Thursday 28 May 2009

Hong Kong Blog

OK the new Hong Kong blog is up and running. We're leaving veeerrryyy early tomorrow morning.

Check us out at http://thehktimes.wordpress.com/

Thursday 21 May 2009

Hong Kong continued....

I'll be starting a blog for all non knitting related things and our life in Hong Kong soon...keep 'em peeled!

HONG KONG!!!

OK so it's official! We're moving to....HONG KONG! YEAH!!

It's been in the making for the past six months and we've been sitting ducks in South Africa ever since. Visas took quite a while as well as company registrations, etc.. So we finally got the good news that they were approved yesterday and we'll be flying out stat! So far our family and friends have been crying and/ or upset at the news. They all knew of the proposed move but as it's taken so long, they've probably hoped it wasn't happening anymore. But alas, news is in and we're leaving in a week.
I have so much to organised and to pack. We've had to buy quite a few things while here as we were unprepared for the weather. So I'll probably leave some clothes here. I've been taking pictures of patterns in books that I've bought and still want to knit. That way I will have them on me instead of a heavy book.

As yet, we don't have anywhere to stay and don't know anyone either. I'm both scared and excited. We're just waiting for the visas to arrive here and then have to book tickets, book hotel, start saying goodbye, etc.

Of course my knitting to-do list is now obsolete. I'll only get to finish the bedsocks and maybe the Matilda shawl( though I can take it with me). But free time will be few and far between.

And in all the excitement, the Rockstar fell ill yesterday. Nausea, gas, fever. I don't know what it could be as we've been eating exactly the same things except for a little tub of yoghurt that he had. He couldn't celebrate properly yesterday. Hopefully he feels better today. I think it will be toast with peanut butter and herbal tea for him this morning. He didn't eat at all yesterday.

Anyway, planning to start feverishly today! EEK!

Tuesday 19 May 2009

So much to do...

OK so suddenly my life is a list of knitting priorities! When did this happen...
So in order of 'delivery date', my list of knitting at present:
1. Aunt Alm's Dorm Boots by Brenda Zuk for a male friend ( who requested them!), my mother, my SIL and the Rockstar who stole the finished pair for said male friend. I've completed a pair for my mother.
2. The Matilda shawl for other SIL. This one is my second in line when my fingers get bored of the bedsocks.
3. Winter jacket for Tammy the dog. I'm thinking of using Side Button Down Dog Sweater by labpugglechi as Tammy struggles so buttons would make things a bit easier.
4. Leftovers Baby Socks by Matthew Hesson-McInnis for little Megan and Zoe. Knitted with leftovers.
5. A scarf for Zoe though I haven't decided on a pattern yet. Her mom requested something bright. I'm kinda thinking in the line of a rainbow but...
6. Just threw out about 9 pairs of the Rockstars old boxers but decided to recycle rather. So will cut them into strips for a possible bag.
7. I have some lovely turquoise Vinni's bamboo yarn and would like a neck shawl thingy for myself.

Clearly, I'm the least important as seen on the list. But hey...as long as people like hand knits I won't complain.
Oh and as a very long term project: Sock Yarn Blanket by Shelly Kang. Love this!

Otherwise, not much going on in South Africa. Weather has been unpredictable. Today it's about 23 degrees c but was absolutely storming on the weekend. We had a quiet giggle as everyone seems to think it's freezing though only 17 degrees and nothing compared to UK winters! Such babies! haha! So today I'll be taking advantage of drier weather and will be doing the washing..yeah...

Oh and the Rockstar has suddenly decided that he is fat. So booked a personal trainer today ( I got roped in too) and we'll be starting on Monday. So expect a lot of moaning about sore legs and arms and the rest of it.
Furthermore, got roped into a cut and 'creative colour' tomorrow at the local hair salon. Now that should be interesting!

This is autumn in Paarl, South Africa. Lovely!

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And a night shot of the vineyards with Stellenbosch in the background. Take on a looooong exposure.
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Enjoy the week!

Tuesday 12 May 2009

Animal Shelter


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Originally uploaded by kietiekat

Animal Shelter


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Originally uploaded by kietiekat
Hi!!!

Animal Shelter - Puppy


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Originally uploaded by kietiekat

Animal Shelter - Kitties


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Originally uploaded by kietiekat
Very wild little kitties!

Animal Shelter


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Originally uploaded by kietiekat

Animal Shelter


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Originally uploaded by kietiekat
Whatcha got there??

Animal Shelter


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Originally uploaded by kietiekat
She's my favourite! Just look at those eyes!

Animal Shelter


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Originally uploaded by kietiekat
Puppy madness in the puppy camp..

Animal Shelter


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Originally uploaded by kietiekat
Pick me PICK ME!

Animal Shelter


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Originally uploaded by kietiekat
Older boy in the run

Animal Shelter


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Originally uploaded by kietiekat
All this guy wanted was to get onto you somehow. Wether he's on your lap, shoulder, leg...he just wanted hooman contact!

Animal Shelter - Shepherd


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Originally uploaded by kietiekat
Quite a sad dog but beautiful. I think a bit lonely too!

Animal Shelter - Foxy and fluff


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Originally uploaded by kietiekat
This is Foxy the foxterrier and Fluff the maltese. Fluff has very little hair due to a skin infection. Foxy is very loving.

Animal Shelter - Mini puppy


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Originally uploaded by kietiekat
This mini fluffball decided to take a nap inside my track top. So cute and super hyper! I thought she'd never calm down. She's about 3 months old and was picked up on the street-one large matted hairball.

Friday 8 May 2009

Knitting update....** pic heavy**

I've completed the test crochet shawl-Dragonfly, and it has turned out quite nice. I've decided that it will go to a friend who is desperate to learn how to knit so hopefully this will be a bit of inspiration.

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The pattern wasn't that difficult though my arm does hurt if I crochet for a while ( I have a wonky arm). Anyway, so pain aside, I've changed tack and switched patterns. The shawl for my SIL will now be the Matilda by Kate Blackburn ( as stated in previous posts). I've started and really like the pattern.

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In my next post I'll be bombarding you with puppy pics. I've spent another few days at the Animal shelter volunteering/ socializing with the dogs and cats. So be ready!! Cute overload!

Misty evenings 2


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Originally uploaded by kietiekat

Misty evenings


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Originally uploaded by kietiekat
This was taken from our balcony at about 11h30 at night on a loooong exposure. I accidently took one with the auto flash on and am sure I blinded a bat! Yikes! Sorry!

Tuesday 5 May 2009

Plodding along...

I finished the Dragonfly shawl last night after a mad rush mainly cause I have so many requests from knitted items, I can't keep up. Right now, its blocking on a towel and old futon and was pretty much dry this morning when I left. But I wanted to make sure that it was dry as a bone before taking the pins out. The actual pattern has evened out nicely with blocking-more than I had hoped. I have to admit that I was worried about my tension as I substituted the yarn for a thicker sock yarn available locally. No chance of finding lace weight anything over here. But my fears were unfounded when I blocked it out. So pics to follow as soon as I can get around the painter to the camera in the room. ( Painters = headaches). We been sleeping in the lounge ( the Rockstar on the couch and me on said futon) in the hopes of getting away from the toxic paint fumes. It's really been a headache ( no pun intended).

In the meantime, I've started another shawl for my sister-in-law. This time I'm knitting the Matilda by Kate Blackburn. I really like the geometric look of this pattern as opposed to the more organic patterns in the Swallowtail for example ( though I DO like the Swallowtail, don't get me wrong). She has requested a black colour. I started the shawl last night and have already made a major mistake, and being lace knitting, resulted in me frogging back further than I wanted. I struggled to pick up the yo's. I'll have to resort to lifelines again-just to save my sanity. So far though( about 4" in, it looks great.) This may be one of those shawls that I would rather keep for myself. Meh....
The weather is changing for the worst. ( Worst in South Africa being minimum 12 degrees celsius). We are pretty lucky in that we are out in Paarl which tends to have it's own micro climate. When it rains in Cape Town CBD, its normally a few degrees hotter over here. And the frogs have noticed the change in weather too. They have stopped singing for us...I liked them!



Oh and I painted my nails black just for the hell of it...feeling very rebellious today! HA!