I love love love Summer

It has been the best Christmas/New Year break from work I can remember.  Sunshine, swimming, sleep-ins, sewing - all the favourite 's' words.  (I was going to be risque and throw in another but this is a G-rated blog.) 

We have had lots of house guests coming and going - more Melbourne university students than I can count emerging from the shed in all states of undress and disrepair, pre and post the Falls Festival.  Also cousin Vicki over for Micaela and Aaron's lovely bush wedding yesterday at Koonya.  We had lots of laughs together.

I've had great times too with little Izzie and Lilli - outings to the Taste, Conningham beach and kayak fun. 

Husband has continued his walking addiction over the break and stirred me into a bit more activity too so despite Christmas lunch and the Sue/Steph Christmas take 2 eating and drinking excitement I am feeling quite healthy. New Year's Eve was memorable up at Johnny's watching the amazing lightning storm right above us, full moon and blackout.  

Only nine more days of work and then it's off to Sydney and New Zealand.  Life is good.  2010 promises lots.  Happy birthday today Kerry.

Above is a photo of our new outdoor light shining on John's pumice masterpiece and Tom's wooden fish.

Culture and craft

Had a very busy busy weekend with my friend Chris down from Brisbane. Lots of girly discussions about her pending wedding and whether the older bride should carry a bouquet. I think yes because it's nice to have something to hold on to and flowers 'ground' you. Saturday night saw 'Florence', a performance by a woman from New Foundland (Shipping News territory), part of Ten Days on the Island. Interesting but not as good as some things I have seen in the Peacock Theatre. Yesterday went to 'Ruined Pianos' at the Museum - enjoyed listening to the tinkly, jangly, missing notes, strange sounds and stories of the pianos. Very evocative of different times and places. Also went to the Art & Design market in the Masonic Temple. I am really liking that there are lots of opportunities for makers in Hobart to sell their stuff now. Saw some lovely origami flowers and lots of nice purses made using clear vinyl over fabric. I've got vinyl at home ready for my first sewing attempts with it. Apparently success depends on using the right machine needle? I managed to get my bit of craft in also this weekend by making a baby rattle on Friday night. It has a little bell in the face. On the flip side is an embroidered heart. Made two, one didn't work so well - so scrapped this one. It's for Tracey at work whose much anticipated baby is due soon.