
The shortest day of the year is fast approaching, and on the days I pick up Charlotte from daycare, there’s often a nice view of the sunset across this big, open field at work. Last night the clouds looked especially vivid, with the light somehow playing in a way that made them look particularly three-dimensional. The photo above doesn’t really capture it, but it was pretty.

We have been busy with school and work and hobbies and holiday activities. Emma and I spent several days building the Lego Elf Club House (with a bit of help here and there from Charlotte as well) and finished it last weekend. Last year we built the gingerbread house and this year the elf house; perhaps this is the beginning of a fun tradition?

I got each of the girls the same craft advent calendar from Kid Made Modern. I was wondering if they would miss the type of calendar they’ve had in past years where each day is a small toy or figure or something, but I couldn’t find ones that I liked and honestly we don’t need any more tiny toys in this house! I needn’t have worried — they both LOVE the craft one and have already enjoyed making paper plate wreaths, drawing winter scenes, constructing ornaments, and decorating gingerbread people. More fun to come, I’m sure.
I’ve been on a tear the last few days getting most of the Christmas shopping wrapped up. It’s been interesting to see what is/isn’t available this year. There seems to be an increase in things that are sold out, at least from my own observation.

Last weekend the girls planned an elaborate movie night, complete with a DIY snack tray, popcorn and apple cider, pillow seats and blankets. We watched the old-school stop-motion Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. A classic!
We’ve also been watching The Amazing Race and Dancing with the Stars as a family this fall. I’m not a big TV-watcher these days, usually preferring to sew instead, so I am perhaps way behind in realizing that there are quite a few shows we can watch together that all 4 of us — adults and kids — equally enjoy.

I’m continuing to sew, sew, sew — I’m a few days into the process of hand quilting my teal quilt. I’ve also been churning through quite a few tech edits and pattern design work for others. This is one of those classic good/bad problems — I’m excited to be getting new clients and new work, but it’s hard to manage all the deadlines when they all come at once! I’ve had to lengthen my turnaround time, but fortunately no one has had an issue with that thus far.
And finally, BRING ON THE COVID VACCINE! I am so ready. I’m young and healthy and able to work from home so I’m totally at the very bottom of the priority list but whenever I”m allowed to get my vaccine, I will be there with bells on.
p.s. I’m doing a 31 day blogging challenge.
Love the girls in their cute new glasses! And your handwork is so beautiful–is it 12 wt? And, yes, the VACCINE–this 73 yo will be there, bells and all, too
Yes, it is Aurifil 12 wt thread!