This was a very difficult one - not helped by Christmas, grand kids etc. Thought of lots of yellow things like school signs, school buses, but I would have had to get into a hot car in 40 degrees and drive 10 kms to photograph them, so took the easy way out and used stuff I had at home.
Final choices:
Green - Yarrow, growing in my garden
School-days - the 2007 School Year Book
Animal - Year 7s, Young animals, Youth of an animal species. You can take it any way you like.
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Raffle Quilt
December 27th
My quilting group The Retreating Angels, holds a show every two years. In 2008 we will be holding our show in March at winery at Victor harbor. More details later. I thought you might like to see the raffle quilt we have made - proceeds going to Autism SA. We are really pleased with the quilt, although the photos don't really do it justice.
Liz Needle
My quilting group The Retreating Angels, holds a show every two years. In 2008 we will be holding our show in March at winery at Victor harbor. More details later. I thought you might like to see the raffle quilt we have made - proceeds going to Autism SA. We are really pleased with the quilt, although the photos don't really do it justice.
Liz Needle
Christmas
December 27th
Well the flurry of Christmas is over - and what a Christmas it was. For the first time in 3 years we had the whole family here - 9 sleeping in our house - only 2 bedrooms, so we had them camped everywhere, including a tent on the front lawn, which the grand kids loved.
Well the flurry of Christmas is over - and what a Christmas it was. For the first time in 3 years we had the whole family here - 9 sleeping in our house - only 2 bedrooms, so we had them camped everywhere, including a tent on the front lawn, which the grand kids loved.
We had a mountain of presents to unwrap, toys everywhere, great food, wine and lots of laughter. On boxing day we added more family in the way of cousins, uncles aunts etc and another great day.
Playing Pick Up Sticks
Now the Sydney lot are having a couple of days sleepover at our eldest daughter's house and we have the place to ourselves for a few peaceful days. Very pleasant watching the cricket today without a 7 and 3 year old wanting to watch 'Bambi'!
Liz Needle
Friday, December 21, 2007
Mark's Room
Building happening at home. And it's almost there. For the last 18 months we have been working to get a granny flat built at the back of our house for our son Mark.
Mark is a chef, unmarried and currently living at home with us. He has been sleeping on a sofa bed in the lounge, but it's not the best arrangement for any of us.
We live on a 10 acre farmlet and I have a 2-3 acre garden which is getting a bit much for me to keep in order and teach full time as well. We love having Mark at home with us as he can help with the heavier tasks around the place. We think his being home extends by 10 years the time we have here. We don't want to move, but without help it is going to get too big for us.
This being so, we decided to build a room for him - which also adds a bedroom to the house which makes it more saleable eventually. I won't bore you with the traumas we have gone through to get a builder to do the job - too small for most of them. After 18 months it is almost ready - in fact we can use it over Christmas which will be a blessing as we have an influx of family. Here are a few of the stages of growth.
Liz
Mark is a chef, unmarried and currently living at home with us. He has been sleeping on a sofa bed in the lounge, but it's not the best arrangement for any of us.
We live on a 10 acre farmlet and I have a 2-3 acre garden which is getting a bit much for me to keep in order and teach full time as well. We love having Mark at home with us as he can help with the heavier tasks around the place. We think his being home extends by 10 years the time we have here. We don't want to move, but without help it is going to get too big for us.
This being so, we decided to build a room for him - which also adds a bedroom to the house which makes it more saleable eventually. I won't bore you with the traumas we have gone through to get a builder to do the job - too small for most of them. After 18 months it is almost ready - in fact we can use it over Christmas which will be a blessing as we have an influx of family. Here are a few of the stages of growth.
Liz
Scatterday S
Hey, back at last. School is done for the year and I have had a few days to get Christmas more or less organised and get onto the important things like Scatterdays.
I have really missed this fun activity and am glad that at last i have the time to do what I want to do and not what I am expected (paid) to do.
So on with Scatterday S
Beverage - Here a Sparkling wine especially bottled for our school (can I never escape it) 150 birthday.
Christmas - Star - part of the world (LOL) famous Lobethal lights.
Medical - a Slipper bed pan. Found in my great aunt's home when she passed away. Must be pretty ancient because she died 20 or so years ago and was 99 when she died. I think it was used for her older sister whom she nursed for 20 years after she retired to her chaise longue in her 70s. I had it in my bathroom with a pot plant in it.
I have really missed this fun activity and am glad that at last i have the time to do what I want to do and not what I am expected (paid) to do.
So on with Scatterday S
Beverage - Here a Sparkling wine especially bottled for our school (can I never escape it) 150 birthday.
Christmas - Star - part of the world (LOL) famous Lobethal lights.
Medical - a Slipper bed pan. Found in my great aunt's home when she passed away. Must be pretty ancient because she died 20 or so years ago and was 99 when she died. I think it was used for her older sister whom she nursed for 20 years after she retired to her chaise longue in her 70s. I had it in my bathroom with a pot plant in it.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Scatterday H
I struggled with this one. Couldn't think of many alternatives. Everything I though of, I thought everyone would also have. Finally at 11.45pm I came up with my selection.
Toy - cute little rocking Horse that sits on my window sill.
Human - homo sapiens himself.
Soft - my Husband's Hugs.
I wanted to do a whole lot of hugs and I found a number of them, but I know my family would murder me if I put them on my blog, so just this one will have to do.
Liz
Toy - cute little rocking Horse that sits on my window sill.
Human - homo sapiens himself.
Soft - my Husband's Hugs.
I wanted to do a whole lot of hugs and I found a number of them, but I know my family would murder me if I put them on my blog, so just this one will have to do.
Liz
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Scatterday O
Saturday is here again and so is Scatterdays. It's amazing how I look forward to this every week. Thanks Michelle and Dy for creating this time-wasting activity.
Small things - olives from my fridge and my small bonsai Olive tree, that does not get the attention and care it deserves, but still survives.
Breakfast - oats to make the porridge that I love in winter.
Shiny - opal. One of the few pieces of jewellery I own and probably the only piece Don has ever given me apart from my engagement ring. And I only ever got that because he had a winning bet on a horse!!!!
Liz
Small things - olives from my fridge and my small bonsai Olive tree, that does not get the attention and care it deserves, but still survives.
Breakfast - oats to make the porridge that I love in winter.
Shiny - opal. One of the few pieces of jewellery I own and probably the only piece Don has ever given me apart from my engagement ring. And I only ever got that because he had a winning bet on a horse!!!!
Liz
Saturday, November 03, 2007
Scatterday A
Had to think for a while about the letter 'A'. Here are my final selections
Vegetable - Artichokes growing in the garden last year. This year's crop are not looking at all healthy - Don accidentally sprayed them with glyphosate. Needless to say, they are looking a little sick!!
Something I like to smell - allspice or pimentos
round things - an astronomy dome,housing a very large telescope. This was also used as a tracking station for enemy satellites, rockets etc , hence the disguise. In fact a spy tracking station.
- and a rather cheeky 'round' thing. When I asked Don what round thing he could think of starting with 'a', he immediately came up with ' arse'. I think though he was thinking of a cute young 18 year old female one in a g-string. LOL.
Liz Needle
Vegetable - Artichokes growing in the garden last year. This year's crop are not looking at all healthy - Don accidentally sprayed them with glyphosate. Needless to say, they are looking a little sick!!
Something I like to smell - allspice or pimentos
round things - an astronomy dome,housing a very large telescope. This was also used as a tracking station for enemy satellites, rockets etc , hence the disguise. In fact a spy tracking station.
- and a rather cheeky 'round' thing. When I asked Don what round thing he could think of starting with 'a', he immediately came up with ' arse'. I think though he was thinking of a cute young 18 year old female one in a g-string. LOL.
Liz Needle
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Happy Birthday Lobethal
My school - Lobethal Primary School has just celebrated its 150th birthday this last weekend. We have been planning this since late last year and working flat out to get the weekend organised. Now we can all breathe a sigh of relief. It was a great weekend and many memories were revived by many people.
Friday was an Open Day for the school. We teachers conducted classes in the 3Rs and other activities from a bygone era. You may remember things like Friday tests - Spelling and Dictation, Mental and Arithmetic. We had handwriting lessons - copperplate if you don't mind. I really had to brush up on that - geography mapping, handcrafts like potato printing, finger painting, cross stitch on gingham, games like marbles, Ludo, draughts, Chinese Checkers, Snakes and Ladders, Hopscotch and of course Jump Rope. Great fun and the old scholars who visited enjoyed their day back at school. Some of them had attended 70 years ago.
Jump Rope Exhibition Team
On Saturday there was a supper dance for the younger ones. Wonderful supper, just like the old barn dance suppers in the 50s and 60s - plates of sandwiches, pickled onions and gherkins on toothpicks, party pies and pasties, baby frankfurts - little boys - asparagus rolls, fairy cakes, cream puffs, meringues, brandy snaps, lamingtons and so on.
Then on Sunday the Family Picnic and Roll Call. And the oldies turned up in droves with their photos, memorabilia and stories - so many happy memories. A wonderful day and well worth the hours and hours we put into the organisation - but I am glad its over and won't have to be repeated for at least 25 years - and it won't be me doing it then!!
Back then - early fifties
And now
Liz Needle
Friday was an Open Day for the school. We teachers conducted classes in the 3Rs and other activities from a bygone era. You may remember things like Friday tests - Spelling and Dictation, Mental and Arithmetic. We had handwriting lessons - copperplate if you don't mind. I really had to brush up on that - geography mapping, handcrafts like potato printing, finger painting, cross stitch on gingham, games like marbles, Ludo, draughts, Chinese Checkers, Snakes and Ladders, Hopscotch and of course Jump Rope. Great fun and the old scholars who visited enjoyed their day back at school. Some of them had attended 70 years ago.
Jump Rope Exhibition Team
On Saturday there was a supper dance for the younger ones. Wonderful supper, just like the old barn dance suppers in the 50s and 60s - plates of sandwiches, pickled onions and gherkins on toothpicks, party pies and pasties, baby frankfurts - little boys - asparagus rolls, fairy cakes, cream puffs, meringues, brandy snaps, lamingtons and so on.
Then on Sunday the Family Picnic and Roll Call. And the oldies turned up in droves with their photos, memorabilia and stories - so many happy memories. A wonderful day and well worth the hours and hours we put into the organisation - but I am glad its over and won't have to be repeated for at least 25 years - and it won't be me doing it then!!
Back then - early fifties
And nowLiz Needle
Scatterday J
Finally catching up after my computer disaster. Except for the blown up printer, all seems to be going smoothly - though I know it's tempting fate to make comments like that.
'J' - hmmm. I found this difficult. I knew what I wanted to photograph, but couldn't find the opportunity to take the photos. I'll show you what I did get .
Sport - Jump Rope for Heart jump-offs - just one of the many things I have had to cram into the last 2 weeks. And also James jumping in the Long Jump. I had wanted to photograph the javelin being thrown!
Pointed things - Hmm. Tricky. Hope this passes the Scatterday Police. A very sharp lady - full of angles and pointed comments. Our Minister for Education, Jane Lomax-Smith.
Restaurants - there are only 2 'J' restaurants in Adelaide - 35 kms away. Here is the only photo (a very poor one) I could find - Jolley's Boathouse Restaurant. The other one is Jasmin Indian Restaurant.
'J' - hmmm. I found this difficult. I knew what I wanted to photograph, but couldn't find the opportunity to take the photos. I'll show you what I did get .
Sport - Jump Rope for Heart jump-offs - just one of the many things I have had to cram into the last 2 weeks. And also James jumping in the Long Jump. I had wanted to photograph the javelin being thrown!
Pointed things - Hmm. Tricky. Hope this passes the Scatterday Police. A very sharp lady - full of angles and pointed comments. Our Minister for Education, Jane Lomax-Smith.
Restaurants - there are only 2 'J' restaurants in Adelaide - 35 kms away. Here is the only photo (a very poor one) I could find - Jolley's Boathouse Restaurant. The other one is Jasmin Indian Restaurant.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Scatterday P
Finally back online after a monster computer crash. Missed the "P", and as I didn't want to miss out, I am doing it today - only 6 days late.
Sweet things - primroses in my garden. Just the most beautiful perfume and such sweet little flowers.
Red things - post box - very red
Metal - Pauland Pils in a metal can and a very old metal pump both of which I found in a pioneer village we visited.
We have had a very hectic first week back at school - more next time, but it was capped off by the crashing of the computer. We decided that there was so much hidden stuff buzzing away after 10 years that we(my computer geek and I) decided that a total cleanout was in order. Sounded good. Get rid of the junk, save and re-install my documents , favourites, address book etc - all the things I really need. Of course I would have to re-install all the software and printers etc, he told me. No problems, says I. Done it before, says I.
Computer came back yesterday - everything working so much better. But, couldn't get online. Had to re-install something or other. Could I find the CD ? Yes!! Three hours later!!!
Then the printer - wouldn't plug and play. No way. Had to be done another much more complicated way!! And when I finally got it ready to go, tried to print and the b....y printer blew up!!!
OK - now for the scanner!! For some reason it would not install. Needs new driver or some such!! All sorts of weird messages. Computer man out for the night!! I gave up. Who needs a scanner right now anyway.
So far all the other stuff seems OK. But I didn't need all that last night when I had 6 dozen biscuits to make for morning tea at school and a whole day of special lessons to plan for our 150th birthday Open day. But, I survived, the biscuits were a hit and the kids and the old scholars enjoyed the day
Liz
Sweet things - primroses in my garden. Just the most beautiful perfume and such sweet little flowers.
Red things - post box - very red
Metal - Pauland Pils in a metal can and a very old metal pump both of which I found in a pioneer village we visited.
We have had a very hectic first week back at school - more next time, but it was capped off by the crashing of the computer. We decided that there was so much hidden stuff buzzing away after 10 years that we(my computer geek and I) decided that a total cleanout was in order. Sounded good. Get rid of the junk, save and re-install my documents , favourites, address book etc - all the things I really need. Of course I would have to re-install all the software and printers etc, he told me. No problems, says I. Done it before, says I.
Computer came back yesterday - everything working so much better. But, couldn't get online. Had to re-install something or other. Could I find the CD ? Yes!! Three hours later!!!
Then the printer - wouldn't plug and play. No way. Had to be done another much more complicated way!! And when I finally got it ready to go, tried to print and the b....y printer blew up!!!
OK - now for the scanner!! For some reason it would not install. Needs new driver or some such!! All sorts of weird messages. Computer man out for the night!! I gave up. Who needs a scanner right now anyway.
So far all the other stuff seems OK. But I didn't need all that last night when I had 6 dozen biscuits to make for morning tea at school and a whole day of special lessons to plan for our 150th birthday Open day. But, I survived, the biscuits were a hit and the kids and the old scholars enjoyed the day
Liz
Friday, October 12, 2007
Scatterday F
Early this week, but we have a busy day tomorrow.
Cold things - Frozen Frosty Fruits from Foodland - how's that for alliteration?
Signs - a couple of local ones. Fairyland - yes there really is a Fairyland, Virginia. Mosaic maker didn't like the F.
And of course Foodland - chosen more for the Mighty South Aussie bit than for anything else.
Elements - Frost in our garden.
Had a lovely surprise today. One of my ex-students from 35 years ago rang last night to say she was in Lobethal and could she come and visit. She was one of my favourite students ever and as she was a very good athlete and sports mad, I was her favourite teacher.
That was back when I was a young Phys Ed teacher and coached Athletics, Hockey and Softball as well as teaching Phys Ed and running vacation swimming. Val was a top athlete and a very good hockey player.
Nice when kids - well, she's nearly 50 now - remember you and make contact. Makes teaching very worthwhile.
Liz
Scatterday C
Finally have myself back on task with the last Scatterday photos. Could have done several sets for C, but here are my final selections.
Hobby - Crime fiction. If I'd had more time I might have looked for C authors, but these will do.
Pizza Topping - couldn't resist these colourful capsicums
Furniture - a funky chair made from parts of an old carriage and a couch containing a couch potato (also a chef) who wished to be anonymous.
Now for F.
Hobby - Crime fiction. If I'd had more time I might have looked for C authors, but these will do.
Pizza Topping - couldn't resist these colourful capsicums
Furniture - a funky chair made from parts of an old carriage and a couch containing a couch potato (also a chef) who wished to be anonymous.
Now for F.
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Sideny
Hi All,
I'm having a lovely time in Sideny (apologies girls from Sydney. I can't resist. I once taught a kid (a girl called Sideny Fridd - as true as my name is Liz) who was so called because her mother loved to holiday in Sideny. I hope she doesn't have access to the internet!!) Any way I am thoroughly enjoying my holidays with the grand daughters. Wish I could send photos, but DD has a thing about her kids appearing on the internet - and fair enough. I will post some photos to the cows when I get back. I think that will be OK.
Today we did the swimming bit - a regular daily thing during the school hols. The instructor did threaten to kick my youngest grand daughter out of the class if she didn't stand still and listen!! For heavens sake!! The child is only 3!! I taught swimming and ran a pool with 600 children for more years than the instructor has lived and if she can't cope with one lively, intelligent and totally bored child, then she shouldn't be teaching. She's lucky I didn't leap into the pool and biff her. I have watched the classes and honestly I think they are the most uninterested, bored lot of teachers (no, instructors) I have ever seen!! If they had been working for me - they wouldn't have a job by now!!) You have to make lessons interesting and fascinating for kids (yes, even swimming) and these young instructors missed the boat entirely.
Off my hobby horse. I have very definite ideas on teaching and think I know what I am talking about. I am still teaching after 45 years and the kids still enjoy it - even Maths!!!! Shut up, Liz!!
We went to Fox Studios and spent time painting plaster models - even me, riding the Merry go Round, jumping in the bouncing castle, exploring toy shops, buying Christmas decorations, going to the movies, cleaning bedrooms, reading stories, dressing up, making gingerbread men - all the Nanna sort of stuff I have to catch up on. Just delightful!! Home again tomorrow with lots of lovely memories and the knowledge that they will all be in Adelaide in December, sleeping in my sewing room, hogging the TV, terrorising the dogs, cooking gingerbread houses in the kitchen, decorating the Chrissie tree, wrecking the garden, trashing the house and twisting Don and I around their little pinkies!! Lovely!!
Catch you all when I get back home.
Liz
I'm having a lovely time in Sideny (apologies girls from Sydney. I can't resist. I once taught a kid (a girl called Sideny Fridd - as true as my name is Liz) who was so called because her mother loved to holiday in Sideny. I hope she doesn't have access to the internet!!) Any way I am thoroughly enjoying my holidays with the grand daughters. Wish I could send photos, but DD has a thing about her kids appearing on the internet - and fair enough. I will post some photos to the cows when I get back. I think that will be OK.
Today we did the swimming bit - a regular daily thing during the school hols. The instructor did threaten to kick my youngest grand daughter out of the class if she didn't stand still and listen!! For heavens sake!! The child is only 3!! I taught swimming and ran a pool with 600 children for more years than the instructor has lived and if she can't cope with one lively, intelligent and totally bored child, then she shouldn't be teaching. She's lucky I didn't leap into the pool and biff her. I have watched the classes and honestly I think they are the most uninterested, bored lot of teachers (no, instructors) I have ever seen!! If they had been working for me - they wouldn't have a job by now!!) You have to make lessons interesting and fascinating for kids (yes, even swimming) and these young instructors missed the boat entirely.
Off my hobby horse. I have very definite ideas on teaching and think I know what I am talking about. I am still teaching after 45 years and the kids still enjoy it - even Maths!!!! Shut up, Liz!!
We went to Fox Studios and spent time painting plaster models - even me, riding the Merry go Round, jumping in the bouncing castle, exploring toy shops, buying Christmas decorations, going to the movies, cleaning bedrooms, reading stories, dressing up, making gingerbread men - all the Nanna sort of stuff I have to catch up on. Just delightful!! Home again tomorrow with lots of lovely memories and the knowledge that they will all be in Adelaide in December, sleeping in my sewing room, hogging the TV, terrorising the dogs, cooking gingerbread houses in the kitchen, decorating the Chrissie tree, wrecking the garden, trashing the house and twisting Don and I around their little pinkies!! Lovely!!
Catch you all when I get back home.
Liz
Saturday, October 06, 2007
Scatterdays
May be a bit late this week with my scatterdays. I am flying off to Sydney tomorrow - Saturday - to see my little darlings. Sorry guys, but my time in Sydney is all too infrequent and very precious. 3 or 4 days twice a year and every minute spent in catching up with my grand daughters - and that time not nearly long enough. I never thought I would become so totally hooked on little kids, but there you are.
One day I promise I will make time to catch up on Sydney friends, but not this time, alas. Only 4 days. Not enough time to even find out how much improved is the reading, how kinder is going, how far we can now swim, what we have learned in ballet and gymnastics, how many tricks the dog has learned, who loves who and who has kissed who, what new clothes we have and who are now the best friends and who is no longer on the friends list.
Back in 4 days. Catch up with everyone then.
Liz
One day I promise I will make time to catch up on Sydney friends, but not this time, alas. Only 4 days. Not enough time to even find out how much improved is the reading, how kinder is going, how far we can now swim, what we have learned in ballet and gymnastics, how many tricks the dog has learned, who loves who and who has kissed who, what new clothes we have and who are now the best friends and who is no longer on the friends list.
Back in 4 days. Catch up with everyone then.
Liz
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Check out my Slide Show!
My friend Pennie posted some lovely photos of her garden, so I thought I would show you what my garden looks like in Spring.
Liz
Friday, September 28, 2007
Scatterday W
Lovely surprise for me this week.
1. Black things - our wellies - a dirty black, but still black
2. Toys - Boys toys - weights
2. Tools - Whippersnipper. But look what I found in the shed. A nest built on the whippersnipper. And in the nest - a cute little mother blackbird. Such a brave little mum. Not in the least fazed by a clumsy, nosey human with a flash!!
HOLIDAYS!!! I am on holidays as of now. Time to sew, I hope. Have some quilt tops to get ready for quilting, so hopefully that is how I will be able to spend a few days. But, already DH is saying - "two weeks together. Now what shall we do? " Grrrr!!!!
Liz
Oops!!! Just realised that the topic is "games", not "toys". How did I get that wrong. Will have to think about that. Lucky I did it on Friday so I have a day to correct it.
1. Black things - our wellies - a dirty black, but still black
2. Toys - Boys toys - weights
2. Tools - Whippersnipper. But look what I found in the shed. A nest built on the whippersnipper. And in the nest - a cute little mother blackbird. Such a brave little mum. Not in the least fazed by a clumsy, nosey human with a flash!!
HOLIDAYS!!! I am on holidays as of now. Time to sew, I hope. Have some quilt tops to get ready for quilting, so hopefully that is how I will be able to spend a few days. But, already DH is saying - "two weeks together. Now what shall we do? " Grrrr!!!!
Liz
Oops!!! Just realised that the topic is "games", not "toys". How did I get that wrong. Will have to think about that. Lucky I did it on Friday so I have a day to correct it.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
She's "hot"!
Had a giggle the other day. I was doing an activity with my class of 12 year olds where they had to look at a series of photos of people and think about what the people might be like - personalities, talents, occupations etc. This was part of a unit about first impressions and not judging people by their looks etc.
The photos included several politicians, a couple of dictators, some serial killers, scientists, artists, musicians and a couple of ordinary people. Interesting that a number of the kids picked that Lizzie Borden and Ted Bundy looked very similar (and scary) around the eyes.
Anyway, I held up one photo of a girl in her twenties or so and asked them what they had to say about her. One of my boys commented "Wow! She's hot!!" and the others agreed. I asked them if they knew who it was. "No, probably a TV person?" Held the photo up alongside my face and said, "Now does she ring a bell?"
Well, you should have seen the looks on the faces of the boys. And the girls just howled with laughter at them. The boys still maintain that their frumpy old teacher used to look "Hot".
The photo in question - taken about 35 years ago. I think it was the blonde hair they liked.
Liz
The photos included several politicians, a couple of dictators, some serial killers, scientists, artists, musicians and a couple of ordinary people. Interesting that a number of the kids picked that Lizzie Borden and Ted Bundy looked very similar (and scary) around the eyes.
Anyway, I held up one photo of a girl in her twenties or so and asked them what they had to say about her. One of my boys commented "Wow! She's hot!!" and the others agreed. I asked them if they knew who it was. "No, probably a TV person?" Held the photo up alongside my face and said, "Now does she ring a bell?"
Well, you should have seen the looks on the faces of the boys. And the girls just howled with laughter at them. The boys still maintain that their frumpy old teacher used to look "Hot".
The photo in question - taken about 35 years ago. I think it was the blonde hair they liked.Liz
Scatterday B
I actually found this one more difficult than Q for some reason.
1. B is for bee
2. Favourite things - some of my bears. Grew up during the war years so never had any of these as a child.
2. Big things - and what could be bigger than Brad?
4. Shop - did you ever play that game as a child - "I went shopping and I bought..........". Here is a selection of 'Bs' from my shopping at the supermarket - baked beans, borlotti beans, battery, bread mix, butter, bread, baking powder, Brasso, beer, a bottle of Bird in Hand wine, biscuits, basil etc.
Liz
1. B is for bee
2. Favourite things - some of my bears. Grew up during the war years so never had any of these as a child.
2. Big things - and what could be bigger than Brad?
4. Shop - did you ever play that game as a child - "I went shopping and I bought..........". Here is a selection of 'Bs' from my shopping at the supermarket - baked beans, borlotti beans, battery, bread mix, butter, bread, baking powder, Brasso, beer, a bottle of Bird in Hand wine, biscuits, basil etc.
Liz
Friday, September 14, 2007
This Week!
This has been a hectic week - 2 weeks in fact. So much has been happening that my class is having a ball. We have been too busy to do any real schoolwork. Roll on next week. They are in for a real shock!! Liz the slave drive will be back on form!!
We had our school concert on Tuesday - the reason for the lack of work. For the last few years the concert has been very low key, but with a new principal things have changed a bit. Still, it went off very well and there were lots of favourable comments - all good for the school. Here are a few photos.
Some of the little Vietnamese kids joining in the fun.
Kindies playing the merimba. This is an instrument similar to a xylophone and the kids just love it!
The senior schoolchoir performing.
We had our school concert on Tuesday - the reason for the lack of work. For the last few years the concert has been very low key, but with a new principal things have changed a bit. Still, it went off very well and there were lots of favourable comments - all good for the school. Here are a few photos.
Some of the little Vietnamese kids joining in the fun.
Kindies playing the merimba. This is an instrument similar to a xylophone and the kids just love it!
The senior schoolchoir performing.
Scatterday Q
My choices for this week.
1. Clothing - quilted jacket. Not very original
2. Music - musical Quartets - The Beatles, ABBA, The Highwaymen, The Four Tenors, Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Mamas and the Papas - Ooops! I forgot the Platters
3. Square things - A square 'Q'. I think I deserve 10 for this one. LOL.
Liz
1. Clothing - quilted jacket. Not very original
2. Music - musical Quartets - The Beatles, ABBA, The Highwaymen, The Four Tenors, Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Mamas and the Papas - Ooops! I forgot the Platters
3. Square things - A square 'Q'. I think I deserve 10 for this one. LOL.
Liz
Friday, September 07, 2007
Scatterday R
It's not actually Saturday yet, but I am not sure what time I'll have tomorrow. I hope you approve my choices.
1. Plants - Rhododendrons (though strictly speaking they are called azaleas now)
2. Childhood - Rabbits were always a very important part of my kids' lives - along with practically every other pet you can think of.
3. The Arts - this had me stumped for ages. Finally settled on "Ruddigore" - a Gilbert and Sullivan operetta. Coincidentally I am reading a Kerry Greenwood book called "Ruddy Gore", where detective Phryne Fisher solves a murder in a theatre where Ruddigore is being performed.
Have a good weekend, all.
Liz
1. Plants - Rhododendrons (though strictly speaking they are called azaleas now)
2. Childhood - Rabbits were always a very important part of my kids' lives - along with practically every other pet you can think of.
3. The Arts - this had me stumped for ages. Finally settled on "Ruddigore" - a Gilbert and Sullivan operetta. Coincidentally I am reading a Kerry Greenwood book called "Ruddy Gore", where detective Phryne Fisher solves a murder in a theatre where Ruddigore is being performed.
Have a good weekend, all.
Liz
Sunday, September 02, 2007
Zoooom!
Played with my camera last night while Don watched the football. This is the result of playing with the zoom feature. The photo was on the window sill on the other side of the room - about 15 feet away.
1. Ordinary zoom - 1X12
2. Extra zoom - 1X18
3. Digital zoom - 1X72
When I turned on the digital zoom, I felt like I had too much to drink. The picture wobbled all over the place. Will have to use a tripod if I ever use this one.
Don was suitably impressed with my new purchase, being no photographer himself and a complete techno dummy.
Liz
1. Ordinary zoom - 1X12
2. Extra zoom - 1X18
3. Digital zoom - 1X72
When I turned on the digital zoom, I felt like I had too much to drink. The picture wobbled all over the place. Will have to use a tripod if I ever use this one.
Don was suitably impressed with my new purchase, being no photographer himself and a complete techno dummy.
Liz
Friday, August 31, 2007
Scatterday G
Scatterday G
Originally uploaded by lulubelleliz
Well, it's almost Saturday. In fact it is in the eastern states, so here is my Scatterday selection for this week
Vehicle - one for David Griffiths - an old Garford bus
Household utensils - a vintage trio form my collection - a grater, a meat grinder and a coffee grinder.
Colour- green chestnuts growing in my garden .
The vehicle caused me some grief. Eventually I visited the Birdwood Motor Museum and found this beauty, along with a Gogomobile and a Greeves motor cycle. Then on the way home I spied a garbage truck and a grader - all that on the last day, after I had fretted all week.
I wonder what the others came up with?
Liz
Thursday, August 30, 2007
More practice
I do love this new camera. I have decided to spend time practising a particular thing with it until I am reasonably proficient. Every other time I have bought a new camera I have done little more than glance at the manual so that I know how to point and shoot.
I suspect that my garden is going to get a going over while I am in the close-up mood/mode.
Liz
I suspect that my garden is going to get a going over while I am in the close-up mood/mode.
Liz
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
New camera shots
I have just taken possession of a new camera - a Panasonic Lumix SZ8. Somewhat more advanced than my little old Canon Ixus. Whether it takes better pictures remains to be seen. Today I experimented with some closeups. I rather like the magnolia close-up.
Liz
Liz
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Kids today!
Last night 16 kids from my Year 6/7 class participated in the 40 Hour Famine with a sleepover at school. Sure it's a bit of fun having a sleepover, but nevertheless they, along with thousands of children throughout Australia have committed to raising money to help children from Laos. They don't have to do it - it is done freely and happily.
Halfway through the evening we watched a video about the poverty in Laos - quite graphic and very sad. After that we discussed the situation and the real reason we were having the sleepover. Their comments were thoughtful and concerned. Several were moved to tears. Momentarily at least, they were part of a global community, striving to think about others and how they could help.They are only 12 years old, but they are doing something.
Off to bed on empty stomachs - at least they have warm sleeping bags, even if they have to sleep on the floor with no comfortable mattresses.
Breakfast - a bowl of plain boiled rice never tasted so good. I wonder how they would feel if that was all their mothers gave them once a day.
Kids are aware of the global crisis and are more than willing to work their little butts off, with a little direction from adults. I am very proud of my class and the things they do to try to make a difference in the world in their own small way. It is a pity that more adults don't join them.
Liz Needle
Liz Needle
Saturday, August 25, 2007
"L" Scatterday
Sewing - Lace, a selection of antique laces from Don's nana
Animal - a Litter of pups - enjoying the mobile milk bar
Food - Lentils, Lime leaves and Lima beans from my pantry
Well, having learnt how to create a mosaic yesterday - even though I forgot to change the grid numbers and finished up with that great ugly white space, tonight I have finished my "L" Mosaic for the Scatterday Challenge.
I did have a few problems with the animal category, so I hope my entry meets the criteria.
Liz
Friday, August 24, 2007
Another computing skill
Well, tonight I managed to make a mosaic. Now I just have to get it onto my Blog, which may be harder than actually creating the mosaic, because I haven't really worked out how to do it. I think I'll just have to save it into a folder then upload it.
The photos are all of bits of my garden - not currently, because its looking very much the worse for wear - drought and frost - but hopefully it will regain some of its former beauty.
Liz
The photos are all of bits of my garden - not currently, because its looking very much the worse for wear - drought and frost - but hopefully it will regain some of its former beauty.
Liz
Visit to Parliament House
Last week my Year 6/7 class visited Parliament House as part of Democracy Week. They were able to take part in a mock parliamentary debate in the Legislative Council Chambers. It was absolutely brilliant. The kids formed the two main parties, a Premier and Leader of the Opposition were chosen and the positions of Speaker, Sergeant at Arms and Clerk were also filled. The bill they debated was that mobile phones should be banned at schools. As you can imagine the discussion was lively.
They got to sit in the seats of real live members of parliament and they assured me the seats were extremely comfortable. Could we expect anything less? Nothing but the best!!!
Education was never this interesting when I was at school!!!!
Liz Needle
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Success - I hope
August 23rd
Well I have just spent an hour or so trying to create a slide show. It remains to be seen whether I have been successful. In a few moments I will know whether technology has defeated me!!! If it had been one of my Year 6/7s I am sure all would have been achieved in a moment and with far less angst.
The slide show (I hope) is of some of the quilts I have made over the last 12 or so years. Have to admit I am not very prolific, but I know there have been more than this. Sigh......... I'll have to be more assiduous in taking photos.
Have to say I had fun creating this slide show - if it works. Enjoy!!
Liz
PS. Yeay!!! It worked. Next thing to try is a mosaic - tomorrow!!
Friday, August 17, 2007
Catch Up
Oh dear!! I have slipped a bit. My good intentions of keeping my Blog up to date have fallen in a bit of a hole. I must get myself organised, particularly as my friends are starting to get themselves these magnificent blogs with all manner of fancy technological (what a great word!! - I love words) stuff that I just cannot work out.
My excuse is work pressure!! Well, I have to have an excuse!!
As many of you know, we have a number of new arrival students in our school - kids who have come directly from another country - in our case Vietnam. Lovely kids and they are really having an impact on our little closed community in the Adelaide Hills.
Last week we had a visit from the Lieutenant Governor of South Australia - a really important person in the life of our little country school. He was Mr Hieu Van Le. Mr Van Le came to Australia in 1977 as a boat person. He landed in Darwin, a refugee from Vietnam. A week later he was flown to Adelaide - all he owned were the clothes he was dressed in - T-shirt, shorts and thongs!! The next day he had a job in a factory. Today he is the Lieutenant Governor of South Australia - and a very impressive man.
He spoke to our Vietnamese children about his life and how he came to Australia. He impressed upon them the importance of perseverance and to keep trying until they achieved their goals.
My excuse is work pressure!! Well, I have to have an excuse!!
As many of you know, we have a number of new arrival students in our school - kids who have come directly from another country - in our case Vietnam. Lovely kids and they are really having an impact on our little closed community in the Adelaide Hills.
Last week we had a visit from the Lieutenant Governor of South Australia - a really important person in the life of our little country school. He was Mr Hieu Van Le. Mr Van Le came to Australia in 1977 as a boat person. He landed in Darwin, a refugee from Vietnam. A week later he was flown to Adelaide - all he owned were the clothes he was dressed in - T-shirt, shorts and thongs!! The next day he had a job in a factory. Today he is the Lieutenant Governor of South Australia - and a very impressive man.
He spoke to our Vietnamese children about his life and how he came to Australia. He impressed upon them the importance of perseverance and to keep trying until they achieved their goals.
Lieu and Nga
Nga and Mr Hieu Van Le
But what really stuck in my mind and it keeps coming back to me over and over. Just five words, but so powerful!! He told them that "Australia allows you to dream". Think about it!! I have - over and over. I just cannot forget those words!
"Australia allows you to dream."
Liz Needle
"Australia allows you to dream."
Liz Needle
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Another goal achieved
August 1st.
7 months of this year gone and I am feeling that I am slowly achieving lots of small goals.
On Monday I visited my tax agent and got two years tax out of the way - a nice refund too. Maybe I'll buy a new camera with the proceeds. My poor little Canon is about 7 years old and quite outdated now - only 2.1 mega pixels!! I've also persuaded my son to get his tax organised - now that is a real achievement, but I'll only believe it when it happens!!
Our extra room is finally going to happen. We're signing the contract this week and then building will begin - and we'll be broke again. Thank goodness for the tax man.
And this week I finally put together a Dresden Plate quilt top - the blocks have been sitting around for about 4 years. They were made for me by Woodpatch Quilters as a friendship quilt, but quite a few of them needed some work done and I was two short, so last weekend I got stuck into it. Here is the result.
Now I have to think about the sort of border I want on it. Nothing too fancy. Maybe a plain cream scallopped border with blue binding? What do you think?
7 months of this year gone and I am feeling that I am slowly achieving lots of small goals.
On Monday I visited my tax agent and got two years tax out of the way - a nice refund too. Maybe I'll buy a new camera with the proceeds. My poor little Canon is about 7 years old and quite outdated now - only 2.1 mega pixels!! I've also persuaded my son to get his tax organised - now that is a real achievement, but I'll only believe it when it happens!!
Our extra room is finally going to happen. We're signing the contract this week and then building will begin - and we'll be broke again. Thank goodness for the tax man.
And this week I finally put together a Dresden Plate quilt top - the blocks have been sitting around for about 4 years. They were made for me by Woodpatch Quilters as a friendship quilt, but quite a few of them needed some work done and I was two short, so last weekend I got stuck into it. Here is the result.
Now I have to think about the sort of border I want on it. Nothing too fancy. Maybe a plain cream scallopped border with blue binding? What do you think?
Borders always seem to be my stumbling block. I have two tops waiting for borders and I haven't a clue what I want to do with them. One of my problems is that I leave the border fabric until last, when I should get it earlier. By the time I am ready, colour fashions and styles have changed and I can never find the right fabric.
I'd really appreciate some suggestions - if there is anyone out there!!
Liz Needle
Friday, July 27, 2007
Friday at last!!
July 27th
Finally Friday is here!! Lovely weekend to look forward to - and the housework that goes with it!!
I arrived home tonight feeling quite invigorated. Cooked a big pot of minestrone soup - that covers lunch for the weekend, then retired to the sewing room. Finally stitched the borders on a quilt top for my youngest granddaughter, Erinn. Really pleased with it too. I guess this one will end up on the floor just like the one I made for Niamh!!
Finally Friday is here!! Lovely weekend to look forward to - and the housework that goes with it!!
I arrived home tonight feeling quite invigorated. Cooked a big pot of minestrone soup - that covers lunch for the weekend, then retired to the sewing room. Finally stitched the borders on a quilt top for my youngest granddaughter, Erinn. Really pleased with it too. I guess this one will end up on the floor just like the one I made for Niamh!!
This is a pretty little quilt, just perfect for a three year old. It's from a book called 'Fairyland', by Australian designer, Natalie Bird. Very cute. Here are a few of the blocks.
What next? Well, I have about 20 blue and white and yellow Dresden plate blocks which were made for me when I was a Woodpatch quilter. Quite a few of them need fixing up as some of the quilters didn't bother to trim the inner circle before they appliqued the centres and the ragged edges are showing through under the yellow centres. That's the reason they are still in a box somewhere, but it's time I got them out and put them together - my August challenge.
My other challenge is to get the roses and hydrangeas pruned. Spring will be upon us and nothing will be ready. At least the long dry summer kept the weeds at bay, but with the rain we have been having this winter, they will soon be on the move. I hope this summer we have enough water to keep things looking good.
Liz Needle
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Back to school
Thursday July 26th
Well, nearly a week back at school and I feel like I've been back for 10 days straight. I find the first week of term very tiring, especially on the voice, which has been rarely used for a fortnight!
Had a very peaceful, relaxing holiday - some housework achieved, though nowhere near as much as planned. Little gardening done - far too cold to even venture outside. We did move a dozen very large tree ferns and relocated them to the front garden. This had to be done to clear an area to build a new room - mainly for Mark, though it will be very handy when the grandchildren come to visit.
We went to Varekai - Cirque du soleil - and as usual just loved it. Brilliant costumes, great music and so much action and movement. This was a birthday present from my lovely daughter, Jo.
My best achieevement though was to finish the blocks for a quilt I am making. And I put them together in time for Show and Tell with my quilting group. Just have to work out what to do for a border - but so far I love this quilt. It is from a pattern called Stars in my Garden, by Lori Smith. I have done all the applique blocks by hand - buttonhole, which has been fun as I have been able to sit by the fire and keep Don company, instead of disappearing into the sewing room.
Whole quilt minus borders
Smaller units
Well, nearly a week back at school and I feel like I've been back for 10 days straight. I find the first week of term very tiring, especially on the voice, which has been rarely used for a fortnight!
Had a very peaceful, relaxing holiday - some housework achieved, though nowhere near as much as planned. Little gardening done - far too cold to even venture outside. We did move a dozen very large tree ferns and relocated them to the front garden. This had to be done to clear an area to build a new room - mainly for Mark, though it will be very handy when the grandchildren come to visit.
We went to Varekai - Cirque du soleil - and as usual just loved it. Brilliant costumes, great music and so much action and movement. This was a birthday present from my lovely daughter, Jo.
My best achieevement though was to finish the blocks for a quilt I am making. And I put them together in time for Show and Tell with my quilting group. Just have to work out what to do for a border - but so far I love this quilt. It is from a pattern called Stars in my Garden, by Lori Smith. I have done all the applique blocks by hand - buttonhole, which has been fun as I have been able to sit by the fire and keep Don company, instead of disappearing into the sewing room.
Whole quilt minus borders
Smaller units
When it is finished it will be sent away for quilting. Too big for me to tackle. I have two others to finish by September when they are booked in to a quilter.
Time to do some schoolwork!!
Liz Needle
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Garden bits
July 17th
I found this photo I took a week or so back during our frosty spell. This was not the worst day, but still very cold. Our fishponds froze and the dogs' bowl and birdbaths became iceblocks.
I found this photo I took a week or so back during our frosty spell. This was not the worst day, but still very cold. Our fishponds froze and the dogs' bowl and birdbaths became iceblocks.
And while the garden is very bare at the moment, the hellebore's are just beginning to show their new flowers. These are two new ones I put in last year.
Liz
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