You can never have enough...

[kiwimade64]

morning ladies   Another wet day here.  No complaints from me though as the garden can really use it.  Ok, yes, well, there is one complaint lol.  The grass keeps growing in this warm wet weather and it's a buggar to mow when it's been over a week.

Popeye, I use a nasal spray and eye drops and this seems to work.  The antihistamine tablets don't work for me anymore.  I took a Claratyne tablet the other day and it lasted three hours.  The nasal spray and eye drops were on special this week at the chemist so it was good timing for me.  When I'm at the Base in Hamilton next, I'll check out the Chemist Warehouse and see if they really are cheaper.

yummmm mica, blackberry jam.  I can't wait to turn our plums and raspberries into jam.  

Yesterday after the ironing was done, I stitched a bit more of the tui.  And then unpicked.  Then stitched again.  Then unpicked.  And stitched again.  And today I'll unpick again.  I just can't get the kowhai right.  But I've had an idea and will change it up a bit.  I'll call it artistic licence.

We've organised with my sister-in-law what we are bringing for Christmas lunch.  It's a pot luck which is typical of our family but quasi organised by the host.  I'm on pavlova duty so I better dig out my Chelsea Winter recipe.  It's the best pav recipe and so far it has never failed for me.  MrK is on salad duty and is making some brawn (ick, not my thing lol but he and his family love it).

Time to get cracking, I have a pigs head to pick up early so MrK can make the brawn.  

Happy crafting

[Oh_hunnihunni]

Email from Perth this morning with tales of blue bees and midyim berry bushes and photos of grandchildren and indoor plants. Nice to see the green thumb has been passed on, and even better to see my indoor collection wins on size and variety. Always a bit of mother daughter competition in our family...

And wet again here too. The forecasters got it right at last!

[popeye333]

Morning everyone

It rained most of the day yesterday. I swear I was watching the lawn grow. It has rained overnight but not at present.

I had an awesome catch up with my cousin yesterday on the phone. Soo much has happened especially healthwise to both of us.. I have found out tho that there is Diabetes in the family.... something I have been wondering for ages.

I miss making jam.. but do have strawberries in the freezer for when MrP has eaten through the plum and blackberry jams.

No painting yesterday, but Im ok with that.

Going up to visit MrP this morning.. Kinda wish I didnt have to as I didnt sleep well. But its only and hour.

Have a fab day everyone

[kiwimade64]

morning ladies   Another wet, sticky, day here today.  The bin man has been so I can start putting piles of weeds into the compost one.  I would never put them in our compost thanks to convolvulus.  The lawn is growing like crazy and I know it's going to be a nightmare to mow.

Nothing like a bit of healthy mother-daughter competition, oh_hunnihunni lol.  Especially when Mum wins   

Yesterday we ended up in Hamilton.  We took our son's new bench MrK had made for his shop and MrK found the studs etc where it's going to be  bolted to the wall.  He will go back on Sunday when the shop is closed and fit it.

I stitched a bit more of the kowhai flowers and I think I'm on the right track even though, yep, you know the drill by now, I'm going to unpick it again.  This piece of embroidery better be worth the effort.

This morning I need to pick the Furry One's epilepsy meds up from the vet and MrK wants a small piece of glass cut for a photo frame he has made. Hopefully it won't be raining too hard when I go.  I  might even pop into Farmlands and have a look at redbands.  MrK is buying me a pair for Christmas    Who needs jewelry when you can have gumboots lol.

Happy crafting

[Mica]

Morning all
Raining here
Spent the day in bed with migraine yesterday now Inam getting really fed up.
I have stuff to do
Anyway enough of moaning Minnie
Grass seems to really love the current weather. Hope you get your gumboots KM

Have a good day

[popeye333]

Morning everyone

I ended up back in bed and slept solid for 3 hours. But was very down all day. I didnt go see MrP.

Talked to MrP about 4pm and he actually listened which made a change. hes off for round number two of the gastro today. Hopefully he wont have as much pain as last week.

I kept losing the tv all day, so put out a please for someone to come and trim the neighbour trees for me. I havent checked again this morning but I took some photos for one who wanted to see if his pole saw thing would work. Im sure it will cos nothing is too thick. The loppers would do it but they are too tall for me to do . And Im no good with my arms above my head either.

Why is it the pretty trees are the worst for pollen lol... The Manuka in the corner is in full flower and its beautiful but oh not so good lol

So I didnt paint, I vegetated instead. Hopefully today will be better.

Red Bands are awesome, I shudder to think what they cost these days lol.

Have a fab day everyone

[Oh_hunnihunni]

I blame that bloody wind. It seems to exacerbate every physical challenge we have. I'm struggling with stiffness and pain, so there's lots of swearing going on up here too!

[JanW]

Good morning cooler today with a bit of drizzle thrown in - my veggie pod is going crazy has my first salad last night - wonÔÇÖt plant so many lettuces next time - I have some snow pea seeds but no room - I planted those little round carrots - they are a really nice crunch in a salad
My grandson just inherited my fathers red bands - they have now passed through 4 generations - they could tell some tales thatÔÇÖs for sure
My hair looks like I have had a perm - my curl has come back - somehow I ended up with layers even though I just cut straight through my pony tail - my son tells me I look like a piebald gollywog as my hair is transitioning between dark grey and white - but itÔÇÖs so much easier to care for
This year has simply flown - has anybody heard from Kuaka

[kiwimade64]

morning ladies  Wow, we had a  decent amount of rain and wind last night, I'll wander around the garden and see if there is any damage.  There shouldn't be as we keep the trees well trimmed  and cut out any dead wood as we find it.

Jan, I bet you're feeling a lot cooler with your hair cut.  And curls too lol.  As for the grey going white, that's the way I want it lol.  I have a narrow streak of grey down one side, anyone would think I had had it done at the hairdressers.  On that note, I can't believe that women actually are having their hair dyed grey.  Give it time ladies, it will happen!

Those carrots sound yummy, Jan.  Your vegie pod is going great guns.  MrK threw some spuds I bought from the supermarket  into a bucket that had started to sprout a while ago and the other day we had new spuds for dinner.  So good  

A couple of days ago I dug up Buff Beauty and turned her around  to make the canes easier to tie to the fence.  She must have approved of the move as there is a brand spanking new cane growing now. I put compost and sheep pellets in the hole with her and watered her in with worm wee.   The rain came just in time for the move too.  

Yesterday after I had been into town, the weather cleared just enough for me to mow the lawn.  I literally ran around it with the mower to get it done.  Am quite chuffed with myself.  

I've decided I have to live with the kowhai I have embroidered and move on.  Hopefully the tui's beak will cover a fair bit of them anyway.  With this wet weather, I'll have some guilt free embroidery time today.

Happy crafting

[popeye333]

Morning everyone

Not raining at present but we have had plenty the grass needs doing again.

Ive always wanted to go white like both my Grandmothers... Its a good 50/50 mix at the mo.. bring it On lol... My friend Erin cut probably a good 8 inches off too but hard to tell cos her hair has sprung back in curls. To the point that when I saw her with her mask on I couldn't tell who it was. Its lovely gentle curls. If I cut mine it would still be straight, dead straight.. When my sister had chemo her very straight hair came back curly she was wrapped.
My Sister in law started with what we called a Morticia Stripe but its spread right across her fringe. Its all in the front, very little everywhere else.

I had a much better day yesterday.. I painted, I got the crates out to put some decorations out today. Cooked a decent meal and then met one of our neighbours.

They have been there 2 years and other than waving we havent met. He is an electrician and had someone prowling around his house the other night so he is replacing everyones security lights for free. They have twins boys and a single girl. He is also going to trim the trees away from the sky dish for me.
Turns out I am the only house without a dog out of 6 on the driveway. And Poor Pat nextdoor whose wife broke her hip a while ago has now broken his. Rowan is taking care of his lawn and Ill do some baking at some stage and take it over for them.

MrPs second gastro went well but still one more to go. He wasnt in so much pain this time.

Still no flowers or buds on Rescue 3... really odd but maybe it wants to shine when the others are finished lol. I hope Im doing the right thing and dead heading them.

20 cents off Gull today till noon tomorrow so I will pop up and get some... I want to go to Thames to visit the cemetary, but will get gas now and do a trip when the rush is over.

Have a fab day everyone

[Mica]

Afternoon all
Sunny 24 degrees her but thunderstorms expected mid afternoon.

Late check in but no activities still low energy bunny.
White fudge with cranberries and pistachios turned out OK. Cut into small bits as it is very sweet.
Going to grab lunch from local Vietnamese restaurant soon, will be soup for tea tonight
No sewing or knitting so glad KM and Popeye you are achieving in handcraft creative area
Have a good day

[Mica]

Morning all
Raining grass is going mad.
Up early cat was knocking on the door to get in don't know how she got out must have slipped passed DH last ight. Lazy madam cause she could have still got in via cat door. We lock outwards at night but always have so that she can get in.
Another quiet day yesterday.
Pressie wrapping today.

Have a good day

[kiwimade64]

morning ladies   Boy, we have had some rain over the last few days.  The sun came out briefly late yesterday afternoon and the birds went nuts with their chatter.  I did manage to 'finish' the weeding in between the raindrops and while doing that, was making plans for the new part of the garden.  No doubt they will change over time.

Jan, I meant to tell you I see kuaka occasionally on FB so she is still online. just not chatting anymore I suspect.

Yesterday I stitched the tui's beak so am slowly getting there.  It seems to be a pick-up-put-down project.  

Had a phone call with our daughter organising what food she will be bringing Christmas Day.  I must get the recipe for  kumera salad from her, it's soooo good.  So that's the kids sorted and no 'double ups' with food from us.  Gotta love pot lucks lol.

Our grandkids finish school today and they are really excited Christmas is coming.  Kids just make the day, I think.  The  Lego for our grandson arrived by courier yesterday, I used my Fly Buy points   .  They said 7 - 8 days but it was only five so am happy with that. 

Happy crafting

[popeye333]

Morning everyone

We had sun in the afternoon but its rained overnight again. A nice cooler breeze blowing through this morning.

I got decorations out yesterday and Im pleased I did.. Im liking how it looks. I didn't put the big tree up this time.

Had to take an Oxy and it wiped me out lol.. Slept in my chair which is rare for me. I obviously hadn't eaten enough to cover it lol..

I have to take the car up to the garage today so they can see why the heater isn't running. It hasn't since they had it for the warrant and had to connect in a new horn.

MrP went to the Christmas Lunch yesterday and was there for 4 hours.. Totally enjoyed himself and found a man that used to race cars too so they yakked for ages he said. I told him I was proud of him going... he should have done that right from the start.

Yes I see Kuaka online too, I guess she is just busy.

Have a fab day everyone

[kiwimade64]

morning ladies An early start for us as the Furry One raced outside barking and chasing a rabbit. The rabbit got away but no doubt, will be back for more fresh vegies from the garden.

We had the Furry One at the vet the other day as he was stung by a bee on his gum and his mouth swelled up. What is it with terriers, they seem to always be in some sort of trouble.

Housework to do today which won't take long. The weather is meant to clear up so hopefully I can get washing dry. In saying that, yesterday's wash was line dried thanks to some breaks in the weather and a good stiff breeze.

I stitched a little bit more to the tui, another bunch of kowhai flowers and a few leaves. I've started on the tui's head and will start working down his back soon. There is still a little bit of background to work on first though.

Happy crafting

[Mica]

Morning all
Overcast at mo here.
T is for Tough Terrier Trouble they are fearless but they are also loyal and very lovable ( most of the time)
Ran a few errands yesterday and DS and GS spent the morning and had lunch here.
This morning is the hunt for food run and get some lotto scratchies for my Xmas crackers.
Friend given me a ham glaze recipe so will give that a go next week. DS won a ham a few months ago it has been resting in our freezer. I have never prepped a ham but I suppose there is a first time for everything.
Sewing mojo still lost but I have no doubt it will return
Have good day

[Roma]

Hi there, I've found this thread after I used to occasionally pop into the TM one for a look! Kiwimade, I think I know the road you are on, as I happened to see your post once, that mentioned the annual cross country which my children used to participate in each year (would have been 80's/90's)! We lived in the general area farming but have been 'over the hill' the last couple of years. I'm a scaled down gardener, knitter and sewer! Can also relate in having owned a busy JR, now have an elderly cat and tripod dog. We go on SH 29  frequently to visit our elderly parents (one each) in Hamilton. Currently knitting a sleeveless button up vest for 2 yo granddaughter 

[popeye333]

Morning Everyone

Looks like another day of on and off rain.. The lawn is going crazy..

Ohh not good re the bee sting.. Dogs are just too nosy for their own good. Reminds me of a Boxer we had and he got stung on his lip.. and it swelled massively He was very sorry for himself.

I think Missy has a death wish.. she has taken to chasing her tail lately.. Only trouble is shes doing it on the back of MrPs chair lol..

Had the car heater fixed yesterday.. Thank goodness I couldnt have stood it for much longer.

Going up to see MrP this morning.. They all had their booster shots yesterday. am taking up some lights for his room and a singing toy.

Im going to bake tomorrow. I found out that our neighbour broke his hip, this is a couple of months after his wife broke hers. she got caught in rehab with covid so couldnt come home. But they are both home now. So Ill get my "fix" of baking and do some for them and MrP.

Probably wont paint till Sunday, but thats ok its not going anywhere.

Have a fab day everyone

[kiwimade64]

morning ladies   My goodness that breeze outside is cold.  I even have a cardie on this morning.

Welcome roma   Nice to see you posting.  Yep, that's where we are.  There haven't been any of the cross country races for two years now thanks to Covid.   It was absolute madness when the races were on with traffic, busier than Queen St!  And we had to make sure our car was parked in front as sure as eggs, someone would block our entrance and we would need to get out.

One week to Christmas.  For some reason in  my head we had another week.... duh!!!  I'll bake the pav at some stage over the next few days so that will be out of the way.  But today I have a few things to tidy up in the garden.  The wind has knocked over the hollyhocks and a bit more concrete needs breaking up.  I must contact our neighbour and see if he still wants the concrete fill and if so, when would he like to come and get it.  I have some garden waste to burn, I like to do that early before the neighbour's washing goes out.  

The Furry One caught the rabbit yesterday and over the day ate it.  So that's one less munching on the garden and no meals for the Furry One for a couple of days.  For some reason he thought it was a really good idea to bring it inside onto the carpet to eat.  Ummm, no. That's a NO from me lol.  I spotted another rabbit heading to the vegie garden this morning so I hope the Furry One is up for a chase.

I've been working on my tui and when looking more closely at the photo, found I needed another  shade of blue.  Lucky I have the colours.  So now to blend it with what I have stitched.

Time to get cracking on with the day.

Happy crafting

[Mica]

Morning all
Sunny day here
Hi Roma

Made the Xmas crackers yesterday need a couple more toilet rolls to finish them all.
Picked up my knitting last night been a while.
No plans other than bit housework might tidy up cutting table in sewing cave while I am at it
Have a good day