SPOIL MYSELF

there was a little voice in my head that told me to so there.

No1 son was visiting last week, and just by change I happened to see his camera. Now you all know how I love the bells and whistles of everything. Well this was a really neat little job which helps you decide what settings you need to use. (oh boy do I need help sometimes). Well I took the model no. and looked it up, and found one online. When I showed the site to no1Son, he convinced me this was a real real bargain. Not that I needed much convincing. So after he left that day, I ordered it. And hey it arrived yesterday and it is the neatest, bestest one. The Scot is actually quite jealous because he always like the best of everything - that's why he married me - ummm he doesn't seem to agree there but still. But he is left with our old one, which is quite due for retirement, and it does play up every now and again. So I now will have better pictures, once I figure out how to use it. But so far it is not rocket science.
Hence using my new toy, will call him IGNATIUS, bit of a story there for another time, here is a photo of the squares, the Scot has received from quilters and friends. Not necessarily to be stitched in this order. But isn't it looking grande. And he is so chuffed at receiving post each day when I don't. lol. He rekons he is going to sleep with a lot of ladies ??????? I just roll my eyes.

I posted a larger size photo. Just don't know why blogger won't let me enlarge any of the photos I put in the centre.

BUSY DAYS

this week has been rather busy. 3rd session of chemo, extra injection for those naughty little second white blood cells (must check on their proper name). And visitors from New Zealand.

Although not staying with us, visiting and happily using the internet 8-).

But they have been busy and visited the market twice bringing fresh organic healthy veggies for the Scot. Very kind of them and absolutely perfect gifts. Tomorrow they are off to Tasmania before a final visit back to Melbourne.

And I have some really exciting shopping to show, but will have to save that for tomorrow, woops later today as its getting late and the warm bed is calling my name.

SHEEP FIBS AND DOCS.

Isn't this just the cutest and neastest quilt. And its mine. This is from Martha at quiltcontemplation who is my swap partner in The Four Seasons Quilt Swap. Do visit her and see how creative she is. She also enclosed some pieces of 30's fabrics. She obviously did her homework and either reads my blog or my mind. The Quilting is superb. Thank You Thank You MARTHA I love it.

I now have a confession to make. I fibbed. I said that my Spring Quilt was going a long way overseas. This was so that Tracy of TracyLovessSrapQuilts, wouldn't know it was from me. We have been reading each others blogs, and I didn't want her to know it was from me. I think I tricked her but I am sorry for fibbing, but it was in the very best of interestes. 8-)


I think I am due for a quiet week. A couple of scares last week and not The Scot this time. One of which MDC (that's the Doctor we see) thinks my BP of 190: 107 is too high. I tried to tell her its always high, plus A bit of eczema. But she put on the Motherhen Attitude and took me in hand. She thinks I have a lot of stress happening.??? Then we had the Flu Jab, which because of the eczema I got a bit of a reaction to. I think. Nothing serious just a very sore itching arm, and a generally not well feeling over the weekend. But its better than getting The Flu.
The Scot is being a good boy, and the injection for the naughty 2nd white blood cells seems to have done the trick. And he is feeling quite well, in fact all too well, but ready for his 3rd session tomorrow.

HATS AND NICE THINGS

but still no sewing.

I promise this is the last time I will blog about Hats. Unless I find a simply irresistible pattern.

The Nice surprise , Middle Son came to visit. Always a joy. And No 1 Son will be visiting in a weeks time.

Middle son takes after my mothers side of the family, they were all over 6ft and Policemen. Umm MS is the first but not the latter.

He was the carrier of a lovely gift from The Chosen One. She sent some Healing gemstones for the Scot (I think she understands him well), and a lovely bracelet for me.

Malachite, Blue Lace Agate and Quartz for The Scot and my bracelet Fluorite.

She reminds me of things I did in my Youth past life many years ago.

Chosen One was working so we didn't get to see her, but Middle Son is between jobs so to speak. He came to visit his Dad but I think he really came to pick up our old television set. Which we gladly gave him.

He is going to make it into a fishtank. Don't ask me more, I put my head in the sand.

Now picture this we have The Scot fairly weak, and Middle Son with a sore back. Yes that's Dencorub in his hand. I suggested he use it. After coffee when he got up he was trying not to show it but The Scot walked behind him and said he was crouched over and held his hand on his back. The Motherhen aubirdwoman fussing over both of them.

But being like two peas in a pod, and stubborn their middle name, this is what they did.

and believe you me, that is one heavy television.

I just watched and fussed.

HATS AND BLOCKS

Another Hat finished and modeled by The Scot. I didn't show the front view because as you can imagine chemo attacks the good guys as well as the bad guys in your body. He never was a big strapping lad, just your normal healthy good looking bloke. But at the moment he looks like his Mother needs to give him a good feed. Although the wifey is giving him lots of TLC.
btw the glass contains warmed apple juice, just in case you were wondering. :)
I have started another Hat.
He says.. what another I have three already. But I have this really nice wool so its going to be four Hats.

I was trying to explain to The Scot's Big Sis. She lives in Edinburgh with The Chef but I have conned her into Internet chatting, and we have a good yarn each weekend. She is learning fast and has now bought a microphone attached to the headphone so that she has hands free to knit or sew. But back to details I was trying to explain about Online Quilting Groups, and how when anyone is experiencing Life's Major Blows, the girls make a Healing Heart Block for her to put into a quilt. I was asked if The Scot would like them, but I was not sure as he is not a heartsy kind of person and very black and whiteish. But I was told I needed them, and so asked for Healing Triangles. That is one half a bright coloured fabric, the other half cream, and the sender writes their name on the cream part. Well he is so chuffed about all of this, he carefully studies the envelopes, where they are from, the names if any. Then carefully opens each one and reads the message, or card, then examines the block and his comment is always..... oh I like that fabric and then reads the name on the block. He can't wait for me to make them into a quilt. So far these are the ones he has received. Not necessary in this pattern, and I will make some extra and also maybe some squares to make up the size for him. The groups I belong to are Quilting Down Under and scquilters. A wonderful group of ladies. Thank you so much from The Scot and myself.

WAS THAT A WEEK

.....well 5 days at least since I last posted. Tempus Fugit here at the Castle. I was on the verge of sending The Scot to the dungeons to be fed on only bread and water, gosh sick men who think they are not sick and to boot are so cantankerous are a lot to put up with at times. But my heart melted and I just told him, I was not discussing that particular point any more and walked away. Its a wonder the heavens didn't open and lightning flash and thunder roar as the rains came. Must be the first time I have ever walk away without having the last word. But don't tell him I did have the last work word whilst in the shower. He is deaf and so couldn't hear me. roflo.

He does make the lunch most days he is feeling well. Do you like his new hat, and what about that healthy looking potato and leek soup.

The Scot usually sleeps in these days, and as he doesn't sleep too well at night, I am up and about quite early but not liking to make too much noise, I have been very diligently sewing. There is something quite calming about sitting sewing when all the house is quiet. I also sew at night when he goes to bed, but I do like the TV on. Last night was very exciting with The New Cricket Series. And despite lots of stops to watch I have finished my Spring Four Seasons Quilt Swap. It will be a little late as it has a loooooog way to travel, but I will post it tomorrow and its on its way.

Then to tackle those dreaded paper pieced Woven Ribbon Blocks will try to get them away on time this month. A much more amicable colour this month.

My apologies to Scatterdaisies I will try to get back on track in the next couple of weeks.

Life in The Castle

Just popped in to delete some stupid comments, why do people think my blog comments are a fuel for their advertising. They are not. And as said before I will not tolerate it. I am The Mother. So there.

All is well I couldn't say quiet, but well in the Castle, his Laid is behaving himself. The faithful servant is cooking and cleaning. My kitchen has never seen so much activity before.
I have threatened him with hospital again, if he doesn't do what I say. And I think his first ever
visit has put a different light on the matter.

Currently knitting, yes I did say knitting, come beanies for his Laidship, its getting a bit drafty on top of his head. Sewing is slow, the 4 Seasons is looking good, after numerous attempts at the middle part. Photos tomorrow when it is finished. Off now to finish the floors, prepare the dinner and then to sew.

A servants work is never done. :))

HBTY

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

NUMBER ONE SON

SPRING THEME

In a quiet moment, ummm what quiet moment has there been of late, I sat down to have a cup of coffee and try and sort a few things out. Panic Panic Panic the Four Seasons Quilt Swap is due at the end of this month, or rather it should be mailed by now as it has to go overseas. I still hadn't planned what to do. So yesterday after visiting my Scot who is looking a lot better and I don't think there is any need to worry there, he has everyone looking after him, I sat down and thought. so last night I started and this is my centre block for my Spring Quilt. Spring Autumn is the season I love most of all, it was so difficult to choose the colours for Spring. I already have the Summer colours chosen. So what do you think - is it Spring like, please tell me if no so I have time to start again. Well not really time, but I will have to let the Swap Mum know that mine will be a little late.

I think I will embroider a dragonfly in the centre and add a multiple border consisting of all the colours.

TOMORROW IS

SCATTERDAY

and in view of the really woollly couple of weeks I have had I am off to bed early, after taking

a HUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGE LIBERTY



with the letters A AND K

BLOCKS AND HOSPITALS

Finished at last. What a time, brown fabric and paper piecing just don't agree with me. I think I made every mistake possible and actually started them again THREE times. Late they are for the month of March but a few other ladies seem to be a bit late too so hope they make it in time.

Just joined them together and put the paper label on when I returned after ...........

a hairy couple of days. Last night was spent in the Emergency Dept. of the nearest hospital. The Scot developed a fever. I knew it was a fever because I have been taking his temperature every day since his chemo. treatment. I thought it a bit low at times and just hoped I was using the thermometer correctly. Well last night I knew something was wrong with the way The Scot was looking. Took his temperature and instead of the nice little beep - beep - beep telling me it was done I got this beep beep beep beep beep beep and on looking it was 39.4. Being the very calm one, on the outside anyway, I waited 5 minutes and took it again, beep beep beep beep beep. Still not too sure waited 5 minutes and then again beep beep beep beep beep 39.4
So in my most nice authorative voice I say come on Scot we are off to the hospital. And he didn't object. He was already wrapped in flannel shirt, thick woolen jumper, thick polar fleece windcheater. And a quilt. We then spent the next 5 hours in the emergency department. The Scot still saying I'm ok, I can go home, feel better now. Doctor had other ideas white blood cells down, temperature 39.7. The Scot still saying its been too long here I'm going home.
He did stay the night, I suggested they sedate him as he could be very stuborn if he wanted to be. Went to see him this morning, and he had had the time of his life. Drips all night, fluid, Panadol, antibiotics. And the day was spent waiting to be transferred to the other hospital where he was having his treatment (they don't have an emergency department that was why we had to go to the nearest one). He slept most of the day and I nearly finished reading my book Eleven Minutes.
They had the paper work finalised and he left in the ambulance at 5.oo ummm what a lot of red tape. I came home had a drink, did some ironing, finished the above blocks and then rang to check he had been admitted ok. Was put through to him, what a happie chappie, he has a private room, balcony, phone by the bed. Ummmmm for his very first ever in his life hospital stay he is getting the wrong idea. Still I will sleep tonight knowing he is in safe hands. And The Scot is lording it over the nice young nurses and sleeping under a quilt as usual.

phew what a couple of hairy days, we don't need many more of those.

ROYAL MAIL

Today I received a present in the Mail. I don't usually receive presents, but this was Royal Mail. ahah Britain or rather Scotland.

The dear Scot's Big Sister, as in age not size, sent this wonderful present. She says they are scarves but I am going to wear them as shawls. Aren't they beautiful. The grey and white one is crotchet by The Chef, that's Big Sisters dear husband.

Its so warm and will look and feel fabulous in the cooler months. The red one has golden flecks throughout and is so soft and warm and looks more dressy. The purple one is a neck hugger.

But wait not only but also there is more. This is my real favourite. It is so soft and fine. And the knitting is to die for. This will be worn almost constantly this winter.

I think these call for some new clothes to go with them. Ummmm not sure what The Scot will say to Big Sister about that.

I feel a new craze coming on for me Shawls.

On the sewing front, there is a mixed reaction, I am fighting with the paper piecing. Could be because the colours I have to use are brown, and brown is definitely not one of my colours. Anyway tomorrow I will have them finished and will show them.

The Dove Block finished. This is from the lovely talented and generous Lynette Anderson, do pay her a visit, so many wonderful things to look at and you will find the instructions to her BOM. http://www.lynetteandersondesigns.typepad.com/
BEWARE it is addictive. I finished the stitching at 1.00am this morning (thank goodness for daylight saving) and stitched the borders on before breakfast.

TODAY IS SUNDAY

the day after Saturday which is Scatterday and due to unforeseen circumstances is running late (does this sound familiar)