Friendship Swap 2013 - Cheryll & Dee

 

Friendship - A way of showing someone how you feel

Communal Friendship - such as ours - Friendship in which friends 'gather' often to provide encouragement and emotional support between two or more people. That's us :)

World Happiness Experts say that people with friends are happier than most.

Empathy, sympathy, compassion and understanding form the basis of all friendships, Here we show the ability  to be ourselves and to select the gifts we think that another would like. Re-read the basics, colour choices, hobbies, likes and dislikes certainly form the ideas we have in our heads. Our common interests can form bonding friendships.



 

 

 

"R"

 

"R" - Rest your Teapot on this (came with 4 serviettes too!)

 

"I"

 

"I" for Ironing Cord Holder in my favourite colour - PURPLES - yey

 

 "E"

 

"E" Enjoy this Owl pattern (You bet I will ) and Enjoy some Chocky & Tea (Nom Nom Yum)

 

 

"D"

"D" - Dry your hands on these - there was a little OWL button on one - HOOT HOOT!!

 

 " S "

"S" Store your bags in this
 

 

Random  - For Cheryll

 

I chose this pic as a random thing for Cheryll to show how much I appreciate her swap ideas.

The Parcels :)

I'm still OOOOing and AHHHHHing

 

 

 

 

 

The Items are truly GORGEOUS

 

 

"F"

 

"F" - FIND your Needles and Pins

 

 

"N" - Notebooks

 

"N" - Note Paper and Sticky Notes with OWLS :)

 

 

Sorry the pictures went on all over the place - having problems with the internet connection this time. So you'll have to go back and forwards to have a look - it's worth it :))

 

THANK YOU Cheryll for sending me this wonderous parcel Khris for organising the FRIENDSSHIP SWAP again this year. It's certainly a wonderful way of expressing friendship.



Just saying .... LOL

It's raining in the Blue Mountains where I am at the moment. Freezing and Misty. I am sitting in front of the television with my youngest grandson watching a children's program (thank you TV programmers). Not something we normally do as we both love to go outside in the fresh air - cool or not. Isn't that what our coats and hats are for? Keeping us warm and comfy. This does come at a small cost though. I am simply unable to get my sewing out as those 20 month old fingers try to help at every turn. :) Not that I mind. I gave him some fabric and a chopstick so he could mimic me. It was successful for a short time, but the lure of what Nan hand in her hands was so tempting, so I gave it up. Sorry to my teacher - I may not have my homework done for Sunday's class. It's been an interesting week and a bit. I have not child proofed my house, choosing to just use the logic of a simple two letter word - NO :)) LOL Another fave is my amazing ability to count - 1 - 2 - 3 !! Usually I get a reaction before three so all it's very good in this household. My grandchildren know that Nan and Pa love them heaps and smile so sweetly at us - like who us??? when they do something they know they maybe should not do.

 

I thought you might like to know how your brain is made up, so have added the following diagram so you can make sense of what happens with the hallowed walls of our heads :)))  I wanted to share this &  thought you could do it in a lovely patchwork cushion for your workspace and take note of it from time to time.. It's great therapy and gives you a good laugh :)))

Aren''t these cute. Just about to make some for pressies :)) Xmas is but months away

This is how I feel about my friends and patchwork buddies. Great Saying :)) It would make a great addition as a label or even within the quilt top itself.,

Enjoy your day, Love your Hubby or Partner & Family, Share with Friends and Just Be !

Quilty Hugs Dee

Watch This Space - More Quilts to Make

How lucky am I? I have two beautiful grandsons and a third is on his way. No secrets here - my family (brothers included) are destined to be male dominated. My eldest brother and his wife have one son - probably thought that was enough and stopped. My own family consists of two boys and then lucky me, I had me a girl. My youngest brother has six - yes that's right - 6 boys!!! And now my own children look destined to follow suite. My father was one of three boys and Mum one of two girls, so you would think there would be some fairness and sharing of sexes. That is, at least some girls would come about - alas - like myself, there is one female per generation. My youngest son has two boys - both pictured, and suprise, suprise, there is another little boy is about to be born. He is coming to us next month!

Jordan's Donkey :))

This is JB - my eldest grandchild, who at 6 - almost 7 (not till December 10th) Nanna. He loves everything his Daddy likes. That is cars and motorbikes. He also loves hats - again like his Dad, and has amassed an amazing collection of them and little cars. The picture below shows him in his bedroom at Dad's. I started him off with some pirate things, and he seems to have got carried away with those too....or more probably his Dad. LOL.  He loves coming to see his Daddy and I think his favourite food is Mcdonalds, though he does adore chocolate milk and icecream. Have all the bits and pieces to do a Donkey quilt designed by Hot Possum for him in his favourite colours. Even though he is a big boy now, he still loves colour and animals !

This cheeky little chap is MJ, who will be two on November 1st. His smile lights up any room, and his enormous blue eyes which are exactly like Mummies, are gorgeous. Not sure why the car is in his mouth, probably cause his Mum calls him motormouth :)) Always welcomes his Nan and Pa will a cuddle and kiss. Runs to the door and swoops on us - just lovely !! The photo above shows him in his element, he also loves cars and is always mucking around with Daddy while he paints and fixes up mini-trucks. Dad is like his own father - they both love motorcycles - seems to be a thing with all the makes in my family! Think little MJ may talk his Dad into getting him a motorbike, quicker rather than later. This little man loves his food - anything at all - and everything is his favourite. The kind of kid everyone loves to have around too. If they can make more like him, I'll take six - LOL. MJ's new quilt is half way finished and features stars and stripes in the brightest of greens, blues and a bit of red thrown in for impact.



This is the latest little man on the right in his latest scan. Due in August and we can't wait to meet him! We may not be able to wait, but mother nature says we have to, so we will wait till Mummy obliges. In this image he is waving to his Daddy LOL. Now I will have to get busy and design another quilt for this little fellow. Have pretty well decided on wild animals. Have a great quilt to complete and a Giraffe Sketch to embroider on another blanket. Any ideas on some simply made toys would be appreciated as I know little presies from the baby to the big boys will make having a new member of the family more welcome by them. Have thought of toy bags, but maybe someone has some other great ideas they want to share with me.

Chat again soon - Quilty Hugs - Dee :))

Happy Birthday to Self - LOL

Who said birthdays are fun? Some certain hubby rubbing extra year in face at every occasion - wait buddy cause you've only got a few more years till your next large milestone birthday - OKAY !!! Hear me buddy!! And I WILL write about it on my blog in October - hear me? Anyway at least he remembered and left my birthday presie I selected and laybyed for him to go get so he could say he bought it, only to have to go and pay and collect - then he leaves it in a drawer at my Mum;s home !!! So I did a little retail therapy of my own, some nice new sheets - in a lovely purple shade of course, chocys, oil burner, neck pillow and a yummy mega chocolate birthday cake later - I came home :))

Had just spent a couple of nights with my daughter as her navy hubby was away and had a little girl time with her and hubby just had to go to his sports club on Saturday - my birthday - so I said, go - stuff around and I will go visit my nephew and nieces (adopted by me by choice) and have a cuppa with their Dad as well, Mum was at work :(( shame that - we always have a great chinwag. Then the shopping where I bought an enormous amount of fruit and veg :)) Except when I got home and opened the apples - there was mega soft bits on them - shame veggie shop - shame !!

I had a presie from my bro and sisinlaw - gorgeous stuff she made me - decorated a bag, a triangular doorstop and a hand made wood and glass display for my wall :)) Thanks Nique & Baz. Funniest thing is - we are decorating the same bags :))) So much of our craft at the moment is exactly the same and we live hundreds of kilometres away from each other - amazing again that soe of the items are so close in making its scary lol

This pic is sooooo true LOL

My kids rememberd me this year too - thanx for the sms's - I am soooo worthy of them. Hubby came home and rushed off to have a shower - let's go out and have dinner and go to the movies - so I checked the movies - went through them and stated them out loud - nup not that one - his Lordship says - nope that;s a kids prgram - funny that since it's school holidays again - nup, nup, nope, oh yeah that one - Snow White and the Huntsman. Soooo grown up. So dinner we had - lovely steak and a beer at the pub - yep - the pub and then went to check in at the cinema - WT????? A two hour wait, so we headed back to the pub, which is closest to the cinema and waited for a bit before deciding that 9.25pm was another 1..25 hours away and journeyed home. Have tried again to see it - another two hour wait - must be my old bones - can't walk quick enough to get there so miss out LOL



I particularly like this one - thanx a lot!!

A great quote I like is - The best way to remember your wife's birthday is to remember it once !!

One I made up is - Your birthday lasts 366 days a year - as you never age a day till the next birthday !! Who goes around saying I am 50 years, 8 months, and three weeks and 4 days ???? So 50 for all that time is very good huh? And once you reacdh 50 you are legally allowed to go backwards My choice and I am sticking to it !!!



Am so lucky to have friends, personally, on Facebook and via my Blog. have have heaps of well wishes - it's been awesome - so thank you all very very much -  mwah !!!! Life isn;t so serious when you can chat to a friend. I wrote to a lady only a month or so ago - and feel we have a lot in common already. I know when I am writing I can share funny anedotes, stories and read what you say and hope I respond with care, lightheartedness, fun, concern and all the emotions I feel from your notes.





Well it's time to be off and enjoy another round of cr** on the television and then off to bed.. Am doing some craft whilst I 'watch; - can cope well that way. That's a noisy square shape with pictures flashing on and off in it - at the moment there is a cougar that just caught a large bird and is crunching on it - lovely - :( glad I have already eaten my dinner.......



Dee

There's a Storm coming

hmmmmmm. Just heard on the news channel that the mountains of NSW are going to experience a storm. DER. The television is already mucking up, so we are getting our candles and torches to the ready. Water in the jugs - yes its electric but I have a gas stove and pans to boil water LOL.. And a large bucket or two of water for the loo cause that also requires water - funny that.

So have had dinner and a nice cuppa and might have to go to bed early, cause as soon as there is any thunder - the electricity will be turned off so as not to blow up all our electricals. That has happened before.

Only last week whilst  we were off enjoying ourselves the power went out due to trees falling on lines and an accident on the main road. Unfortunately that buggered up the fridge/freezer and we came home to a mess. A smelly trully awful mess, meat was soooo off and everything else in fridge disgusting too - luckily for us, garbage day was the following day. So there wasn't anything left to eat other than what we keep in cans, luck has it I have rice milk and that is in long life containers and hubby drinks his tea black :)) Have to make a claim on the insurance - about time I got something back after decades of payments.

These pics above were taken during and after the last been 'storm' we had. A carpet of white made it look like the Snowy Mountians instead of the Blue Mountains.

Going to investigate getting some more stuff for the puta and so I can blog more - you know it's old age - you know - the gigabyte thing. I only have 3 gigs a month and the way I am writing and using the computer I will need to increase it as soon as possible. Maybe I should send hubby to Telstra again as when he went today he got positive results after complaining of the 30 messages from Telstra saying his credit was less by the call, though they promised him a longer usage time. Although I reckon I can rock this little boat all by myself. I said to him, behave yourself and you get good results. LOL.  He came back and the first words to me were - I behaved myself and I got results. He was only gone 25 minutes too :)) So we are hoping in 21 days time we don't get messages all day long about running out of credit - cause I know he will do his block.

Going off so my puta lives to tell another blog tomoz

Nite all - Dee

Friendship Swap 2012

Woohoo !! I have a new friend Illene in the 2012 Friendship Swap run by Sew Phrim Kris :)) Am so looking forward to chatting, swapping emails and little tokens of friendship over the next year. How great is that ? You can check progress on this blog or by going to http://sewprimkhris.blogspot.com.au/

I have some great ideas on what to send in my parcels, but am always happy to receive information on other ideas readers may have - so send via a comment or email me. :))

Today is beautifully sunny and a tad cool to the face - but a wonderful day anyway. Even after inclement weather most of our Great Ocean Road/Victoria trip, nothing could take away the memory of the coastline and the wellbeing we feel.. The weather added to the excitement with Mother Nature crashing waves against the coastline.

To everyone - enjoy your Day - Quilty Hugs Dee

Almost at the End of the GOR Travel

Ballarat to Bendigo via Daylesford and Hepburn Springs

Found a motel on the net - again through http://www.booking.com/ - great place to get great deals at the last minute. Pity there was no milk for a cuppa in the room though. No-one at the desk to ask for some - luckily I spot a petrol station next door - not that I like petrol in my tea - but they sell milk in cartons there - funny that . The visitor next door had his car over our car spot so we had to take up number 30's spot - luckily no one was booked in for the night. The motel looked quite different from the photo - in the morning we could see why - the newer suites were at the back . As it was pouring we reversed in to get our stuff out that we needed but didn't see the huge puddle of water laying in wait to get the unseeing. LOL. Wet slippers. Another cold and wet night. His Lordship was overly tired today. Wonder why with all the stopping, walking and playing tourists.

Found a few Patchwork shop addresses in the phone book and just had to go see a couple - or three planned for tomorrow:))

The first one I came to in Victoria Street was closed till 10am - forgot we were in the country, so we head off to the second one on the list, we can always come back later. This one closer to the centre of town in Mair Street.  Sovereign Needlework - Ballarat's largest supplier of 'Fine Needlework' was just opening and Elaine the owner for the past 12 months was checking that the log fire was going - just to keep the customers warm mind you. I was 'warmly' greeted and welcomed to browse around whilst she continued to open up. Lovely wools, fine fabrics and embroidery cottons of every colour imaginable hung on the walls. Great quilters patterns as well as ones for crochet, knitting and tapestries were strewn around the displays. I just happened to purchase a ball of wool for a scarf and another piece of fabric for my GORVQ (Victoria quilt) too.

His Lordship was busily checking a store two doors us - just something he had to do as it encompassed all the sports he loves.

Next stop was the store that was closed beforehand. We waited a little longer as it was still before opening time. The window display was very ecletic with Melly and Me patterns and all the latest fabrics. Beautifully done quilts, bags, toys etc around for display. The owner was busily tapping away on her computer. I did feel I was interupting her a bit when I asked questions - there was no-one else in the store so I thought it was okay. Purchased a couple of bits and pieces though I can't say I felt welcomed here.

My next stop was opposite an amazing church built from Ironstone where Lord S dutifully took some photos for me - the tourist thing - while I HAD to go into a store professing a SALE!! My goodness!! A sale!!!!   Isn't that just was a patchworker loves?

Eureka Patchwork :)))

Elizabeth cutting my fabrics

'The Selection!!!!'

Eureka Patchwork at the corner of Victoria Street amd King Street was calling me. I walked into the store and said 'Good Morning' to anyone who was listening as I always do. Alison was busily cutting and sorting fabrics behind one counter and welcomed me in. WOW - a glorious range of fabrics in all sorts of tonings, colourways and beautifully displayed fabrics that said 'pick me' 'pick me'! SO I did. I was told all fabrics were $20 a metre but they were having a sale and everything on display was now $15 a metre. Elizabeth the owner came out to greet me. What a wonderful lady. Showed me the latest collection of fabrics from Jenny Beyer, her secret stashes out back - as there wasn't anywhere else out front to put them, some fabrics in between and more. Elizabeth showed me a catalogue of the Stone Collection of fabrics coming in soon - very very noice :))

Elizabeth is trying to amass 2000 bolts of fabric for her store - and by the look of it is succeeding very well. A few dollars later pffffft, I have added to my Fabric Library some gorgeous things. Toy Fabric, some for my GORVQ and a little more LOL. Both some fabric for a gift too - just know the recipient will love the colours.

Thank you so much Elizabeth & Alison for being so genuine, warm and welcoming to this traveller :)) Check their website -  If you are looking for a particular type of fabric Elizabeth probably has it or knows where you can find it :))
Travel on driver !!!!

Drove on to Creswick where I thought I was going to see a craft store - called Lemon Tree Cafe - ok - some painting and produce on the walls but not quite the craft I was looking to see - by the way - wasn't all fabrics - I do love other crafts and already made ones :)) Right next door was Twin Needles - Embroidery & Patchwork Supplies where  the owner Elaine was telling me they produce their own Crewel Wools, Stranded silks and Organdy ribbons under the name Cascade House. Beautiful. I bought a pattern for embroidering a baby blanket with wools to match. I also got some ribbbon and fabric for the GORVQ.Well worth a visit either in person or on the internet.  http://www.cascadehouse.com.au/

By the way - I did not get anything for FREE at any of the stores I visited - just in case any of you are wondering why I am 'advertisng' for the stores I visit. I AM NOT - I am just passing on where I went on my travels and a personal view to what I see and hear.

Onwards to Daylesford where I had hoped to indulge in 'the waters' to help my ailing bod. But alas time was going quicker than our eyes and car. I perused some stores in Daylesford and found some lovely presies. The Tourist Information Centre was very helpful with their maps and displays. East to see where one should go and see and stay by looking at them. Very well done.

I found Threadneedle Craft in Vincent Street, Daylesford - the main street - where I was invited to look and ask for help should I need it - this gentleman's family lived in Newscastle and we had a quick chat on that topic as well as the type of fabrics he kept as that is what his local customers were after. Got three pieces of fabric for the GORVQ.

Next we stopped at Hepburn Springs - where I did not partake of the waters nor did I 'see' any springs. Might not have been looking in the right place, so next time :))

Up the hill a bit, the journey was starting to take a dark turn. I was laden with enough pills to keep a race horse from the track , that was doing little help to my pain wracked leg and back. Lord S stopped so I could stretch - it was less than 3/4 hour since the last stop - things were looking uncomfortable for the travel ahead.

Onwards towards Ballarat is the Chocolate Mill.

The Selection

A well built straw bale building greets the visitor with a pleasant entry garden. Within the garden is metalwork animals - Kangaroos, Echidnas and Emus. Inside there is a chocolate lovers haven. All made within the walls - this hallowed chocolate lovers paradise beckons.....take me home.....eat me now....take me home. Everything chocolate ...... Chilli, Fruit, Nut, Plain, Dark, White, Rum and sooooo many more. His Lordship and I selected a few chocolates and $17.50 later - 10 chocolates. Hot dark chocolate and mudcake we shared then left to venture on.

Looking for a motel room tonight with a bath tub as I really need to soak the bones. First one we found at Kangaroo Flat - his lordship went in to check - nope its already booked even though the computer link says it isn't - so onto look again - yep - found one - lets see. His Lordship comes back with a key - goodness knows what he has found as he isn't the most budget conscious person at times. Driving into a darkened area, reversing up - where the h is he going to I think. Opening the door - I thought - Honeymoon Suite - LOL. Well it is 35 years since we stayed at Bendigo. This time there is a huge king size bed that greets me at the door, with TV and dressing table to the left, a small wood dining table at the back with a kitchenette (no microwave though that's another  $15 for three nights the brochure states lol). I need to refresh myself - and kapow - there is a spa bath - thanks heavens you say - I did ask for a bath if possible -its a DOUBLE spa bath!!!! I hold my stomach and I laugh in hysterics!! Within 15 minutes I had my bag in the room and was sitting in that spa bath with a glass of wine and soft bubbles, blowing my cares away. My body was saying thanks.

Funny 35 years 3 months and 2 weeks ago exactly - our 'Honeymoon' of 3 days - we had $150 left in our bank account after Lord S's truck needed mechanical repairs the week before our wedding, this our livelihood - :( consisted of a caravan somewhere near Sovereign Hill and the cost of 2012's one night accommodation (gonna throttle him) was enough to pay (1977) for the petrol to travel, the caravan park we stayed at and where the heating consisted of a blow heater under the bed and our coats on top of the meagre blanket we were given, the attractions we saw - S.H. and Kryall Castle and the food we ate. But we did enjoy the sights of end of the Begonia Festival, the swans etc and the one small much treasured honeymoon souvenir - a Glass Blown Horse which was done for us whilst we watched and waited the craftsman to do.

Going off to plot the push onwards ....... Dee

Sunday - There's Still Rain. Supposed to be Showers

What a day - yesterday was. Still on a high - pun intended - after flying above our Earth checking out The Great Ocean Road by air. My back pain is exacurbated - but worth it. Meds are used - as you can see by the basket - and the patches changed today - so there should be little residual pain. I am happy that Steve is also having a great time - hopefully not too much walking today as I don't have anything but a walking stick to help me along.. His Lordship says this is the best ever gift bestowed upon him - he says .....

We are off to see from the ground what we saw from the plane. The Twelve Apostles, then as far as time and our persons will take us. I hope to drop into the Cheese Factory and a wonderful Patchwork shop I have seen in magazines. I will take photos for you to see it too if I can. (Unfortunately its closed so I did not get to see inside :( )

Just about time to leave our lovely Beacon Point accommodation. Had the last of the croissants with coffee and juice this morning so that'll keep us going till later on. Had showers and feel refreshed and ready for the coming days activities and adventures. Everything is about to be packed into the car. Ooops neighbours - putting out the rubbish. Just as well we are dressed and ready to go LOLOL

Stopped in to see the Farmers Market at Apollo Bay this morning - MUM your Markets at Forster, NSW are amazing! Enough said ? A very little market with vegies, plants and displays of local cheese and wine.
Continuing our way along the GOR and the coastline to the west we came across so much - I must warn you all that a few days down here is so NOT enough. You need to add a week to see everything - because if you don't you are going to miss out on so many sights. And you have to keep stopping on and off because that coastline beckons you to view it - inclement weather as well. It lures you and pulls you to it.

Stopped to view Castle Cove - amazing - once again I have little descriptive words as you can see for yourself what you get to view....
We came upon another great town called Beauty Spot - must be a cool and wet place as the farmers fence posts are covered thickly in lichen. Stopped to see the ocean at Yuulon. A container Ship was visible in the distance. The locals here have the most amazing sights to behold. I imagine they get little done when working - butmost are grazing cattle.
The sun came out and I said to my hubby the words - sunshine and happiness - and we both started singing at the same time. Made us laugh.
Listen to it on the net - it soo fits where we are at the moment.
http://www.redbubble.com/people/kazm/works/1092814-sunshine-lollipops-and-rainbows



10 kilometres tro Princeton now ---- raining - again - but no Apostles here like we thought - its the start of the Twelve Apostles National Park. There is a couple of Cafe/Shops etc for information and coffee and heaps of accommodation. So close to seeing the Twelve Apostles. Am so excited as we have been waiting so long to do so. Four years of planning and four times we have had to cancel due to inclement weather - February and September four years ago, last year we had to take out holiday early and had to cancel due to family ill health and Christmas so thought February - nah that didn't happen - where we ever going to see the Twelve Apotsles and the GOR? Well this time almost got cancelled again as a family member needed help with accommodation. BUT we decided to help first but still go otherwise it wouldn't happen.

Want to live by the GOR and the coastline so close to the Apostles? Well there is 96 acres here for sale. - Southern Ocean Views the advertisement at the front of the block states.

Stopped at the Gibson Steps !!! FREEZING and blowing a right gale. Here we got to see - yes we are there - the First Apostle!!!!! WOW Further along the road is the official spot to stop, park and walk to the Apostles viewing platforms. OMG OMG OMG - you have to be there to appreciate them. Helped overseas visitors take photos of them and the Apostles behind them. So easy to understand the finger points to the button to ouch to take photos. Many thanks in different languages. Lovely to see people just smiling and sharing his magnificient sight, that we Aussies have in our 'backyards'. Spent quite a while gluing our eyes and etching what we see in our minds eye.

Back at the Kiosk many people buy coffee - we are all so cold! Rain on and off but helicopters offering all types of flights from $95 for 10 mins to hundreds of dollars for longer trips. Saw heaps of helicopter flights today. Didn't go on this one though - the weather was atrocious - I would have been a little to full of adenilin.

The sun and rain take turns in showing off what they could do whilst touring the Apostles. Was actually wonderful. Glistening drops of water and darkened rained filled clouds then sparkling sun complete with rainbows showing the various hues of yellows and ochres of the sandstone that makes up the Apostles.

I have no more words that can describe the beauty and magnificence of the Twelve Apostles. Not all can be seen at the same time as some hide behind each other and not all areas for viewing can enable the viewer to see them - unless you're in that helicopter I spoke of.

COFFEE!!!!!! Thanks to his Lordship who walked through the rain with my little purple umbrella to stand in line for coffee and banana bread (made locally at Timboon), though I know he was thinking of his tummy as it was approaching late morning tea time. LOL

Reddened noses from the freezing temperatures and eyes weeping from the cooling winds blowing across our faces - also icing our fingertips.. People from the 'world' gather here to share the beauty of our coast - I find this wonderful as there is no anomosity or dislike here.

Loch Ard and its hidden treasures were our next stop - where we seemed to lose time. Down came the rain again and we stood by some bushes sheltering from the icy side falling rain. Good smooching spot though - gotta warm up somehow. Here we spot more caves and soft sandstone. No wonder there are signs stating stay away from the edge or it could collapse and you will DIE! Yes it states that- so many people do not stay behind fencelines - we even saw a couple on one spot near Shearwater River and the waves crashed so high it almost caught them. Wonder they weren't dragged off by the waves - no-one could have saved them. We were about 500 metres away but there was a gorge & heathland between us.

At Port Campbell, I walked to the top of a rise for a photo op - no fences here - to find the edge - scary that. Took some pics and calm back to the car. Looked around and noted that the road stopped suddenly with poles in the middle of it - did it disappear at some time? Got to find that out tomorrow. Looking for accommodation because our short 100 kilometre trip has taken us 6 1/2 hours!!!! No wonder we feel hungry - what happened to lunchtime?

Stopped at the Port Campbell Tourist Centre - lovely display of ship wreck finds - to talk to a lovely lady about sightseeing and somewhere to stay for the night. If we travelled any further we would miss the Arch - well whats left of it and London Bridge - yep there is one apparently - a sandstone one - watch for that tomorrow, so decided to stop. Found accommodation and the manager  Mark - told us the pub just 500 metres away had great food. (He showed me through and turned on the air conditioner to heat up the room for us.  So we walked there after unloaded our baggage and sat companionably while we waited for the bistro to open.

Having troubles this evening at Port Campbell trying to upload as I can only get two bars on my internet reception - probably because we asre in the ,ain street at a lovely upmarket backpackers - in ?? Street. Nice clean and comfortable motel style accomodation with a comfy bed, small kitchenette and TV as well as a well appointed ensuite - not expensive and just what a busy traveller requires at the end of the day.

Had dinner at the pub - yum. Took a walk after tea towards the shoreline of Port Campbell where a new wall has been built to keep the sea from swallowing the lower township up. Pics tomoz as its a wee bit dark for moi to do. Had a fall - yep - that's my luck again. The walk to the waters edge is pavers and my luck was some sticking up and down I went.  Knocked the wind out of me as I landed on my right hand , knees - more off the right one - and my chest. LOL you say. I am still hurting. The local policeman just happened to be cruising the streets and stopped to see why this lady was laying down on the footpath with a man kneeling next to her - hubby. They helped me up and the very kind police officer offered us a lift back to the accomodation. We thanked him for helping. Hot shower and write up the blog was the agenda but the internet is so slow I may have to send in the morning.


http://www.redbubble.com/people/kazm/works/1092814-sunshine-lollipops-and-rainbows
Sunshine & Happiness lyrics
Like a beacon on the ocean, you guide my way
You replace that empty feeling, whats left to say
You just smile in times of darkness, that lights my day
Bringing joy inside of sorrow, on a holiday
Like a flower blooms in spring time, sweet and complete
Making my life worth the living, you set me free
A ray of light you shine so brightly for all to see
In the midst of stormy weather, you cumber sea
You are my sunshine and my happiness (4x)
In the middle of the evening, I'm all alone
Cuz im thinking bout you baby, I'm dying of cold
Searching and im always finding, the joy you bring
Cuz you're patient through the hard time, that makes me
sing
Many times within my weakness, you gave me strength
I give thanks for what you've shown me, you're heaven
sent
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Nite all - sweet dreams - I reckon mine will be walking and viewing over and over agian the sights I have taken in today :))) Dee

Day Four - Into the Hinterlands

Its still dark! So we snuggle back under the covers and wait till the light comes through the curtains. What's that you say? The curtains at my window seclude one inside and unless you open them, you don't know that its 5am or 7am. Woke up to birdsong amid the howling westerly winds. So, I opened the curtains and was happy that it definitely was a gale and not rain :))  Trips planned today was from Skenes Creek to Colac and back via Triplet Falls and Apollo Bay. There was a bit of rain along the way, but the day grew dryer as it went on. A little warmer in Colac than we thought it would be too.

At the top of Skenes Creek is Cape Otway National Park

Stephenson Falls were closed  :(  Flooding had almost ruined the camping area and is closed off till November 2012. Repair work is being completed for the Christmas rush I suppose. Well there was another we went to see as well, but the weather had beaten us. This caused Sabine Falls walk to be extremely wet and dangerous and was too difficult to traverse for me and another sign said a three hour return trip. So we headed to Colac Information Centre where the staff advised me which other falls were still open. Thanks to you both :)

At this juncture, we travelled towards Colac to see what it had to offer the traveller. Not quite what we expected - a big town but a quiet town - though we don't know what that was exactly. His Lordship went off to look at some things that he has a hobby with while I went looking for Patchwork or Craft outlets. Only found one in town - McMahons. You walk through the door to be greeted by window dressings, a little further in is the store and toward the back or is that side, I found what I was looking for.  Two more bits of fabric for my Victorian GOR Hexagonal Quilt and a pack pf lovely Moda Antiuque Rose coloured fabrics for similar...... not sure what to do with them at mo - just divine fabric for the stash :)) I also found a lovely pattern too!! The lady who served me said it was the last one and she was a little disappointed that I wished to buy it. Should have put that one away methinx.

McMahons Colac - Patchwork

After a bite tp eat we headed off back towards Binn Road to the GOR. So Triplet Falls was the destination and the advised time to complete the track to see them was a  2 hour trip! .  The sound of the water cascading downwards was amazing. To walk or not to walk? My head said maybe but the body said you have to be joking.!  So we set off, amazed by the scenery, and the coldness of the dampened forest. Guess what ? We finished it in two hours 15 minutes. Not bad with dicky tickers, and back and knee surgery go wrongs. I am very proud of myself that I did it and so is Lord Steve. Even he with his current medical woes was happy to see these beautiful falls. Mother Nature in her fury gave us such a show to behold. Well worth the trek. Can't believe how well this photo came out as I was a little tired with the ups and downs of the track. Invigorating really. Triplet Falls in all their glory though today there was actually Five seperate falls.

I found a very large tree and just had to give it a hug. Reciprocal really. It was begging to be hugged and I just had to oblige. The aroma of the eucalypt was truly uplifting. Around this area a gent called Mr Knott was the owner of a mill which he and his employees fell an amount of huge eucalypts for building.

You just had to be there and look up towards the sky. These trees are wonderful.

Heading back' to our accomodation we stopped to take in the vista of Apollo Bay - from the western side this time. The sun was abating though it gleamed upon the sea as I took this photo. Lovely huh?

Markets to come this weekend -  hope I can see and purchase some lovely local crafts and foodstuffs tomorrow. Then heading off to see some more of GOR coastline and probably the lighthouse at Cape Otway. We also have plans for seeing the remnants of the Twelve Apostles, a cheese factory and a chocolate factory. Will tell you more tomorrow.

Nite from the weary bodies - Dee

Day One of " The Trip"

Leaving Sydney at 8am

Silly really. Fancy leaving from the Sydney end of the expressway at almost peak time. Soooo much traffic boths ways - going up to the expressway to travel toward the City and Coast or southerly to places like Epping  and Parramatta (no way) . Thank goodness we had to turn off onto the M7 to go south after what we saw and sat in below. This, the shortest of trips took over an hour when normally its about 15 minutes travel.

Bumper to bumper, pouring rain. What a way to start a holiday. Figures though for the Lord and I to always pick such glorious weather to travel in. Should we be lucky that the weather would grace us with a peak of sunshine? Maybe.

We luck out most times - Hurricanes in Queensland - Bush Fires in Perth (never got there), chose Hamilton in New Zealand - earthquakes, Kobe in Japan - tsunami and Fiji - flood time but before we could book on our first ever (never gone now) holiday overseas, Mother Nature took her temper tantrums out in mega style. Sigh. Is it our lot in life to stay close to home?

Well not this time! It can rain all it likes. We have umbrellas, warm Ugg boots, jackets, and many layers of clothes to see us through whatever Mother Nature wants to send to NSW and Victoria. We even have a gas stove, kettle and tea bags so we can have a cuppa whenever the time arises that we require one.

So many photos to share but thought you would like to see what happened when we stopped at a little town called Jugiong in NSW. There had obviously been a flood in the township in the prior few weeks. The barrier rails had been lowered. This is to facilitate any debri being able to float across the bridge without etting stuck on it and the railing that normally protects cars from driving off it!

Bridge to Jugiong.

Before we actually got to the bridge we happened on a man riding an unusual mount !!!!!

Jack on A Roo :)

A rather old rusty man and his mount - a very large red kangaroo. The original Jack on a Roo..... a pun here ok??? Jack a roo.. Okay some won't understand but those who do should have a great laugh.

Happy Oxen :))

You can see the grass on the legs of these 'oxen' how far the water rose from the river to the old Truck Service Station.



I am sitting in a motel room at the mo, with the air conditioner on warm - actually very warm. The dial says 30 degrees celcius. Methinx not. We also have the advantage of electric blankets - something I normally don't use. Overheats moi and his Lordship. So I may have to turn it on to warm those blinking cold cotton sheets as the temperature is supposed to be zero tonight. But as the ever so bright and cheerful if somewhat unhelpful (Paris Hilton type) weather girl stated tonight - bright and sunny tomorrow at 17 degrees. Haha. Thanks for that - we are travelling farther south tomorrow.

I had to go out from the motel to purchase a meal. Round and round a growing city - that is Albury.

As I was driving I happened to glance to the left - a sign said PATCHWORK !!!! My 4WD took itself around the road to the left and then up Macauley Street, Albury to the patchwork shop - Avonleigh Country Quilting.

I just happened to 'require' some fabric to do some hexagons with while I am away - uh huh - and purchased three fat eighths of pink and rose print type quilting fabrics for $9.00. Served by a lovely lady who gave me their business card. 

If you would like to see more have a read of their BLOG at http://www.avonleighcountryquilting.com.au/

Had to add the following pic for all to see. This is the Albury Information Centre. Very helpful staff :)

And the very beautiful and well looked after Albury Train Station in its sunny glory. Gorgeous huh.

Now this weary traveller is off to shower and have a well deserved rest. Goodnight and Adious till the moro my friends - Dee