OMA'S Retreat - Sylvia's Project

Here is Sylvia's twisted bargello as far as she's worked on it this weekend stopping to stitch up the layered poinsettia project.  We did not bring appropriate theads for top stitching.   I think it's the bottom left corner.  I've been anxious to see it but guess I'll have to wait longer.

OMA'S Retreat

Well I finally got organized and we slow but sure left the city for South Beach Casino where our retreat was taking place in their banquet room.  I think I'm still suffering from jet lag as I'm not my usual go go go self!  Anyways I've accomplished lots even though I'm not staying up late.  I've cut out about 30 towel tops and sewn them up with a good dozen stitched to the bought kitchen towels.  I think they are just lovely!!!  Once these are set aside I'll cut out various squares, strips and triangles of focal fabrics for my "down under" comfort throw for my living room, then I can put it all away and work on the centerpiece project Adiena thought of for this year for us to work on.  I chose Christmas and also fall fabrics and see if I can both finished today!

Adiena'S sample

Here's Sylvia frustrated with her attempt at a new project - twisted bargello with unnecessary steps that she does not like.   Finally she's figured it out and things are going more smoother.

We also are enjoying short jaunts into the casino and so far we're even but who knows what today's playing brings us, maybe some to the good!

My Retirement Gift

Thank you all who contributed to my retirement gift in May.  Yesterday Sylvia came with me and I picked up my new sewing machine.  I only had to add $85 of my own to it.  It's at home still in the box for next week's checking it out while I'm at a quilting retreat weekend.

Initially I was going for a Juki but there also was a similar model by Brother for the same price so I "test drove" both and felt more comfortable with the Brother.

All My Packages Arrived

All my packages I sent from Australia and NZ have arrived as of yesterday safe and sound. I've sorted out some gifts for a coworker and family I've seen yesterday and today and others in the next week or so.  Sure is awesome to be home in my own bed again.  Now to repack laundered clothes and head out for a quilting retreat tomorrow for the weekend with my sister!

Van not safe and sound

Well I called Gordon my mechanic friend and asked if he's finished the repairs on my van.  He said half done but bad news!  While outside between jobs it and two others were vandalized on the lot and a number within the town too that night.  Apparently the police are coming today to file the report and then he'll take it to Autopac and see what will be done.  I sure hope it's not written off as I've done some recent repairs along with his too and I'd like a couple more years before getting another used vehicle.  I'm not one for new vehicles!!!

I'm back from Down Under

I'm finally back on Canadian soil and the first thing I did when landing in Vancouver was had for Tim Hortons for chicken noodle soup for lunch.  then outside to check the weather before heading back inside to call my sisters Sylvia whom I've not had contact with the whole two months, then Florence and my girlfriend Angela before heading to checkin for my lasy flight!

Can you believe this?  They would not let me in with my 414 ml of Pepsi, so out I went to drink it on the bench oustide security I've had very little in the two months, probably could count the number on ONE HAND, and post.  I NEEDmy Pepsi fix!!!

Perth Australia - Aug 23rd-26th

As you can see Vivienne came prepared with camera for my arrival.

Once at her home I found she saved the last grapefruit for me to pick myself for my breakfast - WOW reminds me of my trip to Texas years ago doing the same thing.

Monday we took the train into Perth city and met up with Julia and had a lovely visit and lunch at Myers.  Then Vivienne and I walked around downtown before we headed back home for evening tea.

This is London Court and through it's gates there is a pedestrian shopping mall for a block or so.

Tuesday we were up early and had a cuppa and biscuits on the front deck in the lovely morning sunshine but Vivienne said was coolish.  Then we were off to King's Park and I had a ball checking out all types of flowes, shrubs and trees plus the beautiful landscapes from it.

Then we headed out along the coastline to City Beach where I wanted to chuck my shoes and roll up my pantlegs and play in the surf!!!  The only thing that stopped me was no one else was on the beach nearby and the crashing waves looked like they might have an undertow.  Vivienne was up on the sidewalk and quite a ways from the water to be of help if I was in trouble.

OHHH and I just had to show you their road signs, I'm chuckling here and there spotting the differences between countries, nevermind the language even if both are English.  Instead of Yield it's Give Way and instead of a person walking for a pedestrian crossing well it's only the legs that are allowed to cross!  There are other similarities but yet differences.  I found a card with some of their signs for my scrapbook.

Then we headed up away from the beach around the city eventually to the country areas and stopped at the Chocholate Factory and boy could I have gotten carried away here but restrained myself.  We also went next door to the tasting shed and tried some jams, sauces, chutneys, vinegars and chocolate liquers.  In the next room was wine tasting but did not go in there.

Then we headed home and stopped at a park for some trees and someone's yard for a bottlebrush flowering tree pictures, and unwound a bit before heading into Gilford for supper or evening tea.

This is Vivienne's favourite place and it sure has character plus great food and ambience!  The Rose and Crown, who's history goes back to the rolling of whiskey kegs up from the wharf ships into the cellar etc.  Yes we toured it too and saw the entrance (now bricked in) and the water well and a few other unusual things down there.  Upstairs dining rooms are full of antique furniture still used but not the phone system, that's display only.

This day Vivienne gave me some Vegmite to try on my cracker for night time tea.  Now this is an acquired taste that is for sure, but thinly appied and in small doses I found it OK, even if my expression looks otherwise.

I really hated to leave Vivienne's that is for sure.  It was great to see her various crazy patch projects up close, yes I saw them online but pictures don't do the pieces any justice, the work is so exquisite!!!  Thank you Vivienne!!!  Who knows maybe some day I'll fly back!