Parties and pretty dresses

We're in for a big weekend here. But, thankfully, a pleasurable one.

Unlike my in-laws in Ingham, in far North Queensland. They spent Thursday night huddled between mattresses in their bathroom.   They were among some of the more fortunate in that there's been no damage to their house or yard.

But with no sign of power being reconnected and now rising flood waters, they are far from comfortable. The 2009 Ingham floods isolated them and flooded under the house, reaching levels a long way up the back steps. The decision some 43 years ago to build a high house has certainly paid off. More than once.

We are praying that things improve, and soon. And for all those who've lost so much, we are also praying that they get the support and assistance they need. How can we not be moved by such devastation?

But on a lighter note I thought I'd share some photos and sewing with you.

It seems it's a season for milestone birthdays here. First, my father in law's 70th birthday which we celebrated here in Hobart. The girls all got a new 'Mummy' dress made in time for the party. We enjoyed a lovely meal at Mures Upper Deck on the wharf. If you know Hobart, you'll know it's quite the position for celebratory dining.

Hannah and Ruby got a little peasant style dress with Mummy's first shirring around the chest. Thanks to Julie at Narioka and her shirring tutorial, I was brave enough to have my first go.

This photo was not staged. They were taking in the scenes of boats in Sullivans Cove. Cute.

Alice's dress is a pattern from Corrie at retromummy, and Sarah's was made using Corrie's pattern for the body, and little capped sleeves from an idea I saw in my travels.

In the days after Christmas, Hobart is just a wonderful place to be. The Sydney to Hobart yachts were still coming in during the night, and the Taste of Tasmania was about to get underway. After dinner we went to inspect the yachts. Can't believe how small (and how huge) some of them were!

My cheeky monkeys.

And here's Mummy and Daddy. Now that Sarah and Alice are taking photos, we actually get photos of us together every now and then.

Well, now for this weekend. My Dad's turning 60 and there's quite the celebration, let me tell you. All my sisters, partners and family together. Everyone's excited but there's still lots to do so I must be off. 

Will fill you in soon.

I hope you all have a lovely weekend. And for all those who have been so affected of late in Queensland, let's take nothing for granted. Power, water, mobility, food. Just to think of the amount of food lost from people's freezers and fridges is bad enough, without even beginning to contemplate the destroyed homes. For us, it's a chance to renew our perspective on our every day life. And for those of us who believe, to pray. Bye for now. x