January 31, 2018

Home Is Best...

 
Tonight we'll sleep soundly in our own bed.
We're home again.

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January 30, 2018

Tuesdays With Tag - Maybe It Was Something I Ate...

Tag In Georgia
 
 Hi, Everybody!

I'm comin' to you this week from Dad and Mom's friends' farm in Georgia. I'll tell you more about this place next week, but this week, I wanna tell you about my trip to the vet's emergency room last Thursday. I was feelin' pretty awful.

Tag At The Vet's

It all started when I woke Mom up in the dark on Thursday mornin'. She was pretty sure we'd gone out late on Wednesday night and that I just couldn't hold it any more. What we found out instead was that I had a pretty sick tummy and I kinda messed up our host's front yard...twice.

Mom and Dad were plannin' to leave for Wisconsin Thursday, so we had everythin' all packed and said goodbye to our friends. We didn't get very far when I tossed my cookies all over Bella's and my travelin' spot in the back seat. (Boy, was Bella surprised!) 

As much as I'd love to share all the gross details, Mom said we aren't gonna try to make you sick, too, so I'll spare you, and cut to the chase.

Please, Release Me...

Rather than pointin' the truck toward the Georgia state line, we headed south to Blue Pearl Veterinary and Emergency Clinic in Sarasota. We got in to see the vet right away, and I got poked, prodded and ahem...examined in some private places to see if anythin' immediate showed up. 

The pretty vet tech took me in back and they stuck me with a needle to take some of my blood. When I got back to the room, she told Mom to push the emergency button on the wall if I got sick or had an accident.

Mom had to push that dang orange button FOUR times! I threw up a couple of times, but the worst part was that I was just poopin' liquid and it was all red. Mom was actually stayin' calm, but I could sense she was startin' to worry...and I was feelin' worse.

The fourth time, Dr. Fincher said it was time to get me some anti-nausea meds and an antibiotic injected, and put me on an IV right away. I looked at Mom when the doctor put my leash on to lead me away again. She petted me and said it was okay to go with the doctor, so I did. To tell the truth, I was feelin' so crummy, I didn't have any "contrary" left in reserve.
 
"Oh, I Never Felt More Like Singin' The Blues..."

I stayed at the clinic all night, gettin' round-the-clock care from the vets and their assistants. They were all really wonderful. I was sick a couple more times, but around 11 that night, I got some food and didn't throw it up or anythin'! The doctor said that was good news. 

They called Mom at 7:30 the next mornin' to tell her I could go home. She didn't waste any time comin' to get me, either.

"I Think I Feel Much Better Now"

I was really rarin' to go by the time she got there. In fact, I didn't even care if I had a blue bandage on my right leg when I saw her. I wanted to go home with her. We thanked the vets, paid a hefty bill, grabbed the bag with my medicine and special food, and left.

Bella's and My Friend, Lucy

The vet wanted us to hang around a couple of days to make sure I was on the mend, so we went back to our friend's house and broke the news to them. They were glad we came back, but their cocker spaniel, Lucy was really happy! She loves havin' company, and was actually sad when we left. It worked out for everybody!

Lucy had surgery on her back leg not too long ago, so she and I were sort of healin' up together. I was glad to keep her company, and I think she felt the same.
 
I've Definitely Got My "Sparkle" Back!
 
As it turned out, I was feelin' fit as a fiddle by Saturday (and "things" were back to normal, if you get my drift), so Mom and Dad decided we could leave on Sunday mornin'. We said our goodbyes (again) to our most gracious and generous hosts, Mr. Eric, Miss Becky and our new friend, Lucy, and turned for home.
 
I've really had enough excitement for a while, and Mom said "Enough with people gettin' sick for this year!" Dad's back to normal and now, so am I. I agree with Mom. I sure don't wanna get sick again.  

PS. It turns out, I had "clostridium deficil", caused by a bacteria. I also had an elevated yeast count in my blood that the vet said typically comes from eatin' rabbit droppin's. I couldn't possibly comment about that!
 
I'll see you again in seven. 'til then...  
"Chase A Dream - Or A Squirrel".

January 29, 2018

Nearly Done...

Almost Finished

There are only a few things left to do before this piece is complete. I'll add the eggs to the nest with Heat & Bond when I get home, as well as ironing off all the Frixion™ pen marks that are mostly hidden by my stitching.

Embroidery Detail
 
I'll stitch in the French knots on the bird's breast once we're home, too. Then, I'll be ready to begin sewing all the quilt blocks around each finished embroidery. This will really be fun!
 
We've decided to stay one extra day in Atlanta to spend time with friends we haven't seen in ages. We'll continue our travels on Tuesday morning and arrive home on Wednesday. 
 
Tag will be here to visit with you tomorrow. I know you can't wait to hear all about his big medical adventure.
 
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January 28, 2018

January 27, 2018

I'm Stitching Again...

Work In Progress - Bluebell Nest
 
*ORIGINALLY WRITTEN FOR THURSDAY, BUT IT DIDN'T PUBLISH. sigh Let's try again. *

When we travel, I almost always take along a needlework project. It's portable, doesn't take up much room and doesn't require a lot of supplies. 

I traced out this design with a Frixion™ pen on the lightbox in my studio, and then mounted it to scroll frame bars. Then, I packed my needles and thread into my carry case to bring along on our trip to Florida.

Note: I only use the Frixion™ pens now on areas that will be covered by stitching, and only on light-colored fabrics. The pen leaves ghost lines on dark fabric, so I won't take a chance of that happening. 

On light colored fabrics, I cover the ink with my stitching, because there's always a chance the ink will reappear under colder temperatures. Otherwise, I use chalk pencils for most of my markings. I don't have to worry about them leaving marks or having the marks reappear.

Pattern - Kathy Schmitz' Bluebell Nest
 
This pattern is "Bluebell Nest" from Kathy Schmitz, and it's the last one I have to stitch before I go on to the next steps toward creating this quilt. 
I'll be working on it as we head back to the farm today, so we'll see how much I manage to finish while we travel.

Tag is home from the Emergency Clinic. He's on special food and antibiotics, and we're waiting to travel with him until Monday, just to be sure he's okay. He'll tell you all about it from his point of view next week. Thanks for your concern and kind wishes.
 
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January 26, 2018

I Think We Need A Do-Over...

Blue Pearl Veterinary and Emergency Clinic
We were all packed to leave yesterday morning to head back to the farm. Tag woke me up at 5 am with serious gastric distress. We thought, at first, that it was a single incident, but it continued, so we took him to the emergency clinic in Sarasota instead.

We got in immediately, whereupon he was subjected to all manner of tests. He had multiple accidents while we were in the exam room, so he was admitted for overnight treatment. They put him on supportive IVs, as he was quickly dehydrating, and we reluctantly left him there for the night.

Instead of arriving in Atlanta for the first leg of our trip home, we're back at our friends' in Bradenton until Monday morning, when we'll try to travel again. We want to be absolutely sure my boy is recovered before we depart.

Any good thoughts, prayers or get well wishes you might be inclined to lift for Tag are greatly appreciated. So far, this year isn't starting at all as I'd planned.
 
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January 24, 2018

Wednesday With Tag - I'm Back...

Tuesdays With Tag - Part II

Hi, Everybody!
I'm baaaack.

Let's try this again, shall we?
 
Bella With Uncle Mike

I'm not the only one who's back, either! We were at Uncle Mike's yesterday (and the day before) to pick up Bella. Monday, we were at his trainin' ranch so they could show us all the distance work she learned while Dad was in Wisconsin.

They showed us how she handles (on a dime!) now, and she even treads water, waitin' for commands to send her in specific directions. I'm tellin' ya, it was a sight to behold. She's really a big, fat show-off now!
 
Just A Little Enthusiastic

Yesterday, we learned some drills that we can do in our yard at the farm. Look at that face! All that enthusiasm to fetch canvas retrievin' dummies! I've gotta admit, the girl's got style!

When she finally saw me, she almost wet her fur she was so excited! She jumped up in the back of Dad's truck and was lickin' my face until I was soaked. blech! Then, we settled down and relaxed for the ride back to Sarasota for another day or so. 

I'm not gonna tell her how glad I was to see her. I don't want her thinkin' I actually missed her or anythin', but I sure did! I'm real happy that she's comin' back home with us.
 
PUPPIES!!!

Mom was happy to see Bella's older sister's litter of puppies, too. There were TEN of 'em! That's a lot of little squeakers, and they're still so new that their eyes aren't open yet. Their mama was takin' real good care of 'em, and they'll get big, strong and smart - just like their mom and Aunt Bella. (We love puppies!)

That's just a little taste of all the excitement we had this week. We'll be back at the farm by the weekend, so I'll be sure to let you know what Bella thinks of the cold and snow. Thanks for takin' this trip with me, and for comin' back to see me again today.
 
I'll see you again in seven. 'til then...  
"Chase A Dream - Or A Squirrel".

January 23, 2018

Tuesdays With Tag - Guess Where I Am...

Wet Corgi

 Hi, Everybody!
Guess where I am this week!

I'm at Uncle Mike's with Mom and Dad. We're here to pick up the Black Dog!

 There's a lot going on this week, but cell service on Mom's phone at Uncle Mike's
isn't one of them. (Must be our cell phones.) Anyway, you're gonna have to wait
until tomorrow to see pictures of Boo. Mom said I can have a second post this
week so I can show you both of us - together again like we're supposed to be.
 
I'll see you again in seven tomorrow. 'til then...  
"Chase A Dream - Or A Squirrel".

January 22, 2018

Stark Beauty...

Southern Granary
 
Traveling to get Bella. I love all farm buildings. ALL. 
Winter, Summer, Spring, Fall. 
Every season is a beautiful season for a farm building. 

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January 21, 2018

January 20, 2018

Important Studio Features...

Repurposed Kitchen Cutlery Divider Drawer
 
I saw this on the internet recently.
I will, obviously, have to rethink how I utilize space in my studio!
Guess I'm just in a silly mood today.
I'll see you again tomorrow.
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January 19, 2018

I'm Going To Summer School...

Royal School Of Needlework Image

 I can finally tell you about my HUGE news!
I'm going to be attending a five-day needlework course with the Royal School of Needlework!

These courses are usually taught at their school, located in Hampton Court Palace in England, but they also teach them at satellite schools in other locations, including the United States. I managed to get my name in before the class I wanted was filled, so I'll be attending their first-ever summer school in Lexington, Kentucky in July at the prestigious Sayre School.

Class Description

I'm registered to take this advanced embroidery class over the entire five days, and I can't wait. The raised work (including Stumpwork) is a technique I've longed to learn, so it really is a dream come true on so many levels.

My Tutor

This is the biography of my tutor (from the RSN website). I'm so looking forward to learning from one of the masters of needlework from the school. Our class sizes are limited as well. There will only be eleven other students in my group, so there will be plenty of time for individual instruction.

It's going to be an incredible experience, and although this particular course will not earn a diploma or certificate, I'll still walk away with a new learned technique. And, who knows...maybe somewhere down the line, I'll be able to take one of the certification courses. A girl can dream, right?

For now, I'm completely over the moon that I've managed to get into the course, and be part of this first-ever RSN Summer School Program. I haven't gone to summer school since taking elective courses as a kid. Now, almost 50 years later, I'm heading back to school...and it's going to be grand. Not only that, but I promise to take you with me! I'll be posting as much as I'm able while I'm in Lexington.

Until then, I'm going to make my plans (and perhaps a new project carrier to go with me), and when I can sleep (because I'm so darned excited!), I'll dream about this new adventure. I just couldn't wait one more day to tell you!
 
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January 18, 2018

Dreaming About A Farm Kitchen...

Web Kitchen Inspiration
 
You've seen how much I can accomplish in our current kitchen since I started canning last fall. Imagine what I could do with all my tools in place, a proper work island and everything set up for optimum prep and organization!

I've been collecting kitchen images since we purchased the farmhouse, and this spring we'll start work on the space. I'm showing Handsome photos of layouts, cabinet choices and appliances, as well as colors and selections for cabinetry, flooring, sinks and accents. 
 
He's very enthusiastic about the whole process, and over the past 37 years, we've worked really well as a team. We remodeled our first home, built one from the ground up, and painted and "puffed" the one in Florida, so the farmhouse will be a breeze for us. I know we'll have fun with the process. We always have.

We'll need a sink (not necessarily a "farmhouse" sink, as whichever sink we use will be our farmhouse sink); a dishwasher; wall oven; our current refrigerator; and our current range - or just a cooktop. 
 
We'll need new flooring, as Shelly and Andy have told us the original floor (under the current floor) is not salvageable; updated and additional electric fixtures; and perhaps a bay window in place of the two existing kitchen windows. I'm so looking forward to it.

Have any ideas you'd like to share? See things you like in the photos above? I'm all ears. Just email them to me through my link in the sidebar over there ----->  Pictures are helpful, too. Thanks!

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January 17, 2018

Another Finish...

Burgundy Cork Brynwood "Bryn" Wallet

I finished this Bryn wallet and key fob Monday. My client chose burgundy cork with a canvas interior as a gift for his mom.

Burgundy Cork Brynwood "Bryn" Wallet Interior - Canvas and Cork
 
This is actually a cute story. My customer came to the farm to fix our internet service. The service connections are all in my sewing studio. I was working on the "Corgi On" Tote while he was working on our service. 

He asked about what I was doing and when I explained, he wanted to see more. I showed him wallets, kit bags, and he immediately wanted a wallet. I then showed him the cork fabric choices, and this is what he settled on. He paid for it and finished up his work before leaving.

This one shipped yesterday, and he should have it within the next day or so. I think it was a great end to a service call. If only they were all like this!

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January 16, 2018

Tuesdays With Tag - This Is Gonna Be Quick...

Lounge Corgi

 Hi, Everybody!
Like my title says today..."this is gonna be quick".

Dad's feeling so much better, so he told me we're hittin' the road.
We're gonna go get Bella and bring her back to the farm!

She's gonna be so surprised to see the snow. Mom better get her a coat,
'cuz she's really gonna need it. She'll freeze her keester off without one. lol

Sleepin' Corgi
 
Only one more sleep and we'll be on the road to Florida.
I'm gonna dream about sleepin' on the beach and havin' all the cute girls
sayin', "Look! He's so cute!", and me, runnin' around with the Black Dog again.
 
I'll tell you all about it next week, 'cuz we'll be on our way back to the farm by then.
 
I'll see you again in seven. 'til then...  
"Chase A Dream - Or A Squirrel".



January 15, 2018

This Is What It's All About...

Our Granddaughters

It's all about family. They're why we moved back to Wisconsin. Sons, daughters-in-love, our grandchildren...and other family members and friends. Our time with them is precious to us. To see their smiles, share in their lives and celebrate them.

Son #2

Yesterday, we spent wonderful time with our younger son and his family to celebrate his Birthday. (He's modeling a new work vest, received as a gift.) We shared a meal, played a board new board game, traded stories, and ate the most delicious birthday cupcakes! (Peanut butter frosting on chocolate cake, with a peanut butter cup on top - and inside!) YUM!

Handsome and Daughter-In-Love #2

Handsome is at his happiest when spending time with his sons. It's rewarding to see how our kids are raising theirs...and we enjoy the heck out of it. It was a perfect way to spend a Sunday, and something we'll look forward to doing a lot more now that we're back in our home state.

Weather is coming. If you're in the snow belt, stay warm and safe. I'm in the studio, and Tag will be back tomorrow.
 
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January 14, 2018

Sunday Scripture...

Thanks to my friend, Abby at Little Birdie Blessings
 
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