Just been busy...

So busy I haven’t had a chance to blog (or sew) lately. We have been busy with Sean’s Dad’s 60th birthday, spending time with the in-laws, attending a textiles course, and visiting my parents in Callignee. They are doing okay and slowly getting the place cleaned up. But the area has been absolutely devastated by the fires. Here are some before, during and after photos of the Callignee fire.

I don’t even recognise the area anymore and its going to take a long time for the community to rebuild both physically and mentally.

On other news, I won’t be at the Gisborne Market this Sunday. I need a break – it’s Sean’s birthday this weekend and we are all in need of some quality family time. But check out my friend’s stall, EcoToys, at the market on Sunday – she sells a range of fair trade and local handmade toys made from eco friendly materials. And don’t forget you can contact me anytime or I’ll see you again at the April Market.

Bushfires

For 20 years and 10 days my parents have been living in Callignee, preparing for bushfire and waiting for this very day to happen. In the evening of Saturday 7th February 2009 fire ripped through their property. They managed to save their house and the big shed but everything else has gone. The wood shed, the garden shed, the lawn mower, some cars and even more devastating 20 years of gorgeous garden all gone in a few very frightening minutes. There is no power and there's not much water left in the tanks, but at least Mum and Dad have their home. If anyone was going to survive and save their house in bushfire it was going to be my parents.

20 years and 10 days they have been preparing to battle this blaze and they won. Most of their neighbours weren't so lucky. Our thoughts and prayers are with them and with all the people across the state who have lost their homes and loved ones.