Almost...

I had a physical therapy appointment late morning, and Handsome took me out for lunch afterward. When we got home, I went into the studio with the best intentions, but I guess my appointment was more helpful than I thought. I lay down for just a bit, and woke up a couple hours later.

I did manage to prepare the components for my artist trading cards, but still need to assemble them. I don't have to be anywhere until late afternoon to work, so I'm going to finish them today. They'll definitely mail out tomorrow.

 

They're Overdue...

I knew from the start what I wanted to do for my "Compass" prompt for the April artist trading card swap. In fact, I was so settled in it that I set my subject...and promptly forgot to do it in April!

I have an appointment this morning, but as soon as I get home, I'm going into the studio and I'm not coming out until the ATCs are finished and ready to mail. I'll share photos tomorrow.

 

April ATC Assignment...

 

I hadn't intended to participate in the Treasures ATC Swap For a while, but when I saw the theme for April, I couldn't resist. You probably have a pretty good idea what I have in mind.

I'll be working on them this week, as I get a chance. Another classmate passed Easter weekend, so I have another funeral to attend tomorrow. 

Today is a catch up day for me. I have a number of things on my To Do list...ship orders; laundry; and tidy up my studio (again). If you're looking for me, I'll be at home. See you tomorrow.

Definitely Not The Gentle Arts...

Claudette and Crystal On Their Favorite Perch

I did get to do a little needle dancing yesterday, but not until the evening. During the day, while the weather was a bit warmer (in the 50s) and kind of nice, I decided the barn needed cleaning. Specifically, the area I call the "potting shed". At least, that's what its function was prior to my squatters moving in.

Before winter fully set in, I made it a haven for the girls. Of course, Smelly Cat (aka Leo) moved in about a month ago, and I couldn't stand it anymore. I had to do some serious deep cleaning.

When I walked into the barn, the girls were on their favorite perch (which drives Handsome crazy). I actually put their bed up there a couple nights ago, because when I had it in the usual place, Smelly Cat crawled into it when it was popped up (like a little igloo) and soiled all the bedding inside. The girls refused to use it in that condition, so everything went into the laundry - including the "igloo".

Once everything was cleaned, I put it up where the girls usually cuddle and Leo never goes. They've been perfectly content to use it since then. 

The Feeding Station

The area I used to use as a potting shed, is now a feeding station. All the climbing up and down by cats, opossums, and Heaven knows what else had it all muddy and gross, so I took a bucket of safe-for-animals disinfectant and scrubbed that puppy 'til it fairly shined. I cleaned all the dishes, and refilled the fresh water and food (which I do every day).

The Solar-Loading Station

Then I turned my attention to the really messy parts. I moved all the yard furniture out (which Handsome and I store there for the winter), and put it in the main part of the barn. That left plenty of room for me to rake up marsh hay, sweep everything out, and then scrub the floor (well, as much as I could a barn floor).

I cleared everything off the table in front of the window, and cleaned that up as much as I could, too. I tried to clean off the shelf where I'd made a beautiful, warm spot for the girls to sleep in the cold weather, but they hadn't used that since Leo checked it out. 

When I went to pull out the dirty blankets, I disturbed Big Grey (the opossum). I had no idea he was in there, but I'd awakened him. He looked at me as if to say, "Do you mind?". No hissing or make believe ferocity to attempt to scare me off. Just a look like, "I was sleeping here." I apologetically covered him back us so he could go back to sleep, and didn't hear a peep out of him the rest of the time I wrestled things around out there.

I Was Being Watched

By the time I was finished, my back was aching, my knee was sore, and I was done in. I sat for a bit and cuddled the girls, and then went back to the potting shed to turn off the lights. Yes. I had one more watcher the whole time I was out there. Most of the time, he was up on the perches in front of the window, but as it appeared I was finishing up, he moved over to the food bench and peeked at me from his hiding place.

That's okay. Next week, there will be a live trap set up on the table. I'll strap the door so that it doesn't close on him, so he can get used to going in and out of it to eat. I made an appointment for him to get vetted and "snipped" the next time the rescue is making their group run. He's going to be on that transport, which means I'll have to catch him. He'll come back to the farm minus his "ground tackle", vaccinated against rabies and fleas/ticks, and bathed. Mostly bathed.

Kittens Drinking Milk

I haven't really every taken care of cats before, so I didn't know I wasn't supposed to give them milk. (Do you know how many images I've seen since I was a kid, showing kittens drinking milk? Picture me giving myself a face palm here.) I found that out yesterday when I spoke with Renee at the rescue. It may be the reason Leo's been having gastric issues that have fairly coated the barn. I've immediately stopped the daily milk, and will only give them cat food from now on. I'm hoping that takes care of his problem, but just in case, I'll take a "sample" to our vet and make sure there isn't something else going on. I don't want to have to deep clean their accommodations again anytime soon. I was exhausted by the time I was done. I'd much rather be doing needlework!

RIP, Otis...

Kitty and Opossum Prints

Otis' footprints first appeared on the driveway in early February of this year. Later in the month, I saw him snuffling around in the lawn in search of birdseed. Then, one day, I saw his footprints in the snow near the overhead door of the Compass Barn, along with the cat prints. I knew he'd been in the barn - at least overnight.

Soon, he was making himself at home in the barn. I shared photos with you once Otis moved into Crystal's bed. He loved her bed. I had a non-electric warming pad in it, and that seemed to suit him just fine. No one else has slept there since. 

Otis Moved Into The Drum

Next, he discovered the 55 gallon drum next to the workbench, likely when on the bench to eat Claudette and Crystal's evening leftovers. 

I'm Trying To Sleep

I laughed to see the bed I'd put into it for Claudette moving around while I was putting out their breakfast. I guess he smelled the food and it woke him up. He liked sleeping under the bed, rather than in it. I think he felt safer that way.

I went to the barn to feed my cats yesterday morning. As always lately, I check to make sure Otis and Big Grey are comfy, too. Claudette's bed didn't move as it usually did when I put the morning food out for the girls, so I lifted the pad to see if Otis was there. He was, but he didn't look at me this time. I finished feeding the girls and then went to grab a pair of my work gloves.

I went back to the barn and moved the board, then the bed, so I could get a better look. I felt him and he was still, but I wanted to make sure he wasn't just "playing 'possum". I lifted him, and realized he was stiff and lifeless.

Sadly, Otis passed away sometime between the prior evening's dinner time and breakfast. Opossums have a rough life and a short lifespan in Wisconsin, but I'm happy knowing that he live a pretty cushy life the last month or so.

Laid To Rest

Wearing my gloves, I gently lifted him out of his bed, along with some of the bedding he'd grown fond of. I carried him like a precious package up the hill and into the woods, where I found a lovely spot for him. I placed his bedding down on the leaves. Then, I gently placed his body onto the bedding.

Otis' Resting Place

I gathered branches and more leaves and made a shelter for his remains. I'm sad he's gone, but grateful that I got to watch and care for him. I'm glad I could make his life comfortable after he found our barn. I know he was "just a wild animal", but when you have a chance to interact with one, it changes you. I cared about this little opossum.

Yesterday, I cried over his passing, and treated his remains with respect as I gave him back to the land. Claudette had followed me partway up the hill. As I came out of the woods, she meowed her silly meow and bounced across the tall grass to walk back to the barn with me.

I checked the other shelter to see if Big Grey was still okay. He looked at me as I smiled and returned the shelter roof back in place. I put a little extra food out for him last night. The girls and dogs all got extra cuddles from me all day and into the evening.

RIP, Otis Redding.

This One's Completely Different...

Brynwood Needleworks - Everlasting - BW Compass Barn Substitution

 

I completed another block for my version of the Primitive Gatherings "Everlasting" quilt project. I designed my own substitution for this block, recreating our Compass Barn and dogs in wool and thread.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Pattern & Substitution - Side by Side

 

You can see from the pattern on the left, and my block on the right how I completely changed out the design. Bella is sporting her stylish red collar, while Carly is wearing her very girly pink one. Of course, my little, lowrider rebel is only dressed in his own white, fur collar. I even added a little bluebird in one of the openings on the barn. 

 

So, this block is finished, and I nearly completed a second one yesterday. I'll wait to show you that one - along with any others I finish over the weekend - on Monday.

 

Brynwood Needleworks -  Brynwood "Fobulous" Key Fobs

I  also finished my little gifts yesterday. Handsome asked what they were, and when I told him they were Brynwood key fobs, he said, "They're fobulous!" Followed quickly by "That's what you should call them!" So effective yesterday, these are now my Brynwood Fobulous Key Fobs. I hope the recipients will love them.

 

Happy May Day!!!

 

Kitty Update...

Brynwood Needleworks  - Two of the Little Girl Kittens

 

I kept this image just a bit smaller because the resolution was too blurry when I enlarged it. The back of the kennel that the mama and her kittens are bedded into is pretty dark toward the back, and I didn't want to bother them with a flash, and a grainier image is the result. Sorry.

I go into the barn at least twice a day to feed Mama (currently named "Groucho" because she has a moustache in the coloring of her fur); and her two offspring from last year (Crystal and ... Dang it, Shelly! I forgot his name again!...Crystal's brother with all-black fuzzy fur). I always check on the kittens, too, and they're starting to get active, now that their eyes are open.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Mama With Her Kittens

 

After I fed Mama and the youngsters their late day meals, I saw down in a chair across from the kennel, but far enough away so I didn't alarm Mama. When she was finished eating, she walked up to me, to let me pat her head, and then she strolled in to lie down with her babies to feed them.

Brynwood Needleworks - Mama's Sore Paw

 

Mama has a sore paw and a limp right now. I'm not sure how it happened. I don't know if she got into a scuffle with another cat (there are others that usually hang around at Shelly's, but they may come down the hill to our barn at night. Mama wouldn't want them anywhere near her kids.). Or perhaps she just pulled a muscle?

 

I know feral cats are tough, but I still worry about any animal that's hurt, and I've been taking care of these guys since mid-winter. I care about them. I tried to make a few contacts yesterday for a possibility of getting a vet to look at her, but I don't want her traumatized while she's nursing her kittens. I may look into a remedy that would salve her paw without harming her or her babies. Of course, any advice from cat owners would be welcomed.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Those Wee Faces!

I stayed and just watched the little family for a bit longer last night, and then finally said good night to all my charges before going inside. Perhaps she'll feel better throughout today. I'll keep track of her, and do whatever I can to help. 

 

Warm milk and fresh food are on their way in a little while. I'll keep taking her nourishment so she doesn't have to work overtime to be able to feed her babies. They all trust me now, and she appreciates every time I walk in to feed and pet them. We've come a long way together already.

 

Tuesdays With Tag - Well, Bless My Soul...

Brynwood Needleworks - His Royal Highness, Taggart

Hi, Everybody!

Boy, am I excited to talk with you today. You're never gonna believe the kind of weekend we had. Funny how things can change in the blink of an eye.

Remember how Mom told you that she's been takin' care of the barn cats since our last really big snow storm? Well, she did such a bang up job, they're still hangin' around in our barn. She feeds them twice a day, makes sure they have fresh water, and even an occasional bowl of milk, too. (She actually warmed it up for them when the snow was still on the ground.) She's been makin' sure nobody went hungry while they were squattin' here! Apparently, they really got used to her comin' out and feedin' them.

Mom's been noticin' some changes lately and we thought you might like to see one of the most recent.  Spring has definitely sprung at the farmhouse!

Brynwood Needleworks - Mama Cat

Mom put out big boxes and a dog kennel for the cats over the winter. She filled 'em with straw so they'd offer extra warmth, and she even put the dog kennel up onto the workbench in front of the south window in the Compass Barn so it would get some extra warmth from the sunshine. Mama cat (named "Groucho"- see the moustache?), and her two, almost-one-year-old kittens quickly moved into the new accommodations. She even covered the kennel with an old towel (to keep out any cold draft, and give the cats a cozy perch when the sun came out.

Miss Shelly loaned us a heated water bowl so their water wouldn't freeze when it was so dang cold outside, and Mom gave 'em hard (and soft) cat food twice a day. The black dogs and I aren't allowed in the barn at all.

When Mom goes out to feed them now, all three cats jump up onto her pottin' bench on the opposite wall from that kennel, as Mom puts out their food and fills their water bowl. Mama and her fuzzy, black-furred son always rub against her hands, purrin' and wantin' to be petted. The female kitten, while she will get onto the table, prefers to be left alone. Mom honors her wishes.

Brynwood Needlework - Mama Cat, Guarding Against Intruders

So, it was no surprise when Mom went out on Saturday and saw Groucho gettin' out of the dog kennel. Sleepin' late, perhaps? Mama jumped off the south table and ran to greet Mom at feedin' time. (Now that the weather is gettin' nicer, Her two teenage kittens are usually out roamin' around the property, so they may or may not be present for breakfast or dinner).

Mama immediately ran across the barn to get in a little pettin' action while Mom was fillin' dishes. Mom always takes the time to give Grouch a little lovin', but Saturday mornin', she heard tiny "mews" comin' from the kennel. She finished puttin' down food for all three grown cats, and then went in the direction of the 'mews" while the bigger cats were distracted.

So, guess what?

Brynwood Needleworks - Mama's Newest Miracles

On the 20th, Mama cat gave birth to four wee kittens! They're all girls. (Mom checked when Groucho was distracted.) Mama cat doesn't want anyone gettin' close to her babies, so we're gonna honor her demand for now. No one wants to get scratched or bitten, and we don't want Mama bothered.

(My) Mom's goin' to keep close track of the babies, too. It's warm in front of the window, but the crate is on top of a work bench. We don't want the kittens gettin' up and explorin' while it's still up high. The problem is that I also don't want any "toddlers" fallin' off the bench either. So, by the weekend, this crate will be on a lower base (to keep it off the cold floor), but we're gonna make sure nobody gets hurt from fallin' out of the crate while it's on the bench.

Mom's decided she's goin' to do her best to socialize these kittens as they get older, and then she's gonna try to find lovin' homes for them. I say, "Anywhere but here is good for me.". She's also gonna make sure that Groucho and her older two kids get spayed or neutered pretty darn quick. While they're cute as buttons, we don't want a population explosion around here. Enough already!!

I'll see you again in seven. 'til then..."Corgi On, Corgi Strong!"

Finally...

Brynwood Needleworks - Snow On The Compass Barn

 

Our first December snowfall of the year here at Hickory Hill Farm.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Snowy Side Porch Rails

Snow started falling just before dark yesterday,

Brynwood Needleworks - Snowy Front Porch View

 and continued through the night.
 

Brynwood Needleworks - Snowy Side Porch View

 Something about December snows that's magical. Perhaps it's the Christmas lights. Perhaps it's the season of good cheer.Whatever it is, I'm happy to see it this year. I'm feeling a bit more of the holiday spirit already.

Farmhouse Renovation - Unplanned...

Brynwood Needleworks - Compass Barn Door (Before)

After working in the yard last Wednesday, we were unable to pull the old garage door down to cover the opening on the Compass Barn. Rats. We'd hoped to limp one more season with the old door, having just completed the porch project, but the door had other ideas.

I went online, did a search for "Garage Doors" in our area and picked one that was nearby. I made a call, and within an hour the owner was in our driveway, taking measurements and giving us a quote. We gave him the go-ahead, and the replacement installation was scheduled for Tuesday.

On Friday, he called to tell us that they cleared the current job earlier than planned, so they'd be here on Monday. He said they'd be here at 8:00 am, and the workmen drove in at 7:59.

Brynwood Needleworks - Compass Barn Door (Removal In Progress)

The guys got right to work removing the old door, which was ready to come down. The fiberglass model had long outlived its usefulness, but it did a good job keeping rain and snow out of the barn. 

Brynwood Needleworks - Compass Barn Door (Old Door Down)

The old door was down within minutes, and the guys set about framing up for the new door. They had taken down all the old tracks and hardware, so they made the new frame to close up the gaps in the original frame, and put up the new tracks.

Side note: If you look through to the opposite side wall of the barn, you can see daylight. When the owner made his initial visit, he asked us if we wanted an insulated door. This picture explains why we giggled, and declined, opting instead for a sturdy, uninsulated, metal door.

Brynwood Needleworks - Compass Barn Door (Bye Bye, Old Door)

They loaded up all the old door parts, and even hauled them away so we wouldn't have to worry about how to do that ourselves.
 

Brynwood Needleworks - Compass Barn Door (After)

In a very short time, we had a brand new door installed in the opening for the Compass Barn, and it really looks great. Even better, it will keep the elements out of the barn, so our machines will be protected, and any visiting opossums will be toasty warm this winter.

I have to say that this company (Mid-West Overhead Doors in Fond du Lac, WI) is a true customer service oriented business. 1) Fast response on initial call, 2) Great pricing, 3) Great employees, 4) Great product. We'll highly recommend them to any and all who ask.

Brynwood Needleworks - Front Yard - Saturday

Brynwood Needleworks - Front Yard - Tuesday

You'll remember the photo I shared of our front yard on Saturday. When we woke up yesterday morning, this was the view outside our windows. Reports said we got about three inches of the white stuff. I admit, I laughed out loud.

I remember snowy Halloweens as a kid, but forgot how snow looked in October. By the end of the day, even with warmer temps, we still had snow on the ground.

Brynwood Needleworks - Honeysuckle (Saturday)

Brynwood Needleworks - Honeysuckle (Tuesday)

 

The honeysuckle blossom is under a snowy mantle, too. I think it's pretty either way, but I think I prefer it without the snow. 

 

Bella sees the specialist again today. She's getting around pretty well (even if we had to keep her on a leash because she badly wanted to run in the snow), but we want to make sure everything is healing right, and see how much longer we have to keep her from running. I'll keep you updated on her condition, but from our point of view, she's doing remarkably well.

 

If you've got snow, stay safe and warm. If you're in a warmer climate, please don't rub it in to those who aren't. (wink)

 

My Outdoor Weekend...

Brynwood Needleworks - Late Summer Compass Barn

Happy Monday from the farmhouse! 

If you stopped to visit yesterday, you saw a photo of my lunch date with my girlfriends from Saturday. The weather was gorgeous, and the company was great. It did rain for a while after we were all safely back home, but sitting in the sunshine as we were eating our lunch on the restaurant patio - overlooking the lake - was perfect.

Yesterday, I decided I needed to do a little yardwork. Our porch demolition begins mid-week, and a few plants have to be moved away from the porch for their own safety. First though, I needed to weed out the planting bed in front of the Compass Barn. I moved a few ornaments over after I'd cleaned up the bed, but they won't necessarily stay where they are after I plant the bushes. We'll see.

Brynwood Needleworks - Queen Anne's Lace and Tiger Lilies

When I finished the weeding, I took a little stroll around the yard. This flower bed should be weeded, too, and the fence is itching for new paint, but today I just enjoyed the flowers. The bees and butterflies are enjoying them, too, and they all look like they belong, so I'm going to leave them as they are for now.

Even after weeding, the Queen Anne's Lace will remain. It's my favorite wildflower, and when we lived in Florida, the thoughts of Queen Anne's Lace intermingled with the beautiful blue blossoms of chickory filled my memories with thoughts of home. They'll definitely stay.

Brynwood Needleworks - The Old Apple Tree

The old apple tree was overflowing with blossoms this past spring, and thanks to the bees that pollinated them, the tree is now fully laden with fruit.

This tree hasn't been trimmed to maximize fruit in decades, so many of the apples knock against each other in the wind, and then fall to the ground. Even so, many more will ripen to become applesauce we'll enjoy through the winter.

I was fully tired when I finished outside, but a shower, and dinner with Handsome, refreshed my body and my soul. I'll move the bushes away from the porch before the crew arrives on Wednesday. As it was, I was well-pleased with my accomplishments for the day.

I'm in the studio today. I have more commissions, including one that needs to mail in the morning. Tag will be here tomorrow, but I'll be back on Wednesday. Oh, and one more thing. I'll surely be taking lots of photos of the demolition, and the process of rebuilding our new porch. I think you're really going to love the transformation! I hope you have a great week, because ours is going to be a little crazy!