Monday, January 1, 2018

Happy New Year 2018

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2018

This afternoon, just as the light from sunset faded a fabulous moon loosened from the horizon



Within moments a silver path traced across the Bay.  The air was cold and crisp but clear skies - what a wonderful beginning to 2018.


In the Swedish House construction continues and to celebrate a new year a small gathering is held. Food and drinks were spread on a work trestle among the unfinished renovations.









Need I say more?




The floors of the living/dining have been laid and painted in a whitewashed diamond checkerboard.


The fireplace has been installed but as the chimney has not been built Christmas lights are providing
a little cheer.


Frosted branches and pine cones are back drop to drying firewood and a few Christmas parcels still to be presented.


A silver star at the window is the only Christmas decoration - perhaps a symbol of the star that guided the Magi?





Wall panelling behind the fireplace is whitewashed cedar strips, rough cedar for the rustic ceiling beams and simple moulding on the front wall.


Wouldn't be exciting if the chandelier could be installed! Doorway on left reveals demolished kitchen.



 Hurrah, it works perfectly ...... but is it perfectly placed?




Only time will tell ......

Best wishes everyone for a happy and healthy 2018!

Janine & Bruce in Canada

23 comments:

  1. A lovely scene!!! Even if the house isn't finished it is very welcoming. I love the star and the fireplace is fantastic. It's going to be a wonderful house, I can't wait to see more...
    Happy New Year to you too!!! May 2018 be full of joy, creativity and health!
    Geneviève

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    1. Hi Genevieve, The star was a happy accident as when I looked at the photo from the exterior it appeared to have tiny lights in the star.
      I think it was just the way the light caught the texture.
      I’m having fun!
      Janine

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  2. The finishes you are applying to this house are spectacular, Janine! I love love love everything you are doing. Swooning! Love your little party, I see all the wine was polished off :D

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    1. Hi Sam, Exciting for me that you are also going for the Gustavian style. Glad that you noticed all those empty wine bottles in the basket beside the treastle table. The bottles are beautiful glass wine bottles without labels or corks and ever so fine.
      regards Janine

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  3. I just read through the earlier posts about this house, which I had missed. I love that you have taken over the dining/living room as your work space and are working on the house with your husband. And very nice to be part of such a group of wonderful people like your Miniteers. Elizabeth's birthday gift is turning out so well! ;-)
    I really like the whitewashed wall and floors and the subtle checkerboard pattern. With a delicious spread like you've prepared anyone would be happy to come and help with your renovations.
    Happy 2018 Janine (and family)!

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    1. Greetings Josje, So nice of you to drop by. Bruce wanted to throw sawdust and more wood about but on our job sites we always clean up every evening!
      I will post more about the trials of the checkerboard pattern amongst other things.
      Re the moon. I have received several photos from friends with amazing photos of that super moon. We were so lucky in Vancouver to have clear skies.... a rarity at this time of year believe me. Perhaps it is the same in The Netherlands!
      Regards Janine

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  4. Magnifiques photos de la lune, et magnifiques photos de votre intérieur, j'aime beaucoup le bois des murs et du sol.
    Bonne et heureuse année 2018!

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    1. Thank you Jean-Claude, We are enjoying trying to develop the impression of a Scandinavian house. All the best for a happy New Year to you also.
      Regards Janine

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  5. That moon came in my skylights through some trees branches. When I first saw it, it was so big and so bright I thought my neighbors were shining a spotlight at my house.

    Love all the mini scene photos. The house is looking fantastic!

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    1. Hi Catherine, We were so surprised when we first saw the moon on the horizon - it was huge and orange because of the particulates in the air. We actually raced home to get the camera and in those five minutes it had lifted into the sky. We rarely notice that the earth is moving in space but when we see that fast transition of the moon from horizon to sky it makes us aware that we are moving quite quickly.
      All the best for this New Year.
      Regards Janine

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  6. Happy new year Janine and Bruce also. The house is looking stunning, especially with that gorgeous red door and checkerboard floor. Love it! And the (sort of) lyre based table - that’s fantastic! And it would appear that you aren’t having any problems with the Blogger. I have been too lazy to try out other options but have lots to blog about so will do so soon. Take care Janine, and keep up the great work!

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    1. Hi Shannon, I love the red doors too. I painted the side of the stair case red just to see how it looked but it was a bit overpowering in the space and would probably be more of a challenge to match future soft furnishings ..... so back to dark grey!
      I must admit I have given up in the iPad for Blogger and have used our old iMac for posting. The iMac is still holding up despite the burden of the thousands (I could say millions but that would be exaggerating.. almost) of photos from our travels.
      All the best Janine

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  7. STUNNING Photos Janine! The MOON is ABSOLUTELY AMAZING in both colors and appears like a Big Porthole in the sky.

    The trestle table loaded with Holiday Fare is extremely enticing and I love the way you've displayed everything on the simple blue and white cloth- truly a delicious Taste of Sweden!
    The fireplace is yet another Resounding SUCCESS! YIPPEEEE your experiment has worked! :D
    YES, even in the midst of extreme demolition and major re-construction everything is already looking Very Gustavian and oh so YOU!
    a Very Happy New Year, to 2 Very Dear friends! ♥

    elizabeth

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    1. Hi Elizabeth, It seems from your comment that you did not see the moon last night.
      There is quite a story about the fireplace which I will post along with the problems with the checkerboard floor - in the hope that it will save some other blogland miniaturists from the same problems.
      See you soon.
      Janine

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  8. Wow! Every thing is looking fantastic. Love the floors, fireplace and of course the worker's banquet. It has such a Scandinavian feel already.
    Keep up the good work,you two. Are you moving back to the dining room now or leaving the house where it was relocated to?
    Happy, happy New Year to you and all your family
    Hugs, Linda

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    1. Hi Linda, It took us about two hours to move out of the living/dining room for our Christmas celebration on the 30 December. Then only about twenty minutes to completely mess everything up again when we moved back in,
      This week we have the four grandchildren with us so nothing as dull as mini-ing is happening!!!
      Janine

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  9. Thanks to Linda....I found your post. Oh so special. Love what's going on already in the Swedish house. I too, love the table with all the various foods. You have already put a lot of thought into this project...a big Hoorah! It will be so exciting to see it growing...can't wait. And Happy New Year to you and Bruce.

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    1. Hi Fatima, You are so busy presently that I despair that we will see you before we go to Seattle in March!
      We will see.
      Hugs Janine

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  10. Happy New Year Keli, do hope it will be a good one for all.
    Janine

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  11. Hello Janine,
    I hope you and Bruce had a lovely Christmas and I wish you all the best for 2018. These pictures are incredible. I really love the esthetic of the house...the floors in particular are just gorgeous! It will be an amazing mini property...another masterpiece on the way.
    Big hug
    Giac

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  12. Dear Giac, We had a very quiet Christmas Day but the exuberance of the Grandchildren last Saturday certainly made up for it. Our three sons have their birthdays during the first week of January so it seems non stop cooking and celebrating. We are completely partied out!
    B went to pick up two grandchildren from #3 son, as it was his birthday that day he decided he would take him an apple as a gift. He also decided to fancy it up so put a silver bow in his pocket. Unfortunately he forgot the apple so ceremoniously presented the bow. My son and I laughed about it later and I said sorry he did not get a gift. He said he was happy to receive the bow and a funny story.
    A good year ahead Giac!
    Regards Janine

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  13. I'm a bit late but - Happy New Year to you and yours Janine. I love to follow a build from the very start and yours has me gripped. I enjoyed seeing the presentation of all your festive fare.

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