WIPocalypse redux - July update

Topic of the month: It’s halfway to Christmas. Do you start your holiday stitching this early? If so, what do you hope to accomplish this year?
I don't often do stitched gifts anymore, and those I do are usually small things. I won't start pondering Christmas designs until November. Though perhaps I should get a jumpstart on my annual ornament for Tor Rhuann earlier than I do....

So I guess the TLDR version is, no I don't start holiday stitching this early.

Last month had two big finishes, which meant I needed to move on to other things. Only two pieces saw action this month...
Project: Music trio (Here Comes Treble, Alto Gether Now, First Bass)
Designer: Ink Circles
Fabric: 32ct Lugana - Countrystitch "Parchment"
Total hours to date: not tracked
Progress since last update: Completed Alto, started Treble
Notes: This is a relatively quick stitch, and being portable I can work on it while gaming, or waiting somewhere.

I found a nice backing fabric while travelling, so this will definitely be a wall hanging. I may finish Treble by next update.


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Project: Stars for a New Millennium
Designer: Tony Minieri
Fabric: 18ct pewter mono canvas
Total hours to date: not tracked
Progress since last update: 3 more squares, border started
Notes: This is my primary piece since last month. I finished 3 squares in the middle row. I like the results, but I don't particularly care for couching. Two needles at once I can manage well enough, but three can be annoying. I've started the outer border just to work on something less mentally taxing.


(Click for larger image)


In non-stitching news, I read the latest Dresden Files book, _Skin Game_, which I enjoyed. I'm ready for the next one! Also, I enjoy having books on Kindle - I can get it on release day without having to wait for the paperback to be released. I haven't yet read Neil Gaiman's _Ocean at the End of the Lane_. Instead, what reading I have done has been on the books DD needs to read over the summer: _Nectar in a Sieve_ by Kamala Markandaya, and _Things Fall Apart_ by Chinua Achebe. I've finished _Nectar_ and am halfway through _Things_.

In yearly goal updates, I did finish my walk to Minas Tirith along Aragorn's path, which is #36 on my 101 list. I've started back at Rauros and am now following Merry and Pippin's path to Isengard.

I'm still treadmilling nightly, which is good, but I've not yet managed to regain my rhythm in getting to Curves regularly. I manage once a week now, but I need to get back to three. Encouragement and/or floggings will be appreciated.