Thinking of you 💕

It is difficult to write this post while we are safe and well knowing that so many are suffering so greatly across our world. This devastating virus is unrelenting but here at home (and for now), we seem to be "flattening the curve". Our eldest daughter is nursing on the front line and next week she will be in training in preparation for what we have seen overseas. We are all hoping it won't get to that but for now we are being sensible and staying home except for shopping for essentials. But today I did feel guilty going out to buy some activity packs to send to Beau and Maisie to help keep them busy during this long stint of staying home. So please know while sharing our safe and secure news that our thoughts are with those of you who may be in an intolerable situation....especially quilting friends across the world.....sending lots of love to you all. We are so lucky that we live so close to a river where we can have walks in the fresh air and in isolation too.....right at the end of our street.....

 We pass this wonderful 'house' made of branches and logs and also have a wetlands boardwalk but it is not too wet at the moment.......

 The birds sing high above and I wonder if they are aware that all is not well in the world.......

 

After a long walk we drop into our favourite cafe also at the end of our street to take home a coffee! It is so sad to see all the furniture packed up with the X markings on the floor to indicate how far apart we need to stand.....and there was a little visitor reminding us that Easter is not far away.......

We are not sure when we will be looking after little Wade again but last week we had a special time (continuing our social distancing), at a nearby beach. Wade loves to explore and it is so refreshing to see his little spirit happy.....

 We will never be bored in isolation at home....I have my quilting and Larry his tapestry, so it has been a good time for me to cut up some of my beloved William Morris stash. Even Larry helped with some cutting as my jolly hand is still not fully functional and by the end of the day it swells up and throbs. From all the cutting I should be able to make at least four quilts for those in need and I have found it quite meditative.....

 I still can't use my thumb and first finger so pressing even causes pain so I worked out a way of "chain pressing" along with the piecing!..

I have also found this little stiletto to be my new best friend for both piecing and pressing. It is made by a local girl Jane who has a little business called OnePeaceByJane and she calls it "A little creative Helper". It is like having another hand to do the fine poking, holding and turning. On the end is a beautiful handmade lampwork bead so if you would like one yourself contact Jane or Penny at Pennylane Patchwork as she stocks them too......

 We are also near the completion of our new kitchen and laundry and it is so wonderful to finally have pull out drawers where everything can be seen. I also asked for a pull out cupboard with two bins which we are finding very useful. ......

We still have some electrical work to complete the project and some skirting boards and spotlights need to be installed but in the scheme of things we feel very blessed. So here is the "before and after"........

Until next time I do hope that you are safe and well and our loving thoughts are being sent your way. I will leave you with one of our front windows as we join in the bear hunt across the world. Take care xx