A Slow Start

Perhaps it is a sign of the times, the year that we have had and getting older but it has really been a slow start to the year. Christmas came and went with the same fanfare and festivity albeit with reduced numbers, followed by a few days of visitors as holiday plans were abandoned and then it was New Year. It seems as though we were not alone in our quieter celebrations.

It has become a tradition for us to celebrate the passing of the year with Oliebollen and Appelflappen. A late afternoon treat with Tina and Frank who continue with their Dutch traditions.

There has been more time in the garden

Which has loved the attention and all the rain that we have had.

Lush growth, gorgeous dahlias and Calla lilies 

My Christmas project. Each year I do a run of some handmade Christmas decoration.

It started with these. Christmas stockings, mostly filled with chocolates or sometimes small items that suited the recipient.

And then very quickly escalated into a massive production

I have made enough for the next two Christmases

While I had the box of red fabrics out I also started cutting out these Santa’s. A few people managed to score one as well as a stocking, however, a good number of these are now made and ready for 2021.

And while I was at it I made a few Christmas cards ( for the cat lovers in my life) from some of my prints. I always print way more than I need and this is a good way to use them up.

What has has been a slow and gentle start to the year has also been quite productive.