STUDY TODAY

No Studio work today.

We still have Steve and family here visiting.

And I want to get into our study and sort out all our paperwork and so on.  It's all just chucked in there right now.  

ABOVE:  A couple of photos of the cousins playing yesterday, and smothering Stew and the dogs.

If I get the study done fairly quickly, and IF the weather is good, I would like to work on this area too:

ABOVE: Stew made a large trellis type gate for in front of the bins yesterday.
Now I am going to paint it...BLUE. *smiles*

And that's all for now, catch ya later.

ONWARD...

LOL... study??? HA HA HA... I've done anything but the bloody study.
Been knitting.  Yakking.  Eating.  Visiting with family.

 ABOVE: The boys enjoying our new headboard.  Seems it's pretty cool.

ABOVE:  Keera visiting too.  Lacy, Bex and Keera have gone shopping at Spotlight.  It's pretty hard keeping Bex out of that shop!  Bit like me and fabric... only her obsession is wool.

8.30 pm:  Well... it was a busy afternoon, lovely spending time with the family.

Seeing as Bex and I were busy crocheting and knitting, Lacy decided to give it a go too...

 ABOVE:  Keera watching her Mum trying to crochet ... while watching a You Tube tutorial.
In the end Bex helped her get the drift.

 ABOVE:  I may never get another photo of all three of us doing knitting/crochet again!  lol

ABOVE:  Lacy did quite well for her first attempt.

So... Steve and family left around 3.30 and Lacy and Keera left around 4.30.

There was a very brief moment when all was quiet... then Brylee came home from work.  

And back to normal.   And that's how it's going to stay for a bit longer.

I decided Brylee probably didn't need to move out yet... so she's staying for a while longer!

Call it:  'I don't want to worry about her yet'.  *smiles*

And that's my day done and dusted.  Time to just relax and enjoy some quiet time... and knitting.

COVID-19:  NZ 1504.  22 Lives Lost.  1 Active Case.  NO new cases in 16 days.

WORKING HARD...

We have been 'working' on Brylee for the past few weeks.

Working on getting her to move out.  In a nice way of course.  But still... gently hinting, outright hinting and looking at flats on the internet for her too.  lol

She has been waiting for a friend of her's to be ready to go flatting with her... but there is just one excuse after another.
We have been listening to excuses for well over a year now!

So... last night we finally convinced her to go into an existing flat, with flatmates in situ.

And ... AND... she is going to look at a house on Monday night after work.  

OMG... she might actually move out soon!

Much as we love her... I love the idea of finally being home ALONE with my darling Stew for the first time EVER.

I don't even know HOW that will feel.  

2020  MIGHT end up being OUR YEAR yet.

 I DIDN'T FORGET!

ABOVE:  I love this man more than he will ever know... and then some more.  33 years!  OMG such a long time, it just flies by.

Today we are going to pick up our new headboard.  The bed is going to be a few weeks sadly.  But, good things take time I suppose.

We are expecting visitors this afternoon ... more on that later.  

Heck, we should have a 'special' dinner tonight to mark the 33 years.  There's a couple of bottles of wine in the fridge too.  *smiles*

But for now, I better get on with the housework, and open my little shop later on.

I'm also going to take everything off the tree today, except anything that is just hanging like the little hearts and the rainbow made by Bex.

ONWARD...

9.06 am:  And it's done...

ABOVE:  Almost everything came off.  I left three pieces with pom poms and buttons on, and the little hanging things that won't hurt the tree like the swing and hearts/tassels.

It didn't take long!  I'm already planning on making some more bunting for it... cos it's looking so sad now. :(

Now... time to sew.  Oh, we already had a lady and two kids in the shop.  They were just browsing though.  But nice way to start the day, having a nice chat.
Stew has gone to pick up our new headboard.  
Exciting!!!

ABOVE:  And it's in.   Once we get our new bed we will raise the headboard up a bit so the shelves are more accessible and visible.


ABOVE:  So today we had Andrew, Joel, Emily and Liam visit for the afternoon, and also Steve, Bex and the boys.

So a lovely afternoon.

I had some really good sales in the shop today, and got an order for a cot quilt too.

All is quiet now, we've just had dinner and are enjoying a little wine.

COVID-19:  NZ 1504. 22 Lives Lost. 1 Active Case. No new cases for 15 days.

LETS GET TO IT

I am out and about a bit today.

First up... an FBG walk in Cambridge.  That's at 10 am, so I've got plenty of time to get over there.

As soon as that's done I have to come home and get the dogs off to the groomers.  They will be there from 1 pm till about 4.30 pm.

After dropping the dogs off, I am meeting up with Stew for lunch at The Base.  Let's call that 'A Date'.  lol

 ABOVE:  I made a start on this lot last night.  I should get it finished today.  Well I bloody well better, it's been on me 'To Do' list all week!  Seriously hate it when I want to get something done and it just doesn't happen.

ABOVE:  Here is the gorgeous Stef, celebrating the finish of her chemotherapy on Tuesday.  She didn't run through it as she was not feeling very energetic.  Poor thing has been through the wringer.  

Right, I better get a move on, it would be nice to  have all the housework done before I head out the door later on.

ONWARD...

*Hi, waving madly*  ... did ya miss me?

I've been busy!

Walk in Cambridge was LOVELY.

 ABOVE: We passed by this amazing tree!  Beautiful, but super messy.

ABOVE:  My walker friends this morning.  After our walk we had a very nice chat and morning tea at a favourite coffee shop.

After the walk I got home with plenty of time to do this:

 ABOVE:  I got the flowers sorted out.  Lots of ribbon and wire to hold them in the right place.  *smiles*

Then at 1 pm I took the dogs to the groomers, after catching Coco's piddle.  Such an easy job! lol

Dropped the dogs off and Coco's piddle to the vet... then met up with Stew for lunch.

Just got home and it's time to head out again to pick up the girls, and talk to the Vet.

Well that was the quickest Vet appointment ever! Coco does not have a urinary track infection, or anything else the Vet could find.  

He agreed with my opinion.

She is averse to getting her feet wet!  As in, she doesn't like going outside to pee/poo when it's cold and wet!

She has done this sort of thing MANY times before over the years, just not on beds.  Goodness knows why she did go pee on a bed ?

Now, we just have to be more vigilant about where she is and what she's doing, and when I can't keep an eye on her, she will have to stay in the garage.  A bit annoying really.

She is just a naughty girl!  Precious, but naughty.

It's now 4.20 pm and it's starting to cool down.  I will close all the curtains and turn on the heat pump... 

Dinner tonight was pork steaks, mashed potato and baked beans!  Silly bugger dinner... no one wanted veges.  *smiles*

Been watching TV since then, and working on Brylee.

Ha ha ... more on that tomorrow.

COVID-19:  NZ 1504. 22 Lives Lost. 1 Active Case.  No new cases in 14 days.

DISPLAY BOARD

Today I will be making a 'display board' for the shop.
The idea is to be able to show customers what I have made in the past, and how I can put names on cot quilts, runners and so on.

So yesterday I went out and bought these to make the display board with:

 ABOVE: These clear pockets to put photos in.  They are neat cos I can take the photos out and replace them with new ones when I want.

ABOVE: This is a school display board.  Most kids use them to display science projects and such like.  It's perfect for my purpose too.
As it folds up, it won't take up any room when not in use in the shop.

I also use one for taking photos... well I did till I lost it!  I bought 2 yesterday, one for my display board, and one for the backdrop for me photos.

ABOVE:  I am thrilled to bits with the new printer!  These photos will be going in the clear pockets and then on the display board.

I'm still working on how to set it up.  So let's wait and see how it turns out... it will be a process over a couple of days probably.

I hope to get to the lounge flower arrangement sometime today too.

But for now... I'm gunna roll over and have another hour or so of sleep.

Catch ya later.

ONWARD...

11.22 am:  And although it's a really wet, horrible day, I got customers.
One was a lady who was here a couple of days ago, who said she would be back today.

And she was.  And she brought anther friend with her.  And they spent a LONG time in the shop, and they both eventually spent some money.  AND they are coming back again on Monday to pick up an order!  *smiles*

I've started on two wonky house runners.  They will take me a few days to get done.  But will be a welcome addition to my runner collection, which is woefully low.

*** Got one ready to stitch ***

Oh man I  had forgotten how much was involved with Wonky House Runners!  So much time to get the colours right.  But, for now I've got ONE ready for stitching:

ABOVE:  I love how they "POP" once I've done the stitching...lol, clearly NOT done yet.  I'll probably work on it again tomorrow, for now my back is KILLING me from standing and cutting/placing little bits of fabric down.

ABOVE:  Stew is at work, Brylee is at work and my car is in the garage... so PLENTY of parking for customers!  And they do drive in and park.  *smiles*

I thought our home in Cambridge had an amazingly big car parking area, but this one does too.  How lucky can ya get?

So very lucky about so many things with our new home.  Sometimes I feel kinda tearful thinking about how lucky we are to have found this house, and secured it during a very HOT and FAST market.

Neighbours 2 doors down just put their home on the market today.  The estate agents went through at 9 am and by 11 am the huge sign was out the front!  Let's see  how long it takes to sell.

Lacy is on her way around for a visit.  Once she's been I have a small shopping list. Mostly black thread for the Wonky House Runners.  I go through MASSES and MASSES of black thread!

3.55 pm: OMG I'm knackered.  I got what I needed at the shops then got home just before the traffic got nuts.
I've now got 90 minutes to relax before I have to start dinner.
Oh ya.

And... I didn't cook afterall.  We got KFC, first time in what?  3 Months?  It was lovely.

Then watched some You Tube videos, and now I'm waiting for Coronation Street to start, then I'll be off to bed.

COVID-19:  NZ 1504.  22 Lives Lost. 1 Active Case.  No new cases in 13 consecutive days.

EUREKA!

Here's one for the 'girls'.

How many of you find yourself constantly hitching your bloody bra strap (s) back onto your shoulder during the day?

I do.  A gazillion times a day.  I've used ribbon across my back to hold them in place, but it's a right fag getting it in the right place on ya own.

Yesterday I was using blu tack to level paintings on the wall, and had some left over... so I shoved it under my bra strap. (intending to take it out later, but I forgot)

Anyway... bugger me!  That strap stayed put all afternoon and evening!   I had forgotten it was even there till I came to take me bra off and it was literally STUCK TIGHT to me shoulder!

EUREKA!   I think I'll be using blu tack every day from now on.  

I don't know about you, but having a bra strap slip off ya shoulder all day long is OMG so annoying!  And always just my left shoulder too.  What's with that???

Today I'm in my Studio, working on various projects.  Just not sure what yet, though it really should be more table runners I think.

 ABOVE: These are the two Critters I got finished yesterday.
I now have 4 in the shop.  I won't make any more for now, and see how they go.

ABOVE: The front door area revised.  The Runway painting looks nice there.

ABOVE: Because we now have less furniture in the lounge, I could finally put the flowers in here.  I just need to tidy the arrangement up a bit, it's been mucked up with being in storage and moving.  I might do that first thing this morning, before opening the shop.

ONWARD...

ABOVE: I got mail from Australia today. It took 8 weeks and 1 day to get here. Considering we have a Pandemic going on, that's not too bad! Usually it takes up to 6 weeks to get across the ditch.


We have a super foggy day. Damp and dreary, and I'm sure if I was outside I'd be cold. I'm going to turn the heat pump on in the Studio so it's warm and inviting if anyone pops in.


12.53 pm: And would you believe the fog has only just lifted and we MIGHT get a tiny glimpse of the sun before it sets? lol


I'm toasty warm in my studio... SO damn lucky there's a heat pump in here. I ♥LOVE♥ THIS HOUSE!

ABOVE: I had an order for two of these in this colour ... so I made 4 more this morning. Three of the above are for sale... just saying. *smiles*


No one in the shop so far today, I'm not surprised though, it's such a shitty day.


Once I close up for the day I'm going out to buy a couple more cushions for the brown lounge suite. It's still looking a bit bare.


1.09 pm: And just as I was thinking of closing up... a couple came in. Had a nice browse, and a chat and left again. So even though no sales today, I got some work done and met some nice people.


I'm now going to close up and have some lunch before hitting the shops.

4.42 pm:  Been out, got two more cushions (same as what we already got), and a few more flowers to pad out the arrangement in the lounge, which is yet to be done.  Busy, busy... it will  have to wait until tomorrow now.

We have pork belly in the oven, to be had with roast potatoes and veges.

My back is killing me this afternoon... so time to stop, take a pill and relax.

 ABOVE:  With the two new cushions, and I moved the throw too.
Looks way better.
Really cosy and inviting.

ABOVE:  And see?  Matches really well with our PINK-ish kitchen.  Which I'm not averse to AT ALL.  I know it's very old fashioned, but as long as we are happy... that's all that matters.

Dinner was really lovely.  I'm stuffed now and just want to curl up and relax.

The blu tack has worked bang on all day.  No strap slippage AT ALL.

Might take a bit of getting off later though! lol

COVID-19.  NZ 1504.  22 Lives Lost. I Active Case.  12 days in a row, no new cases.

TOO LATE NOW

After Griffin left yesterday, Stew and I got on with moving the furniture around in the spare bedroom and littlest bedroom.

Now we have a bedroom with the single and trundler bed in it, and a study.  And Brylee also has a double bedroom... for now.

As soon as she vacates the premises, her room will become a spare bedroom with a Queen size bed in it.

 ABOVE: The little bedroom is now our study.

ABOVE: The middle bedroom is now the spare bedroom for kids.  There is plenty of room for the trundler bed to be pulled out and used.

IF Griffin comes home again, he will be sleeping in a single bed!  lol

ABOVE:  Got a damn sore toe!  Not broken, but certainly munted.  lol  No more bare feet around the house, that's for sure.  I keep stubbing me blasted toes.  Grrrr.

Today?  Stew is back at work, and Brylee is home for two days.
I will be opening my little shop, and working on making a few more things.

So, that's me for now.  Catch ya later.

ONWARD...

12.03 pm:  And I've had a good morning.  Got a few little jobs done around the house before heading off into the Studio.

I didn't actually do any sewing to start with, instead I did this:

 ABOVE:  I  had to resolve the problem we have with the vase of flowers and the white heart constantly getting knocked off that shelf.  
I didn't want to remove them from the room as they 'tie' in with the pinkish theme.
So, it came to me last night as I was trying to get to sleep...

 ABOVE:  I could use this old cabinet door as a framework and ...

ABOVE: Do that.

I will hang it on the wall and take down that 'Runway' painting.  (it's supposed to depict Palmerston North's runway).

I'm rather pleased with how it looks, just have to put it on the wall later.

Right now I'm in me Studio eating my cheese and onion sandwich for lunch, before continuing with a Critter or two.

2.50 pm:  And I had two ladies visit the shop today.  One is coming back on Thursday and the other is coming back on Saturday.  They were both out getting their daily walk, so didn't have their purses on them.  I feel certain they will come back too, as they were super enthusiastic about quite a few things in my shop.

I have spent a lot of time today just titivating in the house.  Moving ornaments etc.

Happy to have got this done:

ABOVE:  It's a bit different.  I like different.

I've got Card's in Cambridge tonight.  I'm so tired though. I might try to catch 90 winks right now...

Thankfully I did get 40 winks before heading off to Cambridge.
Cards was neat, nice to be getting back into a normal routine again.

Time to go to bed, another day tomorrow in the studio/shop.

COVID-19: NZ - 1504.  22 Lives Lost. 1 Active Case.  No new cases in 11 consecutive days.

A NEW NORMAL

We are back to 4 at home.

And the countdown is on... to see which of the kids moves out first.  *smiles*

I will be informing them of this though:

Ya gotta be gone by December the 1st!
By the end of this year I want to be here, in my home with JUST STEW.

It's not too much to ask, they will be 20 and 19 by then.  Quite old enough to be taking care of themselves.

 ABOVE:  The new printer works really well.  Steve got me some photo paper yesterday afternoon, so of course, I did some printing.

I'm thrilled with the quality and clarity, they are just like 'proper' photos!

I am going to have a folder in my shop showing some of my earlier work, and to point out that I can put names on quilts, runners, banners and so on.  (MEL Gibb suggested it a little while ago, thanks for such a good idea Chick).

 ABOVE:  Such a relaxing spot in our Family Room now!  I can't wait to have a nap on that couch.  *smiles*

ABOVE:  This is the final version of my little 'Critter'.  It has felt eyes (super safe for babies/little children) and curly legs.  Armless, cos well... it just doesn't need them.

ABOVE:  A rather cute moment last night when the little boys gravitated to Griffin.  I have no idea what was so interesting on his phone though.

Today's plans?  Might go looking for some new cushions for a) the brown couch in the family room and b) our bed.  We won't be using the European pillows once we get our new headboard, as they will cover the headboard completely, therefore defeating having it.

Brylee is working today (time and a half it being a public holiday) and as for Griffin?  Dunno.  I doubt he will want to go cushion hunting!  lol

So... let's see how the day pans out.

ONWARD...

Well, Stew and I did indeed go cushion and throw shopping.
And we had a neat time!
Surprisingly we found exactly what we wanted, after visiting 3-4 shops.  Got some here, some there and just had a lovely morning together.

ABOVE: I wanted to find cushions and throws for this couch... that blended in with the decor already in the house.  (read:  Pinkish kitchen).  And also fill the gaps, this was the only way we could fit some of the brown couch furniture in here ...

ABOVE: And this is what we came up with.  4 new cushions, one existing, and a sheepskin throw.

 ABOVE:  saw this, just had to get it.  
EVERYTHING IS ON SALE... like EVERYTHING!!!

ABOVE:  It looks lovely here.

ABOVE:  And as Stew pointed out, you can see both cows when standing in the kitchen.  Nice.

 ABOVE:  All our other cushions look ok in the lounge. 

ABOVE:  I finally found a throw for the end of my bed that was LONG enough. Every other one I've got is too short and looks naff.
And best of all, this one is the perfect match and doesn't clash with my duvet cover.

Now I need to change the runners on top of our bedside drawers and dressing table/drawers.  I'm sure I've either already got something that will suit, or I can make some.

*** FOUR OF US? ***  Things change pretty quickly.  Griffin just left again!  His girlfriend talked him into going back... so let's see how long that lasts.
Hopefully they can work themselves out.  If not, he can just come home again.

 ABOVE:  Forgot! We literally ran into this lovely chick at The Base.  Sue from RAGLAN.  She was out doing a bit of retail therapy, like thousands of people today.

ABOVE:  I used some of the left over Garlic Naan breads for our lunch today.  Homemade pizza.  Super yummy.

ANON:  I am quite sure I will re-arrange the cushions 52,000 times before I'm happy with them.  And then I'll change them again.  Cos that's what I do. *smiles*

11.35 pm:  Time to head off to bed.  I've spent the evening knitting critters.  Should have two more finished by tomorrow some time.

Covid- 19 : 10th Day in a row, no new cases. NZ - 1504.  22 Lives Lost.  1 Active Case.