News & Updates from Helen Howell Designs · Page 8
My husband and I will have been married this September for 46 years - how time flies and even so Valentine day does not go unnoticed.
I make him one of my special cards which he always loves and he usually buys me a bunch of flowers.
This year however he went one step further and purchased me a beautiful arrangement. I loved the colours and the fact that the flowers (Gerberas) where sprinkled with sparkly glitter which twinkled when the light hit them.
Its nice to think that after all these years we both still make an effort on this romantic day. Happy Valentines to everyone out there!
How many of you remember the dolls we use to cuddle that were soft and didnt speak, not like todays counterparts that are hard or made of slicon etc.
Well, I decided for my little granddaughters 2nd Birthday that I would make her an old fashion rag doll, something she can hold and drag around with her, something to love and be a best friend.
I set too and got busy making this doll, at times I wondered why I had started it, especially when it came to doing the hair and making the clothes.
The finished result however, was worth all the effort and I cant wait to give her this on her birthday later this month.
My granddaughter came for a visit the other day, she is now 23 months old and on the go all the time, but such a delight to see.
I decided to take her on a little adventure around my garden.
She loves being outside and everything was of interest to her. She stopped off at the pond to stare at the goldfish, I wonder what she was thinking. She took a tour around the flower beds, examining and touching the brightly coloured flowers.
She found the lemon tree and we picked a big lemon for her to take back inside to her mummy.
We also picked a few bluebells that were supposed to be for her mummy, but she was determined to sit down and examine them and see how well they stood up to being bashed against the brick path.
Such fun to watch, everything is new at this age and holds a wonder.
Part of my visit to Tropical North Queensland was a tour to the Daintree and to Mossman Gorge which is inside the oldest Rainforest in the world.
It was just beautiful to see and our guide pointed out many different features to the plants as we strolled through this lush landscape.
We were lucky enough to see a Chameleon lizard that was blending itself into a tree trunk. Also was lucky enough to see a golden orb weaver, she was the size of a mans hand and had gold flecks down her side and on her legs.
Unfortunately I couldnt get close enough to take a photo of her. Its really something when you stand in an area that has been around for such a long time. Australia is lucky to be able to boast that they have the oldest Rainforest in the world.
I have just returned from spending a week in the Tropical North of Queensland, Australia. The weather was superb with hot sunny days and warm nights, so warm you could go out to eat without the need for a cardigan etc.
One of my highlights was a river cruise down the Daintree River - home to crocodiles - you could say a crocodile infested river.
Our guide told us that even if you cannot see them they are still there. He told us how you need to stay away from the banks (which he referred to as the tourist zone - because some people never learn).
The Crocs can pick up the vibration of your footsteps and they move at a phenomenal speed to ambush you - although I dont think anyone has been taken in recent years.
We were able to see three crocodiles, two resting on the banks and a third, which our guide said was called Scooter, a 16 year old 3 and half meter Crock, that came out and swam towards the boat.
I wonder did he think lunch was being served?
He checked us out and then disappeared beneath the muddy water. It was a real experience to see them in the wild in there own habitat but I am glad we dont get them down south in Victoria.
Just remember - Never smile at a Crocodile! ^_^