Bargains in the quilty department

Yesterday was my day to drive, and choose where I went. First stop, cutter blades. Woohoo!!! 30% off, and a further discount for having what is called a “ Gold Card” for those of us in the older age group, if you are 65 or older it entitles you to discount at selected stores, in some towns free bus or train travel ( very handy in Rotorua and Wellington) and is one perk at our age.

Next stop a specialised quilting place, and at the front door a sign “ 30% off fabrics”. so when all I needed was  a light and a dark, one of each,  to start the “wayward Transparency QAL” a few others hopped in as well.

The benefit of a smart phone, taking a photo in B&W to see if the balance from light to dark was correct. It was.

The yellow is a colour I have very little of, likewise the deep purple, and the lime green with large flowers was so pretty.

Dark purple, a dark green, and a pale green were all more goodies.The new blade is ready to go.

And I have a new project for Hugh, as soon as he can manage in the workshop. Yvonne at   quilting Jet girl   has a wonderful tutorial for a ladder to display quilts or wall hangings. So detailed, and easy to follow. This is on my list for a finish by Christmas.

Black and white to make sure they were all OK.

Did you notice that I have 2 sets of light to dark fabric now? What does that say about the next project?

I have another one ( to be posted overseas)  that is slowly getting finished, it has been partly done for ages, then sprained muscles,Hugh’s shoulder injury all interrupted it. Next week, all going well, I will have the next part done and it  will be finished and in the bag!!

This was taken  on 25th  October 2014, at 7.03 a.m.  and reminded me that even in October, frost will still be a threat to the new tomato plants. This morning, we had just over 5Celsius, and just the slightest white tinge on some places out there.

Quotation of the day, author unknown

“ Expect the unexpected,

believe the unbelievable,

and achieve beyond your dreams”

Greetings from Jean.

Situations Vacant…Position has been filled!!! Thank you all so much.

Thank you all SO  much for caring words, good wishes and loving thoughts for Hugh and his cataract surgery.

It was a long day, a lot of waiting, but all is well.His eye is very bloodshot, last night the lids were still gummed together, after the anaesthetic gel was oozing out. Day theatre staff were very caring, reassuring, and seemed to be unflappable. cool, calm and collected.

The reason why Hugh is not allowed to drive for maybe 2 weeks, is , if he is outdoors and there is any wind flying , dust, debris or anything else might get into  his  eye, it needs to be protected,  so he has this plastic shield, but the plaster obscures eyesight.And it has to be worn at night so sheets, pillow case edges or anything else cannot damage the eye.

I am hoping his recovery is fast. Meantime I am the driver, and so far so good.  Thank you for all the offers to come,fill in, and help in any other way. Your are all troopers of the highest colour.

Meantime some pics of us in earlier years.

July 2008 at  the Central Plateau. A very cold way to celebrate my birthday!!!

July 2005, another birthday photo.

And in 1964, my Dad, me ,Hugh, my Mum and Annette. These were the days of hats, gloves stockings !!! ,  this was at a family wedding in Papakura.

And one of the Purakaunui Falls in Otago. Maybe in 2009.A very popular spot for all photographers. I remember one man from Europe clambering down the slippery rocks to be almost in the spray. I hope to be there again next February.

Quotation of the day, from a Waterfall

“ Go with the flow,

and let the cares float away downstream”

Greetings from Jean

Spring Glory is still here

Some of the daffs are still flowering,tulip buds unfolding, Sparaxis, wisteria ( forgot to get a photo of the delicate mauve blossoms)blue forget-me-not everywhere, grass is growing, and the weeds think it is time to show us how they thrive!!!

this one started as the palest bulb, and turned into deep pink.

There are several this shade, but none as frilly.

Tulips, forget-me-not and red Sparaxis in the lower right. The pale pink at the very back is the same one in the first photo.

There are 5 bulbs of these daffs, the others have faded, two are still so delicate and beautiful

The English Elm has pale leaves and loaded with   flowers on every branch and twig.

These are the pale flowers, that dry to an almost transparent casing, and blow everywhere in even the slightest breeze.

The Weeping Silver Pear tree is so delicate, and really pretty.

I emptied the  rain gauge into the pond and Boris thought he might jump in after he heard the splash.

I am slowly healing, and remind myself to NEVER help lift a can of petrol ever again. Hugh’s shoulder is  back to normal, he has had the pre-op check up at Whanganui Hospital last Thursday.  and tomorrow, bright and early, has  cataract surgery. The first one 2 years ago went well, so I hope this will be the same. Same surgeon, back form the UK for a very busy catch up of 6 months appointments. The only drawback to this , is he cannot drive for about 3 weeks. I might just see if there is a “chauffeur” available.I will be open to all offers, overseas applicants can  also apply, food and board for free, air travel is your own expense!!! Please email for job specifications!!!!

Quotation of the day, author unknown

“ Flowers are silent friends

that give beauty unasked”

Greetings from Jean.

Sunshine, after so much Rain.

The flowers have blossomed, in spite of so much rain. Tulips,Bearded Iris, Dutch Iris, Cherry Blossom, and Gladiolus Nanus,. and more.

The are……….    !!!!!!!!     …….. Photos Galore!!!!

One side of the driveway, deeper pink and upright,  the paler blossoms below are on the other side, and are so beautiful and droop their branches so delicately.

Ixia and Gladiolus Nanus are two of my favourites, right after

the Tulips.

.

The Gladiolus Nanus were lost somewhere last year, this year in a tub, and saved. They are graceful and delicate.

Hugh and I continue to heal, he is a long way ahead of me, but we are  both so thankful for all the help we are receiving. The firewood is slowly getting cut and split, many thanks to friends.

I am so thankful for a safer place to live, wonderful friends, calmer weather, and my blog friends closer here in NZ  and far away. Amidst all the tragedy, hurricanes, snow storms, shootings, and the ongoing famine and war, we all must try to find beauty and peace, in the blue skies, the green grass, the flowers, and trees, whatever season we live in.    Autumn colours in the North, spring flowers down south.

The quilting machine is still languishing in the garage, our Fix-it  man ( aka super-duper sewing machine mechanic) is still in Tasmania after a new grandchild arrived. It will get attended too in time, meanwhile I have a Christmas block QAL, and Yvonne’s transparency quilt ,  (fabrics chosen, starting in some days to come ) to enjoy.

Quotation of the day, author unknown

“A Rainbow

     is a promise of sunshine after rain,

        of calm after storms,

             of joy after sadness,

                 of peace after pain,

                     of love after loss.”

 

Greetings from Jean.