Introducing Ella Joy

Last week my niece Melissa and hubby Richard were blessed with a precious little baby girl Ella Joy. Both baby and mother are doing very well. The look on Melissa's face says it all. I know that the years to come are going to be filled with so much love and happiness and priceless memories.

This is a card that I made for the baby. I looked at all the baby cards that you can buy but I really wanted to make one. I struggle when it comes to making cards so I have kept it simple.

Thanks for stopping by,
Hugs, Irene xx

My Tasmanian Holiday

Last week the Annual National Mah Jong Tournament was held in Hobart, Tasmania. The venue for the competition was Wrest Point Casino and most of the players stayed there too. We had 4 half days of competition and while we played, the husbands that came along were free to do a bit of sight seeing.

Wrest Point Casino by night. Our room was the

top left of the 3 level Water Edge wing.

This is the amazing view from our room. Each morning we would draw back the curtains and feel the window to see how cold it was outside. I think that I will be painting this view as a reminder

of our first visit to Hobart.

The main reason for being in Hobart was to play Mah Jong.

Here are a few of the 120 ladies that participated.

The Dinner and Presentation Evening was a Winter Wonderland theme and there were many wonderful costumes. I went as the Snow Queen (always knew I had royalty in my blood LOL). There were penguins, snowmen, snow flakes and icicles, but I was lucky enough to be awarded First Place.

I had two wishes while in Tasmania. 1) Was to touch a Koala. DH took several photos but this is the only one that came out. I think it might be time to start researching a new camera.

AND

2) Was to see snow. There were 5 of us in the car including my Best Friend Trish, and as we climbed higher and higher up Mt. Wellington the excitement grew. It was freezing, between -3deg to 3deg, thick with fog and a biting wind but it would take more than that to cool my fun.



Gloves off, I had to feel the snow and even made and threw snowballs. In minutes, my hands were numb but I had the best time EVER !!!!


On our Bus Tour, we visited historical Richmond. It is full of wonderful old buildings. My only regret is that we didn't have much time here. This is the oldest bridge in Australia which was built by the convicts. I couldn't help but notice the contrast of the bitumen road and the hand made sandstone of the bridge.



Our last free day was spent at Port Arthur. We spent most of
the day wandering around. So much to see and feel. This photo
of the Church, is one of hundreds that I took.

Well, that is only a tiny glimpse into my holiday in Tasmania. Thanks for stopping by and sharing my adventure.

Hugs, Irene xx

It's GREAT to be back

OK, I know that I have been away from blogger land for a few weeks but I needed a break. There were no dramas (I am blessed with a happy secure life), I just needed a little time to breath. The past few months have been packed so full of "stuff" that I needed a break.

A couple of days ago, when I got back from a fantastic holiday in Tasmania, I was catching up on some of my favorite blogs when I came across a great give away. If you would like a chance of winning a Shadow Box, then pop over to Leah's blog where she is giving away a ShadowCase designer kit of your choice. There a so many styles to choose from.

So go check it out but don't tell too many people hehehehehehe 'cause I want to win it.

I'd love you all to come back soon because I lots to share.

Hugs,

Irene xx