Autumn round these parts is beautiful
Autumn is such a colourful time of year, but living here in Dunedin I really notice it so much more. I guess because Dunedin is so old. Old homes, old establish trees and gardens. There’s not so much ‘new’ round here, as seen in the big smoke where population is fast outgrowing resources.The day started cold, although we were snug inside with our fireplace, two heatpumps, moisture master, underfloor insulation, and ceiling insulation, but felt the chill in the air as we headed on down to the Farmer’s Markets for our weekly fruit and vege. They day turned out brilliant and we spent a fair few hours strolling around The Gardens. Feeding the ducks, playing in the park, drinking lattes and fluffies, walking up the ‘mountain’ to the bird aviaries, and strolling back down again, while Aaron snapped a gazillion photos on his newly beloved [preloved] camera. Here’s a wee sampling ….
Hope everyone’s having a great weekend. I’m off to make cheese rolls for our kindy fundraiser tomorrow.
PS: Ohh yes, I can hear again. I developed “swimmer ears” last weekend and was having trouble hearing till I had my ears suctioned on Wednesday, coupled with pretty bad earaches (thank gawdness I had a large stash of panadol on hand at the time). Turn’s out Xavier needed his ear’s suctioned too and wow, what a difference! He’s talking so much better, it’s fantastic.
Taking it easy
Got my jewellery orders made and dispatched super early, so just hanging out at home chilling now. Eating popcorn, watching TV, and ignoring the housework. With lots of funny moments listening to Xavier commenting with much regularity that mummy and Xanthe don’t have diddles - love his innocence.
Here’s my current WIPs …. just beavering away stitching, stitching:
The pink and blue bodysuits have cute lil hearts on the back like this finished one:
Not sure what I’ll do with them, as I have a nice big stash of these blank onsies in my cupboard to embellish some way or another.
ooo000OOO000ooo
I am also shocked at how fast time is flying. The school holidays are drawing to an end, and soon Xanthe will be back off to school, to spend her days in a classroom of children, becoming institutionalised. No freedom to dig in the sandpit, or whittle away her time crafting as and when it suits. Apparently she’s not writing enough sentences at school. A quick glance over her writing book indicates she concentrates on “illustrating” her stories, with the most elaborate, delightful, and imaginative pictures. We weren’t all born to be Shakespeare. I feel my budding artiste needs a creative outlet that school just doesn’t offer. I am not unhappy with her school, but just feel life has more to offer to my five year old, then her classroom has to give.
Snail Mail
Round here we love mail. I mean we really lurrrrrrrrrrve it … makes you feel very spesh when somethings arrives in the mail. Last week ninja Katie sent me some sparkles for my keyring. Red ones as well! Thanks Kate! And isn’t her handwriting just the grooviest?!
And with much gusto, my kids ripped into their latest fan mail from their Nana and Pospey, which had these awesome ANZAC day stamps …
Talking about ANZAC day, Xanthe made a white cross at school for shared prayer, and dedicated it to her Popsey’s Daddy.
{I Made That} Just some stuff…
I’d had this design in mind for a while … a new necklace for my ChookMook Mummy Tag range. It’s not on my website yet. But I have been selling some of my new stuff on TradeMe. At least until I get a change to overhaul my website.
I hand-stamped this one with the word BELIEVE thanks to the inspiration from a friend. It’s sterling silver that’s been hammered, floating on a hand-cut chain with a textured 14kt gold filled hoop.
I’ve also joined a craft group, hence how I managed to finish this I did as a swapsie for Hay. Please ignore the fact that my iron marked the wee mouse’s bottom. I am pretending I was aiming for a vintage feel (and it’s only like three months late) …
And the back view is every little bit as interesting …
Today at craft group I carved a lino block that I’m actually not to embarrassed to share. Only problem is, the camera’s flat. So I’ll share that another day, along with some “delish” sparkles from Katie.
Oh, nearly forgot. I’ve also gone live with this website for Milton Jailbreak which I designed last year…
Very exciting for them, as race date is 18 May 2008. So just next month. If anyone’s interested in this awesome mountain biking event then check it out, or pass it on.