Happy Wednesday Friends!
Hi Heather B!
You made my laundry bag with the fighter jets and helicopters on it. I only received it today as I’ve just come home from Europe! I just wanted to message you and say thankyou so much, I love it!
I am currently posted onto HMAS Perth. I’m 22 years old, so I joined straight out of high school and have been in for a little over 4 years now. My main motivation behind joining was that two of my older brothers were in the Navy at the time. I’ve done two deployments, which has taken me to many countries. It’s a unique way of spending my 20’s that’s for sure.
I live in Western Australia now, with my partner and my dog Bailey (I included him in the photo because he’s so cute)
Thankyou for sharing your story with me, it sounds like you have many heroes in your life. I thank them for their service, but I also thank YOU. These laundry bags are one of the coolest things I think we get to receive, and they aren’t possible without you so thankyou for what you do! I can’t wait to stroll down to the laundry with my fighter jet bag! have an amazing long weekend.
***
Hi Ellen N,I'm so sorry for such a late reply and really appreciate the pirate laundry bag you made and love the design.The laundry bag arrived safely with good timing as well.
I was born in Sydney and grew up in Western Sydney. I joined straight out of high school and don't regret one bit! My dads a chef and my mum takes care of my two younger sisters, I'm the first in my family to serve in Australia but both my parents are from Bangladesh and tell me about my family who fought for my countries independence.
I think its awesome that you've travelled all across Australia, the first trip on Eyre we will be circumnavigating Australia and hope to see all of Australia, as well as catch plenty of fish on my way. This will be the first time I go to sea and hope to make some good memories. In my spare time I love doing martial arts and came nationals in kickboxing and full contact karate and currently trying out judo but I'm getting thrown around like a ragdoll, but to chill out I like playing video games. I've done 2 years in the Navy and can't wait to see where my career in the Navy leads as I hope to travel and learn a lot on HMAS Eyre.I sincerely hope you enjoy your retirement, as I serve my country with pride.Kindest Regards,
***
Dear Janis K,
"Al-ssalum Alikum",
which in fact does not mean hello, but it is said all the time as a greeting nonetheless, meaning 'peace be with you'. Anyway...
I am so grateful for your wonderful talent and creativity that has gone into making my quilt. My friend and partner, both from my workplace back home in NSW, were rather crafty and well
'ahead of the game' in placing my order many weeks ago, so I could receive this beautiful quilt earlier than most here in the UAE. Thank you, thank you, thank you for the time, kind thought and energy that has gone into it. I absolutely love it!
My 3 nieces and 5 nephews are my whole world, in terms of my heart anyways. Four children from each of my two siblings, who live on opposite sides of the country making it a little tricky to see them in person, but it doesn't make me love them any less! This situation will be even more tricky next year when I move to the NT. My mum, who lives in Perth (we are 5-generation West Aussies), will have her 3 children in 3 different states for a few years! Just more traveling for her, she says.
It is lovely to hear your family are all close by and I bet they love coming to visit you both on your 2 acres; something I aspire to have one day also.
Thank you also for the lovely care packages; so thoughtful and what beautiful pouches I get to keep as well as the quilt! I am a little extra appreciative I think, as I too have a crafty side to me, however I crochet mostly these days with some knitting here and there. This skill has allowed me to make toys for years for the 8 kids of course, who now range in age from 2 to 18. The best thing is my second niece has learned how to crochet and she makes wonderful toys, scrunchies and most recently a beautiful granny-square bag. One of her pretty purple flowers is inside this envelope, as a tiny token of gratitude from me to you.
Thank you so much Janis, it really is such a fabulous gift and decoration for my room for whilst I am over here.
Best wishes,
***
Good morning Toni F,
I am writing to extend a very very big thank you for my laundry bag you made for me in 2019. For some bizarre reason it has only landed on my desk today almost 6 years later, but none the less it is now in my possession and I couldn’t be more grateful.
The design is perfect and I’ve instantly grown fond of it, this has made my day. It’s awesome that yourself and the organisation thought of me and took the time to craft this up. I love that it carries the Navy crest and my initials along with the other fabrics colours and designs which I am going to explore.
I have read your letter and thank you for taking the time to express such detail throughout. Is your son still serving? It was nice he provided that heartfelt link to the organisation.
I am still serving, about to reach 15 years and I am very proud of this. I’d like to think I am giving my absolute all every day and will continue to do so for this great country and its people.
I would like to thank you again and I wish you all the best! Sorry this email find you many years later but I though you would find this kindly.
***
Hi Ellen N,
I recently received the laundry bag you made for me, and I wanted to thank you sincerely for it. The design is fantastic — I really like the colours and patterns, and it’s clear you put a lot of care and effort into making it.I’ll definitely be repping it proudly and using it regularly while we’re at sea. It’s a great personal touch to have something handmade and unique out here.Thank you again for the time, effort, and kindness you’ve put into your work — it really means a lot.Wishing you all the best,
***
Hi Melissa G,
A quick note to let you know I received my fishing-themed laundry bag yesterday. Thank you so much.
I’ll be home in February and plan to spend a few days out relaxing on the water to make up for being away.
Many thanks,
***
Hello Kathy W,
May I first thank you for my beautiful quit. It has taken pride of place in my quarters and must have taken you so much time and care to craft. It has boosted my morale to no end and will serve me well as the northern days shorten.
I hope to return soon with my wife and two year old daughter as it is a beautiful spot of the world. The world has certainly become a more unsettled place lately but I'm glad to do my small part to make it safer for our families. Your support means so much to me and my team and I cannot thank you enough.
***
Anne Hnr recently made another presentation to members for Operation Southern Discovery.
Quilt tops were made by Bobbie and the Mystery BOMers, quilted by Philomena H and finished by the Garage Girls.
The laundry bags were made by Heather B (2), Ruth S, Louise M, Gayle W and Cath H.
Until next week keep your letters, emails and photos coming in. Wednesdays would be so totally boring without them!
