I've spent the last three nights trying to adjust a simple pattern (Heather Ross's Summer Blouse from Weekend Sewing) to my non-standard body shape (B cup I am not). Drafting is hard without a dress form, a helper, or instructions. There's been a lot of trial and even more error. But at last, after three king sized sheets and about ten hours snipping, stitching, and cursing, I think I'm ready to cut into the 'good' fabric.
Long, long ago, I started on this quilt of corduroy from thrift store clothes. I had intended it to be for our bed, but somewhere along the way I decided to give it to Ian instead. By Christmas time it was stitched and basted, but not quilted or bound. I wrapped it up and gave it to him, then took it back to complete it. Finding someone willing to machine quilt it turned out to be problematic, but in the end Shawna's stepmother did a great job at a fabulous price. 
Some things are worth the wait.
I didn't realize how much I missed Vegemite until sister brought some on her recent visit. Fresh bread, spread with butter and Vegemite, and topped with gruyère ... perfect!
We had no guests for dinner tonight, so instead of spending the day in the kitchen, I spent it at my sewing machine. I followed this tutorial and after an unbelievable amount of trial and error on strap placement, finally got it fitting nicely. From the front, I think it looks pretty cute on, but from the side there's no denying I look pregnant. If I were to make it again, and I might, I would use a fabric with better drape. Foreseeing this problem, I did in fact use a pretty soft cotton, but I think it needs something even drapier. Or else I need smaller breasts. One or the other.
I {heart} Anthropologie teatowels. And I'm quite enamoured with them hung as kitchen curtains. The view is made even prettier by the flowering orchids and ice plants. My mother always appreciated a nice view from the kitchen sink too.
Sometimes (when she's Miss Independent) Lauren wants to pack her own lunch, and sometimes (when she's feeling needy) she asks me to do it for her. Tonight she asked me to do something much more difficult. She asked me to write a letter to her mother explaining why she doesn't want to spend time with her for a while. After that task, the lunch request was insignificant. So much so, that I was inspired to whip her up a new lunch bag to contain it.
Thank you honey. You go the extra mile.
We agreed tonight that family lineup photos should be taken at the start of the visit, when everyone is happy and excited, not during the last hour, when we are dragging our heels and fighting back tears. Late this afternoon we gathered for a last supper outdoors, and shared empanadas, lentils, brussels sprouts, and roasted squash. Spontaneously, we spoke from the heart about what this past two weeks has meant to us. Love, comfort, joy, sharing, connections. Hearts opening wide. Folk music.
Sister and Dad, I love you.
This has been the best vacation ever. One more day to go!
The last picnic lunch. For the record, we were not drinking the wine. I just removed it from the esky to get the sandwiches out.
And lastly, a map of Australia, to where sister and Dad, must, sadly, soon return.
The trek west continues. We had expected to see a lot of saguaros this week, not realizing that they mainly populate southern Arizona, while our trip took place in the north of the state. So when we passed a good patch on the back roads of California, it was deemed a photo op.
The day's destination was Roughley Manor, an absolutely delightful B&B in Twenty-Nine Palms.
A most satisfactory 'wine o'clock' was celebrated. Does life get any better than this?
After saying a reluctant farewell to La Posada, we began the journey back west.
First stop was Montezuma Well. This oasis lake is fed daily by over a million gallons of warm water. No wonder the Sinagua made their homes in the canyon walls. But why did they suddenly depart?
Then on down the road to Montezuma Castle. Wow. Thanks to the generous overhang, this is one of the best preserved cliff dwellings in America. Go there. It's amazing.
Next stop was Tuzigoot National Monument. Can you tell my annual National Parks pass was getting a good workout? I love this picture of sister and Dad.
It was now early afternoon, and time to find our B&B. By the time we checked in, we only had a few hours to sample the natural delights of Sedona. After a visit to Kachina House to pick up some very reasonably priced Native American artefacts, we opted to visit Cathedral Rock. We were not disappointed. Obviously Sedona has a huge amount to offer in the way of scenic splendour, but alas, we only had a few hours before dark. Another trip, another time.
First stop was Petrified Forest National Park.
Then up through the Painted Desert.
When we arrived at Hubbell Trading Post in Navajo Nation, we discovered that they observe daylight savings time, though the rest of Arizona does not.
It was getting late, so we hastened up to Second Mesa, for dinner at the Hopi Cultural Center. The weather was very gloomy as we climbed the steep mesa. At the top we stopped and looked back -- the sun was shining through the clouds down over the valley from whence we had come.
It began to snow as we arrived at the Cultural Center, and there was some discussion about whether we should turn back immediately. The winding mountain road would be difficult to navigate in a snow storm. But our sense of adventure prevailed, and we stayed to eat. The snow stopped, and soon melted, so all was well.
After a last good-bye to Grand Canyon, Day Two saw us heading to Winslow, stopping to enjoy the many National Parks and Monuments on the way.
Wupatki National Monument features the remains of a large pueblo built early in the last millennium.
Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument is the closest I've ever come to a recently-erupted volcano. OK, so it last spewed 900 years ago, but the lava's still there. Very impressive stuff.
Then there was lovely Walnut Canyon National Monument where we got to see our first cliff dwellings, abandoned by the Sinagua people about 600 years ago.
Lunch time. We picnicked every day, in wonderfully scenic spots, exclaiming to each other that "This is the life!"
After being led astray by Google Maps, we finally found our way to the fabulous La Posada Hotel in Winslow by "wine o'clock". More satisfied sighs ensued.
