I Remembered How to Sew!!

It’s been so long since I have sat at the machine I was wondering if I would remember how to use it.

Fortunately, it all came flooding back.

I haven’t had any finish for the last few months, so I thought it was about time that I did something. As usual, a last minute quick and easy project.

I’m rather pleased with the way this little thread catcher turned out.

Joey was even impressed.

I can see a few more of these being made, I just have to hunt out some fun fabric.  What do you think, a pink one on my desk for paper clips.  I think that would work.

Here’s Cheers Chooky

I read earlier today that our friend Chookyblue was having “Drought Drinks” with her neighbours this evening.

Well, Mick and I thought that we’d join in.  Ours was a little simpler, but it was still lovely.

Here’s cheers.

We didn’t sit outside for too long though.  We are now back inside in front of the fire.  Minus 3 degrees C here this morning and tonight is going to be cold as well.

Catching up – Canowindra Hanging of the Quilts

When I mentioned to one of my workmates that we were going to Albert, she mentioned that quilts would be on show at Canowindra on the Saturday. As it was on our general way, it was incorporated into our itinerary. 

The day was perfect for showing quilts, being sunny and still.

 

There were quilts in the windows of all the businesses, however they were difficult to photograph.  This one was Mick’s favourite.

The quilt on the left of the next photo is the same pattern as the one above.  How  very different they look in the different colour ways.

The next quilt was truly stunning, just unfortunate that there was so much glare on the glass.

Next year I’ll have to go up when I have a bit more time to look at everything property.  It was a great little interlude on our trip.

Catching Up – The Rabbit Trap Hotel at Albert

We had another trip away on “Snubby” the weekend after the Sidecar Rally.  On the October long weekend a group of us decided to travel to the thriving metropolis of Albert – population 12. Just an overnighter.

Mick and some mates went up there at about this time last year and had a ball, so wanted to go again.  I stayed home last time and visited the open gardens instead.  The other reason we wanted to return, was to see the giant Rabbit Trap that has been built on top of the pub.  It has only been there a couple of months.

We had a great ride up, the weather was good and the countryside looked a picture around Canowindra.  However, the further north west we went the drier it got.

We called in at the little craft shop in the old railway station at Bogan Gate and bought some jam and chocolate fudge brownies. 

Yummo!  They ladies were great and good sports.

I always love seeing the silos along the way.

We had to stop to take a photo of this important event.

Yes, 100,000 kms on Snubby.  That’s a long way, when you consider this bike is only used for recreational purposes, and we have other bikes as well.  Mind you, that is over 11 years.

Finally, we arrive at Albert.  It is between Tullamore and Tottenham, and west of Narromine.

We had a great spot to set up our campsite directly opposite the pub.  It is a free camp area, but has a good hot shower in the amenities block.

Don’t you hate it when things don’t go to plan.  No worries.  A bit of bed swapping between tents meant that everyone had a good night’s sleep.

I suppose one option would have been to sleep in the little Rabbit Trapper’s hut.

Once the housework was done, we adjourned to the verandah of the pub.  There’s always one who has to ham it up for the camera.  Trust Mick!

There is no mobile phone coverage out here.  It is back to the old technology……except it didn’t work.  A reminder of what we used to take for granted.

Jenny and I had a wander around the streets just before the sun set.

 

Of course, I had to take photos of flowers as well.

 

 

Yes, that last one is Patterson’s Curse.

We had a rather relaxing evening at the typical Aussie pub. For such a small place, it sure was crowded on Saturday night.  They do excellent food, which always draws a crowd.

And in the morning, the obligatory group photo.

We thoroughly enjoy getting away for weekends like this.  It is often just as good as going away for a week.  We should do it more often.

Catching Up - Sidecar Rally

As usual, we attended the Sidecar Rally along the Bridle Track at the end of September…..it’s just taken me a while to share it here.

This year we had a group of three sidecars travel out together.

One slight hiccough.

Not to worry, we were back on our way in no time.

Once we arrived at the rally site, we set up camp beside the river.  A really beautiful spot. This year we took “Snubby” and the camper.

There was lots of talking and checking out the other side cars that arrived.  Everyone has a different way to do things and different opinions of what is right and wrong.  Quite amusing to listen to at times.

This one was rather creative.

I even found some time to do a little stitching while chatting with a mate. 

And, of course, no rally is complete without a fire in the evening.  Mick had to poke at it.  It must be a boy thing.  We were very fortunate to be able to have a fire.  There would be no fires allowed now.

It was a great weekend.  Not far from home, but a million miles from care.

I’m Still Here

I’ve had a couple of people contact me to check that I’m OK, as I’ve been quiet for a while.

Yes, all is good, just hectic.  I’ll do little catch up in the next few days.

I had a nice day today.

There is a vineyard over our back fence and they had an event “Art in the Vines” today.  There were stalls as well as artists sitting and painting in the vineyard.

A friend and I had a little stall. 

Ann had her cushions and quilting.

I had a few bits and pieces I had made as well as some vintage wares.

Unfortunately, it was rather quiet and people weren’t wanting to buy hand made items, although I did sell a little few vintage pieces.  However, it was a lovely day to be out and about and there was lots of chatting.

On a more serious note, the bushfires, about an hour east of us, don’t seem to be letting up.  My thoughts are with all those affected and the firies who are doing their best in difficult conditions.

Bathurst was shrouded in smoke on Friday.  The other days haven’t been too bad as the wind has blown the smoke away from us.  Yesterday afternoon, there was a wind change.  It was clear in Bathurst, but out at our place we were in the smoke.  There was a definite line at the edge of the smoke, although the below photo I took on my way home doesn’t show it all that clearly.

Once I had driven into the smoke it was like entering a different world.

Here’s hoping the conditions over the next few days aren’t as severe as forecast and they can get on top of things.