The 2021 Summary.........

 It only seems like a little while ago that we were all waiting for 2020 to finish and 2021 to be "more normal". Now, 12 months later, it seems that nothing has changed, and in fact, for us here in South Australia it's getting worse. While the borders were closed to other states, we lived in relative safety. But since the borders opened on November 23, and as we head to the end of 2021, daily cases are going up fast. Yesterday there were almost 1500 cases and today just over 2,000 and seems to be going upwards daily. We will soon forget just what that other normal was like as we head for another year of "different".

Looking back at my blog posts for 2021, I see that I started the year with the usual "clearing the decks" at the desk and filing "stuff" away. It seems to be an ongoing task and probably clears the mind for a new year as well. I say that one can't be creative and tidy at the same time, so that must mean there is lots of creative things happening in this house! 

                           The before and after early in 2021............ and another job to do this week.

The garden also seems to be an ongoing project. That's possibly because I am not consistent 'out there'. Life seems to get busy and the weeds take over, until I get the motivation to clear it again. Hopefully I can be more consistent going into 2022??

            The before above, and the after below, (and you probably don't need to see it as it is now!)

                            

2021 started with a zooming session organised by Chookyblue and there were several during the year including a Christmas one this week. 2022 will be off to a great start with another linkup this weekend. Thankyou Chooky for organising these and linking up bloggers from all over the world. It's a great way to have a sewing day when you can't meet in person and great to learn about what's happening on the other side of the world.

There seems to have been a few family catchups....... my sister's special birthday in February.......

.................lunch with mum and 2 brothers and SIL in Murray Bridge..............

..........and an early morning breakfast meeting as well.

There was a brief opportunity in July to 'go over the border'.............

.............and meet up with DD3 and DS and families at Halls Gap.

                                  There were a few family visits to Bordertown..............

A lot of time was taken up during the year cutting and packing fabric for a couple of market days, ably assisted by my fairy, who puts the finer touches on it all.............

A tree in my back yard decided it would fall onto the fence and the road early in the year.........and involved quite a cleanup to remove the remainder of that tree and a few more.

Thanks to the arrival of Covid in 2020, retreats at Number Eight have been few and far between, but we did sneak in a few little gatherings during 2021. I do miss the busy weekends of years gone by, and am patiently waiting for that part of normality to return??

A lot of time was taken up in 2021 finishing the 25 year history of Gum Tree Quilters. This book was launched at the celebration sewing day in April.

We said farewell to a special member of our group in September.

I have been very fortunate to have some great customers that make amazing quilts for me to quilt. Some of those have won ribbons at shows this year....... including Festival of Quilts in Adelaide..............

.........and the Bordertown quilt show in October.........

and 3 more from the Vic Quilters Showcase in Melbourne in December. Thankyou to all of my customers for trusting me with your creations. It is the best job, to be able to work from home and go to a quilt show every day! A newsletter will be sent out in the new year about plans for 2022.

A new car found it's way into my carport in July and it's taking some time to learn about all the things it can do.............

2021 has been a good year for me to get some quilts finished, with the added motivation of our local exhibition in October.......either getting them out of the queue and quilting them, and even some piecing time!

In case you think it's been a very busy year, the last part of it has been much easier. I seem to have finally found some of that balance I have been striving for. Time has been spent "smelling the roses", feet up in the recliner and reading lots of books. I am still nursing my knee following that fall, and have an appointment early in January to have it looked at. I am also dealing with other health issues. Regular checkups for my eyes, blood and annual mammograms all seem to be part of life now.

If you have read this far, I thank you. I continue to trust and know that God is leading me on his path and He has a plan for my life.

I wish you all many blessings and His peace as we go into the next year, 2022.

Blessings, From Jude 

P.S. Sending birthday wishes as well today to Raylene, who is currently caring for her hubby following his knee replacement.  

🎂🎂