Empress Wu Designs with Wilma

Christmas Countdown ...2... Santa by any other name: The original Santa was Saint Nicholas, Bishop of Myra (Turkey) who became known for his generosity and kindness, especially to the poor and children. After his death in 350AD, stories about the good St Nicholas became legends associated with Christmas in many other parts of the world.  In some countries, children still receive gifts on the feast day of St Nicholas, 6 December and in most countries, a mythical character, with the virtues of St. Nicholas, is a symbol of Christmas giving. In USA, Canada , Australia and other western countries, he is Santa Claus. (from the Dutch SinterKlaas) He is also called   Kris Kringle   - which comes from the   German   term “the   Christ Child”. In England, he is also known as Father Christmas and in France, Pere Noel. In   Germany, children get presents from   Christindl , the Christ Child. In Morocco   he is known as   Black Peter.  In...

Nothing inhibits creativity like a house makeover . Here are photos of the main room of our house and the timber which will hopefully be the floor in a couple of weeks’ time. We have decided to pull up the carpet in all the main areas of the house – living room, dining room and office, and “match” the already beautiful timber floor of our open kitchen/family room.. The furniture is all stacked in the garage . I am in a little bt of a panic as we have already had one delay in the timber delivery and we need to have the house back in order by the time my mother comes to visit for a few weeks on 14 July. However, with a little bit of help from the grandchildren...who knows? Not to be deterred, I am reminded that ‘to think creatively, we must be able to look afresh at what we normally take for granted. ( George Kneller) “, so I am trying not to worry too much about the floor and visualise the new spotted gum timber floor it will be. This week I am preparing a little sample for my frien...