February (hopefully not my only post this month)

I'm back to work after the furlough, and as I suspected, doing two plus jobs at the same time is exhausting - mentally and physically.  I've done a little bit of crocheting and have everything but the final details of this year's Christmas cards done.  I've also come up with some ideas for future cards, that I need to put together before I lose my idea sheet (or buy a bound notebook so I stop drawing them on bits of random paper), so I guess lots going on but the thing that's been taking most of my free time?  I have become completely fascinated with watching people make dot mandalas.  I'm sure I'll jump in and try it someday but right now, I'm just watching (fortunately I can watch while stitching).

The brightest spot right now? If you've been reading for the last few months, you already know it's  Jack.  He's two months old now!  Here he is celebrating:

I'll be heading back up to Michigan in about a month for his christening and can't wait to see him (and the rest of the family too).

All of my stitching has been Jack related too.  Here's where I am on his birth sampler:

Three more animals and a ton of back-stitching and this will be done.  I need to see if they want it framed or made into a pillow or wall hanging or...

Once the sampler is finished I can start his stocking.  Here's the stocking DNiece picked:

It's needlepoint done with wool and embroidery floss.  Fortunately, it's a kit so I don't have to hunt down anything except the backing fabric.  The kit came with felt for backing, but I don't think that will be sturdy enough, so will go looking in the near future.  I saw a navy with snowflakes and swirls a little bit back that I think will be perfect.

Next weekend is a holiday weekend (President's Day) so I've taken Friday off so I'll have a 4-day weekend!  Having just come off a 36 day furlough, I'm not sure why that sounds so great, but I'm looking forward to it.