NSW Quilt Guild meeting

The November meeting is the first show of the challenge quilts for the NSW quilt guild. The 2009 challenge was about what tickles your fancy. Mine had to do with kaleidoscope quilts. The Australian fabric with native flowers added to my tickle of course.

The quilts were absolutely beautiful. Very talented group for sure.

The winner is the top picture. You can feel the sand tickling your feet. "Well done" (this is one of my favorite Australian sayings).

The quilts will travel for 2 years in Australia. I will get mine back in 2011.

Sydney Melbourne Canberra

We had a great time traveling to Melbourne via New South Whales coast. The most beautiful beaches and bush. We are planning a trip back when our son join us for Xmas. The small towns are so cute and people are so friendly. This part is not as touristic as the northern coast. You have to plan the trip and make sure you have enough gasoline between stops because you may not find a "petrol" station in every place. You also should plan you toilet stops. Everyplace will have a public toilet. Cafes and restaurants don't always have them. Look for the street signs to find the public ones. Only once I saw a note that the toilet would be close in the evenings due to increased vandalism.

We have been bringing rain to every place we go. The proof is above. The rain doesn't last too long, so just take a break or open an umbrella and have some fun.

Health is good

While in Sydney, had to see a doctor last week. Actually, 2. First a GP and than the specialist. My physician in the US answered my e-mail and suggested an local visit was in order. I tried to contact the specialist and found out that I could see one 4 months after I am due back home. I was told to see the GP first and that would determined the urgency. So I walked in a Coogee clinic and saw the nicest GP. After a complete check up I was on my way to the specialist next morning. She is a extremely nice person and doctor. Had may tests done, she increased the dosage of medicine, added 1 more and I am feeling great again. But with one small problem. One of the side effects of the medicine is insomnia. And let me tell you. I am extremely happy today. It is 4 AM and I slept for 4 full hours. This is the most I have slept in 9 days. Oh joy!

I am reading a lot of quilting magazines that a friend lent me; but nothing else gets done.

Sculptures by the Sea 2

The Sculptures by the Sea is a very popular event in Bondi. There are artist represented from many countries in the world. Not only Aussies. It is worth the time. The walk is beautiful and the art work equally so. The photo below is a sculpture on the rock wall. It is really fun. The artists are Tim & Shayn Amber Wetherell from ACT. The photo above is a sculpture by Gretchen Lothrop. The catalogue says that she was born in Boston. But I think our homes are close. Most of her prizes come from North Carolina. Such as APSU, UNC, etc. Well done!

Scul

Photo 1 and 2 above are of Adelaide; a charming city of over 1 million people and the capital of South Australia. It has beautiful buildings, great restaurants, shopping, art events, and very friendly people. Haigh's chocolate factory is also there. It is a must visit for the chocolate lovers.

The beaches are just about 30 minutes away by tram. Since they are west of town it is a great opportunity to see the sun set on the ocean. (except if you are there on the 4 days of the year that rains. I know, I got all 4 of them.) This year is the first time in 16 years that the water reservoir is at capacity. Thanks to my visit I am sure. I have been bringing rain to every place I go in Australia.

The last photo is a view of the Barossa Valley from a sculpture park on the hills between Adelaide and the Valley. It is a great view that prepares you for the wonderful wine you will have a chance to taste. The wine is deserves all the fame it gets. All I know about wine is that I like what I like. There is plenty to like here. Another thing, keep your wallet in your purses. The tasting is FREE. But also be aware that drinking and driving in Australia has zero tolerance, so do like we did, and plan ahead by having a designated driver. Enjoy the valley and keep it safe for all.

Power House Museum Sydney

The Power House Museum in Sydney is located in Ultimo and is housed in this old beautiful building that was the power plant for Sydney. It has things for adults and kids to enjoy. Well done! This 2 pictures are part of a design show. The cool dress above is just my kind of art. The bead necklace is actually painted on the dress. I want a dress like that. I am sorry I can't remember the artist name. I think she is Kiwi (New Zealender). They have work from designers from all over the world, not just Ausies. The other picture has a white fabric on the center. It is a Japanese designer and the fabric is folded like a shibori fold and permanently pressed to keep the folds. Love it, love it, love it. Husband loved all the engines and big machine stuff they had around the place too. It was enough to spend a whole day there. Some of the other cool areas- photos are not allowed. Fair enough, you have to check it for yourself.