Back from hiatus

Well...it has been a long blog-free time for me..

We have had our work cut out with a steady stream of  sizable orders coming through each week and an increasing number of Tourist trade coming into the shop. On top of that workload including the subsequent manufacture products, I have been using every available minute during the day to work on upgrading our dispensing labels..a massive job. Every mixture we make will have it's own label of specific detailed information. I'm happy to say that after a couple of intense months, I am confident that we are gradually getting there. It has meant that the usual "down-time" moments of the day (when I would usually blog or just dream) have been consumed by this draining work....so I'm not feeling quite as refreshed/ renewed as I'd like to start 2017..Not to worry.. come March 24..Tom and I are heading to Galapagos Islands for a 10 day trip of a lifetime...can't wait!!

Anyway...reviewing the highlights in photos...

After a lovely Friday evening enjoying pre-Christmas drinkies with friends at Bob and Paul's place..

we set out on an Onopordon Harvest on Saturday Dec17th..VERY EARLY 

We were not sure we'd find the thistle easily as it has been 2 years since we harvested..Our first stop did not bode well..not a skerrick to be found..

On to our next stop..we were delighted to find the most spectacular patch...and after a couple of hours work we were done and dusted...ready for Breakfast at our favourite spot in Campbell Town..Zeps.

 Magnificent skies here in Tassie..

 Leading into Christmas, the local businesses were decorated with big red bows by local Real Estate agent Amber (who incidentally sold Jane and Ali their home in Gardners Bay)

 I enjoyed the peace and serenity of our Christmas tree lights

 John and Thomas are delighted with their Christmas cards from Sandra

We received a very generous gift of Honey and a special card from our Taiwan customer, David.

Christmas comes early for us..Our new tractor/slasher is delivered just before Christmas day.

 My dear friend Talan and I dress  for pre-Chistmas trading on Friday 23rd...The Holly and The Ivy

 After hours, I have been slightly obsessed with crocheting for Yarnbomb 2017..here is some of my work.

 We celebrate Christmas on Christmas eve as Hannah has to work on Sunday.

 John is tickled by his pressie from Jark and Narns..

 Tom enjoys his 'magic '  gift from Libby and Tim.

The selfie stick trots out for the family snap.

We go down to town for the Christamas Parade...enjoying pre-parade drinks at friends Winsor and Tereza's place first.

Must be a first...no rain on the parade..

 Spot Tom distributing lollies with the scout float..

 Even Donald Trump and his bodyguards are in attendance..Boo Hiss

 A great turn out..

 The Trump contingent stands to attention

 Home to a lovely quiet evening

 Tom makes up a new lego model..its a Christmas Eve tradition!!.

Christmas Morning...just gorgeous

 John and I leave Tom to sleep in, and head out to slash and snip.. a lovely way to begin our Christmas day..

 Homeward bound for breakie and some pressie opening..

 During the day I am startled to notice these Christmas Angels floating in the sky...so so beautiful

Tom and I have a lovely swim in the dam and float around on his special Christmas blow-up rings

 Alfresco dining

 Some slashing to finish the day

Boxing day finds us out on the tractor again...this time Tom has a go..

 The Christmas treat in Hobart..Star Wars Rogue One Gold Class...what fun

 Love the evening sky at home.

Sydney and end of year doings

Well here is another brief review...

CWA ladies decorated the 'White tree' in Loongana Park in Cygnet for December...

My contribution was the white Mandala...

 Off to Sydney to fulfill a long held dream to see Coppelia performed by The Australian Ballet
City Christmas lights are a real treat too..

 We walk to St Mary's to watch the light show there...amazing

 I take an early morning walk..love Sydney this time of the day..

 OOOH getting exciting..

 Time to have a brief Christmas visit with Pa..very special..

 I then drop in to see Libby and Chris and we enjoy a  catch up morning tea..and mince pies too!!
Back into town for a rest then...tog up for the Ballet..

Tom takes some great shots of us heading to the house..
I never lose the joy of this part of the evening...always feel so privileged ...it is so so special

 I look like I'm bursting into song...not sure what I was saying!!

 Truly a wonderful evening..
I cried when the music began...took me back to my girlhood days...prancing around the lounge room.

Sunday we had a slow start then wandered about at Newtown until time to go to the airport..
Glad to hit the cool weather in Hobart..

We have a hectic week with lots of orders coming in and more walk in customers now tourist season is upon us.
John and I will miss seeing Talan set up her TROVE across the road.. She is moving up to the old Post office in the New Year..

 I'm spending my free hours putting together a Yarn bomb display for out bench out front of shop..
We will start the installation on Dec 28th...not long now..

 We have a huge drop in temperature, after quite a hot day...so refreshing

 With king tides due to the super moon...we take a drive down to see the jetty...it is under water.

 Tom has his awards Assembly...and performs with the band

 Award for Academic Excellence...  5 A's   well done Tom

Port Cygnet Lions Club awards ( for dedication and contribution to college life) and prize money given to a Year 7 and Year 8 student. Tom is the year 7 winner.

Talan having a cuppa with a mate..

We round off the week with pre-Christmas drinkies at Bob and Paul's place at Randall's Bay on Friday evening. We enjoy conversations with various friends in attendance....then head home for an early night as we are up early for a Harvest trip.