TAMAHERE MARKET

*sigh*  *yawn*... up bright and early today for market.

Last month the Tamahere market was DEAD... so let's hope today it isn't.

Kids are back at school, most people are back at work, so life is back to normal.  No reason not to wander around our lovely market.

Yesterday afternoon I simply could not resist making a runner with that new fabric I bought HEAPS of.  I knew exactly what I wanted it for.

ABOVE:     THIS!

I plan on using it for Braid Runners as well.... but really, it suits this style so well.  Simple, clean, uncomplicated.  Another new one for the market.

And now, I've gotta go. 

 

CATCH YA LATER...

ABOVE: 7.30 am. All set up. The sun has risen. The weather is looking glorious. I've already spent money! Our next 'door' neighbour sells plants and I saw two beautiful flowering bulbs and got them.

Here's to a fab day.

So 'M', a fellow stall holder walked in to have a quick chat. We were saying how hard it is to remember people's names. And he is like me, hopeless at remembering a name, but we  never forget a face. Then he paid me a real compliment... he said I was UN-IGNORABLE! 

What an excellent word. 

I'm UN-IGNORABLE. Stew totally agreed with him. 🤣😅😊

ABOVE: The kids came to visit... and left Lily with us for a moment. Massive cluck session going on here.

ABOVE: Lots of people out and about today. Sales are a bit slow... but thats ok. We are enjoying the atmosphere. 

3.45 pm:  Been home for a while now.

Market was great, not huge sales, but OK.

Love being there, chatting to people all day long.

On our way home we stopped at Subway for a very late lunch.

Then once home we unloaded these:

ABOVE: An entire tray on inpatients.  A fellow stall holder was giving them away at the end of the market, and gave them to us.

So this evening Stew will be planting them under our maple tree.

Steve, Bex and kids called in for a couple of hours, and we had a swim, which was wonderful.  Just what I felt like after a very hot day at market.

Now they have left, and Stew has gone to the supermarket, so it's the first time today I'm on me own.  After such a busy day, it feels weird.

Before it got dark, Stew and I did some work on the yard.  I did lots of watering, filling the pool etc.  Stew planted those inpatients, and pulled out an old lilac that had gone all woody.

So nice being out there at dusk.

Now, we are just watching the telly till bedtime.

Catch ya tomorrow.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOYCE

 

ABOVE:  Today Joyce hits the big 30!  WOW, the last 15 years have gone fast.  Hard to believe she's been with Mike that long.  

Sadly we can't go down and help celebrate her birthday, as we have a full weekend ahead of us.

But I'm sure she will have a lovely time with her friends and family, and Mike of course.

Today I am hoping to make a final runner before tomorrow's market.  Then I will get everything ready for market.  Most of it is in the van already, but we need to organise food, drink, float etc.

We have it down pat now of course, but I like to go through my check list anyway.  😊

Stew is heading back to work today, he was told by the Health Department he could (in case you are concerned for his co-workers health).

He will probably find it a bit hard using his brain all day!  lol

As for me, I am off to start my day.

OH... I laid out my next Braid Runner at 11 pm last night... cos I got an idea in me head and had to go with it.

This next one is DIFFERENT from any of the previous SEVENTY FIVE I've made!  I'm a bit excited to see how it comes out. 😂😅😉

CATCH YA LATER...

Yes, I'm already half way through the next runner, and it's not even midday.

It's another stinking hot day, here's hoping it's like this tomorrow.

I've got a sick Lacy here right now... so I better go and check on her.

ABOVE:  Marley keeping Lacy company.  As least for a few minutes anyway!  She's now come back to the sewing room.

ABOVE:  My Covid NEGATIVE test from today, and Stew took a test this morning and he was NEGATIVE as well.

So this latest blight has passed.

ABOVE:  And here is #76.  Still a Braid Runner, but FUN!  I used some really cute Kiwiana fabrics that I'd forgotten about!

ABOVE:  So cute!   I hope you like my runner?  I sure do.

I ordered three pieces of fabric from a shop in Katikati yesterday morning.  It arrived today.   One of the fabrics I just FELL in love with instantly.

So I tried to order some more from the same place, but sadly they didn't have much left.  BUT, they told me where I could get more from, here in Hamilton.

So kind of them don't ya think?

Anyway, I rang the place and they had enough, so I went there just now (1.30 pm) and got HEAPS.

HEAPS, because it is a discontinued line, and cannot be bought again.  

BACKSTREET BARGAINS, TE RAPA.  I know I've been there ONCE before, but I really must have had me eyes closed!  It's amazing.

ABOVE: That is all of their Kiwiana fabrics.  And their prices?  Lowest I've seen anywhere.

I will most certainly be going there from now on for my Kiwiana fabrics.

ABOVE:  Oh yeah, that is the fabric I fell in love with!

LOVE LOVE LOVE IT.

3.30 pm:  And I'm done for the day.  It's been a busy day (so far), and I just want to relax now.  Tomorrow will be busy (hopefully) so best to just take a chill pill now.

I did do another runner this afternoon, using that new fabric.  I'll show it to you tomorrow.

It has worked out exactly how I envisioned it.

8.43 pm:  Stew got home from work and seemed just fine.  Not exhausted like I expected him to be.  So he's back normal.  Just as well cos we have a market tomorrow and I need him to help me!  

I'm off to be in the next hour or so, I'm bloody tired.  Sewing may sound easy, sitting on ya butt most of the time, but in reality it's not relaxing.  I get up and down constantly, ironing, cutting, pinning and so on.  Luckily I love it eh?

Right.  I'm off.  Catch ya tomorrow.

WHERE SHOULD IT GO?

 

First up, a question for you.

I wanted a 'BATH' sign for the bathroom.  But couldn't find one.

So I opted for something a bit different.

But now I'm not sure if it is appropriate for the bathroom?   Or should I put it in the toilet?

ABOVE:  I painted the lettering blue.  Of course.

So, bathroom or loo?

ABOVE:  Still in the bathroom... can you see how the water flows of out of the 'spout'?  It is amazing, and makes the bubbles form in the bath super fast!  I reckon it will be really good for rinsing my hair under as well.  OR even just having it pour on ya back.  BLISS. 

I'm so looking forward to winter, when the bath will really come into it's own.

Now, back to today.  I've made up my mind to have a lazy day.  I should be making a Kiwiana runner, but I can't be arsed.  I just want to relax for the day.  Lie in the sun.  Swim in the pool.

Eat crackers and relish.  And that's about it!

CATCH YA LATER...

Well... I'm sewing!  I'm terrible, but I dreamed about a runner that I wanted to make... so that's what I'm doing.

Stew is feeling exhausted today.  He's not sleeping well.  He slept in till well after 9 this morning, so I feel like maybe he won't be back at work tomorrow.

ABOVE:  Fresh in from Bex... our little Lily.  She's doing really well and is now 8.5 pounds.

I've missed seeing her for days now.  Maybe by Saturday, after market, we will get to see her and her family again.

Well.... the sign.

Is not going up anywhere now.  I've thought about it all morning and I agree with you.

I will not be putting it up anywhere in my home.

Bad buy.  Impulse buy's sometimes are.  

Luckily it wasn't too expensive.

Someone will get it for Christmas!  Or I'll sell it on my stall?  

ABOVE:  Todays runner.  I'm quite happy with it, it's a little bit different from my 'usual' Kiwiana Braid Runners.  Much lighter.  I wonder how long it will last on the stall?

After lunch I did some swimming, it was quite cloudy today.   But still warm as heck.

I spent a good deal of time today trying to track down a certain fabric online.  I finally found some here in Hamilton (WOW), and managed to buy all she had.

I went out at 5pm and picked it up, worst time to be on the road.  But needs must.  She was only open 5 - 8 pm tonight, to beat the heat in her shop space.  Which is a tin garage, so stinking hot during the day.

Stew must be feeling a bit better this afternoon, cos he's in the pool.  First time this week.

It's now dinner time, and I'm watching some episodes of Coronation Street that I recorded.

Ha ha!  Trust you Cranky to love the sign.  You do have the same sense of humour as me.

But I won't be hanging it up in the bathroom or loo.   I might put it in the gym room.  We will see.

Time to sign off for the day, it's been a good day, productive and enjoyable.

REPEAT

 

And another day rolls around.  I am going to try and drag my sorry butt out of bed and go for a walk, not that I feel like it.

MEH. 

Today I am planning on making two more Braid Runners.  1 Black/White and Blue, and one Kiwiana.

ABOVE: Those are the two I got made yesterday.

Similar, but slightly different. I really love them.

Right, that's me for now.

I'll be back later with an update on how Stew is feeling.  He's still asleep right now.

CATCH YA LATER...

10.15 am and I'm outside weeding! Yep. Not sewing like I planned.

Got myself on a mission to rid my rockery of some spreading shit.

ABOVE:  A good job done.

Some people might have liked all the begonias, but to me they had become a weed!  They just kept on spreading EVERYWHERE.  I even had them coming up in my backyard gardens.

No thanks.  At least they are an easy enough plant to pull out, roots and all.

Now I have to keep on top of the baby ones that pop up.  Roundup is gunna be used until I have eradicated all of it.

I'm now a bit on the tired side, so shall take a break before heading into the sewing room.

Stew is clearly feeling much better today!  He looks brighter, he sounds brighter and he's on his laptop working.

So that is great.  I reckon he will be back in the office by Friday.

I have decided to go on no more walks for the time being.  If I do anything it will be on our treadmill until it's not so hot outside.

February and March are just TOO HOT for me.

ABOVE:  And that's today's runner done.  That makes 4 Black/White and Blue Braid Runners done and ready for market.

Tomorrow I will make a Kiwiana one.

I had planned on making two today, but I'm just done.  My feet are swollen and it's stinking hot. 

Stew is watching friggin CRICKET... the most boring game in the world.

How the commentators find anything to yabber on about it beyond me.  DEAD BORING.

I might have to put me headphones on and watch something on me laptop.

It's VALENTINES DAY.

And Stew had the PERFECT excuse to NOT give me a kiss and hug.  THE BASTARD HAS COVID. (just joking, we don't really observe Valentines Day).

It's been a fairly quiet day today.  Not much going on.  

I'm off to do more of nothing.

Catch ya tomorrow.

A NEW RUN OF BRAID RUNNERS

 

Well it's back to 'normal'... today I will be sewing runners all day. 

Well, except for a break midday for a swim and a relax.

ABOVE: This is the Braid Runner I got finished last night.

I'm going to make 2-3 more in this colourway this week.

Then if I have time before Saturday's market, I will make a Kiwiana Braid Runner as well.

So, I'm gunna be busy.

Stew is still feeling Ikkk, so he will be parked in front of the telly again no doubt.  

ABOVE: Last night's sunset.  It was better in person, obviously.  Crescent moon top right.  It was so pretty.

And that's all I have for now...

CATCH YA LATER...

11.10 am:  I went to Spotlight to get more batting... and after an extensive search by me and two of the staff, we couldn't find any!

According to their inventory on the computer, they had 25 meters.  NOPE.

So I got on to their 0800 number, and the lady there searched online to see who had some.

I was perfectly happy to travel to either Auckland or Rotorua for some, as I am nearly out of it.

In all the stores in Auckland, the most anyone had was Henderson, who had 10 meters.  Everywhere else only had between 3 and 10 meters.

Rotorua had 20 meters, and I was about to drive there for it.

WHEN... we had another last minute search on the racks.  AND bloody hell!

We found the missing 25 meters buried under all the other batting/wadding... pushed to the back and covered up!

ABOVE: So, because it was obviously in sort supply right now, I bought the lot. THAT was bloody expensive, even with 30% off.

But, two good markets will cover the cost, and it should keep me going for a few months.

After Spotlight, I went to the supermarket, and for probably the first time in my life, I only bought the 4 things on my shopping list!  Miracles do happen.

I'm home now, and about to make my lunch.  Today I am having Shrimp, Onion and Egg salad, with fresh mint as a garnish.  Sounds yum eh?

Stew is still very 'heady', headache, snotty, slight sore throat.  He's binging on horrible movies, all shoot 'em up bang, bang types.  I loathe that sort of movie.

Each to their own of course.

5.20 pm: And I'm finally done for the day.  8.5 hours of sewing today, and I got two Black/White and Blue Braid Runners done.

So I'm happy with my day.

Stew had done the same as yesterday, watching the telly and napping.  He still feels like shit.

I'm hoping he is on the improve tomorrow.  

And now, I'm putting my feet up cos my ankles are swollen from me sitting all day.  Not pretty.

knackered this evening, trying to stay awake and it's only 8.35 pm.  Might call it a day.

CATCH YA TOMORROW.

THIS FINALLY HAPPENED

 

After our market yesterday, I finally did this:

ABOVE:  Yes!  I got to soak in the new bath.

It was wonderful, so relaxing.  LOTS of bubbles!

And I had no trouble getting out of it either, which was something I was a bit worried about.

ABOVE:  Bex took this adorable photo of the kids a couple of days ago.  Archer was hysterical because Lily had JUST filled her nappy... loudly.

Very funny.

Now, back to today.

Stew is home for the rest of the week, he tested positive for bloody Covid last night.

I am going out today to get more tests, and a few bits 'n' bobs.

I might give having a walk a miss this morning, I've got heaps to do in the sewing room once I get home from the shop and chemist.

We had Steve, Bex and kids over yesterday afternoon.  I'm hoping that Lily will be immune from catching Covid as she should get immunity via breast milk.  Though Stew didn't go near her as he had a headache, and didn't feel great.

I am still free of it thank goodness.  

We will be giving the kids a wide berth for the next week to be safe.

And yesterday at market we never got close to anyone, and there was a very blustery wind blowing, so I'm sure he didn't 'infect' anyone.

Luckily, the strains of Covid going around now are much less virulent than the original ones.

And that's all for now...

CATCH YA LATER...

12.45 am, it's been a busy morning.

I slept in till 9 today, so did Stew.  Clearly we both needed it.

After that I got on with all my Monday morning jobs.  That was finished around 11.  Then I had brunch, before heading into the sewing room to lay out some more runners.

Stew has been parked in front of the telly all morning, enjoying his enforced rest.  He's not too miserable thankfully.

I'm staying away from him as much as possible, because :

A.  I don't want to catch his covid and

B.  He really doesn't want to die from 16 stabs in the chest!  His constant sniffing and snorting is driving me INSANE!

ABOVE: 4.45 pm.  I did two hours of sewing, then I spent 2.5 hours in the pool and lying in the sun.  What a perfect afternoon.

I'm now back in the sewing room for another couple of hours work.

Stew is still in the family room, watching TV, dozing, sneezing, snotting, ikkking.  He said it's the headache that is the worse, it just won't go.  I remember that feeling from when I had Covid the first time.

8.27 pm.  I'm finally done for the day.  I've gotten heaps done today!  Lots of pottering around the house, sewing, swimming, and so on.

Now it's time to put me feet up and relax.  

Catch ya tomorrow.

CAMBRIDGE TRASH 'N' TREASURE MARKET

TODAY WE ARE OFF TO MARKET IN CAMBRIDGE.

IT WILL BE THE FIRST TIME WE HAVE DONE THIS MARKET IN A FEW YEARS.

WE STOPPED DOING IT WHILE WE STILL LIVED IN CAMBRIDGE BECAUSE IT WAS A BIT OF A DUD MARKET.

IT HAS NOW MOVED TO A BETTER SITE, AND SEEMS TO BE WELL ATTENDED.

SO I TOLD STEW I WANTED TO TRY IT AGAIN.

IF IT'S STILL A DUD, WE WON'T CONTINUE GOING OF COURSE.

IT CAN'T BE ANY WORSE THAN THE WOODLANDS MARKET IN GORDONTON.

I just realised all of the above is in Caps Lock... and I can't be arsed doing it all again.  It's too early in the morning.

ABOVE:  These are the four KIWI runners I got finished yesterday.  I wonder if any will sell today?

Time will tell.

Now... it's time to go.  

CATCH YA LATER...

... 9 am and so far so good.

Set up was a breeze, this market is so well run, there was no hold ups or hassles. 

We have both walked around the entire market.

60% of the stalls are second hand stuff... with the remainder being CRAFT type stalls. No one else is selling what I make. 

ABOVE: I did see this beautiful blue bowl. Mine now. Super cheap too.

We have already made one very good sale... so it has started well.

ABOVE: A selfie to remind myself why I don't want a hot dog and chips for lunch.... my face is finally looking less fat.

ABOVE: There has been a steady flow all morning. We are doing really well with sales. More than we expected for this type of market. We will be coming here again.

2.30 pm: And we are home, unpacked, dinner in the oven and RELAXING.  It was an extra early get outta bed today (5.30 am).

We are very impressed with the efficiency of the Cambridge market.  When we go there, there was a HUGE queue of vehicles waiting to get on site.  But once they opened the gates, everyone was on site and setting up within about 10 minutes.  SO GOOD!  

Plenty of options on where to set up as well.

We will DEFINITELY be going back on days that it's fine.  Probably not in wet weather though, as we don't have to worry about losing our 'site', like we do in Tamahere.

Steve, Bex and the kids have arrived for a swim, so I'm just sitting here chatting to Bex while she feeds Lily.

Dinner was roast chicken and kumera rostis. 

ABOVE: Before you ask!  A rissole made from Kumera.  And there's a plug for PAK'nSAVE!  A huge difference in price right there.

It is now time to sign off for the day.  We are both fairly tired and won't be late up tonight.