For Miss V

Yesterday afternoon I made good progress on the dress and last night I hand-hemmed it, so now it is ready to wear. It is such a pretty dress and looks lovely on Miss V.  She really likes the blue bow at the back but isn't too sure about wearing it (she will rarely wear a dress or skirt by choice). I would love for her to wear it tomorrow for Mother's Day but I dare not ask. I have made it, now she needs to own it and wear it if and when she wants to. I hope it becomes well worn....

For the Grandparents

Our eldest son, now 16,  is a quiet achiever when it comes to sport. The cricket season just finished was his second year ever in any team sport. He won Coaches Award in Under 16's (having won same award last season-different coach) and then last Saturday night he attended the Senior's (men's) presentation for his club as he had been asked each week to play/fill-in for their 3rd grade team also. He was awarded a trophy for bowling (which delighted him) and then unexpectedly was presented with the "Players' Player" award, a double delight to him.

If you knew our Master J, you may understand more the joy of these accomplishments. He is and always has been about the smallest for age in all events. Our homeschooling group holds an annual Athletics/Race day. Master would dutifully "compete" within his age group each year until he was around 14. We encouraged him saying it's not about winning but having fun, however his reply was telling "I know it not about winning but it's no fun when you come last all the time". He has long enjoyed playing cricket in the backyard, we are so pleased he has now found satisfaction and success a sport of his choosing.

A Pleasant Detour

I took a pleasant detour on my walk to buy these extras this evening.

Little Pretties

Coriander flowers

There always seems to be something beautiful in the garden if one looks hard enough.... Today I pulled out the zucchini plants which have produced several zucchinis each, soon we'll replant that section. Various types of peas and broad beans are springing forth elsewhere from seeds planted a couple of weeks ago.

Last night I cut into the fabric above to start a dress for Miss V, my seven year old strawberry blonde daughter. She is loving that she has input into the colours and placement of pattern pieces. I had intended to make the entire dress from the green print but there wasn't sufficient available at the online shop. I will need to exercise a little more creativity by adding some extra colour. I need to buy thread, zipper and bias binding to proceed further now.

A Special Family Gathering

To celebrate my mother's 70th birthday we three "children" and all 15 grandchildren gathered together yesterday for a picnic day at a somewhat central location. Sadly missing was my father who passed away last June after a long battle with Parkinson's disease and dementia. However, our chosen gathering spot was where my father's family often had summer camping holidays when he was a child.

 We enjoyed beautiful weather for our day at Fingal Head overlooking Cook Island. There was time for catching up, food, presents, walking along the beaches and headland,  remote-control plane flying, beach play and simply good times together (and about 6 hours traveling time for us).

I think the quilt was well received. Our day together was certainly a very pleasant way to celebrate mum's special birthday.