The Love train, Sydney (Australia), January 2012

Santa drives this one

The last of the carriages

Our plan to catch up before Christmas failed, so it wasn’t until last week that my curmudgeonly old friend Dr Love slurped down our coffee while delivering my Christmas present, which incidentally, was really from his lovely wife. Dr Love would think at least four times before spending a dime on me.

Do you recall the amazing train dome I spotted last month, the one that almost justified theft? My jaw dropped when I unwrapped the gift to reveal the very same train. It’s a four-in-one dome! Good things certainly do come to those who wait… or should I say, don’t steal.

Mosweg, Tasmania (Australia), January 2012

How gorgeous is the paving?

Happy new Year of the Dragon! It’s been a while huh? I have to admit that I had the odd moment of panic here and there before realising I don’t need to blog before midnight!

Onto more important things though – who wants Tasmania when you can have Tazmazia! All I can say is that if it’s anything like Wanaka’s Puzzling World, I’m sure it was a hit with the kids.

I love it when my sisters go dome-campaigning for me. I’m given these special gifts from people I’ve never met before and the other upside is that my sisters have to do the obligatory thankyou-coffee or drink on my behalf! I am loving this system. Thanks Mosweg, you know who to go for that thank you gesture!

I’ve been a little lazy with my camera over the break, but here’s a couple of happy snaps:

George, the beautiful resident peacock at one of the Hunter's wineries

Kamaji's odd sleeping habits

The delectable scampi entree at Ron's 40th celebrations at Muse

Ben & Emmanuelle, Florence (Italy), 2010

I love a little flourish

While you celebrate the first day of a new year, I hope you’ll also celebrate the end of my 636 day project with me. Yes, I’ve finally blogged every snowdome that I own! Through changing seasons, through sickness and in health and through numerous time zones across the globe, it was a daily project for 20 months. I can’t believe I finally got here. I can still remember that cold Easter day in my pyjamas when I embarked on this project!

What next you ask? No, I won’t stop collecting, but the daily posts will obviously come to an end. I won’t pretend that I’m not a little relieved; dashing home from the pub in the initial days was annoying. So I’ll be posting once I receive new additions to the collection.

A ridiculously huge thanks to every contributor – I hope you had a day or a couple of special days celebrated on the blog. Thanks to all the religious daily followers – you really made it worth it. And finally, thanks to the Hubs who has not only put up with the space-demanding collection, but the constant need for additional toys like lenses, tripods and the ever-changing storage!

Here is a look back on the year’s Shakes.

Scrabble Girl, Sydney (Australia), December 2011

What comes to mind when you look back on your year? It was a year of many unfortunate natural disasters and it seems like the only thing that put a smile on faces was the Royal Wedding and the death of some infamous dictators. Although it was a year of buckling down for me, there were lots of little gold moments and many fun Friday cocktails. Thanks for tuning in and I hope 2012 is your best one yet!

Cookie & Newfie, Sydney (Australia), December 2011

How about a festive Bulldog?

How much does this make you laugh out loud? Who would ever think of mixing rugby and snowdomes, let alone festive rugby? Perplexing, very perplexing… but a great Christmas gift. Thanks C & N!

Emski, London (UK), year?

With silver star flitter

How can you not love a bit of snowdome fashion? From perfume to jewellery, looks like every designer wants to have a go. I’d totally forgotten about this fun Paul Smith top in my drawer until Em reminded me. Apologies for the bad photography, I had no one around to model it for me!

Virg, Coffs Harbour (Australia), November 2011?

We love a photo dome!

My friends have some keen eyes. Somehow they seem to find all manner of snowdome-celebrating products like cards, scratchies, garlands and even stationery. I did well this Christmas, especially with these 3D cards.

Thanks Lea, Lish and Wonks

Me, Picton (NZ), July 2011

Duncan, Texas (US), November 2011

The yellow rose of Texas

How cute are the purple boots and the armadillo?

I love this dome. There’s so much going on – roses, stars, boots and armadillos. If I had enough energy, I’d look up the meaning behind all these Texan icons, but the Christmas/birthday celebrations have left me a little exhausted! Hope you survived the eating-fest.

And the celebrations continue, happy birthday Ron!

Lea, Sydney (Australia), December 2011

Lea's handmade 'Kermia' figurine

When I was young, my friends nicknamed me Kermit. To be honest, I’m not really sure why; I’m not green or lanky and my rendition of Rainbow Connection isn’t too good. So I laughed heartily when Lea gave me this handmade dome – would you believe she actually had a pottery specialist make the little figurine she calls ‘Kermia’. It’s definitely a unique dome. Thanks Lea, I love it!

Merry Christmas all! And I hope you’ll shake a dome to celebrate my birthday!