Home Again

After 26-1/2 hours of travel, I am safely home in Iowa again. I left Sydney at 3:30 in the afternoon on Friday, November 27. I arrived at home in Des Moines, Iowa at 6:05 p.m. the same day. I know it's all about the international date line and 16 hours time difference, but it's still tough to get one's mind around it.

This is my last photo of Sydney, taken at the airport.

I desperately miss Sydney, my family (Jill, Maher, Celina, and baby Tay), my friends (Di and Di, in particular), and the climate!

When I arrived at the Des Moines International Airport, I was met by these...

...being offered to me by my handsome husband. He'd dressed up and had a big smile on his face. How much warmer of a welcome can a wife of 37 years expect than that!? He was looking very fine and trim, having lost 12 pounds (5.5 kg) while I was away. I too lost 5 pounds (nearly 3 kg). It seems we were pining away for one another!

Since returning to Iowa, I've made these observations:

1. A person can cry off and on for 26-1/2 hours.
2. I prefer Sydney's 85 degrees (29C) to Des Moines' 45 degrees (7C)
3. It's dark in Des Moines at 6:00 p.m!
4. Sydney has lush greenery and palm trees; Des Moines' trees are bare.
5. Americans are really into glitz when it comes to decorating for Christmas. From the air, Des Moines fairly glows with holiday lights.
6. Washing and drying a load of laundry in Des Moines takes half the time it did in Sydney.
7. I miss my Sydney family. I miss my Sydney friends.
8. I'm glad to be back in Des Moines with husband Dan, and dog Hogan. I'm looking forward to seeing my Des Moines friends.

I thank God for the blessing of getting to visit Australia once again, and for a safe journey back home. God is so good! Praise Him!

Friday Flaunt - Tay's Bambino

A couple months ago I made something similar to a "Bambino" for Tay. It has a koala head and arms, and a Minkee body. Here's three-week old Tay with it, when I first arrived in Australia.Tay's mum purchased a "Bambino" kit and asked me to make it. I did so this week. Bambino has been named "Blue."Eight week old Tay had a chance to play with Blue. He said, "Thank you, Nana! I like it!"

Each Friday, bloggers who belong to Quilting Down Under chat group post a flaunt of their productivity. Visit Cinzia's blog to find links to all 19 Friday Flaunt-ers.

A Manly Outing

My grand-daughter, ten year-old Celina and I had an all day outing today that began in the Sydney Central Business District (CBD).

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, even in this warm, sunny city. This Christmas tree is eight metres tall (26 feet) and assembled with more than 7,000 recycled cola bottles. A sign indicates that the tree is lit at night. Very neat! An outing isn't complete without a ferry ride, and yet another picture of the Sydney Opera House.

And another picture of Sydney's impressive CBD.

Today's destination was Manly, a half hour ferry ride east of the CBD. Interestingly, long ago, a colonial governor visited the area and chose the name Manly Cove because the indigenous men had "confidence and manly behavior."

At Manly Wharf, this bookmobile is handy for commuters who might want to pick up a good read for their ferry ride.

From the wharf we walked the Corso to Manly Beach. At the time the beach was overcast with just a few surfers.

We followed the bicycle/pedestrian path along the ocean and then looked back toward Manly Beach. Beautiful!

Celina and I hiked through Sydney Harbour National Park,

heading to

and this gorgeous cliffside view toward Sydney.

This was our favorite ocean-viewing spot. California is a l-o-n-g way northeast of here.Catch Celina's reaction to being here.

Using binoculars, we did a thorough job of watching the water. As we hoped, we managed to spy some whales, but I don't have any photos as proof. They were too far away and too fleeting, but we definitely saw spouts. Those prompted squeals of delight.

After catching a bus back to Manly, we snagged some Mackies (McDonalds) to eat along the beachside esplanade. Then it was off to Oceanworld where we saw all types of Australian-native tropical fish, sharks, stingrays, and various reptiles and venomous spiders.

I thought it was novel and nice that Manly offers several locations for refilling water bottles.

It was a glorious day, though I'm beat from all the walking, and I had too much sun. Such a small price to pay to see this beautiful country.

Australia - Friends and More Pressies

Sunday was the last Stitchin' Mission class at St. Mark's Church in Darling Point (Sydney). The entire series of lessons have couldn't have gone more smoothly, nor have been any more enjoyable to teach.

These two beautiful women, Di Bracey (left) and Di Jobbins (right) made it so. They are not only organizationed, generous, and extremely spirit-filled, but simply put, they are nice people! I am blessed to call each of them "my friend." They gave me this... No, not the Opera House, but a beautiful card full of sentiments from Stitchin' Mission participants. I cherish every remark it contains.

And then, there were these unexpected pressies. Oz quilters will surely know what's inside this tin... ...a beautiful pair of scissors. These are the Australian version of stork scissors, with a kangaroo!
But the gift that knocked my socks off - Okay, not really. After all, it was 98 F (37 C) on Sunday, so I wasn't even wearing socks - is this book, "The Fabric of Society: Australia's Quilt Heritage from Convict Times to 1960" by Annette Gero. I'd previously browsed through the pages, and longed for a copy. Those two thoughtful Di-s knew I would love it. It's a weighty tome, so if it taxes my luggage weight restrictions, it will be protectively carried home in my arms.
And thoughtful Cath, a Stitchin' Mission participant gave me this bundle of 20 Moda Marbles. Thank you, Cath!

All I can say is, these quilters make it even more difficult to leave Australia. Certainly not for the pressies, but for the welcome and friendship they've extended to this American stranger.

Being here has made me more cognizant of, and grateful for, our bonds. Quiltmaking of course, but also Christianity. Faith in God is what makes us one, no matter where in the world we live. I thank Him for His magnificent orchestration of our lives. Particularly for the technology that led Di Jobbins and me to swap emails; to Skype; and to arrange a Stitchin' Mission, and other quilt-related outings during my five week visit in Sydney. As a result, I'm blessed to count many new friends. It's been awesome.

Thank you, thank you! Hugs to everyone I've met. You are wonderful!

This, That and Hexies

Last Thursday I enjoyed another outing on the Paramatta River. Here's the Rivercat ferry coming into Abbotsford Wharf to take me to Circular Quay, once again! These ferries run a regular service and transport commuters into the CBD (Central Business District) every day. The ferries are larger than you might think with a capacity of 250 people. I've found that it's mostly the tourists who sit outside on the front deck. Why not? On a beautiful day it's the best way to take in the sites. On this day I ferried from Circular Quay to Watsons Bay.
From there I walked 2o minutes to Gail's house where "The English Group," a small group of quilters, was meeting from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM to socialize, lunch, and do handwork.

To get to Gail's I climbed the Marathon Steps.

The steps weren't too bad, and they were definitely in a pretty place.Once at Gail's house, the quilt talk and quilting began, and was pretty much non-stop!
Di, Gail and WendiRae and Lyn
Anne and Wendi

This darling hexie table runner was on Gail's coffee table.

Lyn made this quilt from hand-dyed wool, following a Sue Spargo design. We enjoyed our salad lunches in the back yard, A swimming pool is out there too.
Jillian shared her hexagon quilt with us. She's English paper-piecing it.

The layout she's following is similar to the Frederica Josephson quilt found in the book "The Fabric of Society."

She's made some beautiful blocks.

Gail is also English paper-piecing a hexie quilt.

The hexie quilts I've seen in the past two weeks are great inspiration. I've taken lots of pictures that I will reference, in hopes of making my already-started Candied Hexagons quilt even better.

The day couldn't have ended more perfectly than with ferry rides back to Abbotsford.

Sydney's CBD (left) and the Harbour Bridge (right), a hazy distance away.

You know, a person could get used to living in a place like this.

Look! Look!

Isn't the blogosphere something!? Prints Charming blogged about my visit to their shop.

Click here to for a look.

Life is Beautiful Giveaway

My life is beautiful.
I am more than blessed.
Visit Oz. Make quilts.
These relieve all distress!

Click on the quilt to link to a giveaway.

Friday Flaunt - Pressies and Hexies

This week I enjoyed nearly two whole days spent with new quilting friends. More about those days later!

But do let me tell you how blessed I am to have met such lovely people while here in Australia. Everyone I've met has been kind and so welcoming. Our conversations about quilting styles and techniques, favorite magazines, how we raise our children, teen proms, houses we live in, grandchildren, and faith, have been just a few of our numerous topics of conversation. It feels just like home!

I have Di, Di, Loz, Wendi and Gail to thank for these thoughtful pressies (presents): a 35-piece jelly roll of Aussie prints, a book of stitchery blocks of Sydney sites, a pin and Christmas stocking kit, a beaded cheetah key chain, and an Aborigine dreamtime handkerchief. Thank you very much for these gifts!

I managed to hand-piece a dozen more hexagons this week while gadding about town. These blocks are all pieced differently than those I've previously made. And thanks to "The English Group" whose sewing day I attended Thursday, I had the opportunity to see two more hexie-pieced WIPs. Great inspiration for me! Pictures of those soon.

Kimberly Stuart, Stretch Marks, and Finders Keepers

One of my favorite authors lives very near me in Des Moines, Iowa.

Kimberly Stuart has written four books. Each one is a treat to read and make me laugh. A particular favorite of mine is Second Act, about a aging New York opera star whose agent finds her a job in Iowa as a college vocal music teacher, and her trials as she lives on a hog farm! A very fun read.

In October, Kimberly asked her readers to accept a "Finders Keepers" challenge for a "GRANDE PRIZE-O-RAMA which includes getting cool stuff in the mail" and lunch on Kimberly. She invited us to give away free copies of her current book, Stretch Marks, and do so in unusual places. You could either choose a place to leave a copy of the book with "Finders Keepers" information attached to the cover, or personally give the book away.

Lucky for me, at the time of the announced contest, I was ready to fly Down Under. Kimberly actually delivered two copies of the book to me at my house! How nice was that!?

So on November 6, carrying the book with me on a ferry from Abbotsford to Sydney's Circular Quay, I came across this Aussie mum and her little boy along the Quay. Not wanting to miss out on the fun of giving away a free book - did I mention I'm an extrovert? - I introduced myself and explained my request. Ariana smilingly agreed to pose with the book. And look! The Sydney Opera House just happened to be in the background! Then again on November 18, I ferried to Circular Quay and walked to the Royal Botaniccal Gardens, and found Aussie mum Tanya with her two week old daughter, Emelia. She also agreed to let me photograph her with Stretch Marks. And gosh, is that the Opera House I see in the background? And the Harbour Bridge too? Oh my! Now who can't believe that the GRANDE PRIZE-O-RAMA and a free lunch are in my future?

A Visit to Prints Charming

On Monday, Jill, Tay and I visited the shop Prints Charming at 2 Young Street, in Annandale (Sydney, Australia). I've been following their blog for some time and just wanted to see it for myself.
With permission, I took a few photos. This may look familiar to those of you who read Quilts and More magazine. Prints Charming is featured in the current, fall issue.
A little eye candy... these are Marcus Bros. and XLX brand fabrics from an older Prints Charming collection.

The starburst print - it makes me think of jacks - is a sort of Prints Charming trademark.

I'm not a pink person, but these do look yummy.

Since these fabrics are available in the US, only a t-shirt came home with me. But it was nice to pay a visit.

Family

Since arriving in Australia on Oct. 23, I've been staying with my family in Sydney (Abbotsford). It has been wonderful to feel somewhat helpful with the new baby, and share in their lives.

Several times, I've walked this young miss to school... ten year-old Celina. Celina proudly wears the new UNI (University of Northern Iowa) Panther t-shirt that Bapa and I gave her.
Last Friday night I babysat while Jill and Maher went to the Nickelback Concert at Acer Arena. Maher accessorized with crutches because he tore the miniscus in his right knee - getting up from the floor after playing with a baby! He's anticipating arthroscopic surgery in the very near future.
While Mum and Dad were away, Tay, Celina and I camped in the livingroom to watch "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire."

I've loved every moment of re-learning how to care for a baby as Tay has put all of us through our paces. I've been initiated in various and creative ways, on more than one occasion.

Tay's most heart-breaking expression is what we've come to call "The Lip." When he gives us The Lip we just melt and say, "Awww." Then watch what comes next.The Lip is a precursor to...
A very lusty cry!But all is forgiven and forgotten when he's cuddly, and smiley.

Mangoes!

Fresh fruit is plentiful in Oz, and I've become completely smitten with mangoes. Even at $3.00 AUD (Australian dollars) to $4.00 AUD each, they're worth their weight in gold. I've never seen ones this large, nor this sweet. I've tried them in a smoothie; with caramel swirl vanilla ice cream; and with chicken in a salad. But the best eating is just as they are.

This is a Kensington Pride mango, grown in Queensland, Australia. I propped this one on the sewing machine bed to give you a size perspective.

Jumbo goodness.My son-in-law taught me the proper way to cut and slice a mango: Cut it in half, avoiding the fuzzy pit. Then cross-cut the half on the inside, and turn the cheek inside out to expose the cubes. Cut them off at the base.

A step he neglected to mention is to stand over the kitchen sink to scrape out each skin half with your teeth! You won't want to leave anything behind. And fully expect that mango juice will be dripping down your chin and through your fingers. Yum.

Now... spoon into this bowl of bliss.

Friday Flaunt - Adventure, Fun, and a Bitty Flaunt

Thursday was wonderful!

Thanks to having a fast friend in Di Jobbins, I've been invited to join her at some of her quilting activities. Thursday it was the monthly meeting of the ABC group - "A Bridge Crosser," meaning that every member has to cross a bridge somewhere to get to meetings which rotate through homes of the group's members.

For me, it meant another outing via ferry, and on such a gorgeous day as this, who would mind?

Leaving Abbotsford Wharf, this is a picture toward Abbotsford Cove, the complex where our daughter and family live.

The forty minute ferry ride offers beautiful views of Sydney, ferrying under the Harbour Bridge, with all points in sight of the Opera House.After switching ferries in Circular Quay (Americans, it's pronounced "key"), I continued along the Paramatta River, past the Opera House......taking in the views along the waterfront. Wouldn't you like to live in that house?I disembarked at Double Bay where Di picked me up. A few blocks away is Wendi's house, this charming brick home built in 1920. I've always wanted to go inside a home like this. I've seen so many of them on my walks.

Simply going to the front door was a treat. I love these sidewalks.

Surely a quilter lives here!

Many of these older homes have customized stained glass like these on Wendi's front windows. Inside, socializing commenced in earnest! It looks just like a gathering at my house, with everyone congregated in the kitchen to pick up a coffee, tea, and a slice.
Everyone was thoughtful to bring along not only current WIPs (works in progress), but a few finished quilts, so I could see and admire them.

Here's Wendi with a finished quilt that she domestic machine-quilted herself.

Lynn's little hexies (about 1-1/2") that she's English paper-piecing as part of a larger quilt.

Anne showed us the Wagga-Wagga she's making. A Colorado friend of Anne's is also making one.

Another of Lynn's WIPs.

Robbie brought along a quilt to donate to St. Mark's Stitchin' Mission. It has a cute focus fabric with designs of Hawaiian print shorts and shirts on a black background.

Rae brought along her finished Sarah Evans quilt. She hand-appliqued, hand-pieced, and hand-quilted it! Wow.

Several quilters in the ABCs are making Kerry Dear's "Candied Hexagons" quilt. They're all using the English paper-piecing technique.

Wendi and her Candied Hexagons.Di and her Candied Hexagons.Di's blocks are charming. Here are a couple of my favorites.Time for lunch. We all sat down at the table for Wendi's delicious chicken, a fresh salad, and this healthy dessert. Stone fruits are coming into season here, so everything was especially sweet and yummy. Topped with yoghurt... delicious.This is the group: (back, L-R) Jill, Di, Robbie and our hostess, Wendi.

(Seated, L-R): Gay, Anne, Lynn, Rae, and me.I cannot thank enough Di and Wendi for including me. It was a day I will not soon forget.

As a post-script... my Friday Flaunt is bitty progress on my own Candied Hexagons which I am hand-piecing, but not with English papers.

This week I've pieced about six more star hexagons. I'm definitely having too much fun meeting quilters, instead of doing the quilting!

Nana-Initiated by Bub

The past two days have been quiet. Just hand-piecing and recovering from the weekend of non-stop quilting fun! The weather is absolutely gorgeous. It was a perfect day for a cuppa at a sidewalk bakery in Five Dock. Wouldn't you have liked to join me?And our little Tay is as cute as ever. Today was his six week check-up and he's gone from the 30th percentile at birth, to the 75th percentile. Here he's still smiling in spite of getting two immunizations, one in each thigh... poor baby.Yes, you may feel sorry for him, but just for a moment. Yesterday he gave me the full-on Nana initiation. Yep, that's spit-up. What's a Nana to do but grin... and then go change clothes. I'm glad I'm good for a few laughs.