Lamington National Park

We recently spent a day at Lamington National Park south of Brisbane.  It is a beautiful area of old growth forest with some of the biggest tress (mostly strangler figs) I have seen in Australia. 

Getting to Lamington is a challenge.  It is a nice drive until about the last 25k when you start up the side of the mountain.  The GPS map looked like a giant paint splat.  All hairpin curves, blind corners and one lane road most of the way.  I am thankful we went on a weekday and only met  one other car on the drive.  

The trails are well groomed and it is very relaxing to walk along them looking for birds, roos and pademelons.  (OK - you didn't expect a pedemelon to look like that did you!)

Of course my favorite thing was feeding the wild birds.  For a mere $4, I bought a tray of birdseed to feed the Crimson Rosella and the king parrots.  The birds are unafraid of humans and have no problems perching on your head, shoulders, etc.  I TOTALLY got $4 worth of entertainment... :)

Not only will they eat from a tray you hold, they have no qualms about stealing french fries off of your plate at lunch time and walking all over your ebook readers.  One cheeky bugger took off with a sugar packet reserved for my long black coffee.  This was MY kind of bird watching!

Birds

You haven't lived until you turn around and see a big, black cockatoo perched on a limb, bent over, head down, crest raised, one moment away from attacking you.

Apparently, I was too close to the nest box and Momma was NOT happy.

Needless to say, I moved away and they didn't get that part of their aviary cleaned during morning

I did have the opportunity to hand feed the tawny frogmouths their mouse parts.  Other than the "ick" factor, it was fun.  Not really an active bird during the day but still large.


Another great day!!!

I'm Back! And I have a new project!!!

OK - honestly, I never left Brissy...just took a break while we had guests for a few weeks. I could have been a tour guide, if only it didn't involve interacting with the general public.  With family and friends, I love it!

But on to my new project!

For years, we have used a summer quilt my mother made.  I has to be 20 years old at least...if not older.  Of course, the only time it was truly a "summer" quilt was during our time in Alaska.  In Houston and Australia, it has been the "all year" quilt.  It has become soft and supple with age.  No more stiff fabric.  Much used and loved.

And now it is starting to wear in a couple of spots and unfortunately, the fabric is so thin, I can't sew it together with any hope of saving it. 

I consulted a fellow quilter who suggested sewing fabric on top of the existing pattern.  That way all I have to do is match the fabric.  There's a long shot...as old as the quilt is...the fabric is at least 3-5 years older.  I have no idea the pattern name or even which state Mother found it.

After much internal debate, I've decided to stick with the pattern but turn it into a patchwork quilt.  I am going to get a much used and loved t-shirt with a cool design on it and patch the one quilt block.  Nope the colors won't match and nope the fabric pattern is nothing close to the existing pattern.  But I decided Mom would be OK with that.  It is an heirloom but now it will have not only her touch but mine also.  And if it really looks bad or I stumble across the fabric someday, I can always undo it.

The next problem is getting started.  My last big project (moving my recipes online) has blazed along at approximately one a month and that's only because I want to use a specific recipe.  I have quilted before but it has been a long time and my eyes aren't as good for small stitch work as they used to be. Plus, I sew/quilt when it is cold or rainy or gloomy, etc.  It's an inside affair.  Not something to be done on beautiful, sunny, 70 degree weather days. (Down in the low 40's this week at night...Perfect!)

So far, I have postponed it by doing both normal and unusual chores around the house.  For example, Tuesday I vacuumed the inside of the car.  Yesterday, I sacrificed and had a delicious lunch of beer and chips with a friend in CBD and people watched.  Today I washed the car by hand and had coffee with the girls.  Alas, I am running out of things and will have to start soon.


Maybe there's some laundry...

Katmai Bear Cams (This SO Rocks)

I LOVE Brooks Falls!