Next week I return to work after 8 wonderful weeks of leave. I am looking forward to throwing myself back into things. Probably an easy thing to do as the Christmas break will only be five weeks later!
While on leave I was able to do all the tasks I had set myself. The bathroom is painted (we are up to the exciting part of choosing taps and decorating). The vegetable garden has been planted and after two mishaps the dogs now (hopefully) cannot get in!
My quilt is (close to being) finished! Tonight I hope to have the last of the binding completed. I am SO keen to have a picture of it finished, washed and blowing in the breeze up I'll try and stay up until the last stitch is sewn! I looked for thread the colour of the binding fabric and found the perfect match in my grandmothers old sewing tin. I love that!
I've also read two books and have started a third. I got a couple of other sewing jobs that were lying around unfinished done. There is more to come though - Christmas sacks being a priority. I also want to do a new quilt cover (courtesy of an easy Lincraft pattern) for Nicholas' bed. David will be bringing home some new furniture for Nicholas' room, which we are all excited about and I have found a gorgeous quilt that I'd like to make for the top of his bed. This time, something with straight stitching, no hand quilting and no embroidery ;)I can't see it happening in a matter of weeks, but I do look forward to browsing for fabric. I like the colour schemes and fabric choices here, here and here.
This afternoon I'm enjoying tea, a magazine and flowers. Perfect to calm my mind in preparation for work. :)
I was grateful to have the school holidays home with Nicholas and Audrey. One thing that I have realised in various ways is that although they love having me home, given that they are usually at school when I am at work, they do just fine without me. :) This realisation has probably helped me with some other decisions.
A couple of BIG things that have been brewing in the back of my mind are that I am considering picking up an extra day of work next year, all depending on David's options at his work. I have also decided to finish my studies... the University has said that I can get credit for my Graduate Diploma and then move across into the Master of Arts (International Relations). A number of things have brought me to my final decision which I might write about soon, but I feel excited about completing this challenge, if not a little nervous about how we will go juggling something else.
*some unrelated photos in this post!
