Festive Season

Doesn't the year just gallop at this time (and has the horse bolted?)
We are having Christmas breakfast with our daughter and her partner...she has taken the reigns this year (keeping to the equine flavour of the post) and then we are home alone!
Our son is in China still studying post grad, but now looking for work in Shanghai. The outlaws are all involved with their immediate offspring and the upspring (my MIL) is going interstate.
I plan to sit down for a long read, some snoozing, and having a languid day overall.
This and the next week are consumed with 'must catch up before Xmas' events. Why, oh why don't we spread the cheer a little further over the year before I start my bah humbug feeling?
For all those celebrating whatever...enjoy the moment. And from me and mine to you and yours, have a good and safe time. And share a happy thought with me and those around you.

2 in a day?

No, just me accidentally hitting the wrong button!

December

Yes I have been off the airwaves for entirely personal reasons. Think I am on top of most of it now.
Just where has this year gone?

Off'n'on

Have been backwards and forwards from the old to the new computer.
Because I went to Windows 7 and 64 bit encryption for my new CS5 software, I have been updating drivers and lots of stuff (!!!) that I really did not want to have to play around with...what price progress?
I will say I love my new large monitor; I can survive without specs when I need to.And watching movies (sewing related of course) is fantastic.
Now I just have to work out what I have done to my font on the blog............mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

3 days in a row!!

Well, my endeavours to date are starting to pay off with the new computer. I'm not welded to the seat yet, and have successfully transferred much of my data from the laptop...that's success in my language!

Can't work out iTunes yet....you know how Apples like Apples and not PCs: can still play what I have on my iPhone...do I really want to have another interface?????
In between, am creating a magazine project for next year.
I think some people are truly surprised when they realize just how far out you work to publishing deadlines and schedules. It is always a bit weird working in woolen fabrics in the middle of summer for a winter project.
Anyway, back to the other demand of the day

Sucker for punishment!

Bear with me for a few days while I work out which end is up--me or the computer!

Re-installing programmes has its moments ( as well as those things I should not say out loud). My Internet security is telling me it's on-no it's not-yes it is....get the drift? And it won't work with the browser I had, so more time spent on that particular time wasting exercise.

Why do I do it????????????????????????

Updating my Blogging Skills

Playing with the new computer ...

Challenges of one kind and another

Am backing up all my computer files at the moment before I have a new one installed. Am going back to a desk top with 2 monitors this time so that I can get up and racing in new software and drawing programmes, in preparation for more  professional eBooks.

What a challenge!!!!!!!!!!!   Cleaning up my current workspace has unearthed some now vintage software: did I really buy Encyclopaedia Britannica on disc? And boxes of floppy discs and an external disc drive.

I won't admit to some of the other stuff I have! I was looking at just what pre dated Google and how astonishingly far we have come technologically in such a short time.

If I am unavailable or eBooks are ordered, bear with me until I work out what's what.

URGHHHHHHHHH...why do I do it to myself?

The domino effect

I have had my own annus horribulus this year, with some of the older members of the family deciding to exit to another (hopefully better) place and working on some relationships and family things. YUK, YUK, YUK!

Then the flu...down for 7 days in bed, up too soon of course and then a second round of recovery.

2 uncles interstate in the last 2 weeks! Always a chance to catch up with extended family but more sadly, I am sure I have seen some of the oldies for the last time. I am usually a glass half full person, but the glass has been pretty empty recently!

However, I am back working again, doing some of those things that were on my agenda "some" time ago. Moving forward again.

Travel with me

Have been marking time this week, getting lots of goodies ready for my teaching stint in Victoria (Aus) in February. I have 8 out of 9 days in a row in and around Hall's Gap. Check it out (Where's Anne and click on the link) as I think there are still a few spots left in some classes.
Am looking forward to my meandering drive south, via some of my favourite places...the organic licorice/chocolate factory (Green Grove) in Junee, staying and playing with a friend in Wagga Wagga, organic bakery in Uranquinty, lunch with my cousin in Talgarno, via Wangaratta and wineries/cheeseries/olive groves, overnighting somewhere rural, always fun in those small country towns and then meandering down to the Grampians and Hall's Gap.
Check out Google maps if you want to have a metaphoric journey with me. Yes, I know it's 3 weeks off, but I really love going bush.
Am back to my packing and preparing goodies...a ton of work, believe me! But worth the time investment for the outcomes.

Little bugs

When I had 330 emails in my spam folder (from the same Viagra seller!) the other day, I decided blogging and working at the computer was not a great option! I suspect it was my fault, going to reply to what I thought was a known address...who knows? I keep saying if it was a sewing machine or overlocker I could sort it.
My computer has been sick with a virus and has had computer medication but I think it still has a malingering bug.
Some emails addressed to me at anne@annevanderkley.com are reading as gibberish, so if you have signed up to my newsletter I might not have picked up the email. In that instance, try emailing me at annevanderkley@optusnet.com.au
Will have to talk to my computer gurus again about this...but I tried to make my deadline for blogging!!

New Year

First and belatedly foremost, a Happy New Year to you all.
Is it really January 12th already?
I never make resolutions, because when I used to, I did as I do in life & try to do too much, disappointing everyone but namely myself.
So, the infrequent blogger is going to try and blog a couple of times a week (is that safe??).
I have had the pleasure of seeing my friend Judith from the US for a short time while she was in NSW...she is a tireless traveller with an energy that puts me to shame. We met over sewing machines in Naples, Florida, a stunning part of the world. Judith is now accomplishing fantastic work with beading and Precious Metal Clay (PMC) and is inspiring me a little too much already....do I have time to take on another pursuit?
Sadly, the Downunder from Upover trip will not happen this year. Let's blame the gods of too busy rather than the economy so we all feel OK about it.
And I was going to visit some of my favourite but unknown places....ahh, another day.
So blog #1 is done.One achievement at least!