Riding An Emotional Rollercoaster...

Brynwood Needleworks - My Sister, Di and Ceri - Ceri's "Gotcha Day"

 

I was at home, waiting to hear from Handsome that he'd accomplished his "benchmarks" so he could come home. The telephone rang, and the ringtone identified it as my sister, Diana. I could tell from her voice that she was upset, so I asked if she was alright. She wasn't.

 

You may remember one of Tag's 2013 posts HERE, when we told you about our trip from Sarasota, FL to Wisconsin with this sweet, little, rescued Corgi. When we were asked if we knew someone who might be interested in this pup (who'd lived on the street for who-knows-how-long), I immediately thought of my sister. She said she absolutely wanted this dog, and set the wheels in motion for us to deliver her to Wisconsin.

We picked her up and took her home to live with us (still living in Florida then) until our annual summer trip north in the Airstream,. Di called to tell me she'd chosen the name, "Ceri", asking us to use it for the few weeks the pup be with us, so she could get used to hearing it. Read the post in the link to see their first meeting, while I fast forward to yesterday.

 

Wracked with tears and a broken voice, Diana told me that Ceri died in her arms yesterday. No symptoms. No warning. No indication that there was anything wrong. Ceri chose National Pet Day to cross over The Rainbow Bridge, and this little dog who, aside from when Diana had to go to work, was always with, and devoted to my sister. Their love knew no bounds.

 

I know Ceri will let Diana know she'll always be near - even though Di won't be able to reach out and touch her. She'll come to Di in her dreams (as my Bannor has done with me), but that won't ease the pain of this loss. I know nothing I could say would ease her deep grief, but the depth of her grief is a reflection of the deep, deep love she had for this little dog. (I'll never forget how you all reached out to me when I unexpectedly lost Fezzik ten years ago. That loss will still bring me to tears when I think about him, and today I felt it all over again.) I cried with her, and when I disconnected our call, I cried some more.

Handsome called, and told me when we could expect he'd be released from the hospital. I pulled myself together and told him I'd be there for all his discharge instructions. I went from crying my heart out for my sister's loss, to ecstatic that my dear husband could come home. I actually felt a tinge of guilt.

I cuddled Tag (which he reacts to in typical "boy" fashion), and took him along to get Handsome. We were back home by late afternoon and we got Handsome settled in. Once he was comfy, I sat down to check the comments on yesterday's post. Thanks to everyone who weighed in on my table runner project. 

 

Here's what I'm going to do. Yes, I'm going to add a bumblebee. I'm going to add more stitching to my butterfly, and (thanks, Marcy) I'm going to lengthen the antennae on the butterfly, too! When I look again with new eyes, I agree those additions will really complete my piece. I'm going to add all your suggestions today. I think after the past couple of days, I need more than a little needle dancing.

 

Tuesdays With Tag - Pullin' For Ceri...

 Hi, Everybody!

It's that time again...the most important day each week. My day to post!

I realized that it's been a while since I gave you an update about

Ceri, or as I like to call her "Our Little Foreign Exchange Student".

"Well, whatcha waitin' for?"

 Well, in typical Corgi fashion, Ceri is teachin' her mom, Di about how 

stinkin' cute and smart we are. She's been quick to learn her lessons,

and she's got her mom and dad both wrapped around her tiny, hind paw.

Atta girl, kiddo!

The other reason I wanted to write about Ceri is 'cuz she's havin' surgery 

today. Mom told me that Ceri's been makin' her furry roommate, Ace a 

little crazy lately. She surprised her mom with somethin' called a "heat". 

When Mom was talkin' to Aunt Di a while ago, I could hear Ace howlin'

in the background. Mom and Di were laughin', but I was feelin' sorry for

him. He sounded like he was in real pain! I sure hope he's ok.

Ceri loves her Mom.

 We were told that Ceri had to sleep in the guest room with some

special perfume sprayed in front of the door just so Ace could get

a little shut-eye at night. Poor devil. I bet he's glad that's all over!

Mom said that Ceri's mom and dad thought they were gonna lose

their minds over all the howlin' and carryin' on. They made an 

appointment for Ceri for as soon as possible after she got back to

"normal", so they all wouldn't have to go through that experience 
ever again. Today is the day for her to see the vet. I bet her techs

aren't nearly as lovable and friendly (and cute) as mine. No way!

Ceri with one of her "gutted" toys. woo hoo!

 I know Aunt Di is gonna stay right at the vet's office while Ceri is in surgery - 

just like Mom did for me. Ceri will be glad to go home with her after she

wakes up. I sure was when I got nootered. All I wanted was TLC from Mom.

 Whoa! I cringe every time I think about it!

If you have a sec to say a little, healin' prayer for Ceri, 

I know she'd really appreciate it. 

We'll be gettin' a call as soon as they're headed home. I'm gonna try to 

answer the phone before Mom can! I'll come back later to update this post 

so you know she's ok. I'm sure you don't wanna have to wait for that info

 'til next week, right? I sure wouldn't if I were you. I don't like waitin' at all.

UPDATE: Ceri came through surgery with flyin' colors. She's sore and will
be all drugged up for a few days, but she's gonna make it. She's eatin' and
poopin', so she's already gettin' better. She'll be harassing Ace  before he 
knows what hit him. I'm pretty sure she's gonna milk this for all she's worth.
It's the Corgi way. 
(Glad you're ok, Ceri!)

Gotta run for now. 'til next time...

"More Waggin' and Less Barkin'!" 

Tuesdays With Tag - She's Gone...

 Hi, Everybody!

Well, it happened...Ceri went to her new home last weekend.

Mom's sister drove all the way from Minnesota to our campsite in 

Wisconsin to pick her up. It was all very excitin' to witness.

 When Mom first came in the Flying Cloud, Ceri was very glad to see her

(I was, too!) because Mom had been away overnight for her class reunion.

We were waggin' our tails and jumpin' up and down. Ceri wanted Mom to

pick her up, so Mom lifted her and cuddled her and carried on for a while.

(Which I didn't like one, single bit!)

Then, Mom put ME in a kennel so that I wouldn't interfere with the 

introductions. She picked up Ceri, turned to Di and handed Ceri to her.

 Mom grabbed the camera and recorded their first meetin' for my post.

It was mutual "love at first sight". (As you can tell from the pictures.)

 It didn't take any time at all for that little minx to wrap Di around

her right hind toenail! After a short visit with Mom and Dad, Di

took Ceri and put her in a nice, secure kennel for their trip home.

I hate to say it, but Mom even cried. Me? Nope. I get Mom and Dad all

to myself again, but I have to admit that I will miss her once in a while.

Not very often. Not on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, or ever. Maybe. Kinda.

 I watched them leave and then jumped up on the sofa to have a

chat with Dad. I like being the guardian of our family. I also like

having all the canine attention to myself. I think it's important for me

 to communicate that with him...just in case he didn't already know.

We know that Ceri is gonna have a great life in MN (even though we

never told her about snow), but I will think of her from time to time.

She was fun to bug. (hee hee)

I got to spend yesterday with my two favorite granddaughter girls, so

next week I'll tell you all about it. 'til then, remember...

"More Waggin' and Less Barkin'!"

On The Road With Tag, The Roving Reporter...

Mom usually only lets me write one post each week, but I 

had so much to tell you that I asked if I could write again.

This travelin' with Mom and Dad is really fun stuff!

 While we were at Airstream, I met a cool guy named Stephen.

He would stop to say "hello" to me every time he saw me.

Mom explained that if he got down on the floor, he'd get to 

know the real me...The Master Of The Wet Willie!

It's a callin', I tell you! I can't help myself around kids.

 Stephen got down on the floor and I moved into high gear.

Nothin'...and I mean nothin' makes me happier than hearin' kids giggle.

Stephen didn't disappoint. He laughed out loud when I jumped on him. I'm

glad Mom got his folks' and sister's names, too. Maybe I'll see him again.

Man, I'm gonna miss him.

This is where we stayed last night.

It's another campground that will go on our "favorites" list.

D & W Lake Campground in Champaign, IL.

Mom and Dad said, "Five Stars, Tag!"

There is lots of space between campsites, and l@@k carefully...

There was another Airstream in the campground! Woot!! Woot!

They had a big dog that wanted to visit me, but we kept our distance.

We didn't want to get anythin' started, you know.

Another place to rest and recuperate for the final leg of our trip north.

We'll be in Wisconsin this afternoon, and Mom is going to a pre-reunion

party tonight. I'll be hangin' out at the campground with Dad and Ceri.

Only two more sleeps until Mom's sister comes to pick Ceri up, so I

want to give her special attention before she moves to her new home.

Well, that's all for this week. I'm going on break until my next Tuesday post.

See ya later!

I Didn't Mind The Wait...

 We stayed an extra day in Ohio at the Airstream factory as we added a few

more things to our "To Do" list while we were here. Again we were up and

out of the Flying Cloud by 7:00 am, but this time I grabbed a project before

the Cloud headed into the service bay for the day. I had brought along two of 

my Sweet Stitches kits to work on, so I grabbed "Bluebell Nest" to do first.

 I traced the design onto the included fabric, mounted it on my scroll frame 

and then proceeded to stitch the day away. I ended with everything in the 

above image being stitched before I put it away for the night. I can see that 

these blocks are going to be a breeze to stitch and both kits will be stitched

before we turn again for home. I didn't bring my sewing machine this trip, so

I won't finish the block assembly until I can sew them at home in a few weeks.

Tag and Ceri had a grand time in the waiting area of the factory, too. There were

lots of kids (and adults) who came in and wanted to shower them with attention.

I'll share those pictures with you later. Looking back at them just makes me laugh!

Corgis and needlework...and Handsome. Truly a perfect day.

I didn't mind the wait one single bit. 

Remember that life is about the journey. 

Enjoy every second, dear friends.

Resting In Jackson Center...

 What day is it? Oh, yeah...It's HUMP DAY! (lol)

Monday was mostly spent looking out my passenger window at the view,

and our Flying Cloud in my rear view mirror. We were stuck in traffic an

inordinate amount of time. Cincinnati to Dayton, OH was the worst, so by the

time we reached Jackson Center (the Airstream Factory) we were whipped.

 We shared travel stories with other Airstreamers today, bought a few items in

the gift shop and rested while we had a few things done to our Flying Cloud.

 We'll finish up the last of our list today, but we are enjoying our 

camping location in the TerraPort with each other, Tag and Ceri.

 The dogs are fabulous travelers. Tag is an ol' pro, and Ceri is taking pointers from

 him. She's great at hopping into her safe spot (her kennel) in the back seat of our

truck. After she's crated, Tag jumps in next to her on his great padded bed. They

have lots of room to snooze while we drive, but they prefer nights in our camper.

(We won't mention the time Handsome took Tag outside to air him out and 

returned to find Ceri innocently standing smack in the middle of our dinette table.)

Today, we'll have just a few more things done by the Airstream techs and then

we'll motor to Champagne, IL where we'll rest for the night. By Thursday, we'll

be back in our old stomping grounds for the next couple of weeks. We can't wait!

I've been on the phone with my grade school BFF, Cyd and we're looking forward

to seeing each other for an overnight visit - and our 40th class reunion. A great 

beginning to our time in Wisconsin...with many more new memories to make.

I think I'll work on a little needlework during the day today. 

I'll show you what I accomplish tomorrow. 

Oh, and we're really loving central Ohio's weather, too. 

We couldn't have asked for anything better.

Tuesdays With Tag - Camping With Ceri...

 Hi, Everybody!

It's me...Tag on the Vacation Trail with a report on how it's goin' 

"Campin' with Ceri."

Yeah, well. I don't get to sleep alone in bed with Mom, which isn't so great, and

I  always have this little girl under foot when I'm tryin' my best to mooch a treat

or two, but all in all it ain't half bad hangin' out with another four-footed person!

She keeps me company when we're outside watchin' the river flow (so to speak). 

And even though she's a girl of few words, we get along mighty fine as we get 

to know each other better. (I know when to stay out of her way, doncha know?)

In fact, I think she's rather smitten with me - and what guy doesn't like that?

 "Actually Tag, I think ya smell kinda funny. Maybe your mom should

give you a bath so your fur doesn't enter the room before you do!"

"Hey! Who's blog post is this anyway?
I don't recall invitin' ya to add your 2¢ worth!"

 I'm gonna have to keep on trainin' her. We corgis have ta stick together!
For now, we've gotta get back to campin' with Mom and Dad.

We're on vacation, after all!
 'til next time...

"More Waggin' and Less Barkin'!"

Tuesdays With Tag - An Afternoon At The Opera...

 Hi, Everybody!

I had a really great weekend.

Ceri and I went swimmin' with Mom and Dad (surprise!),

but the highlight of my weekend was watchin' the opera,

"Parcifal" with Dad and Ceri. Well, with Dad mostly.

 Dad explained that Wagner's operas are being performed at the

Bayreuth Festival right now, and "Parcifal" is one of them.

 I invited Ceri to join Dad and me, and you can see how enthused 

she was about the whole "opera" thing. Pffffttt! Not much at all!

 I was actually lyin' in the other room just mindin' my own 

business, when I heard somethin' that got my attention. I wasn't sure 

what to make of all the singin', but I was intrigued by the voice of one 

of the singers. Every time he opened his mouth, magic happened. 

He was great - and I was spellbound!

 This opera was a little violent (see the guy who got stabbed?),

but I think the music made up for the storyline. I can't read the

subtitles anyway, so I couldn't really tell you what it was about.

 I'm not sure why I kept hearin' gigglin'. Haven't they ever seen a
discriminatin' dog before? You'd think I was an anomaly or sumpthin'.

  Mom did a video of me watchin' these guys. It's only about 3 minutes long
in case you wanna watch. I'm gonna see if I can catch up on more of this 

stuff durin' the week, but you know I just can't spend all my time in front 

of the television. I've got loose ends to tie up and a suitcase to pack.

We'll be hittin' the road this weekend, so there are more excitin' 

adventures in my future. I can't wait to tell you all about them! 

'til then...

"More Waggin' and Less Barkin'!"

Tuesdays With Tag - Meet Ceri...

 Hi, Everybody!

Gosh. A lot sure can happen in one short week.

Last week, I was lying around in the heat, hittin' the pool to cool off and just

mindin' my own business. Then Mom got a call that changed everythin'.

 I have a little Corgi foster sister!!! She's gonna live with us for the next couple

of weeks and then she's gonna move to Minnesota to live with Mom's sister, Di.

She was abandoned and full of fleas when she was found, and the caller had

checked everywhere for a couple of weeks to see if anyone was lookin' for her.

Can you believe that she was all alone? We were asked if we could take her 

to live with us. Mom talked to Dad and then called her sister who has wanted a

corgi for quite a while. Her sister said "yes" right away! When Di called back the 

next day, she asked us to start calling this little girl "Ceri" (pronounced Kee-ree). 

It's Welsh for "love".

 We've been gettin' along great - as long as she doesn't get too cozy with my

Mom! I even showed her my awesome swimmin' skills and she loves my pool!

 This is kinda how we got acquainted. I first met her in town and then we came back 

home. Mom let us both into the Holidome and we stood checkin' each other out.

 Then, I jumped into the pool and Ceri jumped right in behind me!

I couldn't even believe it! She loves bein' in the water!!

 I showed her my superior divin' style. (She was impressed!)

 She stood on the swim-out and watched me take a few laps.

She was not too sure about jumpin' in with me, so she just stayed there,

stuck her head under water and then she blew bubbles. Mom laughed!

 She jumped off the deck one time and almost missed the swim out.

That woulda been really funny, but Mom and Dad were lifeguardin'.

She was safe.

Actually, by the end of the day, she was swimmin', too, but she didn't 

jump in like I do. Mom just took her out into the deep water to swim.

She has a pretty mean dog paddle! I thought that was cool.

 Every time I swam back to get out, there she was waitin' for me. You might 

notice that she's kinda tiny. She only weighs seventeen pounds. (I weigh

thirty!) We think she's about two years old, so maybe we're the same age!

 As soon as I jumped outta the water, Ceri jumped out, too, and then

we ran around the pool deck as fast as we could. We stopped, shook off 

the extra water, and then...

 SPLASH! Right back into the pool!

 She was pretty sad when we first saw her, but she's happier already.

When we told her what her new name is, she seemed to understand.

She comes when Mom calls her. She sits so Mom or Dad can put her leash

on before going outside (we don't want her runnin' away again!), and she's

excited to be movin' up to Minnesota. (We didn't tell her about snow yet.)

 So, for the next few weeks, I'll share more adventures with Ceri.

I think you'll like her as much as we do.

Have a great week. See ya next Tuesday! 'til then...

"More Waggin' and Less Barkin'!"