An update

I have been spending some time this last week working on my share of the blocks for my sister's quilt, so I thought I would share before I deliver them to the other sister so she can make her share. I am pleased with how they have turned out. We are trying to use fabrics we already have, in country tones as the recipient is a real country girl.

Also a lovely surprise when I arrived home this afternoon- my giveaway gift from Melody was in the letterbox. Thank you Melody - it's beautiful. I'll have to think of a special project to use such a generous chunk of fabric.

Tuesday treasures

I'm a bit late joining in today with Melody and the gang.

Last week I posted about my grandmother, this week my treasure is my grandfather (Pop) who was an amazing man. He coped with the loss of both of his hands during his life, in separate accidents 25 years apart. I don't remember him with any but have seen a photo of him with one, probably taken when I was a baby. This incredible man never lost his sense of fun or his determination to make the best of his life. He drove a car, gardened, built and repaired things while refusing to entertain the thought of artificial limbs. The little table in the picture was made by him and the other photo shows him with one of the contraptions he used to get things done.

I was always sorry that he died before my children were born, but they were always intrigued by my stories about him.

PS Wouldn't you know that Bella had to get into the act when I was taking the picture! Such a poser!!!

Tuesday Treasures

One of my favourite crafts is crochet. I learned when I was fairly young from my Grandma. She did beautiful work which I admired as a child. As a teen, I asked her to make me fashionable clothing and her efforts included a crochet bikini and a dress which I hardly ever wore as I decided once it was finished that the colour wasn't me. (Bright orange! What was I thinking!!!)

Of course I no longer have those things and don't remember what became of them. Luckily I came to my senses before it was too late and asked for something a little more genteel and ladylike. These two treasured doilies are all I have of my grandmother's work, but, thanks to her I now have the ability to make my own, which is certainly something to treasure.

She also fostered and encouraged my life-long love affair with books and reading, but that's another story!

Go on over to Melody's to see who else is sharing today.

Heritage Week

This week has been National Trust of Queensland Heritage Week with all sorts of events around the state celebrating The Heritage of Water. Ironic I know considering recent happenings, however, the theme was chosen months ago. Anyway those who follow my blog will know that I volunteer at Wolston House, Wacol, a National trust property.

Tomorrow is our Heritage Week Open Day where you can visit for only a gold coin donation (normally $8 for adults). We are having displays of colonial dancing, vintage and veteran cars and a string ensemble from the local high school. There will be hand- crafted and home-baked goodies for sale, as well as a huge trash and treasure stall. We will also be having a sausage sizzle and serving devonshire teas.

If you're in the neighbourhood, drop in and say hello. We are open from 11am- 4pm.

At last- some craft

I have certainly been a bit distracted by non-crafty things recently so it was good to be nudged in that direction by #2 sister, a fabulous quilter and dressmaker. #4 sister will be turning 50 in June and it has become a bit of a tradition ( if twice qualifies) for us to make a quilt for the birthday "girl" on that special birthday. We share out the tasks according to our tastes and abilities. I enjoy the sewing part and B ( #2 sister) is a great machine quilter although we each do a bit of both.

The pile of fabric is my share of the cutting; I'm doing the lights and B is doing the darks. Can you guess what block we're doing? That's right- it's a Log Cabin variation. We are on a bit of a tight schedule as B works full time and I am about to start a 4 week stint relieving in a school library, but we both work better with a little bit of pressure. Hey, we've done it before so we can do it again, can't we?

The quilt is based on a design in one of B's many quilting magazines so you will have to wait until it is done to see it. I may post updates once I begin piecing.

This is a picture of the quilt we made for #3 sister's 50th. We named it "A twist of lime"; my sister is a chef.

PS I only have 4 sisters so this will be the last 50th quilt. I don't have a good picture of the first quilt we did as that was back before I had a digital camera. In case you are interested, I am big sister, all the rest are younger than I am.

Beautiful Bella

Joining in again with Melody to share my treasured pet. I have always been a cat person rather than a dog person, not because I don't admire dogs but I was brought up to believe that dogs don't belong in towns. My parents were country people and kept working dogs only when they lived on farms.

Over the years I have had many cats and this is my latest.

I have had Bella for about a year now and she is about two years old. I rescued her at RSPCA and took my granddaughter with me when I went to choose. As I was walking past all the cages, Bella spoke to me as if to say I'm here, I've been waiting, where have you been? GD was very happy when I chose her over a cute kitten. Her kennel name was Mabel but we didn't think it suited her, GD was pleased with my choice of Bella as she is a bit of a Twilight fan.

When we arrived home Bella came straight out of the carrier and began to explore, I have never known a cat to settle in as quickly as she did. She is very affectionate and great company.

What would we do without our pets I wonder?

In bloom

I spent most of today working in the yard; nothing glamourous, only mowing so that I don't have to brave the jungle just to get to my car. I gather there was a bit of rain while I was away.

Anyway I thought I would share some of the lovely things blooming at the moment. Nothing to compare with all the beautiful spring flowers we saw in France, but still pretty.