Post 482 A lot happened

When I began writing this, two painters were working on my back balcony, both young, one female, one male. They are considerate and intelligent about their work, and cheerfully painted through the Vergola.

The delays in painting resulted from a number of things - rain, to start with. As one of the few abseiling teams painting in Adelaide, they get called away to urgent jobs - and a few problems have been found in our apartment block along the way. After substantial problem solving, it seems  that the joint seals on the plumbing pipes running from the top floor balconies through the balcony ceilings below and eventually to the ground, have deteriorated (after 23 years) resulting in leakages which cause damage to lower floors.

There is an expensive 21st century solution - involving a machine that pumps a coating into the pipes, sealing the inside from top to bottom without a break. It's been referred to the Strata. As far as painting goes, this is good news for me because it means the leaks are not coming from the fabric of my balcony, and my painting can go ahead. It's already looking good. They will be back to finish tomorrow morning.

It has been a week for services. My new cleaner did an excellent job on Wednesday. It's a good arrangement for me - except it will occasionally present a clash with WES Group meetings which we will have to resolve. The window cleaner came yesterday - and the air conditioner is being serviced this Friday morning. 

In between, there was a birthday lunch for a friend, JEMS for Niamh, a family dinner of lamb shanks here yesterday (dodging football training and parent-teacher interviews) and Anthony's roast lamb at their place on Saturday, followed by our crossword in front of the Coronation TV coverage. 

On Sunday afternoon I took myself off to an Art auction, where I succeeded in buying the Jacqueline Hick   aquatint etching The Widows  which I was after.  I have a number of Jacqueline Hick paintings and thought this one would round off the collection. I picked it up today. The frame is damaged, and will need repair, but I'm pleased to have it. 

On my way to pick it up I called at Wakefield Press for a copy of their book on Jacqueline Hick. I am planning to document my art works and thought this a good place to start.

I also bought their book on Barbara Hanrahan, based on an exhibition I missed during Covid. 

I'm now ready to get on with the business of documenting. No excuses!

It turned out to be a book day. I got home to find in my letterbox an Alice Starmore book I had ordered. I'm not planning any needlepoint, but I'm interested in her Celtic patterns, which of course, can be translated into knitting or cross stitch. 
 

As well as the book in my letterbox, there was a notice of a parcel to be picked up at the Post Office. When I walked around to pick it up, it turned out to be an unexpected gift from my friend Robin - an amazing knitted mudlark by the Songlark Studio in Kandos, on Wiradjuri country, north of Bathurst in NSW. It looks and feels lovely, and comes with a reference to Matthew 6.26 - a bidding to regard the birds of the air which do not sow, reap, nor gather into barns. An appropriate reminder on what is, here in Australia, budget night! Thank you Rob. A great lift.

I was unusually inspired by another friend's FB post a few days ago. Vivienne made low GI ham, zucchini and corn muffins for lunch. They looked so good and sounded so healthy, I went looking for recipes, and ended up choosing a Keto one that used coconut flour and a lot of eggs. I made them today - and was a bit disappointed. While edible and healthy, they are more quiche than muffin in texture. I will eat the six I made, but will try a more conventional recipe next time.      

I have progressed the St Brigid sleeve. I am currently on the 5th of 6 pattern repeats - and will have plenty of wool. It is challenging and enjoyable knitting. 

Today is my brother's birthday. I do hope he's had a satisfying day in his busy life. We haven't been in the same city for a birthday for a few years now. That day will come. 

It has been a busy and auspicious week in several ways. I've also prepared my presentation on Glazig embroidery for tomorrow's WES Group meeting.

Yesterday's sunrise captured the promise and peace - even seen through the window before it had been cleaned!  I count my blessings.