Home update

I have started with another home update, please feel free to skip, the idea of 100 residents queuing for a Mr Whippy ice cream made me smile!

Radius Matua Update: 10^th July 2020

Monday was so wet that everyone wanted to keep inside – we had a very busy paper reading group as well as exercises. In the afternoon one group went out on a bus and another group of residents stayed and knitted.

On Tuesday residents had a chance to partake in the Winter Quiz, the “boys” met up for Gentleman’s Club – talking about Chocolate as it was  The World Chocolate Day – they ended up having yummy waffles and a drink. The day was concluded by a well-attended Anglican church service in the hall – the first one since March.

Wednesday is the day several of our craft groups get together, they really enjoy each other’s company and working away on their various projects.

The afternoon featured the movie “The Water Diviner” on the big screen.

The ladies in the hospital area were cooking on Wednesday Afternoon – they made delicious crepes and filled them either with jam and cream or with lemon and sugar … what would be your favourite filling (I’m definitely a lemon/sugar man)

Thursday saw the resident’s (and some staff) singing along and few brave souls even dancing to Ces and Joy’s entertainment. Ces plays a piano accordion and the speed his fingers move around have to be seen to be believed, and Joy accompanies him on the keyboard.

It might be cold at night but it makes for great cloudless days!! Following last weekend’s rain it has not been a bad week. Our residents have all decided on their seats that get the most sunshine and they head out to make the most of it.

We were not sure how it would go with the cold weather but the residents came out in droves (over 100 of them) to enjoy our regular Mr Whippy visit.

During the last few months our residents established several smaller groups that meet together to play cards, Yahtzee, Rummikub or even to have a game on the foosball table. Last Saturday a group of ladies booked taxis and they went out for a coffee in Cherrywood. It’s great to see the friendships the have been made amongst our residents.

Next week we will be celebrating Bastille Day by having a French Themed Happy Hour with cheese and crackers an wine (for those able) … we will also have a raffle.

I would like to remind the family members that visit to please do not open/unlock any side doors … for safety reasons we need you to be coming in and also leaving via the main door at reception. We need to be sure we know who is coming and going. Thank you for your cooperation.

Craig Shipton

Facility Manager

10^th July 2020

So here at home

I glanced out the spare bedroom window the other morning and spied the galah family in the blossom tree, there is a seed block in here so I guess they found it.

I am not sure it is up high enough for them, but they have eaten it anyway.

the Aussie Hero quilt top is finished, the backing sewn together and many bits of left over batting sewn together, so now it can be put together ready for quilting. 

And here it is at the machine awaiting some more attention. I started yesterday and then #2 son, Shane rang for a chat, so the quilting was put on hold. Maybe today. 👩

We had an overcast morning this morning but the sun is out now and the view out the back is wonderful.

The KOGO blanket edging was finished last night, one more endy bit to sew in I think.

The Japanese fabric quilt has its binding now, so just needs a label and it is ready to go to the hospital.

Last Friday I made two blocks for Sylvia's Bridal Sampler, a day late but at least they got done!

The old paper foundation piecing has made these blocks come together really well. I have been reminded why I enjoy it!

Ok, I had better go and do some quilting instead of faffing about.

Happy stitching.

Mid week update

This week has been a lot of finishing up UFO's or things that have been hanging around.

I have been stitching away on a KOGO blanket, thinking I could deliver it to a localish pharmacy on Friday, but now with the return of the Metro Melbourne lock down KOGO has had to close up again. It is a shame as there is big demand for blankets and warm woolies at present.

I have had this quilt for over a year, she is embarrassed to say. I was given it to quilt and it has been in a corner of the sewing room, well I can happily say now it is done!

It was cold this morning but I had a good walk along the beach

into the sunshine

out onto the Yacht Club jetty

this dog was having a wonderful time wading through the water, he was scaring away any seagulls he got near to, his owners were on the beach following along.

It was a lovely day to be out and about

Good for fishing maybe?

After having a walk and before I got too distracted I made this weeks Anthology block, only a small amount of unsewing was required when I put one row on upside down!! This block is called Lanterns.

This afternoon I sandwiched a quilt out the front, the sun was warm but the wind was from the south and cold!

I have also started an Aussie hero quilt , the request is for Gallipoli, poppy, AFL, you can see the team and a Spitfire. I had this laid out and hubby came past and told me the top was too busy, I needed to unpick the flag fabric and put in a black strip to divide them up...guess what I am doing this evening??

I can smell dinner so I had better go check it before it burns!!

Happy stitching.

FNWF

Well after a slow start, a soak in the bath with a book and pizza later can do that to you, I got my act together and finished sewing in the threads on the baby quilt

The little animals on this panel are great

I got a little further with the Old Time Kaleidoscope block

I finished this book last night and quite enjoyed it, a story of women in the Land Army in the UK, one girl in particular who falls for a German POW.

Earlier in the week I read this one, I enjoyed this more as I followed several women from different walks of life and their experiences in the Land Army.

I am off now to hang up the washing and then see what else needs to be done.

Have a wonderful weekend.

The end of the week

Here we are the first Friday of the month again, which means

Why not join us in a n evening of virtual stitching/knitting or what ever you like to do. You can sign up here.
Last Wednesday I went over to Point Lonsdale and had a wander along the sea wall

I had space now and then, there were quite a few people out walking

The Pilot boat was heading back into the bay

It was soon followed by this ship

and then this ship

Back at the car I had a quick look along the dog beach,  no dogs running about at the time, if you follow this beach it takes you to Queenscliff.

Thursday was Anthology block day

I made two blocks using the foundation paper piecing method, they came out the right size!! Yay!!

I have also been working on this cute baby quilt, just a few more endy bits to sew in and it is done. The show and tell theme for Guild this month was a quilt using a panel, so this is perfect. I have free motion quilted around all the animals, and on some of the water lines,

We went into Geelong today, I had to go and have an iron infusion at SJOG hospital which is where we deliver the oncology quilts to, so this finished quilt was delivered at the same time.

I met the recipient of another quilt today, he was so happy. 

I am off to get a Sylvia's Bridal Sampler block made,I completely forgot until Ingrid posted hers on Instagram! Thank goodness it is pizza night so I do not have to cook dinner.

Happy stitching.

Today

is a cold and windy day, we have rain forecast for this afternoon but sunshine again tomorrow. I notice there are more people around than usual and realised it s the school holidays. I think there are a few children down here staying with their grandparents.
Last week I made two blocks for Sylvia's Bridal Sampler, Ingrid and I now have a challenge going so I am hoping once again to make a block a week --- we will see. 👩

Two six inch blocks, one with a slightly wonky corner, I am hoping I can fudge it later on.

Yesterday I spent the afternoon quilting an oncology quilt, using that mono filament thread again but this time only had one needle break.  Maybe it is the machines way of telling me the needle is blunt?? Luckily the piece that broke stayed on the thread so I knew where it was.

Just a little more to do around the edges.

I like how the quilting puffs up the flowers

and the hummingbirds

I also had a lovely thank you and photo from the last Aussie Hero quilt recipient

Good morning Sue, (from the Middle East)

I’m very happy to be writing you to let you know I have received my quilt. (Photo attached).

It is such a shame about this current situation the world faces with covid19, I hope you and the family are healthy and mostly unaffected.I Especially hope that the pub can reopen soon that your youngest son works at. I heard there may be a “travel bubble” opened between Australia and New Zealand soon. If this eventuates I will very much like to travel there upon my return to Australia.

A little bit about me,
I’m an Airfield Defence Guard in the RAAF and provide protection to aircraft and other ADF personal under our protection. My job over here currently sees me flying regularly to all parts of the Middle East. Back at home I’m based in Newcastle and it has some amazing beaches that I miss.

I’m currently deployed on my 3rd deployment to the Middle East but had never received a quilt. It is great to come back to my bed and have a bit of colour and beach nostalgia ! This quilt will defiantly be with me long after this deployment ends and I can’t thank you enough for the work you have put into into it.

P.s My Mum was very moved by the quilt you sent, so she may (embarrassingly) also send you an email.

and his Mum did!! It was great to hear from her too.

I am off now to get a cuppa and warm up a bit.

Happy stitching.

Yesterday

I went back into Geelong to complete the tests I needed done, I went early (yep did not allow myself to read the book I am reading over breakfast) so I got a  parking space across the road from the pathology place, no parking fee as Geelong Council are not charging while the virus is with us, no way of keeping the machines clean I guess. So that done I headed to the hospital and got a park half a block away (yay for getting in earlier!) . I went into the hospital had my temp taken, all good and was sent to the reception desk, the reception lady sent me back to the temp taker to get a visitors sticker and off I went to level 5 to deliver the quilts to Belinda. After a very quick chat I headed back out and back to the car and home, I had to be home quickly as I have a very important meeting at 11am!
Yes a sit and chat meet up with these lovely ladies

Fiona, Michelle, Maria and myself met up for a catch up and boy the morning zipped by very quickly. It was lovely to see and chat with these clever ladies.

Fiona wore her special "high tea with the ladies"hat and looked very glam!! Maria had to leave us as she had an appointment, then it was (late) lunch time so I signed off to. Thank you for organising this Fiona, I had a great time. Note to self, do not talk when taking the photo!! 😁

I got a bit of stitching done on the Old Time Kaleidoscope block, more was done in the evening, football was on, so I retreated to the sewing room!

I also got this quilt top together, very simple, it is from fabrics Ingrid sent me. Beautiful batiks.

I finished this book this morning, I saw it months ago on Leanne's blog. It is about the walking trail from the top of the North Island to the bottom of the South Island, walked by a woman from Melbourne. Very inspiring, having said that I could never do it, but it was a great read. I had it on reserve at the library and now that it is open again, things I have reserved are slowly coming through.

My walk this morning took me along the road

down thru the houses, I heard these women coming before I saw them, they are a bike riding group based in Port Arlington.

A huge container ship was making its way along the other side of the bay

I know they are balanced well but they amaze me that they don't tip over.

Man and his dog enjoying the low tide.

Yesterday I made this weeks Anthology block, the easiest I could find in the book! I was very tired.

Now  I am off to decide which block to make from Sylvia's Bridal Sampler, the challenge was due yesterday. I looked up my blog books and found I started this in 2015...along with Fiona who was doing it with a group up her way. Best I had better get on with it!!

Have a wonderful day.