MERRY CHRISTMAS from Down Under.

                                          A very Merry Christmas to all my lovely blogpals.

Thank you for the lovely comments on my last post at the end of November & sorry I didn't reply individually as I usually do.  I'm slowly getting my mojo back, I hope.
I've made many friends through having a blog & feel I've let everyone down just recently due to an ongoing anxiety problem, but am dealing with it now & will hopefully post before the end of the year with a wrap-up of a wacky 12 months. 
Enjoy the "silly season", take care and big huggles from Susan.
PS:  I borrowed the above picture from  "somewhere", on the world wide web, but can't remember where.  These are the wonderful 6 White Boomers, pulling Santa across our large continent.  There is a Christmas song about them, but I've no idea how to put it on so you can hear it.  😞

AHHHH! MY FIRST POST OF 2017.

So far this year it has been "HOT", and I'm not enjoying.

I was going to try and post on Tuesday, but the day got away from us.  We went off on a shop hop for me, to buy some bias tape, ribbon, iron pellon & a few other bits for some sewing I wanted do.  It was successful, but I didn't get to the computer at all.
Now for a few Christmas finishes.

2 styrofoam balls I decorated.

The little Xmas tree hubby made now painted & glue glittered to look like tinsel?

I took down the Christmas wall quilt and replaced it with this one.  Think I showed it in the making some time back and it is now completely finished.  I can't stand back far enough in this house to take a good photo, so this is as good as it gets.

Pansies Galore.

What am I keeping in this bag?

Said bag from a Co-op store in North Yorkshire.

Why, it's my cupcake rug!!  The body of it is finished and now I've the borders to do, but it is way too warm to over my knees in this weather, so will come out when it is slightly cooler.

My beautiful pastel rug.

I've been cutting out a few things (a couple I can't show yet, though one I've given away, but forgot to take a photo), and have done some sewing.  YAY!!  I've 2 children's aprons to get done, but did this for myself today.

A knitting needle case & crochet hook case.

These fabrics came from my stash, but did have to purchase the dusty green ribbon.  Tonight I'm going to sew press studs to the end of each flap, which isn't in the pattern, but as I picked one up awkwardly & all the hooks fell out, I think it maybe a good idea.

Hey, ladies, does anyone have one of these and have you used it?

I bought this many years ago to entertain my granddaughter when she visited, but we never used it and it's been sitting in the bottom of my storage footstool.  Will I have a go?

That is about it for today.  I thought I'd taken a photo of something hubby made me, but I can't find it, so that can be another day.  I've had a great day, chatting with my childhood friend, sewing and clearing out the footstool.  Hope you've had a good Friday too.

Take care all and huggles from Susan.

ADVENT CALENDAR 24th

Linking up with Hawthorn and Julie for the Advent Calendar.

DAY 24

A familiar sign here in Oz.  Outside a MacDonalds.

Finishing up for the Advent Calendar this year and what better way for an Aussie girl (well old lady) to wish everyone Merry Christmas, than with some very down under greetings.  I have sourced these from the internet, as I definitely can't draw, but I don't think I'm doing anything illegal.

Two more bits, that I think are a typical way we celebrate here in Oz.

What a typical backyard would have looked like as I was growing up.  The rotary clothes hoist, cockatoos screeching, the cricket all set up, the good old  paling fence and a very blue sky.

                                                         AN AUSSIE CHRISTMAS.

                 BEER FOR SANTA OR MILK & MINCE TART, CARROTS for REINDEER,
                                                               FLIES, FLIES,
,       ,                            SUN, SURF &  SAND,    BACKYARD CRICKET,
                       CROISSANTS FOR BREAKY,     DESSERTS OF CHEESECAKE or PAVLOVA,
                 HAM & SALAD,   FLIES, SCORCHING SUMMER'S DAY,   PRAWNS ON THE BARBIE,
                            SINGLET, SHORTS & THONGS,   ESKIES FULL,   FLIES,
                             CYCLONE WARNINGS,   CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT,  
  BOXING DAY CRICKET TEST MATCH, SYDNEY TO HOBART YACHT RACE, BUSHFIRE WARNINGS

OK, enough of me being silly and I'll be having a short break and be back with you for New Year.
Hope you've enjoyed the Numbers and my wafflings, old & new, little snippets of craft and just being me.

Have a wonderful Christmas, take care and sending lots of huggles your way.
Susan.

ADVENT CALENDAR 22nd

Linking up with Hawthorn and Julie for the Advent Calendar.

DAY 22.

Has anybody an idea as to what this might be?

CRAFT......but not mine, "again".

Hubby has been playing with his new toy again.

Now, how come to oldies seem to have been so busy just lately?
Technical problems!
We sorted the computer with the new NBN system that our government are rolling out, "but" they've also switched off the 2G network and hubby's 2 year old mobile isn't compatible, so the last couple of days have been spent trying to sort that out.  We had to buy a new one.  Just what you need at Xmas.
Apart from that it's just doing bits "n" bobs in between the running around.  And to top it all, we are supposed to have 5 days over 30°, which we've not had so far this summer.  We've just had one day at a time, then a big drop in temperature the next day, so this will be a shock to the system.  Xmas day is going to be 35.

Take care all 
Susan.

ADVENT CALENDAR 20th

Linking up with Hawthorn and Julie for the Advent Calendar.

DAY 20.

What else in Oz!

Now, to go with this photo above, I tried to do a You tube link, but can't.😞
If you type in SIX WHITE BOOMERS and watch a clip, I think that all my English blogpals, may enjoy.
Wish I knew how to do it and if you don't want the Rolfe Harris version, Peter Allen does a good one too.  The clip is the yellow one.

THE TREE.

My friend Jayne posted about her Xmas tree & I said I wasn't going to put ours up (haven't for several years due to a variety of reasons) and she said, "Take an hour out & do it".  So I did, though the photo isn't good, as this house is so dark.

Our fake tree, but lots of cute bits collected over many years.

OK, thank you for the messages to hubby and he isn't feeling to bad.  It was evidently an easy tooth to pull and he'll take it easy for the next few days and hopefully be better for Christmas day.
Take care all,
Susan.

ADVENT CALENDAR 19TH

Linking up with Hawthorn and Julie for the Advent Calendar.

DAY 19.

One of my DVD's that I love, so it gave me my number today.

CHRISTMAS DECORATING.

This little timber and candle decoration was bought some years ago in an arcade in Skipton, whose name escapes me at the moment.  It is on the hall stand,  to compliment my paper star.  I've not done much decorating this year as we'll be spending the day with DD and family.

Just a short post today as we've been busy and hubby is having a tooth removed tomorrow & I think I'm just as apprehensive as he is.  
Take care all and huggles.
Susan.

ADVENT CALENDAR 15TH

Linking up with Hawthorn and Julie for the Advent Calendar.

First:-  A big thank you for all my comments.
Second:- Happy birthday to my stepdaughter M (44 today), and another Happy birthday to grandson (M's son) who was16 yesterday and is already taller than Pop, my hubby.
Third;-  Another day without any definite crafting but a lot of fiddling.😞

DAY 15.

If you click on this so you can read the information notice, I think that says it all.  Taken on our holiday to Mallacoota at the , museum of the WW11 bunker that I posted about in  February 2015.

JUST BITS.

On Tuesday I bought a bag of carrots, but hadn't noticed the packaging till today.  Oh dear, I don't have any reindeer!!  May we eat them instead? (giggle)

I was playing around with this today and have now decided to take the ribbon of, roll it in glitter first, then put the ribbons back on.  I laughed when I thought about it and realise I'm doing a Kirstie Allsopp.  (She just loves glitter).

Judith, my doll that I use for my profile picture, turns 60 this Christmas. She has had a change of clothes for summer today, but this dress is very old and VERY special.  My longtime friend S's mother made this for me. We both had Pedigree dolls & played with them together often.   I must make her some new clothes next year.  That will keep my mind and hands active along with a few more things I'd like to try.

OK, that wraps up today and do hope you enjoyed my number.  It was a bit of a find in the archives.
See you all tomorrow.  Take care.
Susan. 

ADVENT CALENDAR 14th.

Linking up with Hawthorn and Julie for the Advent Calendar.

DAY 14.

One of my many quilting books and hey ho, a number "14" in the sub-title.

CRAFT.

With this little lot below............

I made a very simple door wreath, that won't wilt in our heat.  I forgot to take a photo before I painted the frame.

Whilst taking this photo, it was very windy and the ribbon kept blowing, so may have to take it down for the night.  
At least it has been cooler today, but blowing a hooley as my friend Lucie would say.
Have a couple more things in mind for Christmas craft & as hubby is doing some mending on our MM, whilst the radiator is out, we won't be venturing too far, so I'll make the most of being at home.
Off to get our tea ready, so take care all,
Susan.

ADVENT CALENDAR 13th.

Linking up with Hawthorn and Julie for the Advent Calendar.

DAY 13.

Taken on our lovely Phillip Island where the nightly Penguin Parade happens.  I've done quite a few blog posts about days out there.

TRYING TO BE FESTIVE.

A festive touch to the top of our filing cabinet.  The little deer were my Mums & I've had them for many years.
I decided that although they live in this spot most of the time, and as they are associated with Xmas, we'd jazz it up a bit with  red candle in one of my glass star candle holders and some native gumnuts & cones, and a little crochet granny square stocking.  Not too much done, as it was another busy,  hot (36.5°) day.  Tomorrow is to be cooler .😊

Hope, hope, hope I get something crafty done for tomorrow.
Take care all,
Susan.

ADVENT CALENDAR 8th

Thank you for my comments on 7.   Linking up with Hawthorn and Julie for the Advent Calendar.

DAY 8.

The bridge at the end of Gargrave station, where we caught the train to go over the Ribblehead Viaduct which I posted about in November.  This was the first number I found in the UK.

CRAFT (sort of).

The little gold sleigh (I've shown before) filled with frivolous bits and bobs.

I didn't have time today to craft as we went to buy Hubby's Xmas present & take the radiator from our Morris Minor to be looked at.  It is overheating due to deterioration.
I baked this afternoon when we got home, so then I won't have to do anything else other than my festive baking next week.
I also bought some glitter today.  Wonder what that is for?  Watch this space.  Oh, & I found "9" & it may bring back some memories to some!!!
Short and sweet again, but everyday is not so much hard, but finding the time.
Take care all.  See you tomorrow.
Susan.  xxx

ADVENT CALENDAR 7th.

Again linking up with Hawthorn and Julie and the Advent Calendar.

DAY 7.

My 7 was taken on Sunday, when I went to buy some new season cherries, which just at the moment are frightfully expensive due to a big hailstorm in one of the main "cherry" growing areas, that wiped out about 75% of the crop.  

CRAFT.

Not much to show for today, as it has been hectic with phone calls to telephone providers & problems with my young brother.  Phew!!!!

I sat out on the verandah fiddling with this wee Styrofoam ball & some gold stars I found in a drawer, when we were moving last year.  Now they have been put to use in this.....

Not the best photo, but it kept sort of twinkling.😊

Just a quick one today and I've still got to find 9, and that is approaching rather fast.
Take care all,
Susan.

ADVENT CALENDAR 1st & 2nd.

I promised myself I would join in with Hawthorn and Julie for the Advent Calendar idea, and as per usual, I am running late.  I have been collecting numbers and craft ideas, so my first few will be double up days with 1 & 2 today and hopefully 3 & 4 tomorrow, then one each day (sigh).  Not sure though, if I'll have a craft for each day.  I may try one of Hawthorns and post that, but I'll give it a good go.

DAY 2.

Taken whilst walking around Fountains Abbey.  (UK trip 2016).

A small craft project that is both easy, practical and achievable.

Small bookmarks.

I used those 3 colour paint chip cards, glued some scrapbook paper to the back and left them to dry.
Next I cut the writing off, punched a hole through the top, threaded in some fine ribbon & decorated with stickers, stamping or if clever enough your own artwork and voila, an easy present.  Very post friendly too.  I've seen something similar on the i'net, but this is how I did it.

DAY 1.

I actually had another number 1 picked out, but looking through my photo archive for something else, happened on this from our trip in 2014 and realised I had the perfect 1.  Photo taken at the Car museum in the Lakes District.

I'm cheating on this craft bit, as I've shown it before, but not having been at home for the last week, nothing has been prepared.

A PAPER SNOWFLAKE.

I posted how to make the snowflake last December.  Hopefully you find it easy with my tutorial.  DD showed me how it was done & then I took photos of each step.  Enjoy!

My start to the festive season has begun.  Hope you come along with me and also Hawthorn, Julie, Jak, Lovely Lady and any others who are joining in.  Thank you lovely bloggers.
Have a great weekend all.  Take care,
Susan.

THE ODD BUNCH.

First I'd like to thank all for last post's comments.  We had a couple of those scary phone calls from someone with a foreign accent, saying they were going to cut our internet off, so tried to use it fleetingly for a couple of days.   They didn't of course, and as soon as they say that, I just hang up. Getting nothing from this old lady, though if they ring again, I'll be calling the complaints number.

A few odd photos.

LAST 4 XMAS GIFTS.

Fox oven mitt, socks to keep my tootsies toasty warm, 2 scented candles and a candle mat handmade by Jo, a souvenir pin and a love spoon key ring.  

Close-up of pin depicting an Australian flag crossed with a Welsh one.  A very fitting end to a wonderful swap.

I can't thank Jo(2) enough for her lovely gifts and thoughtfulness.  Also a big thanks to my other Jo(1), for initiating the 12 Days of Xmas Swap.

CRAFT.
I've finished the body of my CAL rug and have taken a photo, albeit in the garden over the handrail of our stairs, so that you don't see my wavy edges.  I still need to do the borders, which don't seem too easy.  Ugh!

I'm also working on this lot of fabric, all from my stash and last quilt I'm making for "that" book (giggle).

GARDEN
Not a lot happening on this front due to lack of rain, and our weird weather.  Although it's not been hot over the last week, it's been strange, sort of cloudy and close.  Hubby bought me 2 roses for Xmas, one being a favourite I've had before.  Pierre de Ronsard, which is a climber.  It has started flowering with very strange looking flowers, so cut one and took it out to the Rose Nursery, where we found that his are also the same at the moment.  He thinks it is because of our very hot days around Xmas and not much rain.

Poor Pierre, which should be pale pink.

My black scabious looking good though.

THE MORRIS.
I did say that I'd show a photo of our Morris once hubby had finished doing the back.

Taken this afternoon out at the Rose Nursery.

TAKING NOTE.
Today, I noticed that it's been a good day.  First, I actually sold some blueberries to one of our local fruit and veg shops.  We've had heaps and they said they'd take some if I took them in.  I've been giving them away as well and met some of our neighbours in the process.  I'm even going to make a small amount of jam, I think.
At the nursery, it was great talking roses with someone else who loves them.
This morning  in town, I called in at a shop that opened whilst we lived in Ballarat and found that one of the salesgirls is an avid quilter.  This shop sells cookware and has some lovely range cookers and also have cooking classes, which I certainly didn't know about.  She took my  phone number and said she'd love to come around and see my big machine.   Funny how things can come about.
Enough of my ramblings for now.  The weekend is nearly here for us.  Wonder what it will bring?
Take care all, Susan.

NEARLY 2016

CHRISTMAS IN CANBERRA.

We arrived home Monday evening after a long day of driving and it's taken me till today to catch up with a post of my own.
Our son and partner spoilt us with lovely food.

Lunchtime ham.

Teatime dessert.

Christmas afternoon was spent playing  trivia games and watching a DVD called Oddball, which I'd given to them.  Although they had actually seen it before (I hadn't), we all enjoyed.
Saturday afternoon, during a thunderstorm and downpour, we sat and watched a series of Shaun the Sheep and Wallace and Gromit which was showing on one of our local channels.
Sunday was spent down by the Cotter River having a picnic and playing in the water, but not hubby or I as we didn't want to walk on the stones in bare feet, so I played "with" the stones and took lots of photos along the river.  Some I can't show as they are of the grandchildren.

Just a few pics around the river.

I played with stones, whilst B1 and Little E splashed in the water.

My miniature cairn.

Pretty heart shaped stone.

A cicada shell I found.  I find this sort of stuff fascinating, and so did the kids.

As we drove back to J & D's we decided to stop for afternoon tea.  We stopped at Mount Stromlo, where there is an observatory complex along side part of the university.  I remember going here as a child.  The 2003 bushfires which hit Canberra, burnt through this site too.  A few photos below.

Back of this building had housed a cafe, which is now closed, so we had to go to the Arboretum for coffee, which I've blogged about before.

The view from the mountain.

Remains of one building after the fires.

The Original Directors House.

This house was built in 1929 and suffered bad damage in the fires, but they have stabilised it and if you click on the photo above you can see the pics on the mantel showing original, fire damage and now.  I could write more, but will leave it at that.  There is a lot more here than just these bits and we'll explore more next time we are in Canberra.

HOME AGAIN.

Monday was a very long day, quite warm and via a very winding back road.  Won't be doing that again.
Tuesday was loads of washing and shopping.  Tuesday evening I finally opened my parcel containing my 12 Days of Christmas Swap.  Oh, what a lovely surprise I had opening my first four little parcels.

My packages on the floor.

What I've opened so far (actually today will be 7, but I'll do 4 at a time).  The gorgeous tree decoration is Merry Christmas in Welsh.  Jo lives in Wales.  Along side this is a notebook with owl and cute pencil.  Then, oh my, Tunnocks teacakes and Yorkshire tea, which we drink when on special.  Jo knitted the 2 little face cloths and the pretty ball contains nail cream.  Who's a lucky lady?

Wednesday I made use of the cool of the morning and made some, you guessed, 'blueberry muffins' and a rather crumbly chocolate fruit slice.  I don't have a good time with this oven.  It doesn't even take a full size biscuit tray and I swear and curse having to cook 6 biscuits at a time, instead of at least a dozen.  Never mind.

Well it is now New Years Eve and our weather station tells me it is 40.3deg outside, but we have our cooler on and although there is no outlet in the study, it is a "LOT" cooler in the house than out there.
Sorry this is top heavy with photos, but I've 2 more to show.

Sorry about the quality here, but he kept moving.  We spotted this little lizard on some paving up at Mount Stromlo.  He's about 8" long and was so cute.

My Eryngium which I brought over from Ballarat as 2 little plantlets from one I had growing.  The other is just throwing up a flower spike.  Isn't it  a beautiful colour.

I'm sure everyone is now tired of my ramblings.  I had thought about doing a review of the year and realised Id set myself some challenges, which haven't really happened.  Maybe over the weekend I'll sort through some things and see what I did manage to finish.  I know one thing I've not shown, which is nearly a finish.
I do hope you all have a great start to the New Year.  Hopefully the rain and storms will ease up in the UK and our weather won't be quite as warm.  Wishes eh!
Take care all.
Susan.