MARCH UPDATE

SUMMARY OF THE LAST FEW MONTHS:
Well, it has been simply ages since I have updated this and I have so much to tell you that I really do not know where to start. It may be best to start today and work backwards. Strange? True. But then you all know me.

Remember, this is all in summary.


2009 FORMAL:
Last night was 'Babes' School Formal and it was a wonderful success. It was a whirl of dress, shoe and bag shopping, hair and beauty appointments, ending up with our girls looking beautiful. The guys did themselves proud as well. Ben flew in from Canberra and although his flight was late and he was the last to arrive, he received an award for the privilege and enjoyed the celebrations. The Brighton International was again a great venue having been renovated since last year. A number of Year 12's wore long dresses, looking elegant and way beyond their years. There were some stunning short dresses with Mel P' taking out the 'Best Dressed' award.



This is it! Year 12 and no more Formals. It has been fun and these photos will remind the girls of their school years.

LATEST QUILT:
Last year our Tuesday night Patchwork Group were lucky enough to meet Amy Butler, an American fabric designer and author. She held a promotional evening at the Sofital which showcased her fabrics, books and patterns.

I was not sure what to expect but was impressed with her outlook on life and thoroughly enjoyed listening to her and her experiences. Her love of the garden and of life seems to flow through her fabric designs. Babe loved the fabrics I arrived home with and I agreed to make her this quilt. I had seen a quilt hanging at Amittee some time ago which suited this fabric and so raced in to collect a few more peices of Amy's fabrics and the pattern. Cheryl (C.A Quilter) quilted it and although the two week project blew out to a four month project I am happy with the result. What do you think?


OUR HOLIDAY TO NEW ZEALAND:
On January 10th we flew into Wellington to start two weeks well earned holiday. The last six months of 2008 were so bad that any holiday would have been great, but this was fantastic.

I have always known that New Zealand was a beautiful country but not having toured it for some years I had forgotten just how spectacular it is. Every corner we drove around held another picturesque scene. The amazing thing about New Zealand is that it has not been found by the rest of the world and is therefore unspoilt.

We drove from Wellington to Taupo, a place I could call home, where we stayed for a couple of days soaking up its sense of space and pure tranquility. We then travelled up to Rotorua which is over commercialised and smelly but a fascinating place where we spent time touring the thermal areas and tourist areas. From there we travelled over to Napier which was an inspiring bonus. I had not been there before but found a city well aware of itself which recognised the potential of self-promotion to attract visitors. They do it so well. We then met the family in Wellington for 'Big Blisters' 60th birthday celebrations. It was wonderful to spend time with everyone and seeing as we had come from Brisbane, HongKong, Auckland, Timaru, Christchurch and Melbourne had reason to relax and enjoy each others company. It is not every day we get together. I had the pleasure of meeting up with my girlfriend for a meal, chin wag and a flying fox ride or two. It has been years since we caught up but it felt as though it was just yesterday. Great fun.

When the celebrations were over we travelled across to Picton on the ferry which is one of my favourite places in the world. The day was sunny and the waters calm. Coming in through the Sounds is simply stunning with bush meeting the crystal clear waters. We travelled down the Kiakoura coast, through Christchurch, to Timaru where we spent a few days with Mum. We had stopped off in Christchurch for a few hours to catch up with a couple of school friends for dinner. I only wish we had had more time to spend with everyone but treasured every minute we did have.

My memory had faded over the years and I was not ready for the spectacular scenery on the next stage of our holiday. We left Timaru to travel down to Queenstown through the Cromwell district, Lewis Pass, and the many thriving little towns on the way. We passed spectacular lakes, drove over mountain roads, across rapid flowing rivers, while taking in the shades of green, purples and browns I had forgotten even existed. Without a lie, I was astounded at the sheer beauty we were seeing turn after turn as we drove. When we arrived into Queenstown some hours later I was sure that I had taken in as much as I could but this town, nestled on the shores of the lake is one of New Zealand's gems and it did not fail to impress. As this was our last night in New Zealand and also my birthday we wandered the town, eating Japanese for dinner and hot chocolate as a night cap. It was a clear night with stars shining and all of Queenstowns visitors were out and enjoying the towns many restaurants and lake cruises. Magic!

The next morning we went up in the cable car to get some photos and take in the scenery before dashing to the airport, and wait.....there is more!

There was a light breeze blowing and the Para-gliders were everywhere. Yep! I did it! With 30 seconds to decide on the birthday offer being made by Husband Dear and Babe I decided to give it a go. Wow! There is no other word for the experience of soaring like a bird and feeling the freedom of weightlessness. My only wish was that I had experienced this when I was in my twenties. Perhaps I would be a different person now if I had. If you ever get the chance then do not hesitate. We then flew back home to Melbourne and got back into the routine but I still get a buzz when I think of it.

Well guys, this update will have to do for the moment. I hope you are all well and happy. I am off to start my new quilt, hopefully getting it ready for one very special bride and groom.

Wish me luck. Cheers!