Natural Highs

Maureen from the 2007 Certificate Spinning Class sent this to me. Think about them one at a time before going on to the next one. It Really Does Make You Feel Good!

1. Falling in love

2. Laughing so hard your face hurts

3. A hot shower

4. No lines at the supermarket

5. A special glance

6. Getting mail

7. Taking a drive on a pretty road

8. Hearing your favorite song on the radio

9. Lying in bed listening to the rain outside

10. Hot towels fresh out of the dryer

11. Chocolate milkshake (vanilla or strawberry)

12. A bubble bath

13. Giggling

14. A good conversation

15 The beach

16. Finding a 20 dollar note in your coat from last winter

17. Laughing at yourself

18. Looking into their eyes and knowing they Love you

19. Midnight phone calls that last for hours

20. Running through sprinklers

21. Laughing for absolutely no reason at all

22. Having someone tell you that you're beautiful

23. Laughing at an inside joke with FRIENDS

25. Accidentally overhearing someone say something nice about you

26. Waking up and realizing you still have a few hours left to sleep

27. Your first kiss (either the very first or with a new partner)

28. Making new friends or spending time with old ones

29. Playing with a new puppy

30. Having someone play with your hair

31. Sweet dreams
32. Hot chocolate

33. Road trips with friends

34. Swinging on swings

35. Making eye contact with a cute stranger

36. Making chocolate chip cookies

37. Having your friends send you homemade cookies

38 Holding hands with someone you care about

39 Running into an old friend and realizing that some things (good or bad) never change

40. Watching the expression on someone's face as they open a much desired present from you

41. Watching the sunrise. (I like watching the sunset)

42. Getting out of bed every morning and being grateful for another beautiful day

43. Knowing that somebody misses you

44. Getting a hug from someone you care about deeply

45. Knowing you've done the right thing, no matter what other people think.

"If you can no longer cling to the mountain, then celebrate the fall"

The Guild's AGM

This is a photo of our wisteria's autumn leaves and the pods. The sky is grey and we have had rain ..... lovely soaking rain. It is amazing how everything looks so green and alive after a good downpour.

Today was the Handweavers and Spinners Guild of Vic Inc AGM. I couldn't go because Ern wasn't well and I didn't want to leave him on his own. Although I have enjoyed the role of Teaching Convenor, I decided not to stand for re-election. The Teaching Committee is like a well oiled machine and this made my position an easy one.

Saturday Sky 12 May

Our first fog for the season .... this photo was taken at 8.30am this morning. Chloe and I went to dog obedience class this afternoon and it was really quite warm - in fact it was a beautiful day once the fog had lifted. Yes, Chloe did well at school and yes, so did I !!!!!

This last week has been hectic - my Mum came down from Wangaratta and stayed for a few days. We were on the go most of the time. I think she went home to recover !!!!

The computer swallowed Grandma

I want to share this email, that a friend sent me ......

The computer swallowed Grandma.
Yes, honestly it's true.
She pressed "control" and "enter"
And disappeared from view.

It devoured her completely,
The thought just makes me squirm.
She must have caught a virus
Or eaten by a worm.

I've searched through the recycle bin
And files of every kind;
I've even used the internet.
But nothing did I find.

In desperation, I asked Jeeves
My searches to refine.
The reply from him was negative,
Not a thing was found "online",

So, if inside your "box",
My Grandma you should see
Please "Copy, Scan and Paste" her "
And send her back to me! '

Saturday Sky 5 May

I am actually posting my Saturday Sky photo on Saturday!!! With such a threatening sky you'd think that we would have such a wet day ...... but no ..... hopefully tonight it will rain!!

Last Saturday's Sky

To all those lovely people who read my blog I sincerely apologize for not being so chatty lately. I don't know why I haven't been posting. I have been feeling a fit down lately, however, today is a new day and I am back !!!!

This photo showed the medical helecopter hovering above our house. It stayed for quite some time and then flew away. No one in our neighbourhood knew why it was there. It certainly wasn't there for us.

So what have I been doing lately? Spinning, knitting ....... certainly not housework!!!

I participated in the Aussie Knitters Yahoo Group exchange, sending my package to Frances last Thursday. Frances has posted on their site that she has received it.

Last Thursday I also sent my April SP10 package to my secret pal in Malaysia. I hope she will like what I sent her. Her May parcel will be sent probably next week.

Ahhhhh, I am feeling better now that I have posted something to my blog. Perhaps I was just suffering blogging withdrawal symptoms !!!

ANZAC DAY

ANZAC was the name given to the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps soldiers who landed on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey early on the morning of 25 April 1915 during the First World War (1914-1918). (Ern's father was one of these soldiers)

As a result, one day in the year has involved the whole of Australia in solemn ceremonies of remembrance, gratitude and national pride for all our men and women who have fought and died in all wars. That day is ANZAC Day -- 25 April.

Ern went to the local Croydon RSL Dawn Service which started at 5.45am. At the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne they had a crowd of around 35,000. Each year the crowds increase and the number of veterans decrease .......

Saturday Sky

WE HAD

RAIN

TODAY !!

A telescopic view of the birdie on the branch in the top photo.

A Dyeing Day

Saturday was not quite a typical Melbourne autumn day .... it was too warm! This photo was taken about 5.30pm and was showing some rain clouds.... we had a few spots and that was all. Oh when is it going to rain??? I decided to dye some fleece before it did rain.

The Handweavers and Spinners Guild of Victoria will be conducting a workshop later this year. In preparation for it, some of the girls are dyeing English Leicester fleece. I chose to use Landscape dyes - Madder Orange; Tomato (red); Wattle (yellow) and Wattle sprinkled with Opal (lime green). I don't use precise measurements, just a couple of teaspoons of dye powder ..... ummmmm is that enough? oh well just a little bit more. The same with the vinegar I add to the water, a splosh or a splash ..... whatever comes out !!!! The colours speak for themselves.

Aids Baby Jumper

These two photos are of the front and back of an Aids Babies jumper that I have just finished. I thought that the recipient could have two jumpers in one ..... when one side gets dirty, it can be turned around and voilla...... they have a new jumper!!!

Clever thinking ..... yes I think so !!!!

I have knitted enough of these little jumpers for a while ... so will now knit some scarves and hats.

HAPPY EASTER

........ the Easter bunny is upon us!!! The Easter bunny hopped by just as I was taking my Saturday sky photo ..... today is such a beautiful autumn day .... a lovely blue sky, no wind but unfortunately no rain. Maybe it will rain tomorrow ...... and maybe the Easter bunny will deliver a basketful of chocolate eggs !!!!

Spin to Knit Final Parcel

What a lovely parcel Barbe sent me recently. There were 3 exciting skeins, one was completely coiled with targhee. The second skein was in superwash and had wonderful Beehive coils. The final skein was a sparkly one in mohair with angelina. As I said, the skeins are really fabulous. Barbe also included the current issue of Knitters magazine, tape measure and a reel of glow in the dark thread.

Make sure you have a look at Barbe's wonderful website: http://barbesaintjohn.com

This is No Saturday Sky Bandit

My darling Ern had a BCC cancer removed from his nose. He went into hospital for overnight surgery, but had to stay in for an extra day. The cancer was deeper than originally thought. He has quite a big bandage on his nose (although the photo doesn't show it). The stitches come out next week, so it won't be long before he looks like my knight in shining armour once again.

We have had beautiful rain. Not an aweful lot but was so lovely to hear it on the tin roof. The plants seem to be reviving and the lawn is getting greener. From now on we will only be able to water the garden on Wednesday and Sunday from 6am to 8am. Not long ..... so I hope it absolutely teems down with rain.

Over the last couple of weeks I haven't written anything ..... so now I have some catching up to do ..... I have a few photos for you to look at.

A Beautiful Autumn Saturday Sky

A beautiful clear blue sky and the autumn leaves are starting to show.

Chloe completed her "Juvenile - Basic Course" ..... or .... did I complete my "Delinquent dog handler - Basic Course" !!! Chloe was tickled pink when she accepted her Certificate !!

Thankyou Beth of New Mexico

Thankyou, thankyou Beth, from the bottom of my heart. What a lovely lot of goodies I received from my secret Favourite Colour Swap pal, Beth from New Mexico.

Beth said that she had a great time putting my parcel together and I can see why. Each item in my parcel was lovingly wrapped in blue tissue.

First of all, I had said in my questionnaire that my favourite colours were blue, purple and turquoise and that I also collect sheep ..... and look what I got !!

. A beautiful sheep card which she had written in.

. a cute sheep tape measure - look at his cute tail!

. Some sheep "Post-It" notes - I have never seen anything like these before

. Lovely stitchmarkers which she had made herself .... and they are a credit to her ..... these were found in a beautiful little blue satin pouch.

. A yummy box of Lindt Truffles ..... what more can I say except yum yum yum

. To pamper myself, a lovely 'Good Night" aromatherapy kit. The perfume is Lavender Vanilla and really smells heavenly. I should be able to sleep much better now.

. A lovely wool/nylon skein which Beth had hand dyed herself. The skein is just so soft and will make beautiful socks. I just love her brand name "Some Assembly Required"!!!

Beth, you are a very thoughtful swap pal and I am extremely grateful for your kind generosity.

Anyone looking at my blog, please look at Beth's blog and see the beautiful work she does. Her site is http://bethblogs.socksthatfit.net

Saturday Sky 10 March

A beautiful blue sky all day today ... temperature 30+C ...... no rain .... so what's new????

SP10 Questionnaire

1. What is/are your favourite yarn/s to knit with? What fibres do you absolutely *not* like?
I don’t really have a favourite yarn, I always like to try the new fibres. I don’t like harsh acrylic yarns.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
Knitting needles are stored in glass jars and crochet hooks in a pencil case.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I have been knitting forever …….. my mother gave me a pair of needles and wool and said to knit my own jumper for the winter …….. and I am still knitting. I consider myself to be an intermediate knitter.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
No I don’t have an online wish list.

5. What's your favourite scent?

I suppose that depends on my mood. I just love the perfume from a vase of freshly picked roses, but I also like the smell of lavender, cloves and herbs.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favourite candy?
Who doesn’t ???????? In Australia we call candy sweets or lollies. Yes I do have a sweet tooth, that’s why I am not a size 10 !!!! Everything is my favourite !!!

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?

Over the years I have tried all types of crafts, both traditional and modern. Hower, my main craft is spinning. I love it ! I am always relaxed when I spin. I spin all fibres – wool, silk, mohair, alpaca and anything else I can lay my hands on.

Recently, I have just started making my own jewellery – have only had 3 classes.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
Yes, my computer can play CDs and DVDs. I don’t really listen to a lot of music, but when I do, I enjoy jazz, and music from the 40s to the 80s …….. and if you are counting the years, I am NOT over 60 !!!

9. What's your favourite colour(s)? Any colours you just can't stand?
My favourite colours are purple, blue and turquoise. Brilliant orange and yellow are 2 colours I don’t like.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I have been married to Ern for 21 extremely enjoyable years. We have no children but Ern has a daughter Kate (now in her 40s) from his first very happy marriage.
We have a lovely natured Border Collie/Kelpie Cross dog called Chloe. Border Collies and Kelpies are both working dogs (sheep and cattle) and she certainly is a very active dog. She is only 2 and half, but has trained us well !!!

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
I am not a poncho person, but I do wear scarves, hats and gloves in the winter. I really do feel the cold (even though it doesn’t snow here) …..

12. What is/are your favourite item/s to knit?
I travel on public transport quite a lot, so I usually knit easy things …… scarves and beanies.

13. What are you presently knitting?
At the moment, I am knitting some scarves and beanies for the homeless.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
WHO DOESN’T !!! Yes I do like to receive handmade gifts. When we make something, we usually make it to the best of our ability. When receiving a handmade gift, even if it is not well made, I always think that person has put their time and effort into it and done their best.

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
I don’t have a preference, except for using a circular needle when knitting with A LOT of stitches.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
Yes, I am fortunate to own both a yarn winder and a swift which I use mainly for my spinning.

17. How old is your oldest UFO?
All I can say is ummmmmmmmmmmm ………

18. What is your favourite holiday?
Christmas

19. Is there anything that you collect?
Sheep and different fibres to spin.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
I don’t have any knitting magazine subscriptions. Presently I don’t have any books, needles or yarn that I am dying to get.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
At present, there is nothing I would like to learn …… maybe I am just being lazy !!

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
I am not a sock knitter ……. I have knitted 1 sock (half a pair) which I framed !!!! I love handknitted sox, but then who doesn’t. The length of my foot is a very “dainty” 10 inches !!!

23. When is your birthday? - September

A Belated Saturday Sky

Mike my nice computer man brought my hard drive back today. Hopefully it will behave itself and not have to be dismantled ..... again !!! So now I have to catch up with my blogging and photos.

This photo was taken last Saturday afternoon. We have had such a dry summer and this lovely dull grey sky was teasing us ..... we were all hoping it would absolutely pour with rain..... but to no avail.......

I am still here!!

My hard drive died so I got another one built .... more memory ..... more speed ..... more trouble .....!! This new one has Vista ... and there have been a few teething probs. My computer man has taken it away and will bring it back when it behaves itself. So it may have Vista still on it or he may re-install XP and then reload Vista in a few months when some of the bugs have been ironed out.

I rather like the Vista system ...... it is so similar to my Apple laptop ......

When I eventually get my hard drive back I will post my Saturday sky photos and others.

At least I am not suffering computer withdrawal systems ..... As long as I have this laptop I can keep in touch with my blog, yahoo groups and mail etc.

Its been one of those days!!!

I got a new hard drive ...... and yes it has Vista on it ...... the only thing wrong is that it freezes ...... usually when I am on the internet. However, my man is coming tomorrow to fix it (hopefully).

I am getting used to Vista, it is very much like Apple ....... Next week I will say just how much I like or hate Vista ......