wins'... but we don't win anything tangible, just kudos.

ABOVE:  a lovely view of the Manawatu from the bus.  

 ABOVE:  Hey Chris D ! ... look who I spotted in the Square while I was waiting for my bus yesterday morning.  None other than your Mum, busily striding home.
Chris D's Mum walks for MILES every single day... more often than not with the dogs, Buddy and Harley! 
For a woman of her age, she is AMAZING!

ABOVE:  A few views of the Square in Palmerston North, it's right slap bang in the middle of the city.  And is a gorgeous area.

ABOVE:  taken at Flat Hill... the place the bus driver stopped at for us to have a lunch break.  That goat was funny.  He really, really wanted that yellow plastic bag! 

ABOVE:  my girlfriend Michele and Gary, and their beautiful cats.
Ya all know I ain't a cat person eh?
Well... I actually thought her cats were lovely.  I surprised myself even!

Right, that's me for now.  I will pop back after dinner and sign off for the day... unless something happens and I have to share!

End of Day: well it was a quiet evening.  I did some sewing (at last), and then watched Hostages on the telly before bed.
nite nite

I AM GOING HOME TODAY

And THIS time I don't have to lie about where I am!

I catch the bus at 11.30 am, and should get into Auckland at 8.55 pm.
BUT... I really don't expect the bus to keep to those times.  It will probably arrive late, and get into Auckland 2 hours late.

Hopefully not... but I'm prepared for a long trip, so it doesn't really matter to me.

I have my lovely new memory foam pillow to sleep on, rest my head during the journey etc, so I'm happy.

I forgot to show you the Pottery piece I bought yesterday:

ABOVE: I didn't want to unwrap it, so you get a picture of it in the shop.  I love it... so, so pretty. 
It's a bloody shame it's so darn expensive... cos I would have bought several pieces if I could.  (*sniff*).
Oh well... I suppose it makes it that much more special, cos I can only get a new piece here and there.

OK... time for me to get moving, pack me bag bla bla bla....  I will try to update during the day on the bus... it will depend on how long my phone lasts before it's battery dies.  It does NOT last that long... probably 18 hours or so.  I suppose it's because I'm always using it!  I love my new phone so much!

ONWARD...

Waiting for the bus. .. I'm coming home family.  What's for dinner?  *smiles*

Wow our bus driver is bossy!  He gors around telling everyone to put their seat belt on... and we have been warned to be back on the bus on time at rest stops or  he will leave you behind@ I like him!

I have changed my mind.   The bus driver is a right prick.

We were supposed to stop in Taihape... where I was looking forward to looking in a gift shop for polish pottery, but hes stopped at Flat Hill, where there is nothing but a coffee shop.  

I asked him why we were not having the lunch break in Taihape and he said it was so he knew where we all were!  I'm bloody pissed off now. 

Well.... while I was pissed that the bus driver didn't stop in Taihape, he was a really good driver.
I never felt unsafe, and he was bang on time!
We arrived and left every stop on time, unlike the driver last Friday, who was abysmal.

Anyway... I arrived home safe and sound, and had a lovely dinner that Bex had kept warm for me.

End of Day: I plan on going to bed early, then tomorrow unpack and get myself sorted out again.
I will add a few photos tomorrow of me travels.
nite nite

ANOTHER LOVELY DAY AHEAD

Good morning!
Today my girlfriends are all back to work, so I am going to visit a few shops that I used to love when we lived here.

Anne has very kindly given me the use of her car for the day! 

I don't have any photos to share until I can download them tonight at Chris D's... sorry. 

Right, better get my butt into gear.

ONWARD. ..

ABOVE: My darling Mike... sporting a full on mo and beard!!!

I wonder how long it will last?  lol

SHOPPING... *drool*... couldn't resist. 


I never knew how much I relied on a computer with a mouse and separate keyboard before!


I am now at Chris Davies home for the night... she's still at work, poor Chick.

Shopping and morning tea/lunch/afternoon tea:

Sandra and I had morning tea together, then I went to a fabric shop and got some fabric... I couldn't just LOOK !

Then I met Janene for lunch... it was wonderful to see how happy she was.  She is expecting a wee baby boy with her Partner Andrew... very soon.
Very exciting.  I can't wait to see photos of him.
I'm a sucker for babies... we all know this !

AFTER lunch, I went to another favourite shop and browsed... and then I bought three gorgeous tea-towels.  I was going to give them to my Mum for her birthday....  BUT... we will see!  I rather like them myself.  *smiles*

LOL... after THAT... I met up with Chris Davies for afternoon tea (her lunch).  Then I went to another of my favourite shops just out of the town centre (Something Different), and OMG!!!

They sell the Polish Pottery I love so much!!!
I looked, drooled, took photos, and ended up buying ONE PIECE for my teeny, tiny 'collection'.

I took photos so I can order another piece at some point.  Something Different does NOT have an email address, they don't have a website or NOTHING, so if I want more I will have to send them a photo of what I want and pay via direct debit I suppose?  Shit, maybe they don't do that either?

Oh well... I will sort it out somehow.  She did have a couple of pieces I would love... dummm deee doooo. 

Right, I'm going to have a go at downloading some photos now... wish me luck.  I have been having trouble doing that on other people's computers.

 

 ABOVE:  Mike's rat tail is getting VERY long!
 
 

a

 ABOVE: Anne cooking Mike's dinner last night on her nifty BBQ.  Proving us girls can BBQ... lol.
 

ABOVE:  Polish Pottery.  They have started adding more green into their pottery, and some more patterns.... none of which I like at all.  I love the blue and spots the most.
I am just so thrilled to find ANOTHER shop that sells it here in New Zealand.
 
End of Day:  early... as I want to spend the night yakking!   I mean, that's what I came down to do pretty much, catch up with my girlfriends and yak myself silly until I can come down again.
So... nite nite.

WHAT FUN! AND A WRIGGLER

GOOD MORNING!

Last night's party was lovely.  Sandra had a blast.
I am going to edit some photos shortly and put some on here.

But first I need to wake up properly!

I had a visitor in the night.
And it wriggles something rotten!

Sandra's two grandchildren slept over.  And in the middle of the night Miss Ella decided to come into the bedroom I was sleeping in, and jump in bed with her 'Mummy'!

Clearly I wasn't going to upset her and let her know I wasn't her Mummy!  So I had a 4? year old in bed with me for most of the night... and she WRIGGLES a lot! 

Right... I will bugger off now and get dressed, drink some diet coke to wake me up and then check all the photos I took.

ONWARD...

Much as I'd like to do captions under them all, it's difficult for me to use a laptop without a mouse so a brief run down: the birthday girl and her cake, some lovely photos of us girls... and Sandras hubby NEIL photo bombing us.  That was so funny  *smiles*.  And Miss Ella checking out the new spa pool.  Neil is building an awesome spa/outdoor entertainment area.  I can't wait to see it all finished and lovely.

Later on this morning we are going into town for lunch...

catch ya later... I forgot to say that bear is from Sandra's daughter,  she is overseas right now.  Due back in New Zealand in a month.  

 We are having Yum Cha for lunch today. How cool!

Well... lunch was very nice. Lois and her friend Judith joined us too.  And guess ehat?  I forgot to take a photo!

How remiss of me.

I am now at Anne's for the night.  My son Mike is joining us for dinner and a catch up, so that will be so nice. 

I am staying with my friend Chris Davies tomorrow night. It's lovely being able to stay a night with all of them.   *smiled*

I have to say it... 
WHERE IS EVERYONE?  I go away and me comments dry up!

END of day: Another awesome day here with my girlfriends. Mike came over for dinner with Anne and I... Anne bbq'd steak for him and made him a salad too.  Anne and I didnt have dinner because we had a large lunch and were not even hungry. 
Time to get to bed.
Nite nite. 

NEW MONTH, AND HAPPY 50TH SANDRA!