NOT...QUITE...FINISHED

As much as I would have liked to get the new fire surround/mantle finished last night, it didn't happen.

You just can't wish paint dry!  And it wasn't quite set enough for me to add the finishing touches.

But... I did get a photo or two to give you a sneak peek:

ABOVE:  Yep, I got creative again.  But don't worry!  It's NOT all over it!
Give me a few hours and I will be able to show you the finished result.  It will be worth it, I promise!

ABOVE:  Can't help it.... another sneak peek.  

Today marks the start of Keera's last week at her Cambridge school.
Three and a half days to go!
Then she has a week's holiday here with us, then she moves to Auckland!

I think it might be playing on her mind, even though we have done everything we can to prepare her for the move.

She's started playing up a LOT.  Being very naughty during the day and refusing to settle at night.  I don't know what else we could have done to prepare her for this change. *sigh*

I just hope she settles quickly with Steve and Bex and doesn't give them too many problems, or I will feel very guilty.

Maybe part of her behavior is just because school is finishing for the year too?  Could be.  I might just be reading too much into it.  She's tired a lot, particularly in the afternoons... perhaps she's feeling the heat too.   A combination of everything!  Yeah, let's go with that.  *smiles*

I've got a girly pot luck dinner to go to tonight, so that will be lovely.  I'm thoroughly enjoying living in Cambridge!  So different from Auckland in every way.

Right, I'm off to start the day and get a few things done before taking Keera to school.

ONWARD...

And, after 4 days it's DONE.

ABOVE:  I'm thrilled to bits with how my mantle piece has come out.
Once it was up I decided it really needed a hearth, so Stew built one for me yesterday and I titivated it last night with the paint job and little doo dackies.  It's been a lovely, fun project.

And now I have a real 'feature' in the lounge. 

Once the Christmas decorations are gone I will be putting coloured candles along the mantle and some small 'logs' and tea lights on the hearth. 

What do ya think of it???

ABOVE: Miss Muppet pleased as punch with herself, she got to choose where to put the elf.

So, Monday mornings are always spent tidying the house after the weekend.  Today is no different.

I'm in the sewing room, which always becomes the 'dumping ground' during the week/weekend.  And rummaging through the left over Christmas decorations... and I found a Christmas lights 'rope'.  I don't think I've used it in over 20 years!

But... I found a use for it today:

ABOVE:  Coco approves, I'm sure.  *smiles*

I cooked the family roast chicken and veges for their dinner, then I buggered off to my girly dinner.  We had a wonderful evening, lovely food and company.

I got an email while I was out, saying how much I was missed at the Patchwork Christmas Lunch today!  WHOOPS, I completely forgot about that!  AND I'd paid for my lunch too!  I feel a bit suckful about that!  

Oh well... I am sure my share got eaten or taken home by someone.  

It's been a cooler day today, so much easier on me.  Winding down now... it's been a lovely day.