Back again

Oh my - it has been months since I posted, and so much has happened. Not sure where to start. My mum was released from hospital, only to have a fall and break her hip and wrist. Another extended trip to Sydney while she recovered from surgery and decisions made about what would be best in the longterm. She spent about 6 weeks in Rehab and modifications were made to her home, with other services put in place and she was allowed home. She is getting about on a walking frame and is coping moderately well.

Meanwhile, my foot wasn't getting any better, and after more than 2 months of acupuncture, which was only helping for a day or so each week, decided to see a Podiatrist. She asked to look at the x-rays, and said "it's broken!". Had another x-ray and the fracture had extended and shifted, so off to an Orthopaedic Surgeon. Had surgery with bone grafting and pinning, and was in plaster from toes to knee for 8 weeks, non weight bearing! Not much fun!!! Plaster came off on Christmas Eve - great Christmas present. At first I thought it would be great to have all that time at home - I could get so much sewing done - WRONG - all I could do was hand-sewing because I had to keep my leg up and found it very difficult getting up and down to press seams etc. Read a lot of books, and watched a lot of videos, but didn't get hooked on the midday soapies!!

I became an expert at logistics though. Before I did anything I would have to think about what means of "transport" would be best - crutches, walking frame, wheelchair or computer chair - sometimes a combination of a few would be necessary to get a job done.

Anyway, things are better now - back at work and getting back to walking, although still can't go too far without the wretched foot swelling and getting sore. I have put on about 6kg - it didn't hinder the appetite, but no exercise to work it off.

Just back from a weekend in Sydney for Mum's 82nd birthday - had a family BBQ at my brother's - she really enjoyed it.

The last 2 weeks!

Had a wonderful weekend at Caloundra with my daughter, staying at The Ridges. Did some retail therapy and had a very nice dinner on Saturday night and then leisurely made our way home on Sunday after lunch. She hadn't been well for a while and she really enjoyed the break away.

Then, on Tuesday, got a call that my mum had collapsed at home and had been taken off to hospital in Sydney. Jumped on a plane that afternoon and spent until last Sunday down there. Hopefully, with some building up of strength at a rehab facility, she will be able to return home in a few weeks time.

My car is finally fixed, and it looks just like new again!

Tomorrow I'm off to the Henzell Street Quilters exhibition at Redcliffe. They usually have a lovely variety of work and a craft stall as well.

Update

I know, I've been very slack. Lots has happened since last post.

Firstly, my Happy Jack is just wonderful - I just wish I had more time to play! I've just about quilted my practice piece to death and have done a very old Christmas wallhanging.

July was not a very good month. Firstly I tripped while walking on some uneven ground and tore the ligaments in my foot - ouch! The doc said at the time I would have been better off breaking it, and I think he was right. It's still giving me curry and it's almost 5 weeks down the track. I've been having some acupuncture for the last couple of weeks and that has helped considerably.

Next, I bought a new car - a zippy little Honda Jazz. 2 weeks after I bought it I was stopped at a set of lights, looked in the rear vision mirror and saw a car bearing down on me. Thought "this car isn't going to stop" and sure enough he slammed right into the back of me. 89 year old driver said he just lost concentration! I just cried. I had No 1 son and 'Pascoe' with me - thankfully we weren't hurt, but had to get an ambulance for the driver of the other car - he ended up with a couple of smashed vertebrae. My car goes in to be repaired next week.

Took DD up to Caloundra for the weekend - stayed at the Ridges. She hasn't been well and I needed a pick-up, so it was really good - just the tonic!

It has arrived

My Happy Jack frame has arrived. Put it together (all by myself) last night - the DVD that came with it was very helpful - and believe me, if I can do it, anybody can!!! I'll do some practising on the weekend and then take a couple of lessons before I attempt "the real thing".

Had some of my quilts on exhibition at a Motor Neurone Disease fundraiser last Saturday - a High Tea was held and we had abt 120 people.

Busy at work getting ready for Open Day next Sunday - I'm in charge of Kids' Corner (rides, clowns, face painting, plaster modelling, colouring competition) - always a great day.

New Frame

I've done it! I've bought a quilt frame - a Happy Jack frame. Can't wait now until it arrives - have to wait up to 3 weeks - I'll be hurrying home every day until it comes.
Been very indulgent these last two days - also booked on a SE Qld shop hop - two Saturdays in July on a bus visiting several shops.
I have several tops waiting to be quilted, so I think my spending will be on batting and backings!

Just back from taking DD's two huskies for a walk (well and truly fulfilled my exercise for the day!). Here they are when we got home - plum tuckered.

Yesterday I visited the A&R Redcliffe Quilters show - had a lovely morning - such a friendly group of ladies and the morning tea was delicious. Sadly, they meet during the week - maybe soon I will have to bite the bullet and start one here at North Lakes on a Saturday or a week night (my next project maybe!).

Home from the Mountains

Not long back from a holiday down South.

Had a fabulous 3 days at Blackheath in the Blue Mountains with my very special friends, The Satellite Stitching Sisters. We meet twice a year in a wonderful country home where we enjoy each other's company, eat, drink and talk and also manage to do lots of sewing! We have known each other for almost 20 years, and our weekend retreats are the only time most of us see each other.

Also spent some time with my mum in Sydney, and that is always good. Mothers' Day was spent at a BBQ lunch at my brother's, with all the family, so mum really enjoyed that.

Came home to some gorgeous packages of fabric and gifts from my birthday swap partners. Thank you Janelle, Sylvia, Julie D, Julie S and Kerri - I will be thinking about what to do with them over the weekend.

Also got a surprise combined birthday and Mothers' day present from my son and daughter - a new plasma TV! My poor old one was about 15 yrs old. Now all I have to do is learn to drive the new one!

June