sewing again

Today JJ and T flew home to England. It was strange seeing them go without us. Just over 2 weeks ago we all arrived together, now they are going home and G and I are staying. Just G and I in the house for most of the day so what do you think I did. I started sewing of course - what did you think? I started cutting out the Kaffe Fassett quilt I have been collecting the fabrics for for some time. I used my new cutting board and long ruler bought in the pre Christmas sales. I couldn't bring either of these tools with me - too big! The ruler has a screw on handle and non-slip device. I am not sure about this, I seem to avoid using the handle most of the time. Perhaps I will warm to it but at the moment I am resisting taking the handle off. The blocks are going to be tricky to make. They are large 6 point stars, involving careful sewing to avoid the vesuvius effect in the middle and inset Y seams for the background patches. I reckon I might finally have the time to tackle this one. When I get a couple of blocks made I will try to post them for you to see. I am going to enjoy the challenge. I have spent so much time devising and making simple blocks and quilts for the beginners I have taught that I sometimes forget that I am capable of more complicated things myself. We shall see!

snowshoes

We spent a couple of days up in the mountains at a friends holiday home in the Teton valley. We went up there to enjoy the snow. Driving over the packed down, icy snow wasn't much fun but we got out into the new powdery snow and enjoyed the incredible fresh mountain air. We put on snow shoes and went out tramping. T was on nordic skis and got the hang of it pretty quickly. DH didn't need snow shoes with his size 11's and light body, but the rest of tried them out. It is amazing how you can walk over pretty deep snow without sinking in. A lovely relaxing time - now we are back in civilization and DH had trouble starting the car this morning and had to go over to Wal-Mart for jump leads - heigh ho!

Christmas Day -feeding the ducks

The falls downtown here at Idaho Falls have been frozen solid for the last few days. The hundreds of ducks and geese that live on the Snake river have been living on ice. They don't starve, however, as the good citizens of Idaho Falls see to it that they are fed. It is Christmas Day and before we tucked into our Christmas lunch turkey we decided we would join them and feed the ducks our surplus bread. Theyare very weel fed and sleek looking ducks.

We`are feeling well fed too and spending Christmas afternoon relaxing, listening to a new Beatles CD and, of course, some of us are blogging.

Sewing machine

I have been eyeing up the sewing machine situation ever since we got here and today I took the plunge and bought one. We enquired at Wal-Mart about the one I had picked out and DISASTER - it was out of stock and not due to be re-stocked. The kind assistant - they are always so nice at Wal-Mart - phoned another store who had a stock of them. So we drove 25 miles just for the sewing machine - on Christmas Eve! the DH is even now building me a sewing table from a flat pack. I'll soon be back with the quilting and dressmaking - watch this space.

We're here

Well we got here - just over a week ago now. I got back online yesterday so I am back with the blog. Out of the window we can see mountains - snow covered now since it snowed yesterday and overnight. All set for a white christmas tomorrow. We got the turkey - courtesy of the car dealer - from Wal-Mart and we are desperatley trying to thaw it. It comes complete with its own bag of gravy. Instead of Christmas pud we'll be having chocolate gateau - also from Wal-Mart. No brussel sprouts to be had so it will be broccoli. We have a nice tree with a respectable pile of presents beneath. Happy Christmas everyone.

Farewell Fluffy

Our lovely white rabbit, Fluffy, went to his new home today. He is 41/2 years old has problem teeth, one floppy ear and doesn't see very well but he is a really gorgeous rabbit and very affectionate. He has been a great companion while gardening. We hope my friend Hazel enjoys him as much as we have. Farewell Fluffy.

Farewells

Yesterday I accepted an offer for the house I grew up in and where my Mother died earlier this year after living in the house for nearly 60 years. I moved the last few things out and said my farewells. It is a sad old house now and needs someone to do it up and care for it. Lets hope the couple who are buying it do just that and bring up a family in it as happily as we were. Farewell no.17.



Yesterday I also said farewell to my quilting friends at the last quilt meeting before I leave. We all had a nice lunch ( are all quilters also good cooks?) did a bit of sewing and they had a farewell gift for me. A quilt to make! Watch this space.

Today I went to visit my Aunt and Uncle in the nursing home where they live. My Mum's last remaining brother. They are both so frail now and this is probably the last time I shall see them. I had to say 'goodbye' but I shall remember them as they were; out in the boat with Uncle Vic and Auntie Marge's sunday tea.

2 weeks

Just 2 weeks to go now and I am starting to feel a bit frazzled. Just exactly how do I pack everything I want into 2 suitcases? The DD has declared that she can't start packing yet - there is nothing she wants to take with her that she can't do without in the next 2 weeks. How do I fit in getting the house clean, finishing a couple of quilts, going to work, seeing the solicitor, seeing the bank and packing all in the next 2 weeks - HELP

Packing Up

Less than 3 weeks to go now before we fly off to Idaho. The packing up has got to start in earnest; but first I am going to take a weekend away with the girls. These girlie weekends have been going for about 4 years now. We just leave our families to their own devices and take off for the weekend 12-15 of us take over a Youth Hostel and eat, sleep, walk, shop, sew, read, knit - whatever - woooow lead me to it. Who knows next years girlies might be in Yellowstone National Park, USA.