Wooly Socks and Daffodil Day

 It's just as well that I have finished a couple of pair of woolly socks recently, as Winter has returned with a vengeance.  After weeks of fine, calm, sunny but cool days we now have wind, rain and cold temperatures.  Spring may be just around the corner, but our Spring weather is often fickle and rather changeable.

My two pair of nice, thick, wooly socks used up some remaining sock yarn.  The dark pair was knitted using double knit navy wool, and the rest of coloured sock yarn I had left over from knitting myself a pair of 4ply socks.  (I made the feet in these 4ply socks too long so I need to shorten them and reknit the toes).    The lighter pair used some of the hand spun wool I received from my late friend Merilyn, plus the remains of 4ply sock yarn I had knitted for my grand-daughter.  These socks have been finished a little while now,  but took a while for me to sew the side seam up.

Two pairs of woolly socks

And then I couldn't help myself, and just had to cast another pair on.  I'm in  no hurry for these, but do like to have a pair on the go for when I want some simple knitting.  These are also knitted using some more of Merilyn's hand spun yarn, and left over sock yarn.  It is nice to knit away with Merilyn's wool and reflect on all the lovely times I had with my life long friend.

Another pair on the go

I really do prefer to wear these 12ply socks myself, much more than the lighter 4ply socks, I like the way they fit my foot and over the heel, and they are lovely and warm in the winter.  

And just so you don't think socks are the only thing I knit..........  I have a multi coloured baby cardigan, and a brown hand spun baby jumper on the needles.  Plus a blue jumper for me, which I really must get on with.  This blue jumper was started for me to work on during  our long summer South Island caravan trip, which sadly never happened when Robin passed away.  So it has been languishing in it's bag for quite a while now.  I've decided I can face it again so I'll have to get on with it.

Friday was Daffodil Day, a fund raiser for the Cancer Society.  I stopped in the mall at the stand and came away with a bunch of daffodils, a packet of white chocolate and macadamia biscuits specially made for the Cancer Society fund raiser (cookies to some of you) and a raffle ticket in a huge gift basket.  The Cancer Society advertising slogan this year was reminding everyone that one of three of us will get cancer in our lifetime.  I'm one of three myself, twice sadly, so I was more than happy to donate to such a good cause.

Out and About

 I've been out and about lately.  The other day I traveled down to Waikanae to visit my friend Trish who had recently moved from the Hutt Valley to her new home.  Rather than drive I took the bus down, which is free for oldies like me.  This bus route only travels on Tuesdays and Thursdays, departing from my home town at 9.00am then leaving Waikanae Railway Station  at 3.00pm.  Many locals take this trip down to Waikanae to then get the train into Wellington.

Trish collected me from the station and drove me back to her  new home.  Being brand new, everything is fresh, bright and airy, it was lovely indeed.  After a look around, we had coffee outside on the patio.  The day was glorious, fine, warm and sunny, a very pleasant  Autumn day indeed.  The village Trish has moved to is still under construction, and we watched as builders were climbing up and down the scaffolding with ease, obviously all fit young men with good balance, well used to working at heights.

New Summerset Village

Trish was keen to take us out to lunch at the cutest little pink bakery/cafe I've ever seen.  You could tell it was very popular with the locals as there was a steady stream of workers coming in to get their pies, bread rolls, sweet treats and coffees to take away.  This business was close by the beach so I could imagine workers sitting in their work trucks enjoying their lunch watching the waves roll it.  

Olde Beach Bakery

We sat in the courtyard to enjoy our lunch.  I was going to have a bread roll but they were huge, big man sized rolls for a hungry workman to devour but I didn't think I could manage one at all.  So we both ordered a French pastry and a nice hot coffee, chatting away under the shade outside.  Several customers had their dogs with them in the courtyard, the animals were well behaved sitting quietly at their owners feet and no bother at all.

Al Fresco lunch on a lovely sunny day

Then we drove down to Paraparaumu to the Mall to have a look around the shops.  Goodness me, a nice light jacket jumped into my bag and came home with me!  This is the same shopping mall I got lost in and couldn't find the correct exit last month when I took the coach tour trip to overnight in Wellington for dinner and a show.  Luckily Trish has a better sense of direction than me and we made it safely back to her car, and then drove back to Waikanae for me to get the bus home again.  I had a lovely time out and will certainly use the bus again in the future.  I may even hop on the train for an adventure, next time, that would be exciting!

The previous week I booked a seat on the Health Shuttle to Palmerston North -  it was time for my annual mammogram.  I was a little early so I sat and did  some knitting to pass the time.  These thick wooly socks hadn't seen the light of day for quite some time, so I was pleased to progress them a little further.  

Cozy socks for winter

Once the mammogram was done, I just sat and waited a short time till the shuttle collected me to take me back.  This is a wonderful service to get to health appointments, most people go to the hospital, but drop offs are made to other health venues as well.  All for the price of a donation.  Robin used to have a regular slot on the Heath Shuttle timetable and really enjoyed his time there.  

Sew Wot Tuesday and Medical Stuff

 Our Sew Wot Tuesday rolled around again, and rather than have us all drive way out into the country to her rural home, Helen arranged for us to meet at the LQS Fox's Cottage again.  Only five of us could make it this time.  We gathered in the class room at the back of the shop, and Helen had brought morning tea for us and to share with the shop staff - no wonder they are always so happy to see us.  

There wasn't so much show and tell this time, although Helen stunned us with her glorious black and white top, with just a sprinkling of colour throughout.  This was started during Covid lockdown, she told us.

Helen's black and white quilt top

Jude had completed one sock, and was just starting the second,  this was a new to her method knitting socks on two needles, usually she whizzes them up on four tiny double pointed needles.

Jude's new sock with self striping yarn

And I had brought along my recently completed Thomas and Friends cot quilt.

Thomas and Friends

I had to leave the ladies early to drive home, have a quick lunch, then take the Health Shuttle up to Palmerston North Hospital for my oncologist appointment.  I had plenty of time to wait, so settled down in the staff cafe with a coffee and my knitting.

Sock knitting at the hospital

My appointment went well, the results from my mammogram are excellent, and Dr Claire is happy with everything.  Because I took part in a drug trial I get to see the oncologist for 10 years after my diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer, instead of the usual 5 years.  So I can't complain about that, it means an extra 5 years of care.  I boarded the 5.00pm Health Shuttle and we drove home in darkness in the pouring rain, it had been a long afternoon indeed.

Today was Gemma's turn for medical care.  She was bundled into her carry cage and off to the Vet for a check up and vaccinations.  No, she was not happy about the change to her usual quiet day, but tolerated the poking and prodding very well.  The vet, a young woman who came out from Canada pronounced Gemma fit and healthy, with a beautiful coat, and gorgeous eyes!

Where are you taking me?

Both of us have a clear bill of health, so that is good to know.

Mellow Yellow

 It's time for a little yellow sewing - according to the RSC rules, yellow is the colour of the month.  I'm stitching several Rainbow Scrap Challenge projects, so out came the bags.  First up were the pirate blocks.  These aren't going to be done in every colour of the rainbow.  Rather, I'm picking out several colours which are featured in  the pirate fabric, and so far have done green and red.  This month is yellow, and I have light and dark blue to go, when their turn arrives.  That was easy.  

Three pirate blocks

Also easy was the four patch framed blocks set I'm making.  There was only one four patch block in my bag which had a bit of yellow in it.  Plenty of others waiting in the wings, I noticed some pink and blue four patches patiently  waiting.  These small four patch blocks in mostly novelty children's fabrics were stitched up a couple of  years ago when I was sorting through some smaller squares.

Next up were Happy Blocks, featuring a little yellow.  These are fun to make, and easy peasy too.  There are bird houses, dots, flowers and cute little yellow bunnies.  I've actually got a set of both boys and girls Happy Blocks from 2023 RSC still to assemble.  Plus......how many more block sets tucked away?  Oh dear, they are all mounting up.

Happy Blocks and Framed Four Patch

Now we have tested clear from Covid, we have had a busy week.  My annual mammogram had to be rescheduled from when I was in home lock down, so I'm pleased I could get in so promptly.  I consider myself very fortunate to get these free annual mammograms, a follow up from having  breast cancer several years ago.  Here in New Zealand the free mammograms come to an end at age 69.  I opted for a private paid mammogram the following year, and after years of getting clear results, this was the the one which showed I had a problem.  Money well spent, and I was soon in the hospital system getting treatment.  

Off for my test

Inside the x-ray room I discovered a pretty little heart quilt on the wall, obviously made for a friend who had been diagnosed with  BC and loaned or donated to this facility.  Such a lovely though.

Hanging in the breast screening rooms

Dorothy's Nine Patches

This month the RSC colour has changed to yellow, but I'm not quite finished with purple yet.  I decided if I didn't keep plodding away on this project, it would be put away, out of sight, and forgotten about.  I know I've mentioned my former neighbour Dorothy many times, and the fact that when she moved away to go into a rest home her daughter gave me a couple of boxes of quilting fabrics.  Tucked in the bottom of one of the boxes were a pile of nine patch blocks.  I  assembled these blocks using white sashing, left over coloured squares for the corner stones, and some of Dorothy's purple floral fabric for the borders.

On the design bed

Prior to our Easter trip I had pinned the quilt layers together, and had done about half of the machine quilting.  We had a lovely ten days away in our caravan, but sadly we contacted Covid on the last day or two and brought it home with us.  For the first week home from our trip I was too fatigued to do much at all.  You know you are not well when the highlight of your day is taking an afternoon nap! And we needed to take ourselves off to bed by 8.00pm most nights, so we were really feeling sorry for ourselves.  

By week two I was starting to feel a little brighter and managed a little machine quilting each day.  That is, when Gemma decided I could!  After all, wasn't that nice warm quilt sitting on the sewing cabinet just for her to cuddle up on?

Time to move, Gemma

A quiet afternoon or two saw the pink binding hand stitched down, and there -  it's all done.  This will be a donation quilt.  With this project done and dusted, I can start thinking about RSC yellow next week.

All finished

Easter Weekend in Napier

 You know what it's like when you set off on holiday - you seem to have all the time in the world and then it's all over.  We were attending our caravan club rally in Napier, with plenty of plans, people to see, things to do, plus a little shopping.  It didn't all fall nicely into place though.  On my "must do list" was a visit to Skeinz, a local company which spins their own wool.  I had found a pretty 6ply cardigan pattern for myself and was after some yarn.   Of course there were several lovely colours available, but I couldn't resist this soft blue, nice and squishy in big 100gr balls.  Call me predictable but I really can't go past blue.

A new garment for me

My other purchase there was a ball of knitting cotton in a nice burgundy shade.  I'll be knitting a couple of cotton dishcloths for the caravan from this, our caravan upholstery is in this colourway.  Not that it really matters just for a dishcloth or two, but whatever makes me happy, I guess.

I can see a couple of dishcloths coming

My other purchase was a tea towel for the caravan, very cute I thought.

We had a busy five days in Napier, and had planned to meet up with my late sister's daughter Lisa and her adult children one day for lunch.  Sadly that didn't go as planned as Lisa was sick and the lunch date was cancelled.  But we slotted in a lunch with our caravan friends at Silky Oak, a wonderful chocolate cafe instead.

Robin enjoying his iced chocolate

We took our caravan buddies Helen and Owen to Birdwoods, a "new to them place".  There is a lovely little cottage on site and we had often mentioned this cutest little lolly shop to them.  Oh no, they said, we are not buying any lollies! And guess who walked out the door with a bag full, firmly clutched in his hands?   We were in need of a coffee after all this excitement, so went into the rather posh Birdwoods cafe.  We were escorted to our table, and a friendly young waitress came and took our order.  We noticed a group of ladies partaking in High Tea with the gorgeous tiered tray full of delectable morsels.  But when we inquired the cost per person, we gulped and decided no, it would have to be a really special occasion to warrant that price.

Jenny, Robin, Owen and Helen

Another morning we went to the local market.  What a crowd there was, families with kids, people with dogs and plenty of golden oldies like us.  My aim was to purchase some fresh seasons apples, found them easily enough.  Then we did some cheese tasting, and three lots of cheese jumped into our bag.  Some nice fresh bread rolls for our lunch, and some beef from the meat stall, and that was our lot.  We came away feeling quite pleased with our purchases.

Farmers Market

Our caravan club members shared Easter Buns for Afternoon Tea one day, and Easter Eggs another day.  And I'm pleased to report that the Easter Bunny tracked us down in the caravan to deliver a delicious Lindt Golden Bunny to us both.

One for him, and one for me

Gemma had a fine old time relaxing with us outside the caravan when the weather allowed, firmly contained with her harness and lead, of course.  She loves popping into any open lockers she can find, here she is checking out Owen's locker, which was handily left open.  

Wonder what is in here?

Napier City suffered a devastating earthquake in February 1931, with 256 deaths and many thousands injured.  The city was levelled, and fires burned in the city for 36 hours before finally dying out.  The sea floor and beach rose 2.7m and the present Napier Airport  stands on land which was once part of a lagoon.  When Napier was rebuilt, the streets were widened, services improved, and the building style used was Art Deco.  Napier has a world renowned collection of Art Deco buildings.

National Tobacco Company building in the Art Deco style

This row of houses, known as the Six Sisters, are among the few survivors of the 1931 earthquake.  They were built by an architect who wanted a two storey house for each of his daughters.   Some of the  houses are now owned by commercial businesses, with a few  reverting back into family homes.

The Six Sisters

 

As Monday afternoon wore on I started to feel unwell, coughing, sneezing, head aches, I was certainly coming down with something.  We left for home a day early, and after helping unpack the caravan, I fell into bed.  Youve guessed it, I had caught the dreaded Covid.  After several years of feeling rather smug that we had never succumbed, it had now caught up with us.  Robin tested positive a couple of days later, and neither of us feel quite so smug now.  To be honest, my ribs are so painful with all the coughing, not pleasant at all.  So we will be staying home for the next week or so, rearranging appointments, and resting up.  

Good News, and a Birthday

There was excellent news for Robin at his appointment with the orthopedic surgeon last week to check on his knee replacement.   There were x-rays on the monitor showing the replacement pieces, and everything looked nice and straight, we were told.  The wound has healed nicely and Robin’s knee movement is excellent.  We were told that slow improvement will happen over the next year or so, but everything looks fine, and he can do away with the sticks.  Yes, he is cleared to drive, so a caravan trip will be happening in the near future.  Yippee to that!

We had planned to go to Speights Ale House for a celebration lunch.   A Speights beer for Robin and a bubbly for me while we checked out the menu.  What to choose, that always takes a bit of thought.  I had pork belly, no surprises there, and Robin chose a big juicy lamb shank.  We hadn't planned on dessert, but a cinnamon oyster each with coffee afterwards was just a mouthful and so light and  tasty.  After such a big lunch, there was no evening meal for us that evening.

At Speights for a celebration lunch

Recently I spent some time at the hospital having a “new to me” procedure – a Nuclear Medicine whole body bone scan.  This was rather like an MRI but without the infernal noise and took a hour for the machine to do its thing.  The nurse kindly  let me take a photo.

I have getting back pain for some time, and as a cancer survivor, was quite concerned.  But the report came back clear of anything nasty – such a relief, only showing arthritis in my spine.  So as you can imagine, I was so relieved, and will no doubt need a doctors visit  on how best to manage with my back.  Get more exercise, he is sure to say!  I am so grateful to my lovely oncologist for organizing this appointment for me, it has certainly put my mind at rest. 

My birthday has rolled around again (how old, you are probably thinking?)  Old enough to have a major birthday coming up in a couple of years, but we will worry about that later when the time arrives.  The pair of us had a nice lunch out at a local café, the food is great here and it is always a busy place.  I had my camera on the table and the young waitress spotted it and asked if we could like a photo taken. Yes please, I said, it’s my birthday lunch.   How’s that for customer service!

Birthday lunch at Salt and Pepper Café

I had beer battered fish and Robin had a very large steak.  And I succumbed to a little something extra, just because it was my birthday.  We had a huge piece of the cafes famous carrot cake each, that took some eating, and neither of us quite managed to finish our piece of cake.

Look at that cake!

Robin was pleasantly surprised when he went up to pay the bill.  Because it was my birthday, the café gave me my coffee and cake for free!  And as well, they gave me a couple of extra stamps on my coffee card to accumulate for a future free coffee when the card is full.  Goodness me, I didn't know they would do that.

So it’s good health news for both of us, and  birthday celebration too, how lucky are we.

Shopping and Voting

I’ve got a very important quilt to make, so I took a trip to my local quilt shop, Fox’s Cottage.

My daughter Nicky has a big birthday coming up, but not for a while, so I’ve got plenty of time to think about it.  After I made her a birthday quilt for her 40th birthday, then her 50th, I presumed she would like another when she turns 60.  Yes she would, she replied excitedly.  We had talked colours and designs, and she had sent me several photos she had found on the internet.  Nothing sharp and pointy she declared!  Nicky would like nine patches, she decided, and rather liked pinks, greens, not too bright and garish, with cream, and would leave the rest up to me. So it was time to go shopping and make a start on gathering some compatible fabrics. 

Shopping trip

A check through my stash should find some smaller pieces which would work well, and I’ll probably need to buy some more later, but these will get me started.  I’m pleased I’ve got plenty of time, so I wont need to be in too much of a rush.  I'll have to decide between alternate blocks and/or sashing and then borders, but that will all fall into place once I start making the blocks.  So exciting to be starting such a special project.

On the drive back home  I stopped off at Lewis Farms to buy some new season asparagus.   The grading machines were busy, clatter clatter, keeping the workers on their toes as they sorted the different grades.  At the height of the season, this place is packed full of workers, busily doing all the various jobs as required.   Many of the seasonal workers come and stay in their motor homes and caravans and park up on the grounds for a small cost - no travel time to work when you are staying on site. 

Grading the asparagus

The farm shops stocks other locally made goods as well, honey, pesto, free range pork products, bread and crackers.  Lewis Farms also grow strawberries and raspberries, and real fruit ice-cream is available, as well as freshly ground coffee.  The shop was bustling with customers so I had a little wait for my coffee fix.

Asparagus and coffee

Saturday was Election Day, time for everyone to have their say and go and vote.  We had voted early, but many people like to enjoy the atmosphere and cast their vote on the actual day.  We watched the TV coverage in the evening, and it was obvious people thought it was time for a change.  Labour was trounced and National will be the new government.  The Special Votes still need to be counted, those from Kiwis overseas, in hospitals, and those who voted outside  of their electorates.  There may well be changes to a few seats, but it seems that overall National will form a government with one or two coalition parties.

Robin’s Monday morning physio classes are going well, and he is noticing improvements to his knee each week.  As I'm still the nominated driver, its coffee time for me while I sit and wait for him to do his exercise circuit.  And a little more sock knitting to pass the time.  We are looking forward to seeing the orthopedic surgeon on Thursday who will hopefully clear Robin to drive again.

Waiting till Robin has completed his physio

Colour Change

The colour for those of us taking part in the Rainbow Scrap Challenge (RSC) has changed this month to aqua.  In my mind, aqua also encompasses the  shades of turquoise and teal.  Once again, not shades I have a huge amount of, but I found enough strips and small pieces to cut and stitch blocks for my two Little Bricks projects.

Little Bricks

We took a trip up to Palmerston North on Thursday to get the many staples removed from Robin’s knee, in fact we counted 28 of them!  The nurse had some sort of handy little implement which she used, and ping, ping, one after another the staples were removed.  Then the surgeon breezed in, peered at Robin’s knee, and declared that he was pleased with the results of his work.  An appointment was made to come back in six weeks time for a final check. 

On the way out, I noticed a pretty starry wall hanging in the waiting room, so of course had to stop and take a photo.  I believe that the wife of one of the partners is a quilter, and likes to change the quilt from time to time.

On show at Aorangi Orthopedics

Robin decided he didn't really couldn't cope with going out for lunch after all, in fact he was feeling a little seedy after our tripping around, so we drove straight home.  Now the staples have been removed his knee feels less tight, which will help with moving around.  He is slowly improving, one day at a time.

Knitting, a New Knee, and Quilts

It’s been quite a week.   The date for  Robin’s second knee replacement had finally rolled around, and on the day prior he needed blood tests done, and we were both asked to take a RAT test each, to prove we were Covid free.  Luckily the tests were negative, always a bit of a worry as we had one friend who had his surgery deferred for quite some weeks as he had caught Covid.  The alarm clock was set on Tuesday morning for 5.00am, and we were out the door and driving at 6.00am to Palmy in the dark.  So many people were milling around the admissions desk when we arrived, we did wonder how far down the operating list Robin would be.  What we did find out was that there are four operating theatres in Crest Hospital, and Robin was first on his surgeon’s list that morning. As well as dealing with new knees and hips, the hospital also performs other surgeries including eye surgery and cancer surgery.

Entrance to Crest Hospital

Crest Hospital is a private hospital and has contracts with the DHB to perform surgeries, which is helping to whittle down the public list, a great idea after Covid stopped elective surgery for some time.  Robin was shown to his room, extra forms filled in, the anesthetist came calling, and he was whisked away down the corridor just after 8.00am.  I departed for a coffee fix and to await the call that it was all over.  He was back in his room by midday, bright and perky.  Sadly it was a different story the next day, when he had a reaction to the pain pump, and was feeling rather seedy indeed.  But he still needed to get out of bed, move around a little, and get used to the crutches, once again.   Traveling up each day in the Health Shuttle, a wonderful local service for those with hospital appointments, or like me, visiting a relative in hospital, I made sure I took some knitting with me.  I arrived at midday on the shuttle and left at 3.00pm, a nice long time for a hospital visit.  I sat and knitted while he dozed, or chatted, depending on how he was feeling.  I started another pair of socks, using up more of my left over zauberball sock yarn, as my other socks were up to the tricky heels and I didn't want to cope with counting rows while visiting.

New sock project and back from surgery with a new knee

While wandering up and down the corridor to make myself a cuppa, I spotted a quilt hanging up in one of the offices.  So of course I had to pop in and say “hello, I’m a quilter too”!  She was very friendly and chatty and as it turns out, her Mother used to be President of my local quilt club, what a small world!  She was quite happy for me to take a photo or two, and I’m always thrilled when I discover quilts in unexpected places.  The dress form quilt features  fabric collage blossoms, and the beautiful little purple quilt has a real Kiwi Pacific theme.  Both lovely, and how nice that she (sorry, should have written her name down) could bring her quilts in and enjoy them in her workspace.

Quilts discovered in Crest Hospital

The menus at Crest are amazing, it was just a shame that he didn't feel well enough to enjoy his Filet Mignon when it was served.  I was able to take advantage of the menu too, and ordered a hot lunch on one of the days I was visiting.  Robin slowly came right and Friday was discharge day.  He managed to maneuver his leg into the small car and home we went.  All patients feel better at home, their own comfy chair and bed, Gemma there to check you out, maid service and home cooked meals, although Filet Mignon is not on the menu!  As this is his second knee replacement we know that things will slowly improve, and although he knee is sore when he moves it,  interesting enough it is not quite as painful as last time. 

Happy to be home

We already have an appointment to get the staples removed. There will be a stint of rehab needed to get that knee flexible again, a clearance to finally drive again, about 6-8 weeks we think, then life can get back to normal again.  In the meantime I will perform my duties as the nominated driver.