Christmas Socks and Goodies

 My girls assure me that they love my hand knitted socks, so that's what they got for Christmas again this year.  Three pair of 4ply socks, one each for them, plus a couple of other small gifts too.  They probably don't realise how long they take me to knit, but I started early, and had them done with time to spare.

Three pairs of socks

The pink ones are for my daughter Nicky, and I can't remember what brand this wool was.  The middle pair was for Emma, made with Happy Feet yarn.  And the last pair was for Megan, who has a much shorter foot length, so I have to remember to keep that in mind when I'm up to the feet.  This pair was knitted with all those tiny odds and ends of left over wool from previous socks, and I used Happy Feet yarn in plain blue for the cuffs, heels and toes.  I'm pleased how this scrappy pair turned out.

I came home on Christmas Day with two gift baskets, a gift bag, and a Christmas Stocking.  It was about time I unpacked them, I thought, on Boxing Day.

Lots of goodies here

Mmm, what's all this?  A big jar of my favourite cheese stuffed peppers - but there is a problem, I can't get the jar opened.  Also a big jar of strawberry jam, some bottled plums, plus a jar of preserved pears in mulled wine.  All so delicious.

Yummy preserves

What else?  Plenty of biscuits and chocolates to keep me nibbling for a while.

Biscuits and chocolates

Plus an assortments of soaps, creams, talcum powder, a sun hat, plus a lovely bees wax candle.  I'll be lighting that in memory of Robin soon.  And two crochet flannels/dish cloths from Nicky, I'll have to decide how I want to use them.

Haven't I been spoilt.

And lastly, Nicky spotted this piece of patchwork fabric so popped it in the basket as well.

From Nicky

I've taken down all the bereavement/sympathy cards today, and re-read all the messages again.  I particularly liked the words in one of them.

The memories shall never fade

The thoughts will last forever

A love so clearly Heaven made

Apart..... but still together

So many cards

I was really moved that a couple of people took the time to write me a letter, that is so special and thoughtful.

Christmas Greetings

Christmas has rolled around, and sending Christmas Greetings to you all.  It certainly was a different Christmas this year, without my beloved Robin by my side. I drove up to Kiwitea to spend Christmas Day with my daughter and her family, about a 75 min drive away.  I left home early at 6.30am and nearing the Whirokino Bridge, spanning the Manawatu River, just south of Foxton, the road was enveloped in river mist, quite a spooky feeling so dropped my speed right down.  After all, I could hardly see a thing.  Once over the bridge and away from the river the mist disappeared and I went on my way.  At that hour, the traffic was very light and I had no more problems on the road, luckily.   

I wanted to arrive early as the family always make a big thing out of opening the presents, followed by a big breakfast.  Granddaughter Emma was dressed as a Christmas Elf.  She had constructed the tree, like a grotto, with some of the gifts hiding inside, with the help of her uncle visiting from Australia.

Christmas tree and gifts

Mr and Mrs Clause were filled with chocolates

Christmas loo paper!

The gifts were handed out, opened and duly admired.  I was lucky to receive several gift baskets full of assorted goodies.  Noodle, the family dog was excited to get his annual Christmas treat, a squeaky pink pig.  He settled down to destroy it, ears off first, then the legs before ripping the body open to reveal the squeak and the stuffing.  That done, he was very happy indeed.

Noodle with his Christmas pig

The family always have their own take on a traditional Christmas breakfast.  Freshly bake croissants filled with ham off the bone, sliced cheesed and tomatoes.  Served with orange juice and plenty of coffee - delicious.

Later in the morning SIL Robert got a phone call to say that one of his older horses grazing on a neighbour's property seemed unwell, so off they all raced to see what the problem was.  Luckily the horse was not too bad and after a little care perked up again, maybe it was the hot sun upsetting the elderly horse.  

Our Christmas lunch was late because of the rescue mission, but nobody minded.  Robert was busy cooking stuffed, rolled, chicken breasts wrapped in bacon on the BBQ, another family tradition.

Robert busy on the BBQ

The sun was scorching hot by this time, mush too hot to eat on the deck, so we all went back inside the house for our meal.  Delicious indeed, chicken, ham, sauteed garlic asparagus, green salad, potatoe salad, macaroni salad, all very tasty.  That kept us quiet for a while.

Christmas lunch is served

Mmm, several tasty desserts followed, but I was so full that I only had room for a slice of delicious chocolate cheesecake.  It was time for me to start on the homeward journey so I finally got on my way, after it was all hands on deck to find my missing car keys!  When I arrived I must have put them in my pocket instead of away in my hand bag.  Luckily granddaughter Megan checked the armchair I had been using.

I had several occasions with tears flowing during the day, and I'm grateful to the family to just being patient and let my emotions settle down without making a big fuss.  To tell the truth, I cried in the car the whole way home.  It is hard to come to terms with losing Robin, and I have to admit that getting through Christmas Day was very difficult for me.  

Thank You All

 Many, many thanks to all who sent me blog post comments, emails, cards and phonecalls of condolences after the passing of my beloved husband Robin.  I appreciate each and every one of your messages.  Thanks also to those ladies who told me of their own losses too of their husbands, such a sad thing to go through for us all.

Robin's Memorial Service went well, although it was a trying day for me, as you can imagine.  The front table was draped with a quilt I had made for his 60th birthday, "Memories of Work and Play" I had named it.  On it I had arranged the framed Life Membership from the Caravan Club, together with his club hat.  And on the other side our wedding photo, taken 41 years ago.

Ready for the service

And off to the side were many, many of Robin's caps pegged up on my little camping clothesline.  People were invited to choose one to take home, and wear it in remembrance of Robin.  I'm pleased to say that most of them found new homes.  He loved his caps, and collected most of them during our travels.

He loved his caps

Ready for the service

I have this quilt now displayed on my quilt ladder, and have decided to leave it out permanently when I change the other quilts, as a remembrance, together with lighting a candle each evening in his honour.

Friends have dropped off several pots of flowers too, which I will be able to trim down and plant outside in the garden once they have finished flowering.

To brighten my day, Trish said

I've been slowly getting through the days, some days are better than others, with no desire to spend time at my sewing machine just yet.  But I do have a new knitting project to keep me busy.  This was started many years ago  by my friend Eileen for her grand daughter.  The girl is almost a teen now I think, so I suggested to Eileen that she pass the knitting over to me - I can finish it and donate it to somewhere worthwhile.  There was only about six inches done on the back, and as her knitting looked tighter than mine, I have unraveled it to start over again.

To keep me interested

Keeping close to Home

 These last few weeks between Robin's passing and waiting for the date of his Memorial Service I have been keeping close to home - a bit like being in limbo.  Although I've had to make visits to the bank and the supermarket to keep things running, I decided not to take part in several Christmas break-ups.

I did make an exception with the Sew Wots Christmas lunch the other week.  Thought I would be able to cope with meeting up again with this small group of caring ladies.  The chosen cafe was The Emporium, luckily not too busy with lots of strangers, and we all took along a floral fat quarter to swap.   We could add another small item as well if we wanted, for an added surprise.  Former member Moira came along too, so it was nice to see her again. 

Lucky dip for Christmas

Christmas Tree in the cafe

What did we eat, I can't remember.  But I do remember looking longingly at Carol's lunch and wishing I had chosen that item instead of mine!  The owner kindly took a few photos for us.

The Sew Wot Ladies

The other exception I made was to join my friend Dot and a couple of other ladies for her birthday lunch.  That was very nice, and Dot wanted to go to a favourite cafe which had recently been sold, just to see what changes had been made.  We were pleased to note that the new owners had kept most of the existing menu, after all, people like what they like, don't they, and customers are often adverse to changes.  No photo this time.

I've had a couple of difficult days, feeling most upset, so decided to take myself off to the local cinema to see the film For King + Country: A Drummer Boy Christmas - Live.  The film features a live performance by the Christian pop duo Joel and Luke Smallbone, a couple of Aussies now living in the USA.  Filmed in a sold out arena in Houston, Texas, it was a wonderfully uplifting film. Christmas songs, some were new to me, but many old favourites too, including the Little Drummer Boy.  I could sit there tearfully in the dark, and nobody noticed.  

Wednesday will no doubt be a difficult day for me, when the Memorial Service will be taking place.

Lighting a Candle

I've been lighting a candle to Robin in the evenings the last week or so - and will continue to do so. The flickering light is comforting as I reflect on our many happy years together, trips made, places visited, the people we have shared our social lives with.  So many happy memories.  And I must admit I do worry how I will cope in the lonely weeks, months, years, that lay ahead.

 Candle glow in the evenings

Poor little Gemma is still rather unsettled and her behaviour is different now.  I'm sure she knows Robin is no longer here, and can perhaps pick up on the changes in the household, and my emotions as well.  She was hiding away from the world in the box on her climbing tower.  I understand Gemma, wish I could hide away from the world too.  I never knew missing him  would hurt so much.

You can't see me, I'm hiding

Empty chair, empty pillow.

This is really hard, but I'm writing to say that  my darling husband Robin passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Thursday morning.   He was doing what he loved best, away on a caravan trip, this time with our ICA group, up  in Hastings.  The previous night we attended the Christmas Dinner with the group, this is our last photo together.  

After a very restless night, the following morning it was all over for us.  Many thanks to friends Bill and Val who got me, the cat  and the caravan home safely, that was a big ask, and they did it willingly.

Farewell to Robin, we shared 41 happy years of marriage together, and many, many holiday adventures.  No more caravan trips around our beautiful country, lunch dates, and quiet conversations, life will be so different now.  The empty chair in front of the TV, and the empty pillow beside me, are reminders of my loss.  The sewing and knitting projects hold absolutely no appeal at this time, but soon, maybe......

Farewell my love, you were sent off, wrapped and warm in our caravan quilt, and I have your wedding ring on my finger.  I miss you so much.

Hawkes Bay is always sunny

 The Hawkes Bay is generally sunny and warm, and although we had a couple of chilly nights, the days were glorious.  We spent a couple of days at Napier NZMCA Park and our neighbours were intrigued that we travel with a cat and came over to say hello to Gemma.  

At Napier NZMCA Park

These NZMCA parks always have a book swap and I found this helpful book there, Crafty Girls Road Trip.  Although 10 years old, there is still plenty of information that will be relevant.  I'll keep the book in the caravan for when we are tripping around visiting new places.

A great find in the book swap

And what is a visit to this area without a trip to the famous Silky Oak complex where they make delicious hand made chocolates.

My biggest dilemma was whether to order a delightfully decadent hot chocolate or an iced chocolate?  As it was a warm morning the iced chocolates won.  They were delicious!  And I'll have you know that no other chocolate items were purchased!

Two delicious iced chocolates

We caught up with my niece Lisa (my late sister Kathleen's daughter) and her family one evening for dinner.  The venue was Rosie O'Grady's,  a restaurant chain.  I had delicious roast pork while Robin enjoyed a large lamb shank.  My great nephew  Adam always wants a big hug, as I remind him of his beloved Nana.  

Jenny, Kate, Adam, Lisa, Robin

I've been knitting a cotton dishcloth for the caravan in pretty burgundy and pink shades.  Half way there, so it shouldn't take too long to finish now.

Knitting a dish cloth

And what's a holiday trip without a visit to the laundromat.  We always go to Liquid Laundromat, plenty of those throughout the country, and we can use our pre-loaded card at any of them.

The Christmas Barn

 We were away for the weekend at a caravan club rally, and there was a trip organised  to visit the Christmas Barn.  Of course I wanted to go, how exciting.  We shared cars and 8 of us drove down to see all the lovely goodies.  Lots of other people had the same idea, parking was at a premium, and the barn was packed with lots of customers.

So many lovely Christmas objects inside, all beautifully displayed.  Elegant Christmas trees everywhere, all colour co-ordinated, shelves full of goodies, and the barn was full to overflowing with customers.  There was really so much to take in.  While the ladies in our group browsed, the men retired to the cafe, where we eventually joined them for a reviving cup of coffee.  Most of the ladies had a little parcel to take back to the camp, including me.  I asked if there was any Jim Shore items available, as I have a small collection of these.  There were a few items, but nothing that I really liked, and I was told that the store is awaiting the bulk of their Jim Shore order to arrive.  What I did buy was a small Christmas tree decoration for both of the granddaughters.

  

The Christmas Barn

We had the use of a meeting room for the weekend for our morning teas and evening get togethers.  Our host was an Elvis fan and was gifted all these wonderful Elvis books to add to his collection.  I had a lovely time looking through one of these, lots of info, and so many great photos.  I've always been an Elvis fan, and visiting Gracelands is on my bucket list, although I don't really think that is likely to happen now.  But I can still dream, can't I.  

A wonderful collection

On Saturday night the caravan club members enjoyed a shared dessert.  There certainly was a lot of different desserts on offer.  I had been given some limes, so made a Key Lime Pie to take along and share.  I don't know if this was an authentic recipe, as it was made with a tin of sweetened condensed milk, but it was delicious.

Plenty for everyone

Look at all these cute teddy bears in the front window of prospective member Graham's van, collected over the years by Graham's late wife.  These bears were issued annually as a fund raiser for the Cancer Society.  Graham saw me out and about with my camera and invited me to take a photo.

A whole lot of teddy bears

Gemma enjoys her time away in the caravan, she lounges around most of the day, with the occasional trip outside with her harness and lead.  But she gets upset by loud car noises, so often scurries back to the caravan to sit in the doorway.

Curled up asleep on top of the sofa

We were not ready to return home after after caravan weekend away, but have more adventures in store.  Next stop, north to Napier.

A Little Show and Tell

 My friends Robyn, Shirley and myself take turns hosting a lunch every few months.  Sadly, their husbands have passed away, but the six of us used to get together in earlier years.  Robyn was the hostess this week, so it was us three girls plus my Robin.  The last man standing, they joke.

After our tasty lunch and a good catch-up we had some show and tell.  Robyn and Shirley both do a little quilting and Shirley had brought along a couple of things to show us.  She had recently finished this top featuring nine patches and snowball blocks on point, a donation quilt.  I must remember this design, it's very nice and simple, and would use up all sorts of bits and pieces of fabric lying about.

Donation quilt top made by Shirley

Next was a child's quilt with the individual blocks made by members of Shirley's quilt club.  Shirley took it home and did the binding - another donation quilt.

Shirley did the binding on this one

And I had  brought along my two recent finishes.

My recent quilts

Robyn then brought out the nine patch quilt she is working on for her daughter.  Another great use of scraps.

Robyn's quilt top

Then she showed us the lovely quilt on her bed, no we hadn't seen this one before.  Lovely restful colours and I'm always rather partial to stars.

On Robyn's  bed

After a very pleasant afternoon we said our goodbyes and dropped Shirley home.  It's always so nice to catch up with these old friends, we go back quite a long time.

Then in the evening I went to my quilt club meeting.  We were asked to bring four strips of fabric, 14 in by 4 ins to make "No Sew Christmas Stars".  The club member showing us how to make these was very patient, a lot of us were all fingers and thumbs as we struggled with our strips of folded fabric.  But we got there in the end, and here is mine.  I think the secret is to keep the strips pulled up tight.

No Sew Christmas Star

The Final Step

 The final step to quilt making is to stitch on a label.  (Although I don't do this on donation quilts).  Adding a label is like "signing off" a quilt, giving the details, and I always add one to those quilts I gift to family, and those I'm keeping for myself.  I've just finished hand stitching this simple label so Birthday Bouquet is now finished.

Like a lot of my projects, this one had a long gestation period.  Way back in the year 2000 I took part in Southern Cross Quilters Birthday Block Swap.  We were matched to 11 other quilters and during their birthday month stitched and posted a block to each one, with me getting 11 blocks back for my birthday.  We had already swapped any fabric we wanted included, and because I wanted a big bed quilt, I took part in two birthday block swaps that year.  I had sent a piece of the floral fabric in the label to each participant, which also gave them some idea of the colours to use, and they could stitch whatever block they liked.  I was so thrilled when the blocks were returned on my birthday month, but they sat in a bag for sometime.  Why?  Goodness knows, guess I got caught up doing other things. 

 A year or so ago, the blocks were finally stitched together, and I added the border, using up the rest of the floral focus fabric.  Then it was sent off to be commercially quilted. Another wait for a while, then the  binding was added, then I stitched the final step, the label.  I really love how this has turned out.

Birthday Bouquet

So it is a rather belated thank you to all those (mostly Australian) quilters who took part in this block swap so long ago.   I had fun stitching your birthday blocks, and love what you have done for me too.