A busy week

I've had a busy week we've had the painters and carpet layers in. A lot of moving and rearranging of furniture.

Another busy week at school with the holidays fast approaching it's a mad time in the library with books coming in and the new books for next terms themes. With a three day week it was busy!

Today I moved my antique wicker bed from Ben's we switched I gave him a queen bed for my antique bed, this bed has had a lot of moves from Casterton to Ballarat and then to Ben's. I love this old bed and it looks fab in my new bedroom that I've created. I've put in and antique chair that I got from a garage sale and my upholstery friend John Rix re upholstered the chair my dad sanded and gave it a lick of french polish. On the antique drawers I have a antique light that no longer operates with a ladies beauty set and also a chamber pot! On the bed I have one of my many quilts that I've made over the years.

Today after the bed setup I took on another challenge the lawns, as some of you may or may not be aware I had a heart attack a few years back and don't do much gardening, bug of late the past 2 weeks I've decided to do the lawns as my exercise. I have not been on my bike for about 12 months due to a sore knee and sciatic nerve problem (Physio helped but then my knee caved in). Late January I had an op on my knee to see what the problem was, well in short it's damaged and I need a new one... alll my problems seem to be on the left side the ankle and the knee....

Well I hope this fills you in on my short but busy week!
Enjoy whatever you may get up to this weekend or week

Cheers
Andrea

I'll try and post pics of the room later

Term 2 of the School Year

Well it's nearly that time again...the nights are getting darker and the days colder...
2 more weeks and I'll be on holidays again....yippie...I love this time as I get to catch up with my big kids that no longer live at home or close by....
Nathan is in Foster which is a good 5hrs drive after a busy week at school! I do try to catch up and watch a footy game or 2, so far this season I haven't watched him play 😕 He has played a few games for the Seniors and now is playing Reserves footy he did however get BOG this week named 3 best.
Abbey is in Warrnambool and working at Lyndoch part time.. She does come over to visit and brings the Daisy Mae her black cocker spaniel. It's been a big year so far seeing how far she has come since her car accident in 2011, a mothers worst nightmare those first 4 weeks not knowing if she would survive, but in true Abbey fashion she proved the Drs and us wrong... The only downer about the whole accident is she now has a Brain Injury and because of this lost her dear and near friends... I can count on my hand the number that still include Abbey in their activities... She has found a partner and he is aware of her condition and is looking after her great.
Ben well he is our dark horse, he's bought a house in Cobden, but comes home most nights for tea or to use the washing machine. He works at CopRice and loves to party on the weekends. Bens got his own Ginger Ninjas which love him as much  as he does them 🐱🐱.

I've had the flu...leargie for the past 4 weeks, went to the Drs twice and on 2nd visit got some great drugs which kicked it although taking prednisolone and being on the nebuliser for asthma every 4 hrs wasp a  stroll have a slight wheeze but the night coughs and aches are all gone.
No big holiday this year but looking at Canada 2018 Alaska Banff Fairbanks Jasper Lake Louise Anchorage... Gotta save the ✈️💷💶💴💵💸.
Well I've had a huge Long Weekend cleaning and ripping up carpet...walls have all been painted fresh new colour Sombrero Tan and skirts in Rawhide Haymes paints, Gary Fryers and his boys did a great job.

Well hopefully it won't be another 14plus weeks till my next post.

Enjoy your Week

My Weekend

Hi Bloggers, Ive had a busy weekend with my twin sister and her partner down for the weekend. My twin lives in the city and I of course I live in the country. Today we went to our friends farm so Liz could get some really good cow poo for her own garden at home. Several bags later and they should have the best veggies in Melb. We saw whilst out at the farm which is a 5 min drive a family of Wedged Tailed Eagles...anyone that knows me knows that I just adore any kind of animal...

Wedge Tailed Eagles flying over the farm

We also got to play with one of the girls R34 she is getting on in years now she is about 7-8yrs old she had a calf a few years back that was prem and her calf was called 'Pig"....7 came over for a play and Ollie the long haired border collie entertained us when he jumped into the water trough.. We came home had a bite to eat and then the visitors left...A friend had brought around some Blood Plums so the husband got busy and we made some Plum Sauce a jar will be given to the ex owner of the blood plums in appreciation of his plums...

Liz and her spade....lol check out the footwear

Liz and Ollie

Ollie waiting to jump into the water trough

Me with R34

Home made Plum Sauce

Cheers Andrea

Weekend

Well the first couple of days back at school and the old knee blew up. I went back to the surgeon and the outcome i had torn my ACL at some stage and it showed damage I also had meniscus issues and some crazing of the knee cap. Also behind the knee cap shows damage.W ow no wonder I was in pain just before Christmas. Physio visit to Colac on Thursday and my physio worked her magic on my sore muscles.... Friday another busy day try to reorganise the school Library after it has been shifted for the 3rd time....lots of books still not on shelves...oh well I do have 12 months to fix that...lol Today I have lazed around and then decided to make some patty cakes for afternoon tea...We are finally empty nesters so its very very quite at our house... We still have the adorable 'Miss Poppy' who is a very spoilt pooch...we also now have 2 adorable Ginger Ninjas Buzz and Woody

Monday

Well I am still off work, I had an operation on my knee nearly 2 weeks ago. I have had a few outings G.O.R.G.E Chocolates which is near Simpson Apostle Way Cheese just around the corner from G.O.R.G.E Chocolates I did buy some chocolate bullets and from the cheese shop some yummy cheese and some Apostle Way Milk which I flavoured. I am goiong back to surgeon on Wedneday and will be back at school on Thursday. I still work as an Integration Aid at the local PS I have been an aide for over 27years. DH and myself celebrated our Wedding Anniversay on the 4th Feb 28 years. Well I hope you all have a great week. Andrea

Photo whilst we travelled to New Zealand in the school holidays AUCKLAND SKY DECK

Sorry Iv'e been missing

Life is busy Facebook seems to be all the rage now. I am on Twitter Snapchat I have not sewed much of late . I did a few cushion covers for my Library at school and that's about it I'm getting older hit the Big 50 last year went to Africa as my Birthday present with my Twin Cheers andrea

Still here

I am still involved with the blog world although I don't get on as much as I did. I still enjoying looking at all my friends posts and seeing what you are all making. I have been busy this year made. Few quilts and helped a friend learn the techniques with making a quilt. I have Craft Club at my house each Wednesday Night sometimes we quilt...talk..Pinterest..or play Candy Crush...whatever takes our fancy on the night... Have a great week Andrea

Whip Up Family Trust Fund for her children

There has been overwhelming love expressed here in the past few days for these two amazing children of Kathreen and Rob and today a trust fund for their future was established. For their daughter Otilija and son Orlando, two gorgeous, sweet, gentle and brave kids who were loved, cherished and adored by their parents. Many people have asked “what can I do”. The family have given their full permission and blessing for a fund for the children. Please consider making a contribution to support the children in their future*^. At this point in time, only a direct bank deposit is available. We are working on getting a PayPal button established here however for now, Australians can direct transfer using the BSB and Account Number and International assistance can be accepted via bank deposit using the Swift Code. For Australians : BSB : 633-000 Account# : 149480667 Account Name : ITF Otilija and Orlando Shugg Cheques and money orders can be sent to ITF Otilija and Orlando Shugg, PO Box 370, Dickson ACT 2602. For International Contributions : Account # : 633000149480667 Swift Code : BENDAU3B (International Banks will require this code) Account Name : ITF Otilija and Orlando Shugg Bank Details : Bendigo Bank, 161 London Circuit, Canberra ACT 2602 Australia International people may require an address for the beneficiaries as well. That is PO Box 370, Dickson ACT 2602 Australia EDIT: Overnight I have been advised that some US banks will not accept a PO Box due to money laundering legislation. The physical address for this account is a home address so please email me procrasticraft at gmail dot com for details should you require this. Enquiries can be directed to Julie McMahon via email to procrasticraft {at} gmail {dot} com or post to PO Box 370, Dickson ACT 2602 Australia *All donations, no matter how big or small are gratefully received. However, due to the cost of bank processing fees, we respectfully request that donations be more than $2 as this is the charge of processing an international transaction. Should international contributors wish to send a cheque (check), the fee for processing charged by the banks in Australia is $10. ^Regrettably, contributions are not tax deductible. Share and Enjoy:

I've bee amiss of late with my Blog

OK...sorry I have not posted in awhile...this is what I have been upto of late...Hong Kong for 8 days with my 2 sisters in the school holidays..left on the Monday 2nd July tad nervous as this was my first big flight. can safely say arrived very late got to bed 1st day around 3am Oz time. Had a great time many places visited. If you follow me on Facebook I posted each day where we had been any many photos.I was very excited I got to go to Disneyland...everybody wants to go to Disneyland now I can tick that off my bucket list...we plan to go to Hong Kong again and I think I will now become a seasoned traveller Disneyland Train

Liz and Myself

Train at Hong Kong Museum

Jill and Myself with Hong Kong in background pic was at The Peak

The last 3 weeks I have been housebound....I have had surgery on my ankle/achillies and plantar fascia...in total have had one with the lot. I have been though enjoyin the Olympic coverage on Austar. I went back to the surgeon this week and all is going well with my foot or more affectionately known now as my (paw)..DS1 and his GF visited me on Saturday and took me for a drive to Colac where I met my Mum and Dad for a Hot Chocolate at OddFellows. This week I hope to start physio and hydro on the foot. I am soooooooooooo over my crutches..can weightbear but need crutches. No sewing at this time to show or share. Have a great week :)

I Survived Camp

Well what a busy few days I've had... camp was fantastic....the food and the children were great. I was up early each day as were the kids, we had full days. I was glad to get home on Friday to see the DH, DD and DS and the animals. I had a wee spend up at the Vic Market, I did not spend much because I am off the Hong Kong in 2 weeks. Saturday I was up early as DS1 got another game in Seniors at Casterton and was playing with Max Rooke an ex AFL Footballer..photo to follow. Max Rooke (L) Nathan Clarke(R) Today Sunday I have cleaned the house and am about to watch a Movie on Austar. I hope you have all had a great week/weekend

Off to Camp....My Week in Review

Abbey 19th June 2011 I have packed my bags once again for the Grade 5/6 Camp... I will be up very early to catch the bus with the local school kids. We will have 4 fun filled days and nights in Melbourne. This week has been hectic Monday (today) a visit from my Mum and Dad who have had an adventerous weekend tripping around the countryside visiting many places such as Casterton and Hamilton. Sunday had a visit from DS1 and GF who had been at a 21st in Derrinallum and then popped in for a visit and some homestyle cooking. Saturday off to Hamilton very early to watch DS1 play his 1st Senior Game for Casterton Cats, unfortunately they lost and the weather was a very chilly 10.3deg. Went to a former collegues 60th Birthday Party, which was held at a local hall very comfy and warm I must say. Friday started off fast with the removing of some furniture for the carpet to be laid and the last bit og Vinyl Thursday a busy day at school and housework plus the 1st part of Vinykl being laid. Wednesday saw me off to the Physio during my lunch hour... was pleased for a rubbing of the calf and achillies..hairdresser Tuesday Hydro Therapy at the local Indoor Swimming Pool it may only be 20mtrs long but I loved every minute in the water Monday anothe bus=y day with shopping and the weekly chores outside....Phew what a week No sewing or stitching done keeping that all for when I have surgery in a few weeks... I must also say am a tad excited for the 2nd July will be going off to Hong Kong for 8 nights with my 2 sisters. Till my next post have a great week Andrea

Abbey's 21st Party

The Clarke Family Abbey Nana and Grandpa Who would have thought that this year we would be celebrating Abbey turning 21. It has been a huge 17 months since the accident. Abbey is doing really well. Abbey has started to work again only 3hrs at The Wheatsheaf Hotel in Terang as a waitress. Nathan has Graduated from Uni.... and now is in the process of writing his 1st ever lot of Reports... Ben is still studying Yr12 and has now decided to join the Army... he has a YOU Session in a few weeks.. School Holidays are fast approaching and I am off to Hong Kong for 8 nights... then home for surgery on my left ankle (5 yrs ago I damaged it had it repaired and the injury has falrred up again) A former work colleague has a blog she makes frames and uses 'Stampin Up' to make wonder creations....she made Liz an Owl picture for her Birthday this year...here is the link Till my next post happy Crafting whatever it be you make Andrea

My Thrill Seeker and a few happy snaps

Nathan at Beechworth telegraph...

Milawa Cheese...nom nom

Maze

Ben Tandem Paragliding

Lake Bufflo with Mt Buffalo in background

I have had a great 5 days away... the pics show where we went everyday was action packed
Saturday a 6hr drive in the car...unpacking then shopping...
Sunday Ben decided to go Tandem Paragliding with Active Flights in Bright, he took off from Majestic Mountain for a 30 min flight....when he landed we decide to go to the Wandiligon Maze...evrybody will enjoy the Maze and the Sponge OMG 6.00 for a slice of Heaven....
Monday we decided to head over to The Beechworth Bakery...yum yum and more YUM... then on the way back we decided to pop into Milawa to sample a few cheeses....yes just a few I am now a fan of blue goat cheese....nom nom..
Tuesday we went to Lake Buffalo... the drive is just gorgeous and to see behing Mt Buffalo spectacular... and then we picked up some apples from Alpine Apples the variets were amazing and are tasting rather good too.
Wednesday was a day to miss off the calendar we started our journey up to Mt Hotham unfortunately the car decide to over heat 6km from the summit...so a call to RACV we got the car carrier and 300.00 later I have a new water pump...thank godness I stopped when I did or it would have been more costly a new motor..I had a knight in shinig armour as I was on a 90deg lean on a corner when the engine light came on I waved out my window and a lovely couple gave me some water and a box of shape to see me till RACV arrived...there are still great people that will stop when they see you are in distress...and I was distressed...
Thursda up early to travel home to Cobden..
Ben has also added 9hrs to his log of 120hrs....I was very brave letting hime drive...I have let down my guard and with my direction he will be a fantastic driver,,, I hope..

Have a great Easter

Ben Tandem Video

I'm in Bright again....1st Term Holidays

I start this post with some wonderful news. Abbey has started her Return to Work.... On Sunday Abbey had a 3hr shift at The Wheatsheaf Hotel in Terang. Terang is a 20min drive from Cobden. Before Abbey had her accident she had worked only 3 weeks.I must thank Jill and Darren Cole the owners of the pub, they obviously have the confidence in undertaking her trial return to work. Well the 3hrs flew by apparently, she was able to do some waitress and ordering plus serving of meals. i know she was tired when I rang her last night to see how the day went. OMG we/I never thought this day would have been able to happen 12 months ago, it just shows her determination to do this.

I am in Bright again and wow the weather is just fabulous crisp mornings but a temp around 28deg expected for today. So far we have been to The Old Tobacco Sheds, Wandiligong Maze and Ben again was a bird this time soaring doing Tandem Paragliding...I think the kid is an adrenaline junkie loves the thrill. Today we are going to Beechworth Bakery and checking out the township and on the way home stopping at Milawa to maybe sample a few cheeses. DS1 and his GF are here with Ben and myself.

I just happened to vist the local quiltshop here in Bright and purchased a few goodies...hehe....

I will be relaxing here.........BRIGHT....
I think I need to retire to here

Cheers for now
Andrea

A Diary Entry 2011 while Abbey in Hospital

This is a snippet from my daily Diary whilst Abbey was in R.M.H and Epworth.
This may distress some people.

March 29th 2011 Easter
Oh you sprung up outta bed when I showed you a pic of the boys. Fire Brigade Stevie you Yelled!!!! OMG
You are wanting to walk without the walker bad idea I keep telling you.
Lunch in the dayroom you didn't like the pudding or soup.
Psycologist came at 3.30ish we were in the Dayroom at Epworth 3NC. Your score today for PTA Test is 4/123.

March 18th 5 weeks after
Dad, Ben and Nan and Pa coming today.
Nana is bringing lunch.
Visiting hours are Weekdays 4-8pm
Weekend 12-8pm
You are very tired.... You called Ben 'Puddleduck' you have not called him that in years. Smiles for Dad and Nana, Maddy and Tooms visited you.....

February 18th 7 days after accident
I was jumping with happybeans this morning as they are thinking of bringing you out you are only on 'propofol'.
Baby steps with your taking off.
Getting more sleep
Dad and I went for a walk with Mr G and Jan.
I have a sore throat :(

Quilting Weekend

I was a woman possessed on the weekend I tried out my new overlocker.... a Birthday present for myself this year...
I made 3 pairs of Dr Seuss jammies.....yes 3 pairs a one of a kind design.....designed by me
2 pillows...Cat in the Hat material......
1 Owl Quilt................ and finally a Memo Board...
I must admit that my DH was not tooo pleased with the mess in the backroom...threads all over the lino...and me sewing most of the weekend..... I diod manage to go out a few times...my first visit was to Gum Valley Patchworch near Simpson to visit Linda and gather some supplies for the weekends sewing. Vicki H and myself then went on a little road trip to Colac for afternoon tea at Cafe Nu Del very nice coffe and cakes, then home for some sewing....On Sunday I managed to go to the Port Fairy Folk Festival for a squizz at all the stalls and some very talented street performers...
Monday saw me cleaning the backroom and the general house cleaning chores....


Cat in the Hat Jammies

Owl Quilt Top for my Twin sister shhhhh she maybe lurking....

Cat in the Hat Pillow

Memo Board


It's hard to believe that in 3 weeks I will be on holidays again.....The local primary school where I work is having a School Fair this Friday.... I am off to Bright again this time with just DS(1) and his GF and DS(2).....Abbey and DH will be holding the fort at home...
I would love to show you a photo of DS(2) wearing his suit for the local Tech School Sports but I might leave that for next week.... trust me you will laugh... I can't belive what he is going to wear...lol

Till my next post enjoy your stitching and sewing....
Andrea

Tis The Season

My Tis the Season Quilt is finally finished what do you think?

Making Clothes not Quilts...lol

Cat in the Hat Pj's

Lovey fabric in my stash turned into Pj's

Jammies

A-line skirt...fabric from Gum Valley Patchwork

Cat in the Hat Jammies with cuffs....

I was at a friends house (Vicki) and I saw a pattern for PJ's... Vicki had been thinking of making them so we proceeded to cut out the pattern as she had purchased material and was ready to GO.... myself having worked for the clothing industry before I said can't be that hard...well strike me down with a feather McCall and Buutercup have easier patterns than this one...so to cut a long story short Vicki has made a pair and I have made 2 as well as an A-Line skirt which was produced from the same lady...her speil was my 12 yyear old can whip tghese up...well love I am near on 40 and your instructions were no way clear....
I have made these for my DS Girlfriend...I hope she likes......


Abbey had her first weekend away from us in nearlly a year her Junior Fire Brigade had the State Championships in Horsham...way too hot.... for running events and hydrants.....I must say she did come home very tired...but had a great time.....


On Monday we travelled to Melbourne to see Abbeys Prof at Epworth Prof Olver the report was fantastic. Abbey can now take the steps to some independance....this means she will be assessed to see if she can drive...this involves an Occupational Therapist and Vic Roads, it is not like your normal test.... also work will be a goer at some stage during the year... life is nearlly normal.


I have started a Facebook page 'Friends of Trauma Patients' myself and another lady called Catherine whi mind you is from Canada came up with the idea...we both feel as though we have been Super Heros... without Catherin I think I would now be totally demented she and myself regulary chat on Skype about our daughters and the frustrations we feel.... a good chat every week seems to put us back on track...lol

well that is my life this week
Andrea

Tis the Season Stitch Along Progress

A huge thanks to my wonderful Mum with the stitching.......

In my hoop this Week....Abbey 12mths...Nathan...

I have been busy stitching this week....

I started this stitchery a few months ago and thought I need to get it finished. I started this at a Stitching Day held at Gum Valley Patchwork back in Sept 2011.... I must say I love the threads Garden Threads and the thread is China Doll...just love it...I need to do the alphabet and the edge should finish it over the weekend
I'll be home for Christmas.......

I also started a stitchery by Rosalie at the same time I am pleased to say I have finished.... a few nights not watching T V.....
Today marks 12 months since abbey's accident...alot has happened...since 4:20pm on the 11th of Feb 2011....Abbey has mad a remarkable recovery..we have had many visits to Melb since she has come home last June... Abbey has been discharged from the Neuro Team at RMH and last week was discharged from the Ortho team...our next goal is to see Prof Olver at Epworth and get discharged but they like to see all patients at 12mths 18mths, 3yrs and sometimes 10yrs just to see what the brain is capable of..Abbey will more than likely at some stage this year resume work...not sure if it will be in the hospitality or her ultimate dream to finish her Apprenticeship...
I will just be chillaxing today not doing to much as I have had the 1st full week at school.
Nathan has also had his 1st full week as a Graduate Teacher in Casterton, I have rang him a few times and each time he has said how he is enjoying the job...like hios 1st pay cheque also...I think he will frame that one..
Yesterday saw Ben compete in the local Tech school swimming sports....3 1st places in Swimming, Backstroke and The Relay... he was however disqualified for swimming the whole length of the 33mtr pool underwater when he should have been doing Butterfly...he could see the funny side as he won the race and the others were still coming down the pool... he has a weird sense of humour that one Yr12 does strange things to them...he is off to Cricket in Mortlake...then tomorrow morning at the local Bakery as Cake Decorator.....
Enjoy your weekend with your loved ones
Andrea
xoxox