Post 514 Just about organised...

Our final WES meeting for the year was full of friendship, shared experiences, engagement and interest. Several people brought along things they, or their mothers, had knitted. The non-knitters were just as engaged, with memories and stories. Margaret and I shared some background in Shetland knitting and a good number stayed for shared food. We also agreed on our 2024 program.

The angel was a gift from Lee. It is about 7cm tall and looks lovely in the light.

The NZ fantail continues to shine.

On Thursday, after Pilates, I made a batch of gingerbread biscuits, using Anthony’s honey, which worked brilliantly. I gave most of the biscuits away before taking a photo, so these are the seconds I kept for myself. I had almost run out of ginger, so they are a bit light on, but nicely crisp with a bit of a kick.

Following the plan I devised with my doctor, I have been a bit abstemious in what I eat, but I have at least tried a tree of two.

By Friday the rain had stopped, so I did two loads of washing, the first in 15 days. I hung one load out and the second on Saturday. I only have line space for one load. 

Before going out to buy more ginger,  I prepared and posted the last packages I’m hoping will be delivered by Christmas and, on a bit of a roll, put together the Christmas crackers, using the reusable cloths and cardboard rolls from last year. Each has a snap, a couple of jokes and a small gift. The hats don’t fit in the crackers, so are separate.

Still on a roll on Saturday morning, I booked a return flight to Canberra for a few days in January, went to Norwood to pick up an art work, to the Jam Factory to pick up something a daughter had ordered, then back home to organise all my Christmas presents, make a couple of extra bags and check my list. 

On Sunday  I made a set of small bags for the hats. So both the crackers and the hats are a lucky dip. The fabrics have memories. A couple are from a shirt of Jim's - he would want to be part of it- and a number were liberty fabrics given to me by my cousin David and his partner Susan for my birthday in 2017. A connection.

That is pretty much me organised. 

Nevertheless, I indulged in an experiment to convert Santas into trees.  I discussed some  improvements to the design with Niamh and Veronica, and have now started work on version 2.  Then I'll stop  knitting hats for a while.

Fionn was working but Riley took his place at our last Monday dinner for the year, before he and Brigid took the girls to Lobethal to see the lights. Peking flavoured duck was easy with help from LuvADuck. The fried rice took a bit more time and effort to make, but makes it an easy meal rounded off with ice creams and gingerbread.

The wool for my blanket indulgence arrived, along with the second book I ordered on the Evil Eye. The wool is lovely (photographed here through a plastic bag). I've vowed to return to a couple of embroidery projects before I indulge. I now have a discouraging pile of books to read. My plan is to prioritise Mexican embroidery for the February WES meeting. We'll see.

Today was swimming, I picked up my new orthotics, the last print run of my Christmas cards (these with no printed news inside) arrived along with a fairly strange knitting book I had ordered from the Quaker shop in Kendal in the Lake District - out of curiosity more than anything.  

I was pretty unimpressed when I first opened it. The jokey and, to my mind, somewhat smart-alecky style, put me off. However, a closer look raised my interest. The first pattern, called The Body Snatcher, by Casey Rich and Alice O Beltran, explains how to measure for, and make, a cowl-neck tunic, adjusting for your personal tension, and size. It is very clever. The book has a lot of stuff that doesn't interest me, but I do want to try the tunic. It also has a useful explanation of how to design and knit a beanie which might have helped a few weeks ago. I would like to know what my granddaughters think of the writing style.

The orthotics feel really good, with a little more support on the inner arch. The orthotic moulds are in the bottom of my wardrobe, where they will stay for when next needed. There, I've put it in writing!

It's lovely to be getting a steady stream of cards and email messages from friends, watched over by the angels and Magi on my fly screen.

I still have a couple of lunches, Pilates and two medical appointments this week, so Christmas still seems a bit distant.  My next post, however, will be on Boxing Day, so  I wish all readers a safe,  peaceful and happy Christmas. 

I hope the angels sing for you.

Post 437 Walks, anniversaries and a productive workshop

 

Although it was grey and wet on Wednesday, I took advantage of a break in the rain to do another walk in the Pakapakantha Wetlands(!) sticking to paved paths for the first and last stretches, but on to the packed soil paths in between. There was a lot of water around and I was very careful on the numerous slippery patches. This was the first of my 30 minute Week 3 walks for the Heart Foundation program. While there were few birds visible this time, they were making a lot of noise - a flock of sulphur-crested cockatoos way up in the tree tops.

I was so pleased with my walking success that I stopped off at the General Havelock pub for a late lunch. I haven't been here for over a year and it turns out they have a new chef and menu. The garfish I previously enjoyed is replaced with barramundi. I eschewed the batter and, as well as feeling virtuous, enjoyed the moist, succulent fish inside. I did eat the chips - and yes, that is a glass of prosecco, only the second glass of alcoholic drink I have had in a year.  It was a little chilly sitting outside when the sun wasn't out, but still pleasant.

I capped off the day with a spectacular sunset and advancing the little horses. I love the way this building reflects the last rays of the sun.

Thursday was dry and sunny so I took advantage, washed and hung out some woollens - dry in 4 hours. 

After Pilates, I shopped, buying the ingredients for moussaka for Monday night - and also an extra one for tomorrow's rescheduled lunch with friends.  I indulged a bit. Iceberg lettuces have come down from $10 to $6.90! Expensive by past measures, but now a bargain. Thursday's sunset was quite a contrast - more like a cloud blanket!  

The bougainvillea at the Pilates Studio was shedding flowers, so I retrieved one to photograph on my phone. It matches the top and socks I was wearing!

This one (left) is pretty much the actual size. There has to be a way to use these in embroidery! 

A couple of books also arrived on Thursday - a bit of a mixed blessing, as they signal a lot more work to be done. These are part of a 'how to' series, so provide leads to follow up - so signal a lot more rabbit holes to explore.  I am, as I've said before, a glutton for punishment

On Friday Jim would have been 75. Katherine and I had lunch at the River Cafe - a low key affair and a welcome time out. We had to rely on electronics to connect to Alison. It remains an indelible marker.  As a friend said to me, Jim would have been pleased.

Saturday brought a fabulous Guild Certificate Course Workshop - Boro with Barbara Mullan. It was such good fun. I have finished the pocket that Barbara suggested we make. Details in my embroidery blog.

Sunday was Book Club, another great session. There is a lot of sharing in this group - the books we've read or discovered, the sub-genres we like, what we are or are not doing. I didn't greatly like either of the books we read for this session (Twelve Secrets by Robert Gold and Distress Signals by Catherine Ryan Howard), but it doesn't matter - views differed, are respected and worth discussing.

Monday's moussaka was a big success - which was great, as I have another one in the fridge for tomorrow's lunch! One interesting thing is that for the first time I've made this (and I've made it more times than I can count) the eggplant cost more than the lamb. Our economy is changing. I suspect that the secret to the success of this one is the half bottle of red wine I used up! 

I had planned to make a batch of gingerbread biscuits for after-school snacks, but didn't get to it. I made them this evening as part of tomorrow's dessert.

                                         

I've finished appliqueing the woollen horses behind the embroidered ones and am working blanket stitch around the edge. I've decided, however, that I need a few more horses in some blank areas in the corners.  The girls agreed with me yesterday on this, so I have printed another sheet of Solvi with 6 horses. The blanket is hard to photograph.

I also whipped up another needlework roll from a banner I found while looking for Boro fabric.

Yesterday marked twelve months since I began my weight loss project and daily weight record. The loss at 1 year was 21 kg. For a couple of months now, I have settled around this weight. My renal specialist is happy and both my renal and diabetes readings are no longer at levels of concern. While I'd like to lose more weight I have enjoyed adding a little bread, potato and pasta back into my meals. I haven't reintroduced alcohol, nor moved above 2 serves of fruit.  I think I will rest here for a while over winter then reduce further.  I will continue to weigh myself each morning to ensure my weight doesn't creep up, but think I can now stop recording daily weight.

Today I did the first of this week's Heart Foundation walks in the South Parklands. I've moved from 3 walks a week to 4. A challenge. The sun was out and it was very pleasant. I managed to get close to this magpie, but I missed my chance to photograph a couple of Adelaide Rosellas.

My balcony gardens are doing well in the colder and wetter weather. I'm still waiting for the carpet cleaner and Vergola servicer to get in touch. It's just about time to make more phone calls. I've also been closing the heavy curtains at night and using the heating sparingly, preserving power where I can in times of shortage. I haven't suffered from cold. 

Post 407 A catching up kind of week.

This photo of her newly erected tree was sent to me by my Penguin Passionate Pal Pat. I'm sharing it because it so cheering and quirky.  Thanks Pat.

On another cheerful note, our apartment block solar project won the Achievement in Energy or the Built Environment Award at the Carbon Neutral Adelaide Awards  on Tuesday night. The news item for In Daily featured a photo of our panels, taken from the roof. It was good to share the news and have a long chat with a Guild friend later in the day. 

Thursday I went to optometrist. The reminder asked patients to wear P2 masks, so I bought a box at Bunnings. My eye is much  better. I need to reduce steroid cream to zero over a month, continue with heat pack and Hylo-forte drops and see her again in a five weeks. I have received a self-assessment form for my driver's licence so tested my eyes for driving while I was there - all good.  I haven't yet had my annual eye test, but we've put that off until my eyes are completely clear. My medical condition means I need to get my GP to fill out the licence form, so I've made an appointment.

After Pilates I met with a neighbour from my previous home. He was one of my interviewees for the Baby Boomer Book and I needed to give him a copy. It was good to catch up on his news. 

The Mary Hickmott Lagartera booklet arrived and I decided straight away to try out one of her designs on a bookmark. I kept it simple. There are errors which a sharp eye will spot, but in general terms it worked. I might try more, although I think the Celtic designs are more effective (and challenging!).

I had to take something to our bookclub end of year morning tea meeting on Sunday at Pat's place.

 It needed to be something simple, even dips are too complicated (as I discovered last year). I hit on gingerbread biscuits. I haven't made them in a few years. I picked a simple recipe and made a batch on Friday - angels (large) and trees (small). I decided not to ice them - there's enough sugar in the dough. There was plenty to eat. I allowed myself one scone, with butter only. It was lovely sitting in Pat's garden talking about books. 

The abseilers have been hard at work every weekday. It's not a job I envy but they take great care.

On Friday I had lunch with friends at Aurora on Light Square. A lovely meal and good company. I caught the city loop bus around, noting when I got there that there was two hour parking outside and several spaces. On the way home as far as I could see not one other person checked in with the QR code. A shame. I think it needs reminder messages broadcast over the bus's PA system. 

Walking to the bus gave me opportunity to photograph the new building in relation to ours.

I missed a parcel delivery while out on Friday. It was a plant pot and a plant stand I had ordered from Adairs in their sale. I got a message to say there was a delivery of 2 items to be picked up at the PO, so I went straight out again to collect it when I got home. At the PO there was only one parcel. The young man who served me looked twice, then told me both must be in the one box! I knew this couldn't be the case but he insisted this was all there was, and I needed to follow up with the vendor. I didn't believe him and lodged a query with Australia Post - took me 3 messages to make my point. The label clearly says '1 of 2'. A closer examination of the tracking App indicates item1 'picked up at Post Office', item2 'arrived at depot'. I also sent a lengthy message to Adairs. Today I got a message from Kayla at Australia Post Customer Service to say it has been located at a Melbourne depot and should be here on Friday. I'm glad I managed to avoid stressing over this - and all power to Australia Post detectives.

Saturday was the Guild Christmas Market. I went along to get some plants. Peter and Gay Sanderson do a good job of propagating pelargoniums and succulents. I bought three this time and also got a couple of bags of Appleton's wool in the colour I forgot to get for the Viking workshop. Pleased with that. I did look at the books, but didn't find anything that tempted me. 

From there I went on to Elder's Auction rooms to look at what is on offer for their Sunday auction. I thought it was a better than normal offering. Today I picked up a painting my brother bought at the auction.

Our Saturday family dinner was at Grange Jetty Cafe. The two who had been on lifesaving duty at Semaphore just made it after being called in to a rescue from a boat that sank off Outer Harbour. On Monday, school holidays meant no family dinner at my place, so I took the opportunity to catch up with another old neighbour at Queen St Cafe for lunch. 

Today I picked up the painting my brother bought at Sunday's auction and settled down to finish off the Natural Wonder Catherine de Medici embroidery I've been working on this week. This is the Maria Rita Faleri design from Inspirations 111 that I began in July. I had found it difficult. The fabric was not only loosely woven, but had a finer thread in the warp than the weft. It kept slipping. Nevertheless I persevered. Is is imperfect and I am not planning on undoing it.  I also left the border in running stitch. The second row of Catherine de Medici stitch reduces some of the distinctiveness of the the shape.

I'm now working on the hem, antique hemstitch with a blanket stitch with picots over the top. There was not a lot of point in ironing it yet, since it is worked in the hand.

In South Australia we are now 82.9% vaccinated over 12 years of age and our borders are theoretically open to fully vaccinated people. There is quite a bit of tension because of the presence of the Omicron variant in other States, 45 active cases (2 locally acquired in the last 24 hours),  limits on our hospital resources, 98 current exposure sites, many resulting from a school 40 year reunion last weekend.  This is not different to other places. We have been fortunately spared much Covid spread here but the bell tolls for all of us.

I'm grateful for this week.