Spring at Vickery Retreat

I popped up to our quilt and craft retreat house a short time ago to set up for a group staying and it was lovely to see blossoms everywhere - the drive though the countryside was so pretty and various things were flowering in our garden. The white camellias had finished but the pink were going strong - don't know why I didn't take a pic of them though!

Pillow for a friend

A hockey friend recently diagnosed with breast cancer had surgery so I made up a little comfort pillow for under her arm. The hockey club had organised a meal roster as well. The good news is she is recovering well.

Orienteering Event

Last Sunday was the 8th event in the State Series of foot/bush orienteering. It was held in nice weather at "Belltopper Hill" between Taradale and Malmsbury on the old Calder Highway in Central Victoria. The area was very heavily mined for gold in the 19th century so we had to look out for marked and unmarked mineshafts as we jogged around. There were plenty of diggings heaps in the creek regions! There were also quite a few groups of kangaroos jumping around and we even saw a big fat fox run across a track.

There was a big turnout, with quite a few orienteers having their last practices before the national championships, and it was well run by the host club. The junior squad tent was a good meeting point for the juniors and the toasties and drinks proved popular.

I was really pleased with my run and enjoyed the spur - gully terrain.

As you can see I had 9 controls to visit, with most of the navigation cross country as there were no tracks close by. I found them pretty well and was only slowed down by a few steep hills (spurs)!

Lisa Walton Workshop at Vickery Retreat, Alexandra, Victoria

HURRY - JUST TWO PLACES LEFT! All gone now! Beverley and I will be hosting a wonderful Lisa Walton workshop - "Luscious Landscapes" - mid-week over two days on October 11-12. Lisa is a world renowned teacher and very generous with her time and knowledge. In the class you will be creating your own art quilt from your landscape photo, using textures, machine and hand stitching and beading. Participants (maximum eight) will be able to attend on either a daily basis or package the workshop with accommodation at Vickery Quilt and Craft Retreat. The cost per person will be $200 for the two-day workshop only (including lunches and morning and afternoon teas), and $50 for each night of accommodation which can be booked for one or two nights (10th to 11th October). Guests can arrive from 2pm on 10 October and depart after the class on 12 October. Why not organise  a friend and have a lovely few days away! A requirements list and details of the workshop can be found on Lisa's website. To enquire or book a place in the workshop please use our website contact form or call Anne on 0401 042 135.