Wanda's before shots...

We picked up Wanda on Saturday. It was such an exciting day, I had butterflies in my stomach.
With our experience in buying vintage vehicles (let's just say it's a number between 10 and 20), I should have known it was not going to be without a couple of hiccups along the way. 
Sam knew we had to bleed the brakes before we could drive her anywhere (she had no brakes whatsoever!), which means that while he's underneath the vehicle I'm pumping the brake pedal... over and over and over again. I have helped to do this on almost every vehicle we've owned and this is the first time where I thought my leg was going to drop off! They were absolute jelly afterwards. An hour doing this in the heat of the afternoon, with Arlo man on my lap and Huckle getting into everything; I was ready to crack it. 
Next, the dear old dot we bought it off swore that it went well at 100km... yes, well... perhaps let's say she only gets up to 80km. Not quite 100, but it will do. This is most definitely going to be the slow way round Australia.
After a trip home in tandem with a few hairy scary moments, it was time to get the old girl up the drive. She had to fit through a standard gate going backwards twenty-odd metres up a slight incline. With Arlo on my hip and Huckle locked up on the verandah, I did my best to direct Samuel up the drive. Nerve wracking stuff! While the bus was blocking off the street, every farmer and his dog and all the milk trucks of south gippsland decided to drive past. I can now add traffic director to my resume.
So now she's in the driveway and the fun part can begin.
Here's what she looked like a couple of days ago. Scary stuff huh.
Already we've pull out most of the cabinets and emptied out all of the junk. I've measured and measured and measured some more. Plans and drawings are coming together and I'm having a blast choosing colours and fabrics.
I'll have to write about our retro colour scheme soon. It all revolves around this stove! Yes, that is our stove! Can you tell how excited I am? 
I'm going to try and post her progress once a week to see her transformation. 
Now I'm off to write some more lists before lights out.
Hope all is well where you are.

2013... the year of adventure...

I'm not really one for resolutions. 

As the new year ticked over into 2013, I was itching for a goal. I desperately wanted to be challenged (not that life with a two year old and baby isn't challenging at all!). I felt a bit stale, like I haven't pushed myself out of my comfort zone in a while. 

So, we did what any wise *cough, hack, splutter* people would do... and bought ourselves a bus...

We are the proud new owners of a 1969 Comair bus. We're in a bit of a buzz. 

So here's the plan... 

We're selling most of our beloved vintage car collection and heaps more stuff that we just don't need.

Our little bus will be given a fresh coat of paint and a delightful fit out and then we'll be putting our belongings into storage and heading off around Australia.

We hope to be on the road by June... JUNE people!!! 

We have four months to do all of the above. That's not too crazy is it?

I can't wait to share our adventures along the way. From doing the old girl up to galavanting around the country side. 

If anyone has any pretty spots that you think we should visit, I'd love to get your tips.

I think I need to start a new pinterest board...

Do you have a goal or challenge for the year ahead?

Or do you prefer the take it as it comes approach?

Either way, I hope your year is ace. 

Toodle pips.

* this is my excuse for not posting so much lately... so much to do

getting my craft on...

I really feel like I'm getting my craft on again. These past few weeks have seen me crafting in such a flurry of excitement that dishes have been left to pile precariously upon the bench. Thank goodness for the husband who saved them from an imminent tumble (clearly trying to earn points after two weeks in the shed working on the racecar aaaand three days at winton racing), he's a good sort he is. 

If you've been following me on instagram, you would've seen some evidence of this crafting flurry. My time is yet to stretch long enough to take decent photos of my creations and getting the kidlets to stand still is a whole other issue, not to mention a self portrait!

I've been slowly drawing vintage trucks again too and have had some digitally printed onto a gorgeous linen/cotton to have a play with. I thought they would make great craft panels to be used in a cushion or quilt, or a sweet simple softie. 

I've listed them in the shop, if you'd like one. There's four of each character available.

I can't wait to sew something for the boys, still trying to decide what though. I also ordered some interlock with a combined design of all three to sew a couple of tees. Just have to build up the nerve to cut into it. Oh, the fear of mistake is high!

Have you been getting your craft on lately?

Joining up with the crafty gang over here.

yesterday's adventures...

We drove for five or so hours. 

To a place somewhere south of Horsham. 

Serious countryside. 

Farms of sheep and wheat for miles and miles. 

The magnificent Grampians creating a most dramatic backdrop.

We stopped in Ballarat for a picnic lunch and play. What a cute town!

We arrived at Cleve's place to a welcome of tea and club sandwiches.

Huckle discovered tractors, woodpiles, chickens, feathers and much more.

The day grew late, we parked our new truck on the trailer and drove off home away from the sunset.

Weary eyed we snuggled into bed at some time past midnight.

Today we are tired and trying to catch up on all that needs doing.

What adventures have you had lately? 
Are they of the middle of nowhere, vintage truck collecting kind?