Its all about the birds

The birds were fascinating especially the bower bird. I was watching him build his nest or his bower. He carefully wove and placed each stalk of grass into perfect position to make this amazing shaped nest. And of course they are famous for their collection of items in this case blue things , but it must be the right blue or they are not interested. 

Bower Bird

We couldn't have our breakfast until we fed the birds. These birds are all wild and not caged in any way but they have learned to trust people so much that they will eat from your hand and sit on your head ..Ha Ha ..

Queen Mary Falls- Killarney Queensland

We hooked up the caravan ( my little home unit on wheels)  and headed to Queen Mary Falls near Killarney. It is at the top of the great divide not far from Warwick. Well I was not disappointed. I have wanted to go there for a while. It is a beautiful part of the world.

Pre - Christmas in the Caravan

All set up for the grand kids to visit us and guess who arrived....We made a dinosaur garden with chocolate play-dough and of course we had some cuddles.

More Christmas

Two of my favourite  Georg Jensen decorations 

This one was given to me by a very special Danish Exchange student, Kathrine 

I love making a baked ham.. so easy, so nice

I hosted our staff room Christmas dinner 

My place at Christmas

Fire place decorating is done.  Fake snow to help me dream of the real stuff Friday through to Monday when our forecast ranges from 41-43 degrees Celsius for 4 days in a row... eek

Left   Lucy (2 years)  great niece                         Evelyn (3 Years) granddaughter

 I will leave you with this ......The look on this  little girls face when the decoration box is opened and the Christmas tree is taken out of storage and its time to decorate.......priceless.

Secret Santa Swap

A little peek 

Stitching my SSCS swap

All wrapped up and is on the sleigh

My beautiful grandchildren - no tears in this Santa Photo

A beautiful Weekend

Visiting these two makes my weekend

Whenever I visit this little one, cooking is a big thing for us. This time we made gingerbread men.

Nundle 2016 November

If you want a weekend of beautiful roses and patchwork fun go to "Cottage on the Hill" at Nundle and stay at Fossickers Tourist Park and you will love it.

A fox quilt for my grandson- a very simple one but fun 

Same for baby Lucy - but in pretty Pinks 

Di's beautiful baby quilt and close up below

Can't resist a snow tiger face 

From the Beginning

The last week has been  very busy one .  I don't seem to have been able to get to my sewing room. Well really its been like that for a while. I don't know the time ,the mojo , the family commitments or what??  But anyway I hope to get there today...

 My mum and my dad have needed a bit of care and support this past week both suffering a very bad chest infection .  Dad ended up in hospital for a week. 

Dad has been becoming more confused lately and has now been diagnosed with Alzheimer Disease.  So I guess this means they will need more support now and into the future. I love them dearly and hate to see my dad going from a tough hard working, very proud man to this.   Life just sux sometimes.  I know there are many people who suffer this shocking disease and I feel for everyone of them and their families. 

Well enough of that...just feeling sad about it.

Every time I go to my laundry I see this wall hanging. This was what inspired me to get into patchwork and quilting in about 2003. How things have changed since then. I love this craft and  I especially love shopping and looking (ha ha) and like many of you have got a lot in my stash to finish. BUT I will get there, I am yet to retire.

Looking back 

My first applique quilt... terrible really.. I tried machine applique for the first time. I look at it now and think how did I think that was Ok ,but I hung it on the wall.  I cannot get rid of it though so it now lives in my laundry.

Then a few years later.  "The wonder of spring"  By Natalie Bird

Hand blanket stitched this time  much more improved don't you think? I love this quilt. 

Then the leap to needle turn applique . My first needle turn " Leanne's House is waiting for quilting.

But this quilt below is  "Nature's Journey" by Anni Downs.  I love it too my taste is changing. I love Anni's work.

 

Tuesday Night Sewing

I had a lovely night sewing with my friends on Tuesday. Jo had been to Ireland and bought us back a beautiful thimble.

In our group we are working on Foxly Village by Natalie bird. She used Tilda fabrics and I think its just beautiful. Mine will have some Tilda and some others.

Gail bought me these beautiful roses. The red ones have the most beautiful scent.