Gingerbread Crafts

Not such a great end to Australia Day.

2012-01-27T02:27:00.002+11:00

Today was our annual Australia Day Barbeque with my husband's family,in spite of the weather we pretty much enjoyed ourselves. The rain didn't keep us away, though it did some of the family, It poured just before we left home but by the time we got to the reserve it had lessened. At least it wasn't a stinking hot day.

Usually we take so many different games to keep everyone entertained, this year we didn't, there was so much less work at the end of the day because usually everyone leaves, leaving us and one of my husband's brothers and his wife stuck with the clean up. This year the four of us were able to relax with a cup of tea after everyone had left. Relax that is until Brother in Law's phone rang, one of their sisters rang very upset, while they were at the BBQ, their house was robbed! Her words were that they took everything, even the car. How much everything is we don't know, if that includes furniture or not. How devastating, especially as they were broken into only a few weeks ago. I can't begin to fathom how bad they must feel.

What sort of lowlife does this sort of thing?

Sassy Skirts

2012-01-24T12:06:00.008+11:00

I was looking in my wardrobe yesterday and realised that I now have more skirts and dresses than I ever had. Maybe I'm finally becoming a lady.

I really like the feel of a long swishy skirt, I remember when I was young Mum asked Nanna to make us dressy outfits and I told them I wanted a Maxi Skirt. My sister and I got matching outfits in different colours, floral print skirt and bolero, along with long sleeved lace blouse. Mum arranged a professional photographer to come to our house, I'll have to find the photos.

For a long time I barely had a skirt in my wardrobe, then they started filtering in beginning with black crushed velvet one and a blue cargo style, about 12 years ago they are still in my wardrobe, waiting to be dieted back into. It's only in the last couple of years that skirts have played a major part in my life. I like swishy ones, the longer the better.

I've been buying a lot of my skirts from Tree of Life, long, tiered and very comfortable to wear. And there is the hope that the company is doing good for third world countries. I know I could easily make my own but the fabric isn't so easy to find.

My latest purchase was a long purple skirt, I had bought the style before but getting home I remembered why I hadn't worn it often, it's very sheer. Great for hot day around the house but standing in front of any light source left nothing to the imagination. I wear long skirts to cover my legs not highlight them.

Found an almost perfect match in cotton voile at work to make a petticoat with, was going to just run up a straight slip and hope for the best. Then remembered had a book with skirt patterns, Sassy Skirts and found the perfect pattern, perfect size too. Traced off the pattern, using my lightbox (aka my back door - was asked why I taped the pattern to the glass) and stitched it while watching Time Team. It was almost perfect (my favourite word lately), I made it a little short for my liking. Hemming it would have made it too short so while I thought about what to do wore it and the skirt to the shops. The pattern is for a longer skirt but I wanted it shorter and cut off too much.

It only had to be 5 cms longer so I simply added a band of fabric later. Things I would do different for the next one is to rethink my elastic choice, the one I got didn't have a great rebound so it stayed a little too stretched. I'm thinking it's a little too old, it's not a great seller at work and had probably been sitting on the shelf for over 4 years.

There are several different styles, straight and tiered, fitted and elastic waisted, it's a great book with full sized patterns ready for tracing off the master pattern. The instructions are easy to follow. Have also made a tiered skirt which came together very well. I highly recommend this book

My sister helped save a life

2012-01-07T01:30:00.006+11:00

Today my sister told me of something that happened at her work last month. She was working night shift when one of her colleagues walked past, she noticed he didn't look well and asked if hse was ok. He said he had a pain in his chest and was going home, she turned towards another colleague, the first aid officer and told him to get after him as he was having a heart attack. When they got to the locker room the first man was vomiting. My sister sat with him while an ambulance was called and access for them made easy. He was apologising, saying it was only indigestion as he ate his dinner too fast and that he would just drive home and go to bed. Even refusing to let my sister bother his wife over something so trivial. My sister said he was panting for breath and refusing to believe it was worse than indigestion.

He apologised to the paramedics for the bother, they told him it was their job to look after him before heading to the hospital. Later on that night the man's son came in to thank the staff members as his father did have a heart attack.

Another staff member wanted to know how my sister knew he was having a heart attack, she told him that he was grey and vomiting. The other guy told her that vomiting was not a heart attack symptom.

The man is now out of hospital and has called my sister to thank her, he said he remembered nothing between being at work and waking up in hospital. He told the nurse his chest really hurt and was told that it was because he had died in the ambulance and had CPR performed on him. He asked about the vomiting and was told that vomiting was one of the final symptoms of a heart attack.

I'm proud of my sister if it wasn't for her he would have died, even the first aider didn't notice the signs and had asked the man if he wanted to go home or wait for the ambulance. One of the other staff members in no uncertain terms told him to call the *bleepen ambulance.

Christmas Gifts

2012-01-02T00:06:00.005+11:00

Finally getting around to posting photos of the gifts I made this year.

The first item is an apron but not just any old apron, a peg apron for my Father-in-Law. The idea for this was due to a conversation I had with my Mother-In-Law. Her hands are weakening so FIL has taken over hanging the clothes on the line, he kept asking her to buy a peg apron for him as he has trouble bending. The apron started out as a BBQ apron, in the style of his favourite football team's jersey. I folded up the base of the apron, covering the white fabric with matching blue and a bias edging.

The next gift was for my 3 year old great Nephew, I decided on a Pirate theme for him, mostly inspired by a picture I saw of him last year dressing up with his sister and cousin. The girls were dressed in Princess dresses and the only thing he could find was another dress. He made a cute Princess, but I think pirate would suit him better. The blue thing is actually a pillowcase made with a pocket, he can put pirate booty into it. Made the striped tshirt and appliqued a ship to both, added a skull and crossbones belt along with a pirate sticker book.

F

For his little sister, I decided on an Owl theme, make the pillowcase with Owl fabric and an Owl toy inspired a few patterns on the net. A book completed her present, I couldn't find a toddler's book with owls in it.

For their elder sister who is 5, I made a similar pillowcase in a bright print, added a Barbie Doll and colouring book.

I'm actually not finished making gifts, seeing as some family members went away for Christmas I decided to take the stress off and leave theirs till afterwards. Still have a Great niece and nephew, they are getting pillowcases as well. Hers is identical to her 5 year old cousins and his is Elephant themed. I still need to make bags for a couple of older neices (teens) who return next week.

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T22:37:00.002+11:00

Was miserable yesterday, we had no plans for New Year and I felt we were going to spend another boring one at home. My husband isn't party people so it doesn't seem to bother him.

I decided that I needed to get rid of the negativity I was surrounding myself with so took a salt bath. While in there I decided that a trip to Bunnings was in order and that I was going to buy a plant to put in the yard to honour the old year. I was just getting out when my husband called through the door telling me he was going to Bunnings and did I want to come. Now since Christmas he and I had not been on the same wavelength, I was upset and angry with him, but couldn't find a way to get over it.

Something was mentioned in the car on the way that filled me with excitement and lightened me considerably. Can't divulge it right now, it's a big secret for now.

At Bunnings I chose a Frangipani plant, they had 3 different colours available but I wanted one with 3 branches. There was only one there, just the basic white and yellow one. Almost as soon as I got home I had a spot chosen, dug over and it in the ground.

I was checking it this afternoon when I saw our new neighbour over the fence, wishing him a Happy New Year. There are oak trees in his backyard that really block the light from our yard in the afternoon, one extends over the fence. When we first moved in we had to remove a tree that had grown thin, tall and was leaning over to get light, making it dangerous. He mentioned that he was planning on putting vegetable gardens in and pointed to the tree saying "if it's alright with you we are thinking of removing this one". Am happy with that, though a little sad that a tree is being cut down, but it means that I will be able to plant in our barren backyard. Also will be able to see the sunsets that the tree blocks out.

Feeling better.

2011-12-30T11:31:00.002+11:00

Feeling so much better today, not so blat. I don't know what it is about this time of year, usually between Christmas and New Year I feel this way, it didn't help that Hubby and I had a blowout on Christmas Eve that really left me stewing.

Nor the fact that my Niece's Husband has spent Christmas in hospital and won't be out til after the New Year. He is susceptable to collasped lungs, apparently due to his body shape, and they weren't able to keep it inflated so he had surgery on Wednesday. My Niece has 3 children, another on the way so is pretty much at wit's end and can do with all the prayers and healing she can get. Please if anyone actually reads this, we'd really appreciate prayers and healing sent to her. Her name is Melissa, her husband is Michael and their children are Chloe, Ethan and Emilia.

I helped look after the children on Wednesday after not seeing them for a few months, when I saw my niece I was surprised at the size of her bump, seeing as I had only heard the news not long before Christmas. I patted her stomach and she looked at me and told me that I knew before anyone else did. I asked how and she said that at her daughter's birthday I had given her a hug and patted her stomach. Vaguely remember doing it. For her previous pregancy she blamed me as well. We had a healing session over the phone in which I envisaged Archangel Michael pulling out a huge sword from her back, that had it's tip embedded in her womb and told her not to be surprised if she fell pregnant soon. She told me that they had taken precautions so not possible, yeah right - less than a week later Emilia was concieved.

Melissa always wanted 4 children but didn't think they would be so close together, had planned for a little more time between the last 3.

Plans don't always follow the path we have chosen, they take us into the unknown, sometimes through hardships, it's a real learning curve. My niece doesn't think she is very strong but her enduring what she has gone through is proving to me at least that she is strong - now I have to get her to believe that. With the help of the Angels I know we can.

Even my plans didn't go as planned - this post was supposed to be about the gifts I made for Christmas - ahh well maybe next time.

Peace and love.

I've actually finished this feeling much better and with a smile on my face. Actually want to share something, the last 2 days at work we had a 30% sale on and were pretty rushed. On Tuesday we made record sales, usually at these times you tend work like a robot, teeth gritted just trying to get through the day. A customer I had told me that I was the happiest, most smilingest salesperson she had seen that day. That made me smile even more, even now.

2011-12-26T13:49:00.002+11:00

Christmas has come and gone, I always feel a little blat at Christmas.

We were up around 6, opening presents with my Brother in Law who always stays over on Christmas Eve. Made Bacon, Eggs and Muffins for breakfast, my parents came over at 7am.

I tend to not sleep well on Christmas Eve after rushing around all day attempting to finish up things and get the house tidy, so I usually have a nap after everyone leaves and before we are due to head out for lunch at Mum's. BIL usually goes home at 9, I usually nap til 11, yesterday he stayed till 11. I lay down for a quick power nap, as soon as my eyes closed the phone rang. It was my brother calling to say we had been invited over to meet our new neighbours and needed to be there now.

I liked meeting them, have been too shy to do so for the past couple of weeks but with the rush of having to be elsewhere, could not stay long. I then went to Mum's to help out with getting ready for lunch.

By the time I got back home I was exhausted and put on my new Ace of Cakes DVD and promptly slept through most of the episodes. Slept most of the evening away and woke up this morning, achey from oversleeping.

Getting motivated today has been hard, I did decide to get into a kitchen cupboard to clean and sort it out.

Each time I do this I get greeted with this scene when it's empty.

and this

Why on earth would anyone use an extension pipe that is around 4 (or more) metres long when the connections are around a metre apart? Ooh and why would they drill a hole half way up the side of the cupboard instead of at the base, water doesn't like running uphill. The white pipe is a firm plastic for the water intake.

I've been putting up with this for 10 years and am finally going to so something about it- starting with asking my husband to get a shorter extension and to drill a lower hole. I am hoping that it means the dishwasher drains the dirty water better without having to pump it uphill so much. Not much can be done about the other pipe without the expense of getting a plummer in. If we were going to do that I'd insist on having the dishwasher moved under the sink but that means we'd need a new sink.

Crochet Bug has bitten

2011-12-04T18:35:00.004+11:00

but I may have bitten off more than I can chew. I found this on Pinterest and fell in love.

Source: omelhordoartesanato.blogspot.com via Cheryl on Pinterest

So after some quick Portuguese lessons thanks to Google translate and some searching on Portuguese crochet terms, I decided to give it a go.

Chose a thread I could get locally which I hoped would suffice, I went with the size 5 I could find DMC Petra No. 5. There's no tension guide on the pattern so the best I could do was guess and after a few false starts am using a 2.5 mm hook. Am attempting a sleeve first.

Decifering the pattern has been a challenge, I think I am going ok have got a couple of the motifs done but there's no instructions or I haven't translated them yet for the actual construction. There is a drawing showing where the motifs go but it's pretty basic.

This may just end up being a dud, one that so far I've spent $50 on and may need more thread. I chose what I thought was a pretty green, but not sure if I still like it.

2011-11-29T12:03:00.002+11:00

Work last week went well, I enjoyed it. The only thing that needs addressing is the lack of hours, so far I only have one definite day a week only, a 6 hour shift, nowhere near enough. Last week I worked 2 days, one helping out at another store.

I had a phone call yesterday about a job available at another place, (somewhere else I used to work) and went for an interview today. The hours were great, fulltime BUT and there is a big BUT about this, it's one of the more stressful jobs in that company. I can remember all the complaints about the job when I was working there. Really don't think it's for me.

I had a word to the Store Manager there on the way out, she didn't do the interview as we already knew each other and she wanted a non-biased opinion. Told her that I'd be more interested in working on the floor and if she could keep my resume in mind for the future.

2011-11-28T13:51:00.002+11:00

Spent so much time cleaning and tidying this past weekend, the place looks so much better. Not perfect but a lot better, now to keep it up. There's a load of stuff out in the car for donating to the Salvos.

Especially there is a load of magazines, I spent so much time sorting through my craft magazines to see what I wanted to keep. Over the years I have to have spent thousands on magazines, at around $10 a pop it wouldn't take long to add up.

Yesterday as I was trying to neaten magazines piles in the family room, it's where I've been sorting them. I had a quick look through those I had opted to keep, noting that most of the magazines still had their pattern sheets stapled in. I realised that I rarely ever make things out of them, there have been a few occasions but not many. I realised that these days close to 100% of my crafting comes from the net, free so why do I need to buy the magazines? Or keep them for that matter?

So now all but one that were in the family room are now bagged and in the car. The family room looks so roomy now. I need to cut my addiction to buying craft magazines, got to keep away from the newsagent. With the money I save, perhaps I'll be able to build myself a cute little shed I've always dreamt about or at least be able to afford more craft supplies. I know I could sell the magazines online, but that's not going to get them out quick enough.

Source: m.weheartit.com via Cheryl on Pinterest

Christmas Gifts and Crochet Barbie Dress

2011-11-25T12:00:00.007+11:00

To keep Christmas spending down to a minimum this year I've decided that most gifts will be handmade. I say that every year but this time it's more of a necessity it's either that or no gift giving.

I have our parents, siblings, nieces, nephews and a growing number of great nieces and nephews. We don't really swap gifts with my husband's family, just his parents and a brother or two. Husband has already bought gifts for his brothers. Oh and one of his nephews family who just happen to be neigbours of ours.

I want to stick with supplies I already have on hand for the most part. I've started with a cute crocheted Elephant for a 1 year old great niece, at the moment it's waiting to be stuffed and sewn, perhaps a dress for her as well.

For her 5 year old sister and 4 year old cousin, it will be Barbie Dolls and dolls clothes. The Barbies have been in my stash for ages, I bought them a few years back to make Christmas Angels with. Was going to use Originals by Gidge designs

This dress was inspired by a pattern that was originally on Originals by Gidge. I only had 4ply cotton on hand so thought it would look fine sized up. Was going to make a long dress with bodice but during the first fitting of the skirt part, I tried it out as a strapless dress. Hmmm liked it.

Crocheted Barbie Dress.

4ply cotton
2.5mm crochet hook

Chain 7
Row 1:
1 dc, 2 ch, 1dc into 5th chain from hook, 1 dc into last ch. 3 ch, turn

Row 2:

1 dc, 2 ch, 1 dc into 2 ch space, 1 dc into top of turning chain. 3 chain, turn

Row 3.

Repeat row 2.

Row 4:

2 dc, 2 ch, 2 dc into 2 ch space, 1 dc into top of turning chain, 3 chain, turn

Row 5:

Repeat Row 4

Row 6,

3dc, 2 ch, 3 dc into 2 ch space, 1 dc into top of turning chain. 3 chain, turn

Rows 7 & 8:

Repeat row 6

Row 9

4 dc, 2 ch, 4 dc into 2 ch space, 1 dc into top of turning chain. 3 chain, turn

Rows 10, 11 & 12

Repeat row 9

Row 13:

5 dc, 2 ch, 5 dc into 2 ch space, 1 dc into top of turning chain. 3 chain, turn

Row 14:

Repeat row 13

Row 15:

6 dc, 2 ch, 6c into 2 ch space, 1 dc into top of turning chain. 3 chain, turn

Row 16: Final row.

Repeat row 15, except for 3 chain, finish off. Leave enough thread for sewing panels together - 20 - 30 cm.

Repeat the above 4 more times, 5 panels in all. Do not finish off on final (5th) panel, leave thread on hook. Do not cut thread.

Laying panels flat side by side, just butt the edges together and join with simple overcast stitch, don't worry about taking small stitches, the lacy effect hides the stitches well. I stitched each panel as I completed them, saved having to make a new panel when one mysteriously disappears. As they do, trust me I know. Happens to me all the time, things just disappear.

Stitch 5 panels together to form flat piece.

With hook and remaining thread.

1 ch, sc up the edge of final panel, I did 2 sc per "hole" and 1 sc into edge of each shell. At the top turn corner by stitching 1 chain and then sc across top of all panels, 1 ch to turn and repeat down the edge of the first panel. Finish off, leave enough thread for stitching.

Stitch to about 3 cm below top and finish off. Sew press stud, velcro dot or button and loop for closure. Straps can be added if needed.

Employed again.

2011-11-21T21:36:00.003+11:00

Tomorrow I start a new job, well sort of it's an old job, I asked at my old workplace if there were any openings and was offered a day a week until other days come up. My actual start day is Wednesday but I got a call this afternoon asking if I would be available to work at another store tomorrow. It's only 10 minutes drive from home and is in the premisis that I once worked at when I worked for the opposition. My old workplace is around 30 minutes drive, so I am hoping that helping out at the closer place might get me some extra work there.

I am confident I am going back to better conditions than when I last worked at this place, had one of the worst managers I have worked with there. Under her management the place was run down and a complete mess. Myself and another supervisor would take on a lot of what was neglected until the other supervisor had quite enough and gave 2 weeks notice. I was supposed to be trained on certain aspects of the other girl's job but the manager wouldn't allow it until her very last day. It wasn't too long before I too had enough, had vacation time booked and found a job which meant I didn't have to go back. The company gave her so many chances and not very long afterwards she was asked to resign. Which is why I am quite happy to go back. The new store manager has made so many changes, one of which is that he lets staff do their jobs properly.

2011-11-18T00:52:00.002+11:00

I've been trying to clear out my sewing room, trying to make it a pleasanter place to be in. It's not very relaxing, motivating or inspiring at the moment. I did get some of the furniture moved around to make it easier to navigate in there.

Am trying to negotiate the clutter now. I have been working on my magazine stash, every so often I go through them to decide what to keep and what goes. I've been putting a blue sticker on those with patterns I really want to make in them, the rest will get donated.

Wasn't feeling great last night, went to bed really early and then was awake at 4am unable to sleep. I got up and put a movie on that I wanted to finish watching. Only put one light on, front entry and watched the tv in the loungeroom without the light. At about 4.30 the light went out, I got up to check, none of the lights worked, the rest of the power was still on. Now we have never had a problem with the lights, if we run the drier, washing machine and dishwasher at the same time it trips the safety switch to the power points but never the lights.

I was not going to go outside to flick the switch back on, I checked all the doors and windows before going to bed. When my husband's alarm went off around 5 I told him what happened. When he asked why I didn't do it myself, I usually do, I've even been known to head out to the rubbish bins at 3am. The lights going off set off alarm bells for me, recently on the news there was a story about an elderly person was killed when they went out to investigate why their power was turned off. Even someone my Mum knows had their water turned off one night but left it til the morning before checking. They rang the police who told them that lately there's been a spate of it, that if they had gone outside it was very likely that the perpertrator would be laying in wait and if it ever happens again to ring the Police. That and the fact that my neigbour recently found a man in a balaclava in his backyard kept me from going out there to check.

Cordial Recipes

2011-10-30T01:42:00.002+11:00

I'm ashamed to say there is a bottle of commercial orange cordial sitting in the pantry, it's been there for ages. Last time I tried some I didn't like the taste at all, having been spoilt with the flavour of homemade lemon cordial.

Finally got around to making Lemon cordial tonight and decided to give Orange a go too. The recipe is very simple 1:1:1 ratio of sugar, water and juice.

Sugar Syrup
Heat equal amounts of sugar and water - I used 2 cups of each- in a saucepan until the sugar is completely dissolved. Allow to cool

For Lemon Cordial I squeezed 5 Lemons - heated for about 20 - 30 seconds in microwave to get more juice. This gave me 400 ml of juice to which I added 400 ml of sugar syrup.

Strain juice through cheese cloth - I use 2 strainers , one finer than the other. The first catches the bulk of the fibre and the second the rest.

Pour into bottle and chill. Serve diluted to taste with cold water and ice for a refreshing drink. It will keep for 3 - 4 weeks in the fridge but I rather make small batches and drink it within 2 weeks. Can also be frozen for later use.

For Orange Cordial the recipe above is the same but it does matter on the flavour of the oranges used, tonight I added an extra 2 oranges to strengthen the flavour.

No wastage, use for the peels

Lemon Cleaneer

Lemon Peels
Vinegar

Into a jar put the lemon peels, jam as much as you can in. You can keep adding extra peels too. Top up the jar with vinegar, screw on lid. Then leave sit for a few weeks.

The end result is a highly lemon scented vinegar which is then diluted 50-50 with water and put in a spray bottle to be used as a general spray cleaner.

Can use orange, mandarin peels in the same way.

Hugh's Fish Fight.

2011-10-11T02:15:00.002+11:00

Joined Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall's Fish Fight Campaign tonight. Watched his Fish Fight show last night and the waste that he highlights is terrible. Trawlers having to throw back tonnes of fish because they are only allowed to catch one species. The rest no matter what conditon it is in is tossed back into the sea. This is happening in the North Sea, which you might think is half a world away but with imports, it affects us too. Is absolute madness.

WE'VE ADDED YOUR NAME TO THE PETITION

“Thank you

for signing up to the
Fish Fight campaign, your
support is appreciated.
Together we can make
a difference.”

Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall

762,974

2011-10-06T20:26:00.002+11:00

Finally I can wash again, after a few abortive attempts at repairing the washing machine, my husband's friend took it home. His brother in law had given him an identical machine but he wasn't able to repair it even though it had the same problem. In the end he cannibalised and was able to repair ours, it was returned this afternoon. No more taking washing to Mum's place. Dad complained to me that they had their machine repaired the next day while apparently we hadn't bothered with ours. Not true, the first repair man refused to work on it, he said he didn't do Electrolux and then hours were spent on it here by my husband's friend who repairs machines in his spare time. We had to wait for those spare moments, it was finished last Friday but he wasn't able to get it back to us. In the end he took it to another friend's place when he was repairing something there and they brought it over today.

2011-10-01T13:34:00.002+10:00

On Sunday we traveled down south for a couple of days for my Aunt's funeral. My parents in their car with an Uncle and Aunt, me in my husband's new car with my children. The trip there wasn't too bad, I didn't feel tired in the least, we drove to Gundagai for lunch and then onto Holbrook, the drive all up was over 5 hours.

Settled in the motel rooms, females in one room and males in another. Then went for a quick visit to another Auntie. I remembered how boring it used to be when visiting there as a kid, sitting around the house with the adults so seeing as Cass and Tom had been cooped up in the car all day I took them into town for a look around. We had thought about driving to Albury and taking Tom across the river into Wodonga, just so he could say he'd been out of the state but that meant another hour driving. Ended up at the submarine instead, had icecream and drinks, Tom climbed over the submarine while Cass read.

The sun was brilliant, we had driven through pouring rain on the trip and my husband said it was pouring at home.

The funeral was nice, as nice as one could be, the church was filled with family and friends. My Dad's surviving siblings were there, there's just 4 left now. Just a few cousins could make it, it was nice seeing cousins I haven't seen for years I only wish that it was under happier circumstances but that's how it is now.

The trip back on Tuesday wasn't so great, I hadn't been well and woke up during the night with a coughing fit. I drove behind my parents but felt the effects of tiredness, was watching for merging traffic one moment and off the road the next. I managed to keep on the shoulder, bringing the car to a stop with my son yelling. Realised I had a microsleep and was very lucky not to have driven into trees or other cars, it happened so quick. We had already had a rest stop but I had felt a little rushed out of it, my parents had wanted to drive longer but I had said no that I wanted to stop at the next service centre, we were only 7 kms from it when it happened. Very scary.

It was a relief to get home but I really would have liked to stay longer to show my kids around the countryside, maybe next time.

Coming Soon a tutorial.

2011-09-21T00:57:00.002+10:00

I was looking at my ironing board cover the other day and thought that maybe it's time for a change. It is still in excellent condition but I'm ready for a colour change. I looked up my old blog to find the tutorial I did, oh my it was 5 years ago! I had thought of copying and pasting the tutorial but think it maybe better if I rewrote it seeing as it originally had been written at 2 am and looks it.

Here is a slide show of the original construction.
Ironing Board

A time of joy and sadness

2011-09-21T00:19:00.003+10:00

Last week there was a new addition to our family, I have a new Great Nephew, Kurtis. I got to meet the precious bundle a few days ago and held him in my arms. So sweet. Mum thought he looked like how my sister and I looked as babies but I can see a lot of his father in him.

We've also suffered a loss to our family, today one of my Dad's older sisters passed away. Dad was the baby of the family and his sister was over 10 years older than him. I really think she was ready to go, she lived a life beset with medical problems from birth and lived well over 80 years. I like to think that her husband and parents took her home.

RIP Aunty Ruth.

Why you should always wash fabric

2011-09-18T22:33:00.005+10:00

I found this delicious apron pattern yesterday, a free tutorial complete with printable pattern. I do loves my freebies. I want to make this for my niece as a Shower Tea gift, ooh and one for me too. Bought red/white and white/red spotted fabrics today. Click on photo for link.

With my washing machine looking like this at the moment, I was going to forgo the washing of the fabrics but had second thoughts, thankfully.

The below pictures were taken on the third rinse, after intial washing and 2 salted rinses. The salt is supposed to help set the colour. The below colour is good compared to the first wash, imagine about 10 shades deeper.

I've left it soaking while I enjoy this, a Soy Chai Latte.

The Third thing broke

2011-09-18T10:00:00.002+10:00

I cleaned out my laundry the other day, it was a mess and I didn't want any service man seeing that. It had been on my list for that day anyway. While I was sweeping the lint off the walls and floor, I thought it would be easier to use the vaccum but then decided that I wasn't going to risk breaking that too.

I got up the next morning, opened the curtains in the loungeroom and the cord broke, was so relieved that it was the third thing and that I could now believe it was all over.

Mum tried telling it wasn't my fault the machine broke, I had no idea the door didn't open for 3 minutes after the machine turned off and she said it had been getting increasing hard to open. They had a serviceman out and he replaced the parts, told her that the part had been wearing thin.

He refused to do our machine at the time, he doesn't fix that brand of machine. Yesterday a workmate of my husband came out, they pulled the machine apart and spent ages trying to work out what was wrong with the door lock. In the end they pulled out the computer card and noted scorch marks on it. He's taken it away to see if he can repair it.

We cleaned out the garage yesterday, it's a real dumping ground, anything we (meaning I) don't want in the house gets dumped out there. I hadn't been able to get to check the vacuum system for ages and as soon as that was clear I was able to do it. The bag had broken, I am glad I didn't use it the other day. I ended up having to vacuum out the vacuum, using Mum's vacuum which thankfully went back home intact. We were hoping to make enough room for one of the cars, in fact we made room for both. Now if only we can get the driveway finished to be able to get the cars into the garage.

Got the washing machine blues and knitter's delight

2011-09-15T11:53:00.003+10:00

As I lay in bed this morning thinking about the day, I had such plans.

First thing was to put a load of washing on, I have heaps to do and then walk to our nearest Spotlight, about 5 km away. That would force me to get some exercise. Of course it didn't go to plan, first off my washing machine won't work, it just sits and clicks then puts up an E40 error, if I try perservering eventually it will start draining and then the screen goes to 000 and it starts beeping. Yup just what I needed.

Then my son realises he is running late, so I have to drive him and decide that seeing as I have the car out I should just drive to Spotlight and then get some food for the cat.

I've actually been to Spotlight everyday for the past 3 days, first was to buy yarn for a new cardigan, second was to take back said yarn and third was to buy more yarn.

I have really had the knitting bug, almost finished the last cardigan but found a pattern for one I couldn't resist. These are english patterns and I was happy to find a yarn that matched the tension requirements which knitted up beautifully. The new pattern uses larger needles and the tension works out extremely close to this yarn so I bought more of it. Was disappointed when I started knitting, apparently the differs in thickness and texture between dyelots. I took the new yarn back and last night tried it out on the leftover yarn which knits up beautifully of course. Just means I end up with 3 cardigans the same colour, which doesn't worry me because they are very different styles. I was even able to find the last ball of that dyelot at Spotlight today.

While I was out I saw a cute outfit for my new Great Nephew and took the time to take it over. It was our first meeting, he is 10 days old and very cute.

2011-09-12T12:42:00.002+10:00

This past week has been blissful, I am relishing this unemployed malarky. I have put a couple of applications in, both for chain stores but really I want to either work for a single person or for myself. It'll come.

There is a little more pressure to get a paying gig, my husband is buying a new car. His car, bought second hand last year, has some niggling problems that will cost to fix - non working AC, fan not working on anything less than the highest setting and as a 6 cylinder it has a bit of a drinking problem. He's dumping it for a younger, smaller, more economical model. We went out to look at what he had chosen on Saturday, a Kia Soul. It's a demonstration model, the salesman said that when Kia hosted the tennis they used these cars to ferry around the players. There were only a couple of colours available, White and Red. I am not a fan of white cars, no idea why I just don't like them, he prefers white but he let me go with the colour. Now we are just waiting to hear back about finance.

This morning I decided to head out for walk, we gave our sewing class a miss, my daughter is trying to get over a cough and the drafty area the class is in isn't good for her. I walked to our local shops, bought a knitting magazine and a bottle of water before heading to a local reserve. I found a steepish grassed hill and walked up and down it 10 times before heading over to the lake and found a nice spot by the waterfall to meditate and then I listened to a hypnosis session. I've been listening to a lot of these lately, they are free sessions from Free Hypnosis Treatments.
I am finding them very beneficial and enjoyable.

Unemployed.

2011-09-07T20:58:00.002+10:00

This afternoon was given the "there have been cutbacks and we are letting you go" speech. I'm not that worried about it really, it wasn't just me, another was given the same speech. What isn't logical is that we are both work the same section and are the only ones really experienced in the section, you'd really think it would have been one or the other not both. But I am not worried for myself, though more for the other lady who really needed the job.

I've been feeling the pull to move on and this is the shove I needed. There are a few things I want to try, but where to start. I actually did a visualisation during a Hypnosis session last night about where I wanted to be in 6 months time and this job wasn't part of the visualisation. This is confirmation.

I know we need the extra income at the moment and have applied for a Christmas Casual job to get us through to the end of the year. After that who knows.

2011-08-25T22:35:00.002+10:00

I let myself be sabotaged - hubby bought home an apple pie last night and I had some of his fries. I didn't beat myself up over it. I had told him that I wanted to lose weight the day before, well today I get home and my son tells me that there is a custard tart for me in the fridge. That's where it's staying until someone else eats it.

This weekend we are going to see a musical that one of our friend's daughter is in, it's Dirty Rotten Scoundrals. I was thinking about going out to buy something to wear, then this morning checked my wardrobe trying on a couple of dresses. A favourite dress from last year was was a little tight is no longer a little tight! Another dress that I wore because it covered my bulges until the day I caught sight of my reflection and realised it made me look like a tent. I do like the dress and when trying it on today realised a belt was all it needed. So after buying 3 belts tonight, el cheapo from Kmart, a plain tan, a plaited tan and a black one. Tried all with the dress and decided the plaited one looks best. So my garment for Saturday night is sorted.

Tonight I got into my wardrobe and started trying on tops, was doing a happy dance in front of the mirror when all the much too tight were only a little tight.

Thanks Robyn for your comment, it's nice to know someone does read this. Carbs are my problem child, I have had success before with low carb eating - until the addiction raised it's ugly head again. Rice is going to be the hardest, I love Sushi.

Have been having fresh fruit smoothies for breakfast, around midday I have a bit of fruit to quell the hunger until my alloted lunch time at work. Today had chicken and Caeser Salad at a cafe but tomorrow it's homemade vegie soup. I keep a one litre water bottle at work, the water filter at work spits out chilled water, I like room temperature, my goal is to empty that bottle by the end of the day. I have hot water with my midday snack, lunch and afternoon tea, extra to the one litre. I am a tea drinker but like to keep my intake down, I haven't bothered replacing my tea stores at work. Right now I have a cup or two a day. Have just finished my cup for today, a delicious tea with Eyebright and Goji.

8 Weeks

2011-08-23T17:08:00.002+10:00

In 8 weeks we have a wedding to go to, I really want to lose some weight for it.

Today I saw a gorgeous dress in a local dress shop, I tried on an 18, it was tight across the bust, the under bust seam not quite sitting under bust. I was tempted to buy it to diet into but I don't want to be wearing an 18.

Actually I shouldn't be worried about it, it's only a number because these days there don't seem to be any standardisation in dress sizing. Depending on which shop and often different items in the same shop. the size of clothes I wear varies. One shop made me cry when I saw the size of the items that fitted me, then I realised their sizing seemed be 2 sizes different from everywhere else.

I have been losing weight and recently bought some items in 16 and even a 14 that fit me.

I have been listening to the Gabriel Method CD at night, using visualisations to see myself slimmer, that was hard to do. I'd look at pictures to find the body I want, in magazines, on the net and then couldn't imagine my head on that body. I'd never look like that in million years. I've always been fat, yadda, yadda. I found a picture of myself at my sister's wedding,aged about 19 years, I realised that in fact I wasn't fat. I weighed about 58 kilos back then..... a weight considered fat by my family because I was and had been bigger than my older sister for a long time - a quote from those days "Cheryl only has to look at what Sue eats and she gains weight". Sue my older sister at the time of her wedding still bought her clothes in the childrens dept and at another wedding later that year a stranger pointed her out, asking me if "that little girl over there was pregnant". For years I told myself I was meant to be fat.

Well listening to the CD is changing that, I am using my own picture to visualise my perfect body, able to see myself without the double chin, which in fact is diminishing. Whether I get down to 58 kilos is not important, but being able to see myself as that size is definitely helping. I got dressed today and looked the mirror actually wowing what I saw, there is a change in how I see myself.

I am exercising more, today I got out the 3 mile Walk Away The Pounds, put it on the mini DVD player and watched a Grow Your Own Drugs DVD on the TV while doing the exercises. It was great because I wasn't watching all those great bodies and feeling despondant about my own. I did only do 2 miles, the DVD player ran out of power, it must have felt sorry for me.

First time with an Artichoke.

2011-08-22T14:54:00.003+10:00

Saw Artichokes when I was at the greengrocers today, couldn't help myself I had to buy one.

At home a quick search on the internet I found the recipe I was looking for, I think it's Julia's, at Serious Eats.

2 globe artichokes
1 stick unsalted butter, cut into 8 pieces and chilled
Juice of two lemons to make 1/4 cup
1/8 teaspoon salt
Pinch of white pepper (optional)

The only other thing I had to buy was the butter, another internet search to find how much a stick of butter weighed in grams - around 113g, a little less than half a pack.

It was my first time cooking and eating an Artichoke, I think I may have bought one before but had no idea what to do with it and ended up throwing it out.

I did find the lemon a bit overpowering, I ended up eating it with very little sauce and ground salt.

Very easy to make, time consuming to eat and not that filling, not for a one course lunch anyway. A couple of mini muffins and Tim Tams with a cup of tea helped with that.

Julie & Julia

2011-08-21T23:34:00.003+10:00

A new movie has been added to my list of favourites, Julie & Julia.

My husband bought the DVD and I had no idea what it was about, I only put it on because Meryl Streep was in it and I had watched Mamma Mia yesterday so was in a Meryl state of mind. Random thought Meryl rhymes with Cheryl :).

Opening scenes when Meryl/Julia starts talking I found the accent baffling, then a few minutes in I realise it's Julia Child she is playing. As an Australian I didn't have a lot of Julia Child exposure, I know I saw her on cable years ago and my husband bought a cooking CD Rom for me years ago that I don't think I ever used.

So now I am in love with Julia Child, gave me the cooking bug, I didn't even complain when I had to pause the movie half way through to cook dinner. Not up to Julia standards of course. Right after the movie I got on the computer and watched the boeuf bourguignon episode on You Tube. I so have to make this, will have to have an actual dinner party. I haven't had one of those in almost forever - my grand totals of dinner parties stand at a resounding one - my husband's birthday not long after we moved here. Of course I'll have to make 2 versions - one with a wine substitute or without, have made something similar before. My husband refuses to eat food made with any alcohol, he doesn't touch the stuff and won't believe it cooks out. Oh and leave out the mushrooms too, he doesn't like those, I may get away with the onions if I leave them off his plate. My fault for marrying a fussy eater.

Now I might just put in the Julia Child Home Cooking with Master Chefs CDR, just tried and it's so old I can't get it to play, only have audio that seems to start partway through lessons.

Favourite things.

2011-08-09T15:44:00.005+10:00

While I was reading after breakfast this morning I thought about how neglected and unloved a lot of my house looked. Decided to make a start with the dresser in my dining room, first I looked over it to see if there was anything I didn't love on it and decided that most of the items were definitely loved.

My Old Country Roses Tea Cup set, a gift from my Mum for either my 18th or 21st Birthday, my Grandmother's lolly Jar. After Nanna passed away I was lucky enough (or was it fast enough?) to get a few coveted items, this jar I noticed a few weeks later sitting in Mum's kitchen after she washed it. I asked if I could have it, was told no that she liked it. I replied that she already had one, was told no she didn't, this went back and forth a couple of times. Until Mum in esparation said that she and Dad had bought it for my Grandmother not long after they married and in fact she had bought 3, one for her mother, one for Dad's mother and one for....... that's when she exclaimed "Where's mine?!!" remembering she always kept it on display but it was no longer there. I found it in a cupboard where she had put it away for safe keeping away after a close call with a toddling Grandchild.

The jug, tray and lace edged cloth also came from my Grandmother. The Windmill plate was a housewarming gift from Nanna when I invited her over for morning tea not long after I moved in here. She made me promise to look after it. Just after her death conversation got around to the fact that Nanna had noticed that items of hers were disappearing, she thought they had been broken or taken by others. Mum mentioned the Windmill Plate was one of those items, I told her I had it and had recieved it as a gift. We realised that Nanna's memory had been pretty shot and she didn't remember giving the items away, we now know where several of the items are. The lace cloth is handmade, either by Nanna's Grandmother or Aunt.

These glasses are so special to me, they are the first things I ever won. I was maybe 4 years old and won these at a school fete, they came in a basket shaped like a 3 leaf clover (long gone). Orginally 6 glasses one got broken long ago. When Dad used to make Rhubarb Wine we were allowed to have little in these little glasses on special occasions.
Turned wooden items made by my husband, photos of the most special people in my life, my 2 children - now 19 and 16.

Pretty teacup, vintage scale which I am not sure where it came from. May have bought it. The sweet little teddy who's name is Byron was originally made by me from a free internet pattern. I was so pleased with him and he has buttons holding his arms and legs on. The buttons came from a worn out favourite jacket. I remember the day I finished him I went over to my parent's place and was visiting with my Grandmother who was telling me about a day trip she had been on with a friend that day. She started telling me about the cutest little bear she had seen that was sitting in a teacup and how she wanted to buy one but wasn't able to afford it. I stopped our conversation saying I'd be right back and ran home (I live behind my parents, so not a long run) and grabbed Byron for her. She was so delighted with him and displayed him in a teacup. I only found him today after wondering where he was, I had thought he'd been put in with my Christmas bears and packed away but hadn't found him last Christmas. I found him stuffed into the bowl above which had been put in a cupboard. So happy to have him back.

Unfortunately the website, www.teddybearshug.com no longer exists but I was able to search for it with the Wayback Machine, heading back to 2006 where I was able to access the pattern.

Jammy Jammy Jam Jam.

2011-07-24T15:27:00.002+10:00

This past week has been good, it would have been better if it hadn't rained and been overcast every day. I read, knitted, watched dvds, sewed a little, today I topped it off by making a sticky mess in my kitchen. I made Strawberry Jam using Rhonda Jean's recipe, have 5 jars processing in a water bath right now. Was left with half a jar that we sampled on toast, the way my son added jam to our toast I can see the five jars not lasting long.

It took a bit longer to cook than I thought, my fault I was worried about it burning so had it turned down too low.

I usually prefer Raspberry to Strawberry Jam but this was way up there in preferences, I doubt that any store bought jam will ever be right for me now.

On the Needles

2011-07-22T22:58:00.003+10:00

Started knitting a cardigan yesterday, am really pleased with it so far.

I've taken this week off work, am not due to go back until Wednesday, of course it's been raining all week. Managed to get out for lunch with a good friend. Was supposed to be a picnic, but the weather didn't permit. Instead we had lots of tea, very lovely sandwiches and Cinnamon Apple Scrolls.

I had taken the week off to get ready for my husband's birthday tomorrow but he decided he didn't want a party - not that the weather would have permitted it. Instead we will go out for dinner and maybe go somewhere tomorrow, seeing as soccer is off.

Sunrise

2011-07-11T17:03:00.005+10:00

Last night worked on my stretch velvet redingote, procrastination raised it's ugly head but I finally got around to it - late though I had thought I wanted to wear it today but no go. I added pleats to the skirt - adding 14 inches to to the skirt back, it was easier working in inches. Got the sides stitched and attached the bodice. Am really pleased with it.

As mentioned I had hoped to wear it today but had some unpicking to do, I tried covering the raw edges with bias but it didn't sit right. When I noticed it was after midnight I figured it was time for bed.

This morning my plan was to see a sunrise in the mountains, so was up at 5.30. The sky was starting to lighten when I left, got just beyond Springwood before I noticed the first rays of sunlight.

Stood in the cold wind for a few moments before heading to the car, put the driver's window down to get full effect of the sun. I closed my eyes and noticed that the after image of the sun was emerald green, the colour of Archangel Raphael and healing. One of the things I noticed was that after a while with my eyes closed, could see mostly darkness apart from the image of the bright sun, it was like a torn piece of the darkness. I could actually see trees, sky in that tear, not part of the view that I was sitting in front of because in my vision there was a river. Don't have an explanation of what this was, it was just amazing.

Afterwards I drove up to Katoomba, the wind there was viciously cold and strong. Took a few pictures of the amazing colours which the photos didn't do justice. Then I went back to the car for a half hour nap, then into town for a lovely breakfast.

On the way back I called into Springwood for some shopping. Bought buttons, fabric and a bag pattern at a sewing store. Then on to Frou Frou, found a journal and a red velvet thingy there. The thingy was some sort of valance, think for a table, I loved the fabric. A jumper and a scarf completed my purchases from Birney's. Spoilt myself completely with tea and cake at a cafe before heading home.

Update: Here is the thingy on my kitchen table, it looks way too cool to cut up. I think it would look stunning on a market stall, if ever I get around to doing one.

Being called the mountains again.

2011-07-10T10:38:00.002+10:00

This year the pull of the Blue Mountains has been strong, most years I would normally go once or twice. Usually a mid winter visit, all rugged up to keep warm. On those visits you can really tell the tourists and locals apart, the tourists usually wearing bulky clothing and the locals not so much. My last visit a couple of weeks ago I noticed that I was dressed more like a local, that is until later in the afernoon when it started getting colder.

This past year or so I have been making more forays to the mountains, sometimes on my own, sometimes not. I want to see a sunrise, so will be leaving well before daybreak - hopefully will be able to pull myself from bed for it. I am looking forward to a day on my own exploring where I want to.

I am on countdown this week, have only 5 days left at work before I get a break of 10 days, after which I will be going from 5 days a week to 4 days. Will be working an extra hour a day, so there's not a huge loss in hours, which I can recoup with savings from tolls, petrol and not buying lunches. The extra day off will be classed as a working day in the pursuit of getting some sewing done to sell online or at craft markets.

Focaccia

2011-07-03T17:38:00.003+10:00

I've been reading more blogs again, today went to one of my favourites Down to Earth and followed a link to Slow Living Essentials, another Australian Blog. There I found instructions for Focaccia and just had to try it.

Used the Bread machine dough recipe, olive oil, garlic, home grown rosemary and cheddar cheese to stuff the focaccia. I need to add more ingredients especially cheese, there was no enough but every one declared it was good. My daughter's simple phrasing as she clutched 2 piece of "it's good" says it all.

There's another batch of dough in the machine right now for mini loaves .

Evil??

2011-07-03T12:24:00.004+10:00

Have had headaches for the past few days, got a bit of a head cold today. On Friday they were threatening to become a full blown migraine, nausea, enhanced sense of smell but was at work and there was a lot to do. Paracetamol didn't work, it just tasted funny and the water I had with it tasted awful. So I grabbed my phone and listened to a hypnotherapy recording on it, a ten minute relaxation break, the difference was wonderful, I was able to function that is until a woman with the worst smelling perfume came near me. Sat in a dark room listening to it again and was able to function until the end of the day.

What has just gotten to me is that after facebooking about it I got a comment that I need to stay away from hypnosis, that it's evil and to take Panadol instead. It's no wonder I hide much of my beliefs from family members, I've only ever given the link to this blog to one family member and did regret it right away, I took the blog down for a while, I don't even know if they do read it. Apart from myself, my worst critics have always been some family members, which took the confidence rug right out from under me. Hypnosis has given back what was taken away.

I am trying to reduce the amount of chemicals in my life, the dependancy on man made drugs, eating more natural organic foods - which right now feels like a losing battle. I use earth friendly laundry wash, I won the battle with that, my husband kept coming home with the chemical laiden stuff until I pointed out cost. He's big on cost. He did however refuse to use the homemade laundry wash even though it was much better budget wise.

Really need to get out and start growing some vegies, my yard is very neglected. One of the things I remember about attempting this in the past is that my husband was aghast at eating home grown vegies and I quote " it's been outside, it can't be safe". That was a while ago and we've been watching River Cottage since then and I hope it's rubbing off. After watching that show I no longer buy barn laid eggs, opting for free range, organic - the same goes for Chicken, I buy free range but we still get the other stuff, again my husband does a lot of the buying and it's all cost to him. It only costs a couple of dollars extra per kilo and it tastes better, a roast chicken is so much plumper and moist when cooked. I tend to get more meals out of an organic one than the other.

I am changing , I hope for the better. I love my husband, even though I don't always show it to him and others, I have rarely worn my wedding ring over the past 23 years of marriage. A couple of weeks ago I discovered my wedding ring in the drawer and decided to make the effort of wearing it, it's only been off my finger a couple of times since - mainly to stop dough getting into the diamond settings. I really no longer am a diamond/gold girl and the ring looks a bit wimpy with out the matching engagement ring, it's still waiting to be repaired after the diamond fell out years ago. My choice of jewellery these days is silver with natural semi precious stones, once I went for miniscle pieces I now go for more substantial items. The top ring is my Grandmothers, I think it's a Topaz, the second is an Adventurine I wear most of the time, it's on my finger right now and the other is Eye of Ra, flanked by Ankhs - Male and Female energies. These all now are my preferred type of rings, I love wearing my Grandmother's ring out and love the attention it recieves. After Nanna passed I found it in her drawer and asked Mum if I could have it, she told me that I would probably be the only one who would wear it, or could for that matter, my fingers are larger than the rest of the females in my family and the ring fits me perfectly.

Katoomba

2011-06-26T22:18:00.002+10:00

Had a wonderful day today, we (my kids and I) drove up to the Blue Mountains. We had lunch at Wentworth Falls, a couple of pizzas that I made last night, the remainder of the mini loaves. I was warming the pizzas on top of an electric BBQ next to 2 ladies and a man who were cooking up a pile of sausages, they turned to me and asked if we wanted some they had brought way too many.

After lunch and a visit to a couple of lookouts we drove to Katoomba and did a little shopping on the main street. I bought a crystal pendalum and a couple of fairy/elf bags filled with crystals from one shop and investigated several of the Antique shops, next time I go back it will be without my teenagers.

No photos yet, have to find a way to get them off the camera, I forgot to put the card back in.

We headed to Echo point, Thomas and I decided to walk to the 3 sisters while my 19 year old daughter opted to wait in the warmth of the car. The steps down were steep, didn't look forward going back up. I need to get much fitter. I did make it back to the car, then to the chocolate shop for some hot chocolate for them and a cup of tea for me.

I found the weather invigorating, it was cool but didn't really feel cold until later when we were down at the 3 Sisters, there was a strong wind blowing, the walk/drag back up warmed me up. I wore my Tam, still way too big and decided to search for the pattern to make a smaller one. I really have to label my posts better, I did remember I had made it around my MIL's birthday and searched for past posts

Bread Making

2011-06-26T00:11:00.005+10:00

Just did a silly thing, I was channel surfing and came across a scary movie, I watched for a moment then thought it might become too bad so switched channels. Thought to myself that I was being a wimp so switched back, within a minute my heart was pounding, screaming in my head and I may just have nightmares for the rest of my life. I figure if I laugh at myself perhaps it won't be so bad. And watching Cake Boss, might rub some sugary goodness off on me.

Had a much more relaxing day, no work for me, swapped shifts with a colleague who needs Monday off. I spent time reading blogs, getting inspired and cleaning the kitchen. Put the inspiration into action by baking some bread.

This loaf looks absolutely perfect, don't you think?

Take a closer look.......

How cute is that? The family loved the little loaves, my husband who doesn't like homemade even had some and said he liked it. I cut one into slices and made a tiny vegemite sandwich. I bought the baking tin with 8 little loaf tins at my work this week, the dough was made in my bread maker while I was cleaning/reading blogs.

Bread Machine Loaf

1 cup warm water
2 tablespoons caster sugar
1 teaspoon dried yeast
4 tablespoons vegetable oil
440g bread flour
1 teaspoon salt

Place the water, sugar and yeast in the pan of the bread machine. Let the yeast dissolve and foam for 10 minutes. Add the oil, flour and salt to the yeast. Select Basic or White Bread setting, and press Start.

A very easy, basic recipe that tasted delicious, found here at Allrecipes.

Also made my first attempt at making pizza dough, we had home made pizza for dinner. As I mentioned before my husband doesn't like homemade bread, he opted for a store bought pizza base as well. I made my pizza and when my son saw it he asked if he could have some too. He raved about how good it was, then I showed him how to use the dough to make a base. Husband must have felt left out, he told me I should make the bases again. The recipe was out of the Breville Baker's Oven Instruction manual.

Stretch velvet sewing day 3

2011-06-21T00:39:00.002+10:00

Didn't do any sewing yesterday, attended one niece's baby shower and then went on to visit her sister who wasn't able to attend. She's having a hard time so I thought I'd drop in some hypnosis cds. We sat, drank tea, talked, snuggled with her kids for over 3 hours. She messaged me later that she had tried one of the cd sessions and the difference in how she was feeling was amazing, told me she loved me and I was the best Aunt ever. I read that when I hopped into bed and went to sleep with smile on my face.

I did find some fabric to use as lining, it's swimsuit lining, stretchy and soft enough to do as I wanted - but only came in black or beige. Black was fine, it's only for the bodice, possibly sleeves and I am going to do Hong Kong seams for any visible seams in black satin bias. It's funny how when you are deciding whether to do something or not something always pops up to aid your decision. Now I have never seen any garment that had Hong Kong seams, only in pictures but today a customer was wearing a lovely skirt that had Hong Kong seams on the outside as a design feature, I found myself staring and admiring it.

No pictures tonight I spent most of my sewing time procrastinating then cut out the lining fabric and testing seam finishes. The Hong Kong seams look great but added bulk to the seam that was visible from the outside, after some trials I decided that a flat fell seam was best. It's the sort of seam that is on the leg of jeans. Because the lining will cover the seam I didn't worry about folding under the raw edge of the top seam allowance which kept the bulk down and made the seams easy to top stitch.

I finished all the seams and then thought about the shoulder seams, as I went to start I noticed the light in the room flicker. I had spent the time listening to Doreen Virtue reading her Archangel Raphael and wondered whether this was a sign to finish up for the evening, putting my work down, the flickering stopped. After a few moments I thought no that I wanted to get it done and picked up the bodice with determination. As soon as I got it in my hands the light went out completely. Took that as a message.

My lamp was still on and I turned it off while still seated at my desk, and looked around the room to get my eyes acustomed to the dark. What I saw was lovely, I was surrounded by sparkles of white light, pin pricking the dark. It was a lovely way to end the night, I know the angels were letting me know they were with me.

Stretch velvet day 2

2011-06-19T00:48:00.006+10:00

Having experienced sewing with Crushed Panne before and without the greatest results I figured it a good idea to look for tips in sewing stretch velvet, this was the best I came across Stretch Velvet Sewing. Though after spending time basting seams, something I rarely do, I wasn't pleased with the seams so I took out all the basting and pinned instead. Much quicker.

It was recommended to use a walking or roller foot, I just so happen to have a walking foot.

The foot installed, it's arm sits over the needle screw and when the needle raises, it lifts the arm which works the walking part of the foot.
Test sewing, the first sample the stitches are too small, the fabric puckering and the seam gaping, with longer stitches - 3.5 setting on my machine the seam lies flat.
I finger pressed the seam open, I don't think pressing was needed. I was worried about crushing the pile or burning an image of the iron into the fabric.

Shoulder seams were taped, I only had extra wide tape so cut it in half. Didn't want to risk it shrinking so I wet and then ironed it dry. The taping will prevent the shoulder seam from stretching and should be done on all stretch fabric shoulders.

I hadn't done any fitting and ran the risk of it not fitting, was very pleased at the first fitting and found it fitted quite well. When the band is added to the centre front it will do up nicely.

My next dilemma is deciding what to do inside. I don't want to overlock (serge), had thought of Hong Kong seam finish using satin bias binding or even just turning the cut edge of the seam under it's self. I may just line the bodice if I can find the fabric for it.

Sewing with Stretch Velvet. Sort of tutorial.

2011-06-18T01:30:00.009+10:00

Recently I decided I wanted a stretch velvet coat or jacket, it started with some velvet cushion covers at work and a day or so later a friend mentioned wanting a green velvet jacket. I had a clear vision of what I wanted in deep red or purple. The covers came in a divine purple.

I found the stretch velvet fabric in spotlight, waiting till I could use a discount voucher, I could only get the purple but yesterday I found the red in a different branch. Will see how this one turns out.

Pattern pieces, pressed and cut out - always on the line, not inside or outside but so you can see the line. Cutting either inside or outside the line adds extra dimensions, making the finished article smaller or bigger, pieces won't fit together accurately.
Fold stretch velvet in half lengthways, pin within the selvage edge to keep from sliding. Fold with velvet on the outside, it prevents the pile catching on it's self.

Layout pattern pieces, I have not followed layout in pattern instructions, because I bought more fabric.
To ensure grain is correct, measure from grain line to selvage edge, from the base and top of grain line.
First cut, I bought new scissors for the task - always use sharp scissors and never ever cut paper with your dressmaking scissors. It actually blunts them, it's the same in reverse too, don't cut fabric with your paper scissors. And do not under any circumstances ever cut the cat's stitches with dressmaking scissors - I don't care if stitches are classed as sewing. Mum do you hear me? You can see I pinned the piece, only pin in seam allowance, velvet is unforgiving and can show pin marks.
Nick into positioning marks - do not cut the whole triangle out a straight nick from centre of mark to tip of triangle is all that is needed.
Blurry picture of a tailor's tack, instead of using chalk or marker to mark each point I stitched tailor's tacks. To do this, put a threaded needle straight into centre of circle mark, do not lean it to the side it must be straight. Pull thread through leaving long tails at both ends.
Gently pull apart fabric without pulling stitches out.

Cut thread. Each thread marks a fitting spot and corresponds with another mark on another piece of pattern.

I only cut out the bodice tonight, I want to work on those before cutting out the sleeves and skirt of the coat. If at any point you get tired don't keep on, tiredness brings on mistakes and mistakes on velvet can be costly.

To be continued.

Pies

2011-06-17T22:12:00.003+10:00

After languishing, gathering dust in the pantry I pulled out the pie maker today - no hold on it wasn't me in the pantry gathering dust it was the pie maker.....although with the amount I've been cooking around here I am getting a bit dusty. The pie maker has been sitting there since last I had the urge to use it, was it last year or the year before?

Tonight, Friday is usually just my daughter and I home but soccer has been called off so the rest are home as well. So I had to come up with dinner for 4, checked the freezer and noticed some meat pie filling I made a few weeks back, I cheated and just made puff pastry tops. Also had pastry sheets in there as well. I thought the meat needed a touch more flavour and stuck about a teaspoon full of vegemite - my secret. The pies were nice but there was only enough filling to make 6, David and Thomas had 2 each. I was still hungry so cooked up an apple with a handful of frozen raspberries, a little sugar and arrowroot to thicken it. There was just enough pastry for 2. Of course Thomas put his hand up for one, I had the other with custard. Yummy.

2011-06-10T19:23:00.002+10:00

It's stocktake time again, I got the tablecloth area and spent most of my time counting hundreds of fabric napkins, tablecloths and hundreds of cushion covers. Tomorrow if the store isn't too busy I can look forward to more tablecloths and thousands of napkins. If I had of known this when unpacking last week I would have kept most of them sewn together in dozen lots.

Was ready for a cup of tea when I got home and why not add some predinner dessert? On special china too, Spode no less and better than just any Spode, free Spode. A fringe benefit from work, the boss wanted to clear out mismatched china and sets missing items, he told us to choose what we wanted. This set was missing a plate and saucer, I also got a bonus tea cup. It made the supermarket custard tart taste that little bit better. Apparently my husband went shopping hungry.

2011-06-07T01:16:00.003+10:00

You know you're Australian if ...

* You believe that stubbies can be either drunk or worn.

* You waddle when you walk due to the 53 expired petrol discount vouchers stuffed in your wallet or purse.

* You've made a bong out of your garden hose rather than use it for something illegal such as watering the garden. Never! I use mine for something illegal like watering the garden or washing the car

* You think it's normal to have a leader called Julia. Not there yet

* You believe it is appropriate to put a rubber in your son's pencil case when he first attends school.

* You're liable to burst out laughing whenever you hear of Americans "rooting" for something.

* You understand that the phrase 'a group of women wearing black thongs' refers to footwear and may be less alluring than it sounds.

* You pronounce Melbourne as 'Mel-bn'. And Brisbane is Bris-ben

* You believe the 'l' in the word ' Australia ' is optional. I like the l

* You know that some people pronounce Australia like "Strayla" and that's ok.

* You can translate: 'Dazza and Shazza played Acca Dacca on the way to Maccas.'

* You believe it makes perfect sense for a nation to decorate its
highways with large fibreglass bananas, prawns and sheep. Isn't there an Oyster as well?

* You call your best friend 'a total bastard' but someone you really, truly despise is just 'a bit of a bastard'.

* You think 'Woolloomooloo' is a perfectly reasonable name for a place.

* You're secretly proud of our killer wildlife.

* You believe it makes sense for a country to have a $1 coin that's twice as big as its $2 coin.

* You understand that 'Wagga Wagga' can be abbreviated to 'Wagga' but 'Woy Woy' can't be called 'Woy'. Been to both, lived in Woy Woy for a while.

* You believe that cooked-down axle grease makes a good breakfast spread. You've also squeezed it through Vita Wheats biscuits to make little Vegemite worms. Yum, bought a new jar today

* You believe all famous Kiwis are actually Australian, until they stuff up, at which point they again become Kiwis.

* Hamburger with Beetroot? Of course!

* You know that certain words must, by law, be shouted out during any rendition of the Angels' song 'Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again'. No Way..... 8-)

* You believe that the confectionery known as the Wagon Wheel has become smaller with every passing year. Eat Ze Wagon Wheel.

* You wear ugh boots outside the house.

* You believe that every important discovery in the world was made by an Australian but then sold off to the Yanks for a pittance.

* You believe that the more you shorten someone's name the more you like them. Lengthening does the same.

* Whatever your linguistic skills, you find yourself able to order
takeaway fluently in every Asian language.

* You understand that 'excuse me' can sound rude, while 'scuse me' is always polite.

* You know what it's like to swallow a fly. Ptoohey

* You know it's not summer until the steering wheel is too hot to handle and a seat belt buckle becomes a pretty good branding iron.

* Your biggest family argument over the summer concerned the rules for beach cricket.

* You shake your head in horror when companies try to market what they call 'Anzac cookies'. BISCUITS, they are BISCUITS!

* You still think of Kylie as 'that girl off Neighbours'.

* You understand that all train timetables are works of fiction.

* When working in a bar, you understand male customers will feel the need to offer an excuse whenever they
order low-alcohol beer.

* You know how to abbreviate every word, all of which usually end in -o: arvo, combo, garbo, kero, lezzo, metho, milko, muso, rego, servo, smoko, speedo, righto etc.

* You know that there is a universal place called "woop woop" located in the middle of nowhere...no matter where you actually are.

* You know that none of us actually drink Fosters beer, because it tastes like shit. But we let the world think we do. Because we can.

* You have some time in your life slept with Aeroguard on in the summer. Maybe even as perfume.

* You've only ever used the words - tops, ripper, sick, mad, rad, sweet - to mean good. And then you place 'bloody' in front of it when you REALLY mean it.

* You know that the barbeque is a political arena; the person holding the tongs is always the boss and usually a man. And the women make the salad.

* You say 'no worries' quite often, whether you realise it or not.

* You've drank your tea/coffee/milo through a Tim Tam. Yum

* You own a Bond's chesty. In several different colours. I have one, in white.

* You've ordered a steak the size of your head and only
paid $5 at your local RSL.

* You know that roo meat tastes pretty good, but not as good as barra. Or a meat pie.

Agree with all the rest, except don't think roo tastes that great.

Socks

2011-06-06T22:54:00.003+10:00

Finished the second pair of socks from the book tonight, the fit is much better. The pattern was pretty much identical to the first, apart from the length. Being used to elasticated thin socks they don't quite feel right on, think some knitting elastic in the band will help for next time.
I have set a little table up along side of a tub chair I bought at a garage sale a few years back, it's now my favourite place to eat breakfast and get some reading done each morning. Below is some of the books I want to get through, finished Save yesterday and started Stainless today. The orange book is The Land of the Painted Caves by Jean Auel, the latest book in the Earth's Children series, am halfway through that. Above it is White Magic by Lucy Cavendish again partway through. The ratty book on top of it is The Five Peppers and how they Grew, probably my favourite childhood book, I've decided to read it again. Under Stainless is How to be Comfy, I am sure I have Spotless around here somewhere too. The little blue book is called Meeting Fairies, I too am partway through it, I feel guided to only read it outdoors and have not been able to get out enough lately. I've tried reading it inside but the words are so blurry but are very clear outside. Went to Spotlight yesterday with my husband in tow, can't remember the last time he came into there with me - probably was when I worked at another branch and he got a temporary job there as well, quite a few years back. Found a good use for him while I took a quick look around, he stood on the line at the cutting counter, until he got bored and tried ringing me to come back - he didn't realise I was behind him. Bought 4 metres of purple velveteen for my Redingote, was supposed to start cutting it out today but didn't get to it.

Yesterday my Mum came over wanting to know if she had lent me a bag, she was a little upset it was lost so I offered to help her look. She said the last time she had it was when she went away a few weekends ago and it contained her fabrics and unfinished quilts, I was feeling bad for her. Questioned whether it might have been left behind, she was sure she put it in the car and that she would have been called. Again she made emphasis on what was packed in the bag, I asked if someone had the bag if they would know it was hers by recognising the quilts -- that's when she told me that all the fabric and quilts were in her sewing room. At that point I got a little frustrated, I've no idea why :S. As I passed the rarely used downstairs bathroom I asked if anyone had checked the shower, heading in and pulling the door open. That's when we all broke down in hysterics, because there was a pile of things stacked in the shower, under a coat was the illusive and empty bag, apparently they where hidden there when they moved rooms around.

Knitted Socks

2011-05-31T23:45:00.008+10:00

Creative bug has bitten. Finally.

I've been up to good in the sewing room, tidying and clearing out. I can see carpet and no longer have to walk by squirreling my foot into the mess, hoping I hit floor without breaking anything. Yep I'm that tidy, and have taught the kids well - if I ask them to put anything into my sewing room they know that the floor just inside the door is the perfect place for whatever it is, no matter how big it is. What I've found in there, lots of surprises - clothing in garbage bags, apparently I asked my son to tidy the loungeroom and there was clean laundry in there, I had wondered why I had lost much of my clothing. Right now I can't get in there, my daughter has taken over and is watching a DVD, this is what I can hear from there right now. This is my favourite version of HMS Pinafore, by the Australian company ESSGEE, so sad I missed out on seeing it on stage - had a new baby that I wouldn't leave with a sitter. That was 16 years ago, I had seen their version of Pirates of Penzance several times, the last the most memorable because as I made my way to my seat I put my hand to my stomach and thought 'I'm pregnant' and then had to wait 2 weeks for me to be pregnant enough to show up when tested. The first test I took a day or so after had the doctor telling me I was "slightly pregnant". What a nice memory to have.

Anyway back to the subject of this post, I finally finished a pair of socks. I'm both delighted and disappointed, they knitted up quick and easily, the longest part was finishing up the toes, they were waiting til I either bought or found a sewing needle. I am happy to say that I found one last night, yay for tidying. The delight part is that they are warm but the disappointment is that they are too loose and keep slipping around my foot and sagging. They are knitted in a thickish acrylic yarn, Moda Vera 'Ella' from Spotlight, it's lovely and soft, I'd say about a 12 ply equivalent. I've already started another pair in the same yarn, sticking to 5mm needles this time, the others were done in both 5 and 5.5 mm. The patterns are from Learn to Knit Socks, a book that I will use again and again for sure, there are 26 different designs from babies to adults in varying size yarn.

The pictures below show my version in pink, the last image shows the sag, next time I keep to the smaller needles or add knitting elastic.

Like I said these were quick and easy to knit up, I am not a fantastically quick knitter, I knit in front of the tv which adds time. I've only completed one pair of socks before, for my Dad's birthday a couple of years back, I gave myself only a week to knit those up out of a wool silk blend yarn that I spun myself. The image below is my only other complete sock, it's from a purchased sock yarn (from Lincraft) and was easy to knit up, the fine thread took a while, it has the opposite problem from my latest foray, it's too tight, I made the foot too short and is the reason why I didn't get around to do the other. One day.

Yesterday I found a better patten for the coat I am planning on making at Spotlight (I only went there for interfacing, I swear) it's New Look 6920, the longer version.

It looks more like my vision, needs some gathering though. I also found some purple velvet, not quite the tone that I hoped, will keep looking for that. I know the fabric exists because we sell cushion covers in it at work. Will get the fabric next weekend, have a coupon for 25% off.

Redingote

2011-05-29T18:13:00.006+10:00

WOW I am on a roll today, 3 posts, I am inspired.

The other day a friend posted on Facebook that she was after a green velvet jacket and it got me thinking that I would love a velvet jacket or coat too. Had a definite picture in my head along with the colour either purple or burgundy. I didn't know what the style of coat was called until I came across the word Redingcote on a link, I clicked it to see what it meant and found out what I was after was just that, also known as a Riding Coat.

The next thing was to get a pattern, that was either exact or adaptable. Didn't find much in the mainstream pattern companies so I put it to the back of my mind for a while. My daughter had been sitting at my desk and had left a pile of patterns, I glanced at each as I added to another pile - the last one was a classic coat pattern that looks perfect to adapt. It's a discontinued patten.

The lower part needs a lot more flare, my image has extra fabric in the back, possibly with gathering at the waist of the centre back panel.

A quick search for Redingote images just brought up a beautiful coat with flares in each of the panels, just lovely. I found the picture at Indie Fame- the plus side of DIY.

I love this coat even though it's not what I have pictured, there's no reason not to make 2 coats.

ANZAC Biscuits.

2011-05-29T17:20:00.004+10:00

Just after my last post I was hungry so went in search of something to eat. Trying to live out of the pantry and freezer at the moment so pulled out a tin of soup. We had Tex Mex soup and toasted bread rolls, was expecting the soup to have a bit of bite but it wasn't in the least spicy. Sharing the tin between 3 of us still left a hole, decided to make some biscuits. Had the ingredients for Anzac Biscuits, substituting quick oats for rolled. Made one tray of plain, added some choc chips to the second tray and rolling some of the dough into balls and freezing them.

These biscuits are very easy to make, they are a traditional Australian biscuit dating from wartime when eggs were hard to come by. The name ANZAC comes from the Australian New Zealand Army Corps and were baked to send to Loved Ones fighting on the fronts. They remain a favourite, baked soft and chewy, hard and crunchy or not baked at all, the dough is safe to eat because it contains no eggs.

ANZAC Biscuits (never ever Cookies)

2 cups Rolled Oats
2 cups plain Flour
2 cups desicated coconut
1 1/2 cups sugar
250g butter
4 tablespoons Golden Syrup
1 teaspoon Bicarb Soda
2 tablespoons boiling water

Preheat oven to 160 Celicus. Prepare trays with baking paper or lightly grease.

Mix oats, flour, coconut and sugar in large mixing bowl.

Melt butter and golden syrup in a saucepan. Take off heat.

Mix bicarb and boiling water in a cup and add to melted butter in the pan. Pour butter mixture over the dry ingredients and mix well.

Roll tablespoonful lots in to balls, about walnut sized, put onto trays 5 cm apart. Can be pressed lightly with fork.

Bake for 20 minutes.

In the past I have used muesli in place of some or all of the oats, today was the first time I have added choc chips, they are delicious. My husband just walked in and said "these are different, I've never had ANZACs with flies in them before - is that the traditional way?" I'm guessing that from now on that's what they will be called. I did wonder what they would be like with chopped apple in them or even ginger hmmmm the possibilities.

So much for the clearing out of the freezer, he came home with a craving for burgers so bought mince and rolls. The meat I have out defrosting will be for pies tomorrow and the roast I had in the fridge for tomorrow has gone back in the freezer.

Old sketchbook

2011-05-29T12:33:00.003+10:00

Procrastination again raises it's head, sat down at my desk hoping to get some tidying done so I might be able to sew today or tomorrow, first thing I see is an old sketch book I had pulled out to try to sketch some angel images in. First thing that caught my eye was that one of the quick drawings I had done, an effort to put a stylised angel image in a medalion looked very much like a vagina. Oopps, won't show that image here. I keep telling myself I can't draw and was on the verge of throwing out the sketchbook, but decided on taking one last look through, just as I always do and always the book gets put back because I find some not half bad drawings. I thought this time Id take some piccies and share my doodlings.

Several years back I went to a painting class - didn't stay long enough to graduate to painting, but these a few sketches I did back then.

Starting with scene from a window, I copied this from a book on drawing. Not great but you can see what it's supposed to be.

Then there is a lighthouse and bay, possibly came from the same book.

That's a ship on the horizon.

This is a pen drawing I did after reading my first Doreen Virtue book, I was trying to draw an Angel to turn into a bookplate for the book, don't know why I didn't choose this image, it's so much better than the one I did go with. This face is very familar to me, I've drawn her several times over many years - can distinctly remember drawing her in Art at school. I believe she is one of my guardian angels. Recently I meditated and got the name Celeste, as I looked at this drawing today the same name popped into my head. Again not the best drawing, her head is a bit flat, but here is Celeste.

Perhaps I might take up drawing again, when I get this room done that is.

Shopping.

2011-05-23T17:31:00.006+10:00

Today is my sister's birthday, Happy Birthday Michelle, I bought myself some Granny Boots to celebrate. YAY buy yourself something for someone else's birthday, hmmm Dad's is in week what else do I need? My siblings and I usually don't buy each other gifts, though I did buy her a necklace last year when we went to the Medieval Fayre on her birthday.

Went out shopping with the intention of buying a velvet coat and a pair of brown Granny Boots to hopefully go with the tiered skirt, my black ones didn't look quite right with it. I did see one velvet coat at Tree of Life but it wasn't what I have pictured nor was the right colour. I loved the boots when I saw them, but put them back to search for more in DFO before having a cuppa and debating with myself over the purchase. I won on the shoes but lost on a purple cardigan. After many years of buying mainly ulitarian shoes, never anything fancy or simply whimsical, it was the same for my clothes, I really think that I am finally coming out of my shell and finding my own style. At my age it's about time. The change really started a few years back with socks, love my Witchie Poo socks. I started wearing the socks to work when forced to wear a uniform, these days I'm supposed to wear all black. The socks are an expression of individuality.

Also went to Ikea, with the intention of looking at lounge suites, the purchase of a lampshade and very little impulse buying. The lounges weren't quite right, not big on Ikea furniture, nor were the lampshades. The impulse buying on the other hand could have gotten out of control but I did reign myself in and purchased things we needed - new loo brushes, coathangers and some mini shelves to go into the pantry.

With help from this...

This went from this.....

to this....

I have a third one to put in, thinking of going back for more.

2011-05-22T21:13:00.002+10:00

The Medieval Fayre was good, we took my Mother-in -law, it was her birthday today. I was a bit concious of how much time I spent at demonstrations so as not have her standing around too long, she's not been well and has a bad back. We did have a nice cup of tea, made from my new pump Thermos, choc chip cookies and jam donuts. Watched a little jousting from a distance, as well as some sword play, listened to music and a pipe band. MIL was happy to listen to and watch the pipe band, she is Scottish and of the Douglas Clan, the band were dressed in Douglas Tartan.

After that it was back to the In laws place for a couple of hours then my daughter and I went to Kmart on the way home. I bought a cardigan I already have, it's such a comfortable one but I don't need 2 the same colour so I am going to try dying it. Also decided to dye something else, my hair. Tossed up as to which colour to use, settled on a dark blonde. I put it to use when I got home, it's not that much different from my natural colour, but it covered the grey nicely.

It's not your creation until you add some DNA

2011-05-22T00:52:00.004+10:00

Tomorrow we are going to a Medieval Fayre at the reserve just down the road, there will be armoured knights jousting, demonstrations and stalls to shop at. I'm tossing up as to which is my favourite the demonstrations or the shopping.

Figured I needed something better than jeans to wear but what? Thought about my Olive tiered skirt but it's in need of repairs then I remembered a dress that I bought with the idea to cut it up to make a skirt. It cost $10 but was a size 8, way too small but I liked the colour and there was a lot of fabric in the skirt.

After deciding how long I wanted it to be, long enough to hide the legs but short enough to show off my Granny boots, I cut it just above on of the tiers. Left enough fabric to form a casing for elastic. Couldn't be bothered getting the machine out so hand stitched it in front of the tv, which is where the DNA comes in, caught the thread in a cut on my finger (did it cutting onions yesterday). I only bled on the elastic so it's hidden. Used a simple running stitch and before long I had a nice new skirt which goes ok with a t shirt I already had, though the cardigan I hoped it would go with doesn't. Looks like I need to head into the shops early tomorrow to see if I can find something to go over the tshirt.

While I was sewing my daughter picked up the top part and mentioned it would make her a nice top, which had been my plan in the beginning but her words to me at the time were that she didn't like the back of it. There's a crochet medallion she didn't like, I'm sure we can work something out.
The seams on the tiers are all raw and on the outside, there's no hem on the skirt, I have also left the raw edge on the top, so this was a very easy transformation (could have also been easily done bloodfree) and I think it an absolute bargain.

2011-05-20T23:01:00.004+10:00

This morning dawned with a thick fog, the first for this season - that I've noticed anyway. It was still really foggy when I left for work after 9am. I love fog but not driving in it, it never ceases to amaze me that so many don't turn their lights on while driving in fog or rain. I know it doesn't help to see but it makes cars more visible to others.

It's been cold lately, one of my daughter's teachers told her that it snowed in Penrith, only 20 minutes from here. Snow on this side of the mountains is a rarity, it has happened but not for years, usually makes the news but I've not seen anything. I kept thinking all the way through summer that we did were going to have a cold winter this year, perhaps I will be right.

We bought a new gas heater, the old one turned itself off within minutes of being turned on, not safe at all. It lasted a few years, not bad for a freebie which came from a Aged Care facility that was torn down. This one is not as big and I think that we may need extra heat for the front of the house, am still waiting for the AC unit to be installed. It was bought during heat wave conditions but husband hasn't gotten around to getting it installed. He did bring home the AC guy from his work, he diagnosed loss of gas from our non working unit and they were supposed to get some gas to fill it but it never aventuated. Nothing unusual with my husband, he does nothing in a hurry, unless it's for someone else.

That was a little bit negative wasn't it? I've noticed that lately negativity creeps it's ugly head in, I had major trouble with it a few years back, I had to perform a House Cleansing spell to get it out. It had mainly settled itself in my bedroom, what better place where it could attack when I was most vulnerable. I let it go on for way too long and even this time was slow to notice it. By my side of the bed I had developed a major hotspot, my bedside table cluttered and dusty. Decided to do something about it, started with our bed, which I strippped then polished the bedhead with lovely lavender polish, the bedside table was next. I cleaned out the top drawer and put back all the things I love and cleared the floor by my side of the bed. I lit a candle in my salt lamp and we remade the bed with fresh sheets. When I went to bed later the room felt and smelt wonderful.

My husband and son just got home from soccer with the most horrible news, one of the players had a massive heart attack while watching a game. He was rushed to hospital, the Ambo coming back later to say that they kept losing him on the way to hospital, I pray he will be alright.

Breaking Habits

2011-05-09T22:49:00.002+10:00

Have been almost unproductive for the last few days, almost because I did produce a raging Cold and most of a pair of socks. I've been telling myself that I needed some time off work and the Universe provided - really have to watch out what I ask for.

I did do some thinking, yes it did hurt not sure whether it was the cold or the thinking.

Anyway I thought about a need to change habits and have decided to start with dinner. Firstly starting on the eating better habit, Dr pointed out that we need 5 good serves of vegies per day. Then thought about our eating habits - not what we eat but how and where we eat. Most usually on our laps in front of the tv, which then is too important to leave to clean up. I then spend time I should be spending sleeping cleaning up or just leaving it. Today we started a new habit, the kids and I, I cooked dinner and then we sat at the table to eat. Afterwards the kitchen was cleaned, even caught up with some of the neglected jobs such as cleaning the oven. It feels nice to know that the only things I have to clear up before bed are a teacup and the cutting board I had some apple pieces on.

It's a start and I hope I will be strong enough to keep it up.

Spode, Spode,Spode

2011-04-28T20:50:00.003+10:00

Today one of my colleagues called me into one of our backrooms, he pointed to a collection of odd bits of china telling another colleague and myself that all these items were going out and that we had first choice and could choose what we wanted. The only exceptions were the Royal Albert and Noritake items. Most of the items were our generic branded china but there was a boxed set of Spode Blue Italian that was missing pieces. I have been eyeing this set and had considered asking if I could buy the part set, hoping for an extra discount so asked if it was included in the exclusions, was told that it was not and if I wanted it to take it. Didn't have to be told twice, grabbed the set, saying it was all I wanted and raced off to put with my bag. I let myself feel guilty for a little while because I hadn't let anyone else have a chance of choosing it, told myself that yes I did deserve it.

I ended up with a Breakfast plate, side plate, bowl and 2 teacups. The set was missing the dinner plate and saucer - the second teacup is a bonus.

This not the first time something like this has happened, but it's the first time I've had first choice, usually missing out because others have cleaned out first. Last week I was lucky enough to get a cast iron griddle pan, it was the last item left and no one else likes cast iron. I love it and had been looking to buy a larger pan - this pan had been a return part of the outer coating on the underside had come off. This pan was marked at $150.

Love Freebies. Actually last week I had made the suggestion of setting up an area to sell off the odd pieces but was told that it would look tacky.

2011-04-04T22:05:00.003+10:00

There's been a change in my days off, I'm too kind hearted and swapped with another workmate when she was put on Saturday. I made conditions - that I needed 2 days running off and that we can swap days if needed. So now I have Sundays and Mondays off. It meant that I worked 7 days running last week and was so looking forward to a break. Have also been asked to work at another store tomorrow, again too soft hearted, can't say no. Wasn't looking forward to the long drive in peak hour traffic so have opted to travel by train - at least I'll get over an hours reading done. I am going to try to get them to pay for my train fare, they were going to pay for tolls and the fare is cheaper.

Cleaned the accumulated crud out of the laundry, threw out much of it - yay me! Mowed some of the grass, left the edges and where a pile of branches were dumped. Drank tea, including nettle tea and sat outside to read a book on fairies. The book seems to only want me to read it outdoors, I can read it clearly outside but the words blur when I try to read it inside. It's nice listening to the sounds of nature as I read about the nature spirits.

Inspired by nature I decided to go plant shopping today. The nursery had plants that I had been wanting for ages but couldn't find - Fountain Grass and Comfrey especially, I also bought some more herbs, the heat killed all of mine. Found wine barrel style pots, small ones for the fountain grass and large for the herbs. Also a booster pack of 500 worms for the worm farm - now I have 512 worms. When I checked the farm a couple of weeks ago I only found 12 worms, the heat got to them too.

This afternoon I took the cat to the vet, she's been losing weight and meowing in pain when picked up, even keeping company with my daughter who she usually treats with indifference. Her chest felt strange and yesterday I noted a lump on it. Vet diagnosed an abcess and searching through her fur found a puncture mark, she's now on antibiotics. It's a load off my mind, even though I risk life and limb when I have to shove tablets down her throat for the next 5 days.

Mountain High.

2011-03-27T00:44:00.004+11:00

On Friday took myself for a drive to some of my favourite places, drove up the mountains and had morning tea at Lindsay's Cafe before taking a little walk along the track past the pool. I sat on a rock for some alone time to meditate, take in the scenery and read a little. I'm reading Sensing
Spirit by Mitchell Coombs and am really enjoying it. So many things he describes have happened to me. At one stage I glanced up from reading and noticed a little blue orb that disappeared as I looked right at it, was it a Faery? So amazing.

Afterwards I drove into Springwood and as I was driving through the main street I noticed a woman who was crossing the road, she made me think of Robyn from Villa Maria. I tried spotting her in the rear vision mirror to see if it was her but with needing to keep an eye on what was in front of me, didn't get very good look.

So Robyn were you crossing the road in Springbrook shopping centre yesterday? Or was it just wishful thinking.

I had a great time just wandering the shops before heading down to Penrith Mall on the way home. Was so exhausted when I got home that I fell asleep on the lounge for an hour or two.

Today (Saturday) was my Son's Birthday, he turned 16. It doesn't seem that long ago when they put his tiny body on my chest, I wondered why they put him with his back to me at the time, before they whipped him away. It seemed ages before they got him to cry, I didn't realise I had been holding my breath and only let it out when I heard him cry.

And now he is a big 16 year old, taller than me, with a fledgling moustach and determined he is getting his learner's permit this week. I may be in for more breath holding.

Of Maids and crochet.

2011-03-21T21:25:00.004+11:00

Hired me a maid, yup a maid.

For at least half an hour each day she is employed to clean my house. I am a hard task master, no breaks during that half hour, she's been pretty good with it no complaining at all. First day she had to tackle my neglected kitchen, then second day is was back into the kitchen to clean up after dinner and then tidy the dining area. Today she put dinner on, a load of washing in the machine and then went on to tidy the main bathroom, I even had her on her hands and knees wiping over the floor with a damp cloth. After that she dished up dinner, I've insisted on her returning later to clean up the dinner things and the kitchen.

No real payment is provided, she will be rewarded one day a week with a day off either in or out as the whim takes me, perhaps a visit to a nice coffee shop or someother reward. If she doesn't make an appearance one day a forfeit will be made, no day off until her times are made up. Sounds mean doesn't it?

It doesn't matter what time she turns up as long as she does, last night it was 10.30 pm, the night before it was around midnight, tonight it was 7.30pm. I had just finished watching a favourite show and decided that it was time she turned up, was looking forward to it. I got up and walked to the kitchen dresser, pulling out her apron, pulled it over my head and tied it behind my back and TAA DAA instant maid. It's one of the things I didn't like about wife and motherhood, the maid or (dare I say it?) the feeling of being a slave to my family, it's really been a bugbear to me and is the reason I let things get neglected, perhaps I was a slave in a past life. Doing this puts things on my terms, I've turned around something that I thought was negative to being positive.

Her influence rubbed off on me, because last night after I put her back in the drawer I had the cleaning urge and cleaned the hotspot by my bed and my bedside drawers. I lit my salt lamp, sandalwood and listened to Sacred Earth, it's been a long time since I've done that. Afterwards I got into bed and read from Change your Life in 7 days before putting in Chakra Cleaning Meditation CD and then did the Hypnosis CD from Change your Life before falling asleep.

On the craft front, I've been crocheting myself a bag. Had been wanting a plain black bag for a while now and recently saw a crochet one for sale, figured I could make one myself. I came across this one at Future Girl, fell in love with the shape, I'm not doing the handle part, I want it to be a shoulder bag. Her instructions are great and the bag is coming along nicely. I chose Moda Vera Beetle yarn, 50% cotton/acrylic, would have prefered cotton only but this had the exact feel I was looking for, it's crocheting up beautifully on a 4mm hook. The yarn was on special $2 instead of $3, I think I'll need less than 3 full balls.

Just refered to the first part of this message, to some it might sound like sheer lunacy which is why I added it as a label. Perhaps it is, perhaps the Moon is working on me. We tried seeing the Super Moon but it's been rainy and overcast. Only saw it a little 2 nights ago and to me it wasn't that big, then my brother told me that because we are heading to winter we wouldn't see it at it's biggest anyway.

And so it begins........

2011-03-19T19:35:00.002+11:00

My daughter has finally started to show an interest in sewing, a little while back she asked my Mum if she could teach her. Then it was suggested that she go to classes that the craft group at our church run, but then she started a full time TAFE course. Mum gave her 4 weeks tuition at the sewing shop for her birthday, she started today. Of course I was the taxi service, machine hauler and setter upperer. My machine weighs a ton and add the wheeled bag to it it's about a ton and a half. My daughter wouldn't even be able to lift it.

She's sewing stretch pants, Kwik Sew 3443. Apart from the time it took me to drive home to pick up the gift voucher and to buy a pair of left handed scissors to cut paper with I stayed in the store either browsing, crocheting a bag or sitting by her to help with accuracy. Her first seam needs unpicking but her second try at a seam went well, I turned down the speed on the machine.

This has been the most use the machine has had in ages.

When I pulled it out in the class the store owner commented on the fancy dancy machine I had, the others had basic machines and mine is an embroidery model. But for all it's fanciness it has it's faults, the bobbin doesn't always wind successfully, I usually have to do it twice before it's right, the light doesn't work and the screen has faded so much that you have look at it from an angle to see it. I'm going to put it in for service soon to see if they can rectify it, though am thinking a new machine might be on the horizon. Maybe a little basic one just for Cassie to use.

I can make you Thin.

2011-03-04T09:57:00.004+11:00

After so many years of being overweight I am finally doing something about it, oh I've done something about it in the past but didn't follow through.

This week I've been listening to a CD by Paul McKenna, I can make you Thin, when I go to bed. I've noticed the difference, I stop eating when I feel satisfied even if it means leaving food on my plate, my sweet cravings are diminishing and I've developed a need to exercise.

I have been a little slack by not taking my lunch to work but instead of buying a burger, I've been having salad sandwiches or turkey, avocado and pineapple on a roll. Each day I also buy a fruit salad, I finish that in the car on the way home - keeps me from pulling into McDonalds for a drink and invaribly a burger and fries. There is also a supply of chocolate at work so I keep what I call my 'Chocolate saving Banana' in the tea room. Over the past week it's saved lots of chocolate.

Last night I was having a last moment surf on the net, I wanted to look up something but as soon I got the computer on I forgot what it was and ended up on You Tube where I found Jack Lalanne videos. I watched a couple doing the face exercies before going to bed.

This morning I looked up his website and then spent almost 25 minutes exercising with him, starting with his first episode. I like how he eases you in and there is no back busting moves straight in, I really enjoyed it and will be watching and participating in more episodes.

Lucky break

2011-02-12T18:46:00.003+11:00

A couple of weeks ago on a really hot day I got home and found a big branch from my neighour's (AKA Dad) tree had fallen into our yard, barely missing our house. The branch it had fallen from had a big chunk out of it. Dad's been trying to get the tree cut down for years but the council wouldn't budge because they didn't think it was dangerous.

Due to the heat the tree was under stress and Gum Trees tend to shed their branches when stressed. Dad was unable to work on it due the same heat, but when the cool change came through a few days later it brought a wind storm with it. It broke the other branch which got caught up in another branch, making both a hazard.

Dad got up the ladder to try to move the branch but was unable to so opted to cut the second branch. He was sliding the branch out, with his head turned to the side watching it's progress. He turned his head to the front just as both branches fell on to his face, holding him in scissor grip. He tried lifting them off with one hand while gripping onto another branch with the other but was unable, my husband had to climb the ladder behind him to lift them off. Dad ended up with a split lip, minor bruising and a sore jaw, it could have been much worse. Especially if he had been doing the work on his own, which he often does - I think we may have to ban unsupervised ladder climbing, the same way he banned my Grandmother from moving furniture alone after she put her arm through a glass cabinent.

Did some time traveling today.

2011-02-12T16:26:00.004+11:00

I LOVE THE WAYBACK MACHINE!!!!!!!!!!

A while back I was trying to back up some files and botched a file transfer, losing a whole file of downloaded crochet patterns. Was so disappointed because I loved the patterns and was saving them for a rainy day. At the time I tried the Wayback Machine but was unable to access the files. The other day we came across some printouts of a few of the patterns and I decided that I put out a call on here to see if anyone who might read this had some of the patterns. First I tried the machine again and was able to access most of the files. WHOO HOO! If you know the address of a defunct website the machine should be able to access archived pages.

I just spent an hour of ups and downs - downs when a file failed, there were 23 of those but there were 34 ups. Nice.

The website was called Originals by Gidge which offered beautiful crocheted dolls clothes sized for dolls such as Barbie. I'm very happy to again have a file full of these patterns but disappointed that so many were unavailable.

Purple shirts and Terracotta Men

2011-02-11T19:50:00.005+11:00

Had a day out on my own today. Had it all planned with a visit to the Art Gallery to see The First Emperor exhibition, then a quick visit to a friend's art gallery and then onto Elizabeth Bay House.

I read on the train, Archangels 101 by Doreen Virtue, finishing the chapter on Archangel Michael just before I got to Redfern. I realised then that I couldn't remember picking up my train ticket at the station, I looked in my purse and bag, finding the change from buying the ticket but not the ticket. Was worried about being fined at the station so decided to get off at Central with the hope of explaining my plight, I asked Archangel Michael for help as I got up from my seat. Was in the aisle when I looked back and noticed the ticket sitting on the seat, I had been sitting on it. I still don't remember picking it up and do not understand why it would be under me and not in my purse with the change.

I was going to catch a bus but felt guided to walk. Walked to Hyde Park, letting myself be guided, I took one path but felt I should be on another, I noticed a dragonfly and following it, it led me to the other path before flying away. Sat for a few minutes listening to a busker, he was pretty good and before I left I dropped some money in his guitar case and we had a little chat. Each time I wasn't sure which way to go I noticed that people dressed in purple would turn up so I simply followed them (Purple is Archangel Michael's colour) and ended up at the right place.

Visited the Art Gallery and saw the Terracotta Warriors, it was pretty crowded, I can't imagine what it would be like on the weekend. Wandered around the galleries afterwards, the paintings I was most interested in were those that showed details in dress and costume.

Afterwards had a quick visit with my friend and then a chicken, mushroom pie and peas at Harry's - yum. Struggled up the stairs, had to stop and rest about 2 thirds up, eventually finding Elizabeth Bay House, where I wandered through the house taking in the history. On my way out I noticed a few ladies were in the dining room doing some craft projects, got to chatting with them and they told me they were making soft furnishings to replace old pieces in the house, everything had to be done by hand. When I mentioned my love of handmaking items, they extended the invitation to consider joining them. It's something to think about especially seeing as they meet every second Friday.

Afterwards I walked to a nearby station and headed to Town Hall, taking advantage of exploring a bookstore. I found their craft section and immediately was in heaven, I have never seen so many craft books, many of which were Japanese. I bought a dressmaking book that came with printable patterns, bag making and a Tilda book. Have to show Mum what I spent the money she gave me for my birthday. But first I need to recover from all the walking I did, my feet are aching in protest.

I have a problem..

2011-02-09T23:11:00.002+11:00

It's called kids helping around the house, AKA making more work for Mum.

My kids aren't small, they are 18 and 15, it's often hard to get them to do things around the house, the 18 year old especially. My 15 year old son can be a great help and often is.

My problem lies when they decide that something needs doing such as tidying the linen cupboard, cleaning out the pantry or some other big job. They start, they pull out things and then get bored or distracted. Last week it was the linen cupboard, I just finally got around to putting the sheets back in it. This week it has been the tupperware/storage container cupboard, there is a laundry basket of containers to be put away sitting on the kitchen floor waiting for me to put it away. A while back my daughter decided to start on my sewing room, which meant I couldn't find anything when I finally was able to get in there after scaling a mountian of things left in the doorway.

On the other hand they neglect what they are supposed to do - empty the bins, load and empty dishwasher and pick up after themselves.

2011-02-04T23:21:00.002+11:00

There's been a lot of complaining around here lately, things along the line of "It's too hot", as well as "it's too hot" and not to forget "it's too hot".

Did I mention it was hot?

The air is thick with heat and humidity. Neither is great alone or together.

The other day I was told that there was a surprise for me in the loungeroom, I muttered that it better be an air conditioner or a pool as I came into the house. Yep a lovely split system air conditioner, nice. BUT it was and still is in it's carton, hubby hasn't arranged installation yet, he won't be seeing the Air Con guy from his work until Monday. Weather channel said that it's going to cool down on Monday and until then the temps will be high 30's and low 40's. I'll just melt until then.

I even caved and bought some boxer shorts to wear around the house, better for the family over stripping down to my undies. And yes I did do that, kept a wrap skirt handy to cover up when I heard anyone coming.

Also had most of my hair cut off today, I had been growing it but got sick of it and now it's short. Should have seen the amount of hair that was swept up, it looked like someone had dropped a wig in the corner. My niece is a hair dresser, she works from home now that she has 3 children, 4 years and under. She also plucked my eyebrows after 2 different types of wax didn't work, instead of a couple of ouches, it was lots but my bushy brows are now tamed.

A gift of the heart.

2011-01-28T22:35:00.002+11:00

Yesterday we came close to losing a member of our family, our cat, Katie.

She had been outside and when my son noticed she wanted to come inside he let her in. That's when he noticed she had one leg caught up in her collar, he and his sister got the collar off. They said she looked distressed so my daughter took her into her bedroom so she could keep an eye on her. She noticed that she was panting and that her tongue was bright red and got onto the computer to Google those symptoms, she found out she was suffering heat stroke. They ran the bath and tried putting her into it, only succeeding in getting her paws wet, before calling my Mother to come over. Mum once ran a pet shop so knows a bit about animals and told them that they did the right thing.

By the time I got home from work the cat was fine, at one stage she took a little swipe at me as I passed her by. But she seemed a little subdued, my cat is usually a little bitchy, she slept by my head last night and then today she happily sat on my daughter's lap - usually she shows contempt for my daughter and will not stay on her lap at all without scratching and or biting to get away.

Just now I heard her making strange noises and ran to investigate, she had bought a mouse in and was calling us to come. She knows she is not allowed to bring them inside and usually sneaks in or races past us in the hope we won't notice that she has something in her mouth. But this time it was as if she was bringing us a gift. We let her outside, I praised and patted her. She had dropped the mouse in the grass and even pointed it out for me. She's still calling us to come outside to get our gift.

Don't mess with traditon

2011-01-28T09:14:00.002+11:00

For the past few years we've celebrated Australia Day the same way, with a barbeque at a local reserve mainly with my husband's extended family. Usually we get a large turnout and then sit complaining about the heat. For this year I made a suggestion, instead of the local reserve why not go further afield to somewhere we could swim to cool off. My husband didn't want to change it but then booked an area at Bent's Basin for the day.

Only a small part of his family turned up, less than a quarter, most didn't even respond. My parents said it was too far away (just over half an hour), a cousin of his traveled 2 hours.

I realised while there that if all the family had turned up only a few would have swum so it would have been lots of complaining about the heat by those who don't. What it seems like in his family - actually in a lot of families that once you become an adult you give up things that you did as kid, swimming is one of them. Not for me, I love being immersed in water especially since losing my fear of deep water. It's really nice to swim out to the middle of the basin and just float there, usually. There were a lot of watercraft, blow up boats and a couple of canoes and after coming close to being run over by big inflatable boat I decided it was better to stick with the more crowded edges. It snuck up on me silently while my back was turned, the first hint I got was when I heard a voice say "oh sh*t, sorry". Turned a round to find the boat coming at me sideways, was able to put my hands out to fend it off and work myself around the bow, it was the largest toy inflatable boat I had ever seen.

We took our canoe which has gathered dust for the last couple of years in the garage and I had a paddle across the basin but decided that it was too nerve racking to be on the lookout for people in the water, hitting someone with a hard sided canoe would be much worse than an infllatable one.

Next year it will be back to the old faithful and back to complaining about the heat.

Birthday Sailing

2011-01-22T23:15:00.005+11:00

Today is my 46th Birthday, there I admitted it and it wasn't as painful as I thought.

We went sailing on the Southern Swan on the harbour.

It motored up to Watson's Bay and then set sail back down the harbour. Lunch was a simple BBQ while underway. The weather was gorgeous and even though I put sunscreen on I did get burnt.

Afterwards we walked through The Rocks, which would have to be my favourite part of the city, the weekend markets were on and I chose a pretty freshwater pearl bracelet.

Then we got onto the free shuttle bus and headed back towards Town Hall, stopping in a couple of bookstores to search for the first Grow Your Own Drugs book that my husband wanted to get me as a gift - after much hinting by myself, he hadn't been able to find it before Christmas. We couldn't find it but found the second Grow Your Own Drugs book. It's ok I like working backwards.

On the drive home I was asked where I wanted to have dinner, chose City Extra at Parramatta. The food was good and I knew that the fussy eaters - husband and daughter would have plenty to chose from.

When we got home my husband handed me a simple yellow envelope telling me that it was my present. Inside were 2 Chris Isaack tickets, WOO HOO!! I had heard an interview on the radio saying that Chris was coming to Australia and had wished I was able to see him.

I did find that applying sunscreen does not always mean you will not get burnt. I missed a spot on the top of each arm but know I did not miss my chest, my necklaces have left interesting tan/burn lines. The rest of my arms and face did not burn. I put a soothing mud mask on tonight and massaged in Rosehip Oil. My skin feels lovely and smooth, also the heat has gone from the sunburn.

2011-01-21T17:55:00.002+11:00

Went out today and as pretty much is normal found myself at 2 book stores. At the first one I bought Easy Garden Projects to make, build and Grow and Outdoor Kids both were on special but because I spent close to $20 the offer to buy other books at just $7 was made. I chose Auras and Chakras, Magnet Therapy and The Search for the South Pole. 5 books for $40 not too shabby. Then went on to another bookshop, bought Art of Abundance, Angel Words and Book of Angels plus I finally found a jewelled book mark with my initial. Spent $45. Yes I spent $85 but they are all books that I will read and refer to more than once.

Tomorrow is my Birthday and we are going into Sydney for a tall ship cruise and BBQ lunch around the harbour. I bought the tickets for the family for Christmas and booked them for my birthday. Was having a conversation with my son the other day, he was lamenting the fact that the new season of Chuck was starting on Saturday and asking why I couldn't have booked it for Sunday instead. We spent about 10 minutes talking about it and my birthday was mentioned by both parties several times The conversations was bought to a hilarious conclusion when my son suddenly yelled "OMG, your Birthday is on Saturday!!!". I cracked up and he then clicked that it was what we had been talking about.

2011-01-19T21:26:00.003+11:00

This week my laptop spat the dummy and refused to start properly, when it was turned on it came up as saying 3 of 3 updates were being made and not to shut the computer off , then it would shut itself off. I had to press the Lenovo button which set it back to factory settings, I lost some files, but not those I had put onto the second drive. I hadn't deleted photos from the camera for months so they were safe too. The only thing I miss is my favourites, lost them all.

Good news is that my boss agreed to letting me have 2 days off together and one of them actually being on a weekend. I asked for Friday and Saturday, he originally agreed to Friday but tried offering me Sunday instead of Saturday. Saturdays I want to be available to watch my son's games or be available to work craft stalls with friends. To top it off Sunday pays better than Saturdays.

Up until last week I was getting Tuesdays and Thursdays off, I never quite relaxed knowing I had to be at work the next day.

This Saturday is my birthday, usually we would go somewhere like Lonestar but this year I took matters into my own hands, for Christmas I gave my family tickets for a BBQ on a tall ship cruising Sydney Harbour booked for this Saturday.

I just reminded my son about it and he whined that the new season of Chuck starts Saturday. Then he asked what date my Birthday was, told him the 22nd and he said "yep that's when Chuck starts". He mentioned the day and my Birthday a couple of times again before it hit him and he yelled "OMG SATURDAY IS YOUR BIRTHDAY!!" So glad it finally clicked.

Going up in the world

2011-01-15T18:15:00.003+11:00

There's renovations going on here at the moment, my husband and son are cutting a hole in the ceiling to install an attic ladder. We've discussed it for a while and a couple of years ago had a quote to get one installed. The installer only considered putting it in the garage and told me that we'd get 4 square metres of storage and then when the quote came back it was close to $1000. He wouldn't even consider putting the ladder into the house.

David is installing the ladder in the dining/kitchen area, which means that we will have storage area right along the centre of the house. There is a wall that stretches from the front to the rear of the house giving ample support.

Can't say we have a lot of stuff to store, there's the Christmas stuff and there are things taking room in the garage such as camping gear. I am hoping that the opening will be a good heat extractor for summer - once they get the hole cut it'll be interesting to see if it makes a difference. Update: the hot air was sucked out of the house as soon as the gyrock was cut out, we've gone from being over heated to much more comfortable. It did help that outside had cooled down. Insulation is supposed to keep us more comfortable but I've noticed that it tends to hold in the heat when outside cools down.

2011-01-15T11:53:00.002+11:00

I managed to sweet talk the boss into letting me have Fridays and Saturdays off, instead of Tuesdays and Thursdays. It now feels like I get a proper weekend and when school goes back will be home for one day on the weekends for family stuff. Over the years working weekends always made me feel like I was missing out. I can still do things on my own on Fridays, which is also a day my husband has off every few weeks.

The weather lately has been so unusual and unpreditable. We've had mid winter temperatures, mid summer temperatures, humidity and lots of rain. I don't want to complain, right now there are thousands who have been flood affected up north. Praying for them.

Right now our house is a mess, last week my husband bought a new big screen tv for our loungeroom, which meant that we needed a new entertainment unit for it as it wouldn't fit in our old (but still good) one. What else it means is the loss of storage space, for books and knick knacks. My daughter decided to sort them into stacks, all over the family room floor. My craft books alone were 2 stacks about a metre high each. Decided that humane culling was in order and by the time I finished I had 2 stacks almost a metre high and 20 cm stack of giveaways. Last night at 1.30 I decided some inhumae culling was called for, the stacks are much shorter now. The thing is - these are not my only craft books, which are also in my bedroom and sewing room.

I am hoping that I can find somewhere that is accepting goods for flood donations, I think that those who have lost their books might appreciate them.

While I was sorting I was also watching a lifestyle show that was pointing out to a lady that buying things, even on sale, that don't get used is a huge waste of money. This woman had unworn clothing still with labels on in her wardrobe, amounting to several hundred dollars, I looked at my books, a lot unused, with pricetags still on and realised that I've wasted thousands of dollars. I do have my favourites and will still buy books in the future but a lot of self debate will go on before forking over hard earned dollars.

The books I am keeping need to be sorted and housed on shelves where they are easily accessable, they were mostly in cupboards and random piles before making looking for a particular book a huge undertaking. Will save me time.

Gift Ideas for 2011

2011-01-06T11:00:00.001+11:00

luck and bliss: The Incredible Magnetic Boy

I love this idea from Erin, absolutely brilliant for Grandparent gifts. If only I had seen this when my kids were small, I don't think they would appreciate being stuck on Nanna's fridge - not at 18 and 15, it's out of the realm of cute and into the realm of just plain weird.

But it's given me an idea for gifts for my great nieces, Birthday, Christmas or just because gifts. While reading a magazine today I saw an ad for a children's sewing pattern website, all the patterns are displayed as paper doll's dresses along with corresponding paper dolls.

Paper doll images.

Both my kids did have commercial versions of these, Cassie was given a fairy book that had magnetic fairies to dress up, we still have a mermaid tail on the fridge. Thomas had an action man version.

Christmas Ghost.

2011-01-04T00:44:00.002+11:00

Thou shalt not whine: The mystery of the Christmas Eve ghost dog

I loved this post and it reminded me of my own little ghost story from a few years back.

I was home baking on Christmas Eve, singing along to Christmas Cds - badly of course, when something made me turn around. I noticed someone's shadow moving down the hallway from the doorway of my then sewing room, now the computer room and into the loungeroom. I called out to it to come back and join me to sing some songs before turning back to rolling out gingerbread dough. Next thing that happened was that my back got very tingly and it felt like I was being hugged from behind. At the time I was alone in the house, my husband and family were visiting his parents while I finished up Christmas preparations. Everytime I think back to that day and wonder who it might have been first person to come to mind is my Grandmother on my Dad's side.

2011-01-03T20:43:00.003+11:00

I started reading The Alchemist on New Year's Day, it's a book I had seen often and was tempted to buy but kept putting it off. Last time I was in QBD I found it in the damaged book section with slight damage to the cover at 50% off.

What I've read so far I love, I can see the message in the writing and since then the word Alchemy keeps popping up. I am just about to settle down to read more.

We had a big storm go through yesterday evening, our lights went out for a few seconds I had been looking out the window at the time, the thunder and lightning came at the same time and I thought hit very close. We can't see the street from our house but I was sure it hit the pole in front of the neighbours house. Tonight on Facebook I noticed a status from my neighbour who had been videoing the storm at the time and recorded the strike on the pole. Will have to take a look at it and hopefully post it when she uploads it.

Because of the strike we have no television until Thursday, it took out our cable tv but not the phone or the cable internet. Don't know how that works when it comes along the same cable.

Same day a little later.

2011-01-01T19:58:00.005+11:00

It was hot today and I certainly didn't want to stay home in a house with a broken air conditioner so I suggested we go out somewhere, we had no idea where to, a few suggestions were tossed around. When we got in the car David asked what if we head south as we hadn't been there for a while. So south it was, first we tried The National Park and Garie Beach but there was a traffic jam and the sign said the carpark was full, so we headed further south. We bought some lunch and again tried heading to a beach but found no carspots. We passed a street and I noticed a parking area that had a lot of room in it and we walked down to a sandy and rocky area, there were rock pools and swimming pools.

We sat on the rocks in the shade and ate our lunches before Thomas and I explored the area. We didn't swim as there was no place to change but I paddled in the warm water in the rock pools. I love the feeling of walking in salt water, it always energises me. Had a song we were playing in the car going around my head, A Way Back into Love from the movie Music and Lyrics.

I decided that I'd open myself to the power of the Universe and immediately another song popped into my head, A head without a Heart from the Rock Opera Paris, I couldn't find a clip but the first couple verses are below.

Oh Aphrodite, seductive and mighty
we bow to the splendour of
your love

Goddess Athena, the wisest demeanour
shines like a beacon
from above

One calls to the mind
The other the Soul

As I was getting into the car I noticed this little cloud. I told David I was taking a picture of the angel cloud. It looks so angelic to me.

A new Start

2011-01-01T11:11:00.003+11:00

I just sat and wrote in my journal my gratitudes for last year and my intentions for the New Year. I don't often write in my journal, I'm only just over half way through the first journal I have ever had, had never gotten into writing a diary ever.

I just looked back to see when I started this journal, I can not believe the first date in it is May 2006, I orginally started it as an Angel Journal for recording the messages I received and my card readings. The first time I wrote in it was 31st May 2006 and the last time had been 31st May 2010 - how funny is that. It will not be so long between journalling in future, my intentions are to record something at least weekly.

One of the things I had intended was to use the same pen colour when writing in it and had a Sienna coloured pen, if I couldn't find the pen I simply didn't write. The last time I wrote had been in a plain blue pen. This time I am writing with a special new pen, a glass pen that uses real ink. I did have some sienna coloured ink that I found somewhere and had squirreled away but it wasn't great for writing with, too thin and only wrote a word before needing to redip. When I tried the black ink that came with the pen it was great, wrote for words before needing a redip. I even like the smudge of in that I get on my index finger when writing with it, makes me feel like a writer. Just like Jo in Little Women.

2011-01-01T09:06:00.003+11:00

Happy New Year.

This year I've decided to add some more excitement in my life, things are getting way too boring and predictable.

One of the things I've already done is arrange my own birthday celebrations - for Christmas I bought tickets for a BBQ and harbour cruise on a Tall Ship for my family and booked for my Birthday. I need to remind my boss that I need the day off.

Oh and the day off for Australia Day too. We usually do the same thing on Australia Day, a picnic in a local reserve, mainly for my husband's family. This year I suggested a change in venue to Bent's Basin, further afield than 5 minutes down the road but I think much better for a hot Summer's day. Instead of sitting around complaining of the heat we'll be able to cool off by having a swim. My suggestion was met with derision at first - nothing unsual about that, but the seed was sown and now a picnic area has been booked. I know some members probably won't go as they will decide it's too far to go and know if it fails to please it will be my fault and I will be reminded of it for years to come.

2010-12-30T12:14:00.004+11:00

Spent the morning dealing with Police report and insurance claim. The other driver called me back and I was able to get her address.

When I called the Police the operator said that we don't need to make a report, by law but we wanted to be safe not sorry. The damage to the car looks minor but you need to make report for damages over $500, I don't know what that amount of damage looks like. I did notice last night that when I tried locking the car it didn't lock properly and the interior light stayed on. On the dash the boot open light was on and I tried closing the boot 3 times before making sure everything in the boot was away from the lock and slamming it closed. The only thing near it was some paper.

I am so glad that the car is fully insured, we bought it new in April. I drove my old car around for 10 years, much of that time unknown to me uninsured, not an accident in 10 years.

Having the accident brought to mind that earlier this week driving home from work I suddenly thought about a car accident. Oh and as I drove up to the roundabout it seemed I got the message to go straight through without giving way, a car had just entered the roundabout and I decided not to risk it. If only these messages were clearer - I would have left the car at home or even changed lanes.

Fender Bender

2010-12-29T22:57:00.002+11:00

Was well enought to return to work today, all be it with a croaky voice and no sense of smell, even though my breathing was clear. I stood in the shower trying to get anything off my shampoo and soap, the only thing that had the slightest scent was toothpaste. Eating was interesting I registered sweet, sour, salt but no flavour. Tonight I could just smell my neem soap.

Had a minor bingle in the car on the way home tonight, I had stopped at a roundabout to give way to car coming from the right when my car was hit from behind. No major damage, there is an impression of the other car's number plate surround on my bumper, I hope it's all there is. I got the driver to write down her details but didn't double check, she didn't write her address only her phone number and lic. no. I did take a shot of her car for the number plate, so glad I did that because she didn't include it. Will admit she was in state, very shaky and told us that she had a call that her daughter was in hospital. I still have to report it to the police, have tried ringing but there's no answer so will go into the station tomorrow morning.

As it was I was in state of my own, luckily I have a very level headed passenger as a witness. When I got home I tried looking for the details the woman had given me and couldn't find it. I couldn't remember what I had done with it, wasn't in my bag or purse. I just about ripped everything out of the car and still couldn't find it. An inner voice told me to be calm, that it was there and to remember when she gave it to me. I remembered that she handed me back the pen as well and I found the pen in the centre console, but the card wasn't with it. I don't know what made me look in the tiny gap between the handbrake and console but I could just see the business card the details were written on the back of. The gap was only a couple of milimetres, my husband told me to get the repair guys to see if they could get it out. Not wanting to give up I sent my son in to get a couple of knives but they could only just reach the car enough to move it. Sent him back to get longer bladed knives. While he was at it I put one of the knives in from the side of the console and noted it went under the card, feeling around I realised I could just get my fingers jammed under the console and managed to get a corner peaking out the side. Just as my son returned with the knives I held up the card with a flourish.

Sick.

2010-12-28T13:20:00.002+11:00

This year was the first Boxing day I have not had to work in years, was looking forward to 2 days off in a row, but my body had other plans. It decided that 2 days off meant that it could get sick with a flu or a cold (just how do you tell the difference?). I had a sore throat on Christmas Day and then spent Boxing day mainly in bed, went to work yesterday and lasted less than 4 hours. Spending today in bed, hoping I"ll be right for work tomorrow.

A lovely way to end the year.

A letter to Santa.

2010-12-25T16:28:00.002+11:00

Dear Santa,
Thank you for the gifts I received, I do have a few requests for next year.

Please, Please do your shopping a little earlier than a week before Christmas so that the one thing I asked for doesn't sell out. It was on the shelves in November when I asked for it.

Could you please deliver a few gifts earlier for me? What I'd like is 2 pairs of handcuffs or 2 sets of restraints in suitable sizes to hold a 50 year old man and a 16 year old boy firmly in their beds complete with an unpickable timed lock. Something we can set to 6am or later.

And bring lots of coal for those who think that 4.40 am is a good time to wake their parents up on Christmas morning, especially when the mother was up at 3 am mopping the floor.

Thank you

Lots of Love

Cheryl

2010-12-24T23:47:00.002+11:00

Well it's only 12 minutes til Christmas. By the time I finish typing this it will be Christmas. Hmm what inspiring Christmas quote can I come up with * rifling through Completely Lost for Words.

This one sticks out, ' It's a busy time of the year, make sure you take the time to stop and enjoy'

Takes me right back... to yesterday. I took myself out to the shops, was supposed to buy the fixings for breakfast and for making Gingerbread Houses, instead of heading to our closest grocery store I decided that I'd head to a local mall. Cars filled the carpark, all vying for spots as close to the door as they could get, I pulled into a section on the other side of the carpark from the door and had my choice of spots, the section was half empty. Once inside the mall I headed to a cafe for a cup of tea and a mince pie. I felt so relaxed and listened to the ~~roar~~ hum of frantic shoppers, a spruiker spruiking and tossed in for good measure, a howling child. I sat calmly drinking my tea think I was glad it wasn't my child.

Eventually did go to the grocery store bought everything I needed - eggs, bacon, muffins, ready made pancakes and hash browns. I am cheating on the pancakes and hash browns, I usually cheat by buying a packet mix for the pancakes. Cooked Hash browns the other day and they turned out good but couldn't see myself grating potatoes in the morning while trying to cook a dozen people's breakfasts.

When I got home I went to the hot but clean kitchen and thought nope that I wasn't going to mess it up by making gingerbread either. Before that the stress meter had been starting to rise and then plummented, it's been that way ever since. Except for a 2 hour period between midnight and 2 am last night. I headed to bed around midnight and looked at the gifts stacked by the bed I realised that my brother's gift wasn't there. Searched every spot I could think of, wondering whether I had left it in the car or worse at the store. I even did the lost item numerology, the answer was that it was between layers of soft fabric. I was despairing I was becoming my Grandmother who usually told us that she had another gift for us but had put it away somewhere safe and couldn't remember where. I tried picturing where it was and got the image of the bag hanging from our dining room chairs. I had asked my daughter to tidy the dining area and remembered her version of cleaning is to pick things up and dump them elsewhere. Yesterday her dumping spot was on the floor in the hallway, a quick search and I found it. By then I was so worked up that I couldn't sleep, put a hypnosis cd on to relax myself. I fell asleep during the cd waking when it finished, worried I might not get back sleep, then the next thing I knew was the alarm going off.

Well would you look at that, the clock is now at 12.27am, it's Christmas! I need to go wrap a few odd gifts and will get to bed at a reasonable hour this Christmas - usually we have a whole 3 hours sleep.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a Goodnight. - stole that too.

Almost

2010-12-23T09:33:00.003+11:00

I am officially almost ready for Christmas!

Gifts have been bought, there were some mind changes so some were rebought. Later today the house will smell like Gingerbread, YAY! I really didn't think I'd have time to make houses this year but have pared down how many will be made.

Yesterday I bought my Christmas present from my mother, she had no idea what to buy me. I don't like knowing what I am getting so I'll whisper it so I don't hear .... just don't tell me ok. *Lowers voice and not looking at what I type, looking around to make sure I am not looking over my shoulder* Faking it cookbook and a Creme Brulee set.

Both were bought at my work - the book much cheaper than it is in the link. shop at Victoria's Basement. I pretty much stuck to Mum's budget, she said around $50, I spent $4 more but is she had bought it herself it would have cost $63, a lot more elsewhere.

I am nice and relaxed today, which may not last if I don't get off this computer, get dressed, work out what I need to buy for house building and Christmas breakfast then get to the grocery store before coming back to bake.

We host breakfast on Christmas morning for our family, David's brother Ben has a standing reservation to stay over on Christmas Eve, he loves to watch the kids open their presents, just as long as I supply Bacon and Egg Muffins. He is a 50 year old kid, he is first up on Christmas morning, usually with a bell waking everyone in the house, he does let David and I get at least 2 or 3 hours sleep - really quite nice of him.

Living so close to family, our yard sides onto my parents, my niece and David's nephews houses so we have an open house for breakfast. As well as eggs, bacon, muffins, I am cooking pancakes and Hash browns, for the healthy minded there will be a fruit platter.

Ok better get to it.

Chris Isaak - Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

2010-12-16T02:44:00.000+11:00

2010-12-07T14:27:00.002+11:00

So much for devoting today to gift making, my daughter broke her glasses on Sunday night, I had to find a way of repairing them so the lens would stay in, used hot glue. It worked ok, but only lasted til the next day, when I got home she had the lens held in with 2 rubber bands. Glued it again but it only lasted til we got to the Optometrist this morning, they sticky taped it up. She was overdue for a check up anyway, her left eye was a little worse. Has to put up with the broken glasses for a little longer, they may be ready as early as tomorrow, it depends on whether anyone is available to pick them up. I may be able to do it before work on Thursday. I thought about getting my eyes checked but will leave it til after Christmas. I did buy a couple of $20 sunglasses to leave in the cars, fed up with squinting.

I am so tired right now, I had to pull over to get a drink and a break because I like I was going drift off.

We got home to a little drama, Cassie took the cat outside to comb her, she raced back inside yelling that something was buzzing. She was frantic swiping at her hair, I checked and found a bee in it, All we had handy was the cat's comb, I used it to comb the bee out. The bee flew around the house for a little while until I managed to shoo it out. In her haste Cassie had thrown her glasses off and left them outside, as I opened the door the bee was back buzzing in my face, before it flew off. I had to ask where the glasses were and Cassie came to the door asking where the bee was, when it flew into the house and straight back into her hair. Took me a few moments to locate it in Cassie's ample hair, didn't help that she was frantic before I again used the cat's comb and flicked it out. This time it hit the floor and my first instinct was to step on it, I hate killing things especially bees but it seemed that this one had it in for Cassie. I've noticed the bees lately have been acting a little strange, they throw themselves at our bathroom window at night and a couple of weeks ago, my son and I were chased around the yard by a bee when we did yardwork. I've never experienced anything like it, I've been stung in the past but that's when I trod on a bee, have never been purposely chased by one.

2010-12-05T21:56:00.003+11:00

The new bed and bedside tables arrived on Saturday, in love with it. I love the look of actually having a bed head and end as well as being able to use the under bed area for storage. Am looking for baskets or boxes to fit, will be glad to get rid of the junk that lays around our room, especially husband's clothing, the man has more clothes than I have. He rarely wears a lot of it and has so many jackets from soccer and his favourite football team. For my side of the bed the baskets will contain my shoes and excess bedding.

With Christmas fast approaching gifts have been on my mind, I am trying to stick to a budget for nephew and nieces. Was hoping to make a lot of my gifts this year but have ceded to the fact I just won't have the time. My new job has been full on, until a week ago it was between 10 and 12 hour days, six days a week. With opening last Saturday it's down to 9 hour days over those 6 days. I am exhausted and with all the physical work very achey. I've asked to be cut to 5 days for my sanity. So this week Tuesday will be devoted to gift making and on Friday am going out with a friend for a well earned sanity day.

Am starting with a Pirate set for my Great Nephew, I found some pirate themed fabric and thought about making a back pack for him. Then realised he will need a Pirate hat and vest to go with. Not a moment too soon either, I found a photo my niece posted of him playing dress ups with his sister and cousin, he looked stunning in a tulle fairy outfit. It's claimed that he put them on himself but I remember his mother dressing up my son in his sister's floral swimsuit when he was the same age. There's a picture somewhere of that, I did find a picture of him at age 6 dressed up for a pirate party.

Excited!

2010-11-29T21:59:00.002+11:00

This afternoon the phone rang, it was the lady from the bed shop confirming the delivery of our new bed frame for next Saturday. She also said the the bedside tables that were supposed to be delayed until January are being delivered then too. Nice.

Only this morning as I picked up the clutter by my side of the bed, I thought to myself that I really need the new table and soon, 3 drawers will be so much more handy than 1 thin drawer and a shelf.

Panic reigns supreme

2010-11-23T18:39:00.003+11:00

Today I ordered a new bed frame for our room, when I tried paying with my savings card it was declined, so I put it on our debit card. Just logged into the bank to transfer the funds from my account to the joint debit card account. That's when panic hit me, there wasn't as much money as I knew there should have been. I panicked and yelled to my husband to come.

I felt sick while I checked the transactions which showed yes I did transfer the money from my Christmas Club but it didn't turn up in my savings (aka spendings) account. Relief set in when I found I had mistakenly transferred it to the debit card account. I was feeling lethargic and tired before this and wanted a something to wake me up, this wasn't quite what I was hoping for but it has worked.

Our new bed will come next week, I am going to have to arrange delivery yet, I thought it might fit in hubby's car but he doesn't think it will. Because our bed is king size, the salesperson told us we might have to wait until January to recieve it but there was one in stock when she checked today, we do however have to wait for matching side tables. Later I might order the matching tallboys but for now our old ones will have to do.

Had today off work, usually have Saturdays off but our grand opening is on Saturday, all hands are expected. I know the next few days will be very busy. The store is coming together and will be mostly ready for Saturday, every little item needs pricing, a bit silly but it's their policy.

2010-11-20T09:39:00.002+11:00

I did click publish after writing that last post, it's mean to be out there.

Now 10 seconds later I know I need to start a new post and get on with life.

My job is going strong, am working with a great group of people - there has been the odd one who from the beginning set of niggling thoughts but I am not the only one who has noticed. One lady whom I did feel a great connection with won't be there much longer, she was offered a job in her chosen profession and will be moving on with that, I certainly hope that she will remain in my life.

Am working long hours, 10 and 11 hour days, six days a week for now, we are setting up the store in readiness to open in a week's time. The last couple of days have been spent unpacking loads of crockery, am quite sick of plain white crockery, was a nice change yesterday when I found some with a little design detail.

Last night was my farewell dinner from my old job, I recieved a very pretty nail care kit, very apt because the job was so hard on my nails - new one is the same and some knitting needles. One of the staff members hugged me several times, telling me she misses me and wants me to come back. That was nice. I also got to meet 2 of the new girls that have started since I left, I made the quip that it wasn't the first time that I was replaced by 2 people when I left a job. When I left my first real job, where I was working 2 positions and getting paid for the lesser one I was replaced with 2 people who both complained that they were getting too much work.

Once the store opens will find out my regular roster, will be nice knowing what I work each week and getting the same pay packet will make planning so much easier. Will be at a regular 40 hour week, working 5 days instead of the unreliable rostering from my last job, where I had anything from 12 to 30 hours per week. Mostly at the whim of the manager, who used the roster system to show she had control - she would add or take away shifts at the drop of a hat without proper notification.

Now I am off to enjoy my day off, take care.

2010-11-20T08:42:00.003+11:00

A few weeks back we lost a friend for the second time. The first time we misplaced him for 15 years after we lost contact when we both moved at the same time, he was special and I never forgot him. Over the years I had wondered about him very often, how he was going and what he was doing, never giving up hope we would find each other again. I found him recently on Facebook and set out to bring him back into our lives, we started messaging each other. I had the feeling he wasn't doing so well and didn't want to barge my way back into his life, now I wish I had.

A couple of weeks later I got a message from one of his facebook friends to ring him, I sat hoping that it was to arrange a surprise for him but knew in my heart it wasn't so. The phone call started with the words "Are you sititng down?", something I never want to hear again. As shocking as it was, it didn't surprise me.

I tried so hard not to get angry at him, had my own personal chats with him, told him I forgave him for what he had done. I started having dreams, nightmares really - I woke from one so sure I had died. I remember stumbling out of bed to the bathroom and not seeing myself reflected in the mirror, then it was as though I faded in. I stood there thumbling for the light switch and not finding it, then the thought came to mind that if I had died my spot in the bed would still be filled, I turned around to note that it was empty. Thats when I snapped out of it, realised I had been feeling in the wrong spot for the light, finally flicking it on and stood looking at myself in the mirror for a while before going back to bed. Thinking this would keep me up for the rest of the night but fell back asleep immediately. I now wonder if it was all a dream, had I woken, slept walked or stayed safely tucked up in bed? I'll never be completely sure.

This must be the way I deal with grief, I had this sort of dream when my grandmother passed away. I've never been so affected before, I think of him constantly, so constantly I am afraid I am not letting him rest. On the way home from work one day last week I was driving through a town where he and my husband once shared a flat and thought about how I had wanted to share with him who I had become and suddenly got angry, calling him a bastard and completely shocking myself. That night I had the most wonderful dream about him, we spent time together, kissed and parted ways. I still think of him but it seems better, though at times I slip back, but know it's going to get better and I will be able to let him rest. Have told him that he is welcome to visit when he wishes. He is still part of my life just not in the way I was hoping for.

Have just written him a letter, going to burn it later.

This won't be last time we spend a life together, it wasn't the first but the next will be better and we have all the time in the world to spend lifetimes together.

Not even sure if I'll publish this

2010-11-12T22:00:00.002+11:00

My hip has been wonderful, no pain at all, my heel is pretty much the same, the injury site is another thing though. My thigh still has pain, to touch and every so often it just aches The bruise has come out more, while the bruise on my calf has started to fade. It will take a little while to heal properly, it would help if I wasn't on my feet all day.

I am developing an interest in Herbalism, I've always been interested but am putting it more into practise thanks to watching Grow Your own Drugs on cable. I've borrowed the book and series one DVD from the library, have hinted that I want the book for Christmas (if you can call shaking the book in front of everyone saying that I want this book for Christmas a hint).

I've started buying herbs and have put some into an old laundry tub in the backyard, potted up more on Wednesday. Have made tea out of some, pineapple sage and peppermint (am growing 3 types). Yesterday my son had a cough and some congestion, I made Sage Honey from the Grow your own Drugs book and am happy to report it seemed to work. He took a teaspoon of it and it soothed his throat and he was able to stop coughing. He had 2 doses last night and even though he was much better this morning I gave him another dose.

2010-11-07T19:05:00.002+11:00

The Rieki Attunement DVD has been awesome, my hip and heel are so much better. There's been no pain in my hip at all and just a little tightness in my heel. But saying that I've discovered a whole new pain, the pain that happens when you fall through some stairs.

We went to a party yesterday, we got there around 2pm and at 9 there were fireworks from a local festival, I didn't have a lot to drink - 3 half glasses of wine and then had a craving for a beer. I had drunk half the beer before the fireworks started and climbed stairs up to the pool area for a better view. There was no handrail and I didn't notice that there was a sizeable gap between the top step and the pool deck, I did wonder why they painted half the step black - it didn't look like a hole. I knew it was a hole when my foot went straight through, all I could think of was that I was going to break my leg and waited to hear the snap, was so glad it didn't happen. I ended up to my hip down the hole and my body heading down the stairs. Some guy asked if I was ok, I said "nooo" and then had to ask him to help me up. I sat on the wet step, trying to gain the courage to pull my leg from the hole. I was in pain but when I got up had no extra pain walking and was able to go back to dancing with the help of the rest of my beer. I think the beer helped keep me relaxed during it because if I had all my senses I would have panicked on the way down and caused more damage. I sat doing a little healing on my leg immediately and did the Reiki DVD last night before bed.

Today the bruises are showing, a large one on my calf just under the knee and a smaller but the most painful one on the front of my thigh. Put the Reiki DVD on while I had a salt bath this morning before heading out to my Great Niece's Christening. Didn't stay long at the celebration because I felt so tired, I came home for a nap and ended up sleeping for 3 hours.

I am so grateful that I didn't do any more damage, though have just noticed that there is a sore lump on the side of my head, I don't remember hitting my head.

2010-11-05T23:06:00.002+11:00

Day 3 of the new job, I am really enjoying it.

The only things I am not enjoying is pain - I have calicifified tendonitis and a bone spur in my heel that often makes me limp with pain and recently my hip has been aching. A couple of nights have needed pain killers to get to sleep. Last night I remembered a Reiki Attunement DVD that I have so put it on and concentrated on my hip and heel, mostly on the hip. This morning the difference was amazing, the ache in my hip had lessened and my heel felt a bit better too. Actually I didn't get pain radiating up my calf from the heel at all today.

I am still in pain though, I made the mistake of buying a chai tea at McCafe and asked for a dash of soy milk in it. They made it with milk and then added a dash of soy milk to the top. I don't often drink milk and drank half the tea, it was delicious but later I paid for it right in the liver. I have fatty liver disease and apparently milk sets it off. I gave up drinking Cappacinos because I thought it was the coffee that set it off. It's settling down at last, it felt like I had a stitch in my side for ages.

It appears that the guidance I've been receiving to give up dairy is for a reason. I asked for guidance about what else I could do to help my hip and for the last few days everytime I thought about it, the word 'oil' would come to mind. Today I headed to the supermarket on my way home and was wondering what sort of oil I needed. Was wondering whether to look for fish oil or just buy Olive Oil. At that moment a couple were walking towards me, they were talking to each other, as the man passed by the only part of their conversation I heard was the man saying to his wife that "Olive Oil is best". Took that as my answer and bought a light flavoured Olive Oil and when I got home I took a tablespoon. I should have remembered that the last time I had joint pain I was also guided to take oil, it worked then as well.

2010-11-03T20:21:00.002+11:00

Was my first day at my new job today, my second new job in 2 weeks. The first I decided wasn't for me, the work was fine, repetitive and a little boring but I decided that getting people into debt didn't suit me at all. Especially not when they pay back over 3 times the retail value of the item by the time they pay it off. I am now again back in retail, which is something I wanted to get away from or so I thought. I like the variety of work and the interaction with customers.

Today started off moving fine china items, setting up a display of dinnerware, opening deliveries and learning to use the registers. I can't get over the difference between my last job and this, I didn't hear anyone being spoken down to by management, jobs were done without constant interruptions, messes weren't left for others to clean up and there were ample staff to man the shop. I hope that where I will be moving to will be the same, I'm only training at the moment and will be going to a new store opening in the next couple of weeks.

Halloween came and went here with hardly anything to show of it's passing, we had 3 kids come to the door over at my parents, they didn't even dress up but were carrying a plastic pitchfork. We didn't have anything to give them.

I was a little disappointed in my brother, he decided it was too hot to wear his costume. I told him I was bitterly disappointed that he didn't even wear it for 5 minutes. Even though it's only spring it's getting very warm and humid. Not looking forward to summer.

Halloween

2010-10-31T02:25:00.002+11:00

We don't usually celebrate Halloween, though it has been getting more and more popular. I can remember as a kid being a little envious because I didn't get to dress up.

My brother was invited to a Halloween party tonight, he called this morning for a lift to the local Salvation Army store to find a coat. We were just about to leave for the same place to drop some items off.

He had decided he wanted to go as Rolf Harris dressed as Jake the Peg, turning his walking stick into an extra leg. He found a trench coat he thought would be good and then we went in search of a cap but all we could find was a brimmed hat. Rolf has a beard and all I could find was a pirate beard and mo.

He tried the coat on at home, we both looked at it and said "Uncle Fester", but we had no skull cap and he baulked at my suggestion of shaving his head. So he tried the hat on as well, this time we thought Inspector Clouseau, adding the mostach made the outfit. Hope he had a good time and didn't get too tired or sore.

Talking of my brother has got me remember something that happened a couple of weeks ago. Mum and Dad were due to take an epic train trip across Australia, they rang from the train in a panic. Mum had changed bags before she left and forgot the lugguae pad lock keys. She rang my brother in a panic, wanting me to get them to there before the train left. Mum said where she was sure they were and my brother asked where the spare set was just in case. Mum asked Dad because he had put them somewhere safe. That's when it dawned on them that the safe spot Dad had used was his wallet.

2010-10-29T14:14:00.003+11:00

Yesterday I bought Lessons In Letting Go: Confessions of a Hoarder written by Corinne Grant

These days most of my book buying consists of Self Help, Spiritual, Healing or Craft books, I usually don't read novels or books written by TV personalities. Most usual I pick them up look at them and put them back on the shelf. I had done just that with Corinne's book and then moved on to do the same thing with Charlie Pickering's book. I thought both looked interesting, deciding that the word 'hoarder' made Corinne's book just that bit more interesting. I carried it to the counter along with a book on fabric printing and a household manual.

I started reading it as soon as I got out of the store,while listening to the Accordion man. I ended up moving to a cafe where I could still see and hear the accordion, drink tea and read the book. From the first word I loved it, read it on the train home, at home and finished it this morning. I headed to bed intent on reading more but instead started tidying my room. I now have a pile of clothes ready to go the Salvos.

Mowed the grass today and then decided to look for the cobweb brush (we have 2) so ventured into the garage. I gave myself a running commentary in there as I fruitlessly searched for the brush. To get into the garage I had to move an upright fan, which then tried to trip me, sidestep many boxes, walk on the broken arch that should have been thrown out after we decided it wouldn't survive another Christmas. Guess who is about to book a bulk rubbish pickup?

Book Description

It took a year to drag myself out of the mess. A year in which I lost my dearest friend and then promptly lost my way. A year in which I ran away overseas, came back and then ran away again. A year in which I learnt to let go, learnt to forgive and learnt to grow up. It was a big year. It was a lot of work. And I head-butted two people. Accidentally.
Lessons in Letting Go is an honest, uproariously funny and sometimes moving memoir of the year in which Corinne Grant decides to do something about her hoarding. From every scrunchie she's ever owned, to every pencil case and magazine, it's time for it all to go. Problem is, getting rid of the stuff turns out to be much harder than she initially thought.
This delightful memoir is about hoarding and about how the things we hold on to can end up dictating our lives. Warm, funny, candid and insightful, Lessons in Letting Go is about the pain - but also the necessity and the joy - in learning to let go.

2010-10-28T12:57:00.002+11:00

Had to take my husband's new to us car for a service this morning over at St Marys, it was the farthest I've driven the thing. Wasn't too bad but don't like the brakes, they are completely different to mine, in my car the brakes are touchy, the slightest extra pressure on the pedal and the only thing stopping you from going through the windscreen is the seatbelt. In his car it feels like the opposite, the pedal is firm and I feel like I have to push hard on it as the car comes to a gradual stop. He claims his brakes are fine.

Had a long walk to the station, decided to explore the local shops. Was going through the checkout in Target when I noticed a man playing the accordion to a small audience of elderly people. My feet were sore so I chose a seat in the midst to listen, thinking when I get home I'm going to blog this. All these great and funny things went through my head and I wondered if should write them down, no worries I'll remember.

So here I sit..... got nuthing.... zilch.... nada

Boring.

I did walk away at the end of it humming the tune to Along the Road to Gundagai

There's a scene that lingers in my memory –
Of an old bush home and friends I long to see –
That's why I am yearning
Just to be returning
Along the road to Gundagai –

There's a track winding back
To an old-fashioned shack
Along the road to Gundagai –
Where the blue gums are growing
And the Murrumbidgee's flowing
Beneath that sunny sky –
Where my daddy and mother
Are waiting for me
And the pals of my childhood
Once more I will see.
Then no more will I roam,
When I'm heading right for home
Along the road to Gundagai.

When I get back there I'll be a kid again –
Oh! I'll never have a thought of grief or pain –
Once more I'll be playing
Where the gums are swaying
Along the road to Gundagai –

Music and Lyrics by Jack O'Hagan

Homegrown Takeaway

2010-10-27T20:04:00.006+11:00

Though not really homegrown, I went to Bunnings today to look for Catnip and some salad greens. They had a lovely pot full of perpetual lettuces for $20, I priced buying 6 pack of mixed lettuces and decided at $14.95 for those, the ready to go pot was a winner. The lettuces were already large enough to supply several meals worth. Picked a few leaves along with perpetual spinach, added mangoes and tomatoes.

Some minute steak and multigrain bread, we had a delicious steak sandwich.

Washed down with fresh chocolate mint tea, this is the first time I've tried making it from the Chocolate Mint plant I bought a few weeks back. Edit I gave my cup to my son for a taste, I meant for him to take a sip but I didn't get the cup back until he drained it.

It's a small world

2010-10-26T22:09:00.004+11:00

Today I attended a memorial service for a friend that I had only recently reconnected with on Facebook, 15 years after we lost contact. We were pretty close and lost contact when we both moved around the same time, at the time neither of us had mobile phones.

When I arrived at the service the first face I saw was a familiar one, a friend that we've known since our sons started playing soccer 10 years ago. What a shock!

Later at the Wake, I didn't know anyone there at all, one of the guests asked me about a facebook friend, he had seen some photos I put up of our friend and noticed that we shared a friend. Turned out he knows our Nephew and his wife (who also shares a friend with my brother).

To our Dear Friend Justin,
I always knew we would find each other again, wish we had never been apart, am glad for the 2 weeks we did have but so wished we would have been able to meet. You will always be in our hearts. Rest in Peace.

We did a little tidying today

2010-10-24T20:32:00.003+11:00

and my son got creative

My sweet Mother's Day Angel surrounded by a sea of blue.