Pete loves his new hat and it even has a fly net for over it. It has been 18 years since the girls were here last and this is Pete's first trip to Oz.
Friday, June 29, 2018
My House with Elastic Walls
Last night Kiran and Pete arrived to join Kate for travels in Oz. It was great to catch up with them over dinner and enjoy a glass of Baileys together.
Pete loves his new hat and it even has a fly net for over it. It has been 18 years since the girls were here last and this is Pete's first trip to Oz.
Pete loves his new hat and it even has a fly net for over it. It has been 18 years since the girls were here last and this is Pete's first trip to Oz.
Monday, June 25, 2018
A very full day
Yesterday started as my normal singing in St Stephens in Macquarie then lunch at Mum's. While there we had a surprise visit from Ed, Jenny and little Alby. He is so tiny and calm.
What a joy!
Then I returned home to a bit of time with Geoff in the garden before his family arrived for dinner. We were joined by Arianne, Leigha and Trish. I was presented with a beautiful table runner made by Trish (for my birthday). Thank you Trish.
Kate arrived home for dinner too so in all we had 9 people around the table with lots of chatter and entertainment by the two tiny girls.
What a delight!
I went to bed absolutely exhausted and even cancelled my 7:30am gym and turned off the alarm to be sure I got a sleep in today. Ellen must have had ESP as she called me just after I'd woken and was lying cosy in bed to tell me how she loves her new unit (she moved in yesterday so could not join us for dinner) and has even unpacked all her stuff and settled well.
What a fabulous day!
What a joy!
Then I returned home to a bit of time with Geoff in the garden before his family arrived for dinner. We were joined by Arianne, Leigha and Trish. I was presented with a beautiful table runner made by Trish (for my birthday). Thank you Trish.
Kate arrived home for dinner too so in all we had 9 people around the table with lots of chatter and entertainment by the two tiny girls.
What a delight!
I went to bed absolutely exhausted and even cancelled my 7:30am gym and turned off the alarm to be sure I got a sleep in today. Ellen must have had ESP as she called me just after I'd woken and was lying cosy in bed to tell me how she loves her new unit (she moved in yesterday so could not join us for dinner) and has even unpacked all her stuff and settled well.
What a fabulous day!
Friday, June 15, 2018
Happy Birthday to my darling daughter
On Wednesday my darling daughter turned 40! We enjoyed a great dinner together with the boys and a few friends...
Alex had to kneel down to fit in the photo. He is growing beautifully tall and handsome. Luke is not yet topping me but it won't be long before he also towers over me.
Alex had to kneel down to fit in the photo. He is growing beautifully tall and handsome. Luke is not yet topping me but it won't be long before he also towers over me.
A Weekend of Music and Patchwork
Over the last long weekend I joined the Chorus Oz (Sydney Philharmonia) Choir to enjoy singing for two days. One day was a rehearsal in Pitt St Uniting Church and the Sunday was spent in the Opera House, giving our performance on Sunday evening. I wore my coat decorated with all the Tshirts we've been given over the last 12 years and whilst having lunch on the Sunday Jacqui from Sydney Philharmonia too some photos...
It was an amazing two days only marred by the long walk up Macquarie Street afterward and the crowds from Vivid. What a pity they did not all come to hear us as well.
On Monday I spent the day at home finishing off my pink quilt getting it ready for a competition in September. It won't win any prizes but at least it used up some of my pink fabrics of which I have far too many.
It was an amazing two days only marred by the long walk up Macquarie Street afterward and the crowds from Vivid. What a pity they did not all come to hear us as well.
On Monday I spent the day at home finishing off my pink quilt getting it ready for a competition in September. It won't win any prizes but at least it used up some of my pink fabrics of which I have far too many.
Wednesday, May 30, 2018
Back-Hip-Leg issues
Well crunch time has come! I eventually found the name of my original orthopedic surgeon who told me in 2010 that my hip was not ready for replacement yet and to come back when it broke and he would fix it. I decided to go back to him and tell him it was not broken but has been giving me almost constant pain for some years now despite regular massage, physio, pilates, personal trainer and paracetamol. He took one look at the xray and asked when I wanted it done. While I could have said next year, I just thought the sooner the better would probably be the best option.
So I am booked in for mid July to have a hip replacement.
The doctor I saw two years ago booked me in for one and was only going to keep me in hospital for one night then send me home to an empty house. I had thought that was a bit dodgy so called off the surgery. I'd forgotten the name of my original surgeon. He says 4-5 days in hospital then 1-2 weeks in rehab which I could do from home with a daily drive but as I will not be able to drive I am choosing to take the live-in option at the hospital for as long as appropriate.
This of course will cause issues for all sorts of obligations. My most disappointing one will be that I will not be able to look after Heather twice a week. This means she will start kindy but at least will be with Ivy. She would have started next year anyway but I just love having her and watching her grow. Geoff is about to start a new job and will not be able to take leave to look after her.
I'll be able to go back to collecting the boys after school as soon as I can drive so that will only be 6 weeks or so but Ellen is giving me 3 months.
In fact there would be no good time that would suit all the family so I'm just doing it. I hope to be back to almost normal activities by Christmas and look forward to joining the choir at church again in time for the Christmas music. Then I hope to enjoy a Gerroa holiday without the usual hobble to the beach. I am having to forego a singing workshop in Goulburn in August and my planned holiday to the Flinders Ranges in October which is another disappointment but I'm sure there will be other holiday opportunities in the future that I'll be able to enjoy properly.
As I will not be allowed to drive for 6 weeks after the op and then may not be able to drive for a while I will be a bit housebound once I come home from rehab. If you fancy visiting or having a pop-up sewing day just let me know and I'll let you know how I am faring. I think the things I might need help with might include pottering in the garden, dealing with washing, sharing a meal. I will have Arianne here at least two nights a week to help so that will be excellent.
I pray that I will have a good recovery and that it will not take too long.
So I am booked in for mid July to have a hip replacement.
The doctor I saw two years ago booked me in for one and was only going to keep me in hospital for one night then send me home to an empty house. I had thought that was a bit dodgy so called off the surgery. I'd forgotten the name of my original surgeon. He says 4-5 days in hospital then 1-2 weeks in rehab which I could do from home with a daily drive but as I will not be able to drive I am choosing to take the live-in option at the hospital for as long as appropriate.
This of course will cause issues for all sorts of obligations. My most disappointing one will be that I will not be able to look after Heather twice a week. This means she will start kindy but at least will be with Ivy. She would have started next year anyway but I just love having her and watching her grow. Geoff is about to start a new job and will not be able to take leave to look after her.
I'll be able to go back to collecting the boys after school as soon as I can drive so that will only be 6 weeks or so but Ellen is giving me 3 months.
In fact there would be no good time that would suit all the family so I'm just doing it. I hope to be back to almost normal activities by Christmas and look forward to joining the choir at church again in time for the Christmas music. Then I hope to enjoy a Gerroa holiday without the usual hobble to the beach. I am having to forego a singing workshop in Goulburn in August and my planned holiday to the Flinders Ranges in October which is another disappointment but I'm sure there will be other holiday opportunities in the future that I'll be able to enjoy properly.
As I will not be allowed to drive for 6 weeks after the op and then may not be able to drive for a while I will be a bit housebound once I come home from rehab. If you fancy visiting or having a pop-up sewing day just let me know and I'll let you know how I am faring. I think the things I might need help with might include pottering in the garden, dealing with washing, sharing a meal. I will have Arianne here at least two nights a week to help so that will be excellent.
I pray that I will have a good recovery and that it will not take too long.
Monday, May 28, 2018
Underhill is so so dry
Last weekend Geoff, Jen, Ivy, Heather, Ponyo, Elaine and I went for an overnight visit to Underhill, ready to brave the cold. It is oh so dry.
Geoff had arranged for a straw bale delivery on Saturday morning and everyone helped to put a single layer around the lower end of the central drive yard to try to catch a bit of water and deter animals from burrowing under.
Ivy was a great help with wiping up and is so organised in the way she did her job. She had a real sense of mission in the task.
She also had fun with "yucky doll" who has now disintegrated quite badly and has been put in a safe place. It has been such a treasure for two generations now.
Heather just loves being at Underhill and Ponyo is so good with her. When Heather takes herself on a little adventure Ponyo keeps her company without actually disturbing the procedure.
We go lots of work done - burning off, rigging up the portable fridge to the solar system, planning and starting some more tank water management systems, and clearing out the accumulated bits and pieces from the scullery and the tool shed. Thank you Elaine for all your help.
Geoff had arranged for a straw bale delivery on Saturday morning and everyone helped to put a single layer around the lower end of the central drive yard to try to catch a bit of water and deter animals from burrowing under.
Ivy was a great help with wiping up and is so organised in the way she did her job. She had a real sense of mission in the task.
She also had fun with "yucky doll" who has now disintegrated quite badly and has been put in a safe place. It has been such a treasure for two generations now.
Heather just loves being at Underhill and Ponyo is so good with her. When Heather takes herself on a little adventure Ponyo keeps her company without actually disturbing the procedure.
We go lots of work done - burning off, rigging up the portable fridge to the solar system, planning and starting some more tank water management systems, and clearing out the accumulated bits and pieces from the scullery and the tool shed. Thank you Elaine for all your help.
Saturday, May 19, 2018
Orphan Blocks and Bits and Pieces
I have just used a lot of orphan blocks to create my latest quilt - Dancing Gorillas. I hope you like it Jenny.
Jenny donated the gorillas with mid green borders a few years ago. Now where should I send it?
Jenny donated the gorillas with mid green borders a few years ago. Now where should I send it?
Wednesday, April 25, 2018
Red Squares
Another quilt finished. This time for Desley and Jack and their grandchildren. I've called it Red Squares.
Saturday, March 31, 2018
My Chook Scraps quilt wins a prize!
I arrived home from Norway to find that my Chook Scraps quilt had won a prize at the Milton Show! I now have a prize winning quilt.
On the back I have attached some of Surrey's winning ribbons for his Silkies shown at the Berry Show years ago.
What a hoot!
On the back I have attached some of Surrey's winning ribbons for his Silkies shown at the Berry Show years ago.
What a hoot!
Wednesday, March 21, 2018
CFT Northern Lights - Oslo to Dubai to Sydney
Saturday 17 March
Basically just off to the airport after breakfast today for our flight to Dubai, arriving in our beds at about 2:30am exhausted and with swollen ankles.
Sunday 18 March
Up for breakfast then we both went back to bed for a few hours. A late lunch of apple streudel and hot chips then a repack of our bags to try to get everything crammed into our booked in luggage. Mine ended up only 22 kg but absolutely chockers.
At 5 pm we went downstairs to meet Karen who is currently living in Dubai. She joined us for dinner then we all went to church (traditional Anglican service) at the Holy Trinity church in the churches compound in the city. Lots of hymns and sung responses. Home by 9:30 pm.
Monday 19 March
Early call at 5:45 am then a box breakfast to collect as we boarded the bus to the airport. Again the morning was spent at the airport then in the plane for our 14 hour flight home. I watched The Glass Castle and 6 Below and did not sleep much because of the family of jack-in-the-boxes opposite and in front who did not stop talking loudly and walking around all night. I was able to get a bit of silent music practice done for Easter and Chorus Oz.
Tuesday 20 March
Arrived at 7:30 am and had a very quick customs clearance. I was home by about 8:45 am quite dazed and jet lagged.
Basically just off to the airport after breakfast today for our flight to Dubai, arriving in our beds at about 2:30am exhausted and with swollen ankles.
Sunday 18 March
Up for breakfast then we both went back to bed for a few hours. A late lunch of apple streudel and hot chips then a repack of our bags to try to get everything crammed into our booked in luggage. Mine ended up only 22 kg but absolutely chockers.
At 5 pm we went downstairs to meet Karen who is currently living in Dubai. She joined us for dinner then we all went to church (traditional Anglican service) at the Holy Trinity church in the churches compound in the city. Lots of hymns and sung responses. Home by 9:30 pm.
Monday 19 March
Early call at 5:45 am then a box breakfast to collect as we boarded the bus to the airport. Again the morning was spent at the airport then in the plane for our 14 hour flight home. I watched The Glass Castle and 6 Below and did not sleep much because of the family of jack-in-the-boxes opposite and in front who did not stop talking loudly and walking around all night. I was able to get a bit of silent music practice done for Easter and Chorus Oz.
Tuesday 20 March
Arrived at 7:30 am and had a very quick customs clearance. I was home by about 8:45 am quite dazed and jet lagged.
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| Photo courtesy CFT |
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