THE LAST TWO DAYS

I am sitting here watching T.V. as the many tributes flow in from all over the World, following the death of our beloved and respected Sir Edmond Hilary.

An Ambassador for our country and such a statesman, he will not only be remembered for Mt Everest, but for what he did for the People of Nepal.

My ex; actually tramped there 8 yrs ago, and he too was caught up in the beauty and humility of the Nepalese people , a country that needs (like so many) our help and resources.

I still correspond with `Guide Nim' who always starts his emails with Namaste -such a beautiful word

This is not what I started off to tell you, but January must be the month for dramas, as I woke two days ago to find my beloved Martha ill, and dribbling.

Quick call to Uncle Leon (Our new Auckland Vet)

She had horrific mouth ulcers , plus some WAR WOUNDS!!!

Of course all of this meant a night in Hospital on what Uncle Leon called `SUPPORT", plus $$$$$

Not a happy girl, but she is home, having created mayhem in Hospital, trashed her cage, tipped over her water, and generally performed I was told.
Her husband Hamish (not to be outdone) also needed to be photographed, he hates it when his `missus' is not here, as he loves her dearly, and the reunion is something else again, much ear washing and grooming of each other before they retire entwined, legs, arms, tails around each other.
In amongst the chaos, I am being interviewed for jobs, ( secretly I don't want to work", but the reality is I need to, mainly to sustain my rather lavish life style, so.... I have thrown myself into the job market with astonishing results, firms, etc are actually impressed, but the hassle....
I now have, is my `interview' uniform, the pressure is on to look immaculate, impressive, well groomed, and above all confident - I am shattered, as I would much rather be in casual, and here I am teetering into interviews , made up to the max, not a hair out of place, legs shaved! heels that are killing me, trying to look slim and trim , that I haven't put on weight and that any prospective employer would be foolish to overlook me.
Watch This Space

SMELLING THE ROSES

It is the small things in life, that sometimes can give such simple pleasure.

My little garden that I have grown is just that.

The last two days have been a time of reflections and milestones, on what I have achieved since this time last year.

You see, my Mother passed away and my marriage of 30years collapsed all in the one day last January.

2007 is one year that my family and I are glad to see over -new beginnings for 2008.

If I think about it, it is hard to believe that so much happened, not only the events of January, but I was the victim of Internet Banking Fraud, my beloved Martha was hit by a car and fractured her hip, my ex; also fell and broke his shoulder, and so it went on.

I sold a house, packed and moved to Auckland from Nelson, so did my ex; although he is residing an hour away from me.

I had lunch with him today, and possibly that has prompted my pensive mood, but we are friends -(mostly), despite everything, and that has to be good.

I thought about it all whilst driving home to my little sanctuary, and felt almost lighthearted, and a sense of huge relief, that we have been able to move on and remain reasonably civilised in the process

I pottered in my garden with a glass of wine, and as they say `I had the time' to not only `Smell The Roses' but to actually enjoy it

I am going to remove this scoria in the Autumn and put in some shrubs, but the pots have been an `instant garden'

Look at my lettuces!!

Look closely, and you can see the huge truss of cherry tomatoes (not yet ripe), the tomato vine is laden! I count every day when I am chatting to them.:):)

HAPPY NEW YEAR

I have been so looking forward to hanging up my new 2008 Calender

Just look at the artist!

Yes, indeed -it really is a self portrait of Stella (The Princess)

How special is that?

I simply had to order one
It came complete with little stickers to put on important dates, but I thought Stella can help Nana with that task.
The family have gone to The Beach for nearly a week, so I am busy, popping over and feeding their cat and watering their gardens, but today I decided that this would be a good time to make my list of objectives and projects for the year.
Number 1 on my list was....................
Do you remember this? I have previously posted the saga of my old , but oh so comfortable computer chair!

YeeeeeeeeH -yes, yes, many tools and the heavy duty staple gun, I am so pleased with the effort.

I have been idling away a few hours today at various Blog sites, and for so many, January seems to be the month of lazing, reading and a general wind down, although I am very tempted to begin Project 2, and that is to sort and cull the many photograph albums that one collects over the years.

THE ARTFUL CHRISTMAS SWAP

Yes, it is over, such a feeling of overwhelming happiness and a huge thank you to all those very talented and crafty women who participated in Group 3

Friends and family ask -`so what did you like best' I can honestly say that each and every gift was so different, that I don't have a `favourite' -every single gift will be cherished and in the case of the Christmas decoration gifts, they will be brought out each year with special memories of their origins.

Day 11, and even the cats knew the ritual, no breakfast until Mummy had opened her gift.

Just look at the package - a lovely box, embellished with a gorgeous decoration and tag from Angela Hoffmann

She is just too lovely - a handcrafted angel, complete with wings and her own dress and pretty button -her hair is amazing - Thank you Angela - I love her!
Day 12 and Christmas Day -look!!! and what can be inside -the tag says `handle with care'

Can you read the label? I have already had a look at Patrice's web site and feel I may have to place a SMALL order

AND......... this is what was inside, totally beautiful, a fragrant wax Christmas Angel - Rachael and I have never seen or heard of this craft before, so for those of you that haven't -go have a look at http://www.cottonpress.com/

Until I post again, I wish each and every `blogger' a very Happy New Year.

TWO MORE SLEEPS -TWO MORE GIFTS!!

Yes -it really is nearly over, but what fun it has been.

I have to show you this, as I mentioned before -I have had Stella (The Princess) to visit me, and we do lots of Nana things together -yesterday we finished the gifts that I have helped her make for special people in her life - but I did wonder why my box of tissues had suddenly been reduced!

I just happened to be tidying up around under the Christmas tree, and obviously `The Family' were in need of a rest, as Mary and Joseph have some very nice new bed linen, even pillow cases, and Baby Jesus isn't quite in his manger, but is nicely tucked up with a cut up tissue paper pillow case and sheet - this is such a special time seeing little girl of 4, carefully putting `The family' to bed. -her very own interpretation of Christmas fuzzy stuff!Day 8 arrived, ( I am going to miss this early morning ritual), and a very nicely packaged bag, and beautiful tag from Vivan at vivs-whimsey. blogspot.com
I have recycled the wood shavings in a gift basket for my daughter-in-law (thank you)

Oh -this is gorgeous, a lovely Christmas ornament for my tree, all sparkly and glittery with `Glisten' inscribed on the front -he is just so cute -thank you Vivian -he is hanging on my tree.

Down the stairs I ran for Day 9, and what can be in this beautiful tin?

Rashell, what a lovely tag, but oooooooh!

The photo says it all -I love it, and it fits perfectly, and the little `gate' catch is so, so pretty -thank you so much Rashell

Lucky, lucky Nana -The princess stayed with me last night - it was so cute, we sat in our jamas before bed with a nice cup of hot Milo each, then a story and prayers and she went straight to sleep -good girl Stella .

She knows `the drill' as she told me to get the camera for present 10 , she has been assisting opening Rachael's gifts each morning -see Roseroom blog

This is a beautiful, paper craft Christmas ornament , and the packaging was lovely, brown paper , with newsprint and vintage lace, the photos don't show it very well, and the little Christmas tree decoration is delightful, with a little cherub in the centre, thank you dear Stefeani -I am not sure where you are from -will need to consult with Rachael.

Sooooooo...... tomorrow is Christmas Eve, still lots to do, but I have already made a `New Years' resolution and that is to DIET!!

JUST LOOK AT WHAT SANTA DELIVERED TO MY HOUSE

Oh my goodness this is `A Blast' -our Northern Hemisphere gals certainly know how to produce wonderful and extraordinary gifts

Day 6, and I was up with `The Larks' so to speak -not quite, but just look what Martha from Canada made.

The packaging was remarkable -brown paper and tissue paper sandwiched together and `stitched' yes that's correct -`stitched' - with a gorgeous silver star with 6 stamped on it

Carefully , I tore open just a little bit to reveal - just adorable - a little broach that has been also sandwiched together with delightful patchwork fabric with a little wading between and randomly over -stitched, a vintage piece of lace surrounds the picture and the words `She Loved to Sew' Thank you Martha - this is awesome and I shall wear it on Christmas Day.

Day 7 -ooooooooooh ! I slept in, cats starving, and I am in panic mode to get to the Christmas tree.

Oh, the card from Pat is beautifully inscribed with lovely words
What does one say to this? a work of art - I have never seen anything like it -clever, clever Pat'
There are six little pages depicting the sea and beach, and it folds out, the entire theme is of The Sea, complete with fishing net (can you see it?)
shells, photos, gorgeous stones and even a mermaid - incredible and a huge thank -you.
I don't want this swap to ever end, it is such fun and I would recommend this to anyone.
Day 8 tomorrow - mmmm - I wonder what is in the parcel!

GASP -GASP!!!!!!

DAY FOUR AND FIVE OF OUR ARTFUL CHRISTMAS SWAP

I have to say that every day is worth getting up for -I lie in bed for a while contemplating the day, and then suddenly I realise that Santa has been, a quick fumble for the specs, and down the stairs at a rapid pace, followed by my two cats, who are hoping the speed is actually for their breakfast -but alas -they have to wait while Mummy opens her gift.

DAY 5

Oh -dear Holly, how did you mange it all , this is absolutely stunning, the most gorgeous magnet capturing the very essence of our swap -the little picture in a mini tin of a hand and the words `creative art' sealed in resin is beautiful, the bag that Holly chose is all colour co-ordinated -I love it

DAY 4
As some of you will have read on Rachael's (Rose Room) blog, this is her gift and one that she wasn't happy with, but the most important fact it was made when she was at her absolute worst -her Arapax withdrawal -everything was an effort, and believe me this was `A Labour Of Love' as she struggled to be inspired -but isn't it great? - she is too hard on herself .
I have it hanging on my dresser and is `pride of place'

Now, you will be wondering what this GORGEOUS piece of fabric is doing here, well, if you recall I refurbish and paint pieces of old wrought iron for Rachael, and I had a little stool all ready for the fabric and this is what I chose:):)

mmmm -` I hate it' said the daughter, it isn't `Shabby Chic' , but oh well, it is your project, soooooo, what to do, well the only thing to do was to go and purchase some more.

As I wandered up and down fabric department, terrified that whatever I chose may not be Shabby Chic, in desperation I grabbed ( irrespective of the cost) what I hopefully felt was `the suitable fabric, armed myself with the heavy duty stapler and ---- is this Shabby Chic or not?

I didn't tell Rachael that I had had a change of HEART, and just left this on her doorstep -the reaction!!!! "Oh Mum' she says "it is beautiful" she enthused, as I breathed a sigh of relief.

All is not lost..........................

Watch this space

Won't this hideous old, but comfortable Computer chair look fabulous?