Hot off the hook

Negativity

2009-12-21T17:21:00.001+11:00

breeds..

My Gran never, and l mean never, says bad things about anyone. She will find something nice to say about them, or holds her tongue.
I love and admire her for it.

Me, l've got in the habit of not only seeing, but gossiping about the negative qualities of some people. And it has to stop. The more you talk about it, the more you see it and the more you see it, the harder it is to see anything good in someone.

My mum is always negative and its turning her into a really sour person, not nice to be around. I certainly do NOT want to be like my mother.

I want to be like Gran. She is a feisty woman, not shy about sharing her opinion, is as self sufficient and self reliant as you can be at 80 with a fake knee and failing eye sight. She is the ultimate girls scout, always prepared. And she is nice, to people and animals and to be around.

Making plans..

2009-12-16T09:30:00.001+11:00

We had a big talk to the girls about our fire plan tonight. Talking them through how we are prepared, FDI levels, why & what days we would pack our camper and store it. Where we would go, why we have to go /they have to go. Biggest thing was brain storming with them, what we would try to save.
They started wanting to take everything. They now get the concept of what is replaceable and whats not.
They like the idea that we would have a house ( our camper) like Bailey who lost his house and now travels in a caravan.. They know mum would cry if our house was burnt down/ squashed by a tree/ blown away/ washed away in a flood. But we would build again and it only matters that we are safe.
Zoe is not happy that the chooks would have to stay. Serioulsy 10 chooks, 1 rooster and a half grown chick.. hatchback car full of dogs & kids.. Will have to talk her through getting more chicks if we had to.

Rediscovering old habits.

2009-12-02T12:58:00.001+11:00

I used to be very organised, the weekly menu plan so l knew what l had to buy, clean the fridge out the night before shopping while l was writing the shopping list, sort of organised.

Yet here l am, December 2nd, not only is the tree not up, its still somewhere in the loft. Cards are not sent, or written, or even out to be written in. 2009 the year of flying by the seat of my pants, and it SUCKS!!

2010 is going to be the year of taking back control. I'm starting early. Like today. I've rejoined flylady, the daily tasks, the routines, the support worked wonders when l was new to being the mother of 2. Mother of 2 and drowning in housework, motherhood and a touch of depression. Sounds strange now, but it really helped, l was organised, my house (after many months) was clean & decluttered. I was proud of my home, family and myself. I lost weight, as walking each day was a part of my routine.

I found and dusted my old control journal, the one with my routines, menus, christmas card lists. I signed up for the daily emails setting out the zone l'm working on and giving me extra tasks to do each day.
And l feel good.

Gardening in summer

2009-11-19T20:21:00.001+11:00

chatty today arn't I?

I love to garden, flowers, veggies, herbs, fruit, creepers, ground covers.. l even enjoy weeding.
Summer is such a challenge, trying to get enough mulch on a shoe string budget, get it on early enough and thick enough to protect the plants, but no so early that it has composted before the end of summer.
Trying to keep water up, with limited tank water to spare.
Trying to keep the plants shaded from the sun on hot days.

I used to have a lovely cottage style garden, pretty flowers that needed watering every day, thriving herb & veggie gardens. That was town water supply and a house block that used to be a cow paddock.. oh the crumbly black soil!

Now l have to choose plants that are frost/drought hardy, low fire danger, bird/bee attracting and hardy enough to survive free range chooks & kids plus the pup.
I plant something, water it for a couple of days, then hope for the best. Most plants l put in take a couple of years to establish before they get new growth, then they take off. Grevillia, pelargonium, geraniums, daisy, lavender are all good shrubs.
Pig face is my all time favourite ground cover, so many colours to choose from and it so easy to propogate. Creepers, l like passionfruit, happy wanderer, not much else has survived, though l like the idea of grapes.
All my fruit trees have established quite well, by the 3rd year they fruit well. In some cases too well, poor peach tree was so laden last year it needed supports under every branch.

Last summer l planted the last of my surviving veggies in pots and put them in the green house, just to keep them alive. This summer l've mulched a lot earlier and have shade cloth to put up on the hottest days. Next summer.. hopefully a tunnel green house.

Knitting news

2009-11-19T15:22:00.001+11:00

I must dust off the camera and get photos of the projects l've completed. There are so many, not just knitting, also project bags, dress ups & beading.

I'm on the home stretch of a sock, the 2nd sock in a pair destined for a fellow Raveler. Rainbow swap, l'm going to try to make something in each colour of the rainbow, have 3 weeks of crafting time, wich should be more than enough.

Garden is cooking in the heat, l've planted tomatoes in shadey places to protect them from the sun, fenced those places to protected them from the dog. Dog that has another 2 years before he matures enough not to chew everything.
My fruit trees are looking great, not as much fruit as last year, l pruned to stimulate growth rather than fruit. Hoping they become stronger now and are better able to cope with our warmer climate.

Not so sweet dreams

2009-11-19T15:17:00.001+11:00

Going to cut & paste from GG forum because l'm lazy..

[i]Kelly had a nightmare that Zoe was burnt in a fire and died. She wants to stay home with us.. think its the warmer weather and overhearing so much talk of fire. Not that we talk fire in front of the kids, but even shopping last night in Traralgon, every 2nd person we past was. *sigh* kids are asking lots of questions about our house being safe, will it burn down this year. Pretty shitty state of affairs l must say.[/i]

[i]Spoke to her (fdc mum) about Kelly, there has been lots of talk this week at school about how much was donated after the fires, because a local bike club was calling in to collect donations for the toy run. They also had a classmate visit this week, he lost his home & the family is now travelling for a couple of years. Pretty sure the above & the hot weather has kicked off her fears. Back to lots of hugs, talking, drawing and including her in preparation discussions. School psych said this is important as they feel they have some control, also know what to do to help/prepare instead of being a helpless bystander.[/i]

So much for congratulating ourselves on how well adjusted the kids are after what they experienced.
Makes me wonder how all the children that were in the thick of the fires are coping.

On the 7th when l was sure l had made the wrong decision about where the girls were evacuate to. Kelly assured me in such a confident, grown up voice that it was ok, they would be safe, not to worry.
I have a sickening fear that her dream is more than just a childish nightmare. One more step down the path of paranoia?

Smells like summer to me..

2009-11-01T19:28:00.000+11:00

A friend said this, she could smell fresh mown grass..
Smells like summer here too.. smoke.

Neighbors are burning off, and we have a small fire in the area. Not bad for the 2nd day of the fire season. I have a niggling feeling that this summer is going to be hard. Emotionally hard for sure, but also bad for fires.

Its hasn't been an easy autumn or winter. We have cut an lot of trees down that are close to the house. They are now split and stacked for firewood. We have burnt huge bonfires of leaves and branches. Fire pump is permanently hooked into our main water supply, we have more long fire hoses. Replaced all the garden hoses with them, makes it quick to water the garden ;)

I've been working, knitting, camping, gardening and much more. I may even blog about it sometime soon.
After all the stress of summer is a very small part of my life. Promise!

So very excited

2009-05-03T21:17:00.000+10:00

looks like a little holiday, just me, no kids, is really going to happen.
Many times the suggestion is made, dates are discussed, a few can't come, so no-one goes. FRUSTRATING!!!

A trip to the Apple Isle... Bliss!

Still no photos

2009-05-01T22:46:00.000+10:00

of FOs but l have been busy.
Knitting: kids mittens and hats, l'm sure l made heaps last winter, girls of course could find none that fit and looked just right.
Grown up cowls, beanies, mitts and socks, because its cold and l can..

Sewing: l've traced patterns, chosen fabric, setup the new sewing cabinet. Thats as far as l got.

Spinning: have fibre ready to spin, fleece ready to card, a wheel that needs a flyer and one that needs.. well it just needs me to persevere. I have tried, but the wheel was wobbly so l tightened bits, oiled other bits and tried again. Now the bobbin spins at the same rate as the flyer and l have fiddles with the brake thingy, said really rude words and borrowed lots of books about spinning. After a bit of research l will try again.

Reading: the Black saturday book. Honestly, if you read the papers in the days after the fires, don't bother. Donate straight to the Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund or your local CFA. (GERF at have been writing checks for victims in need from day one... )

Garden: I'm trying the moon planting guide, only been one month so too early to know if it makes a difference. I do have winter veg seedlings in the hot house almost ready to put out. Also lots of strawberry runners that have to be planted, more that need potting up.
Fruit trees must be nearly ready for pruning, they have lost most of their leaves. I want to get lots of sugar cane mulch again this year, or something less expensive. Having 14 trees that need mulching it adds up pretty quick.
Next season l want to start putting permanent net structures over some of the trees.

Home: kids are growing and healthy. Kelly is doing so well at school, its a fine line between pride and bragging. So l'll leave it at doing well :) Zoe is bored, l'm not going back to the gym this year and have dropped a playgroup. I was not enjoying being busy every day.

We have our camper trailer finished. Well its usable, the kitchen and other comforts are still in planning stage.

I finally got to see my GP today. I'm booked for blood tests to check for early menopause, it would explain most of the problems l'm having health wise. He checked my shoulder and feet, agreed that its capsulitis also with the treatment l'm on. Last on my 'shopping' list is a referral to see if l need another colonoscopy. *sigh* feels like my body is falling apart and l'm still in my 30s.

Holidays

2009-04-05T09:44:00.001+10:00

well a 2 week break from school and lots of spring cleaning.... in Autumn.

Our plans were to take lots of loads of green waste to the recycling centre. After checking the fees, picking myself up off the floor, we will take one load that is ready then hire a mulcher. $32 a load! We could borrow the work truck, holds 3 times as much and only $30 a load. But l'm thinking of piles of mulch rotting down for the garden.

The garden beds are starting to look very bare. I'm replacing most of the plants within 10m of the house with ground covers and very low shrubs. Also edible plants, have a couple of logan berry vines and an Apricot tree ready to plant, must pot up more strawberry runners too.
Ground cover on top of my list is pigface. Mainly because l have some growing already and l have been successful at growing cuttings from it.

My last 3 issues of the Art of knitting arrived this week, l have 4 squares to knit, then all 90 to join and edge.
I've almost finished joining my 1st bushfire blanket, tunisian crochet to join the squares is easier than l expected.

Our camping trailer is taking shape! Waiting on the axles and wheels, then it can be painted and registered. Early May we will buy the tent, then lots of testing. I'm thinking a night at Tidal river, one at Bear gully, and maybe Lakes Entrance for starters. One weekend a month is my aim. Can only bring my little family closer.... right?

Walking in the bush yesterday the girls had a good learning experience. We saw smoke so went to check if it was something we could deal with. A pile of dirt and debris piled up by a bulldozer on Monday 9th Feb was smoking. Its quite a big pile, size of a small car. We could see that roots in the soil had flared up when dirt fell away giving the embers some air. We showed the girls and explained that fire needs to breathe etc. Also how to check if something is hot by holding your hand close but not touching.
Kelly went to walk back to the track and the ground collapsed. She was ankle deep in hot ash. Another talk about proper footwear, she and Dad were wearing leather boots, a good choice. Zoe and myself were wearing sneakers, not so good.

The girls are still coping ok. Kelly was very upset Friday after getting off the school bus, she had kept it together until she got off. Lots of rain and high winds reminded her of the day we had trees coming down around the house a few weeks back. She was worried our house would get 'hurt' or a tree would land on the bus. Hugs, reassurance washed down with hot milo seemed to help.
Going away for two nights to visit Nan and Pop, both girls insist they are taking a 'gobag' in case something happens to the house while we are away. Can't refuse when l'm thinking of doing the same...

Swaps

2009-03-24T10:56:00.001+11:00

I forgot to 'publish' my indepth brag about the swaps l am doing on Ravelry. Bugger!

Rehash with photos to follow.

Bag swap, finished though l'm not sure if its good enough..
Yellow swap, finished, love it and am holding off even wrapping the goodies because l like looking at them.
Cloth swap, almost finished, forgot about it until last night when l panicked and knit like a madwoman until midnight.

Other crafty things l'm working on.
Blankets for bushfire victims, squares have been donated and need to be stitched together. I had almost finished stitching one blanket and decided it looked nasty. Started over and am crocheting around the squares in black and will join them with Tunisian crochet... another thing to learn!

Making bags for the swaps l was inspierd to make a few for me, and conned into making a few for the girls. "Mummy, you can sew!" Not only bags were on their list of requests, they found mending that l never knew existed.
I'd like to get a sewing cabinet so l can sew more often. Good excuse to regularly visit local op shops.

My garden is getting greener, shrubs that looked dead are very much alive. A lot of the gardens that were here when we moved in are about to undergo drastic make overs. A lot will be stripped and l'll grow native ground covers. I have an aversion to bushy shrubs close to the house.. even though the little wrens hang out in them. Hoping the birds will still be able to score a feed amongst the groundcovers.
Also going to put veggies in some beds that l'm clearing. I want to grow a lot more berries and tomotoes. Blueberries and strawberries are very popular with the girls.

Tickle your funny bone..

2009-03-24T09:49:00.001+11:00

Th big drive

2009-03-02T15:03:00.000+11:00

to Dinner Plain went ok. I cried most of the way to Sale, hiccuped to Bairnsdale. From there to Dads its all corners, lots of fun in the 'fun car'.

I spent a couple of hours talking fires, reactions to fires with dad. He lived through the 2003 Alpine fire and understands how l feel, he also gives great hug.
My responsible early night was hijacked by ute loads of cousins looking to party. Sounds very red neck doesn't it.. and it was ;).
Tall men, tall boots, tall stories and plenty of laughs. Should l leave out the night driving with beer between knees dodging cattle on the road part? Was like being a teenager again.

I snuck in a little knitting in bed before helping decorate the lodge for Alishas engagement party. The party was fantastic, so many friends and family there to celebrate with them. I left after the speeches, another 4 hour drive. Jock was able to go to the Superbikes on Sunday, l hope he appreciated me coming home so he could go.
I hear the party finished late on Sunday, looks like l will need to pencil in a full week for the wedding!

Weather for tomorrow is windy, fire storm weather etc etc. Our school is still going to be open, not sure if l will send Kelly. The biggest risk is falling tress. There is 1 km of burnt and drought stressed big trees to drive through to get to and from school. The medias constant over the top reporting on how bad it is going to be certainly doesn't help you make a rational decision.

I went outside to put everything away, tie down loose 'stuff' etc. As usual l got side tracked, picked up puppy chewed bits, buckets of puppy poo, then weeded. That was fun, standing on a steep slope pulling weeds, puppy trying to help and rolling down the slope. He looks extra cute when he is covered in leaf litter and grass.

Terrified

2009-02-27T12:40:00.000+11:00

no other way to describe my feelings today.
Its getting hotter, the wind is teasing, its smells of smoke (as usual).
I am trying not to scream.
Trying not to cry.
Trying not to vomit.
There is no direct threat, not even an awareness message for the area.
Yet l feel so bloody threatened by a fire that went passed almost 3 weeks ago.

I have to go away tonight, leaving the girls with Jock. I struggle to go further than 20 mins from home, so not sure how the 3.5 hour drive will go tonight.

Knitting news

2009-02-23T21:32:00.000+11:00

I had a find today, my missing 5mm knit picks DPN. I lost it weeks ago and had to sub a cheap plastic thing. Ahhh all matching shiny needles again.

I have 7 squares left to knit on my Art of Knitting throw. Thats 83 finished! None are blocked or sewn together yet, not looking forward to that part.

I signed up for 2 swaps on Ravelry, a bag swap and yellow swap. Only need to make a bag for the yellow swap, have lots of lovely things tucked in the ... you guessed it... yellow box.
Bag swap, l'm looking for the right fabric, that doesn't cost the earth. Then l'll stress about finding a pattern. Or should l find a pattern so l know how much fabric l need?

If your unsure how much you look at the keyboard when you type.. do it in the dark! Man l need to practice my touch typing. At least l can find the delete button every time now.

No offence

2009-02-23T21:26:00.000+11:00

I almost posted this on a public forum in response to other members being taken by surprise that Feb 7th fires were not 'normal'.
This is my opinion and not an attempt to invalidate anyone elses experience of the day and their feelings since.

My experience of the 7th... we knew it was going to be bad fire weather. There were warnings, not just to alert arsonists to play, but so people were aware that it was going to be extreme fire weather. It was all over the news to be prepared, put your stay or go plans in place.
We knew it was a bad fire day, when the fire started we knew it had potential to be really bad.
Were we ready... no.
We had to juggle being fire ready, and surviving 46c heat. In the week leading up to the 7th it was too hot to get out and clear around the house. Most days were total fire ban and we couldn't use the mower and on days we could, we didn't.
I feel that [b]I[/b] had adequate warning to be hyper alert for fire that day. I also feel l had access to information well in advance on how to prepare the house and surrounds.
I think the ABC got info out as fast as they could, even with their tower burning down.
Since the 7th the access to up to date, relevant info about the fire situation has been crap.

For anyone that has been affected by these fires, please, if your not coping, ask for help. Speak to your family, friends, GP or even call
Lifeline 13 11 14

fire of a differnt kind

2009-02-17T22:29:00.000+11:00

We have a wood heater, l love it. Not the extra layer of dust it creates on everything. Or the creepy crawlies that hitch a ride inside on the wood. Or waiting for it to throw out heat when it goes out.
Nothing beats warming your bum standing in front of a real heater. Dries your clothes overnight. Put the fan on and dry your hair. Cook a stew on it, or toast in front of it. You can even toast marshmallows if thats your thing.

I used to like cutting wood for the fire. A fantastic way to work off a bad mood.. belting the crap out of lumps of wood with an axe.

Now l'm older, my joints ache, my back does hurty things if l bend funny. Time to invest in a new log splitter. Not the sort that looks like and axe, and gives you blisters and bruises.
A 8HP, 22 tonne, so big you have to tow it behind your car power tool type log splitter. And its mine. And l'm going to write my name on it in pink paint. I might even tie a bow to her tow bar and call her Bertha.

My little brother is jealous, and rightly so. I feel like beating my chest and doing a 'Tim the Toolman ' grunt. But l won't, or l might and keep quiet about it.

That other fire is still burning. Not close by, but close enough that our roads are still blocked, fire trucks are frequent. So are the water trucks refilling everyones tanks ready for next time, or in case it doesn't rain for a while.
I'm in a good place about what happened, not the death and destruction side. But how l am coping. I don't feel like crying all the time, l've had motivation to unpack, clear up and even clean up.
And l am knitting again.

2009-02-15T10:58:00.000+11:00

Some of you may be aware of my 'distaste' for all things Bratz. I am now the proud owner of 1 single and 1 double doona set, they are pink, they are girly and they are Bratz!
We went to a fundraiser auction at a pub last night. It was organised a week ago, in that time there were so many donations. AFL jumpers signed by the whole 2009 teams, Gary Ablett Jnr was there signing things, Kayaks, fishing charters, you name it. Not sure how much was raised but 1 jumper with Ablett Jnr & Snr sigs went for $3k, its going to be put on Ebay and all the proceeds of that too will go to the Gippland relief fund. The amount of money out of such a small, drought and fire affect region... Bless their sweaty socks.

We left at 10pm, kids slept in their clothes with red icypole stains around their mouths and tomato sauce from the sausage sizzle caked between their fingers.

On the walk back to our car a few young blokes came running out of the pub, jumped in a car and sped off. It was on the tip of my tongue 'bloody hoons, bet they've been drinking'.
They pulled up at the CFA shed.. we watched them don the stained and stinking gear they have been in and out of for the last 2 weeks. Jump in the truck and wait for a 4th man to come, and he did wearing his PJs. They left town in with lights but no siren so they didn't wake anyone.
Thoughtful and selfless, brave and modest.

Passed them on our way home, they were returning to town. Either a false alarm or there were enough crews from the other small towns to handle the job. Every call could be a Saturday 7th. Or a car accident involving someone they know. Or a prank call.

Humbling.
We as a society don't do enough for each other. We sit back and watch others DO. We appreciate their effort, we thank them. But we expect that someone else will DO.
Not just fight fires.
Thankyou to the man next door to Nana that puts a days dry wood at her back door every day in winter, and the man across the street who mows her grass when he does his own. The lady across the street who knocks on the door if the curtains are not opened.
Thanyou to the young boy that put my trolley away while l was getting kids in the car in the rain.. and returned my token.
Thankyou to the woman that puts a bowl of clean water outside her gate on a hot day for passing dogs.
Thankyou to the little girl that held a door open for me when l had my hands full of grumpy kids.

some photos l've found

2009-02-12T22:42:00.000+11:00

Readers witness fires | Herald Sun

Readers witness fires | Herald Sun
Readers witness fires | Herald Sun
Readers witness fires | Herald Sun
Readers witness fires | Herald Sun

we didn't take photos, tried to get some of the bush burning, trucks parked out the front. But the ash in the air made it too hard. I've been looking online for photos taken looking towards our place.

What to call it?

2009-02-12T13:24:00.000+11:00

At some point l need to write down what our experience of 7th Feb was. Its all a bit jumbled and l keep remembering bits.
But the bare bones of it..

Planning MIL & SIL visit for lunch. Worried about SIL being able to get through on freeway, roads closed because of Bunyip fire.
It was hot but really still.
We had prepped a bit because it was predicted fire weather. Swept leaves, cleaned gutters, fire hoses & pump were out but not connected, ABC radio on etc
ILs were late as usual, had been here 5 mins when the phone rang.
"have you seen the fire, how close is it, can you go see where it is"
It must have just been lit, friends were in Mirboo Nth fixing fences from the fires last week, wanting to know should they come home.
I went for a drive, got 500m up the road "SHIT its close, really close"
Came home and put the photos in the car, they were stored in a case in our room.
Grabbed our big local map and we worked out where it was using ABC, CFA web & sight. Plotted wind direction and where it was heading, trying to do a rough prediction of where it was going and where the flanks would be when the wind changed (due at midnight) .
Phone started ringing hot, so while Jock went to alert neighbours and make sure they would be ok, l made some calls. Dad & Ali to be our point of contact, then mum, nana etc. Letting them know it was close and we were prepping the house, also that we were not sure of our plan to stay.
ILs were VERY nervous, so much for casual lunch, tossed food on the brekky bar and told them to help themselves before they left.

The whole time we were connecting pumps, hoses, filling buckets we were both very calm. Making conversation with the ILs and keeping an eye on the kids.
We forgot to eat, though reminded each other to drink lots of water.
Deb called and offered to collect the girls & dogs if needed.
At this point we were still behind the fire, no smoke, safe.
I have no idea of time. It started before 2...
ILs left, before they left they asked if we needed help, though expressed their desire to be gone as soon as possible.

When they left we could really focus on prep. Making gutter plugs (yep still didn't have any) used empty stubbies in holders on the round holes. Metal tape with bags of sand on the square ones. Filled the gutters and started wetting the house.

We moved everything we could from around the house and shed. Put mops and towels in the buckets, metal rakes.

We talked about the kids, decided they were too little to stay, it was getting scary, we were too busy to look after them. Called Deb and asked if they could stay overnight. In case it came any closer.
Told the girls we were packing a Gobag, they chose PJs, 2 days clothes and toys they wanted with them. We did the same, 2 days clothes and Jocks bike gear, l packed my knitting needles and 2 projects.
The paperwork folder with tax, bank etc. Kids memory boxes, MCHN books, Dog vacc books. I took too long measuring dog food for a couple of days.

Wasn't sure about shade cloth, they tell you that blinds help keep embers off the windows. Called dad and he said to take it all down, he was calm but adamant that the kids should go. "Just get your babies out button, promise me"
It must have been close to 5 by then, the radio was telling us the change was coming early and it was gusting hard.
Back to the map to plot the wind direction... my gut clenched. It was going to be close. I had an overwhelming desire to pick the girls up and run. It took a lot not to do this. Its hard to describe the feeling.. l didn't feel in any danger, l wasn't scared, l just had to get them away.
Got the kids in the car with a blanket hooked over their seats, just in case. The dogs were freaking out and trying to run away. Jock was on the loo, bloody Colitis!
I yelled to Jock that l was going, he (from toilet) said he would meet me at Jamies, he couldn't stay by himself, but we had to get the kids out.
This is the point we decided to let the house go.

Driving out, it was black. Mud was falling from the sky, wipers with washers on the whole time and l still had trouble seeing. The change had hit.
My little car was being blown from one side of the road to the other. Having stability conrol and anti skid saved us more than once. Girls were squealing with excitement "weeee do it again mum"
Big branches were bouncing off the roof and hitting the windscreen. I told the girls to grab the blanket ready to cover themselves if the windows broke to keep the tickle wind out.
I'd left it 5 mins too late. 5 mins earlier, no wind or mud. I was watching massive trees bending towards us.

Rained mud the whole way to Traralgon. Jock called to see make sure we had got through. I tell him l'm not sure l've made the right decision, its raining ashes and mud here too, what if they arn't safe. Kelly "mum its ok, we will be safe here"
Deb had another family there from T'gon Sth. They wanted me to stay.
I wanted nothing more than to sit back with a drink and listen to the radio, watching my girls.
But Jock was at home, l told Deb l'd go to Jamies, see what the situation was then probably come back to stay the night. I didn't want to risk the girls losing both parents.
Back in the car l got a voice message from Jock. Loud loud fire in the background, poor reception "trucks are pulling out, its coming, l'm going now" I didn't if he had just left the message, or was it in the 30 mins it took to settle the kids in.

Driving back toward Loy Yang, cars pouring out of Traralgon Sth, they were driving hard. Pulling over and jumping out to hug people in the cars behind.
I saw, but didn't understand.
Closer to home l wanted to stop and take a photo, the fire was one big BIG tounge of flame rolling down the hill. I knew that it was so very close to our place.

Police on our road, can't go through. I told him l only needed to get as high as Holts Rd. "Sorry its gone, burning like a bastard up there, its too late, everythings gone up there" I remember bending over and sobbing. "sorry, sorry, l'm ok, just l got them out in time, l got my kids out" I thought then, the house is gone and Jock is somewhere up there.
I walked back to the car, sat in the passenger side and called Jock. He answered straight away, he had made it to Jamies.
I asked if they needed me there, because l'd seen the how hot it was burning and how fast and l did NOT want to be there.
Yes, if it comes closed we had to save Jamies place there were a lot of people there.
He told me to come up Lawless Rd, l thought he said Lawless farm. Good thing l heard wrong. I went further down the road, took a lane towards Lawless farm and back onto our road. It was still dark, raining mud, windy. Now there were embers falling.

At Jamies, l changed out of shorts and crocks to full kit. Jeans, wools socks and blundstones, cotton shirt, flannel shirt, hat. Traded my sunnies for one of the kids goggles, it hurt to have eyes open.
I was offered a girly drink... for christs sake its 46+c, fire is headed to us and they offer me a pink fizzy think. Jamie overheard and passed me a beer.
Called Ali and let her know the kids were out, where we were. Forgot to tell any family where the kids were, Deb had no details of our family.

I did a tour with Andrea to see where they had all their gear. Then the wind stopped. It just stopped. They had a wind siren on the roof that had been blaring, and it went quiet.
Everyone froze. Waiting to see where it would come from next. Minutes, or a minute. Looking at each other with amazement.

Jamie and Jock were putting chainsaws in a Ute with trailer, both had 1200L tanks on the back. Priming the pumps, grabbing gear. They were going to check on the house "Do you want to come"
I admitted l was scared of being caught on the road, Jamie showed me what they had, we did a rough plan. Jock & Jamie would use chainsaws, me sprayer, other guy. Maybe Russell? Spray, drive move debris.
3 people did headcounts and checked who was sitting where in the car. If it went up, we would be easier to identify. That sounds sick when l put it down.

Driving slow, no big debris. Closer and closer, its only 2.4km. The close we get the brighter it gets. See flames in the bush near our house, other side of the road. The house is still there.
We jump out and run around the house looking for anything thats burning. Then in side, up into the loft and other hot spots.
Nothing
Not a wisp of smoke anywhere.
Next door we see flames 50m? from the house. Have a quick but serious talk.
If it picks up can we still defend it. Check our water, pump, how much petrol left for the pump. All decide its in a good position.

Race back to Jamies so we can go back in our car. They can't spare anyone if it keeps running down towards them.

Drive back, there is a fire truck on the bottom drive! SHIT its only been 10 mins it can't be burning now!
They are checking house to house. Ask if they need a drink.. no thanks.
Then "Jo, a phone, call Simone, l left mine at home" Jock throws the phone to me and l call. She is more than a little surprised to hear he is at our place, pass him the phone. He had been out for hours with the CFA, radios are reporting flashovers on local trucks. Others use the phone and reassure their families. We walk around again with the CFA, they get us to make a few changes. Confident we can walk the fire through. They then catch their breath, sit for a few mins, we get cold drinks from the house for them.

Crew change is done at our driveway, we have 4 trucks, 2 cars, CFA everywhere for 30 mins. Then they are gone, there are houses burning, we can hear their radios. We know, its bad.

We sit and try to eat, every tree that falls we race out the front in case is sparks over. I'm so tired, l need to sleep. Hop into bed in the study so we only dirty one bed. I can't sleep but l rest. Phone rings, its Jamie making sure we are ok. Jock sleeps. Rubberneckers are turning in our drive every 5 mins.

Somewhere in this.
At the start l called Kylie, l didn't Know Vickies number to alert her. Kylie can't contact her, we worry that she and her babies are sleeping, unaware. Jeff drives out to check on them, lets us know she is gone & safe. He offers to stay, but we sent him home. Sure at that point it wouldn't swing our way.

Later back home, called Kylie to get a message to Rod, he had offered to come if we needed. Talked to him about where we were at, he offers to come out if we need to rest.

I know l called Ali & Deb. Maybe mum. We had battery radio, gas light & phones. The threat alerts for our road were constant.

Text at 1am from Tash, l'm so tired l can barely walk, l call her and talk. Alert enough at the end of the call to stay up until 3am and give Jock a good rest.

We now know while we were walking calmly around, working out our plan for the night, there were people dying. When we were cheering the wind change away from us, people were caught unaware by a firestorm.
Some panicked and went for their cars and died on the road. Some their houses gone, ran for cars or dams and died. Others sheltered from the front in their houses, that exploded around them and they died.
Were they telling their babies "Its ok, mummy will keep you safe'? Like l did..

Overnight the 1st deaths were reported. Its hard to comprehend that so many people have been directly affected by fire in such a short time.
We don't feel we were, only registered with the Red Cross because the police told us to.
We have a house, a family we didn't fight a fire.

Police checks everytime you use our road, alert for strangers offering help. Is it the arsonist, a looter?

I'll come back to Sunday, and Monday at some point.

I need to get some photos taken on Saturday, we are heavily treed and you couldn't SEE anything coming.

Boo

2008-06-01T20:25:00.002+10:00

I'm having a knitting break, dusted of my Hooks... they really had dust on them. I have a huge bag of cheap nasty acrylic mum wants transformed into ponchos, hats etc to sell. I have been able to put her off for a while as it hurts to crochet. The bag of crap yarn is annoying me so its time to do something about it.

Monthly update..

2008-05-15T21:05:00.006+10:00

l've been neglecting my blog.. again. I tend to track my knitting on Ravelry, and spend a lot of time browsing patterns, yarn and discussions.

Knitting, l have been doing a lot lately. A wonderful friend gave me a bag of yarn on a surprise trans-Tasman visit. I wanted to do something 'good' with it, not just fritter it away on random projects.
I have transformed Rowan denim into Tasha, l made 2 of these, the lighter blue shown and a darker shade.

Some very pretty Monster Knits Blackberry Ridge Bulky into an Unoriginal hat and a Cotton candy hat (scroll past the gratuitous semi nude to see the pattern ;))

Yarn Cafe B amboo (store will reopen when the babymoon is over) is now a short version of a Feather and fan scarf.

I still have enough of the MK to make a little something warm and snuggly for me!

What are the plans for all these knitted goodies? Its a surprise...

Socks have been another project from gifted yarn. I have made myself 3 pair so far and have plans for more. I have invested in some sock knitting tools to make life easier. Sock blockers from the Knittery, they were my mothers day gift along with enough yarn to qualify for free shipping.
A needle keep l use constantly and need to buy a shorter version of. Oops make that have just bought..
I also found a foot rest that the lid comes off, perfect for storing all my WIPs.
I still have a lace blocking kit on my wish list.

The boring stuff. I havn't had any news about the lump that was removed from my scalp. Not that l went back to get any, the Dr wasn't available when l was able to go in to have the stitches removed. So l took them out myself.

DPN holders

2008-04-30T14:31:00.001+10:00

I found this tutorial on how to make your own DPN holders using finger puppets or pen toppers. I can't wait to make some!

Hole in my head

2008-04-14T09:39:00.001+10:00

where a little growth used to be. Now you can all stop giggling and keep your Tasmanian jokes to yourself...

Dr B is not only our family GP, he is also a wonderful surgeon. Today he started work an hour early so he could remove the 'thing'.
The Thing is/was a hard lump on my scalp that has been there for years. In early March l noticed it had turned black, saw a different GP who gave me a referral for to see skin specialists. Those are in short supply in regional Australia, so rather than wait for my late July appointment, l went to see Dr B.
He decided that as it would have to be removed anyway, he may as well do it in his rooms as soon as possible.
That of course was today.

The black area had enlarged 25% in the last 2 weeks, so he removed a bit extra around the original lump. Area removed was 1.5cm wide and 2 cm long tapering at the ends. Scalp wounds bleed a lot, so it was straight home for a shower, after l had been wiped down so as not to freak out anyone in the waiting room.

Stitches come out in a week, not sure when the pathology results will be back. I am very confident that it is nothing to worry about. So worry l will not.

New needles

2008-04-01T20:07:00.001+11:00

Much as l love my Addi circs, l have given in to the temptation of Knit Pick interchangeable needles.

I bought some DPNs to try the Harmony wood, they are not only pretty to look at, they are really nice to knit with. I bought a set of Harmony sock needles, then interchangeable set. Now l have a nickel plated interchangeable set on order. The wood has a bit too much grip on some yarns.

Look out for a huge Addi sell off soon ;)

Whats in a name.

2008-03-26T08:47:00.002+11:00

What Joanne Means

You are fair, honest, and logical. You are a natural leader, and people respect you.

You never give up, and you will succeed... even if it takes you a hundred tries.

You are rational enough to see every part of a problem. You are great at giving other people advice.

You are well rounded, with a complete perspective on life.

You are solid and dependable. You are loyal, and people can count on you.

At times, you can be a bit too serious. You tend to put too much pressure on yourself.

You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection.

You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive.

You have the classic "Type A" personality.

You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people.

You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts.

You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals.

You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone.

You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together.

At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

Tagged

2008-03-21T19:57:00.001+11:00

Firstly ..Here are the rules:
1. Link to your tagger and post these rules on your blog
2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.
4. Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

1. I wear socks in bed.

2. I love the taste of anchovies and have been known to have them on biscuits as a snack.

3. I have been knitting for a year this month.

4. Another anniversary this month, Jock and l have been together for 11 years. Neither of us remembers the exact date, but it was the Superbike weekend at the Island, also my Grans 70th party the same weekend.

5. I touch my nose with my tongue...just.

6. I donate blood regularly, my last donation was yesterday.

7. I love trawling through markets and Opshops looking for a bargain. I also know that a bargain is only a bargain if you actually need it.

Now l'm supposed to tag 7 people, instead l'll give another random fact about me.

8. I never pass on chain letters ;)

I can knit

2008-02-17T10:18:00.001+11:00

ok so it took 40 mins to cast on 47 stitches, but l did it!
I have hardly any grip strength yet, that will take up to 6 months to be normal ( l'm aiming for a lot less).
Because l knit continential and into the back of the stitch, l can knit without moving my left hand. How cool is that!

I can lift a full coffee cup, pull my pants and socks on and do up buttons. Turning a door knob, pegging washing and tying my shoe laces are still too hard. I don't have pain unless l try to grip too hard, or grip and twist my wrist.
Had the dressing changed yesterday, the wound is healing really well, palm of my hand is black and purple.

My mum left yesterday, she was here for 4 days to help with the kids, mostly driving. It was wonderful to have help, also really good to say goodbye.
We have different ideas on what l should try to do. Me if it hurts-don't do it. Her- don't do anything.
Best part of her being here was to see that she is a fantastic grand parent. Caring, fun, interacts with the kids, able to be calm when they are naughty or having a tantrum.
So different to the mother l knew.

Window shopping

2008-02-17T10:04:00.002+11:00

We have a new bike waiting for DP, its black its shiny and its sitting in the shop waiting for him to take the money in tomorrow. Somewhere between here and the US is an exhaust, screen and who knows what other bits to make it look and sound even better.

So l've been window shopping, and found a newer model of my old bike. Pretty sure this is what l'll get in late 2009.

Its done

2008-02-12T10:12:00.001+11:00

Surgery was a breeze, it helps that l handle GA really well unlike the moaning and vomiting coming from the next bed.
I was sprung crocheting before the local anesthetic in my arm wore off. The nurse was horrified and put a sling on me very fast.

My plan to xstitch is working, its good to have a project to keep my mind and hand busy.

I am being spoilt, my step mum arrived last night she will be here until DH gets home from work. Mum will be here late tonight. Both of them have long drives at the end of a working day to be here, 4 & 6 hours.

Kelly loves her Nan, she found her sleeping in the study and crept in for a big snuggle. Zoe is loving having some one else to show off to.

All in all, today is a good day. I havn't taken pain relief yet, if l don't move my hand/fingers or put weight on them, l don't move the tendon that has been cut. Its when it moves, it swells and is painful. I am taking anti-inflammatory tabs to ease the swelling from the surgery.

If a positive attitude to healing helps, l should be back knitting in a week ;)

DH is getting told what l need him to do, if l treat him like a toddler and give clear instructions for one task at a time he is ok.

Feeling anxious

2008-02-10T19:03:00.002+11:00

I'm really scared about how long it will be before l have full use of my hand, also how much pain l may be in. I have mum staying to help drive the kids around this week. Next week l'm on my own.

The term 'may as well be single' has come to mind more than once today :(

Positive Jo seems to have crept into a dark corner to hide. I'm not keen on this woeful version thats hanging around.

Time is running out

2008-02-08T14:22:00.001+11:00

I have surgery for Carpal Tunnel on Monday. So many UFOs and so little time.
Not sure how l will handle having idle hands for a couple of weeks, l really hate doing nothing. I even knit while l read.

I have a plan to x-stitch one handed using a hoop to hold it still and a piece of foam to stick the needle in while l thread it.

I have been busy, Tilted Duster only needs blocking, half the xmas decos are done, up to date with the SK blanket squares.

I ran out of yarn for the TD, while l was waiting on more l cast on Lotus Blossom tank, should get that finished today.

I also succumbed to the lure of wash cloths. I have joined to KALs, one weekly and one bi- monthly. I'm waiting on a shipment of the years supply of cotton for the Bi-monthly one. It worked out cheap l promise.

I was going to try to knit from my stash this year. Then l found a LYS, the cotton and really good price for yarn to make another jumper.

I'll edit it link and pics when the constant babble from Miss almost 3 has faded into sleepy sounds tonight.

Pain and procrastination

2008-01-07T19:19:00.000+11:00

The pain.. Carpal Tunnel. Its hard to explain the constant ache from elbow to finger tips. The take your breathe away shooting pain in the wrist. The sudden loss of strength and grip, or sensation. The sheer bloody frustration of not being being able to use your hands when and how you want to.

Procrastination.. l have listed so many things that need finishing, l don't know where to start.

I have almost finished my 2nd cross stitch christmas decoration. Knitted way to many rows in the body of an overnightz that l will have to frog back. Finished one more square of the SK rug.

On the home front l am loving my new slow cooker. Its 6 litre, so big enough for a leg roast.
Miss K had a speech therapy session today. She has mastered F & S, our new sound is SH. Its hard to get the balance of correcting her speech without upsetting her.
Miss Z is practicing to be a nudist, l have given up and only insist on clothes when we go out and have visitors.
Jock is on the verge of a flare up of his Ulcerative Colitis. I'm hoping he will take a month off work so he has time to rest properly.

UFOs

2008-01-04T16:23:00.000+11:00

not the flying object style, though there have been a few fly across the floor in a fit of frustration.
UnFinished Objects. I didn't think l had many, until l peeked in the set of drawers l stuff my crafty projects into. The theory behind the drawers was to keep the kids from unpulling and tangling, yet easy for me to pick up where l left off.
They have become more of a UFO bermuda triangle... things get sucked in without warning .

In the drawers of doom are.
* Wedding sampler that l started for a cousins wedding. I couldn't attend so the urgency to finish waned. I ended up posting a card, the sampled is now earmarked for another lucky couple.
* An easy peasy crochet baby jacket my mum requested. They sell really well at the markets she does and at the Red Cross shop she helps run.
* Cross stitch cards. I bought the kits at a Trash and Treasure market, 10 for $5. I have finished 7 of them so far, the last 3 were hiding under the wedding sampler.
* Beaded stitch markers. These only need lables printes out and stuck in the bags before l list them on Ebay. I gave some to my Nana to sell, she also does craft markets. She was surprised how well they sold.
* Two crochet hats in horrid black/purple acrylic. Special request from a lady mum does home help for. The yarn sucks, it hurts to crochet.. they have been there for a looong time.
* Christmas Advent calendar l bought on Ebay thinking it was cross stitch because the brand (Bucilla) is one l associate with cross stitch. Its not, its all felt that is hand stitched together. I cut out 3 pieces in November... says it all really.
* Art of knitting, there is a whole drawer stuffed with yarn that needs to be made into squares for a blanket. I'm too scared to count how many l have sitting there to be done. I have finished 9 so far, well the knitting is done, the embroidered bits l have been putting of.

In my current WIP (work in progress) bag
* Tilted duster. I am up to picking up the stitches for the skirt. I have picked them up and knitted 2 rows, but it looks really bad. I was stuck talking to my SIL (who just became my ex sil) at a family gathering. My tension really affected my tension! Needs to be frogged and redone.
* Mending, 2 buttons to sew on and mend a seam in a dress *sigh* boring...
* Set of 6 cross stitch christmas decorations. I bought the kits for $1 each at spotlight, they will make good gifts for kinder & creche teachers this year. I know if l don't make them now they will not get done.
* 2 Overnightz, also have to find a tester with a small baby.
Thats a very long list isn't it! Just looking at it has me wanting to hide in a corner with a book and cup of courage, pretending l don't have crafty bone in my body.
I have made a promise to myself and my children not to be like my mother and both grandmothers. They have rooms (no the S is not a typo) for their craft, cupboards and drawers stuffed with WIPs, UFOs and one has a fetish for protecting it all with endless packets of mothballs.

I havn't made a proper NY resolution, instead l'll set a task each month.
January l will finish everything in my WIP bag, l will not start a new project until l have finished every UFO in the drawers of doom.

Reflections on 2007

2007-12-29T16:30:00.000+11:00

The year l learnt to knit.. and knit l did. When l look at my list of finished projects l am amazed l have finished so many. Here they are ready for me to reset my list for 2008.

Finished in 2007

* Wash cloths bakers dozen
* Kelly pink cami
* Overnightz pattern & testers
* Wrap Cardi
* Leaf Tie Cardi
* Green Gable
* Miss Marigold
* Beehive surprise longies k
* Zoomy Bolero 2 K
* Zoomy Bolero 1 K
* Possmerino Jumper K
* H night longies K
* Longies Dana K
* Tiger cub jbbabies k
* SM Dyelicious longies K
* NB Dyelicious longies K
* Night longies Zoe K
* Silk blend longies Zoe K
* MK storm child soaker Zoe C
* MK stormchild longies Zoe K
* Skort for Innod C
* Longies for Sam K
* Longies for Eme C
* Longies for Claire C
* Longies for Claire K
* MK earth sky shorts Zoe K
* Loniges for Hayden K
* Longies for Innod C

Knitting is a pain, quite literally. The more l knit the worse l suffer from Carpal Tunnel. I can't stand being idle, l even knit while l read or watch TV. I have had to put my crochet hooks away until l have both arms operated on, Crochet really hurts !

I seem to use Ravelry to track my knitting progress rather than my blog. My NY resolution should be to blog on a regular basis for a whole year.

Mememe

2007-11-02T21:18:00.000+11:00

Meme instructions:

1) Go to Wikipedia
2) In the search box, type your birth month and day but not the year.
3) List three events that happened on your birthday
4) List two important birthdays and one death
5) One holiday or observance (if any)

My Birthday: September 24

Events:
1) 1890 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints officially renounces Polygamy.
2)1903 Edmund Barton steps down as Prime Minister of Australia and is succeeded by Alfred Deakin.
3)1948Honda Motor Company is founded.

Birthdays:
1)1724 Arthur Guinness, Irish brewer (d. 1803)
2)1899 Sir William Dobell, Australian portrait artist (d. 1970)

Death:
1)768 - Pippin the Short, King of the Franks (b. 714)
2) 1991 - Theodore Geisel, aka Dr. Seuss, American children's writer (b. 1904)

Holiday/Observance:
Guinea-Bissau - Independence Day (declared, from Portugal, 1973).

Recovery time

2007-10-17T13:22:00.000+10:00

I had my first non family holiday. A wonderful weekend on the Gold Coast that has me counting the hours until the next one.

I'm struggling to pick up my needles, just too tired from the trip plus recovering from an untimely bout of gastro.

I do have to show of the Crop Cardi, it was perfect over a black sheath dress for a night out.

I am finally happy with my soaker pattern, only have to improve my seaming as it looks a bit scruffy. Then line up a couple of testers before l start to sell them.

Multi fit soaker

2007-09-30T10:02:00.000+10:00

Well l think thats what l'll call it. I've filled a notepad with notes, sketches, calculations and a few tears of frustration. I do think l finally have a workable pattern using 8ply wool.
Making test swatches of different ribbing to see which are the smallest at rest was a life saver. Getting the waist ribbing to body ribbing to look good was painful. I really wanted the body to be a 2x4 rib, but no matter how l increased, it looked tacky.
Tried a 2x5 rib for the body, but that meant a 1x3 rib for the waist. Looked ok, but not as small at rest as a 2x2.
Arghhh, had to go to a 2x7 rib for the body for it to look good and have the right amount of size difference (rest & stretched) in the waist.
So frustrating, l have a clear picture in my mind of how l want this to look and fit. Getting that on paper and into a workable pattern is taking much longer than l anticipated.

I hope transferring the whole idea to 12 ply will be easy. The nappy l'm making the cover to fit is a one size night nappy. 12 ply would be a better for a night soaker.

I've been looking at Bendigo wool mills 12 ply for the night soakers. Also looking at a 12ply organic wool for babes with skin sensitivity. They of course will cost a lot more to make.
The nappies are white, so l will get a cream colour wool.

So many plans, so little time!

I finished my crop cardi. Still havn't washed and blocked it. Will wait for the weather to clear so it dries quicker.
My wrap cardi is coming along very slowly. I'm losing interest as its more a winter weight. I will finish before next winter.

I'm ready to cast on another project, will it be Green gable or Ms Marigold? Juliet is what l want to start, but still deciding on yarn. Should l buy some BWM 16ply or Cotton fleece? Perhaps l should knit my way through at least some of my stash before buying more. I really am running out of places to stash it.

I bought myself more Addis for my birthday. I have to find new cases to store them in. It really is nice to have all the sizes and lengths that l need. Is need the right word for 36 Addis?

Your other right stupid!!

2007-09-22T14:39:00.000+10:00

Yep, l read the pattern.. attach to I-cord to the right front. So l did, the right front if l was wearing it. Knitting away for over an hour, thinking it didn't look quite right, but may sit better after blocking. I'd nearly finished and thought l'd try a scrap of wool knitted from the 'left'. It sat perfect *sigh*
Gotta love a considerate 4 year old that passes you a tissue and says "its ok mummy you can just knit it again... you love knitting"
I know she is right, but l may put that project aside for a couple of days.

Update....

2007-09-18T15:23:00.000+10:00

I've been too busy knitting to do an update.

My socks are finished, worn and in the wash, they are really warm and comfy, perfect for bed socks.

I've started the crop cardi with leaf ties. Only have to work out how to knit the I-cord and seam it up. Its been a nice project to learn how to do raglan sleeves.

For something to knit while watching TV l chose a wrap cardi. The back is finished and have started a front piece.

Most time consuming is writing my own pattern for a multi fit soaker. I don't want the hassle of a bought pattern and license. Not that trying to write my own pattern is easy! I'm hoping to have one soaker made ready to test over the nappy its designed for by this weekend.

Jock is working away during the week and hasn't been home much the past 2 weekends. My ability to deal with the girls and their constant demands and mess is wearing thin. I'm already counting down to tonights bedtime.... 3 hours and 33 minutes to go.

Winter has ended

2007-09-02T08:27:00.000+10:00

and l hope my run of bad luck has ended with it. In the last 5 days l've had a parking ticket and flat tyre, found them both at the same time. The water pump break resulting in no water for a day.. not being able to wash properly after dealing with a toilet training child resulting in a nasty dose of food poisoning for me. Wind blowing the mulch of the garden again, and 10 roof sheets off the house. A blocked chimney filling the house with smoke.. *sigh*

I'm looking forward to flowers growing, chicks hatching and lots of knitting. The 100s of bulbs l planted last year are starting to flower. Its fun rediscovering where they were planted.
I have 3 broody chooks on a mass of eggs, the girls and l love watching chicks hatch. We have enough chooks, so once the chicks are old enough they are gifted to friends. I have a waiting list!

The lots of knitting. I have wool on the way for Ms Marigold, Green Gable and a Cropped Cardi.
Still plodding away at my socks, when they are done l have anther 3 skeins of sock wool to knit up. Might even brave some Jaywalkers.

Favourite book

2007-08-28T08:50:00.001+10:00

is my book of Addis, l'm really happy with this method of storing them. Easy to find what l need, it is getting a bit full, so will need another one if l need more circs.

Lilli Pilli socks

2007-08-28T08:34:00.000+10:00

these are coming along slowly. I am getting quicker at doing magic loop, might even try it on longie legs. I need to find a nice little bag to carry sock knitting around in, keeps getting tangled in my handbag.I needed a break from my socks, so cast on my Beehive longies. It was nice to see something growing quickly as you knit for a change.

Knitting in public

2007-08-25T19:05:00.000+10:00

its always interesting the reactions you get. I've spent the day at a bbq with friends. Kids running feral, men kicking a footy, women sipping wine and gossiping.
I sat and knitted my socks and chatted. Next time l think there will be a few more busy hands!

Finished Zoes bolero at 11.30 am, we had to leave at midday. She was very excited to have her own wooly from mum. I'll have to knit more for them and less for other peoples children.

Time for some dinner, then settle in with a cuppa, tv and my socks.

Progress

2007-08-21T13:12:00.001+10:00

I finished Kellys bolero in 2 days! It was so quick and easy using 14ply wool. I've started one in green for Zoe.

My jumper is washed and being blocked. Waiting for it to dry so l can wear it. I'm really happy with the way its turned out. Something l can wear with a pair of jeans.

I had a surprise parcel of Monster Knits sock wool arrive yesterday. I was up late last night learning how to do Magic loop, toe up, two socks at a time.. I know its a tad ambitious for a beginner. I think l've worked out how to avoid a gap when l swap needles. Also worked out why l was making a hole instead of a stitch to increase. Now l need to get the kids in bed, make a cuppa and get started.
I asked the 'older' women at the gym if they could help me, they had never heard of magic loop! A few are keen for me to learn and then teach them.
I might ask the local neighbourhood house if they can run a knitting class. Be great to talk to other knitters.

Growing too fast

2007-08-19T11:02:00.000+10:00

My baby has decided she doesn't need nappies during the day any more and she sleeps in a big bed. All this in 4 days, no gentle ease mummy into change. *sigh* Her room looks huge without a cot and she looks so small in that big bed.
Her nappies now fit in a small basket in her cupboard instead of a chest of drawers squeezed into the bathroom.

On a wooly update.. I have finished knitting my jumper. Have to wash and block it and its ready to wear.
Doing a special request Bolero for Kelly. She wants something that the arms arn't too long on. Nan has been knitting winter jumpers, but in next years size. My little fashionista has chosen the wool and pattern.

I'm trying to work up the nerve to start a pair of socks. I have the needles, wool and pattern all ready to go.

Maybe l could convert the nappy storage drawers into WIP storage.... now that sounds like a plan. No more day nappies might be a good thing afterall.

Busy hunting

2007-08-09T15:52:00.001+10:00

The GDUNH is on again and l couldn't resist the thrill of the hunt. I won an embarrassing amount of nappies and accessories with a Grand prize win in a hunt earlier this year. Most of the nappies l put in a nappy kit to show prospective clothies.

Also been busy knitting my jumper. I've done the body and am on my 6th attempt at a sleeve. I'm not very good at adjusting knitting patterns. Also not good at picking up stitches when l frog, so tend to unpull and redo from the start.

Happy Birthday Kelly

2007-07-23T09:04:00.000+10:00

My baby turns 4 today! Where did the time and my little baby go? She is a real little girl, choosing and changing her clothes 4 times day. Insisting l do her hair a certain way and 'make sure its in the middle mummy'. I now have to trust so many other people to be involved in influencing her life. Child care staff at the gym, kinder teachers, horrid kids that teach her to pull faces when getting her photo taken. *sigh* My tight little apron strings have turned into stretchy elastic and there is nothing l can do to change them back.

Her Nan came after work late yesterday and left after breakfast to make it back in time for work today. Just so she could share part of Kellys special day.
Her Aunty A is coming for afternoon tea, a 6 hour round trip. She really is lucky to have family that love her the way they do.

I spent last night knitting Hs longies and should have them finished tonight. Its really cold again today so l'm tempted to put my jumper aside and knit some socks. I could crochet them, but where is the challenge in that?

Bush gallery

2007-07-22T12:28:00.000+10:00

The local spiders must have been busy last night. Every bush and branch was festooned with dew laden webs. Winter is my favorite season, lots of pretty flowers and bird but best of all, no snakes!

Princess Kelly turns four tomorrow, Nan is coming to stay tonight so she is here for a birthday breakfast. A small afternoon party with her cousins after a trip to the dentist and Uncle Mick is staying for tea. Should be a wonderful day.
We had a trip to the zoo with Nan last week, the 2 hour train trip each way was really good, much better than being squashed between the girls boosters. Most of the animals were keeping warm and dry in their beds, it being the coldest day in 9 years, non-stop rain and the occasional bout of hail. We still had a good a time and will take the girls back in spring.

I'm almost finished some night longies for baby H. My 'was a vest' is coming along nicely, all l've had to do so far is knit the body on circs, when l get to shaping for arms and neck l may be phoning mum for help.

I've dug over the veggie patch ready for planting, need to deal with the rabbit thats eaten all my winter veg first. Or build a rabbit proof fence.

Froggin

2007-07-14T11:58:00.000+10:00

Last year l crochet a vest using possum/merino. I must have made it 3 times over with all the frogging to correct silly mistakes. I've never worn it and have never been happy with the finished result. Its now being frogged...again. This time l'm knitting it into a jumper. Rather than frog, wind the wool and knit, l'm knitting straight from the vest. The knitted finish is much softer than crochet. If l've messed up the measurements and it doesn't fit l think l will have a fit!!

I've discovered Soap nuts to replace washing detergent. I really hate buying detergents, shampoos and soaps. It seems like a lot of money to be paying for chemicals, l only use Enjo to clean the house and cars, reusable nappies and pads. I'm a bit scared of ditching shampoo yet, might try making some using the soap nuts.

I've been working with Kelly on her speech. Two people have asked if she has started speech therapy yet as she has trouble with D, L and R. So its sounding out words, singing La La La and what ever else l can think of. I even resorted to putting peanut butter on the back of her top teeth to show her where her tongue goes to make the sounds.

Its sunny, the birds are singing and l think the grass might dry enough to be cut. I have a long list of outside jobs, most l can't do when l here alone with the kids. I'm sure they would love to help lay brick retaining walls for the veggie patch and pavers for a new path to the front door. I'm not so keen on sharing cement mixing duties with little helpers.

An update

2007-07-10T09:37:00.001+10:00

since its been a while.

I've finally finished the striped longies. They took ages as l have trouble seeing such dark wool at night, l think l need a reading lamp. They are also the biggest size l have made, they are too big for my almost 4 yr old!

I'm already finished the waist of a pair of shorties. I want to finish them before l get back to the jumper and socks for me. I'm a bit nervous about knitting socks, how silly is that!

No excuses

2007-07-02T13:45:00.000+10:00

for not finishing projects l have started. All my Addis arrived today so l have the needles l need to finish my socks, jumper and shorties.

Also in the mail was an insert for my Berry plush covers. I have another 4 on the way. They are an easier AI2 system for dads to use than the Rollicking Rascals l have as the inserts snap in.

Dogs came home late saturday. They are both fine, very tired and muddy. Zoe has spent most of today curled up with them in the kennel.

Walking the dogs

2007-06-30T07:39:00.000+10:00

is one of my favorite ways to relax. I'm so lucky to have bush across the road with lots of walking tracks.
I havn't been able to walk them for ages, it gets dark too early, plus its been a bit wet. They must have got sick of sitting around, so took themselves for a walk on Thursday evening... I'm still waiting for them to come back. Zoe keeps going out to the kennel and crying because they are not there. I'm not faring much better.

Today l want to finish the body of some striped longies. I had to learn to do a jogless jog it was a lot easier than l expected. I have another pair on the needles, I've done the waist and started the body with the recommended needle size, but it doesn't look thick enough for a nappy cover. I think I'll be better off frogging and using smaller needles.

What ifs and If onlys.

2007-06-28T15:32:00.000+10:00

I've been contemplating the difference between the two today.
The girls and l had a very close call with a falling Gum tree yesterday. I noticed it was on a bit of a lean, when we were about 4 metres from it, it started to fall. I knew l didn't have room to stop so l accelerated. The trunk missed us, though branches hit the back of the car leaving a couple of scratches but no dents.
I stopped and couldn't turn around to look. Just put my head down and cried. We were less than 1km from home on a sparsely treed road. I drove home and got the girls out of the car and took them in on the couch. I couldn't stop smelling them, feeling their hearts beating. Touching their faces. Grasping their hands and feeling them respond.
What if l had braked, what if the tree fell faster, what if the car stalled, what it.... had hit the car.
I am so thankful that l am consumed by what ifs, and not if onlys. If onlys are when the worst did happen. What ifs are when some one some where has been watching over you.

I went for a look at the tree today. It was much bigger than l thought and had brought down pwer and phone lines. So glad l didn't know that at the time.

I quit

2007-06-26T14:25:00.000+10:00

smoking that is. I gave up on the 30th June 1997, cold turkey, none of these fancy patches or gum. Just determination and HUGE mood swings. A belated apology to anyone that was subjected to my Jekyll and Hyde demeanor during that first few weeks.
I honestly didn't think l'd last as a non smoker for more than a year.
I must remember to celebrate this milestone properly, its a hell of an acheivment.

My old brand is now $15 for pack of 40, l had a 40 a day habit.. thats $105 a week, a tad under $5500 a year. I used to put my smoking money in a jar and spend it on things l'd always wanted. Motorbike, cutom made leathers... the usual stuff on a girls wish list.

How things have changed, my wish list now has curtains, new computer desk and shockers for the car. Bit boring really.

Needle roll on a budget

2007-06-24T13:03:00.000+10:00

My budget won't allow for a snazzy needle roll for my circs, and l really couldn't be bothered making one. I have another 5 or maybe 6 circs on the way from Jolly Jumbuck to add to 9 l already have. Too many for most needle rolls you can buy, l know, l spent 4 hours searching.. One l saw reminded me of a CD case, so l tried
some circs in a case l had. They fit really well but still only held 12, so a shopping l did go. I had a look at every CD case l could find and decided on a DVD case as it more room for longer needles. The one on the right can hold 32 sets with the option of adding or removing pages and was only $14.
While l was looking l decided that a small expanding file would make a great budget option, this one was less than $4.
I forgot to grab the $2 CD holder that fits on the sun visor in your car, also a great cheap way to store circs.
All this storage to fill... its tempted me to order another 7 circs, thankfully they are still on sale.
I have found l can't use straight needles as my wrists ache, circs l can and sometimes do knit all day with no problems.

Cold toes

2007-06-20T11:06:00.000+10:00

the bane of my existence. I have poor circulation in my feet, punishment for years of heavy smoking in my misguided youth.
I have a lovely ball of Monster Knits sock wool, motivation and no pattern. Well none that l can make sense of yet.

Ponchos for mum are boring, same pattern over and over, only difference is the colour. I should have 4 finished before she arrives. Unless l find a sock pattern ;)

How do babies get out mum?

2007-06-19T16:01:00.000+10:00

Oh god *cringe* she's not even 4 yet, l shouldn't be getting those curly questions!

Kelly has been looking at photos of when l was pregnant with her, and her as a baby. ...
K: I grew in your tummy didn't l mum?
M: Yes Kel, and made my tummy really big.
K: Babies come out your mouth don't they mum, that's how they get out..
M: Ahhhhh noooo, they, ummm, ohhh. You know how you have your bottom and your vagina. Babies come out your vagina, that's what its for and why its special.
K: That's not being funny mum!
M: Honey that's what l said at the time..

Thankfully she hasn't asked how they get in there.. yet *groan*

Lost momentum

2007-06-19T11:31:00.000+10:00

for a couple of days my plan to begin selling my woolie wares as Hot off the Hook was put on hold. Another talented mum with great taste in titles had opened a store using the same name. A few tears were shed before l got the gumption to contact her. Not sure why l was so worried, it was fixed the next day. She will open her soon to be successful store under a new name. I will start to trade under the name l have spent almost a year building a reputation for.

This of course means l need to finalise a logo, built up finished stock, draw up a size chart and get started.
I want standard sizing for both knitted Fern & Fairie covers and my own Hot off the Hook crochet ones.

Life on the funny farm is wet, cold and noisy.
Sunday was a pea soup fog until after lunch. I took the mutts for a long bush walk, long overdue exercise for us all. It was very relaxing... walking through majestic gums, shrouded in mist. Bird calls echoing overhead. Occasional patches of bright sunlight, dew gleaming on leaves, orchids peeking through the leaf litter. I love where l live.

Pilates yesterday, had to bite my tongue and muffle my giggles. An exercise that requires you to stand very tall, the curly headed instructor told us to imagine we were being pulled up by our curly hair *snort* my hair and that of most of the class is straight... on our heads. Had to wait for Jock to come home to share my gutter humour.
I've been doing weekly classes for 9 months and can really notice the difference in my core strength. I rarely have a sore lower back now and have much better balance. I try to exercise at home, but as soon as l get down on the floor one of the kids jump on me.

Two more sleeps until a mums meet with some of the most beautiful women l know. I can hardly wait!

A peek at at a pile of woolies

2007-06-16T10:31:00.001+10:00

Some Tiger cub, Dyelicious and Zoes woolie winter duds.

I have nothing started to work on today, except house work.

Might have to get stuck into some Ponchos for mum. I make them and she sells them, the profit pays for her visits.

Knitting fairy has been

2007-06-16T09:48:00.000+10:00

and hasn't she been busy..

Zoe is always trying to help me knit, so l gave in and let her have a go. The look of concentration..

I need a license to knit

2007-06-12T14:31:00.000+10:00

So l can sell my woolie wares that is.
I've tried both Perfection Pants and Fern and Faerie and find them very similar. PP owner hasn't responded and is a lot pricier. So l guess its not such a hard decision after all..

Its very wintry today. Cold and wet. I can see the rain coming like a misty curtain, rain pounds on the tin roof, followed by a patch of blue sky and a happy chorus from the frogs. I don't mind winter, as long as my feet stay warm and dry.

2007-06-11T15:04:00.000+10:00

Finished 2 pair of longies last night in delicious Dyelicious wool. It is soo nice to work with. Next on the list is longies using Monster knits Aran wool in Tiger cub.

Its a long weekend and Dad is home for it. You would assume that l would be out the door getting as much child free time as possible. But no, here l sit coughing over my much pawed at box of super soft tissues. An overpriced bag of medicines and lozenges is keeping me company while l hide in the study...

Tomorrow will be a better day!

Not Snappi Jan

2007-06-09T14:46:00.001+10:00

Somewhere in my almost tidy house there are 4 Snappis. They love playing hide and seek, practice seems to have made perfect... l've searched for hours and can't find one. I don't even have old fashioned nappy pins to use until the little sods give up and return to their home, top drawer of the nappy stacker.

We had a family trip to a model train exhibition. Dad the train buff and his 2 enthusiastic offsiders had a lovely time. Mummy coped very well wearing Zoe in a back pack and being steered by her ears. It was worth it to share the excitement of a new experience with them. I was contemplating the 'geeky' nature of most of the men watching the little trains make their way around miniature worlds that must take a lifetime to construct... then l looked at Jock and am very grateful that he at least doesn't look like 'them'...yet.

Clearing space

2007-06-08T22:07:00.000+10:00

I really want a new pattern for a knitted soaker with skirt. I had a look at the patterns l already have.. well hoarded is the best word. Knitting was put on hold for a few hours while l listed the first lot in Ebay. I have another pile l want to scan to disc before l list, and then there is a 'few' skeins of wool that need sorting.

Projects on the go.. l only have to cast off the legs of Zoes night longies. I'm sick of the wicking from having PJ pants over her soakers, hence the new duds.
NB longies and l are not on nice terms. DPNS mean l have to look at my knitting and not the TV.
I will finish them before l start another project... or thats the plan.

Addis are here

2007-06-06T15:54:00.001+10:00

Thank you Mr Postman.. now l have added another 3 (and 1 more on the way) Addis circs to my kit, l think its time they had their own knitting roll. I've been googling like a madwoman, as you do when overcome by the NEED to purchase. The Que is the winner so far. I have of course tracked down stockist, compared prices, considered the currnet balance on the Visa. Now its time to try to make one myself. How hard can it be... right? Perhaps l should add it to my project list so l am guilted into finishing.

Addis need to come in 20cm circs, l am struggling to get an even tension using DPNs, magic loop left a gaping hole. These may be the last NB longies l attempt.

I have had discussions with the Jolly man about what the girls are getting for Christmas this year. Its been agreed to resurrect the fish tank project that was abandoned last year due to lack of time and money. l am off to a VIP 40% off night at a local aquarium to source a filter, pump and light. That will leave the stand for Jock to make and the fish for Santa to deliver. That's right, l hate being late and leaving anything to the last minute. Anal of me l know.

Shhh

2007-06-06T13:48:00.000+10:00

Secret supplier of hand painted wool. Just for Fi.

Working it all out..

2007-06-06T10:54:00.000+10:00

Oh the frustration of being computer illiterate and having blog lust.
I want one of those cool project where l'm at side bar thingies, and pictures, links cool quote stuff..
I know it will all happen but l want it Yesterday...

I've checked the mail box 4 times already today. My 5mm Addis are on the way and l need them to finish Zoes night longies. Also have some wool wash from baabums in Baked apple on its way. Oh yeah and a few nappy bits and pieces as usual.

I've called this Hot off the hook, even though needles are my current choice of weapon. On the go this week is Zoes night longies, newborn and small longies for a mum in need. I'm making them for free until l get enough confidence to sell them.

Life at the funny farm is plodding along. Zoe is getting her last 4 molars and is not happy about it. Kelly is desperate to lose her 1st tooth... Me, l'm actually looking forward to my next dentist visit. I want all my teeth to look like my newly remodeled 'shiny tooth'. And to have no more tooth aches. Quietly seething at my mothers indifference to dental hygiene when we were kids, but thats a post unto itself.