Wednesday, June 29, 2016

Yesterday

I wasn't going to be doing anything yesterday... but then, I was asked out by my niece - who I haven't hung around alone with in ages.

Dad asked if I could take her somewhere for a few hours and I jumped at the chance of taking her to show her my piece at the Logan Art Gallery and also take her on a tour of the place.

I picked her up at around 11am, but when I arrived, they hadn't arrived home yet. Dad had taken Riley to Aunty Narelle's and Uncle Iain's place for coffee. So, I waited and texted them to let them know I was at the house. It didn't take long to return and we chatted about the plans for the next few hours.  Dad said it sounded like I had made a few good plans and Riley looked forward to seeing some nice places around Logan.

The first place we were off to was the Kingston Butter Factory. I took her here first because it's a place of historical interest and it's also got an artistic area as well. I told Riley about how it used to be a real place of industry for South East Queensland until demand became too big and they had to move production somewhere else and close down the factory. She thought that was a pity, but great the building still stood - I said that it was unused for a very long time and became very much rotted and needed a lot of fixing by the council. 
When we walked to the place, she was amazed at how pretty it was and how quiet the area is. I told her that there's the Butterbox Theatre as well inside - and that I used to work there as a volunteer too. She loved that. 
We looked at the craft area upstairs and I asked if we could look at the theatre - as it was locked up - and the lady who had the keys let us in. I told the lady I used to work with the Butterbox Theatre Company and she asked if I remember Judith (the lady who ran it) and I did. We looked inside and Riley was amazed at how big the place was. I said that there is rumoured, and I could confirm those rumours as I have experienced things with the theatre company I just can't explain away and what happened don't make sense. Riley asked who it would be haunting the place, I told her that it's known as 'the lady in white' and but she's more active at night than in the daytime and she used to be a Butter Factory worker. But then, that's only what I've been told. 

The next place I took Riley to was another historical place: the Kingston Pioneer Cemetery where the Mayes Family is buried. She loved it; as it too is quiet and off the beaten track a little. She was amazed I knew about it. I said that I found the place years ago and the Logan City Council has looked after it better by putting a fence around it and a sign up for tourists. But it's still an open cemetery and one of the first in Logan City. She was touched to see some of the oldest residents of Logan were laid to rest there - but sad that some of graves didn't have headstones. I said that some of the families could only afford the fences, but not the headstones; and it's been so long, that not even the Logan Council knows who's buried here anymore. It's really sad when that happens. I was going to take Riley to Mayes Cottage but the place was closed until Thursday.

We took off to the Logan Art Gallery. I took the back way, along Jacaranda Avenue and we showed up at the Gallery at around midday. The place wasn't very busy and I Riley was really impressed with it. I walked her around the gallery telling her the history of the whole place and how long it's been open, what was there before it and how long the building has been there. Then, I took her out to the workshop and showed her that and the store room there and out into the garden as well...she was amazed that Logan City wasn't the only city of its kind in the world. I said there was a city just like Logan City in Japan - our sister city - and we communicate with it artistically every two years. 
I showed her the exhibition where the children have done their artwork; and she was surprised at how good year 5 artwork is. I said that the way they teach children over there is different to the Western way of life; it's more structured and the kids there have less distractions. She loved the Allsorts Exhibition and saw my work and took a photo of it; marveling at the stitching and how it was just amazing on its own and so different from all the other work in the exhibition.
Then, Jillian took her out the back and she let into the world of how exhibitions are put together; and how fast exhibitions are changed over at the gallery. At some bigger galleries, they take a month to change over an exhibit, whereas at the Logan Art Gallery, it takes a little over a day to do that same thing; and the people who work at getting it all done are there from around 9am until 5pm. They are constantly working to get it all right first time around. 

After the gallery, we walked out to the car, and Riley said she learned a lot about galleries and said that it must be a great place to work at the desk of. I said it is and that I'm constantly learning new things as well. 

We went to Diggers in Logan Central for lunch. This an RSL (Return Services League) for return soldiers anyone can join. I swiped my card and because Riley was under 18, she could walk in as my visitor. We had a wonderful vegetarian lunch of feta and spinach cannelloni and huge ice coffees as well. It was great to eat a lovely meal in a nice place without having to yell over traffic or any young kids. She really liked that place; and said the meal was huge! We couldn't finish our meals, they were that big!

Before long, we were back on the road and heading back to my folks' house to meet up with my parents to take Riley home. Dad, Riley and I sat down and had a chat about what we did and Riley said it was a great day. I made a status update on Facebook - mentioning her - and she loved it. 

It was a huge few hours with my 17 year-old niece and she loved hanging out with me and seeing some places around Logan City... places she's never been to before - and one where she was revisiting after a long time. I'm so glad I could show her around in the comfort of my car and it was a lovely Winter's day too.

Well, it was a busy day yesterday and a busy one today - and there's another couple coming up too. Today was shopping day and I got out late and came home late; but with the cold weather, I wanted to take my time. It's always nice to have a day dedicated to grocery shopping; where you don't have to rush to get it done. Until my next post, take care, stay safe and remember, I'm always here.

Sunday, June 26, 2016

It's Back!

My voice, not the laryngitis... and it's so good to be able to talk to people and go out! I had no idea how social I've become since owning a car; and man, I missed driving and getting out and about after a few days stuck at home.

Besides, I didn't really feel all that social when I couldn't talk; I mean, how would I ask for something when all that came out was a whisper - or nothing at all.

So, yesterday was my first big day out to do things - and I made sure it was a good time. I went to the gallery to look at my work on the walls and chat to everyone. Jillian thought I might be contagious, but I'm not. But I didn't stick around for long; I had places to go and things to do before the weekend was out.
Then, I off to Arndale to pick up some pens (write a book in longhand with) and a few paint brushes. I happened to pick up some other things too while I was there. Once home, I set up the house as a studio and worked on a painting I've been working on since Monday for about 3 hours before putting it all away and watching 'Paper Moon' - a movie I've never seen before - and then got myself some dinner.

It really started to get cold as I put on a dvd and I got into my knitting and watched a few episodes of 'Orange is the New Black' Season 1. My neighbours gave me Seasons 1 and 2 to me saying that they got them all on blueray and thought I'd like them - and I do. It's a great show. I got to bed around 12:30am... and it was freezing! 

This morning, I was away early to the Rochedale Fruit Markets to buy milk, cream and the paper as well as some mushrooms and pumpkin and a plant... it was nice to get those things so early.

Once home, I put on a load of towels in the machine and made coffee and breakfast of pancakes.  It's been a good day, but cold. I'm hoping to warm up more soon to get back into my artwork for the afternoon. Until my next post, take care, stay safe, and remember, I'm always here.

Thursday, June 23, 2016

Laryngitis

Since Sunday morning, I haven't had a voice - quite literally. I woke up and my voice was completely gone! 

I thought that over the day, it might come back. But nope, my voice had packed its bags and taken a vacation from me - leaving me to wonder exactly what the hell happened the night before at my class reunion? I had it then, but now in the bright sunlight, it was gone.

During the day, I called Mum and she was shocked to hear how I sounded; and she ordered me off to the doctors the next morning (as the weekend rates of doctors are disgustingly huge!). 
So, on Monday morning, I was at my local doctor's trying to figure out what the hell happened. Dr. Ross Taylor (a doctor Mum used to work with when I was in high school) looked down my throat, tested out my breathing and felt around my neck and said I had slight case of Laryngitis and to stay home - away from anyone and cancel any social appointments I have this week. Most of all, he said not to talk.

So, here I am, on Thursday, and this is horrible. I have needed to go out and do things - like to craft group, get the tyres on my car done and tomorrow, I have a chiropractor's appointment - but I have to put all that off until next week! It's not a good thing to be sick; but it's even worse when you can't be around people because of your voice. 

Last night, Mum dropped off some groceries I'd normally go out and buy for myself. She stayed outside while I came out and took them off her. She heard me try to speak and said it sounds like I'm not getting better; but not to worry, I will, and it will happen suddenly. One day I'll be without a voice, the next it'll come back. 
I really hope it happens soon. My life is really quiet at the moment. I don't mind the silence, but I'm really getting sick of my own company... not being able to go out isn't fun. And the car is just sitting there; and yet I don't want to spread this around. It's not something I want anyone to have; and yet I don't know where I got it from.

Well, I just thought to check in. So far, I've finished a dishcloth, done 3 loads of laundry, cleaned up the lounge room, found a diary I've been looking for, written 8 - 10 pages in 'The Red Ledger' about books, cleaned up the office and made the best batch of scones ever (and yet I can't share them with anyone!)... the things you can get done when you're stuck at home, right? Well, at least I'm getting them done. Well, until my next post, take care, stay safe and remember, I'm always here.

Monday, June 20, 2016

Over The Weekend...

It's been a very wet and wild weekend here in Brisbane and down the East Coast of Australia. I went out on Saturday night and totally enjoyed myself at my 25 year class reunion for high school. I thought it would be terrible - seeing I had to go stag - but it wasn't. A lot of people went on their own. We had a great time and I left at around 11pm after catching up with so many of my old friends; who all chatted and caught up with me too.

Then, I woke up on Sunday morning without a voice! Yep, I found it hard to sleep in Saturday night, but I thought I was coming down with a chest infection from the last few weeks of not having early nights. But nope, I had caught something in the last week that's taken my voice from me... and after going to the doctors today, I was told I have a mild case of Laryngitis. I can't go out to any of my social places this week - but I can get my car looked at for new tyres - however, there's no Queen Beez Craft Group and no seeing my folks until my voice is totally back to normal. Most of all, no talking or singing (especially in the car... yeah, I love singing to the music in my car). 

Otherwise, while I had no voice yesterday, and it was a miserable day, so I got in and watched a few movies after making a huge amount of popcorn and grabbing a half-bag of chips that were left over in the pantry. Yep, I got right into watching 'The Matrix' Trilogy - and in between the first and second ones, I made dinner and ate it (which was home made lasagne - which was delicious! I have more to eat tomorrow night). By the time 'The Matrix - Revolutions' was finished, it was around 9:30pm and I had to clean up the kitchen from my cooking and the day.
The rain was still coming down and I didn't want to go outside just to put out the rubbish; so I tied it up ready for today. My throat was really sore and I thought to get up nice and early to get myself to the doctors to find out what the hell was wrong with my voice. Thankfully, Laryngitis is only a virus - and like all virus' will go away on its own. I just have to not talk or sing. Well, that was my weekend. I'm off to have my lunch of Lasagne. Yeah, I know, it was going to be tomorrow night's dinner, but I guess I can make more if I need to. Until my next post, take care, stay safe and remember, I'm always here.

Saturday, June 18, 2016

Big Weather Event - Again.

This weekend, the east coast of Australia is going to be hit again with more rain; and maybe thunderstorms.

I thought to go on Facebook, but thought this would be better. I would like to let my friends know that I'm going to be okay. I'm probably going to be online for a good part of Sunday, as the rains will get worse, but otherwise, I'm staying home for that day.

This rain has been coming across our huge country from Western Australia and dropping huge amounts of rain onto drought-affected areas of our country. This is good for the farmers and bad as well. It means we might get some flash flooding - as it was a big thing for us a few weeks ago; and people are still recovering from what happened then. 

I don't want anyone to worry though. 

If Brisbane floods again, it doesn't mean Logan City will. Parts of Logan will, but I'm nowhere near those parts; and I'm safe. So, I'd like to say that I hope you all stay safe over this very wet and wild weekend. If it's flooded, don't attempt it and take a different way home. Stay safe people... make sure your insurance is up-to-date and if you don't have to go out onto the roads, don't. Until my next post, take care, stay safe and remember, I'm always here.

Thursday, June 16, 2016

Catch Up

It's been a busy couple of weeks. I've been dating a man - which hasn't really worked out. I've been at the Logan Art Gallery working my shifts and I've also been working on new work - a new painting - for the bedroom as well.

However, this week, I came down with a slight cold and so made myself a huge batch of my 'Cold Buster Soup' - which you can find on the labels 'Recipes' on the right hand side. It's a great soup to have; especially during the colder months of the year - I really count on it.

I'm also writing another book - this is a part of a bigger book on writing and collecting and life. It's all going to be hand-written and then typed up. I hope it ends up to sound as good as I'm planning it to be.

There's been plenty of rain around lately and so I haven't done anything with the back yard lately; the lawn mower hasn't been out of the shed and so the lawn has gotten long. I hope to get to it after the rain goes away. But then, isn't that what Winter is for? The rain to come and feed the plants while it's cold?

I'm also saving up again to get into the markets next year again; which means I'm also working on more over-sized pegs and other things to get it going again. It ought to be fun to get back into my routine of that again. Well, there's not much more to report... seeing I've been just catching up on everything around here. Until my next post, take care, stay safe and remember, I'm always here. 

Sunday, June 5, 2016

Winter At Last!

After a few false starts, the colder months are here - well okay, it's only going to be a few weeks, then we'll get a Westerly Wind and it'll be August and the RNA Show will be under way; along with yet another bout of the flu and colds going around again.

Outside, the skies are blue, the wind is chilly and people are outside enjoying themselves for the first time in around two days. We have had so much rain here. But that doesn't mean I haven't been busily doing things.

Around the house, I've caught up with some housework, putting away laundry, washing up and sorting through some things to recycle. Then, yesterday I went out to the Allsorts Afternoon Tea. A lot of people pulled out of this because of the weather - and really I don't blame them - but the people who did show up were fascinating to talk to. We all just got together and chatted, networking with each other about our work and who we talked to outside the gallery and our own worlds of work. It was a good hour or so away from the house before I battled the rain-soaked roads to get home.

During the Friday night - when the huge down started - I couldn't sleep, and knew I wouldn't be able to - and so I put on 'The Stand' the miniseries and watched all four episode in one sitting. I got to bed at 1:30am... it was a good show, seeing that we now have superflus around and people die from them. But back in the time when the book 'The Stand' was around, it was just fictional. And Stephen King often shows up in the movies his books are made from. I find this really cool; as it kind of makes his films and his books more interesting.

Today has turned out to be cooler than it looks from inside the house. It's sunny and pretty but once you get out there, the wind really gets through your clothes... so I'm sticking around inside the house and my office (which is the warmest place in the house in Winter). Until my next post, take care, stay safe and remember, I'm always here.