GLYNN AND BOB'S NEW HOUSE

Glynn is a Norfolk Islander who has lived away from the island most of her life - but strongly feels that Norfolk is her home. She and her husband Bob have now had the opportunity to build a home on the land Glynn inherited from her father.
Glynn and Bob are "settled" and working in Bungendore, so this will only be a holiday home for the time being.

But what a lovely spot! And what a magnificent view over "Cascades." Glynn is going to have some wonderful times here, re-connecting with her roots!

We were invited to come around for morning tea to admire the lovely new house.

Alas it is still without furniture - except for this outdoor setting.  That is still in crates on the ship which is bobbing around in the ocean just off Norfolk, unable to unload because of the rough seas. Very frustrating for Glynn and Bob, who need to return to Aussie on Friday. Glynn tells me that many of the pieces that belonged to her parents will grace this house, and provide many happy memories.
Nevertheless, we were still able to appreciate how great their new place will be for both them and their family and friends when they come to stay!
Now have a look at some of those views!

Off to the right...

 Down in the valley....

 Up to the hills....

And over to the mountain, which was a bit misty today...

 And this really does not do justice to the sheer grandeur of the outlook...

 Finally Glynn can look back at the old family home, which is being restored and done up by her sister.

 Glynn is enjoying her brand new kitchen.

 This will be a breakfast area - so relaxing....

Now Glynn is a deciated and very skilled quilter, and this was originally designated the sewing room. But Glynn thinks the second bedroom may well be commandeered for that!!

 Wouldn't it be lovely to live with this each day?

 No wonder the Templetons look so pleased!!

MAUREEN AND CATHERINE (AND THEIR DH'S OF COURSE)



It is just a week now since the Bonds and Byatts left to return home. I so much enjoyed their visit, and keep thinking of things I wished I could have asked them or shown them or shared with them. I will just have to hope there will be a return visit one of these days!!!

Meanwhile, a few more photos of their visit, and of some of their very generous gifts to me!

This picture shows Maureen and Graeme when we visited our local "Soul" gallery.

Cath and John admire some of the local artwork. Cath is clutching a handful of things she wants to purchase.

 My visitors overwhelmed me with lots of thoughtful and generous gifts. Maureen had been busy with her tatting shuttle, and produced all these little pieces - just perfect for a Crazy Patch piece.

 And I was quite taken back with this gift - a quilt made by one of Maureen's other daughters. It is just beautiful! I think this is the first time I have ever been given a quilt!

 Maureen made me these aprons, from rubber backed curtain material. Very functional - they will be well used. All my aprons are so old and stained I rarely don them nowadays! But these will certainly be used.

 Now here was a real surprise. I had mentioned to Maureen in an email that I had mislaid my needlebook. In fact, I still haven't found it. One day the girls produced this beautiful needlebook, that they had actually both worked on while they were here on the island. It is just exquisite, and will be much treasured - and used!

 The presents just kept coming - they were spaced out throughout the holiday. These special soaps were made by another of Maureen's daughters. I just love them!

 Then there was all the stashbuilding stuff. Cath had done some shopping for me, but refused to let me pay for it. It was supplemented by all sorts of wonderful bits and pieces and treasures....

 Fabrics, ribbons and yarns.......

 Scrapbooking paraphernalia ...

 Lovely beads....

 Trinkets and charms....

 Some lovely rubber stamps, including some with script and clocks. How could they read my mind so well?

Then there was this beautiful fabric and lace. Most of the fabrics had script and writing on them- just the sort of thing I love!! And as for the lace - just exquisite. A whole panel from a wedding dress!!

 I am sure they all had a wonderful holiday, if this photo of Maureen and Graeme is anything to go by, Cath took it on the top of Mount Pitt.



PLAYGROUP AT DEVON

It has been a long time in the planning, but Maureen and Catherine - and their lovely DH's Graeme and John - are finally here on Norfolk Island!

We first met at the CrazyQuilting Retreat in Canberra over six years ago, and have kept in touch via the net ever since.

We have all been looking forward to this visit so much.

After a few days of concentrated sightseeing, it was time for the girls to get together and play, while the boys went off to try a bit of fishing.

And what better than a session of "Chicken Scratch"??

Up in the attic I have had these bags of special scraps for ages. They are offcuts that were passed on to me by the family of a lady (who has since died) who used to sew for theatre and opera productions in her younger days. There is more than I could do justice to in several lifetimes....

 And they are full of glitz and beads and embroidery and sequins......

 Catherine will hate me for putting this photo in, but it was exciting stuff, and lovely to be able to share!!!

 Then we had a session sitting down and ooh-ing and aah-ing over my collection of ATC's, and stuff from Round Robins I have been involved in.

It is just so great to share ideas and techniques...

 The next day we decided to venture into "Marbling." I had prepared some Carrageen liquid, and treated fabric scraps with alum.

 So we got right into it! A little tentatively at first, and just using a limited palette of colours....

 But as we warmed up we got bolder and more innovative...

 And started reaching for more and more colours to try...
We weren't very scientific about it...we are not the sort of girls who like following rules...

 We were delighted and excited with the results, and I know we are all going to have another go down the track!

When the boys came back, we tried not to bore them too-o-oo much with our crafty stuff, but I think they are used to it. We gave Catherine's John some Grassroots mags to pore through, as a little reward for his longsuffering!!.

 Meanwhile, Maureen's Graeme is the most patient and goodnatured man in the world, and is really enthusiastic about all her activities!

I can't tell you how wonderful it has been to be joined by these  special playmates, who just love the same sort of things that I do.

Meanwhile, the girls brought me some special gifts which I will show you in my next posting!