SSCS, FNSI, Christmas cake 'n' more...

...well this post has been in the making for a day or two, so I apologise now for all the randomness, and the photo overload, it is that time of year and so much is happening, and like most of you, I have been rather hectic, trying to get Christmas organised alongside of daily life in the country and the quilt shop

my childhood friend visited with her Mum recently and stayed overnight, it was absolutely fabulous to catch up with them after so long, Beverley and I grew up across the road from each other, went to primary school together, but different high schools. We met up again when we both ended up doing our nursing training together in the same cohort, and keep in touch, even though Beverley now lives in Qatar.

..and Rosemary (from the UK), visited my shop too, when she was holidaying here with her husband - they were having a fab holiday in NZ, and I am so pleased that she called in. We are both doing the Sue Spargo 2011 BOM Imperial Blooms, along with many others worldwide,

When we went to Dunedin to see the Elton John concert recently, we stayed with our good friends Mike and Sarah, while the blokes were out rowing, Sarah and I headed to The Broad Bay China shop, this is a delightful little boutique junk shop, with  the most amazing treasures galore - vintage linens and laces, and the most impressive collection of china - a true treasure trove!

and a bit of time in the garden, we have so much rain for what we usually have at this time of year, and everything is sooo green, of course that means that while the flowers and grass are flourishing, so are the weeds

YIPPEE - my SSCS present arrived from Lorraine - how exciting seeing who my swap partner was - THANK YOU ever so much Lorraine, see the lovely handmade ornament that Lorraine sent, and 2 more BIG presents for under the tree, I was so tempted to rip into them, my present to Kate has arrived as well, this has been such a fun swap, THANKS Chookyblue!!

BUT as the ribbon says ~ no peeking!

I played with these tags...

to create this which I saw here,

and finally got my December Daily album together ~ with some pages completed but lots more to do yet!

I have to show you my new funky chair, isn't it delightful, and great for sitting stitching, quilting or sewing on  bindings,

some more treasures from Omarama, Ellie and I had to make a trip there Monday for her vaccinations, and I simply could not drive past this shop ~ not that I need any more of these, however I do have a few ideas....
Whilst I was poking about seeking out these goodies, I heard a car alarm go off, not once but 3 times. On investigation, I discovered it was my car, Ellie was buckled into the back seat but had some room for movement and set off the alarm ~ which I now know that we have!

finished the quilting on this Christmas quilt, can you see the Christmas trees?

and the fireflys on the back of this quilt, these are both Christmas presents..... and my effort for last Friday nights stitch-in, there is another one this Friday night as well to help us all get that Christmas stitching completed, head on over to Heidi's blog and sign up..

 the binding now on this one

and some social time at the local pizza bar, just one of many end of year do's... I am so over wine and food right about now,

and this delightful little towrag, has been munching pine cones and made such a mess in our lounge,

oh and I finally made the Christmas cake...s