A short portion of the Rideau Canal was opened for skating on Sunday--a welcome announcement. The Ottawa Citizen also reported the skating rink on the grounds of the Governor General's residence is now open for public skating on weekends. I very much doubt(!) that I'll be skating this year, but have many happy memories from years when I used to go often.

Plans are near completion for a visit to Norway during the last two weeks of June. I will be escorting this trip and from experiences during a former tour, I am very much looking forward to repeating the itinerary. In addition to visits in Oslo and Bergen--the highlight will be a cruise along the fjords. I have been on this trip before and the ship, the scenery and overall experience have me anticipating a return. There will be lots of time for relaxed knitting and interesting excursions when the ship docks. This isn't just a cruise ship but a working vessel, which serves the tiny settlements along the way. Please let me know if you would like more information.

Further to the announcement that 2012 has been designated as the Year of Creative Scotland, have a look at the site: http://www.cometoscotland.ca/cgi-bin/redirect.cgi?/year-of-creative/fashion-textiles-and-crafts/,/year-of-creative/index.asp. I was pleased to see a photo of Donald John Mackay, who many of you will recall meeting at his weaving shed, overlooking beautiful Luskentyre Beach on the Isle of Harris. Also, Sheila Fleet from Orkney. I also noticed that Shetland has produced a Craft Trail for the first time. Lots to read!