Masterpieces from Paris

We went with Ma and Pa on Monday to see the Masterpieces from Paris exhibition at the National Gallery. Luckily we had bought our tickets on the internet and had lined up early and so we had a wonderful time seeing these very special paintings from the Musee D'Orsay. The lines as we left the gallery were very long. Last year we went to the Musee in Paris on a Monday! Bad idea as it is closed.

Ma loved this amazing painting by Albert Besnard. Her lovely white dress sparkled. Ma paints and she really appreciated this one. We all loved seeing the Starry Night by Van Gogh. The colours were so brilliant it could have been painted yesterday.
This is Van Gogh's bedroom at Arles.
It was lovely to see Monet's Waterlily pond, green harmony.
You can see all the paintings and read about them at http://nga.gov.au/exhibition/masterpiecesfromparis/Default.cfm?MnuID=3&GalID=0

A few Quilts

I was glancing at my photos and thought I would share a few quilts I have seen recently. This one is Sue's from the Tuesday stitching group and it really bright and cheerful.

This is a favourite of mine that is on display at Hobbysew. I was at work on Tuesday and I think this is a simple quilt but so effective. I do love stars.

This is also a favourite quilt. It is one of Cathy's and it looks so wonderful on the wall in the classroom. I'd love to make this one too. The flowers are Cathy's catherine wheels. What a shame I have so many projects half done! I hope to do a bit of quilting and finishing in the next few weeks.

Linda's dolls

Linda sent me some pictures of her lovely Christmas dolls she made for gifts recently. Don't they look great. They have the brightest hair and lovely painted feet. They were made with a pattern from Laraine from Up in Annies room. We have the patterns at Hobbysew.

Well done, Linda.

Christmas is over

It is hard to believe how quiet it is here today without all the Christmas visitors. It was so lovely to have everyone here for our first ever Christmas at home. It did seem a little strange having it here but we all had a good time and there was plenty of food (thank goodness...actually too much!). Here are a few more family pictures. Gavin and Pa having a chat.

Ma and Deirdre skyping the girls in the US. Deirdre and Paul's girls were all away for Christmas visiting Avril, their youngest, in the US. Avril has been nannying over there this year.

Here are Ma and Pa opening their presents. The received the cutest little "kissing" couple (really salt and pepper shakers) that just looked like them.

Here we all are in the obligatory family shot!

A few Christmas scenes

The table at Lyndal and Nick's place ready for dinner on Christmas eve...eve.

Lunch on Christmas day with an extra table to fit everyone.

A lovely lace decoration at Lyndal's place.

It was a very good joke! The Secret Santa gifts were very well received and we had a lovely time.

I managed to feed 15 on Christmas eve and 16 on Christmas day and it all went well! The food worked out very well and was yummy. There are lots of leftovers still to feed those who are still here tonight. Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas as well.

Happy Christmas

One last post before I head back to the baked veg etc to check everything. Half the visitors are here and all is well!!! I managed to finish all my chores. Whew!

Here were out presents before heading out last night for our little family's Christmas.

Here are all the gifts under Lyndal's lovely tree.

Isn't this the loveliest decoration?

Some lovely stockings ready for special gifts!

Happy Christmas to everyone who visits this blog. Thanks for visiting and hope to share lots of stitching after Christmas.

A few more Christmas scenes

Just had to have a sit down and a coffee (and one of Cathy's absolutely delicious melting moments...just to give me strength) after a very busy morning of preparations in the kitchen. I am almost finished and then MUST clean the kitchen as it is like a bomb has struck. Then set the table and......lots of other little things.

Here are the Friday night stitching girls after a yummy dinner at The Green Herring.

We had a Secret Santa swap and I received this delightful Santa. Thanks Audrey.

Some of the girls cooked us delicious things too! Note the melting moments are there but not anymore as 2 have been eaten!

Yummy Rocky road from Fancy That to have soon.

And my favourite basket of Christmas dolls.

Best get back to it!