Nanna

My Nanna
(mum's mother)
Dorothy Muriel Beasley
25 August 1921 - 29 April 2007

Photo taken at my wedding: 26 October 1996.

Mel's Sunday Update

Well its a little update this week. Here's the stitching I've done on Dogwood Square from Inkcircles Designs. I'm using the new Carrie's Threads colourway.

Of course seeing as I'm spatially challenged and can't count diagonally, I have actually put in and frogged more stitches than this. It just seems the if I'm counting diagonally say upper right, I start counting from the upper right corner of my last stitch, not the lower right corner which is where I start my stitches from. This means that the next set of stitching is one row out {sigh}

Its such a little mistake but I keep doing it over and over, my mind thinks upper right, we start from the upper right corner of the last stitch ....

Oh well .... love using Carrier's floss and I love these colours (even if they are purple).

Movies Movies Movies

Ok in this months Empire Magazine, there is a list of top 100 movies of all time - lets see how many of *these* ones are more to our taste than the last quiz a few months ago ....

I've bolded the ones I've seen.

100 Its a Wonderful Life (1946)
99 The Terminator (1984)
98 X-Men (2000)
97 Flying High (1980)
96 Life of Brian (1979)
95 Romeo + Juliet (1996)
94 The Blues Brothers (1980)
93 Seven Samurai (1954)
92 Crocodile Dundee (1986)
91 Rear Window (1954)
90 Animal House (1978)
89 All About Eve (1950)
88 Annie Hall (1977)
87 Babel (2006)
86 Mad Max 2 (1981)
85 The Crow (1994)
84 Reservoir Dogs (1992)
83 Citizen Cane (1941)
82 The Breakfast Club (1985)
81 Moulin Rouge! (2001)
80 Psycho (1960)
79 Chicago (2002)
78 Brokeback Mountain (2005)
77 Mad Max (1979)
78 Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)
75 Blade Runner (1982)
74 To kill a Mockingbird (1962)
73 Platoon (1986)
72 Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)
71 Batman (1989)
70 Picnic at Hanging Rock (1975)
69 Superman (1978)
68 Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)
67 Ben-Hur (1959)
66 Chopper (2000)
65 The Lion King (1994)
64 Spider-Man (2002)
63 Silence of the Lambs (1991)
62 Clerks (1994)
61 Stand by Me (1986)
60 The Shining (1980)
59 Taxi Driver (1976)
58 The Big Lebowski (1998)
57 The Godfather Part II (1974)
56 Memento (2000)
55 Jaws (1975)
54 The Usual Suspects (1995)
53 Borat (2006)
52 Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (1983)
51 Die Hard (1988)
50 Se7en (1996)
49 The Sound of Music (1965)
48 Terminator 2: Judgement Day (1991)
47 Gladiator (2000)
46 One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest (1975)
45 Heat (1995)
44 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
43 Lord of the rings: Two Towers (2002)
42 Gallipoli (1981)
41 Zoolander (2001)
40 Casablanca (1942)
39 Wizard of Oz (1939)
38 American Werewolf in London (1981)
37 Casino Royale (2006)
36 Rocky (1976)
35 Austin Powers (1997)
34 Top Gun (1986)
33 Princess Bride (1987)
32 Scarface (1983)
31 Kill Bill: Vol 1 (2003)
30 Schindler's List (1993)
29 Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
28 E.T. (1982)
27 Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
26 Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
25 Forrest Gump (1994)
24 Titanic (1997)
23 Gone with the Wind (1939)
22 Apocalypse Now (1979)
21 Alien (1979)
20 Back to the Future (1985)
19 Fight Club (1999)
18 A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
17 Braveheart (1995)
16 Grease (1978)
15 The Godfather (1972)
14 Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
13 Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)
12 American Beauty (1999)
11 The Matrix (1999)
10 Goodfellas (1990)
9 Amelie (2001)
8 Star Wars: Empire Strikes Back (1980)
7 Lord of the Rings: Return of the King (2003)
6 Donnie Darko (2001)
5 A Clockwork Orange (1971)
4 Aliens (1986)
3 Shawshank Redemption (1994)
2 Pulp Fiction (1994)
1 Star Wars (the original aka A New Hope) (1977)

Well that's 67 out of 100 for me, dead on two thirds of the list and most of the top 10. It appears I've mostly missed the latest releases, some old time general movies and all of the gangster movies :)

Who's next?

Why are there so many songs about rainbows?

And what's on the other side .......

OK that's my impression of Kermit the Frog singing Rainbow connection .....

because I've been RAKed again !!!!!  This time from a BFG operative .... it had the Black Floss  !!!!

Yes I have been gifted with a 13x18" piece of 32 ct Belfast Picture This Plus KERMIT.

Those of you on the PTPlus yahoo group will know that I've been looking to get my hands on a piece of this so I can see the actual colour myself.  Every description and every scan I've ever seen of it looks sooo different, from baby crap green through to bright neon ..... and in actuality, now that I have it here, its more of a liime green colour and it changes with the light ....

In my RAK album I've included three pics of the same piece of fabric, one under the scanner, one outside in natural light, one outside with the flash.  In reality the colour is kinda between the scanner and the flash version ..... no wonder people had so much hassle getting a good picture of it.

Now I have it, I've just got to find a design to use on it .......

It was definately a BFG operative that sent it, the skein of DMC 310 was a good indicator.  Looking at the return address, I suspect this might be the work of BFG operative aruaL.

I've sent out a few RAKs myself in the last week ... methinks I might have to do some more considering the haul I've received !!!!!!!!

I am surrounded by wonderful people !!!!

Only two more days until I go back to work. I was rung by the Rostering Librarian at work this morning and officially informed that the boss is moving me from NP Branch Manager to a relief/locum librarian stationed nowhere.

I then had lunch with a co-worker and heard all the other underhanded dealings the boss has in progress while I've been away. When I got home I heard again from another staff member "warning" me of changes afoot.

Needless to say I've been in quite a dour mood all day. Then I actually looked through the mail ....

I've been RAKed - yes again !!!!! This time by Hilary !!!!

Hilary who has been going through so much life hassles, that it makes my work hassles look like child's play !!! She's going through more grief and strife than I am and yet she still sends me a RAK !!!!!!

She sent me two cute little Kats by Kelly *and* sent fabric and the threads too - simply add needle and time and voila ! Here's one we prepared earlier ....

Isn't she sooo sweet !!!!!

THANK YOU HILARY !!!!!

Shhhhh! Secret Squirrel

While on the phone this afternoon I conned mum into looking through the needlework show. Only got partway through Inkcircles before I had to hang up.

This is a place for me to keep information on designs mum showed an interest in so I know what to buy for her for future gifts ......

Sh'es getting ambitious - there's a Chatelaine in that list !!!!

Where there's a will there's a way to figure out what to buy for future presents !!!!

(and yes I've secretly placed an order for other designs for her already tonight - she doesn't know it but hopefully a couple of the designs might turn up before Mother's Day!)

Mel - sneaky daughter extraordinaire !!!!

A Kitty Kats Original
www.AKittyKats.com
K0031 Penny & Gus

Annie Cicatelli
www.anniecicatelli.com
Pack Sampler carpets

Art Stitch
www.art-stitch.com
AS-177 Noel

Tapis Tree
www.tapistree.com
C090P-Cottage Kitty

Beardie Designs
www.beardiedesigns.com
De Oogst

Butterfly Stitches
www.butterflystitches.net
Blackwork Butterfly

Camus International
www.camusinternational.com
Landmark Celtic Cross Collection

** Carousel Charts
** www.CarouselCharts.com

** Dew, Daydreams & Miracles

Carriage House Samplings
www.carriagehousesamplings.com
Strawberry Blonde

Country Garden Stitchery
www.countrygardenstitchery.com
CGS 60 Miss Flopsy's Egg

DebBee's Designs
www.DebBeesDesigns.com
Shenandoah Spring

Debbie Draper Designs
www.debbiedraperdesigns.com

TTT-Tuxedo Tea for Two

ACL-A Cat's Life

Designs by Lisa
www.xstitchdesignsbylisa.com
Once in a Blue Moose

Dessins DHC
www.dessinsdhc.com/
On the swing

Dinky Dyes
www.dinkydyes.com
The Dreaming

European Cross Stitch
www.europeanxsws.com
CHAT043 - Evening in the Park

Fern Ridge Collections
www.fernridgecollections.com
Sneaky Kitty Needlecase

French Needle
www.thefrenchneedle.com
MAMAN sampler

(Anagram Diffusions)
Les Arts Chart
Sampler Elements Chart

Funk and Weber
www.funkandweber.com
Night Howl
Dead of Night

Haberdashery Designs
www.haberdasherydesigns.com
B002 - Dragons

In the company of friends
inthecompanyoffriends.com
Friendship Trifold

Inkcircles Desigms
www.inkcircles.com/html/catalog.html
Sea Stars
Garden Stars
Blackstone Fantasy Garden

Mum just sent me links to a fewq more - YAY!! !!!!

Web Address: www.lilipoints.com

US P013 - L'aioli

US R004 - Gingerbread

 

Web Address: www.lizturnerdiehl.com

Hannah's Hummingbird Knot Garden

Pollyanna's Lamplighter Knot Garden

17th Century German Garden

 

Web Address: www.moonflowerneedleart.com

Floral 2

Mythic 1

 

Web Address: www.MyBigToeDesigns.com

Housework

Death by Chocolate

 

Web Address: www.naaldendraad.com

Jan Houtman - Closed tree of life

Jan Houtman - Black open tree of life

 

Web Address: www.pineglendesigns.com

F101 - S'more Dragon Treats

F100 - Dragon BBQer

Web Address: charts@stitchingstudio.com

ROCKIN' CHARD - NEW

SWAN LAKE - NEW

HOCKEY CHARD - NEW

KINGFISHER

 

Web Address: www.suehillisdesigns.net

PS124 Wine a bit..

 

Web Address: www.emlis.com

Elizabeth Roberts II

Scottish House Sampler

 

Web Address: www.vintageblissdesigns.com

Amethyst Lily

Fleeting Moment

Dragonfly Dreams

Two in two days !!!!!

I received a second RAK from Claire the day after her first RAK arrived !!! Am I spoilt or what ????

In this RAK I received:

* the chart "Thriller" by Sampler Cove

* a lovely little hi-lighter on a lanyard to wear around my neck

* a lovely little diary

* and a Flamingo puppet !!!!

Do you know how difficult it is to take pictures with one hand while holding the puppet with the other hand ????

I think Trub is really trying to give me a message here - wonder what information she is trying to convey with that expression ???? Pics in my RAK album.

So Claire and Hilary - feel yet another SAL coming on ???? How on earth do we fit Thriller into the rotation?

Yes after snickering at Karen this morning and then chatting with Paula I've decided next week to go back to a rotation.... see how long it lasts this time :)

Lust List - Fabrics

Enchanting Lair Fabric
http://www.enchantinglair.com/fabrics.htm

28ct Linen14x14" Enchanting Lair: Moon Dragon
http://www.enchantinglair.com/moondragon.html

28ct Linen 14x16" Enchanting Lair: Medieval Cross
http://www.enchantinglair.com/medieval%20cross.html

A way to remind myself which bits of hand dyed fabrics I need and what I am needing them for - in case of sales.

Some of these I could probably reasonable substitutes in my existing stash, but I am interested in finding and using new to me companies such as Lakeside Linen and Weeks Dye Works as well as enhancing my stash of some of my favourite companies such as Polstitches ...

RAK and Soup

After such a horrible afternoon yesterday I've had a rather good day today. The Police didn't want a statement right now after all. They'll take it later if they need to.

I was very domestic this morning, got Mount Washmore taken care of, and Spring Cleaned the Bathroom, Toilet and Laundry. Lunchtime went out and checked the Post Office and received a lovely gift from Claire !!!!

She sent me a set of Q-Snaps !!! I've never seen these before, let alone used them !!!! As soon as I got home I hauled out Tracy's Dogwood Square, and thread pack from Carrie's threads, hacked off a piece of 28ct white Cashel linen and set them up and went for it on the Q-Snaps !!

Wow - these are fun to use!

Its been raining here all day - cold grey and wet - so what do you make for dinner? Soup!

Leek and Potato Soup
2 leeks
4 large potatoes
1 onion
mushrooms
ground spices - coriander, cumin and cardamom
3 cups chicken stock
half cup of cream
black pepper
chives

Chop and saute the veggies and spices in a little oil and butter. Place in a saucepan, add stock and simmer until the potatoes are cooked. Remove from heat, add cream and black pepper. Stir and serve. Garnish with chives before eating.

Probably different to everyone else's version but very very yummy. I have a very full tummy and am warm. Going offline now to stitch some more and watch Supernatural ....

Felling so much better than I did this time last night !!!!!

THANK YOU CLAIRE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I need a new job

I was assaulted at work this afternoon.

A gentleman was loud and aggressive and as librarian in charge, I rang security and as they didn't answer my call and he was a danger to the public I escorted him from the building myself. He was swearing repetitively and making angry gestures but I wasn't unduly worried. He appeared to be just a blow hard. Once outside the building he threw a crockery plate of food and an almost fun can of drink at my back as I was going back into the building. Both items smashed against the wall near my head.

The Police were called and security turned up. While security was talking to him I rang my boss who arrived around the same time as the Police. Statements were taken and the Police escorted the gentleman away.

I have to go down to the Police Precinct tomorrow and fill out an official statement and then front up to the Magistrates Court in a few weeks to testify. I can't remember the official charge but its something to do with assault and use of bad language. He will also be banned from the library for 12 months.

I'm not a deeply religious person, but all prayers and wishes for one of my job apps to be successful would be greatly appreciated.

Fire Flower - finished!

Yes its my second finish for the week - yee haa !!!!!  Pics in FireFlower album and Finished Pieces.

Pity I've got to go to work tomorrow and Sunday - but then I have another five days off before going back to work full time.  Doubt I'll get another finish done before I go back though :)

Oh hang on I might, P's giving me a hand to move some boxes tomorrow night so I can find the things that Tracy asked for so I might have one of her items finished shortly.

So what do I work on next?  Singularity? Faïence (The Castle)? Dutch Beauty? Midi Mystery I?  A new start ???

All suggestions welcome - I'm off to bed shortly.

Oh Marc and Tracy - I'll try to get a better pic of FireFlower on Sunday morning outside with my camera.  The scanner bed here has a tendency to wash out the black to a grey background.

Mel's Sunday update

Morning all, welcome to Sunday,

On the stitching front I did a little bit more on Tracy's model stitch (no more photos to share yet) and of course I finished up mum's Mother's Day present. I've also spent 3:45 on Claire's RR piece. Also no photos on that at this time.

I also picked up Gothic and Livres Chat Rouge from the framers. I put into be framed Stellar, Mum's Present and the cat mum gave me. Photos later.

In other news, I have:
* arranged stuff with the gym and am attending three times a week at the moment.
* purchased and installed a set top box so I can now watch digital free-to-air TV
* Got the telephone line swapped over
* Had an initial visit with the dentist (and got my teeth cleaned)
* Visited the optometrist and arranged for new spectacles (ready to be collected in 2 weeks)
* Read two JD Robb and one Jim Butcher book.

Not going too badly astray from the plan so far. Oh and picture is from a Camellia? Azalea? from my garden.

A small finish

Well it's late and I'm not sure I can get it framed in time but well its finished. Mum's present is finished.

Onto Claire's RR piece now as it needs to be finished and posted on 19 April. Surely I can put 15 hours in on it over the next five days :) :) :)

And as I'm not putting piccies up where mum can see them, here's another one of Trouble - this time doing her Triffid impersonation in the back garden.

Mel's Easter Update

Morning all,

Welcome to Easter Monday.  Had a fantastic few days visiting mum.  Did some Spring Cleaning (well its Spring somewhere in the world) and did some librarian type work with mum's books (she should be able to find most of them now ...maybe).

We also planted the two roses I gave mum as Easter presents and we've stitched.  And stitched.  And stitched.

I started worked on and completed Stellar the newest colourscape from Patti at Moonflower designs.  I also did little scattered bits on Singularity by FireWing Designs and FireFlower by Needlemania designs but not enough to take pictures.

I also received a gift from mum.  She finished the little cat piece she was working on and presented it to me.

Have about another 20 hours here before heading home, so more relaxation today.  I'm loving this !!!!!

Mel's Wednesday Update

well here's my second day on leave and everything is progressing well.

I have a dentists appointment scheduled for next week.

I started back at the gym today and it feels awesome !!!!

I have my phone line changed over now.

I found two really good jobs to apply for today !!!

I got more done on mum's present but I've run out of gold thread so that will have to wait now ...

I have no excuses left - I have to finish off Tracey's model job now. I'm quavering in fear - its a finishing style I've never done before so I'm very very nervous and have been putting it off. I'll do it tomorrow!

I'll gird my loins and just do it.

Another day in the life of a Librarian

Well here I am, bright-eyed and busy-tailed {yeah right} at work early to get it all completed before COB today so I can go on my holiday with a clear conscience.

And the Council computer network is down.  I can't access the library catalogue or any files.  Soooo ......

Actually the situation was the same at Woy Woy yesterday but I assumed that our IT people would have gotten to work this morning and fixed it already .... naive me.

So yesterday afternoon I had three hours of answering questions out of my head with no technological support, not only did I have to know the answer, I had to remember the Dewey number of where it would be found.

Yesterday I answered and found items for such questions as:
* Do you have any books on psychopaths in the workplace?
* My Daughter is doing an art assignment on a painter called Jaberwocky?
* Do you have a book called Huckleberry Pie by Harrison Jones?
* Do you have the latest Di Morrissey book - I don't know what its called?
* My son is doing an assignment on Ancient British beading ....

Answers:
* Yes we had two of them under 158 (psychology) Really!
* Jaberwocky is a poem written by Lewis Carroll in Alice Through the Looking Glass.  We had both the book and a "notes on" book that explained the terms used in the poem. Both in 821.
* Would the book you are looking for be by chance Blackberry Wine by Joanne Harris? Fiction HARR
* Yes but only one copy because the incompetent in acquisitions doesn't know what he's doing so there is a reservation queue.  I'll leave a note for tomorrow to add your name to the queue.
* The Venerable Bede is an Ancient British scholar - is that who you are looking for? 930

It was actually quite exhilarating to think on my feet (and get it right !!!!) for the three hours but boy it was exhausting.  In some ways I have much respect for pre-computerised librarians!

WIP - Egyptian Profiles

Ross Originals. These are in a set of six "Egyptian Profiles". I'm doing the whole set for mum for each Mother's Day and Birthday or Christmas.

Sunday update

Oooh I'm as sick as a dog today. Ate something last night that was advertised as gluten free and it obviously wasn't! I was not a pretty sight for the rest of the night - or this morning actually!

In stitching news, as soon as I finished Silent Night, I started work on mum's Mother's Day present. I needed to get away from 32 ct black for a couple of days.

I thought I'd get more progress done last night and some this morning - but I've been out of commission since 7:30pm last night. Still feeling decidedly unwell and I have to go to work from 12:30 until 4pm this afternoon, then catch a train to Sydney as Paul and I are seeing Dylan Moran Live tonight. Was planning on scoffing some junk food on the way .... but I think it'll be dry GF biscuits and water for me for today.

Oh as for today's picture .... where else is Trubby going to sleep while I'm washing the bedspread ...... on the clean sheets of course! Took this photo yesterday morning.