Pages

Monday, February 26, 2024

Recent makes

If you follow me on Instagram then you will have seen some of these already. I'm doing The 100 day project . I decided on a whim that for my 100 days, I would make a card a day. I've made 9 and at this stage it is fun and doesn't feel like a chore. If it gets to that stage then I might just call it quits. Most days it has been a 5 to 10 minute follow along painting tutorial video. 


Other days I just get out my box of papery bits and pieces, stickers, washi tape, and glue and just make something. 


I am in a swap which is for a handmade mending patch. I made the patch below for my partner. It was more difficult than I thought it would be because I tend to overthink these things. The actual making is not hard, just trying not to worry too much about is it good enough and trying not too do too much, it's a mending patch afterall.




 Not a good picture of it but I have also made some bunting for the vegetable garden. It has no use other than it brings me some delight. It looks pretty waving about in the breeze. I have wanted some for ages so just got in and did it, all 6 metres of it. A great way to put some scraps to use.

Tracy


Monday, February 19, 2024

Vietnam 2023

Early in November last year, we had a trip to Vietnam. We have only been on one package tour before and I didn't think I would do another but a decent price and a 2 for 1 offer from TripADeal had us booking it in. I was dubious before the trip but wanted to go. I'm glad I did. Vietnam is a beautiful country, the people we met were friendly, and the tour itself was quite good. There were only 11 people on our tour so it was a nice small group and everyone could get to know each other.


We saw plenty of churches and temples. 


I'm generally a tea drinker but I really liked the Vietnamese coffee with condensed milk. It's strong and sweet and a little goes a long way.


Of course I posted a few postcards. Shopping in Vietnam is interesting. In a lot of places, haggling is welcome and expected. I am not good at it. I'd rather know how much to pay and just pay it. It is an inexpensive country to be a tourist in. Food, drink ,and most things are much cheaper than here in Australia. Just have to get your head around the currency.


Hanoi was very busy and bustling. The traffic and scooters in particular are a sight. Crossing the road was daunting at first but you get the hang of it quickly enough and it becomes less frightening.





We had an overnight cruise on Halong Bay. WOW!. It is quite a spectacular place. Yes, there are a lot of cruise boats on the bay but it when you are on the boat, it is quiet and peaceful. Just cruising along looking at all of the amazing  limestone monoliths. 



We stayed in the mountain region of Pu Luong. It is away from the city and beautiful. Terraced rice fields, chickens, water buffalo, cattle, and dogs on the roads. Nice and rural.


The train street in Hanoi. I am glad we went there. After a morning on a walking tour of the city it was nice to enjoy an peach iced-tea and wait for the train (which does run dangerously close).



 Would I return to Vietnam? Definitely. 

I am now working out the details of a trip for later in the year.

Tracy xo

Sunday, February 18, 2024

Out of habit


 It is so easy to get out of the habit of doing something even if it is something you enjoy. I think that is what happened with this blog. One thing then another put me off and then the new habit of just not blogging became the norm. Recently I've been looking back at old posts to find pictures as it is easier than searching through the thousands that are on the computer. It made me realise that this really is a good platform to record bits and pieces for posterity and also to share if anyone is interested. 

So whilst this is a bit of a nothing post, I will be sharing a bit more even if it just so I can remember.

Tracy xo

Friday, January 5, 2024

Crafting

 


The first Friday of the month means Friday Night with Friends which is hosted by Cheryll. I have an idea of what I want to get started on and maybe even finish tonight. We'll see.


In the mean time, I can share a couple of pictures of the items I made for the Advent craft swap I was in. It's a fun swap and if it runs again this year I will probably join again. 


My 24 items consisted of 6 'ouch-pouches'. Just tiny pouches to keep some basic first aid supplies in your bag.



My other make was 18 mini Christmas buntings. I really enjoyed making these and they were quite quick to whip up. A great way to use the stash too. 

Anyway, I hope I will be back sometime tomorrow to share what I made for Friday Night with Friends, 

Tracy xo

Monday, January 1, 2024

Happy New Year

I am glad to turn the page on the calendar and head into a brand new year. Wishing everyone a happy, safe, healthy, and joy-filled 2024.





 Tracy xo

Friday, December 1, 2023

Hello again


Life has changed a lot this year especially in the last little while. Tim and I have done some travelling this year but for now I am more than happy to just stay at home for a while. We spent time in Singapore, Ireland, Iceland, and the UK. Last month we went to Vietnam. I feel so fortunate and grateful to have had these experiences. These were the good times.



Halong Bay



Beer Street, Hanoi


 We have had our share of heartache this year. Our little dog, Arrow, passed away at the age of 19. She needed quite a bit of care and attention at the end and it was our privilege to provide it. We also lost out cat, Puss. She was the sweetest girl and her death was sudden and we weren't prepared. It has really hit me hard. 

This is just a quick post as a way of trying to start over.

Tracy xo

Sunday, February 5, 2023

February FNwF

I'm a little late posting about my crafting I did for Friday Night with Friends for this month. I've been running late for almost everything for about a year now but I'm trying to catch up. Thank you Cheryll for hosting this fun get together.


 This time around I did a bit of crochet. I sat outside with the cats and it was lovely. The evenings are starting to cool down which is nice. The days are a different story, so hot and the sun is harsh. I'm not sure how big I will be able to make this blanket with the leftover yarn but it is a good feeling knowing that the yarn isn't languishing in my cupboard anymore. 

Anyway, I best be off. I have some more mail to write.

Bye for now,

Tracy xo