News from abroad, now that I'm home.

Before I launch into the holiday snaps, the big news from abroad is that to celebrate the launch of You Sew Girl Patterns into the US market, and the recent availability of my book YOU SEW GIRL in the US, the divine Ms Oona Balloona is hosting a giveaway of my book on her blog.  If you live in the US or Canada, go visit her blog NOW!

Ok, back to my USA trip...

We survived the journey home, and are currently enjoying every moment not spent in an aircraft or airport.  

The wee girl declares she's never going any further than a couple of hours on a plane EVER AGAIN, although during the 26 hour journey to the USA and the 30+ hour trip home, her determination to keep the sunny side out made me very proud.  She was a little trouper.

I had all manner of internet and computer issues while we were away (which continue here now I'm home) and I can't access the photos on other gadgets yet, but here are a few snippets.

We spent an extra week in Portland, enjoying time with family and seeing a few sights.  I didn't get to see an awful lot of the city itself, but I liked the bits I saw.
We had one perfect-weather day in Portland, and an ill-timed attempt at visiting the zoo (zoo was closed).  We visited the nearby library... (great idea).

We ventured out into the gorgeous green wilderness of Oregon...


 ..and encountered a wilderness of coffee flavours. (Peanut butter.... really...?)


 There was wild-and-woolly weather, driftwood and beaches...

...clam chowder and sand dollars (these shells)..

and ...oh my goodness, the wee girl wearing jeans (albeit with a handmade knitted top).

There was a great day spent with the gals of the American Sewing Guild in Portland, and I forgot to take photos. If anyone who was there can share some images with me, I'd love to see them.

It's taking a while to land, unpack and sort through all the follow-up and catch-up that needs to be done.  And there is sleep to be had.  I'll be back soon with more... and hopefully a bit about crafty goings-on.