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Sunday, June 23, 2013

Keeping busy...

You may have noticed that I haven't been very active in Blogland recently. A close relative has had ongoing  mental health issues for a number of years and every now and then this person has a 'meltdown'... many in the family look to me to 'sort things out' and sometimes it's this reaction which is more stressful than the 'meltdown'. Enough said...I know that I am a most fortunate person, and, after all, it's the 'hiccups in life' that make the good times seem extra special.
Last Monday, a friend who is my 'sounding board' rang me up about 9am and suggested meeting for coffee...I nearly said no (I had been busy wallowing in self pity :-/)  but quickly changed my mind. Just after I got off the phone, I received  a lovely encouraging text from DH just before he hit off on his golf game. Then a little while later DD2 sent me a lovely text unexpectedly. When I got to the shopping centre where I was to meet my friend, I decided to buy a takeaway coffee from a nice coffee shop instead of the usual not so nice coffee one can buy in the Foodcourt where I was to meet Dianne. The coffee was free because of my loyalty card...and those 3 little things just brightened up my day so much!!! And the blues have well and truly gone!
And as the title of this posts suggests, I  have been busy...

DH and I had a trip to Bunnings for gardening supplies, including some seedlings and 2 lots of seed potatoes...




I have been busy sewing up squares that have been donated to K4BN...mostly I join them up to make a single bed sized blanket...


Squares tacked in rows and then the rows tacked together ready for the final sewing up and neatening of ends...

Some squares I edge with a darker colour using Double Crochet (Aussie DC) These 2 bundles were made up into single blanket sized throws

 Here are the ones I've sewn up in the last 10 days or so...






Here's another one...these squares were knitted with 2 strands of 8ply acrylic and were found in an op shop in Tasmania...the donor very kindly sent them up to Brisbane...






Of course, I've had to continue to supervise Brad the Builder on the site next door!! lol




I've also been to some Knit and Natters... the red/black and yellow knitting on the right of the photo is my indigenous chevron throw...




I've finished some secret sewing for a Swap that I'm in...will be able to show the whole object soon :-)


And just for a bit of culture, DH and I went to the theatre :-)
Firstly we went to the Gardens' Point Theatre of QUT to see a play starring Henry Szeps. It was a very enjoyable night...


And we were able to see the newest building on the campus too...apparently according to the Links magazine from QUT, this building is 'state of the art' technology wise...


And of course, this campus has a very old building which was the original government house in the colony...



 And then last Friday night, DH and I went to see some one act plays at Act One Theatre at Strathpine...
The tiny theatre is situated in the old shire hall....


 We had a very special reason for going to these plays...'Housekeeper Wanted', the play on after intermission featured DD1! She played the applicant who had a drinking problem...there was lots of comedy in the role and DD1 also had to speak with an English accent which she successfully maintained throughout the performance. She got lots of laughs during the performance and after the show a number of people congratulated her on making them laugh... 



And DH and I gave her some flowers after the show... DD1 loves pink by the way!!



And this afternoon DH took a photo of me with the 'Art Show 2013 Throw'...not long to go now, probably another 30cm or so, and despite not liking grey, I love this throw; it is soft, light and oh, so warm!



So I'm well and truly back with you all in Blogland!

11 comments:

retdairyqueen said...

My goodness you have been busy Pleased you are ok

Lynn said...

You certainly didn't leave work to 'retire'! Glad you are feeling ok now and look forward to reading more posts from you!

Nanette said...

Good to see you back in Blogland Maria, you've certainly had a busy and varied time. The throw is looking beautiful

Jill Butler Design said...

Wow you've been busy..and lots of gorgeous knitting. Particularly love the grey/blue one in your last picture!

Noela said...

Wow you have been busy Maria. Lots of lovely woolly rugs happening. Glad some little things brightened your day and made you feel better. Hugs....

Susan said...

Every group - family included need one person to "be there" and sort it out - hopefully everyone appreciates the effort it takes.
Good to hear all you've been up to and to see a bit of your latest projects. I love the blue fabric for the swap.

Anonymous said...

Welcome back Maria. Sorry to hear about your worry, hope things settle down for you and your family.
You have been busier than ever, working with your blankets and getting out and about. I know that Garden's Point theatre. Went there recently to see Amanda Muggleton in the Book Group which I really enjoyed. And the old Government House across from the theatre is quite beautiful.

duchess_declutter said...

Maria - you are such an inspiration with your busy-ness! Well done.
Hope things have settled a little for you and glad your day was a bit brighter! cheers Wendy

Anthea said...

No Wonder you have not been blogging much Maria - so much other wonderful stuff going on in your life!
Beautiful knitting... and they blankets will be appreciated.

Naturally Carol said...

There are certainly advantages to knitting big throws and blankets in winter..you look so cosy under your amazing blanket there. The black edging really gives the blanket squares definition and tie the colours together. You must have speedy fingers producing all of those goodies! I am glad you are feeling more cheerful now too, it's often little things that can make a lot of difference to our days!

Cheryl said...

Glad you're keeping the chin up Maria. The blankets you've been putting together are just gorgeous - and you have been keeping well and truly busy