Goofin' Off Into 2022

I can't believe how the months have flown by.  As always, I regret not keeping up with my blog, as it has become a journal of sorts...and I miss the friends that I have made through blogging.  So here are a few quick updates.  

Last fall I got a new job.  It was for a company that I had wanted to work with for a long time.  I didn't have the skill set they needed.  They contacted me, asked me to take a test, and have been paying for me to take the classes to get the skills that I am missing.  It allows me to work from home and set my own schedule.  I started onboarding in October (while I was at Disney World for two weeks).  It was a balancing act, for sure, but I was glad I was able to make it work.  I got to begin doing actual work for them in November.  

Princess Day at Magic Kingdom

Did I mention that part of our time in Disney World was spent with my brother's family?  While all the "guys" went to Universal Studios one day, us "girls" held a "Princess Day".  These girls were so excited.  The minute we walked through the gates at the Magic Kingdom, all their favorite princesses appeared on the train station platform above.  The girls seemed to think that the princesses came out just for them.  The princesses spent time engaging and talking with these little girls.  I think we could have left after that, and they would have been just as happy and none the wiser about rides, etc.  It was a magical day for all of us.  While Mr. Goofin' Off was off with the guys, I gained a new ride buddy for the day.  I don't get to see these great-nieces very often, so I reveled in the opportunity to get to know them better. 

Then, at the beginning of November, I had oral surgery for a triple bone graft in my jaw for a future dental implant.  It had a three-day expected recovery.  Let me tell you, I got a recurring infection that lasted for five weeks...yes, that's five weeks.  I was so sick from both the infection and the antibiotics, it was miserable.  I had to start working in November, so I pretty much just worked and rested those five weeks.  Eventually, they reopened the surgical site and cleaned it out thoroughly.  That seemed to do the trick.  Things have been fine ever since (knocking on wood).  

Seattle Symphony Holiday Pops Concert

Fortunately, December was pretty uneventful, and we just sat back and enjoyed the holiday season.  Mr. Goofin' Off got us balcony box seats at the Seattle Symphony for their Holiday Pops Concert.  The box seats allowed us to keep a decent distance from other concertgoers and feel safe.  It really set off the holiday spirit for us.  

Project Updates as of January 9, 2022

I know it's been so long, so of course I've got a few updates.  I actually won't post them all quite yet.  Although I have finished the flamingo quilt, I know I won't be working on any more quilts until I finish my courses for my new job...which probably won't be until about April.  So here is the next step all finished.  It is the set of flamingo blocks with a black fabric border.  I loved how the black helped the flamingos pop.  

Block Set 2 from Flamingo Crossings Quilt

Mickey and Pirate Friends Cross Stitch

Thankfully, I have still been able to find time to cross stitch.  This piece has been a sanity saver during the crazy fall I had.  I never, ever, ever get tired of stitching on it.  I especially enjoy taking it out of the hoops and seeing how what I just stitched fits into the whole picture.  I wish I had more stitching time. I apologize in advance for not pressing it before taking the pictures.  I promise to give it a press before I post another update.  

Progress of Mickey and Pirate Friends as of 1/9/2022

Full Picture of Progress as of 1/9/2022

Woo hoo!  I finally have all of Goofy's distinctive nose and mouth complete!  

Wishing all of my blogging friends the best in the coming year.  I am looking forward to connecting up and seeing all that you have been working on.  

Happy stitching!