Wednesday, April 27, 2011

STITCH Giveaway winner, we're back from our trip, and another giveaway to celebrate 1400+ followers!!!

Wow - wasn't that a loooong blog post heading??!! LOL!!
Thanks for all those wonderful hugs and support you sent me over my first US published design! I felt every one. Now to reveal the STITCH magazine giveaway winner, and it's Tracee from Quilt Kitty!!
Tracee said, "Life doesn't stand still with Mr E around Jenny - it roars by. Sounds like you make a great team. Congratulations on being published in Stitch, great project, love it. Tracee xx" 
How true, Tracee! Mr E should have wheels instead of feet 'cause he's rarely walking these days! :-)
Just email me your home address and I'll have the magazine off to you this week.
~~~~~
Next big news is that we're back from Cooktown, safe and sound, but our b'hinds sure were numb after the 900 klm ride up there on Friday, and then the 900 klm ride home on Sunday. 
The joyous thing about travelling all day on Good Friday and Easter Sunday was that I had around 20 good hours of prayer time and the Lord showed me so much about my life, my loves, and what is most important to Him. What a gift on top of everything else He has given us! He got me all to Himself and wasted not a precious moment. :-)
Leaving home at 5.30am on Friday, we rode the back way after passing through Ingham, Cardwell, Tully and Innisfail. I wish I could show you photos of the pretty town of Millaa Millaa, but when you are pillion and you're riding along tightly curved country roads there is nowhere to stop. I did manage to catch a pic of Mr E outside the Big Crab at Cardwell where we'd stopped for breakfast...
After we got to Innisfail we veered north-west up through the Atherton Tableland - glorious country! - and decided we'd be back for a weekend to have a better look around and enjoy those country corners once more.
Further north we rode, and as we got higher up the mountain range there were numerous Lookouts for stops, and also to meet up with fellow Ulyssians also on the way to Cooktown. Matt and Jenny are from Mission Beach (ground zero of Cyclone Yasi) and were staying just outside Cooktown, but more about that later...
I love taking pics of Mr E and 'Camel' (yep, that's what he's named our red bike!...
We arrived in Cooktown at 5pm, weary and hungry. It is a very pretty town, but tiny, and if you don't like to fish (we don't) then you will quickly run out of things to do. There was only one place open for dinner on Friday night - the local fish'n'chip shop. We feasted on freshly caught Barramundi, grilled with lemon over rice. Superb!
Friday night we met the other members of the Ulysses Club who were staying at the Caravan Park. Travelling stories and introductions all round, then a few quiet drinks and nibblies before everyone headed off to bed around 9.30. 
Early the next morning Mr E and I were off riding before the others were awake. We left Cooktown and headed south for about 20 klms along the highway, then off on a dirt road for 6 klms to a pretty river hideaway, The Lions Den. This was where Matt & Jenny were camping with the Ulyssians from Cairns. Mr E thought he'd tame the lion...
...but they're a pretty unfriendly bunch before 9am....
 ...so we did the right thing and waited till everyone was awake and smiling. It was well worth it because this is such a pretty hideaway!
 
 
You can camp by the river for $10 a night, but if you like sturdier accomodation there are treetop lodges covered in mosquito netting. 
Back on the road around 10, we headed back to Cooktown for the Saturday morning markets. It's fiercely hot in the sun, but under the trees or shade the temperature drops by a good 8C and the breeze is fresh and cool. There were only 8 market stalls and they were all gathered under the trees...
We enjoyed Silverside, chips and salad at the RSL for lunch, then back to the Caravan Park for a good look at everyone else's bikes, followed by a long afternoon siesta. Saturday night we again sat around the camping area with the Ulyssians, but with the wind building up and bringing down some not-so-well-positioned tarps and tents, we called it a night around 9 and headed for bed once more.
The forecast for Monday was rain all the way down the coast and 30 knot winds, so we decided to lose a night in Cooktown and make our way home in the dry - but we still had 30 knot winds all the way. In one 30 klm stretch of road we had 90 tight corners, and Mr E lost some serious leather off his boots because we were way over on our sides as one turn instantly became another before we could catch our breath, and the wind was relentless the entire time. Talk about living life on the edge! I think that was the most exhilirating 30 minutes of my entire life! Mr E is a wonderful rider and I wasn't scared about those cliffs at all, even if I had to look the other way to avoid being faced with the sheer drops into rainforest every second turn. LOL!!
We had left Cooktown at 9am, and arrived home in Charters Towers at 9.30pm...what a ride. Can't wait to to do it all again next school term break!
~~~~~
I didn't get a single stitch sewn during the time in Cooktown, but when we got home I decided it was time to work on a UFO BOM from 2009! I am still on the first block after 18 months! Shame on me. 
I finally finished block 1 on Tuesday afternoon, and now have only 18 blocks to go - thankfully they are all much smaller than the first block! This BOM is by Robyn Allen-Waters and is called "The Sewing Circle". It has 50's inspired stitcheries in each block, and gorgeous ceramic buttons to accent certain features in each scene. I'll be using the last of my 'Aunt Grace Circle of Friends' fabric for the sashing once the blocks are all done...hopefully by the end of 2011!
 
 
~~~~~
Now to the celebratory giveaway!!!
1404 followers as of today!! \o/ How absolutely blessed I am to have such a loyal following, and to do something special in return I have decided that this giveaway will be for my original Retro Apron and (1) Tea Towel set from STITCH magazine!  If you don't mind, I'll keep one of the tea towels as a my own memento. :-)
 
To be in the draw for this giveaway you will need to leave a comment on this blog post only. That is for 1 entry.
For a second entry become a follower and leave one more comment to let me know you've done so (or of you are already a follower you can leave a 2nd comment and tell me). 
If you blog about the giveaway you can leave a 3rd entry comment!! 
I will draw the winner on Saturday 30th April. Please make sure you leave your email address if you haven't got a blog link for me to find you, or your entry will be invalid.
~~~~~
Now...must get the house back in order before I'm due back in Home Ec next week...and before Mr E carries me away again on the bike. ;-)
Hugs
Jenny
xxx

70 comments:

arlette said...

Ohhhh, am I number one comment? **throwing away the number one bad luck**. yay!

Mireille said...

So I hope nr. 2 is more lucky. I hope so :-)

Greetings,
Mireille

Allie said...

That looks like a very, very fun trip, Jenny! Congrats to Tracee, I'm going to go looking for the magazine tomorrow - I hope I can find it - all the fabric stores are miles away.

I don't like the sound of those tight corners or the wind. But the countryside you captured is just gorgeous. Congrats on finishing block one, I remember when you started that, lol! Enjoy your time at home - unless you're gone again already!!!

Dot said...

Hi, Jenny! So glad you had such a great trip. Congratulations are in order, both for the 1400 followers AND being published in "Stitch." I went online and ordered it, and already have my copy! I know a famous person! Yippee!

Dot
dminshall67 at yahoo dot com

Dot said...

I like to think of myself as a follower of yours...you may consider me a stalker, though...

Dot
dminshall67 at yahoo dot com

Deb said...

Gosh Jenny, what a weekend you guys had. I felt exhausted just reading about it. You are a brave lady as far as I am concerned, I am not really a lover of motorbikes although I know it depends on the driver but still give me the heebies!!

Cheryl said...

Congrats on over 1400 followers, thanks for chance to win. Love to hear your trips on the bike, never a dull moment, oh wish it was me.

Cheryl said...

Oops I'm a follower also thanks Cheryl

Mrs. Sew and Sew - Karen said...

Congrats on the 1400 plus followers. Glad you enjoyed your trip. I love the apron and tea towels. The green and red combo is very becoming! Thank you for the chance to win them!

Mrs. Sew and Sew - Karen said...

I am already a follower of yours! Thank you again for a chance to win!

Amanda said...

What fun you're having these days. And what an amazing amount of followers. The winner will be one very lucky person.

Amanda said...

And I'm a follower too; you were the first person to be added to my following list.

Clara said...

Great trip! Congrats on the goal of such a great number of followers! Are foreign entries for the giveaway accepted? If so, please, sign me in. Enjoy your week, Clara.

heleen said...

What a lovely trip. I love to read your blog.
I hope to be lucky.

heleen said...

I'm allready a follower

Val Laird said...

Hi Jenny

I'm so glad you had such a great weekend trip. And Congratulations on those followers - fantastic!

Val Laird said...

Of course I'm a follower!

SandyN said...

Thanks for another giveaway.... congratulations on 1400 + followers....

Sandyn

Janelle said...

Wow, sounds like an adventure you had on the weekend! Love your apron and teatowel... thanks for the opportunity to win them.

Janelle said...

Hi Jenny
I'm an unofficial follower still... from a long way back. Your blog is still on my blog reading list on my sidebar, so I still visit every time you post... hope this counts!

Vickie said...

Congrats to Tracee...and well done on finishing the block truly beautiful.Oh what joy -I so love it when I hop onto and read a happy post,the photos are great,cheers Vickie

Angela said...

Please count me in, if you are posting to the UK. We are just off on a trip to Blackpool for the weekend on the bike [Annual British Baptist Meetings] hope our trip is as much fun as yours!

congratulations on getting into the publication!

blessings x

Jess @ Scrappy n Happy said...

Sounds like you had a great trip. I would love to get up there one day!

Jess @ Scrappy n Happy said...

I am a faithful follower!

Kim @ Him, Him Me said...

Hi Jenny,
Glad you enjoyed your trip. Wish I could persuade my OH to buy a bike. I used to enjoy being pillion in my younger days.
I've just re started my blog too.

Kim C
UK

Kim @ Him, Him Me said...

Oops. Forgot to say I am a follower too/

Joanne Lendaro said...

Fabulous pics...looks like a good time was had by all! Thanks for the fun giveaway!

Joanne Lendaro said...

I'm a follower!! Thanks again!

Christine M said...

Looks like you had a wonderful time. Glad you're home safely. Congratulations on 1400+ followers.

Christine M said...

I'm already a follower!

Robin in New Jersey said...

HI Jenny! It sounds like you had a wonderful trip! It's so much fun to read your posts and catch up with you. I consider myself a follower, but is there something special I have to do to make it "official"?
I am going to see if I can find that magazine at my bookstore later today.

Elyte said...

A great achievement, congratulations on reaching the 1400 mark

Elyte said...

Thanks for sharing the trip with us. I have been a follower for a while now.

drMolly, the BeanQueen said...

My goodness, sounds like you had a great time! I love those pears.

Sherry said...

Congratulations on over 1400 followers. I have enjoyed your blog and love the patterns I have purchased from you.

Sherry said...

I am a follower of your blog and also have enjoyed stitching your block of the month, such a blessing.

Marsha B said...

Sounds like your trip was so much fun! I love all the thinking time on the back of a bike, too. I really get to reflect when we ride. Congrats on all the followers!

Marsha B said...

I am a follower. I thought I already was a follower but when I checked I found out I wasn't so signed up right away. That increased your count by one more! I read your blog faithfully.

Sunnybec said...

Looks like you have had a fab time on the bike, you guys certainly dont mess about- you get to see loads!!! Yes I know what you mean about the leather coming off the boots!

Oh Sew Addicted said...

Beautiful item for a give away! And so nice that you had a great trip

Oh Sew Addicted said...

I am already a loyal follower!!!

Diane H said...

Your holiday looked like so much fun. God bless.

rockgranny said...

I'm already a follower

rockgranny said...

Congratulations on 1400 followers Looks like you had a wonderful time.
Thanks for a chance to win

Janice said...

What a great ride report. Mr E must have been pleased to find some twisties. As you say, as a pillion you really need to trust the nut up front on that sort of road. I'm glad you enjoyed it all. Being on the back is a great time for thinking and contemplating. Enjoy working on your block of the month, it should look lovely. And, of course, congratulations on so many followers.

Susan said...

Wow! what a story - and what a trip! It sounds great - despite the sore you know whats. Good Luck with your Sewing Circle - I started the French Collection bythe same designer and loved it - well in the beginning anyway. I ahev since got bored with it - so it sits on my UFO list - near the bottom. Now I'm off to become a follower becasue even though I visit your blog every time you post I am not a real follower. Cheers Jenny - glad you are back safe and sound and I assume the teenagers survived!

Susan said...

Now officially a follower - off to post on my blog!

Susan said...

and now you are posted! Enjoy your days til you go back to work - I have really enjoyed my break - I am having 12 days away from work for ony 2 days worth of "Leave" - loved it and done some sewing and some shopping with my daughters and some relaxing.

Margaret said...

Now I was about to comment last night when 18 had commented --- but --- Andrea came online on Skype so I never got around to commenting. Sincere posts replenish us all so happy that you had a pleasant time away.

Brenda said...

Oh how fun, something that has been pictured in a magazine!!!

Brenda said...

I am a follower!

carleenphoenix said...

Would love to be in your draw...your retro apron and tea towels are very sweet. Thanks

carleenphoenix said...

hope to be in your draw, the retro apron and tea towels are very sweet. Thanks

carleenphoenix@hotmail.com

BillieBee (billiemick) said...

I'm a happy follower.

BillieBee (billiemick) said...

Pick me!!!...grin

Unknown said...

Love your blog! love your designs and congrats on being published in STITCH! That's a magazine in my neck of the woods, grin. I'm an avid follower!

Sharyn said...

Hi Jenny reading the blog makes me relive a trip we did 2 years ago to the Atherton tablelands. We also stayed in Charters Towers for 2 weeks as our dog got sick and was in the vets for 2 weeks! Congatulations and thanks Sharyn

Sharyn said...

Hi again I am a following so please enter me again - those lovely kitchen goodies would really suit my kitchen Thanks Sharyn

Clara said...

Back again to tell you that I'm an old follower of yours! Bye for now, Clara.

RobynLouise said...

I'm already a follower.

RobynLouise said...

Mr E may be an excellent bike rider but every rider needs a good pillion to avoid being in trouble on tricky rides :).
I don't have many of other peoples originals and I'd love to have a retro apron!

~Niki~ said...

:)
thanks for the giveaway!
Niki in Arizona

Dolores said...

Oh Jenny, you know I am a follower. Congratulations on surpassing 1400 followers.

Dolores said...

What a great trip you had. Moments to remember for a lifetime.

edyB said...

Loved reading about your latest adventure! I know that "numb" feeling, having been there, done that! Forget those tight corners! EEP! I never liked that part of a ride.
Thanks for the chance on the giveaway. So glad you were published in STITCH!

Jan said...

Please count me in, Jenny; I love pears - both to eat and to stitch. Congrats on having so many followers.

Jan said...

And yes, I'm a follower - love your blog.

vernagrace said...

What a trip you had! Always loved my time on the back of the bike, praying and singing, listening the miles away. Thank you for sharing your trip and the pictures are beautiful!
Congratulations on 1400 +!

Anonymous said...

Hi Jenny! Just to let you know...my husband & I ride too! A Harley Fatboy. And yes, my b'hind gets sore too! lol! I just became one of your followers & appreciate a chance in the apron & towel give-a-way. Roll safe biker sistah!

Quilt Kitty said...

Thanks so much Jenny. Have emailled you my details, can't wait to see the magazine. Tracee xx