FNSI and More Coffee!

I got  a bit of a late start over at Wendy's last night. I had a day of toddler wrangling and was a bit weary after all our fun. It was also very warm here yesterday.
However after a cool salad for dinner and maybe an even cooler icecream I was set to get a-stitchin' with you all. I cut out all 9 of my backgrounds for "Blessings" 20 1/2 inches each. I then set to and removed all the papers on my first ring and tacked everything in place. I managed to get the inner circle appliqued down and a little way around the curves....very time consuming but I have to say I am loving just happily appliquing away. Now the centre looks a bit blousy but trust me it all fits nicely.....I checked AND checked!

Before I had the backgrounds cut I had basted the star blades that I have decided to go with in the centre...I think they will look ok. Instead of two fabrics in one blade I have alternated the blade fabrics.

Only leaves and LOTS of dots to go....
I hope everyone enjoyed their FNSI. I will be off to visit over the weekend.Thank you Wendy for having us at your place again x
Now I did say I was off on Thursday to meet a lovely friend of mine Trish who has the loveliest blog by the way called Red Cardinal We have been friends for many years and we do try and catch up when we can. I popped over to Trish's side of town to a very nice cafe.

We both decided on the Heritage Carrot, Walnut and Blueberry Bread with Peach, Lemon and Verbena jam.....oh my! Delicious!

After a verrrry looong chat...well you have to make sure you cover everything, we opted for a wander in the garden....

A photo or two...Trish...

and yours truly...

The Cafe is a lovely garden and  part of a plant nursery complex...veggie patches, native plants, exotics, cacti...just lovely! I of course bought some more poor victims home.

I will plant them out after our current hot spell eases up.
My lovely friend also gave me a beautiful addition to my Christmas ornament collection. We both  are lovers of feathery friends. This is so exquisite...I love it! I can't wait to hang it on my Christmas tree this year.

It is a blessing to have friends that you can embrace, plonk yourselves down and pick up where you left off. Thanks for a lovely time Trish.
I must away as unfortunately we cannot live on air....a spot of gathering is required. Another bit of a "Hottie" is expected so keeping cool will be high on the agenda.

Enjoy your weekend.
Namaste and Blessings,
Michelle xxx