I'M READING!

After many months I have finally picked up a book and started reading again!

I had almost forgotten how engrossing a good book can be! I bought two books from the Hospice Shop the other day... and last night I started reading 'Keeping The Dead' by TESS GERRITSEN... ooooh it's so interesting! I can hardly put it down.

Sadly this means that I have read bugger all blogs either! Hopefully I shall finish it today so I can get back to the blogs I love to read! lol

AND I really want to make a few more cards, and finish a sewing project or two... so many things to do... how can I get bored !

ONWARD...

Haven't got to reading more of that book so far this morning.. been making soup...
You ever been CONSTIPATED? I have/am... so this soup should get things 'going' again!


ABOVE: cos I just KNOW some bugger is gunna ask me what I put in me soup:

200 grams Split Green Peas

200 grams Pearl Barley

2 leeks, three onions, 2 big carrots grated up, 1/4 of a cauliflower, 250 grams frozen corn kernels, 425 gram tin of Mushrooms, 400 gram tin of tomatoes, 500 grams bacon, garlic salt to taste, and 1 Tblsp chicken stock. (you can add any other veges to it too... I just used what I had on hand)

Chuck it all into a crock pot or big pot and cook.

ABOVE: my new whizz bang grater... lovely thing!

And now... back to reading a few blogs and then... me book!

For the past 2 and a half hours I have been reading blogs and commenting on 99% of them! I feel good about that. Time to get some lunch and read my book... I deserve it!

I FINISHED THE BOOK... it was an awesome read! If you like mystery/murder novels... read it!

My soup is ready too... we are all having some for dinner... it's a meal in itself!

End of Day: OMG that soup is yum! I added some garlic butter right at the end... DROOOOOL! I am happy today... very happy. nite nite.

*****PEPSI UPDATED*****

DUCKS

DUCKS IN HEAVEN !!!





Three women die together in an accident
And go to heaven. When they get there, St. Peter says,
'We only have one rule here in heaven:
Don't step on the ducks!' So they enter heaven, and sure enough,
There are ducks all over the place.
It is almost impossible not to step on a duck,
And although they try their best to avoid them,
The first woman accidentally steps on one. Along comes St. Peter with the ugliest man she ever saw.
St. Peter chains them together and says,
'Your punishment for stepping on a duck is to
Spend eternity chained to this ugly man!'
The next day,
The second woman steps accidentally on a duck
And along comes St. Peter,
Who doesn't miss a thing.
With him is another extremely ugly man.
He chains them together
With the same admonishment as for the first woman. The third woman has observed all this and,
Not wanting to be chained
For all eternity to an ugly man, is very,
VERY careful where she steps. She manages to go months
Without stepping on any ducks,
But
One day St.Peter comes up to her
With the most handsome man she has ever laid eyes on
.... Very tall, long eyelashes, muscular.


St. Peter chains them together without saying a word. The happy woman says,
'I wonder what I did to deserve being
Chained to you for all of eternity?' The guy says,
'I don't know about you,
But I stepped on a Duck.



so... I am at a loss to post anything today. It's going to be a quiet day at home... probably do some sewing or card making... back later!
When I got up this morning it was a lovely day! I was so surprised... but an hour later... it's changed dramatically... now it's pouring with rain and freezing! Pffffft. We have to do the grocery shopping today... got no fruit, fresh veges etc.... just have to wait till Stew gets outta bed, it's his turn for a lie in! *smiles*
Yaaa... finally got the grocery shopping done. It's such a shitty job... but a necessary one unfortunately. I went with an empty tummy... BAD MOVE! Ended up buying quite a few things I shouldn't have... choccy biscuits, chips, dips.. YIKES!
ABOVE: even the dogs got a treat! I don't think Teddy knows what to do with it! He never gets treats due to his allergies.. but I couldn't give Coco a treat and not Teddy eh?
End of Day: well a long day, spent mostly indoors doing bugger all! Hope tomorrow is a bit more interesting. nite nite.

HO HUM DAY

Another weekend rolls around... and as per usual (lately) we don't have any plans for the day.
It will all depend on the weather really... and lately it's been CRAP. Wet, wet, wet.

I might persuade Stew to go over to the North Shore ... I'd love to have a really good browse through the Scrapbook Shop over there, then we could go to the Albany Mall for lunch. We haven't been over there for a while afterall.

So, that's about all for now... update later....

ONWARD....

Well! WE have been out and about all day... did indeed visit the Scrapbook Shop... where I bought a few bits and bobs, found a new Stamp shop in Milford and got two more stamps too. Had lunch at Albany Mall.. which was nice as per.
I have decided that I HATE malls when it's the weekend... s0 many people! It drives us nuts when you are constantly getting cut off, forced to duck and dodge people all the time... grrrrrr.

The new pill I am taking is making me tired all the time... when we got home I fell asleep on the couch... hope I can sleep tonight.

I don't have a photo for today.. there was nothing worth taking a pic of... it's a miserable, wet, overcast day... heading into the evening now.

End of Day: and Stew is in 7th Heaven... the rugby has started again... he's been fixated on the TV all night. The All Blacks won against Ireland : 66 / 28. So he's a happy man. Yaaaaa. Am I thrilled the rugby is back on? *sigh* I suppose if it makes me man happy... I'm happy too. Can you just SEE the smile on me dial? lol

nite nite.

ANOTHER BUSY DAY AHEAD...

Today will go something like this:

- Get up, dressed, feed kids, make lunches, do some housework
- Kids to school
- Me to Dr's at 9am
- Help at Hospice Shop until 2pm
- Home in time for kids after school
- Take Brylee to Orthodontist appointment
- Prepare dinner

Now, doesn't that all sound like fun?

At least I won't get bored! And now that we have Coco, Teddy won't be lonely all day without me.
ABOVE: a happy picture of the two of them on the couch.. no idea why Coco was on the footstool... I'd put it up there so I could clean the floor.

ONWARD.... I HAD FUN! I worked non stop. it's a busy wee shop and I loved it. The ladies there are lovely too... even the 'Battle-axe Joy' !

Joy is probably in her 70's or even 80's and is rather crabby! But everyone loves her... I am going to do 'on call' until they find a permanent day (s) for me. Yaaaaa.

ABOVE: Well.. it IS a shop eh? I had to buy SOMETHING! So I did! Jam, books, slippers and a top.

End of Day: and I am so tired ! LOL... not used to standing on me feet for nearly 5 hours! But I'm happy... it was a neat day. Stew is out getting takeaways for dinner... and I will end the day with a wee tipple of me Totara Cafe I do believe! *smiles* nite nite.

GARDENING....NOT!

The following is a short video of Coco's latest 'fad':

Today I am busy! First off I have to pick Griffin up at morning tea time and take him to his first ever SPELD lesson... then take him back to school.

After dropping him at school I have to whizz across town to meet with the Occupational Therapists for a 'debrief' of the Jumping Jacks programme.

All going well I will be home just before the kids get home from school!

No time for anything else today... so ...

ONWARD.... Finally home! I'm losing my marbles... the meeting with the Occupational Therapists isn't for another two weeks... I arrived at their office.... asked to be told which room the meeting was is... to be told I was two weeks early! Far out... went shopping instead!

Griffin's first meeting with the SPELD teacher went very well.. he didn't want to leave! She is very impressed with him... sure he has a few 'challenges' in relation to his learning, but she thinks he's delightful! AND so well mannered! Lucky she doesn't live with him then eh? lol

He is the first child she has met who has Dysgraphia AND Dyslexia... so she's got her work cut out for her she reckons! *smiles*

So... I'm now home after spending almost the whole day out and about... I bought some more pretty papers, a star punch and another embossing folder for the Cuttlebug while out... might now just take a break and chill until the kids get home from school.

The Parent/Teacher interviews went EXACTLY as I expected... Brylee is doing well, Griffin is doing AS WELL AS CAN BE EXPECTED. Pfffffffft.

End of Day: I've cooked a lovely all-in-one meat stew for the family tonight. Stew's sister Khady called in this afternoon, so we nattered away 90 to the dozen for a good two hours.... shame she had to go before Stew got home. Looking forward to a relaxing evening making a few more cards... nite nite.

27 YEARS AGO...

I was staying with my Mum and Dad, with my 3 little girls.... out in the country...waiting for my 4th Baby to arrive.

Labour started at about 7.30am... as my 3rd baby had arrived in 39 minutes we decided to head off to the hospital right away! 25 minutes later we were at the hospital... the doctor came and checked me and said :
"I will just do my rounds, I'll be back in an hour"....
LIKE HELL... I lasted about 5 more minutes and then out popped my 4th Baby... my first son!

No one could have been more surprised than me! My whole pregnancy I hardly showed, such a small bump.. and he was 7 pounds, 11 ounces! He was gorgeous.... poor kid didn't get to wear his nappy much in those first few days! I kept whipping it off to make sure the 'nether regions' hadn't changed! LOL

Ahhhh memories eh? Some things you never forget.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RUSSELL..... 27 Today.

Funny... I have given birth to 6 kids, and every birth was a bit different! The stories I could tell! Cut by a doctor's watch, cord around neck, delivery in prep room with no midwife, shoulder dystocia with 10.12 pound baby , and the last one? Virtually NO PAIN at all! THANK GOD I don't ever have to do it again is all I can say!

Today... well as it's Hump Day.... I'm gunna go shopping! I don't need anything either! But I'm sick of my own company....

ONWARD... Brrrrr.. we had our first frost this morning! I'm finally COLD!

The kids are coming home early from school today as this afternoon it's Parent/Teacher interviews. I am seeing both the kids teachers mid afternoon. I don't expect any startling revelations from either of them... sometimes I wonder why we even bother going... you hear the same stuff every time.

- Brylee isn't doing her homework.
- Griffin is doing as well as can be expected.

Yep.... same shit, different day.

ABOVE: Well after walking the length and breadth of Sylvia Park Mall... I ended up getting a warm duvet cover for Griffin's bed. It's so good shopping right now.. everyone is having sales (AGAIN).... got this for half price!

Was going to do the grocery shopping too, but decided to flag it until Stew could help me on the weekend. I loath grocery shopping!

Been to school, had interviews with the teachers...now home and thinking ... what shall I cook for dinner? Hmmmmm

End of Day: and I'm looking forward to bedtime for the first time in years! The new pills are working! I slept ALL NIGHT last night... I can't tell you how wonderful that was. nite nite.

IT FEELS LIKE MONDAY... BUT IT'S NOT.

ABOVE: the morning patio... with it's new potted Nikau Palm... I have ALWAYS wanted a nikau palm. My Dad used to point them out to us while we were travelling around... they are so lovely once they grow up a bit! Maybe by the time I'm 80 it will look like a 'proper' palm!

As it was a holiday weekend, there is even more housework to do than normal around here... and as it's been very WET my floors need mopping badly.

So, this morning will be dedicated to freaking housework. Oh and I must pop out to post a card to a blogger friend in Taupo too!

That's all for now... the blasted housework awaits.... *sigh*...

Right, housework is done (well, as much as I'm gunna do!)... been out and posted Card to Blondie in Taupo...

Rang SPELD and have organised a lesson once a week for Griffin @ $50 an hour... told the school... and now the school RTLB teacher is coming to see me about 'it' in 10 minutes! YIKES, hope I haven't pissed them off? I am only doing what I feel is best for our kid... he's getting very little help at the school now, and is NOT progressing AT ALL.

HA! Seems she thought I was mad at HER... and wanted to explain why she hadn't seen Griffin in a few weeks.. shit I didn't even know she wasn't seeing him...(but I'm not surprised) ! I am expecting a phone call from the Deputy Principal now... cos I have gone and got help for Griffin outside the Education Department... after they told me I didn't need to. Just how long do you keep flogging a dead horse (or in this case the School???)

Mrs C.: Yeee gads! NO way are the school paying for the extra lessons! We have to do that!

This ongoing frustration is really getting me down, particularly as I have been trying to get him help for 3 and a half years now... with limited success. I don't know what to do now, expect PAY through the nose for extra lessons.

End of Day: kind of an up and down day.... one good thing I have just realised though... I am not getting so tired in the early afternoon anymore.. which means I am sleeping better at night, which is great! nite nite.. I'm off to have a good night's sleep... there is nothing like it!

LOOKING FOR POT...

NO.... not that sort of pot! Silly people, that stuff gets you in TROUBLE .... I am looking for a nice new pot for the Nikau Palm I bought the other day!
We bought two lovely cylindrical pots ( like above), for the afternoon patio a while ago, and I would love to find something similar for the palm .... So that is today's plan. Go hunting for a pot.

That's about all for now.... I will be back later to show you the pot.. if we find one!

ABOVE: found the perfect pot at only the second place we went to... and we got it for $30 off too, so SCORE! It weighs a tonne... but Stew and I managed to get it around the back and onto the morning patio. Now all we have to do is get some potting mix and plant me Nikau palm in it! NEAT. Should be done soon.

ABOVE: taaa daaa! Nikau palm all potted up... and yep, there is no way it is moving from there.. it's far too heavy for just two of us to move it now!

Almost time to put the dinner on... chicken thighs in a casserole...

Forgot 'End of Day'.... oh well. nite nite.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY DARLING

STEW and I have been married 23 years today! And I love him even more now that when we met.... which is saying a lot I can tell ya!

Our plans today: We are all going to lunch together, and then Stew and the kids are going to the movies to watch some kids movie in 3-D about slaying a dragon, and I'm going to watch The Blind Side starring Sandra Bullock, one of my favourite actresses. Then we will all meet up again to do some shopping....

BACK later... I went to bed last night at 10pm, early for me... and I slept in until 9.45 am!!! Almost 12 hours sleep... I only woke up twice!!! I am thrilled to bits, maybe those pills are working? Or maybe the plonk helped... either way I am feeling well rested today.

It is the MOST miserable day out there, absolutely pouring down with rain and blowing gustily too. Such a shame as it's a holiday weekend. I'm glad our plans are to go to the movies!

Awwww my movie was so lovely! I didn't cry, but I came close a couple of times! Stew didn't really enjoy Taming the Dragon with the kids, but we couldn't send them to a movie on their own yet, Griffin would get up to all sorts of mischief!

It's still a totally miserable day ... so now it's time to just put the feet up and do NOTHING! Bliss....

WOMBAT: nope, we don't 'do' Anniversary presents. Maybe if it was a big one like 30 years we will! And anyway, Stew buys me things all the time! Hell, we just ordered a lounge suite that's costing over $7,000! So I'd say I'm quite spoilt already. Edit: AND NO, I won't be christening it you silly Tart! I have a perfectly COMFY bed for hanky panky!

End of Day: It's been a lovely day, made even nicer by all the lovely comments wishing us a happy Anniversary. Thank you! nite nite.

LONG WEEKEND, NO PLANS

It's Queen's Birthday Weekend, no school/work on Monday.
We have no plans. Been away recently, so going to stay home and do some jobs around the place.

I bought some vege plants and a gorgeous Nikau Palm... so Stew and I will plant them today.

I also have a commissioned card to make for Sharon in Taupo.... A New Zealand Themed one... I shall enjoy doing that.

That's all for now, I will come back later with a photo or two of Stew slaving away in the garden and me watching him! LOL
Someone has to be the 'Supervisor' eh?

ONWARD...

ABOVE: I don't know how my snuggly blanket came to be on the floor with two dogs on it... but it did!

ABOVE: Stew has been busy outside, while I have been busy inside making a NZ card... it's taken me HOURS to get done! I spent far too much time fussing with that card me thinks.

Not much else to yabber on about today... it's very overcast and much cooler today... a good reason to stay inside and chill out in front of the telly!

Stew has gone down the road to get me more plonk (Totara Cafe) cos I have run out. Maybe he thinks I need it? I am so tired now... still not sleeping much... but maybe I will tonight? Here's hoping.

End of Day: fingers crossed my new pills start working to help me sleep soon.... I am running on empty... keep falling asleep during the day! Had a couple of drinks tonight... maybe that will help too? nite nite.

A GOOD DEAL... MY ARSE!

When we went into Harvey Norman's on Sunday we were talked into ordering our lounge suite right there and then, as the deal on offer was 15 months interest FREE and 15 months deferred payment... BUT that fantastic deal was due to end that very day. We asked the saleslady if any better deals were about to start and she said not that she knew of... so we signed up right there and then, thinking we had made a good deal.

I went into Harvey Norman's yesterday to buy the pie maker and saw these signs plastered all over the shop:

WHAT THE FUCK!!! Did I ever feel duped. I marched over to the nearest salesperson and explained just how ripped off I felt... and threatened to back out of the sale immediately due to how I was feeling... and ummmm... he re-did the paperwork and now we have our lounge suite at the NEW Fantastic 50 months interest free deal. I feel much better now.

What's on today? Hmmmmm.... the only thing I can think of is this afternoon I have to take my Highlander in for it's WOF and Service... that is gunna take about 3 hours so they are giving me a loaner car to use. Hope it's decent.

Might do some work on a quilt ... the one with all the little heart blocks.. I finally got the lilac sashing material... so there really is no reason not to start putting it together eh?

It is such a beautiful mild winter's day that I decided to try taking BOTH the dogs for a walk... Coco's first venture out on the lead. I thought it would be difficult with two dogs, two leads ... but if I held both leads in one hand they just walked together.. Coco did get tangled up a couple of times, but on a whole it went really well!

I knew Coco would get tired quickly ... so I came up with a plan. I 'altered' one of our Chilly Bags ... chopped a side out.. and came up with a lightweight bag to put Coco in when she got tired. It worked a treat! There is no way I am going to buy one of those 'Paris Hilton' type dog bags! I have seen the price of them for a start... diabolical!

So, Coco grizzled a bit when I first put her in the bag... but after a wee while she was happy as Larry! We didn't go far... I am so unfit right now ... but it was a start. The following is a wee video of when we got home:

And for those who can't view the video:

ABOVE: Coco in the chilly bag!

ABOVE: Griffin eating pie last night.... ROSE: it is a Sunbeam Pie Magic 4... you can also get one that only makes 2 pies. Another Brand, (can't remember the name) also offers one that makes about 9 really small pies. I got ours from Harvey Norman's .. on sale right now too.

The kids just got home from school.. I was mopping the floor .. and Griffin said "I love our house, it's so spotless"... awww what a nice boy! His idea of 'spotless' and mine differ me thinks! You should see his room... pffffft.

Yaaa, my car is good for another year! The loaner car was a lovely little Toyota Corolla... I had to sign my life away to use it! AND it was pointed out to me that I MUST pay for the fuel I used while having it... so when I got home I calculated how much it had cost (using THEIR website) to drive their Toyota Corolla from their premises to my house and back... $0.89cents. So, when I took it back I said "How would you like that, cash or cheque?".... lol. I didn't have to pay ... funny that!

Time to get dinner sorted out I suppose... sick of cooking... might just have takeaways! You reading this Stew? Bring it home would ya?

End of Day: Stew brought home fish 'n' chips... was nice too. Having a quiet evening... nite nite.

MEET BUDDY...OH AND CHRIS D

My friend Chris D has a blog... OK... it doesn't have diddly squat on it yet.... but she is going to England soon and is going to be posting all about her visit there.... and wanted a blog to document her trip. And life. And her dog Buddy! Buddy is gorgeous, don't ya think?
I am going to leave you all her link.... so you can go check out her blog once in a while and see if she has figured out how to post/update/put up photos etc! I would like a loud round of applause (comments on her blog) when she does it! NO pressure to of course, but it would be nice eh? Edit: Poor Buddy is ill ... in hospital with a blockage in his intestines they think. Chris is so worried... so am I. Buddy is a most precious dog.

Today: off to the Dr's at 11... hoping for some sleeping pills (fingers crossed)... then I pick Griffin up to take him to Jumping Jacks. Should be home in time to pick Brylee up after school. So won't be home much today.
At least all my housework is up to date... even the dreaded WASHING!
DIET: going great... on track... might show a little loss this week... all going to plan. It's a good feeling being 'on track' and knowing it's maintainable.... for life.
ABOVE: my tolerance for puppy piddles and poops all over my lounge floor has come to an end. I think I did well tolerating it as long as I did really....so it's back to 'Fort Knox' around here until that little Tart is house trained. She's also been banned from going down to the garage too... I don't want her chewing wires down there!

How does Teddy feel about this?
Typical bloke, doesn't give a shit.

Kate: ha ha! My life is no more interesting than yours mate. I get up, feed the kids, send them to school then fluff around the house for the rest of the day! WHAT is so interesting about that eh?
Been to the Dr's.. she gave me another sort of anit-depressant that is supposed to help with hot flushes and help me sleep. WHAT....EVER. If it doesn't work only then will she give me sleeping pills. Got to go back next week to check in with her on me 'progress'. WHAT...EVER.
I finally filled out an application form to volunteer at the Hospice Shop... only I want to help out at the Manurewa Shop, not The Gardens Shop.... Manurewa shop is MUCH busier... and I like to be busy... not bored shitless sitting around doing nothing!
ONWARD... need food before taking Griffin to Occupational Therapy Class.
Been there, done that.. home again. Going to make meat pies for dinner.... bought a little pie maker thingee:


ABOVE: it looks like they will be nice sized, individual pies... and maybe a bit less 'messy' than my big ones! I am dreaming of rhubarb and apple pies.... but my rhubarb plant is not big enough yet darn it all.
End of Day: when have I ever made a 'bad' pie! They were lovely... and so quick compared to making the big pies! We all loved them. nite nite.

STRUGGLING TO KEEP UP...

I read too many blogs! I try to comment on too many blogs.

I am struggling. I want to be a good blogger. But it is getting harder and harder to find time to keep up.

Is this a problem? ... you bet! Cos I love all my blogger friends. I really do.

I am going to try harder to keep up.... and still live my life! LOL

I will be back later on this morning with something RIVETING to impart... and failing that.... just more of me 'normal' drivel!

ABOVE: a cute wee video of Coco yesterday.

Nothing riveting has happened.. darn. Just about to go out and pay some bills....what fun! Drivel... see?

STOP holding your breath! Nothing riveting is going to happen any time soon. Sadly. I did however, manage to do all my little jobs, paid the bills, bought some plants. ... had lunch and... I have also managed to read and comment of quite a few blogs.... so I'm not feeling so guilty now!

I had some lovely bacon and eggs for lunch.. feel full as a bull now. And sleepy. Getting only a couple of hours sleep at night right now... it's hard being MIDDLE AGED and MENOPAUSAL. Sucks big time.

The kids and I went and visited my Aunt this afternoon, she has been away in Aussy for the past month helping care for her granson while her daughter had her second baby boy. All good there. It was lovely to see photos of the new baby... he's adorable! Sometime, just SOMETIMES I wish I could have another two or three... but not very often! lol

Time to get the dinner finished off... lovely beef stew in the crock pot.... just need to add some veges now.

End of Day: I am hoping that tonight will be the last night I have to sweat/freeze/sweat/freeze all night long! I am going to the dr tomorrow to try and talk them into giving me sleeping pills so I can sleep through the hot flushes... cross your fingers for me. nite nite.

WEIGHT ISSUES

I didn't record a weight last Friday.... but if I had I would have said.... BLOODY HELL, what did you do?

Because I stayed the same... which I did not expect.

I have been having carbs again.. DELIBERATELY... why?

Going 'very low carbs' for the last 9 weeks has been great, I lost weight.. but then I plateaued.... so I thought... right, that's not working now so I have to change something. So... I kicked my metabolism into gear again by having carbs for a whole week. And I mean.... lots of carbs! *smiles*.

Not only did I get the metabolism going again, but I stayed the same weight! FREAKING AWESOME.

Whenever I have hit a plateau I have done the same thing... CHANGE something... it always works!

So, yesterday I called a stop to the carb overload again... and am back to low carbs.... here's hoping it brings on a decent loss this Friday!

Now as for today... I have some sewing to do, housework (yeah like always), and I'll just potter around the house me thinks.

ABOVE: the pile of clean washing last night. Does anyone else HATE folding and putting away washing as much as me? I came over all 'good wifey' last night and folded the lot and put it away too! Gawd I am weird.

I have only one load to hang out today, yaaaaa....

ONWARD... I won't be hanging out that washing.. it's been raining all night. Still is. Nasty. Might go to a chemist and find SOMETHING to help with the hot flushes.. I am over getting them every 1/2 and hour all night long! I am not getting any decent sleep nowdays at all. It's making me CRABBY. There have been lots of suggestions over the months about what I can take... so now I am going to get me some stuff!

I thought about asking the Dr for some sleeping pills, but as he knows I'm kinda 'depressed', I doubt he will give me any! Whatever.

Busy morning... Coco has had her last immunisation and had a microchip inserted... that was awful... she yelped heaps! Poor girl.

Then I set up a blog for my friend Chris D... so she can blog when she goes to England in a couple of months. I will give you all a link once she knows she actually HAS a blog! lol

Nearly lunchtime here, time to feed the belly!

WOMBAT: OK... get over here and teach them then. Bring the pink and blue baskets too. ..... tapping fingers on desk... waiting.....

Dinner is cooking (humble mince stew, ground beef stew to you in USA, etc)... Brylee is in bed with a headache, will no doubt vomit soon. Wonderful. Spent ages this afternoon sorting out privacy setting on Facebook... so I feel better about still having an account there.

End of Day: a horrendous afternoon spent on the computer ... non stop ... Facebook is a pain in the butt! How did I get stuck on it for hours today??? nite nite.

YESTERDAY I WAS VERY BAD

WHAT did I buy??? Here's an even bigger hint:



Our 'main' lounge suite is getting tatty... it's covered in upholstery material and it has not survived our family too well in the past 6 years... not like our green leather suite... so I have been wanting to replace it with another leather suite for ages. WELL... I went looking yesterday.... JUST LOOKING you understand... and ummm.... what could I do? Stew and Andrew looks so COMFY ... I just had to have it!

ABOVE: Amanda took this photo... of me choosing the colour.. I am going with light taupe... SADLY it is going to take at least 14 weeks for the suite to be made and delivered. But I can wait. Good things are worth waiting for eh?

ABOVE: a pic of the suite again.... Stew was reluctant to get off it I'm sure.... *smiles* Did I mention the two recliner chairs are wonderful, but even better is the fact that both 'ends' of the couch are recliners too!
BLISS....

Today: well .... I might just go BUY some vege plants. And. That. Is. All. I think Stew would have a fit if I bought anything else. lol

TEDDY has joined FaceBook..... aka Chris! NOT that I am on FB much you understand... but sometimes Teddy will be.

You know how.. you get an idea in your head... and it simply won't go away? Well I have been unhappy having my sewing desk in the family room... but there was simply NOWHERE it could go? Well I dreamt about it last night ... and amazingly in my slumber mode I came up with a solution!

ABOVE: the spare bedroom BEFORE ... with two single beds for visitors...
AFTER: I put one mattress ON TOP of the other, on one bed base! So there's still kinda two beds in there for when we need them! AND now I have a sewing room too! I'M HAPPY WITH THAT. I got all hot and bothered doing that too.... but it's all exercise eh?
ONWARD...

Well after going nuts all morning doing housework and moving furniture.. I was knackered... so I have done nothing since! Well... I did watch some telly!

Kids came home squabbling so got dispatched to their rooms for a while... I am not in the mood for kids arguing. I am not a referee!

Time to pull finger out and get the washing in, prepare dinner...

SUNDAY... AND PHOTOS:

ABOVE: yesterday afternoon... caught out having a nap with me dogs....
ABOVE: Stew took the roof box off Roxy and found a space for it in the garage... which was no mean feat as our garage is full of stuff! Luckily there is room outside for his car cos there is no way it would fit in the garage. ABOVE: my card making area... with the dogs crate right beside my chair so they can be with me without getting into mischief ... (well that applies to Coco mostly, Teddy is a good boy)

Today I would like to go and get new vege plants for a winter garden... Stew put fresh compost on the garden yesterday, so it's ready for plants.

Last year the winter veges didn't do well at all... so I am hoping they do better this year. Apart from doing that.... we don't have any plans for the day. It's a bit cold but not raining right now, which is nice.

Date Night: was nice... we had a leisurely dinner then went to a movie.... ate chocolate ... came home and slept ! lol..... that's it! Boring old farts both of us! But it was lovely to go out as a 'twosome' for a change. Much appreciated Amanda and Andrew.... you two got to babysit.

We are now all going out and about as it is a lovely day afterall .... think we are heading to the inner city bays for a walk.

We all went out ... I wanted to go look at 'something' in a store... and I PROMISED Stew I would only look:

Ummmm... it's a wonder he believes a thing I say... cos that poor man left the store a whole lot poorer! What did I buy? Wait till tomorrow to see!

Oh.... here's a sneak peek: Na na nah nah!

After that we all had lunch then went down to the waterfront where the kids played in the playground for an hour, then we all had ice creams at Mission Bay (except that poor man with no money - Stew)... and came home to relax for a while before dinner.

End of Day: well for me ... it was a wonderful day! What can I say? I went shopping! That makes me happy. *smiles* nite nite.

Oh and nope, I still didn't get the darn vege plants!

IT'S THE LITTLE THINGS...

...That make me happy.....


ABOVE: Like this little cutter thingee I got yesterday....

ABOVE: and my two dogs happily sleeping together on the back of the couch.

Hopefully ...today Stew will install the new glass shelves in our ensuite....that will make me happy too. Then my vanity won't be a bloody mess all the time. Neat.

I think Amanda, Andrew and the boys are coming up again tonight.... if they do I am going to try and drag my Hubby out on a 'DATE'.... wouldn't THAT be nice!

ABOVE: Big tick... shelves are up. Yaaaa.

We went to Sylvia Park for lunch.... got a couple more lovely red towels for our bathroom... tried to find some red bathroom accessories... no luck! Only want a toothbrush holder and soap dish... *sigh*... will keep looking....

Looks like the 'DATE' is going to happen... Amanda and Andrew are coming up .... off to see what's on at the movies...

End of Day: I had a granny nap with the dogs... Griffin took a photo! Will post it tomorrow... time to get ready to go out with me Man..... just as soon as the daughter and son-in-law arrive.... nite nite.

COCO IS SO CLEVER!

ABOVE: This was Coco Tuesday night....

ABOVE: And this was Coco the next morning! She sure learnt really fast how to get up on the couch to be with Teddy! NOT that Teddy was impressed I might add... he is rather crabby about not being able to get away from the annoying little Tart!

FACEBOOK... my account has been deleted. I had to do it. A certain person could have found me via other people's accounts... so I am no longer on Facebook.

TODAY: off to the chemist to get something to clear up my rash.

Weigh in: later. Had pizza for dinner last night. Maybe MUCH LATER! lol ...I have not lost the plot though, just living life.

I've been out... bought some glass shelves for our ensuite.... the vanity cupboards are so bloody small I can't fit much in ... so I decided last night to get some shelves... dreamt about bloody shelving too! What fun.

Went to Mitre 10 MEGA in Takanini for the shelving, then down to Manukau to get a few bits and bobs for card making... then ran outta money and had to come home! *smiles* Time almost to make some lunch... though after what I ate last night I could starve for a week and still not lose weight!

ONWARD...

Ummmm... had a Nana Nap after lunch... went out like a light.... until the freaking kids came home and banged on the door. Grrrrr.... I am so grumpy now it will be a miracle if they don't end up locked in their rooms for the afternoon! I feel worse now than when I fell asleep!

Why can't they just come home and be undemanding? I swear, the moment they get inside the door it's "Mum can I have this", "Mum, can we do that", "Mum, I stepped in the dogs poo".... WTF? Like, can't they do anything themselves??? DIDN'T YOU SEE THAT PUPPY POO IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROOM? Ahhhh... nope, just walk through it why don't you? FUCK IT ALL.

...now I'm just totally pissed off. Edit: the poop was not on the carpet luckily.. I would have been 100 times MORE pissed off if it was!

PURCHASES ON HOLIDAY

ABOVE: I bought some Lego from Blondie in Taupo... her son was selling stuff to Fund raise to go to Australia to Represent New Zealand in Karate.... he is going in a couple on months.


ABOVE: On our way down to Palmerston North we passed through Taihape... and had lunch.... I spotted a rather nice gift/china shop so went for a look-see... WELL! There in a corner was a small selection of this TOTALLY GORGEOUS Hand painted China from Poland..... OMG.... I have been looking for this china for years! Mrs C in America has some like it and I have always 'drooled' over hers! Now I have some too. I. LOVE. IT.

ABOVE: I saw this Cutlery set on sale, marked down from $219.99 to $99.95... so I got two! I have always wanted a 'proper' matching set of cutlery! STOKED with that purchase I am.

ABOVE: Then on our way home we stopped at Gordonton for a piddle... as ya do.... and I popped into the AMAZING Grandmother's Garden Patchwork Shop there.... and bought these fat quarters and larger piece of the galaxy material.

So as you can see, I did get some lovely stuff... but I didn't go 'NUTS' and spend thousands!

Today I am going to take it easy! I totally overdid it yesterday, slept like a log last night.... so tired!

I do have to go into 'town' to do some stuff.... but not much.

I didn't clean my car yesterday either... maybe Stew can help me do that on the weekend? It's such a big job! And I'm a sook...it's cold now and I don't want to get wet cleaning the car!

DIET: I was not that good on holiday, but the damage wasn't much and I'm hoping it will be off by Friday weigh in! Sandra fed me ice cream! I swear... she held me down and force fed me.... NOT. lol....

ONWARD....

Been out and about, finished all my jobs.... home again and time for lunch. Oh and I did some more shopping too! LOL

KATE: In your dreams mate.... and over my dead body! ha ha ha!

Out of necessity I have had a quiet afternoon... sadly I have a dreadful rash on my inner thighs.... on the panty line.... it hurts like hell! I am sure it's been caused by getting too hot travelling and yesterday... not to mention all the hot flushes I am having..... I hate getting a rash! I am using an anti-rash cream... hopefully it clears up soon.

So, Stew is going to bring dinner home tonight.... I can hardly walk! I swear, it's so sore. Anyone know how to avoid this again???? Anti rash powder or what?

End of Day: I have had to delete my Facebook account... not that I used it much.... but my information could have been acessed by an 'undesirable person'... so it had to go. sorry about that. nite nite.

PALMERSTON NORTH VIDEOS AND A FEW PHOTOS

We had a wonderful holiday away... can't say it was restful... but it was nice as a break from the norm.


ABOVE: Stew and the kids in the Thermal Pool in Taupo on Thursday night.


ABOVE: Chris D, Me and Sandra at morning tea. I love these girls. ... they are like sisters to me.


ABOVE: the calves sucking me fingers..so cute. Sandra and Neil have a small lifestyle block and raise calves and sheep, and also have 'full time' jobs off the 'farm' too. Busy people.

ABOVE: Brylee and Griffin feeding the sick calf.... it has Polio of all things... can't stand.... but maybe it will get better? Neil is hoping so, he does not want to shoot it. Poor wee calf.



ABOVE: Chirs D and her Mum (on the left) with her three sisters and brother, at her Birthday Lunch on Sunday.

ABOVE: The Birthday Girl.... doesn't she look LOVELY!

ABOVE: Sandra and I yesterday morning just before we left for home.



ABOVE AND BELOW: Freezing cold Lake Taupo yesterday, we had stopped for the dogs to have a run and piddle. It was so cold I was a sook and got back in the car. brrrrrrrr!

ABOVE: Home at last... and what a relief! ROXY fitted in the garage with the new roof box on! Yaaaaaa! I love that box. It is so useful.

ABOVE: Three little videos .... The man and baby boy in the first two are Neil and his Grandson Brock.... Brock has a 4 month old baby sister too. They are exactly one year apart in age... busy Mum and Dad!

Today: kids are back to school, Stew to work... and I have masses of stuff to do!

Now of course I did a wee bit of shopping while away... but as there is a lot on today's post already.. I shall show you what I bought TOMORROW.

Until then... I have this urge to re-arrange the kitchen cupboards, and of course my poor car is now a tip inside, so I shall be cleaning her too.

Maybe LATER on tonight I will get time to check out the blogs I read?

ABOVE: I have spent 3 long hours re-arranging my kitchen cupboards and drawers to fit in something I bought in Palmerston North! It also meant moving some stuff down into the garage.... gawd I am exhausted!

I've done the washing too... now I need to vacum, tidy the shelving unit in the lounge... oh.. lots of things still to do!

I have done 75% of the things on my list today... and I am now bone tired! Must just sit for a while I think... been on the go all day. Kids should be home soon too.... then it will be time to get dinner. *sigh*

End of Day: and I am thrilled to bits with how much I accomplished today! I have only one thing left to do on my 'To Do Today' list, and believe me it was a bloody long list! I don't know why, but when I get home from being away I always go overboard and do a massive clean/tidy up/re-arrange! I'm nuts. But happy. Still got stuff to do tomorrow, but it's not urgent or bothering me too much. nite nite.

(THANK YOU if you commented in the last few days.... I know I am a bad blogger at the moment and haven't been reading/commenting much on your blogs... I hope to catch up a bit tonight and tomorrow.)