bluedesignwall

[bluedesignwall]

I am figuring out new trails to run on for my long run. They seem to be making good progress with the logging. One of the gates was open so I went and took a look. Plenty of big machinery to look at there. Some of the roads I run on have been compacted by the logging trucks and are now quite smooth. I couldn't run on the beach in the sun as the tide was way in so I had to double back a bit to get home. The shady parts of the forest were very cold today some were so cold I was prompted to run faster just to get to the sunshine.

[bluedesignwall]

It was super frosty this morning but Hubby wanted to go for a walk despite the cold. I rugged up and off we went. The waves were big and the view from the top of the hills was fantastic. By the time we got home the sun was out and shining brightly.

[bluedesignwall]

I have been pulling together a travel kit for my hexie stitching. I couldn't resist making up a few. I need rows for along the top and the bottom of the big blue star hexie quilt and I want most of the hexies to have stars. I am not a 100% sure about the lighter ones with the larger stars as I wanted the edge borders to be dark but the more I look at them the more I like them. I probably should work out how many I have to make but the number will be big so I will make a start with the travel kit.

[bluedesignwall]

From the garden to the plate. Yum

[bluedesignwall]

After working away in the home office all day I needed some steps and some fresh air. I got a whole lot of both when we headed out for a walk to the beach. There were some pretty big waves rolling in, thankfully the tsunami warnings have been lifted.

[bluedesignwall]

I am working from home today and I just looked over to my left and noticed Hubby’s retirement countdown clock. He retired two weeks ago and has reset the clock for me.

[bluedesignwall]

The tide almost got me tonight because I stopped to photograph things. The sky was amazing and it reflected off the wet sand beautifully. I got distracted by all of that and the handsome we chap in his best suit strutting the shoreline when the tide really started to roll in. I had to run hard to get to the other end so I could get home. I made it with dry feet but only just.

[bluedesignwall]

Your black and multi-coloured quilt top is beautiful! I was wondering how you stitched the border, specifically the hexies on the black background? I’m working on my first quilt and am at a bit of a loss how to do a similar element of the design. Thanks!

Kia ora

Thanks for your kind words. I appliqued the hexies onto the border. I have used the technique before and got a good result. This quilt I upped the difficulty level a bit and was pleased with the result. Next I have to figure out how to quilt it .

[bluedesignwall]

I did more running in the hills for my long run today. I wanted to see if I could see where the logging was happening. Sure enough my view from the top of the small hill gave me a pretty good vantage point. It sure is changing the landscape. I did some running in the forest but it was pretty cold in there. Some of the shady trails had several days frost layered up on them and were a bit slippery. I decided to run home via the beach and soak up the sunshine as I ran. I have finally gotten around to signing up for a race so let the training begin.

[bluedesignwall]

I am loving the quilting stitches on the back of my table topper as much as the front. I am getting there slowly with this. I can see improvement as I go so am encouraged to move straight on to the next ufo when this one is done.

This one will be next up for hand quilting.

[bluedesignwall]

I think this retirement gig is going to work out ok. I mean when you can start your Saturday with a walk to the beach instead of diving into a huge mountain of housework it has got to be good. The day started with a heavy frost so we had a slow breakfast and waited for the sun to come out before heading out. On the walk home we stopped to watch the soccer kids playing in the park, fierce competition and excellent skills on show there. Home for morning tea and to watch the backyard birds bathing in the bird bath. I should move but it is lovely here in the sun.

[bluedesignwall]

It has been an odd week, busy but odd. It was Hubby's first week of retirement. He has been very busy easing into his new life. I did one run and a couple of gym workouts this week. Not my usual load exercise wise, I am feeling the effects of winter. I did get to the gardens for lunch a couple of times. I enjoyed the company of a couple of Kererū on Wednesday. Today I worked from home as usual but it was weird hearing Hubby buzzing about with the vacuum and working out in the tiny gym while I worked. As soon as logoff time arrived we headed out into the sunshine for a walk to the beach.

[bluedesignwall]

Now that Hubby is retired he has been dropping me off at the office and heading home for a walk on the beach. He very kindly sent me this lovely picture of the sunrise this morning.

[bluedesignwall]

The Hellebores are in full bloom, beautiful.

[bluedesignwall]

I am not actually smiling in the picture above. My jaw had locked up due to the freezing cold wind. It is still aching now an hour or so later. That sunshine was deceiving. I really thought it was warmer out there. Oh well run done and it was in the sun but that wind!

[bluedesignwall]

So Whittakers put out a new chocolate flavour. It is banana caramel flavour and while I like it, I wouldn't rave about it. But if you chop it up and add it to your peanut butter chocolate coated rice cake then that just takes it right up to that next level. Yum.

[bluedesignwall]

After the initial frosty start the sun soon came out and warmed up the run. It was lovely running in the sunshine but very chilly in the forest. I think I need some new shoes.