Another update
Normally, I have all the household goods unpacked and pretty much settled within 3 – 4 weeks of moving in to a new home. I forgot everything takes longer when you live overseas. And everything takes extra long here! This town is so remote and so small that if they don’t have what you are looking for or need here in town, it typically takes about 3 – 4 weeks to have something shipped. Being a “git ‘er-done-now” sort of gal, this has been a true lesson in patience for me. I’ve been a bit frustrated with hitting road blocks and challenges. Having my identity stolen and having to work through that mess (still a very-much, on-going process) hasn’t helped.
No filter used here; this was the sunrise reflecting off the MacDonnell Range early one morning!
Still, we’re making progress. I’ve been working with the tradees (the tradesmen) such as the “sparkies” (electricians) and plumbers to make improvements, and even the nicest cabinetmaker ever to build cabinets in my studio and quilt storage room. We definitely need some electrical work done and I’ve met with several sparkies so far. But it takes them typically a week or more just to send the estimate. Then, you need to be added to their already backed-up schedule which is a month or more out. We had new faucets installed in the kitchen sink and laundry room, and an insinkerator (disposal) installed in the kitchen; however, it needed an “air switch” which didn’t come with the unit, so it has taken a couple of weeks for that to arrive and will hopefully be installed later this week.
Making friends
Members of the Alice Springs Quilting Club
I’m happy to tell you I attended my first quilt guild meeting here on Monday evening. Such a lovely group of gals! They were all very friendly and oh, so welcoming! I think I have found my tribe.
And the Roos….
Roo watching continues daily and I’m learning more about these amazing creatures than I could have imagined. Yes, I’m still getting things done but every time I walk by the window and see kangaroos or wallabies outside, I grab my phone and start recording. They are simply fascinating! Who knew watching exotic wildlife could be so entertaining? I’ve been posting videos on Instagram and Facebook (because I can’t post videos here on this platform) so if you follow me on social media, be sure to check out the videos. They are so fun and interesting.
The exciting thing is I was able to actually sit outside on the patio and take photos and videos yesterday with the Roos only 20 feet away! They were aware of my presence the entire time, but I think they have seen me watching them through the window long enough to know I won’t hurt them. It also helps they know we replenish the buffet everyday.
I snapped this crazy selfie yesterday with this male roo only about 10 feet away! Don’t worry….I won’t get closer. I don’t want to tame or disturb them.
Many people have asked what we feed the Roos. The simple answer is: Roo Food (we buy it from a local feed and seed store.) It is similar to rabbit food, or so I’m told.
I saw this banner in the park the other day and it made me do a double take because the words Autumn and May dates simply don’t compute in my brain. The days are getting shorter each day until June 21st when they will start getting longer again. That’s the opposite of everywhere I’ve ever lived and does take some getting used to. It’s funny….I didn’t realize the street light was so green!
Mark your calendars!
I’ll be doing a pre-recorded Facebook Live on the Janome Sewing Machines Page on June 1st at 3pm EST. I hope you’ll tune in to watch. I’ll be sharing my studio space with you — amidst all the chaos of moving — and talking about things you can do to make ANY room or space in your home more sewing accessible and user friendly! I hope you’ll plan to join me, Mr. Kim and Cheeto!
Back to unpacking
I did tackle organizing the future quilt storage room this past weekend. It had been a complete disaster because there are no closets or storage cubbies to put things. Yet. That’s why I’ve worked with Dave, the fantastic cabinet maker (who’s mum-in-law is a quilter!) to design cabinet storage for this room (and my studio.) However, I did manage to go through every box and sort them into neat stacks so I now know where most of my quilting and embroidery things are stored until the cabinets are installed. Getting organized made me feel so much better.
BEFORE
CURRENTLY. Cheeto supervised, of course.
Spending some time sorting all my Sashiko and embroidery threads made me feel so happy. The colors are so therapeutic!
Japan 2023
And in case you haven’t heard, I’m leading a very special tour to Japan in 2023!
Japan Quilting & Textile Art Studios Tour with Kimberly Einmo – Opulent Quilt Journeys
I can’t believe I’ve been here a month already. The time has flown by. I’m learning something new every day, and experiencing many different things. The culture, the weather, the landscape, the people, the colors. Oh….the glorious colors!
Most everything has been simply marvelous. There have been some challenges and frustrations along the way, but that’s life no matter where you live, right? The secret is to get up each morning and make the conscious choice to look for the wonder…the love…the joy….the smiles….in every day situations.
Thank you for joining me on this journey of discovery. I’m so glad to know I have friends around the world….like you.
Love your attitude and all the pics! Of course i can’t wait to see the finished studio and JAPAN!!!
It’s incredibly interesting to follow your adventures down under!
Everything is such a new discovery – fun!! Your photos are great, hope your boys will be able to visit you so they can see your new location. Your Roo Food bags would make great shopping or gift bags. I recently watched a demo, and Youtube has many “making shopping bags out of feed sacks” videos. We’ve moved into our much smaller retirement house in PA, and we’ve accepted an offer on our Ashburn house. Don will be retired as of June 1, so big changes in our lives. Hugs!!
I look forward every day to see your videos of the roos. I would say you’ve done a fantastic job of getting things together. I’d still be at the first unpacking picture stage. I miss the country and it’s people. I am so glad I live somewhat in the boonies with all the ‘you know what’ going on here. Elections were yesterday and I’m almost afraid to see the results. Please don’t stop posting the pics and videos of the roos. And I still say I don’t think you have enough Sashiko thread. Am going to try to get my pieces together into a quilt. take care and blessed be.
Thank you for sharing this journey with us. I think this is the most exciting one so far.
So happy you and Keith are together and yea for finding fellow quilters.
What a great adventure. Glad things are working out for you and very happy that Cheeto has adapted. I can’t wait to read about future changes and more roo videos
You are one strong and busy lady. It sounds like you live in a very remote area; just what I like. You get to see so much more of nature. Unpacking all your studio boxes would be like Christmas for me. Again, my hats off to you undertaking so many things. It won’t be long for it all to be done and then you create more things to do. I bet those ladies are thrilled to have you as a new guild member. Thanks for sharing all those roo pictures.
I am hooked on your blog!!! Love reading about your awesome adventures. You are such a wonderful inspiration to me. Lives and hugs.
I love all that you share, the beauty, the wildlife, your frustrations and triumphs. Thank you, it brightens my day. I am hoping to get the necessary supplies to quilt along with you.
Thank you for sharing your challenges, beautiful surroundings and how you handle these challenges. You are truly an inspiration.
Sounds like such a wonderful adventure! I love the Roo pics! Happy to hear you and Kent are settling in!❤
Have a great adventure Kimberly. Live each day to the fullest.
This is preparing you for Northern Idaho where we take a long time to get anything also! I’m glad you found your tribe!!! That’s important.
Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us. Your writing is so newsy. I can’t wait for the next post!
So nice to here about your transition for that is what it is instead of a move. I have moved to a new home and yes everything is later than sooner getting done. So be patient and enjoy the beauty that will inspire your quilting.
Oh, I’m so loving living in Austrailia vicariously thru you!!❤❤❤ thank you so much for sharing!
I was wondering how it was going – I am sure it is quite an experience – enjoy every moment – even the difficult and frustrating ones. blessings from Vancouver Island, BC
Loving your adventures!!❤️❤️
I am excited for you and Ken to be on your next adventure and chapter in your life. Keep the updates coming.
I am enjoying hearing of your experiences “down under”. Alice Springs certainly is different than your former home near the beach in CA, or your cabin in Lake Arrowhead. Having to wait for shipments and scheduling tradesmen would really test my patience; definitely would be a difficult adjustment for me. It seems that things move slower there, and maybe that is a good thing. Here in CA, things can be hectic, and then we wonder why we’re stressed. Having wildlife strolling and visiting your backyard is amazing, how I would love that! Enjoy how different your day to day is, and embrace all that that your life there, brings to you. Please say Hi to Kent and the “kids”.
Just been reading and catching up with your move to Oz. Hope you’ll soon be settled & so glad you are enjoying so far. I’m also counting down the days to winter Solstice. Coming into a very cold spell and I did notice that the Alice was only going to reach 13deg tomorrow which is cool for daytime temperatures there. I’ll try & pop in more often and leave a comment. Take care and hugs.
You are handling everything so well- I don’t think I would be so calm and collected. Good luck with with all the home improvements.