The aroma of memories

I haven't been well this week. An old injury really decided to hit me. The cold winds haven't helped. I have layed very still for the most part of the week. I did manage to do the groceries, very slowly and painfully but I am pleased I did them as now I know the family can satisfy their hunger without having to feel like they are bothering me to fix them something.

Whilst shopping, I went to the local fruit and vegie shop where I got a waft of lemon scent. The combination of a cold morning and lemon scent reminded me of my Grandparents house. They lived in Melbourne and I always remember the cold foggy mornings, going to the outdoor loo early in the morning and smelling the beautiful fresh lemons on the big old lemon tree. Every memory of my visits with Nan and Gramps come flooding back whenever I smell lemons, especially on a cold morning. Smell plays a big part of remembering.......................... Cedar Hairspray fills me with warm memories of my Nan getting ready for town. She always had to look her best to go to town. The aroma of strong Tea with milk wafts past me with fond memories of Gramps bringing in the morning cuppa to listen to the 6 o'clock news before they started their day. Velvet soap takes me back to their kitchen as they both washed up together in the trough, the dishes sitting in a yellow plastic tub so as not to waste water. The smell of gas allows me to see the old kookaburra stove where Nan baked date scones. I love my Nan and Gramps and miss them dearly but all I need do is smell a lemon and I am back there with them in their little cottage in Melbourne.

Nothing to say

"If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all." This is a line from the movie 'Bambi'. It isn't that I haven't had anything nice to say but I really haven't had anything to write about at all this week. This line is one I teach in my family though. I would like to think my children remember this line when they are not at home. There is enough nastiness in this world I think without my family adding to it. You can have an opinion on something but really if you are only being nasty then keep it to yourself. So anyway after that blerb I still don't have that much to talk about. I will go now and dish up tea. Take care all.

Jules

Stepping out of the boat

Well I had the best day today. I attended the 'Stitching Summer Memories' workshop. I drove there all by myself and for those who know me well know that I am not a confident driver. I also had to find the venue on my own so with the help of the good Lord above I had a safe trip there and found the venue with ease.

I am also very shy and entered the room all alone. Instantly I felt at home. Everyone was so warm and welcoming. Thanks to Lynne of Cranberry Crafts for hosting this workshop and for letting me know about it.

Our goodie bags were like finding treasure. The ooh's and ahh's around the room were witness to the wonderful items we received.

These are little samples and a pattern and material to make a draw string pouch.

These are patterns from Brenda Ryan and I purchased some gorgeous hand dyed stranded cotton made by Mini -Blessings, Jo-Ann Johnson. Brenda was there to help us out and demonstrate her iron on transfers. Brenda also taught me a new stitch. Thanks so much Brenda. Her embroidery is incredibly beautiful.

These three patterns are from Kerry Gillespie a very quiet gentle lady. I didn't have time to chat with her unfortunately but she made her way round the tables to help out. I can't wait to make her dolls.

These patterns were given to us by Christine Book. Amazing. I am a shy person but when Christine is around she makes conversation so easy. So bubbly and cheerful, full of joy. Thank you Christine for a fabulous day. I learnt so much from you.

Well there you have it, the longest and most exciting post I have done. I am going to another one of these workshops. I met so many wonderful and very talented ladies. Thank you to all of you for a wonderful day.

Jules

Top done

Well I finally got the top all stitched and sewn together. Next week I will attempt to back and quilt it. What do you think? I actually really like it.

Jules

Little creatures

I am pleased to introduce the newest member of our family...................Kelso

He is so cute. Just a baby. I purchased him from Old Macs farm. They had already started to hand train him so he is quite tame. The kids love him.

This is Marshall

Another tiny creature in our family of pets. Also adored by the kids.

Georgia

A bigger creature but very much loved. She is only 2 yrs old and so much fun.

Jules

A summers day

What a beautiful day today. Autumm is approaching but summer is still sending down it's rays from the hot sun.


Hubby had the day off today which was fantastic. After doing some running around town we had lunch at the food hall in the city then headed home. While hubby had a Nanna nap, I did some stitching on a boy cot quilt I am making.

Hopefully I will have this finished in another week or so.

Jules

Writings

Another weekend over. Very easy weekend. Saturday Hubby had to go Melbourne and the eldest went to an all day/night concert. The other three relaxed all day infront of the play station which I never let them do, but I really felt like stitching and so we sat in the loungeroom all day together. They enjoyed the playstation, i enjoyed stitching and we all had great laughs and conversation. We then ventured to the supermarket and the kids picked out their own tea for a treat. Today was a very lazy day again for the kids while I caught up on housework, school food and ironing. Not a very interesting post really but never mind because I am pretty sure I am writing to myself anyway........lol

Jules

Love

Happy Valentines day to whoever may come across my blog. My Hubby and I don't celebrate this day as (now this will sound corny) we love each other every day of the year and don't see the point in all the fuss. But to those who do go all out, we hold no judgement.

I finished of a baby quilt today and tomorrow I plan to sew all day making a baby quilt for a teacher who gave birth to her first child a week ago.

That's it today.

Jules

This and That

I took my two older children to lunch today just as a last treat before their school year starts. I told them to decide where they would like to go and they settled on a lovely spot by the water which surprised me. The meal was lovely. The company fantastic and fun. I don't get to spend much time with my 16yr old as he is always off with his mates or at work. He is my hard child. He is a good boy, never in trouble, loved by all parents and teachers, just gives us curry at home. It was nice to spend a couple of hours with him.

Before I took the boys to lunch I drove the little ones to school and then headed off to the op-shop. I was on the hunt for a moka espresso pot. I only want it to put in a photograph. I found half a one but I guess it will have to do.

Here are my other finds. The little dress was too good to leave behind. It looks brand new. My little girl loves dresses. I also bought some easy reads for her as she is struggling a bit. I am not too worried as yet as I think the light will switch on very soon. The other is a biscuit press I just had to have. I love the old box. All the bits are there too.

Till next time

Jules

They survived

Well the first and second days of school are over. They survived and so did I. I had all day in the city by myself today and did not buy one single thing........I think I was waiting for little voices to say "ooooohh, can I have that", or "Wow that's cool, can you buy that for me mum". But I didn't hear them. I met hubby for lunch and even he noticed how lonely we both were. Oh well, I am sure I will get used to it. In couple of weeks I will have so much going on I will have forgotten all about the holidays...............

Jules

Back to school

Well the weekend was all about the boring bits of getting ready for a new school year. Saturday was housework day then checking off the school list. We packed the books and hats into the school bags, made sure uniforms still fit and sorted through smocks until the right one was found. The kids dislike this part as much as I do so after that was lots of mucking around together outside.

Sunday started out early in the garden. Hubby found an inchmans nest and got bitten twice. So we had to abandon that until the ant poison started to work. Then after a coffee it was back into it again. Number three son helped out. He loves gardening and really is a huge help. You know how some kids just get in the way but you have to pretend you are greatful? well not with Cam. He is very good at it and never gives up. We have to drag him inside to have a break........lol

This afternoon was a muffin baking time and then they were individually wrapped and put into the freezer for lunches............I really don't want them to go back. Perhaps I could home school them..........hmmmm rethink..........I don't think so. My hat goes off to those who home school. I would kill my kids if they were under my feet all the time.....lol Not really .....But I couldn't do it. I do love the holidays though. No routine and lots of togetherness and relaxation. I wouldn't be disciplined enought to teach them, and they know it.

I finished off with chicken kiev for dinner and ice cream for dessert. Now bath and bed.......I just don't want to think about tomorrow..........



Jules

Craft day

Monday

A day spent doing craft. Charlie made her own paper with pink food die. She had red hands for a couple of days. Quite funny.

Tuesday

I finished off block 12 of the quilt a long. Now I have to decide on the sashing. I made these blocks from my scraps of old country fabrics to use them up. My tastes have changed and rather than let the fabrics stay hidden in a dark closet, I am using them up in the quilt a long to practise my piecing. I have never made a pieced quilt before. Any suggests on sashing colour? Unfortunately I will have to buy new fabric for that.

Wednesday

I took the kids to a place called Kids Paradise. There are jumping castles, Pirate ship, water world, play market, salon and treasure Island. They had a ball. I took a heap of photos.

Thursday

I made a doll quilt and pillow for a little girls birthday. I made them in colours to match her room.

Friday

Went to kids Paradise for the birthday party of the little girl.

This has been the last week of school holidays. I don't want them to go back to school. I have really enjoyed having them home this time. The last twelve months have been very trying for our family but now things are looking up and we had the best time together in a long time. I am very greatful for that.

Busy day

What was supposed to be a relaxing day with good company turned out to be a housework day with no company..............Unfortunately my visitors could not make it due to very positive reasons. So I turned my attention to the house and now it is sparkling and smells lovely.

The other day I encouraged the kids to make a pancake doll each. Well here they are.

A packet of pencils, calico, stuffing and a childs imagination and this is what they came up with.

Aren't they cute. The kids are so proud of them.

This is Charlie Girl. My daughter draws the most gorgeous little girls so I decided to enlarge one of her drawings and bring it to life. She was so excited when she saw her.