A BIRTHDAY, AND A STORM, BUT NOT IN A TEA CUP

A VERY BIG HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO BEX TODAY!
We were supposed to be taking her and the family out to Yum Char for lunch.
But the bloody tummy bug from hell has put a screeching halt to that.  Another time Bex. Sorry.  
I'm sure we shall still have a nice day...  but well....  This country is expecting a bit of a battering from Cyclone Lusi this weekend.

So no sunbathing it would appear.

Remember, I live in NEW ZEALAND, NOT Australia!

ABOVE:  Latest satellite pictures Cyclone Lusi heading our way.  While I hope it doesn't do too much damage... I still love storms and am looking forward to it.
But shish... don't tell anyone who hates storms!

ABOVE: Friday morning's sunrise in West Auckland.  That old saying "Red sky in morning, Shepherd's Warning,  Red Sky at night, Shepherds Delight"  would appear to be correct.

In between feeling bloody ill as a dog yesterday, I grabbed a few photos of Dante and the 'special' car...

ABOVE:  this little vintage car was given to Steve by his Grandma Harvey, when he was about 8 months old.  His Grandma died of Leukemia a couple of months later.  So, this is probably one of the only gifts he got from her.  So, it's special.

ABOVE:  it was equally special to see it in his baby son's hands yesterday.

 ABOVE: Dante played with it for a little while... then he got his hands on my lens cap, and...

ABOVE:  he was faced with the decision.  Lens cap.... or car?  Can you guess what won?
It wasn't the car!  Funny little man.

ABOVE:  The face of exhaustion.  Still a bit pale around the gills.  Poor kid had the bug bad. He spent hours vomiting.  So glad I didn't get that bad.

The only two not to have caught the bug yet :  Bex and Brylee!  I hope they don't get it.  It's a really nasty bug.

So, today?  Quiet inside day I think.  IF the storm arrives, I hope to get a few photos.
I'm also going to try and find some videos on You Tube about the new sewing machine.
I am so excited!  It looks to have some really awesome stitches.  I can't wait to try it out.

ONWARD...

Well we are feeling so much better today.  Sad we had to cancel our yum char lunch... but we will have some takeaways for dinner instead, Bex gets to choose. 

The weather is as expected, nasty.

Well... nothing is happening around here!  Everyone is just doing their own thing, watching TV, playing XBox, having a nap (ME) and staying dry.  Outside it's been pissing down, though right now it seems to have stopped.

It doesn't even seem like a storm, just rain and a bit of wind. Boring really. 

LYNDA:  I just had a 'look' for that shop on Google Earth, and it doesn't look like it's there!
Google Earth might be out of date?  I might give them a phone call to make sure they are actually there before I drive over.  *smiles*
Thanks for the tip.

End of Day:  got no energy, even after having a good lunch and dinner.  Feel ikkk still.  And it's a sad state of affairs when you simply don't want to answer your own phone for fear of being screamed at.  
nite nite

IT'S FRIDAY! SO....

That means NEXT WEEK is almost here... which means my new machine is going to be here soon.

OMGosh I am so excited.  I am already starting to make 'blanks' for the new stitches 'library'.

Don't know what I'm talking about?  Let me explain.

When I get a new machine, I make what I call 'blank pages'... and then I sew each and every stitch that machine can do onto them.

Like this:

 ABOVE:  these are all the stitches Lemony could do... without changing any of the machine's settings, so they are in the 'Default' sizes.
It is very helpful when you want to know how the stitch will look on fabric.  

And you can then adjust the size/length of the stitch to suit what you are doing.  I have found it very handy to have them up on my wall.

ABOVE:  I am now going to take them down and pass them on to the new owner of Lemony... I hope they find them helpful.   I said yesterday I was going to pass on Lemony's pretty lemon cover too.  OH, and the 25 bobbins that only fit a Husqvarna machine!  No point keeping them.

I finished Rena's Ballerina.  Got the label on last night... DONE!

Today?

I'm hoping Griffin is feeling better.   He started vomiting last night after dinner, then continued into the small hours of the night.  Luckily he made it to the bathroom, or was sick into a bucket in his bedroom... cos I can't cope with cleaning up vomit!  Stew does it for me.  Cos... well if I have to clean it up, I vomit too.  

I wasn't feel too flash last night either.  My tummy was rumbling something shocking.  And I was rather scared to 'pass wind'.... !

Time will tell if I have caught the bug, I hope not!

AND I'm hoping LIKE HELL Brylee doesn't get it!
She NEVER EVER even tries to make it to the bathroom when she's sick.  She just lies on her back and spews all over herself and her bed/bedding.   It does my head in when she does that!  She better not do it again or I will make her sleep in the bath.

Shit... that's a bloody good idea!  It would serve her right too.  

I'm not a very nice mother sometimes.  But, can you imagine the mess she makes?  Massive Ikkkk.

Fingers crossed she stays well.  lol

FOR YOU KYM:

A classic kiwi favourite using Griffin's Malt biscuits

Instructions:

Warm butter and condensed milk in microwave.

Cut up Eskimo lollies into bite sized chunks.

Mix butter, condensed milk, crushed Malt biscuits and lollies together.

Form into a log shape. Roll in coconut.

Chill in fridge for 4 hours.

When set, cut into slices and serve.

Ingredients:

• 120g Butter
• 1 Packet (250g) of Griffin's Malt Biscuits - crushed
• 1/2 a tin (200g) of Sweetened Condensed Milk
• 1 Packet (190g) of Eskimo lollies or Fruit Puffs
• Dessicated Coconut

Oh and Kym, be careful, it's addictive as hell!  We usually double the quantities, cos well... it goes fast.

Righty ho... off to do something productive... like make those blanks.

ONWARD...

Griffin has been sick all night.
I have been sick all night.
Stew is feeling crappy too, but has gone to work.

I am going back to bed.  Actually, scrap that, I'm going back to the bathroom.

Feeling very spoilt right now. Bex is looking after me.  She's brought me water and diet coke. .. and turned on my tv so I can listen to music. 

I am feeling much better as long as I keep still!  My tummy keeps cramping, which hurts like hell. But at least the feeling of needing to throw up is gone, for now at least. 

Well, just as well Steve ISN'T afraid of heigjts!  He's abseiling down a huge building today!  Something to do with tightening bolts.  Rather  him than me. 

JEANIE: he used the camera on his phone. 

FROGGY:  The shop gave me a loaner machine.  First time they have done that, so I can still sew.FROGGY...  the loaner is the same as my old machine

I am only going to make the blank 'pages' with it.  I will have to wait for the new machine before I can sew the stitches.  

I'm happy to say Griffin is feeling quite a bit better.  He's even  had a few crackers.
Me?  Still feel dreadful.  Moving from a sitting or lying position makes me get waves of nausea and faint headed.  Not nice.

So... a quiet evening.  I am now up in the lounge with the land of the living.  Hoping to watch Coronation Street... which means kicking Stew off the big telly, but we will see.

End of Day: well today didn't go how I expected for sure.  I don't get sick very often thank goodness.
nite nite

ADVICE NEEDED...

So,  pondering if I should get a replacement Husqvarna, or a Brother VQ3000?

Who has a Brother sewing machine?  What do you think of them?

I have a 'baby' Brother machine, which has never given me a moments problem.  But I'm unsure about getting the much bigger, more advanced model (VQ3000).

The options are the Husqvarna or the Brother.  I have to get what the shop can supply me, what they stock.

 ABOVE:  The Brother VQ3000.

So... while you can tell me what you think during the day, I'm going out to test drive the Brother... if I can find a shop that sells it near here.  If not, I will go to Onehunga Sewing Machine World.  Pretty sure they will have it.
Maybe I will let my fingers do the 'walking' first eh?  Track one down first.
Yeah, that's a good idea.

Now I have a few more photos of little Paisley, she got her first groom:

ABOVE:  adorable Paisley.  She was the little puppy who snuffled and snorted a bit, and I was a bit concerned for her, but Denise assures me she is 100% OK now that her nostrils have grown a bit.   She's still so little!   I think her Labrador sibling is giving her a sniff cos she's been to the groomers and smells different.  Cute.

Right, I'm going... got to do me homework before committing to a new machine.  I don't want to get it wrong.  Or get another lemon!

Also... not sure how Dante was overnight... must ask Bex.  I know he was still unwell last night, poor wee man.

ONWARD...

Well.. I found a shop that had a Brother VQ3000 demo model... so I hot footed it over to Sewing World in Onehunga and asked to be given a demo.
I'M IN LOVE.  The machine is amazing.  It has 531 different stitches, compared to Husqvarna's 175, and while it's not got a couple of the features the Husqvarna has, I think it's probably going to be my next machine.  

I hope I am making the right choice!

Bloody hell... Bex is in the kitchen making a hooah of a noise! What is she doing???

Oh... OK, she's making lollie cake for their Playcenter.  They are selling cakes etc in Manurewa tomorrow.  It's Playcenter Awareness Week apparently. 

I just spoke to Carol at the New Lynn shop, she rang Richard, the importer of Husqvarna's into NZ, and he is going to FIX the bloody machine AGAIN!
My heart sank.  It sounded like I was going to be forced to take Lemony back!

But no.  Carol assures me I don't have to take him back, I can and will be getting the Brand New Brother.  I may have to stump up with a little cash to bridge the difference, but I don't mind.   She is going to let me know the outcome as soon as the shop owner is back... (27th March).

Funny how things can change in just a few minutes.
I just got a phone call from Carol... and she must have spoken to the owner of their shop (Steve N.) and ... and... and... she is ORDERING my brand new Brother VQ3000 TODAY, and it will be ready for me to pick up next week!!!

AND... I can go over there and get a free lesson on how to use it too.  I am beyond happy.  

BJN:  The Lemon cover will be gifted to the new owner of Lemony.  There is NO WAY I am going to jinx my new machine with a Lemon Cover!

I am going to wait and see what sort of cover the Brother Dreamweaver comes with, and maybe make it a new cover if it's not a pretty one.  It's bound to be a hardcover, standard white.

I am now busy gathering all the bits 'n' pieces that belong to Lemony, so I can return EVERYTHING to the shop next week.

After that I am going to be sewing the label on the back of Rena's Ballerina, then it will be finally finished.  I don't know why it's taken me so long to get it finished.   I think I was just being fussy on how it looked.  I don't like to send anything out without being at least 99% happy with it.

What is lollie cake/slice?

Crushed up Malt Biscuits, chopped up Eskimo sweets, Condensed milk and hot butter all mixed together, rolled into a sausage shape, rolled over coconut and put in the fridge to set.  Sliced up into wedges.  Very sweet, very addictive, very evil.  But oh so yum.
I've not made any in a couple of years, cos I love it!

DANTE: is a bit better.  Still not 100%.  He does a fart... then his face looks really puzzled, cos they are liquid farts!  I'm so glad he's Bex's baby!
He isn't eating normally yet either... just bits and pieces, no full meal yet.
I'm sure he will come right over the next few days.

CHRISTINE!  You must live near Denise if you are getting morning cuddles with Paisley!  You lucky thing. 

End of Day:  the best day in ages in relation to my sewing machine from hell.  Lemony is never coming home again!  He is no longer my problem.  I just hope if he gets sold the new owner doesn't have too many problems with him... but something tells me they will.
nite nite

It's going to be a long night.

Griffin has been vomiting for about 5 hours.

OH HAPPY, HAPPY, JOY, JOY.

WONDER who will be next?

GUESS WHAT? I DON'T BELIEVE IT!

ONE month ago exactly I took 'Lemony' into the repair shop as HE was not sewing decorative stitches at all.  They 'fixed' it for free.

Well, I finally needed to sew some decorative stitches yesterday... and yep... IT WOULD NOT do it.  It's doing exactly the same thing... sewing backwards and over and over in the same place!  OMG I simply don't believe it.

WHAT ELSE CAN GO WRONG WITH THIS F***KING MACHINE?  It has been a right nightmare from the day I bought it.

I decided to enlist Stew's help with it this time around.  I want them to replace it.  How many times does it have to be taken back before they concede it is a dud?  

So... Stew rang the owner of the shop I bought the machine from... Steve N.

Stew told him I was having the same problem with the machine, and we wanted to make an appointment to sit down with him to discuss the machine ...  because I was ready to bring my machine over to his shop and throw it through their shop's front window, AND I was going to make sure there was a film crew from Fair Go filming me when I did it!  (I have threatened to do that quite a few times I might add)

Steve N. said "Aahhh NO, how about your wife brings the machine back and I will talk to Husqvarna about the machine's history, and perhaps your wife should start thinking about what NEW MACHINE she would like to replace it with!" 

Now he didn't exactly say he would replace it for no cost, but I hope so.  The amount of money I have spent taking Lemony backwards and forwards to the repair shop adds up to quite a tidy sum.  

So today, first thing, I am taking Lemony and all the paperwork pertaining to His 'history' over to New Lynn, hopefully for THE LAST TIME!
OMG I hope this is the end of it.  
I am completely and utterly over this bloody machine. 

OH... and I forgot to mention... MRS N. Senior rang me after Stew had that conversation with her son, Steve N, and we had quite a nice conversation.  She is the person who actually sold Lemony to me.  She remembers me.  Funny that.
Anyway, she is looking forward to seeing me today.  I told her I'd made Lemony a lovely new cover... and I told her she would probably laugh when she saw it!  

We will see....  WISH ME LUCK!

ONWARD...

Before putting the machine in the car to take it over to New Lynn, I decided it might be prudent to turn it on and double check it is still not sewing properly.
HA!  Now it won't sew ANYTHING, not even straight stitch!  It does NOTHING.  WELL OK... the lights go on... but that's all.  Bloody hell.

Dante is sick.  He started throwing up last night, and Steve said he'd been dry retching on/off all night.  Poor little man.  I don't know what Bex's is doing yet as she's still asleep.  Probably take him to the doctors. 

Right... I'm back.  

I was seen by Carol N, the mother of the owner. *** She laughed her head off at Lemony's pretty cover!***
Anyway, as I expected, the machine did it's thing for her... didn't stitch the decorative stitches AT ALL.  AND she found the foot control to be faulty too, which is why is wouldn't work last night.
So two new faults.

She tried everything in her bag of tricks to make Lemony work, but he wasn't having any of it!
Thank God actually, cos I would have felt bad if Lemony decided to behave for her!

So... she has all the 'ammunition' she needs to talk to the Importer of the Husqvarna machines.  AND we talked about what sort of machine I'd like to replace Lemony with too!
She is trying to get me to take the Husqvarna Demo machine they have there in the shop, it's the newest model and hasn't been used "too much" yet.

But I'm just not sure.  She said the Brother Dreamweaver is a beautiful machine too... so I might think about it.

FIRST time ever, they gave me a loaner machine, the Husqvarna she would like me to take as a replacement.  I'm finally impressed with their service and attitude.  

DANTE: is feeling much better.  Tired but getting more chipper and happy, back to his talkative self.  Bex is slowly easing him back into having food and milk.  There are about 4 other toddlers from their Playcentre group also sick.  Tummy bugs are so infectious, I hope we don't all come down with it.

ABOVE:  the loaner, it's almost identical to Lemony.  
Right, I'm off to use their loaner machine...

Well... of course the loan machine goes like a dream!  So quiet, so smooth, no clunking!
No snagging.  Sews all the stitches as you would expect.
So... I'm now a bit torn between getting another Husqvaran, and the Brother Dreamweaver.

End of Day:  spending some time on the internet looking at the Dreamweaver.  And using the loaner.  Dante seemed to be much better this afternoon, but threw up when put to bed tonight.  Still not 100% obviously.
nite nite

HOSPICE SHOP, AND TREASURE...

Humble apologies for not getting the photos of my Hospice Shop up yesterday!   I got sidetracked last night with sewing...  so here they are:

ABOVE:  General view from beside the counter.

 ABOVE:  counter to the left, looking towards the front door.

 ABOVE:  at front of shop, children/baby area.

 ABOVE:  anyone want a golf club? We have plenty!

ABOVE: bric-a-brack area, books, tapes, CD's etc.

ABOVE:  General area, glassware, furniture etc.

ABOVE: Menswear.  

ABOVE:  sectioned off area at the back of the shop... where we sort and price everything that comes in.  I would call it 'organised chaos' area.  *smiles*

So, there ya go.  A virtual walk around the Manukau Hospice shop.  Bet ya didn't think it was that big.  It is probably the largest Hospice Shop in South Auckland.

ABOVE:  the treasure I got yesterday.  A really nice magazine rack, toast rack, necklace and a pretty pink beach mat.  It's quite large with a blow up pillow at one end.  I think it's lovely.  And the toast rack is a vintage, and I love it!

Today:  well I was going to visit Lacy, but she has come down with a tummy bug, so I think it would be prudent to steer clear of her for a while.  I don't want to catch it, tempting as it is to lose a few pounds quickly, I don't think I want to pass it on to everyone here.

Like hell no!  Spewing/crapping kids I can do without.

So... I might just go to Sylvia Park for a browse.  And to look in the Spotlight there too... they often have different fabrics on special from the Manukau store.

ONWARD...

ABOVE:  I forgot to show you these photos of Steve, Bex and Griffin's visit to Rainbow's End Amusement park here in Auckland.  They had a blast.  Turns out Bex is a 'screamer', and did heaps of it!  Griffin had a wonderful time, thanks S & B for taking him for us.

What is the quickest way to have your blood pressure shoot up?  Go shopping... and have goddamn idiots wandering in front of you, giving you no chance to get past them because they are walking 3 abreast.  Grrrrrr.... seriously wanted to bitch slap several groups of people today.

Then on the motorway, two big trucks in lanes 1 and 2 doing 90 kms/hr, and in lane 3?  The 'fast' lane?  A friggin van doing..... 90 kms/hr... and they were all abreast of each other too!  OMG.  I got so mad, as did several other motorists behind me.  When I finally managed to pass them I gave the van driver the bloody wanker sign... he so deserved it.

Road rage.  Yep, I can see how it happens.

So... I did manage to get all my shopping done.  New phone charger cord for my car, fabric to finish a project, a couple of gifts for the next birthday coming up... though I did drop one and smash it!  Another moment that got me all hot and crabby.
I also returned the blue gel phone cover I bought a couple of weeks ago... it simply did not fit properly, I got a different sort of cover, with the cost of the blue gel one taken off... which was good.

ABOVE:  I also got Lea Michele's Debut album, I've been waiting for it's release.  I love her voice, have loved her singing since Glee first showed on the TV.  

Right, lunchtime.  I'm going to have some of my rice risotto while watching taped Home and Away from yesterday.  Then... sewing.

JULIE:  No I don't have the rice risotto every day, I do have other lunches inbetween.  Because of course I would get sick of it if I had it every day.

I have all but finished Rena's Ballerina birthday present.  It took longer than expected.  But I ♥LOVE♥ how it's turned out, and can't wait till I can show you all.  THAT will be on Sunday 23rd March, after I give it to her.

Really, really annoyed right now... not with ANYONE, but with something.  I will elaborate tomorrow... it will give me something to blog about!  *smiles*

I can't believe how fast today has gone... it started as a stinkin' hot day, and now?  Huge rain clouds gathering.  I hope we do get a big dump of rain, my lawn needs it. The only thing growing is weeks.  Funny how the grass dies, and the weed flourish in summer. 

End of Day:  right up until late this afternoon it was a really lovely day.  Then ... well... something happened and my day changed a bit.
Will spill on that tomorrow morning.
nite nite

SHOPPING ...THEN HOSPICE SHOP DUTY

Monday.  Most people loath Mondays.  
Not me.
Once everyone has gone to work/school/playcentre I get to enjoy some quiet time!

To do housework.

Don't envy me.

I will be going out a bit earlier than usual so I can visit Spotlight before starting my shift at the Hospice Shop.  I need more batting... and it's always nice to have a browse around while there.  
Sometimes they have some really good sale items.

ABOVE:  Mike and Joyce.  They are such a lovely couple.  Mike got his 1st tattoo done by a friend.  It doesn't 'stand' for anything.  He just liked it.

 ABOVE:  Master Dante being possessive of his Griffin.  He's such a darling.

 ABOVE: The dogs getting in on the loves.  Both look so good, a bit fluffy, so I will need to get them groomed again soon.

ABOVE:  Mike trying to touch Dante without Dante crying at him.  While they were here for just a little while, Dante did give Mike a few cheeky smiles.
And Keera?  She loves EVERYBODY, so was perfectly happy to park herself on Aunty Joyce's lap.  And she did some showing off by twirling around and saying 'a' 'e' 'i' 'o' 'u'... isn't she clever!

Of course she has NO IDEA what she's saying... it's just a nice tune she like to sing.

OK... it's time to get the housework done, see the kids off to school, bla bla bla.

ONWARD...

I am going to take my camera to work today, and show you all the shop and surrounds.  Cos I'm sure someone would like to see?

Home again... hospice shop wasn't too quiet today, but not busy.  I took photos, but the internet is doing a 'go slow' right now, so will try and load my photos a bit later on this evening.  It's always slow from about 5.30 - 7 pm.

Shit!  I started sewing after dinner, and the next thing I know it's almost my bedtime... 11 pm if you are wondering.  *smiles*
So, I shall just show two photos tonight after all that waiting... sorry.  More tomorrow.  I don't want to stay up any longer waiting for photos to download.

ABOVE:  I'm standing in the middle of the Spotlight carpark... looking towards the Hospice Shop I volunteer at.

ABOVE:  Voom so you can see the shop over the top of my car.

They are so near to each other, I can go to both my favourite shops in one outing.  Excellent.

End of Day:  a lovely day, I got treasure today, but will have to show you tomorrow.  I've not even taken it off my digital card yet!
nite nite

BIT OF THIS AND THAT TODAY

Well, first up for today is Steve, Bex and Griffin are going to Rainbow's End Amusement Park.
Griffin was given a free pass as a reward from his school for being 'Person of the Term' at the end of last year.

He must use it before the 14th of this month, so he's going with Steve and Bex today.

Stew and I will be babysitting Dante for them, which is fine as we already have Keera here.  Those two bubs get on so well together.

Bex said yesterday she saw them giving each other kisses and cuddles.  Wish I'd seen that.

Mike's netball team didn't make it to the Semi-finals, so Mike is pretty much a free agent today.
I know he and Joyce want to come visit us.  Also, they want to watch the Men's final... so we shall be kinda be playing today by ear.

Bearing in mind we have two babes today, I shall probably be staying home with them if Stew and Brylee decide to go out to watch Netball.
It doesn't matter to me.  It's so hot down at the courts I'd actually rather stay home.

I don't think I've mentioned this ... but my hot flushes are easing!  I don't know if it's due to the new blood pressure medication or because I am actually outgrowing them?  Either way, I'm grateful.  I'm down to about 4-5 a day!!!  Bloody awesome.

I could kick myself.  I should have used all those hours on the bus last week to read up on my Camera's operations!  Grrrr.  Feel so dumb now.
Reading up on how to operate beyond 'AUTO' is something I am desperate to do.  But to find the time!  There is so much I should be doing... getting Rena's Ballerina done, housework, blog reading, housework, my Dresden Plate quilt finished, housework.............

Sheesh, the list goes on and on.  There's not enough hours in the day sometimes.

 ABOVE:  Joyce talking to Mike ... she was about to start a game.  I call her Pipsqueak.  She's so little.  

ABOVE:  ain't that the truth! 

ABOVE:  did I tell you I had read a report that come out a week or so ago about that bus crash behind our house?

If I didn't:  the bus driver was speeding, he entered an 'S' bend, a car was in the middle of the road about to turn into a driveway.  The bus driver decided to try and pass him ON THE LEFT and hit the curb, which made the bus swerve onto the wrong side of the road, narrowly missing a taxi with 3 passengers in it, before mounting the curb and crashing into the tree.

The bus driver, an elderly man and two other passengers were ejected from the bus through the smashed windscreen.  The two children on the bus sustained injuries too.  

The upshot?  The bus driver was charged with dangerous driving causing death (the elderly man died at the scene), dangerous driving causing injury to the children, and reckless endangerment.  He was sentenced to almost three years jail and loss of his drivers license for 3 years.

He deserved it.  

OK... I'm done for now...

ONWARD...

ANNITA:  neither Joyce or Mike are 'Professional' netball players.  They just love the game and enjoy playing in their spare time.
Mike works in Retail for now, until he is ready to apply to train as a Police Officer.  Joyce works at home.

Well... Steve, Bex and Griffin have left for Rainbow's end.  Here's hoping they have an awesome time.

I'm doing some sewing... while Stew is on babysitting duty!  He doesn't mind, he's watching sport on the telly while giving Dante his pre-nap bottle.

1 toddler is asleep, the other is still happily playing after having a 'Granddad Nap'... which simply means he fell asleep on Granddad, and stayed there till he woke up again.  *sigh*

Lunchtime, and I'm having my rice risotto with peas.  Yum yum.

We haven't heard from Mike and Joyce today, so not sure what they are doing or if we will see them today or not. Mike is the worst communicator ever!  We ring/leave texts... and hear back NOTHING 9 times out of 10.

Well NOW I have to eat my words, as Stew just heard from him.  Looks like we will see him this afternoon.  Yaaa.

Well... Mike and Joyce were here for a couple of hours, time to have a bit of a catch up without netball being a distraction.
I hope to see them again in a few months when I go back down to Palmy for a girly weekend again.

Steve is cooking our dinner tonight, sausages, mashed spuds, baked beans and spaghetti.   An easy dinner, but nice.

I'm happy with the progress I made on Rena's Ballerina, it's looking so cute.

End of Day:  it's been a super lovely day really.  The babies are just adorable... they 'play' with each other heaps.  By play, I mean they fight over who's got what, who's too close to 'their' Granddad or Griffin!   Dante is very possessive of his people.
Seeing Mike and Joyce was wonderful.
Sewing today was wonderful.
And I am almost finished the Ballerina project for Rena.
nite nite