Out With The old

Well this has been quite a challenging year for my family. Earthquakes in Christchurch for Rachel, Josh's surgery with 3 months spent  away in Auckland. Floods in Nelson.
I have had so many blessings though to be thankful for. I was gifted a new computer this week from the lovely Kevin and Cathy ( thank you so much you guys, it is great) which will mean I can now update my blog more regularly. I missed two natural disasters while I was  away in Christchurch when the floods happened and had to return to Nelson unexpectedly and missed the latest swarm of earthquakes in Christchurch. I was affected though as when I returned home my power had been off since the rain and both freezers were full of rotting food,  the smell was something else,  the cupboards were very bare for Christmas!!!
I spent Christmas with Linds and family and we had the usual brunch which we find frees us up to relax for the rest of the day. The weather was great but once again the rain returned to soak everything again. I feel sorry for all the holiday makers that descend upon Nelson.
Boxing day was spent picking raspberries and enjoying fruit icecreams out at Berry Fields. This is something I really enjoy doing so I can freeze them for the coming year, plus its what summer in Nelson is all about!
I treated myself to a V9 Tablet for Christmas, it is great only 7 ins but finding it really useful now as I can read my patterns on it.
I havent been doing much knitting of late but will do a post later of those I have done last year.
Well to all far and near have a wonderful New Year, may 2012 be healthy and happy for you all .
God Bless

Janet

Finally

Well Finally I am blogging again. Have been home nearly 2 1/2 months, what a long time away.
In saying that I am at the moment visiting Rachel in Christchurch for Christmas. They are still displaced and living in Templeton since the February Quake and no nearer to finding out about their house in Avondale. Everything is shocking to see in real life, the streets where they lived just down fro the river are a mess. The end of her road is Red Zoned, we walked around Hulverstone Drive while P did the lawns, what a sad sad place, looks like a ghost town. Haven't felt any aftershocks thank goodness but as we are only a few metres from the railway tracks trains going all day and night its very noisy.
Havent really done anything for Christmas it will be money for most I think.
I am sort of pleased to not be in Nelson at the moment with the terrible flooding they are having at present, I got Dan to check my place and it is ok. Granny is still in Rocks fall and it will take more than landslides to move her!!!! Its a shame with Christmas coming as Nelson is a popular holiday spot.
On the knitting front have made quite a few pairs of socks, mostly babies I will post pics when I return home as finally I am getting a computer Yay!!! and should be back to regular posting.
Well we are off for a walk soon hoping the rain holds off it has been quite cool here thank goodness I brought my merinos!!
Well to all of you far and near may I wish you a very blessed and peaceful Christmas and Happy New Year
Janet

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.

Lovely Weather

Well we have been enjoying some lovely weather here in Nelson long may it last! We put the clocks back one hour this weekend. (Daylight Saving ends on Sunday 3 April 2011 (when clocks go back one hour).

I stayed at Linds for the weekend baby-sitting the animals while they took a much needed break, it was nice for a change.

Family from Christchurch have rented a house out at Templeton as they need work doing on theirs and lots of silt under their house, I 'don't think they will ever go back to the Eastern suburbs. Thank goodness for mortgage holidays I dont blame them it is still a mess and most people have left. They will have to re-home their lovely Samoyed Shilo as the place they are staying the garden is too small.

I have been very busy knitting things for Julie's market this is her website She makes the most amazing soaps and felt foods take a look.The Happy Housewife

These are the things I have made in the last few weeks Patrick's birthday socks.

A pair of baby socks using VP scrummy yarn. Three sets of baby hats and slippers. Some cute NB socks. Finally I brought some buttons and finished all three .. Pebble Vests

This is one of my favourite patterns.

Well time for more knitting .... love love

Have a happy weekend wherever you are

Janet x

Left Behind

The family had to return to Christchurch yesterday because P had to go back to work, they cannot live in their house at present as no water or sewerage and everyone from their area have seemed to have left as it resembles a war zone . They managed to get some accommodation in a holiday park, it is on the outskirts of Ch Ch and quite a bit far for P to go to work but at least they are safer out there.

The children's schools are not open yet, so they are quite bored. They couldn't have Miley wi

th them at the camp so they had to leave her behind with me, she is no trouble at all but is missing them all dreadfully, their other animals are in kennels and are okay. Thousands have left Christchurch and many will not return, but they have got a house to sort out. At times like these, having a rental would be a good option!

Quite a nippy morning here in Nelson, a real Autumn feel to it but it has warmed up now. I am knitting a pair of socks for Ps birthday which we hope he will celebrate here in Nelson. I am using some of Vintage Purls Yarn in a lovely green colour, only got 4 days to do them!!!

They Are Here And Safe

Well the family managed to finally get out from Christchurch on Thursday, It took a while as they had to find places for most of the animals. Nearly all the bridges are out near them in Avondale, and traffic was really congested.

They are so pleased to be out of the chaos and getting showers, water, toilets, power and most importantly a good nights sleep and no aftershocks. It is really hard for them to decide what to do as they own their own home and have to go back sometime and see how there house has been assessed, it is more damaged than last time with their front concrete walls all down. Most possessions in their house are ruined.

It is so terrible hearing all the sad sad stories coming out of Christchurch. More big aftershocks today which wont help the recovery.

It is lovely to have the cousins all together last night for tea and having fun and happy.

The Worst Of Times

On Tuesday a massive earthquake struck Christchurch with many lives lost. You can read about it here. My daughter and family live in Avondale in Ch Ch. They are at the moment trying to get out to get to me here in Nelson. They have managed to get petrol and some of their animals into care of some sort. The house is still standing but everything is trashed in it and no hope of water power sanitation any time soon they are better to leave if they can and recharge and get some sleep food and showers, the aftershocks have been horrendous. Thank God they are alive.

I haven't had much sleep over the last few nights and cant begin to imagine what life is like for so many families there and around NZ and the world. My prayers are with all especially the rescuers that are doing a fantastic job. My cousin and her husband are traveling to Ch Ch for there flight out so dont know how they will get on.

Will keep posted.

Another Day In Paradise

This last week has been very busy what with having visitors out from the UK, barbecues and spending time with the family. Joel stayed last night and we got up early for a trip to Isel Park and House before it got too hot. It was a lovely morning and nice and cool underneath the trees, there were already lots of people about walking dogs and themselves, also an art group were setting up for a bit of painting what better place for a bit of recreation. The house didn't open until 11 am so we explored the huge trees and stream that meanders through the Park. On the way home we brought a enormous watermelon and boy did we enjoy it after waking home in that heat!

I have also been doing a little knitting trying once again to u

se up my stash.

I made a Fratello my second one, a lovely pattern by Tikki this is her blog.

I also made a pair of fingerless mitts out of some leftover VP sock yarn they turned out lovely, just a perfect fit. Trying to think of what to make next, nothing too heavy with this heat! Enjoy your day wherever you are.

Anzac Biscuits

Yesterday had another baking day, bread and Anzac biscuits. I have been having a few problems with my bread due to the high heat and humidity, it has been rising too much and spilling over the top and it has holes in it. All in the freezer for some friends, so hope it is okay.

I was given a recipe for Anzac Biscuits and it its the best ever, no running and spreading over the tray, these keep their shape well and are really delicious.

Recipe for Anzac Biscuits

Preheat Oven to 150 cel

1 Cup Flour

1 Tsp Baking Powder

1 Cup Sugar

1 Cup Coconut

1 Cup Rolled Oats

Mix all these ingredients together.

Melt in a large bow until bubbling

2 Tbsp Golden Syrup

The recipe says 150 g butter but she used 120g and so did I, it worked out fine.

2 TLBS Hot Water

1 Tsp Baking Soda

Dissolve soda in water then stir into bubbling butter mixture. Pour into dry ingredients and mix well.

Roll into balls and press with fork on tray

Cooking time 15 to 20 min. I found 15 mins was okay for me but it does depend on your oven.

ENJOY

I went to a new Church on Sunday and enjoyed it, it will be so much better for me as I can walk there.

t has been really hot and humid here the last few weeks some days it got to 30 deg, we dont usually get extremes of temps here but I am not complaining all too soon it will be winter.

Been quite hard to knit using wool, so have been making wash cloths in cotton. I did make another Tam, this time in 8 ply so it has come out small perhaps fit a toddler I changed the pattern around a bit the top looks like a spiders web.

I have also made a Summer Flies Shawl using some stash I had got from an op shop only cost me about $4 This was a lovely easy knit as I so love written patterns. I am not a fan of charts.

Delicious Slice

On Saturday I went black-currant picking with my good friends Roger and Ruth. We do this most years, its lovely to get out into the countryside at the Moutere. This is perhaps 1/2 hour from Nelson. It took us about 2 hours for me to pick nearly 3 kilo's, and the weather was kind to us, overcast at times which helped. Thanks to the lovely growers there who allow people to pick free at the end of the season. On the way back popped into Kahurangi Estate Winery for some tasting and buying.

Yesterday turned some of the black- currants into a shortcake slice.

I use this recipe doubling it, you can substitute the apple for any fruit and also you can sprinkle a little corn-flour on base before putting fruit so it doesn't get soggy

Apple Shortcake

2oz Butter

1/2 Cup Sugar

6oz Flour

1 egg

2tsp Baking powder

Pinch salt

Use 2/3 cups fruit

Sprinkle with icing sugar when cool.

350 deg for 20 min

Just cream butter and sugar then add egg then dry ingredients. Roll out and line tin, this can be challenging but it doesn't matter if it gets to be like a jigsaw puzzle it all works out in the end

I doubled mixture as it would only make a tiny one, and what use is that Ha Ha!!

As you can see mine looks a little overdone it is a bit but I like it like that and the camera made it darker than it really is!

Its Been a While

Its been a while since posting here as my camera has been playing up, but all okay now.

I've been enjoying our lovely summer here in Nelson, having barbecues with the family, raspberry picking and just chilling out. I have been trying to use up some of my stash instead of buying more wool, I am experiencing withdrawal symptoms though.

I have been making several tams using two colours which I really love and as a rule hats and me do not go together but these actually look okay!

I also made some wee baby slippers, a couple of shawls, baby washcloths and trying to finish my crochet blanket but not a thing to do in summer Phew!

Been busy today washing windows and now I am off to tackle my stove, a job I hate which I leave as long as I dare although don't use my oven much these days except for bread.

I am looking forward to next month as my cousin and her husband are coming from the U K to see us, it will be 4 years since they were here last and we have lots of catching up to do.

Well off to use some elbow grease!