Last Day of the Holidays Zoo Trip

I decided that we should go to the Zoo on Monday.  It turned out to be great day to go as there were not a lot of people just a few mums with toddlers and some retirees so there wasn't masses of crowds and we were able to get into to see the Panda's fairly easily can't say I am all excited about seeing the Panda's unlike everyone else that was lining up (the lady behind me was most concerned that there was 10 groups in front of her lol).  This was not a problem at all there was plenty of room for everyone in the huge enclosure, we were all told to be very quiet and no flash (which wasn't necessary as Wang Wang was walking around outside).  The kids were about as impressed as I was so we didn't have to be asked to move on and made a quick exit.     The zoo has changed since the last time we went as that was when the huge new entrance and panda enclosure was being built.  I did notice there were lots more keepers around and volunteers around.  

The kids liked these guys and I have to admit they were pretty cute.

And this guy according to the keeper he is a handful for the keeper and its parents, I guess like all kids.  

I was very impressed with the Lion he was just a yearly cub the last time were at the zoo and there was 4 of them in this enclosure I think his sisters have been sent to Monarto.  His main was short and golden last time we saw him, this one is pretty impressive now.  The log is his scratching post was kinda glad that there was a big wire fence between us.

10 on the 10th day of 10th month 2010

Well my little boy turns 10 today.  I can't believe that it is 10 years since we bought him home.  He talked before he was one and hasn't stopped since, he does occasionally even talk in his sleep.  He had a couple of friend's over for a sleepover last night and he pretty much talked all night at least he whispered after 10.30.

We have had a few ups and downs over the last month and I was a bit concerned that we wouldn't be celebrating much at all.  My MIL has been very ill with an infection and my son is particularly close to his Nana, they go to see the Crow's home game together and he has missed out on being with her over the school holidays while I work.  The last month has been pretty hard on him so her recovery is probably the best birthday present of all.

Favourite Things Friday - Bowerbird Bazaar

The Bowerbird Bazaar is this weekend and as it is my son's birthday I don't see a window of opportunity for going which I am gutted about because it is an excellent event and my Favourite Thing this Friday.  If you are in Adelaide this weekend go there, NO RUN there because the best of design and wonderful things will be available for sale  Jewellery, Bags, Clothing, Textiles, Art and wonderful food and lots more.     It will be on again in May 2011 so I might have to wait until then.  Check the website and the Catalogue for the designers in attendance I had better not look because that will make me wish I was going too.


For more FTF's go to Mrs P.

Creative Space

With school holidays still in full swing heading to the Creative Space has been a bit limited.  But I did find a bit of time yesterday to try out my new toys that I got from the Machine Quilting Show on the weekend.

The first toys are my new quilting gloves and Magic Bobbin Washers.  I am not a fan of gloves for quilting, but these are light and breath well so I am giving them a go.  The washer goes in the bobbin case and helps keep your bobbin tension even and it works a treat.

The final toy is the Supreme Slider and it has taken a load off my shoulders so I am really happy with my acquisitions.  To find out more about these gismo's go to my previous post and check out the 365 Freemotion Quilting Designs blog.  These were all recommended by Leah Day.  

Sorry forgot again check kootoyoo for more Creative Spaces

It's Been a Busy Day

Didn't sleep well last night, I have a few aches and pains at the moment and they were keeping me awake also the daylight savings change hasn't helped.  When I can't sleep I usually resort to the Ipod and my selection of podcasts to help me drop off only this time I didn't and kept listening.

I was listening to a Podcast by Pat Sloan it is a couple of weeks old,  and she interviewed Leah Day and she is writing a blog and posting video's 365 days of free motion quilting filler designs.  This is a fantastic resource, I have only viewed a couple of video's but they are pretty good.  I think I will be spending a bit of my free time here in the coming weeks.

I also spied her must have kit of machine quilting goodies and as I was going to the AMQF today with Helen, I thought it might be worth a look to see if I could get a couple of the items.  And about the second vendor we went to had the 3 items on my list.  I also picked up a few Aurifil threads and looked at some truly spectacular quilts.  I think I might head back next year and get organised to do some classes.

We rounded up the morning with lunch and when I got home the kids were all up for a trip down to the beach for an ice cream and a walk.  It was a tad nippy down there with the breeze but it has been a lovely long weekend with some warmth in it for a change.

I Interrupt this Blog Post for a Message

FROM THE UNDEAD

The squidder had a themed birthday party to attend this weekend. It was Aliens or Vampires.  Leading up to the weekend I thought we were going to do the Alien thing then she decides it has to be Vampire.  Cheap as Chips to the rescue with a $10 witch costume and some minor skill in face painting which I am required to draw on from time to time with have Miss Vampira.

Favourite Things Friday

Life has been a little bit crappy lately and when that happens I like to loose myself in these.  I probably should have opened one of these lovelies recently but I have decided to read The Passage by Justin Cronin which is a apocalyptic horror which might have not been a good choice but I will forge on.

These are my all time favourite books.  I hated reading when I was at school but once I left I devoured lots and lots of books at first it was all Sci-fi/Fantasy then I went to Historical Novels, now I just about anything.  About 10 years ago maybe more I decided that I might start reading some classics which are well represented in  my all time favourite books, ones that I go back to again and again.

I am not really a romantic person and don't go in for sentimentality but these are all love stories so go figure.

Persuasion by Jane Austen love it and I watch the Amanda Root/Ciaran Hinds Version often (stay away from that horrible recent adaption it was a bit of a joke).

The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte about time the BBC did a remake if they haven't already.

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte my all time favourite of the Bronte sisters novels, my copy is well worn.

The Guernsey Literacy & Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer, this was the author's first and last novel and it is a delight from cover to cover.  I don't think I have even leant this out to the girls to read.

Now join in Mrs P Favourite Things Friday.