Tuesday, July 31
Rose & Lorna.
It is an expensive hobby, & I made clothes for others, who didnt sew. I also constructed the dolls bodies for students who didnt wish to do it for themselves. This way, I could still afford to keep making the dolls.
We had a little local shop in the suburb where we lived, that sold fabric, laces, ribbons, buttons, & some clothing. All at bargain prices. It was a sort of offloading shop for a clothing manufacturer in the city.
As I was often in the shop, I got to know the girls who ran the shop, quite well. We became friends, & would share a laugh or two.
Rose was the Manageress. She had the most beautiful golden hair, & a lovely smile. Her mother had come to Australia from Poland, I think, & she said her father & mother had fought loudly & fiercely until her father left. Then her mother began to have a series of boyfriends who behaved badly, & she & her sister spent many fearful hours hiding in the wardrobe in their room.
By the time I met Rose, she was married & was expecting her first child. She had a beautiful little daughter, who had her mother's gorgeous hair, & dimpled smile. And within 3 years Rose was having another baby, & another little girl was born. Rose often had the second baby at the shop, and she was a dear little girl too.
Lorna was the other permanant assistant at the shop, a quieter girl. She had Scottish parents, & told the story or how, when her parents had been about to emigrate to Australia, her mother had consulted a fortune teller. The woman had told her that she would be moving to another country, & that she would give birth to another child in the new country. Lorna said her mother had scoffed. There was no way she would be moving country, & certainly NO way she would be having another baby.
But her parents did move to Australia, & her mother gave birth to Lorna.
There was another girl, called Margaret, who did part time assistant work at the shop, & she was a single mother, who was fiercely proud of her 8 year old son. She began another relationship with another man, & we heard the ups & downs of the relationship. Then, Margaret got pregnant again, & she was advised not to have the baby, as she had a problem with her heart. But Margaret swore she knew the baby would be a girl, & she was determined to have the child.
The father of the baby left, & Margaret was once again alone with her son. She did give birth to her little daughter, & was so happy. She arranged for her daughter to be cared for & returned to work, part time, as before.
One morning Rose opened the shop & waited for Margaret to arrive. Lorna was having the day off.
Rose rang Margaret, & her son answered. He told Rose he couldnt wake his mother. Margaret had died in her sleep. Which was just so horrible to think about. The children were in danger of being split up, after Margaret died. I think her sister wanted the daughter, but didnt want the son. I dont know what eventually happened to her children.
But that terrible death, was how I came to be the new casual part time assistant at the shop. I had not been into the shop for a time.
We had moved, & been through all sorts of harrowing times with a court case, for unfair dismissal, which we won.
What a hollow victory that was. It cost us almost as much as we ended up with financially. After the appeal, -by the ex employer- we were awarded more than the first Judge had awarded us, we were advised to take our case to open court where, the 2nd Judge assured us, we would be sure to receive much more money, than could be granted in the Industrial Court.
The toll it took on both of us was very high. Both emotionally & physically. It came at such a bad time, & was quite crippling in a lot of ways.
However, at last GOM found another job, & I began my new career as a Bank Teller. Which I loathed! I cried every weekend because I would have to go back to the bank on Monday.
So, after a stern self lecture, I told myself not to be stupid, I was 50 years old, & could bloody well do as I pleased, & no job was worth that kind of misery. And I quit!
And went to visit the little shop to purchase some small items for sewing. And was pounced on by Rose & Lorna.
"Where have you been ?!" "We have been waiting for you to come in!!"
A little shocked, I asked why? Then they proceeded to tell me about Margaret, & how they had both decided that they would like me to work with them, if I was willing. My lucky day! I just asked how soon could I start! And I loved it, & as we worked, I learned the stories of their lives bit by bit.
Rose told me how she had had a very bad love affair, & she had decided to kill herself. As she lay taking pills, her cat came & planted itself on her chest, & meowed at her so plaintively, she changed her mind, & began to think of the cat, & how no one would care for it if she wasnt there. And she chose to live instead. And then met her husband to be, & they married.
I really did enjoy working with those girls. They were such different personalities. They had such different backgrounds, & different lives. But we all got along so well.
Bread, Everything I Own.
Monday, July 30
The Emporers New Clothes.
When GOM got up- later than usual- he rushed off to have his shower, & came out dressed in his 'working about home' garb.
This consists of trackpants, a T shirt, & a Polar fleece top. For years, he refused to wear trackpants, on the grounds that they very often look quite indecent, & tend to display men's 'kit & kaboodle' rather excessively, and/or obscenely.
I finally managed to convince him, if they fit well enough, they were perfectly acceptable, & were twice as warm as conventional trousers, & also given to a greater degree of comfort.
As he is mostly very reluctant to purchase new clothes since his retirement, I quite often buy things for him, out of desperation, since he tends to wear things until they are falling apart.
One particular pair of trackies, were on sale for some ridiculously cheap price, so I bought him a pair. When I got them home & he eventually tried them on, it was obvious they were a touch large for him. In fact they came up to his armpits almost! If he pulled them down to the area that now passes for his waist, the arse bag is almost down to his knees.
So of course, they are the cause of much hilarity to the whole family. They call him 'Harry High Pants', when he wears them. I offered to take them to exchange for a smaller size, but in his little display of perversity, he insisted he was keeping them, & wore them, so I could not exchange them.
So this morning he came out with the large trackies pulled almost to his armpits, & I burst out laughing. Then had to tell him to please not make me laugh, it hurts. He then proceeded to do an impression of a lumbering ape, with hands to his knees. Capering about, grunting, & leering at me. Which of course made me laugh harder.
I think he has a sadistic streak in him, somehow.
And I recall, a shirt I once bought him, once again on sale. When he tried it on, he was appalled that the sleeves, which were meant to be short were almost to his wrist. And he insisted on wearing it, & mocking me each time he did. We had had a series of shirts that had been far too small for him, in spite of being labelled XL for Extra Large. So naturally I was trying to prevent repeats by getting him XXL.
He flapped about saying he was about to depart on safari, & would just go & change into his tent.
And it reminded me of a man we knew who had been stationed in Singapore with the Army. His wife, was apparently a very large woman, & he used to tell stories about her. (We never met her) One of his stories was when she had wanted to buy a new bra, she had gone to the largest Department store in Singapore, & asked for the Undergarment section. The assistant had asked her what she wished to buy, & when she told her a new bra, he insisted the assistant had said, "Yes madam the tent section is over there!" A patent lie of course, but he got a laugh.
I get furious with GOM at times for not being sensible, & just buying himself much needed new clothing. He will look at shoes for months before actually buying a pair, whereas I make a choice with lightning speed & just buy them. I cant understand all the pfaffing about. If they fit, get them.
I have finished all the extreme pain meds, & am the normal Paracetamol for pain relief. I just feel as though I have been socked, good & hard on the jaw.
All the little floating ends of the stitches are quite disconcerting. I wondered if some passing insect had wandered in there, while I was sleeping slack jawed, but realise it is only the ends of sutures, & they will dissolve.
Ben E. King, Spanish Harlem
Sunday, July 29
Only When I Laugh.
I must say, the Surgeon is a very kind & caring man, who has a wonderful manner. And the lovely young nurse who assisted him, is also a lovely person, so they both did their best to minimise a hideous experience. And were full of apologies over the missed appointment.
And I was happy to note I never caught sight of Ms Whipped Hairdo- perhaps she was away having a blue retouch, & another pot of 'product' applied!
I have spent the last 2 days zonked out with painkillers in bed, just dozing, & being waited upon, by attentive GOM, so I cant really complain too much.
He has been feeding me slops & generally making sure I am ok. It has not really been as bad as I anticipated, & the old frozen peas seemed to work very well to minimise the swelling. I only hurts when I laugh too hard now!! haha.
I had a phone call from a sister, in NZ yesterday. She had no idea I had had my tooth out, & was surprised to learn I was lying in bed. She told me she was also recumbant, having cracked a bone, & torn tendons in her ankle. She said her "Kitchen Bitch" has been waiting on her hand & foot, & she has even got him trained to anticipate her needs now! He sounded very cheery, & only too happy to be waiting on her. They had just had a holiday when she damaged her ankle, so at least they had most of their holiday time to enjoy themselves.
Before the Fang came out, GOM & I had done a little grocery shopping. As we strolled around the aisles I did my usual people watching. A proud Grandmother was wheeling a baby, & the daughter -or maybe DIL- was moping about the bread aisle, & muttering about vegetables. The G suggested "A piece of pumpkin perhaps?" The DIL mumbled "We dont actually DO pumpkin" To which the startled MIL said, loudly, "Pardon??"
I hate the fact that 'drug' expressions & phrases seem to have entered every day language. Or is it only me? What the hell is "DOING" pumpkin?? What happened to eating? or even just liking or not liking?
It is a slightly cloudy, but sunny day here today, but seems to be very chilly. Kind GOM has been off to get me further painkillers, & made me a coffee. I had dog bodies to keep me warm in bed, but they have gone off outside today.
I have been reading all the blogs I missed out on over the past couple of days. It soon mounts up, when you are not reading them regularly. While I was dozing I thought of lots of post ideas, but they seem to have drifted off when I woke.
I am sure they will return.
Still getting all my music back upstairs.
Neil Diamond, Morningside.
Thursday, July 26
Extreme Happiness.
So, thank you All for taking the time to comment.
Well, one thing went completely 'right'! The new carpet got laid in good time yesterday, & we are very happy with it! It is a type of honey colour, & little Honey sort of blends in with it. We are going to tell people we wanted a matching carpet for our dog. The TV was my biggest fear. To get everything reconnected is a major puzzle of wires & cords threaded through a maze of holes in the rear of the unit. I have trouble getting down onto the floor, what with the dud knee & all, & once down, I am more or less 'cast', like an old ewe!
GOM just doesnt seem to have an affinity with electrical appliances, so it always falls to me, to do the connections, & ensure all is up & running. Anway mission accomplished, I am happy to say. And I managed to get off the floor, with a little help from the GOM.
While I was down there, I took a few moments to just enjoy the nice new carpet, & admire the colour. You know, ... make every moment count! haha.
The cheery young men who laid it were very efficient, & have done a beautiful job of it all, so we are much happier, now that it is all done at last. Has the approval of Adult Granddaughter, & Daughter J, so that is a plus as well.
Now, it may be going to take a month or more to get things back to normal. I am hoping to do a little culling of the 'stuff' while it is all 'out in the open', so to speak. GOM has actually been quite restrained in his comments at the sight of all the 'secrets' revealed. I did hear him muttering about a 'garage sale' with a friend.
But I figure I will deal with all that once the Fang has been dealt with, & the healing has taken place.
And on the culinary front, I made a Meatloaf for our tea, the evening before carpet laying. I am sorry there are no progress shots, but here is the end result, half eaten. haha.
Please dont mock my ancient burnt orange bench tops. I try not to look at those, when preparing food.
Tuesday, July 24
At Least One Thing worked out
All being well, tomorrow should see the new carpet laid.
BUT!...
The Evil Fang is still in situ!
I think my subconscious must have known it was not coming out yesterday.
I seemed unnaturally calm all day.
Then, when we arrived at the surgery, we were informed that they were running a "good 20 minutes late" "Would you like to go for a wander, for a while?"
Biting back the urge to scream NO! we left & drove off in the car.
GOM thought he would just & register the car, in the spare few minutes.
Didnt happen. Queues abounded, & time ticked away, so he came back out, & we zoomed back to the Oral Surgeons.
To be met by
I instantly knew, this could not be good. Mrs Whipped Hairdo proceeded to inform us that the Surgeon had been urgently called to operate at the Hospital, & so he was unavailable to do my "Proceedure".
Which irrating term now seems to be what they use, instead of the actual, factual, 'removal' or 'pulling' of the tooth.
I was so angry I couldnt speak. She made a new appointment for Friday morning, at 8.15am. And I suppose there are no guarantees that will work out either.
GOM had a face like thunder. We left speechless amid Mrs Whipped Hairdo squeaking "It cant be helped. We are sorry. But someone's in trouble"
Which just seemed to make it worse.
I felt like yelling "JUST SHUT THE FECK UP!!"
Monday, July 23
The Basket Post.
Sunday, July 22
Sunrise it is.
You Are Sunrise |
You enjoy living a slow, fulfilling life. You enjoy living every moment, no matter how ordinary. You are a person of reflection and meditation. You start and end every day by looking inward. Caring and giving, you enjoy making people happy. You're often cooking for friends or buying them gifts. All in all, you know how to love life for what it is - not for how it should be. |
This would seem to be pretty accurate.
I found this over at Mrs Goodneedle's Strawberry Patch, so thought I would see what the verdict was, for me.
These days, I am a morning person. I was not always a morning person.
As a child, our mother would come into my bedroom in the mornings, & fling open the curtains, saying "Rise & Shine!" or "Wakey Wakey!"
How I came to hate the sound of those curtains, & those words.
I was like a bear with a sore head in the mornings. I just wanted to stay in my warm little cocoon of blankets, in my bed with the saggy kapok mattress on a wire wove base. It was like a warm little hammock. I would reluctantly stumble out to wash & dress, & have my breakfast.
And as I got older, my disposition didn't improve in the mornings. I would get out of bed reluctantly, & grouch & grump out for breakfast. My mother & brother wouldnt dare speak to me. I would sit glowering, scowling, & surly, radiating a positive aura of "I DARE YOU TO SPEAK TO ME". I am sure my brother will remember it well.
I have no idea, really, why I was so hostile in the mornings.
And I would carry the ill humour off with me, to catch the bus to work. Thankfully, by the time I reached work, I would be in a better frame of mind, & be able to be pleasant to those around me.
When my Best Friend J came to stay, I was, perhaps, a different morning person. I would get out of bed, & go out & make us coffee, & toast with lashings of butter, & marmalade, & take it back into my room for us to eat in our beds, laughing about our previous night's fun- or not.
When we married & had children, there was not much choice about rising. Babies dont care about such things as mother's sleepins. And small children are always ready with boundless energy in the mornings, for breakfast, mischief, & play. And the days needed to start early, to fit all of life's chores into the hours.
When I went to stay on the farm with my Aunt & Uncle, the days always began early. And I never seemed to mind in the country atmosphere. I loved the early morning mists, & wonderful stillness upon the world, before the day 'began'.
The busy warm bustle in my Aunt's kitchen, where the coal range would be going, started by my Uncle when he rose first. And my Aunt would cook lamb chops for his breakfast, with eggs, usually. And he would ride off on his horse to begin his day. Or walk down to the shearing sheds to begin the day there.
Now, I love the solitary time spent in the mornings. I dont always want to rise so early, but Leo often dictates the hour. And I find I can read peacefully, or read blogs, now. Or sew, if I am swept up with a project.
I used to get up, & walk in the misty mornings, before my knee decided that was not the way it would be. I loved that early morning time, and all the world seemed your friend. The few souls out & about would say 'Good morning' or at least grunt at you.
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And now, I know you are just dying to know about the mouse?
Well, I can report it is well & truly departed this life.
Leo got my up rather early on Saturday morning. An urgent trip outdoors was required it seemed, & as I rushed into the pitch black kitchen, I almost fell over as my foot skidded on something.
Cursing & muttering threats to the dog, thinking he had
I hope it didn't have any relatives with it. It was a very small little critter. And of course, in death it looked even smaller.
I dont believe Leo had even noticed it. Far too pampered.
And the arm. Well it is not a pretty sight, but I am sure it is not infected. It is not painful or red, & is just simply ugly! Heh!
Joan Baez, Lily Rosemary, & the Jack of Hearts.
Friday, July 20
Just mundane slog, mumble mumble.
Thank goodness, the painter has been & done our ceilings very neatly, & efficiently. A man of pride in his work. He told me he was 'Not a messy painter.' And he was right. He told me he came from Serbia originally.
I was amazed to see he drove a Mercedes Benz, & had his ladder, & general paraphenalia in the back seat, and his painting equipment, & drop sheets in the boot When I mentioned it was a fancy car to carry painting gear, he shrugged & smiled & told me it would only sit in the garage otherwise. I thought, what a good attitude!
And now, my 'sewing room' is no more. We have packed most of it away, so I feel a little naked without my clutter about me. Bare bookshelves, & the machine all folded away. GOM carted all my books downstairs. The room down there looks like a bomb has exploded.
The dogs have had an anxious day. Very concerned when the painter came, so GOM took Leo into our room, & I had Honey in here with me.
My arm is very sore. I have used that spray on bandage, which is amazing. It is even water proof. Leo didnt mean to do the damage, he was struggling to get free while I was brushing him, a task which he does not like much. Just an unlucky strike with his claw.
There has been no more sign of the mouse, so we are hoping he has eaten his fill & gone off to seek water, which is supposedly how the bait works.
It is darkly gloomy with clouds & a cold wind, so a day inside has been my choice. We have had the Airconditioner going to warm the cold rooms.
Reading over at Stomper's about lovely linens, has reminded me of how much I miss having flanellette sheets. GOM claims he cant abide them, they irritate him, & so we are 'not allowed' to have them. I could never survive without my electric blanket! If we have to have cold cotton at least it needs to be warmed up before I get into bed.
I was reminded of a wedding present we received when we first got married. They were 2 sets of horrible white sheets, whose giver shall remain nameless. Let's just say it was not from my side of the family. ( Yes that is a little nasty! heh!) About the 3rd time we used them our feet plunged through the very fabric! ( And no comments about newly weds vigourously ripping them, need to be made here!)
I think they must have been so old they had just about rotted away in their packages! I am sure they were a recycled gift, & they were supposedly twill cotton. I was happy to toss them out!
As I have aged, I have got much braver about such things too. When we first married, I agonised over some chairs we were given. They had been gifted to GOM for his first marriage. I am sure most of you could relate to how much I detested those chairs! I couldnt wait to get rid of them. And to add insult to injury, one had a hole in it! And a canteen of cultery, that my MIL had given the first 'happy couple' as a wedding present. I was apalled. I never used them, & preferred my cheap collection of odds & ends, from my single days. At least they were mine, & had no sad history.
It never seemed to bother GOM, I suppose because they had been gifts from his mother, but I felt it in
Well tomorrow is another day. Let us hope it is a bit warmer.
Shane Nicholson, Keep It Together.
Thursday, July 19
Mediocrity Reigns
That used to be Franz Joseph Glacier! I have never seen it in reality. And now, thanks to Leo, I cant see it pictorially either!
And here is the
Isn't he just the picture of innocense hah haha.
And here is Honey curled up next to him. "I am not part of this! I want you to know, that when you go out, I just sit & watch that destructive little demon chew things to death. Never mind that I wish I had the nerve to do it. I DIDN'T!! So he is the naughty boy!! I think he should be chastised, ...& punished!!!"
Wednesday, July 18
Tiresome Details.
They remind me of the diseases they grow in petrie dishes.
I discovered it, while waging war on the fish fern, which I dont mind in small patches, but it had invaded this garden, & it took a lot of hard work to tame it, after a fashion.
It creeps in under the neighbour fence, seeking haven & life in our garden.
I have had 'one of those days'.
The little details, & trivia that can be guaranteed to just tip the balance between a good day, & a mediocre one.
It has been very cold, -in fact yesterday was supposedly one of the coldest days for 21 years or something. Why do they bother with 'facts' like this?? Does it matter??
Our bodies tell us it is
Urgent phone calls to the repair people have solved the painting dilemma. The painter is now arriving at 7AM!! Friday, to begin painting the ceilings. Ye gods, couldnt they have made it a bit later in the morning...
And we think we have a 'soft spot' now, in the bald flooring. No answer, re that. An answer was promised. Mr Smartypants Insurance Repairer lectured me on NOT phoning him. "Does the paperwork name my foreman?" Sheepishly, "Yes."
Smarmily, "Well, you phone him then."
So, I did. O yes, on his mobile, because the office doesnt answer. O no. And the result is, he will call me back from the office, when he gets there.
Blah blah blah, mutter mutter mutter.
In the end, we are driven out, into the frigid air, to shop for luxuries such as medication, dog food, vegetables, soap.
Home again. No message from Mr Smarmy's Deputy, on the answering machine.
A friend arrives to share coffee. A welcome change of thought patterns.
Come wearily in here, later, to perhaps blog a little.
Disconcerted by a small black mouse scurrying into the room, & vanishing under the computer desk.
Drat!! Damn!
Call the dogs. They are too well fed. Couldnt care less!
So I will have to set a trap. Always supposing I can find it.
I can hear the little blighter rustling at the window end of the room.
I suppose it want warmth in this cold winter we have suddenly had arrive in our corner of the country.
Bread, Diary.
Bread, If.
Tuesday, July 17
Memories of my Mother.
She was born on July 17th 1920. She died on August 17th 1997. Here she is just a little girl. She was the only daughter, & had 3 brothers. Two elder brothers, & one younger. She loved them all dearly.
Here she is Proud Grandmother with my Brother's 2 eldest boys.
Monday, July 16
Children
It belongs to my Neice, & I am sorry I cannot remember the name of the painting or indeed the artist.
It so moved me when I visited my Neice, I took this photo of the painting.
It was purchased in Queensland, from the Artist, by my Neice when she & her husband were over here on holiday. It now lives in New Zealand.
Over the weekend we have seen a fair bit of our Small Grandson. Some of it has been slightly less than attractive. He seems to have developed a habit of almost hanging, physically, from his mother, when she is trying to converse, or give attention to anyone, other than SG.
He does not act like this when he is here alone with us, & it is very vexing for his mother.... as well as the onlookers. I confess, my fingers itched a little, & perhaps if he was my son, he would feel the sting of a clip about the legs.
DJ does not believe in hitting children, to her credit, but I cant help but feel there are times when a well timed little smack can work wonders.
As things have worked out, our two grandchildren, who are both our daughter's children, have ended up being raised as 'only' children. Our Granddaughter is an adult now, so she is (almost) done with her childhood. And now our Grandson has all his growing up to do, more or less as an only child.
I realise children get bored in adult company, & it is always harder for a lone child to amuse themselves, than it is for children with siblings. Though some children seem perfectly capable to do it alone, & our Granddaughter was never as demanding as SG seems to be.
I was lucky to be raised with my brother for company, and our children grew up having each other for company.
Over the years I have often felt sorry for lone children. I realise life doesnt always work out the way it may have been planned.
I have a friend who had a son, & tried & tried to have another child, but it just didnt happen. Then, when the son was 5 she had 3 more children in quite rapid succession- to her dismay.
The eldest was by way of being a 'horror child'. Not sure why, but he did some very bizarre things, to both animals & other children, his siblings included. We never left him alone with our children.
And the worst little
I was invited for a day out on the yacht. Shouldn't have gone. Loathe being on the sea. In it, yes. But not on it.
Anyway this child was the absolute darling of the aging parents. The beautiful but faded & very tired looking wife, whose lined face, & drooping hair seemed to belie the money that must have been available to spend on pampering. (Though, it was in the days before plastic surgery, & botox etc) The posturing husband, who, I swear tinted his hair, & seemed decidedly vain. Wearing his sailing get out, complete with appropriate cap, to denote his standing in the Yacht Club.
And the child, who was an
The final straw came when the child gazed up at my girlfriend & said, very slowly & loudly, "You are ugly!"
There was a horrified silence, & my friend, who was in fact a young & pretty girl, just shrugged & went bright red.
But the mother's reaction just floored me. She smiled in her faded way, & said dreamily, "They say children tell the truth."
I was so shocked I wanted to lash out & slap both the child and the mother. I had to leave & go up on deck for some fresh air.
As I see it from this distance of time, I suppose the mother was jealous of my girlfriend's fresh youth. I suspect her husband was a flirt, if not a playboy.
I think the parents did the poor little child a disservice, but who knows. Perhaps she grew to be a
I suppose it must be very hard, when parents have longed to become parents, & cannot believe their luck when they actually do have a child, not to spoil that child, & give it every possible thing it ever wants. But surely raising a child with so little disregard for others, in such total indulgence, is not really doing the child any favours?
I loved my kids, possibly too much. But there were certain boundaries they were taught, & certain morals and rules to respect others.
Sure all children will blurt out inappropriate things, at inopportune moments. I am sure there is not a parent alive who cant recall some redface horrifying utterance from a child. But there is a vast difference between that, & actually condoning & reinforcing a child's utter disregard for the feelings and rights of others.
OK I will get off the soap box. I am sure I made as many mistakes raising my kids as anyone else.!
And, I have known many lovely people- & children- who were only children, & their parents didnt make them into monsters!
Phoebe Snow, Sweet Disposition.
Sunday, July 15
While you make plans...
We didnt get our lunch date. We had a plumber call to deal with drains. Not exactly the way we had planned to spend our anniversary 'lunch'.
So, enter plan B.
It was a very cold day, so in the afternoon, wrapped in a quilt, I snuggled down for a snooze. GOM came to keep me company, & discussed an evening out.
We ended up going to a Club & had a meal at their excellent Chinese Restaurant. And it was very nice, & we enjoyed ourselves, & we had a few laughs about how often things go awry, only to perhaps end up being better than the original may have been.
********
****Thank you so much to everyone who left comments, wishing us well.*****
********
Yesterday our son came up to stay, & we spent a lovely evening with our children & grandchildren.
And so, today I will have them for lunch before our son is off back down to his life in the city.
So, once more thank you for you kind wishes.
Tracey Chapman, If Not Now.
Friday, July 13
HOW Many Years??
And this was taken on the day. And I dont need rude comments about the hat thankyou! They were all the 'go' back then.
Thursday, July 12
All the Blue you Could Want.
Wednesday, July 11
A different perspective.
Photographs of objects taken out of context, or out of sight of the whole object, get me every time. I am no good at those guessing games, "What is the mystery object?"
This little item, horrified my Granddaughter this morning. She looked at it, & kept say "EWW!"
Tuesday, July 10
Tagged Again.
5 Things I wish to do before I die.
This is hard. I feel myself thinking, but I have done most of the things I wanted to do before I die... does this mean I am ready to die?
1. Travel to Canada. I would love to see Canada, it looks so beautiful.
2. Ride a huge Roller Coaster. I know in my heart that I would die, if I ever did.
3. Visit Heidelberg. I used to send telexes & faxes to Heidelberg, & would love to see it 'in real life'.
4. Write a book, -or even just write. I never really thought about this, until recently.
5. Make many more quilts.
5 Things I Can Do.
1. Laugh about most things... not always at the time, perhaps. But give it time..
2. Make really good, come-back-for-more, fattening, rich, gravy! My family love my gravy. I have seen members have it on toast for breakfast! I have seen some of them drinking it!
3. Make a quilt. I am proud that I have mostly taught myself how to make passable quilts that people love.
4. Read & enjoy reading. I know that sounds simple & perhaps silly. But so many people cant read, or dont get the chance to read. I am so lucky to have time to read whenever I like, & also have the ability to concentrate & enjoy books. I recently spoke to a man who has had a stroke, & finds he can no longer read for any length of time, & he loses his concentration. He really mourns this loss in his life.
5. Make family feel welcome & comforted. My daughter tells me she always feels better after talking to me, if she is worried.
5 Things I Can't Do.
1. Yodel. Oh I cringe when I think of how hard I tried when I was young. Luckily, I did most of the trying out of earshot.
2. Play the Piano. I always wanted to learn. I dont suppose I ever will.
3. Get enthused by snow. I have no desire to get to know snow any more than I do already. We lived about an hour from top ski fields, but I never felt I needed to get to know them on an intimate basis. And I certainly never felt the need to ski. I have met snow, I have watched snow fall, I have played in snow with my children. Enough for me.
4. Get interested in sport. Just doesnt happen for me.
5. Ever eat tripe. I dont eat any other part of a beast...why on earth would I want to eat it's innards. (sorry for the squeamish among you).
5 Things that Attract me to the Opposite Sex.
1. Eyes.
2. Sense of humour.
3. Conversation.
4. A slight (or more) tendency to 'chubbiness' has always worked!
5. Love of children & animals.
5 Celebrity Crushes. This is a bit hard, I have never really been one for celeb crushes. Boring little solemn realist. If I cant meet them, dont care about them.
1. GOM, when he was HYPH. (Happy Young Publican Husband) I guess he was a 'celebrity' in our world.
2. Robert Redford. Liked his acting, enjoy his directing.
3. Robert De Niro
4. Cant even think of his name...the actor who plays the Sheriff in Deadwood. Drop dead gorgeous, dark, brooding good looks.
5. Paul Newman. Amazing eyes.
Now, I am supposed to nominate 5 more I would like to do this meme.
So here goes. No pressure!
1. Lone Grey Squirrel.
2. Kim at Ragged Roses
3. Mrs Goodneedle
4. Zita
5. Sheila, aubirdwoman
I hope this is not an imposition. I was going to choose a man, as they can alway give a nice twist to the mix, but perhaps next time. Or they can feel free to join in with it all.
*****
The SIL has rec'd his quilt, & seemed duly delighted. A fight almost ensued about who would use it first. He gave me 2 kisses to say thankyou. I think SG was so happy to see it in their house. He always said it had to go there.
It is not really funny, but they took SG for a haircut today. The hairdresser got half way through the cut, stopped, & told them he has lice! They, of course were appalled. Who knew....
They have been down the road with all the over priced useless treatments available at GREAT COST from the Chemist. They found through trial & error with Adult Granddaughter that plain old thick conditioner, laboriously combed out with a nit comb is the only solution.
I know I am tempting fate here, but I have never had them in my life, & so I am hoping I will avoid it this time around. I remember what a terrible disgrace it was considered when I went to school. I think they called them cooties, & were treated like pariahs. Poor kids, it is an ongoing scourge to mankind. They seem to be immune to all the chemicals that are shaken at them. Very unsettling.
k.d. lang, Till The Heart Caves In.
Monday, July 9
Woo Hoo A Finish!
I am not limiting myself to recent events here.
Sunday, July 8
The Thief Post
This is the Wikipedia Meme, where you type in your birthday minus the year,
then list 2 birthdays, 3 events, & one holiday.
Sounds easy. Then you get there, & there are so many things to read the eyes glaze, & nodding of the head begins. Perhaps it is too early in the morning. Sunday sloth.
Anyway.
19th February.
2 Birthdays.
Tim Shadbolt, Mayor of Invercargill. A Kiwi whose life & times have been extremely colourful in parts. He wrote a book called Bullshit & Jellybeans.
Karen Silkwood, Amercian activist. She was fiesty & brave & clever, in spite of being treated like an idiot female!
3 Events
1600 - The Peruvian stratovolcano Huaynaputina exploded in the most violent eruption in the recorded history of South America.
This seemed a suitably huge event for the date.
1861 - Serfdom is abolished in Russia.
I have always hated the concept of serfdom or slavery in any society.
1878 - The phonograph is patented by Thomas Edison.
My goodness what a favour he did! Music for the masses. Music is a vital part of my well being.
1 Holiday. Well, there are no holidays!! This was the only interesting item I found.
February 19 is the 50th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar.
I seem to want to just sleep. I even fell asleep on the telephone yesterday! Luckily the person who was talking to me, didnt realise what had happened.
Once the call was over, I just sat & slept!
It must be wind-down after the anxiety of the tooth, sort of post panic inertia.
Had a trip to a Mall with DJ yesterday, & we had SG with us. He was quite good really. We visited the pet shop to see the poor little puppies. They look so sad to have to sit on shredded paper, & just beg to come home with us. They are so expensive, most of the people who would give them good & loving homes, cannot afford to pay the huge asking price.
We worry about what happens when they dont sell, & they get over being cute puppies? Are they put down? Are they given to the RSPCA?. (which is the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)
Questioning the young staff doesn't elicit any answers. They squirm & their eyes slide away to the distance, & they murmur evasive words, which don't make much sense. Or, they insist that they all sell, & go off to new happy homes. I somehow dont see it being true.
They are 'designer' dogs, bred for the market. Mainly Poodles crossed with other breeds. Supposedly antiallergenic. Not all of them turn out to be 'pretty'. Some look unhealthy. I think those shops should be prevented from being allowed to sell those poor little things. They claim they are expensive so that only serious owners will buy the pets. I dont see that as true.
Perhaps I should become the mad dog lady, & mount protests outside the shops. Wearing my tasteful dog haired top. And tasteful dog haired pants.
And now, I can go & begin packing. Or I can complete the quilt for the SIL. Having restocked cottons for the quilting. Which is proving a very taxing exercise. I wont be doing too much more of that style of quilting! I will end up a hunchback.. in a dog hair outfit! Charming.
Augie March, One Crowded Hour.
Joan Baez, Cry Me a River.
Friday, July 6
Dont You Hate It When....
That is what has happened about the Evil Fang. It is still in situ.
I have been a nervous
Filled in the time waiting for the appointment by reading favourite blogs. And trying not to even think about it.
So GOM decided to do another random pantry sweep. Just to keep himself occupied. It goes something like this;
"Do we need all this oil here?"
"What? what oil? We are out of Olive Oil, we need some."
"Yes I know, but what about this oil?"
So I get up & go to see what the hell his on about. I am in another room
He triumphantly waves a couple of half empty containers of oil at me.
" Oh that oil! Well, I think that is out of date, I dont use that oil at all, I think So & so gave us that when they returned from their holiday."
"Well, I may as well throw it out then?"
"Yes yes, throw it out" Mentally planning how I could pour it over him & just ignite it. Another near death experience he doesnt know about.
I turn to depart again, when I notice food scraps in the sink.
Ominously, "What is there food in here for?"
GOM, wheeling round with speed, " I havent finished yet! Pi** off out of this kitchen!"
"Well why do you pick stupid times to do these things! You called me in here"
Obviously he was a bit fraught too.
The worst bit was the realisation it is a far more complicated removal than I hoped. And I have to wait another two
*********
I have been tagged twice, by SOLB & Paula to do the 8 Random thingy meme. I am sure I did one recently, but will give it another go. New weirdnesses about me seem to occur daily these days.
The rules:
Each participant posts eight facts about themselves. Taggees should write a blog post of eight random facts about themselves. At the end of the post eight more bloggers are tagged. Go to their blogs. Leave a comment telling them they're tagged.
1.I dislike red, for me. I dont wear it, it makes me feel very uncomfortable. I like to see it on other people, & I like it in quilts. I would never use it for decor, or clothing.
2. I need a knee replacement. Why did only one knee wear out? How come they are not both clapped?
3. I am not a big chocolate eater as a rule. But I have just consoled myself over the non removal of the fang by eating a whole Crunchie Bar! And, it was
4. We got the ok on our new carpet. I cant face all the packing up we have to do so they can lay it. I know, I know...I have to see it as a good chance to tidy the positive tsunami of 'stuff' I have!
5. I hate sport. Not a new fact, but I wonder if it somehow radiated out of me. When I was a child I never got picked for sport teams.(To my everlasting relief!) I did get chosen for writing the school magazine & doing word quizzes.
6. I didnt really enjoy school, & yet, academically, I did quite well. I found as an adult I have loved doing courses for things. Perhaps I needed to grow up...
7. I dont regret my many mistakes & wrong turns I have made in my life. I accept them all. I could have made much worse ones, so they were blessings in disguise.
8. I really enjoy the blogging community I find myself a part of. I ask myself is this because I am a bit of a loner, & this way, people are 'at arm's length'? Close but not too close. It seems odd to think how close you can feel to someone you have never met in real life. And how much you care, if you think all is not well with those friends.
Now, can I think of 8 people to choose?
I think perhaps almost all my blogger friends have done this. Are there any lurkers out there who would like to do it?
We would love to hear from you.
I also hate to lay the burden as it were, but how about if I name folks, & they can choose for themselves, if they want to do it.
Tanya The Art Butcher, I love her views on things.
Helen, a fellow Kiwi.
Ms Soup, whose prose is so interesting.
Thimble Anna, who is always worth a read.
Sheila C, I love to hear tales of the Scot.
Keryn Quilting Twin, whose observations are so interesting.
Mereth, the other quilting twin, who kindly cheered me up, when I was down.
Anyone?? A lurker??
Joan Baez, Miracles.
Thursday, July 5
The Ultimate Hideosity!
a Sh*te coloured Knitted Knickerbocker Suit!!
Or as we might describe it in New Zealand a 'Karitane' coloured knitted suit.
Karitane was an Institution begun by Sir Truby King, to protect the health of babies & mothers, & to offer guidance, & prevent malnutrition among babies, whose mother's could not breastfeed them. The institution, he began with his wife, helped develop formula for non breastfed babies. And the overall wellbeing of babies. It all led to the Plunket Society, which helped many distressed & confused lonely mothers. And, I am sure, saved many babies lives. Google him, he is a very interesting man, who did really good things for mothers & babies.
SG- Small Grandson- came to spend some hours with us. He made me laugh as usual. We didnt get to art, this afternoon. We had some good discussions though.
We talked about parties, & he told me he had got an 'intation'. To a Birthday Party. It was from a girl.
Nanna, "So how old is the little girl?"
SG, "Oh, she is not old Nanna. She is new, like me.
She is not old like you, with the bubbles on her neck like yours."
Who knew??? I have 'bubbles'???
And, earlier, "Nanna, you are going to die"
"Yes SG, we are all going to die one day."
"Yes we will all die!
But you are only going to die when you are REALLY old!"
Maybe there are a few years left on the clock yet??
I have just had news of incredible joy.
It seems my brother is to be a grandfather. It will be his first Grandchild.
My beloved nephew is to be a father! I am so excited. Bless you K & D. Good luck with it all.
I am planning a quilt as I write!!
Neil Finn, The Climber
Winter thoughts.
They are taken looking South, & I rather liked the stark leafless trees against the skyline.
I think the trees are some sort of chestnut. I am not sure but they have large nut like fruit, with prickly cases. The cockatoos love them & will flock screeching & pulling at the fruit. I am sure they are not called fruit, but I am too lazy to find out what they are!
I took these photos because I was reminded of the Nor West Arch that was formed in the sky in South Island of New Zealand, over the Canterbury planes, when the Nor West wind blew.
The winds would come sweeping across the Canterbury Plains, from the Alps to the East Coast, & after crossing the warm plains, it would be quite a hot wind by the time it reached Christchurch, especially in Summer.
The first time I ever experienced this wind, I could not believe it. I have written before about Best Friend J, & I going to Christchurch, on the beginning of our 'world tour'. Which, you may recall, never happened for either of us.
We had never heard about the Nor Wester, & had no idea of how it was. We had a job in a hot room making hot water bottles, which is Tuesday October 17 2006, if you would care to read it. (I tried 4 times to get the link up, but cant get it to work!)
At lunch time, we would dash out & down to the shops for some lunch, which we usually took back into the workplace to eat. A favourite lunch time horror was something called a "Dressed Pie". These were mince pies, with a layer of mushy peas mashed on the top, then, a layer of mashed potato, and the final crowning glory was a slice or 2 of beetroot! Of course we all rudely referred to the pies as "Stuffed Pies". And they were stuffed in all senses. A food I would never dream of eating today!
We would rush down the stairs & out into the street before the queue was too long at the Pie shop. Imagine our shock when we barrelled out into the street to be hit by a searing scorching wind. It seemed to be so bizarre to be battered by wind, but be hot. It filled your lungs with heat, it seared your eyeballs, & your skin. It was one of those winds that can drive people mad.
The Arch formed by the wind in Christchurch was very similar to the one in these photographs, & the effect was a bit similar too. We have had 2 really mild summery like days, but the weather forecasters have promised us a day today with chill winds, & chill temeratures. At least the 2 mild days were not as heated as a Christchurch Nor Wester.
I have been tagged to do a meme. I have not forgotten SOLB, & may return to do it later.
I am trying to keep very busy. Tomorrow is removal day for the 'Evil Fang'.
And, as these things do, it has stopped hurting or twinging. But it has to go!
This afternoon, we are having SG for about 4 hours, so he will entertain me, no doubt. I might see if I can get him to do some further art works.
Bread, Soap.
Augie March, Bottle Baby.