1,700 kms...round trip...

For the first week of January we went on a road trip. We had house sitters minding the four cats, Diesel was dropped off to the kennels. The ute, trailer and kayaks were packed, along with sunblock, sandfly spray, lots of food and drink.

First stop was Napier for the night and testing out the kayaks in the estuary and watching an amazing sunset.

Tuesday dawned blue sky and very hot - our destination was Hicks Bay - stops along the way included Gisborne for fuel and lunch... then Tolaga Bay to check out the old wharf.

Then back in the ute and next toilet stop was Tokomaru Bay - and fancy that another old wharf to check out - along with an old wool warehouse and some relics left abandoned.

Then it was back in the car - next stop was Tikitiki where Chris caught up with an Aunty he hadn't seen for 20+ years. It was lucky she had only returned from Wellington that morning and was only at the house for a few days!

By 6pm that evening we finally arrived into Hicks Bay... more next posting.

Hugs

2nd day...

What happened to the holidays?

2nd day back at the office... great to see my work mates and catchup on their holiday news, however not enjoying the early alarm wakeup, mad dash to the train, long day away from the sunshine and fresh air, mad dash back to the train then home to chores etc

How quickly we get back on the hamster wheel and holidays feel like a lifetime ago...

Have lots of holiday pic's to post will do that next couple of days :)

Yay 'hump' day Wednesday tomorrow - half way thru the week!

Hugs

2011...

Well another year over.... can't quite face packing away the Christmas Tree yet, though I am relieved that 2010 is no longer, it has been a year filled with moments of happiness and days of stress.

Listening to friends, family and reading other blogs, it is interesting to see how many people are glad that 2010 is over... for many of us it has had incredibly hard moments (even days and weeks), and where the negatives so feel that they have outweighed the positives.

This coming year I so want the days of happiness and only moments of stress. I'm not one for making NY resolutions though I've been thinking that my focuses for 2011 will cover:

tranquility... finding the balance of all the demands that are made on your daily life

health... good health for myself, my family and my friends

family & friends... taking time to just 'be', no rushing, no half listening

passion... for quilting and cycling - ensuring I have quality time for both

My wish to you is that 2011 provides all that you want it to be, and that happiness, laughter and good health will be the mainstay of your days.

Hugs

Salt...

Watched the DVD of "Salt" last night - brilliant movie, with a great twist at the end. My 13yr old was entranced - very action packed, great story line, the downside was that the move was over before you knew it. Angelina played a great part. Totally recommend for holiday viewing.

Well the weather here in Wellington today is horrendous, makes you wonder what happened to Summer. We have gale force winds some up to 150km/hr, and rain that is so heavy. The Rimutaka Hill Road has been closed, and emergency services are being called out for blown down trees, and accidents on the roads.

Looks like it will be a day spent inside. Planning on cleaning out the wardrobe and tidying up the sewing space ...

Have a great day everyone.

Hugs

A very happy christmas to all...

Wishing you and your families a very safe and happy christmas... may you be spoilt with love and hugs (and a few crafty items)... , remember to eat well; know that leftovers taste even better for Boxing Day lunch; slip slop slap if you are lucky enough to be somewhere in the sun; don't drink and drive, and above all else enjoy being in the company of your loved ones.

Christmas wishes from Diesel... and a not so impressed Bella ! xxx

"Arrgh get these things off my head"...

Love to all

Ooh lucky me...

... tonight I was given a bag of selvages from my quilty friends who went to retreat over the weekend, and one of the quilty friends decided to also give me her secret stash - wahoo !!

(Image taken from Google)

This adds very nicely to my secret stash... nearly enough to start working on the quilt I'm wanting to make - design yet to be decided ;)

Hugs