The weather has been cold here on the Mornington Peninsula and so I have spent quite a lot of time indoors. Now you might imagine that would provide me with an opportunity to catch up with my housework, but no, I have been sorting through boxes of "stuff" that I haven't looked at in quite a while.
I was surprised to find this little doll's jacket which I made when I was about 8 years old. We had a dutch family living next door and the daughter of the house took an interest in me and decided I should learn to sew.
Some old calico was produced and some threads, and the lesson began. I do remember making this and also some other small garments for the two dolls I owned. The design and the stitching is pretty rough but it always reminds me of the kindness of the young woman next door. I have no idea how old she was - perhaps 16 or 18 but I do remember spending time in her home which was always spic and span and yet very welcoming.
This next piece of embroidery is something I made for my "hope chest". I was engaged at 19 and we didn't have much but I was determined to have some pretty things. It would have been a semco kit I think and I did several of these and also embroidered some pillowcases.
My stitching was really quite neat in those days: good eyesight helps.
I do like looking through those boxes containing memories and treasures.
It is always hard to decide whether to keep old cards and scraps of wrapping paper - or that flower I pressed when on my visit to the uk. (I know I should not have brought it back with me). I hardly ever look at them and sometime my children will have to sort through it all.
What do you keep?
For those who are interested in my visit to the Peninsula Hot Springs: it was sensational! I had been nervous and a little self-conscious: swimming in the surf is one thing - sitting still in the mineral baths is quite another. Then there was the thought of taking my clothes off for the massage!
Well, the whole atmosphere was so relaxing that I was comfortable from the moment I arrived and to be honest didn't want to leave. The mineral baths are soooo relaxing and the massage was just what I needed.
It is funny how we often we let a lack of confidence spoil something special. The visit to the springs was a gift from my neighbours (for babysitting) and I really do appreciate it.
Today has been a lovely sunny day: cold but sunny.
The little babies I mind each day are such fun. They are becoming aware of each other and spend time "talking" to each other. Very funny and sweet.
The camellias are blooming now and promise a lovely show.
I just love the way the back petals on this one are so pink.
The other bushes are really coming on too.
The rest of the garden is improving each day.We have managed to make good use of the logs that were cut up from the trees we had taken down. Some we have kept for next year's fires and some we have used to separate parts of the garden beds.
The smaller pieces were shredded up to make mulch and we have spent many hours spreading it around the plants. I am sure we have been making safe places for the lizards and other crawly things that live in the garden.
The fish pond is settling in well and is ready to for the pump to be installed. By the spring it should have some plants in it and some fish as well.
There is still lots of planting to do but I am very pleased with the progress so far.
This is the view from the top of our driveway. I just love the shape of our eaucalyptus trees. They are so unruly and interesting.
From here we can see Mornington and across to Mount Martha. It really is a lovely place to live.
Tomorrow I am having a day out: visiting friends for lunch and then I am going to have a massage and a bathe at a luxury day spa about an hour's drive from here. I am looking forward to it: it is said to be one of the best in the world. My neighbours (parents of the twins) have given me a voucher for a bathe in the mineral pools and a massage and although it sounds strange to be going somewhere like that in this cold weather I am sure it will be relaxing.
Peninsula Hot Springs - Welcome - Day Spa on Melbourne's Mornington Peninsula Victoria Australia
