Busy Week!

Hi There
As usual things have been busy round these parts, this last week we have had a few visitors- Uncle Mike, Dewi & Murray over from Oz. Uncle Paul, Aunty Janice & Riki down from Te Puke. And Lisa-poor student came for Lunch ;)

Gabe had his "Going to a Wedding" Haircut :)

 

Also this weekend my little sister Kim got Married! Kim & Simon were married at the Mission in Napier, and it was a wonderful day. The Bridal party looked amazing, and the reception was filled with lots of laughter, yummy food and lots of good wine..this was followed by dancing and alot of chatting. Even Gabe was dancing! Somehow I lost my shoes so it was a long walk home,and at least this time when I left the Mission I hadn't lost Gabe, and we weren't covered in Red Wine (Remember that one Carl & Casey!!)
This week we are looking forward to a low key week, catching up on work and things round the house. There is not much sewing going on here as my machine is in getting fixed (I think its protesting at being overworked!)
We are thinking of running away for a little holiday before I start back at Massey...where to go???
Have a fun week
Nell xxxxx

We are still Here!!

Hey There!

We are in fact still here, things have been busy and I have not had access to a computer( I now have my one back), just the iPad so blogging sorta went out the window!

Fizz Checking out the New Computer

Over the past few months we have both been busy Gabe is working like crazy and I have been doing quite a few shows and custom orders!  (as well as finally making us our own quilts)

Gabe's PACMAN Quilt!

There has been no travel happening here lately apart from trips to Wellington, Greytown and Napier. And yes we are getting itchy feet. VERY itchy. We are thinking and planning something this year so stay tuned you may be getting a visit from us!
Fizz is doing well, and we are very happy to announce she has her FINAL chemo this week. It has been a long stretch but we are almost there. She has experienced alot of fur loss, but is also beginning to feel alot better and has been catching quite a few birds (and eating them), the odd cicada and even a fly! We cannot wait for when we don't have to take her to the Vets every week! The Vets and Nurses are sad that they will miss out on their weekly cuddles from Fizz, but are also very pleased that she is sooooo much better!
Last week we had a very fun Superbowl party and I made a few YUMMY things, one of the new dishes I made was "Hot Bean Dip", it was so easy to make and everyone loved it...So next time you have a crowd to feed give it a go! Its SOOOOO EASY!

Hot Bean Dip

Hot Bean Dip

1 can of re-fried beans

1 Jar of Salsa (any flavor you like)

Mix the 2 together and mix in chopped chillies or Jalapenos (what ever you can handle- we have about 3 tablespoons and it’s spicy!)

Top with grated cheese and pop in a 180 degree oven for approx 15min until cheese is melted

Top the Bean dip with any of the following (Whatever you like- We like the works!)

Chopped Avocado

Chopped Tomatoes

Chopped Jalapenos

Chopped Olives

Chopped Capsicum

Chopped Spring Onions

Sour Cream

Serve with a big bowl of Corn chips

Any way better go and do some sewing!
I will be back!
Nell

Study, Shows and Miss Fizz!

Hi there
yep things are still going at the crazy hectic pace that we like to call our life!
I have exams over the next couple of weeks and a show in Haumoana so I am stressed to say the least!

Quick Fizz update, she is doing well! Here blood cell count is looking really good and the "R" word has been spoken but we don't want to jinx it yet, so we will wait a little longer... Yesterday she put up such a fight to go into her cage she had all her claws locked into Gabe's Jersey and I had her by the scruff of the neck, we finally got her in. When I got to the vets I told them to watch out as she was very feisty today and sure enough they had to moderately sedate her as she was trying to pull her IV lines out! She was very groggy when she got home and was walking like we do when we have had too much wine! Today she is back to her normal cuddly advetourous self!
Gabe is busy with work- When is he not??  He also brought me a new sewing machine on the weekend as my old one was playing up! (And he didn't like that it was noisy!!)
Any way I better go study!
Take Care
Nell, Gabe & Fizz

Fizz with Cobwebs on her whiskers!

Grouchy Ladybird Quilt going to the show

Sesame Street Quilt going to the show

Timeout.

Hey There!

Gabe and I have taken a few days out in Kuratau( by Lake Taupo).
Our first day here Gabe said to me its too quiet, can you do some sewing?? Yes i had brought my sewing machine with me! I have 2 shows in the next couple of months and need to make some more things!
By day two we were enjoying the peace and quiet, have been doing study( and Gabe has been working), going for walks by the lake, eating yummy food, drinking wine and enjoying spending time together. Day three has been similar to day two and we are thunking we could move here! Its soooo peaceful and we seem to be more productive here without heaps of distractions that are back home, may have to look out for a cheap bach!
No photos this week as i am writing this on my ipad..maybe next week :)

Take Care!
Nell and Gabe :)

Google Maps may help most people but not me..

Hey There

Just a quick post from me this week as things are abit crazy around here!
Fizz is doing well with her chemo and is almost back to her normal self, right now she is sleeping on the quilt batting I just brought!
Gabe has reached his deadline so is a little less stressed, but still working around the clock! We are planning on going somewhere next week- even if it is to go camping for a few days so we can sit back and do NOTHING!
I have exams starting in a month, and also am attenting the Haumoana Market Day on the 6th of November, so am crazy busy sewing :)
Your probably wondering what does this have to do with google maps..I am getting there! I thought of a funny story that I thought I would share with y'all..
In singapore we had some time to spare and Gbae being the thoughtful husband said "Shall we go to one of the quilt shops you want to go to?" I of course said yes.."Do you know how to get there?" Gabe asked me, I replied that i had the address and that I "have google maps on the ipad so of course I can get us there".
If you ever hear me say this to you just stop me there. Say No. Take over all map controls.
Gabe and I have been through this many many many times, and every time we go away I think I can do it.

But I can't.
I don't know what I do..this time I didn't lock the screen and also think I touched the transit directions(we were walking)..it sent us on what can only be described as a wild goose chase..in 37degree heat.
Gabe did take over and we did get to the shop...eventally. I brought him a beer afterwards and we laughed about it, and I did not use a map for the rest of the trip.

Moral of the story is I am usless with maps, even with google maps. Do not trust me with a map.

Any way I better go and do some sewing before my dentist appointment. Yep I am off there again I have a tooth that is giving me crap, it feels like a electrical pulse in my mouth!
Take Care and we look forward to hearing from ya!
Nell, Gabe & Fizz

P.S How do I get to the dentist??

Home From Singapore!

Hey!!

We are home and still a little jetlagged, but are slooooowly getting back into the swing of things. I have just finished unpacking the suitcases ( On to the bed..that counts right??), just about done all of the washing, slowly getting back into sewing (I have so much to do I don't know where to start!), and have been catching up with Cain and Ikuho who have moved back from Japan!

Singapore was nice and hot, and it was fun to get away and do some new things- Salvador Dali & Chinese Terracotta warrior exhibition, eat lots of Yummy food, drink ridicoulsy oversized drinks, laugh at crazy signs/packaging and just enjoy each others company!

Frozen Strawberry Margerita..Yep I got Brain Freeze!

Gabe with his Crazy Huge Beer!

Marina Bay

Merlion

Salvador Dali

Chinese Terracotta Warriors

Fizz was happy to see us when we got home, and we took her for her weekly vet appointment yesterday, she has lost weight (120gm), which doesn't sound like alot, but for a 4kg cat its quite abit. So we are trying all sorts to get her to eat- tonight she is having salmon! Gabe said he will get her fish from the fish shop tomorrow! One spolit cat! So any tips will be welcomed!
Any way I better get sewing- I have orders to fill!
Hope you are well and we would love to hear from anyone!
Take Care

Nell, Gabe & Fizz xoxoxo

Bumpits...WTF??

Be Safe- Run For the train..and put your lips in to stop terrorists??

Be Safe- Don't climb down to retrieve your items off the track. Take your pants off and make a laso. That's excatly what I would do to...Yeah Right!

Singapore

Hey there
I know I keep on saying I will get better at posting here but I don't! Things have been normal...crazy busy!

Fizz has stared Chemo as the cancer cells are in her blood and they think they can put her into remission by doing this which will give her a good chance at living a normal life, if we didn't do anything she may have only lived for a couple of months, so we are giving her the best chance at living a happy life! She has been going well with the treatments so far with little side effects :) (And before you ask no cats don't loose their fur!) Cain is now home from Japan and is looking after her while we are away, and a friend Dave is taking her to Chemo each week, so she has lots of people looking after her!

My first show went well, sold a few quilts, bibs and bags! Also got some custom orders as well! The same weekend I double booked myself and also had a Birthday cake to make for Luke who turned 2! Luckily Uncle Gabe was able to deliver the cake and enjoy the party while I was busy at the show. I have applied for a couple more shows as well so will keep you posted!

Luke's 2nd Birthday Cake

Luke guarding his cake!

Any way yes we are in Singapore again, Gabe is teaching here for the third time. It hasn't changed, its hot, busy, has far too many malls but has alot of yummy food, beer, electronics and fabric, so we are both happy! We found a MASSIVE electronics expo on an went to it, its called Comex and goes for 3-4 days, it was insanley busy. It was over 4 floors and you could hardly move, there were crazy deals and people were busy up a storm, we could hardly get in to some of the stalls it was so busy. They estimated that over 800,000 people attended this year! Gabe is teaching in the mornings, so we have the afernoons and evenings to go on adventures! While Gabe is busy teaching I am doing my study at the apartment keeping cool under the air-con ;)

Any way Gabe is due back any minute so I better head off!
Take Care
Nell xxxxx

The Turtles at Singapore polytech..there is a new baby this year!

I think this looks like a Batman building...