Here's some photos of the packing in progress.
21 June, 2005
packing up the house
Here's some photos of the packing in progress.
20 June, 2005
90 next thursday
*As a postscript - I hate it when people from the eastern suburbs say they will get a nose bleed coming out to the western suburbs or even crossing the bridge, grow up and don't be so boring. You should be ashamed of yourself at your age, you stupid woman.... and your eyebrows are too thin!
18 June, 2005
i'm in need of a cure for insomnia
- accompany B to get a haircut, I have cancelled the eyebrow wax, and manicure (what was I thinking),
- shop for presents for the youngest cousin (she'll be 15, a straw pole of acquaintances with teenagers tell me they want money most of all, so that will be easy) and a present for my (grand)Pa, and this one is proving difficult, he'll be 90 - and the grandmother has stipulated it must be "consumable, nothing that means she'll have to find a space in the house to put it",
- make a Bailey's dip and accomanying fruit platter for the birthday celebration on Sunday, and
- attend birthday celebration (not before a cucumber or cold teabag eye compress, and I am going to sleep Saturday night right through to Sunday morning).
As it is now almost a reasonable hour of the morning - I am back to bed and will wake just as the bread finishes baking (I can smell it now and it smells pretty good) , and I will not look like I am allergic to the littlest sister's cat ( I am, and my eyes are still sore, but it was fun visiting them yesterday), and will be able to string sentences and thoughts together which I am struggling to do at present.
Ciao
11 June, 2005
in need of a cure for ebay?
I know I should be studying but the occassional visit to my favourite blogs breaks the monotony.
boofhead of the week goes to ....... b
Boofhead of the week goes to B who was so adamant it was A's (of BMJ fame) birthday on Wednesday (when really it was Tuesday) that both Natski (of Rock the Kazbaar) and I (who should have known better and really did) didn't ring A until Wednesday to wish her a Happy Birthday.
B has known A for longer than either of us (20+ years???) and he has a range of excuses that A seemed able to forgive him, but I am not going to be so kind. You made Nat and I look like idiots buddy! So I am awarding you 'boofhead of the week' twice!
And how was this for trying to score points.... last night B cooked a special birthday dinner* for A and for entertainment dropped his trousers to reveal his new blue monkey boxers. The strategically positioned bananas got a laugh.
04 June, 2005
boofhead of the week goes to....... L
Now, I have not really been sleeping that well, and I have generally be awake until about 3.30am. On the said morning from L's last blog regarding the toilets, it was around 5.20am when a very dejected L came back to bed, rather cold I might add. I asked as to what she was doing, and the conversation went something like this:
L: Nothing much....
B:Ok then....
L: But there is something, do you promise not to be cross?? (who me??)
B: Ok, what is it (Thinking she had been at the now banned website eBay)??
L: Umm, you know how you fixed the toilet in the bathroom by bending the float arm to stop it overfilling into the bowl....
B: Yes????
L: I did the same in the downstairs one as it was driving me mad....
B: Well done honey that's great...... (Thinking about going back to sleep).....
L: Now you DID promise NOT to get cross right....???
B: (Now VERY awake) What happened?
L: I broke it!
How to go from this.....
The irony of all this was that today, both F.I.L and my M.I.L (Father In Law & Mother In Law) were coming over that day for the F.I.L to fix it! So, we got the correct part and went home, installed it and then found out, it was correct, but the original center bit that controls a half/full flush would also have to be replaced as it was not allowing for a smooth action of the replaced other bit that fills up the cistern!!! We had lunch and said our goodbyes to the F.I.L and the M.I.L and went back to Bunnings to replace the next bit as well.
Finally, after 3 trips (the original one to get the 2 washers and the 2 trips to get 2 different parts), we now have proper functioning toilets!
No! It has now become apparent, that the toilet that L originally broke that fine morning, is leaking from where the tap meets the pipe that goes up to the cistern. So after another trip to get a braided piece of hose to install tomorrow, hopefully it will now be fixed. If not, I will move out. Hang on, I already am!!!!!!
03 June, 2005
for lease
- replace silicone seal around bath
- remove shelf in bedroom and patch up paintwork
- pull up hippeastrum bulbs done
- patch hole in bathroom ceiling done
- fix leaking toilet sort of done (B had it fixed, until I did a Sunday 5am adjustment which meant 2 more trips to the hardware, still the toilet is leaking except from a completely new spot)
- replace flyscreen on back door done, but at the rate Jasmine is clawing at it, it might need replacing again.
- clean carpets, and
- pack, pack, pack!
We have contacted four removalists, one out of the local paper which provides a basic service - hourly rate, 2 men and a truck, and 2 big names whose quotes were frightening (one in particular), but have decided to go with Giraffe Furniture Removals, who provided a mid range over the phone quote of an hourly rate for 2 men and a truck. I am going to get them to do the bulky stuff (furniture, fridge, washer and such) and I will do anything I can carry, myself. If anyone who reads this has used Giraffe Furniture Removals in the past or knows of anyone who has used them, I welcome your feedback.
25 May, 2005
r u going round the twist
This morning I was feeling pretty good about myself, I had on a new skirt and top and was not running late for work. I even had time to put petrol in the car and happily accepted the compliment from the petrol station attendent who commented on my "great skirt" and that I looked like I was "ready for a hot date". Wow, this was going to be a great day!
A short time later I was sitting at my desk having a cup of tea, going over some reports to be discussed at a meeting at 11.00am when a couple of my colleagues arrived. After a brief bit of chit chat one of my colleagues very worriedly and gently pointed out to me that I had on two different shoes.
Me: No way, Have I?, No I wore the same shoes yesterday, MY GOD You're right. LOTS OF LAUGHING
BR: Yes, I noticed yesterday afternoon, but as you were leaving soon, it didn't seem a big deal.
Me: That's so funny, well at least they're both black.
As another colleague arrives, and asks what's funny, I explain and she too says she noticed yesterday.
Me: Didn't you think that was a bit weird of me?
KR: I thought maybe you had a sore foot or something, I dunno really
The crazy thing is though, in my mind I believed I was wearing the shiny pair of shoes with the ribbing across the top and the right shoe (the one I am not wearing) has some loose stitching, and when I went to the loo the day before I clearly recall looking at my right foot and thinking "didn't that shoe have some loose stitching......I must have got that repaired".
Anyway B saved the day, being at home he was able to bring me out the other half of one of the pairs I was wearing.
24 May, 2005
damn PC's and trying hard to sleep....
On Friday evening, not sure how but that's not the issue, this old PC got a virus! You see, we have the latest version of Norton, but for Uni work, we have had to turn off some parts of it. So when it (Norton) did it's normal Friday scan, it showed that it had a problem....
So, in an effort to try and get rid of it, suddenly our 'favorites' disappeared, the 'quick launch' items also disappeared, and I thought this is not good, and it wasn't. So, it was the order of the day to wipe it all, after copying files to CD first of course to back-up important files, I thought that I had fixed the problem by wiping the hard drive clean of all files and re-installing Windows operating system and went to bed to sort the rest of it out tomorrow (Saturday). But, when I got into it on Sat afternoon, I downloaded all of the latest patches and service packs etc from Microsoft, I was shocked to see when I next booted up, there was two versions of my operating system!! F*@K is what I though!!
So after doing some further internet reading on how to fix this problem, I eventually got it done , did I say it was now Sunday afternoon by this stage??? So, now it is Sunday evening, I have a single Windows XP Home edition running smoothly, all of which is up to date, Norton installed and almost all of my other applications re-installed. So what's the problem now??
I still can't get any sleep! Now yesterday was a great day, I installed all of our favorites (I was lucky enough to find where they were before wiping them off), B from Wangaratta came up for a visit; the cleaner had done another fantastic job, and the PC was running smoothly for L who is now back in the groove of studying. So why in GODS name am I up at this time of the morning unable to sleep???
WHO KNOWS!!!!!
20 May, 2005
tripping-out on drugs (for pain relief of course!!!)
DAMN!
17 May, 2005
frustrations......
Well, this has been happening to me for the last two weeks at least!! I can just about tell you what is (or isn't) on TV during the wee hours of the morning, but BB05 up late is.... amusing to say the least!!
Although last night we had a bit of an exception to this. Can I just say ... Jasmine 5 mouse (ies) 0!! You see, after trying unsuccessfully to get comfy on the lounge downstairs where at least I was near to where L was studying, at around 8.30pm I had enough and went upstairs to bed. This was OK by all with Jas amusing herself somewhere in the house and Macc was already fast (dog tired ... ha ha) asleep on the bed. Next thing I know, is that L is coming to bed (9.30ish) and all is well, but I was now awake and was tossing and turning again trying to get back to sleep.
Anyways, next thing you know Jas is running around the house like a mad cat with a 'play toy' in her mouth..... here we go again!!!!
After about 30 mins or so chasing the cat who was chasing the mouse who was chasing somewhere to hide not only from the cat, but a pair of humans (one of which was screaming her head off anytime it came within a mile of her) as well!!
Once all things were caught, and with Jas now completely P#*@ed of with me from removing her 'toy' we again settled down to sleep, but alas this was not to be, and before to long it was now 1.30am and I was wide awake......
FRUSTRATIONS!!!!!!!!
15 May, 2005
william zachery
14 May, 2005
famous by association
I have commenced my contribution for this month (themed May Flowers), it was a great excuse to do something from this great knitting mag I bought a couple of months back.
13 May, 2005
blue star
Habits can be hard to break but with the assistance provided by my place of employment (I discovered today that access to eBay has been denied to all employees) and the need to study for an upcoming exam, not to mention a shrinking bank balance, I might find success in saying goodbye to eBay. At least for now.
gone to the dogs.....
Open this link and let it open completly.
On the left side of the screen, click on the word "GAME".
You have to answer 10 questions and then the site will tell you what breed you could have been.
You will also be shown a photo of the breed.
Didn't I tell you its cool, and you will have to reply and tell me WHAT breed you are!!!!!
11 May, 2005
Want something FUNNY?????
10 May, 2005
at work
My car is booked in for a visit with Holden tomorrow because it is leaking power steering fluid and is making a terrible grinding sound. With only 11 000km's on the clock this is not good.
My phone keeps ringing with all sorts of things that could have been sorted last week when I was at home looking after the invalid. This is a bit annoying.
For an interesting post I suggest you visit those to the right under 'favourite blogs'.
09 May, 2005
going postal
After craving the return to work, today so far has been a bit lonely as the rest of the team are not in (two are on a flex and the other is sick).
So far I have trawled through over 80 emails, sorted through the contents of my in tray and rung mum because I remembered in the weeeeeee hours of this morning that I had left a bottle of diet coke in her freezer the day before.....
07 May, 2005
better than betty crocker
No words can describe how great the cake was, except it was better than betty crocker, and I would know, being such a connoisseur of her cake mixes.
05 May, 2005
lucky 2000...... congratulations!!!!
Apart from that, I am now up and walking around quite a bit, and getting a lot better.
ramblings
I am looking forward to getting back to work next week. This last couple of weeks has proven to me that I would not make a good stay-at-home person, even with plenty to do, I like going to work each day.
If I were at work I would not be looking forward to such highlights as, removing a fur ball from Jas the cat's coat, and the postman bringing an eBay purchase. Ok, I would be looking forward to the ebay purchase arriving, but the anticipation is somewhat heightened at present.
Some new sites I have come across and have added to my favourites:
- third drawer down artwork by contemporary Australian and International Artists reproduced as Limited Edition screen prints onto Linen teatowels, napkins, tablerunners, and aprons) as a cherished gift and souvenir. It is also just a cute website and worth a look.
- babys got style has a great range of things for babies, and at the moment so many friends and family members have had or are having a baby that I wish I had found this site sooner. I particularly like the knitted vege rattles.
- Kim Hargreaves ladies handknit garment kits
03 May, 2005
my hero
No time to explain - you can explore for yourselves, P, M and little L are due any minute.
02 May, 2005
moving
as if things aren't stressful enough at the moment, we will be moving 7 weeks from today.
Comment by L: this entry has been posted by me, again using B's flickr
01 May, 2005
the day of the emerald green jacket
this morning A and I set out in search of the emerald green jacket which I had seen a couple of days before. I hadn't purchased it that day because 1. that store didn't have it in my size and 2. I needed a second opinion of the colour. With the size sorted and approval from A, I now have an emerald green velvet jacket, a new skirt and top to set it off. I hope this doesn't set B's progress back too much, I need him to get back to work so we can afford the AMEX this month.
As we were (kind of) in the vicinity of IKEA, A and I did a quick round of the store, sizing up lounge suites, wardrobes and rugs. A trip to IKEA is always fun but we weren't there for long, I needed to get to the chemist and back to B with the pain relief at noon.
Lunch was had and an afternoon of visits which included L and C returning with Macc whom they had kindly taken for a few hours. They had given him a much needed wash and he was able to 'run-around' with their puppies. It was an afternoon of doggy induldgence which A jokingly but aptly referred to as the doggy day spa/gentlemen's club.
B's mum also dropped in, just in time for afternoon tea - a white chocolate and raspberry swirl cake, made by me without burning or setting off the fire alarm.
Comment from L: this post is from me, I am using B's Flickr, although I do believe emerald green would really suit him.
30 April, 2005
circus in central park
Progress on this quilt is going to be slow to start with, as today was the last class for a few weeks. Our teacher is going to New Zealand for a month. I have a good handle on the cutting out though so will be able to have this finished by the time she gets back. I am really stepping up the difficulty factor here - this time 2 different sized squares as opposed to my last quilt which was squares pieced together all of the same size.
29 April, 2005
hello from the sick (not really sick, but you know) bed
Just a VERY quick blog to say hi, and thanks for all the calls and messages from everyone wishing me well.
It has to be a quick post, as I can't stand long, and I can sit for less. Most of, if not all, of my time is in bed watching TV or (thanks to A) DVD's!!
See you all soon when I can get up for a longer period of time!
26 April, 2005
this blog isn't called burnt offerings for no reason
rose gingham quilt finished
he's home
Things are pretty close to perfect...B is home and I still have control of the computer (B cannot/is not allowed to sit for a while yet).
25 April, 2005
not coming home today
On a positive note the Littlest Sister and newest Brother In Law, along with A were at the hospital when I arrived back, which was much appreciated, B definitely needed the company and cheering up. I did a bit of a fashion parade for both A and B, before going home, of the items of clothing I had treated myself to whilst doing the shopping.
I also continued finishing the threads on my (gingham rose) quilt, pictures to come soon, whilst A, B and I watched My Restaurant Rules.
I am now off to do the lawns before heading back to the hospital.
22 April, 2005
exhausted
I also didn't think it would take as much out of me.....I am exhausted. I am not the independent women I thought I was - I am not sleeping well (once I get to sleep, that is), the house is a bit of a mess, I've eaten junk all week, and have not managed to get any study done which puts me about a week and a half behind. I actually had great expectations for this week, I was going to do shorter hours at work, and take Tuesday off altogether, this would enable me to visit with B on my way to and from work and still have time to keep the house clean, give time to the pets, and study. So how did I go? I worked the shorter hours and took Tuesday off, but I didn't get in to see B every morning and had to leave early (before visiting hours ended at 8.pm) Wednesday evening because I could barely keep my eyes open, and I wasn't much better today.
I didn't feel too bad leaving early tonight though, B had a lot of visitors (my mum and dad, the other B, Alistair H, A and the girls, Natski, Twisty, and me) throughout the day/afternoon and was pretty worn out. This was on top of the early morning and painful ultrasound, 2 visits from the physio, nurses taking blood pressure and doing other stuff, and the endless stream of hospital staff bringing trays, cleaning the room and other general fussing.
Since I don't know where I am going with all of this, goodnight! and Again thank you to all who have visited, sent flowers, telephoned, emailed, sms'd, and said prayers. It has really helped. 'Nite.
19 April, 2005
so far so good
I am pretty tired so am going to give some love and attention to the 'kidz' (Macc and Jas) and go to bed.
Thanx A (BMJ) for sitting with us today, and thanx to all for their messages. Goodnight!
18 April, 2005
hospital
A (of BMJ fame) and I settled him at the hospital this afternoon (A actually got him to the hospital, thanx A) - and it's a nice hospital, he has his own room, tv, phone (2 calls from him already), and a fairly decent cafe and lounge area downstairs which of course we checked out.
He is a little anxious (understandably) so your thoughts and prayers for him tomorrow will be greatly appreciated.
17 April, 2005
infinity and beyond
16 April, 2005
re-wallpapered!!
I had to do something before going to hospital next Tuesday!! And here it is, thanks to Kaffe Fassett!
Anyways, it was because of you Kaffe (if you happen to be reading this that is) that we got started in this blogging in the first place! You see, 'L' was 'surfing' the net to see where you were located in the UK, and just by chance stumbled across her old nickname 'Loobylu'! Then, L decided to read Loobylu's blogg, and well the rest is history!!!
Now, I am under very STRICT instructions to go to the store in London when I am there in July (after going to Wales), so London beware!!! At least 'L' will not be with me, thus the credit card will not go into cardiac arrest!!!!!
12 April, 2005
thanx Natski!
After the weekend of debate for Uni, which happened to be the same weekend for the littlest sister's wedding we left the house in the capable hands of Natski. Now whilst everything was FINE, there was a slight dilemma with poor old Jasmine! She had an injury of sorts, and whilst she was going to call us about it, it was decided by both Natski and BMJ that a trip to 'Uncle Allen's' for a 'Check up' was best. Saving us from being on the "First available flight back"! This would not have been the case, mind you, as we were at the Flower Show at the time, and still had a day of SHOPPING to do!!!
So Natski unfortunately had to pay for the pleasure of:
- Catching Jasmine.
- Carting her down to the Vet in the washing basket with the dish rack on top to stop her getting loose in her car.
- Jasmine, not being the best traveler, wet herself in the said clothes basket which overflowed onto her work top which was required that night or the following morning!! YUK!
- Giving her a quarter of a tablet morning and night (not an easy thing to do when you're by yourself...)
All whilst we were having such a lovely time!!!
To make matters worse, for poor Natski, when we got back and it was time to say goodbye (she had a party to go to), her car had a flat battery and was going NOWHERE!!! But that's another blogg that Natski will have to do....
The house was ok though, and we hope that this saga of sorts, has not put her off wanting to do it again!!
week in melbourne
The conference was great, I attended with 2 workmates and it was very worthwhile. The weather was brilliant, better than Sydney, although I was not really prepared for this, and neither would it seem were the cabbies who don't seem to know what airconditioning is. My trip to the airport in the taxi before flying home was unbearable, and apparently my workmates had a similar experience a couple of days before.
This time in Melbourne I discovered the whole 'laneway' shopping experience thanx to one of the conference people. We were staying on Flinders St and just behind us in Flinders lane was a great little shopping and eating area. We ate dinner here nearly every night, and discovered some great shops including Alice Euphemia (I bought a gorgeous brooch here by Melbourne based designer Iggy and Lou Lou) and one that my dad would like 'Il Papiro', which had beautifully bound books and papers.
We also managed shopping experiences on both Brunswick Street, and Bridge Rd, my favourite shop on Bridge Rd was Havana Blue (Banana Blue labelled clothing) discovered 5 minutes before we needed to catch a tram back to the hotel to check-out, although I still managed to buy a funky peachy pink cardigan.
On Brunswick St, I bought a pair of rose gold ethnic looking earrings from a store whose name may have been KoKo and a couple of hair accessories from the Alannah Hill factory outlet. Other shops I liked were Harem Melbourne (fashion and homewares, 248 Brunswick St), Mazi (Brunswick St, Bridge Rd and Melbourne Central, I visited all three and bought a fabulous little bird hair adornment at the Melbourne Central store, I mean you need to spread the spending around), A Jewellery Store Named Desire (Brunswick St), Douglas and Hope (Brunswick St and Melbourne Central). B also found Bridge Rd quite satisfying, adding to his wardrobe at PO Box. If only we had more time.
We also visited the Queen Victoria Markets, which are a bigger, cleaner version of Paddy's or Parklea markets but not somewhere I'd be going back to in a hurry, although if you lived in Melbourne the fresh produce and deli section looked pretty good.
We also managed a couple of open house/units (and the auction for one of them) on the last day. Both places were in Bible House on Flinders Lane, and we were sooooooooo tempted to make a bid. It was a great 3rd floor apartment, but only one bedroom and really no place for our little family, especially Macc the greyhound.
The littlest sister's wedding
It was a gorgeous day, sunny and hot. I read my reading without any stuff ups, and had a great time at the reception with a little help from just a few strawberry daiquiris.
Apart from the bride and groom, the stars of the show had to be the singing priest
The food was delicious although, what do you make of the dessert!
Hi!
I am also attempting to get more organised - last night I made myself a timetable for when I will study, watch tv, and for other commitments, such as quilting. I felt I needed to make it clear for myself, but also B, when I needed the computer, time out, etc. I also made a list of things to get done including to blog. It made me feel so much better, I was back in control of my time. Hooray for me!
The next few entries I will address the wedding of 10 days ago, our trip to Melbourne last week, and then if anything of interest has occured this week, you'll hear about it.
30 March, 2005
pass the tissues
I just thought I'd share that with you.
26 March, 2005
pink salt
View of dining area - communal tables
As the title of this blog suggests (for those who have been watching My Restaurant Rules) we had dinner at Pink Salt, in Manly. I guess I have to admit, we are reality TV junkies. But even so, I can honestly say the food was fantastic, and the service first rate. Evan was the perfect host (Bella had the night off) and Kiralee who served us, was such as sweetie, the whole experience was like you were the most important guests in a friends home.
We sat at a communal table (with 3 other couples), which was fine by us, we didn't have to wait long, in fact we walked up to the door and were seated straight away. In some ways I had been hoping we wouldn't eat for at least an hour, as we had come straight from the family easter lunch (4 hours of eating).
I bought some of the pink salt flakes as a souvenier, and because I liked it. I also liked the idea that in a very small way if more people used it, it might help with Australia's serious inland salinity problem. The salt is naturally pink and from the Murray/Darling River region. It contains naturally occurring minerals and elements resulting in a high quality salt with a unique flavour, and such a pretty colour.
Today was Easter Sunday, and we had lunch at Auntie C's in Randwick, this consisted of lots of food, chocolate and sitting around. It was nice.
We had a rushed morning, after going to the Royal Easter Show the night before and discovering the stall selling hand woven and felted cotton and wool mix wraps were almost sold out, we panicked and took ourselves back in to the Show first thing this morning. I wanted one to wear to the Littlest Sister's wedding next weekend. I had originally thought that an aqua green would be the best colour to go with the dress I was going to wear, we took the dress with us and instead I got a mauve and pale green/grey striped one which matches perfectly. Just as well really as the green ones had all sold out. I would put a link to Ann Collins who makes these divine wraps but she does not have a website just yet. B gave her a lot of encouragement to get one up and running. She visits the St Ives Heritage Craft Fair from time to time though.
I also purchased the Miffy Alphabet cross-stitch as we made the dash out of the showgrounds.