Ruby Tuesday

A couple of weeks ago I met up with my youngest Miss C and my blogging friend Phil for lunch at a North Melbourne eatery called Di Bella's Coffee Roasting Warehouse.

It wasn't the best place we've eaten at but nor was it anywhere the worst and what was great was it filled with lots of red stuff:

Lots of coffee machines for sale including this gorgeous red machine.


Burgers topped with luscious roasted red capsicum.


Red covered menus on glass topped tables.


And my favourite ... this gorgeous red lamp shade. I'd love me one of these!


Are you loving red too ... visit Work of the Poet for lots more.

Ruby Tuesday

It’s no secret Miss C’s Boy loves cars … he has three, and he works as a fitter and turner at his dad’s workshop which specialises in high performance cars. Definitely a petrol head (Aussie slang for car loving) family given his four brothers have also passed through the dad’s workshop and emerged as fitter and turners.

The rivalry in Australia amongst car aficionados is Ford or our home grown Holden. My family are Ford fans … my brother Mr J is a big petrol head too. But the Boy is a Holden fan ... and this is his beloved HJ Kingswood.


It's painted in matt black with black leather seats, and enamelled red wheels. Very stylish. The Boy’s also modified the Kingswood from a three on the tree (three gear column shift) to a four on the floor (four speed floor shift).

And a close up of those wheels ... lovely red wheels.


Because his cars are modified, each of them is very hard to drive. And after many years of driving with power steering and power assisted brakes I’m not much interested in trying … especially after driving a three on the tree Kingswood in the 1980s with the worst turning circle of any car I’ve ever driven.

For more royal redness ... check out Mary over at Work of the Poet.

My Creative Space

About a week ago Miss C’s boyfriend told me it was his birthday on the Saturday (that's last Saturday) and since he’s usually wearing a hat of some kind or another every time I see him, I thought I’d make him a hat. Since it was already Sunday, I rushed to visit Morris and Sons on the Monday and picked up some of their Woollahra … an 85% wool, 10% silk, 5% cashmere mix.



This is a really nice looking yarn. It comes in a range of different colours and I loved the charcoal I found, and the texture … it’s a little nubby. There's a but though … the wool is really delicate. I was pulling the yarn to secure the first stitch and it came apart in my hands. I had to yank out the whole thing and start again because I was left with about an inch of tail to sew in. And because I’m so nervous about the whole breaking yarn thing my knitting is so much looser than it normally would be.

Fittingly the hat I picked is the Boyfriend Hat from Stephanie Likes to Knit.


This has been the easiest hat to make ... it took me a tiny four days to finish it, and that included unravelling it a couple of times. And it was ready on the Friday night, wrapped and ready to give to the boyfriend on Saturday.

Here's the rub ... his hair was all done when Miss C gave him the hat that I haven't seen him wearing it since.

OK … last whinge for the day … what’s the fascination with knitting on a circular needle? I don’t get it. It may be because I’m using a 16” needle and there’s just not enough needle to grab onto securely … plus I hate having to push the stitches from the skinny bit to the actual needle. I’m sorry … but that gives me the s*#%s! Having said that though, I either love a challenge or I'm a sadist ... you guessed it, I'm knitting another one.

There’ll be lots more activity … and probably a whole lot less bitching at Kirsty’s at kootoyoo. It’s probably best to leave me alone to grumble …

Friday knitting pattern

I hate to admit I caught the odd Starsky and Hutch episode … but I was never a Team Starsky or Team Hutch devotee.

Best remembered, by me, from the show is this cardi (picture from Jango Wolof).

And my stash holds quite a few versions of it ... firstly from the ever popular Patons patterns.


The cardis were absolutely everywhere ... Cleckheaton/Lincoln also had a version this time with a matching hat.


And naturally enough the pattern mutated ... check out the blue version the woman on the top left is wearing in this Patons book ... and the two guys wearing a more direct lift of the 'Starsky and Hutch' version.


Cleckheaton/Lincoln also did this simpler version for women ... Miss C has one very similar to this in cream.


And I like the soft blue colour of this Sirdar pattern.


Even though Starsky and Hutch are NOT groovy in my book (they were referred to disparagingly at school recess as "Starkers and Muff"), the cardis are totally cool and very now.

And best of all they've given me a way of dating my pattern stash since there's nothing much in the books themselves ... Starsky and Hutch started in 1975 (when I was 15!).

Miss C turned 22

Yesterday the baby turned 22 ... I don't know where the time has gone.

It seems like only yesterday I was hospital cradling her in my arms

It seems like yesterday she started school ... so cute in her uniform with her sister looking after her.

And it's definitely too long since Miss C flung herself at me each night as I arrived home from work

Sorry, no photos of Miss C scowling at me for daring to even ask for a shot.

Just these photos of the tag/card I made for her ... in her favourite colour and looking suspiciously like another tag I made recently.

I know she'll love the perfume ... she bought it for me and steals it all the time! LOL


And the gift all wrapped up.


Happy birthday to everybody in blogland having a birthday.

Good things: Ruby Tuesday

What could be nicer than posting my favourite sweet .. the lovely Dime bar.


These can be hard to find in Australia. They're imported by specialised sweets stores and can be pretty expensive ... $2.60 to be exact. I got this one yesterday in the city in the UK store on Collins Street.

Miss C likes them as well so I have to hide them!

Visit MaryT at Work of the Poet for more ruby redness.

EDITED TO ADD: I really should have explained what a Dime bar is .. so here goes. It’s a crunchy butter almond bar covered in milk chocolate. Apparently Hershey’s in the US produces a similar bar called a Skor. And even better, Daim bars are imported from Sweden and sold in all Ikea stores in Australia, the US and Canada … to name a few. I can see a trip to Ikea to stock up on the horizon! LOL

Good things: What's Hot & What's Not

I can’t believe it’s the last Wednesday of March already … I’m already tired of asking myself where’s the year's gone and I don't think it's going to get any better! Wow.

This month has been interesting, mostly because it’s been so busy at work. I’m not feeling very optimistic because travelling with Miss C in the morning to work means I'm spending so much more time at work, and because work generally is hectic at the moment.

What’s been Hot this month

Travel. Does travel to Ballarat and Daylesford count? Other than that I’ve barely been anywhere.

Spend more time with friends and family. I went to Ballarat this month and had a nice time with my Mum in Daylesford and I’m off to visit Mum again over Easter … this time we’ll probably go to Bendigo and see the Dragon on Easter Monday, and I’ll get to see my siblings and nieces as well. That should be fun so I’m looking forward to that.


And I've got into the habit of chatting to Janine a couple of times a week although we're crap at catching up in person. Between my wanting to drop at the weekend and Janine not feeling well ... we're serial non starters!

Find something good each day. I’ve barely missed a day. That, at least, has been brilliant.

Exercise more. I’ve finished an entire term of yoga and next term I’m thinking of doing it twice a week. But I haven’t walked once this month … can you believe i just can't walk for exercise?

What’s Not been so Hot

EXPLORE. I feel as though this has taken a back seat this month … although I’m grappling with the silliest out of comfort zone issue at the moment that’s dragging me down. I loaned my TV to Miss C and, after three months, it’s driving me crazy. I like to listen to DVDs as I craft … I can’t craft without them with the result I’m not getting anything done. I have to do something about this … probably buy a computer or laptop for the bedroom because I’ve got to the point where I can’t do this anymore.

Finish 5 craft projects. You’d think this is nothing but I’m a serial starter and not finisher and after three months I haven’t finished anything: I untangled the shawl I’d almost made for my mother and I had to restart the name tag for Sew It Together. But on the upside I’ve almost finished a paper craft project that will have a big reveal shortly … so maybe I can be generous and put myself into the 50/50 camp.

Cook more. I haven’t ‘cooked’ except to make breakfast once this month. Yet again, my contribution has been to wash dishes and floors and keep the room clean.

Renovate. Let’s not even discuss this … I’m barely managing to stay on top of the ironing and washing at the moment.

Good things: My Place & Yours

The theme for My Place & Yours this week is the things you collect.

If only this was a hard theme to respond to … but collecting crap (sorry, stuff) is what I do best … you get it, I’m a giant bower bird sitting on a pile of crap!

I've mentioned some of my collections before so I thought I'd mention one I've just started ... vintage alarm clocks.


It all started when Miss C wanted an alarm clock to get her up in the morning and purchased a new, battery operated, alartm clock; the black one at the back

It was way too loud for her so when I saw a 1970s vintage Sportsgirl alarm clock in perfect condition ... gorgeous but still too loud for Miss C.

I find I like vintage alarm clocks and if I see any more in perfect condition I'm going to grab them.

Check out HelloOwl for more My Place & Yours.

Good things: Miss C's Purse lost and found

Sometimes the babby (Miss C) gives me a few head scratching opportunities ... and makes me wonder how she’d cope away from home.

I got a call out of the blue this morning from the RACV (roadside assistance) asking me whether I’d lost my wallet. I don’t own one ... so I was more than a little confused, but quickly realised that Miss C borrowed $10 from me last night to buy a train ticket because her wallet was at work.



So, of course, when I rang Miss C to tell her it'd been found she had no idea it was even missing.

And she was so lucky. When I picked up the wallet at lunchtime all her cards were there, and the small amount of cash she had as well. Thank you to all the honest people in the world, but especially Craig and Karen from CityWide Jolimont who worked hard to get Clarissa's purse back to her as quickly as they could.

Now I ask all you responsible adults, the parents with adult or young children ... what would you do? I’ve spent my life prodding and poking but my children insist on shrugging their shoulders and not worrying. I’ve sort of given up with the whole nagging thing since Miss C's almost 22 ... but am I an enabler by helping out? Should I say too bad, I can't help ... but if I do that how can I expect her to help me out?

If I get arrested for shaken babby syndrome ... I will get visitors won’t I, and maybe some nice crafting activities?

Good things: Friday knitting patterns

I'm not such a big fan of angora ... the fuzziness of it just doesn't appeal to me but it was big during the 1950s.

Just check out all this Patons Fuzzy Wuzzy Angora and Patons Beryl Angora cover .. a range of really cute patterns for winter.


Even though I grew up during the 1960s, the photo of the little girls in mittens, hat and coat reminds me of winter walks to church on Sundays.

I wonder if they still make this stuff?

Good things: What's Hot & What's Not

It’s hump day again ... and that always means time to play What’s Hot & What’s Not. (I think What's Hot & What's Not is still on hiatus ... but what the heck. I'm playing!)

Excuse me if I repeat some of the last week’s news because most of it has been so good I just wanted to talk about it again.

my What’s totally Hot!

Nine day fortnights. Getting to work earlier means the promise of nine day fortnights … and myfirst day off is Friday next week. My friend Queenie doesn’t know it yet but I’m offering her a piece of the action, with plans of visiting a couple of op shops in her area and ice cream with her kids. I know Queenie reads the blog sometimes ... are you up for it?

Travelling to work with Miss C. She’s not normally a morning person ... in fact she’s a total grump ( mmm ... I wonder if it’s hereditary?). But she’s been more chatty than I’m used to, and even if she’s silent part of the journey I’m enjoying having her there.

Walking home. Before you get too excited ... not the whole way home from work. That would be 27 kms! But I finally put my plan into action to get off the train one stop before I get home ... which is about a brisk 25 minute walk. That’s twice so far this week and an hour of yoga on Monday. A good week for exercise.


Good hair month. I had a haircut yesterday and I love it. The guy who now cuts my hair listens to what I tell him ... and I get the haircut I want. The total opposite to my last hairdresser who drove me crazy! Plus I got it dried sleek and straight … too much hair wonderfulness for me!

Work. Can you believe I’m enjoying work more now I’m starting earlier. By nature I’m a morning person and starting later didn't really suit me … even though it had long become part of my life. I now get more done, I’m much less stressed and I’m enjoying what I’m doing in a way I haven’t for a long time. Thanks Miss C.

ABC iView. I’m hopeless at watching TV and I can’t be bothered to record ... so I gave up watching TV six months ago. I watch the occasional DVD but that’s about it. But I discovered ABC iView a few weeks ago and it’s brilliant. The ABC puts its programs on its website for a fortnight and now I can watch them whenever I want ... and with a 22in widescreen Samsung monitor it’s no punishment. (Check it out Curlypops; you should be able to do this with your new broadband.)

Music. I have the hugest music stash at work I listen to … this week my favourites are the Volume 1 soundtrack to Packed to the Rafters, Live on Earth (The Cat Empire), Crazy Love (Michael Buble), Sounds Like This (Eric Hutchinson) and These Streets (Paolo Nutini). I’m currently listening to LA by Old Man River (from the Packed to the Rafters soundtrack) and I’m going to have to find a little more music by this Aussie band.

What’s Not hot!

Being cranky. I’m still not used to going to bed early although the getting up early hasn't been so bad ... and I’m not happy with the crankiness I’ve been experiencing. But it’s getting better and next week I’m hoping to be in the swing.

Not crafting. I’m not getting anything done. I’m having to stand a hour and a half per day in the train so no knitting, and when I get home I’m not doing much more than tidying up and catching up on the ABC. Tomorrow Miss C and I are going to try an earlier train to see whether we can get a seat … so maybe I’ll get a little knitting done. And at least I'm getting a little vicarious crafting done while I'm reading blogs!

Good things/Ruby Tuesday

I was cranky yesterday ... I was even rude to my supervisor who luckily for me is the most understanding person. But it wasn't nice having to apologise because I couldn't stop myself. I'm still kicking myself about that.

And why I hear you ask ... and what could this possibly have to do with Ruby Tuesday?

All very good questions ... and all in good time. All will be revealed ... I promise. (I'm still a little cranky so don't push it!)

OK ... I'll give you the whole thing all in one go. Baby (otherwise known as Miss C) has a new job, she's got red fingernails (my red photo), and I'm cranky because I'm getting up early to travel with her to work!


Phew! That all came out in a rush!

It's all been so exciting.

A few weeks ago Miss C got a call from the agency which interviewed her ... this time to be interviewed by a prospective employer, and 20 minutes into the interview she was offered the position.

Now, I'm her mother ... but she's well presented, intelligent and articulate. Who wouldn't employ my baby?

Now the drag ... she starts work at 8.30am and gets off the train one stop after me and has a 10 minute walk to work. That doesn't seem like much but here's the difference to my life ... we now catch a 7.10 train instead of the 8.40 I used to catch! I'll adjust ... but I'm going to have to tie my tongue in a knot until my sleeping patterns adjust.

But the upside is I'm planning to use the extra time I work (anywhere up to one hour a day) to take every second Friday off ... hooray, a nine day fortnight.

That's put the smile back on my face! LOL

Good things Fri 5 Feb 10

GOOD THINGS: Miss C went to an interview
Why should this be a good thing when interviews are a world of pain?


Doesn’t she look gorgeous in her new suit?

For lots of reasons but mostly because it means Miss C is thinking about what she wants to do with her life instead of turning up to a job every day … a job with no prospects, one that will never offer her independence, and one that definitely won’t offer her anything more than living from one wage to the next.

By contrast this interview offers so much: new professional and personal skills, flexibility … and most importantly a future. Because of this I’m less concerned with whether she gets this job or even the next … than knowing she has a goal and she’s working towards it.

I know she’ll get a job in the end … Miss C’s an intelligent and well presented young woman and any employer would be lucky to have her. (No accusations of bias here please … I know I’m her mother! LOL)

And the debrief she gave me after the interview sounded incredibly positive. She did really well in her aptitude and skill tests and the agency felt she'd be easy to place.

Good luck babby.

Ruby Tuesday 2 Feb 10

RUBY TUESDAY: Red flowers
It's Tuesday and Ruby Tuesday over at Work of the Poet.

Claire at Work of the Poet has used a Valentine Day theme so I thought I'd kinda/sorta folow that theme ... with my photo of one of the red flowers my daughter Miss C wears in her hair when she’s going out.


Clarissa and her boyfriend Adam on their way out ... and she looks so sweet.

A flower in her hair is such a great way to dress up an outfit, and in between outings it sits attached to her coin jar.


This sits in the lounge room where we all can see it every day.

The bright splash of colour never fails to brighten up the place.

What's Hot & What's Not Wed 27 Jan 10

WHAT'S HOT & WHAT'S NOT
It’s Wednesday and that means time for What’s Hot and What’s Not … or at least it does in my world.

Thanks Claire at Loobylu for adding this to my world … it’s a great process for collecting my thoughts.

And at the end of each month I've decided I'll measure how I’m going against my 2010 Plans.

What’s Hot:
Painting the walls. Clarissa’s started on her walls … in the softest pink called Fairy wings. She’s finished one coat on one wall and is starting on the second coat tonight. Plus … and I was so proud … she said she was going to take before and after photos. All together now ... aaaaah!


Clarissa working on the second coat ... you can only just see the colour on the wall but it's clearer on the roller.

Spend more time with family and friends. This has been going really well. I spent last weekend in Ballarat and had a great time, met up with people I haven’t seen since last year at the West Indian community day on Australia Day. And on Thursday I’m off to the Northern Craft Bonanza to meet some local (Melbourne) crafters (and make some new friends).

Cook more. I made dinner two nights in a row last week: a shepherd’s pie followed by lamb shanks. The shepherd’s pie wasn’t brilliant … I was disappointed. But the shanks were delish. Even Clarissa thought they were nice … and that’s saying something. (PS Sincere apologies to those who have to cook every night).

Finish 5 craft projects. I thought 5 was a very manageable number and getting that many done by the end of the year will be brilliant. Saying that however, I still haven’t finished one although I’ve finished the cross stitch portion of Tamika’s cushion and I’ve started on a red/white version for Wini.

Travel more. Horace and I did so much travelling around with Neil while he was visiting and I really want to keep the momentum up. My next plan is for Daylesford and its maker’s market in early Feb. I have a big day planned.

Find something good every day. This has been working really well … I think I’ve missed about two days for the month. I’m also planning to get the Becky Higgins’s Project Life kit from amazon.com and at the end of the year it’ll contain everything that’s been good in my life for 2010. I’m loving that idea.

What’s Not:
Exercise more. Yep … lots of plans to exercise more, a vague plan actually of an exercise routine. But actually implement an exercise routine … nope, not happened yet, although I walked so much with Neil being here. That was great… and will have to count for now.

Finish the bathroom. Nope … no plans yet. Too busy doing other stuff … see above!

Summing up: EXPLORE
Only a week or so ago I made a wish over at tinniegirl and came up with the theme EXPLORE. It seemed to sum up what I wanted from the year and judging by the huge list of things I’ve achieved so far I’m living my wish … and I now understand why my house looks completely trashed and I can’t find anything, including my pass to get into work.

Is the world telling me I no longer have to go. I wish!

Updated Thu 28 Jan 10: I checked my email this morning to discover an email from Cathy at tinniegirl telling me I’d won the wish collage … I have the perfect corner for this under the noticeboard next to my bed and I can’t wait to get it and frame it. It’ll serve as the best reminder for how I’m trying to live this life this year. Thanks Cathy.

Good things Fri 8 Jan 10

GOOD THINGS: Wini's birthday
My baby is so far away, it's her birthday and I haven't had the chance to speak to her yet ... even though I've rung her twice!

Hey ... this is supposed to be about good things; not a pity party! LOL


Wini and Clarissa goofing it up in front of the world globe on Ellis Island. One of my favourite photos ever.

I hope you had a wonderful day,baby girl. We all love you and miss you ... and we're sending you lots of kisses and hugs.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo (I think that's 24 kisses and hugs and one more of each for good measure! You know how your momma likes to kiss and hug you.)

Project 365 Tue 24 Nov 09

ACCIDENT
While I was away visiting in Ballarat Clarissa had a car accident ... which is a hard thing at any time but even harder when you're phoned mid vintage clothing inspection and you can't see for yourself things are ok.

The upside, of course, is that Clarissa calling me gives me some comfort and I will never tell her not to call me. At least, I know what's going on, and how much more awful to find out after the event.

So this in not a complaint ... just a recognition of how frustrating it is ... I'm miles away, I can't see what's going on and I can't get there any time soon to satisfy myself.

As for the accident ... a minor one in which neither driver was hurt.

As it turns out, Clarissa and the other driver were both backing out in front of the local chemist, neither saw the other and Clarissa backed into the other driver's car.

The upside for Clarissa is that there was minimal damage to her car; nothing more than a scratch really to her bumper bar.


The tiny little scratch on Clarissa's car ... almost unnoticeable.

But the insurance company told her to bring it in anyway and she'll only be charged the excess to clean up the damage she made to the bumper bar the very first time she drove her car!


The mess on the other side of the car ... made the first time she drove it and fortunately only to the bumper bar and not the car.

A good outcome in my book.

Day 26 Blogtoberfest 2009 Mmm ... Chocolate

My baby went away for the weekend with friends ... and the house was beautifully quiet without her. Just Mr H and I kicking around minding our own business and doing what we wanted. The bliss of being "almost" empty nesters.

But it was nice when Miss C arrived home Sunday evening ... tired and with a case of dirty washing to be done (by her not me!) ... and with a surprise present for me.

Chocolate ... from the Phillip Island Chocolate Factory.


Look at my lovely goodies ... spoilt!

I'd never heard of the place, but I'm sure impressed with their goodies ... which, of course, I've had to share. When it came right down to it, I'd shared the white chocolate with Miss C before I even knew I had it! LOL

Nice to be thought of ...

Day 4 Blogtoberfest 2009 Good hair day

My babies (despite being 23 and 21 in age) have had more than their share of bad hair days ... in fact most days are probably a bad hair day for them given their "African" type hair in a country that understands nothing about their hair.

So, for Clarissa, yesterday could probably be counted one of her first Australian good hair days since she was born.

I don't know anything , really, about looking after their hair. I handed that responsibility over to each of the girls during their mid teens ... thankfully really, because it was a lot of work.

But having said that, I don't know whether either of them know much more about it than I do!

America was a great start for Clarissa, when she got her hair done at Chevonne's hair dresser. They styled her hair, conditioned it, permed it again (the roots), put her in curlers under the dryer, and then curled it beautifully for her.

All of that was great for her knowledge about how to manage her hair and armed with that she's been shopping for a local hair dresser she can go to.

And I think the hairdresser she used in Cheltenham ... despite the bridal party hair style they sent her home with ... did a good job.


My sweet little angel ... doesn't she look cute?


Checking out the part of her hair that wasn't curled so successfully.


Feeling a little bored with the whole photo process!


And finally, tuning out of the whole photo process altogether ... but still a great shot of her hair.

Project 365 Fri 13 Mar 09

SLEEPING BEAUTY
Everynight I arrive home from work I wander into my room to put down my bag and get changed and this is what I'm generally presented with: Clarissa fast asleep in my bed, her phone by her side and a DVD playing in the background.


My little sleeping beauty.

To give her her due it's no wonder. She starts work pretty early in the morning, often around 6am, and generally doesn't go to bed until around midnight. So she he gets through her day by napping soon after she arrives home from work ... and all in the comfort of Mummy and Daddy's bed, which is always so much tidier and nicer than her own!