For the first time in about 3 weeks I have found myself sitting and not thinking about what I need to do next. It's not that I haven't got anything to do, quite the contrary......but nothing that can't wait for a day or two or three.....except the lawns.....they really need a mow.....lol!
I had a big lead up to the Heytesbury Show on the 29th February,
which was followed by some intensive last minute gardening for Phil & Sophie's wedding in our garden on the 7th March.
I then became a 'granny' to 11 chickens a week ago.........so that 'wasted' a little bit of my time, especially on hatching day! They are all doing really well, and mumma chook is an excellent mother. I have my fingers crossed for for lots of hens and not many roosters.......I will let you know how that works out.
From Tuesday it was then into full on preparation work for my Sit & Stitch in Simpson this past weekend. As I have said many times before.......I am a list maker. I cannot function with them. I had a list for groceries....split in to cold, vegetables and others; a list of what to take from my home kitchen; what to take from the shop; what to take from the classroom; and a list for writing down things in the middle of the night when I wake up and remember something! I do like to be organised....or at least look like I am......lol!
Friday set up went smoothly (again), with thanks to Jodie and Russell. We are a well oiled trio that just knows what needs to be done and just do it. I was home again by 1.30pm and back in the kitchen. Some last minute touches late afternoon and everything was ready for the ladies on Saturday.
The tables all set out
with goody bags for everyone
and 62 name badges arranged and awaiting their owners.
The shop was all set up (I forgot to take a photo of the full display....this is Jo's photo!)
and I popped my car cover on the VW Golf.....
I made it using all of my unfinished projects
including four quilt tops that I chopped up, single blocks, panels, cushions, and even a few hexagon flowers from Mum's stash. It even has a personalised 'number plate'! It was fun to make, is very heavy, and the best part......now I don't have very many UFO's......lol!
A special treat on the weekend was the raffle that we ran for our local Royal Children's Hospital appeal. Julie McLaren donated her prize winning Peter Rabbit decorated cake as first prize in our raffle, and I am thrilled to say that we raised $355.50. Congratulations to Nicole Collins from Mt Duneed, and to Jo Tait for picking up second prize (block folder).
I passed the money on to the local appeal coordinator this morning who was very grateful for the donation.
The weekend went by so quickly.......as it always seems to do. There was lots of talking, sewing, shopping, eating and laughing.
Huge thanks to Jodie for helping over the 3 days....with set up, in the kitchen and pack up......and also for helping Russell and I this morning when we had to yard and sell 5 bulls. If it wasn't for you and Wayne, I would still be there trying to get the first one in the pen!
To Hannah who did another fantastic job running the shop for me, and helping with the meal and desserts.
To Julie and Tabatha for their help in the kitchen during dishes time, and to those others who also offered. Extra thanks to Tabatha for her expert vacuuming skills.
To Michelle and the other ladies who helped to pack the room up so quickly on the Sunday afternoon.
And special thanks to Russell of course. For all that he does........especially when I get a little cranky when I am tired. For cooking the spit roast meat and potatoes so perfectly......and for relighting the bloody oven 20 times over the course of the weekend.
I do apologise to anyone that was offended by Russell's apron. He only wore it in the kitchen, and a quick peek around the corner to show the ladies who bought it for him as a Christmas gift a couple of years ago.
Finally thank you to everyone who came along to the Retreat........without you all I would not be able to run the events that I do. My only regret is that I don't get a chance to spend any time out talking and catching up with you all, especially those attending for the first time......my apologies.
I had promised that the 2020 Stitch in Spring details would be released today, but I really wanted to catch everyone up on a bit of the news from the Retreat and before. I will be back tomorrow with Part 1 of the Stitch in Spring Blog post.
Linda :)
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