Wednesday 2 January 2008

BUSY BUSY

I HATE IRONING
MAX AND MICHAEL HAVE BEEN BUSY
SISTER SUSAN COMES TO STAY

I really hate ironing.
What do you do to pass the time while ironing???
I set up my ironing board (wedding present nearly 32 years ago) in the family room and watch TV. Today the cricket is on and Australia is playing against India.
I know, I know there are still christmas decorations on the kitchen table.
MAX & MICHAEL HAVE BEEN BUSY

This is what Max and Michael have been doing.
Great teamwork by Father and Son.

On 23rd December they put up the framework.
Max in the white tshirt
Michael in the blue tshirt
After a few busy days – Christmas Eve - Family Dinner
Christmas Day – Lunch with Max’s sister
Boxing day visiting my brother – 3 hour drive away
Thursday Friday helping Max’s Mum
Saturday a little more Framework
Sunday Max at work then little more framework
and purchasing of roofing.

Monday finish it off.
I certainly wouldn't be up on the roof like Max
We are really pleased with the finished thing.
Now the fun will begin.
How do I want to decorate out there??
I did suggest a chandelier but Max just looked at me and shook his head.
We’ll see. I have to put on my thinking cap now.
A GIFT FOR MY SISTER

My sister Susan and her husband John came to stay and spend New Years Eve with us.
It was a great few days we spent together.
Drinking, laughing, eating, talking and just enjoying spending time together.
While my sister was here we went to visit our 86 year old Aunt Nancy. She lives about a 20 minute drive from me and I see her weekly but my sister only sees her about 6 times a year. Nancy has been like a second mother to my sister and I since our own mother passed away 15 years ago.

Here is a photo taken on Christmas Eve of my Aunt with Riley.
While Susan was here I gave her a collage I made especially for her.
She sews costumes for a couple of Dance Schools and is always so busy with it all.
Her sewing room is always in disarray, with fabrics, pattern pieces, sequins and costumes everywhere. I have told her you have to have chaos to be able to create.
Funny how husbands don’t understand this part of creating.
The lace skirt on the top right costume is made from lace that was on her first childs bassinet. That baby is now a 37 year old man. I thought it would have sentimental value to her as due to circumstances she has no control over she has not seen him for over 5 years( when he reconciled with his wife it was conditional upon having no contact with his family – sad but true).

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL


55 comments:

Barbara Jacksier said...

I think a chandelier would be perfect but I know how men can be. How about strings of patio lites wih some cute theme?

(www.seasondreams.com/store/cart.php?m=product_list&c=44) has lots to choose from and


(www.offthedeepend.com/c-19-chinese-lanterns.aspx) has great Chinese lanterns.

Lori said...

i can't wait to see what you do with the new room, i'm sure it will be wonderful...your aunt looks like a sweetie:) and oh my how sad i am for your sister and the reason she is not able to see her son, very very terrible, i can't even imagine how painful this must be for the entire family...

BittersweetPunkin said...

Oh how sweet! I have an Aunt Nancy too!

I don't iron...LOL
Blessings,
Robin

Just Between Us Girls said...

Dear Alison,
I am just loving the porch addition. The roof is a spectacular element. OOOh I do think a chandlier would be GRAND....I saw a faux chandlier in Target here that is for a little girls room. If you could find something like that ...something weather proof ...well there you go. Love the collage and the photos of Aunt Nancy. I had an Aunt Rose like your Aunt Nancy.

Sugar Bear said...

Aunt Nancy looks like a wonderful, warm woman. Great job on the outdoor area! You will certainly get a lot of use out of that area. I'm so sorry to hear of your nephew's distance from his family. Hopefully he will realize what a void this is.
Karla

Michele Kovack said...

What a cool room! IT will be fun to decorate! Oh yea, I HATE ironing too! My hubby does his own, it was a condition of our marriage! : )

bluemuf said...

Yes, Alison I also think a chandelier would be perfect. But, if not, I'm sure you will find something great.

The collage for your sister is lovely and very thoughtful. It must be so difficult for her and the rest of the family.

Hugs Karen

Anonymous said...

I hear ya about the ironing! I try to do it as little as possible, lol.

Here's hoping 2008 will bring you all happiness!!! :)

*Hugs* Dara

Fete et Fleur said...

I love the addition!! I think a chandelier would be the finishing touch!

Your Aunt Nancy looks like a gem! What a lovely thing to share so much of her life with you and for you to love her so.

I was so sad to read about your sister and her son. I pray that somehow that situation will change soon.

Hugs! Nancy

cherished*vintage said...

Hi Alison! I'm all for the chandelier too. I love the covered porch! How wonderful for entertaining! BTW the blue sky in your photos have me dreaming of warmer days.... I'm excited to see what you add to this great new space!
-Karoline

Anonymous said...

IYou will have fun decorating that new room - can't wait to see it!
xo
Mary
hoganfe handbags

Laura Bray said...

I don't iron! I just throw whatever is wrinkled in the dryer and turn it on for a few minutes-that usually gets most of the wrinkles out! Guess I'm a pretty bad housewife!

Bristol said...

Alison- Love the collage you made your sister. Your aunt looks lovely~
Your outside area is looking great~
Bristol

Rosemary said...

Wow the room is looking good.
Can't wait to see it all finished.
I love fairy lights.
I don't usually have much ironing.
My husbands shirts get sent out.
Your aunt looks so cute, as does the baby. What a sweet present you made for her.
Happy New Year!
Rosemary

savvycityfarmer said...

Happy New Year

Thank you so much for the visit and to my daughters' blog, too...I want as many people as possible to read her cute story about the delivery.

If anyone want to pop on over and then link to the funniest birth story ever, feel free.

I feel like we're already friends.

Anonymous said...

Ooh...Ooh....Go for the chandelier!

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

I love the idea of a chandelier! I know men just don't understand, but if you convince him to put one up and you get tons of compliments, he will get it!
Penny

Christy T said...

What do I do to pass the time ironing??? Ummm... I don't iron! Hehe!

And, anything sparkly gets my vote for the extension!

Michelle said...

What fun! My mom does the same, tv and ironing! What a fun new outdoor room. Be sure and show us how you decorate. Oh, and I love your little creative corner too!

Nora Lee said...

Thanks for stopping by to see me! I love the roof on your deck and a chandelier would look great out there especially lit up at night. I spent the day with my 90 year old aunt yesterday talking about her growing up years; what a blessing to have these ladies in our lives.

Sandra
"Nora Lee's Nook"

Dee said...

Alison,
What a pleasure to meet you, and thank you for the warm welcome to blog land. I am thoroughly enjoying myself here.
20 years ago (before all this blogging stuff) I had an Australian pen pal, so this really brings back memories!
I look forward to chatting with you.
Cheers!

Anonymous said...

Found you through sweet Lidy. The only crickets we have in Southern Cal. that I know of chirp when they rub their legs together. I actually envy a stand alone ironing board. Mine is connected to a cabinet in my master. It faces a boring wall!! I wold much rather watch cricket too!!
Karen Eileen

NeereAnDear said...

I think its unanimous!! A Chandelier definitely... it really is hard to convince the guys how beautiful it would look... but keep on trying ... maybe he will get tired and give up and let you have it...

Thanks for stopping by and entering my "second chance" giveaway... so nice to meet you

Jo

Heather Grow said...

I love your blog. Your creations are so sweet and feminine. Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving a kind comment.

Laura said...

What a gifted blogger and artist you are. Your home is beautiful and your posts make me feel like we're together chatting over tea. I enjoyed the wildlife photos. The porch is great. Have fun decorating. Someone once told me I had more furniture on my porches then she had in her house. I love my veranda.
Laura

Gail McCormack said...

Hi Alison, your boys have outdone themselves, good team work going on in the Gibbs household that's for sure, I think they both look a little tall to be dodging a chandelier? You are so lucky to have Aunt Nancy, as for your sister not seeing her son....how sad, I think Christmas highlights lots of similar sad circumstances, makes you appreciate your own relationships with your family even more!

Kingswood Food and Craft Market said...

Oh Alison, men sooo dont get it do they. I'd want a chandy up there too :)
Cant wait to see it all finished.

As for ironing..UGH ...im like you, i put the tv on and iron away.

Happy new Year to you by the way :0

Luv Shann xo

SweetAnnee said...

What fun you've had..I love the creation for your sister..it's so special and thoughtful..with bits of the past.
and you new deck, patio, porch, outdoor room truly DOES need a chandelier!! Men..they just don't GET IT!!

Your aunt looks like a love bug..lucky to have her and her kindness to you.

may 2008 bless you and yours..Deena

Artifax said...

Can't wait to see how the new room develops! I kind of like the chandelier idea :)

Hope 2008 is starting off just fabulously for you!!!

Pineapple Villa said...

Hi Alison - yes i agree with you a chandelier could definitely be snuck onto that lovely deck area. I too hate ironing in fact i dont do it until i am going out, very slack indeed! I hope 2008 works out to be a great year for you all, the collage is lovely by the way, Mel xxx

oldflowers4me said...

hello darling girl- wow your world is sweet divine- singing and skipping la la la love jo

The GlitterFairy... said...

I see your offspring has been really useful, too! LOL! What a gorgeous porch!
Thanks for your funny comment!
As for ironing...I think I own an iron, but can't seem to remember what it's for... LOL again!
xo
Laurie

Linda said...

Alison, I love the new addition and a chandelier would be lovely. Call me crazy but I love to iron. I listen to music,or watch TV and I can even talk on the phone while ironing. Have a nice evening. Linda

Anonymous said...

I avoid iorning when at all possible! You will have to let us know how the decorating goes. How fun!

Susan Tuttle said...

Ironing?--what's that? Wrinkles?--commonplace on my clothes--lol!

Your deck looks amazing!

Susan
xo

blessings said...

We all have had family issues of some kind, haven't we?! Oh and I love the idea of a chandelier out there. Blessings.. POlly

Adla said...

Alison dear,
guess what, I hate ironing too...it's one of the chores I so very dread. I usually do mine infront of the tv too. The two men in your life seem super handy, lucky you..it looks great what they've done.And is'nt it wonderful spending time with the ladies in the family.Sorry to hear about your sisters story. I hope her son's wife comes to her senses soon and she'll be able to see her son :) Life is short and I think the most painful of action is that when someone interferes and serves ties with ones family member.This is really an example of my post on acceptance.May things work out for the better.

hugs, Adla

Adla said...

Oh and I forgot to add..i'm loving the songs in your music box...my favs all 3 :)

Betty said...

Alison, I usually do the same as you when I iron-watch t.v.. I also do everything to avoid it.
Your sister is lucky to have you. That board is such a sweet and sentimental present for her. I hope the new year brings a reunion for her.

Michelle said...

Ironing.. I don't like it either! I vote for the chandelier!

Happy New Year!

Michelle

Kathleen Grace said...

Oh Alison, I love the deck with the roof over it! What a great space to relax or entertain in:>) As for ironing, well, I don't iron all that much but I do kind of like doing it. I remember when I was little I loved ironing grandmas pillowcases, it was a big treat! So when I iron I dont do anything but iron and enjoy it! LOL!

Beth Leintz said...

I hate ironing too- so I got a Shark steamer- I'm not sure that its really any less work- but I do think its easier to get at all the wrinkles when a shirt is hanging-and of course you never get anything "crisp" when you steam.

Lucky you to get a new room!!!

Sandra Evertson said...

What a Wonderful piece!
Love the teeny dresses!
Sandra Evertson

Mosaic*Queen said...

I LOVE the new patio addition! I have a chandelier on my side walkway. It doesn't work, but it adds a lot of charm. I bought it at a thrift store and pulled out the wiring and spray painted it a lovely green. I always get compliments when people see it. I may add some glass jewelry to it soon.

Deb said...

What a gorgeous new room you will have! I think a chandelier sounds perfect too. Lovely photo of your Aunt & sweet Riley.
Happy New Year Alison.

The French Nest said...

Hi Alison,

Thanks for stopping by the "nest" today! I love the collage you created...it's just gorgeous!

Unknown said...

Oh, when I read your posts I feel like I can smell the coffee brewing and feel like I can sit a while. Your Aunt Nancy looks so lovely, and your little Riley is so cute. I have a sister Susan too, and we love to make things for each other. That porch looks wonderful. You are so lucky to have such a handy husband. Enjoy decorating. Blessings, Karen

12 Days of Christmas Swap said...

How sad for Susan and the family, the DIL must be a very selfish girl.
Go for the biggest chandelier, it will look great -love the new addition.
Your Aunt looks lovely.
Hugs from N.Z.
Liz

Natasha Burns said...

Happy New Year Alison!

Oh I hate ironing too and so I just don't do it, lol!

Love the patio area, wow they are so fast and productive!

I've tagged you for a little fun on my blog!

Bye for now,
Natasha : )

Dena said...

What a great room! I can't wait to see what you do with it :) Iron? In our house it's called "spritz and dry"...as in use that squirt bottle and throw it in the dryer for a few!

Hugs,
Dena

Ele at abitofpinkheaven said...

YOU MUST HAVE A CHANDELIER. How wonderful to get a new room! I will be watching to see what it looks like. I am sorry for your sister's sadness. Love your collage.

Lina said...

The baby got so big!! Just beautiful!!! Happy Happy New Year to you!

love.boxes said...

Wow! You all have been busy!

Merci-Notes said...

How wonderful to live near your aunt!!! My family is 6 hours away...if the weather is good.
I think that a chandelier is in order!!! It will add a nice touch and may go with something that he would like in the room too! I love that you have your original ironing board. I want one like my Mom has..good and heavy = stable!
I loved seeing your studio space in the previous post! all of the beautiful functional and inspirational pieces!!!!!
With Kindness,
Mary

Stephanie ~ Angelic Accents said...

Beautiful Venetian Glass mirror!

Love how that outdoor space is going to look!

Hugs,
Stephanie
Angelic Accents