Water Under The Bridge

Christmas is over for another year, and what a day it must have been for many of my fellow Queenslanders.  We managed to celebrate with some of our family, and some extended family, with the day staying fairly dry, but overcast.  We had our anxious moments, but knowing the river as we do, we felt quite safe crossing for the day and knowing we could return home the same afternoon.  This is a photograph I took after crossing the bridge on Christmas morning.  The water is now over the bridge.  I do hope we might drive in to see it tomorrow some time.  We can't get far from the houses here, the paddocks are saturated, the local watercourses full and running bankers, too deep for us to wade through............perhaps tomorrow.  The town of Chinchilla, 90 kms to the north-east of us is experiencing major flooding, and every road out of the town is cut.  I hope our local grocery stores stocked up last week!!!  It appears the water won't recede for a number of days yet.  That's the way of these rivers, running through quite flat country, slow to rise, and slow to fall.  Hopefully I can get some more photos in a few days.

I took these photos on Christmas day.  These are two lovely blooms in my daughter-in-law's garden.  She has so many lovely shrubs flowering at the moment, I could have snapped all day.  The agapanthus are in full bloom, and the numerous hibiscus are a delight, although I keep wondering about this one.  Although the flower looks like a hibiscus, the leaves look very much like a Rose of Sharon......................  Maybe I don't know my plants????

I trust everyone enjoyed their Christmas day, and are having a few days' rest and relaxation.  There has been chaos in all parts of the world this Christmas.  Thankfully, in our little corner of the world, we are high [not dry as such], but safe, with food in our freezers and pantries.  Our main concern is having enough insect repellant.  The mosquitoes are on the warpath, and soon the sandflies will join forces with them.  I've had to spray our dogs with a home brew [that's not beer] in order to give them some peace from the biting wretches.  Even the horse, who usually hates being sprayed, was satisfied to stand still and take his medicine.  First on the grocery list will be baby oil and dettol, nothing beats it for the animals!!!!  We usually light logs for some smoke, but everything is so wet at the moment, a fire isn't going to be easy to get going.  This is why we live where we live I suppose!!!!!!

More Napery Finished

I'm sailing fairly close to the wind with my Christmas gift making, but it's all done now, except for the wrapping.   These are the second set of placemats and napkins I've made for the family.  I forget how long I've had this fabric, but I liked it and as usual, purchased a few metres.

Actually, these projects take quite a deal of fabric, so to make sure I had everything a good size, I used a toning but different fabric on the back of the placemats, and something different again for the bindings.  These all came from my stash, nothing purchased especially.  I even used a white stiff lawn inside the placemats, something I 'inherited' after my mother-in-law passed away.  I think I like the stripe better than the fruit/vege side!!!

And, just to prove I am totally batty, I have to show you that I found these matching tea towels in the cupboard.  I bought them somewhere because I liked them, and they go so well with this set.  The kitchen where these will 'live' is quite neutral, so the maroon will be fine.  I also found some bottle green checked tea towels as well, which will go with the chilli set.  I hope the family like what I've made.


All seems to be in order for our day out tomorrow.  We have spent a few anxious hours worrying over the river height, but we have been told by several people that the bridge should not go under water, so I suppose we'll just drive over it and not look back.  Hopefully, when we arrive there tomorrow afternoon, we'll be able to get back home.  

I know most people are busy doing their last minute preparations, and won't be around their computers, but I take this opportunity to wish everyone a wonderful Christmas, and thank you all sincerely for taking an interest in the things I am doing.  I appreciate each and every comment.  Take care all.

Christmas Mail

Last Friday I received a lovely package from the UK.  Each season I receive a hand made card and small gift from my dear friend Isabell, and I would just like to share these with everyone.  Thank you so much Isabell for always putting so much thought and time into your greetings.  I do appreciate it so much, as I know this year has not been easy for you.  The camera didn't want to take a good photo today.  For some reason, the contrast in colours causes a few problems.  The background is the fat quarter that Isabell sent.  It is a Jinny Beyer print [my very favourite fabric designer!!], in varying shades of green.  Enjoy.

I am trying to finish another set of napkins and placemats, as well as starting a new piece of Hardanger.  I need to finish the napery before Christmas, so hopefully will have some photographs to share in a few days.

Thank you most sincerely to all who read my blog and take such a keen interest in my ravings.   

Recycled Real Estate

I am fairly sure almost every town in Australia has one................an abandoned Bank of New South Wales [now Westpac] building.  Thankfully, when the decision was made to relocate the bank business to an instore branch in the town's drapery store, the building was purchased by one of the local businessmen.  It is now used for several purposes, ie recycled.    The front area of the building is office space, the upper floor a living area - 'apartment', and the back of the building had a huge make over, giving us a much needed coffee shop.  Of course, due to it's location, without the 'sandwich sign' many visitors would pass by without knowing where to find it.

The entrance has been given a cool look with the addition of a water feature and some greenery, whilst the plant lined walkway through to the back is a delight.  The new cafe proprietors have put their own stamp on the business, making it a pleasant retreat from the summer heat, and a welcome warm spot on a cold winter's day.   

I very rarely have the opportunity to spend some time there, but did so recently and thought I would share these few photos with those who read my blog.  Those who know me, know I am passionate about my local town/area, and feel it is worth sharing.  It is only a small, quaint country town, but the business people are always friendly and welcoming to visitors.  We do have an enormous amount of through traffic due to the town being at the crossroads of two much used country 'highways', ie the Warrego and the Leichhardt [I use the term highway very loosely here.............don't get too excited!!].  One can dine inside, on the verandah, or in the open under the large umbrellas.  The dining area faces the north, which of course is our most pleasant side here in the Southern Hemisphere.

I ordered the carrot cake with beloved coffee of course.  Thankfully, the serving was not too large, and I didn't have a guilt trip all the way home.  I am trying to convince my husband that a small gathering of our family and close friends at this venue [for morning tea] may be a nice way to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary next month..................  We shall see.  

Delicacy Salad Recipe

It's getting close to Christmas now for all.  I did say I would share a recipe, so will get this posted today.  I know for those of you who are feeling somewhat cold at the moment, this sort of fare is quite far down on your list of would-be 'delights'.   For us here in Australia, cold fare seems to be the in thing, and I've often found that this is well received.  

Thank you all again for commenting on my most recent needlecase, and also for becoming part of my life.  People have been so supportive, it has given me so much encouragement.  I do so appreciate all this kindness.  I will also take this opportunity to wish one and all a safe and happy Christmas, wherever in the world you may live.

I have this in an old cookbook I bought in the 70's, published by the Ladies' Show Auxilliary for one of our small country towns here, ie Tara.  It's simply called the Tara Tucker Book.  Okay, enough.

Delicacy Salad -

½ cup hot water
3 dessertspoons gelatine
½ cup cold water 
½ cup vinegar
1 dessertspoon lemon juice
4 tablespoons sugar
pinch of salt
a few drops of green food colouring
1 cup diced cucumber
1 cup well drained canned crushed pineapple

Soften gelatine in hot water;  add sugar, salt, cold water, vinegar and lemon juice.  Place on very low heat on stove, stir until sugar and gelatine is well dissolved.  Colour pale green [just a few drops!!].   Allow to cool slightly in the refrigerator and when the mixture is beginning to thicken a little, add the cucumber and crushed pineapple.  Place in your favourite mould container.  Refrigerate overnight.  To serve, unmould onto serving platter and decorate.  This can also be set in small individual dishes, as single serves.  

I have included this photograph to show a 'slice' ready for serving.  I find this is not for everyone.  I know my husband will not even try it, so I always warn people to take a small piece first as it may not be to their liking.   It has a slightly tangy flavour, and makes a welcome addition to a buffet table.  Enjoy.

Last Needlecase - Hapsburg

I've finally finished my needlecase challenge for 2010.   This month I decided to try another counted thread stitching technique that was relatively new to me.  I have seen some references to this type of work, ie Hapsburg Lace stitching, but very few patterns.  There are kits available on Tanja Berlin's Website, more of the 'sampler' kind, and on canvas.   I set this design out in a quad ruled pad, roughly, and began stitching from the top right hand corner.  I've used Lugana 25ct, and stitched with Finca Perlé #16.   I hope this photograph gives you an indication of the overall pattern.  The fabric I've used for the background is my inner lining, with hot pink wool felt for the needle pages.

There are only a few simple stitches for this technique - Smyrna stitch, round eyelet stitch, and a mosaic filling [which is essentially a double running stitch, slanted].

The raw edges have been turned under, corners mitred and finally I've stitched Antwerp edging stitch to finish the needlecase.  The lining has been inserted in exactly the same way as November.   I really like this technique, and feel I would do more in the future.  Thank you again to everyone who has followed the progress of this challenge, and made the time to comment.  I have not had a moment to catch up on my usual blogs, so please bear with me my friends.  Cheers.  

The Winners Are.............

Hello Everyone, I have done the draw for the scissor fobs.  The winners are Karyn, and Isabell.  Congratulations girls, and thank you everyone for showing such an interest in these little things.  Karyn and Isabell I will get the gifts in the mail ASAP.  I have your addresses, so all is well.

A little bit wet here for us, not flooded out, but wet enough.  I have not had a moment to get to Blogger, so have nothing of note to talk about, unless you would all like to hear about my house cleaning efforts.......................  It's big news in our household, because it doesn't happen all that often!!!!