Countdown to Europe

Yay, I'm now counting down the days left before we leave for London.
Roll on November 4th.

Not much sewing happening lately, even though I have good intentions.

My Clematis, "Veronica's Choice" is now flowering beautifully and I've been waiting a whole year for this. First of all if it would survive the winter and then if it would flower. What a reward, four beautiful white flowers with a hint of purple that's probably not visible on the photo.


My vegie boxes had new compost added ready for a spring planting. I sowed lettuce, spinach and rocket seeds. The rocket is already germinating. I've planted a russian tomato and a mini bell capsicum. It will be interesting to see what happens while we are away. Andrew will be looking after things.

Latest cards

Here are some of my new cards. Still having fun with distress inks.

I really love these tea themed stamps but am still waiting for inspiration using them.




I've been taking photos of my garden as well as my cards. Spring is here and all my camelias are flowering beautifully.





Once the wisteria has flowered this year I may have to attack it and cut it back severely, it's way out of control. If it doesn't recover, I think I'll plant a new one and pay more attention to training it.

Paris

I've change the background of my blog to reflect what's happening in my life.

This year is my 25th Wedding Anniversary and my husband and I are spending it in Paris. whoooohoooo!

We will be away for a month and spending time in London, Paris and Rome - my first time. I've been to UK before but not to London.

Here is the latest photo of my naughtyt but cute one red kelpie. Mark took this photo of her when she was having a big yawn.

Wow! has it been that long?

No excuses, I'm very slack but ready to try again.

Been having lots of fun lately making cards and playing with Distress Inks. Have made this set of cards as a thank you for one of our clients who sends orange and lime marmalade home with Garry. Very yummy and home made.












This is the gift box I made to put the cards in.

The three Wrens stamp is from Stamp-it and is one of my favourites. I started out with the intention of making plain cards but then got a bit carried away. I enjoy creating the backgrounds using Distress inks as the effects are very cool.

This butterfly card is made using Distress Inks too. This time I distressed the edges of the mat.I haven't done this before but like the effect.

I have done a few computer workshops but haven't put the skills to use yet, hence, I have a backlog of things to stitch out. Poinsettia flowers, Dammit Dolls and now Christmas trees and baubles. My thanks to Pam who always gives us something new and creative to think about.

As I have a thing for birds at the moment, I've created this twiggy tree as a Christmas decoration. I collected various bird ornaments but wasn't prepared to pay $30 for a plastic coated wire tree so I found my own dry branches.

There are lots on the trees in front of a local high school. Hubby hopes I don't get reported for loitering in the bushes. We haven't put the Christmas Tree up yet because we've all been busy.

Garry, Laura and Andrew at work and me sorting and loading up the kitchen and helping my mum after her surgery. Would you believe we can't get the Silver Chain because they have no one to send so I have to take mum to her GP's surgery 3 times a week to have her dressings changed. Nice drive to Midland!

Certainly no time for any craft or sewing. I have made some bags for my friend's little girls to put their dancing gear in. Will post a photo later.

Another post today because I don't know how to load this photo at the bottom of my last post, it kept going to the top of the kitchen photos.

This is Mr and Mrs Wagtails nest. As you can see it is built around dry branches. I have my concerns as to the durability off these branches because many of them blow down during a strong wind. Hopefully they are thick enough to last until the hatchlings fly the coop.

I would like to get photos of baby Wagtails but will not try if I feel Mrs and Mrs will desert the nest because of my interference.

The kitchen is looking great. Still a lot of work to do however, bad news about the handles I've selected, they won't be available till March. I'm going to wait though because I really like them. My son has fashioned temporary handles with tape, they don't look wonderful but they do the job.

We are having Essa Stone benchtops and glass splashbacks. The building trades have been super busy and most businesses go slow or not at all in January, so it will be February or March before the kitchen is totally finished. Garry (builder hubby) has pulled in favours to get work done quickly but most of the time, unfortunatley, the client's jobs come first.

The electricians are done, the water is connected today (hopefully) but I still need a sink, never mind, the laundry will have to do for a bit longer.

My mum (84) has been in hospital this week and finally came home yesterday, yipppeeee! no more trips to Joondalup. All is proceeding well at this stage just a hiccup getting ever elusive Silver Chain. Not much happening on the sewing front as loading up the new kitchen is a priority, as is learning how to use the new equipment.

Mrs Willy Wagtail is sitting on eggs. Both Mr and Mrs Wagtail get a bit fiesty when we go outside and this will probably escalate once the eggs hatch. I quite enjoy being dive bombed by a waggie but wouldn't say the same if it was Mr Magpie doing the dive bombing.