Vienna Boys Choir

There is just no way, no way at all that I can possibly not go to see the Vienna Boys Choir.  Yes, it is a school night but surely...so yes we did!  Great seats, a nearly packed house, a well behaved child, and a mere NZD50 per seat - what else can I say!

Those that know Teagan will be well aware that she can sleep anywhere.  Sleep she did, three quarters of the way through the programme the little madam settled herself down on the exceptionally comfortable seats, only to wake up in protest at being placed in her own bed and not in the warmth of ours!

Some random meandering of thought....

Some weeks it is a tad difficult to think up a "theme" for putting into my blog.  This time, I am not going to try!


Ross has been away this week.  He has been in Muscat, Oman for some "thingie".     I had considered joining him (with kid) for an extended weekend but it was all just too difficult.  The school term took a bit of settling in for Teagan, leading Rainbows would have left 15 wee girls without a leader and sometimes, just sometimes, it is really nice being at home with my wee girl.  And, I am so glad that we have been at home together.  Teagan has turned into an angel (for the week) and life can barely be better!


On the creative side, I have started 2012 according to my 6 month list: garments only from the waist down.  My Cookie A, Monkey socks have been finished, Elizabeth Zimmermann is challenging me to create some winter leggings from gorgeous peruvian yarn using mathematical techniques (non-pattern knitting again), and Teagan has successfully ordered her own colour choices for a winter fair isle skirt (Debbie Bliss's cashmerino is on sale via WEBS).  Plus, I have another pack of yarn enroute from the USA for a few other ideas I have.


As for cooking, well, I was supposed to have the week off.  As you know, when the girls are at home they eat out and have takeaways, Yes? No!  All orders were to be home made - including, Grandma, Camp Iona chicken.  Oh well, at least there is less processed meat going down into a small tummy!


And of course, business!  That has been interesting!  On mortgages, I have engaged my main mortgage provider to seriously reduced my floating rate on one house.  The return deal looks quite good but I am wondering how much further I can push my negotiation skills?!  Then we get to the international equity markets; so far a tad improved from previous recent years but not exciting enough so I have started a small sideline "play", keeping the play funds quite separate from my investment funds and now I feel more satisfied.


Travel plans?  How could we not?  Italy has been booked for the April school holidays, flying in and out of Rome with a bit of a road/rail round trip with the planned highlight to be Pompeii.  Flights to NZ return are nearly booked.  The route has been planned including a week in Australia's Sunshine Coast, hopefully with Nan accompanying us this time.


So as you can well see, no theme!  Just a bit of an update.  

Which is real?

Weekend treat lunch

A treat made by Teagan - an iPad movie with snacks

Morning in the souq

Car pool mates - all in the same year group

January creations: Monkey socks, knitting project bag, and the start of an EZ challenge

Weekend construction!

Teagan's beach island creation and my Invercargill fabric bag for Teagan

The "make it" list from the last half of last year...

After weaving my way through a spider's web made out of leftover yarn, I have given up on my mission to write a final holiday post, rather, I thought I would make sure I reviewed my knitting and sewing since July 2011.  


Since working for Fonterra, I am a notorious "to do" list writer.  Generally, I complete 90% of the list (even, sorry Fonterra, during my working career).  Sometimes, some tasks are just not all that motivational.  My list was the following:


(1)  knit using the mathematical method (and steek) my first fair isle cardigan using the continental method
(2)  knit a hat for myself
(3) knit a hat for Teagan
(4)  knit another "woolly" for Teagan
(5)  sew a dress for myself using LIBERTY print
(6) sew a skirt for myself
(7) sew some lunch treats for Teagan's birthday
(8) make Christmas presents (Lachlan, Teacher, Edward)
(9) make a drawing folio for Teagan
(10) finish Pippi's House
(11) make the mouse family from the pattern purchased in Invercargill
(12) teach my Japanese friends to knit
(13) make travel kit pack
(14) knit a thermal for myself
(15) remake an old skirt into a long skirt for Teagan


The results are below, not all are photographed. Now I admit that not tasks were completed, two remain unfinished!  And yes, they will be on this year's list!  Pippi's House and the Mouse Family, both of which should complement my new year knitting resolution....to knit more slowly (yes, I am getting too much done!!!) and to make no more tops: if clothing it must be for below the waist (socks etc).

Knitted hat with eyes - worn for two weeks and then lost - bah humbug!

Our last full day

Yesterday was our last full day in Oberammergau.  We took the day slowly walking in the morning and then enjoying a "magic bar" in the late afternoon.  Teagan scored her own magic show and managed to turned 50 Euros into 120 euros and drink a glass of red wine....she had so much and the magician was fabulous.  We went home without celebrating the New Year in - just a bit too cold by then.

Now I must finish my breakfast, return the sled and pay the hotelier and then get the GPS sorted for the drive to Munich and the airport.