Taking Stock: December 2017

It's the last day of the year. Can you believe how quickly this year seem to have flown? It felt like such a short time ago that the year was beginning with the promise of creative potential, the excitement of the unknown and the possibilities to grow, learn and love.

I've had the best of intentions to keep this little blog current with the goings on in my life, but time just creeps away. I find myself posting a quick photo on instagram or facebook to document (or diarise) life's happenings as I have to say that I love the ability to go back to a day in my past as see what was happening, or to be reminded of a time when my family was young (and quite possibly toothless).

Perhaps, this will be my resolution for 2018 - taking the time to keep my blog current as a way to look back on what I've created, made, eaten, felt, enjoyed and just generally wanted to share and remember. 

What about you dear friend? What is your resolution for 2018?

Here's my December 2017 Taking Stock post. Find the prompts over at Meet me at Mike's.


Making: We spent Christmas in Melbourne with my husbands family and so I prepared a few small projects to work on by hand while there. I honestly didn't get as much accomplished as I'd though I might. I made my first EPP Mandolin Quilt block which is a pattern by Jodi over at Tales of Cloth





CookingTomato chutney and tomato chilli jam. Our vegetable garden has produce a crazy amount of tomatoes this summer and I wanted to find ways to make them last. For the cherry and small tomatoes, I used these thermomix recipes - chutney & chilli jam.




Drinking: Well it IS new years eve, so probably a cocktail or two with some family friends. My girlfriend Vicki has been researching cocktails online and is planning on being the bartender for the evening.

Reading: Love you Dead by Peter James is what I'm half way through right now. It's got a quick pace and I'm sure I'll have it finished in the next few days.

Wanting: For everyone to have the best 'last day' of 2017 possible. Oh, and if it's not too much trouble, a self-cleaning house would be lovely too.

Looking: Forward to our first family cruise next week. 10 days on a cruise ship, sailing with my family around the south pacific. The kids and hubby are looking forward to the water slides on the boat and I just look forward to sitting on a deck chair in the sun, with my book. 

Playing: 5 Seconds - it's a simple game where you have 5 seconds to think of 3 things, while the timer counts down. For example, name 3 Aussie cities starting with T or name 3 insects that sting. It's hours of fun for the whole family and it can get VERY loud.

Deciding: Which chores need doing first. We have about 30 people over for lunch tomorrow to help celebrate my grandmothers birthday. 
My gran passed away a couple of years ago, but it was always her tradition to have a big family celebration at her little house. Last year I decided to give her a little memorial birthday party and this year, it's going to be even bigger.

Wishing: My gran was still here to enjoy her party.

Enjoying: Cherries! The great big, dark red, sweet and juicy ones.

Waiting: For everyone in the house to wake up!

Wondering: Will the rain last? After some hot & steamy days, I woke up to a cool foggy and drizzly morning - much cooler than it has been recently. My favourite type of weather.

Loving: The Crown on Netflix. Have you seen it?

Pondering: What 2018 will bring for me and my family.

Considering: Which sewing challenges I'll begin this year (and complete).



Buying: Clearance Christmas decorations, wrapping paper and expensive chocolates at 1/2 price because they're boxed in festive print. Winning!

Watching: Big Bash League cricket. Oh my gosh, I never thought I'd be such a fan of cricket (or watching sport in general!).

Hoping: My mosquito bite would JUST STOP ITCHING! What are you best de-itch mozzie remedies?

Cringing: At the crazy selfies which will happen tonight.

Needing: To buy some flowery, flowy, breezy dresses for the warm days on the cruise ship. 

Questioning: How many suitcases will we REALLY need to take. It'll all be summery lite clothing, so maybe 2 between the 4 of us?

Smelling: Gardenia's in bloom. One of my most favourite scents in the whole wide world.

Wearing: My nightie - still

Following: A few new-to-me blogs including The Bluebirds are Nesting which was suggested by Jenny of Elefantz

Noticing: The time. I'd better get a move on. This house won't get clean by itself.

ThinkingI want to make a new quilt for my son's bed. His birthday is in February, so I'd like to make him something a little more grown up and big enough to cover his big, enormous feet which always seem to peek out at the end of the bed.

Sorting: The cupboard under the stairs. It's a shamozzle and really needs a good sort out and cull. Do you have a cupboard where you hide all the bits that you don't know where else to put?

Getting: Hungry! I think it's time for breakfast.

Bookmarking: Kim of my Go-Go Life has listed the BOM's and quilt alongs she's come across, starting in the new year. 

Disliking: My super itch mozzie bite. I think I'm allergic or something - one little bite always becomes a huge hard lump which is hot and insanely itchy!

Opening: All the doors and the windows to let the cool breeze through the house. It'll be hot and steamy before long, so I'm going to make the most of it.

Feeling: A little excited for the possibilities that a new year and a new beginning can bring.

Snacking: Cherries. Did I mention cherries?

Hearing: Noises coming from upstairs. I think my sleeping beauties are awaking.

What ever you do this evening, I hope you have a lovely time and I look forward to seeing you (more regularly) in 2018. 

Happy new year friends xx


3 comments

  1. Ohh I love this post! I too have been neglecting my blog....Wishing you and your family a wonderful cruise and lots of happiness for the new year...ohh hand lots of creative energy hehhe xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  2. I hate itchy bug bites. You can put a mix of cortisone cream and diphenhydramine cream. If all else fails, go for some anesthetic ointment. I feel your hate. horrible.
    You have a lot of great thoughts, Happy New Year. Have a great time

    ReplyDelete
  3. Mozzies don't bite me at all. My daughter uses roll on deodorant to stop the itching and says it works really well. My Grandma used to put brown vinegar on bites. A bit smelly!!

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for your comment. I truly appreciate the time you've taken to leave me a message. I will attempt to answer comments via email.