COVID 19 and puzzling

I've been absent.  Not for lack of being here, but for lack of time.  During this lockdown we have spent our time fixing up the house.  The workshop is finally up and running.  All our shelving is in.  The usable attics have floors and have been carpeted.   

As for puzzles?  Well, I've finally finished assembling all of the crystal puzzles I have amassed over the years. This started out as one or two over lunch, but I quickly realized it would take me about 20 more years to finish.  I gave myself the goal of finishing before summer was over and have completed 304 over the past few months and have 15 more on order.  I believe I am only missing a few keychains that have been made.  If anyone out there in puzzle land can get me a Hello Kitty and a QQ Penguin keychain I'd be super grateful.  

The puzzles are all housed in the bedroom bar.  Because they were hard to see, we decided to add hue strip lighting to the cabinet.  34' later, the cabinet and puzzles really shine.  

Now that all of these are finished I'm on to building the ugears puzzles that I have purchased.  More on those later.

Stay safe and Happy Puzzling.

Better late than never

This year when we returned from IPP, our puzzles did not come with us.  We had to wait almost 3 months for them to arrive from Japan.  Once they did, we were on our way back to Europe for a nice long holiday and then one thing lead to another...I finally managed to take a short 30-60 second video of each exchange puzzle!  This was something I had done in the past and will continue to do in the future.  Sadly, because of a divorce and a low spot in my life, I missed a few years worth of exchange puzzles.  From here on out, they will be recorded and published.  And before you ask, NO!  I will not post solutions.  I only give a brief explanation of the puzzle and show a few moves or the pieces involved.

These videos are long over due, and many.  Forgive me for taking a bit of time getting them posted.  Next batch to come later in the week.

Enjoy the videos! 

Dinners at the Millers

Any who have read my posts in the past will know that I have a thing for Berrocal Puzzles.  George and I first used a set in the Netherlands many years ago when it was delivered to us.  Since that first dinner together, we had decided to purchase 3 more set.  Over the years I have managed to obtain 3 cofinettas and one Posateria Veronese.  This means we can have a dinner for 8 people.  

In situ

Pieces broken down

Another decision we made was to only use the sets with other puzzlers.  Since we have moved to Boca, we have had two Berrocal dinners.  This week, that number increased to four.  The first was for our decorator.  Now I know the isn't a puzzler, but she has been so interested in the Berrocal's and has begun to purchase them for her clients.  We knew she would appreciate the service.  

The second was a dinner we had with Nick Baxter and his wife.  They were in Florida for a wedding and found the time to stop by to check out the house and to enjoy a nice dinner with us.  

I take great pleasure in cooking, and believe it or not, washing the dishes after.  The handles of the Berrocal service are so sensual.  It is a joy to wash dishes when you get to feel these.  There is also the added bonus of being able to reassemble the Puzzle when everything is done.  I have sent photos of this to the Berrocal Foundation and they were thrilled that the pieces are 'living art'.  If you have a set, I strongly urge you to make use of it.  It is well worth the time spent polishing and washing.  

Service for 2

An empty table

I hope you enjoy these photos of our last two dinners.

Water and wine goblets

Hostess set