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Okay, so blogging hasn't been a priority. I should say that my own blogging hasn't been a priority. I've been reading other blogs as usual, but putting together a post takes up too much mental energy.

Let's see, what has happened since this last post.

1. We put a mudroom addition on the house. Not a huge project, but lots going on in a fairly small space. It did go over time and over budget, but not too bad. Of course it is still a WIP, so there is blue tape, and nail holes that need to be puttied, sanded, and painted.  Overall it functions as it should, and it's made a huge difference in this whole side of the house.

2. J turned 10. Dude, where did the time go?  We had his party yesterday; six other 10 year old boys came over, and we took them for pizza and a movie. Most the gifts were game (video or sports) oriented, and he was happy as a clam. Since his gifts from us are fewer in number (but higher in cost!), I made a treasure hunt for him when he woke up to make it more exciting. Rhyming hints, and everything.

3. I went to Sweden. I went in November, and it was the ultimate trip. I visited most everyone I wanted to see, got to spend time with my sister and her daughter, and basically got to go at my own pace. Lots of reflecting and very soul-nourishing (is that a word?).

4. Work is insanely busy. Much more work to do, less people to do it, and every day is a crisis. I am so incredibly thankful I have a job, and I work with some awesome people, but whew. A little less Crazy would be nice.

5. I'm putting more time into quilting. I'm so in love with non-traditional, wonky types of quilts. Maybe because I can't cut a straight line, or because of the uniqueness of each one...  This, this, this, and of course the quilts of Gees Bend.

6. I'm running. Well, not walking anyways. I'm slow and probably look silly, but I feel like I'm taking steps to not go down the same cardiovascular road that my dad did.  The weightloss has been nice too, but wasn't the main goal.

Some mudroom pics..

Blurry photo of Iza.

Detail of quilt. It's upside down, and none of the strings have been trimmed yet.