OH DEAR!!!!!!

Yes, it's been a month since I last posted, and I'm not sure there's been too much happening to write about.  Health wise, I'm still struggling with pain due to back and ribs, but we are working on that.  I suppose that is the main reason for being so quiet for 3 weeks, but the last week has been a little adventure and that is why I'm sitting here now.  I had no internet access for 6 out of the 7 days away.
We set off last Thursday in this.

Our caravan.

 We were travelling to Bordertown in South Australia so I could have a little retreat time with a lovely group of ladies who all operate computerised long arm machines similar to mine.  This is organised by Judy at  News from Jude blog.
The first night we stayed at Ararat here in Victoria and we took a leisurely stroll around the lovely small town and as we passed by an Op Shop (charity shop) I saw something in the window that caught my eye and we walked away with it and a freebie the young lady threw in.  Can't show the freebie till the 29/4, but can the other item.  We also had a lovely coffee and scone.

An inexpensive framed print with quilts outside an antique shop, which I thought quite appropriate to our trip.  It will hang in my sewing area. 

Next stop was Keith, not far from Bordertown where we stayed for 3 nights and I went back and forth to Judy's.  I'm sure I'd forgotten to take my brains with me, but did a little stitching on  a binding and started another of my own quilt designs.  I think I just talked too much and learnt so many new things about using the computer side of my machine.  I sometimes feel a bit of a fraud going to these retreats, as I don't quilt for customers anymore, but it was lovely being with like-minded people.
The only photo I took was the one below, as I forgot the camera the first day, but they were all busy doing some of the greatest things, which I didn't photograph, though Judy did.  Permission has been granted to post this.

The "girls".

OK, just another few pics and I will post more about our trip over the weekend.  Been a busy day with lots of washing and grocery shopping as we only got home yesterday.

The derelict gatehouse for the old gaol in Ararat that also housed a ward for the criminally insane.   It is now a technology centre, but there are tours which we may do one day. 

Beautiful golden tree, as it is autumn here in Oz.

The sun going down, taken through the windscreen.

Hope to post again with more over the next few days.
Have a good weekend all and take care.
Susan.

OOOH SECRET PROJECTS!!!!!!!

It's been a busy week, and I would like to thank all who left comments on my last post.  I've been trying to make time to answer but this week just flew by.

Thursday was my first day at Vision here in Ballarat and all went well and I've been asked to actually volunteer on Wednesdays in future so will see what tomorrow brings.  I came home with fabric for two aprons to be made for clients in the pottery room who are a little messier than onthers.  Not yet made, but will try and get them done during this next week.  Went to pick up the caravan from a friend's place on Saturday, so that was another day gone as we didn't get home till well after 9pm.  I'm just wondering where the other days went, although I know that I've tided away the last bits and pieces and rearranged a few things too.
Cut the backing and batting for the baby quilt, which are now pinned to the rollers and will hopefully make a start on that on Thursday.  Also finished a small gift and picked fabrics for a new project.  Both of these things are the "secrets".  I think the rest of the time must have gone on the usual mundane housework.

We've just had a brief shower of rain, after another 30deg day and about 100 cockies are milling about and doing and awful lot of screeching.  They seem to come and fly around early morning and sunset each day, as we have the reserve over the road with a lot of native trees.  I'll try and get a photo one night.
Rang my friend Sue today to let her know we are settling in and she said she has her 45th wedding anniversary coming up next week.  Wow! We've known each other since we were 5 1/2.

Below are some photos of what I've mentioned above.

The caravan in its jungle free resting place.

Back of the little gift.  I'll be able to show it all at a later date.  I'll be finishing the hand sewing on this tonight.

The style of apron I'll be making, minus the pocket.

A selection of fabric for a "secret" project.  All will be revealed eventually.

Does anybody else out there sew whilst having DVD's playing away in the background.  I do and when they finish I wonder if I actually watched any of it, but that's just me.  Below are some of what I may have on.

Below is the pattern I'll be quilting on baby quilt.

This is a pattern by Patricia Ritter called Gummy Bears and I'm hoping it will show really well on back of quilt.

Well, that is my quick update for the week and hopefully, I'll get time over the next day or two for another one and also some sewing and maybe even gardening and baking.
Take care all.
Susan.