caro-rose-creations

More Fabric, the textile kind and life

I continued decorating the house yesterday.  The old nativity scene had seen better days.  The angel wings were broken, baby Jesus had lost an arm and after 25 years of good service  I had to  replace it with a new set.  I hope I'm around in 25 years to retire this one.

We took a drive up to the Sunshine Coast to buy some fabric.  I would like a new dress for the Xmas party.  I found just what I wanted, now I have to make it.

I also found some Moda fabric that shouted, "buy me, buy me!  You need me for a new quilt!"

We stopped at the Surf Life Saver's Club for lunch and the view over the surf is always good.

 

As we walked back to the car after a great lunch I noticed all these plaques embedded in the pathway that leads from the surf right up around the cliffs.

On closer inspection I realised that they were memorials to past service people who had fought for our country.  Right back to the Boar War in South Africa, when Australia was still and English Colony.  (Will you ever forget that movie Breaker Morant? ) 

Not only our men folk but there were memorials to our service women as well.  I am always moved when I come across these memorials, at the beach, in the outback, in some small town, in the city.  They might be a stand of trees, or a statue, or old faded photos in the hall of some country pub.  

Xmas preparations

The Xmas tree is up and decorated and my husband and I had to do it ourselves.  Usually this is the job for the kids but no kids in sight this year.  I look at those decorations and think "I've got far too many", but the tree kind of just digests them.   When I get each one out I think of where I got it from and how long I have had it.  Some are over 35 years old now.  I couldn't not put up the tree.

I have also got all my presents packed and off in the mail.  Although I see the post people are going on strike for the next 2 days.  Hope they get there alright.  I made small bags full of small animals from Ikea for my niece and nephews girls.  I also put a couple of dollars in change into small purses that I put inside.

Now I have to start thinking about that challenge again.

I wish it would rain

It is so hot and humid here.   I take the dogs walking at 4.30am to try and beat the heat but it is like walking in a sauna.  Yet, everything is so dry.  We haven't had any rain for a while now and the grass is turning brown.  Even Charlie doesn't like the feel of it under her paws.

I fill the birdbath with fresh water every day as I know there are few places the birds can find water.  Problem is the local cats have worked it out as well.

I got a bit of a surprise when I went to check the mail.  I put my hand in a touched something clammy.  I pulled my hand out quickly, thinking of snakes, but found a beautiful tree frog trying to keep cool.

Time to sew

Only one appointment today but lots of housework to catch up on as my husband arrived back after a week sailing.  He volunteers on a tall ship called South Passage.  It's a bit like having a golfing husband.  Still, I do get to have the house to myself.

Photograph: Mike Kenyon 

I had time to do some more stitching on my challenge piece and some experiments . 

Design No 3

I'm not going to get all the hand sewing done on this tonight, so will have to finish this during the week.

I'm not sure if it was something I ate or a reaction to the events of the last week but I have been ill with diarrhea for the past 2 days and still feel ill.  So I think I had better return to my bed and finish this hand sewing tomorrow.