Fresh fruit, chandaliers and dogs

This is the site that greeted us on our entry into the cottage we rented on my return trip to Perth for a follow up appointment. The couple who own this beautiful 1930's cottage had thought of everything to make someone feel welcomed, relaxed and at home. Cupboards stocked with essentials, fridge with bacon, eggs, juice and on it went. The lounge had the most exquisite chandelier. Add to the mix two of the largest, but friendly dogs who visited daily and sat on our doorstep looking in and you have the makings of a great little break. This place on a few acres has orchard and bush. The birds singing in the morning made me feel so fortunate that I had found it. In fact this is just the type of property I would like. Set back far enough so that when you come home it feels like you can shut the outside world out. Move about without feeling like your under scrutiny. That's what I feel living in suburbia. Oh well who knows what the future holds for us.


The following pics show that window and that gorgeous chandalier, and the reflection in the window of the chandalier

Can you see what's in the bag? If you guessed baby clothes you would be correct. I know, I am getting in early. As we were in Perth we hired a wheelchair so that the bloke could take me into the shopping centres; a rare treat for me. As we wondered through the shop I was drawn to the baby products department. I was taken by all the little sets of short and t-shirts and overalls and all in one suits. So I bought a few things. Oh dear me. Imagine if I was not so in control. There would have been a trolley full of stuff. Trouble was in my excitement I chose the sizes by the cute factor. So there are some size 00's, 000's. Yeah I am out of touch and need to talk to my nieces who have babies to see what sizes to buy. How soon we forget eh?
My daughter is doing well and is busy getting organised for the baby and her wedding. This is one of those times when I want to be healthier and be able to do the running around for her.


On another happy note the fabric I ordered from the Fabric Shack in the USA arrived today and it looks lovely. I can't remember what I had in mind when I ordered it but when I can clear the decks in my sewing space it might come back to me, and if not then I am sure there are other projects I can use.
Health wise it would seem that I am doing well. According to the specialist I saw. He wants me to go back in eight weeks for another check-up and that is okay. I feel looked after and that is important when undergoing a major lifestyle change.
I'm not sure if I mentioned it before but to date I have shed 20 kg's. Of course there is a long way to go until I am out of danger and I will be most pleased if I can manage it.

The Bloke had to return to work today, wish he had more days off to recoup after looking after me away from home. He is off again on Friday to drive the 1000 km's to Geraldton to pick up the stuff my daughter left behind when she relocated back home last year. Luckily it was stored at her aunties house.

That's the lot for now, I must get off here and do something to my sewing table so that I can use it for its intended purpose.
I hope you are all well and thanks for reading my ramblings. I would love to hear from you some time.

Take care,

My first Free Motion Quilt

Two posts in as many days eh, things are really looking up. Well I am putting up the pictures of the quilt I finished so I could take it to my daughter who lives in Geraldton. I am pleased to report that she loved it as it was her favourite colour palette and looked fresh and on trend. I will admit that no matter how or where this quilt was photographed the pictures do not do it justice. So we are still getting used to this camera, but I am really tempted to dust of our previous little camera that took a pretty good little snap.

See what I mean about the photos? No matter what the bloke does there is not one I am happy with. If anyone wants to share their photography tips it would be most appreciated. I used Amy Butlers 'Soul Blossoms' range. I would have to say that this range is my most favourite to date. It was inspired by a trip Amy had to Bali.
My very first attempt at FMQ and all in all not a bad effort, even if I do say so. I had practiced on samples many times and made the decision to tackle this quilt. It measured
approx 170"x201".

Finally returned with lots to talk about

Hello friends

This is probably going to be my longest post to date.

So much time has lapsed since I last posted, but there is a good reason. I needed to undergo a colonoscopy in the big smoke a.k.a the city, and we were there for 6 days all up whilst I did the bowel prep and then had the procedure. The lead up to the procedure was the most anxious, life focusing time I have experienced. I am naturally nervous and super anxious concerning all things medical. Talk about white coat fever!


Anyway as is usually the case with me there was nothing to worry about. Sure the risk was very high for me due to my extreme obesity but the medical team were highly trained professionals who also had great caring natures. They treated me with utmost respect and dignity and I felt I was in safe hands. I got the all clear and they only removed one small polyp that didn't look nasty.


The anaethetist usually administers sedation prior to the procedure, but due to other health complications I was unable to have it.  Despite my very high anxiety in hearing this bit of news it was all fine. In fact I was was able to watch the whole procedure on the screen. I was joking and laughing with the nurses, doctors and aneathetist.


I do like the learning about the workings of the human body.
Oh and I forgot to say that part of the prep for me was not eating from the Tuesday lunchtime until after the procedure on Friday afternoon. All I was allowed was clear fluids and the ghastly laxative powders. I am 100% amazed that I could do this, given my eating history. It was difficult to say the least, but I did it and the consultant congratulated me on the great prep I had done.
Top marks eh? I wonder if I can add it to my resume??
 
 

               this bird lived in the tree outside my girls home

 
So after that episode, the bloke and I headed up to Geraldton a mid west coastal city, some 400 kms North of Perth. Our daughter Emily lives there and we had not visited the place the whole time she has been living there which is over 2 years. My brother and the blokes sister also live there so it was great to catch up with them all which we did at a BBQ I organised before we left.
Our girl rents a small former fishing cottage quite near to the water. Just a little place that she has made her own by painting everything in reach blue, her favourite colour (Yes she had permission from the owner). 

My brother loves his orchids

It was cute to stay there, we were sleeping on a borrowed bed in the lounge right near the t.v so we didn't mind one bit. Had a nice time. Whilst we up there we headed on to a place called Kalbarri, about an hour and a halfs drive from Geraldton. Well this place is lovely. First stop was Chinaman's beach where we all had a cup of tea, that is me, the bloke and my brother and SIL.

                                         Chinaman's Beach, Kalbarri

Then we drove around the town grabbed some lunch before heading home again. Dinner that night was again shared with my brother. It was very nice, as my SIL made curry as she knew I loved it. Thanks Dot.

Got home yesterday and I am very happy to be home. It is good to get away but even better to come home again. I have my home set up to suit me and all my needs and it is my safe place. Comfortable again. It will be a long while before I get back in the car, it is just too darn cramped for me with my leg issues. I was in extreme dicomfort the whole time we travelled.

Panadol only does so much.

Any way I am going to put some pics up to show you some of the things we saw.
Hope your still reading this mammoth post.


Till next time