Happy 2016

Well, the holidays came and went in our new home. It was fun finding spots for our usual decorations and establishing new traditions.

Our Santa collection found a home on the kitchen/family room mantle.

Snowman collection took up residence in the bay window in the living room.

And since we couldn't figure out where to put our larger tree, we bought this little pre-lit one, which fit perfectly on the blanket box in the kitchen/family room. It came out of the box with two kids of lights and no room for ornaments - doesn't get much easier than that!

Also, the kitchen island that we had ordered arrived just in time for the influx of visitors. It is where I seem to perch all the time. It is where I am writing this post. I think it will become the hardest working piece of furniture we own.

Since the second stool has not yet arrived, poor hubby still resides on the sofa in front of the island. We spent lots of time with family and friends and now truly feel like this is our home. 

So now a bright, shiny new year has begun with no mistakes in it yet. And we are counting down to Barbados. We will be there on Tuesday afternoon - yippee!

In anticipation of going, I am getting all my rug hooking student letters done for my various classes this year. And hooking away on samples to show in the two new classes that I have not taught before. I posted earlier about one of the Zen and the Art of Doodling, which is the Trent class. I did manage to get another one finished.

This is part of a study where I have repeated the same pattern four times and will demonstrate how it evolves when you add one colour, one full colour element and a full colour version. It's an amazing journey and I am enjoying every loop. Hooking doodles is certainly a relaxing endeavour!

As I gather my hooking supplies to put in my suitcase, I am reminded that warm weather hooking is quite different and that you become very aware of what is on your lap and what is in your hands. when it is 30 degrees. Yarn and panty hose become much more attractive to hold than wool. And a smaller piece of backing that doesn't "tent" your entire lower body is also advisable. But there are several rainy afternoons where hooking is perfect. And many of my hooking friends are there at the same time as we are.

All the best for this new year. May it bring health and happiness to all.

I will share pics from the sunny side - and they may actually have hooking stuff in there too.