Finding Family History

After the final keynote speech today, I went for a walk to see if I could find where my great-great-great-aunt Laura lived in Forth Street, Dunedin. She died some 30 years ago and I was interested to see if her last house was still 'standing'. Well, here we are:

It looks as if it's a student flat now and it is surrounded by the Otago Polytechnic. The outside is a much darker colour, there is no front garden and Aunt Laura's beloved lions are no longer at the front entrance - BUT at least it is still there and it doesn't look as bad as some other old bungalows.
I have one more day of conference tomorrow and then fly back to Palmerston North. It's been lovely to come back, walk the streets, take lots of photos and have lots of librarians to talk to. Looking forward to my own bed though!!

Some Peace

After a couple of days of conference being surrounded by lots of people, I was drawn into All Saints Anglican Church (the oldest church in Dunedin, just up the road from the University). It was late afternoon, the door was open and there was no one around. The smell was just beautiful - incense, wood and history.

This is the window above the main entry.
I hope to be able to enjoy a few minutes tomorrow before leaving for home.

Ironwork and Verandahs

A few years ago I was looking for fretwork or ironwork, to use in an art quilt I was making. It was about New Orleans so I looked on the internet for photos that were appropriate. But I hadn't realised that our very own Dunedin has many excellent examples of ironwork. Here are a few photos I have taken of places near where I am staying on Great King Street:

Some great designs for future use I'm sure!

Off to Conference

I'm lucky enough to be allowed to go to LIANZA Conference this year - it's the 100th celebration of the association and it's in Dunedin. Dunedin is my old family home, although I don't know of any relatives living there anymore (haven't kept in touch, basically!). So I am armed with the camera, walking shoes, and of course notebook for taking notes during the conference proceedings! First off is a tour of the Dunedin Public Library early Sunday morning - I'm hoping to watch the All Blacks play Wales and get to the pick up point in plenty of time.
I'm also borrowing Derrick's laptop so hope to be able to do a posting or 2.
See you!

Christmas Has Come Early at the 'Farm'

Well it sure feels like it! The weather has been beautiful and warm and we have finally got someone in to do the fencing in the house paddock.
Here is the temporary fence we had for a few years, but the hoggets could easily jump or push their way through, so it had to go.

Here is the new fence in approximately the same area:

The view from the deck and living areas of the house - no batons!

And even a new fence to divide up the area (2 paddocks from one):

We have had posts driven into the ground near the barn so that small yards and loading ramp can be built - that way I will be able to drench and other things with the sheep. But, that is not going to happen overnight and I am really happy with having new fences, gates and paddocks!

It Hasn't All Been About a Lamb!

I know it looks like I have been playing with the lamb, but honestly! I've been busy with other things.
Firstly, in the morning I have been gardening - yes! shock! horror! the g word. This means that lambie and dog can help - or watch. All my hanging baskets are re-vegetated, and strawberries and tomatoes are potted up. Yesterday we fixed up the fence where the sheep had broken a bit in their effort to commute between paddocks - well, they are smart, but just can't physically manage the gate latch!
I have also managed a small amount of sewing. Zonta have a craft fundraising evening this Friday night, so I have made these table runners to add to the pile of quilts I would LOVE to sell!

I have also made this pattern up in New Zealand fabrics, but haven't got around to quilting it yet. I love how easy it is to change the look with so few fabrics

A Giveaway to Visit

Fellow quilter and 'bag lady', Helen, aka Aunt Henny, in Australia is having a giveaway to celebrate 100 followers! She has made 2 beautiful bags with fat quarters she won on Quilting Bloggers weekly themed quilt contest a wee while ago. Even if you are not currently one of her followers, you can register as a new follower, because she 2 draws (1st for the first 100 followers and another for the 2nd 100 followers).

How Smart Is This?

What do you think she's up to?

Yep! Got it figured that she can beat Mum and can feed herself!

and not yet 3 weeks old.

Some Time for Cuddles!

Sarah came home at the weekend - she needed some cuddle-time with the dog and the lamb (as you do).
This is a favourite cuddle-time photo:

mutual enjoyment, I think!
Now for some walking training:

We also docked and vaccinated the lambs using Beauty as an 'enticer'. We think she helped calm the mothers and lambs - certainly she was OK being with the flock. So, out of 10 lambs we only have 3 females - not a good ratio.

An Update on the Lil' Beauty

I have been asked for an update on Lil' Beauty, so here we have her at 2 weeks:

17 inches high at 2 weeks

and here she is greeting me in the morning - jumping up to see out of her 'pen':

She is experiencing her first rain tonight, so hopefully there is enough shelter under the trees!