Snip, Snip, Snippets

Hello everyone, how are you all going with your Christmas preparations? 

Not enough time to get everything done?

It's such a busy time of year.

Well, I have been busy stitching for what seems like months for the inaugural High Country Christmas Fair which was held in my little town last Saturday.

I had hoped to have everything finished the week prior but of course this was the scene on Thursday as I finished attaching brooch backs and stitching bunnies' nether regions!! 

You know I love English Robins, so when I found this blanket at a local Op shop, I knew straight away what the design would be.....

Just can't help myself.....

First time I've ever stitched Buddleia but I love this shrub and it's beautiful, honey scent.

It's just started flowering in my garden....delightful.

Last Saturday, turned out to be the perfect day weather wise. The sun was shining, a breeze blowing at times and with all the bunting hanging up around town there was quite an atmosphere of anticipation.

The final bunting tally was announced publicly by the member for Indi Cathy McGowan.

She started with the '3' and worked up to the '7' and kept us on tenterhooks. Had we beat the current world bunting record or not?

We smashed it, the months of snipping and stitching that had taken place were well worth it.

There's bunting all around town.

Round the sports oval a couple of times as well as the tennis court. Along the roadside and through the drain under the road and up the other side.

Round the park, through it, under the rotunda, down the main street, into the pub and around the antlers of the Stags' head, back outside down the street and back up again and if you're tired reading all this, putting it up was no mean feat either.

Lots of people volunteered their time and effort to work together.

It was a great community project and so nice to come together around something happy and uplifting rather than when there is some sort of tragedy......

Now we just have to have our efforts verified by the people from The Guinness World records, so lots of paperwork to be filled in and sent off.

The day was very busy.

 Busy chatting, selling and generally enjoying the hustle and bustle of the market.

It wasn't until pack up time that I got to have a wander around and take some pics.

Love the bunting shadows.....

I have been doing markets for close to 5 years and I have to say this would have to be the best ever.....

I also had the pleasure of meeting fellow blogger Susan from Scribbling from Jumbunna 

She lives just 'down the hill' from me but we hadn't met till Saturday.

 It was so lovely to catch up even if it was brief.

She now has as a couple of my stitcheries hanging in her home.

Pop over and say 'hi'.......

ON THE HOME FRONT

 I bought myself a two seater bench to place under the Manchurian Pear tree.

 It's the perfect spot for a cuppa and rest or to take a break whilst gardening.

As you can see things are drying out although there is still a tinge of greenery in the distance.

The flies this Summer seem to be particularly annoying.

They are small 'bush' flies which like to hang around your eyes and get in behind your glasses and I have found out that it's a good idea to keep your mouth shut outside as I have managed to swallow a couple as well!!

Cicadas also seem to be in abundance and their noise can be quite deafening.

 They have made their way down to trees and shrubs just outside the house so there is no escaping them.

Thankfully, we had some decent rain recently and it filled our tanks up and gave the garden a much needed drink.

 Of course some follow up rain would be just as welcome.......Loving those stormy skies.

Out in the garden the Hollyhocks have self seeded and are starting to bloom. Just love those fat buds before they burst into flower.

The blooms remind me of layers of net and tulle of a frothy ball gown.

 Can't wait to see what all the other colours are.

The peaches are ripening nicely and the birds haven't discovered them, despite there being a couple of holes in the bird netting.

Must put my stitching skills to use and mend them.

We have a lodger in the chook house, actually under the steps to the chook house.

Imagine the fright I got when I heard some rustling in the straw on the floor of the chook house as I went in there one day.

Quick as a flash he scooted away before I could get a good look at him.

I'm used to him now but there has been the odd occasion when I see some thing move out of the corner of my eye, my heart skips a beat or five and of course the first thought is 'snake'!!

It's a Blue tongue lizard and quite harmless, in fact they are quite good pest exterminators in your garden.

So here we are a week later......

I have been busy out in the garden giving it some much needed TLC.

It's been somewhat neglected for a number of months, so it's time to give it a good tidy up.

I also 'met' another blogger,

 Ale of homemade@myplace during the week.

We skyped which was alot of fun and she told me about her life in Jakarta.

It was very interesting and so nice to talk in person.

This blogging lark has bought me into contact with some lovely people.

I wonder what you have all been up to, apart from Christmas preparations? 

Would love to hear,

Thanks for stopping by everyone, it's always great to hear from you.

Enjoy your weekend,

Claire X