It turns out I had a very nasty case of salmonella poisoning through almost all last week which explains my long absence. I truly never want to go through that again - it was my first time with salmonella and the doctor tells me it's much harder on children and those over 60. I believe her. Just a smidgin' over 60 and I felt the full brunt.
The relief when you turn that corner and know the worst is behind you - well, it's pure joy, hope renewed and a reminder that life will return to normal again after all.
By Friday I was able to play around in the sewing room and make another handmade tag (number 5 of 52), this one with the theme of kisses and cross-stitch...
It's been many years since I did a counted cross stitch but admit it was quite enjoyable sewing this little heart. I tea dyed the Aida fabric after stitching the heart so it had more of a vintage look about it.
Whilst rummaging through my two boxes of vintage and new laces it occurred to me that they need some organising, especially the smaller pieces which tend to float around the boxes after I've delved within for a scrap or two lately whilst making these tags.
As I pulled out piece by piece and set aside the shorter lengths I got thinking about spools, the pretty cardboard kind that will hold a metre or two of my 'ends' in an orderly and lovely fashion.
A quick search online and I was quickly redirected by google to a few digital ones which caught my eye on Etsy. After deciding to try just one at first, it was purchased, downloaded and one sheet of lace spools printed all in five minutes.
Intending to cut them out and begin winding lace around them later on Friday my plans came to a sudden halt when a 24-hour migraine knocked me off my feet. I'm fairly sure this was triggered by lack of food for six days, though I was drinking electrolytes by the gallon.
Simple scrambled eggs, well one egg at first, helped - then I baked some bread and for the next two days feasted on thick slices with banana and almond butter, with a side serving of Yakult. More scrambled eggs rounded out my tummy's return to three meals a day.
Happy to say that I'm doing very well now, and in fact spent all this morning writing a complicated pattern wearing the necklace Cully May made me yesterday when Blossom and the children visited for the day. They had missed me terribly while I was ill, and I had certainly missed them.
Charlie David is two months old today and he's got the most engaging smile. Such a cuddly little man, loves to be wrapped up and held close.
I caught Cully May deep in thought, and if I haven't told you before, she is a very deep thinker. Her mind never stops...
I tried to get a photo of Rafaella, but she was far more interested in playing outside in the "poppy house" (cubby house that Poppy made her) and chasing the chickens around the yard. She's quite the adventurer and a little dynamo so its hard to catch her sitting still.
While I was ill and off my feet (and not racing to the little girl's room) I caught up on reading. Some good audio books helped on the days my eyes wouldn't focus, but once things settled I pulled out my treasured old copies of Australian Home Journal and read for hours.
There's so much I want to share with you from the many volumes I have and hopefully that will begin next month. I had so many "aha" moments re-learning recipes and treatments and household tips that Nana followed when I was a little girl that it became a beautiful stroll down memory lane and simpler times. When ladies were really ladies. That stood out, and has given me food for thought.
You know by now that Blossom and I are avid groupies of The Great British Sewing Bee and now that it's on Britbox Australia my friend Rosie has caught the bug too. We've been having some wonderful chats about making clothes and already she has made two tops in the past week whilst I am still at the stage of choosing my first pattern from the number I collected over the past six years but which have never been made.
My first will hopefully come to life tomorrow. It's a swing top because I don't like clothes that are very fitted. In our heat you need air around your body.
But first I need to finish repairing the three dresses I found hidden away in a mending basket which I'm sure has not seen the light of day in two years at least. They are quick fixes, which lends the thought "why haven't I mended them before now??" No answer forthcoming, just a bit of guilt mixed with determination to tick them off my to-do list asap.
Anyhow, I see my husband has just arrived home so I'd best be away to cook the rice we need to serve with dinner.
God bless you, thank you for your most appreciated prayers, and I shall be back soon with a simple and fun freebie.
blessings and hugs
