A quick trip to Bairnsdale

Unfortunately in the middle of February we received some not so good news about my mother in law. She has lived in a nursing home for the past few years. She has been able to walk, shower, feed and dress herself. Was able to use the phone to make calls and receive them.

Just about over night she has lost her hearing and vision, not able to get out of bed, cannot move her arms or legs. Cannot feed or shower herself. It is dreadful to see.now all she wants to do is end her life. She will be 91 soon and has given up and just wants to finish her life and be with her husband. It is very sad.

She is now not eating and only stippling little bits of cordial. The family have got together with the doctors, made the decisions and plans we need to. She is now being looked after under palliative care. She gets very aggressive, angry and frustrated. 

We made the 11 hour trip in one day which was very tiring. Mildura to Bairnsdale is a hike.

On the trip there we went a different way and went through Yallourn. We passed the old power station. It has been years since I have been close to these.

We spent a couple of weeks with her by her bedside. Moving from motel to motel as they were all booked out. 

We had the grandchildren and great grandchildren come to say their goodbyes.

The young ones don’t really understand and it was nice weather one day so I jumped into the pool with them.

We went for a drive to Lakes Entrance.

Had lunch overlooking the Nicholson River.

We saw 2 echidnas at different times on the same road. They do burrow very quickly.

It is just a waiting game now with my MIL. 

Our trip home, shopping and silos (photo heavy)

 Next up is to show you what we did on our way home.

First was a coffee stop.

The toilet block is covered in a beautiful mosaic tile picture.

It is amazing how the artists get these so real like.

The kids painted here are so good.

The painting goes around the sides but it hard to see the design.

Next we headed to Karoonda but the quilt shop was not open. We did get to visit the craft shop next door though. Yes we did make some purchases.

I am into goats milk soap atm so this was a nice one to try.

Next I saw a little coin purse that also has a spot for a few cards. Something little for when you don’t need a whole bag of stuff.

2 sweet little girls aprons. I thought these would be wonderful for my granddaughters Xmas present. For $12.50 each it was so much easier to buy them. They are very sweet with their matching head scarves.

There was also another silo to visit across the road. These are just amazing.

Our lunch stop was Loxton and another quilt shop. Vaughn’s.

More purchases. I saw this beautiful panel which makes quite a few zippered pouches. One day I will get around to cutting in to it and make one. It is not a thin cotton fabric but a heavier weight. It will make a solid pouch.

A new pin cushion for sewing machine needles. Hopefully this might help me keeping track of the needles I have taken out of the machine. I am yet to set up a system to help me with this.

Some fat quarters I may need for a swap.

I have been watching Anorina make her Kawandi work.I find it fascinating. I saw this thimble which I thought was a good idea and I want to try Kawandi. I’m hoping this will help both with Kawandi and Sashiko pieces.

Overall we had a fantastic weekend.

My shopping and winnings from Judy

 We did have a great time and here are my lucky dip winnings. We were told that none of our gifts were to stay at hers and they must leave the building and go home with us. 

This was my haul. An assorted pack of 32 strips 1/2 wof @ 2.5”

Next up was 2 metres of this pretty blue fabric

Here is a pretty coordinating pack of 3 fabrics.

Look at all these fun goodies.

2 dvd’s, a pack of eyelet-lace, cake of soap and a sewing pattern.

And I bought enough of this pink fabric for my binding . It is the same fabric as in the centre squares of my kit quilt.

And here a some lovely fabrics we need for a few swaps.

I just had to buy this beautiful 21 fat quarter pack.

Once again. Thank you Judy.

Jude’s Cornerstone Creations 21st - Black and Bling - Celebration retreat for Breast Cancer.

 WOW, what a weekend. My friend Maxine and I headed off to Bordertown for a special retreat at Jude’s Cornerstone Creations. We were lucky enough to take up the last 2 spots for this weekend. It was a fundraiser for breast cancer. I have been a blogging and zoom friend of Jude’s for a few years now and we were finally going to meet. How exciting.

You can read all about the $ raised and the stories over at News from Jude.

All we needed to do was to take our clothes, sewing machine and accessories. Our kit was waiting for us.

On the way, just out of Ouyen we saw a funny sight over in the paddock. A dried salt lake field with a tin man running for his life as he was being chased by some tin sharks. It was a good start to the day.

Then we stopped for an early packed lunch break at Murrayville. There was even a little old quilt shop which we stopped in and spent a few $.

This was the toilet block all covered in mosaic tiles. Very pretty.

We arrived safe and well and on time too. The car was unpacked and the fun began. We played quilt bingo  to determine the winner and who got first choice of their kits.I think I was last. Doesn’t matter, there was plenty to choose from. Around 40 kits had been prepared. This was what I chose. The pieces were already all cut out too. Amazing. A stress free sewing weekend. Brilliant.

Maxine made a start on hers. Precisely sewn and ironed I might add. She did a wonderful job too.

Dinner was a beautiful cold meat and salad. So yummy and fresh.

Now for sewing time

The next morning I had a friend that was in the same town drop by to say hi and to see what I was making.

Ooohhhh she was tempted to spend but refrained.

I continued on with my sewing. My blocks were finished.

 

Then it was time to go and dress for dinner. As this was a themed dinner evening. BLACK and BLING was the way to go. We all looked lovely. 

The table was set.

And we even had a 21st birthday cake. Beautiful.

After dinner some Chris and Kathy wanted to make my zippered placemats. Well they had no trouble at all. There was no excuses as there was plenty of fabric and Judy had bags of zips. Let the fun begin.

They got it straight away. Had so much fun that they were going back to their group and teach them..

Didn’t they do a great job.

Well done to everyone and thanks for the weekend. Maxine and I stayed an extra night as we had a bit of a way to travel. I am known to be slow on the side of getting out of my p.j’s. Well I don’t think I am the only one. We had our car packed and the beautiful host Judy and the fairy, Raylene were relaxing after a busy weekend. I was dressed before them and I have proof.

A big Thankyou to Judy for her hospitality and looking after us so well. Thanks to Maxine for travelling with me once again and being my room buddy.

I did get my top finished

My shopping buys and the trip home will be next to post.