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.

GPS Run-Around

Today started out innocently enough.  I had a nice breakfast, got myself ready and looked at what I needed to get done, then got in the car and was off to Carindale Westfield to pay part of a layby off at Rockaway's Music and look around for the QBD there to see what they had in the way of complex colouring-in books... 

Simple right?

Sure! 

Well, I got a little paid on the layby, found the QBD and found a Suncorp there too... then I found my way back to the car without getting lost!

Yay! I was very impressed with myself for that!

Then, I thought it would be good to find my way to the new market place at Bulimba and punched in the address into the GPS... which wouldn't  co-operate. Firstly it didn't like the fact that there was a 1 Stuart Street... it needed a number between 8 and 20 to start with. So, I punched in 8 and was on my way.

Well, this thing took me around the Cook's Tour of Bulimba and Hawthorne! I had never not wanted to see so much of Brisbane in all my life! 

I ended up going over the Storey Bridge twice and found myself in Fortitude Valley once where it turned me around so much I had no idea where I was... this pissed me off until I looked around on the second turn of the Bridge and found myself on the Riverside Drive at Kangaroo Point - exactly where I wanted to be!

This was really ticking me off that I had taken a long way around to get home from the place I was going to be at in three weeks' time... I just hope I can get home at a better length of time than it took me (which was 40 minutes - not counting the amount of time it took for me to get there!). 

I got home about fort-five minutes ago, was hanging out for a coffee and still hadn't paid two of my bills - not that I wanted to (and they can wait until tomorrow). Then, I had to find out when I was working at the Gallery too... which happens to be this Saturday!
Woah... this Saturday, I'm at a workshop in the morning, volunteering in the afternoon and then, I'm off to a birthday dinner of my brother's girlfriend's in that evening! What a day! 

It's only Thursday... I think I'll stay home tomorrow, pay my bills, chill out with a book and do nothing. Yeah, that sounds like a good plan.  Until my next post, take care, stay safe and remember, I'm always here.

It's Been A While

I know it's been a little while since my last post, and I'm usually very regular here.

It's because I've been busily writing and trying to keep myself cool from the heat.  Otherwise, I'm looking at a few weekends where I'm busy as hell.  

Like this weekend for example.  On Saturday, I have my volunteer work and then, there's Sunday where it's a full day of going out with the Logan Art Gallery for our Christmas Party.  Very cool!

Next weekend, 29th and 30th, are days where I'll be out too.  I'll be at the Murrarie Markets on Saturday afternoon and on Sunday, I'm going to a meet-up at a friend's house... it's going to be great.

The weekend after that, there's the volunteer morning tea where our 5, 10 and 15 year badges are handed out and we have a lovely morning tea with everyone, then we all go home.  It's a big morning.

But this week has been an amazing week. I went out shopping on Wednesday to fill my house with food.  Yesterday, I went out to a friend's house - Mark Davey - at Eden's Landing.  What a place!  It's filled with art from top to bottom!  This guy lives and breathes art and paintings.  He's also an avid gardener who's made his garden into something which is reminiscent of Monet's garden.  All he's missing is that famous bridge; but you never know, he might build one yet.  Anyway, we sat and chatted all day and enjoyed each other's company and listened to music all day... he doesn't have a television; so ti radio was on the whole time.  He has two gorgeous dogs - Frida and Rembrandt - and his place is so peaceful and filled with shade and birds... and mozzies!  But we fixed them... it was a great day, and I ended up getting home around 9pm or so after staying for dinner.  

What a day!  We clicked in the most amazing way too; agreeing that we are going to be great friends.  He gave me a lovely painting as well, which I hung up in my bedroom.  He said to me: 'A bunch of flowers, these ones won't die.' they're just gorgeous.  I can see us being close friends; but we'll see how it all goes.

Today, I'm going to take it easy and do a few things around the house, then I have to check on the mail and post off something overseas and be back here for the rest of the day.  Until next time, take care, stay safe and remember, I'm always here. 

A Day Out Driving

It started out with me going to Stone's Corner to get my watch battery replaced, and I ended up at Mum and Dad's place excitedly talking about being at Tarragindi... 

My watch stopped yesterday around midday.  So, I asked Mum where I'd get it fixed.  She told me at Stone's Corner at Rolma Industries; where they specialised in Adina Watches.  This is where we got my watch - all my watches for my life.  I'm onto my second watch ever... they are a great brand.
Well I punched into the GPS the address and I was on my way to the place.  It took me there and I was happy.  The man charged me the princely sum of $15 to get a new battery installed and a seal replaced; very cool.  Then, there was the task of getting myself back home.
Well, okay, I though to follow the road around and take the first right and see what happened next.  Usually the roads either went in a circle, or they'd take you to the next suburb and you'd find a main road at some point.  This was an old suburb, it was bound to happen.  And you know?  It did!  I found myself at Stone's Corner again and back through the way I had come.  
But instead of going back onto the highway, I drove through the back way and onto Cracknell Road, through to Ekabin Road and to Toohey Road very close to my Grandma's House.  When I sat at the lights, I thought it'd be nice to drive by the place... but instead, I parked near the house and got out to see what had happened to it over the years.  You see, I haven't been to the place since the first owners bought it and painted it hideous colours.
When I saw it I had to check the number on the front - number 9 - to make sure it was the right number, because it was absolutely gorgeous!  It didn't look anything like it did before!  I grabbed my stuff out of my car and locked it, meaning to go to Zeni's - next door - but instead, I stood there just staring at the house.  A young lady asked me if she could help me and I told her my Grandparents originally owned the house over 70 years ago.  
Then she asked me the most unexpected thing:  'Would you like to come in and have a look around?'  Oh, wow!  Are you serious? Yes!  She said she'd introduce me to her Dad and we could chat about the place.  Her family has lived there for 3 years and their landlord was a builder and had only fixed the place up really nice just before they moved in.  How cool is that?  Well, I was astounded at how the place looked!
Grandma and Grandpa's bedroom was the only room that wasn't moved too much... except the door.  The rest of the place was unrecognisible.  Where the lounge and front room used to be was the office and two bedrooms.  There was a long hall down the middle - as there is with many Queenslander homes - and the place was better set out.  The bathroom was moved next to the master bedroom and the other bedroom - which had been at the back of the house was split into two and had been moved behind the office.  The kitchen has been turned around (again) and was behind the bathroom and the wall was taken down and the dining and living area was kept open-plan.  And the add-on dunny was removed for a stairwell to go downstairs where a granny-flat has been built.  Out the back was a wonderfully wide deck and stairs going down!  The backyard has hardly been touched.
Downstairs, where the laundry was is a bedroom and the lounge is where Grandpa's workshop used to be... otherwise, it's amazing what the place looks like now.  And the granny-flat has a private entrance around the side so the kids - who are uni students - don't have to go through the front door upstairs to come home, and neither do their friends.  It's completely self-contained.
While I was there, I also visited Zeni, next door.  She's the original next door neighbour to my Grandparents.  She didn't recognise me to start with, but after I jogged her memory, she gave me huge hug and we got chatting after I thanked Anna (the young lady who lives in Grandma's house with her family) for showing me around.  

Soon, I was off to Garden City in Little Green Machine!  I parked the car and had a walk around to look for new sunnies.  My old ones were really had it.  The tint was coming off and the arms on them were wobbly... so yep, it was time to toss them out.  I found a great pair at Bright Eyes.  Then, I thought to have a walk around - seeing I didn't have much else to do.
I found a store dedicated just to skateboarding.  Very cool place to look around in.  The owner thought it was wicked I used to skate, but was bummed the I couldn't anymore.  He knew what it was like when I said I knew how to but my body didn't... we had a laugh over that and then I went on my way.  
I ended up over at Riot Art to buy a few art supplies and then was off home.  But I lost the car by getting out of the lift at the wrong car park level... darn, new it was going to happen at some point!  I found the car and drove to Mum and Dad's place and told Mum what happened at Grandma's old house!  She was so happy... and she loved it that I dropped in on Zeni and had a chat with her. 

What a day!  Well, it's midnight... on the dot!  Wow!  Until my next post, take care, stay safe and remember, I'm always here.

A Long Weekend Ahead

Today, I went out for a few hours, and I had a few things to get done.  Seeing I had been home for two days working hard on the new line of products for the Creative Markets, I'm happy I got a chance to go out and get some things done.

I was gone from the house by 10am or so, after I found out the car was covered in cat pee!  Yuk!  Well, I didn't have time to wash the car until I'd get home. So, I sprayed the windscreen and cleaned it off to drive and made my way out... well, until I found somebody had put all the wheelie bins along the fence behind the car.  These same 5 or so bins have been sitting in the same space for the last 3 - 6 months, so I dumped one where it was supposed to be, and threw the others in a heap at the back of the complex.  It's not my responsibility to return them to the people's home - it's the tenant's responsibility to pick them up; and if they don't, the Caretaker returns them.  Leaving them outside my place isn't something to be done.  So, I let my Dad know what I'd done (so if anyone bugs him about it, he could back me up) and went on my way.

I drove over to the Hyperdome to pick up some more spray varnish for my next day of varnishing (which will be on Tuesday, while everyone is at work or school).  And then, I made my way back around the ridges to look at some charity stores to pick up some men's ties.  There were some lovely ones at the Op Shop at Logan Central, but I bought only two there.  And then I drove to Vinnies on the Service Road and found another five or so to add to the cushion... they look great!  There's plenty of colours and I'm looking forward to adding them to this Secret Santa cushion for the lady I'm making it for... all hand-stitched!  I hope she likes it.  

On my way home, I checked the mail and came home, where I immediately hosed off the car and washed it.  Stupid cats... wish they didn't pissed all over my car.  Made the damned thing stink.  But now, it's nice and clean and I'm looking forward to being able to drive my car over the weekend if I need to.

This arvo, I'll be working on more works for Tuesday's Varnish'n'Wrap Day.  And over the weekend, I'll be packing for next week.  I'll be hanging out at my brother's house for a couple of days... it'll be a good few days to get to know the area, seeing I have a car now.  I'll also be working on some pegs and the cushion too.  I'll also keep in touch with you all from there.  Until my next post, take care, stay safe and remember, I'm always here.

Big Day Out Yesterday

Yesterday, I was out of the house by 11am and home by 3pm... what a big day behind the wheel of my Little Green Machine!  But it was well worth it!

First off, I was off to Bunnings to return the door handles I never used - or opened - and got the money back on them.  Then, I drove to Logan Central Plaza to exchange some Nivea Hand Cream which was half-empty and had been used by somebody (my brother said it might have been a Grandma who wanted to test it... eeww!  I mean, ask at the counter, don't just squeeze it from the tube on the shelf!).  I got a replacement and the ladies at the counter thought it was manky too and said they'd toss it out.
I walked up to Woodys' Kiosk and bought two cool dvds - 'Mask' and 'Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle-stop Cafe' - great movies and the latter is a fantastic book!  Before I knew it, I was out at the car park again after getting credit for my phone and I put the credit on my phone and was back on the road.

The Logan Hyperdome was my next stop.  Riot Art Stores are having the $40 free for $40 spent sale again!  So, how could I pass that up?  I took the back way and took my time finding a park; wanting to find a space undercover - as my little machine had tree sap on the roof from Sunday and I didn't want it cooked into the paintwork.  So, I found my way to the undercover area near the cinemas and followed a Landrover under when he stopped before the crossing.  I didn't think anything of it until he put his vehicle into reverse and began to back up!  I blew the horn and he kept on reversing!  I kept blowing the horn until he got out and yelled at me that his roof racks were too high!  Well... gee, how the hell was I supposed to know?  And he did the wrong thing and leaned on my car, that's when I asked him to get off my car and that really he should remember the size of his vehicle and not just back up thinking I can his mind.  He got shitty but didn't say anything, went back to his Landrover and waited for me to back up into the line of traffic on the roundabout to let him out (and it was really busy).  I told my brother about this, and he didn't think I was right, but I know I was.  

Anyway, I found a park after going around and around for about 10 minutes.  Truthfully, I had to wait for somebody to leave... that's how hard it was to find a parking spot.  Once Little Green Machine was locked up and I was on my way, I was in the art store before I knew it perusing the shelves and bits and pieces for what I needed for my Crafty Pegs stall for next month - and for the rest of the year.  I spent $40 before I knew it!  And I have some great plans for my stall to look its very best by Christmas!
After I finished spending my money, I really needed a coffee and took off to Gloria Jeans around the corner.  I treated myself to a Latte and a gluten free orange and almond cupcake... yummo!  While I ate and drank, I thought about one of my writing friends - Debbie Behan and her husband, Sean - who both have horrible back problems right now.  And I spotted some syrups which you can add to your coffee to give it an extra spice.  Well, I spotted one called 'Irish'... where you make Irish Coffee without it actually being alcoholic... and seeing Debbie and Sean are both on really strong painkillers right now, they're not allowed to drink booze.  So, I bought a bottle and took off to their place - after searching for their phone number in my mobile first.... which I didn't have.  Well, okay, it looked like I was going to surprise them.

I got to their place later than expected.  I missed the Paradise Road turn off, had to drive all the way to Springwood, turn around and go back and keep on Kingston Road!  Boy, what a trip!  I got to their house without using the refedex... how cool is that?  Well, Debbie and Sean both loved the idea of having Irish Coffee - non-alcoholic style - and have tried it out and love it!  She has been missing her mixed drinks and loves it that she can do this.  Being a person who doesn't drink booze, I can understand where she's coming from and have been getting around the booze thing in my life for a long time.  She misses her wine at night time.

Well, I hung about for a bit and then had to leave because they had a doctor's appointment.  I returned home at around 3pm... boy was I tired!  It was a long day and I ended up having gourmet egg on toast with mushrooms, baby spinach and baby tomatoes... yummo!  Not too bad-tasting.  I had a good day.  

Today, though it's a hot one - 28 degrees Celsius - and so I got in and did 4 loads of laundry, washed the car, washed up most of my dishes, cleared the lounge, opened up the house (to air it out) and then decided to fluff around on here for a bit... I've been on the go since 8:30am this morning.  The air-conditioner is going to clear out the office and I've sprayed the Glen-20 everywhere to fix up the bugs sitting around the place I might catch.  So, how's your day been?  Until my next post, take care, stay safe and remember, I'm always here.

All Day Outing

I was out from around 10am until 3:30pm today... but it was worth every moment.  I took my time doing everything I needed to do... which was good.

The first thing I did was give Little Miss Stevie's blankets and cuttlefish to the RSPCA World at Springwood.  It was the second time I've been there, and I made myself go this time and not leave until I took the bag in.  Well, I ended up walking around the place with the bag in my hands for about half an hour... I must have looked like a bag lady, but I still ended up at the counter with it, crying my eyes out trying to let them know I wanted to give the covers away.  But the longer I hold onto them, the harder it will be to give them away - I know this.  And I know they will be going to the shelters for a puppy or a kitten to curl up on this Winter.  And the cuttlefish will be scratched on by a parrot who really wants something to chew on.  I felt so sad and when I got back to the car, I felt so lost because I thought I had let go of the last of my bird... I haven't.  

After I had a cry in the car, I got going to Mum and Dad's house after the post office and paid some bills, watered some plants and emptied some things out of the fridge... I also wrote down some messages and stuck around the place in case the birds came to visit for a feed.  But they didn't... so I left and went about my day.

The next place was over at Woodridge.  I had some things to get done at K-Mart.  I put in some photos to get developed and then looked around Woodys and bought some sheet music there for $2.00ea.  Then, seeing I was sticking around for a bit, I thought to have some lunch at Venus' Cafe and look at some stuff at the 'Dollars & Sense' place before going to the chemist and then picking up the photos and finding some things to use for my clean up around the house.  
After Logan Central Plaza, I went to Endoes and donated three bags of stuff I didn't want anymore from my house.  It felt so good to let go of my stuff that I no longer needed but it was good to use.  Then I was off to the Art Gallery and I had a look around there and chatted to the ladies there.  

I looked at my watch and it was almost 3:15pm!  Wow!  Where did the day go?  Well, I jumped in my car and took off home.  It was time get the things I had bought home and get dinner under way.  

And tomorrow?  Well, I have some cleaning out and phone calls to make after I go to the post office to send something off to Toowoomba to a good friend of mine, who doesn't have the net.  Such a pity, because it'd be easier to keep in touch with her.  Until my next post, take care, stay safe and remember, I'm always here. 

Thursday's Day Outing

It's been a huge day out with my Little Green Machine, a terrarium and me behind the wheel following the directions of a Tom-Tom all over Brisbane city... and what a gorgeous day for me to be doing just that!

First off, I received a phone call from my folks, on holidays, that Mum needed some things she forgot to pack.  No probs!  I dropped over there to check on the place as well as do this little thing for Mum; only to get locked out of a bank account they have control over... damn... so I couldn't post the things she needed off and left them on the kitchen table all folded up and ready to go.  

I hate that.

Well, it was time to leave, so I jumped in the car, drove to Spotlight at Upper Mt Gravatt and looked around for a tapestry I could do... a nice simple one that didn't cost the Earth.  However, there's no such thing as nice and simple anymore, and they all cost the Earth.... sooo, I'll have to rethink my approach to my cushion design for the Secret Santa this year at my craft group.

I left Spotlight with a wooden 'kitchen' word to paint up for my stall and organised myself with the Tom-Tom to take me to Bardon where I had to get the cork for the terrarium.  

Well!  What a drive!  I knew where I was going right up until it took me off on to Moggil Road and got me totally lost!!!  I had no clue where it was taking me until I found myself about 5 minutes from the Mt Coot-tha Lookout.  And so much has changed there that I used the Tom-Tom to  get me up there.  This is where I took a well-earned break and sat down in the restaurant there to just have a coffee and ended up staying for lunch.
I mean, who wouldn't want to?  I had a near-perfect view of Brisbane City, Archerfield Airbase and could just see Moreton Bay.  And all the while I was eating pumpking gnokki - a pasta that was made with pumpkin and flour then boiled in rolling water for only a few minutes (or until it floated) and it was put with parsnips crisps and blistered cherry tomatoes... mmmmmm.... yummo!  It was delectible!  Such a gorgeous meal and it sounded like it should have cost the universe, but it only cost me $20... okay, $24.00 with my latte on top of that.  Pretty good for a five star restaurant on top of a mountain, don't you think?  And I mean, I was there for around an hour, taking a break from driving, with around 50 other people!  The place was packed with sight-seers who just wanted to see this great city from afar!  I live here, and I wanted to see my home city from afar too... such a pretty little city; and it's growing so fast.

Before I knew it, I was on the road again.  Little Green Machine took the twists and turns of the road down Mt Coot-tha so well!  And I nearly got stuck on Milton Road - but found my way to the Wesley Hospital through Eagle Terrace (where I used to live with a horrible man years ago) and then onto Coronation Drive and onto the freeway... traffic wasn't too bad all the way to Logan; actually it was pretty good.
I got off at Springwood, drove straight to the large Bunnings store at Underwood and bought 3 plants, some sphagnum moss and stones for my terrarium.  I already had the rest of the stuff at home.  While I was there, I ran into Kym Foxx, who used to live in my unit complex, and I showed her my new little car.  She was so please I got something so cute!  And said it must be great on the fuel.  I told her where I had been today and she was amazed that it was going so well, then I told her what I needed to get and what for.  She loved that I was making a terrarium; and thought it was the best thing for small houses.  

Well!  I got home, unpacked everything, cleared a space on the coffee table and organised myself to get the terrarium working!  Within the hour, my little garden in a bottle was planted out, decorated and watered in... err, had a little spray from the bottle... and then?  I put the cork on it and took photos!  It's such a cutie!  I looked around and wanted to do another one immediately!  Yes... I'm hooked on these things.  
But after the day I've had, I'm tired.  Mum phoned me before, letting me know that she's unlocked the account needed to let me in.  I pick up my hall table tomorrow and post off Mum's stuff to her on the way too.  I can't wait to get home, move some furniture and get the hall table looking great!  That will all be done in the morning... so I have the rest of the day to myself.  And then?  It will be the end of a very, very busy week!  Until my next post, take care, stay safe and remember, I'm always here.

Big Shopping Day

Today, I was out all day... and I mean, all day.

But first, I put on two loads of washing and hung it out.  It was going to be a nice hot day, and I thought it would be a good to wash the sheets and get them dry by the time I arrived home... which would be, um, around lunch time or so... maybe later.

Well, anyway, I took off around 9:30am and went to the Spice Mart to pick up a new bowl and found a nice flat pan to replace my other pancake pan... it was much cheaper than the ones I've been pricing around at other stores - and for $16, it's not a bad deal.  However, I felt kinda ripped off when the sticker wouldn't come off the non-stick coating - weird, right?

Anyway, I went to Overflow and picked up some zip-up things for my cds in the car.  this was to keep them safe and stop them from falling out of the glove compartment.  I bought two, and they were dirt cheap. 
Then, I was in grocery shopping mode after that... and after I went to Life Line too.  I took my time and did all the shopping at Coles and chemist I needed to do, drove home and unpacked.  It was around 1pm when I arrived home and I called my folks to let them know I was hoping to get around to their place soon... however they weren't home.  

Bummer!

Oh well, I called Mum on her mobile and let her know I was going to be at their place soon... well, within the hour and she said they weren't far from home.  Well, I took my time and was out the door before 2pm and found Dad had all the stuff I needed to finish up the peg box out the back all ready for me to use; as they were both going out for an hour or so.

So, while I was there, I filled all the gaps on the box, waited for the gap-filler to dry, sanded it back then, started painting.  By the time I was halfway through it, Dad came home and I had finished as muc has I could... as the bottom was still not done.  This means I'll have to go back tomorrow or Friday to complete it and pick it up on Saturday morning on my way through to my volunteer work.  It ought to be ready to use by then.  Or even on Friday... when I'm helping Mum with stuff at their place, I'm not sure when.

Otherwise tomorrow morning, I'm hoping to get a few things done around my place before leaving the house.  I need to get in and wash up, wash the floors, clean the bathroom and put some clothes away... yeah, it's time to tidy up and prepare myself for when I need to take a rest from the markets... and I'm hoping to work on cleaning out my place again.  There's things I'm hoping to give away to a charity I'm no longer using now I'm back into working on different things around the place again.

Well, that's all for this mid-week post... hope you're having a good week so far.  Until my next post, take care, stay safe and remember, I'm always here.

Out With Mum

Today I was out the door at around 9:30am.  The skies looked overcast and rain spattered on the windscreen a little as I pulled out of the car port as Jethro Tull began to blast from the speakers of my cd player.  Yep, it was going to be a weird old Autumn day here in Brisbane.

I drove to Mum and Dad's place.  Dad was at Air/Sea Rescue Training today and so Mum was on her own today.  And so Mum and I went to the Transport Department to see if I could get a further discount on my regostration for my car... but it looked like because of my plates being purchased and stamp duty, we had a larger amount of money to pay.  Next year it'll be cheaper - well fingers crossed!
Anyway, Mum suggested we go to get some coffee, but I wanted to take her to a bookstore over at Browns Plains and asked if she'd like to go.  She said okay and we took off there.  However, halfway there, she started feeling indigestion really bad.  Fortunately, I knew of a chemist that was not far along the road and pulled in there for her buy some ant-acids.  However, as I pulled into a parking space, I ran over a bottle we both thought was plastic, but it was glass!  Damn!  While I was looking around for somebody to help clean up the glass before moving my car, Mum was looking at how cheap the vitamins were in the place.  Very cool!
Anyway, before we knew it, we were off again.  And I found The Really Good Book Shop, park nearby and opened the door to the place for Mum and she stopped right inside with her mouth open... she was shocked at how many books there were.  She did have a plan of which author she was looking for and how many books she was going to look at buying - if any - but when she walked inside, that all went out the window.  I asked which books she was looking at getting and she told me that she had forgotten and she was taking in the place - absorbing it - and she started to get the giggles.  The lady at the counter saw me and said hi and I introduced Mum to her and she asked Mum what she was looking for, but Mum was still absorbing the place.
They got talking about the bookstore Mum worked at while I was in high school - Charring Cross Bookstore at Chardon's Corner.  And they had heard of it, but didn't know if it was still open or not.  Then, Mum looked around and asked about an author and she was shown the place in the store... so I walked off to the Classics area where I looked into what I could pick up next to read (not that I don't have enough already!), and found myself a copy of 'Slaughterhouse 5' I haven't read it or own a copy of it yet... and have been wanting to, so we got our books and took off to MacDonalds just down the road.
It was a lovely place this one, very open, and enjoyed something to eat and drink while we were there.  And then, we chatted about a few things and watched as people went through the drive through eating, drinking and texting as they drove... wondering how they didn't run their cars into the car in front of them.  
Before long, it was time to head off back to Mum's house and we sorted through some cd's and books and other stuff Mum didn't want.  We listened to some music and I collected together a few things and scored myself a free telephone for upstairs (as that one I have up there was stuffed).  And so, I packed the car, and was back on the road again. 

I arrived home just in time for the rain to pour down from the heavens!  Wow!  How's that for timing?  Well, while it poured, I went out the side door and collected the rest of the my gear and fixed up my house to look like I was home.  It's been a good day out with my Mum.  This weekend, I'm going to catch up with my reading and a bit of housework.  What are you up to?  Until my next post, take care, stay safe and remember, I'm always here.

A Day Out

Seeing I've got my own set of wheels now, I'm going to get myself out and about once a week to a place for a day trip somewhere.  I'll make it on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, but I'll do it to get myself out of the house... and I'll take my camera with me to make it fun.

Today, I wanted to go to Mt Coot-tha Lookout.  However, the weather was overcast and I didn't want to go there only to not see much of a view or be stuck in the car because it's raining.  So, instead, I decided to drive to the wetlands over near the Smart Tip at Browns Plains.  I have a friend who's buried over there and I haven't been to her grave since she was laid to rest.  So, I found my way there and remembered where the service had been held.  But the problem was that I didn't know which tree so I took a photo of two trees which looked around the same age... and you know?  I just looked at the photos of the service from last year, and I found I did take a photo of the right tree!  I'm relieved!

After I paid my respects to my dear friend, I was off again to Browns Plains, to The Really Good Book Store.  This place is amazing!  It's a book exchange where the book credit is without an expiry date.  So, I have bought books there and decided to keep them.  And have hunted around in there for hours and found the most amazing things!  
Today, I bought three books.  There's one book about books I bought for a challenge this month.  Then there was an autobiography about an Australian woman who I admire who is on a book review show on the ABC... and I can't wait to read this book about her.  Then, as I was perusing a shelf in another part of the store, I turned, looked down and found a dark green cover of a really old book looking up at me.  It looked lovely and aged, and I picked it up, opened it up and looked at how old it was... then took it to the counter.  This book was titled: 'The Treasury of English Literature' by Robert Cochrane.  It looks amazing and it's from Scotland!  So, I bought it for $10.00!  

After I was out of there and to the car, I was off to Mum and Dad's place.  I needed to see Dad about something for my bathroom.  I wanted to do a few little things to my bathroom that would make it look and feel nice.  Okay, the cabinet is good, and so is the towel rack, but it badly needs colour!  The whole colour scheme is beige and white... and beige and white... and well... blah!  So, I'm going to work in some nice colours and a good thick curtain I'm going to put a clip into the middle of when it's daytime and unclip it during night so there's complete privacy for me.  
Well, we watched a taped episode of 'Fargo' and had a giggle at how much like 'Dexter' it was.  Then, Mum gave me a bag of books to drop off to The Really Good Book Store at Browns Plains.  But before that, Dad asked me about my boyfriend... I don't have a boyfriend.  I have a new man in my life, sure, but we're not an item as yet... and I'm not calling him my boyfriend, yet.  Well, he got all weird and snappy about not knowing who I was seeing.  I know he was being protective, but really, I didn't want him to know until I was certain this man and I were going to be together on a more permanent basis.  Dad made me feel like I was back in high school again; and this is something I hated.  Even Mum told him to back off from me and let me do my own thing with my life.

Well, long story short, I ended up clamming up about my new man and Dad asked me more questions and I just stopped talking.  It's something that happens between my Dad and me.  I can't explain it.

After 'Fargo', Dad seemed to forget about what happened and went downstairs to make some noise... and Mum and I organised some books and junk for me to take to Browns Plains.  She felt good that I was taking them off her hands.  I felt good about it too as I was taking some Ray BradBury books back into my possession that I had lent her last year and she hadn't read yet.  

So, that was my day out.  Dad had cut a longer length of pole and kept the shorter one, and now I have saved money with that.  Now all I need to do is buy nice little end bits for it, attach the hooks that were in the bathroom back onto the sills (which I still have) and then find the right kind of curtain material I need to make a curtain... it won't take long to find a good curtain material.  And then, I'll hem the ends and make the top end into a loop, slide the pole through and slip on the end bits and it'll be sweet.

What was your day like?  Busy like mine?  Or ordinary?  Until my next post, take care, stay safe and remember, I'm always here.