Homecoming

Home.  Four little letters that mean so much when your loved one has been in hospital with major heart surgery.

Last Monday week Tony underwent triple bypass surgery which took over six hours.  Our two girls and my brother helped so much through the stressful time and the phone never stopped ringing with an anxious interstate son and friends near and far wanting to know how he was progressing.  Much to the amazement of the medical staff, he came through it so well that six days later I was able to pick him up and bring him home.  It was Australia Day - how appropriate was that?  Of course, he is still a little fragile and there are weeks of rehab ahead, but he has made such wonderful progress.

We have had a steady stream of visitors and telephone calls since Tony's return home.  Yesterday he had the first visit from our Sydney grandchildren who came with their Welcome Home card. They were so happy to see him, although the beginnings of a white beard threw them a little.

Later in the day some dear friends arrived briefly with the most beautiful bunch of Summer Red Eucalyptus. We are indeed blessed to have such wonderful and caring family and friends and we never take them for granted.

Next week I will get back to sewing, but for now I am content to have Tony slowly but surely getting stronger.  It will be our 44th wedding anniversary in a few days and we will happily celebrate quietly.  At home.

Happy Birthday Schoolhouse Quilters

Twenty years ago I joined a fledgling group of quilters.  This small little band was formed by Sharyn Hall and we returned to Brisbane after an absence of four years in time for me to attend the third meeting in the staff room of Kenmore State School.  Like Topsy, we have grown.

Today was our twentieth anniversary celebration (a month late) and also our Annual General Meeting.  A lot of water has passed under the bridge in the intervening years, but among this group of quilters are some of my closest friends.  We have supported each other through the good times and the bad and I know I am truly blessed to have such wonderful companions.

And what's a special celebration without cake?

Schoolhouse Day President Alison Campbell presents our celebration cake

The honour of cutting the cake went to five Schoolhouse members who were at the original meeting in September 1990.

Original Schoolhouse members Pat Burgess, Robyn Mallett, Kaye Tanner, Denise Barbero and Sharyn Hall

Fresh cream and strawberry topping.  Mmmm ...

It didn't last long.

Next month, let's all wear green.

Muffin Rowlands' Liberty bag with work in progress

The day ended with Show & Tell.  Wonderful. 

To top off the joyous occasion, we basked in the reflected glory of several Schoolhouse Quilters who took out major awards at the Craft & Quilt Fair held at the Brisbane Convention Centre over the previous week.

I'm planning on being around for the 30th anniversary and have already ordered my walking frame.  Happy 20th Anniversary Schoolhouse Quilters.

Happy Second Anniversary BrisStyle

Surely it can't be two years since twelve brave little Brisbane Etsy sellers met at the Avid Reader Cafe to form a local support group.  Today, with our membership passing the 130 mark, we are truly a force to be reckoned with.

Committee members from left:  Rebecca, Helen and Samantha

Where else would you rather be on a warm and balmy Saturday than sitting on the front verandah of this heritage listed building?

Lunch of delicious (and plentiful!) wraps, salads and fresh tropical fruit were washed down with chilled apple juice and beautiful coffee.

Helen has the photography technique down to a fine art - look at the expert hand placement.

I had to leave before the gift swap took place, but I am sure there will be many happy faces tonight if previous swaps are anything to go by.

So a hearty congratulations to all BrisStylers, old and new.  We have come a long way and the year ahead looks very exciting, with markets and social events to fill just about every need.