This has been a very up and down week, and one of the ups was receiving parcels from far away: one from Australia, containing some goodies from the Eureka Tower climb, plus a gorgeous grey wool cape. And the second was from Scotland, containing two hand-knitted dog sweaters, custom-made for Soleil and Arwen. They even have a blingy ''S'' and ''A'' at the neck. 

Thank you, Barb and Catherine, for the Australian parcel, and Yasmin for the Scottish one. You're wonderful friends, and these beautiful things lifted spirits and brought delight on a snowy, dull day.

As well, not so long ago, another friend, Lois, in New Hampshire, made mittens out of an old sweater and sent me this fantastic, snuggly pair. Thank you!!

If you're wondering what all of this has to do with the word in the title, ultramarine, it has nothing to do with blue. I'm currently reading a fascinating book, called The Brilliant History of Colour in Art, and the pigment ultramarine was so named not because it represented a 'watery' blue, but because it came from across the water: marine is Latin for sea, and ultra means beyond. The blue pigment used to be found only in Lapis Lazuli minerals, mined in the mountains of Afghanistan. 

So here we are with our non-blue ultramarine finery. Please excuse the expression on my face; the model on my left was in a capricious mood, and hankering for lunch.

Thank you again!!!