It's 6.45am Boxing Day, and the sun is already burning down, at least we have a breeze. We had a wonderful Christmas Day, everything was prepared the day before, how odd I'm getting more organised as I get older. I went to 8am Mass, it was drizzling but oh so humid, I went to the church we got married in, it is a Pro Cathedral now, did you know that "Come all ye Faithfully has at least 7 verses, I do, I thought it wouldn't stop, brilliant organist, lousy singers, where's Gareth when you need him.
I thought I would faint, luckily didn't, all I could think about was my friend MM, who fainted going up to Communion, and knocked out her two front teeth, her daughter very thoughtfully stepped over her, got communion and returned to her seat, while churchgoers helped her mother, it's how we bring them up, I think.
Tom came home, and we opened our presents, Basil asleep of course, I must have been nice, (I hadn't noticed), because I got lovely gifts, including Hugh's "Three good things", love Hugh and his crew, so I was very happy.
I gave Aj Skip Bo, so we had a game, he said "Why did we stop playing this game, I know, I absolutely thrashed you every time", see it's this sort of comment which really hurts and unfortunately means I have to put up his board by $50.00.
Aj is anxious to spend his vouchers with the Boxing Day hordes, they are so reminiscent of Attila and his Huns sweeping in to plunder, (not pillage you understand, not at a mall) but every thing will be stripped bare by 6pm. I just realized the term strip mall might come from the BD sales.
Tom returns this weekend, so glad he's coming home, his health is terrible, living in condemned building will do that, being 21 year old male doesn't help either. Yes, those of you who follow this serial, will know that means goodbye to my sewing room. I have 4 days to find a new place for everything, you can stop laughing now...............I have no idea, any solutions gratefully accepted, answers to this dilemma on the back of postcard please, and no I'm not asking Aj to move out, Tom doesn't play Skip Bo.
Off to see my nephew and new baby this afternoon, looking forward to that though, I have to drive to the "wilds" of Kaiapoi, up the motorway, laugh if you must, but my Alto isn't the fastest and sad men in 4 wheel drives think they own the road. Hope you had a lovely day, we did, as MM said it's the little things that are the best, we both had new potatoes out of our own gardens for Christmas lunch, how good was that. Have a great holiday, I have lots of projects for the holidays, all good in theory, but we shall see about the practice. Aunt Bee.
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Saturday, December 15, 2012
No photos in this post, but the mystery is solved. I tried to download some photos on the new laptop, still typing with two fingers, when Sherlock aka Aj said "oh that's not good, its coming up fat", what!!! well the card in the camera was his gaming card, what!!!, that's me saying what!!!.I did not do this but it explains the problem trying to download. So I need to get a new memory card. So it's good to know.
Went out for to buy a leg of Lamb for dinner, it's cooking as I type, new potatoes and salad,(sorry about giving you the whole menu) when we saw that an old "destroyed in the earthquakes pub" had reopened not far from us, it would have been rude not to go in, we sat outside and Basil enjoyed a Kilkenny and me a lemonade, no a real lemonade, I was driving. We had some prawns for nibbles, lovely, such a gorgeous day.
Work "do" on Thursday night, solo of course,as Baz was working, it was dinner and a show, Downton shabby, two guys playing 6 parts ha,ha, very funny till the "maid" yells at you" leave me alone you leso," so my new nickname is Les, oh great.
The new oven is wonderful but very fast, I have to be very alert and my not inconsiderable nose must be sniffing the air for burning. The dishwasher is so good, by hands are returning to their former glory, no that's a lie I have the hands of peasant. Sorry not a peasant, a hard worker.
Went to the market, picked up some books, including some old Beatrix Potters, a poetry book, GM Hopkins,and a David Bladacci, a large charger, very old, with a
Christmas theme, some yellow roses, and some plants or the garden, didn't even spend $20.00. I love the market and I have missed it.
The best news this week is I am once again a great aunt, my other nephew and his partner had a son.Dad is thrilled his second great grandchild, my brother is over the moon, a grandfather at 64, we are slow breeders, it's the quality we go for, as my two are the youngest grandchildren I have told them I'm not in a hurry to be a grandmother.
I don't usually comment on news, but the events in Sandy Hook are horrendous, what can we do so far away but pray and send our thoughts to the families of all the victims.
Love Bee.
Went out for to buy a leg of Lamb for dinner, it's cooking as I type, new potatoes and salad,(sorry about giving you the whole menu) when we saw that an old "destroyed in the earthquakes pub" had reopened not far from us, it would have been rude not to go in, we sat outside and Basil enjoyed a Kilkenny and me a lemonade, no a real lemonade, I was driving. We had some prawns for nibbles, lovely, such a gorgeous day.
Work "do" on Thursday night, solo of course,as Baz was working, it was dinner and a show, Downton shabby, two guys playing 6 parts ha,ha, very funny till the "maid" yells at you" leave me alone you leso," so my new nickname is Les, oh great.
The new oven is wonderful but very fast, I have to be very alert and my not inconsiderable nose must be sniffing the air for burning. The dishwasher is so good, by hands are returning to their former glory, no that's a lie I have the hands of peasant. Sorry not a peasant, a hard worker.
Went to the market, picked up some books, including some old Beatrix Potters, a poetry book, GM Hopkins,and a David Bladacci, a large charger, very old, with a
Christmas theme, some yellow roses, and some plants or the garden, didn't even spend $20.00. I love the market and I have missed it.
The best news this week is I am once again a great aunt, my other nephew and his partner had a son.Dad is thrilled his second great grandchild, my brother is over the moon, a grandfather at 64, we are slow breeders, it's the quality we go for, as my two are the youngest grandchildren I have told them I'm not in a hurry to be a grandmother.
I don't usually comment on news, but the events in Sandy Hook are horrendous, what can we do so far away but pray and send our thoughts to the families of all the victims.
Love Bee.
Saturday, December 8, 2012
The two fingered typist.
Hello, greetings from my new lap thingy, so not used to it I am typing this with two fingers. It has windows 8, wow, not sure what it means in terms of my usage but itt's new.
Very busy few weeks, changing banks etc, buying a new oven not arrived yet and new dishwasher arriving Monday. We haven't had a working oven for yonks,and there was no way I was cooking Christmas lunch on the bbq or bench oven........madness, the dishwasher has been missed and I for one need it,so it's a early Christmas present.
Not much fair or market going, the "Contessa" and YT came down 2 weeks ago ,Chris, Contessa and I went out for lunch...............took a small break then get mince pies out of the wee oven, delicious even if I do say so myself. Lovely hot day and I'm making mince pies.
Last weekend I had the dreaded noro virus, spent the weekend on the couch, I wont go into details, but it was a weekend to forget.
This week is the start of the parties, have 2 this week, not feeling the Christmas spirit yet, too much to think about.
Photos will take time to do, not having much luck at the moment, be goog for now, this two finger typing is a pain. Love Aunt Bee.
Vera is on tonight, what a brilliant programme.
Very busy few weeks, changing banks etc, buying a new oven not arrived yet and new dishwasher arriving Monday. We haven't had a working oven for yonks,and there was no way I was cooking Christmas lunch on the bbq or bench oven........madness, the dishwasher has been missed and I for one need it,so it's a early Christmas present.
Not much fair or market going, the "Contessa" and YT came down 2 weeks ago ,Chris, Contessa and I went out for lunch...............took a small break then get mince pies out of the wee oven, delicious even if I do say so myself. Lovely hot day and I'm making mince pies.
Last weekend I had the dreaded noro virus, spent the weekend on the couch, I wont go into details, but it was a weekend to forget.
This week is the start of the parties, have 2 this week, not feeling the Christmas spirit yet, too much to think about.
Photos will take time to do, not having much luck at the moment, be goog for now, this two finger typing is a pain. Love Aunt Bee.
Vera is on tonight, what a brilliant programme.
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Busy, being busy.
I have been so busy lately, I apologise now for lack of photos, but Aj and the camera are not co-operating. First it has been a long weekend and this is Sunday night. Friday was the holiday, Show day and the day we celebrate our Province of Canterbury. Prince Charles and Camilla were here and went to the CBD, the Show and well received they were too. Except for the strange foreign man who wanted to protest by throwing manure over them.
So the week before I went to the Rudolf Steiner school fair, and I was impressed the school is small and very "organic" if you know what I mean but people were wonderful, the whole fair was great. I bought 4 tops, I must say the second hand clothes were amazing, very hippy, greeny, and very good quality, I was down to my last few dollars so was constrained by my straitened purse.
I won a raffle at the other school fair I went to on the Sunday, it was the boys old school. They rang at 4pm to say I had won a raffle,and could I pick it up then, and so I went straight away, (was secretly hoping for the wheelbarrow full of groceries), but I had won a hamper of groceries. I said at work, how wonderful, I never win anything and they reminded me I won a raffle at the last quiz we went too, picky bunch.
Saturday I had brunch with Tom's friend you know the one I'm not to say is his girlfriend, Miss J, we had a lovely time at Crisp, eating eggs Benedict, so yummy. Tom joined us later, she is such a sweetie, she gave me Jane Brocket's Cherry cake and ginger beer. Lovely girl works in the University Book shop, the job of my dreams. Still no sign of a job, signs of sorry you weren't successful letters though, at least they replied, heaps don't. I can see how people get so down and depressed at not finding work.
Met my brother at the P.O. shop last week, strange you might think, but he works nights and we don't see much of each other, I went in to the shop, we both get our magazines there, we found out this by accident a few months ago, the shop owners think we are magazine addicts and we are, they should thank-God we are, I'm sure we keep them in business. It's Mums fault she always got the EWW for herself, and the Judy and School friend for us girls, later the Fab 208, and the Beano for the boys. We did have a semi British childhood, in some ways, anyway that's the reason or excuse I have for our magazine mania, Sean has been buying The Field and I have been getting the EWW, plus all our other favourites. I bought Mollie M and Making. Just received Mollie Makes Christmas from The Book Depository, Miss J introduced to this wonderful place, it is so cheap and fast, I have 2 Patricia Wentworths on order.
So that's life at the moment, Aj has a full-time work at ITM for the holidays, results not out from Uni yet, Tom is contemplating his future or more likely his navel, and has made no real decision. We will be moving banks on Friday, this will put more than $300.00 in to the budget per month. That will be used for getting our debt down, so next year will hopefully be a time of consolidation, and saving, I have already signed up for the sealed tin challenge 2013.
Love and hugs to all, I believe in the power of hugs, got lots this weekend and most were unsolicited, ha Aj and Tom love their mum and so they should. Aunt Bee.
I
So the week before I went to the Rudolf Steiner school fair, and I was impressed the school is small and very "organic" if you know what I mean but people were wonderful, the whole fair was great. I bought 4 tops, I must say the second hand clothes were amazing, very hippy, greeny, and very good quality, I was down to my last few dollars so was constrained by my straitened purse.
I won a raffle at the other school fair I went to on the Sunday, it was the boys old school. They rang at 4pm to say I had won a raffle,and could I pick it up then, and so I went straight away, (was secretly hoping for the wheelbarrow full of groceries), but I had won a hamper of groceries. I said at work, how wonderful, I never win anything and they reminded me I won a raffle at the last quiz we went too, picky bunch.
Saturday I had brunch with Tom's friend you know the one I'm not to say is his girlfriend, Miss J, we had a lovely time at Crisp, eating eggs Benedict, so yummy. Tom joined us later, she is such a sweetie, she gave me Jane Brocket's Cherry cake and ginger beer. Lovely girl works in the University Book shop, the job of my dreams. Still no sign of a job, signs of sorry you weren't successful letters though, at least they replied, heaps don't. I can see how people get so down and depressed at not finding work.
Met my brother at the P.O. shop last week, strange you might think, but he works nights and we don't see much of each other, I went in to the shop, we both get our magazines there, we found out this by accident a few months ago, the shop owners think we are magazine addicts and we are, they should thank-God we are, I'm sure we keep them in business. It's Mums fault she always got the EWW for herself, and the Judy and School friend for us girls, later the Fab 208, and the Beano for the boys. We did have a semi British childhood, in some ways, anyway that's the reason or excuse I have for our magazine mania, Sean has been buying The Field and I have been getting the EWW, plus all our other favourites. I bought Mollie M and Making. Just received Mollie Makes Christmas from The Book Depository, Miss J introduced to this wonderful place, it is so cheap and fast, I have 2 Patricia Wentworths on order.
So that's life at the moment, Aj has a full-time work at ITM for the holidays, results not out from Uni yet, Tom is contemplating his future or more likely his navel, and has made no real decision. We will be moving banks on Friday, this will put more than $300.00 in to the budget per month. That will be used for getting our debt down, so next year will hopefully be a time of consolidation, and saving, I have already signed up for the sealed tin challenge 2013.
Love and hugs to all, I believe in the power of hugs, got lots this weekend and most were unsolicited, ha Aj and Tom love their mum and so they should. Aunt Bee.
I
Saturday, October 27, 2012
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.
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.
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Photos at last or last photos
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| garage roof, insurance will cover the cost |
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| the sky before the storm |
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| why didn't we put the cars away, there is no answer to that |
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.
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
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.
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.
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