Day 2 of the tour

What a fun way to spend a holiday! The tour guide is the best I have ever had, so professional and funny. Most of the other 44 ladies and 1 man have travelled with her before: some 4 or 5 times. That is a great recommendation.
We had our get to know you meeting last night then set out this morning for Tacoma to visit the museum showcasing Dale Chihuly glass. Absolutely stunning. Just Google him to see his amazing work.
We then crossed the road to visit the Quilt Show. VERY inspiring - didn't buy any fabric though!
Had an amazing meal at the Cheesecake Shop - nothing like our cheesecake shops. Huge menu, huge size meals and fantastic cheesecake. Forgot to take a photo. Lovely company with four ladies from the Midwest. Early start tomorrow, need to be on the coach by 6.00 am for our ferry trip up to Canada. So looking forward to it.
Couple of photos. The book is especially for Cherilyn! The mountain is Mt Ranier. Photos do not do it justice, it is so beautiful with sun shining on the snow.

Day 2 and 3

I didn't get yesterday's post finished because my photos wouldn't upload. After a good nights sleep we had breakfast at the hotel then set off down towards the harbor but got sidetracked at the shops. Beautiful city with beautiful shops. Bought swimmers and souvenirs. Went on the monorail down to the space needle. Amazing views out to the mountains. Back on the monorail and then back to the hotel for a fabulous massage at the hotel spa. Day 3 started with breakfast American style! We then walked about 12 blocks to the old Seattle and did the most interesting tour of the underground. Great value for money and extremely interesting story. We also found a beautiful shop that is filled with vintage clothing, jewelry, accessories and shoes. Amy would be in her element. I can just see her in this dress. We then explored the waterfront before coming back the hotel to have a rest before our tour meeting tonight. Love this city!!!
PS do you like my friend I found in the park?

Its been a while!

It's been a while - life throws a few curved balls at times but you just have to go with the flow.
My sister Laurel and I are on the trip of a lifetime. For me anyway. We are sitting in a beautiful corner suite of The Hyatt on Olive in downtown Seattle WA. The trip was very long and I didn't sleep too well which means I have been up for over 30 hours. We are about to head down to the whirlpool and spa for a refresher before deciding what to do tomorrow.
Our quilting tour doesn't start until Friday night so we have two days here on our own.
Seattle is beautiful! So green and clean. Reminds me of Melbourne.
Tomorrow we will start the day with a aromatherapy massage at the day spa and then head out. Have our Lonely Planet guide for 48 hours in Seattle. Need to be a bit careful as some of the highlights will be included in the tour.
The weather is absolutely beautiful, hope it stays that way.
Well more tomorrow with some pictures I hope!

Teddy Bears Picnic today..

My little Harrods Bear is off to the picnic today with his little suitcase filled with yummy Haigh's chocolates to share.
My daughter was in London for a few years and bought me a couple of Harrods Bears. This one still has his tag attached to his ear. He was made in 2003. Apparently one is made each year and they are more valuable if they still have their tag. Not that mine is going anywhere, except to the Picnic. He has his  warm coat on as it's a bit chilly and windy in the southern states today. I hope everyone has survived the strong windstorms we have been experiencing.

Tuesday Teasures

Still on the theme of national treasures I'm featuring one of Australia's most historic sites and the one I am lucky enough to live in, for Melody's Tuesday Treasures!
The South Head Signal Station dates back to 1845 when the first two levels were built to replace tents and other buildings that had inhabited the site from 1788. The third story and cottages were added later (around 1860). The NSW Ports Authority used the tower to control all the shipping in and out of Sydney Harbour until 1993 when it was handed to the Coast Guard (now Marine Rescue). The site has been continually inhabited since 1788 when signal fires were lit to let the colony know when a ship was approaching. Later on a flagstaff was built and flags were raised. A corresponding flagpole was erected on Observatory Hill. When Government House moved to Parramatta, other flagstaffs were erected along the route so that the signals (flags) could be relayed to the Governor.
I have been lucky enough to live here since 1994. We have beautiful views and have seen some amazing sights and had some very interesting visitors.
The first picture is a drawing taken from the back of the property.

The scond is an aerial shot

 In the last picture, taken from MacQuarie Lighthouse, you can just see the Signal Station next to the light. The lighthouse is about 500 metres up the road.

I'm late, I'm late for a very important date!! (Teddy Bears Picnic)

OMG I forgot it was Thursday and the Teddy Bears Picnic. I took an annual leave day yesterday to finish a baby quilt for a friend who was leaving today and got my days mixed up.
My bear for today's picnic has been 'away' for a while and has just been released.
I thought he was appropriate seeing I had visited the old Melbourne Gaol just recently.
Ted actally came from Freemantle Gaol, but I'm sure he's rehabilitated and would love to join the other teds at Melody's Teddy Bear Picnic.
He hasn't had time to get any new clothes yet!

This picture is the quilt I made for my colleague and it has a ted on it so it's appropriate. It was very gratefully received by the way.

Tuesday Treasures

I am joining Melody's Tuesday Treasures with a couple of photos from a recent weekend in Melbourne with my youngest daughter. I love visiting Melbourne, it has a different vibe than Sydney. I always seem to spend too much money though.
The pictures I have are of the beautiful Victorian State Library. I had never been there before but my daughter had so she took me along.
The white interior gives it a lovely open feel. The Mitchell Gallery in Sydney is beautiful too but this one just seems so light and airy. I would love to have had time to explore further.

These old building are indeed our national treasures and Melbourne does it so well!