Monday, July 30, 2012

The Italian Festival 2012, and some stitching of course...

This weekend Mr E and I rode in a large procession of motor bikes from Townsville to Forrest Beach; down through Halifax and across to Ashton; and eventually making a grand entrance at the Italian Festival in Ingham!
The Italian bikes rode through the gates first, and the rest of us rode in behind them. 
I love riding in a large group, especially when you don't know the area well and you have locals riding with you. The Ingham riders took us down some wonderfully winding country roads where we rode through fields and fields of sugar cane. The strong aroma of molasses filled the air as it is now the crushing season. 
Once at the Festival the first thing Mr E and I did was go look for canoli! The only time I have canoli is when we visit the Festival, so I indulge my tastebuds. 
We got wonderful cappuccinos from Tony (who pulls his mobile coffee van around behind his trike) and watch the pizza eating competition - which was won by an Israeli tourist who beat all the young Italian lads!
(Click on the photos to enlarge)
 The Festival is held in the Tyto Wetlands, which is home to over 120 different species of birds. 
The sugar cane train runs right through as well. 
It was a fantastic ride, and a good day out meeting new people who also share a love of motor bikes. 
I intend to teach myself to make canoli - once a year isn't good enough. And, seeing as Mr E is of Italian descent, it would be nice to make him an Italian sweet.
~~~~~
I'm enjoying watching the swimming heats at the Olympics while I stitch some pretty things...
...as well as choosing what thread colours to use when I stitch "Betsy's Closet in Stitches". The sashing around the blocks are comprised of 2.5" squares, perfect for using leftover strips from a jelly roll! I have most of a Ruby jelly roll so I think I'll use that and choose thread colours to match.
Cindy in NC left a comment on THIS blog post saying she wished someone would host a Stitch-a-Long to make "Betsy's Closet in Stitches"
I'd like that too, and if I wasn't so busy I'd do it myself...actually I might consider it if someone wanted to co-host?? 
What do you think? Would you be interested? 
 ~~~~~
Time now to wind down for the night.
Something very special is about to happen to one of our children this week, and life has been quite hectic with the plans afoot. 
I'll tell you more tomorrow. Mmmm....any guesses?
Hugs
Jenny
xx

8 comments:

Clara {Clover and Violet} said...

That is an adorable quilt! A quilt a long sounds wonderful!

Anonymous said...

mybe Bloss is getting engaged?

Shawkl said...

Jenny,
I'd consider co-hosting if you are interested. Just let me know the particulars. Or, are you looking for another Aussie?
Kathy
www.shawkl.com
shaw.kathy@yahoo.com

Melody said...

Wishing you a wonderful week.

Abby and Stephanie said...

Looks like you have a fabulous day for a bike ride and festival. I like the swimming and gymnastics during the Olympics. The diving is amazing too. Happy stitching.

grammajudyb said...

we've been watching the Olympics too, but I haven't been stitching. Lost my mother just a week ago today, and am still so sad.
We ride motorcycle too, wish we had such lovely riding area. It is fun to be in a different area and experience different landscape, wildlife and foliage!

Allie said...

That looks fun Jenny, and like a really beautiful place. Your stitching looks wonderful! That little quilt pattern is too cute. Hooray for special plans!!!!

Tammy said...

I can't host, but I would sure love to participate in the stitch-a-long if you decide to do it. I so enjoy you sharing your stitching talent!