Some semblance of normality?

Much has happened since I last posted. 

 The move has occurred, eventfully as expected with everything we do lately! Thunderstorms, forecasts of hail and high winds, had ourselves and the removalists scurrying like ants. Finally after two long and tiring days the truck was loaded and the house was oddly bare and quiet. Time to move onto the next phase in our lives. While it was funny to leave the house, when the quilts and embroideries were removed from the walls, it didn't seem like home any more. I will miss all the love and thought that went into building the house, and of course I will cherish the happy memories of the times spent there as a family, but our new lives in Newcastle will be fabulous!

Before I left town, we had one last "craft" night...so nice to see the girls and a bit surreal too, surely I will be back next week? Lea made the most fabulous sewing machine cake to celebrate the occasion

...and it was yummy too! Not a great deal of sewing done, but lovely to chat, the group has been meeting in one form or another for 21 years...my how young we were!Lea has some more pics here. I shall miss their chatter, inspiration and gentle support through those testing times in life...it wasn't all about sewing, it was all about sharing too.

These girls are one of the hardest things to leave!

Sadly in the midst of all the moving, my father in law suffered a heart attack and is still very ill in hospital. Fortunately we are now close by so we can visit often. 

So, as you would imagine, there has been little time to stitch. A few cross-stitches at night is all I have been able to manage before I drop into bed. But this week I plan to have some hand-piecing at the ready for some quieter moments...fingers crossed! Here is my interim stitching spot.

 Now, back to the reason for moving....the house continues to progress, frames for the extension are erected and the roof will go on this week. it seems never ending, but it will happen!

And, on a lighter note, here is our very non-citified Molly- her eyes are still on stalks as she becomes used to the city...so many dogs and so many people and cars! Pushbikes, motorbikes and even someone on a kayak! She had never seen the sea before, but quickly cottoned on to the idea of a dog friendly beach (with so many friendly dogs too!). I think she will quite like it here.
Thank you for all your kind wishes...it will be good to be settled again!

Cardygirl xx