Getting ready for the start of German School took up most of my time the past few weeks, so I didn't have much time to stitch. I survived my first day as principal this past Saturday, but just barely! When I was interim principal 5 years ago, it didn't seem this hard.....but then again I was 5 years younger...... Having my grandson as part of the student body also made me feel a bit old, but getting a hug from him and from other students did make my day better!
Sunday, I decided to just sit and stitch. Well, I tried, but got a frantic call from work and ended up going in to my regular job for a few hours. In spite of that adventure, I made some good progress on Natalie's birth sampler. This is the last of my Crazy January starts that isn't yet finished (the other 18 have been finished for quite some time). When I picked it up, only the letters had been stitched. This weekend I did the illuminated O, as well as all the other stars, moon, castle, top of the fairy's head and border. I must admit that I was reluctant to continue on this one because I was soooo sick of pink, but now that I am stitching with lots of other colors it is more fun!
January 10-12 I attended a stitching retreated hosted by Black Cat Stitchery. It was held at the Illinois Beach Resort and Conference Center in Zion Illinois.
Although the weather outside was frightful, (ice and cold) it was a great weekend. 
Tracy and I roomed together, and we had a wonderful weekend away. Can't wait until next year.
Shortly before Christmas my Christmas Mail Art arrived from Germany.
She also included a post card from where she lives. 
I also sent a piece of Mail Art to Germany, but Jana hasn't yet received it. I fear it has been lost, so I will start stitching a replacement soon.
Today I stitched Margie's Round Robin piece. Her project is 12 different owls in a Star Treck theme. Each one is cuter than the other! 
Here is my report for this month's Totally Useless Stitch-a-Long. As you can see, there aren't as many orts as usual. There are two reasons for this. I was away from my regular stitching nest for a few weekends and I don't remember where those orts went....and I didn't get in as much stitching time this past month due to a bad cold and playing with the grandchildren. Hopefully, there will be more orts next month.!
Last weekend, I spent 3 days on the Southside of Chicago, specifically in Crestwood, at the annual South Side Get Together. The group was a bit smaller this year, but it was still a lot of fun. So much fun and stitching went on that I forgot to take pictures! I did take a trip to the Inspired Needle in Lemont while I was in the area for some much needed supplies. 
The Inspired Needle is a great little shop, I am always amazed at how much Cathy has to offer! Lots of fibres to choose from.
Cathy is great to work with. Stop in and see her if you are in the area. You can also order from her on line!
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