Christmas and London

Trying a couple more days of posting. 

27 January: an early start but we should have been earlier. Could not find the petrol station and a wrong turn later we were rushing to check in and get to the gate. Boarded the flight easily but discovered when we got to London no luggage. Took an Uber to the hotel and our driver was most informative. Went past areas that when I lived in London you would not have wanted to be near. Met Stephanie and Virginia as we were checking in. 

Decided as it was a good day the we would walk across the London bridge and along waterfront to the shard. I wanted to take Erin up there. It was really good views so pleased we did that. Met the girls at the bottom and tried pastries from the bakery. Very yummy. A tube ride to bond street and oxford street was at our feet. Visited selfridges, M&S as well as a few other shops. Along regent street to the end and piccadilly was next stop. The obligatory photos and onto Leicester square. By this time hunger was starting and we found Garfunkel’s where we all chose fish and chips for Friday night tea. A bus then walk back to the hotel. No luggage yet. 

26 January: Black Forest trifle for dinner today then all into the car for a drive past the farm and Abbey St Bathans. Saw Joy Dobie at the carol service and her children are lovely. Our drive ended up in Eyemouth for a walk but no ice cream. Not as cold as the time came with Stephanie. The sea was very calm and there seemed to be a few people around for holiday time. Upstairs after tea to pack and make arrangements for the morning. 

Christmas Day: had a stocking from Santa outside our doors this morning. Breakfast was porridge again which I didn’t have any sugar on. Erin and I opened our stockings after breakfast. I have a lovely apron made from thistle fabric. We smartened up and got dinner preparations on the way including googling a recipe for chestnuts and Brussel sprouts. That was my department and it was very tasty if I say so myself. Gillian and George arrived about midday with lots of exciting items as they wandered past the window. Lunch was pork roast with accompanying veges and served in the dining room again. After pudding we retired to the lounge for a second lot of parcels. Watt received a set of golf clubs for him to use in his retirement. Visitors left about five and we had a quick tea and tried to convince watt to watch the news. Another family Christmas.

Scotland 2019

Trying to get online and update the adventures to date. I have posted photos to Instagram and some to face book as well. 

Enjoy the short notes.

24 December : walk into Duns to buy tea but bought gloves first. Bollards covered in knitting were fun. David and Muriel arrived for lunch so we had cold meat and salads with roulade for dessert. Was a great day to sit and talk in front of the fire. Evening event was the carol service at Cranshaws for the district churches followed by mince pies and shortbread. 

23 December: Edinburgh by train and the castle tour which was fabulous then met David for Italian for lunch and a walk through the Christmas markets before catching train back to Dunbar and drive home. A late tea of soup which was nice. 

22 December : had a bit of sleep in after a very busy day yesterday getting to the new house. Heather gave us a tour of the new house and what they have changed and left as it was. The house was built about 1850 and has wonderful views from the front and back. Went to Longformacus for the carol service in the evening and it was followed by drinks and shortbread. A wonderful start to the Christmas season.

20 to 21 December: a early start with Terry picking me up for the trip to New Plymouth. Sat with Debbie and Brent Rawlinson for coffee. Trip good to Auckland. Met Stephanie and waited for nearly an hour for Cathay to open. Wandered the departure area and finally boarded for first flight. Got to Hong Kong and had to transit then get new boarding passes for next flight. Arrived at Gatwick and got through customs okay. Booked onto the next flight and then found a coffee shop to wait for Mark to arrive. Flight to Edinburgh was fine with dry weather when I got there. Met by David and taken to Winchburg where I had lunch, shower and sleep. David took me back to airport where we met Erin from her flight and got the car for the drive to Duns.

On the road

Well life is travelling at a fast pace and now waiting in the koru lounge for departure on our adventure. Another 24 hours and Stephanie and I will be in the wintery streets of Canterbury nearly.  I have been trying to finish various stitched christmas gifts this week and so far have completed Mum's, Marilyn's (this was its own story as it started with cutting the embroidery the wrong size), Toni's and Gemma's birthday present. This did not take too long and I managed to even get it to her before her departure. 
Every night it seems for the past three weeks have been booked with at least one event and sometimes even two!
Monday night was the last official night class and we went for a class outing to mum's to see all her Christmas trees. The house looked lovely and I was most impressed with all the decorations and the memories. This year I have up the wire tree only and will put on the couple of new ones. Not a lot of creativity has been done with new balls as only one design has been crafted and no pattern written at all.

The day started fairly well with a good wake up and got the washing on. Just as I was going to hang it out thought it looked like rain so put it in dryer. Had four hours at school and everyone took a little longer than it should but all our excess weetbix and milk has been donated. Lunch was entertaining with Layla and Quinn. Picked up at 4 ish by terry and mum and literally dropped at airport. Relaxed in lounge at New Plymouth then boarded and didn't depart. Everyone off, engines on and off, bags off, engines on, engines off, bags on and we reboarded. Finally after a long while we started to taxi and it was a nervous wait. Once off the ground my thought was that if we had to make a crash landing it would be in Auckland so I would be a step closer to international. 

Finally made it to the lounge where a welcome drink was waiting - see adventures of Diane and Stephanie's blog for photos and all updates over the next month. 

Merry Christmas  to all and have a safe, enjoyable new year.  

Boxing Day trip

Christmas Day was a relaxed affair with mu, dad and I having a quick breakfast at the hotel before being picked up by Ewan. The children were up so we had a cuppa and then presents. Many more presents than expected but I recieved a lovely full stocking care of Mrs Claus. I also received a lovely cardigan from Mj and Ewan, so pleased I have space. Alex gave me a Loyola mug and bag, very excited as I will take to school. Using it in the hotel for my coffee. We had brunch then watched the movie a Christmas story.

We went for a short walk to the devil's slide and had this family portrait taken. It was the most beautiful day with only a slight breeze. A visit to wish DeeDee a happy birthday and then home for the feast with ham, turkey, scallop potatoes, green beans and sprouts and roasted beets and sweet potato. Steam pudding followed. Another movie "Frozen" was ordered on demand. Very good, was tired by the time I hug home

Boxing Day outing at the de Young museum suggested by Alex. It was fabulous and we went through the Keith Harrell exhibition. Some very weird artwork but I loved his chalk works from the New York metro. 

Outside the museum in the park area.

Mum, MJ and I at the top of the Hamon tower St the museum. It was a stunning outlook. Another great day, after leftovers for dinner we watched the November Man, good movie with Pierce Brosnan. 

Another month gone!

Well the past month has been busy. The holidays went quickly with a bit of all sorts done around home and getting some of the major needlepoint projects done. I did not go to the Stampin up day as it was time away that I could not afford from home.

However, labour weekend saw me in wellington with Stephanie and Holly (see Stephanie’s blog for photos of our weekend). It was lovely and we had the most amazing summer like weather on the Saturday, nice on Sunday, raining on Monday but David came to breakfast with us so that was good.

Since then I have been stitching on walk on the wide side and started the Angelina fibre section. I have also been thinking about things to make to sell and for presents.

I have made a couple of luggage labels and they are quite fun. I gave one to Alice for her birthday this month as she is off to California for a short holiday before her last year of study.

Also I have been making a couple of prayer flags and here is the one that I posted off for a swap on swap-bot. This was great to make once I was started and thinking of doing a couple of bunting swags as well for Christmas to decorate the staffroom. I made bunting at the start of the year for the Amess house as we have been in charge of the social club this year.

Last weekend mum and Fiona came to stitch so we made up the kits for the guild Christmas party. On Sunday mum and I made a Christmas decoration, which was really nice. I am not making as many this year for presents so hope to have at least six done and that will be the end of them. Sometimes I think people don't appreciate them and then occasionally it is easier to buy something. This is always a dilemma for me as I like to make things but then get less in return. As we are off for Christmas I will have to make a couple to take with me. Who knows where we will be for Christmas.

Holly and I at botanic gardens.

A well photographed feature in Wellington airport.

Prayer flag - titled it a windmill of wishes as vanes are open to hold a small paper wish.

Christmas sampler

Helen our team manager for Stampin' Up had a challenge a couple of weeks ago which I participated in and here is mine hanging on my wall. It looks great, although I haven't quite got the pieces all straight. Thanks Helen for letting me take part.

All the parcels are under the tree but the tree isn't up yet. Think Erin might have to do it on Sunday afternoon. Went bike riding today, lunch with the girls and afternoon tea up the mountain with mum and dad. My cards aren't all quite written but getting on with that job so it will be done for tomorrow to bike and post them all. Hopefully once new year is over stitching time might kick in and a stay at the beach will also happen.

A busy day

It's nearly a month since I last posted and I think this will be a long on written over several days.

Only ten days left to work and then tidy up for the Christmas and wedding anniversary party. 

Today, Saturday had a visit from Marilyn with some need for scrap booking experience is that was a first. The dad came in to use the facilities, no time for a cuppa and then we had mum to visit and chat. Discussion about Christmas and what to eat ensued so now sorted I think. (But I will need to write it all down for my reminder list.) have shopping list for New Plymouth so that will be in a fortnight I think.

 This is what I have spent most of the day doing some thank you gifts for my Stampin up ladies and bits and pieces for a Xmas present. Hope they all enjoy.

There will be more to write about embroidery, night class, and exhibition so keep coming back.

A week back

Its been a busy week back from seminar and things have been busy on the stamping up front. Friday night we had our usual evening with the ladies making a number of items including a card holder using pegs and crystal effects. very stunning looking. This week I have been to the team meeting where we used Gorgeous Grunge stamp set so it is now on my wish list and also went to Megan's for the first lot of Christmas card making. Using some of the sets from the new holiday catalogue, this was a great introduction to getting to use some of the stamps. All items in this catalogue are available from me and I love the DSP

On the stitching front Mum has finished the Sue Reed piece, "Twisted Stitchers" while I am nearly finished. Just the last two rows on the border to complete and also the stars in the centre need to be done. In Stitches is having a fat quarter sale so I got two pieces of fabric to make a bag for the Exhibition and I think then it will be a great little snappy bag.

Struggling with sore fingers and trying not to get a cold this week has also meant that early nights have been the order of business but getting back onto an even keel and waking up earlier so will have time for exercise in the morning, even if it is 15 minutes. I am so blessed to live in this lovely warm home and not have to suffer lots of sickness each year with my asthma.

8 September: finished twisted Stitchers and getting on with harmony piece. Here is a photo of both my pieces. 

10 September. Spoke to soon about not getting sick. Had severe asthma with cold so doctor visit and now the steroids for 12 days. I have had two days in bed with the ret of the week off so resting, sleeping and hoping to do some embroidery as well.

Also here is a piece that one of my students has completed and it has been framed by another student. Yeah Judy and Jill great work both of you. This is a Laura Perin pattern and here is my piece that I am doing. Much smaller in scale but other class members are doing floral ribbons and Victorian ribbons.

    

Stitching finishing

It's been a busy month with bits of stitching nearly completed as well as a new little project started. I made a number of snap trays so that was a bonus and hope to sell them. It started with making one to match the snappy bag I made for Maree. She really liked it so that was cool and I am hoping to make a couple of kiwi ones to take to Los Angeles in August.

Card demonstration at Sarah's and the wonderful items they made. All different but from the same starting point.

Finished pieces from night class project.

Night class have finished with our Christmas tree project. It has been a really stunning project to stitch and I have enjoyed mine on the 45 count Florence and single strand of silk as well as the 100 count silk for the hardanger sections. You can see the difference in the fabric count quite markedly as mine is half the size of the other pieces.

May also saw the cold weather return with a vengeance and we had snow settle on the ground on the 22nd May.

Tulip flower for Mary V.

This is the latest piece that I have done for the Creative Stitchers 12x12 challenge. I have been doing beadwork on each of these and also using these as part of my beaded journal project items for this year. I made the decision that I would bead something each month and so this is the piece I have finished for May. I am not certain if I have a copy of Aprils face but I will be able to take a photo at another stage.
For March I completed a snowflake on Rosalind's piece and for this month I have a pear to complete.

Latest beadwork

2012 Christmas decoration

My decorations this year have been based on this one that mum did from a pattern given to her by a friend.I have ended up making at least eight of these balls over the past three months for my beaded journal project work. I decided this year that my aim was to do some beadwork of any kind every month so these and the variations have been done since october with at least three a month. I finished off with doing a simple netted ball with star intersections for my friends mum for christmas. After completing the last ball yesterday (Boxing Day) I have realised that I do not have one of this design for myself. Mum got the pattern from a friend and I have adapted it to fit various sized balls. So only two more to make (one for me and one for Erin to take home).

On the christmas front it has been a busy few days since I finished work and I ended up with all the family (there are only 7 of us) here for breakfast and lunch as mum had no water. It was a lovely day and most of the family napped the afternoon away. I visited Stephanie and parents in the afternoon. Boxing Day was a visit to family friends and a leftover lunch - yummy as lots of different dishes from our lunch.
Today I caught up with another friend Sonia and I made her a ball for christmas in June similar to my Febraury BJP piece. She loved it and it was blue so that was great.

Off to Auckland for the weekend to collect my niece, Erin from the plane, then Mary Poppins in the afternoon and a catchup with my cousin sometime saturday night or sunday lunch. A trip up the Sky Tower is also on the agenda.
Happy New year to all and I hope to be a better blogger next year.
Diane

Still Stitching.

Several pieces of stitching have been done since the opunake retreat. I nearly finished all the flowers on my latvian piece and only have the borders to do. managed to get the finishing instructions for our linen biscornu and have the night class group onto that over the next weeks.
I have started one of the ANG auction pieces which is fun and mum has also started a piece as well.
Made several patchwork things for the guild christmas party and nearly have my door prize sorted. Next thing to do is my gift as well as secret santa gift for school. My institute box is nearly finished so only needs wrapping and labelling (tonights job which is running late).
I am hoping to put the pictures of the night class ornaments that have been stitched and one was finised with a lovely tassel and candycane cord by Fiona who has not done any of these things. I am so proud of her.

Scissor keeps made in class.

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Two months done



Janaury BJP for 2012

 I have decided that for 2012 BJP I will make a beaded item each month. Every year I spend the first 4 to 4 months making christmas balls for presents and classes. The january ball was made at Oakura beach from my own design and using quite a lot of reverse stitching (it now needs a name and I won't be teaching this pattern at all but may do a simpler one).

Febraury Ball for BJP - Tania's feathers

February's ball is a combination of patterns and I have called it Tania's feathers as it is a variation on the Tania pattern that I have. You can see the Honeycomb pattern with the feathers trim in the background. I am currently making another one as this will be a class so that I can teach my pupils the ribbed stitch which is lovely.

Family and the new year

David, Me, Muriel and Gillian in the tropical Edinburgh evening

We got to Edinburgh and after a walk along Princes Street to our hotel we hit the shops. I txt David and he had his mum with him so met us for dinner at TGIF. Gillian was in town also so we met her and had a wonderful meal with lots of banter. Not the warmest of weathers but still not raining so that was great. Our hotel is slightly more budget than the Langham In London.

David and \stephanie in the officers ward room

New years eve we were taken to visit the Royal yacht Britannia which was fabulous. check out stephanie's blog for a great photo of us. the yacht must have been a fabulous place for the royal family to relax. not so much for the staff though.

 At Paitshill and all the lithgows real and married. Nice to see some things don't change.

My runner looks great on Heather's kitchen cabinet so I am pleased that she likes it. We did well Marilyn.
Hope that all have a great new year and happy birthday to neil.
Diane

On our way north

After the best night's sleep in a bed like floating on a cloud with great pillows we are on our way to Edinburgh. We spent the day in London shopping and being tourists as we had to cost Madame Tussauds to get the picture of Colin Firth. As well as George, Daniel, etc. the queue was horrendous but fortunately we had decided to purchase our tickets online so we saved about an hours queue time. Scream section meant that Stephanie and I got close as we all know I don't do well in the dark with flashing lights ( shades of gold coast came back to me).
Shopping into selfridges and amazing things there for sale. Not on sale was a mobile for £6000. Could not get stephanie to buy one though. Met up with Tina and we went off to Covent Garden for dinner and a walk around. Went to a great Mexican restaurant called Pacifico which was delicious. Hottest salsa ever had.
The Langham is out of this world and tried out the bath when we got back. Stephanie took plenty of photos so we have the proof that we lived like the rich and famous for a night.
Happy new year to all.
Diane

Castles and beaches

Christmas day was exciting with lots of present unwrapping and even Emma got into the act with tearing open the paper. I was spoilt with gifts from Virginia and Mark as well as the children gave me a present - a felt kit to make cake pincushions. (NB: I have already started the first one). Santa also left a big bag of chocolates and little gifts for myself and Stephanie. I have it on good authority that Santa is a big choclate fan.


Luke and Callum waiting with anticipation for more presents.



Boxing Day saw us pack the car and head off to Leeds Castle. Virginia informed us as we got there that we would be doing the Christmas trail - a scavenger hunt for clues to a fairytale and then we could have fun in the play area. The treasure hunt did not include the tour of the castle which was a side trip but the castle was beautifully decorated for christmas with a chocolate room, swanlake room and even an ice queen in the bathroom. Most fun was had in the big kids play area with Mark spinning the merry go round for Callum, Luke and myself.



Today we went to look at the beach at Whitstable via Chilhum. Chilhum is a village that appears in a number of movies and television series as it is very pictureseque and good for filming period pieces. The church at Chilhum was lovely and very majestic despite its tiny size. Also straight onto the market square is the required stately home which has its gardens open during the summer for people to visit. Houses all around were decorated for christmas as well. We got to Whitstable and walked down to the harbour then along the main road where we saw a number of shops open with sale items. On the way back we walked along the beach front (typical english beach with no sand just stones) with a stop for hot chips at the harbour, then more beachside walking until we passed all the beach huts. (£20000 these will sell for). Back home again and roast lamb for dinner tonight. Yumm!!



Stephanie and Virginia at the beach in Whitstable



Canterbury cathedral

Yesterday Stephanie and I spent the day in Canterbury. It was fun shopping and I got some cool Christmas cards for next year. We had a yummy stop at the patisserie for morning tea then lunch was a Cornish pasty. The cathedral carol service started at 3pm but we were seated at 1.45 ish and only just managed to find a great seat in the nave. When the service started the lights dimmed and a choir boy soloist started with "Once in royal david's city" my all time favourite hymn. You could have heard a pin drop and it was spine chilling as only a few lights on. The Dean of Cathedral gave the homily and used his satnav as an entertains example. The service finished with the archbishop giving the last lesson. Very nice and he looked wonderful. Stephanie and I wandered around the quire area afterward and when leaving shook hands with the Dean and Archbishop. I was very cheeky and got a photo with the archbishop as I was the last person there. He was lovely and said he might be coming to NZ next year.

Me and the Archbishop of Canterbury.

The kiwi has landed.

Got here and am at Tina's tucked up in bed having more snoozes. We were very lucky and got an upgrade into premium class for the first leg of our journey. Optimistic we were that this would continue!! Very long flight from LA and the plane was full but we got two seats each. Was fun watched a number of movies (500 days of summer was funny). Nice food as usual and was pleased to see land.

Met up with Tina at airport so she got to meet Stephanie and Mark and the boys so that was great. Home to Croxley and streets looked a little like I remember with wonderful houses and trees. Tina has a nice place with lots of space and a big garden which they use so that is fun. Went for a crisp walk and toured the neighbourhood, temp was about 2 deg. Great sleep couldn't keep my eyes open after dinner (Craig cooked roast chicken, so yummy). Now having some more sleep then get up and take a walk before heading out to meet up with Dawn at Debden.

Almost snowing on the way from the airport.

I'll keep posting Merry Christmas all. The Nativity is a great English film.
Diane

Halfway there

Sitting in the transit lounge at LAX waiting to reboard. Was the longest checkin as forgot how quick it is when we check in at New Plymouth. Flight was bumpy in a few places. We had an upgrade to premium economy and were seated together so that was fun. Found the storage space when we arrived. Nice meals had salmon starter then lamb for main. Back in cattle class for next leg of journey so that will be okay as still get all the movies.

New Christmas Tree

Mum and I took delivery of these new christmas trees last weekend. They are really neat and a great way to display all the decorations. no leaf drop either.

I had my class make the sequinned dainty ball which was really fun. Another lady came along, Naomi and she really enjoyed it so we have another person to come to beading classes next year. 

Tony and Dot outside my house with the mountain in the background on Tuesday night.

Dot (spare sister from Melbourne) gave us short notice that they were coming to stay. We had a great couple of days with them (Dot, Tony, Geoff and Pauline) all mixing in with the Stratford families. They managed to get to see the mountain, the only overseas visitors this year that have had the privilege so that was good.

Busy Finishing

The election day went really well and I drove into the garage at 8.59pm so I was really thrilled. a low turnout which was a shame but we had a reasonably busy day so that was okay.

I have been busy finishing gifts for the trip overseas and also deciding on whether I will pariticipate in the BJP 2012. I am debating this and think that if I do it will be a series of small icons, gods and goddesses.
I have done four coathangers, coffee cup holders and half done a runner for a friend. I was going to go to Marilyns tonight to get the binding put on but i have done some christmas bookings instead. the train to my cousin's is booked and that is another thing off the list. I have also made ten christmas decorations, sat at the Percy Thompson gallery for the art society and started two more decorations for the class on monday night.

Work has been crazy and I have had two hours out today with Ultranet training and all day tomorrow with the practical session so I will be at school early to get things done before the class starts. I have to get the newsletter printed and the office staff will have to fold the senior reports into the envelopes ready for handing out. We have the last day on friday with the junior students prizegiving so that is it and then next week it is activities week and posting out of reports and other things.