Closing Up the Heart

I am getting done with Baumchen, and you can see the heart in the center pretty clearly now.  It's about two-thirds done.

Crazy January #4 - Danish Wildflower Cushion

I bought this piece in Paris during my second visit there.  It's a big cushion of Danish wildflowers in Danish flower thread.  I started at the top left corner, and hope to finish it during the year.  It's one I've wanted to start for a long time.

A Mortar!

I love this!  Doug and Meri gave us a handmade olivewood mortar and pestle for Christmas.  It feels beautiful, and the grain is gorgeous.  Thank you so very much!  I'll use it too, since we have the AeroGrow and fresh herbs.

Could It Be....?

The signs are up....

 There are drums in the streets....

 And spectators wait patiently.  Maybe, perhaps... it's Carnaval time?

Yay!  It's time for parades and performances and general partying across Uruguay.  Carnaval has begun!  All these pictures were taken at the Three Kings Parade (Llamadas de los Tres Reyes Magos) on January 6th, Epiphany.  It's a practice parade for the big one in a few weeks.

Bottoming Out

I've got the cross stitching done on my Silvery Tree.  Only need to bead it now.

Pottery from Poland

Marlena and Leo gave us these wonderful pottery pieces from Poland for Christmas.  I love them!  They're bright and pretty and practical.

Crazy January #3 - Heartsease Pansy

I love doing crewel, and don't do as much of it as I'd like, so... why not take this opportunity to start some?  The whole design's no larger than four inches round, so it should go fairly quickly.