Quilt, 'Summer Love'

My latest finished quilt with one more to finish before the end of 2025.

 

This was based on a design I saw in a magazine, but I redesigned it on EQ8 and changed the colour scheme  to make it more summery. 

 

 Originally it was called Summer Breeze until I listen to the lyrics of the song by Seals and Croft and decided that the little woman waiting at home for her man cooking the dinner was not the culture I wanted to encourage in future generations of women.

 

So instead its called Summer Love, think of a 1970's Daryl Braithwaite in blue satin and hairy chest! 

 

It has a blue backing that is very pretty ombre, light at the top and grows darker towards the bottom.

 

I've gifted it to my Daughter-in-law Hailey.

 

Here is Teddy, before he died, doing his last stint as quality control dog while I hand stitched the binding.

 

We miss you Teddy!

 

Christmas Craft Extravaganza 2025

While I was recovering from my hip replacement I learnt to knit Izzy Dolls.

These are small comfort dolls that are to hold in the hand.

 

Izzy dolls are named after a Canadian soldier who's mother knitted them for him to distribute to children in war zones. 

https://izzydoll.org/en/mark-isfeld-legacy/ 

 

 So I've done puppies, angels, fairies, owls and the mermaid, witch and unicorn.

 

 

I've still got some to finish.

They are knitted in the round, like socks.

 They have gone to the grandchildren, my podiatrist, hairdresser and dog groomer.

Now to get back on track and finish some quilts.

 

Goonoo Goonoo Station

On our way home from Sydney we stopped for two nights at the beautiful Goonoo Goonoo station.

This was my retirement present from work. 

We stayed in the shearers quarters.

 

And we had two very nice meals in the Glasshouse restaurant.

The stay and meals only cost a tiny bit more than the $650 gift certificate.

So thank you to everyone we had a lovely time.

On our spare day we took a drive and then went to Tamworth and I finished the Christmas shopping. 

 

 

Last concert for 2025, Beethoven's 9th

Back to the Opera House with Michael and Gail.

We drove down this time and it took hours longer than normal due to lots of roadworks and the mess at Singleton while they are building the by-pass. 

 Great concert with the big choir.

 The palm trees at Circular Quay had been yarn bombed by Zonta clubs. They were beautiful and so much work, I hope it doesn't rain during the installation.

 To raise awareness of the 16 Days of Activism in a public and busy location, Zonta District 24 clubs have permission to yarn bomb 15 palm trees at Circular Quay. Clubs from across the District are creating unique tree wraps which will be a highly visual and bright display. Signage in multiple languages will explain the different types of domestic and family violence and encourage passersby to take action to “Change the Story”.

 

Vale Teddy November 2025

We have tragically had Teddy put to sleep on the 20th November 2025. He was 12.

 

He died of this horrible carcinoma on his head. 

 

Usually, it would be Miss Lizzy taking over this post but she is too distraught.

I've never had another dog go into mourning like this.

 

Its all so sad.

 

 Here are my last photos of Tiny Teddy and the progression of his cancer during 2025...

 

 

 

 

 

The saddest thing was that he never lost his bounce, even on the last morning taking him to the vets.

But the cancer was annoying him, he kept scratching at it,  and it was getting more and more smelly.

 

He had a very dignified death.

 

He was awake right until the end despite the sedation and he knew we were with him.

He fell asleep for the final time and I caught his little head in the palm of my hand. Even the vets were moved by that, and damn I'm tearing up again..

 

Miss Lizzy HAS lost her bounce. She is so distressed and anxious that we are at our wits end.

He's been cremated and is back at home with the other doggie ashes. 

 

Lets finish with a lovely pic of Ted from 2018. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SSO Concert - 'Pictures at an Exhibition'

We have been down to Sydney again to the Opera House.

We left poor Teddy in special care at the kennels, but this was a big trip for us. We came down by train but we will be flying back.

 

Finally we see the conductor Simone Young with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.. 

 

Here is the lovely Gail striking a pose in the forecourt.

 

I've still got a walking stick , blah. But its very good for getting people to move out of my way!

 

 

It was great, but not as great as Lang Lang who will now be the benchmark.

Graham and I stayed at the Novotel Darling Harbour.

Which turned out to be a right kerfuffle as the light rail had maintenance and it was a literal pain to get to the Novotel by bus with a walking stick and still dodgy hip...

.... 

But look at this beautiful egg dessert at the Ternary Restaurant. 

Once the white chocolate shell was broken it was full of mango and passionfruit. YummEE