Winter or Spring?

         The first 2 cherries think it is time to  begin flowering.

Celebration.

Today I have been to a luncheon along with 37 other patchwork and quilters to celebrate 30 years - Pearl Anniversary  - of our group, the Tauranga Patchwork and Quilters Group.
 Started by a small group of ladies back in 1989 in a room at Tauranga Boys' College, the group has grown in numbers and skill.( see my right side bar for info about the group ) 
 One founder member my friend Nan and the other Alison cut the cake  made by our current president Helen. It was a ( moist chocolate ) bed with icing patchwork quilt and pillows. We had lunch in a side room at the very busy Nautilus Cafe on the waterfront in Tauranga.
 Not a stitch was sewn . We are all pretty good at talking and eating so we did that. Fun was had by everyone.

This Surprised Me.

Yesterday I gardened as fast as I could as the weather forecast said today would be very wet. It is now, but only since mid day. While I was planting seedlings I had purchased on Thursday I found this. The first daffodil ( proper ) for 2019. Later I found a second one in another spot. I was putting pale pink polyanthus beside yellow flowers as I quite like that colour combination.( Under one of the soon to be pink flowering cherries.) I got everything planted I wanted to and didn't water them so the rain is now doing that.

                                                                      *******

 I finished the 4 ply wool  vest I was knitting for elder Grandson. He doesn't like wool much so it will need to be over a long sleeved top. It is a versatile pattern and has no front and back or inside and outside so however he puts it on is the right way!

Ted tried it on but it was far too long for him...he's toppled over.


***     I am now working on sales table items for our Exhibition which is creeping up on us.
 I have a fat quarter apron to finish and a hand sewn felt needle case partly done. ( that's not forgetting I have a wall hanging to finish too.) 

This coming Saturday ( 20th  July ) our Tauranga Patchwork and Quilting Group are having a celebratory lunch for our 30th ( Pearl ) Anniversary. I will report back with photos.

 R has been rebuilding the garden shed with a concrete floor and shelves and facilities for cleaning fish.

Chilly July Days.

It's an inside sort of day. Not rainy but dull cloudy with a bit of a chill to it.
 Before I forget, Yes Pam those Jonquils were flowering outside on the shortest day. We have had 4 or 5 frosts but not enough to spoil anything. Some of the cherries are trying to flower too.
 As we have now lived here for one year ( moved 4th July ) I was looking back in this blog to see what had changed in that time. Lots of trees have been removed. The latest 2 to go were the large untidy palms on the driveway.The stumps have been ground down so we can replant there or near by. We have the 2 persimmons heeled in the vege garden till the site is ready.
 Everything I have planted, bar one  has grown and thrived. ( one Calla lily rotted off ). I have not yet got myself a Daphne plant or found where to put it but I will.( I want to see it in bud/flower and make sure it has a really good perfume. )

 My sister gave R the seed for these red broad beans. We planted half the packet last year and had to leave them flowering at the old place so it is good these ones here are doing well. There are some tiny ( 1" long ) beans set but they are slow - I guess its too cold.

 I see freesia buds appearing and tulips pushing through.

 Bad news we still have rabbits digging!

                                                                 
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Altho I have been knitting since I was a small girl ( 7 or 8 )  I still have some things to learn...not about the knitting but the sewing up / picking up neck stitches / finishing type things so I have been googling it and watching some u tube short videos and I am pleased to say I did pick up the odd pointer. At the moment I am doing the neck on a ribbed vest for elder Grandson and I will try a new method.

 I have done one session on my wall hanging.

 I think I am reading more than before.  I must update mt sidebar list and do a few book recommendations.
                                                         **********
 The very good news is the Grandsons and their parents have moved to BOP this last weekend. 20 plus minutes away from us , so no more trips to the big smoke to see them. Smaller grandson is now 11 months and elder Grandson 3 years and 9 months.