And We Say Farewell

Our dear daughter, step daughter and sister Michele has left this earth. Michele was diagnosed with cancer two years ago with most of her treatment being at the Women's Hospital. Last week Michele moved to the Caritas Christi Hospice and died there this morning.

I will miss my visits to Michele. I will miss chatting to her as she had chemo. She talked of hopes for the future and felt sad about her shortened life.

Farewell Michele and thank you for allowing us to share your journey.

My Favourite Blossom

Each year I wait for my favourite blossom. I have 3 quince trees which provide us with quinces some years and not others, depending on the winds in October. So far so good this year.

Mopsy our dog comes home from the breeder this week. These are two of the rascals. It was impossible to get all nine puppies together for a family group photo. Mopsy is so over her puppies and I'm sure will be glad to come back to the quieter farm life. Darwin is missing Mopsy but as Darwin has taken over Mopsy's kennel who knows what sort of welcome there will be. They certainly both won't fit in the one kennel.

This little chap was in a bucket hiding under another bucket. Rather difficult to get a photo of a frog in a bucket. Frogs are returning to this area and can be rather noisy.

I'm off to the felting studio to make some felt squares for upcoming markets. Have a few ideas so will take some photos of finished pieces. No shortage of materials here, just the time to get things done. Have washed fleece today and have spread it out to dry in the sun.

A walk with Darwin

Usually we take Darwin for two walks each day. David takes him down the paddock for a good run. I take Darwin down the road and to the creek and sometimes to check on the fruit trees. Today has been rather rainy so I waited for a break in the weather for the walk. And I thought I should take some photos as we wandered along. Well don't know what was in the wattle but Darwin was rather interested.

We needed to check who may have been around recently....

And then our attention turned to the sheep we spotted in the paddock.....

Water in the creek. Being a Portuguese Water Dog we need to study the water flow, decide if the weather is suitable for a swim...not today as it is too cold.................

You know, sometimes there are ducks in the creek and they do an impressive fly past just for me...

Well we kept walking and I was wanting to eat the camera and she put it away!!

Puppies at 5 Weeks

Just how cute are these puppies. I think it will be impossible to get all 9 puppies together in the one photo. David, Brie and I are going to visit the puppies some time this week so there will be more photos.

I have not seen water in the fountain in the Ballarat Gardens for years. Such a graceful sight as the water catches the light.

And Wallace is in a prominent position to keep a watchful eye.

I now have to go and hang out washing and do some baking. Michele is quite ill now and we are all taking turns to visit her in Melbourne. We are being careful not to do the visitor overload. Michele is in hospital but may be able to go home for a while.

It is important for us to eat healthy food and when I'm tired I grab whatever. So with some planning I have been preparing meals today so there is always something ready to be heated. David and I seem to pass like ships in the night but on V Line trains , not ships.

Did the washing today thinking I'll get it dry - well blue clouds and breeze. Of course when I put the washing on the clothes line the grey clouds and rain arrived.

Dyeing lots of fleece so will take photos when I have time.

Northside Makers Market

Next Saturday I will be at the Northside Makers Market. I always enjoy the markets at Northcote. Have been busy making some new stock including tea cosies.

My garden needs lots of TLC but some flowers just bloom not matter what.

Have been busy with the tea cosies this week. Pinks & mauves....

...and yellows....

...and blues....

and orange and red.......

I am now going back to the dyepot. Have some yarn to dye for tomorrow's market. No rain so the yarn hopefully will dry outside and then I'll hang it in front of slow combustion stove.

Have Dustteam coffee this week and Ravelry knitting as well. Will be in Melbourne one day with Michele. She is having chemo so we chat while all that is happening. Nurses at RWH are the best, always friendly and caring.

Getting lots of knitting finished so hope to have more tea cosies for the Northcote Market.