Marriage

Getting back to reality & a house that needs cleaning & studio time - all on the agenda today. I was thinking how Life & marriage are mysterious journeys we embark upon with hope, love & support from our partners & families. Who knows what lies ahead for any of us- the thrill of the unknown!?

Bridal bouquets.

Great weekend/wedding

I have been in recovery mode, following the weekend/wedding in Melbourne. I didn't take my camera to the wedding, so don't have a photo of the bridal party to share at the moment. The official photographer's photos will be amazing as the venue was the Mountain Goat Brewery in Richmond. We were very thankful everything was indoors as it rained all Saturday.

6 of our family members- my daughters, their children & son-in-law to be.

Our girlie preparations at a day spa.

Last minute stitching.

The bride's hair style in progress.

My hairdo.

Thanks for your comments & well wishes regarding the wedding. I'm getting a little misty-eyed again, recalling the beautiful event.

Ready for the big day

I did not put on too much weight in the USA on my recent travels, so can still fit into my patterned silk Mother of the Bride dress. The jacket is part of the ensemble also. The big day is finally here & we are happily assembling in Melbourne to celebrate. 

Capitol Reef National Park

The rock structures in this National Park reminded me of Egyptian temples & monuments. Love the colouration of the various layers.

Inside the park, the historic Mormon settlement of Fruita was a good spot for morning tea. The Gifford House was originally built in 1908 by polygamist Calvin Pendleton. Inside were some patchwork quilts & other items from the early 1900's.

This chair is the only original piece of furniture. It has a leather thonging seat.

Bison spotting

My photo does not do these magnificent beasts justice. We spotted them as we were driving around Torrey looking for accommodation.

I tried to imagine what the plains must have looked like, covered in vast herds.

And I know you must be curious as to where we spent the night? At a Best Western, Capitol Reef Resort with this view from our balcony. I had a great Beef Brisket sandwich with homemade BBQ sauce, for dinner.

Best coffee

It's a long way to go for the best coffee, with a view, but if you ever have the chance, do stop at Kiva Koffee  House, Escalante Utah. It is 'Melbourne' coffee transported to the USA & in small cups!

The scenery of the Escalante Grand Staircase is truly amazing.

Janine, a pleasure to have your great work on my blog.

Petrified wood

Who doesn't love seeing petrified wood? The Escalante State Park had a great amount of it on the hiking trail that climbed the hill near the entry gate & also gave us great views of the man-made dam, ringed with golden cottonwoods. Did not find any dinosaur bones!

Amazing colours in the logs & this one has the bark. Chris the Porcupine Pilsener was more to Bob's taste. As a non-beer drinker I can't comment!

Biggest onion ring

If you ever find yourself in Moab Utah, we can recommend the food at the Moab Brewery. These onion rings were the biggest we had ever seen! And delicious too. Went well with my Rueben sandwich & the pickle.

Bob is not going to recommend this Pumpkin Beer he tried at Eddie McStiffs, but as you can see there were many 'stiffies' to choose from, with the added notice that these were 'the strongest drinks Utah has to offer'!

On a high

I'm not done yet! Still on a high from all that we saw & did in the USA, but these were the highest elevations we encountered at Bryce Canyon National Park. In feet, not metres!

Oil Stick Intensive at Florida World Quilt Show

Now that I have recovered my camera, which was in the lost/found bag, I can share some photos of the great work produced by my lovely students in Oil Stick Intensive. Marianne & Maria were with me for all 3 workshops & many others came to 2 of the classes, so there will be many combinations of techniques in their future work.

Mary Ann with the before & after fabric.

Tanya enhanced & transformed commercial print squares.

Holly & her reflection on time.

Judi with a pale background.

Junko with a landscape ready for cherry blossom applique.

Home Sweet Jetlag

Nothing can quite describe the feeling of 'coming home'. Now jetlag is another matter- it's like being put in a tumbler & then being let loose & not quite getting your orientation! A head cold which sprang to life on the long haul flight does not help.

I will feel 'right' in a day or two. Yes, it is marvellous to have had my 'lost' bag returned- thanks for the follow up remarks, dear readers.

And Chris, while I've seen toe socks, the toe shoes were something else, but I was assured they are very comfortable to wear & help correct back problems. No I did not try them on.

Tropical fruit & the unusual

Not something I have seen for sale, at my local supermarket in Queensland. Coconuts and persimmons- yes.

And now for the latest in walking/jogging footwear- toe shoes!