Julz Dezign

12 x 12 challenge...

2012-01-01T18:45:00.003+13:00

A few from my Thursday night quilting group of girlfriends (Kwilting Katz) have taken up a challenge set by Shirley and Sandra for a 12 x 12 challenge. There are 12 themes (politics, pollution, light, picasso, impressionist art, puzzle, insects, identity, recycled, water, journeys, and technology).

This is my first block : IDENTITY : the hand is me holding my family (husband and daughters, and reflects their Maori heritage), within the hand is a stitched heart with four "x" representing each of us. Hanson was my maiden name, and Manu is our family name.

The second block is JOURNEYS : this represents my journey in cycling, the trees for the outdoors and the slight incline for the hills I've climbed in life and continue to climb in cycling :)

I will share more as I complete the blocks - they are to be finished by May 2012 so I've got to get busy. Block 3 is underway :)

Hugs

...2012...

2012-01-01T10:10:00.001+13:00

Happy New Year ... may 2012 bring you peace, good fortune, happiness

and lots of fun and laughter.

Hugs

Reflecting back...

2011-11-28T19:33:00.001+13:00

I just did a bit of a comparison of photo's - from Taupo 2010 - to Taupo 2011 and the massive change in myself... the journey of endurance cycling has only just begun :)

So excited...

2011-11-27T21:57:00.001+13:00

What a weekend, the trip to Taupo on Thursday was rain and wind. Arrived in Moutapa where we had rented a friends batch and it was still miserable. Friday dawned really windy, the lake looked like Wellington harbour on a very windy, choppy day. Registration pack was picked up, girls went shopping, sushi was had for lunch then we decided to go to Rotorua, for Chris to check out the CAT (heavy machinery) museum, whilst us girls shopped some more :)

Saturday morning dawned and it was beautiful clear blue sky from the bedroom window, went outside and it was WINDY - dang! The starting marshall was warning riders of the 34knot winds and to be extra careful around the western side of Lake Taupo... all I can say is thank goodness with Gearshifters we have trained in all weather (including Wellington gale force winds)... The first 90kms are hill after hill and head winds that almost stopped you in your tracks or blew you across the road. Stopped at the 90km mark to send Chris and girls the text to get ready to go to Moutapa (125km mark) intersection to meet me with the fresh cold bottles of drink, it was a very quick stop as I was on a mission. Then 1hr 30 odd minutes later I came through the finishing chute and no family were there :( They weren't expecting me to get there that early! Chris was still driving into Taupo and the girls (and Kait's boyfriend Callum) were having a cold drink at Subway... they were excited that I bet them, though guttered they'd missed the photo's of me coming through the chute (and I'd sprinted too!)

Anyhoo... I bet last years time (9hrs 4mins) by 2hrs 21 mins !! My time for this year in that awful wind was 6hrs 44mins. So very pleased - goal for next years event is to get under 6 hours :)

Race No	Entry Name	Event	Region	Time	Split1	Split2	Split3	Split4	Place	Gender	Gend Place	Division	Div Place
191	Julie Manu	Solo	Wellington	6:44:23	3:27:04	3:02:43	14:36		2808	Female	283	35-44	92

And to top it all off, had a great breakfast with Rob and Kathy this morning, then Rob took us for a scenic flight over Taupo in his helicopter - such a buzz. Will load photo's tomorrow :)

Hope you too have had an epic weekend.
Hugs

So its been nearly a year...

2011-11-24T08:19:00.002+13:00

Hard to believe that it has been nearly a year since my first Taupo Cycle Challenge... the house is clean and tidy for the house-sitter (minding the cats), the bags and food are packed, am just waiting my turn for the shower, then its load up the van, and don't forget the bike... drop of Diesel to the kennels then we are off to Taupo :)

One year later, I'm nearly 15kgs lighter (completely revamped the diet), took my training a whole lot more seriously and included strength training to build up the legs (hence why there are hardly any crafty postings!), and alot fitter. I'm on a mission this year to get under 6hrs 30mins for 160kms around the lake on Saturday. (Last year it was a 9hr torture test). My trainers reckon I can do sub 6 hours - eek - will depend on the tailwinds I reckon!

Will load a post when I get home on Sunday to let you know how it all went :)

Have a great weekend.

Hugs

Proud Mom...

2011-10-28T22:32:00.003+13:00

Just home from UH College Year 12 & 13 media awards night (HOSCARS) - very cool night... and so VERY proud of my daughter Kait... her movie "KASSEY" (which she wrote, co-edited, co-screenplayed, directed, co-produced, as well as being main actress)... won best supporting actress; best edited; best cinematogrophy and BEST OVERALL Y12 MOVIE !!! So very proud of her and her friends Dan Henton (co-editor), Jacob Bly (co-editor), Heidi Filkins (co-screenplay, co-editor, co-producer, actress), Megan Eckery & Melissa Beyon (Actresses) and Callum Bircher (God). Oh and Kait designed the poster and DVD cover as well!

Heidi (left) and Kait

Dan, Jacob, Heidi & Kait

Well done xox

Are you searching for a great peanut butter?

2011-10-05T20:31:00.006+13:00

Forgot to tell you about a delish natural peanut butter I had read about recently .... I went in search of some today ... very tasty, very nice "Really Good Peanut Butter", made in Nelson. The girls have sampled and given it the thumbs up too :)

Great website, can even order online if you can't locate a store near you.

Hi dear friends... its been awhile ;)

2011-10-05T19:53:00.002+13:00

You can tell when its full on training time for Taupo Cycle Challenge, time on the computer and at the sewing machine becomes a rarity and time on the bike becomes all consuming (along with going to the gym)...

All that said, training is going really well for Taupo - its only about 8 weeks away - eek - 160kms around the great lake. Gearshifters squad on a Saturday has kicked in and hills are the favourite training ground for the trainers to take us on... Am riding Sundays with the Cranks (a social group in Upper Hutt) or entering the fun rides. I've been training hard with a personal trainer focusing on strength training and refocusing the diet which is working a treat.

A little quilting is being done (not enough to show unfortunately) and a little hand-stitching is being worked, even picked up the knitting needles to make some more fingerless gloves as a belated birthday present (its still quite chilly here in the mornings).

I've found a couple of great blogs recently : Kitchen Maid has delicious recipes and Indiana June is a kiwi girl cycling around Europe at present with social media (Twitter, Facebook etc) followers selecting her next destination or activity (you too can participate and vote).

Hugs to all

Dazzling in Gold...

2011-08-20T20:40:00.007+12:00

Kait looking dazzling, ready for Upper Hutt College's ball, being held at the Deloittes Lounge at Westpac Stadium, Wellington.

Totally out of focus I know...however it still looks pretty cool!

Kaitlyn and her boyfriend, Callum. Made by Andy's mum (Kristin's Florist, Upper Hutt)

Kaitlyn & Andy, her ball partner.

Obligatory photo's...

And proud dad...(hard to get a smile out of him for the camera!)

Kait looked amazing, so hoping she has the bestest of nights!

Snowing in Silvy...August version

2011-08-15T17:25:00.004+12:00

from front door

looking down driveway

top of drive where you can park if you can get up the drive

looking down subdivision

looking up subdivision

empty section next door to us

as far as i got trying to get up drive

our house in the snow

front lawn

oh my! what is this white stuff

freezing paws!

Hope you are safe and warm...

Buddies...

2011-07-27T22:48:00.001+12:00

Some of the roads I cycle (on a fine day)

2011-07-25T19:48:00.005+12:00

This is the Whiteman's Valley side of Blue Mountains Road... Whiteman's Valley The beginning of the 'rollers' heading towards Mangaroa The "dip" at Maymorn Bring back the sunshine :)

Diesel in the snow!

2011-07-25T19:47:00.002+12:00

Snowing in Silvy...

2011-07-25T19:46:00.001+12:00

Snow this afternoon in Silvy at our house :)

The family's snow adventures... while I'm at work :(

2011-07-25T19:06:00.007+12:00

At Kaitoke, Wellington Heading to Kaitoke Heading to Kaitoke Like ice candy floss! Cute! Mr Frosty Becky's snow angel :) Just past Te Marua Lakes heading to Kaitoke By Kaitoke Waterworks turnoffBrr don't you feel cold just looking at these pics?

Keep Warm

Kait's first ball of the season...

2011-07-19T21:41:00.007+12:00

My gorgeous girl attending her first ball, with her friend Andy. Kait was partnering Andy for the St Pat's (Silverstream) ball. Andy is going to partner Kait for her UH College ball in August (she has a different dress too!).

The saddest thing is how short I am compared to her :( she was wearing heels, though they weren't that high!

Just don't...

2011-07-09T11:25:00.001+12:00

Why are you waking me up?

This afternoons view

2011-07-08T14:04:00.001+12:00

Who would believe the day has turned gorgeous. I should be home out on my bike. Excuse the reflection of the office lights. Hope it stays this way for weekend.
Hugs Jx

Wicked clouds...

2011-07-08T10:51:00.002+12:00

View from office window this morning.
Have a happy day.
Julz x

Gorgeous sunrise

2011-07-07T07:50:00.001+12:00

Lovely sky as leaving for the train. Now its is very grey and cold.
Have a great day. X

A great cook... and blog

2011-06-29T21:00:00.003+12:00

Annabel Langbein... am loving her latest cookbook "The Free Range Cook" and surfing the net have just come across her blog .

Happy reading

Hugs

Back sewing...

2011-06-25T22:53:00.001+12:00

Finally back at the sewing machine. Sewing more blocks for my spider web quilt. Am thinking what to call quilt, what do you think of "web of friendship". As so many friends have added to my selvege stash.
Hugs
Julz xx

The web is still being spun...

2011-05-16T13:47:00.004+12:00

I have a great helper, Bella, when I'm sewing who loves to curl up to sleep as close as she can possibly get to my sewing machine - thank goodness I was only joining the selvege triangles together...
Then it was time to join the larger triangles together, and it was starting to get a little too snuggly with Bella so close... She was so not impressed when I woke her to then shift her off her warm spot...

Good news for the day is... Becky had her specialist appointment today, and he has said her tonsils are a Grade 3 out of a scale of 4 (4 being worst) and without too much bribing has agreed to remove them. So now on the list waiting for a surgery spot - he thinks it will be within 2 - 4 months time. Becky is very pleased, even though it will be very sore afterwards and 10 days off school (she's really sad about that ! not...), she is looking forward to less snoring, being able to eat without choking and best of all no more tonsillitus :)

And even better news - I've got the afternoon at home... so heading back to the sewing machine (winds are way to gusty to be out on the bike), and I've already made a pot of soup for tea from the chicken carcass from last nights roast - gosh I love being at home...

Hugs

I'm around...

2011-05-10T20:38:00.006+12:00

I'm still about... life is pretty quiet at the moment, a little stitching, a little reading, very little cycling (mostly on the indoor trainer now - how dull and boring that is)... with the onset of autumn and lots of wet weekends, I've tended to go into early hibenation!

I've been catching up on everyone's blogs and feeling guilty that I've been tardy in updating mine.

My thoughts are with my Christchurch friends and family who had a rude awakening early hours of this morning with a nasty aftershock. I know you will be so sick of hearing it, though keep smiling you are all doing a wonderful job, weathering and getting through each day.

Hugs to all

Wonderful wedding...

2011-04-30T09:06:00.002+12:00

For a wedding that required a huge degree of formality, it sure looked like William and Kate had a lovely time and both of them looked so happy.

It really brought a smile to my face, especially the two balcony kisses and then later when Will's drove Kate to St James so she could change into her evening attire... very cute.

Friends & Laughter...

2011-04-27T21:30:00.000+12:00

The perfect combination...Friends & Laughter...

Hugs

Graperide 2011 results...

2011-04-03T17:20:00.003+12:00

I left the disposable camera on the kitchen table in my rush to leave the house on Friday morning... though am hoping there will be some great photo's from the officials.

Though here is my result ... am so very pleased with my time, for first time doing this event. Was a magic day, great course, so well organised. And the best part I got to be a Graperide Virgin.... that is one of the special 100 ladies to jump into a huge barrel of grapes with the help of Gonzo and Steve Gurney. Special edition t-shirt is worn (with a very wet t-shirt look after the splash in the grapes)... the barrel is then turned into wine and given out as "Graperide Virgin wine" to all competitors entering for their 2nd consequtive year. All I'll say is I so hope it gets thoroughly sterilised. Was a fun experience, very sticky and found grape pips in some very unusual places when I went for a shower!

Have a great week.

Hugs

Ready to roll...

2011-03-31T20:54:00.002+13:00

How sad is this - I've had to buy a disposable camera to take photo's of the Graperide and visit to Blenheim as I so don't want to take my big camera! So there will be a delay in loading photo's as when I get the 'film' developed am hoping they can also put onto a cd so can load onto the blog etc...

Bike, bike gear, and normal clothes, are packed and ready for early morning wakeup call tomorrow - getting picked up at 6.30am and heading across on the BlueBridge ferry with lots of other keen cyclists... lots of Gearshifters on this sailing too so will be a great way to start the day.

Event is Saturday morning - 101kms, I'm aiming for 4hrs or under! Fingers and toes are crossed for a beautiful sunny day, with tailwind on the last 20kms heading to the finish line :)

Have a fantastic weekend everyone, and I'll update blog upon my return.

Blowing out the cobwebs...

2011-03-20T21:40:00.004+13:00

Here is the result of my recent weekend away at Stanford Retreat in Levin... I've finally tackled my selvage box of goodies... lots and lots of delicious selvages left over from my quilts, and many selvages from my Kwilting Katz ladies, along with some from Yvonne. I think I spent more time working out which words to use on a particular row - such lovely names like "hey cowboy", "in the beginning", "dancing horses", "everything but the kitchen sink".

I also made another 10 blocks (triangles), though haven't added them to the quilt yet... and the crazy thing is it didn't seem to make a dent in the selvage box - wahoo! The grey fabric is a lovely moda from Sawmillers Quiltery. While I was making up the triangles the girls were saying - ooh I remember that fabric and its in [name] quilt! So this is going to be a quilt full of wonderful memories for many of us.

If you would like to add to my selvage collection ... I WOULD LOVE IT!! The best selvage is one that has at least 1/2" fabric still showing... so it too can be highlighted in the quilt, I'll pay the postage to get your fabric lushness to me :)

The pattern I found via Selvage Blog which sent me to Tall Grass Prairie Studio tutorial and it's called SpiderWeb.

I'll update you on progress - the plan is to make it at least Queen-size.

Hope you've had a lovely weekend - and have a great week ahead.

Hugs

2 weeks till GrapeRide...

2011-03-19T21:40:00.005+13:00

Only two weeks to go until Forrest Graperide - can't wait! Starts in Blenheim, heads to Picton then returns to Blenheim...101km. Fingers crossed it will be fine (not hot like Taupo Challenge), and a tail wind all the way around!

Rambling Rose...

2011-03-19T21:19:00.004+13:00

"Rambling Rose" a lap quilt for my big sis... gave to Claire this afternoon, she was very taken aback as it was a complete surprise. She's a avid gardener and I thought this was perfect for her to snuggle under during the winter while watching telly. Enjoy :)

Hugs

My new motto...

2011-03-07T21:46:00.002+13:00

... for when life throws you curve balls...

teenagers angst, earthquakes, job interviews, cleaning up cat messes, cutting that fat quarter wrong and you've wasted precious fabric, another bloody puncture a few kms into your ride... you know how the story goes!

Hugs

Thanks Jenny (Romany Quilting)

2011-02-24T21:58:00.004+13:00

I had the absolute pleasure to meet a fellow blogger at the recent Stonestead 3rd Annual Outdoor Quilt Festival. I was busy snapping photo's and I heard my name called out, looking around, I met Jenny from Romany Quilting and her friend Jenni. It is always such a buzz to meet fellow bloggers in person. Stop by Jenny's blog to view some great photo's from the festival, see some of her gorgeous quilts, and meet Muffy, Jenny's beautiful cat :)

Hugs

My Princess Jasmine

2011-02-24T21:41:00.002+13:00

The girls had athletics day on Tuesday, the house colour is blue (Te Kanawha). Kait decided Princess Jasmine would be the perfect outfit... 2 weeks to make it (well actually 4 nights by the time I brought fabric, found a pattern to modify etc)... freaking out as haven't sewn clothes for such a long time... The pants were hot pants then the sheer pants over top attached to a fold-down waist. Monday night was altering & modifying the top, Kait made the scarf around her waist and stitched on all the gold cut-outs.

Kait not looking too impressed in these photos - it was 7.10am in the morning just before we were rushing out the door!

I don't have any photo's of Becky's outfit - bless her, she brought a cheap american basketball style top, and cap (in blue) and went as a gangster!

They both had an awesome day and the Princess Jasmine costume was a hit! phew

Hugs

My thoughts are with Christchurch

2011-02-24T20:55:00.005+13:00

I am feeling so incredibly sad for everyone in Christchurch over the horrible earthquake that has destroyed buildings and homes, physically and mentally hurt thousands of people, and taken away loved ones.

Listening to stories from people on the radio and seeing the pictures in newspapers and online break your heart. I can't even begin to imagine the sheer terror people must have felt on Tuesday, and I wonder and admire at the strength that they are now finding to literally pick up the pieces of their broken homes and lives and begin the long journey to rebuild.

There are amazing stories of rescues, the tireless effort of hundreds of volunteers both from the local community and from around the world. Today in Wellington there have been a number of emails of rallying together to donate items for people's personal use and new clothing - our business group are banding together and making up a huge box of goodies to drop off to the Wellington Relief Centre where people have been arriving from flights from Christchurch with nothing more than the clothes they are in, they are then registered, given a care package, have accommodation etc sorted for them. On hand for them are vicitim support, medical staff, etc

Kia Kaha
(stand strong)

Stonestead 3rd Annual Outdoor Quilt Festival

2011-02-24T20:37:00.004+13:00

Stonesteads Outdoor Quilt Festival was held one week later than usual due to drizzling rain. Sunday 13th Feb dawned gray and overcast, though as the morning progressed and as the volunteers hung the quilts amongst the trees and in the paddock, the sun found its way through the gloom to create a stunning day.

Gold Coin donations were collected from visitors and I have a lovely full bucket of donations (just over $700) to deliver to Te Omanga Hospice - thank you to everyone who donated.

Below are a few photo's from a gorgeous day. Thank you to Kevin for providing such a wonderful setting, to Yvonne and her tireless committee and volunteers (you know who you are!) for creating such a wonderful event. And to the QUILTERS there is no festival without you - your creations are inspiring and show the love in every design and stitch.

More photo's soon.

Hugs

What's a girl to do...

2011-02-06T19:44:00.005+13:00

... when the Stonestead Outdoor Quilt Festival gets postponed due to misty rain that just wouldn't go away, we packed the quilts away for safe keeping and did a silent SUN dance for next Sunday, 13th February, so that the Quilt Festival can go ahead & we can re-hang the quilts amongst the trees for all to see and admire!

Anyway what does a girl do... she goes and gets her weekly groceries on the way home from Stonestead, then joins hubby to walk in the rain around the American Car show at Trentham Race Course...

I do love those 57 Chev's...

Thunderbirds are go!

'72 Mopar

This lovely lass is the hood ornament for the car below.

When we got home after the car show, I finished stippling the lap quilt I've been working on. I'm now about to signoff from here (the blog) to go make the binding and sew it on, ready for handstitching tomorrow night at St*#ch & B*Tch (promise to show photo of quilt soon!).

Hope you've had a happy day :)

Hugs

Movies...

2011-01-24T17:50:00.004+13:00

Last night DH and I went to the movies after tea to our local cinema. Movie of choice was "Unstoppable" - with Denzel Washington and hunky actor Chris Pike (amazing eyes!)... for a movie about trains - it was very watchable and a couple of times even froze in the seat with OMG's. A great movie to share with your hubby or partner.

Today is Wellington Anniversary Day (yay Public Holiday - no work for me today!)... as the day dawned overcast I texted my cycling buddy who lives around the road to see if we should get cracking and head out for a ride. By the time I had breakfast, checked bike tyres and was about to get changed out of the pjs, the rain started bucketing down again. So long story short we decided to go for a walk in the afternoon - Oh crickey - it turned out to be a hill walk! 2 hours after leaving home I walked slowly up the drive home. We walked the hills around Pinehaven then we walked up our biking nemesis - Blue Mountains Hill, reached the top and did the 'happy dance' turned around and walked back down to Silverstream, left my friend at her front gate then took the short cut back to home. I hate to admit this - though walking up BM Hill was easier than peddling up it! Though I won't use that as an excuse to stop using it for my cycling hill work. I've warned my biking buddy she may get a rude text in the morning if I struggle to get out of bed in the morning due to very sore leg and buttock muscles from the hill climb!

Anyway after a quick shower and change, then loading up with coffee and hot toast with avocado, I settled down in front of my pc to watch "Letters to Juliet" (DH was watching history channel - plus I wanted to blub freely!) What a lovely movie, it so makes you want to win the lottery, update your passport photo, throw a few clothes into a bag, pack the camera and get the first flight to Italy. I had tears streaming down my face at one point - it is such a lovely story.

On the quilting side of life... I think the quilting mojo is finally starting to reinvigorate itself - have sandwiched a lap quilt yesterday and started stippling it this morning - now off to make pasta for tea (italian reference) and then plan on working more on the quilt after dinner.

Hope you have all had a happy day.

Hugs

Where's Summer?

2011-01-23T12:31:00.004+13:00

This is the view from my front lawn today! Cold, Grey, Raining - where has summer gone?

Poor Bella - wet, cold and thinking she's hungry!

Beginning the long process of licking herself dry - though I did give her a towel rub after this photo :)

What! why did you wake me up - Licorice in one of his favourite sleeping spots.

About to sandwich a lap quilt together from the UFO pile - 2011 is going to be a time to get that UFO pile back into a more realistic sense of order .... yeah right!

Hope you having a lovely day.

Hugs

GumTree Designs Flood Appeal 2011

2011-01-21T00:11:00.002+13:00

** (Link attached to above picture has been fixed 22.01.11)

Please click on the picture above to take you to GumTree Designs blog and their article requesting the need for bloggers help with putting together sewing kits for the crafty lasses and lads who have lost their treasured possessions in the recent floods in Australia.

Details of how to send are included in the blog article.

Hugs

Farm Stay Bach - Hicks Bay

2011-01-19T21:01:00.003+13:00

I came across on the internet via google (I love google!) - a wonderful farm stay bach in Hicks Bay - as this was our destination and I'm not partial to tenting/camping - I thought this the perfect fix :)

Here is one view from the verandah...

This is the day bed - perfect spot for stitching, reading, sitting with a cuppa absorbing the view and peace & quiet...

Now the very silly me didn't take any photos of when we arrived (aargh) these photos are after I had stripped off the beds and packed up everything to head home. The beds were covered in white cotton spreads, and the fake fur comforters were at the foot of each bed. There where white egyptian cotton sheets and huge pillows on the beds. DD1 had one of the beds, DD2 decided a squab on the floor was her perfect spot, and DH and I had the other bed.

The view into the bathroom, it was an old style bath and a modern sink. Note all the bed pillows stacked up by the cupboards! We had brought our own pillows so needed somewhere to store them :)

A great little kitchen - tucked out of sight was the wood fire/oven - that we had going each morning to heat up the hot water - didn't take long and kept hot for 4 showers, dishes and all day. Gas hob, microwave and bbq (on the deck) for cooking.

Another gorgeous view from the deck - was a huge deck and had the most comfy very trendy outdoor table and chairs - perfect spot for dinner and breakfasts.

The outside shower - completely private - a canopy tree overhead, brush-stick fence around - very hot water and a bit of fun.

The DD's nemesis - the outdoor long drop - no front door - wonderful view to admire as you go about your business - funky old fashioned basin to wash your hands (water from spring).

View of the verandah.

Your wonderful hosts are Steve and Beverley you can contact them via email: bevsandoy@xtra.co.nz it is truly a fantastic bach to stay.

more photo's from 1,700km trip :)

2011-01-19T20:09:00.006+13:00

Just a 'few' of the steps ...

that you climb to see... East Cape Lighthouse - the most easterly point in the world!

This is East Island (Whangaokeno Island) - viewed from East Cape Lighthouse. Even though the day looks very overcast - believe me it was SO muggy and hot... by midday the clouds had been burnt away and the sky was brilliant blue.

Horses and their foals roamed freely along the East Cape Road ... this wee man decided to come very close to say hello.

Calves free grazing along the beach.

An abandoned house along East Cape Road.

Another day - another bay to visit - this time is Lottin Point (Wakatiri).

Another bay for DD2 to practice her kayaking skills.

Another new day and Onepoto Bay was the bay of choice.

Brilliant weather, and where my white skin glowed like a neon light!

More photo's soon...

Hugs

1,700 kms...round trip...

2011-01-15T15:57:00.006+13:00

For the first week of January we went on a road trip. We had house sitters minding the four cats, Diesel was dropped off to the kennels. The ute, trailer and kayaks were packed, along with sunblock, sandfly spray, lots of food and drink.

First stop was Napier for the night and testing out the kayaks in the estuary and watching an amazing sunset.

Tuesday dawned blue sky and very hot - our destination was Hicks Bay - stops along the way included Gisborne for fuel and lunch... then Tolaga Bay to check out the old wharf.

Then back in the ute and next toilet stop was Tokomaru Bay - and fancy that another old wharf to check out - along with an old wool warehouse and some relics left abandoned.

Then it was back in the car - next stop was Tikitiki where Chris caught up with an Aunty he hadn't seen for 20+ years. It was lucky she had only returned from Wellington that morning and was only at the house for a few days!

By 6pm that evening we finally arrived into Hicks Bay... more next posting.

Hugs

2nd day...

2011-01-11T21:38:00.003+13:00

What happened to the holidays?

2nd day back at the office... great to see my work mates and catchup on their holiday news, however not enjoying the early alarm wakeup, mad dash to the train, long day away from the sunshine and fresh air, mad dash back to the train then home to chores etc

How quickly we get back on the hamster wheel and holidays feel like a lifetime ago...

Have lots of holiday pic's to post will do that next couple of days :)

Yay 'hump' day Wednesday tomorrow - half way thru the week!

Hugs

2011...

2011-01-01T23:32:00.002+13:00

Well another year over.... can't quite face packing away the Christmas Tree yet, though I am relieved that 2010 is no longer, it has been a year filled with moments of happiness and days of stress.

Listening to friends, family and reading other blogs, it is interesting to see how many people are glad that 2010 is over... for many of us it has had incredibly hard moments (even days and weeks), and where the negatives so feel that they have outweighed the positives.

This coming year I so want the days of happiness and only moments of stress. I'm not one for making NY resolutions though I've been thinking that my focuses for 2011 will cover:

tranquility... finding the balance of all the demands that are made on your daily life

health... good health for myself, my family and my friends

family & friends... taking time to just 'be', no rushing, no half listening

passion... for quilting and cycling - ensuring I have quality time for both

My wish to you is that 2011 provides all that you want it to be, and that happiness, laughter and good health will be the mainstay of your days.

Hugs

Salt...

2010-12-28T10:53:00.006+13:00

Watched the DVD of "Salt" last night - brilliant movie, with a great twist at the end. My 13yr old was entranced - very action packed, great story line, the downside was that the move was over before you knew it. Angelina played a great part. Totally recommend for holiday viewing.

Well the weather here in Wellington today is horrendous, makes you wonder what happened to Summer. We have gale force winds some up to 150km/hr, and rain that is so heavy. The Rimutaka Hill Road has been closed, and emergency services are being called out for blown down trees, and accidents on the roads.

Looks like it will be a day spent inside. Planning on cleaning out the wardrobe and tidying up the sewing space ...

Have a great day everyone.

Hugs

A very happy christmas to all...

2010-12-24T22:04:00.004+13:00

Wishing you and your families a very safe and happy christmas... may you be spoilt with love and hugs (and a few crafty items)... , remember to eat well; know that leftovers taste even better for Boxing Day lunch; slip slop slap if you are lucky enough to be somewhere in the sun; don't drink and drive, and above all else enjoy being in the company of your loved ones.

Christmas wishes from Diesel... and a not so impressed Bella ! xxx

"Arrgh get these things off my head"...

Love to all

Ooh lucky me...

2010-12-06T22:02:00.003+13:00

... tonight I was given a bag of selvages from my quilty friends who went to retreat over the weekend, and one of the quilty friends decided to also give me her secret stash - wahoo !!

(Image taken from Google)

This adds very nicely to my secret stash... nearly enough to start working on the quilt I'm wanting to make - design yet to be decided ;)

Hugs

Taupo Cycle Challenge... photo heavy

2010-11-28T22:51:00.004+13:00

Arrived in Motuapa (approx 30 mins before Taupo) on Thursday afternoon - beautiful clear blue sky, very warm... Friday turned out to be warmer still - boding well for Saturday... awoke on Saturday to a stunningly gorgeous morning. Chris dropped myself and Sandra off to my girlfriend Heath's motel around 7.30am - then we biked to the start line (3.3kms) - from there we queued, chatted about how hot it was already, found other members from GearShifters, then went for the nervous toilet stop and by 9am we were 3,2,1 GO... about 46km into the ride I got my first puncture in rear tyre!

Now I've ridden on these tyres for 1,500km and never had a flat or puncture and so why does it happen on the most important day! LESSON # 1- make sure next year fit new super-duper puncture proof tyres week before event.

Thank goodness a crash course on tube replacement shown by DH a couple of months previously came back to mind - checked the tyre, put in new tube, inflated with stupid handpump. LESSON # 2 - buy some of those gas bullets or better pump! Got back on the bike and started peddling.... about 10kms later - thud, thud - puncture number 2 on the rear tyre again. So off comes the tyre completely this time - running finger around inside and out - can't find anything wrong, started getting ready to put in another new tube - then blessings were answered "Service Van (SV)" arrives - yes please we'll have a lift (me and Heath), Sandra was way ahead of us by now, SV drove us 20kms to the 76km relay change point where a cute bike mechanic was there fixing damsels in distress (and the distressed blokes)! So he checked the tyre and couldn't find anything wrong, put in a new tube, pumped up tyre, then after a shovelling down of food and drink we headed out again.

Me & Heath - approx 120km into our challenge, reapplying sunblock and getting cold drinks from DH and girls...

Sharing a laugh along the way...

In the finishing chute...

About to cross the finish line...

We did it!!

The day was HOT, heat from the road made your feet feel like they were burning, the tar was melting on the roads which made for a sticky ride, water stops were like heaven. DH and the girls were waiting at about 120kms with ice cold drinks and words of encouragement. Hatepe Hill loomed at the 135.5km mark - OMG it is a nasty hill! Heath and I managed to bike halfway up then common sense and total lack of energy meant we got off the bikes and walked the rest of the way to the top... after managing to get the coordination together and swing the leg back over the bike, it was a magic downhill most of the way to Taupo with only another wee mean hill to keep you honest right till the end.

We both crossed the line in 9 hrs 4 mins... was disappointed I didn't get past the finish line in 8hrs and miffed that bike cost me an hour in repairs... though every cloud has a silver lining... the SV ride meant we missed two nasty hill climbs! So in all we rode 140km which is the longest I've ever biked. I have no idea what the temperature was yesterday in Taupo though it was so very hot!

Highlights were: Heath sticking with me through 2 bike breakdowns, repair and then the long ride to the finish; seeing my family waiting with cold drinks, hugs and 'you can do it' at the 120km, seeing the people on the roadside in many locations cheering us on, the amazing riders (especially the enduro, unicycle, hand bikes & heart kids), coming down the finishing chute (to tired even to cry), the volunteers at the water stations. Sitting in Lake Taupo after the finish that cold water was amazing on a tired body, then we went to DeBretts Thermal Pools - heaven, this worked magic on the body and am sure that is why I feel pretty damn good today.

We drove around the course before we headed home today - gosh it gives you a true appreciation of what we achieved.

Would I do it again... damn right I am... I have unfinished business with that Taupo Challenge - one I've got to complete the whole 160km and two, I'm determined to do way better than 9 hours... watch this space!

We just had a shake...

2010-11-19T20:48:00.002+13:00

Upper Hutt has just had an earth-shake.

Crazy that it is, I'd said to my work colleague this morning "its earthquake weather". Has been really muggy in Wellington today, grey skies and that odd feel about the day!

Reference Number: 3409613/G
Universal Time: November 19 2010 at 7:31
NZ Daylight Time: Friday, November 19 2010 at 8:31 pm
Latitude, Longitude
41.09°S, 175.10°E
Focal Depth: 30 km
Richter magnitude: 4.2
Region: Wellington
Location
Within 5 km of Upper Hutt
20 km west of Featherston
20 km south-east of Paraparaumu
40 km north-east of Wellington

Hopefully that is all for us tonight. Reminds you what it must be like for our Christchurch friends and families who are still having to cope with daily earth-shakes.

Hugs

My family & I...

2010-11-19T18:13:00.002+13:00

Hope your day has been happy :)

Eat, Pray, Love...

2010-10-19T16:51:00.004+13:00

Last night went and saw Eat, Pray, Love with a large group of girlfriends. Was a wonderful movie, one of those ones where you feel like you are reading the story as you watch and absorb. There were parts where it was a little slow, though overall a lovely story of finding your inner self and being comfortable with who you are and believing in yourself.

What I like about Julia Roberts is that she looks incredibly natural in the movie, messy hair, not much makeup, she played a great part and her handsome devil of a co-star for the Bali (love) section of the movie, it wasn't just his accent, those rugged good looks ahhh...

I think the book will be one to seek out at the library as I'm sure there was more to the story not covered in the movie...

Hope you've had a happy day.

Hugs

Tour of Waikanae...75kms

2010-10-10T15:49:00.004+13:00

Woke to blue sky, cold chill, heavy dew and GUSTY winds - eek!

Left home at 7am to head to Waikanae and to pick up registration pack - the day not much better in Waikanae - thankfully NO RAIN :)

Met up with some of the people from GearShifters, time for loo stop and then join the start line - have a photo on my mobile phone I'm trying to download or email to self - not succeeding so far.
The event was great, well run, lots of marshalls to point you in the right direct as it was a street circuit would have been very easy to head off the wrong way without them. The wind gusts were a challenge at times... however am very pleased with myself - came in on my speedo at 2hours 58mins - will need to wait till later in the week (this is the hardest part as you are dying to find out how well you did and where you got in your age group).

Pleased with the body too, the bottom wasn't as sore, felt really good at the end and just starting to stiffen up a bit now - so will have to get stretching!

As I'm typing this I checked the website, and wow the preliminary results are up already!!

So it looks like official time is 2 hours 59 mins 39 sec's - am still mighty pleased with making it under 3 hours :)

Hugs

Lots of cycling...not much quilting...

2010-10-02T15:05:00.007+13:00

Well not much quilting has been going on as it is under 8 weeks to Taupo Cycle Challenge now... training is going great with GearShifters on a Saturday morning, and Sundays have been rides with training buddies, or no rides cause the weather is too bad.

I've sold my SUB Lime 1.0 bike, and am now the proud owner of a spanking new Giant Avail 2011 model (above, pre-fly)- she's gorgeous - white and teal. She did grow wings after our 2nd outing (a couple of weekends ago when it was gale force winds - yes we biked in that!), where she decided she didn't like being tied to the bike rack on the back of the car and flew off on the motorway! I kid you not... anyway leaving out the stress and long story - I had an angel looking out for me as the damage was incredibly minimal and she's as good as new with a new black seat, gear shifter and a few minor repairs - incredibly only one tiny paint chip - not bad for flying off the back of the car at 100km - and thank goodness no damage to anyone behind me or no accidents caused.

GearShifters' focus is hills, Hills, HIlls, and more HILLS. For people who know Wellington - this morning we left Freyberg pool area, headed out to old Hutt Road, up Ngaio Gorge Road, up and around somewhere still heading up until we got to Makara, then through Makara and then up this long up, up and up narly hill road to Karori, through Karori, Aro Valley, city centre and back to Freyberg for restorative coffee! All up only 41.78kms - though god the legs felt it!

Tomorrow is the first real bike event for me... is in Featherston and classed as a fun ride, I'm doing the 64 km loop. Update: This was a fantastic first event the weather was gorgeous, with only a little head wind... here's the official time below:

The following Sunday is Tour of Waikanae which is a 25km street circuit and you do laps for the event you've entered - I'm going to do 75km. Then the next event for me at this stage will be early November for the Martinborough fun ride which I'll do the 115km event. This mixed in with the training should have me in good stead for Taupo on 27 November which is 160km !

I have done a little stitching and sewing - I made a gorgeous apron from "Leanne's House" apron pattern, and and used a metre of gorgeous Heather Bailey fabric from Sawmilller's Quiltery - this was for my lovely MumS for her birthday.

Let me know how you all are, and what you've been focussed on for the last month or so, as I'm still in catchup mode with everyone's blogs to see what you all have been up to :)

Love and Hugs

Dear Jane Update A11, A12, A13...

2010-08-26T18:47:00.004+12:00

YAY - Row A is now completed...

Here is A11 - Pebble Protest
(Note the tiny little squares these are about 1/2" finished)

A12 Framed Fancy
(Even tinier triangles to contend with through the sewing machine)

A13 Starlight Starbright
(surprisingly this block went together without a hitch and no reverse stitching required!)

I also added the top sashing and bottom sashing to Row A to keep the squares tidy as some of the fabrics where starting to fray. LOOKS AMAZING... is good motivation to keep growing the quilt.

I've already got 4 blocks made for Row B... hope to update you more progress soon!

Hugs

Butterfly Garden Update...

2010-08-26T18:42:00.003+12:00

Have been quietly working away on Leanne's House, Butterfly Garden - I laid out the blocks joined so far 1-6 am loving the look of it...

Completed Block 7 (below) at my stitching weekend away the other week...

Am now working on Block 8 - then one more block to go, borders, sandwich, quilt and bind!

Hugs

Pencil Art c/- email photo's currently circulating

2010-08-25T21:16:00.002+12:00

My sister sent me some great photo's through email that are currently circulating in cyber-space - here is just a few of them.... one word sums it up really.... AMAZING

Some person is just way too clever and must have an incredibly sharp knife and steady hand!

Hugs

Mr FuzzyMan...

2010-08-15T21:44:00.007+12:00

Have you met Mr FuzzyMan? He is the cute large blue toy on the Purina Beneful tv ad's... check out the video clip below to get an idea...

Well in the groceries last night I had to get Diesel more bikkies and it so happens he eats Beneful and they had a mini Mr Fuzzyman as a promo gift - couldn't wait to get home to see what Diesel thought...

I think he likes him...

Not the best pic of DH, however Diesel just wanted to share the 'love'...

Then Bella had to climb over the towels to check out what on earth was going on...

Diesel just loves "Mr FuzzyMan"...

Have a happy week
Hugs

Girls Weekend...

2010-08-08T22:29:00.003+12:00

... Had a lovely weekend away stitching with the girls, another well looked after weekend at Stanford Retreat, where Cheryl's hospitality is second to none.

The downside was that I suffered a migrane all weekend, along with 'ladies cramps and aches' so I achieved next to nothing, I spent Saturday lounging with hottie and hand stitching and finally got to make two blocks for the Dear Jane quilt last night and today! The double downside was I didn't visit my Aunty or visit any crafty shops or spend any money... was my cheapest weekend away ever!

Hope your weekends faired better... will take photo's of blocks tomorrow night and post - some of the pieces are tiny!

Hugs

New blog in town...Material Chicks...

2010-07-27T22:57:00.003+12:00

Deb has a new blog to tell you all about which hopefully you may be interested in having a look at. The background behind this blog is that Deb and Darlene used to have a website where they sold patterns online. Sadly life took over and they found that as they got busier and busier they were unable to keep the website updated with their patterns as they came and went so the girls have decided to close the website and sell all of their remaining patterns at a reduced price. Patterns are being uploaded gradually and the Paypal buttons are loaded

As part of their new blog launch they are running a give-away, so feel free to pop on over and have a look BUT do remember there are many more patterns to get uploaded for you to see.

So what's been happening?...

2010-07-27T22:43:00.002+12:00

Gosh, anyone would think I'd disappeared off the planet...

I've got nothing crafty to show you, I've got no gossip to share, in fact it feels like not much has been going on lately other than, wake up in the morning, go about the usual weekly day, before you know it the weekend comes around and its catching up on housework, groceries and taxi-ing the girls around...and then we're back to Monday!

The weather has been too bleak to go out for regular bike rides, so the indoor trainer has had a bit of use (so boring sitting in the cold stairwell, with the headphones on, eyes closed to wish away the minutes of peddling...

The most exciting thing this month has been DD1's 16th birthday party - was a great night - the highlight for me was DD1's boy mates did an impromtu haka - was spine tingling and gave me an awww moment, to think how much they cared about her.

Oh I do have a girlie stitching away weekend coming up... first weekend of August - am hoping that will re-ignite my quilting mojo. The bike is coming along for the weekend too as fingers are crossed that Levin will provide finer consistent weather over two days so I can get some good rides in... promise will have something worthy to show after a weekend away stitching LOL.

So how is your week fairing?

Not much quilting going on...

2010-07-11T19:32:00.004+12:00

The posts are very few and far between at the moment... Have not been very productive of late, working a little more on the secret project and working on the Butterfly Garden BOM blocks, and working on another quilt top though nothing of note to show.

I did knit some fingerless gloves a few weeks back - these are excellent for those frosty mornings on the train - can still read my book and turn the pages LOL though the hands are kept warm and toastie. I haven't used those double ended needles before - you use 4 at a time - was a bit of a confusion to get started though after knitting three gloves I got a perfect pair!

Today DH helped his Dad split more wood (they had 6 huge gum trees felled a few weeks ago that were leaning over the road) - so while they did that I went for a bike ride - 39km on rolling Masterton backroads - was gorgeous as the Tararua ranges where snow covered - though was freezing, by the time I got back to their house my feet were like blocks of ice. Yummy hot shower and delicious lunch got the blood circulating again in no time.

You would think after a day of Diesel playing with my Mum-in-law's dog he'd be tuckered out - he still has enough energy to have a round or two with Bella!

And to finish of today's post... my darling, gorgeous girls, photo taken a few weeks ago when DD2 (on the left) turned 13. DD1 (on the right) turns 16 next Sunday... my how time seems to fly by.

Hope you've had a lovely weekend.

Hugs

Totally Committed Now...

2010-07-01T23:04:00.003+12:00

Two things committed to over the last couple of days... first I joined Gearshifters, in Wellington (for beginners through to advanced) which is a bike riding group who have dedicated people who design intense programmes that they run 13-15 weeks prior to a big bike event... so I've paid my money and am looking forward to the first ride early September (13 weeks out from Taupo Challenge). What I like about this group is that they have lots of tips and hints, help you with hill riding, biking in bunches etc, not only do they have an organised bike each Saturday morning, they also provide you access to fornightly spin classes, nutrition advice, strength training advice etc - plus get to meet bunch of crazy people like me!

Second thing... committed and paid the money for my registration for Taupo Challenge today -wahoo! there is no backing out of it now... So between now and September I will still be training on my own either out in the sun (come on Spring have had enough of the rain) or on the trainer in the hallway downstairs with the headphones on... too funny the last few nights when have jumped on the bike and plugged in the headphones the pop song that has the words"...I'm riding solo, I'm riding solo, solo..." has been playing - weird.

Also, some really sad news today too... my good friend Yvonne who runs Sawmillers Quiltery, phoned me today to say her beloved Barney (Bichon dog) passed away unexpectedly last night. Barney was a huge part of Sawmillers and will be greatly missed by the quiltery & Stonestead tearoom customers and friends.

My thoughts are with Yvonne and her family who I know will be missing him terribly.

Hugs

Where fairies shelter from the rain...

2010-06-05T21:30:00.006+12:00

I spied these gorgeous toadstools on my bike ride this afternoon, and thought... ah ha - when I pick up DD1 from work tonight I'll take the camera and snap a few pics! A lot of these photo's were taken by placing camera near the ground and just trusting the auto focus and pressing the button - my camera doesn't have live view so looking through the eye finder was like looking into a dark cave. Really pleased with the results from not taking much time as DD1 was starving and wanting her dinner :)

A great day today for visitors, first Brother in law came for a visit from Palmerston North, then niece and her boyfriend stopped in from Masterton and then just as I was finishing my shower (after bike ride this arvo) I heard someone call out 'hello' and Diesel also very high pitch yelping, called out to the person just a minute - throwing on clothes, and also calling Diesel as he sounded wounded! He comes scurrying into the bathroom with a big Alsatian following him - turns out its the dog from the house down the bottom of our driveway had jumped their fence and come for a visit. Diesel always runs down to see Sasha (the Alsatian) and they 'chat' to each other thru the fence though they've never had a play date. Poor sookie boy wasn't too sure about the forwardness of this girl dog - she was happy as anything and roaming around the house like she lived here, she was definitely the 'alpha' dog in the twosome! Turned out the 'hello' was from my sister in law and her partner, also from Masterton. So SinLaw and I took Sasha home and suggested to the neighbour that the dogs have play dates ... I think he thought I was a bit mad as he was like.. ooh okay!

Such a great day, SinLaw and partner ended up staying for dinner, and they headed home when it was time for me to head out to pick up DD1 from work and of course take those cute photo's of 'where fairies shelter from the rain'.

Hugs

Chasing Bumblebees...

2010-06-05T15:39:00.000+12:00

Diesel spent the early morning chasing bees in the sun... great fun until one stung his inside mouth (left hand side) - not that even stopped him for long.... as the call of the bumble bee was too strong and amongst the plants he started leaping again.

Rain, Rain go away

2010-06-02T18:23:00.003+12:00

Photo from: http://photosbyceline.com/2010/03/blue-umbrella-in-the-rain/

I know we are officially only into our 2nd day of winter.... though please can't the rain just stop for awhile...

Though is great weather for stitching, I've been working on Block 7 of my Butterfly Garden in the evening, so getting lots of the applique done... will show photo soon.

Hugs

By Hoki Quilts - 2nd Birthday

2010-05-29T10:04:00.002+12:00

My blogging friend Miche'le is celebrating her quilt shop's 2nd birthday on 2 June (http://byhokiquilts.blogspot.com/2010/05/birthday-give-away.html) and she is having a giveaway... pop on over to her blog for a visit and send her birthday wishes.

B4 to B6

2010-05-29T09:04:00.005+12:00

My Dear Jane blocks had a surge of production last night... mainly because today is Quilt Club day, and I've made a promise to another member who is making a DJ Quilt by handpiecing (they are beautiful blocks). We decided a few months ago that we would make at least one block to show each other each month. Now I know that Doreen has been massively productive and has lots of blocks to show me... so last night I quickly whipped up 2 and 3/4 blocks (the other 1/4 of one still needs the diamonds hand appliqued, which I'll do at Club today).

So this one is B4 - Chris' Soccer Field:

This one is B5 - Hot Cross Buns (and still needs the diamonds hand appliqued):

And this one is B6 - Wild Goose Chase:

B6 should really be renamed Wonky Goose Chase (remembering the completed size of the unfinished blocks are 4 1/2 inches) - tiny pieces to fit through the machine and lots of pressing... a little lax in my thinking though I keep thinking in the grand scheme of things and the number of blocks that make up the centre of the DJ quilt - I think the wonky ones will blend in!

Today is also AGM time for Quilt Club, which means our current President will be farewelled (she has done a magic job of rejuvenating the spirit of the club) and welcoming in a new President and committee.

Today is a rather grim chilly day, too hazardous for skinny road bike tyres, am a little more cautious of wet roads now after my fall. So will plug in the earphones and sit on the bike attached to the indoor trainer for an hour (very boring, though helps keep the bike fitness). Tomorrow could be a mountain bike day am thinking either the river trail or Rimutaka Incline.

Have a great day.

Hugs

Capital Quilters Silver Threads Exhibition

2010-05-22T09:58:00.000+12:00

Here are a selection of some of the quilts that were on show last weekend at our quilt clubs 25th Anniversary. It was a wonderful weekend where we had 172 quilts, bags and 3D quilted objects on display.

Baby Quilt finished...

2010-05-04T21:18:00.003+12:00

Stitched down the last of the binding tonight - phew a week ahead of schedule :)

This is a baby quilt made from the scrap box. I've made for my hairdresser who is expecting her first baby. My hair cut and colour is with her is next week (her final week before she takes leave), so I am looking forward to giving to her (along with the wee rabbit I made). Fingers are crossed she will like the quilt and use it :)

Update: My hairdresser and her partner had their baby girl 19 May (3 wks early) - baby and mom are doing great. And my hairdresser loved the quilt!

Now I need to get cracking and make two hanging sleeves and attach to the two quilts that I'm entering into the Capital Quilters Exhibition - we need to hand in the quilts on Sunday ... love working under pressure!!

Thank you too for the kind thoughts and wishes, after I told my tale of the bucking bike! The bruises are coming out in their glory and the boob is less sore! Still haven't been brave enough to try out the new shoes and clip pedals... got side-tracked helping DD2 with homework tonight... well that's my excuse!

Tomorrow night am going to see Allyson Gofton at a charity evening (for Te Omanga Hospice), Allyson is promoting her new cookbook "slow".

Righto "The Good Wife" has just started... gotta go!

Hugs

Ouch...that hurt!

2010-05-02T22:36:00.002+12:00

... well the day had to come I guess, wet road, road tyres (smooth, no grip), me wanting to go in one direction, the bike deciding another direction was way more fun... result - Julz in a hurtling heap. OUCH it hurt so bad, and I wasn't even going that fast when it happened. Yup had my first fall off the bike this morning and I can vouch "I am a sissy" I landed on my right side - winded myself to the point of seeing stars and thought I busted a rib. Goodness knows how I didn't put holes in my clothing, as I slid to a halt I managed to scrap my knee, elbow, hip and my right boob is so damn sore, oh and banged the head (helmet worked a treat). My right hand took a good impact and I now need new gloves - thank goodness for the gel sponges in the base of the gloves they did their job and protected my hands good.

How on earth did I manage to end up on a heap on the side of the road! Well this mornings bike was with DH and he hasn't been out for ages (on his bike!) and was feeling the need for coffee - so we decided to detour to my sisters, crossing the road to go up the driveway (a few houses down from their place) going up the kerb of the driveway my bike had different thoughts, and decided to slide off the kerb along the edge and spit me off the bike!

So after catching my breath, we walked to my sisters, had a reviving coffee, checked my bike was okay and then biked home. I just know am going to wake up feeling very stiff and bruised tomorrow!

This afternoon picked up the bike shoes, cleats and pedals and had them attached to the bike, so I guess I will be testing these out on the indoor trainer and on the school field to make sure I can unclip my feet from the pedals in a hurry before venturing out on the road!

A change in date for your diary & cheque book...

2010-04-25T22:56:00.004+12:00

Due to an advertising error... (new advert above)

The correct date for the FAT 1/4 FRENZY is...

Saturday, 1st May 2010
at Sawmillers Quiltery

Sawmillers Quiltery can be found at 3 Plateau Road, Te Marua, Upper Hutt. I'll be at the Quiltery helping Yvonne with the Fat 1/4 Frenzy (10.00am to 4.30pm). There will be oodles of fat quarters to choose from.

And don't forget Stonestead Tearooms will be open next door, Kevin makes delicious scones, and a magic cuppa :)

See you there...

Lest We Forget...

2010-04-25T08:23:00.006+12:00

New Zealand and Australian soldiers landing at Anzac Cove, 25 April 1915
(photo from http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/)

The day in Wellington has dawned overcast and misty rain.

Here is an interesting link http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/anzac-day-2010/anzac-day-multimedia there are great photo's, letters home, video clips and facts commerating Anzac Day.

Just reading Stuff online (up to date news site); there is very sad breaking news this morning that Police confirmed three people are dead after an Air Force iroquois helicopter crashed into a farm north of Wellington.
Police confirmed that the Anzac Day crash happened about 6.45am. The wreckage was found on a farm, off Paekakariki Hill Rd and near Pukerua Bay, north of Wellington.
Four people were onboard. A Wellington Free Ambulance spokeswoman said three people were dead, and a fourth was taken to hospital in a serious to critical condition.
Few details were available but it's understood the chopper was one of three iroquois helicopters travelling to Wellington for Anzac Day celebrations.

What a terrible thing to happen.

Photo's from my Mobile...

2010-04-24T19:22:00.006+12:00

This morning I finally worked out how to download photo's from my mobile to the pc LOL !

Unfortunately the quality of the photo's is pretty yuck, though these are the snaps I've taken when I've forgotten or couldn't take my camera (am thinking I need to invest in a pocket model!)

DD2 on the RIGHT! and the Wellington Saints Basketball mascot. This was DD2 first time going to watch a live game, she had such a great time.

This is from last Sunday's bike ride around the Eastbourne coast, past pencarrow lighthouse, past pencarrow lodge this is looking back at to where we had biked to and stopped for lunch - almost to the point onthe right!

This is where we parked for lunch...

DH checking out the view looking back to where we started from. The point to the far left is where you would find pencarrow lighthouse - was a great semi flat road - very fast riding - took us an hour to get to our lunch destination from the car.

This is the Pheonix game we went and watched a few months ago - this is the 'yellow zone' rowdy bunch and so much fun.

Stunningly hot day at the stadium - and my gorgeous girls :)

Had a gorgeous bike ride this morning 45.9 kms - the rain didn't arrive and there was hardly any wind. Stopped into a local bike shop and have sorted out which bike shoes and clips to buy. So roll on payday!

Working on the baby quilt tonight after dinner so will post photo's tomorrow.

Hugs

OMG, world famous ...

2010-04-13T23:22:00.004+12:00

Have a giggle...

Here is the link below to the YouTube clip from Sunday's duathlon. We are at the front in the lime green sweat tops in the warm up (not very coordinated am I (No. 22), and out of time LOL). Leigh is No 21 and you'll see her crossing the finish line - yay :)

We are also at the finish line on the side cheering on other ladies (near the end of the clip).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUwnTQBEECY

Hugs

Feeling stiff today !

2010-04-12T21:11:00.002+12:00

I currently reading Kerre Woodham's book "Short Fat Chick to Marathon Runner", and in the book she talks about seeing her photo from her first 1/2 marathon... I can so relate to her thoughts... I wait in anticipation to see the photo's from the events and then feel so shamed when I see them... on the plus side I look slightly thinner than last years event, though still look so pained and ugh! I'm not writing this for compliments, as I know I scrub up okay with a bit of effort and makeup - I just so wish I looked like I was enjoying it (inside I am) just on the outside I look so pained!

Anyway these are the official photo's ... the first one is on the way back from the first run leg...

Digging deep to make up time on the bike section - and cripes the hips are letting me know today - they are so stiff!

Yay the finish line is just about crossed and even a wee smile :)

Hugs

The day dawn cold and foggy..

2010-04-11T22:06:00.003+12:00

The alarm went off at 5.45am and awoke to a cold, foggy morning. A quick shower to wake up the body, then into the gear, with the new t-shirt for the Real Women's Duathlon. Sis-in-law was up, we downed a coffee, toast and banana and headed into Wellington.

The fog had cleared and we smuggly though - excellent - no wind, we're gonna have a great event this morning. Then we parked the car, checked our bikes were okay (after they had overnighted at the event), and waited for the 'warm up zumba' to start... and the wind picked up noticeably...

Were were in the first wave to go at 8am. I said to Leigh - you just go for it girl and don't wait for me. As even though Leigh had done no training, she was keen to run and see how it all went. Whereas I had said I'd be walking the two run sections (as the shins are just aargh, and I don't enjoy the running) though have to admit I did jog parts of the run sections. Anyway by the time I got in from the first run section I saw Leigh's bike had gone. I jumped onto my bike and peddled like I had a rocket attached to the bike I was keeping an eye out for Leigh thinking she'd be on the homeward stretch for the 2nd run. There were a couple of mean corners when the wind just about stopped you and then it was off the bike (and as I was racking the bike thought - that girl has racked hers somewhere else!) so then I headed off for the 2nd run (walk) - still didn't see Leigh, so kept up the pace and crossed the finish line at 1:03:43 - yeah was stoked as last year it was 1:12:29. I went up to Jess who was there cheering us on and said "where's Leigh", Jess said - she's still coming in - "what I've finally bet her?" so I went back to cheer her in - what a trooper she came in at 1:05:35. My saving grace was the fact that Leigh had done no training, and that I've done lots of biking so knew I could make up time there.

Ladies, I've got to say if you get the opportunity - join in the fun and enter the Real Women Duathlon's - they are so much fun, very relaxed, lots of ladies of all shapes, fitness levels and ages. It is a totally non-threatening environment - really well organised and run, they are great fun, great breakfast provided afterwards, great goodie bag and spot prizes.

Do you want to know what my next challenge is?

The Wattyl Cycle Challenge around Taupo (160km) on 27th November !! The training has already begun - am quite nervous about this one... I've worked out my 42km circuit I do most weekends will have to be done 4 times in a row to get the feel for the time, hills and distance! (I'm working up to that).

With that exhausted thought am heading of to sleep.

Hope you had a wonderful weekend.

Hugs

Bits 'n Bobs...

2010-04-11T21:56:00.003+12:00

Even though have been a little quiet with the postings, I've got a few things that I've been working on...

Here's Bella helping me make a wee bunny from the Australian Homespun No 82 (Vol11.3) magazine, the bunny in the article had a painted face, I didn't have any fabric paints at home so improvised with DMC thread and tiny buttons.

This is a wee gift for my hairdresser who is expecting their first baby. I've also started a quilt for her (to use up the stash!) am making it up as I go along, so will show pics soon.

This yummy butterfly fabric was recently added to my stash, as an Easter gift from my lovely mum-in-law:

This delicious pink 'girlie' fabric is from Sawmillers Quiltery ... its so cute!

The next two photo's are fabrics that I got from CherryPie when I was there a few weeks ago for a stitching weekend with our Thursday girls... the cat fabric was just too cute to leave behind!

"Sisters in Stitching"

2010-03-23T21:22:00.003+13:00

"Sisters in Stitching"

I went to see the quilters, now they're a quirky bunch.
I thought I'd stay for morning tea, they kept me there 'til lunch.

I asked for several pointers on just what quilters do
I came to understand these girls are not like me and you.

Its seems their doctors stuck them all with safety pins at birth,
And that's what's caused this mania to quilt for all their worth!

Unsure of original author though Karen, one of the Kwilting Katz shared with us :)

Hugs

slow internet & dear jane...

2010-03-17T21:54:00.005+13:00

...AARGH my internet connection is driving me crazy with its slowness - we are on broadband, high spec, router has been re-set number of times, our dear friends at Telecom say that all should be fine... though it runs slower than a carrier pigeon would take to fly my news to you !! I am so going to investigate other providers who can also look after the sky and phone connections too ...

Anyway enough of my grumbliness... I didn't tell you before though had a weekend away at CherryPie Retreat with my Thrs stitching ladies the weekend just gone - gosh it was nice - unfortunately not very productive for me - as I'd left patterns at home that I needed, patterns that I had taken were missing vital cutting instructions ... however I did gossip alot, went on two great bike rides in the morning on the new bike (Jade is not a good name as when I got her she's actually grey - so she is no name at the moment) though gosh she's lovely to ride and fast! Ate lots of Cheryl's delicious food, caught up with my Aunty and also a dear friend on the way home on Sunday so all very good.

I did however manage to get back into the mojo of Dear Jane... I made block A10, then blocks A11-13 were the ones missing vital cutting instructions, so jumped the queue and made Blocks B1 - B3.

A10 - Which Points West:B1 - Batchelors Buttons (eek when photo blown up show's my applique turns for circles need more practice!):B2 - Sweet Tate Pie:B3 - Mirror Image:

I've also made email contact via Cheryl from CherryPie, with a lovely lady by the name of Vicki who lives in Waikanae (so next time I'm heading that way will definitely make time to catchup over coffee). Vicki is making TWO Dear Janes at the same time - crazy or what! Sorry Vicki still find it baffling... when I'm struggling with one. Vicki has told me about an online DJ community that she is part of - which has been a great encourager for her. I reckon this will be a good thing to become involved with and I'll also let Doreen know (the lady from CQ) that is also working on a DJ.

Hope you all have had a great weekend - hard to believe we are at Wednesday already... yay not long until the weekend again and plan on getting more quilting done :)

Hugs

First Soccer Game... Awesome!

2010-03-07T19:55:00.006+13:00

... I could be a new Wellington Phoenix fan, along with the rest of the family (and no that is not us in the photo above LOL). We just went to our first ever soccer game - Wellington Phoenix played Newcastle Jets at the Stadium. It was AWESOME. A crowd of just over 32,000, our seats were in Aisle 25 - near on perfect. In full sun - not so good as we hadn't taken sunblock or hats... the crowd atmostphere was absolutely brilliant - gotta love the "yellow fever" crowd. The mexican wave went around the stadium 4 times in a row at one point of the game.

Oh you want to know the score.... well it was 1-1 draw at full time. Which then meant and additional 15 mins of game - and we (Phoenix) scored twice. Unfortantly the lady in front (and she wasn't a young chick) was a little tipsy and flashed the crowd then after their 2nd goal stripped her t-shirt off - her embarrassed friends had to tell her to put her top back on after the policeman had asked them to get her to cover up! By the 3rd goals I'm surprised you didn't hear the crowd roar in the South Island!! So the final score 3-1 - and the crowd went wild :) Then it was a mad dash to catch the train as once they've filled the carriages they depart after an event at the station.

Photo's courtesy of NZ Hearld on the Web.

Brilliant night... next sporting event to go see on the 'to do list' is a Wellington Saints game (Basketball).

Oh and the new bike "Jade" - well I'm still awaiting her arrival - it appears she was loving the trip in the transport truck so much, they didn't stop in Wellington and took her all the way to Auckland... so I'm hoping she is going to be delivered to me first thing in the morning...

Oops ... I did it again...

2010-02-27T20:45:00.003+13:00

... and I blame Sandra entirely!!!

After Quilt Club today, Sandra said, come to my car and check out her brand spanking new SubLime2 bike (not the photo below)... Sandra brought her new bike after last month's quilt club meeting, as her other bike she'd been riding had been stolen. Anyway I'd been chatting with Sandra and she was raving about how wonderful it was to ride (Sandra used to have a mountain-cross/hybrid, like me)... my SiL Leigh also has a SubLime1 (Sasha) which she too is very happy with. Then Sandra said the fatal words... "why don't you take my bike for a quick spin" - ahh you could tell the difference straight away... now I had been thinking of looking for a road bike and I've been having the delimma of whether to go full road bike, or intro-road bike with straight bars. Anyway I've had a number of bikes on the 'watchlist on Trademe' for the past few weeks... and I've decided that sometimes life is just meant to be. I got home from Quilt Club, said hi to hubby, and patted Diesel, then logged into Trademe, did another search to check if any new sublimes had been listed and damn what do you know this one (in the photo below) was due to close in 1 hour.

.... so I placed a bid, sat and waited, got out-bidded - quite a few times too I must add. I got a text from Sandra to say she'd had a magic ride around Eastbourne after Quilt Club (DH and I had done our 28km bike in the morning before the sun got hot!), I text Sandra back to say "OMG there's a sublime1 up for auction and its sitting at $215".... anyway long story short I WON THE AUCTION for a mere $315.00 - the new girl is 4 yrs old as been regularly serviced as the previous owners son works in a cycle shop, bike has new tyres (back tyre is one of those ones that are meant to be hard to puncture!) - only catch its in Blenheim so I need to arrange for it to be couriered to me... I can't wait....(and I'll get to ride her in the next RealWomen Duathlon 11 April in WLG). Now I've got two great bikes. I am going to keep 'Grace' my faithful girl who got me through my first year of duathlons, she is magic for the river trail rides, rimutuka incline track etc. The new girl (have to think of a name) will be purely for the road.

When I was driving DD1 to her girlfriends tonight, I said to her, a-ha you can enter the RW Duathlon with me now that I've got two bikes, and she said - no way she ain't sitting on no bike... I said I'll work on you and you will definitely be entering with me next year!

The other bonus today from Quilt Club was, a lovely lady by the name of Doreen came up to me and said "aren't you doing a Dear Jane Quilt? How are you going" we chatted a bit and Doreen has started a DJ quilt too and we've decided that next month at club we'll show each other the blocks we have made and then each following month we are to bring the 'new' blocks we've made - eek! Though in saying that it will be good motivation to get working on this again...

Tomorrow DH and I are doing the BikeWise River Trail ride (part of February bike month) which is a 26km ride from Harcourt Park (north of Upper Hutt) to Hikoikoi Reserve (Petone), its a free event, with bands, sausage sizzle etc at the Reserve, then free bus ride (and the bikes are put into the truck following the bus) back to Harcourt Park. Also part of BikeWise month I've been recording my km's for February as part of the business challenge (IRD have entered) and out of all the staff in the building I work in only 5 are competing this year - though our other buildings in Wellington have been clocking up great kms!). After tomorrows ride my km's will total 151km for the month, not too bad considering its only been the weekends I been able to get out on the bike!

Anyway enough of my warbling, and I'll sign off here and get a bit of hand stitching done on a secret project...

Hugs to you all and hope you are having a wonderful weekend.

Photo's from Stonestead 2nd Outdoor Quilt Festival...

2010-02-16T20:56:00.006+13:00

Best Experienced and Best in Show Winner... Helen (Te Omanga Hospice), Fyvie (winner), Yvonne (Sawmillers Quiltery), and Barney! ...

Best Novice Winner ... Dorothy

Sorry that I've been absent, I hope you've missed me!

At long last here are some photo's from the recent outdoor quilt festival at Stonestead, it was the perfect day - 62 quilts on show, a number of challenges and display quilts. Lots of visitors for the festival and tearooms, and shoppers in the quiltery. Best in show was a magnificient Baltimore Quilt - absolutely stunning...

Its been a funny old week, amongst a series of bad things that have happened, also found out that the organisation that I have been doing my studies through has closed its doors, and in November took the student loans and departed offshore and they are now in Dubai!! A group of students are involved in contacting Public Trust and NZQA to see where we stand with our studies, to see if they can be transferred to another organisation, if NZQA will recognise them as it turns out the organisation was only 'accredited' NZQA status not 'recognised', and what happens with our student loans (especially if studies can't be transferred and we end up with nothing to show for the money spent) - arrgh - so long story short I've completed 6.5 modules which equals roughly 600 hours of work all with passes - a student loan that I'm paying for and nothing to show for it as currently everyones studies are in limbo!

Hope you've had an awesome weekend and beginning of the week... am going to spend some time catching up on all of your news via your blogs now.

Love and Hugs

Life in times of the dog & cats...

2010-02-06T16:29:00.007+13:00

Diesel showing off his new collar...
The look of pure innocence... not what the cats would say though!

Licorice (Black & White) has taken to only coming home every 2-3 days for a refuel of food and then he's off again, now this has only happened since young Diesel has become part of the family, which is very sad. Licorice comes home in beautiful condition, is still very friendly, purrs like crazy, and will still give you cuddles, even staying the night occasionally, though more often than not now its just home for the refuel which is very sad as he's such a dear lovely boy - I only hope that he has befriended another house or keeps good shelter in the bush.

Now Sandra (my friend the vet), here is proof that Bella does wait while the cats are eating!!

And who do you think might be sitting at the base of the block wall to create this reaction from Miss Bella !!Right... had better get my skates on am heading up to Stonestead to help get the quilts ready to hang tomorrow morning :)

Will post photo's of the Quilt Festival hopefully late tomorrow night - hope you are having a happy weekend and see you at Stonestead :)

Hugs

It's been a while...

2010-02-06T16:10:00.003+13:00

Sorry life has gotten away on me, with starting new job, getting girls organised to head back to college and for DD2 starting her college life :) Finishing the three items that I've entered into the Stonestead Quilt Festival (finally finished the binding on the challenge piece on Thursday night).

And helping Yvonne and the other magic volunteers in getting all organised for...

The Stonestead 2nd Annual Quilt Festival which is TOMORROW - 3 Plateau Road, Te Marua, Upper Hutt... 10.30am to 4.30pm - with Prizegiving at 4.00pm - hope to see you there!!

Hugs

Phew... last stitch quilted & night visitor

2010-01-20T23:49:00.007+13:00

I've nearly done it... just finished quilting the 3rd project (I have cheated a bit, its all 'in the ditch' and row quilting on this one!) that I want to enter into the Stonestead Quilt Festival (7th Feb) I only need to now add the binding and then the handstitching... Any ideas of what I could call this quilt (currently I call it the Gail Pan Stitcheries Quilt!)?

And here's a young fellow or fellowess that came inside tonight to cool off some - am thinking its a cricket, haven't seen one like this before...

Righto am off to bed is past my witching hour.

PS: Just in case you'd thought I've been super efficient this week... I'm still hand stitching the binding on projects 1 and 2, will have to focus on this completely now the quilting is all complete...

quick update....

2010-01-18T09:18:00.002+13:00

I'd forgotten that I'd originally named this quilt "Swirling Leaves" when I first started making it... and throughout my blog I've called it "Autumn Leaves"! Anyway - last night finished the quilting, sewed on the binding and sewed in all the loose threads, left to do is hand stitch the binding down.... phew nearly finished :)

Today's project is to finish the Stonestead Tablerunner challenge, get the groceries and take Diesel for a run.

I promise to load photos once the three projects that are on the timeline are finished :)

How was your weekend?

Hugs

Clock ticking...

2010-01-16T09:49:00.002+13:00

OMG... I awoke with that sinking feeling the other morning... Stonestead 2nd Quilt Festival is on the 7th Feb (yay it is such a magic day so put this into your diaries and come visit!)... quilt regristrations need to be in by 23rd Jan and then quilts no later than 30th Jan.... guess why I've got that sinking feeling... the three items I want to enter are all in a state of non-finish.

Autumn Leaves is 3/4 quilted, needs finishing, binding and thread tidying... then there's the Gail Pan Christmas stitcheries that I made into a top, that needs sandwiching, quilting, binding and thread tidying... and last is the Stonestead challenge table runner - this is sandwiched, needs to be quilted, binding and thread tidying... eek!

Yesterday was my last day at Workbridge, they gave me the most beautiful farewell gift - a Pandora bracelet and voucher to buy my first charm! Guess what my first charm purchased was..... a butterfly :) The second charm DD1 chose and its the 'chain of hearts'. I am going to get DD2 to choose a charm out of the catalogue and that will be my third charm! Was sad to leave the team at Workbridge - though am very much looking forward to my new permanent job which I start on the 26th Jan.

So guess what is high on the agenda for my week off.... LOTS and LOTS of QUILTING - not too unhappy about that as the weather forecast is not looking too pleasing, and I can still take Diesel for a run along the river and if weather good can even sneak in a bike ride or two....

So if I'm a little quiet on postings this week, my head will be down and the machine will be whirring - though promise to load photos of finished goodies :)

HUGS to you all and chat with you soon...

Cat aargh ... Handsome boy...

2010-01-09T10:42:00.003+13:00

Hugs

Our Day in Picton - 6th Jan 2010 (photo heavy)

2010-01-09T10:00:00.010+13:00

... and so the day begins with a very grey, windy day in Wellington.

View from walking up the gangway to enter ferry.

2nd row seats from the observation window... DD1 and DH

Moi and DD1...

Leaving Wellington Harbour - not a good photo - taken through observation window - the sea got noticeably choppier going through the Cook Straits...

A cruise ship bet us into to Picton Harbour, so we had to wait while the tugs helped it reverse into the dock...

Arrived in Sunny (though blustery wind) Picton...

The Kaitaki ferry that we sailed from Wellington to Picton (3 hour trip)...

After walking up High Street, we found "Mr Chips" and then took our lunch back to the beach park to eat - then dozed in the sun...

After lunch, and after walking High Street to check out the shops (and yes I found a wee quilt shop, though am following Deb's motto - no purchases this year, use the stash!) we decided to explore the new marina...

The boat we "brought"...

The house we "brought"...

The beach around from the marina....

Arriving back into Wellington... photo taken through observation window. The building with the red xmas tree lights is where I'll be working for IRD.

Hugs

New free BOM from Bunny Hill

2010-01-07T10:44:00.007+13:00

Anne Sutton from the gorgeous Bunny Hill has recently loaded her new Free BOM... if you love snowmen - pop over to have a look and say Hi to Anne.

Thank you Anne for such a wonderful pattern - excellent to either applique or stitch :)

How very weird...

2010-01-03T16:03:00.002+13:00

I seem to have lost my google follower status on all my bloggy friends blogs... hrumpfh....
Never fear am going through all the blogs that I love to visit and re-instating my 'follower' status...

DD1's first experience of camping...

2010-01-02T10:26:00.002+13:00

DD1 went and joined some of her friends at Kaitoke Regional Park yesterday afternoon to 'camp out' for the night... I sent her a txt at 10pm asking how she was going, her reply:

10.15pm "Camp's so cool mum! Haha everones been really nice. Have a good night xoxo"

next text received from DD1

7.42am "Last night was hell, ended up sleeping in the 2 older boys cars cos the tents broke! Weathers still horrible now :("

So by 9am, DH and I were there to pick her and one of the friends up. The weather had turned in the night to a gusty, wet nightmare. Driving along the road to their campsite a huge tree had toppled in the wind too. Not a great first experience for camping. They are warm and snug back home catching up on their missed sleep.

On the plus side.... today is a PERFECT day for quilting!! which is what I'm about to do.

Have a happy day.
Hugs

Red Rocks 31 Dec 2009 - photo heavy

2010-01-01T14:53:00.006+13:00

... a BBQ dinner out at Red Rocks, this is taken from the entrance carpark - we are heading out past the point with the small rocks...

Nearly at the small rocks you saw in the first picture - part of the flat road !

This is Hell's Gate - very steep, narrow and rocky - we are half way to our destination...

Some of the kiwi batches along the way...

Finally at our destination, wood gatherer on duty...

Not sure of the name for this now defunct lighthouse - is on quite a lean... though looks pretty straight from this angle.

Sea was too choppy for DH to go for a dive for fresh Paua for tea...

So we made do with the steak we brought from home... this is the little fire!

Time for a cuppa - don't you just love Nescafe instant Mochachino sachets - I got to have a flash coffee to top off a magic dinner!

Setting sun and building up the fire...

Sunset on the horizon...

Time to head home...

Hope you had a lovely New Year's eve.

Hugs

New Year's Eve and the start to 2010...

2009-12-31T10:15:00.004+13:00

Today is a day for reflection... when asked by anyone "hey what have you been up to?" we tend to automatically say "oh not much" - however when you sit back and ponder awhile you realise - Hey I've actually achieved a damn lot this year...

For me, my biggest personal achievements would be competing in the duathlons - from starting 2009 as very unfit and then entering the Real Women duathlon in Wellington in the April was a turning point. I can honestly say I still 'hate' running and will never be a runner, however my walking has got faster and to be honest for me its about completing the events. The biking however I really enjoy. Am still clocking up the km's on the bike and tend to take Diesel for very fast walks rather than going out for a dedicated 'run'. 2010 will see me entering the Real Women duathlon again in April (have already paid the entry fee) and from there will see where we take it... though I know in myself that the biking will stay.

Some other achievements have been coming through the sometimes difficult side of the girls strife and dramas that come with teenage life. They have both achieved great results at their schools. And DD2 begins 2010 as a Year 9 (third former), while DD1 will be Year 10 (NCEA 1). They are both very talented, smart, gorgeous girls and I am so damn proud of them. Love you both lots xx

Tomorrow is a double celebration, it is our 14th Wedding Anniversary and the day DH and I first started 'dating' 19 years ago :) Looking back you wonder where that time has gone, we've shared lots of memorable times, happy times and some incredibly difficult sad times. Hon, wishing us many more happy filled years (am done with the sad and the difficult). Love and kisses xx

With the start of the new year, I also start my new job - am looking forward to the challenges of learning a new work culture, sussing out the new boss and learning new tasks and responsibilities.

From the quilting front, am looking forward to completing more UFO's and projects in the planning, spending many happy hours stitching and gossiping with friends, helping out at Sawmillers and of course keeping in touch with you lovely blogging friends.

I wish you and your families a very happy new year, may it bring you good health, wealth, love and happiness.

Love and Hugs

Gail Pan stitcheries quilt nearly complete...

2009-12-31T10:10:00.004+13:00

I decided to use the stitcheries as the centre to the double friendship star, am thinking they've come out pretty good. Now just need to check through the stash for some backing fabric - then its got to be sandwiched, quilted and binded... phew too late for this year - though wahoo one project will be ready for Christmas 2010 :)

Hugs

SSCS09 - gift is now opened :)

2009-12-25T08:32:00.005+13:00

The wonderful Leanne from The Stitching Room was my SSCS 2009 swap partner and boy was I spoilt.

Thank you Leanne from the bottom of my heart, I just love every item that you have so lovingly put together. Now, I have to apologise as I didn't take a photo of the two christmas decorations Leanne gave me, they are beautiful red circle stitcheries that I've placed on the tree.

Look what was inside the package. The purple bag is one that folds into itself (pocket) so you can have as a spare carrybag waiting in your handbag! The gorgeous cat softie, the so cute 'diesel' pin cushion - so loving that. It doesn't show in my photo - though the craft drawstring bag to the right is made with the cutest fabric and is hexagons! Then there is a little flower notepad and the cutest tea towels, and not to forget the luggage tag (ah I so need to plan a trip to use this!)

Here is a close up of the cat softie and diesel pin cushion - aren't they just the cutest - totally love them.

Leanne, thank you again for such divine goodies. And Thank You ChookyBlue for organising the swap.

Wishing you both a magical Christmas day with your families and friends.

Love and Hugs

Twas the night before Christmas...

2009-12-24T23:00:00.004+13:00

... and no one is meant to be stirring. However its 11pm and I've got two kids still roaming around the house, tv still blaring and me feeling very tired... gosh I wish they were still little and believed in Father Christmas and were in bed by 7pm :)

What a Christmas Eve - went with Chris this afternoon around to Red Rocks (out the back of Ohiro Bay) so he could do some diving for Paua and Crayfish (got the Paua no Crayfish - though he got a few crabs which are slightly sweeter in taste to Crayfish) we finally left there around 6.30pm to get caught up behind 3 other 4WD because the one in the front had slipped off the track and while we were waiting another 4 pulled up behind us. Now imagine this... I'd been sitting with Diesel waiting, taking photo's while Chris was diving, and now we are stuck behind these 4WD and by now I'm fit to burst to go to the bathroom - I'm such a city girl and sharing myself with nature is eew! and there were no trees or big rocks to duck behind... finally the 4WD that is stuck is pulled out (by now its 7.45pm) and we journey on out - get to the information centre that has toilets - and they're locked! So a fast drive into WLG City to find the nearest service station - ah the relief.

So my final word for today is to wish you all a wonderful safe and happy Christmas with your family and friends. I've totally enjoyed your company and comments over the past year, and so looking forward to keeping in touch. Happy Blogging and photo-snapping and will be back soon.

Hugs

2 more sleeps till Santa...

2009-12-23T20:00:00.007+13:00

Twas two sleeps until Santa

and the house was filled with sounds of paw patter

Come Licorice, come Jazz,

Heres Quarry and Bella

Oh now here's Diesel,

And with a bark the cats did scatter

With dinner preparation and dessert left to do

timing was of essence so the trifle didn't turn into glue

Once the presents are wrapped and placed under the tree

Perhaps there'll be some quilting time left for me

So here's to all, a message of good wishes

Do enjoy your christmas with family and friends

and make sure you get the kids to clean up the dinner dishes!

My attempt at Christmas poetry LOL..

Hugs

I'm at Sawmillers today...

2009-12-19T08:48:00.003+13:00

Did you know there are only TWO days of quilt shopping left at Sawmillers Quiltery??? Yvonne is closed from Monday, 21 December and re-opens in the new year on Thursday 7 January...

Yvonne has got the most gorgeous Christmas tree inside the quiltery covered with charms, pins and other goodies that would make great stocking fillers (or a treat for yourself)... not only that - Yvonne has got the most GORGEOUS dragonfly fabric that has arrived into the quiltery.

And if you love Christmas ornaments - then you just have to check out the Jim Shore range that Yvonne has on display - beautiful is only one word to describe them.

I'm looking after the quiltery today for Yvonne, and Yvonne will be back with Barney tomorrow to wish you all a fond Merry Christmas.

Have a super day and hope to see you at the quiltery.

Hugs