Time and Patience

New Flat Couch

2012-02-12T00:19:00.001+10:00

Cause I've been sick the past week I've been sitting or lying on the couch. I really noticed that my feet got cold on the pine floors. I've been sewing together a sheepskin rug from a coat I got from a vintage store. So I finished it off and have laid it down in front of the couch. Much better on the tootsies.

This is the new flat I moved into just before Christmas. It came furnished but not fully furnished so I've had to get a couple of things such as cushions and linens. The cover on the cushion/pillow is one I sewed up using stash fabric. There's another two of a different fabric on the two one seater chairs. I really appreciate having bought the sewing machine when I first arrived here in London. Cushion covers are just one lot of stuff I've made since then. Decided on sewing up the rug rather than buying a new one cause I will take this with me.

Table behind the couch is the spare one left after they bought a new one with four dining chairs. Very useful as I can have the sewing machine out and not be in the way. The wood stuff at the top are my looms and scribal board. I need to get in and do some stuff on those. At the bottom right is my sewing machine roller bag and my craft trug that holds ongoing craft projects. Glass coffee table has my laptop on it as per usual.

Off to have a lie down. Feeling better than last week but still not over it yet.

Fare thee well.

Happy Birthday

2011-12-03T07:34:00.001+10:00

It's 7:30am on Saturday 3rd December in Australia. So it's Mum's birthday.

It's still only 9:30pm on Friday 2nd December here in London. So it's not my birthday for another couple of hours. :-)

Sorry, having fun with timezones.

I'm only working for a couple of hours on Sunday to make up for having to leave work early yesterday and Monday coming.

It's freezing here this week as it's been down to 2 degrees C the last couple of nights. And not getting much about 10C. But considering this time last year we had a massive snowstorm it's not too bad.

Tomorrow I'm going to have a lazy day. Do some Christmas/Birthday shopping, see a movie and have a nice dinner. I also have to do laundry and more packing for my flat move in a couple of weeks.

I'm off to bed shortly so my birthday will get here. It'll then be the start of my last year of my thirties.

Fare thee well.

Fireworks

2011-11-04T18:29:00.001+10:00

I'm off to Cochester tomorrow for the weekend to see Roz and family. Phy's coming with me so it's going to be a bit of a girls' weekend. We'll be going to the fireworks for Guy Fawkes night on Saturday night.

I'm going to take my jumper knitting with me cause I can do that without looking mostly. I'd put it aside for a while so I could work on the pinwheel blanket. It's not really transportable at the moment due to the use of 6 double pointed needles. Will be transportable once it's big enough to change to a circular needle. So I'll take the jumper cause that's on circular already and it's 8ply which takes less attention.

Daylight savings has finished so now it's dark by 4:30pm. Doesn't help that it's raining. Makes for a grey day.

Fare thee well.

Cold Saturday

2011-10-22T16:01:00.001+10:00

I'm up early cause I went to bed early due to long week and jet lag.

Today I'm going to go up to Goldhawk Road and go to the market there. Sarah told me about a stall there that sells sheepskin rugs to whatever size you want. I also want to look for some navy drill to make some tabbards for Thamesreach fighters.

I also need to get groceries today and do laundry. I'll be using my granny trolley to carry everything around with me today. I brought my good one back with me from Australia and I think it will be a godsend with having to carry stuff around here on public transport.

Off to make some breakfast.

Fare thee well.

Back and Cold

2011-10-21T14:54:00.000+10:00

I'm back in London after my extremely quick trip home. And I'm back to freezing weather. Especially after the lovely warm weather in Queensland.

On the other hand I get to wear my beautiful new coat today to work (it's casual friday). I wear a grey coat the other days of the week to work. I'll try to get a photo today of me wearing the new one. I love it.

Craft wise - knitting continues on the second sleeve of my jumper. 4 more increasing repeats and then the cap decreases will start. I hope to finish it this weekend. Then I can get on with the body of it.

Fare thee well.

Home Again

2011-10-09T00:54:00.003+10:00

I fly out of London tomorrow night back to Australia for a week.

So today I got my nails done so they'll be nice for going home. I also did some really good shopping and found the perfect winter coat. Which is good cause summer is definitely over. It's quite cold here today with a maximum of about 14 degrees and overcast.

I've been doing some knitting and have finished the first sleeve of the top. Also started the second sleeve. Also nearly finished altering my fur coat so that it's longer and rounder at the back. Just have to finish attaching the inner layer of wool to it. Just in time for the cold.

Fare thee well.

Work Daily Outfit

2011-09-15T01:19:00.000+10:00

Here's one of my regular week day outfits for work.

Skirt - Beige in Chancery Lane. Bought not long after arriving in London. I've got 3 of them - black, blue and brown. Expensive but they are lasting very well considering I wear them nearly once every week. Shirt - Lane Bryant in Richmond. Bought last trip to US. I like this one except I would like the sleeves to be a bit longer. Shoes - DSW in Richmond. Also bought last trip to US. These shoes get worn everyday at the moment. Till it gets too cold for open toes and then I'll have to swap for more closed in. Handbag - DSW in Richmon. Also bought last trip to US. This one has replaced my cream and pink one which was getting too ratty. I still use it on weekends though. This one still is a mini TARDIS.

I started knitting a cotton short sleeved sweater last night. Started on the first sleeve to see if I like the way it looks. Using purple heirloom cotton from my Aussie stash that has travelled around the world with me. If it works out I'll bring some more back with me from the storage unit. When I come home for my next visit. Only 3 and a half weeks away now.

Fare thee well.

Sunday Brunch

2011-09-11T20:32:00.000+10:00

Work is the same (busy) and I've got no new craft projects to show. So I thought I'd start posting some outfit pictures. This is to show that a plus sized woman can be stylish and it will hopefully give me a boost to remember to look good.

So this is what I wore out to brunch this morning. I went to St Ali cafe in Farringdon and had vegemite on sourdough toast and corn fritters with poached eggs, spinach and tomato chutney.

Jeans from Lane Bryant - bought in Richmond Virginia during my trip in August. I love these jeans - they've got a panel in the front that holds the tummy in nicely and comfortable. Shirt from Evans in Surrey Quays - bought last week. Shoes from Office in Carnaby Street - bought about 12 months ago but not worn much as I need brown accessories to go with them which is against my usual black. Flower in hair from Ann Harvey when they were closing down their Oxford Street store. Vintage straw handbag - bought a while ago from a vintage store in Lower Marsh - just hadn't found the outfit and place to use it. It's a good size, fits my ipad and all the extra bits and pieces I carry around with me.

Photo taken in my bedroom as it's the only place with a empty wall. The sun is out and very nice today. Here's hoping the weather stays good for a little while yet.

So a nice casual but stylish outfit a Sunday brunch. I'm going to put it into regular rotation. I have a grey cardigan and a grey wool coat that will go over it when it gets colder. And a navy scarf/wrap that fits into the bag. Might need to change the bag to something else more solid for winter. Might look out for some navy gloves and beret instead of the flower.

Fare thee well.

Flowers

2011-08-11T19:36:00.003+10:00

I was given a lovely bunch of flowers by my friend Carolyn when I arrived in Richmond (she who was storing my stuff). I set them up in the hotel room for the whole rest of the week while I was there. They were still going strong when I left so I hope the staff kept them and didn't just throw them out. It was a lovely thought of hers and made my hotel room so much nicer.

Fare thee well.

Back from US

2011-08-05T05:55:00.002+10:00

Had a great time in the US last week. It was extremely hot. But had fun catching up with friends as well as the work conference.

I took some crochet work with me but didn't find time to do anything. It was just too busy a time.

But I managed to bring back the last of my stuff over there so now I just need to pack boxes here to send home a whole bunch of books and stuff I've accumulated.

Over the jetlag finally but I'm looking forward to the weekend where I have nothing planned other than laundry.

Fare thee well.

Sewing

2011-07-16T17:12:00.002+10:00

I visited a local market about 12 months ago where I bought 2 skirts for 5 pounds each. I did that cause they didn't have them in my size but they were the right length and style and were made in a way that I could pull them apart to remake into one that fitted me.

I started pulling them apart back then but stopped halfway and put them into the stash cupboard. Well last week I pulled them out and finished pulling the panels apart. Then put them back together again using one and half of the two skirts.

It looks really good. I wore it yesterday to work with a fitted t-shirt, beads, dressy sandals and a flower in my hair. I'm really happy with it. It's tea length so it covers my legs but I'm not tripping over the hem. (so Mum you would be pleased with that)

No photo at the moment - it was too dark when I got home last night. I'll get one while I'm away on holidays. Which will be the next chance I get to wear it.

I'm now unpicking the waistband of the green skirt I made so I can remake it to fit my waist properly. I then have to fix up the sleeves and hem of a medieval underdress that I made too long before I go to the Raglan event in August. I'm also having to fix my Christmas dress cause the crepe fabric is fraying.

Working from home today (unexpectedly asked late yesterday) so I'm putting on laundry and making some breakfast and then getting into fixing defects.

Fare thee well.

Busy

2011-07-02T00:08:00.003+10:00

I've safety pinned wadding and backing to my little quilt.

But it's going to have to sit like that for a while as I'm a bit busy with work at the moment. I'm also still going on the knitting and crochet but nothing big to show at the moment.

I've booked car and hotel for my US trip. I fly out of London on Thursday 21st July for San Francisco for 3 days (work conference) and then back to East Coast for a week to catch up with friends and collect the last of my stuff there.

Fare thee well.

Haircut

2011-06-06T00:05:00.003+10:00

Here you go Mum - here's the result of the haircut. I've just coloured it earlier today.

Fare thee well.

Quilting and Knitting

2011-05-30T08:34:00.003+10:00

Handsewing of quilt pieces.

Knitting of bedjacket. 13 repeats down. Alot more to go yet.

It's a long weekend here so I've been getting some craft time in.

Fare thee well.

What have I been up to?

2011-05-16T22:14:00.002+10:00

Went home for 3 weeks holiday. While there I went to Rowany Festival. I had a fabulous and relaxing time.

Since I got back to London it's been busy, busy, busy.

Work wise - we technically finished defect testing yesterday (Sunday) so now is getting rid of the last lot raised. Quite a stressful weekend. This week should (after today) be alot better.

Craft wise - been knitting a few more repeats of the bed jacket. Been madly embroidering the cuff of a shirt which needs to be finished ASAP so I can send it back to Aus. Adding more fur to the base back of my cape. It worked a treat at Rowany but I realised it was a bit short at the back. So I'm unpicking the lining and adding another couple of inches. I had left a large seam allowance on the lining so it'll be easy to extend the back.

SCA wise - nearly finished the event report from the Coronet Tourney I ran in February. Got the shire meeting tonight that I will be submitting it to for passing up to the Principality.

Health wise - not too bad after my holiday. My stress levels decreased which helps with the tummy.

Fare thee well.

Nearly There

2011-04-09T07:48:00.002+10:00

I'm on my way home TOMORROW!!!!

I'm doing laundry tonight. Tomorrow morning is packing and doing my hair. Tomorrow afternoon I'm going to a work collegue's place for American BBQ and then onto the airport from there. Flight out at 10pm Saturday night.

It's been absolutely gorgeous weather today and it's forecasted to be the same the next couple of days. I'll get some of it tomorrow but will be flying for the rest of it. Fingers crossed the weather sorts itself out back home.

Fare thee well.

Clothes part 2

2011-03-30T07:29:00.002+10:00

I wore the jacket today over black pants and a black shirt. I like the black shirt idea - just not the shirt I wore today. I'll have a look around for a different one. And I wore my doc high heel maryjanes. All together - very happy with the outfit.

Daylight savings started on Sunday morning. There's now an hour more time difference to home. Mum - 7am is 10pm here. Bit hard to get up so far this week. Hoping it gets a bit easier to do the hour earlier.

Counting down still till I go home. Just over 1 and a half weeks to go. Work has been totally and utterly mad so far this week. But it may of had a change tonight. Let's see tomorrow what the state of play is.

I'm off to bed. Fare thee well.

Clothes

2011-03-27T03:44:00.003+10:00

Photo from Ann Harvey website. I bought this jacket today. It is absolutely beautiful on. Just released in the shop so I had to pay full price but I reckon it'll be a good seller so I got it while I could in my size. It's very classy.

I also got a long denim skirt, a long stretchy black skirt - both on sale, and some new sunglasses. I'm now just after some blouses/shirts for summer and I'll be right.

Counting down till I go back to Australia for holiday. This time in 2 weeks I'll be at the airport.

Fare thee well.

Snood finished

2011-03-23T07:44:00.002+10:00

I thought I had put a picture up here - but realised I'd only put it up on facebook.

I finished the crocheted snood.

I think it's pretty and keeps my hair tidy. I'll be using it at Rowany Festival at Easter.

Fare thee well.

Shopping

2011-03-08T23:15:00.003+10:00

(Photo from Ann Harvey website)

Here's the dress I bought on Saturday. It looks better on. The neckline sits lower on me - gives me some nice clevage. I wore it on Monday to work with thick black tights and my Doc Martin MaryJane high heels.

I'm sick at home today with a head cold. Sounds like I'm coughing up a lung. I've spent the day cleaning up the flat for a house inspection tomorrow.

Fare thee well.

Finished a dress

2011-03-01T23:15:00.002+10:00

I only brought 1 wool tunic with me for medieval events. As I was running an event last weekend I was worried I wouldn't have enough warm garb. So I made myself a new dress.

I didn't get the hem finished in time but as it's felted wool it wasn't too much of an issue. I wore it at the event without it being hemmed. I finished the hemming this morning before work. I run it through the washing machine on a wool wash and it's drying in the kitchen.

I'm off to stitch and b*tch tonight for the first time with a group nearby to the office. Hopefully they'll be a nice group of ladies (these things are usually ladies). They meet up every Tuesday night at a rotating list of cafes in the Hoxton/Old Street area. I've got my knitting bag with me at work today with 2 projects in it.

Fare thee well.

Crochet

2011-01-13T08:52:00.003+10:00

I went to a fortnightly craft group tonight down the road from the office. It's at a vintage clothing store and they're teaching how to crochet. So I went to have a play with doing some crochet - which I haven't done for 2 years (since I've been overseas).

I decided to make a snood for my hair. Very vintage. Here's the result of about 2 hours work.

It's definitely been a while since I did any crochet. My tension finger cramped badly. It'll get used to it again.

I'm off to bed. I've been watching the news online and on the telly about the flooding back home. Luckily my family's all okay.

Fare thee well.

Happy New Year!!!

2010-12-31T21:18:00.002+10:00

Well it's nearly lunchtime on New Years Eve and I'm at work slightly procrastinating - hence this post.

Happy New Year to everyone back home and everywhere else around the world. I've been reading a couple of blogs with various resolutions so here's mine.

Lose weight - this one pops up every year. This year I may even succeed. There's a competition going with me and a couple of my colleagues leading up to Easter so there's a good chance. There's also something I'm planning for around midyear that losing weight would be a bonus.

Sort out my IBS - This goes a bit hand in hand with losing weight. I finally cut out the diet coke this past year. Never thought I would ever do that. I have noticed a bit of a difference with the reduction of heart burn since doing that - which is a plus. Working on my food intake in the new year will hopefully reduce the IBS issues as well.

Enjoy my crafting more - get some UFOs finished. Clear out the stash so I don't have sooooo much to ship at the end of the year.

Have fun in London and try to see a bit more of the UK. I'm now here till around the end of the year so once the weather gets a bit nicer I want to travel some more.

Get over to Europe - I want to see the Bayaeux Tapestry in Bayaeux France so I at least want to go on a trip on the Eurostar to Paris. And I would love to visit Switzeland (sp?).

Get the settlement of my house done and get good tenants in quickly. Fingers crossed with that one. Settlement is 17th January. (Oh yeah - for those not in the know - I bought a house!!!)

Ok - I should go do some work. We're leaving the office at 3pm. I live at Southbank in Waterloo so I'm staying near home tonight and watching the fireworks on the river Thames. I've got ham and vegetables ready to cook for dinner tonight. So I can start the new year on the right foot.

Fare thee well and Happy New Year!!!

Merry Christmas!!!

2010-12-24T17:42:00.002+10:00

It's Christmas Eve here in London. I'm making frangipani pie this morning and heading off to Colchester this afternoon.

Merry Christmas to all my family back in Australia and all my friends around the world. I hope everyone has a safe, happy and holy holidays.

I've got a new knitting project to start tomorrow and an embroidery project to work on the next couple of days while on the break.

Fare thee well.

Happy Birthday Mum!!

2010-12-03T16:28:00.002+10:00

Happy 60th today Mum. I know I spoke with you earlier. I hope you had a lovely day and will have a nice dinner with Dad. Have fun down at Mick and Jule's on Saturday.

I'm buying yummy things for morning tea at work this morning and going out to lunch today to celebrate.

Unfortunately due to the snow the mail has been delayed so no gifts from anyone. But I do have Mum and Dad's card - which is absolutely lovely.

BUT....my house purchase went unconditional yesterday so I'm all steam ahead on buying my first place. That's my birthday present to myself.

Happy birthday again Mum.

Love and hugs. Fare thee well.

Shoe Shopping

2010-11-21T21:23:00.002+10:00

I finally had the chance to go shoe shopping yesterday. Luckily I had done my research online beforehand so I only had to visit two shops to find all I needed for the winter.

Left - new work shoes. Wanted some flatter ones to wear in winter so I lessened my chances of falling over on wet or slippery floors. And my current ones are very worn out after wearing them for a year 5 days a week.

Middle - birthday shoes!! My old converse died when I was home last month. Mum and dad have bought them for me for my birthday. They're pink and soooo me. They'll get alot of wear on weekends.

Right - new dressy casual shoes. I wanted some loafers to wear out at night and other things that are dressier than converse and my docs. These will definitely do the job nicely.

So, no craft stuff but I actually had a chance to do something other than work. I went to the reenactors market last weekend but no photos of what I got there yet. I got some books and fabric that will get made into something once I finish the embroidery project I'm working on at the moment. It has to get back to Oz quickly so today will be hopefully finishing it. Otherwise I'm doing laundry, getting groceries and having a rest.

Fare thee well.

Wedding Picture

2010-11-04T02:07:00.001+10:00

Here you go Mum. I have others, but this by far the nicest one with all the Coupers.

Sewing

2010-10-12T22:16:00.003+10:00

Fabric is cut into sections and have been zigzagged. Tonight is piecing them together and putting the zipper in. I've cut it too long though - need to cut off about 6 inches.

Suitcase is mostly packed. Got another load or two of washing before I can do the last of it. Those will be done tonight.

For those back in Brisbane in the rain. This was shot looking out my office window here in London yesterday. Here's hoping it stays nice for a little while longer.

Fare thee well.

Busy as usual

2010-10-08T21:36:00.003+10:00

I head home for a visit in a week so as per usual all hell breaks loose at work.

Busy busy busy. So not much way in crafting going at the moment. I will be sewing up a skirt to wear at the wedding the family is attending in 2 weeks time. The fabric is ready for cutting, I have all the bits and pieces. I just need to cut it out and sew it together. That's my plan for tonight. Cut up the fabric so I can sew tomorrow. I've got to work this weekend - argh to deadlines. But I can do that at home so I'll be sewing and coding both days.

So no photos at the moment so I've attached a photo of some light sconces they have at a restaurant we regularly go to near where I am living. I'd love to put a set of these in my dining room once I have a place.

Fare thee well. (back to programming)

Shoes

2010-09-11T23:55:00.003+10:00

While I was out shopping today in Cardiff I found shoes for Beck's wedding.

Yeah!! Only thing left now is to sew the skirt. Which is my plan next weekend.

They're a purple leather but I think between the pink hat, handbag and stripey shirt it should all blend in fine. The flower on my hat is around the same colour. Their heels are about 2-3 inches so will be easy for me to wear and walk.

Having a lovely time in Cardiff. I went to the Doctor Who exhibition and saw lots of actual costumes and props. Which really made the trip worthwhile to me. (Nerd!!) I've had a coffee and cake for afternoon tea and I'm now back in the hotel for a mid afternoon nap. Tomorrow morning I'm going to visit Cardiff Castle and then head back to London after lunch.

Fare thee well.

Tourist

2010-09-11T08:52:00.000+10:00

I'm in Cardiff Wales for the weekend. I'm going to find as many Doctor Who and Torchwood locations as possible.

I'll be back in London on Sunday afternoon.

Fare thee well.

Been sick

2010-09-03T06:53:00.004+10:00

I went to Pennsic and had a great relaxing time. Then I had another week in the USA visiting Richmond, Lancaster PA and New York/Conneticut. It was a lovely trip seeing places I hadn't been before. Saw some fabulous quilts in Lancaster.

I visited Sleepy Hollow (where the headless horseman was).

I got back to London for two days and then went down sick with food poisoning. Laid me low for about a week. I'm back up and active again now. But it made me waste the last long weekend until Christmas. Bummer. Oh well. I did get the embroidery I was working on finished during the US trip and being sick.

I have another embroidery project underway but I can't show pics of that (it's a gift). And I'm doing some piecing of a quilt fabric. I'm handsewing it so it's slow going and will take me quite a while.

Fare thee well.

Pennsic and Rain

2010-07-31T19:00:00.002+10:00

It's Saturday morning here and I'm at work looking out at the rain. Yes - it's finally raining here in London. It's been such a dry summer which is very unusual for them.

I'm off to Pennsic on Friday night. Flying out to New York on Friday night, staying at a hotel near the airport and then flying to Pittsburgh on Saturday morning. I've booked the shuttle to take me from the aiport to the site. I'm definitely looking forward to it. Just have to get through the next 7 days of work (working both today and Sunday).

Fare thee well.

Sick again

2010-07-29T01:19:00.002+10:00

I'm back from San Francisco. It was a good trip but way too short. And I managed to pick up a bug again. I started coughing on Sunday and it hit with a vengence today (Wednesday). Ruddy bronchial asthma makes me sound like a 2 pack a day smoker. Oh well, at least it's not a headcold so I'm working from home today more to stop interrupting everyone else with my coughing.

I got a reasonable amount of knitting done while at the conference. I'm getting better at knitting without looking at it. I'll post a pic once I find my ruler and take a photo. I also got a good amount of the split stitch fill in on my shield embroidery. I did that on the flight out to SFO. Didn't touch it on the way back as I was very tired. I'll see how much I can get done on the flight to New York in 2 weeks time.

I got a new work laptop while I was away so I've set up my old one for itunes and other video/music stuff.

A week and a half to go and I'll be at Pennsic for holidays. Yay!!! I decided not to make any new garb this year as I'll only be there for a week. I've got 3 underdresses and 2 overdresses here with me and some overdresses in my tubs at Carolyn's place. Those tubs are going up to site on Friday so will be there when I get there. The tubs have my bedding and other bits and pieces which definitely makes it easier to travel there from here in London.

I'm doing laundry while working so I need to change a load over. Fare thee well.

Nearly in California

2010-07-21T09:41:00.003+10:00

One more day here in London and then off to San Francisco for a work conference. It's going to a busy time. I'm looking forward to catching up with people I haven't seen since last year's conference.

With a 11 hour flight ahead of me I'm taking an embroidery project with me and my knitting. The embroidery will be done on the plane and the knitting is for while sitting in the conference.

I've finished the main colours on the illumination I've been working on. It's now ready for the white highlighting but it'll have to wait till I get back to London next week.

Fare thee well.

Happenings

2010-07-15T08:31:00.002+10:00

I finally have the cable tv channels working in the new flat. They're replacing the broken television hopefully in the next week or two. In the meantime I bought a 19 inch LG LCD tv. It will work when I get back to Oz - will just need to change the plug from UK to Aus. That'll save me having to buy a new telly when I finally come home.

I did some drawing/illumination last night - just for something different. I'm trying to use up my stash of craft stuff. I definitely don't need to buy anything to keep me busy for the next six months.

I'm going to the taping of a radio show tomorrow night. Should be interesting. A colleague has got free tickets for it. I'm working this weekend and then off to San Francisco next Thursday for a conference.

Fare thee well.

Busy

2010-07-14T07:30:00.002+10:00

I'm slowly but surely getting along with the knitting. I try to do one or two rows a night before going to bed. It's a good relaxer. The next photo I need to put a ruler next to it to mark how far along I'm getting.

Otherwise - very busy with work. I'm now in a new flat which is much cooler and has more cupboard space.

Fare thee well.

Shopping

2010-07-01T00:54:00.003+10:00

There was a sample sale on last Friday up the road from the office. A couple of girls and myself walked up there at lunchtime and did a bit of high quality shopping.

My new handbag -

The one I was using had broken the zipper and it was a cheap one bought when I arrived in London. This one is a much better quality and it's cuter. It's also another TARDIS. I can fit ALOT of stuff in there.

It's hot as blazes here at the moment so no knitting or sewing done for the last couple of days. I'm moving flats this weekend so once that's done it'll be cooler so I can get back into it.

Fare thee well.

Knitting

2010-06-22T19:17:00.002+10:00

I got back to London from my visit home and felt like doing some fairly mindless knitting - hence the first new knitting project in about 9 months.

Gold wool that I bought in Charlottesville Virginia last year. It was to be used for a SCA project but I ended up getting some silk/wool for that one.

I'm doing a simple triangle shawl. Knit stitch increasing a stitch at the start of each row. Just going to use this one ball of wool. I'll keep increasing until I run out.

Fare thee well.

Hair experiment complete

2010-06-16T09:58:00.003+10:00

After 5 years of growing my hair I finally got it cut. It's still sitting below my bra strap but it got about a foot and a half cut off. It had been below my butt. I achieved the hairstyles I wanted to and proved the length women in medieval times had their hair to do certain styles - or else they were faking it.

Now I won't have the trouble of sitting on it all the time.

Still in Maroochydore until Saturday when I fly back to London.

Fare thee well.

Nearly home

2010-05-31T19:38:00.003+10:00

Today's Monday and I fly out Friday night. So that makes it 5 days to go.

I've just spent the weekend down in Winchester. Lovely weekend but I'm feeling the affects of getting wet and cold. My head and shoulders are blah. But I now have sudafed and neurophan plus so I am dosed.

It's cool and very windy outside so I'm staying indoors and doing lots of laundry. All my stuff from the weekend is dusty and damp. The first load is in the machine at the moment. So it will be an all day job to get it all done.

I'm going to do some sewing today. I've realised I only have work shirts and t-shirts here. I need a weekend shirt. I've had no luck with finding anything RTW in the shops that I like so I'm going to have a go at making a simple one. Make use of my new sewing machine.

I bought one about a month ago cause I'll get plenty of use out of it while I'm here. My one at home is 15 years old and still going strong so this new one is an uptodate version of it. I can get an Aussie power cable for it when I eventually get back home (they use 240v here same as home). Mum - you can keep my old one as a gift. Throw out that really old and dodgy one you've had for 25+ years that we used to use up in Rocky.

Ok, I'm off to have a shower and get dressed. I also need to colour my hair so it will be nice for when I get home on the weekend.

Fare thee well.

New project

2010-05-09T22:28:00.003+10:00

I've started weekly weaving class here in London. I'm aiming to do a replication of this tablecloth. It's an existing piece at the V&A museum. My aim is to have it done for either Twelfth Night or Midwinter 2011 A&S comps back home in Lochac.

Happy Mothers Day for yesterday Mum!!! Hope you had a lovely day. It's countdown to June 6th when I get home for a visit.

Fare thee well.

I'm alive

2010-04-10T05:24:00.002+10:00

I'm still in Richmond at the moment but I have no photos of here. I now have my passport back from the UK Consulate so I'll be flying back to London on Sunday.

But here's a photo of a smock I saw at the V&A Museum recently. The embroidery on it is fabulous. Small too - about 2 thumbnail wide per slug done in single thread stitching. I sooooo want to replicate it. It would take a long time but I think it would be an excellent project.

I'm off to my friend Carolyn's for dinner and a catch up.

Fare thee well.

Thursday night

2010-03-26T08:21:00.003+10:00

Just popping in to say all is okay. Just really busy with work - as usual.

One more day to go and then onto the weekend. Thamesreach (London SCA group) is having an event on Saturday so I'm going to that. And then Sunday will be doing laundry and packing up of stuff. I'm taking my suitcases to the flat for storage while I'm in the US the week after Easter.

It has been raining the last couple of days and is forecast for more rain the next couple of days. That's London for you.

I'm trying to schedule some time on the weekend to do some photo uploads. I'll post a link once I do put them up.

I'm off to bed - sleepy now (10:30pm).

Fare thee well.

Another week done

2010-03-14T19:46:00.002+10:00

My baggage arrived from Richmond on Friday so I now have my craft stuff. Mum - I believe my baggage for your place is due to turn up this week coming.

Busy with work - which is good. The next project is semi-confirmed to start Tuesday after Easter. I'm currently coordinating with HR as to when I can get back to the US to sort out visa stuff. I'm hoping to now make it back home for 2 weeks at the beginning of June.

I've been reminded that I am overdue to do an embroidered shield for the A&S champions. So this weekend has been starting that. It's only 5cm wide but it's in single thread split stitch so will take a couple of weeks to complete (tiny stitches).

I went to Her Majesty's Theatre last night and saw Phantom of the Opera. Very nice but the seating is crap. Today I'm going to go to the Museum of London. It's absolutely gorgeous outside my window this morning. Still chilly but the sun is out.

Fare thee well.

I'm still alive .... just

2010-03-09T07:29:00.002+10:00

Sorry for the quiet. It's been busy with work and getting over jet lag. I've moved into a larger hotel room that's more like a studio flat (like what I had in Richmond). I unpacked my work clothes over the weekend so I feel more settled in.

Had a relatively quiet weekend. I had coffee with Sophie on Saturday arvo after spending the morning at the Victoria and Albert Museum. I saw the medieval galleries that were closed when I was over here last November. Brilliant!! Sunday was laundry and some shopping. I bought a new tote bag as my handbag isn't big enough to carry around everything you need to when you don't have a car to dump stuff in.

But it was freezing yesterday with a really chilly wind. So today I have a sore throat and blocked sinuses. All the regular symptons for a head cold. I have a nasal spray and lots of panadol. So here's hoping it's short and sharp. I don't really have time for a drawn out cold.

I'm off to bed. Night night.

Fare thee well.

London Day 1

2010-02-28T18:49:00.002+10:00

Taken with my iphone camera.

Well I've made it to London without too many hassles. I'm right in the middle of the city at the moment. About half block away from Trafalgar Square. I went for a walk right around dusk last night and this is only about 3 blocks away from the hotel.

The nerd in me has me telling you that this where they filmed the first episode of the new lot of Doctor Who. On the opposite side of the river from the London Eye. I went up on the eye when I was here in November.

Had a bit of trouble sleeping last night. I'm having trouble getting the air-cond/heater to where I want it. But I'm up now (just on 9am). I'm looking at meeting Sophie after lunch today to catch up. Then I'm hopefully having dinner with the team leaders tonight.

Off to have a shower. Oh, and it's raining here in London. {snort} what a surprise!! LOL

Fare thee well.

Changing Plans

2010-02-24T22:38:00.003+10:00

Instead of going home to Brisbane on Sunday I am now moving to London on Friday.

I've got my US to Aus flights changed to October. Cancelled my hotel bookings in New York for the weekend. Changed the hire car from Richmond-NY to Richmond-DC.

Just have to cancel my NY to Chicago flight and book DC to London for Friday night. Which will get me into London on Saturday morning.

Lots to do for the next 2 days.

Fare thee well.

UK

2010-02-14T13:03:00.002+10:00

It could now be Leeds instead of London. They're still deciding where the team will work. Team 1 is in London, team 2 is in Chelmsford, team 3 may be in Leeds. I believe I will be joining team 3.

Still packing.

Fare thee well.

Counting down

2010-02-12T06:15:00.002+10:00

Sorry for the quiet. It's been very busy with work and very snowy outside. I've taken photos but I can't find my camera cradle in all the packing up so no uploads till I find it.

I've got just over 1 week left to go at the client's site and then a week to get my things off by shipping. Then I'm heading up to New York and area for a couple of days and then onto Chicago before flying home on the 28th.

I'll be in Australia for the whole of March. Easter Monday I am scheduled to fly out to London for 12-14 months. Haven't booked flights yet cause I'm waiting on the official work and coordination with management. But I am definitely coming home in 2 weeks.

I've started sorting out and packing up. This weekend will be the most of it which means I'll be a week ahead of schedule. Some stuff is going directly to London. Some is staying here at a friend's place for Pennsic. And the rest of it is heading back to Brisbane.

Got to go and do some work.

Fare thee well.

Snow

2010-01-31T08:11:00.003+10:00

It started snowing at 4am this morning and it hasn't stopped all day. It's 5pm now. I believe we've had about a foot so far. It's supposed to ease off tonight but it's still steadily flurrying at the moment.

I've been indoors all day watching the telly, cooking and doing laundry. I did go out and brush the snow off the car cause at the moment it's all light and fluffy - each to move. After it freezes tonight it will be harder to remove off the car. I learnt that one with the storm before Christmas.

Fare thee well.

End of week

2010-01-30T00:37:00.002+10:00

No news on the project front. Still coming home 28th Feb at the moment. Still 3 weeks to go onsite so that may change yet. I'm still packing things up and sending boxes home in the mail. Started transferring money back to Aus accounts. The exchange rate is still crap though.

A winter storm is about to hit tonight. They're predicting snow starting around midnight and continuing all day tomorrow. Well at least it's a Saturday so I don't have to go anywhere if we're snowed in. The temperature's not going to go above 4c for the next week. Tomorrow night is predicted at -11c. I'll be indoors with the central heating.

Knitting - had to frog the beret back to the rib rows. I made it too small. I had enough yarn leftover that I feel confident that inserting a half dozen extra rows won't make me run out and it'll fit better. I've just finished the increases after the rib and now on the half dozen straight rows. Then I'll do the decreases to make it all join up in the middle. I'm hoping to have it finished before Sunday so I can wear it up at the snow - going up to Wintergreen with Deb for the afternoon.

This weekend is continuing to go through bags of craft stuff and SCA garb so I can determine what to chuck, keep and give away.

Fare thee well.

Moving

2010-01-24T11:56:00.002+10:00

Well it's official. I'm rolling off the project that has brought me to Richmond. I finish up on the 19th of February. So, now for the next 4 weeks I have to pack up my crap after sorting through it and shipping it home.

I'm not sure where I'll be going next. If I stay in the US then I'll just ship bits and pieces home. If I end up back in Aus then everything is coming home with me and I'll be back in Brisbane on the 1st of March. If I end up somewhere else (maybe Europe) then I'm thinking I might end up home for a short time while visas etc are sorted out. If not then I'll go straight there and then take the 2 weeks off at Easter I wanted if possible.

In the meantime I'm sorting out stuff into piles. But I did sidetrack myself today by painting my toenails, finally coloured my hair and started knitting a hat.

Fare thee well. (and watch this space)

Knee high hose - Complete

2010-01-03T10:24:00.002+10:00

A very very long time UFO finally finished today. Now I can start on a new knitting project.

Man it's freezing outside tonight. I'm staying indoors with the central heating.

Fare thee well.

2010

2010-01-03T00:39:00.003+10:00

Happy New Year everyone.

Only 1 resolution for me this year....enjoy life!!! If I am enjoying life then every other wish and hope will fall into place somehow.

I'm having a quiet time at home this weekend. Unpacking and sorting and laundry and sewing and knitting and playing with the wii. Work is going to be very busy next week so if I charge my batteries now it'll feel a little bit better.

Fare thee well.

Shopping

2009-12-22T01:07:00.003+10:00

I braved the Short Pump Shopping Mall yesterday and got my Christmas shopping done.

I found some small light things to send home to Australia. A little bit kitschy but fun. I am going to brave Walmart today at lunchtime to pick up one last thing. Then to wrap everything tonight and get into the post tomorrow.

I've also going to try to get things back into the storage unit tonight. I'm checking out of the hotel on Wednesday morning to go up to Wintergreen resort for 4 days over Christmas. Over the last couple of weeks I managed to bring a whole bunch of sh*t into the hotel that needs repacking and shoving back into storage.

Work calls. It's absolutely freezing here but the majority of the roads are open and driveable now.

Fare thee well.

My Car this morning

2009-12-20T00:10:00.003+10:00

My car outside the front of the hotel. We're looking at least a foot in snow and it's still snowing right now (9am).

Snow!!

2009-12-19T13:54:00.003+10:00

There's a major snowstorm occurring outside my hotel room right now. It started at 5pm and it's scheduled to keep going for the next 24 hours.

I'm snugged up in the hotel and not planning on going out for the next 2 days if need be. Thank goodness it's happened on a Friday night. I've got plenty of dvds that I can watch over the weekend. And I've bought my birthday/christmas present for myself - a Wii. So I'm going to have fun playing with that as well. I also have lots of knitting and embroidery work to be done. So a quiet weekend at home is good.

I'm seriously glad that I decided not to go anywhere for Christmas. They're looking at 15 inches or more of snow which will be affecting flights for at least the next couple of days if not longer. So if I had been planning on flying anywhere I would of been affected. That's one of the main reasons I decided to do my travelling in November and not now over the Christmas break.

I got the kids' gifts into the mail earlier in the week and they're due to arrive in Yeppoon before Christmas. But I had absolutely no chance to do the family stuff. So you'll all be getting things late from me. Which to you will come as no surprise. Work has been absolute crap this week plus IBS AND sinus has made it a seriously bad week - so no thought at doing Christmas shopping.

11pm so I'm going to head off to bed shortly. So Mum don't panic. I'm inside the hotel and not planning on going anywhere while the storm is around. I'll take some photos in the morning and post them tomorrow.

Fare thee well.

Dad's 60th Birthday Party

2009-12-12T10:58:00.001+10:00

I finally got around to loading photos off my camera tonight.

Mum - I'll send you a high res one to keep.

Fare thee well.

Birthdays

2009-12-03T08:05:00.003+10:00

Happy Birthday to my lovely Mum.

It's also mine but she's in Australia and it's actually Thursday there right as I type this but still Wednesday here in the US. So technically it's not mine for another 7 hours.

We did the card and gift exchange 2 weeks ago when I was home visiting.

I've already rung her to give her my love and virtual hugs.

It's also by fabbo brother's birthday on Friday. So I'll be giving him a call tomorrow arvo my time. We also have done the gift swap when I was home.

Tomorrow I'm going to bring in a cake to work for morning tea and we're planning on going out to lunch. It's also another lady's birthday as well so it'll be a double celebration.

I've had an offer from a friend here to have a gathering at her place on the weekend so I'm going to take her up on her offer and at least have coffee and cake there with her.

I have to go and get some things from the storage unit after work tonight and then the GW people are going out for dinner.

Fare thee well.

Last Day in Manchester

2009-11-28T08:48:00.002+10:00

Well the trip around Manchester didn't happen. I slept in again....what is it with me and oversleeping - I can only think that I needed it. I decided to get the train back to Stockport and see if I could find a historical research section in the library and I did. I did the free shuttle bus trip around Stockport and then visited the library for the rest of the afternoon. I found more info on John Henry that I'll email to the folks but that's as far back as it goes. So I think I'll focus on the family in Australia now after I move back. This is a long long term project so it can wait for another year or so.

I now just have to pack up my suitcase and the train back to London in the morning. Not too soon - they're predicting snow here tomorrow night. It hasn't stopped raining here all week. London isn't going to be any drier but it will be a touch warmer - hopefully.

I'm off to bed to try to get up at a reasonable time in the morning.

Oh mum...
London Marriott Hotel West India Quay
22 Hertsmere Rd, Canary Wharf,
London, E14 4ED United Kingdom
Phone: 44-20-70931000 Fax: 44-20-70931001

Fare thee well.

Northern England

2009-11-27T07:01:00.002+10:00

End of Thursday right now. Been having a good time. Relaxing time with PLENTY of walking.

I got the certificate application in on Monday afternoon and got it on Wednesday. Interesting information and a deadend. Found out that they got married in the Mount Tabov Methodist Chapel. He was 19 and a brickmaker. She was 21 and a spinster. They were both from Stockport - which was a surprise. The deadend was that his father's details are blank. So it's going to be a bit hard to go any further back. I can do some more research using census records. I'm going to visit the Manchester Library tomorrow to see if they have them on microfish.

Tuesday I visited the Manchester Museum of Science and Industry. They have a great textile gallery where they have all the equipment for producing cotton yarn and cloth. That was great to look at.

Wednesday I picked up the certificate and then spent the rest of the day visiting the shops here in Manchester. I also got my laundry done so I now have enough clean clothes to get me back to Richmond. I bought a number of DVDs and books to keep me busy for the next soooo long.

Thursday (today) I did a day trip to Liverpool. It was only an hour trip on the train. I did a bus tour around the city area and visited the Beatles Story exhibition. Nice trip but I wouldn't recommend the exhibition. It wasn't too bad but I've seen better.

Tomorrow (Friday) is my last day here in Manchester. I'm going to do bus trips around the city and visit the library. Then back to London on Saturday morning. I've booked into the Marriott at Canary Wharf (DW nerd here) and then fly back to the US on Sunday.

Fare thee well.

Manchester

2009-11-24T03:11:00.002+10:00

I've arrived in Manchester. It's non-stop raining and it looks like it's going to keep raining for the rest of the week.

Nice quick and relaxing train trip up here. Only 2 hours express. Nice.

I've visited the Stockport Register Office this afternoon and put in the application for the certificate. Now I have to wait till they call me to let me know it's ready for collection. It can take at least 3 days. Bummer. So in the meantime I'm going to go for a day trip to Glossop tomorrow (according to John Henry's death certificate they're from there). Then I think I'll do a day trip to Liverpool on Wednesday.

Oh mum here's the hotel info for emergency contact...

Renaissance Manchester Hotel
ph 44 161 831 6000

Fare thee well.

London

2009-11-22T09:28:00.002+10:00

I've made it to London and I'm love this city. I got to the hotel and crashed for a couple of hours and then went out to get some dinner down in Chinatown. Absolutely p*ssing down but people were everywhere.

I'm just catching up on mail and blogs before heading back to bed to get some good sleep. The hotel is lovely and situated in a good place for getting around. I found too that the trains to Manchester run about every half hour and it's only a 2 hour trip which is good for Monday.

I'm going to spend the full day tomorrow at the A&V (Albert and Victoria Museum). I've just read that they have some fabbo tapestry cartoons that I really MUST see. Then I'm going to hit the textile room. My camera is charging right now so it'll last as long as I can get it. Then up to Manchester on Monday morning.

Fare thee well.

Arrived back in Richmond

2009-11-18T14:04:00.002+10:00

11pm and I'm back at the hotel. And I've managed to have a reasonable amount of sleep on the trip. But my suitcase is stuck in Chicago. So it's supposed to turn up tomorrow. Normally wouldn't be an issue, but the key to the storage unit is in the suitcase and all my work clothes are in the storage unit. I do have a spare shirt and undies to tide me over till it arrives. And worst comes to worst, I can go shopping at lunchtime tomorrow and buy something if need be.

I'm off to bed. I'll be busy at work for the next 3 days and then off to London on Friday night.

Fare thee well.

On the way

2009-11-13T07:03:00.002+10:00

Mum - can't access work email from the airport so I'm posting here. I've made it to Chicago and my luggage is checked in all the way to Brissie. It was absolutely p*ssing down in Richmond but the plane left on time. Here's hoping the next two are on schedule too. See you at the airport. You have my landing time. I may be a little delayed as I have stuff in my suitcases that I have to declare at customs so that will take a while once we land.

See you tomorrow.

Anyone else reading this - have a good weekend. If I see you I see you, else I'll catch up with you next time.

Fare thee well.

Homeward Bound

2009-11-10T12:43:00.003+10:00

I'm not dead - just extremely bl**dy busy. I fly out on Thursday for Brisbane. Still got way too much in my hotel room that needs to go into storage. I think Wednesday night is going to be a late one. Luckily my flight on Thursday isn't until lunchtime so there will be time in the morning for the last minute things. Very very busy with work before I leave so no fluff time either.

I need to go and finish making some pants to wear on Sunday.

Fare thee well.

Lunch

2009-10-31T02:25:00.003+10:00

I found a Japanese supermarket in The Fan last night and I bought a bento box for carrying lunch in. I forgot to take a photo before starting. So here's one where I'm mostly finished. Lunch at my desk with the ipod playing. Very yummy and very weight conscious.

Fare thee well.

Thanksgiving Break

2009-10-29T05:54:00.002+10:00

I've just booked tickets from Washington DC to London for the week of the 21st of November. It's Thanksgiving week here then so I already had Thursday and Friday off as public holidays. But I got Monday to Wednesday approved as annual leave. So I'm heading over to the UK to do some family history research. An ideal time cause I need to be in Manchester during the business week which really didn't make the Christmas break as opportune time. As thanksgiving is US only, there's no shutdown in the UK at that time.

So, I got a direct flight on British Airways from Dulles to Heathrow and will arrive there on the Saturday morning. Hopefully visit some people I know in London over the weekend and then get up to Manchester on the Monday and stay there till the Friday doing the history stuff. Finally get back to London on the Saturday and fly back to Washington DC on the Sunday. No connecting flights and I'll only have to drive up to Dulles from Richmond which is around an hour and a half to two hours.

So, November is going to be busy. I'm heading home on the 12th - arriving on the 14th in Brisbane. Then flying back on the 17th. 3 days back at work and onto the UK.

Oh, and mum, the antibiotics are working for the sinus infection. Much better today.

Got to get back to work.

Fare thee well.

Rain

2009-10-17T10:17:00.002+10:00

It has not stopped misting/drizzling since yesterday. And it's been about 7c outside all day. I've got the heating on in my room so it's comfortable inside.

Got a one day event on tomorrow - Battles of Britain. About an hour down the road on the way to Virginia Beach at the New Kent Winery. Should be nice - even with the rain scheduled to hang around all weekend. It's a chance to wear my wool garb - the reason I brought it with me all the way from home.

I'm watching Smallville on the telly and planning on a early night cause tomorrow's event is potluck and I'm going to make meat pies in the morning.

Hope everyone has a good weekend.

Fare thee well.

Home safe

2009-10-12T08:09:00.003+10:00

I'm home from War of the Wings safe and sound. Had a fabulous time. Did lots of archery shooting and I feel I'm getting better. Got a lovely skein of laceweight silk and merino yarn in purple and yellow. It'll make a lovely shawl when I get around to starting it.

It'll be busy this week at work so I don't see much going on other than work. It's end of sprint time so it'll be rush rush rush.

I've just had some dinner and I'm nice and squeaky clean. Going to browse some web sites and then an early bed.

Fare thee well.

Away

2009-10-09T14:48:00.002+10:00

Ok I'm off to North Carolina in the morning for 3 days. The event's name is War of the Wings (WOW). It's the last camping event of the season. It's going to be cool at night but nice during the day. A bit like when we have a late Easter at Festival.

I'll be back online Sunday arvo. But available on phone if anyone urgently needs to find me.

Fare thee well.

Present to Mum

2009-10-08T13:05:00.002+10:00

Here you go Mum. Michael Connelly signing books. Not the one I got you. I was next in line.

When I was up in Washington DC a couple of weekends ago I was walking from Union Station where I had parked to the Museums when I found a humungous book festival in the National Mall. I looked at the authors list and decided to waste some time in line and got a book signed for Mum.

I posted it back to Australia and it arrived at home yesterday.

Sorry if you've already read it. It's his latest, but at the speed you read you may have already read it. There were other authors but I remember you mentioning his Horonomus Bosch (no idea if that's spelt right) series.

Fare thee well.

U2

2009-10-03T10:40:00.002+10:00

I went to the U2 concert up at Charlottesville last night (about an hour drive north-west). It was ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC!!!!! I had the best time. Driving home at midnight was terrible but it was sooo worth the trip. I had fabulous seating. About level with the stage. Great concert - good mix of their old and new stuff.

I'm popping down to Williamsburg tomorrow (Saturday) to visit the folk museums and buy some hats. Then more sorting through stuff and packing up for War of the Wings event next weekend.

Fare thee well.

Shipping

2009-10-02T00:13:00.002+10:00

I've managed to find a shipping service that will transport my stuff home. It's cheaper to send it all in one hit than bit by bit. So I'm now going to keep everything and send it all next month instead of multiple visits to the post office. I'll just get my last camping event over next weekend and then pack it all up.

Watch this space for info.

Fare thee well.

Visit to DC

2009-09-27T11:20:00.002+10:00

I seem to have bad timing with my tourist trips. It rained today AGAIN while I was up in Washington DC. It rained last time I went up there too. And both times I didn't have my umbrella with me. Doh!

Had a great time anyway. Just quite stuffed after having to concentrate on driving home. There was an accident just outside DC due to the rain and it made the travelling time sooooo much longer. But I'm safe and sound back in Richmond again.

Did lots of walking. I parked at Union Station and then walked down to the Smithsonian Museums. I started walking at 9am and stopped at 5pm. My feet and lower back hurt but not too bad. I must be getting a bit fitter. I did the Museum of American History from top to bottom. Loved it. I now have a nice new stack of books to read and then send home. Just after I had gotten my pile of to reads down. Oh well - I love my books and they're ones I wouldn't be able to get at home.

Off to bed - it's been a long day. Tomorrow I have laundry and some work to do before Monday.

Fare thee well.

Bring on the Weekend

2009-09-19T04:05:00.002+10:00

It's finally Friday!!!!

I'm having a quiet time at home this weekend. I've got boxes from the post office and plan on filling them ready to send back to Australia. I have some sewing planned and some UFOs to attempt to finish. I also HAVE to get my nails done tomorrow (Saturday). They are just wayyyyy too long for typing on my laptop and is annoying when handsewing. I also have a little bit of work to finish off before Monday.

Missing home a bit as the folks are doing the family visiting thing this weekend and getting to see a bunch of babies that my cousins have. That reminds me, I need to find a local Baby Gap. Shellie has 2 weeks to go before her bub is due and I need to get her a pressie.

Just a couple more hours in the work day to finish off some documents.

Fare thee well.

SCA Archery

2009-09-15T10:32:00.002+10:00

Me at my first archery competition. I'm wearing Anglo Saxon garb but with the wrong headgear. Not a period bow but the rest is fairly good. The bow is a learner fibreglass one which was fairly cheap. Which means it's a good learner one that I can use for combat archery later on and meantime I haven't outlaid alot of money.

Fare thee well.

Exchange Rates

2009-09-15T02:44:00.001+10:00

Seriously...what is it with the Australian dollar at the moment? US85.71c at the close last night.

Fare thee well.

Award

2009-09-14T03:47:00.003+10:00

I went to Journey to the Crusades event over the weekend. I participated in my first archery competition. I had a great time. I didn't lose any arrows and actually managed to hit some of the targets so I was very happy with myself.

Then I got called up in court and was given a lovely gift from the Baron and Baroness. It was a thankyou for being part of the barony while I was here in Richmond (this may be the last baronial event I attend before I head up to Chicago). They gave me a lovely painted box and in it is some nice trim. I now have to find something nice to attach it to. While I was there they gave me an award - La Bris de Mer - which is the Baronial A&S award. Which was soooo nice. I've been having lots of fun with A&S this year. I've gotten the service award at St Floz but this is my first A&S one. The paper is till the scribes can make me up the full sized scroll.

I'm back at the hotel now and having a lay on the couch. I tried to not get dehydrated like I normally do at events so I've only got a small headache today unlike the whoppers I've had after other events.

Fare thee well.

Sewing

2009-09-08T05:36:00.002+10:00

First pile of stash fabric down. The blue one was made first. I went about 2 inches bigger than the commercial tote. It's made of and also lined with corduroy given to my by Baroness Katarina (also known as Q). There's pockets inserted into each side between the handle straps. Not bad but I like the brown/orange one better. It's always the same - the second one is generally better than the first one. It's the exact same size as the original. I also didn't put any pockets in it. It's lined with a polycotton leftover that was given to me. There was just enough to make the lining.

I've also been working on my medieval love pouch that I brought with me from home. I made the main part last year for St Floz baronial championship but I hadn't gotten around to finishing it off with drawstrings and tassels. I bought some wool/silk gold yarn while up at Charlottesville on Saturday (very nice town by the way). I've lucet braided some cord and I'm now making buttonholes to thread the cord through.

Otherwise I've spent the long weekend doing laundry and having a lazy time. I went shopping yesterday and bought some pantyhose and scarves.

Fare thee well.

Extremely Happy

2009-09-05T03:58:00.002+10:00

The annual work bonus hit my bank account today!!!!! Now I just need to transfer it all back to Australia on Monday and there's another savings goal nearly made. I'm doing the snoopy dance here folks.

Fare thee well.

Wardrobe Refashion Pledge

2009-09-02T02:13:00.002+10:00

I, Tina, pledge that I shall abstain from the purchase of "new" manufactured items of clothing, for the period of 2 months. I pledge that I shall refashion, renovate, recycle preloved items for myself with my own hands in fabric, yarn or other medium for the term of my contract. I pledge that I will share the love and post a photo of my refashioned, renovoted, recycled, crafted or created item of clothing on the Wardrobe Refashion blog, so that others may share the joy that thy thriftiness brings!

Quilt finished

2009-08-31T23:57:00.003+10:00

I finished the quilt off last night. Not a spectacular work of art but a useful piece. I'm sticking it through the washer and dryer tonight to see how it all shrinks and puffs. Neither the cotton nor the wool batt have been washed so it will be interesting to see how much shrinkage occurs. The top and base fabrics are cotton, the thread is cotton and the innards are wool...there will definitely be shrinkage.

So first project done out of the stash accumulation. Tonight I plan on doing some embroidery work that is sitting in the backlog and making tassles for paternosters.

Fare thee well.

Blonde again

2009-08-30T23:36:00.003+10:00

I redid my hair last night. But somehow I manage to miss one small spot behind my ear about the size of a dollar coin. It should be alright though - it's part of the underlayer. I'll just have to watch how I brush it back when putting it up in a ponytail. It'll get fixed when I next colour it.

Fare thee well.

Wardrobe Refashioning

2009-08-29T12:32:00.002+10:00

http://www.wardroberefashion.net/

I've just signed up for 2 months of Wardrobe Refashioning. The big rule of it is that for the time you've signed up for - you don't buy any clothing off the rack - ie new.

I'm going to add that I'm not to buy any new fabric either. I have to use up my ever increasing stash. I can only buy things like thread or trim as needed to complete an item.

I want to make up some tops/shirt/tunics and some skirts. I am happy with the pants I have already but I need some new tops to go with them. I want things to fit properly.

It officially starts on 1st September.

Fare thee well.

Hose

2009-08-27T12:14:00.003+10:00

Okay so here's the first stocking done except for weaving in of the ends. I made the top extra wide so it wouldn't cut off circulation. I made that mistake with my first pair of sock wool socks. They're too tight around the ankle.

Fare thee well.

UFOs

2009-08-25T06:05:00.002+10:00

I've been watching on A&E a series about hoarders. It's quite a terrifying show for someone like me who has multiple hobbies and a 5 second attention span. But I'm definitely not as bad as some of the people in that show. I know my limits of crap keeping.

So what does that have to do with the title of this post. Well one of my crap keeping problems is due to UFOs (UnFinished Objects). So Sunday just past was spent attempting to make some of my UFOs into FOs (Finished Objects) so I can then chuck out the offcasts/leftovers and then either keep and use the FO or give it away.

I got the first stocking of my knee high knitted hose finished. It should be dry tonight when I get back to the hotel. I also got started into the second stocking. I'm trying to not be a victim of second sock syndrome and not get the other one finished. I have plans for the leftover wool from the first stocking but I don't want to start using it until I know if I need any of it for the second stocking. There's nothing worse than to get within the last couple of rows (or stitches) and run out of yarn.

Second UFO that was worked on yesterday was a knee quilt. I bought a piece of cotton fabric earlier in the year along with the middle wool bat and a backing piece but hadn't gotten around to putting it all together. So, while I still have Penny's sewing machine, I started quilting the three layers together. It's only the size of a cot blanket but that's just a good size for a knee rug to be used when sitting on the couch in winter. I'm doing simple diagonal lines through the centre points of the repeating circles on the fabric. Once I have lines all along one way, I'll repeat the process in the other direction (ie to make diamond patterns in the thread lines). The first set of lines is taking a while cause I haven't pinned it all together and am relying on physically pulling/flattening/etc the three layers together as I sew each line. The second set of lines will be much quicker. Then to finish it off I'll put a trim all the way around the edge. The FO will get lots of use then in winter when I'm sitting on the couch. Last winter I used my sleeping bag but that doesn't look nice.

So as I turn my pile of UFOs to FOs I then can pack things for keeping to use, shipping home or donating to St Vinnies/Goodwill.

Fare thee well.

Wahoo

2009-08-24T04:08:00.003+10:00

I just hit my first savings goal. Yay!!! I was just doing my banking online and transferred enough money into my savings account back in Australia to reach the first goal. Now onto the second goal amount. I'm not mentioning numbers here but my nearest and dearest know what those are. It's one of the main reasons for doing the transfer over to here in the states - the chance to get some serious savings behind me.

In other news...I had a fabulous time at Colonial Williamsburg yesterday with Gabs and Stanzi. Stanzi and I found some really great hats so I now have a black felt low crown and a straw low crown. Both will be gussied up for SCA wear.

I'm spending a lazy day indoors and on the couch after such a big day yesterday. I've just finally finished the first leg of my knitted stockings. I have been working on these stockings for a long time and the first one is now done. It's been hand washed and is currently drip drying in the bathroom. I'll take a photo once dry and the ends woven in. I'm now working on the second one - trying to finish off UFOs is lovely.

Fare thee well.

Knitting

2009-08-22T13:43:00.003+10:00

I'm finally getting around to finishing off my knee high hose. I packed them into the postal box before I left Aus in January and they have been sitting in a bag since March. I am currently in the sick of sewing stage and got my various knitting projects out to work on them.

I had been working on my Yarn Harlot scarf in the pink Optim (handspun by Su) earlier in the week but I pulled my knee high hose last night. One has only got half an inch of finishing off and the other one has about 3 inches left to go.

I'm currently waiting on my washing to finish in the dryer tonight before heading to bed. So I'm seeing if I can get the first leg done.

I'm off to Colonial Williamsburg tomorrow with Gabs and Stanzi. It should be good. They're very proud of their history around this place.

Faree thee well.

Weigh in

2009-08-14T12:27:00.002+10:00

Total loss of 6.4 pounds so far. Could be better but I look at it this way...it's going down and not up.

I'm just waiting on the last load of washing to finish in the dryer before heading to bed. I have got clean clothes from one end of the room to the other. I need to hang things up and put away stuff not needed.

This weekend I am going to start going through everything and see what I want to keep here, what to send home to Aus and what to donate to Goodwill (local version of St Vinnies).

Fare thee well.

Home from Pennsic

2009-08-11T23:36:00.003+10:00

I got back to Richmond from Pennsic on Sunday night. I have a head cold and am sunburnt but all is okay.

I just had some great news...Bank of America has reached the 21st Century and is allowing wire transfers from it's US accounts to Australian banks. Yay!!!! It was an absolute pain in the butt to have to go into the bank to transfer money home. I can now do it online. I have set up the transfer record and it recognised my CBA account so it's all ready for me to use when I want to. I haven't used it today cause I am waiting for payday on the 15th and for my holiday car hire to go through.

I have wayyyy too many loads of washing to do. I didn't do any last night as I just crashed on the couch and loaded CDs I bought into my ipod. Now I can listen to medieval music while working. I'm going to do a load a night till it's all done and then I can see what I want to keep here to be used during the rest of my time in the US and what I will send home or give away.

Hugs Mum and Dad. I wish I was there at this moment. Remember to just let me know and I will be on a plane tomorrow if you need me.

I need to get stuck into my work. I have a good number of photos in my camera that I need to sort out. I'll try to do that tonight and see about uploading some here or put a link to my flickr account.

Fare thee well.

Last report before Pennsic

2009-07-24T02:12:00.002+10:00

It's Thursday lunchtime and I head off to Pennsic at 3am on Saturday morning. I need to be there around 9am and it's a 6 hour drive hence leaving at 3am. It also misses the Washington DC morning traffic. It's interstate highways nearly all the way so it should be a comfortable trip.

I'm fairly exhausted right now though. I've been burning the candles at both ends for the last 3 weeks. I'm going to get a good sleep tonight cause Friday night is not going to be good. Tonight I'm taking my mundane stuff over to the storage unit so I only have to do one trip tomorrow night.

Friday night I'm changing cars over at 6pm, then going straight to the storage unit and loading up the car with the camping stuff. Then over to Q's house and picking up a bed and dropping off fridge stuff - she's going to keep them there in her fridge for the 2 weeks (eg butter, tomato sauce). Then back to the hotel and put the last stuff into the car. Sleep for a couple of hours and then head off at 3am at the latest.

I've managed to get all the machine sewing I wanted done. Only things outstanding are a shirt and a smock and a pilgrims bag. I have to get the pilgrims bag made tonight. The shirt can be handsewn onsite and the smock is an extra so if it doesn't get made then it's not an issue.

Once I get to Coopers Lake (where Pennsic is being held) then I will have a relaxing 2 weeks. It's just been mad these last couple of weeks getting prepared.

I'm taking lots of video and photos and will try to post regularly while away. I won't have connection from my laptop while there but I'll format the photos, put them on a thumb drive and upload them at Mystic Mail - which is the internet cafe onsite.

Mum - have emailed you the emergency contact number but I will also have my phone on at points. I will email you or ring you on Sunday afternoon (Monday morning your time).

Fare thee well until Pennsic.

Thursday night

2009-07-17T14:09:00.003+10:00

Work is busy, Pennsic preparation is busy. I have managed to kink something in the left side of my neck. Ow!

I'll post something more legible on the weekend. I need to get to bed.

Oh, but I now have my iphone working here in the US. Score one for Tina.

Fare thee well.

Saturday

2009-07-12T06:49:00.002+10:00

I didn't get to bed till after 2am last night but then I didn't wake up till after 11am today so I think I have now caught up on sleep. Definitely feel much better. I got stuff out of the storage unit today so I can now make a cup of tea and I now have work clothes.

I did laundry last night and I am in the middle of putting all my work clothes away in the wardrobe. After they are all away I am going to cut out a number of undertunics ready for zigzagging. I've got fabric in the washing machine at the moment that is about to go in the dryer. Once that's dry I am going to make a lochac heraldic tabbard from it. I have an extreme amount of sewing to do in the next 2 weeks. I'm going to get all the machine sewing done and if I finish off the handsewing once I get to Pennsic then so be it. Luckily my normal choice of outfits is simple tunics and they run up pretty fast. It's only the Spanish dress that's taking a long time.

Alright off to change the washing over. Have a good weekend all.

Fare thee well.

Yay!

2009-07-09T03:23:00.002+10:00

I now have a fully serviced functioning sewing machine. Picked it up from the shop at lunchtime. Only $65 to get it serviced. Which is cheaper than me buying a new cheapie machine to use and then have to get rid of it. This one is borrowed from Penny in Caer Mear. It's a heavy duty Pfaff one that loves thick fabric. I'm going to run it ragged over the next 2 and a half weeks before Pennsic and can then hand it back to her.

Fare thee well.

Urgh!

2009-07-08T11:21:00.002+10:00

32 hours from bed in Maroochydore to bed in Richmond. My back has not survived the experience. I got into work this morning at 8am but gave up at 12 and came home and slept for 6 hours. I've taken 2 nurophen plus and have eaten some dinner. I'm hoping a good night's sleep tonight will sort everything out. The travel experience coming back this week has made me even more determined to lose the 20 kilos before the trip home in November. I'm not jetlagged, just my body really hasn't liked being squashed into the tight plane seats. The next 3 days are going to be extremely busy at work. I think I was better coming home at lunchtime sick then struggling through and keeling over later in the week.

I opened my suitcase last night and there was a TSA inspection card in it. They had tested the custard powder. I am so glad I put it into a plastic bag before putting in the suitcase. They cut a hole in the bag and then a hole in the box - obviously to test the powder. The bag is absolutely full of powder. Imagine if it wasn't in the bag - it would of been everywhere in the suitcase. But that they didn't confiscate it is a bonus.

I got some stuff out the storage unit tonight so I've got work clothes for tomorrow. I'm going to sort out everything in there on the weekend so that I can see what will be taken to Pennsic and what is needed before then. I've got alot of sewing to do in the next 2 and a half weeks before going on holiday.

Off to bed again for me.

Fare thee well.

Now in California

2009-06-27T05:29:00.002+10:00

I'm now in San Mateo for our company conference. The overnight in Dallas was fine except for my luggage being checked in the way to SFO and I had packed everything in there...including pjs and underwear. Oh well. My luggage was at SFO when I got off the plane and I've changed into fresh clothes here at the hotel.

The hotel in Dallas was nice. They had complimentary toothbrush and paste along with the regular soap and shampoo and moisturiser so I at least was personally clean when I left except for the dirty clothes.

I've now had some brunch and am just catching up on email before heading into the conference for the rest of the afternoon.

Fare thee well.

Crap

2009-06-26T02:03:00.003+10:00

Apparently American Airlines have a 90 minute check in for domestic flights. Not like other airlines that have 40-50 minute check in. I got there at 45 minutes and was told after waiting in a very long line that I was too late. After lots of time on the phone to Qantas I am rebooked for a flight tonight to Dallas, overnighting in Dallas and then Dalls to San Francisco in the morning. Luckily the conference doesn't start till lunchtime tomorrow so I'll get there in time. And it didn't cost too much for the rebook - which had been a concern due to the ticket class.

But it totally stuffed up my day. I got up at 4:30am to get there on time and I clock watched all night. I have the most shocking headache and upset tummy now. I'm in the client office till 3pm when one of the other contractors is going to give me a lift back to the airport. My flight's at 6:15pm.

My flights for Sunday are still okay. It would be Not Happy Jan time if those were stuffed as well.

I'm now trying to get work done before heading off this afternoon as I really can't see me doing anything on the plane now tonight.

Fare thee well.

Home again, home again, jiggidy jig

2009-06-25T11:05:00.002+10:00

I'm off to San Mateo California in the morning and then back to Queensland on Sunday night. Everything I've accumulated over the last six months is in the storage unit except for the stuff I'm taking with me.

Looking forward to getting home for a bit. The next couple of days in the Bay area will be busy but then I don't have to do any work while I'm on holidays. I can't wait to be hearing Aussie accents again.

I managed to give everyone in the office this morning a chuckle. I called something a great kerfuffle and they hadn't heard that saying before. I didn't realise that wasn't a US saying.

I'm sitting here while my hair colour ferments. Then wash out and off to bed. I have to get up at 4:30am cause my flight's at 6:50am.

Fare thee well.