Clocks Back, Knitting, and Happy Easter

Our Daylight Saving has come to an end here in New Zealand, so it was time to turn the clocks back one hour.  The clever lap top, tablet, and cell phone can all do it magically themselves. That left the kitchen clock, and the clock on the stove for me to do, I had a bit of tuition last year so knew exactly what to do.  My bedside clock is a bit of a problem, so I just take the battery out and wait for the time to catch up, then reinsert it.  There must be an easier way, so I think I should take the clock back to where I purchased it, just over a year ago, and get them to explain the secret.  And last year I decided it wasn't worth trying to change the clock in my car, much too hard, so it is left on standard time all year.  My theory is, by the time I'm ready to go out in the car, I'll know what the correct time is, so why worry. 

My seasonal Autumn wall-hanging is now on display, I really like this one.  Hand embroidered, and hand quilted, I've just checked the back to see when I made it.  Oh dear, I didn't do a label, must do some checking and rectify that.

Welcome to Autumn

It's been a glorious Autumn day today, warm, calm  and sunny enough to sit outside.  I took my knitting, a quilt magazine to read, and a hot cuppa and spent an enjoyable hour or so relaxing.  Still working away on my cotton summer jumper, I'm up to the armhole shaping now, so this project is coming along nicely.  Gemma joined me outside for a while, she curled up on the bark garden, then decided she really wanted to get back inside again.

Knitting outside on a lovely day

Did the Easter Bunny come calling to your home?  Previously, I would buy one of those Lindt chocolate Easter Bunnies for Robin and I to consume over Easter - we would generally be away somewhere in the caravan.  I didn't feel like carrying on this tradition, now it is only me.  So I bought myself some Potter Brothers peppermint marshmallow Easter Eggs, smothered in dark chocolate.  These are small batch produced chocolates, made locally, and so delicious.  With four in a packet, I'm eating one each evening over Easter.  Peppermint marshmallow and dark chocolate, what's not to love!

Ooops, they are sideways, but still taste wonderful

I had a phone call this afternoon from my friend Merilyn's husband Colin, from Dunedin.  Merilyn was my oldest and best friend, going back to early school days,  and sadly passed away 6 months after Robin did.  Colin rang to see how I was getting on, and how I was coping.  I always get tearful talking to him, and I don't think he knows quite how to cope with that.  He reminded me that Merilyn and I were best friends through life, and she often used to talk about me.  I'm just so pleased that I phoned her for a lovely long chat just a week before she died.  Losing both Robin and Merilyn so close together was a double whammy to me.

Pink and Burgundy

 Pink is the Rainbow Scrap colour of the month, so it was time to get stitching on my RSC blocks.  I found a pretty pinkish scrap laying around, just the thing to use in my baby quilt.  Quick and easy, they were done in a jiffy.

Four blocks done

Then I laid the blocks out on the floor, to see how they all looked together.  Coming along nicely, with those pretty soft colours.  I like the way the colours march down the quilt, pink, green, red and blue so far.  This will be 25 blocks, so only a few more colours needed.

Baby quilt blocks

The second lot of RSC blocks I'm stitching is the same design but larger, using funky dinosaur fabric, for a boy's quilt.  I didn't want to use pink, so cut some burgundy strips.  Then I laid out the blocks on my design bed, to see how they all looked together.

I like the  bright stripes against the grey

It is that time  of the year for the flu vaccinations so I booked an appointment at the chemist and went in.  No trouble at all, I hardly felt the needle, then had to sit and wait five minutes, just in case.  There were no side effects, not even a sore arm from the injection.  Flu vaccines are free here in New Zealand and the oldies are encouraged to participate, as they can often have other conditions as well.  Records show that there are over 500 deaths each year from influenza, seems quite a high number, so I'm happy to go in and get protected.

South Island Holiday - Milford Sound

Leaving Queenstown was another busy day, full of wonderful sights and adventure.  It was a  big drive in the coach, heading to Te Anau where we stopped for lunch, then up to Milford Sound.

Not for the faint hearted, avalanche areas along the way

It was calm and peaceful driving through Eglington Valley

The scenery soon changed to grandeur, mountains crowding in on both sides of the road.

This was a view worth waiting for, when Mt Talbot appeared before us.

Mt Talbot

The road took us through the Homer Tunnel, named after Harry Homer, who discovered the saddle in 1889.  The tunnel was begun in 1935 as a project for the unemployed, and took 18 years to complete.  A little further on, and the road ends at Milford Sound.  As the climate warmed at the end of the ice ages, huge amounts if ice melted and the sea level rose, flooding many of the deeply cut glacial valleys to create the fiords we see today.  And there was our boat, waiting to take us on our Milford Sound Cruise.  Can you see the famous Mitre Peak just behind the boat?

It really was a glorious day for a cruise, nice sunny weather, just a little bit choppy, and such glorious scenery.  There was a female crew of two taking care of us, afternoon tea provided, and we settled down to enjoy the trip.  Some climbed to the open area upstairs, or out the back, or just sat inside and listened to the commentary.  I found trying to walk around a moving boat a bit tricky with my walking stick, so after a quick trip to the open rear of the boat, decided it was easier for me to sit and relax by a window.

The Captain

The views were spectacular, rugged cliffs, waterfalls, we stopped to watch some basking seals, all in glorious sunshine.  This is such an amazing part of the country indeed.

Views from the boat

Finally, the boat turned around and headed back. Tired but happy, we climbed aboard the waiting coach, back tracked along the road revisiting all that magnificent scenery again.  What a wonderful day indeed.  Our overnight stay was at Te Anau.

More Binding, and an Exhibition

 I'm sure you are all getting tired of my secret stars and hearts projects by now.  But I have just finished hand stitching the binding down on the second quilt.  Now I have to wait till I catch up with the recipients.  They don't know I've been making these, (I'm sure they don't read this blog), so it will be a surprise for them.

Two secret quilts, finally finished

I went to visit an exhibition on Friday, held at Speldhurst Country Estate.  This is a large retirement village, built in the grounds of a former hospital, so the grounds have many beautiful mature trees.  There is a lot of creative talent amongst the residents, and there were invited guest artists there as well.  Entry was a gold coin. and all funds raised were going to the local St John Ambulance, such a worthy cause.

Stepping in the door, I paid my entry fee, then took a couple of raffle tickets for a basket full of gardening goodies.  I'm not much of a gardener myself, but thought my daughter would appreciate this.  But the two day exhibition is now over, and there hasn't been a phone call to say that I won, so I guess I didn't have the winning ticket.

The first thing I spotted was a display of model trains.  Really big ones like this.

Then teeny tiny ones going round and round the track, and through tunnels.

I'm sure the very enthusiastic men told me what gauge they were.  It certainly must be an engaging hobby, as long as there is room to display their lovingly collected treasures.

This was a fun table, full of cute little hand made toys.  Sadly, I have no one to buy such things for these days.

Toys galore

Then I came across this intriuging display.  "Of course, these are modeled on my figure", the artist said with a smile.  Sadly, no.  But they were certainly fun items.  They are hollow and backless, with a handy hook to hang on your wall.  I had never seen anything like it, I have to say.

For madam's boudoir, perhaps?

Then I found the quilt display.  There is a very strong group of quilters residing in the village, and several well known quilters involved.  I looked around and admired the quilts on display, purchased a couple of raffle tickets for quilts (I'm ever hopeful) Talked to some quilty ladies, and took home a couple of donated magazines looking for a new home.  

Some of the quilts on display

I passed several ladies selling hand made cards. some with knitting items, and there were numerous painters with wonderful displays.  Truly something for everyone, such a talented bunch live and create at this village.

There were really special timber items tucked away in yet another room.  And there was a face I knew, it was Russell from our caravan club.  His speciality is making items from matchsticks.  I already knew this as he had previous shown some of his work at a caravan rally some time ago.  It's hard to imagine just how many hours went into crafting these works of art.

All made from matchsticks

Beautiful boxes made by Dave Brandon

The most amazing thing I saw was a copy of the famous Burt Munroe's motorcycle, also crafted by Dave Brandon.  Burt Munro, from Invercargill, New Zealand, set a documented top speed of 184mph, 296km in 1967 on the Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah, riding his modified 1920 Indian Scout.  All this at the ripe old age of 68.  The film, "the World's Fastest Indian", starring Anthony Hopkins, made in 2005, tells this story and his struggles to attend the race.

What a beauty

It was nice to catch up with Russell's wife Maureen, and she joined me for coffee and a nice long catch-up in the adjacent cafe after I had seen all the exhibition.  It was a lovely morning indeed, but I was pleased to get home. as I have been feeling a bit under the weather for the last week or so.  Cough, cough, coughing and a sore throat, and feeling weary enough to take me off for an afternoon nap some days.   Just to be sure, I took a Covid test, which came back negative, I'm pleased to say.  Guess I just have to keep up with my lemon and honey drinks, throat lozenges, and rest.  

Sew Wot Tuesday

Sew Wot Tuesday rolled around again, this time Jude was the hostess.   Jude had to rescue me at the gate as I couldn't open it, and the dog was running around.   I was worried he would escape, run out the gate and down the road.  But luckily that didn't happen, he was just so excited when all the Sew Wot ladies arrived.

Once settled down inside on the comfy chairs, we all caught up with the news.  There is always a lot of that these days, news of the world, the fuel crisis, a recent fatal road accident close by, and sadly some of our group are experiencing health problems too.  Guess it comes with the age group.  As Heather remarked, we are all getting fragile now, so true.

Show and Tell is always exciting.  Sandra showed us her socks she was knitting on two needles.  Although she can master those tricky little double pointed needles, she has been attending a class run by Helen and Mary on how to knit socks flat - just like I do.  These are for her, such pretty wool, and she is very pleased with her progress.

Sandra's socks

Carol had made two more baby sets for the neo natal unit at the hospital.  Sure to be well loved and appreciated by the new Mums.

Made by Carol

It was knitting all the way for Show and Tell.  Heather had finished a pretty cable front jumper for one of her great-great-twin-grandbabies.  And was well on the way to completing a second one for the other twin.  She had baby brag photos to show us from their  recent visit, they can sit up now!

Knitted by Heather

Tea and coffee orders were taken and the tea trolly was wheeled in, chocka block with goodies to enjoy for our morning tea.  So delicious, thanks so much Jude.

Morning Tea is served

Jude had brought out her sewing chair as an extra seat for the visitors, and mentioned that there was good storage for projects under the seat.   I remarked I had the same thing at home, and I seem to recall a long forgotten wyncyette (flannel) project tucked away at home.  So of course, once I returned home I needed to check it out.

My sewing chair, just like Jude's

I lifted up the seat, and what did I find?  A whole lot of flannel strips, and larger flannel pieces, but  I hadn't made much of a start.  I had seen a strippy quilt on someone's blog and decided to make that design, quite some time ago now.    There is enough pink and blue fabric to make two strippy baby quilts.  Guess I should add this to my list of UFOs, it's been hidden away for goodness knows how long.

  A big pile of flannel, hidden away for ages

Handwork and Books

 I've been doing a bit of this and a bit of that all week.  Remember those blue stars and hearts I've been working on for a secret project?  I've finished stitching the binding down on the stars, just need to do the binding on the hearts now.  I'm not sure when I will be meeting up with the recipients to hand these over though, could be a while.  But I'll keep them safe and sound and share photos when they finally go to their new homes.

I've also done a bit more knitting on my summer top.  This generally gets worked on in the evenings while I'm watching TV, usually during the commercial break as I like to concentrate on the programmes.  So it is growly slowly, one row at a time.

It's coming along slowly

And I've been doing a little big hand stitching on my beautiful Land and Sea Panel today - this has been neglected for much too long.  There is so much of interest to work on, I'm currently stitching around an orca.  And of course there are plenty of birds, fish and background just waiting to be stitched.  I'm working on this as a long term project.

Stitching around the orca

Of course, I've been reading too.  I had a reading emergency recently when I was out of library books, and couldn't get to the library straight away.  So I had a look through the book shelves and selected one of Robin's books, so I didn't get withdrawal symptoms.  Something completely different for me,  The War of the Running Dogs, by Noel Barber.  This told the story of the Malayan War, and how the communists were defeated.  I have to admit I knew nothing at all about this war, I was a child during those years, left school and started my first job in 1960.  That's a long time ago, isn't it.

An interesting and informative read

I finally made it to the library, taking my library bag with me.  I remember stitching this panel quite some years ago when we still lived in Upper Hutt.  Oh look,  some of my favourite authors and I added Wuthering Heights too!

My Library Bag

Two books from the library came home with me, and were devoured.  I enjoy reading Lynda La Plante's character of Jane Tennison, a woman police officer climbing up the ranks, not an easy task, made harder with jealousy and opposition from her male colleagues.  Robin Cook's medical mysteries are often about a dangerous killer virus or something similar sweeping the world.  Charlatans was a little different and told the story of the dirty dealings of lucrative health supplement business, and the steps they would take to protect their business.  

Two recent reads from the library

So that's what I've been up to lately, stitching, knitting and reading.

South Island Holiday - Arrowtown and Walter Peak

 It's always such a bonus to have a two night stay on these coach tours, instead of packing up and moving on each morning.   In saying that, there was a lot packed in to our stay at Queenstown.   First things first, just look at this fabulous morning view looking out of my hotel room at Lake Wakatipu.

Early morning view

After breakfast we climbed aboard our coach which drove us to nearby Arrowtown.  The Arrow River became famous in 1862 when William Fox discovered alluvial gold close to where the town now stands.  This pretty little town boasts carefully preserved wooden cottages on the tree lined streets, and many of the historic buildings have been converted to tourist shops.  I did enter the Gold Nugget gold shop, hoping to find a suitable gold charm for my charm bracelet.  But couldn't believe it when I was told they only have silver charms for sale.  While I was there, another customer asked to see the biggest gold nugget they had, don't know if they purchased it as the asking price was sky high! 

The main road in Arrowtown

Later in the afternoon it was time for one of the highlights of the trip to me, a cruise to Walter Peak Station, aboard TSS Earnslaw, I had never been to Walter Peak Station before.  Our group, together with a large number of other passengers, gathered at the Steamer Wharf, the home of the steel hulled Earnslaw.  This ship was built in Dunedin, then completely dismantled, hauled by rail to Kingston, where it was reassembled and launched on Lake Wakatipu in 1912.  She is the last of many steamships that once worked on the lake.  The passenger loading soon got underway, we all hurried up the gangplank to find a seat, and settled down to enjoy the journey.  I was interested to look down at the working engines, the steamship gets through a ton of coal an hour, and is capable of 13 knots.

The engine room

And then, after 45 minutes of cruising, the beautiful elegant buildings of Walter Peak Station came into view.  This was founded in the 1860s and is one of the oldest sheep and cattle stations in the country.  It is still a working farm, and now hosts many many visitors to its BBQs, lunches and dinners during the season.

A glamorous place for our dinner

I must admit that the food was amazing, so much choice that I really didn't know where to start.  I remember enjoying salmon (of course, on of my favourites) and something quite different for me, paua pate.  Then I saw one of my tablemates coming back with some lamb, and had to ask where she found that.  There were several rooms set out with buffet food, and I had obviously missed one of them.  The desserts were tiny little portions of this and that delight, so we could take several without feeling guilty.  I asked one of the staff members to take a photo of my table.  There was only one husband amongst us, the rest were ladies on their own.

Dining at Walter Peak Station

After our wonderful dinner, most of the group went to see the sheep shearing.  My back had been very painful over the last few days so I decided not to do the gentle climb up, and went and sat, with several others who felt the same, outside the homestead.  It was a lovely peaceful place to sit and relax.

And then, here she comes!  The Earnshaw was not only coming to collect us, but was bringing another boat full of passengers for the later dinner booking.  We waited patiently till they all disembarked, then it was our turn to board.  Sit down by the piano, our host told us all, so we all squeezed down that end.

TSS Earnslaw arriving to collect us

It soon became clear why our group was sitting by the piano, seems the tour group had booked these seats for us especially.  Once we were underway, the songbooks were handed out, and the pianist starting tickling the ivories.  They were old songs, a lot of war songs and even older,  but surprisingly, I knew the words to most of them.  What fun, we all had a great time, singing lustily at the top of our voices.  There was another tour group onboard of Asians, and someone commented that they were all looking at us with interest, probably wondering at the behaviour of these rather noisy elderly Kiwis!

The songbook

The coach was waiting for us at the Steamer Wharf, we climbed aboard, and were taken up the hill to our hotel.  What a great day we had.  And another full day was planned for the next day.