I entered, and was accepted into the Four Seasons Swap where the theme for this round is “Summer”.  Ahh long hot days, pleasant (very late) evenings, mossies everywhere and the air conditioning running constantly…grin.

Now I can’t show you the whole quilt - well not until my Swap Partner sees it - I would hate for that person to have a peek and spoil the surprise so you will just have to put up with glimpses.

These fabrics………………….

Were cut into these pieces…….

and joined together……. (sorry about the rotten photo)

To make up a quilt top that measures 16 x 16 inches (or there abouts).

I hand quilted it with Edmar threads - it needed some bling and I love Edmar threads…vbg.

Now there’s just the binding and label to do and I’m done.  It was so nice working on this quilt yesterday and so much fun.  Silly isn’t it to forget just how satisfying it is to work on a small quilt - something that can be pretty close to completion within a day.

Now the nerves are starting and I’m just hoping my partner likes it.

You can pop over to the Four Seasons Swap Blog where there is a list of links on the side bar of those who are participating in the Swap.

Well the weekend went well and look I’m so organised that I’m even posting about it at the start of the week instead of two weeks later as seems to be my habit…..lol.

I must warn you that this post will be fairly photo intensive as you just can’t sum up the weekend in just one or two photos let alone words - well I can’t anyway…vbg.

The big plan was Ashley was not working Friday morning and we would head to Sea Lake Friday afternoon when the kids finished school.  As always the plan didn’t work and he worked nearly all day so we didn’t leave until after tea Friday night.  Deciding just to take the Bus with the race car on the back seemed like a good idea until the oil pressure on the bus dropped alarmingly, of course by this time it’s 7 pm and pitch black and we are 30 kms from home, so we had to turn around and limp home - praying we would make it with very little or no oil in the engine.  We made it and Ashley and his mate Mick spent until 11 pm trying to find where the oil was leaking from and repairing it - with some success but not lots as we found out the next day.

Saturday we are up at 6 am.  Did you know the sun isn’t even up then????  Shocking….vbg.  Off to Sea Lake again (remember it’s only about 70 km from home) where we finally arrived after stopping on the way to pour in more oil as it’s still leaking out from somewhere.

By this time Ashley is fairly nervous, I’m trying to keep the younger two kids calm cause they are bouncing off the walls at the thought of dad racing and Elise is trying to study for a Maths exam.

James was a big help when it came to getting Ashley kitted out ready to race.  This was Saturday and just the prologue to work out his time which gave him a start position.

He was placed 54th out of 78 cars - not bad as he didn’t want to push it too much in case something vital broke.  Saturday’s weather I might add was stunning.  Slight breeze blowing away from the spectators hill so we didn’t get covered in dust, sun was shining and it was a real family day.

We headed home after the prologue.  We were going to stay at Sea Lake but the alternator was slipping and we needed to add more oil so opted for the safer trip of heading home in day light.  The Range Rover would be pulled into service and would bring the race car back on Sunday.

Sunday (again still dark at 6 am) was also really foggy but had the promise of being a lovely day.  Not so - heavy cloud, cool wind and chilly temps meant that Elise and I spent the day well rugged up watching the action.  Nicola and James decided they didn’t want to come back so they spent the day with Mum.

Ohh in case you’re wondering that big lake/water/salt pan you see at the back of the cars is actually Lake Tyrrell and the race course runs around there.  There are sections where you do drive on the lake apparently, there are plenty of trees and fence posts to dodge, gates to fit though and holes that at the briefing drivers were warned that if you fall in one you may not get out.  Scary stuff.  I mustn’t forget to mention that all the roads are dirt and some were muddy so guess how not clean everyone was when they came in from racing.

Everyone was lined up and waiting on the start line when an announcement came over the PA that there had been an accident somewhere out on the course and the start would be delayed for an hour.  One of the course officials had an accident on his motor bike and needed to be taken to hospital.  We haven’t heard how things are but he was supposed to be ok - just very confused.

That wait stretched to two hours which didn’t help anyones nerves at all.  There was lots of checking out the competitors cars and chatting done by the drivers and navigators.

Finally the all clear was given after another briefing and they headed back out to race.  Over 100 drivers, navigators and officials create quite a bit of dust we discovered.

Nearly Ashley’s turn. He was waving to Elise and I sitting on the spectators hill at this stage.

And he’s off!!!!  Can I just say by this stage I didn’t realise just how nervous I was. I was positively shaking in my chair.  I know Ashley is a good driver and the car and his racing gear are the best we can get - but that doesn’t stop me worrying.  So I did what all Sane Quilters do…….I pulled out the Birthday Quilt and started sewing down the binding…..vbg.  It did help calm the nerves - it was top shaking or stick a needle into my finger.

This was the closest jump to us and even it was a distance away.  Thank heavens for the “landscape” setting on my camera.  Ashley tells me that this was a fairly mild jump - there were others much bigger.  I’m sooooooo glad I didn’t see them.  Because the race was delayed for so long instead of doing four laps (each approx 80 kms in length) the officials shortened it to three laps and you only had to do two to qualify as having raced…..

…..which was possibly a good thing as Ashley limped home the last five kilometres of the second lap with the wheel tied to the bonnet.  He said he was going really well.  Not really pushing it, but passing plenty and taking it easy though the dust as you really couldn’t see at all.  Suddenly he felt a shudder and next thing he knew his left hand front wheel was beside him not in front and attached as it should be.  Personally I thought he was just trying to loose a bit extra weight and race on just three wheels, but a friend informed me that it’s actually illegal to race with just three wheels!  Honestly nothing like taking the fun out of it all….roflmol.  The welds that held on the wheel and bits associated with it failed in two or three places so there was nothing he could do but retire - happy though that he had survived the carnage that had happened out there.

This was the result of another friends car hitting a tree.  He said the dust was so thick that all of a sudden there were three or four cars all piled into one another and the only place he had to go was up a bank and into a big tree - which didn’t apparently move!!  The friend is ok a bit sore and sorry for himself, but the car will take heaps of repairs to get it running again.

Firstly let me say a HUGE Thank you to all those who entered my humble competition.

I honestly don’t know what was more fun - deciding on a suitable gift, reading the comments or checking out all those lovely new blogs.

I suppose I should say what my favorite season is - considering that was the answer I asked for…vbg.

I looooove late Spring/early Summer when the afternoons stretch for what seems like forever. It’s warm enough to sit outside (but not so hot you are considering standing under the hose to cool off) and there aren’t millions of mozzies or bugs to annoy. Ashley, the children and I can sit and enjoy some quality time outside just enjoying the garden and talking about what we have done that day/weekend/week.

I also looooove, and it’s a close second to the first season/s, Winter - especially at night when tea is cooking, the house smells divine of casserole, the fire is going, kids are warm and cosy in their pjs, curtains are shut tight against the cold, dark night and Ashley walks in the door after a days work. We are all together and home.

Maybe it’s a bit strange of me to base my favorite season on the times when my family is all together but I guess that’s what influences me most.

Right onto the winners. The children helped me to draw the names. ………….drum rolll………………

Rhonda - who honestly has the cutest fur babies I have ever seen - she also does some pretty amazing craft work which I am in awe of. Congratulations Rhonda.

“Wow!! Congrats on making it to your 700th! I just hit my 100th and that took me awhile, so you are just amazing!
I like all of the different seasons, but if I must pick one, it would be summer - lazy days, beaches, rivers, vacations, BBQs, longer days…”

Bunks aka Karen - a wonderful and talented lady who does the most amazing craft work. Congratulations Karen…..well done.

“Wow! Everyone came out of the woodworks to post on this one I guess they all know what a talented lady you are.

Let’s see, I have to say that autumn is my favorite season and my favorite part of autumn is the part that we call “indian summer” over here. We get the cold and the frosts and the leaves begin to fall and then if we’re lucky we get a warm spell of a week or two of glorious weather and bright sun and all you need to walk outside is a sweater. The sun shines down through the reds, yellows, oranges and green of the leaves and there is that certain smell in the air that reminds me of turned earth and harvest while nature prepares for winter.

Karen”

So ladies I will be emailing you both today to let you know. Once again congratulations and thank you for commenting. You prizes will be in the mail as soon as I have your snail mail addies.

For everyone else. I will have more give aways. This was so much fun and the kids are itching to pull more names out of a hat/bowl and will be on my case no doubt until I do run another competition….lol.

No not the prizes for the 700th post give away but the bus.  We are racing this weekend at Sea Lake all being well.  All Ashley’s parts have finally arrived and despite his best efforts (and working incredibly long hours) he has had to go to work again this morning even though he wanted the whole day off to work on the final adjustments for the race car.  He tells me we are going regardless so I am organised.  Well nearly.

Food, bedding, some clothes and medicines for the flu that Elise, James and I have are packed. I have even remembered the camera and a couple of new DVD’s for us to watch working on the theory we aren’t going to see much of the race as the track is 85 km long!!!  Still have to pack some sewing, the rest of the clothes and Ashley’s race gear - suite, gloves, helmet etc -and we are all set.  As soon as the children arrive home from school and shower we are off.

Photos when we return or when I recover from this flu - which ever comes first.

In the mean time I’m not sure what is more fun - deciding what to make for the Giveaway or reading everyones comments and why they like certain seasons.  Remember there is still time if you want to leave a comment to be in the running for a hand made gift courtesy of these fair hands (sorry cold medicine is kicking in and the brain is waxing lyrical again).  Just leave a comment on this post and tell me which season you like the most to be in the running.  Thank you everyone who has commented so far.  I’m getting such a kick out of reading them. Winners are drawn next Tuesday and yes there are going to be two winners.

Ok I’m off to sew the binding on the Birthday Quilt and to rustle up a couple more ufo’s that need working on…..not that it will be too hard to find some….it’s just deciding what to take and what not to take.

I hope everyones weekend is a good one.  It’s forecast fine weather for Saturday and Sunday (race days) with rain on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday - we can only hope.

Whoo hooo how did I manage that - 700 posts since I first started this blog.  What a surprise - who knew I could talk that much……..choke, gasp, giggle.

So in time honoured tradition I feel it time for a give away.

I have no idea what the winner will receive - part of the fun I know….wicked grin…….but rest assured it will be something handmade by these fair hands and it will be crafty of some description and hopefully the winner will find it useful.   Good grief 700 posts and now I’m waxing lyrical……..lol.

Leave me a comment on this post about your favorite season and why it’s your favorite season and the winner will be drawn next Tuesday 10th June by random picking of their name.  That is all names will go into a bowl and one of the children  (or dogs if the children aren’t co-operative)) will choose a winner.

Darn it all one winner doesn’t seem like enough for 700 posts…….so we will have………………….drum roll……………

Two winners.

Go on enter even if you have been lurking for a while and haven’t commented.  I can’t wait to meet you.

Ashley had this joke in an electrical magazine that came today and I just couldn’t resist sharing it with you….some may have already read/heard it….but it’s too good not to share.

Dumb and Dumber

A man feared his wife wasn’t hearing as well as she used to and he thought she might need a hearing aid.  Not quite sure how to approach such a delicate subject, he called the family doctor.

The Doctor told him there is a simple test the hubsand could do himself, to give the doctor a better idea about her hearing loss.

The doctor advised the husband to stand about 40 feet behind his wife, and in normal conversational tones, say something and see if she hears him.  If not the doctor said to move to 30 feet away and call her again.  If she still does not hear, move to 20 feet and so on, until he received a response.

That evening his wife was in the kitchen preparing dinner.  So the husand thought it was a good opportunity to carry out the hearing test.  From about 40 feet away at the front door, he asked: “Honey, what’s for dinner?’

No Response.

So he moved 10 feet closer and asked again:  “Honey, what’s for dinner?”

Still no response.

So he moved to the kitchen door which was about 10 feet away and repeated the question, but still he received no response.

By now convinced that his wife was becoming quite deaf, he walked right up behind her and said almost in her ear: “Honey, what’s for dinner?”

“Ralph, for the fifth #$@$#ing time - CHICKEN!”

Now add kids to the husband and you have some idea of my household at the moment….vbg.

Hope your day is a good one.

Hugs

Catherine

Remember my cyclamens that were in bud?

It seems like I have been waiting months for them to flower and finally one flower showed itself.  I was so convinced that the flowers were white or a very pale pink.  Imagine my surprise when they ended up this colour - not quite red and not quite hot pink.

I love cyclamens. They are stunning and so hardy. I was always told you treat them like the cat - put them out at night. Well in days long gone you put the cat out at night - not these days you are meant to keep your little feline safely inside locked away from all that tempting wild life.

It’s nice to know that you can still put something outside last thing at night….vbg….even if it is just a plant.

I didn’t think I would have much to show for this week - but motivation and a cold and drizzly day has struck and I’m getting quite a bit done today.

Yesterday was a nightmare.  By the time I had done the shopping, picked up Elise from school and taken her to the Doctors with an ear ache (again) and headache I really didn’t achieve a whole lot and especially nothing in the sewing department.

My Boxes of Stars Quilt - using Bonnie’s wonderful pattern Boxy Stars has had the remaining borders attached and now has the batting and backing sitting there waiting it’s turn on the gammill.

Bonnie’s pattern calls for 2.5 inch strips but as mine were severely depleted and the 2 inch box was over flowing I used those.  it’s an incredibly easy pattern - ideal for using up all those little bits and peices that are sitting there saying “Use me!”

I also worked very hard on the Birthday Quilt and here are some sneak peeks.  I won’t reveal the whole thing until after it has been received by the Birthday Girl.

I found the ideal blue in my stash for the inner border.

Simple houses add a bit of zing………

while 9 patches in 1930’s fabrics are just too sweet.

I loooooove these fabrics and it will be so hard to wrap this quilt up - but I know it will be loved where it is going.

Apart from pinning this to the gammil ready for quilting (will attend to that when I get off the computer) I have also hemmed five pairs of pants, made two loaves of bread, picked some roses out of the garden, admired the misty rain we are having, drunk several cups of tea, hung the washing near the fire and made Ashley lunch. Not a bad day at all.

Well my ban on all and any activities outside the confines of our yard worked - well for the most part.  The kids and I went no where and saw no one while Ashley had to pop out a couple of times for bits he needed for the bus but on the whole he was home.

I must admit it was so relaxing. There was nothing major planned, the weekend was perfect weather wise and I managed to get heaps done.

The bed I wanted to mulch is now done.  Lawns are mown - well I probably should say weeds are mown as that’s about all I have left of my lawn.  The back section of the vegie garden which is to be fenced and turned into an extra area for the chooks has been cleared completely.  Weeds burnt (didn’t I have fun with that…vbg), mounds of dirt spread, fence line cleared of wormwood bushes so I can now do the new fence and measurements have been taken for fencing supplies.  Another bed was mulched in the process of cleaning up part of the drive of fallen eucalyptus leaves.  I managed to sit in the sun for a while late Sunday afternoon, under the newly roofed pergola on the swing seat, enjoying a glass of wine or several…vbg.

I even found time to sort out all the BAD blocks I had made into 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 and 18 inch piles so I can start putting them into quilts.  Elise picked out her birthday block………. March 4……….

which happened to be a 12 inch block - by far the biggest pile - plus 35 other blocks (and there are still more left) so I can make a quilt for her bed.  Talk about an easy way to whip up a quilt.  She put them into the order that she liked and I was given the royal command “Go for it!!!”….vbg.  At least it will be quick to put together.  Photos when it is further along than just numbered piles on my sewing table.

Today I have James home with a bad cold. He ran a temp last night and I had to keep getting up and down to him quite a bit.  It’s not so bad when he tells me he loves me after each “emergency”….vbg.

Some of Ashley’s long awaited parts for the race car arrived this morning and providing the other “link pins” arrive tomorrow and all being well we should be heading for Sea Lake this weekend coming so he can race.  I guess I had better get a few projects together to work on while we are camping.   Elise has exams coming up so I guess she will be hiding on the back bed, MP3 playing, frantically studying.

So now my washing is out drying, the house is clean - no more sticky floors pulling your socks off as you walk on them - bathrooms are scrubbed and even the kitchen is semi organised I think I can safely escape into the sewing room for a bit of play time for me.

I hope your weekend was as good as mine and your week promises to be even better.

Well after yesterdays post I decided to stop whinging and get on with what I had to do.  The end result was I put the last two borders on the Boxy Stars Quilt, seamed several baby sized woolen blankets together for the batting and sorted out the backing fabric.  It’s now all sitting on the gammill ready to be quilted - doing the happy dance.

I worked out - I think what borders I want to do on the birthday quilt and semi sorted out the backing fabric.  The fabric used will depend on the finished size of the quilt.  While shuffling around fabrics - much to the cat’s amusement - I discovered enough fabric to use as the backing for another ufo so the top and backing are now put together waiting for it’s turn on the gammill.

The best news is I sat outside and enjoyed the wonderful weather and finished off the binding on the Home Circle Quilt. It is now residing on our bed and boy it is warm.  I was a bit worried it might feel really heavy weight wise - but it isn’t.  Even Ashley commented how warm he was last night - brilliant considering there was another very white frost this morning.

As for the Block A Day……thank you, thank you, thank you…..for all your wonderful advice and comments.  I have decided - guilt free I might add - to do today’s block which is the end of May and stop for a while. I may or may not go back to them but only when and if I have time and the motivation.  Doing over 150 blocks I think is a really good achievement for the year so far and there are lots more projects I want to work on without the added pressure of these.   I will begin to put them into quilts, when I feel like it, and if necessary make more blocks when and if I need them for the quilts.  I honestly can’t thank you enough for your kindness and understanding over this.  I hate feeling guilty (nearly typed quilty then) over something I have committed to do - particularly when I have publicly announced that I want to do them - but the pressure was just too much. You would think after all these years I would know what I can and can’t do…..sigh.  Thank you Candace for saying I was “basically a positive person”.  I really didn’t feel positive yesterday and nearly didn’t publish the post - cause I felt it was to dismal.  Now I’m glad I did - your comments certainly cheered me up.

Anyway I feel as light as a feather today.  There is a big crock pot full of pumpkin soup slowly cooking ready for easy lunch tomorrow.  The washing is started.  It promises to be another lovely day.  The kids are about to be taken to school and apart from the possibility of working with Ashley this morning, and a trip down the street at some time I really don’t have a lot planned.  Maybe a cuppa or two while sitting in the sun reading.  Ohh and the weekend is devoted to the entire family staying home and relaxing.  I have banned all outings, youth group, croquet the lot. We are all tired and need a break - no working for anyone else - just doing what needs to be done around here and lots of sitting around chatting.

I hope everyones day is as good as mine promises to be.