Catching up the news

I was stunned to see I haven't posted for a month. After much doubt, worry and debate, I let my boss know I was looking for another job. I have been in this field for 29 years and I felt for ages it was time for a change, the clients are getting younger, I'm getting older and my heart isn't in it any more. 
When I started it was at a large institution outside of the city, I was employed to relieve the students who has to go to the North Island for their 6 months training, I was then offered a position as a student and did my 3 year training.  I loved it, although anyone who has worked in a large institution will  know it has drawbacks.
In case your wondering I worked in a Hospital then it changed it's name to Centre, a place for people who had a intellectual disability, I was there 13 years and when the place was deinstitutionlized and I was employed in a charitable trust set  by my boss and his wife. I have been  there for 15 years, but I think it's time to find a job I can be happy in, I know it's me that needs to go, my mum's death earlier this year, and my dad's now terminal cancer makes me feel time for a change. The clients "my old darlings", I will miss, but the newer younger clients need young male staff, more active and more authorative than a older female. Please note in my almost 30 years I can tell you true one fact, a male always has more sway and authority than a female. It's just the way it is.
I told my boss I was looking for a job because I want to leave without  all the subterfuge, that often happens when someone leaves a job, plus the fact I need a good reference.

Alas looking for a job has proved fruitless at the moment, if I had a trade I'd be fine, why didn't I become a plumber, paper hanger or painter. But I decided to take a step to getting a qualification in Library and Information Studies. Of course money is going to be an issue, so we are sitting down this afternoon to sort out a very tight budget.

If your reading this I apologize for the personal post, but it has been the only thing on my mind for weeks.
On a good note, Tom had his last exam yesterday, oh the relief, met a lady at a church fair yesterday, who's children went to school with mine, who said I hear Tom's studying to be a priest." God forbid", I said, "he's just finished Uni and thinking of the Army".  I haven't told him yet, he will be very surprised that such a rumour is about.
Aj has one more week of a three week section at a local school, and then he's finished for the year, he is very apprehensive about his results, there lies a tale, but ITM have said they need him full-time for the holidays, that's four months of holidays. He has been taking some classes and loving it, he is doing all the classes next week, if that doesn't scare him off nothing will.
So I have been thrifting at fairs and markets, Aj will help download the photos later, camera still a pain. I allow myself $20.00 and really enjoy having a good fossick around, bought some lovely 70,s sheets yesterday, "like new they are" one old biddy (could be talking about myself) said and they debated the price, "yes they are nice, I'm sure they have never been on a bed" said the other. "They'll be more expensive,how about $2.00 for the two". Now that makes me happy, if not a little guilty.
Sorry for such a rambling post, but I feel much better having told someone or indeed no-one, whichever it maybe. I am being as positive as I can be, I will find a job, my brain will cope with study, Dad is having all the best care in the world, my sister will somehow cope with it all,( she lives in the same city as Dad) while we are all in the South Island and we all will go on as every family does, I am grateful for Basil he is my rock, always supportive and unusually for him positive (he is more a pessimist,  he blames his job, he works for the Corrections Dept.) I blame his Scottish roots. Don't tell him I said that. Love Bee.

Photos at last or last photos

garage roof, insurance will cover the cost

the sky before the storm

why didn't we put the cars away, there is no answer to that

Good afternoon, I sit here by the big window, looking out on pure sunshine, but still in vest, T.shirt and fluffy slippers. the weather is improving and I shall go out shortly and plant the 3 geraniums and 1 Christmas lily I bought yesterday. Now if there are to be photos they will be totally unconnected to this post. Aj has worked his computer magic and he got the photos up, down whatever loaded where they are I'm not sure, but here goes.
I found a wonderful shop, yesterday The Vintage Elephant, gorgeous stuff, a mixture of real and new vintage stuff, I couldn't help buy a few little things, some modern vintage Snap cards, some scraps, have no idea what I'll do with them, and some clown stickers ( I know I hate clowns, but their for Aj) a card with cats on, could have spent heaps but used up my allowance. There wasn't much left after the plants and wool I bought, but $20.00 can go along way if your frugal. Never thought I would say that. I haven't dared take any photos as I have no idea what Aj did to get them off the camera. 
We, the work gang went to a quiz night, we haven't been to many since the you know whats's (there was a 4.2 on Friday, which was nothing but it was a reminder). The quiz was at a school that some of the gang have a connection too, it was really great, the best questions in years and I say that even though we came joint 3rd, and I won a raffle this is news I never win anything. It was pick your prize and I was called early, grabbed a bag containing, tins of fruit, beans etc, honey, ginger kisses, yum, a sweet and sour sauce and various other stuff. I was thrilled, it's a sign of the times, free groceries make my day. Love Aunt Bee.

Excuses, excuses and a small fire.

Sorry, I have been trying to fix my camera, to no avail, alas. I would go buy a new one but life is a bit strained at the moment. Unfortunately my Dad is very ill, this is very stressful for all concerned so soon after my mum's death, he is battling on with the support of the Contessa and the Yorkshire Terrier. I am always making a large life change at this time, my timing is so sweet isn't it, and Aj is questioning his ability to be a good student teacher. Tom is about finished his degree and is wondering if a job in the supermarket is his only recourse, we told him for now it's fine, searching for the real job may take time. Then a parcel I posted to a fellow blogger in the land of OZ was returned a little worse for wear, note to self, write address in  permanent marker or it will smear and only find it's way back to you by pure luck.  Sorry Marina, it's on it's way with a new clearly written address. 
On the good side I have been crafting away, now the weather is warmer I am enjoying my room. Picked up Mollie Makes, Making (love this mag) and the second book hand shop had some old Anna craft mags, so I indulged, and,( so many and's, forgive me)  a whole pile of Georgette Heyers, Contessa and I both loved these books and I am determinded to acquire the lot. Ha,ha I am truly an obsessed person.
The Contessa sent me 4 cook books, Delia, Angela Harnet!!!!, sorry for any incorrect spelling, and Darina Allen not forgetting a Malouff cook book, again sorry if the spelling is ropey, to be honest spelling like maths isn't a strong suit. So I have been attempting new dishes all week, and except for the unfortunate incident of the saucepan, the potato pot and the small fire, me and the men are pleased with the results. The saucepan is in the garden, but the smell lingers on.........curses, how much spray does it take to neutralise the aroma of burnt saucepan handle? Answer on the back of a postcard please. Love to all Aunt Bee.

I have attempted to post before, but I can't download any photo's from my camera, it's driving me nuts as I have so many things to show. I have been busy of late, so here goes, I have found two cute mugs (now here's were you need a good imagination) one a Russian doll and the other pretty butterflies and flowers from Spotlight. I found a lovely Royal Dalton fruity one and a cute strawberry dish at the market. 
We have, o.k. Basil has been doing sterling work in the garden, dahlias, white currents, potatoes, another rhubarb and numerous Hebe's have been planted and I bought 2 peonies this morning.
 The weather has been fabulous, really, between 18 and 22 most days this week, it really feels like Spring, but on Tuesday night we had the most amazing storm, so amazing was it our cars were outside and we couldn't put them away till the lightening stopped it was actually falling between the next door house and ours. The hail damaged the roof of my car and has shredded the roof of the garage, it was incredible but terrifying.
I went to the Craft Fair this morning, which I don't usually go to, but I did enjoy it, well I spent money, bought 3 pairs of wonderful knickers, some delicious soap, and some roasted seeds. As I was leaving a woman said where did you get that lovely fabric from..........argh it's undies I bought not actual fabric I said.............she was  embarrassed and I was wondering why I was discussing me new undies in public. I was very happy to leave before the gale forces winds hit, as this year it was in 2 very large tents. 
The match between AB and the Pumas has been halted due to loss of power, the weather is horrendous up there, just reminded me how freezing it was watching Aj play rugby, I miss those days.
Tom talked of coming home, yes the mere mention of that and the losing of my sewing room made me point out his non relationship relationship might suffer if he was to bring his non girlfriend home. He is staying at the flat for the time being..........yes Mother wins that battle.
I think I might have to buy a new camera, I can't be without a camera, it is in my bag everyday..........the joys of being a blogger.
Love Aunt Bee.

Back with a vengence...........or just back.

There is a hint of Spring in the air.

I have been missing in a cloud of malaise for the last few weeks, I have felt rubbish to be honest not in a"sick way" but in a "I've got nothing to say or share because I'm a totally boring woman way". Apparently this is now a major condition in Christchurch, according to a university lecturer we are all suffering from earthquake burnout, so I'm not alone. 
Enough of this, I have been out and about,  on Saturdays and have found some treasures..........no photos yet, so use your imagination, lots of books, some "jolly hockey sticks", I really love them, some Georgette Heyer, loved them when a teenager, now collecting them, I never read her crime novels though and have found 2 which are really good. Found a few dishes and kitchen essentials...........have a thing for sieves at the moment. Please tell I'm not weird and you also have strange obsessions. Spring is just around the corner there is blossom, there are birds singing their lungs out at 4am and there is that subtle but growing warmth in the day and more importantly in the soil, we have been planting the garden with lots of new plants and readying the vege patch. I have planted a lovely rhubarb crown and am hoping for lots of lovely rhubarb, along with black and white currants. The herb garden is looking good, and the chives and garlic chives have gone mad in all the rain we have had. It has rained in Noah like quantities last week and this week, took ages to get to work as the rain causes so much flooding and tears up the roads, even more than the road works.On a brighter note Basil is 61 tomorrow and we are going out to dinner with the "men" and Tom's girlfriend. who we haven't met before.............yikes what will I wear. Aj is stressing as usual with his teacher studies, strange system, they don't teach them what they are expected to put into practise in a real school situation. On consideration it probably explains the whole NZ education system. So that's it I'm hopefully back in the groove and shall take photos of my nick nacks and finds and put them in a blog soon. Note to self not everything is lovely or good, must look up a thesaurus for new adjectives. Thank-you for reading this long meandering post, but I feel semi back to normal. Aunt Bee.

Sorry, blogger just puts photos where it thinks they should go, these little plates  are turning into an obsession.

I went to a new market yesterday, the Craft Connexion (I think that's how they spell it) had a market at the CPIT building, this involved much circling in the car till I found it, and it was excellent. Lovely to see lots of young ladies begin so creative, lots of bunting, earrings, pendants, fabric some retro clothing etc there, very busy and the sun streamed through the big wall of windows. I had to do my bit, very tight reins on the purse strings though, oddly I did buy a purse.

coin purse

2 fat quarters the green is a apple green, very fresh and pretty

cute magnets

It was like walking into Pinterest,  I hope they do more markets, as I have my eye on some pretty things for Christmas presents.
Just have to say Blogger's gone mad again, but I'll proceed. I also have been going to my regular haunt and found some treasures.
I found gem irons, they are so hard to find, a real blast from the past a New Zealand's mother's repertoire included Pavlova, Ginger Gems, a Fruitcake, Fruit Loaf and a slice of some kind preferably  Belgium.  When I told people I had found a Gem iron I got requests for them, and they tasted  delicious.
The weather has been freezing but we have have been planting Hebe's and preparing the veggie garden, next week we will be both in the garden (Basil's night shift precludes any joint gardening, I am sure this is a recipe for a happy marriage). While walking down to the garden centre I took this photo, I'm crossing my fingers said photo ends up here. Note goats stare, the GG movie was wrong it's "Goats who stare at a Woman Walking".

It was a very baleful stare too.
So long for now, loving the Olympics, opening ceremony was fabulous, not sure about the USA uniform, ankle socks are for 6 year olds. Watched rowing, gymnastics, and cycling, last night, not sure how I'll get to work if I watch into the night next week. Pity I have already had the flu.
Hugs, Aunt Bee.