by Anura Guruge
on December 25, 2021

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Click to ENLARGE the pictures.

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Clay ornaments for mother & sister.

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She has been locked away in her downstairs studio for the last week and a half. We knew she was making stuff BUT we had no idea.

A few nights ago she commandeered the toaster oven in the kitchen. She blocked access to it with boxes of wine & there was a BIG sign that said “Don’t look”. I knew she must be baking clay but had no idea. I do NOT spoil her fun by peaking or cheating. It is much better to be surprised. She outdid herself. This was her last year — & these were the hand painted sneakers.

What can you say? We are truly blessed.

She can easily sell some of this stuff. She has already had offers. She does NOT want to go commercial! She says she has everything she wants!

Her presents, & she insists that we open these first, make our Christmases of late.

I do NOT take this for granted. I know we are lucky.

by Anura Guruge
on December 24, 2021

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The two NEW Lego Advent Calendars for this year, one 2021 the other (new) from 2000. The 2020 is on the left, with the figures standing on the red/white cloth covering.

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The other 7 Lego Advent Calendars from years past.

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Plus the two Lego Advents which were HANGING decorations for a Christmas tree.

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It was a hit. Teischan liked it. And that is all that matters.

She liked the stones & gems. I am happy. I kind of thought she would like that rather than mundane trinkets. Worked out. Was a fair amount of work. I had to buy three separate stone/rock kits from Amazon to get 24 that would work. Many were too bid to fit in the small, delicate, wooden drawers. I have quite a few stones left over. Giving them to her as another Christmas presents. She likes rocks/stones. She polishes them in a grinder & then uses them to make jewelry. So, it all worked out. That is what Christmas is all about.

The Advent is done.

Tomorrow is Christmas.

Will Santa bring us any Legos? He didn’t last year & I was very distressed.

Merry Christmas.

by Anura Guruge
on December 1, 2021

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Front & back views of the 2021 & 2000 boxes. The older Lego advents tend to be ‘better’.

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Plus the two Lego Advents which were HANGING decorations for a Christmas tree.

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Yes, Teischan (now 15) & I are BOTH big into Advent calendars — especially Lego Advent calendars. I satisfy my fondness for advent calendars, vicariously, by getting them for her (& a nephew). Teischan has had Lego Advents since she was about 5. As of last year I am trying to make up for the early years she missed by buying OLDER Lego calendars (unopened) on eBay. Last year I got her 2006 (the year of her birth) & 1998 — that being the first Lego calendar to have been produced.

This year I looked at 1999 but it didn’t look that great. 2000 was better, so I got that.

Yes, I am still 4 short. Ideally she should have 15 Legos to match her 15 years, or 16 next year. This year I had a lot going on last month with the new car, new PC & new TV. So, I was quite distracted. Maybe after the holidays I will scour eBay to see what I can get.

But, for now we are all set. She has 3 calendars to open each day this year.

As with last year we are through with chocolate advent calendars. I still kind of miss those — NOT that I ever ate the chocolates.