Summer holidays.....

Labour Day weekend, is a sign of the times.  This is the end of the summer holidays and the begining of the school year in North America.  The last long weekend to do things outdoors and with good weather to enjoy.  Hiking in the forest, now that the weather has cooled and the bugs have relaxed a bit.

We explored a new forest, with two trails.  One, reminded us of the Hobbit.  Lots of moss covered structures, many hidy holes for very many critters. Uneven rocks and almost no path, only a few trees marked with a pale blue patch on the tree trunks, indicating one was on the right path.

Lap quilts for kids, with soft flannel backings.

 All these quilts were made to practice different machine quilting and patchwork techniques.

Using bright and bold colours, novelty prints in all shapes and sizes.  The end result, happy kids quilts.

 A twist of modern, repeating the same fabric print, in different colours.

The quilting, from the the back.

Another baby quilt in the making.

Last but not least, Darth Vader Mobile.  Spotted this outside the bookshop in Glen Williams, this beauty took ten years to create, it has only been out and on the road for a week now.  Attention to detail is amazing...

Weddings and Quilts.

The Chapel, love the warm colours of all the buildings.

 Wedding celebrations are the best.  Why, because it showcase the love of two people.  When those two people had to overcome personal and great tests and have walked together, no matter what life cast across their path and come out the otherside, a couple, stronger together and more in love than ever, they are meant to be.

 They created new traditions, cutting their cake first, not waiting until much later.  The cupcakes was fantastic.

Weddings where everyone, children, adults, those with us and those no longer, was included.

 We all arrived, from far and near.  Many of us met for the first time, after the wedding we all left changed forever, having made very many new friends.  The best part, everytime one of the nephews or nieces get married, the family grows.  Having grown up in a large family, it is fun.

The tables was decorated and sparkled.  It was the company, which was full of joy and happiness which enfused everyone with a lot of fizz and excitement.

The cream and black theme was beautiful.

The wedding quilt, the colours was inspired by these two colours.  The groom is a football fan of, Manchester United, hence the red.

For the neieces and nephews who get married, I make the same pattern.  In 2008, I had given all of them their lap quilts, in total seventeen kids. It was a promise, to my late Mom, to make sure each of the grandchildren would get a quilt.  Each one of them, still have their quilts and has told me how much they treasure them.   Four have received wedding quilts so far, it is a lovely way to incorporate the colours the couples love and creating something special for just them.

                                                                  Avianto, South Africa

S.O.S help us find Cheerio!

Cheerio has been missing since the 10th of August.  Now, you have all met this friendly fella, see him here.  He walks with us in the forest and is kind and friendly.  He has many adventures, his family does not know about.....
Very many of us know him. He makes friends with everyone, someone may think he is a stray, but he actually just loves to be free.  His twin brother is missing him, most of all he is not up for adoption.
He has a family already, including a whole village whom he is an important member of the community. 
Let him go, so he can come home.

First trip up and into the African Bush.

 I received a request to post some pictures of the African Bush.  These are snapshots from one of my siblings and their soulmate.  This is a first adventure in South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe.

 The rivers have crocodiles, alligators and lots of other wild animals, which live close to the water.

A  Hippo taking a stroll.

 Relics of an era long gone.  Hunting is frowned upon today.  Shoot with a camera, not a gun!

Tourism is the lifeblood of many communities in rural Africa, hence the large river/house boats.

Conservation has become a way of life.

Leave only your footprints behind......

African Sunsets.

There is nothing like a sunset under the African skies.  The colours are intense and the sense of peace and calm which surrounds one,  fill one with awe, is one of the most amazing experiences one can experience.
It changes from light to dark in a heart beat, then the magic begins.  A midnight velvet sky, lit up by millions of stars.  Winter in the Southern Africa is very different, to North America.  Most days got up to 25 C.  Going for a swim everyday is also on the cards! 

Part of my trip, included packing up a two bedroom townhouse and preparing it for the next owner.  Having moved as many times as we've had to over the years, one just get on with the job.  It took six days, which was great. When all the packing was done, I got to spend some time with special quilting friends.  Popping into a few Quilt and  Fabric shops, one is the size of a very large supermarket. 

 I had to go upstairs and take the photos from the next level.

 Anything you wish to make, they have the fabric here, including ready made household items.

 This shop, was my stop, if the traffic was very bad.  My daily commute used to be four and a half hours.

 Touching and feeling the fabrics, had a calming effect. Not too mention all the colours.

 Fabric is bought by the cart loads.  This is a one stop shop. To get the prices in Canadian Dollars divide it by ten.

 Wanting to make a prom or wedding dress, the embroidered and beaded fabrics are stunning.

 Looking for trims, the variety and selection is just amazing. You can see more here.

Spending five extra days with my siblings, priceless!