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

Merry Christmas!

I have been remiss in posting.  It was a glorious green Christmas this year.  Both of my daughters were here and my grandchildren as well.  It was a busy couple of weeks at Puzzle Palace.  Because of this activity, I thought I'd post a bit about Christmas puzzles.

I love Christmas.  The lights, the tree, the decorating, baking cookies, and hosting parties.  George on the other hand is a curmudgeon and hates Christmas. The whole Christmas season.  Now please don't ask why.  No one quite knows the reason. It could be his head wasn't screwed on just right.  It could be perhaps that his shoes were too tight.  But one thing I know is that it is NOT that his heart is two sizes too small.  No decorating, no tree, no Christmas celebrations allowed says my Grinch George.

But then, we came to a compromise.  I get a small family Christmas and an even smaller tree.  One that is no more than 3 feet tall.  Where can one find a three foot tall Christmas tree?  And better still, where would one put it in this house?  Our main room has a 20' ceiling, our main living room has low ceilings but with the furniture there is no room to place a tree.  But as with all other puzzles, we found a solution. We have a rather large table in the middle of the room that stands about 2 feet high. I decided this would be the perfect place for a tree.  But where to find that tree?  Easy! I'd make one. I'm not a very creative person (although I do have grand ideas) so I enlisted my lovers aid in the design.  We came up with a rather wonky tree that was just perfect.  I subsequently looked at our collection and even found items that were purchased years earlier that hadn't been put together.

All of our Christmas decorations this year were puzzle related.  I even managed to find George a puzzle Advent calendar.  At some point I decided I needed a snowman and since snowmen are not to be found in Florida, I made some instead.  Each one is still fully functional as a puzzle.

Since I know I will be up late doing something I shouldn't, I'd like to wish all of you a very Happy New Year from George and I.