Last Singapore Post - Promise!

Singapore Zoo is fantastic. It is on a large piece of land that juts out into a large lake that is one of their water reservoirs. Lush green vegetation goes right to the waters edge. Can't you just tell I'm from somewhere that is just out of a long drought.

We had breakfast with the Orang Utans,

played with the Pygmy Hippos through the glass.

and paid $5 for a basket of fruit and vegetables to feed the elephants.

The only cages were for the cats that can jump - leopards and jaguars. All the other animals were in natural settings some with large moats between them and us.

Well worth the visit. They are very into conservation and education. We'd love to go back because we could not see everything or go to all the shows.

Maybe another holiday????

Take care,
Kayly

Raffles Hotel

I have always wanted to have afternoon tea at Raffles Hotel. Luckily we booked it well before we left Australia because it books out weeks in advance.

I even wore a dress! Although the make up was a bit slippery in the humid weather.

The grounds were immaculately groomed - lush greenery, orchids, gingers. The whole hotel closed a few years ago for a huge makeover. They did a wonderful job of it. It is no longer on the waterfront, but about a kilometer in land, thanks to Singapore's land reclamation. We thought we might not be able to take photos inside, but everyone had their cameras out.
As well as the three tiered cake stand there was a buffet of sweet and savoury , Asian and Western dishes.



I had to put in this photo. Sorry DH.

He watched me do the post from the free computers at the Novotel on the 18th Sept. He was a bit disconcerted with the title DH and thought it stood for d...h..d - you can work out what he thought it was. I quickly explained it stood for 'Darling Husband', which he really is.

More photos to come. Sorry to bore you with them, but we had a great time and I want to share how good a destination Singapore is.

On the craft front, I did a quick tidy up in the craft room today and picked up the needle again for the Gardener's Journal SAL.

See you soon,
Kayly

Singapore Part One

We're back! We had the best time. As I said last time, this trip has been a long time coming.
I would recommend Singapore to anyone. It is friendly, easy to get around, has great food, and so much to see.
Without knowing it we arrived when the Mid-Autumn Festival was being celebrated. Clarke Quay, near where we stayed, was decorated with light displays like the one above.

We went on a "Round Island" bus tour with Tour East. Joseph, our guide, was really informative without lecturing. That's not the word I really mean, but he was good to listen to. We went to the Changi POW Museum - no photo, I was too busy looking at everything there, and had to be called to get back on the bus. We also went to the Kranji War Graves in the north of the island. It was very moving to walk among the graves, reading the names and ages. The names of the ones without graves were engraved onto the walls of the structure at the top of the rise.

We also went to a large Buddhist Temple. It was beautiful, with highly decorated gardens, ponds, sculptures and buildings.
We tried to eat 'local'. Such variety of food styles. This was also how we meet people. Singaporeans are very friendly. Several struck up conversations with us, mainly about the food!

I have some more photos to show you, but Blogger would only let me put these on tonight.
Good excuse for another post.

Kayly

Guess where I am! Sorry no Photos.

I'm in SINGAPORE!

DH and I flew out of Brisbane yesterday. I survived the flight for those who know I do not like flying. The guy in front kept putting his seat back so the TV was about 10 inches from my face, but I got my revenge - my knees in his back.

Our hotel is in Clarke Quay. It is F1 GP race week here and the Mid-Autumn Festival so lots happening.

This is my first real overseas trip in 32 years - NZ in 1978. Norfolk Island 6 years ago doesn't count as it is an Australian Territory.

Off today to do the Hop on-Hop off bus.

I'm excited to say the least.

Take care everyone,
Kayly

A New Bag.

Now this is bordering on a miracle for me! I saw this bag at the Patchwork Tree in Alderley awhile ago. It was made in lovely bright colours. Unfortunately they had run out of the pattern.
Last Friday a friend and I had a very enjoyable day out at the Redlands Quilt Show and a visit to to Bayside Stitchcraft. They had the pattern. The black and white material and the lining (which is the same pattern but in reverse - white and black) came from stash.

Saturday saw most of it sewn. I only stopped because my old eyes were giving out on the black material. I finished it Sunday morning!

Finally a pattern bought and used and finished in 3 days!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And not added to the pile of patterns I have collected over the years.

This bag is going in my suitcase, because I'm off on holidays at the end of the week.

This afternoon was spent toe tapping my way through Mamma Mia - the stage show at QPAC.
I saw the show when it came through Brisbane last time and thoroughly enjoyed it. This new production is wonderful. Incredible singing, costumes and clever set design. It is a very good musical.

Off to watch Junior Materchef.

Take care everyone,
Kayly

Tueday Treasures

A strange one, I know. I don't have much call to wear a lot of make-up, so my lipsticks and eye shadows last awhile.
This is my most favourite winter lipstick. It's a lot darker in real life, more 'berry' like. Of course, Revlon don't make this colour anymore. Boo hoo. I have been trying to make it last as long as possible.
Clare's Classroom hosts Tuesday Treasures. Check it out. The one Clare has picked for her treasure today is truly a lovely personal one.
Take care everyone,
Kayly

Block D and a new book.

Another block for the Gardener's Journal SAL bites the dust. I think there are only 4 more to do. Woo hoo!

Below is a recent purchase. Lisa Lam's blog is fun to read. She designs and sell bag patterns and equipment. The forward in the book was written by Amy Butler. I think Lisa was a might chuffed to have the famous Amy write it.

All I've had time for is quick look through. I'm yet to go into detail, but it looks good.



Take care everyone,
Kayly.

Baby Quilt ready and waiting!

Back in April I posted about this quilt, made for a grand niece. I mentioned then that I was making a blue slightly different version. So tah dah! Here it is.
I used the pattern given as a freebie on the Piece N Quilt blog. I left off the applique flowers.
I so love this Birdie range from Me & My Sister. I have bought some more to put away 'just because'. The designers behind Me & My Sister have a new range 'Dilly Dally'. Can't wait to see that in real life.

With 2 grand nieces or nephews soon to arrive, I have to have more than one quilt ready. I have 2 tops waiting to be quilt and another 'pink' one to be made. Better get cracking on them this week.

Take care everyone,
Kayly.

PS I have finished and washed the embroideries for block D for Gardener's Journal. Hope to show that finished block soon too.