I’m writing this with my computer propped on my knees as we drive back from Victoria, I don’t really know if that’s legal, but nevertheless it helps to pass the time. It’s 5 pm, the shadows are a little longer and the colour of evening is mellow.
We had an early morning start yesterday. It was really cold and grey when we left, but as the day progressed it warmed and the sun shone.
Unlike the USA where restaurants are just about everywhere, we had great difficulty finding anywhere to get breakfast. Almost famished, and after driving for 3 hours, we finally found a café in Naracoorte called the “Blue Wattle”… well everyone knows that the wattle flower is yellow…however, here in Naracoorte , they decided to make it blue.
OK, so the chef, who looked very young was puzzled by our “eggs over easy” request… darn it they asked how we wanted our eggs!!!
We drove down through the South East of South Australia. We estimated we drove through 150 kilometres of vineyards. Bright green grape vines set in rows, all manicured to show their finest and looking spectacular against the bright blue sky. I ducked my head to view their trunks or undercarriages, all set at different angles. They look quite comical really.
The countryside closer to Adelaide is frightening in a way. We drove through 1000’s of acres of dry devoid paddocks and this isn’t even summer yet. A stark reminder to us all. Tomorrow, October 23rd we begin water restrictions.
The reason the South East is much greener is that it’s limestone country and the water needed for the crops is trapped underground and then tapped for irrigation making a spectacular difference to the landscape. One can’t help but think of the saying “The wrong side of the tracks” it’s blatantly obvious.
Closer to the ocean, the paddocks are lush with green feed, and support large groups of dairy cows and sheep. The black and white cows looked like picture post cards on the green carpet of grass.
Our destination was Port Campbell on the great Ocean road and we arrived there mid afternoon after driving along the coast against a spectacularly blue ocean.
Evening, and 20 people gathered at the furthermost tip of a limestone cliff overlooking the famous 12 apostles.
3 years ago, Matthew and Karen visited there on their way home from Victoria. Just 8 hours later Karen was dead and Matty was terribly injured.
So yesterday we said a farewell to Karen. Matty supported by his best mates bravely said a few words. Friend Sulley sang a song he had written for Karen, the sun filtered through low hanging clouds and the water rippled through gold waves.
Every time we see a report of an accident in the paper, we never imagine it will ever happen to us. It’s someone else’s life….
But sometimes we are destined to be part of statistics. Sorrow comes upon us with stealth and engulfs you in a way that is hard to imagine or even express in words.
So yesterday was tinged with sadness at the accident, anger and sadness for the perpetrator but on the other hand a celebration of Karen’s life as we each in turn scattered her ashes to the sea in a place she loved so much.
Our boy has healed a little and in the company of his best mates will take a short break before returning.
Keith and I in turn drove home through a magic spring day today even though the anticipated traditional pub roast was like re-stewed left overs…!!! And I heard on the news that the USA has banned VEGEMITE. For pete’s sake….!!!!!
2006/10/22
2006/10/18
Writing, writing.
One can certainly do a lot in 14 days..!!!!
It's 14 days since I've had time to write to the blog. To be honest, I've have been writing solidly. A 40 page pattern book, magazine articles, a small booklet and my Resume of classes. That darn thing comes in book form which now runs to 80 pages.!!!!
You can see it on the web page....
So there was just no time for the blog and today I got a friendly reminder from one of my blogees.!!!!
Add to that my computer crashed last week and I lost absolutely everything off the hard drive. 2 books in progress and several presentations....Including the pattern book.XXXXXX
I could have wept, (I did swear) but darn it, what's the use.
So I've spent hours re-installing and backing up.
I hope to get some free patterns up on the web page in the next week or two... but with the hard drive crash, I had a little hiccup.
It's been nice to be home spending time with the family and catching up with friends. I'm working on my major project... All I can say is that it excites me more than anything else I have ever done. As I mentioned before, I try to fit in 4 hours work a day on it, however, sometimes it gets left for a day and then I work 20 hours straight.
I had a few days in Queensland, no major adventures, no muggings, no dramas on planes, no cats under the seats or ladies having a panic attack, but I did go to the Dixie Chicks and saw a concert of the Young Divas.... all in the same day. Wow !!!
It wasn't overkill, just thoroughly enjoyable. I didn't think my ears would recover after the Dixie Chicks concert, we sat just 6 rows from the front... it was fantastic and we spent a lot of time on our feet.
Visited with friend Di and Co, and spent an afternoon on the Brisbane River and dinner at a super Moroccan restaurant after a day of hard work (quilting stuff)
Last week, Sunday in fact, Keith and I took Benny (28) to the Dixie Chicks here in Adelaide so I repeated the performance... but I behaved myself in front of family...not too much jiggling.
I would have embarrassed some of my Aussie buddies and made proud my American buddies as I stood for the American National Anthem... I looked around and I was only one of a handful....OK, so I stand for the Australian Anthem and God Save the Queen....the South African and Chilean.... Just think it's good manners really.
For those of you who remember, Karen and Matt's accident 3 years ago. This week is the anniversary, and is always a difficult time. Karen's Parents, Matt and some of his friends and Keith and I are going down to the Great Ocean Road for a remembrance ceremony and to scatter Karen's ashes...
It's a bit soon after Dad's death, bit hard really, but we need to support Matty.
Just a few days after that I fly out again.
I have 10 days at Houston, Keith will join me on the 1st... then we have a week in Orlando Florida and then Hawaii, so keep tuned.
It's 14 days since I've had time to write to the blog. To be honest, I've have been writing solidly. A 40 page pattern book, magazine articles, a small booklet and my Resume of classes. That darn thing comes in book form which now runs to 80 pages.!!!!
You can see it on the web page....
So there was just no time for the blog and today I got a friendly reminder from one of my blogees.!!!!
Add to that my computer crashed last week and I lost absolutely everything off the hard drive. 2 books in progress and several presentations....Including the pattern book.XXXXXX
I could have wept, (I did swear) but darn it, what's the use.
So I've spent hours re-installing and backing up.
I hope to get some free patterns up on the web page in the next week or two... but with the hard drive crash, I had a little hiccup.
It's been nice to be home spending time with the family and catching up with friends. I'm working on my major project... All I can say is that it excites me more than anything else I have ever done. As I mentioned before, I try to fit in 4 hours work a day on it, however, sometimes it gets left for a day and then I work 20 hours straight.
I had a few days in Queensland, no major adventures, no muggings, no dramas on planes, no cats under the seats or ladies having a panic attack, but I did go to the Dixie Chicks and saw a concert of the Young Divas.... all in the same day. Wow !!!
It wasn't overkill, just thoroughly enjoyable. I didn't think my ears would recover after the Dixie Chicks concert, we sat just 6 rows from the front... it was fantastic and we spent a lot of time on our feet.
Visited with friend Di and Co, and spent an afternoon on the Brisbane River and dinner at a super Moroccan restaurant after a day of hard work (quilting stuff)
Last week, Sunday in fact, Keith and I took Benny (28) to the Dixie Chicks here in Adelaide so I repeated the performance... but I behaved myself in front of family...not too much jiggling.
I would have embarrassed some of my Aussie buddies and made proud my American buddies as I stood for the American National Anthem... I looked around and I was only one of a handful....OK, so I stand for the Australian Anthem and God Save the Queen....the South African and Chilean.... Just think it's good manners really.
For those of you who remember, Karen and Matt's accident 3 years ago. This week is the anniversary, and is always a difficult time. Karen's Parents, Matt and some of his friends and Keith and I are going down to the Great Ocean Road for a remembrance ceremony and to scatter Karen's ashes...
It's a bit soon after Dad's death, bit hard really, but we need to support Matty.
Just a few days after that I fly out again.
I have 10 days at Houston, Keith will join me on the 1st... then we have a week in Orlando Florida and then Hawaii, so keep tuned.
2006/10/02
New Era Quilt.
The quilt is the picture on the bottom.... The fish swimming under the waterlillies. I haven't quilted it yet, but it will be heavily quilted....
The picture in the middle is where the idea came from, if you have been following the blog, these are photos I took in Capistrano California. The carp with their incredible colors...The waterllillies, one of which is some 2 Ft across, the small one is 1 Ft. I used jusdt two colours of Batik for these.
I think I showed the drawings of the waterlilly as I traveled.
The carp are floating in a black background which is the pool.
I have quite a bit of illustration to do on the waterlilly leaves and then thread work.
The carp are going to be trapuntoed... A simple quilt, but been on my mind for a month or so in between the Bayeux.
If you wish to see the method and a clearer picture just visit my website.
www.pamhollanddesigns.com and go to "the quilt I'm working on at the moment."
The picture in the middle is where the idea came from, if you have been following the blog, these are photos I took in Capistrano California. The carp with their incredible colors...The waterllillies, one of which is some 2 Ft across, the small one is 1 Ft. I used jusdt two colours of Batik for these.
I think I showed the drawings of the waterlilly as I traveled.
The carp are floating in a black background which is the pool.
I have quite a bit of illustration to do on the waterlilly leaves and then thread work.
The carp are going to be trapuntoed... A simple quilt, but been on my mind for a month or so in between the Bayeux.
If you wish to see the method and a clearer picture just visit my website.
www.pamhollanddesigns.com and go to "the quilt I'm working on at the moment."
A new era
I'm a genuine baby boomer and I admit to a significant birthday yesterday.
I had a lovely time and of course it's been something I've been putting off as long as I could... But it has a way of catching up with you.
No I'll never wear a cardigan, or my slippers to the shops... or even a nylon frock. To be honest, I never wear a frock.
It's was a day of reflection. I had time to write a little, visit with family, design and begin quilt for my new era!!! and think of how I actually got here.
Age 20, Keith and I got married.
By age 30, we had 7 children.... Goodness gracious, how did we do that? Jaime, Rachael and Matthew, (3 in 3 years) and we had adopted Joshua (newborn), Suchada, (aged 11) Darrin aged 8 and Phat from Vietnam aged 15.......What were we thinking of!!!! But it was a wonderful time. I wouldn't swap it for the world. It was a wonderful tine in our lives.
Age 40, we added a few more bedrooms....Callie, Michael and Sam arrived......Lori, Liseby, Benny from Mauritius, Jinda from Thailand. Lean lived with us for a year, Bo for two....The exchange students arrived, 6 in all and they stayed for a year. (not all at once.) but when I think about it, we did have 3 at once.
During that time I met a young man in Thailand who was traveling, I said "if you ever come our way you're welcome to stay"
He did..... for a year. He is now almost 50, lives close by us with his wife and child and is very much part of the extended family.
We had our own bus and a caravan for holidays and life was sure hectic
In my 40's I began my fashion design business with partner Cynthia.... She has a significant birthday next week... just a little younger than I. As two Librans, we are exact opposites but worked well for some 15 years.
50 was a turn around. I was a dedicated quilter. Gee you all know what happens to you then, I don't need to explain.
Friends that's about the end of it.... Now I quilt, write, make documentaries and take photos.... What a way to go....
What will the 60's bring.
I know I can discount at Denny's fast food restaurant. !!!! Seniour discount in the movies in the USA takes the price down to abhout $4.00 - and I feel I can ask the nice young man in the aisle to put my hand luggage up for me....!!! and i have no problem enjoying my classical music along with new country. I play them very loud.
In life we have things that are moments in time and end up being significant to our future. I often think back to when I had 3 littlies under 3 at home. I was incredibly shy and introvert.... Trust me it's true. I had really low self esteem.
Keith, an Accountant was negotiating a business partnership with another accountant and we were invited to dinner to negotiate.
He turned up with his snotty secretary with a plum in her mouth, little back dress, coifed hair and tottering on heels far too high.
Her enjoyment for the evening, was to put me down with comments. "Oh, I couldn't bear to be just a housewife"
How can you let yourself have 3 children so quickly. Etc, etc.
By the end of the evening. I was ready to snot her.
I loved being a mum. My children were gorgeous... I sewed their clothes on my hand cranked machine... Believe me .....!!
I cooked, cleaned and was a happy as a pig in straw.
But this gal really got up my nose. I decided to show her.....
Where are you now honey?
Dinner with the whole family and friends creates an a spectacle even in the friendliest restaurants. People look as one by one a gaggle of good looking young people of all nationalities arrive, kiss each other and are obviously family. We even added a Frenchman last night. However, that's not new... it's been like that for years... it was handy when the kids played up in the shops... "Who does that badly behaved child belong to"? being multi racial has its benefits!!!!
The family added to my bling collection despite their ribbing and I had a wonderful time.
I just missed my Dad.
Thanks for the emails and phone calls. It was sure an international day yesdterday.....!!!
I had a lovely time and of course it's been something I've been putting off as long as I could... But it has a way of catching up with you.
No I'll never wear a cardigan, or my slippers to the shops... or even a nylon frock. To be honest, I never wear a frock.
It's was a day of reflection. I had time to write a little, visit with family, design and begin quilt for my new era!!! and think of how I actually got here.
Age 20, Keith and I got married.
By age 30, we had 7 children.... Goodness gracious, how did we do that? Jaime, Rachael and Matthew, (3 in 3 years) and we had adopted Joshua (newborn), Suchada, (aged 11) Darrin aged 8 and Phat from Vietnam aged 15.......What were we thinking of!!!! But it was a wonderful time. I wouldn't swap it for the world. It was a wonderful tine in our lives.
Age 40, we added a few more bedrooms....Callie, Michael and Sam arrived......Lori, Liseby, Benny from Mauritius, Jinda from Thailand. Lean lived with us for a year, Bo for two....The exchange students arrived, 6 in all and they stayed for a year. (not all at once.) but when I think about it, we did have 3 at once.
During that time I met a young man in Thailand who was traveling, I said "if you ever come our way you're welcome to stay"
He did..... for a year. He is now almost 50, lives close by us with his wife and child and is very much part of the extended family.
We had our own bus and a caravan for holidays and life was sure hectic
In my 40's I began my fashion design business with partner Cynthia.... She has a significant birthday next week... just a little younger than I. As two Librans, we are exact opposites but worked well for some 15 years.
50 was a turn around. I was a dedicated quilter. Gee you all know what happens to you then, I don't need to explain.
Friends that's about the end of it.... Now I quilt, write, make documentaries and take photos.... What a way to go....
What will the 60's bring.
I know I can discount at Denny's fast food restaurant. !!!! Seniour discount in the movies in the USA takes the price down to abhout $4.00 - and I feel I can ask the nice young man in the aisle to put my hand luggage up for me....!!! and i have no problem enjoying my classical music along with new country. I play them very loud.
In life we have things that are moments in time and end up being significant to our future. I often think back to when I had 3 littlies under 3 at home. I was incredibly shy and introvert.... Trust me it's true. I had really low self esteem.
Keith, an Accountant was negotiating a business partnership with another accountant and we were invited to dinner to negotiate.
He turned up with his snotty secretary with a plum in her mouth, little back dress, coifed hair and tottering on heels far too high.
Her enjoyment for the evening, was to put me down with comments. "Oh, I couldn't bear to be just a housewife"
How can you let yourself have 3 children so quickly. Etc, etc.
By the end of the evening. I was ready to snot her.
I loved being a mum. My children were gorgeous... I sewed their clothes on my hand cranked machine... Believe me .....!!
I cooked, cleaned and was a happy as a pig in straw.
But this gal really got up my nose. I decided to show her.....
Where are you now honey?
Dinner with the whole family and friends creates an a spectacle even in the friendliest restaurants. People look as one by one a gaggle of good looking young people of all nationalities arrive, kiss each other and are obviously family. We even added a Frenchman last night. However, that's not new... it's been like that for years... it was handy when the kids played up in the shops... "Who does that badly behaved child belong to"? being multi racial has its benefits!!!!
The family added to my bling collection despite their ribbing and I had a wonderful time.
I just missed my Dad.
Thanks for the emails and phone calls. It was sure an international day yesdterday.....!!!
2006/09/25
It's the end of an era.
Thirty six years ago we had our first child. Jamie.
Keith's and my time as a 'couple' ended and we became a family. As I was vacuuming today, I realised that for the past 36 years we have had a child or children living with us. 3 weeks ago that all changed and our last 3 children moved out once again.!!!!! They are 30, 29 and 27!!!!!
I've changed the rooms immediately....One apartment will become the summer house, one room has become an office for Keith, the other a spare room and grandchildren retreat - but I must say there are still remnants of their overflow stuff stashed in cellars, caravans and bedrooms.
I can't believe it..... There is just OUR food in the fridge, and when I look in the fridge the next day, it's still there.!
I wouldn't swap the past for a moment. For many years there were up to 18 of us in the house. Washing, ironing, cooking and cleaning were industrial events. People ask me how I manage to do as much as I do these days... For Petes sake, it's nothing to what I did in the past. We even camped with 13 kids and extras.
Now we've swapped the days of 6 loaves a bread a day to a loaf a week. I only buy one container of milk a week instead of 8 litres a day.
Meal times were always fun, noisy, suprising and set with rosters for cooking, cleaning up and dishes.
Now it's a quiet affair with the news or music. One thing hasn't changed though, is that dinner time is the time to talk over the days events.
36 years later, the family has grown and flown.
The grandchildren are our absolute delight and our kids are something special.
Most of them still live within a 5-10 minute radius, two live just 20 minutes away.
halleluja
Keith's and my time as a 'couple' ended and we became a family. As I was vacuuming today, I realised that for the past 36 years we have had a child or children living with us. 3 weeks ago that all changed and our last 3 children moved out once again.!!!!! They are 30, 29 and 27!!!!!
I've changed the rooms immediately....One apartment will become the summer house, one room has become an office for Keith, the other a spare room and grandchildren retreat - but I must say there are still remnants of their overflow stuff stashed in cellars, caravans and bedrooms.
I can't believe it..... There is just OUR food in the fridge, and when I look in the fridge the next day, it's still there.!
I wouldn't swap the past for a moment. For many years there were up to 18 of us in the house. Washing, ironing, cooking and cleaning were industrial events. People ask me how I manage to do as much as I do these days... For Petes sake, it's nothing to what I did in the past. We even camped with 13 kids and extras.
Now we've swapped the days of 6 loaves a bread a day to a loaf a week. I only buy one container of milk a week instead of 8 litres a day.
Meal times were always fun, noisy, suprising and set with rosters for cooking, cleaning up and dishes.
Now it's a quiet affair with the news or music. One thing hasn't changed though, is that dinner time is the time to talk over the days events.
36 years later, the family has grown and flown.
The grandchildren are our absolute delight and our kids are something special.
Most of them still live within a 5-10 minute radius, two live just 20 minutes away.
halleluja
2006/09/24
I was just woken by my computer talking to me and telling me the time. "It's 12.00 o'clock", I aways answer her and say Thankyou"
Yep, I can sleep sitting up at the computer. I even fell asleep at the beauty parlor the other day. It wasn't even when I was having the eyelashes tinted. I could understand that... because you already have your eyes shut.
But this was when she was doing my nails... I felt such a dill.
The day has been busy. The mighty crows lost, and Keith is in deep sadness as are my boys.
I worked all day and finished the day by creating the new web pages for the classes I'm Teaching at AQC. I hope they make sense. Maybe the morning will be a better time to review them.
Sunday:-
Busy day with family and phone calls. I'm thrilled with my new desk, it makes working on a large project much easier.
The photo of the gentleman above is a pigeon that joined my white doves.... he was rather young when he flew in, now look at him.
I've added 5 more pages to the web site. I hope it helps the ladies that are attending AQC.
I've also added a little about the Bayeux Tapestry. As many of you know I have been enamoured with the Tapestry for many years. I leave you with this thought.
Eventually
All things decline
Everything falters, dies and ends,
Towers cave in, walls collapse
Roses wither, horses stumble
Cloth grows old, men expire
Iron rusts and timber rots away
Nothing made by hand will last
I understand the truth
That all must die, both clerk and lay man
And the fame of men now dead
will quickly be forgotten
Unless the clerk takes up his pen
And brings their deeds to life again
Wace, Roman, de Rue, III,11,131-142 (c1170)
2006/09/21
Have you ever had one of those days?
I hate to begin with a comment, Have you ever had one of those days?…But yes, it’s been a bit like that today.
The day started well at 6.00 am and I knew I had to go the city for an appointment so I wanted to get my obligatory 4 hours of work in partially before I left. So out to the shed at dawn.
The bird song at that time of the morning is absolutely wonderful. 100's of birds are waking and greeting the dawn in song.
I worked for a few hours until grandson woke and then Keith came into the shed, “Got the car Keys?” that always spells alarm if they are not in the right place. Hmm, but I’ve never lost them.
You see I only have one set of car keys to my car that has all that computer stuff to prevent burglars. In fact, I actually hid the other set from the kids on one occasion in preparation for travel and I have never been able to find where I hid them. It’s a bit embarrassing really when you’re supposed to be intelligent. I hunted high and low, the blood pressure rising, the husband trying not to appear annoyed and a daughter with small baby waiting to be picked up from her car repairer.
I stripped the bed, crawled around the floor, checked the shed and every place I could think of. Darn the car company, I chatted to my jovial car representative over a year ago about getting new keys, "sure" he said (THREE separate occasions I asked him)!!!!! Happy chappy.
Now I’m stuck.
Ok, they were not on any surface in the entire house, the shed, the laundry, the new sun room.…On the seats and benches outside, in bags and shoes. Dam!!!!!!
Ok, so we transfer baby seat to the big truck and (4 wheel drive but I call it a truck) and I have to take that to town. While we are out, the car company will come and get my car with a tow truck and “we have to put a new computer in it” I’m told.
So out for the day and I first have to buy my next 100m of vliesofix. I searched for the company I usually purchase it from but they have shifted. A few stops later, a visit to a fabric company friend and I finally have the new address. Up and down Payneham road, I find the closest number and decide to walk to find the company.
After half an hour or so I find them located in the back of a dry cleaners, and the jovial little lady in the front office said “Sorry lady, she’s out today"
I think she saw me grimace, but I tried to smile through my teeth.
Sigh!!!
So I left and continued into town and picked up my new glasses, (I've needed new ones since May 2005, but haven't been around long enough to do all the medical stuff.) They are rather funky, red ones again with black and white zebra stripes on the inside.…I noticed the tint was a different colour to my others. The assistant tried to tell me they were the same. The bubble over my head said “honey don'’t mess with me, I know all about colour” !! checked the order, they had made a mistake. "Just leave it” I said not too graciously!!!! Another grimace.
Down to IKEA to look at a desk I desperately need for my work. I’m juggling 9 ft long patterns on my small light box and it's really difficult. This desk is an artist raised desk, 7 ft long, 2 ft wide and has a light box in it. Just what I need. I went to order it, “sorry we don’t have the white legs to match" so I ordered just plain wood and if I need them white I'll paint the darn things, they cost $40 each anyway, surely I should get discount.!
Rang the car company and I wondered how they could tow my car from our narrow drive and the car was in front ways? do they drag it out backwards? Hope they don't damage the quilting number plates. “No” said the same cheerful car rep, “we had to break into your car" eek I don'’t want to know.
Arrived home mentally exhausted to find that Son Jamie has his French companions in tow and they would like to hear about the Bayeux. But I was out so sadly we missed the opportunity.
Keith and I sat and ate reheated dinner and I came out to the shed to relax and finish my four-hour stint while he went back to the office because the computer at home has a problem.
I put on a little Handel very loudly, began to prepare some applique, walked past the computer desk and jingled the keys.......… Ugg, there they were hanging behind a case that my Grandson Kodi had nicely hung over the keys he had stashed for me.!!!!!
Keith arrived home an hour or so ago wrestling my new standard Ott light into the shed. It arrived today after traveling around Australia because the guy didn't leave it on the front verandah as requested... After 3 phone calls I located it on it's way back to melbourne......!
It's unbelievably heavy, encased in 3 boxes we released it from it's wrapping and assembled it.
I asked Keith to take out the boxes which were taking up all the space in the middle of the room. "Nup, I'll do it in the morning" So, as you do, I began to take them out and then he assisted. Wonderful... whilst I was testing my new light, comparing colours etc. congratulating myslef on my purchase, I hear the boxes being dismantled., with my good scissors girls, yes, with my very best scissors plowing through 3 layers of carboard.
What an interesting day.
Tomorrow I'm going to stay in my payjamas, eat toast and vegemite and watch movies as I work in the shed. So please don 't come visiting.
I've been home 10 days now and I’m working hard on my major project. I discipline myself to at least 4 hours work each day, and an hour each on my writings. However, most days, like yesterday are 16 hour days out here in the shed.
Have you ever become ingrossed in a project that you are powerless to control? Maybe I’m lucky, but I think it'’s a gift. It just takes days like today to make life interesting.l
The day started well at 6.00 am and I knew I had to go the city for an appointment so I wanted to get my obligatory 4 hours of work in partially before I left. So out to the shed at dawn.
The bird song at that time of the morning is absolutely wonderful. 100's of birds are waking and greeting the dawn in song.
I worked for a few hours until grandson woke and then Keith came into the shed, “Got the car Keys?” that always spells alarm if they are not in the right place. Hmm, but I’ve never lost them.
You see I only have one set of car keys to my car that has all that computer stuff to prevent burglars. In fact, I actually hid the other set from the kids on one occasion in preparation for travel and I have never been able to find where I hid them. It’s a bit embarrassing really when you’re supposed to be intelligent. I hunted high and low, the blood pressure rising, the husband trying not to appear annoyed and a daughter with small baby waiting to be picked up from her car repairer.
I stripped the bed, crawled around the floor, checked the shed and every place I could think of. Darn the car company, I chatted to my jovial car representative over a year ago about getting new keys, "sure" he said (THREE separate occasions I asked him)!!!!! Happy chappy.
Now I’m stuck.
Ok, they were not on any surface in the entire house, the shed, the laundry, the new sun room.…On the seats and benches outside, in bags and shoes. Dam!!!!!!
Ok, so we transfer baby seat to the big truck and (4 wheel drive but I call it a truck) and I have to take that to town. While we are out, the car company will come and get my car with a tow truck and “we have to put a new computer in it” I’m told.
So out for the day and I first have to buy my next 100m of vliesofix. I searched for the company I usually purchase it from but they have shifted. A few stops later, a visit to a fabric company friend and I finally have the new address. Up and down Payneham road, I find the closest number and decide to walk to find the company.
After half an hour or so I find them located in the back of a dry cleaners, and the jovial little lady in the front office said “Sorry lady, she’s out today"
I think she saw me grimace, but I tried to smile through my teeth.
Sigh!!!
So I left and continued into town and picked up my new glasses, (I've needed new ones since May 2005, but haven't been around long enough to do all the medical stuff.) They are rather funky, red ones again with black and white zebra stripes on the inside.…I noticed the tint was a different colour to my others. The assistant tried to tell me they were the same. The bubble over my head said “honey don'’t mess with me, I know all about colour” !! checked the order, they had made a mistake. "Just leave it” I said not too graciously!!!! Another grimace.
Down to IKEA to look at a desk I desperately need for my work. I’m juggling 9 ft long patterns on my small light box and it's really difficult. This desk is an artist raised desk, 7 ft long, 2 ft wide and has a light box in it. Just what I need. I went to order it, “sorry we don’t have the white legs to match" so I ordered just plain wood and if I need them white I'll paint the darn things, they cost $40 each anyway, surely I should get discount.!
Rang the car company and I wondered how they could tow my car from our narrow drive and the car was in front ways? do they drag it out backwards? Hope they don't damage the quilting number plates. “No” said the same cheerful car rep, “we had to break into your car" eek I don'’t want to know.
Arrived home mentally exhausted to find that Son Jamie has his French companions in tow and they would like to hear about the Bayeux. But I was out so sadly we missed the opportunity.
Keith and I sat and ate reheated dinner and I came out to the shed to relax and finish my four-hour stint while he went back to the office because the computer at home has a problem.
I put on a little Handel very loudly, began to prepare some applique, walked past the computer desk and jingled the keys.......… Ugg, there they were hanging behind a case that my Grandson Kodi had nicely hung over the keys he had stashed for me.!!!!!
Keith arrived home an hour or so ago wrestling my new standard Ott light into the shed. It arrived today after traveling around Australia because the guy didn't leave it on the front verandah as requested... After 3 phone calls I located it on it's way back to melbourne......!
It's unbelievably heavy, encased in 3 boxes we released it from it's wrapping and assembled it.
I asked Keith to take out the boxes which were taking up all the space in the middle of the room. "Nup, I'll do it in the morning" So, as you do, I began to take them out and then he assisted. Wonderful... whilst I was testing my new light, comparing colours etc. congratulating myslef on my purchase, I hear the boxes being dismantled., with my good scissors girls, yes, with my very best scissors plowing through 3 layers of carboard.
What an interesting day.
Tomorrow I'm going to stay in my payjamas, eat toast and vegemite and watch movies as I work in the shed. So please don 't come visiting.
I've been home 10 days now and I’m working hard on my major project. I discipline myself to at least 4 hours work each day, and an hour each on my writings. However, most days, like yesterday are 16 hour days out here in the shed.
Have you ever become ingrossed in a project that you are powerless to control? Maybe I’m lucky, but I think it'’s a gift. It just takes days like today to make life interesting.l
2006/09/15
What can we do with the hair folks?
This is Matilda Rose aged 4 months.
Any suggestions for hair do's she's already had her first hair cut.
2006/09/14
I'm pooped
I think for the first time in my life I admit to being rather tired. It’s pretty darn frustrating; I have so much I want to achieve in the next 5 weeks at home.
I arrived home late Sunday evening. It was a shock walking into the house. It was just 13 degrees for Pete’s Sake!!!! Keith doesn’t feel the cold and had the fire on downstairs, which did little to warm the upstairs rooms.
After months in summer and then a cold rainy week in Sydney, I was feeling a little indignant at the state of the weather and fell into bed and slept a sleep of sheer exhaustion.
Traversing the continents has some interesting anomalies. For instance, you leave for the USA on a Monday and arrive on a Monday even though you have been travelling for 30 hours; however, the season is the exact opposite. Winter becomes summer or vice versa.
Returning home, I left on a Saturday and got home on Monday. Fall became spring. Then there is the driving, I have to drive on the other side of the road. I constantly turn on the wipers instead of the indicators and I have to concentrate that I’m on the right side of the road. I know it sounds silly, but it’s interesting how quickly the brain becomes programmed.
Others have used my car, so I have to change the reversing mirror, adjust the seat… change the radio station and re set the mirrors! I have a policy of not driving for at least 2 days after I arrive home; jet lag is insidious and can creep on you impairing your judgement.
I sound as if I’m complaining…. No, just stating a fact.
There’s the other side of returning home. The comfortable and familiar.
Our house. I love the colours and ambience of my house. I coset the treasures I have collected over the years, they are small things that remain constant and welcoming when I return home.
Then there are the familiar foods, coffee, making toast and vegemite without thinking, the fresh tomatoes that sit on the bench and ripen in the sun. Avocados and lovely cheeses.
If you stay in someone else’s house you live their life, eat their food and fit in. In a hotel, there is no familiar and friendly food... “Just because I feel like it”
So yesterday I had a trip to the market to buy all the goodies I miss so much.
I generally wash everything in sight…. “Just because I can”. And enjoy the luxury of watching TV laying on the settee,
A comment online recently from a Tutor. “It takes me four days to prepare to go away and teach and two pyjama days to relax when I return….
My family have lived a life separate from me in my absence…. And I from them…
Despite the wonderful communication methods we use now I need to catch up on the physical subtleties that are missed in cyberspace and on the telephone.
My little dog Ralf is in heaven and won’t leave my side for a minute… and one of the cats George makes her presence felt in a very strong way.
I love the smell of pine, gum and wattle as I step out of the car in my drive accompanied by the sound of the birds.
It’s nice to be home.
I arrived home late Sunday evening. It was a shock walking into the house. It was just 13 degrees for Pete’s Sake!!!! Keith doesn’t feel the cold and had the fire on downstairs, which did little to warm the upstairs rooms.
After months in summer and then a cold rainy week in Sydney, I was feeling a little indignant at the state of the weather and fell into bed and slept a sleep of sheer exhaustion.
Traversing the continents has some interesting anomalies. For instance, you leave for the USA on a Monday and arrive on a Monday even though you have been travelling for 30 hours; however, the season is the exact opposite. Winter becomes summer or vice versa.
Returning home, I left on a Saturday and got home on Monday. Fall became spring. Then there is the driving, I have to drive on the other side of the road. I constantly turn on the wipers instead of the indicators and I have to concentrate that I’m on the right side of the road. I know it sounds silly, but it’s interesting how quickly the brain becomes programmed.
Others have used my car, so I have to change the reversing mirror, adjust the seat… change the radio station and re set the mirrors! I have a policy of not driving for at least 2 days after I arrive home; jet lag is insidious and can creep on you impairing your judgement.
I sound as if I’m complaining…. No, just stating a fact.
There’s the other side of returning home. The comfortable and familiar.
Our house. I love the colours and ambience of my house. I coset the treasures I have collected over the years, they are small things that remain constant and welcoming when I return home.
Then there are the familiar foods, coffee, making toast and vegemite without thinking, the fresh tomatoes that sit on the bench and ripen in the sun. Avocados and lovely cheeses.
If you stay in someone else’s house you live their life, eat their food and fit in. In a hotel, there is no familiar and friendly food... “Just because I feel like it”
So yesterday I had a trip to the market to buy all the goodies I miss so much.
I generally wash everything in sight…. “Just because I can”. And enjoy the luxury of watching TV laying on the settee,
A comment online recently from a Tutor. “It takes me four days to prepare to go away and teach and two pyjama days to relax when I return….
My family have lived a life separate from me in my absence…. And I from them…
Despite the wonderful communication methods we use now I need to catch up on the physical subtleties that are missed in cyberspace and on the telephone.
My little dog Ralf is in heaven and won’t leave my side for a minute… and one of the cats George makes her presence felt in a very strong way.
I love the smell of pine, gum and wattle as I step out of the car in my drive accompanied by the sound of the birds.
It’s nice to be home.
2006/09/09
Quilt Indulgence
There’s a comfortable noise. More like a hum in fact. Every now and then I hear a portion of a conversation and it inevitably revolves around quilting. A child runs through the crowd and demands his Parents attention. The men attending seem to be in the grey hair group and I note that one of them is fast asleep and about to fall in his dinner. Is Quilting that boring?…. Maybe he has a sleep disorder. The funny thing is that his wife just shifted his orange juice and plate and the conversation with her friends continued without a beat.
No outside windows make the room grey, punctuated by the neon lights of the pokies next door and the colourful message boards describing the food you can purchase. There is a faint smell of cigarette smoke, roast lamb and alcohol.
There are strong Australian accents that are harder on the ear than the accents I’ve been listening to over the past few months. Somehow I never seem to be aware of accents in the USA… maybe it’s the lilt I’m used to. However, as long as 30 years ago I was acutely aware of the change when I arrived home and was greeted at immigration with a friendly “G’day”.
I’m sitting in the restaurant associated with the Mittagong RSL club. My Aussie friends know just what I mean; however for my friends elsewhere, I guess it is like being in a very large VFW. Ladies in winter clothes are lined up for such delicacies as a prawn sandwich or a pie and chips, finished off with a piece of Pavlova and a cappuccino in a mug. It’s the lunchtime and the ladies are taking a well-earned break. Some people are here to visit the vendors upstairs and as they leave they carry plastic bags full of treasured “must have” goodies.
There’s always a show and tell in the coffee shop as they pour over the contents of the bags with their friends. You can hear the exclamations from the other side of the room
I’ve done a little spin round the vendors myself. The booths have an Australian flavour. One is a booth is selling vintage Australian pinnies and patterns. Pretty close to my heart I can tell you.!!!!
There are a couple of booths selling Japanese fabrics, one with Vintage American Quilts and sewing notions and quite a few with the proudly made quilts by innovative designers… the vendors offer them in the hope of hitting a big seller.
Pride publishing has organised the event and folk have come from far and wide to attend even Japan. Classes are held in the conference part of the building. The exhib itions in 10 venues around the district. I’ve not had the time to visit, but I believe they are great especially the Japanese exhibition.
Susan Matthews, Djianne Cevaal, Jane Mc Donald, Linda Akehurst, and I are the Tutors. Nice way to spend a week.
No outside windows make the room grey, punctuated by the neon lights of the pokies next door and the colourful message boards describing the food you can purchase. There is a faint smell of cigarette smoke, roast lamb and alcohol.
There are strong Australian accents that are harder on the ear than the accents I’ve been listening to over the past few months. Somehow I never seem to be aware of accents in the USA… maybe it’s the lilt I’m used to. However, as long as 30 years ago I was acutely aware of the change when I arrived home and was greeted at immigration with a friendly “G’day”.
I’m sitting in the restaurant associated with the Mittagong RSL club. My Aussie friends know just what I mean; however for my friends elsewhere, I guess it is like being in a very large VFW. Ladies in winter clothes are lined up for such delicacies as a prawn sandwich or a pie and chips, finished off with a piece of Pavlova and a cappuccino in a mug. It’s the lunchtime and the ladies are taking a well-earned break. Some people are here to visit the vendors upstairs and as they leave they carry plastic bags full of treasured “must have” goodies.
There’s always a show and tell in the coffee shop as they pour over the contents of the bags with their friends. You can hear the exclamations from the other side of the room
I’ve done a little spin round the vendors myself. The booths have an Australian flavour. One is a booth is selling vintage Australian pinnies and patterns. Pretty close to my heart I can tell you.!!!!
There are a couple of booths selling Japanese fabrics, one with Vintage American Quilts and sewing notions and quite a few with the proudly made quilts by innovative designers… the vendors offer them in the hope of hitting a big seller.
Pride publishing has organised the event and folk have come from far and wide to attend even Japan. Classes are held in the conference part of the building. The exhib itions in 10 venues around the district. I’ve not had the time to visit, but I believe they are great especially the Japanese exhibition.
Susan Matthews, Djianne Cevaal, Jane Mc Donald, Linda Akehurst, and I are the Tutors. Nice way to spend a week.
2006/09/08
LA traffic
Driving a car and taking photos at the same time is a health hazard. I would have given anything to share the excitement of driving back into the city of LA on Monday. There were 7 lanes streaming this way and 7 lanes going in the other direction. The access roads and a train down the centre add a little more confusion. You feel as if you are in a track of moving ants. Sometimes we got to speeds of 65 mph, other times down to 5 mph.
But we did it and it’s a bit like climbing Mt Everest to conquer those roads.
Our trip home went without any dramas. However, it was the first time I have had to travel without a moisturiser, toothpaste and lippy. I felt like a dried prune when I got home. However, it seems we can use those products on our planes now….
I was home for less than 24 hours and flew out to NSW for the DUQ Indulgence Festival.
I’ve had a great time so far. My students made wonderful quilts over the past couple of days.
At one stage I heard a burst of laughter. Curious I found the reason for the mirth. One gal needed a certain fabric for her quilt. Her trousers were just the right colour she decided. So she undid the hem and cut a bit out…. Only to find it wasn’t suitable after all. I love the dedication of quilters.!!!!!
I’ve managed to add a few more classes to the web page and also the photos of Capistrano.
I’ve had requests to use my photos off the web page for classes. I’m happy for them to be used. It you contact me I will send a larger file.
I now get to have a break for a little while and I’m working in on two interesting projects during that time. I’ll share them with you in a few weeks.
But we did it and it’s a bit like climbing Mt Everest to conquer those roads.
Our trip home went without any dramas. However, it was the first time I have had to travel without a moisturiser, toothpaste and lippy. I felt like a dried prune when I got home. However, it seems we can use those products on our planes now….
I was home for less than 24 hours and flew out to NSW for the DUQ Indulgence Festival.
I’ve had a great time so far. My students made wonderful quilts over the past couple of days.
At one stage I heard a burst of laughter. Curious I found the reason for the mirth. One gal needed a certain fabric for her quilt. Her trousers were just the right colour she decided. So she undid the hem and cut a bit out…. Only to find it wasn’t suitable after all. I love the dedication of quilters.!!!!!
I’ve managed to add a few more classes to the web page and also the photos of Capistrano.
I’ve had requests to use my photos off the web page for classes. I’m happy for them to be used. It you contact me I will send a larger file.
I now get to have a break for a little while and I’m working in on two interesting projects during that time. I’ll share them with you in a few weeks.
2006/09/01
The Mission at Capistrano
The cactus captures my imagination.
The gardens of the mission are just beautiful. The sune was shining, the temperature around 90 and I was in photographic heaven. In a few days I will have the photos on the web page.
The bells toll when the swallows arrive and leave. 
Swallows of Capistrano
It’s amazing what small things end up being exciting when you have a child around. A shoebox becomes a garage; conversations are listened to carefully and repeated in two-year-old expression. The bed becomes a mysterious tent for story telling and everything is stashed on top of the fridge. This Grandma lives in hotel rooms a good part of the year, everything is kept in order. Ha, that’s gone out the window on this trip…. I found my undies in the fridge…..!!!!
The Ipod comes in handy when I have to concentrate on work in my temporary office on the kitchen table. And work I late into the night and early mornings when all is dark and quiet.
We’ve had some adventures, some pleasant, others plain heart stopping. Ever tried driving on 16 lane highways with cars whizzing past at alarming speed. The lady in my GPS is really annoying when she tells me turn right, then immediately turn left with cars bearing down behind me at alarming speed. Lucky she lives in the computer… I feel like ringing her neck. She's so smug.
Well the saga of the camera is solved, I pulled it apart and dried it out as best I could, I have residue in the lens, which will need professional assistance… however, I took some super photos yesterday and my heart slowed a little….
Yesterday we took a drive down the coast to Del Ray Beach and Capistrano. But before I tell you about that... when I downloaded my photos last night.... there was a photo of our maid, (upside down to boot.) How the heck she took a photo of herself in that position I will never know. Poor thing, she must have know she took the photo and that I would find it. She went to pains to make our room look extra special !!!!!
I imagine you have heard of the swallows of Capistrano. I spent a wonderful hour yesterday wandering the mission and loosing myself in photographic expression. I have added some 30 photos on the web page, but I will have to wait until I get home to publish it… it doesn’t like this wi fi system at the hotel.
The famous cliff swallows of San Juan Capistrano, that leave town every year in a swirling mass near the Day of San Juan (October 23), are returning from their winter vacation spot 6,000 miles south in Goya, Corrientes, Argentina.
They land at the mission in San Juan, California, on or around St. Joseph's Day, March 19, to the ringing bells of the old church and a crowd of visitors from all over the world who are in town awaiting their arrival and celebrating with a huge fiesta as well as a parade.
Legend has it that the swallows took refuge in the Mission San Juan Capistrano from an irate innkeeper who destroyed their muddy nests. The swallows return to the old ruined church each spring knowing they will be protected within the mission's walls. In fact, the city has taken their safety seriously passing an ordinance against destroying their nests.
So-called "scout swallows" precede the main flock each year by a few days but the majority of the small birds usually arrives on the 19th and begins rebuilding the mud nests that cling to the ruins of the old stone church and throughout the Capistrano Valley.
What a delight.
The Ipod comes in handy when I have to concentrate on work in my temporary office on the kitchen table. And work I late into the night and early mornings when all is dark and quiet.
We’ve had some adventures, some pleasant, others plain heart stopping. Ever tried driving on 16 lane highways with cars whizzing past at alarming speed. The lady in my GPS is really annoying when she tells me turn right, then immediately turn left with cars bearing down behind me at alarming speed. Lucky she lives in the computer… I feel like ringing her neck. She's so smug.
Well the saga of the camera is solved, I pulled it apart and dried it out as best I could, I have residue in the lens, which will need professional assistance… however, I took some super photos yesterday and my heart slowed a little….
Yesterday we took a drive down the coast to Del Ray Beach and Capistrano. But before I tell you about that... when I downloaded my photos last night.... there was a photo of our maid, (upside down to boot.) How the heck she took a photo of herself in that position I will never know. Poor thing, she must have know she took the photo and that I would find it. She went to pains to make our room look extra special !!!!!
I imagine you have heard of the swallows of Capistrano. I spent a wonderful hour yesterday wandering the mission and loosing myself in photographic expression. I have added some 30 photos on the web page, but I will have to wait until I get home to publish it… it doesn’t like this wi fi system at the hotel.
The famous cliff swallows of San Juan Capistrano, that leave town every year in a swirling mass near the Day of San Juan (October 23), are returning from their winter vacation spot 6,000 miles south in Goya, Corrientes, Argentina.
They land at the mission in San Juan, California, on or around St. Joseph's Day, March 19, to the ringing bells of the old church and a crowd of visitors from all over the world who are in town awaiting their arrival and celebrating with a huge fiesta as well as a parade.
Legend has it that the swallows took refuge in the Mission San Juan Capistrano from an irate innkeeper who destroyed their muddy nests. The swallows return to the old ruined church each spring knowing they will be protected within the mission's walls. In fact, the city has taken their safety seriously passing an ordinance against destroying their nests.
So-called "scout swallows" precede the main flock each year by a few days but the majority of the small birds usually arrives on the 19th and begins rebuilding the mud nests that cling to the ruins of the old stone church and throughout the Capistrano Valley.
What a delight.
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