Post 453 Birds, bougainvillea and 'broidery.

On Thursday morning around 7am two lorikeets were busy on what I think is a native frangipani tree the near my balcony.  They had a fine time. They are supple contortionists, hanging and bending to extract the nectar.

The two worked independently, in different parts of the tree, but stayed in touch by sound and left together. I now have quite a collection of lorikeet photos. I just click away, then edit for an hour or so  afterwards. 

Later in the day, while balancing near the window at Pilates, I noticed bees moving around on the lemon blossom, so detoured past the tree on my way out to get a couple of photos.

Better still, however, was the Bougainvillea - nothing quite like that colour.

On Friday an electrician came,  checked my outdoor powerpoint (all good) and put the powerpoint I wanted on the wall near my sewing machine. I've wanted that for so long - no more extension cord across the room!

He finished in time for me to have lunch at the Grange Hotel and a short walk before Sit'nStitch. We covered a lot of (mostly knitting related) ground and I got a whole cable done.  

           

The Gymea continues to fascinate. The bees have been at work, and the lily has expanded to fill the pot it sits in . You can now see the seed pods that will emerge under the pollen.

It is an extraordinary plant. This is one single flower head!  

On Saturday I got home from the Guild Certificate Course Workshop to find two Noisy Miners feeding on the nearby tree. They are harder to spot than the lorikeets but my patience was rewarded with a couple of shots. 

           

The workshop was on Needle Weaving on Perforated Fabric with Di Kirshner. She is a great teacher, and the session was relaxed, informative, friendly and engaging. Most of the time was spent setting up our piece ready for the weaving but I did get to begin before I left. 

I finished off the first motif when I got home. It is an inspired design that I look forward to finishing. I'm afraid there is a bit of a queue forming! I have finished the piece, but will write a bit more in my embroidery blog when it's constructed.  It has also given me an idea of my Christmas projects - there's a bit of a queue for those too!

The painting of Para Wirra from last weekend's auction is hanging now at Katherine and Anthony's place - and looks splendid. As Katherine says, it is exactly as Para Wirra looked in the 70s. I haven't been there for decades, but I imagine it is more bushlanded now.

Our Book Club met on Sunday and as usual, talked a lot. As well as the nominated books, there was much discussion of Marple: Twelve Stories  and the latest Ellie Griffiths.

My picks for our November discussion are  All That's Left Unsaid  by Tracey Lien, Better the Blood by Michael Bennett and Black River by Matthew Spencer. The first and last are set in Sydney and the middle one in NZ.

The doves have been visiting a lot - especially when I am out on the balcony. One, in particular comes to keep me company. 

Yesterday's family meal was very pleasant. I heard a lot about school dynamics and got some advice on the construction of my Saturday embroidery project. My brother also called with a request for some information - which occupied much of the evening and this afternoon. I had a lovely relaxed morning with Panayoula hearing all about her recent trip to the UK. I so enjoyed sharing experiences. 

When I got home, I had missed a parcel delivery. When I picked it up late this afternoon it turned out to be Genevieve's gift kit of Glazig embroidery. These are the contents.What I haven't captured in the photo is the wool felt that goes under the linen. I am really excited about this. I've got a couple of small projects to finish before I begin this - and a bit of preparation - but it's coming!

Many, many thanks, Genevieve.

I also, of course, have knitting on the go. I've got another 2" (about 2 cables)  to go before the arm decrease. My car is being serviced tomorrow, so I might get quite a lot done while waiting.

I had a bit of drama over the weekend, when, during the Guild workshop, someone found a tub with my name on it, and an attached note, in the office. It was the container of embroidery belonging to my friend Nelly which I had left for the Museum team to see if they would like any items to add to the Museum collection. The note on the tub simply said "Not accepted". I was shocked and upset but kept my reaction to myself. I won't go into all the details, but it turns out that 6 items have been accepted and accessioned based on the note and documentation I had provided (as opposed to the forms I was expecting to provide to Nelly once the team had decided). 

The team is impressed with the items. It is a large acquisition for a space-challenged Museum. Only the remaining items were in the tub. I had taken the note at face value without checking the contents! The letter of thanks to Nelly has been written, but not sent because the volunteer who wrote is has crashed her computer!. This was made clear to me by Monday night, but not before I had mis-informed Nelly and been through a lot of angst!. It is ultimately a very good news story Hopefully, all's well that ends well! Photos of the items will soon be on the Museum website.      

Post 451 Birds, Blooms and Baby Boomers.

Just before I posted this, I made a cup of coffee in the cup I repaired last week. As I carried it to my chair, the handle parted company with the cup and upended the coffee on the carpet.  I seem to be failing at mending! Looks like I have another succulent pot!

On Friday  I went early to Grange again before Sit'n Stitch, walked the jetty and had lunch at the Hotel. 

I think the birds fishing from the jetty were pied cormorants, but I'm not certain.  Elegant.

Jennifer got to our Sit'nStitch.  She had had car trouble when she first set out last week, and changed her plans to fly on Saturday. Hopefully all is now going smoothly..

The Gymea is now fully open and spectacular.

On Wednesday I had the appointment with my optometrist. We put in place a plan for managing my eye, with another appointment in two months time.  Afterwards I zipped out to the Guild to talk to the Library team about Maureen's document collection. There is a copyright issue with the hard copy which I'm trying to sort out with the Copyright Council. Our database, however, is coming along nicely.

My Pilates class was cancelled at the last minute on Thursday - instructor ill.  At the same time I got a promo in my letterbox for one of Elders' Sunday Art auctions.  The viewing was Thursday to Saturday, so I took the opportunity to go. I was surprised when I arrived to find Jim and Helen Elder on the floor, surrounded by paintings. They were quite welcoming, but I soon realised I was a week ahead of myself - the auction is next weekend!  It's not only my mending skills that need more care.

I retreated quickly, and took myself to The General Havelock on Hutt St for lunch to recover.

It was very pleasant - sunny and fairly quiet.

It's a nice time of year in Adelaide. 

Later that afternoon, the lorikeets arrived on the tree behind my back balcony. I heard them in time to grab my DSLR and take photos.

Spring really has arrived!

I've done a bit of walking in the Square where pine cones are attracting other birds. I think the tree is a casuarina.

I spent the weekend at a class at the Guild - Christine Bishop's Rococo Stitch Purse , Pincushion and Scissor fob. We worked the scissor fob, now to work the rest of it. I'm planning to turn the pincushion into a name tag - but that's a story for another time!

It was pleasant stitching and I got to talk to Christine about the Glazig project. She, of course, had some of the silk perle thread, which I now own! Also, the kit Genevieve bought for me is on its way from Belgium. Now that's exciting!

 

The Guild garden is also looking good. The bottlebrush is at its best. and there are a couple of magnificent irises - such vibrant colour.   

Today I was the speaker at the Retired Secondary Principals' Association lunch at the Blackwood RSL, talking about Conversations with Baby Boomer Teachers.  Speaking doesn't stress me. I had headings for what I wanted to say but did feel the need to take more care with what I wore than I do on most days!  In spite of the meal being served while I spoke, the audience was really engaged and the response animated. There were a lot of stories told, a few books sold - some even insisted on my signing theirs. It was a really pleasant gathering - shared values and interests.  

I got an email today from Maureen, whose folders of documents we are cataloguing to a database, telling me she only gave me half her folders! She has more! More negotiation and problem solving I fear!  

This cloud formation on Sunday night reminded me to remain nimble,  like the whispy bird making its way around a huge sky beast. Before too long the clouds disperse, reform, or disappear - so carpe diem!

Post 405 Mostly Books, Birds and a Birdcage

Last Wednesday the dove came hoping for food as I watered the plants. I didn't quite get it in the frame of the photo against the jacaranda.  Even though it had rained the day before it doesn't take long for the sunflower to droop.

Although I didn't mention it last week (there was enough gloom without it!), for several days I had been getting continual pop-up notices whenever I opened my email, telling me my Exchange password was incorrect. I don't use Exchange regularly, but for a Sydney University Alumni account I use as a back-up, and for messages from my website. I couldn't fix it. I eventually emailed the Sydney University Alumni office. 

I then went into the city to pick up jewellery repairs - two favourite necklaces are now wearable - then on to Nordic Furniture to discuss the furniture I've ordered. My concerns were addressed when I discovered the shelves are adjustable, allowing me to have two decent book shelves and one  very narrow shelf that would take bigger books lying horizontally.I also settled on polished, non glossy Tasmanian Blackwood.

On Thursday I had a reply from Sydney Uni alumni - saying others had reported the problem and giving me some links to FAQs which in no way helped. Then Microsoft  emailed - since I use this account for my office software. Microsoft instructions worked on first go! It seems this problem was caused by the adoption of two step authentication, which requires a reset. I had to reset on each device I use, but did it quickly and easily.

There were only two of us at Pilates. Martine had prepared a few new exercises for me. Afterwards I treated myself to a late lunch of Grilled Atlantic salmon and salad at the Queen St Cafe - and a lime milkshake.

Late in the afternoon, there was a lot of bird noise, indicating the Noisy Miners were around. Most were hidden in the leaves of the trees, which are now very dense. 

One was perched high on the top branch of one of the trees. It appeared to be a young bird - almost a fledgling but had certainly found its voice.

At the same time the sunflower had recovered and was looking splendid in the afternoon light. I used my DSLR for these photos and discovered a few photos from late September that I had not processed, including several of lorikeets enjoying the buds on the same trees before they developed into flowers and leaves.

On Thursday night I finished the embroidery on the second fridge magnet. On Friday morning I stitched on the felt background and added the magnet. I'm very pleased with these. They are hard on the hands and I am not planning to make the other two in the kit, using the plastic canvas. 

I might, however, try  on either Aida or tapestry canvas. I do have plenty of magnetic strip!

On Friday I also emailed our Strata rep to find out about plans the Strata has for services using scaffolding. It doesn't look as if it will help me with the possible roller shutter repair. 

On a more positive note our solar panels are now operational and we received stickers to put on our electricity box. 

Susan and I both knitted our way through Sit'nStitch. There was plenty to talk about.

Saturday was the last JEMS meeting for the year - and the Christmas breakup. There were seven JEMS there, three tutors and lots of food. They made Christmas angels with beads, wire, a crystal and ribbon. At the end there was a group photo and promises from everyone to be back next year.  A lovely rounding of the year.

Niamh managed to fit in a milkshake on the way home - our last for the year. Anthony cooked some excellent patties and chicken for dinner. They had been spreading another load of mulch to their front garden all day. It's looking great.

During the week one of the Lagartera booklets I had ordered arrived and I have been playing with a couple of motifs from it. It's mostly counted satin stitch, requiring concentration (spot the 3 missing stitches in the photo!) and very effective.

I've got a few ideas for using it. I also checked the Guild Museum and found it holds an example, so I think we will be able to hold a productive workshop next year to meet Maria's request.

I also received the forms to fill out for my two Certificate Course Workshops next year,. The first one is in February, which means I need to have the summary and requirements into the Guild’s December newsletter. In order to list requirements I needed to prepare the kit - print the pattern on to Sulky and finalise and organise printing of the workshop notes so I can calculate kit costs. That took a few hours on Sunday, along with some food preparation and packing away the trundle bed ready for the technician to access the roller shutter controller easily on Monday morning. 

I was well prepared, but, alas, I had it wrong. I waited for the call to give me the specific time. At 11.30 I rang - to discover the appointment was for next Monday! The fault, I think, was mine. I had been very stressed about the problem, and the appointment. Oddly, the misunderstanding, far from adding to my stress, seems to have alleviated it.  Perhaps the efficiency and empathy of the staff member who answered the phone gave me confidence, or put my fears into perspective. Either way, my heart is lighter.                                                                                                                                            Altogether I got a lot done on Monday while waiting - put away the remains of numerous projects - threads, patterns, notes, fabrics. I went to the supermarket, to Create in Stitch and to Officeworks to pick up the printed notes for the workshop. I also prepared the text and photos for my Christmas card this year. I tried printing it at Officeworks and then Snapfish. Officeworks predict a week longer to deliver, so I have ordered with Snapfish. Another reason to feel light-hearted. 

I had a discussion with Taetia at Create in Stitch about a class they have advertised for February next year - two Saturday's with Di Kirshner teaching Christine Bishop's Birdcage Etui. I did Christine's class for this at BATB in October 2014, finished one panel and the scissor fob but have not progressed it since then. I've been thinking about it recently and would like to finish it. Unfortunately, the second day of Di's class is on the same day as the Certificate Course Viking Workshop. I may be able to do the first day of the class and join one of Di's Stitch and Chat mornings to finish it. Or just stitch it.            It's time has, I think, come.  Nordic Needle have a downloadable pattern for it.                                                                                                                                  Today I put together the kits for the February Viking Embroidery workshop and wrote the notes for the next Guild newsletter.  I have to pick up 18 pieces of wool flannel from the Guild on Thursday and hopefully a few skeins of Appletons wool and the kits are ready.

This week I booked in for a Moderna vaccine in early January, following the advice of my nephrologist. I later discovered only Pfizer can be given as a booster and Moderna requires some proof of immuno-compromise. I have left a message for the nephrologist to find out how to proceed. Our borders opened today and there is a fair bit of apprehension. I have now linked my vaccination status to my SAGov check-in App, the first of the new requirements.

In between organising the kits I've been reading Louise Penny's A Fatal Grace - a great treat.  Sally Coulthard's book arrived today.  It looks as if it's going to be a winner - so I'd better get on with Louise Penny. 

Post 398 Words, photos, stitches and, hopefully solar panel connection

We've had a fair bit of rain this week and in between showers my dove pair have dropped in to remind me to put out more seed. 

On Friday he (assuming the larger is male) stood very close, waiting as I hung out the washing but backed off when I got within about half a metre of him.

I spent most of last week buried in BookWright software reloading, editing and finally uploading the book to Blurb. I found it an intense and stressful time. It required numerous adjustments to get the pages to fit and run smoothly. I was expecting it to crash any minute. I figured out that one of my problems was not saving regularly. I have become accustomed to software which saves automatically and realised I needed to manually save after each change. When I thought I had it done and began to upload I got a message to say trade books needed to be in page units of 12, or extra pages would be added to the end of the book. As I didn't want 8 blank pages at the end I had to do another round of adjustment. I'm happy to say I got there. 

As recommended, I have ordered one print copy to check. I'm waiting anxiously for it to arrive before I make the link to the print version live. There is a free ebook version available here  for anyone interested. I'll report on the print version as soon as I have it.

I'm very grateful to my friend Pat Manser who jumped through hoops to access and read a copy for me. She found a quite a few typos and two clangers which I need to try to correct. I think I've figured a way to do that relatively safely. 

It was the Labour Day long weekend here. I had a really lovely evening at Katherine and Anthony's place on Saturday but spent the rest of the weekend at home, either engaged with the book, stitching or playing with family photos.   Left is me, my mother Sylvia, her mother Nell and Nell's father George Bearcraft.

Right is me, my father Len, his father Jim and Jim's mother Caroline Parker.

I've been putting together photos for each of my grandchildren with generational sequences. It's more revealing than a family tree. I have photos of all 4 of my grandparents and 5 of my 8 great-grandparents.  That means I can do 5 of 6 generations for each grandchild, plus 1 of 5 generations. I managed to get them set up and printed late on Monday.

 

The exercise, especially in a week where I have worked so hard on a book, has given me the opportunity to reflect on what my lineage has given to me. Words and photographs stand out. These photos are only with me because of the Box Brownie camera given to my uncle for his 15th birthday four months before the family left England for Australia in 1928. His parents could ill afford it, but he used it to photograph all their family before they left. He also went on to become a photographer in Sydney - not an easy journey. The family valued photography. However, both my parents valued words above most things - Dad, though himself a reserved man of few words,  through a commitment to books and 'the classics' as a path to understanding, Mum through story, poetry and recitation. I see her now as a bard - creating knowledge, clarifying ideas, maintaining values, shaping our world through story, repeating, adapting, adding, interpreting. It was a huge gift to my brother and I - and to our descendants. I would have it no other way. I've begun to think of an embroidery design that encapsulates some of this.

A couple of lorikeets were back on Friday evening. I was only quick enough to catch one on camera.  

My balcony flowers, easier to capture, are responding well to the rain.

In spite of my intention to only work on embroidering the lapels of my purple coat at B2B, I decided to move it forward. Because it can't be worked in a hoop I needed to wear my wrist brace on the left holding hand. I decided to stop pushing the needle through with my finger nails after I pushed the wrong end of the needle and put it right through my nail.

I did make good progress though, and finished one side on Sunday night. That, of course, was incentive enough to keep me going.  It's not, I decided, a good project to put away for a month at a time.

I now have all the purple and some of the green done on the second side. I shall write this project up for my embroidery blog once finished.

This week I was grateful for the Australia Post rescue service. My copy of Rowan Knitting 69 finally arrived - inside a large AusPost plastic bag. The original paper packaging envelope inside was in a sorry state and open on 2 sides. The contents had been put inside another plastic bag along with  a letter from the Netley PO depot in Adelaide, telling me the package had arrived in this state, had probably been soaked in water and providing contact details for compensation. Inside the second plastic bag were two sheets of corrugated cardboard taped together (by the shop) and inside that was - another plastic bag containing the magazine.

I'm torn between gratitude for an undamaged magazine and horror at the plastic it took to get to me - from Sydney. Better make sure I make something from it.

Today was the day our electricity was to be out while our solar panels were being connected. I decided against going away and settled in to read and stitch. I made a thermos of coffee before the 8 am starting time  - my base level requirement.  It was a sunny day, lovely to have balcony doors open. Not sure that the solar panels will begin working until tomorrow - when rain is forecast!

My electricity did not go off until 2.30 pm and was back on at 3.15. Glad I didn't go away!  I spent much of the time correcting the errors in the book, using a laptop copy of the file I have uploaded. I now have a fairly correct version which I'm hoping I can upload to Blurb before I remove the existing one. 🤞 I might wait to see the printed version, in case there are page issues. The print copy has arrived in Adelaide, so shouldn't be long.

The best news of the week is that all four grandchildren have now had their first vaccine. Fantastic. I'm looking forward to lunch with them tomorrow.