Characters I saw at the Birmingham Quitl Show

We thought this may have been an Aussie quilt - certainly had that feel about it. It's hanging the quilts & the name on the pub is the Woolshed Hotel - I reckon it certainly looks like an outback pub.  The catalogue didn't even have it listed so couldn't find out anything about it.  The quilts only have a number, name of the quilt and the category they are entered in. For those of you who may not know it, you can double click on a photo & check out the detail of the quilt.

Detail of one of the catergory winners - it was stunning.

One part of a tryp tych (I know I haven't spelt that correctly) on Frank Sinatra - "My Way"

This was achieved using hexagons - around 1/4" - absolutely amazing.

This was entered in the special challenge - "Festival" - these ladies were enjoying a street parade - just thought they were gorgeous - loved the rollers in their hair & the fags in their hands.

Someone I knew - Felicity's quilt - all the way from Oz. The art quilt category seemed to be one of the biggest - you really need 2 or 3 days to look properly.  We had four hours but were pleased with what we saw & who knows maybe one day we'll get back - one can dream.

Our week on a Narrow Boat

Back to England & our week on the canals south of Birmingham. Looking out to the front of the boat. We had two double beds, two loos, one bathroom, kitchen & dining room.  A narrow walkway meant only one at a time could walk along inside.  Not much room for dancing!

One of the tunnels  & an approaching boat.

One of the many locks we mastered.

Fireworks - just for us on the River Severn at Worcester.

Saw a number of swan families.  One family had 5 cygnets and one of those babies was adopted by the parents - a rare thing. We gained a lot of information about swans from a volunteer who tags them in Worcestershire.  There are only two volunteers & they also go into adjoining counties. Guess it keeps them busy on weekends and afternoons and evenings!

A series of five step locks we had to negotiate - became quite expert at it all.  This is just a glimpse into our very pleasant week on a narrow boat.  Another thing off the bucket list.

Our new home!!???!

The entrance to the castle  (looking out to the village) - we have both decided we could live here.

The outside courtyard with the private quarters overlooking it.

The inner courtyard - able to be guarded & ward off all enemies.

"I schpit on you English pigs!"  HofM got in Monty Python mode up in the turret.

View from the turret.  What do you think we should offer if it comes up for sale???  One does have to have dreams ------

Doors & hinges

They don't make doors like this anymore!

Nor hinges.

This door was on a Lutheran church in Althausen in the Rhine Valley. It wasn't the main door just a side door. The main door was not as attractive.

The door to the cellar on a restaurant - the date is 1578.  It was small.

Inspiration all around

Some images that may inspire me when I get home - all from Germany

Views from the Rhine.

The Lorely - we took a boat from Bingen to the Lorely & took in all the castles & vineyards.

HofM wants to buy a castle - someone please tell him "He's dreaming!"

Just a few vineyards.

Was once a Toll House on the Rhine - we visited it - interesting place.

Bann & Kaiserlautern, Pfalzerwald area

Bann is a very little village & we were asked how Aussies found their way to Bann - easy - the internet! It had a couple of really nice water features around the town.

The dogs knew exactly what NOT to do!

Kaiserlautern had its own "Time Team" dig going - we thought one of the men was a German version of Hampshire Phil from Time Team.

We really didn't need a reminder of how far from home we are.

One of the oldest houses in the town - still in use as a restaurant -1600's from memory or maybe earlier - I should take notes when I see these things!  Still everything here seems to be old.