Sunday, November 13, 2022

I remember you................



Oh....but do you remember me??=) Hello lovely lovelies♡ A lovely welcome to my little flower-filled place♡ Goodness, it's been a while, hasn't it?? I did say many, many moons ago I would return when it was springtime.  Well.......spring did float in, and oh my, if I may say so; it arrived rather splendidly. Lady Spring has been embroidering vividly coloured, silken threads everywhere in the guise of flowers. Never rushing, she has from late August, embroidered through the days, with daffodil yellows, iris purpley-blues, lilac mauves and purples, forget-me-not whispery blues, foxgloves pinks..........so many glorious hues have been conjured into an 'embroidered' garden of pure delight. A glorious myriad of colours. Then, there is the potpourri of intoxicating perfumes thrown in, swirling around and around. Just perfect! For weeks now there has been a steady filling of vases with blooms from the garden to beautify my little home♡ Just so lovely♡

Since I last penned my dribble here at my happy blog space, three months have flashed by. Since you last visited, blustery gusts of late winter blew by; to be replaced by pleasant spring breezes and glorious sunshine. A lot of life happened in my little world during my absence. Covid found my good husband and my good self. Nothing drastic. I hardly had any symptoms. My Pete was a little more fluey, but all in all his was just a bad cold. These last month's have been "the best ot times, the worst of times" to quote one, Charles John Huffman Dickens. 

The passing of a very dear friend was "the worst of times". A friend who Pete has known since they were babies in India. They were friends for 72 years!! I cannot imagine a world without our beautiful friend as he made this rather glum world a much lovelier place. The miracle is of course his cancer-ridden, earthly body is no more and he is now rejoicing in heaven; probably writing and composing new songs and singing along with the saints and angels. Our friend had the most amazing, God-given musical gift. He could pick up practically any instrument and play it, and intuitively harmonise any song he sang. He wrote lyrics; composed music; without being able to read a single musical note. In their youth, he and my Pete, used to travel around singing as a gospel group, delighting all whom listened to their melodic voices. They had such a unique and mellifluous harmony.  Fabulous memories of fabulous times.♡

And as for the best of times. A fabulous holiday was enjoyed away with our daughter and son-in-law........finally! Oh, to hug them again after four very long years!! I cannot impart to you how wonderful it was. We all enjoyed a splendid time in their home at the Gold Coast; and of course the time went much too quickly. But, the good times will continue, as my daughter and I are going to meet in Melbourne at the end of this month and enjoy some special times. Me and her just hanging out.....so excited! The piece de resistance of this little trip is to go and see the immersive exhibition of Monet and Friends. I cannot wait as Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh.............are my very favourite artists. It has been a very long time since I visited an art gallery and strolled around drinking in all the beauty of the artists' masterpieces of the Impresisonist period.

Some friends from Sydney visited our home for a little while. A fabulous time, again. It is always wonderful to spend time with friends whom one has known forever. It truly feels as if we only saw each other yesterday instead of years. Forever friends are the best friends, are they not?? 

Over these few months a little stitching was enjoyed. I have been in a sewing-of-garments, kinda mood. I fashioned a couple of dresses and a blouse. The same pattern was used for all three. The pattern is the Hope dress from Arc Style patterns; a pattern I love. It's an easy fit; with the best dolman sleeves. As I have broad shoulders I always love a dolman or a raglan sleeve. I have plans to make a few more as I love wearing floaty dresses in summer.

The quilt Crazy Flowers is now a flimsy. All the crazy flowers are done, and hand pieced/stitched into a central panel. A one inch, mauve border hugging the crazy flowers was added. And....just because I am that gal who cannot get enough crazy colour and pattern crammed into one quilt, I thought a crazy patch border of  a multitude of fabrics would be fabulous. It is a busy quilt, but quilts with an explosion of pattern and colour always, always make me smile♡






I am thinking I might machine quilt this pretty. Nothing complex; just stitching wherever the needle and my imagination leads. I did the last little bit of hand stitching this afternoon while enjoying the warmth of a fire. It was a cold Sunday here today. Lots of rain. The pitter patter of raindrops everywhere♡ Love, love love the sound of raindrops splashing on the roof..........especially the roof of the fernery. There is something calming and soothing about splashing raindrops. The garden is relishing the rain. In a couple of weeks the roses will be the stars of the garden. Then the hydrangeas. Oh, the soothing blues of my favourite flowers. Soon there will be blue bouquets dotted here and there in my humble abode, all summer long♡ Goodness gracious me, summer will be aknocking on my bright pink door very, very soon♡


Anyway........'tis nice to waffle on again and capture a happy snap or two. I have missed my little blog. I must visit you all and see what has been happening in your little world. Cheerio, from my little spring world♡ May you, this week, enjoy the kiss of sunshine and capture many moments of beauty♡




Until the next time............





Linking up this week to Kathy' Slow Sunday Stitching.......as afterall, it is Sunday. =)



39 comments:

  1. Hello dear Kim, how lovely to welcome you back. So sorry about the loss of your dear friend, but you have many happy memories of him reflecting on so many years of friendship. It's wonderful that you could spend time with your daughter, with another visit planned, plus welcoming friends to your lovely home.
    You will be the best dressed lady indeed in your new floaty dresses, won't you. Thanks for sharing all the gorgeous pictures of your garden, it is always such a treat to see those flowers in all their glory.

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  2. So nice to see you back to blogging again! Our garden was put to bed for the winter over the past couple of weeks.
    I’m sorry to hear about your dear friend’s passing. I’m sending a sympathetic hug your way.
    A holiday to visit your daughter sounds wonderful! We have all missed seeing our loved ones over the past few years.
    COVID can be quite nasty. Glad to hear your cases were relatively mild.
    Beautiful flowery quilt top! It has your signature look!
    Take care. Gail at the cozy quilter

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  3. Hi Kim, I miss you!
    So sorry about your friend passing, please feel hugged. Glad to know you had special moments with your daughter and family friends, and that you will meet her again. Hugs

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  4. Hi Kim ! Glad your are back ! I miss your beautiful and colorful posts. Quilts as well.
    Sorry to hear about your dear friend.
    We manage to avoid covid...cross finger. Hopefully, you and your husband went through mildly...
    Happy to hear that you were reunited with family and friends ! Nothing like a big hug ;)
    Have a lovely week.
    Hug
    Anna

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  5. Oh how wonderful to read your effusive words and see your multitude of Spring photos again. I am so glad you finally got to visit with your daughter and son in law. It is nice that you already have another visit planned. I am sorry to hear of your friend's passing. My sympathies. I am also sorry to hear that you caught COVID, but I am glad that your cases were fairly mild. Your quilt is so pretty. I like the colorful, scrappy border. Enjoy your quilting! I look forward to seeing the next quilt that you decide to make.

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  6. So sorry to hear about the loss of your talented life long friend. But so glad to see that you are continuing to spread beauty in the world. Your impressionist quilt that captures the beauty of your garden is so pretty. I love seeing lilacs as the snow falls outside my window here in Canada. Thank you for sharing the beautiful spring views outside your window!

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  7. Lovely to read your blog again, we've missed you! I'm glad you both got through covid unscathed, but sad to hear you lost a good friend. Your photos are always so beautiful, especially that lilac, I can almost smell it!

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  8. Just as snowflakes are gently falling outside my window, in pops your blog and your lovely post. So glad that you are back! I will sit back and enjoy your lovely posts this winter.
    The passing of a dear one is always hard to bear, but when they are suffering ....
    Take care!

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  9. So lovely to see your "Spring" flowers as Winter makes its entrance here on the South Eastern CT coast. Gardens all are put to sleep for the oncoming colder weather. Raining here this morning with cooling temps...cold front due to blow in overnight...Welcome back...hugs Julierose

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  10. I was just thinking of you and how long it has been since I've read your lovely blog. Your gorgeous garden must keep you so busy. I love your crazy flower quilt!

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  11. I have missed your lovely garden and quilts while you have been away. My condolences on the passing of your friend. And welcome back!

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  12. I have been rather impatiently awaiting your return. I'm not sure you realize how much those of us in the northern climes appreciate your flower filled posts as we enter the season of gloom. My condolences to you and Pete on the loss of your dear life-long friend. Sadly we have reached the time of life when such occurrences become more frequent. I'm so glad you finally got to visit your daughter, but sorry you both had a visit from Covid. I have so far escaped its wraith, but know it is just a matter of time. So glad you are back. I look forward to future posts following your flower and quilting adventures.
    Pat

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  13. So glad to read your blog and read about all the amazing stories and adventures you have had, both good and sad. Life is a balance of it all. We also saw our son and wife after four years. Just to hug them, was so heartfelt and we were so glad to be together at last. Your garden is gorgeous and beautiful, thank you for sharing your wonderful memories with us.

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    1. I'm glad you, too, were able to see and hug your son and your daughter-in-law after four very long years, Maggie. It is much too long between hugs, isn't it?? Yes, the sad and happy times in our life are often constant companions, aren't they?? Thank you for your beautiful visit and lovely words, lovely Maggie. Hoping you enjoy a lovely week. Kim Xx

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  14. Hello, Kim! Great to have you back and hear the news, both happy and sad. Your beautiful flowers are a sight for sore eyes as we are getting closer to winter up here. That's a beautiful quilt, too, and I love your dresses! I bet they're fun to wear. Enjoy that upcoming time with your daughter!

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  15. glad to see you are back it is always such a treat to see your pretty flowers - sorry about your friend and the visit from Covid. Glad you are well though and have a happy time with your daughter when the visit comes up

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  16. So nice you are back, I was beginning to worry about you. So sorry to hear about your friend. Glad your Covid cases were mild. I just had 3 days of a bad headache and really sore throat. How exciting to have the visit with you daughter. I missed your beautiful prose, and seeing all your gorgeous flowers and gardens and creations. I love your dresses too! Just what I like myself.

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  17. How lovely to see you back, Kim, your posts are always such a delight! Beautiful quilts, beautiful flowers, beautiful words, I have missed you! Loraine x

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    1. Thank you so much, lovely Loraine♡ You are so very kind♡ I must say it is nice to be back.....waffling on again and beaming you pretty, flowery happy snaps. May your week be a beautiful one. Kim Xx

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  18. Hi Kim, at last so nice to see you again and enjoy your beautiful photos and quilting to match. Welcome back!

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  19. Hola Kim, tenĆ­a muchĆ­simas ganas de leerte y de ver tus maravillosas flores.
    por lo que he leĆ­do Ć©stos tres meses han estado llenos de experiencias y como siempre de coloridas costuras.
    Bienvenida de nuevo y BESICOS.

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  20. So good to have you back. The crazy flower quilt top is just gorgeous and your spring flowers stunning. xx

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  21. Hi Kim. I am glad to hear from you. I am sorry for your earthly loss. May your friend rest in peace with our Lord. Thank you for sharing such beauty and inspiration again. What precious time with your family. Hugs.

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    Replies
    1. Our friend was a Christian who loved Jesus deeply, so yes, now he is at peace. To me this is the miracle. As for the special times with my daughter and son-in-law, they were a most wonderful gift. Thank you Maristella for your lovely visit and beautiful words. It is always a joy when you visit. Kim Xx

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  22. Of course, I remember you with fondness. I knew that you'd been thinking of taking a break. It's been hard on me but I've been a busy, busy person. I'm so, so sorry to hear that your friend has died. He sounds like an amazing man with talents galore. I'm sure you both with miss him so much. All the 'good' times are fabulous especially spending time with your daughter. Happy, happy... I look forward to listening to all your 'dribble' and seeing and hearing about you, Pete, your flowers, the home and your decorating, the lovely sewing/quilting and everything else, too. Blessings to you and Pete.

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    Replies
    1. Why, of course you remember me. =) I am that gal from downunder who always waffles on and beams much too many flowery happy snaps into the stratosphere. =) 'Tis nice to be back. As for my beautiful friend, he was an extraordinary man. Blessings to you, too, lovely lady. Wish oh wish you added your name to the lovely comment, though. Kim Xx šŸ’“

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  23. Welcome back! The flower crazy quilt turned out beautifully! Enjoy all the summer blooms. Our forecast is for freezing rain tonight, winter is coming a bit early.

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  24. You brought a smile I needed so much. :-) It's lovely to "see" you! And your flowers! Oh, the stream of photos. It was good to soak it all in.

    I can't imagine losing a friend from that long. So much history. Such a loss. Love to you both.

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  25. It's been a busy summer and fall for you, and how thankful I am to hear that you were able to see your daughter again, what a joy and blessing that must have been! Love all your beautiful flowers that are blooming, and the lovely garments you've created. I love wearing flowing dresses, they are quite comfortable, especially in summer months. So sorry about the passing of your dear friend, but rejoicing knowing he is with the Lord, and now with no more pain and suffering. Your beautiful blooms are so lovely to enjoy now that my garden is at rest under winter's white blanket. Wishing you sweet blessings for November!

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  26. Kim - so glad to see you posting again - I was starting to worry ... So sorry to hear about the passing of Pete's friend, but it sounds like he has been freed from his earthly body ... Not surprised, but still amused to see the photos of your garden. The world and its seasons continue to spin!!! Glad you have/will have good family times!

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  27. It was great to see you back! So lovely to see your beautiful quilt in your floral paradise! Fantastic to hear that you were able to visit your daughter, and that the two of you will meet again soon. It's good that we can meet and give each other hugs again.
    Sorry to hear that you have lost a good friend, but it is good that you have many good memories.
    Now it's your turn to have summer, sun and an abundant flower paradise, while many of us face winter. Then it's nice to visit you here on your blog, and we can dream away from the cool season. have one

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  28. How wonderful to see all these beautiful flowers. We got our first snowfall a week ago, 6 inches of snow, very unexpected, we usually never get it this early.
    So wonderful you were able to see your daughter and soon will have some one on one time with her.
    Your dresses look wonderful and perfect for summer!
    Glad that Covid didn't get you too bad.
    Your quilt is just beautiful!
    So good to see you posting again, and continue to enjoy the beautiful spring and all those flowers!

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  29. You are back, hurrah! So lovely to see all that colour, in your garden and inside. Lots has happen in your life, will come back to read through properly :-)

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  30. Welcome back, Kim!
    Oh, such beauty there now. A real treat for the eyes. I think I can smell the lilacs!
    So sorry to hear that you and your husband recently lost a great friend.
    Your dresses are beautiful, and so is your quilt.
    Pleased to read about your lovely visit with you daughter and son-in-law.
    Have a wonderful time with your daughter at the immersive exhibition.

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  31. I'm so sorry that you had Covid and to learn of the death of your good friend. Such sorrow. Your dresses are beautiful and look so comfortable. Perfect for spring and summer. It's fun to see your flowers in bloom. Here in Ohio, we had our first real snowfall today and the temperatures have been in the 20s (Fahrenheit). That's a lovely quilt you've made, too. I hope you have a wonderful time with your daughter.

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  32. Lovely to see yo back blogging Kim and to see the profusion of spring flowers in your garden. I am sorry to hear of the passing of your good friend and also that you got covid, that goodness it was not too bad. Your quilt top is beautiful. good to hear you had a great visit with your daughter and son in law.

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  33. Hello, Kim, it is nice to see that you are blogging again and I am catching up with you a bit late! I am sorry to hear of the loss of your dear friend. It must be such a heartache, especially for Pete. To have a friend all of your life is such a blessing, but the loss is immeasurable. I am glad to hear that you both recovered from Covid. I had a bad reaction from it, but my Mr. never caught it. It does seem to be hit or miss. Your dresses are darling, and I do love the pattern and fabrics that you chose. How wonderful to have flowers all around you and a visit with your daughter, too. Life is finally getting back to normal once again after the pandemic. Sending hugs xx K

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  34. I KNEW there was a reason why I was saving this post to savour when I had time to truly enjoy it and it turns out I was right. Seeing your beautiful world as I sit and try not to look outside at the snow falling is a blessing.
    First of all, I must extend my sympathy to you and Pete - losing a long-time friend is a difficult thing. I can identify with you because we lost one of ours recently and I miss her every day.
    And being able to spend time with your family is most definitely a wonderful thing. We are very hopeful of seeing our #1 son and his family sometime in the next month or so (Christmas is always out because he, being a chef, has to work all the holidays).
    And then, hearing you both had covid - that's not good, but glad that your cases weren't too extreme. Stay safe!!

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  35. Hi Kim. Just catching up on my blog reading. Your quilt is so pretty. And all those beautiful flowers in your garden! I was sorry to hear of Pete's friend's passing. That is such a long time to be friends. Sounds like you had a wonderful holiday with family. xx

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