New car

New car. It even breaks on demand! Sitting pretty on our driveway.
I am back home in Chapel Hill. It has been 3 weeks today. I miss Australia very much. But it is nice to see the friends here. I have been busy with my quilt tops; and trying to get everything back on track. I am always surprised that things don't work as planned. Who new it would take 3 phone calls and 2 visits by the technician to have the cable back. And on, and on, and on.

Good news I have a new Toyota Prius. Yeah! it does stop when you break. The software has been updated. PS. This photo is way after the January snow. So the post has been severely edited so I could add the photo. :)

Happy 2010

Daniel made it to Sydney. This is him at the Circular Quay (it is pronounced "key"). The famous bridge on his back and a nice cruiser was there that day. the above photo is from the steps to the Opera House. I never get tired of these places.
The above photo is the Blow Whole of Kiama. It is a small town about 1 and half hours south of Sydney. It has beautiful beaches and the history dates back from the Gold Rush. But don't try to get dinner after 8:00 PM. Better be ready for some pizza.
Our time in Sydney is coming to an end soon.

On a more recent note we had a great time watching the fireworks at mid night on the 31st of December. It was gorgeous.

Photos don't show it well. But I will post some soon.

Happy 2010 to all.

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