Tote Bag and First Pinkeep

This is the tote bag I made on Thursday night. The more I look at it, the more I like it! I only wish that the view outside my window matched the lovely fabric. We're in the second day of a three day snowstorm! We've had snow, sleet, freezing rain, and more snow, and now lots of wind, which will blow the snow, hopefully into our neighbor's driveway! (Sorry, Brian and Colleen.)
Here's a lousy shot of the inside. I put in two large pockets, one on each side.
I spent the late afternoon and evening making my first pinkeep! I followed the instructions at Stitching Together, and also referred to Focus on Finishing. I am mostly pleased with how it came out, and I certainly learned some things! I am wondering if I could use fleece - not the stuff you use for blankets, but the kind that I would refer to as compressed. It also comes in a fusible variety, which I've used for purses. Comments? The batting I used had too much loft, I think. I also learned that the cardboard needs to be cut smaller than "just a bit smaller." I'm sure I will make another pinkeep!
A shot of the back.On a personal note, we found out on Friday that my husband's cancer is active again. He has Multiple Myeloma, which is an incurable blood cancer. In the left hand column there are links to several web sites where you can get more information, and a link to his Caring Bridge site. We know that treatment this time around involves IV chemo with Velcade, twice a week for two weeks, then a week off; that is repeated as needed. Although I will try to get help with transportation, I'm sure I will be with him at least once a week. I hope to be able to cross stitch during that time, which will be therapeutic for me. Too bad I can't get Phil to take up a portable craft . . . we've suggested knitting, but he's not interested. Oh, well.