Back again

 Oh my goodness, I would love to say that 2025 was a better year than last, but that has not been the case. More prolonged hospital stays for some members, housing and job uncertainty for others, health concerns and lots of angst and worry. The only way out is through.

Son Matt and partner Tina have been living with me for a while, but have landed a job in remote south australian outback, twelve hours away. They intend to drive up on Saturday, but due to flood damage part of the road is closed to all tourist traffic and only accessible by 4Wdrive. thats ok, they have a land cruiser, but who knows what they'll encounter. Another section is closed to all traffic but they have permission to go through because they're getting to their job. Who knows what that will entail either. I'm trying not to worry but this is harsh country and the weather isn't co-operating. Send up prayers for their safety if so inclined!

I've used my piecing as sanity therapy this year, more than ever. Some might say I've been compulsive about it, and I'd agree. I can't say I've finished a lot of tops but there are piles of blocks finished and lots of new starts, and lots of fabric used.

Little star top, it's only crib size but I was sick of the blocks hanging around.

Garlic Knots,which was so easy to piece, very quick and satisfying.

I said to Keryn I had this weird superstition that every time I posted, more bad things would happen, and that put me off. She pointed out that the bad things were happening anyway. Thats true, and I don't really believe that because it is just superstition.

However  I have to be careful not to talk about other people's stories because they are not mine to tell, even if they have a huge impact on my life. So I'll try to just concentrate on the things that give me joy and keep me sane and hopefully I can resurrect the blog as a journal, as Keryn seems to be doing.

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Happenings

Shortly after I finished that last blog post my eleven year old grandson Max was in hospital, also diagnosed with type one diabetes. It seems unbelievable to me that there should be three people in the same family with it, but that's the reality of it. He too now has a pump and is coping very well. He's the same age as Rob wnen he was diagnosed but there is such a lot of support available now that it's a big help. 

With all the research I'm sure there will be a cure in ten years or so.

I spent Christmas with Rob and the boys and then came home to enjoy lots of reading, cooking, gardening, sewing and jigsaws.

The new year was spent quietly and I made a few resolutions and some plans. What was completely unforeseen was a woman in a work truck speeding through a Give Way sign and writing off the front of the car I was driving. I had fortuneatly seen she wasnt going to even slow down, so I jammed on the brakes and she hit the front of the car instead of the drivers door. I would probably still be in hospital, or not even alive if I hadn't.

I was a bit shaken up, but my main feeling was one of anger. I coud have had my grand daughters in the car with me, so many aspects could have been worse, so I was grateful for that, but still angry. Now Keryn and I are sharing her car, for which I am also grateful, but it makes life difficult. Hopefully the insurance will be sorted out soon and I can have my own wheels again.

I'm still sewing and cutting and had one finish very early in the year. This is a pattern I made years ago, but I sold that quilt and thought I'd make another. It's very easy to sew and used up a heap of scraps. I meant to make it bigger, but decided to make it a couch size, just so I could get a finish under my belt so early in the year. I must have five quilts awaiting borders, so I could really have  quick finishes, if I just worked on them. The lure of starting a project is strong though, and I'll probably give in soon.The weather is horrible, the garden is dying and being holed up in the sewing room seems the most sensible thing at the momment.

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