I've been away without going anywhere...........

It' been a while....a week........one which has been a dark week for all of Australia and particularly Victoria......while some fires still burn the huge effort to help those who have lost everything continues.

I haven't felt much like blogging this past week......I almost feel guilty that my life continues in it's normal routine while the routine of others will never be the same................! I have donated cash and hopefully my small donation along with those from all over Australia (and the world) will help ease the suffering of those affected.

This past week has also been a busy one for me at work with long days and a vice regal visit to help organise.........all went well with the visit and next week should return to almost normal! Well...that is the plan........!!!

Today is Valentine's Day.....we don't buy gifts for each other.....but the Prince bought me this beauty from the garden this morning..........the cooler weather this past week has seen a few buds come out.....he couldn't have given me a better gift!

During preparations for the vice regal visit this week I was busy with the "big" things.......changing clock batteries...................

........and making sure everything was set up for the morning tea................

The guests were representatives from volunteer groups in the area and I thought it would be nice if we gave something back for the work they do in the community......so I asked for volunteers from the staff to help cater for the morning tea...................the girls outdid themselves..................home made goodness!

Any left overs were accounted for by the rest of the staff!!

Along with cooking cupcakes and lamingtons ...........I managed a bit of stitching at night and have finished the three wool blocks I showed in my previous post. I am really pleased with them and am looking forward to getting the next block.........for once I am up to date with a BOM........!

I spent the afternoon today with my stitching group and it was great to spend time stitching and catching up since the last time we were all together.....this afternoon was a little "tamer" than our previous get together which featured a snake sighting......and a chook death by misadventure........among other things!!!

Take care.....take nothing for granted......life is fragile!

'Til next time.......................Lorraine