January 1, 2025

Happy New Year. I'm hoping 2025 is an improvement on the last few.

Today I did actually do as I intended and spent time out in the garden. The mornings and evenings are the best time for it as it has been so hot lately and the older I get, the more sensitive I am to the glaring sun. 

Anyway not too much to say today just checking in because for one reason. I said I would and for two, as a little reminder as to what I did on this day.

Tomatoes are looking good at the moment. I have had a bit of an issue with some grubs in some of them but usually the little cherry tomatoes are safe.

I think this is a hollyhock. I'll have to check the tag. I bought it at Bunnings hoping it would grow tall and proud like the hollyhocks I saw in the UK but thus far, it's staying squat.

 I still had some seedlings languishing on my shelf so I planted them out this morning. Not too late for the tomatoes and hopefully not for the capsicum either. We shall see.

Dinner time now. 
Tracy xo

So long 2024

Hello, it has been a while... again. I am popping in to wish any of my friends here who might just happen to read this, a happy New Year. 

This past year has had its ups and downs like they all do. Travel was a big highlight for me this year with a couple of big trips. China in May and then almost 7 weeks in the UK in July and August. I missed home but I truly enjoyed seeing and doing so many things. It's too much to catch up on in one post but I've added a few pictures from the thousands I took. 

Other things I have been up to. Not enough gardening that is for sure. I have really let that slide and I want to get back to doing more than just the bare minimum that I have been doing. I have been learning languages via Duolingo- Spanish, Japanese, and a little bit of Welsh. It's fun.

I have also been taking part in a photo-a-day challenge on Instagram. A lot of fun and a nice way to make some new online friends. 

And of course I have just been keeping on with all the minutiae of everyday life. Reading, cooking, cleaning, walking, yoga, writing letters and so on.

River Cottage HQ

Drizzle 

Mary Anning at Lyme Regis

The Great Wall of China

Somewhere in Wales.

 I do hope to make blogging a regular habit again and to see you here again soon.

Happy 2025,
Tracy xo

FNwF catch-up

My Friday Night with Friends extended over to Saturday morning as I fell asleep on the lounge on Friday evening. What I am making doesn't look too exciting and isn't. I have 12 sets of produce bags to make. I have promised 3 bags per set so luckily they are quite quick to whip up. I also have 12 other items of which I have made 8 and will get some more supplies when I go to town next.

And then I think my sewing machine will need a service. It is misbehaving a little. 

Thanks to Cheryll for hosting Friday Night with Friends.

Bye for now,

Tracy.

 

September Friday Night with Friends.

 And just like that it's September. 2024 is passing me by and I really want to just slow down and catch my breath for a little while. So here I am for Friday Night with Friends and ready to do some stitching this evening. Thank you Cheryll for hosting. I'll be doing some sewing for a Christmas swap I am in. I need to get a wriggle on and finish up my items.

Bye for now,

Tracy xo

Home

Hello there, it has been a little while.

Life has been busy with one thing and then another, and another... But with the change of season, I thought why not try posting on the blog.

I have been on holiday for 6 weeks in the UK.It was so nice to visit again. I met up with two penpals, one of whom I became pals with firstly via blogging. We did lots of sightseeing, walking (a lot of walking), eating, and generally just being tourists. Some pictures to come.

Back home, spring sprung early. I missed almost all of winter by being overseas. The fruit trees have blossoms, the frogs are calling, and the days are delightful (when they aren't windy), and the mornings are lovely and cool and just right for a peaceful walk.

Well that has to be it for now. I am cooking dinner and should keep my mind on the job.

Bye for now,

Tracy xo
 

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

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