Thursday, 13 May 2010

Back from the brink!

 

Not really, but it sounds good! ;o)) lol

Now that we’re back I don’t know where to start so I’ll just burble on for a few minutes till inspiration strikes.  Talking of inspiration, I’ve had a terrible shock today!  The postman brought the Entry Form for the Festival of Quilts so decision time, otherwise known as ‘crunch time’ is here.  The Powers That Be want the form back immediately or by 28 of this month and it has to have the actual dimensions of my entry on it.  Bit tricky that, seeing as I haven’t yet made it and it is currently a pile of fabric on my work table.  Hmmm, serious thinking is required as to whether I am actually going to enter after all this year.  Anyone got a magic wand? I need the next 2 weeks to be 2 months long!

So, where have I been over the last 3 weeks?  I would like to say that I have been feverishly beavering away on many textile creations that I can’t wait to show you but that is far from the truth.  Here’s a clue

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We’ve had a little holiday, well, a big one actually.  Hubby treated us to a Mediterranean cruise on the P & O ship Ventura. 

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We had a musical send off,

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and this wonderful family were having a great party wishing their Grandma a happy holiday!

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We had to dress up a bit from time to time (doesn’t DH scrub up well?).  And we enjoyed some great entertainment in the large theatre.

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All of these photos are my DH’s as I haven’t been able to load mine up yet.  DH took over 1000 photos and is slowly loading his on the computer so I am waiting to use the special card reader that we have to use.  We visited Gibraltar, Spain, Italy (including Elba which we loved) and France and had some beautiful warm sunshine as well as rubbish rain in Florence and Barcelona.  I’ll bring you some photos as soon as I get them sorted.

Today, DH and I have been to nearby Lincoln for a new experience.  Ever since I was small (even smaller than I am today!) I have always wanted to go to a ballet and have never managed it.  Until today.   We went to the Theatre Royal which is a fantastic Victorian theatre still in its original glory.

lincoln theatre royal 

(I think there may have been a few spectres in my photo!  Either that or dust in the air!)

lincoln programme

We had a wonderful couple of hours in the magical land of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker and it was a joy!  It was wonderful to hear well known music and see it set to dance.

I was surprised that my DH agreed to come with me but he really enjoyed it too!  We made the day complete with lunch on the river before we went to the theatre.

lincoln barge

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The swans were very busy and energetic in the Spring sunshine and there were some inspiring reflections on the water.

As I implied at the beginning of this long post I haven’t made much creative progress lately and have only managed to make a tentative start on my Festival of Quilts entry.  As well as catching up after the holiday my elderly friend who will be 99 years old next month was rushed into hospital on Sunday so we are back to hospital visiting which all takes time.  She is comfortable and they know what is wrong but we are not sure how much her life is going to be affected by her condition.  I think it may be a bit of a long haul to get her settled back home.  Fortunately my Mum is back in her own home and slowly getting back to her normal routine.  Long may that continue!

You’ll have to excuse me if I’m a bit quiet again for a few days.  Life is keeping me busy and I really would like to get my quilt made before I have to send the entry form off.  See you soon!

22 comments:

silverpebble said...

Julie - there's so much in this post! What a wonderful treat to go to the ballet - and you cruise sounds wonderfully glamorous.

Sheesh though, I hope the quilt doesn't stress you out too much. Deep breaths....

Glad your Mum's on the road to recovery.

Sandra Wyman said...

Welcome back. As for the FOQ entry (I'm in the same position), work out what size you're aiming for - the trick is to make it a bit bigger so if quilting shrinks it you can still cut it to the exact size!

Glad you had such a good holiday and that you're mum's doing well.

You haven't missed much here - apart from a few minor details like a change of government....

Maggi said...

Really interesting post Julie. Do what I did last year for FOQ. Decide on the size and make your quilt to fit.

Penny said...

Sounds like a wonderful holiday.
Havent been to the ballet since I was a teenager, always loved it and your theater looks a bit like our Theater Royal, now sadly and stupidly demolished many many years ago.
On going problems with my mother, glad yours is better, sad about your friend.

Angela said...

Aren't you the gad about town. Sounds like you had a great time and well deserved. The photo of you and your DH is lovely.
Glad your mum's getting better.
Look forward to seeing your quilt.

Gina said...

So pleased you've had a good holiday... and then the ballet too. What a treat! Don't stress about the quilt... I'm sure you will get it done.

ju-north said...

Good to have you back! I've missed your cheerful voice. Soounds as if you both had a great time.

The WestCountryBuddha said...

Thanks for the ballet clip. I LOVE the ballet and we are blessed in Brum as you know, but it's surprizingly difficult to get tickets especially ones you can afford! Hope all goes well for your friend and your mum continues to improve. Glad you had such a good holiday and good you're back.

Shirley Goodwin said...

Hi Julie,

Thanks for dropping by my blog. I am very much enjoying being in Dublin.

I'm like you - I have entered things before actually making the work I'm entering. It's a powerful incentive!

LOVE STITCHING RED said...

Don't worry, I haven't started mine yet either! I'm going to put down the size and make it fit/work. At this moment in time still aiming for it but got lots on my mind right now!

So glad you and hubby had a wonderful holiday and I shall look forward to all the photos as and when

I am happy you made it to the ballet. Such a wonderful treat. I saw The Nutcracker too and think it's my most favourite. I saw it at Christmas quite a few years ago now

Glad that Mum is doing well. Sorry to hear about your friend but I'm sure your visits will cheer her up no end!

Sending lots of love
xxxx

lisette said...

i haven't started my foq quilt either!! and doing the same - set a size and work towards that.

sounds like you had a fabulous time :)

Trudi said...

Glad you had a wonderful time, can;t believe I missed you in town yesterday! I was only across the road! Literally! Good luck with the quilt :)

Michala Gyetvai (Kayla coo) said...

It looks like you had a great holiday and lucky you had no problems with all the latest flying bans.
I love the ballet, my first was to see Coppelia at the Royal Festival Hall when I was ten and I can remember it as if it was yesterday, it made such an impact on me.
Good news about your Mum.
M x

carole brungar said...

OMG!! A P&O cruise!! You lucky girl you!! Boy that's gonna take a bit of beating!
:)

pam said...

Wow you have had a busy time, the cruise sounds wonderful and the ballet too. You both look lovely in the picture and happy. I am sure you will get the quilt done in time. Good to hear Mum is doing well.

Timaree said...

Good luck on getting your quilt made and the size noted in time. I noticed your husband seems to be wearing a quilted vest. It looks very nice and also nice on him. Glad you had such a fun cruise. Someday I hope to do one.

Anonymous said...

Glad you enjoyed your holiday and that your Mum is on the mend. Yes your DH looks very handsome and I love his waistcoat especially! Fabulous photos as well. Nice to read your posts again.
Penny :)

Judy Scott said...

what a beautiful smiling photo of you both and how wonderful to go on a cruise and then come back to the ballet - I've never been to one either but hope one day to get the chance. Thank you for posting the clip for us to watch. All the best for your F of Q entry - wish I could stretch the next the next couple of weeks for you - Jx

Heather said...

Good news about your Mum and I hope your friend will be OK. What a marvellous treat for you both - I love your husband's waistcoat. Lovely pics and looking forward to seeing the others. Happy quiltmaking and don't panic! Your pics of the ballet took me back to my youth - I was ballet mad as a little girl.

Ro Bruhn said...

What a wonderful way to spend a holiday. Good luck with the quilt, sometimes we produce our best work under pressure.

Fenland Textile Studio said...

Hi Julie, Catching up with blogs. Sounds like you had a fantastic time. Was your DH wearing a crazy patchwork waistcoat? I love the ballet but haven't been to one for about eight years. If your quilt is a couple of inches out just let Twisted Thread know. I think as long as you let them know asap they will accomodate you. Looking forwards to seeing your quilt. You know how to contact me if you need any help.

Unknown said...

it's fabulous to have breaks! can't wait to see more photos. The ballet sounds grand!