After dropping Alison in the city on Wednesday morning I returned home in time for a panicked phone call from my neighbour whose new phone had gone dark. I am not familiar with Android phones, but I managed to work out it had simply slipped into dark mode and how to switch it back. It was, in the end, a very happy encounter and a good chance to catch up.
The moon and the bats appeared together for the first time in a while.I finished the trouser embroidery on one leg and decided to stop there. I wore them on Friday, managing to spill some salad dressing on them, To my joy the stain washed completely clean - so definitely a winner!
On Wednesday I did a little tidying up, but mostly advanced the bluebirds tapestry and my knitting while researching some fabric for a gift idea. On Thursday I detoured on the way to Pilates to Tricia’s Discount Fabrics, where I found a couple of promising fabrics. I figured there were only two places I was likely to find what I was looking for and Tricias was the best bet. The photo is from her Facebook page - a very accurate view. Her counter is buried behind the bolts of fabric in the top left hand corner.
On my way home from Pilates I stopped at DK Fabrics, my only other likely source. They had nothing to show me, but I got the zips I needed.
By the time I got home the sun was out and most of the washing dry. I sat for half an hour on the front balcony, where the kangaroo paw is getting closer to blooming.
I spent time searching fabric online and ordered two pieces from Spoonflower, absolutely the only place it was available.
I also opened the new printer box and decided to pay Geeks2U to set it up
Friday was the girls’ last day of school - ever, apart from exam attendance. The day was packed with assemblies, ceremonies and a Mass, as well as an after-party. I, fortunately, avoided all of it in favour of making cushion covers and paying bills. And Saturday night was an 18th birthday party, so I didn’t hear a lot about the last day. The three oldies left on Saturday night had a fine time eating and doing the crosswords. When I got home I realised I didn’t have my knitting, but assumed I’d left it in the car. Katherine found it in their driveway early Sunday morning! It was, fortunately, barely damp on the outside, and quite dry inside.when I picked it up.
Sunday was the second day of the Carol Mullan Canvas work class. I lasted until about 2.30 before my eyes gave out - which was pretty good. Quite a few were having similar problems. I had nearly finished the first side, but simply couldn’t see to finish the last square. It was a great class, no pressure, and lots of encouragement to innovate . I had an idea of how I want to proceed, but thought it would have to wait until I’ve finished a couple of other things.
That plan changed this morning - more below.
I was the happy recipient of a geranium struck from a cutting by Margaret who brought it along to the class for me. I've planted it in a planter box on the balcony rail. I'm pretty confident it will eventually fill the box.
I was up early on Monday, ready for Geeks2U at 8.00am to install my printer. I had a phonecall at 8.05 to say the scheduled Geek was ill and arranging for a later appointment. Shehzada was fabulous when he arrived at 11.30. My printer is working from phone, iPads and computer and I have a lot more information than I had before. I'm now enquiring about updating my modem - which is where I started several weeks ago.
This morning Shane, from the company that does Strata maintenance work, arrived at 8.00am to follow up on the drip I heard last week. Again, he did a magnificent job. It took him three and a half hours, but he found a hole in the silicon sealing the joint around the top of the lift well, and repaired it.We have agreed to wait for the next heavy downpour before repairing my cieling - and also agreed to insert a manhole rather than plastering over the temporary access hole.
While Shane was here I worked on the other cover of the needlebook from Sunday's class. I am late posting this because I kept going on it until about I finished it about half an hour ago. I haven't had time to write it up my embroidery blog. I'll try to do that tomorrow. For now this is the back cover. I couldn't bring myself to work the 20 squares over again on the back, so I improvised. It's been an interesting exercise - and I'm delighted to have finished it.
I did take a break long enough for a trip to Frewville for a few supplies, a quick Salt and Pepper Squid - and half a dozen Coffin Bay oysters. I haven't had oysters for quite a while. They were excellent. It feels appropriate to be buying them now to support the SA seafood industry.
I doubt this post is very coherent. It's late, and I don't have time for a careful proofread and edit.
I began embroidering the leg of my pants, and ended flying by the seat of them!
