Gibbston Valley Winery Rock Concert

 I had never been to an outdoor rock concert out in the countryside before. The last concert I attended outside was at Addington, Christchurch in 1985, Dire Straits, and there was nowhere to sit down and I'd had no chair. I went on my own.

Gibbston Valley Winery 2023 had things pretty organised. If one didn't feel like driving to the venue and being locked in a sea of cars one could take an organised bus from Queenstown School to the venue which is a good 20 minutes away. From there there was a bit of a walk with folding chairs and other comfort paraphenalia, squeezing past folks already installed on the grass or standing on the gravelled dance space in front of the stage, and then getting settled oneself.

I was there principally to see ZZ Top and their new lineup which these days includes Elwood Francis on bass guitar, but I was curious to see and hear the other rock acts; The Angels, Stone Temple Pilots, Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo. As a rock bassist I already play numbers by The Angels and ZZ Top and was hoping those numbers would be included in their setlists.

The weather was warm, to say the least as The Angels took to the stage. I'm very familiar with one of their songs and they did play it. It was acceptable but I was distracted by the current lead singer. Early in their set he gave me the impression of being under the influence of something - drugs, alcohol? I don't know but he almost tripped over his own feet three times within the first number. He gave the impression of trying too hard, deliberately setting himself onto the drum riser in order to jump off. It looked premeditated and screamed 'Look at me!' I was not impressed and just sat there in my camp chair, feeling increasingly heated.

Now it was time for Stone Temple Pilots. I don't know the music of this group but they were polished and definitely hard rock, as was their frontman. However, as they left the stage I was not inspired to check out their musical offerings online.

Each group seemed to have been allocated approximately one hour, with a half hour turn-around for the technical crew to break down and set up for the next act. Generally that went smoothly and the audience had easy opportunity to visit toilets, merchandise tents (anything worthwhile sold out immediately) and grab some snack food.

Next up were Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo (Pat's second husband, married 1992).

Despite the silver hair they are a very polished act. Neil, whose nick-name is Spyder) is a very competent lead guitarist. He doesn't hog the stage though, he supports Pat and does mostly backing vocals.

Pat is still impressive, vocally. There may be the occasional tweak to the higher notes to bring them down a fraction but she still has a powerful presentation, great intonation and knows how to be an entertainer with class. She works hard, without TRYING too hard. She just 'is'. The crowd responded enthusiastically to her, singing and dancing along to her most recognisable numbers.

And then it was time. Time for the group many of us had come specifically to see - ZZ Top. I love their more rocky numbers rather than the particular bluesy numbers. As the sun beat down on us with scarcely any breeze I was thrilled to actually see this famous trio in the flesh instead of on YouTube.

I really enjoy playing bass on their songs because although their songs don't involve a lot of chords, they have a driving energy that really appeals to me. They are a great example of how a three piece band can sound tight and interesting for decades. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Of particular interest was their new band member Elwood Francis. Elwood was bassist Dusty Hill's technician for many years and also Dusty's choice to replace him when he became incapacitated and later died. Already fitting into the hirsute duo concept, he knows all the songs and can sing but needs more encouragement to do so. I really enjoyed his freshness and playfulness. Billy Gibbons and his bassist are known for a few fun choreographed moves but it was clear Elwood wanted to do more and would nudge Billy into doing a bit more of this fun stuff. 

And yes... out came the fluffy guitars adorned in sheepskin but not the spinning gimmicks from one of their famous music videos of the past. Billy and the band signed a lady's pair of sneakers. As ZZ Top made their bows to the audience it was clear that Frank Beard, drummer, was not in the same sartorial or physical state as Billy and Elwood. Frank looked haggard, tatty as he shuffled off stage. I do hope he's not back on drugs or having health issues.

I shall, of course, be working on more ZZ Top numbers to share in the future.

The only blot on the day was trying to get back to Queenstown. As the crowd walked a fair distance down the fields to where we expected our buses to be lined up we were dismayed to find only one for the thousands of spectators who were hot, parched, tired and, in some cases, a bit drunk. The most massive queue I have ever been in watched nonplussed as that bus filled up and slowly made its way to the exit. There was no communication from organisers/marshalls as to where the buses were, how long they would be. After several attempts to get any information from a marshall we were informed that each bus would have its own destination: Queenstown, Frankton, Arrowtown etc so just hopping on a bus would not be a good idea. There were no signs. I sat down, knowing that if a bus was lucky enough to get to Queenstown and then come back for some of us it would be at least a 40 min trip. This was unreasonable. Take note please, Greenstone Entertainment.

Tempers began to flare, and rightly so. One guy became belligerant about the lack of buses and lack of communication. The marshall got flustered. Eventually a few more buses arrived but the crowd rushed the buses so that those who had been waiting at the head of the queue missed out. The crowd became more angry. Thirsty, tired and bored we waited for someone to sort it out but the bus drivers didn't have a clue. They should have driven to the front of the queue and only opened their doors when the bus in front was full. Instead we got a dangerous stampede. Mr Belligerant tried to stop people getting on buses until those at the front had seats but it was not to be. Punches were thrown, folks were shoved. It was getting nasty. What a disappointing lack of organisation and communication. It spoilt an otherwise happy day. Two hours later we eventually arrived back in Queenstown, too tired to eat or do anything but have a cuppa and head for sleep.

Last photo is taken off Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo's FB page. It gives you a good idea of the size of the audience and the great atmosphere during the concert.

Wings over Whales

 Ever since I was an adolescent I've had a soft spot for whales and dolphins, but especially whales.

When an opportunity to see whales from the air was offered me I was right into it.

If Whale Watching by boat is full up this aerial excursion is a useful alternative. Wings over Whales is a 30 minute fixed-wing flight.

On arrival at the airfield just outside Kaikoura we were given an overview of what to expect and also safety precautions. Our pilot looked so young but seemed very competent.

Passengers are most likely to see sperm whales as there's a population based permanently around Kaikoura due to the deep canyon and plenty of squid and other food available. Sperm whales can dive for 45 minutes and only surface for about 10 minutes to breathe so pilots need to keep that in mind when trying to time each flight to correspond when whales might be surfacing to breathe.

The best weather conditions include not too much sunny glare and few, if any, white caps on the water. This calmer water makes whale spotting a lot easier.

As you take off you pop on your headphones so you can hear the pilot and it pays to strap in. It's cramped and not that comfortable but that's not so important as actually seeing some whales. The pilot made a lot of sharp turns in order to allow both sides of the plane to take turns in seeing the wildlife. This is a wee bit unsettling in a small plane but you just have to trust the pilot to know what she is doing as you descend or climb somewhat on a steep lean.

The pilot used an app attached to her dashboard which enabled her to see where whales had been spotted earlier in the day. This meant she had an idea of where and when a whale was likely to surface. Though it is hit and miss, the pilots are pretty experienced at getting in the right place at the right time. Our grand total for the trip was one sperm whale, two beaked whales and a large pod of Dusky dolphins playing energetically..

We were slightly unlucky in that the sperm whale we did spot did not stay on the surface for  10 minutes. We barely got 5 minutes and all the time the pilot was manoeuvring from left to right so each side of the plane could see things. This meant the other side of the plane could not see anything when it wasn't 'their turn'.

If you want to take decent photos you will need an expensive lens that will close up the distance as, from the air, you do not get close so the whales are tiny things below you. Planes have to stay a certain distance from the wildlife so as not to disturb.

I didn't find the coastline of much interest. Coming from NZ, I've lived with Kiwi coastlines all my life. The sky was a bit dreary and overcast so the mountains didn't look very impressive anyway - very little snow on them, rather hazy overall.

I'm glad I had the opportunity to do it. The boat option may have been more impressive getting closer to a whale but there are no garantees of seeing one and the swells along the coast could make for a long, seasick time.

Aboard Driving Creek Railway

Who loves a ride on a little train through the NZ bush? I do!

Started by Barry Brickell in 1973 Driving Creek railway in Coromandel Town grew to 3 km of narrow gauge railway track over 22ha of hilly scrubby land. Barry was also NZs first NZ-born fulltime potter. Driving Creek Railway opened to the public in 1990.

This railway has quite an inspring and impressive history. The land had to be surveyed to create a route through very rough country. What can be seen today was done by hand by Barry with local contactors called in to assist with major earthworks.. There are bridges and viaducts, tunnels and spirals plus five reversing points required to reach the elevation at Eyeful Tower. Switchbacks added to the original tracks meant that trains could 'turn around' for public tours and an income stream could be added to that of the pottery.

This tourist attraction shows just what one person with vision and determination can do. Barry started with the creation of his pottery. A wood-fired stoneware kiln was built. Clay used for potting was and is sourced from this property. He then started the railway, while at the same time putting in incredible efforts to restore the land to native bush. He has certainly succeeded with that. It's a wonderful fresh experience being in the little train as you wind through giant native trees and so many tree ferns. All planted by Barry. The environment has responded to Barry's care by completely regenerating for visitors' delight. I am grateful to see that with the right care, nature can come back within 30 years. Brickell said: "I wanted to demonstrate that you can have engineering in a rugged landscape and it could be good. Engineering doesn't have to be ugly."

The significant forest restoration includes a native wildlife sanctuary and a predator-proof fence. Possum trapping is on-going. I let out a cheer as we rattled past a possum hanging by its neck from a steel bar on a tree. Ecosystem 1, Aussie terrorist 0.

 Trees easily identifiable include Kauri, Rimu, Rewarewa, thousands of tree ferns including our NZ Silver Fern, all planted since 1973.

Potters visit from all over the world as studios and accommodation are available. While I was there a potting class was in progress. I watched in amazement as the most awesone teacher explained what and why he wanted them to do certain things. Concentrating on the 'feel' of what was happening inside their hands, the two students succeeded in turning the clay without unfortunate incidents. He was really awesome and I told him and his class so. You can see them in action. Barry Brickell was good at building kilns. There are several on site, many of them working.

Another feature of note during the train trip is the bottle retainer walls on the hilly sides. They look rather smart in the rain with the glass glistening. There are thousands used for these walls and the precision of placement is remarkable. Our driver told us that barry had put an ad out offering a free train ride to anyone with at least two dozen clean wine bottles to donate. This worked a treat and even today the train drivers are adding to the bottle walls with great pride. In fact, all along the train track passengers can see all sorts of whimsical pottery tucked in amongst ferns and streams. Tunnels are decorated with ceramics too. Each turn seems to have something fun to see, for the sharp-eyed.

Barry died in 2016 leaving the railway and its bush protected by a QE2 covenant. An additional activity onsite is a zipline canopy tour. it goes very fast and I think it's maybe too fast for tourists to get the feel of the bush while whizzing past it.

There's some really great further information here.. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/294797/artist-barry-brickell-dies-aged-80

Driving Creek is now a fully charitable organisation and continues to deliver on Barry’s vision, as detailed in theTrust Charter. Driving Creek operates two charitable purpose programmes that stem from goals to:

• Protect and enhance our natural environment, be a leader and centre for understanding and contribution to conservation initiatives, and share our conservation values with our community and visitors.
• Be a leading centre for pottery and ceramic crafts where emerging potters are actively fostered and visitors share in a unique craft and creative experience.

Kaikoura's Classic Car Museum

I recently stumbled upon a little treasure in Kaikoura. Feeling in need of a quick bite we pulled up to Bernie's Diner. So much fun (the way Burger King was once in the long ago past), Every thing was American retro 60s at 105 Beach Rd. 

Ah, those milkshake containers, the little collection of mustard, tomato sauce and salt on each table. Spotless presentation and the service was faster than MacDonalds Matamata. I'd done my research and knew there was another even better reason to be here: Harmon's Classic Car Museum. It was created in 2017 by father and son Geoff and Bernard Harmon with their passion for cars. It remains a private collection.

I was delighted at the range and quality of models from the USA. The British cars were simply functional and boring though that's all that many of us Kiwis would have had experience of in our youth. The American cars were plastered with chrome, terrific upholstery, glam and certainly plenty of space. You'd never fit a parking space these days with those cars. 

Such big boots with luggage space, full size spare tyres you can easily get to, bench seats - younger generations will never know how exciting those could be. It was great to see under the hood of some of the models and be able to recognise various components. In my younger days I could change a tyre, change fuses and spark plugs, fill the radiator and window washer reservoir. Things look simpler now but in reality are much more complicated these days with everything dependent on electronics. 

Inside an annex were some interesting displays of unrestored cars, a classic caravan used back in the 60s and 70s, a huge stationwagon for beach holidays complemented with a diorama, a boat and even old petrol pumps. I still remember my father filling up the car with Caltex boron. Nothing lead-free back then. My parents started out with an old Singer and then progressed to Mum having a Humber and Dad a Mark 4 Zephyr. Alas the Zephyr rolled with a caravan during high winds on a hilly road while my parents were on holiday and was badly damaged. My father, who was driving, was quite battered too but cars were pretty solid in those days. He drove it home with a stoved in roof and the windscreen held to the car by ropes. 

 American cars were hard to come by so NZ was pretty much British automobiles until Japanese imports made their presence felt and greater reliability was a blessing, along with the reduced price tag.

There were additional items included in the museum: old petrol-powered bikes from the 20s, a Vespa scooter, a beautiful terracotta-coloured bike with sidecar and old traffic cop bikes. These were before the traffic division was assimilated by the police. Honda was the preferred brand and I remember them well though I never had any 'personal' dealings with them.

In a side wing could be found a Trash Fashion display of some of the winning entries since 2001. Trash Fashion is Kaikoura's premier entertainment event. The outfits are all from recycled trash which might be toilet paper or aluminium can rings, fabric or plastic twisties for bread, to name a few elements.

The museum includes a scaled replica of the West End of the main street of Kaikoura as it was at least 70 years ago. Included are some of the important buildings that are now gone.

Once back in the diner you can buy car-centric merchandise.

I had a lot of fun here remembering my own past with cars and motorbikes, family jaunts and asociated other memories..

It's open 7 days a week for breakfast and lunch, doughnuts and milkshakes, burgers and coffee.   www.harmons.co.nz

Medicine drives me nuclear

Medecines are developed to treat medical problems but they can have some pretty nasty side effects. We know this but often doctors simply do what they are used to prescribing and give little thought to consequences, or hope for the best further down the line. If we are in an acute situation, such as open heart surgery, we don't know what later effects medicines may have as doctors don't tell us.

Six weeks after two open heart surgeries I was back in the hospital because the mountain of medicines I was expected to take was wrecking my gastrointestinal system. Doctors ummed and ahhed as to what might be causing my pain symptoms and nausea but it was me, the patient, who ended up nudging their considerations into medicine issues. I was proven right after 2/3 of my meds were discontinued or dosages reduced and I finally started to get better. 

I thought I was past the worst and that from now on I would only improve but five months after surgery I felt I was sliding backward with massive palpitations, fatigue, two instances of nearly losing conciousness while doing moderate exercise. I found myself spending more time on the sofa and had to give up my exercise classes at the sports centre and the aquatic centre. By the time I was seven months post-op I knew I had better alert my GP. Blood tests were done

They came back abnormal for thyroid function and very low vitamin D (which was surprising for a gardener like myself), In future I will cover up a bit less when outside. It's a fine line for we spritely elders getting enough UV for Vitamin D production and too much UV leading to skin cancer. I was now hyperthyroid with the associated heart symptoms.

Further tests ruled out Graves disease which is autoimmune. Specialists revealed my thyroid troubles had been caused by Amiodorone, a powerful antiarhythmia drug which can cause damage long after it is discontinued as its mega-iodine effect stays in the human body for up to a year, causing havoc in some of us. Key consequences can be a stuffed up thyoid, heart damage, osteoporosis and even pulmonary fibrosis, a terminal lung condition whereby you die within weeks, months but certainly within three years. There is a class action law suit forming in the US against this drug due to the nasty side effects.

I may have dodged a bullet as that second hospital stay saw Amiodorone discontinued though clearly the effects are with me. At least I have minimised the length of time I was on it. It's very worrying for patients when something like this comes out of the blue, the fault of a drug prescribed by doctors.

I am now on another medicine to help my thyroid normalise but we have to be careful in case it tips my thyroid into becoming hypo  and thus requiring lifelong medication. Sheesh! My thyroid needed further investigation and since there is a 4 month waiting list for the thyroid clinic I was pleased they were taking things seriously. So I agreed to go radioactive as part of a diagnostic scan using molecular medicine. Christchurch Hospital receives a canister of the preferred radioactive isotope once a week and it is preprepared into the correct testing doses.

Nuclear medicine uses radioactive material inside the body to see how organs or tissue are functioning (for diagnosis) or to target and destroy damaged or diseased organs or tissue (for treatment).

Unlike x-rays, CT and MRI scans that give structural information, Nuclear Medicine imaging demonstrates the function of an organ or organ system by monitoring the passage, accumulation or excretion of a radiopharmaceutical (a radioactive pharmaceutical).

To perform a Nuclear Medicine scan, the radiopharmaceutical is first administered to the patient, usually intravenously. Depen​​ding on the type of scan, the pictures may be taken immediately and/or after a period of time during which the pharmaceutical localises in the target organ or system.

Thyroid scanning is a well established test for evaluating many thyroid diseases.  The thyroid scan aids in the evaluation of hyperthyroidism by demonstrating findings that differentiate Graves' disease, toxic adenoma, toxic multinodular goitre and thyroiditis. 

• Following an IV injection of ^99mTc-Pertechnetate, there is a waiting time of approx. 30 minutes, Apart from the needle, it doesn't hurt. This radioactive product will concentrate in the thyroid gland. Pertechnetate is excreted in breast milk, so breastfeeding women are advised to express and discard breast milk for 26 hours after injection.

• The scan takes approx. 10 minutes to complete. I had a 2 minute one, followed by a 4 minute one. I was not allowed to swallow during the scan.

  After a few hours, certainly after a day, I am no longer radioactive. The scan confirms I have drug-induced thyroiditis. With careful medicine correction I hope to eventually get back to normal.

  Don't take those regular blood test checkups lightly. They can reveal problems that can't always be seen. Stay vigilant and be your own advocate.
  

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3yfdXzZ6Uu0 Hyperthyroidism vs hypothyroidism in detail

  
  
  
  

 

 

Quilting makes feelings tangible and dreams reality

In an old nineteenth century schoolhouse at Fernside, Canterbury is a woman and her quilting studio providing consolation, celebration and inspiration for fellow New Zealanders and overseas clients. Patchworks, quilts, bags and special commissions all jostle for Verina Thirlwell’s passionate attention. The rhythmic clonk and whirr of the Bernina sewing machine is stitching together thoughts, feelings and hopes in a way that heals, excites and creates community.

She listens to others people’s hurt and needs and allows her creativity to guide her in creating unique stitched items that give joy. It’s a magical place.

Patchwork and quilting are increasingly popular in New Zealand but few quilters achieve the results Verina does.

Patchwork is a work, such as a blanket, composed of many different colours and shapes, sewn together to make an interesting whole.

Quilting is patterned stitching creating bed coverings, art wall hangings, clothing, and a variety of textile products. It can be done by hand, via a sewing machine, or by a specialized long-arm quilting system.

The process

Fabric, or patchworks, brought to Verina’s quilting studio is laid out on the work bench and there follows a discussion on quilting styles, patterns and variables. The client usually chooses the backing they want. Verina then sketches up a design and provides a timeframe. Most clients leave the creative process to her and are then presented with the finished work of art.

Layers are built up while seeking balance in the composition. Where memory quilts are concerned, rather than bed quilts, she adds trims or decorative stitches. She adds depth and texture to the work by adding in hand embroidery or hand quilting. This can emphasise a special piece that has major importance as the eye is drawn to the detail.

What she enjoys the most is being given free rein on the style of quilting but it is the joy on a client’s face that is the most satisfying aspect for Verina.

“That’s exactly what I wanted. You’ve done the impossible- turned a sow’s ear into a silk purse,” enthused a happy client.

Another said “I wanted a stitchery. Verina’s talent adds value to my work. She’s consistent, reliable and she makes sure her quilting never takes over my stitchery.”

Sometimes she receives special commissions where she has to create the patchwork and then quilt it. Her service might extend to going shopping with clients to find suitable materials that they like but 95% of the time clients bring in their own patchworks to be quilted.

Clients come mostly from Canterbury, but also further afield from Marlborough/Nelson, the North Island and even Indonesia.

Making memorial cushions

These very special, unique designs are constructed from elements supplied by customers, which are sentimental and hold great meaning, often being representative of loved ones who have died.

Firstly, Verina lays out the fabrics, trims, buttons, beads and any other materials to cover a foundation fabric. She usually collects the materials first before thinking of the design. If the cushion is a collaboration between her and the client, they discuss the collection of elements and their significance and importance they have. She then sketches a design and provides a timeframe. Verina employs her creative processes and later presents them as the finished work.

Quite a number of clients appreciate the tactile connection they gain through hugging memorial cushions. The fabrics used all have special meaning; designs can recall past happy times, and personal embellishments such as beads and jewellery bring memories of the departed back into everyday life.

Men enjoy receiving a personalised cushion for birthdays or retirements, or perhaps recognising a special achievement.

A haven of tranquillity

The studio has been described as a refuge and retreat for those who have had trauma in their lives. A calm atmosphere pervades there that has nothing to do with Verina. No doubt it’s the rural setting, the sense of history and continuation which seeps from the walls of the old Springbank schoolhouse.

There’s even a pair of chairs and an art deco daybed near the gas fire, intended as an area to sit and host clients but often the space is filled with works in progress or completed items awaiting collection.

Confidentiality is important and clients know that they can be open and free to say what they want, without judgement. Verina’s empathy encourages clients to open up about what matters to them in each commission, large or small. Sometimes grief takes time to evolve to a point where clients feel ready to have clothing from the departed made into a quilt. The finished quilt can turn grief into joy and celebration of a life well-lived and person well-loved.

The studio is also the venue for quilting classes. Twice weekly 6-8 students learn the art of quilting. The trusty Bernina sewing machine is always ready to go and there’s plenty of space on the large cutting table. Some students consider their lessons life-savers. The meetings give members something to look forward to, therapy and good company.

The schoolhouse was also the venue for a group of volunteers who, led by Verina, gave of their time and money to produce a great many charity patchwork quilts to give to the families of the Mosque attack victims in Christchurch 2019. Waltham School distributed them.

The quilting studio is the main focus of the business but Verina also enjoys the more creative side of using old clothes, doilies, laces and trims to make something beautiful; be it a cushion, sewing case, or to decorate an item of clothing. The latter work is fiddly and will probably never supersede the quilting but she’ll take on almost anything.

Creative challenges

Recently she accepted a new challenge: working on a large tapestry from France. It had been unmounted, dry-cleaned and posted to NZ, which had pulled it out of shape. It needed to be turned into a wall hanging in a French-styled house in Canterbury. Verina went so far as to pin it to the carpet in her dining room, blocked out as squarely as possible, while it dried back into shape. It was then lined and made ready to take pride of place in the client’s home, reminding her of her love of France and French history.

This talented seamstress created a teddy bear for a young girl, from the girl’s departed grandmother’s dressing gown. She added photographs on fabric of the girl and her grandma to the paw pads for a special touch. The finished result impressed the girl’s parents and moved the little girl emotionally as now she can cuddle and talk to the bear in a spiritual connection with her Grandma.

Verina once made a teddy bear for a wedding that was made from scraps of the wedding dress she had made for a client. Beaded and embroidered, he sat on the back shelf of the bridal car and then on the cake table.

Quilts can be very happy celebrations too

The birth of a new baby, or a birthday or wedding anniversary can be the inspiration for a new quilt.

Quilts are also made to be read, to inspire and to express feelings: handwritten comments can be added to the fabric. Bags are quilted and beaded for weddings or special anniversaries. Verina even created a unique quilt for herself to celebrate her own 50^th birthday. She requested family and friends to send her a patchwork block or piece of fabric rather than a card or present. The resulting memories sewn into the quilt remind her how blessed she is to have such lovely people in her life. The range of fabrics, blocks and feelings were as varied as her friends and continue to give her great delight.

Perhaps we should all have a memories box where we can put special objects away, and when we have enough, send them off to be turned into wonderful remembrances as quilts, bags, table linen and clothing. It puts a new turn on reuse or recycle but these beautiful objects can become family or personal heirlooms and give joy for decades to come.

Verina’s journey

Verina made her first patchwork when she was just 12 years old. Maybe it was encouragement from her granny who was a tailoress. She started with English paper piercing which consists of hexagonal paper templates and is very traditional. Nowadays almost anything goes.

Her work evolved into patchwork shapes to make a ‘block’. Blocks are repeating patterns, like tiles. What she once did with hand stitching is now done by machine.

Verina trained as an early Childhood Educator and spent 35 years mostly helping special needs children. She was quilting part time but eventually she left teaching and its mountain of paperwork to spend more time exploring her creative talents. She invested in an old quilting machine and has never looked back.

https://www.facebook.com/Just4youquilting/

 

Photographs courtesy of Frances Harrison and Verina Thirlwell