I Am Grateful For Home

Via here



It has been a long two weeks of travel, cars, trains, conference food, discussions and learning.  I don't mind saying that although my brain is tired and resembles, figuratively at least, mush I did enjoy it.  There was so many interesting and excitng ideas and great people to learn from.

Despite the fun I had, coming home Thursday night on the train seemed to be the longest part of the journey.  In fact I couldn't get home quick enough to the heating, to sit next people I actually knew and to cuddle up on my warm couch and hug my family.  I am grateful to be home.

Has anyone else travelled a bit for work?  What were the bad bits?  What were the good bits?

For more grateful posts head over to Maxabella

I Am Still Here

Image via: RGB Stock

Despite all appearances the Crafty Little Fox is still here!

I have been commuting to Melbourne for the past week and a bit.  Time on the train is interesting.  I get to read, check out the graffiti art (not tagging, it's ugly) on the back of industrial buildings and observe my fellow passengers.

My favorite passenger to see each night is the Colored Sock guy.  Bright purple and bright green socks so far this week.  Can't wait to see what socks he has tomorrow.  Isn't color wonderful?

I am looking forward to getting back amongst the fabric again.  Can't wait!

Has anyone else needed to commute before?  What did you like about it?  What didn't you like?  And what was the strangest or best thing you have seen on your way to work?

Grateful for ..... Rain

Via Free Speak Planet

It has been so very cold at home today and it seems to have constantly drizzled rain.  I don't mind the rain (as long as I am not in it) but I must say it would be nice just for a little while to see a few rays of sunshine.  Just as a hint, a reminder of things to come. 

The rain however has given me the chance, and an excuse, to bake, drink hot chocolate and make popcorn for the children while they watch dvds.  I have also got a fair bit of stitching done. 

For all those reasons I am grateful for the rain. Head over to Maxabella to see what else others are grateful for.

Do you like the rain?  Do you like thunderstorms, heavy showers and rainbows?  What do you do to keep yourself and yours entertained when the rain comes down?

Itching for Stitching

So much time that I have not found much space to stitch.  Can't wait for the long weekend!

YAY for long weekends.

My Creative Space

Have been a bit quiet lately with the 'space'.  I have just started a new job and am finally working under my own speed.  So much to do!  Anyway I did clear Tuesday and managed to finish quilting my 'Bird' quilt.  This afternoon I am adding the binding.  Thanks to Mum for stitching back through all the quilting threads xo.

I don't know if you can see in this photo but I machine quilted some little hearts around the birds.  The effect is rather sweet.

I have also been stitching some reindeers for the Xmas quilt. It is really starting to come together.  All the blocks are made, all the 'snowballs' are gathered and ironed ready for stitching and four reindeers are cut out and basted on the blocks they belong too.  You may have already met Cupid before in a previous post.  If not check him out, he is seriously adorable.

This little guy just needs and eye, a nose and some antlers and he is ready to be added to the finished pile too. 

Happy stitching everyone :)

Green Tomatoe Pickles

Finally decided that it was well and truly the end of warm weather and picked the last of the summer veg.  (Took us awhile to get the hint and the thunder this morning with the torrential rain finally sealed the deal) We had heaps of little green cherry tomatoes left on the tomato bushes. What to do?  We made pickles!

This made me think about how we use up the left overs of things.  Like scraps of fabric left over when you cut out a quilt. 

What do you do with your left over scraps?  Do you cut them into shapes or sort them by colour?  Have you ever made quilts from something other than quilt fabric?  Felted jumpers, old denim jeans or cotton mens' shirts are popular. Have you ever tried any of those? 

The Travelogue



Have covered a few kilometres in the last few days and today we are off to the Big Smoke.  For those who have not read my blog before a quick background story.  A few months ago my Mum lost the feeling in her legs and has since then had very limited mobility.  So has begun a journey through the medical system that is all of the following words: frustrating, anger inducing, fruitless and time consuming.

It is like being sucked into a really bad carousel.  Round and around you go.  With no answers, doctors who don't really care and some that do and the eternal waiting.

Does anyone out there in blogland have a family member with chronic illness?  Have you felt that noone listens because they are too busy?  Or have you found that doctor that is one in a million?  What are your experiences?  Please share xo

P.S  If you left a comment on my blog last week and I did not reply I apologise.  It seems that Blogger deleted the comments when they 'improved their service'. Not happy Blogger!