Sarah Lizzies: February 2026

Hello lovely lovelies; lovely friends♡ A lovely welcome to my Home Sweet Hydrangea Home, on this Sunday evening♡

Today is the very first day of February.

Eighteen years ago, on 1st February, my youngest daughter, Pete and I left the cacophonous, urban jungle of Sydney, and with all our worldly goods and chattels, arrived in an idyllic, pastoral corner of Tasmania. When I look back at that time when we three were entering the great unknown, I remember many mixed emotions at the time, but always with the quote of Van Gogh's quote "in spite of everything......yes let's"... foremost in our minds we were excited where our new journey would take us. I remember we three were all too ready for the challenges ahead (of which there were many) but, also new friends and adventures; and a different lifestyle. And, I must say we've met gorgeous people and kindred spirits, here in this far rural outpost. I'm so very glad we swapped a frenetic city existence for this quiet and peaceful country life, which blesses us every day. We've become rather accustomed to our bucolic and simple life.

Eighteen years down the country lane we are happy to live in this little piece of paradise; our home sweet hydrangea home. Well, I suppose our little place is really Home Sweet Flowery Home, as there are always sweet blooms blooming in the garden. But, at the moments it's the hydrangeas which are the stars.

The hydrangeas have begun to delight and I of course have filled my home with vases of these beauties. Two years ago Pete took to 'my' hydrangeas with a machete and hacked them to within an inch of their life. Last summer wasn't great for the hydrangeas but this year they are fabulous. At the time of Pete massacring the hydrangeas the word divorce did fleetingly cross my mind but it seems the gardener knew best. He proved yet again that he knows a thing or two about gardening So, with divorce put on the backburner, Pete and I continue to skip down the garden path of matrimonial bliss. =)

This week, Pete hooked up the plumbing in the garden shed. It's a quirky little building of which I have taken possession. A fabulous little place where I can play florists to my heart's desire. There's a deep sink which I fill with water to soak the hydrangeas for a couple of hours before ~~plonking~~ arranging them into vases. I find if I smash the ends of hydrangeas with a hammer and submerse the flowers in water for a couple of hours they last in vases for weeks. Other flowers get a little soak too, to rehydrate before arranging them into vases and bouquets. AND....I can sweep the helluva of a mess I make, out the door. And, believe you me when playing florists I can make an almighty mess. There's a small window with a view of the garden which is lovely. Of course, the walls need a lick of paint and a wave of my styling wand needs to create a li'l magic. But for now, it's nice to have a place where I can be messy.

Love, love, love my new, little flowery, workroom.

Enough of flowers!! =) Let's chat about a little stitching; after all it is Sunday when I and other lovelies all around the world enjoy a little slow stitching. More trippin' around the world with fabric squares was enjoyed this week. Two more 'flights' around the world. All from the comfort of my sofa. Thus far I'm still finding fabric from my stash, so no need to go to the fabric store........yet. =)