Surprises!!!

On Saturday night we managed to go dancing again.  It was chilly, but not so bad if you kept dancing.  We had a lovely time, and caught up with people we usually don't see all that often.  The music was pleasant, and thankfully, we managed to get home without colliding with any kangaroos.  As is often the case at country dances, there is a 'dance of chance' so to speak.  It's a little akin to musical chairs I suppose.  In all of our years dancing, we had never been the last couple standing..........until Saturday night.  There are prizes of course, and I received this lovely potted chrysanthemum.

Hubby didn't miss out either, and was VERY pleased when he opened his package, although he is yet to open the box.  He was up with the sparrows again on Sunday morning, and worked on the tractor all day.  He did sleep well last night.

Not all surprises are equal...................I have to admit to having a silly spill late yesterday afternoon, resulting in an injured left ankle, and right thumb.  I really can't explain what I did [and no, I hadn't been drinking], it's just too silly, but at first I thought I'd broken a bone in my foot.  I could walk on it, and it didn't swell up straight away, so I told myself it was fine.  Yes, I've been doing the ice, etc., and today I can get around in an okay way.  I'm rather hobbled with my stitching though, as my thumb won't do what it's supposed to.  We have the local Show tomorrow, and I think I'll have to wear some very soft flat shoes.  Oh well, I don't think I'll take too long to mend.

Thanks heaps for all the comments. 

Lots Going On

Things have really been busy for me so far this year, and I cannot see it changing any time soon!!!  Thankfully, we had some time for relaxation last weekend.  We decided to visit our son and DIL, as well as attend their local Show Ball on Friday night.  Our DIL has been very community minded and co-ordinated the Show Princess competition again this year.  We had a lovely evening, dancing almost non-stop.  It was also a good chance to catch up with her family, as we do not see them often.  Now that we have the dancing bug again, we are planning on another outing early in April.  Looks like the glad rags are going to get another airing!!!!!

When I signed up for the TAST2012 challenge run by Sharon Boggon, I really hadn't much else planned for the year.  Things seem to have changed, and I find myself becoming further and further behind [with everything].  I am progressing with the little quilts for our group's premmie baby gifts, and will hopefully find some time later in the week to try some more needle felting.  I am so grateful for the lovely comments and encouragement I received from my last post.  Thank you to all who keep cheering me on.

I have also been invited to participate in an event later in the year.  I have contributed to this in the past, and will find some time to make and send my wares.  You can see a little about it here.  The ladies run this event very professionally, and I am really hoping that I'll get down to see it 'in the flesh' this year.  I think it's been about five or six years since I've contributed.

The icing on the cake in the scheme of 'jobs for Linda' will undoubtedly be more baby things.  Apart from babies arriving in our extended families, we are also to be blessed with one in our immediate family.

Our group is also planning a large raffle later in the year, held in conjunction with the local hall's market day.  A new lady to the group has kindly agreed to make and donate one of her dolls.  It seems I will be making something 'beautiful' for the doll to wear, and my friend Neitta will be working her magic with a quilt.  You can see some of the dolls here.

Somehow I don't think boredom is going to be an issue in 2012................  

Country Cultural Experience

Yesterday I was very fortunate to attend the opening of a new exhibition at our local art gallery.  This exhibition is showing the work of two ladies from our district, their last being four years ago.  It was a lovely day in an extraordinary setting, and I was amazed at how their work had changed, especially with regard to the colours they are using now.  They both work in mixed media, and are having fun with their artistic journey.  A little can be seen about our gallery on this website:

http://www.dogwoodcrossing.com/first-page

I've taken a photo of one of the huge 'metal' bottletrees that are part of the structure of the building.   You should find lots of information about this gallery if you care to visit the above site.   This was the 'cultural' part of my day', and the following photos will show the more 'country' side to it.

This is one of our usual 'pedestrians'.  As you can see, in absolutely no hurry to get out of my way, and very eager to pose for a photograph.  Thankfully, in daylight one can often 'avoid' these fellows, but night driving here is an experience.  I apologize for the hazy shot, but someone, who shall remain nameless, forgot to wipe the dust off the windscreen!!!

Our local town has a golf club of course, which local town hasn't.  Now, St Andrew's or Augusta it's not.  I often see these 'residents' as I drive into town.  The centre of town is only a short walk from where this photograph was taken, about two to three minutes of brisk walking.  These guys are not at all worried about the golfers who are about to hit the first ball of the day.   I don't need to remind you that rain in our area is not an everyday occurrence!!!!

I do hope my country cultural experience will bring a smile to a few faces.