Back from the bush!

We're back from our flash trip to the bush - up to Dimboola to see my Dad. We stayed at the Dimboola Host Farm, just beside what used to be the Wimmera River. It is so sad to see it so dried up. On the photo - you can see where the water level should be, but this bit of water is just a puddle in a large stretch of river. Not so many years ago I travelled in a motorboat up and down this river.

The boys enjoyed themselves immensely - in particular, riding the home built tractor around the host farm. Please note that 'Joe Cool' had to wear his sunnies and hat!

There were another couple of attractions to the Host Farm for the boys - a pet kangaroo - 'Joey' and a baby magpie who formed a great attachment to Harry.

The Little Dessert Area is quite serene and Martin managed to get a couple of lovely sunset photos

Although it was good to see Dad so well, and despite the shortness of the trip, I am glad to be home again.

Now to plan my 2009 stitching.......................

A Boxing Day finish!

This is my 50th finish for the year - and my 16th and last Ornie for 2008.

It is Peace Tree, buy Praiseworthy Stitches from the 2007 ornie issue.

I didn't have the beads specified, but used sequins dangling from beads for the sparkly bits and a strand of white beeds with blue/purple bugle beads. The silver star at the top has no shank and is tied on.

I didn't sign this one in stitching -or date it - that way I can pass it on next year for any exchange.

In the meantime, it will live in my ornament bowl, along with all the other ornies from my tree, where I keep Christmas in my loungeroom all year.

This is my ornament tree - because the boys don't want to have my stitched ornies hanging from the tree. There are several ornies from exchanges, but the majority are ornies I've stitched for myself.

I'm looking forward to next year, when there will be even more ornies on the tree.

I trust you and yours will have a safe holiday season. I look forward to meeting more of you in 2009.

Merry Christmas to everyone!!!!

Merry Christmas!

This is my fruitcake made for the family gathering. A painted picture and dotted sugar stars complete the brandy-soaked offering of fruit.

There is only 1/2 a cake left now - and some of that will be going to my Father's house this weekend.

I hope everybody has a safe and happy Christmas time with the ones they love.

Nearly Christmas

One more sleep to go.....
I start my blog today - and hope that I'm able to continue it througout 2009. I didn't want to start on Jan 1st as part of a New Year's resolution, because those always seem doomed to fail right from the start.
It's a slow start to the day for the family. The boys are just dragging themselves out of bed, although I'm sure that should food be carried to them automatically, they would be content to remain in bed all day. All of us had a late night - especially as my friend visited and we played Scrabble until 1:30am (i won!)
As mentioned in my Bio. My name is Bronny and I've been an obsessed cross stitcher for over 15 years. I just might venture out into quilting this coming year as several projects are hovering in the 'wanna-do' section of my brain.
I may have some designs that I will share from time to time - I'm not making promises at this time - I'll have to explore this format more thoroughly first.
As Christmas day this year will be celebrated at my MIL's, I have little to do to prepare for it. I'll be making a trifle and decorating the cake! OMGoodness! THE CAKE !!! I'd forgotten to decorate it - will scrounge some stitchery patterns to see if I can be inspired!!!!
I'll take photos of my craft work and post them as I learn how....
I'd better get a shuffle on....