Goodbye 2011

Well, 2011 is about to come to a close here in New Zealand -  a little earlier than for most of you folks who read this.   Our weather is appalling and most of the major holiday destinations have cancelled their fireworks celebrations.  So instead of the usual Happy New Year picture I will leave you with this photo of a sad looking Pohutukawa tree on the mountain I can see from my window.   These trees flower in brilliant scarlet at Christmas and have usually faded to a dull red by New Year.   That fading coupled with the inclement weather make a dismal New Year's eve!  

But.... on a happier note.   All cleaning is finished.   My computer photo files are sorted and a full back up done.   Now all I need to do is wait for midnight :-)

The HDHBEM is frantically knitting to finish yet another Hospice Cardigan before the start of 2012.   We took a photograph of all that she has completed and pressed.
Just look at them.   How many do you think there are?

I see that my Blogaversary is on 7 January and so in honour of the occasion I will be doing a surprise giveaway.  If you would like to be included in the draw please leave a comment on this post and please mention in your comment how many Hospice Cardigans are in the photo above.   Those with the correct number will go in the draw over which the HDHBEM will preside on 7 January  (NZ time).

Blogaversary Mystery Giveaway

Whoa! This year has gone fast. Last January I stumbled into the world of Blogging Stitchers and now not only do I meet up with so many of you in UK and USA but Google Translate and I are good friends as use GT's help to read some of the French, Russian and Finnish blogs too. Let's be honest here Margaret - you are hooked big time! My stash cupboard is full to the brim, I have learned new techniques and have proudly introduced friends at Embroiderers Guild to Biscornu and Pendibuile -even if they mostly call them "those fancy little things you make Margaret"!!

So I thought long and hard about what I could do as a suitable Blogaversary Gift and then remembered this box I had stored away for a special occasion. Isn't it beautiful??? Spectaular enough for such an event. So on January 6th this blog will be one year old and as a celebration I am going to fill this box with goodies and send to one lucky person.

There is only one rule for participation: Please leave a comment on my blog mentioning that you'd like to receive the Blogaversary Giveaway. Entries close on 5 January 2009 (New Zealand time).

Under the strict but impartial supervison of my nearly deaf, half blind elderly Mother ( you don't believe me do you!!) the draw will be made (I'm assuming there will be more than one comment ;-) on 6 January (NZ time) and I will post the winner the next day. Please make sure I have an email contact so I can let the winner know.

So to all of you out there who have so enriched my life this year - a big bloggy thank you.