Last Lap

NATIONAL PARK JULY

VIEW FROM WILSON HOME TAKAPUNA

Well finally after 11 weeks we have a time for leaving here, last week we had to cancel flights and ferry due to Linds injuring her back which caused so many more complications. On the bright side Josh has had an extra week of therapy.

Also another unexpected highlight was on Sunday morning we were told that some All blacks were visiting the Wilson Home http://www.wilsonhometrust.org.nz/ we had just over 1/2 hour to quickly make a flag and get to Villa 1. we had 3 all blacks Zac Guildford, Richard Kahui and Andy Ellis come visit and what lovely guys, they were all really interested in the kids. We all made it on Prime News that night. Also the French Rugby team visited the Wilson School a few weeks ago it was great to see them . Josh was down at the Gym doing his session when they visited here and got some great photos, and Josh and me made it into the Northshore Times.

Josh doing okay, it is going to take some time 2 years to rehabilitate from this op.

We all are looking forward to finally getting back to Nelson on Thursday cant believe it will nearly be 12 weeks since leaving in that awful snow in National Park. Now spring is here and looking forward to summer in Nelson, also may have a visit to Christchurch coming up to visit Rachel and family.

On the knitting front have made about 6 or 7 pairs of socks, I need some more stash, sure i can remedy that!!

ON OUR WAY HOME YAY!!!

RWC Firework Display

Tonight we had a great opportunity to see the firework display here in Auckland and we didnt even have to leave the Wilson Home Site. At the last moment we were invited to use the

http://www.wilson.school.nz/l and we had the greatest panoramic view of the Sky Tower and the firework display. It was absolutely wonderful, a once in a lifetime occasion, all the kids were so excited that I think most of them will have trouble sleeping tonight!!!!. Thanks Josh without you we wouldn't be here to enjoy this time. It is amazing that we are finding some enjoyable moments here, even though it has been hard at times. We have met some great people too and are enjoying sharing meals with other families here.

Josh has had a couple of good days and he did some great work in the Hydro pool today and tomorrow he may get to go for his first outing in the van for a short time He cant wait he hasn't stopped smiling at the prospect...... 6 1/2 weeks is a long time stuck almost flat! We can see the light at the end of the tunnel now.

Well all here are watching the first match while I type this up while it is quiet.

Dan arrives tomorrow for a few days as it is the twins birthday next week, didnt think we would still be here !!!

Have a great weekend all.

Janet

WEEK 6

Hi there everyone its been a while since posting here, busy stressful weeks with lots of ups and downs.

Josh has now started physio twice a day on the tilt table and doing slight knee bends. His pain has not been as bad but he had a bad migraine and vomiting on Thurs.

Danny arrived yesterday for the weekend and goes back tomorrow afternoon, it may be his last time coming back until the end of therapy which we still don't know when that will be. At least we have been spared the cold weather down South and it will be well into spring when we get back home to sunny Nelson.

We are getting into the swing of things here the other two area bit bored at times but we went to Takapuna library today which was great and Pappy bought in Tushme the cat and a lovely Malaysian meal for lunch YUM!!

It is amazing with all going on that I have managed to knit 3 pairs of socks. I hope to get some pics up later of those. I brought my first pair of Addi circulars to knit my socks and they are amazing they are a dream to knit with. These I brought at Crafty Knits in Milford a lovely shop that i hope to explore more when i have the time.

We have all just been down to the playroom here for a game of Boccia Josh won his first Boccia balls in a photo Competition that you can see here in the CP society newsletter.

He was so pleased to get them and has a smart new case to put them in.

I hope you are feeling better Julie after your stay in hospital and are on the way to recovery.

Have a lovely weekend this first week of spring( here in NZ that is)

Janet

Another Update

Well we are all settled in here at the Wilson Home in Takapuna for the start of Josh's rehabilitation which have just found out could be some time. It is in a lovely setting of 13 acres, with beautiful gardens which we have named The Secret Garden from the book of that name. The grandchildren explore different paths each day finding unusual flowers plants and other interesting things, we did a treasure hunt yesterday which was fun for them and helped break up the day.

Josh is doing well and being very patient in being grounded, he wont be able to go out in the van for some time yet, but will be allowed on short walks. Tushme their Sphinx cat came for a visit last night, we were all pleased to see him and he immediately curled up on Josh's bed for a cuddle. He is staying with Pappy in Auckland, so he is on holiday too!!

Hope to get some photos up soon.

Have a lovely weekend all wherever in the world you are

Janet

Day5

Today has been a beautiful sunny day here in auckland more like spring.
Josh has had a rough couple of days as they wean him off the epidural, but he seems better this afternoon. Me and kids been up to hospital but they get bored there.....not much fun! We have lunch at the Ronald Mcdonald family room in the hospital so good to have these places. We cant speak highly enough of the R/M house we are staying at at Grafton Mews it is a brand new facility, they make life much less stressful for families going through tough times.
Julie and Jason came up with Mr Louis the dog and took us out to tea and took tea in for the parents who havent been able to leave the hospital. Great job Julie and Jason and I hope that you have a great birthday today Julie.

I will be away for a while

I am currently in Auckland with the family for Josh's surgery at Starship and will be away for approx 6 weeks. He has just come out of surgery and is in recovery. We are at one of Ronald Mcdonald extra houses near to the hospital then we will be at the Wilson Centre for rehabilitation.
The other 2 are fine after a long few days of harrowing travel in the snow and a rough ferry ride.
Till later.......

Hats for Aiden

I have been busy making hats for a little boy Aiden in Christchurch. I really like this pattern, Totem Cable Hat http://knitwity.blogspot.com/2010/09/totem-cabled-hat-pattern.html I did the first one in cleckheaton wool 8 ply and then the next in Panda soft 8 ply because I thought he may be sensitive to wool. I really like how the Panda knitted up nice and soft, even though I am not a fan of acrylic, I would use this again. I also did some fingerless gloves for Aiden and his sister and they look so cute. Both sized for toddler and they are on there way to Christchurch and hope they fit... and bring a little cheer for the parents who are going through tough times.

It has been another beautiful day here in Nelson sunny and warm after the frost, just been for a walk along the Railway Reserve lots of people out biking and enjoying the day as I hope you are wherever you are.

Have a wonderful weekend all.

Janet

Hello

It has been a while since posting here as my computer has died. In the meantime I have borrowed my grandaughters laptop which is great.
We have had a few days away at Greymouth at the CCS house, which is a wonderful place to relax and unwind. Have been busy once again knitting things for Julies markets.
More aftershocks continue to rock Christchurch the last big ones were centered near Rachel which upped everybodies anxiety levels. They have just found out that their home in Avondale is green which means okay for rebuild. It is crazy as the end `of their street is red zones to be demolished and she has silt under her house so what they will do I dont know, so many others are in the same position`with one half street red other green!!! Trying times for them as more aftershocks bring more damage.
Well I have two of the grandchildren around for a while, they are busy watching movies on the Ipad ......wonderful!
The weather continues to be wet but not too cold the temps are up for this time of the year. Getting washing dry is a real problem and I hate wet washing hanging around.
Well all. ......have a great weekend wherever you are.
Blessings
Janet

I Am In !!

Yay !!!!!!!! I have just signed up for another winter sock club from Vintage Purls. These go so quickly that I have been glued to the computer waiting for it all to happen. You get one installment for each of the months of June July and August. Got to have something to beat those winter blues. It is a lovely surprise because you never know what you are getting, wool and pattern and also Morag pops in some lovely little sweet treats!

I have been looking at this lovely pattern for fingerless mitts for ages and finally succumbed to buying it, I am sure I wont be disappointed. It is called Veyla you can buy it from Ysolda Teage's web or through Ravelry. I have some lovely VP sock yarn that I have earmarked for this and I want to do some in cream Alpaca.

Today is beautiful and warm really didn't need a coat walking to the shops early.

I got new glasses yesterday, 2 pairs one for on the computer and one for everyday, first thing I said was "I can see! "Hadn't realized that my eyesight had deteriorated since my last glasses 3 years ago. What a difference they make, no more sore and stiff neck after hours on my computer. Perhaps my knitting will improve now!

Happy weekend to all my family and friends wherever you are.

Janet

Date Scones and Jam

Decided to make myself some date scones this afternoon, I was feeling in the mood for something a little sweet, these always fills the gap and freeze very well.

I think the recipe comes off an old Edmonds Baking Powder box had it so long cant remember.

Here it is.

Scones

3 Cups flour

4 1/2 tsp Baking Powder

1/4 tsp salt

1- 1 1/2 cups of milk I add a

little water instead of all milk.

50 gram butter.

I added a few dates to this recipe but you could add sultanas, whatever.

Stir dry ingredients, rub in butter, add milk and dates and mix quickly to a soft dough i feel you really need all the liquid. Turn onto a floured board roll lightly or pat out until 3/4 in thick, cut and place on a cold oven tray and bake in hot oven 230c 450 f

for 10 to 15 mins.

I had some homemade plum jam with them, knew it was homemade as I found a few stones in it!!!

On the knitting side of things haven't had a very productive week, mainly because I started lots of things and ended up for one reason or another frogging them. Back to making some more merino socks for Julies market next weekend. Easy knits.

I purchased a skein of VP yarn last week, lovely variegated colours. I am not sure what to knit with this but think it would knit up nice for a pair of socks for Josh. Hi Josh I know you go to my blog every day! Hope you have a great weekend.

Well it seems we are in for a rough night tonight with heavy rain warnings. It has been a glorious day today, like summer.

Take care and have a great weekend

Janet

Another Monkey Off My Back!!

One again I have resorted to knitting my favorite sock pattern Monkey. I always go back to this pattern because it is so quick even with the 11 row pattern and the fit is great. 14297 people on Ravelry think so too. I knitted it in a lovely VP sock yarn, electric blue, cant think of the name.

I also picked up two balls of Regia sock yarn on Trademe and I am making the Pimpelliese shawl, scarfette, the colorways are lovely and I am really enjoying it.

I just have to show you some of the lovely soaps my daughter sent to me the other week, otherwise known as The Happy Housewife

She makes the most devine soaps especially her cake ones, take a look at her blog.

It has been raining quite a bit here so it is the perfect weather for knitting.

Have a great weekend wherever in the world you are

Janet

Hot off the Needles

I have had a busy few weeks knitting lots of things, mainly baby hats and socks. I went into town in the week a rare thing and found this lovely shop Cruellas, I could have stayed for hours just looking and fondling the wool. I brought some of their lovely Alpaca yarn in shades of teal and purple it is a dream to knit with, hand dyed here in Nelson. The pattern I used is Swirl Hat and leftover baby socks

These are two of my favourite patterns. I also made a purple merino set. Finally I finished Dans birthday socks in some lovely VP yarn, hope he likes them and the colour!

Today has been lovely and sunny, and managed to get all my washing dry. Must make the most of it while we have it.

I noticed on my walk through the Railway reserve how the leaves are all turning gold and reds very pretty. Well have a great week all......

Janet.