Remote Ramblings

2010-11-13T16:14:00.000-08:00

As always I had the best intentions to keep this updated... lets see what's been happening?

I've been whale watching with Mum, Lin and Brooke with Seaworld out of Southport and it was amazing. Two young whales seemed as curious of us as we were of them and despite the 200m exclusion zone they came right up to the boat to leap and show off and even played tag under the boat. They appeared to be competing for our attention. There was also a pod of dolphins just playing in the wash of the boat.

sorry no whale photos I have some splashes and just water shots - I was so in the moment and watching that the camera was forgotten.

October saw me turning 61- some days I feel every day of it and some days I just wonder how I got that old?

ounger brother Pete came up for the school holidays with his sons Harry and Will (who live in Victoria) and he doesn't get to see them often - this was their first holiday together. They spent their days at the theme parks with Pete's other son Jake who lives here on the Gold Coast.

it was good to spend some time with them in the evening and have a chance to get to know them.

There's been a family wedding in Bali - very sadly I was unable to go but the reports and photos show that it was a wonderful, well celebrated, occassion. Jaci - my sister Ann and Stu's youngest daughter- married James and they are now living in Indonesia. Jaci speaks fluent Indonesian and studied there for a year at University.

For me life continues - I'm now the sole worker at WWILD after some internal personality conflicts and I'm really hoping for a new manager soon. Keeping all the balls in the air is keeping me busy.

My quilting is slow - I continue hand quilting Lin's quilt, dabling with my African hexagons and I've signed up for a double mini-round robin - I find deadlines help keep me motivated. We start with two 4 1/2 inch squares and them they are posted and rounds are added - first round is comlimentary one inch border.

2010-06-16T19:15:00.000-07:00

Quilting in the last couple of weeks.

Mum's quilt is finished and now resides on the couch in her spare room - I tried to encourage her

to use it, but it seems it's too good.

These are blocks for my current swaps for Bright Beauties and Clever Cookies.
The theme was Native Australian Birds

...............and Dragons with wings.

My scrapbooking continues, I've made one page from Kelly and Chris's wedding- Feb 2010, and I've just completed Dan's first birthday - April 1985 - in the history for the kids albums.

Skywalk - Mt. Tamborine

2010-06-15T19:15:00.000-07:00

15th June 2010.

Mum and I went up to Mt. Tamborine to walk in the top of the rainforest on the Skywalk.

We didn't make it all the way but we did walk along the tree tops, sat at the butterfly stop and we were facinated by the Strangler Figs

we also stopped along the Gallery Walk on Mt Tamborine for lunch - the biggest pancakes we had ever seen, then we stopped to look back at Surfers Paradise.

Quilts May 2010

2010-05-14T18:14:00.000-07:00

This started as a blog that would record my quilt making, the hope was that my skills would grow and I would create much loved quilts. It's now so long since I even made a quilt related posting. My life just gets busier - what happened to slowing down in one's old age?

But I've had a couple of long weekends, and Mum is in Melbourne as Linda (sister) is again struggling with cancer. So I've taken the time to finish the hand quilting on Mum's 80th birthday present - she is 82 today. Happy Birthday Mum.

these Dresden plate blocks were inspired from a SCQ swap in 2008 with Masu.

now I need to make and attach the binding.

And to complete the top I'm making for Linda to go in her Miss Bridey room. Her grand-daughter sleeps over.

the individual blocks were again inspired by a fellow swapper -Glenda in Kuranda

now to hand quilt, I've pieced the backing, and I pinned on the tressel tables at work as there's no space here.

So nothing is ever all bad, I've had time to be more creative, even starting a paper pieced diamond hexagon quilt in African fabrics. Just what I needed -another hand project! I'm still partisipating in the on-line Scquilters swaps and I find the monthly deadlines keep me sewing something when I would just veg out on the couch.

the start of my "Pieces of my Past" quilt just for me.

I shared the scrapbooks I'm making for the kids with Jess when she visited, and so that's an on-going project. Last weekend I got 51 prints of Christmas photos from 2009 when I visited Canberra. There will be some for Jess, some for Dan, and some for all three of us. I'm considering keeping up with the current photos and memories, and then just filling in with the history ones - the kids current scapbooks are Christmas 1984, so a long way to catch up. Now I'm trying to locate all my Molly photos and collect and record all the Molly stories.

RIP Molly

2010-05-14T18:09:00.000-07:00

Molly who has been with our family "forever" was hit by a bus at the Griffith Shops a couple of weeks ago. This is a big loss for us all.

1998 Dan and Molly both love quilts. Molly is a Broncos fan! 1998

Dan got a text message that his dog was dead at the bus stop at Griffith Shops. After work he went round to find her. Dan said that scrapping her up was the hardest thing he's done but he couldn't leave her there.

Molly 2009 Tarnie was boistrous and bit her head.

Dan took her to the RSPCA, as the house he is currently renting will be demolished in October and he didn't want her disturbed.

Molly and Dan at Christmas 2009 - Dan got Molly for his birthday in 1994. She was always his dog, choosing to sleep with him and always being there.

April 4th 2010

2010-05-01T19:43:00.000-07:00

The boy is 26! Just where did the years go? When did this

become this?

Molly (mini-foxie) has been his constant companion since he was about 11 years old. He will tell you, Dad left, Mum left and Jess left, he's a drama queen at times, but there's always Moll.

Computers have been a long time interest and form the basis for his career choices.

I'm very proud of all he has achieved in his young life - true he didn't always get it right or make it easy being his Mum, though the journey was an interesting one. He has a kind heart, last Christmas he allowed Jess to use him as a Christmas tree when she couldn't find anywhere in thier new tiny home to hang her lights.

He is such a contradiction, cautious and conservative at times then very much his own man through his art and music. He has confidence in his abilities but maybe not so much confidence that others will see this in him.

Dan's lounge room wall at Griffith. Dec 09.

He still has his Garden Gnomes, when he was younger he used to take them out into the garden for an outing, but wouldn't leave them there, in case they got taken. I remember them appearing in unusual places around the house in new outfits. In the fridge or in the shower you might find a Goth Gnome or one wearing a blue tutu.

So Happy Birthday my boy and there's many more adventures to come.

Easter 2010

2010-04-24T18:44:00.000-07:00

Easter was a great break with Jess and Ben driving up from Canberra to visit. They arrived on the Gold Coast on the Tuesday before Easter and spent a few days with Emily and Elyse at the Nobby Beach Caravan Park. Elyse is now into all the theme parks and she kept them busy. Good Friday they came to stay with me, it was squishy but we managed well for a few days - great excuse to clear out the "study/sewing" room so we could put down the airmattress. They were impressed that it got plugged in and inflated (and deflated) it'self.

Jess wandered round looking and touching everything - she hasn't been to my home since I left Canberra, then curled up on the couch with a book. We did lots of talking, Jess took time to go through the scrapbooks I'm creating for her and for Dan of their growing up - currently at Christmas 1984 - so a long way still to go.

We spent some time at Harbour Town ( a shopping outlet) and I took Ben's good advise and got Dan's birthday present. On the Sunday after calling in to leave chocolates for Mum and Linda, we took a journey down into NSW to the Tropical Fruit Farm. We felt it was too expensive to tour but we did spend up in the shop - Mango Jam, I found a very cute "bush baby" for Maeve's first birthday, Dragon fruit and Custard apple ice-cream, and of course fruit. We bought Dragon fruit, custard apples, avacados, and Jackfruit ( which tastes disgusting).

Jess and Ben eating Dragonfruit and Custard Apple Icecream then posing.

This is the view from outside Tropigal Fruit World with Mt.Warning to the left and Springbrook to the right.

We then went to Tumblegum, where the cafe was up for Sale. We spent the afternoon fantacising about the possibility of owning a cafe/gallery/home on the Tweed River. ( Later we discovered it was up for $1.6 mill. )There's a antique shop there now and Jess and I had a great time browsing.

We bought vine tomatoes, bread, pears and goats cheese on the way home.

Tuesday Jess and Ben left to stay with Nick - a good friend of Ben's, a fellow chef, who moved up here in February. A good holiday - they got to do the theme parks with a kid, the Mum stuff with me and the young people nightlife stuff with Nick.

On the Wednesday night Jess and I went to the Casino to see Mother Africa it was a circus dance performance-fun and lively- it was just great to share this experiance with Jess.

On the Friday, after Ben got tatooed, they headed home. I hope they enjoyed their visit as much as I did.

Two in one weekend!

2010-03-19T19:44:00.000-07:00

On Monday when I got to work, our building had been broken into, the doors smashed, quite a bit of damage to filing cabinets and fixtures, but I couldn't find anything but a small amount of petty cash missing. All the computer equipment, tv, dvds etc were there. When Tuija arrived an hour later - I start at 7:30am, she arrived as the police did. We found a digital camera and a safe was missing. Stupid thieves really - we are a charitable organisation that tries to survive on miminal govt funding. We work with some of the least powerful people in our society- women with intellectual and learning disabilities. I wonder just why they thought we would have anything? Turns out the safe was empty - I didn't even know we had one, and the camera was missing the memory card. Forensics told us that the would be thieves wore gloves, and now our front door -upstairs- and the glass doors down stairs are bolted into what remains of the door frames till our landlord can get them replaced. Luckily we also have rear doors through the kitchen.

On a much brighter note we had our launch in Logan at CASV, on the Friday. Three of the women who come to WWILD volunteered to go with us and talk about what it's like to be a WWILD woman and use the counselling services and attend the group work that we provide.

WWILD is funded to cover the whole of QLD - a big ask when there are 2.5 0f us and I'm the only counsellor. But we have established the work in the Nth Brisbane area and we found we were getting quite a few people from the Logan/Ipswich area, so we negotiated with CASV, an established Sexual Assault Service in Logan, for some space and I'll be working there on the second Friday of each month. It's a small step but maybe we can show there is a need and maybe even get our funding increased to employ more staff.

Today I bought myself this book from Book Depository UK, I've just discovered them and I suspect they will be getting more business from me. Free shipping to anywhere and great prices - but I digress! I've been feeling stuck, and without time, for my quilting and I hope this will give me lots of inspiration.

There's an exhibition Quilts 1700-2010 at the V and A in London and this will be a good substitute.

Best Intentions

2010-03-18T19:59:00.000-07:00

and now it's March! Just where do the days and weeks go?

This will be a quick update of my boring life.

Christmas in Canberra.

As Linda (my youngest sister) decided to come to Surfers with her three girls and granddaughter for Christmas, I took the opportunity to go to Canberra to spend Christmas and New Year with my kids and catch up with friends.

I had a great time staying with Jess and Ben, we ate at some great restaurants, and had a simple Christmas lunch at Dan's new house. Both the kids had moved since I last visited - Jess twice!

Molly is still with Dan, and Jess played Santa Christmas morning when we got to Dan's.

Earlier Dan had come over to Jess's and she was trying to put up her Christmas lights, their new place is smaller and she was struggling. Dan volunteered to be her tree and wear the lights.

Our Christmas lunch at Dan's. We had prawns, boerwors and ham, Ben stood in the rain to cook the braii, roast pumpkin, potatoe salad and a beetroot salad.

I made trifle and we also had plum pudding - we had that New Years Day.

This is Jess and Ben's place in Lynham, Ben works at Tilley's. And Dan in front of his house on Captain Cook cres Griffith. Great old art deco home with a huge yard.

I got to spend time with Trish, Jacqueline and Cathy. Trish, Jess and I spent time at the gallery. I visited with Cathy and Geoff and also went with them to Cheryl's.

February saw Mum and I travelling to the Hunter Valley to attend Chris and Kelly's wedding. It was a lovely wedding and a great opportunity to catch up with family and friends. Some I hadn't seen in over 30 years. When did we get to be the oldies?

March saw me travelling to Adelaide for the Summer School at the Dulwich centre for Narrative Therapy. I always love my trips down there, such inspiration and lovely to just immerse in all the possibilities and extensions of Narrative Practice - hard to believe I've been working that way for 10 years now. I could live in Adelaide - if I had the money to live a leisurely life within the 1 mile city square- great architecture, gardens, restaurants and lifestyle. Loved sharing meals with friends and colleagues along Hutt st. One night I had goat curry and another buffalo curry and the most exquisite Nepalese mango/pistachio/spice ice cream.

best intentions and some of the activities

2009-11-03T17:44:00.000-08:00

despite my best intentions almost a month has passed, work continues to pick up - this week I continue to leave home at 5:45am, but I'm now having breakfast at work while I check my day and my e-mails - it stops the gnawing hunger by lunch time, Monday I saw three clients as booked and one who just arrived as life was tough right now, I then headed off to Goodna (just this side of Ipswich) where I did the last session of a six week program at the Goodna Special School. I've loved working round self-protective behaviours with these young women. It's meant I've had to be very adaptive and very basic in concept development so I devised a game - rather like musical chairs - to explain their "Magic Bubble" of personal space and taught the "from my head to my toes I say what goes" routine. These girls are taught compliance all their lives so this is hard for them to get. We also did lots of activities around different types of relationships - when they struggle to differentiate between an acquaintance ( someone I just know) and family, you can imagine how hard it was to make progress with the difference between a boy who's a friend and a boyfriend and what it's ok to say or do with each. I was so proud of them for gaining some understanding between a hug and a cuddle and a kiss on the cheek and one on the mouth.
My work varies so much: the week before I did a school visit to Cleveland District State School to do a workshop with the about to turn 18 and have to leave the safety of the school system, Special Edu students. We again covered the boy as a friend and boyfriend concepts but also looked at the difference between sex and sexuality! These concepts are difficult for your average kid. But they got it - we made a collage and it clearly showed they understood the differences even though they couldn't be verbalised.
Tuesday was client work, again some unplanned crisis intervention. These women have such strengths to deal with all the difficulties in their lives and sometimes they fall down and make the best choices they can to deal with the pain - at least they reach out to us. So my work day was 7:30am to 5:45pm. Then I drove home. The Tuesday before my home journey took over 5 hours
with road works on the East-West arterial, a car ran into the back of a truck and the tray went into the windscreen on the Gateway and everything just gridlocked and then another accident at Logan had only two lanes (feeding from 4) and then again at Helensvale! I wondered if I was ever going to get home or running out of fuel was an option.
Thursday I was at the Family Law Court with a client then went back to Wooloowin for a 5pm meeting with management - another long day. Yesterday was also long but more fun, we had a Christmas card making workshop that had been requested by the women, one in particular, who really struggles with schizophrenia as well as a mental disability and all the health problems that seem to go with that- did most of the shopping for bits and pieces and helped encourage the others to partisipate. You can't imagine what a huge step that is for her. Then at 4pm I was at QUT at Kelvin Grove to support the Nutrition students who came and did a six week cooking program at the house. Another long day- then throw in calling in to see Mum to just see how she is going, medication is taken and that she knows what she needs to do the next day and what that might involve and then I sleep!

I uploaded these photos ages ago - they are from our Murray trip - we visited a museum that is privately run by a woman who lives well out of Mannum , is 86 years old and now lives alone and opens her collection for the tour- there was the most amazing and facinating examples of just about everything you can imagine. Including a cast iron cot the same as the one I had for Dan - cost me $10 at a second hand shop probably close to 40 years ago. I loved the wooden high chairs.

We also spent a morning at the Ngaut Ngaut Aboriginal conservation site. This is run by the women, the men don't want to be involved, except for one and he comes with his mother, his wife, his sister and his aunt, I doubt the man has much choice but he was very knowledgeable and happy to share his information. There is lots of graffiti in the soft sandstone cliffs along with the traditional carvings - I liked that they accecpt this and incorporate it into their lives. For example the dots represent days to travel and they say that the white fella got it right- it is about 6 days walk to the nearest MacDonalds. Sadly there are chunks of cliff face missing where they have been stolen. I bought a pair of ear-rings made of Ecidna quills - and a necklace of juniper berries - they were asking $10 each but as this is their only income from the tours I paid a whole lot more.

Mum loved these wonderful bright bottle brushes which we first noticed in Glenelg. Here they were planted as a hedge on the Yabbie and almond farm.

This is the Mypolonga State School, the most amazing little school. We were there during school holidays but there were kids and teachers to greet us as we arrived - volunteers. When we first arrived on the boat there was a gift in our cabin from the students at this school of chocolate dipped dried apricots. This is a big apricot growing area and the kids mostly live on the orchards so know about and help with the air drying of the fruit. Then their school has a registered business to sell the dried fruit and other local produce and crafts. Mostly these are done by the children, and their whole curriculum is based round running this business. The kids are confident and knowledgable, they were happy and proud to show us around and encourage us to spend.

We did so much but the most amazing for me was the wombat hunt. On the Tuesday night we went on a wombat hunt in a full size bus with a spot light on the top - I was sceptical - no self respecting wombat was going to get surprised by that. The driver told us that they usually see one or two and that his recond was 22 in one night. We were to be out for about an hour and a half.

We saw 51! Yay - wombats wandering down the road, ducking under fences, and just waddleing along. it seems so long ago now.

the journey continues

2009-11-03T16:21:00.001-08:00

On our first night on the boat we moored at Sunnyside. Early the next morning I got up and went for a walk.

This photo was taken from the bank looking back down the river. In these reeds were many tiny bright blue headed wrens and their mates - it never seems fair that the males get all the good looks. I struggled to get a photo but there are wrens in those reeds.

Birds were a feature right along the Murray River, the captain told us there are over 90 species- we saw many during the trip.

And of course there were Pelicans!

Amazingly there were Sulphur Crested Cockatoos nesting in holes in the cliffs. Not just a few but many many cockatoos.

The river passes along huge sandstone cliffs that somehow manage to change from one side of the river to the other. The other bank is often lined with Weeping Willows that were planted in the 1920's ( not sure of my facts here) to define the levy banks as the river was often wide mud flats.

The ecology of the river has altered drastically with the introduction of European Carp. These fish have no natural preditors. The carp are sucking fish so suck up the river reeds pulling them out of the mud, this decreases the oxygen in the water and removes feed and shelter for other fish. Our native fish apparently are biters and chew off the reeds but leave the roots intact in the soil.

This carp was about 2ft6 inches long - no idea what that might be in metres but a bit under one I think. When carp are caught they can't be returned to the river even if they are killed and this one survived over night in the crate with no water. The cook put it on the bbq in case we wanted to taste it - but it smelt awful and looked pulpy and I'll usually try anything different. When it was cut open they discovered about1,4000 eggs so the crew was very happy to dispose of it. Several passengers tried their hand at fishing but these fish are hard to catch, again because they suck, and it's hard to get them to take a hook.

Floating Down the Murray River.

2009-10-08T16:02:00.000-07:00

My Mum decided that what I would like most for my birthday is a trip down the Murray River. I'm not completely sure that would have been my first choice, though it was hers, as all the people going were 85 years plus and many were her friends. But it was a holiday and it certainly was very pleasant. The River was lovely, it was quiet at this time of the year, there was always something to see, and the trip had many side excursions that added interest and variety. The crew were wonderful - there were six of them to 24 passengers. They worked from early morning when we would start cruising and be served a full breakfast to very late at night.

The chefs did a great job, the highlights were probably the bbq which was a luxourious spread, and the five course Captains Dinner. I loved the black rice sushi served with cocktails before dinner.

Mum had the most delicious Lychee and Lime cocktail and Tash gave me the receipe. and I know I have it in a safe place!

This is at the bbq - the Captain, Dave, Mum and Gwen and Jo from behind. That's the bbq pit behind them where billy tea, which was Yuk! Damper - delicious with apricots and lemon peal, and the crew also cooked a European Carp one of the passengers caught so we could taste it - but it smelt disgusting, and I'll usually try anything.

I'll do the food stuff first! Before we went to Beight Bridge.... we were taken to the Revolving Restaurant in Glenelg and treated to a lovely high tea as we slowly moved round the views of the Adelaide Hills and the ocean. http://www.topoftheworld.net.au/ OK Julie maybe you can tell me how to do the linking thing?

This is Gwen - Mum's friend and neighbour about to enjoy the High Tea - behind the smoked salmon sandwiches were spinach and cheese triangles and samoosas.

Our night in Adelaide before we flew home was spent at the Adelaide Hilton and we had dinner in Simon Gallagher's ( of The Cook and the Chef) restaurant. I had a great chicken dish served with a red rice rissotto. So now I'm seeking red and black rice. I've discovered Black rice is often called the Forbidden Rice as it was only allowed to be eaten by Emperors in China.

There was also an Australian night with smoked Emu and a Kangaroo entre, buffet lunches with prawns and oysters, turkey and ham, one day even fish and chips served in newspaper. The food was sourced locally whenever possible, the wines came from the Mannum Ridge winery. I discovered an excellent Rose.

Current Home Sweet Home

2009-09-19T02:51:00.001-07:00

This is where I'm currently residing, it's a duplex with a mirror image unit attached to the garage. My neighbour for the last six months has just moved out. I hope I get more good neighbours. Mitch was in his 50's, very tall, long grey hair, a beard, and rode a Harley Davidson. He is a generous man who willing helped when I needed a globe replaced and we had many pleasant passing conversations. Until recently Mitch worked in Mackay and would be away for 14 days then back for five. So mostly he just wasn't here! Then the company he works for moved to Ballina and changed to daily hours and he found the long bike rides each day were getting difficult so he's moved to Ballina.

The unit is tiny and one wall of my garage is still stacked with boxes - mainly books, but as I spend 12 hours a day at work with travel and then most of the weekends with Mum, it's ok for now.
front yard is basic but at least green, the unit is on a corner so I get Jim's Mowing to come once a month. The main disadvantage is the unit is on a main road with four lanes of traffic and a bus stop and the end of the drive - this means I pick up rubbish off the drive or lawn each day and find people sitting under the trees or leaning against the building while waiting for a bus, the most irritating bus passangers were a young couple who sat on the driveway and just wouldn't move when I tried to pull in. or Mum's who let their kids just run around. It was worse in summer when the only shade is up under my eaves.

So Home Sweet Home!

Sunday and celebrating small creativity

2009-09-13T02:13:00.000-07:00

I'm again entered in an internet swap with SCQIS, so maybe that will get me motivated to create something again. This was my first block to add to Glenda's clowns.

this is my October contribution for Sabrina, she will add the Baltimore blocks to the heritage ones from a previous swap - I was in that one too. So far I'm keeping up and even ahead! And really enjoying the sewing.

These I thought I'd share - at WWILD we have had cooking classes each Thursday for the last 5 weeks with two lovely young nutrition students from QUT. Last week we made iced bisc - the women have so enjoyed the classes and their social skills have blossomed as they cook co-operatively and then we all sit down to a two course lunch. Getting them to help with the dishes is a whole other matter but there's time to develop some understanding that the fun bits are shared but so is the work. We will continue the classes on a fortnightly basis.

I continue to scan and create with my photos - both kids will have a scrap book - or two- covering their growing up and recording the stories that go with the photos. I'm currently doing August '84 so we are about to leave the Gold Coast and move up to Springbrook, Jess has just turned two, and Dan is 4 months old. I also bounce around just randomly scanning and creating depending on what I find - today I did photos of Chris - Pete's first wife and her new husband, Paul and their girls. These go back over 30 years!
Today I made banana muffins, yesterday when I was at Mum's her neighbour Gwen came over with some bananas, so today I made muffins for lunch and took some over for Gwen and her friend Jo..... and there goes another weekend.

Table 9 on the 09.09.09

2009-09-09T01:26:00.000-07:00

Despite my best intentions another four months have past. I had a very special day today spent with Julie Whitby (Disteldorf) we hadn't seen each other for about 20 years. We met in PNG when our daughters - Jessie and Jessie - went to pre-school together. There was so much to catch up on and I'm sure it won't be so long before we spend time together again. There were tears and much sadness for her Jess and lots of bragging about our boys. Jessie O, Jessie D and Dan, this is how I remember Jess the most.
It seems this is a time for reunions.
Last weekend was Uncle Bruce's 80th Birthday and his four children were there, Gary, Sandy, Cheryl and Joanne and we worked out it would be closer to 40 years since we had been together! Again lots of talking and laughter and easy sharing.
The week before saw me catching up with Judy Dawson, that was a 45 year gap. Her parents and mine have been life long friends with Mum and Dad being best man and bridesmaid at her parents wedding, our parents have stayed in touch though Judy and I had no connection for so long - I would never have recognised Judy but I think she is someone I would choose for a friend these days. Again lots to catch up on in our lives.
I realise just how valuable these "lost" people are in my life and I'll make greater effort to maintain these links.

2009-05-05T15:16:00.000-07:00

Job hunting again, not the easiest task when I'm told the reason I didn't get the position is not about my work, I've done a great job, but... seems their criteria is to employ young local workers where ever possible and darn, I'm old and travel for an hour to get to work each day. So I have to accept that there's something else out there for me.
Quilt wise I'm progressing with my girl gollies for Lin's quilt and over the weekend I made some flying geese for the borders.

My friend Cathy and her husband Geoff came up to Coolangatta to their time share at the Beach House, I was fortunate enough to spend two days with them, it ws so good and so easy to chat and catch up. These photos are taken from their unit, looking north to Surfers Paradise, down to Kirra Beach and south to Coolangatta. It was so easy to just sit and enjoy the view.

2009-04-08T22:28:00.000-07:00

2009-04-06T17:29:00.000-07:00

Easter is looming and I'm looking forward to a few quiet days at home. I finally got my machine set up - in a corner of my bedroom, but it's all ready to go, so I'm hopeing for some quilt progress to occur. I've been playing with ideas round flying geese and the use of colour, and I went to the Craft Fair at the Gold Coast Convention Centre last weekend and soooo enjoyed the quilts on display. There were the Quilts of the Gold Coast Quilters, an exhibition from Art Quilters - where do they get all those ideas? and a small group of quilts commemorating RFDS. I loved the use of outback colours. My companion was Jean who is a 91yo quilter who does the most amazing work. I hadn't been to a quilt show since Canbera 2005- so I came away with my head spinning.
I was very restrained with my spending, or was it overwhelmed with choice? I bought one design of a frilled neck lizard, and he may just start to appear on a top I made about a year ago - or quite possibly more. I bought the book at Calico Patch in Canberra while brousing with Cathy.

I've been told my locum position at Beaucare is to be advertised as a full-time position, so I'm working on my application. I'm now enjoying the drive through the mountains, though last week we had some big storms and lots of rain that made visability difficult and the water on the roads had planeing a common occurance. Twice I saw cars come to grief - one took a bend too tightly and rolled landing on it's roof against the mountain and the other, a ute, just missed a bend and went off the mountain nose first down the side. It made for stressful driving and I'd decided if the weather continued I'd just stay home and curl up on the couch with a good book. Of course the next morning the skies were grey and only drizzling - till I hit the mountains!

2009-03-15T21:04:00.000-07:00

I'm employed for now, as a locum with Beaucare in Beaudesert about an hours drive from home. I've rented a unit in Arundel, 4 km from Mum's, and although it's rather small it's starting to be home.

I'm the Family Support Officer in a team that contains, the Community Development Officer, (the team leader) me and a Youth Worker. The Youth Worker is a great guy, a Maori, huge, and much fun, he's a single Dad of four late teens and a new grandson. The work is more crisis work, especially housing, which just isn't available in Beaudesert. We cover the old shire of Beaudesert, and I spend Tuesday at Jimboola, wednesdays on Mt Tamborine and thursdays will be Rathdownie. It's great to be part of a team and have like minds to bounce ideas and possibilities off. It's also exciting to again be establishing a program.

I still spend time with Mum about 4 days a week, yesterday we had an interesting day, I got to Mum's just on 11am and her neighbour Cassie, came out on her walking frame calling out "help - fire" I thought I should investigate, got Mum to ring the carer, and went to see what was happening. There appeared to be no flame just lots of dark smoke so I went in and the stove was on and the pot had burned and the heat had started to melt the plastic fittings to the stove exhaust- no smoke alarms - so I turned off the stove and opened the windows and doors. Cassie was very distressed, the carer arrived having called 000 and I went down to the gate to direct the fire brigade. Two big trucks with sirens blaring turned up, gues there wasn't much happening at Sunday lunchtime.

Mum and I then revised our plans and went to the Pines for lunch at the cafe. It ws quiet and very nice, we then went to the Sothport Sharkes club, where they have real sharks, in huge tanks, and I got very excited as I won the jackpot of $50 three times, then Mum won over $700 - so we both did well and came home happy.

2009-01-24T15:26:00.000-08:00

Life seems to be moving forward, towards what? I have no idea. But I decided it was time to be more proactive. My kids found it a great amusement that I was unemployed and living on my Mum's couch. Annie and Lin said Mum was doing well and from the brief phone calls she sounds well and happy. So find a place to live - not easy when your unemployed. But I did find a unit that would consider me if I paid 3 months in advance. So tuesday will see the removalists at my new home at 7am - they do things early here!

I had decided that Murwillumbah may have to go on hold - the unit I wanted was withdrawn from sale and it is 40 minutes from here, so 12 months renting quite close would give me the time and space to make some more permanent decisions.

Two interviews this week that seemed to go well, but then I'm not sure what well is any more, still maybe there's a whole trend of progress.

On a positive spin I wanted to record Dan's efforts at fund raising for Breast Cancer. With his friends from Natura Records and fellow street artists, they put on a concert and painted some canvases for sale.

2009-01-03T18:26:00.000-08:00

three months have past!

it's now 2009 - on reflection I decided 2008 was a year of endings for me, ending a job I loved, ending a marriage I didn't so much any more, ending friendships, just by distance and lack of availability. But I'm looking to 2009 as a beginning on so many levels.

the last three months haven't been the easiest, Mum has had two hospitalizations, job applications are slow, I seem to get lots of interviews, but miss out. On enquiry I find my age is against me and the wide experiance I have is an advantage to go for more jobs but in the big smoke the jobs are more specific - relationship, children, anger, depression, grief and loss, family, drug and alcohol, and though I have worked with all these, there are others that have worked in just that area. I'm still confident the right job will turn up at the right time.

I've been making a list each day when I sleep and when I wake of all the things i'm grateful for - they tend to get lost in the daily struggle to try to get ahead. So today I'm grateful to have the time to read novels, I'm grateful i have airconditioning when so many don't, I'm grateful my children are alive and well.

This is Murwillumbar- Mountain Village retirement but the unit I liked has been withdrawn from sale so I guess it's not or me at this time. I've decided I need to live much closer to Mum at this time so I'll probably rent in Ashmore for 12 months.

and I'll try to write more even though my life isn't at all interesting - each day brings something however small an trivial. No photos but i can still write it down. Ok web photos will have to do.

I had a lovely very quiet Christmas with Dan, he arrived the day before, and seemed happy to just be in a quiet and clean place. Living off my saving means no expensive outings and I live a very quiet life. Dan spent New Year with Matt Ogilvie ( who has been a mate since they were in second grade) Dan and I had a day together on Friday as Matt was at work - I splurged on lunch at the North Burleigh Surf Club - fish and chips and the beach of course! Then we took a trip down to Murwillumbar. Lots of talking and just sharing the day.

2008-09-17T16:24:00.000-07:00

and life gives me just what it decides I need.

My posts won't have photos for awhile as I'm using Mum's laptop which doesn't have my camera program - it's in storage in brisbane with just about everything else I own in the world.

The day I flew out of mt Isa, mum was taken to hospital with pneumonia. She has never been hospitalised before - except to have five kids- and doesn't take well to being ill. It is good that I have the time to care for her while the need is there.

It was hard to leave Mt Isa after five great years. I decided to become a landlord and rented my house to a young colleague. Centacare care me a lovely lunch that so many attended - I was surprised. The packers were so efficient that all the paperwork etc I'd left out to bring with me is currently in storage. I have 186 boxes and yes- mostly books and fabric!

I had a surprise farewell at mt Isa airport - an indigenous family I've worked with drove 140km so the kids could see me get on the plane and then they'd know i had left and weren't just not coming anymore. They'd had a cake made for me - it looks like a wedding cake! heart shaped, pink, covered with roses and says "Farewell Jill". Such thoughtfulness and kindness.

but somethings don't change! Telstra! Over two weeks ago I went into the Telstra shop to get a mobile - I had to hand in the work one, and the car! I chose the mobile and plan I wanted, and because Telstra was upgrading their program, I couldn't get activated as I was a "migrating" customer. So I got a $10 pre-paid to see me through the next 5 days - and I still don't have a phone service despite being put on hold for many hours, hung up on and transfered back and forth. I've spoken to 27 telstra employees!

with the current economic climate semi-retirement isn't looking good, though i have enough books and fabric to outlast me. There seems to be plenty of work available and I've put in an expression of interest with four positions on the Gold Coast. I'm holding on to the belief that the right one will present it'self at the right time.

Living in the "city" is very different, the traffic hazzards are different, no-one sleeps on the roads here, and they whizz by so fast. Even buying a car is a daunting task that i will have to tackle sooner or later. Then again they do have a public transport system. I'm currently driving Mum's car - this too was scarey as she has always not allowed me to do this. Having shopping available at just about all days and endless variety is still unique.

I'm continuing to knit beanies for the homeless and searched Mum's garage for left over wool. I had an interesting find - a jumper in size 8 she had been knitting for Dan - size 8 would have been when he was around 6-7 years old and he's now 24. So I unravelled it and it makes good beanies.

2008-08-23T16:36:00.000-07:00

Adels Grove and Lawn Hill July 2008

Mum came to visit - to see where I lived and to see some of the country that I covered. She flew from Townsville to Richmond. We stayed at Mary MacKillop House with lovely views of the lake. They have put in a native food garden interspersed with "moon rocks"- these can be collected on the side of the roads and often contain fossils.

We spent a morning at Kronasaurous Korner - an amazing, informative exhibition of world unique fossils.
We then travelled the 600km back to Mt Isa through Neilia, Julia Creek and Cloncurry. I work in each of these communities. Mt isa was impressive from the lookout.

Mum's visit co-insided with a team meeting we had organised at Adels Grove, as a team we cover over 1,000km and this is a central point for us to meet. Adels grove is unique and about 400km n-w of Mt Isa towards the Northern Territory border.

the journey getting there was interesting - and i got a speeding fine - my 3rd, all since i've been working out here, the first going out of Cloncurry on my 55th birthday, the second, about 3 months agao coming out of Julia Creek on the Dirt and Dust weekend and the third going into Cloncurry to pick up Milton, a co-worker in Cloncurry to go to Adels Grove. The policeman asked me if I'd been booked recently, yes! and said that was him, so what are the odds? 3 tickets and 2 by the same policeman! He said we'd have to stop meeting like this because I'll run out of points. I was VERY careful to stay within the speed limits on my last visit to the Curry.

Adels grove is so lovely and the facilities are fantastic - even the long drop toilets - they have great views! and the showers are wood heated, it's certainly an outback experiance in the most beautiful setting. Adels grove has a facinating, and sad, history.

Adels Grove and Lawn Hill July 2008

and change happens.

2008-08-15T16:12:00.000-07:00

and change happens!

again it seems forever since I did this, but now I'm in semi-retirement I hope to catch up - along with major packing. My house went on the market on Tuesday, the removalists are booked for the 4th September, I resign on the 5th September and I'm on the 6pm flight out that evening.

change is scarey - I don't know what comes next, initially I'll stay with Mum at Ashmore ( on the Gold Coast) sort out some medical stuff, find somewhere to live and get a job.

The estate agents valued my little house at $329,000. That's a good profit in 18 months, and so far there's been lots of interest. Yesterday I went into the office to get the wireless broadband sorted on my new laptop - my old one crashed, and everything was lost, and when I got home the agents had been, as arranged, and they locked up so securely that I was locked out, a locksmith was called and I hunted for more keys - seems I was only ever given a key to one lock - and there's four!

Packing gets no better, I'm trying to take just what I'm sentimentally attached to, it seems I'm sentimentally attached to a great deal, how can I part with all the memories attached to so much that I own? I keep muttering " do I want to pay someone to move this?" usually the answer is yes! But I am creating a pile that will go to the homeless program- a fridge, my twin-tub, it was always intended for tank water, but I now have a front loader that does all the work. There's the bed ensemble from my guest room that was bought when Dan came to stay, and I'm managing to add other "stuff"- that I'm sure will be valued by families who have very little.

Then there's books and fabric - I'm looking at that as my retirement fun though the local secondhand book shop is doing well, and a couple of quilt making clients out on remote stations will get a box or two of fabric.

This is an example of Dan's work - his trip to Darwin was a great succes and they have been invited back to repeat the workshop and extend it into other communities. I'm not sure he should give up his day job just yet but it is a great oppertunity for him and for Dan who did the HipHop music side of it. Dan is currently acting in a team leader position and says he's coping with the challanges that involves.

Jess is also doing well and has just been given permancy in the Public Service. So they do eventually get their acts together, and I'm proud of them both.

and Happy Birthday my Jess for the 4th August, I was glad to hear that this year the guys got their act together and you managed to party for a week.

2008-06-26T20:02:00.000-07:00

Where did June go?

and I can't think of what I've achieved this month.

Work wise, the client work continues, I've had a quiet week this week - after getting new tyres on the car, they were needed, the shuddering in the back wheel continued. It turned out to be a problem in the differential, but it took days, and a replacement vehicle seemed "too hard" to organise so I made a decision to just stay home this week. It's been an excellent time to catch up with case notes, following up, and generally catching up on paper work. I've also been trying to finish work sometime in the afternoon and taking time to relax, to read, to bake and to do some stitching.

I've been knitting scarves and beanies for the kids in Canberra - such cold it hard to imagine.
Dan, and a friend, also Dan, tells me they are planning on doing a workshop with disadvantaged kids in Darwin round street art (graffitti) and hip-hop music. I'm sure this will be a unique experiance for them all.

I guess the biggest thing for me is I've decided it's time for change! Scarey stuff - and though I'd ideally like round 12 acres on the Atherton Tablelands with rainforest, an orchard, and a magical garden, realism tells me that at my age and with my finances, this isn't going to happen! So I looked at what was most important to me - and it's family. The northern NSW coast is appealing and fits better with being closer to the kids and to Mum too. Looking at what I can realistically afford, I'm even exploring the idea of a retirement village. When did I get that old!

So I guess lots of change - time to see what the next part of my life holds?

2008-06-08T21:19:00.000-07:00

Did I get this right?

when I was driving home on friday night, about 40km out of Isa, it was just dusk, not quite dull enough to be needing to put my lights on and I noticed an animal in the road ahead, it's smaller than a cow? not the right shape for a roo? I slowed ( I was doing about 110kph) and it just stayed in the road, I kept slowing, not a dog, not a fox..... it moved to the side of the road but kept turned towards me, I was just rolling as I passed it. And it sure looked like a dingo ( this is not my photo )

I've seen dingos in sanctuaries and on Fraser Island but never out here before. Discussing this with a friend he suggested it may be a dingo - there's lots of open land between here and Alice Springs and the lack of a wet season this year may have them extending their territory - or maybe I'd just never seen one here before.

I love the continual new experiances this area gives.

2008-06-07T21:32:00.000-07:00

My daily stuff, work, travel, quilting and I'm creating family history albums with scrapbooking.

I took this photo as I was coming back into Mt Isa early Friday evening. I'm about 30km out and about to cross the Leichart River. It had been 30 deg for most of the day - I'd run out of t-shirts as I'd only packed 3, I'd packed more long sleeved t-shirts and jumpers, even a hot water bottle and I'd not really needed them at all. This is winter?

My quilting continues between knitting beanies for Ben, Jess and Dan. I'm up to hand-quilting Mum's quilt - for her birthday. She got a WIP - work in progress. and this is my last contribution to my internet swaps - tea cup and saucer. Today I've pieced more of Jess's Japanese quilt - but my machine is not well. I think old age is settling in- I think it's about 34 years old now. It sews well, with it's two stitches but it is clunking and grinding and making some very strange noises.

I've finally found someone to replace my front steps, so financially this isn't the best time for it to want to retire to a quieter life.

Spending even a short time with Annie is so inspirational, she is very involved with stamping and scrapbooking. I'll look up her website and add it later. I've added three examples of what I've been doing - there's a page for my maternal grandparents before they got married. When I was with Mum we went through the older photos and I had them copied. The second page is Christmas 1953 - I was about 4 years old, then one for Jess - her first dress up party she was about 10 weeks old. I have a variety of albums on the go - Family History, my history, and one for each of my kids based on their childhood. So many photos and so many memories. I try to complete about 3 pages each weekend, but I doubt I'll catch up.

2008-06-07T20:38:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile.

I've been on leave - I took about 3 weeks to go down to Canberra, to catch up with the kids but also to join the family celebration for my Mum's 80th Birthday. The party just kept on going.

The actual celebration was attended by almost all the family and we've grown into quite a mob, as we go into the next generation.

We had a great "grazing" lunch at Pods in Pelligo. The food was great, the company was excellent, and everyone mixed and talked and tried to catch up.

This is the five of us with Mum, my brothers

John ( on the left) and Peter, my sisters - Linda (the baby of the family on the left) and Annie (on the right). It's not very often we manage to get together these days.

John and his family live in Melbourne, Pete and his partner live in Newcastle, Annie and Lin live in Canberra, Mum lives on the Gold Coast and I'm in Mt Isa. We cover almost the whole east coast of Australia.

The next photos cover the in-laws and Mum's sister Judy, and then there's the mob, which includes most of the 17 grandchildren, their partners and four great-grandchildren.

Mum had a second party last weekend for her

friends and family that couldn't come to Canberra.

2008-04-26T16:45:00.000-07:00

Still no wet season this year.

These are "tumbleweeds" because I don't know what else to call them, you can see they are about a metre in diameter and they roll across the paddocks and pile up against the fences. This is usual for the end of the wet season, but there's been no rain. Evening brings heavy cloud, but no rain.

Cloncurry relies on the annual flowing of the Cloncurry River to fill the dam and supply the town with water - this year it rained a bit in December, and created a few waterholes, but nothing since.

The landscape would normally be starting
to dry off, not being this dry already. These tumbleweeds are amazing to watch when they are picked up by red dust devils and thrown into the air. But they can move fast and are awful if you hit one with the car, they are quite solid.

2008-04-26T16:28:00.000-07:00

ANZAC Day 25th April, 2008.

I went to my first ANZAC dawn service today, and I think I'll make it part of the things I do. War is so stupid, and so many young lives are lost - what for? some meglomaniac need for power, revenge or control?

4:30 was a bit daunting, but even though I was in Richmond and there were maybe 35 people there, the airforce had sent in 4 young blokes to do the corner guard stuff, one had been in Iraq. They had an officer with them, and someone to blow the trumpet for the last post.

My photos arn't good but I'll try to upload them.

the local RSL then put on breakfast - sausages, bacon, scrambled eggs, sandwiches and LAMINGTONS! much too early for me but I had a coffee, though I declined the tot of rum as I still had to drive home - 500km - and being up so early was going to make it tough enough.

Over a million young lives were lost world wide in WW1, even if only 10 people grieved for each of them that is so much sadness and such loss.

Quilts progress and speeding journeys

2008-04-12T20:39:00.000-07:00

It seems I shouldn't upload photos then wait a week to add the text, two of the photos are visiable and two have reverted to the little "X" thingy! I'll try again!

There were to be the next two stages of Jess's Japanese Quilt. I now suspect it is going to be very "busy" I found I didn't have enough material to make 25 x 7" blocks for the 50 half triangles, so I used two fabrics, I don't have high hopes for this quilt, it's kept me guessing right from the start.

This week I finished making the Dresden plates for Mum's quilt and I now have about 3 weeks to get it all together and hand quilt it - I doubt that will happen but I will have something for her.

there should also be two photos of the anthills! Darn - I just deleted the one that was visable, while trying to delete the others - oh well back to my other computer - which is dialup - ok new thought maybe I should do the transfer to memory stick and up load using my laptops broadband. I'm slowly getting the hang of switching information from one computer to another when they hold different programs.

These anthills are taken 20km east of Mt Isa - I know the exact location because after getting a speeding ticket, I sat on the speed limit and the journey was sooooo long I was loosing concentration so I pulled up and decided that taking a few photos would re-centre me.

I love the colours.

April already!

2008-04-05T15:33:00.000-07:00

April Already.

My weeks continue to race by, although I seem to have slowed down, my days are fully booked and there's always work for tomorrow. This last week I travelled to Julia Creek and Richmond.

and I thought I'd add a map but technology has me defeated today. I made a great map using Google Maps but it won't let me copy it!

So here is someone else's map that shows the shire boundaries. Mt isa to Richmond is about 600km and around the halfway to Townsville point. The blue bit at the top is the gulf and the line on the left is the Northern territory border.

This weekend is the Julia Creek "Dirt and Dust" Festival, they expected around 3,000 visitors and with the usual population around 600 people on a day when the station people are in town this is a huge difference.

http://www.dirtndust.com/index.htm

Even at the beginning of the week, there were cars parked in the mainstreet and no bread or milk available, I think the locals were stocking up. On Friday as I came back from Richmond I stopped in at the hospital at Julia Creek to see a client and as I headed out of town about 20 kms out I saw a police car coming towards me, I wasn't at all worried I was sitting on around 110, then darn - he flashed his lights and pulled me over. I always sit on 110 ok, maybe 115km, between Cloncurry and Richmond the roads are straight and the view is endless. it's a 6hr drive and I'm heading home. I admitted to 110, which is the speed limit for most of the way - but darn I was in a 100km zone and doing 112. So annoyed - it feels such a waste of $100. I'm sure they were revenue raising with the crowds expected in Julia Creek, as they were from the Cloncurry traffic section and a long way from home. Usually I hardly see another vehicle let alone a police car.

But I did see some beautiful eagles, a whole mob of emus with the little ones trying hard to keep up and the grasses have red seed heads so as far as the eye can see is this mass of deep oche grasslands.

The size of these eagles is amazing - I used this photo to show the size they are. I had an encounter with two on a dirt road going out to a station. the road is one lane width, and there was a road kill the eagles thought belonged to them and they weren't going to give it up despite my need to pass. I revved the engine, having had to come to a stop, tooted and all they deigned was to regally look along the bonnet at me and continue with their dinner. It was me who gave up and took to the scrub to get round them.

What's in a name?

2008-03-21T20:16:00.000-07:00

One of my tasks for Easter was to do some scrapbooking, as I want to record the stories that go with the photos of my kids growing up. I began to think of how we came up with their names and the following was the result.

What’s in a Name?
Carmen Jessica Olver
Jess was called Carmen Jessica because Jessica Carmen didn’t sound right.

Jessie because I really liked it
and then we found that her paternal Grandmother was Kathleen Marguerite Jessie Olver (6/8/1921 – 17/12/1974) and great-grandmother was Jessie Clegg.
Also her maternal great-grandmother was Euthemia Jessica Wilson. ( 7/5/1898-30/8/1982).

I chose Carmen in memory of my friend Carmen Veldsman who died in a car accident (1981) when returning from Victoria Falls to renew my visa.

What’s in a name?

Daniel Lanyon Olver.

Andrew and I chose Daniel while working in a polling booth at the Zimbabwe elections in 1982. Andrew claimed his son had to have a strong name and we agreed on Daniel, but he could have been a Mathew or a Charles.

Dan was always going to be a “Lanyon Olver”
His dad is Andrew Lanyon Olver (7/5/1952)
His grandfather was Sydney Obed Lanyon Olver (13/04/1920-17/05/1978)
His great-grandfather was Obed Lanyon Olver
(9/5/1897-27/12/1973)
His great-great-grandfather was Henry Lanyon Olver (b.1859)
His great-great-great-grandfather was Henry Olver (b. 1829) and he married Maud Lanyon (b. 1831) in 1853.
They emigrated to South Africa from Cornwall UK, around 1868 with six children.

Easter Saturday

2008-03-21T17:22:00.000-07:00

I hope you're all having a relaxed, safe and enjoyable Easter. So far I've managed to achieve - or at least progress most of my goals.

My bookcase arrived on Thursday, and the books are being sorted. I've had fun decorating the top, I decided that the basics would be glass, with the odd piece of crystal, and have collected from through the house. My only complaint is that it only takes "standard" small books and a lot of my books seem too tall. I'll have to mix the themes but it's lovely to have the space to sort.

I gave in this morning and decided Easter = chocolate, I only have one piece of the orange and dark choc Jess gave me for Christmas left, so I went to Kmart. Then decided I'd rather have a Madagasca palm - like a pineapple on steroids, and is supposed to grow to 3m and have long spikes of white flowers. and I did get a mars bar!

Mum's quilt is progressing, and I've cut out the first stage of Jess' Japanese quilt, This is the first bit, I was suppossed to make 49 and somehow I made 100 - duh - two fabrics = half the number of squares! I'll show each stage so it's like a mystery quilt - except for cathy, who knows what it will look like. We made this quilt in a class with Trudi way back in the early 90's

I've even done a page or two of scrapbooking from 1983 and weeded half the Canna bed that runs along the ramp to my back door. So I'm feeling productive and relaxed. I even managed to work out how to use Facebook, and got a reply from MD. I think she thought I'd fallen off the face of the earth.

Happy Easter wishes

2008-03-19T00:27:00.000-07:00

As you can see I've finally finished Ben's quilt. the colour isn't true, the brown is coppery with gold and the Chinese dragons are a strong bright red, purple, yellow and blue. My camera is usually good with colour so it must be the photographer!

This quilt was made for Ben for Christmas so he could learn about quilts, how they hold value on so many levels and how each stitch is made with the person in mind.

I'm looking forward to a quiet and hopefully, work free, easter break of 5 days. I actually hope to be extremely reclusive and not see a soul.

I plan to fill my days with reading, sewing, favourite DVD's, hot cross buns, maybe some gardening, and filling my new bookcase, due to be delivered tomorrow.
You'd think buying a bookcase would be easy? Ah -I forgot this is the Isa. But I did locate one, out of a choice of four, over 3 locations, that will fit the bill - I hope. I think the wood is darker than my others but it's a bookvcase and the right shape and could be delivered tomorrow. I plan to sort all my work related books so I have some hope of finding that reference I'm looking for. Most of these books are currently in a small book case and piled on the dining room floor.

My co-tennant (the mouse- I'm not naming him because he already thinks he belongs here!) is not very co-operative. I got an environmentally, and mouse, friendly trap, so I could drive him out 60km and let him fend for himself, and do you think he'll go near it? Not likely!

This is me at the Cloncurry Community Day last Sunday. I've discovered temporary tattoos don't come off in a hurry! My guardian angel was working when I got distracted by another kid wanting a tattoo, just when a kid was going to put one on my face. The one on my arm has started many conversations, in shops and at work - hhhmmm maybe I've found a good way to start conversations!

catching up

2008-03-08T00:55:00.000-08:00

Driving home on friday I noticed the clouds were low and very grey bottomed, what ever that means we didn't get rain. For a wet season it is still so very dry here. The trees are green but the spinefix and grasses are all drying. I hope we get some rain soon my lawn is looking very patchy. I bought a gardenia to put in the pot by my front door- the so called hardy plant in it died while I was away - I doubt much lasts for long with no water for weeks and 40 deg temps! I realise a gardenia is ambitious but it smelled so lovely and I have visions of toparying it - so far it's co-operative but not flowering on water once a week.

I also have a new co-tennant. A small grey mouse has moved in and made himself quite at home - he seems put out that I'm around, and doesn't seem at all intimidated when I bang things and yell shooo! Tomorrow I'll go to the hardware store and by a mouse trap - I think I'm more afraid of a dead mouse than a live one!

I think my house is in general revolt, today I heard a loud bang in my bedroom and when I went in one of the wardrobe doors was on the floor- no warning, just fell out! Two front steps have collapsed and I'm struggleing to find someone to replace them - the joys of home ownership.

I'm catching up with my quilting swaps - I've finished the Elegant Elves swap and I'm waiting for mine to come home. I completed the Row X Row doing a row of Sunbonnet Sues in 1930's fabrics - I didn't think I liked these fabrics but.... more ideas and plans for future quilts. Mine should be on the way home too.

Life can be hectic!

2008-03-03T15:31:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it's a month since I wrote - despite my New Year Resolution to slow down it's been a hectic and tough month work wise. There's been births, my 13 yo had her baby boy, deaths, sudden and tragicly a young Dad, with all sorts of legal complications - this is an indigenous family, he had a heart attack while taking a nap after lunch. The family called me (it was Sunday) and it meant dealing with police, forensics, child safety, finding family members to support his current partner and new baby and just the shock and grief involved. I was very honoured to be asked to speak at his funeral. And court cases that keep going pear shaped, kids running, back to court, more interviews, more afadavits, back to court and on it cycles. The only ones gaining from this seem to be the lawyers who make heaps of money. For the families involved its heartache and frustration.

I've been working long hours and trying to fit in some sleep and the occassional meal. My Team leader was in town last week and came to my house for dinner, we only manage to get together about 5 times a year as she is based in Normanton, we had planned for me to drive up there last week - the rivers were up so it wasn't safe to travel, and my work load just didn't allow any space. Barb bought me a bunch of beautiful Lillies - it did make such a difference, my whole house smelled wonderful and they were so beautiful - I have a photo and will add it when i'm home again. I was tempted to bring them out with me this week, it seemed a shame to just leave them, but a day in the car, even though our temperatures have dropped to the mid 30's, wouldn't have done them any good at all.

And I'm definately having quilting withdrawal, but I'm hopeing this week will give me some space.

I have Ben's quilt (his xmas present) with me and just need to stitch down the binding. I also have the last row x row for Trish L, and I've discovered 1930's/vintage fabrics - just what I needed - more inspiration! As I left town yesterday I picked up Terri's row for the new row X row swap - this has a Christmas theme, and i know I'm going to enjoy this.

Despite sketching, and playing with techniques I didn't get to finish the Choosedaychallange this month which was Acid, - it will now be added to the ever growing pile of UFO's! today we get the new theme for the month.

Last week really was awful and though I'm hoping for just some quiet suicidal and domestic violence stuff this week - it's already spilled over! But one of my little people had made me a bright red macaronni necklace yesterday, I wore it all afternoon and it lifted my day. I also called in to see my new Mum - she's 13 yo- and she's doing so well and baby Kobi is lovely - he managed to spew all down my skirt. So I spent the day smelling of baby puke and wearing macaronni necklaces - a good day!
There was also the 8am visit to the solicitor to sign my latest afadavit, and a visit till 7pm with the family involved in the court case - but a good day.

I'm hopeing for a less hectic and more peaceful week.

back in the bush and some stitching

2008-02-04T23:53:00.001-08:00

I got back to the Isa - with all my luggage this time. Going to Canberra my luggage arrived several days later, and going from Canberra to Brisbane Qantas lost one piece and I collected it 6 days later as I left for home. So I bought lots of new clothes.

There has been lots of rain out here, but not the flooding experianced on the coast and to the south. I took this at Neila last week and normally this is a dry creek bed surrounded by red dust. The landscape is so very lush and green.

It's good to be home but I miss the company of my kids, my family and my friends. I had such a good time with them all.

In November I joined in with an Art Quilt challenge and really enjoyed taking steps into unfamiliar areas.

I have ideas for the December Challenge which was Opposites, but decided to go with the January Challenge of Mask. I did miss all my stuff and being able to just wander down the passage and create something.

Again I chose a book cover so this piece is 18X12".

I started with some ideas for masks but couldn't choose what might work, then I looked at through the eyes of a mask? OK but still not feeling quite right. Then I switched from the noun to the verb - to mask, to hide and came up with cameleon. I decided to applique lots of leaves onto a greeny hand dyed fabric and then somehow add the cameleon.
Again this piece had a mind of it's own and this piece of tribal fabric kept coming to hand. OK it had masks on it, so I decided to go with both and simplified my idea using just 5 leaves and finally just drawing on a cameleon with textas.

The new skills with this were raw edge applique for the leaves, given some form with quilting, and drawing on my quilt..... hmmmmm but I now like it.
February's challenge is Acid and I can't even start to imagine how to go with that - I think some Googleing to start.

New Year 2008

2008-02-04T23:45:00.001-08:00

2007-12-29T16:57:00.000-08:00

Emily and Elyse.

Emily dropped in yesterday with Elyse, I hadn't seen Elyse for two years and she is only four. She is lovely - self confident and independent.

Emily had photos of their trip to Europe and England with Rhonda, her Mum. A big family reunion. Emily spoke of her favourite spot as being Venice, which she thought was beautiful.

Jess and Elyse

2007-12-29T16:11:00.000-08:00

Christmas 2007.

The time has passed so quickly, as well as spending lots of time with Jess, Ben and Dan I've spent a lovely day with Trish and Rob, hearing about their trip to South Africa, time with Cathy who is now retired from SFX, and cat sitting Ellie in Kingston for my sister Linda. We all spent an evening at Annie's just before Christmas, it was lovely to catch up with, Lee and Glen, Jackie and new boyfriend also meeting the family, James, Annie, Stu and their friends.

Jess and I had taken on the task of teaching Ben about Christmas, and quilts, Jess has two lovely Xmas trees, one an optic fibre tree that was her Christmas gift from Dan last year. Ben seemed amazed at Annie's Christmas decorating and she was very restrained this year - three trees, a santa collection on the sideboard and a nutcracker collection in the hall.

I've done lots of cooking, Christmas cake and fudge, hard sauce, trifle and muffins with Jess, and Dan's favourite chicken/potatoe pie with Dan. My goal is to get Dan washing his clothes etc on a regular basis. I've been so interested and impressed with the art work both Dan and Ben are doing. They have been asked to do the walls at the table tennis centre, I'll post photos if they send me some.

It's been quite cold, well for me, so eventually I bought a cardigan, and now it's hot - for Canberra 33 deg! I've had a spending spree - it's lovely to be here to give the kids gifts, but also to have the variety of goods available. Ben and I went to the supermarket and I think he was astounded at my enthusiasm for all the goods never seen out in the west.

We eventually decided to have Christmas day here and to go to dinner another night with Mum's contribution to our Christmas. We bought plum pudding,turkey, ham, prawns and oysters, made salads and at around 3pm we sat out on the deck and had a leisurley and festive Christmas dinner. We had a late start as Jess and Ben came home as the sun came up after celebrateing Christmas eve with their friends, I do remember those days!

We had decided just made presents this year and each taking one person, I'm in th process of a quilt for Ben, Jess made a folder for Dan to keep his lyrics in, Ben bought Jess a dance CD, and Dan started me a drawing. I'd spent a day in Kingston, and though the shops had changed in 4 years, I managed to find a braclet for Jess, a mug from Silk Road for Ben. A wonderful antique Asian gallery so a great place to find dragons for Ben. And an etched glass for Dan, designed by one of his internet artist mates from Melbourne. I had no idea - it was just as close to something Dan might like as I could get.

Andrew came over as we were eating, he joined the kids in their round the world beer fest, and had bought carefully chosen presents.

2007-12-17T16:59:00.000-08:00

Christmas Lights in Cloncurry.

I'm now back in Canberra with the kids, it was an interesting journey!
Qantas sat us on the tarmac for over 2 hours in Mt Isa - in 40 deg heat. Someone had brought an oxygen tank on board without telling the staff and they had to get all sorts of safety stuff put in place. That caused us it sit and the temperature to rise, so then the thermals meant more fuel was needed to take off, the pilot was also told there was a storm over Brisbane, so more fuel needed so our luggage was then taken off. People then complained - needing medication - catching an international flight - dogs in the hold-there's only one flight a day out of Isa. They negotiated with Macair to fly the luggage to Townville then down to Brisbane, and I believe my luggage will arrive some time this afternoon. I'd packed a box of mangoes I picked off my tree so I hope they have survived.

My last week was hectic, but I did spend some pleasant evenings, a meal shared with Milton and Loma, always lovely company, and an evening spent driving round Cloncurry looking at the Christmas lights with one of the families I work with. Photos will be added when I get home.
So I'm really glad to be here and even to have a day of enforced inaction as I wait for my luggage.