Another William Morris Tour!

 Yes you did read that blog title correctly....the April William Morris in Adelaide tour in just under four weeks is officially full so we have another date set for August 7th-13th....this will be tour number TEN!! I am so chuffed that so many want to join us and I am also grateful that Renaissance Tours are sending a staff member on tour with us as well as I am still not firing on all cylinders since my cancer detour.  And some participants are coming back for a second time so I am glad we have some new places to share............

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It is always nice to have some positive things to look forward to in this changed world of ours and there is so much to enjoy on our own doorstep. Just recently we had a little break in Wallaroo. This was a "gift" from the The Cancer Council of South Australia and reminded me of the incredible services that they provide. So with the Biggest Morning Tea not far away it also reminded me how our fund-raising is so worthwhile and this time we were the recipient of one of their services. Wallaroo on the Yorke Peninsula is about a two and half hour drive from home and when we arrived we discovered that another group contribute to this ongoing generous service........

You can read about this fantastic fund-raising event here: Apex Outback Postie Bike Ride. What a wonderful idea to be using old postman motorbikes and turning an event into funds to provide these holiday cabins for people like us. We are very grateful and I was glad to learn about this ongoing project. Our week was rather hot so we couldn't walk as much as we would have liked but the sunsets were spectacular. And check out that orange glow reflected on the cream fencing that I only just noticed as I uploaded the photos......

Of course any break for me includes some stitching and with the hot days I was glad of that while Larry chilled out reading in air-conditioned comfort. I managed to finish an eye spy quilt for a new arrival...a little boy Henry who is a new cousin for Wade, so he will be very excited to hand it over as he enjoyed helping me select the fabrics at home.......

I also completed some drawstring toiletry bags for a friend who volunteers at Treasure Boxes and I know they will be put to good use........

I also started a flannelette nightie for Maisie too! I had already made matching pyjamas for one of her dolls and ran out of fabric so a quick visit to a nearby shop resulted in a contrast collar. It was lovely to see she is already enjoying it with recent chilly nights...........

One day we did venture out into the heat to view the historic nearby Moonta Mines precinct. Our good friend Richard is a volunteer with the historic railway they are restoring so he escorted us on an hour and a half walk with his little dog, while Kate stayed home preparing our luscious BBQ lunch! For me this was fortuitous as it is another piece of the William Morris in South Australia puzzle. Robert Barr Smith and his brother-in-law Thomas Elder invested in the copper mines during the 1800's which contributed to the Barr Smith family wealth resulting in some of our Adelaide Morris treasures. I must have been enthralled as I took almost 80 photos so here are a few that include evidence of copper still in the ground and walls.......

We were told that the round mining stacks are Cornish and the squares ones are Welsh (I obviously took the square stack photo on a not so sunny day)........

It was also wonderful to see a spectacular quilt on display in the museum recording the history ........

And while away we always like to partake in supporting local business with a coffee or two and maybe a wee bite too!..........

We had an enjoyable time even if it was cut short by two nights courtesy of a rock falling off the back of a truck and damaging our front windscreen that we are still waiting to get fixed.........

So back home means sharing time with the kiddies once again who just last week produced an art gallery for us! I was really taken with Wade's forest painting and we need to nurture these young people who are enjoying their art.......

Well I have filled up your screens once again with personal trivia so thanks for following. I will finish with some lovely news I heard recently regarding my replica 1863 wedding quilt that belonged to Beatrix Potter's parents. There is currently a Beatrix Potter Exhibition being held at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London and I noticed on the link that this exhibition is on until January next year  I think the original wedding quilt is on display so my replica is out and resting on Beatrix Potter's bed at Hill Top for the entire year as well. I am pretty chuffed with that too! So wherever you are thanks again from us and do take care x 

PS: After I saved this post I visited the V&A website and discovered the 1863 quilt is on display and it looks like a fabulous exhibition.......

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