Musings of a mother

Hmmm if you are looking for knitting not much this post, call back again.

No pics either although the temptation to post a baby photo or two was strong!!

As mentioned in the last post, a dear friend celebrated his 50th birthday last week, He mentioned that he wanted to remember his Mum in a special way as not only was it the day he turned 50 but the day to remember that she gave birth 50 years ago. He thought that was rather special.

That got me thinking in that birthdays are not only about us but our parents, especially our Mum's. [ Been one I know what they go through to get us here and raise us!!]

Yesterday , or today just been in the States was/is my DS1 33rd birthday. I just can't believe it has been so long....!!! Sorry son, yes 33 today!! """"Happy birthday ....!!!!"""

We may have modern tech but trying to get commication these days is not always easy so the much anticipated phone call today didn't happen.

So DS I hope you have had a great day, quiet I suppose as I guess you didn't let on to friends at all. Hmm!!!

This got me thinking, yes I know frightening thought!! Back 33 years in fact. When I was one week overdue in fact. They thought I may have problems so rushed me to theatre and had a "look see" so to speak. What I didn't know at the time was my husband at that time rung my parents and my Dad came in to keep him company while I was in labour. But as they didn't want to worry me he told DH not to tell me. So my first memory after seeing your blue eyes and mop of blond hair was my DD's huge smile of gratitude at his new grandson. That was a special moment. If I only knew that I would lose your Dad only a short 8 months later. Now my Dad is gone to so this remains a very special memory.

Hmm now another memory springs to mind. That of DGGM, [ dear great-grandmother]. A dear lady of a very strong fortitude!! [ Sadly no longer with us.] In those days one stayed in hospital for about a week after the birth and visiting times were inforced. So as she was a little early I walked down to the waiting area outside the ward doors. DH , now he was a man's man so to speak was waiting too. DGGM had as usual brought an expensive gift. In this case a teddy bear that could talk when you pulled the string!!So another special memory is of her continously pulling this d...med bear and talking in a loud voice while DH was going shh!!! shh!!! :)) [ We still have the bear , but he sadly no longer talks.

Anway now I have hopefully embarased DS a little I am off to do some knitting and or twisting of scarf fringe. The tassels are all finished on my wrap and I just need to wash and block before I attached them. But I will need to wait until the weekend as I think I need to supervise that if I don't want a good dose of cat hair included.

I am at that happy state of altho I have one or two items needing finishing I can start a new project....hmmm socks or jersey for me or that dress to go with the wrap or..... call back to see what I have decided.

We have taken Friday off work as there is a big Spin-in on in Masterton , a short trip away. So we are leaving and driving slowly over and window shopping all the second hand books shops , wool shops etc on the way. We will stay one night away and come back late Saturday. [I must remember the camera.]

Knit on all >^..^<

Where did the last ten days go ...??

Hi all

I do swear someone up and stole them! The last ten days at least. Contary to the date that may appear on this post it is now the 27th of August and this post was started 10 days ago.

Life has been full, as usual but changes are afoot as Sherlock may have said to Watson. The family court degreed that the Mum now has access visits on alternate weekends from Friday pm until Monday am. Of course in their wisdon they just picked a date which has meant that this past weekend I haven't seen the kids at all. The house has seemed so quiet and still. No "Nannnnnaaaa" every 5 minutes. Ok I suppose but of course they just happened to pick the day of DGS's 5th birthday so I and his Dad weren't even able to ring him on the day. [ I did try but of course Mum has caller display and wasn't picking up. Felt rather sad about that.!!]

The time has been great, no where near so tired tonight but as DS now has them Tuesdays because of his new job I won't get to see them until Wednesday. I do miss them so. You know that "great they are on school camp, break , summer school , but this house feels empty ...etc", feeling. [Their Dad coped by going to friends for the weekend. But he does get to see them until Friday fortnight now.]

Of course it means we get our Saturday nights back as well. No more having to see the Mum when she drops them off and waiting for DS2 to come collect. We may even be able to manage a dinner or show out again ..!!!! Not to mention the mad rush home sometimes in order to be there in time for the drop off. I will not miss Saturday at all...!!!

On the knitting front I have been plodding away on my "wrap" and have now done half of the tassel's to attach. I was going to make silk cocoon tops to them but they didn't look right somehow. Also I decided that they need to have a little "weight" to them to give the whole thing more drape so have added beads instead.

Here it is with the first batch just laid in to see what it looks like. I will have to wash and block it before attaching them.



Only nine more to go..

I have also been twisting the fringe on the red scarf I wove. [ no pic yet] I am happy with this , my first weaving for over 20 years and am keen to warp up again. The knitters loom sure makes it easy.

I have also been making progress on the kiddies socks. Hmmm not sure if I like this method of working or not, jury is still out on this one. I think it would be easier with shorter circulars and also if the needles were different colours. You see if you pick up the wrong end you can get in somewhat of a muddle. Especially if the cat is asleep on your lap and "attacks" your knitting while you are trying to sort out where you are and it takes you half an hour and fiddling to get back to where you were.




Anyway as the pic shows I am knitting two socks at the same time on 2 circulars. Basically you are knitting one side and then the next using one circular needle per side. It does work well and I have now got up to the heel. [ 2 inches further on than this pic shows. ] Hmm this may be a challenge... More pics to follow later.


I have now got only 1 1/2 sides to knit on Aunties blanket and have cast on the fronts for DGD's jacket so am starting feel a dent in ths stash somewhat.

I have also been busy with more Marmalade and am sooooo pleased with the recipe from Gillian. Thanks so much!!! This has to be the best I have ever made. You see I have always done a lot of pickles and vegies but the past 2 years is the first for jam and marmalade for ...hmmm a few years :)) Since college anyway. Now I feel I have an understanding of the basic recipe I am keen to try other fruits eg Lime and Oranges.

Oh and this past Saturday a close friend had asked if he could have his 50th birthday party at our place as his wasn't suitable. So as two hoarders and hmmm shall we put it sometime housekeepers Saturday and errr Friday night as well was spent, putting away, picking up and cleaning. The bonus is of course a clean house. Hmm perhaps we can get away with it for a while now.

Of course I am still going to have to cook a birthday cake for DGS's party at kindy. He wants James , as in Thomas the tank engine this year sometime this week as well.

As well as fill in and post off my entry forms for our area exhibion which is on next month. I have four entries this time. First time since 2000 I think so good going.

And what do you do if your household staff is busy cleaning ... play with your favourite stuffed toy and when they "hide" you food on the counter because of mopping the floor...well just find it and eat it where it is!!! After having been out side in the pouring rain, yes that's right raining again and leaving muddy footprints on the clean floor, tablecloth and bench.... urrrrr.!!




Hmmm just been warned to go pick up my wrap as I had left it on the floor. You can guess why!

Catch y ou all again soon I hope.

Oh and by the way , many happy returns dear Son #1 for tomorrow!! :)) [ our time that is, next day for you ]

Busy, busy, busy.....

Where have I been you may ask..?? Hmm I have snuck in here a bit guilty as I did post these pics as a draft 10 days ago but ...hm well life I suppose! So regular readers...sorry to take so long.

What with two car break downs, lawyers, WINZ , court councilors, school productions let alone try and keep up with housework and finish a project for our area exhibition next month.

But then I have always been one for a busy life.

First up school production, darling DGD looked lovely as a "rainbow dancer" and we enjoyed the show, as much as you can enjoy 5-7 years olds singing and dancing altho we were rather puzzled by the first number , "I am a little white duck..." when they had yellow costumes on. [ Decided they were ducklings!!] But all in all well put together and the kids really enjoyed themselves. [ Even the little sunflower who had to be rescued as he was falling off this seat asleep!]



Here she is , a ripped shoulder to her costume didn't stop the smile when she realized her Mum had come out to see her. That's right for the first time "both" parents were able to share in an important moment. Not at the same time tho. That will take a bit more time!!! Guess we are moving on and there is hope for the future yet.



She growing up so fast, hoping the past few years won't have a pay back when she hits 13. At least she can always come to Nana's.

Here is my exhibition project being given the once over by the resident inspector of all woolly comforts. Since this pic I have finished the knitting, at last and have now moved on to the long job of darning in ends. I know, I know I could have knitted them in as I go but as I wanted this to be reversible I wanted to make sure that the ends were not visible. [I will also need to give a little tug here and there to line up the points to the triangles]



Then it is on to the orange silk cocoons and tassels at the points. As you can see once again I am cutting it fine to the line. Entries have to in by the 7th Sept. There is only a zillion ends sigh!!

I have tho taken a little time out to work on this.....




Really keen to finish it but see above...sigh , my spinning wheel has been beckoning as well. But will treat myself to a few more rows before tea. We worked all day Saturday so had today, Monday off. Hence time to blog. Another cold southerly of course meant no gardening again. So inside by the fire. Hmm at least will be later.

Thanks so much to Gillian I think I am really happy with this years Marmalade. Altho it is definitely of the "Bitter" variety. Which is OK as we like it this way. Had more lemons than grapefruit so used half and half. There are nine jars + , there is always just a little too much for the last jar and not enough for another sitting on the bench cooling. Spooking the cat out as well as the lids "pop" sealed.

There is another large bowl full of fruit pulp in the fridge waiting for a trip to get more sugar. So later this week one night. But am so pleased as it was much easier than the recipe I have used in the past as it didn't take near as long to set.

Oh there are 5 large jars of pickled onions keeping them company so you can see I haven't been idle today.

I have also been working out this method too... I had a little trouble getting going but have now done the ribbing and have started the legs of a pair of junior socks. Remember the small ball of Opal I found in an op shop, well should be just enough for a pair for DGD. This has been a bit of a challenge and I recommend not trying this when tired!! Picking up the wrong end of a circular can take a bit of putting right! [ pic next time of progress ]

Oh and I have been here again as well and have picked up a large cone of boucle to ply with a half breed. Once spun of course....



Also paid a visit to Spotlight in their sale and got one or two novelties to use in woven scarves.



Anyway the news is on, better go and tackle the mountain of dishes and get tea. If you're lucky will post again in a day or two.

Knit on >^..^<

Circulars anyone?

Hi

Just a quick post from work to show you all....look what arrived yesterday!



Very pleased with them and can't wait to try them out. They should be great for lace shawls as well as the magical knitting technique.

My only problem is [a] I need to finish my current project first before casting on and [b] bigger visa bill. Hmmm don't think I have ever spent so much on knitting needles before but they are certainly the creme la creme.

As for the supplier I am impressed they were ordered last Thursday via the internet and were here by Monday wow way to go. :)

Anyway in more general terms rather tired today, the funeral took more out of me than I thought. My MIL [ husbands that is ] would have been nice to have some support but DS1 is in Maryland USA and DS2 couldn't face it so ... But on a more positive note DS2 starts his new job as teacher aide on Thursday so as from next week should only have the kiddy run one day a week. Roll on October when I only have them alternate Sundays as well. I may have a life again.

On the knitting front ..well haven't got much done. Being too tired and last night woke up with the Patches [ the resident feline ] curled up on my knee with my knitting halfway through a row resting on her. Hmm she could have had some fun there.. just as well she was more interested in a nap.

But really must press on - entry forms have to be in at the end of the month and the finished item given in by the 7th Sept so most be more focused.

Back to work..