Broken...

One of the first "souvenirs" I purchased when we moved to Sarasota was this handcrafted mug, signed by "Dave". That's all. Just "Dave". I found it in a little consignment art shop in Sarasota Square Mall, down the road from where our friend, David lived. No. He wasn't the artist. Making pottery wasn't his thing.

At any rate, I loved the beautiful ocean blue and purple colors. Ocean blue and sea green colors would have been the only improvement on the design. I used it for the seventeen years we lived in Florida, and then carefully packed it to bring back to Wisconsin. It sat in our china cabinet until about a month ago when I took it out and hung it on our mug rack in the pantry so it could go back into service...even though I noticed it had a very small crack on the rim.

Yesterday, it was sitting in the sink after my morning cuppa. There it sat until I finished baking. Then I started doing dishes. I happened to drop a 1/4 c. metal measuring cup and heard an unusual "plink" sound. It was then that I saw the two pieces of my Sarasota mug sitting in the drain cup. My beautiful treasure was broken. I might have uttered a naughty word as I collected the pieces and sadly set them aside.

I finished doing dishes and then carefully washed and dried the mug and broken bits, and then I walked upstairs to my studio. The entire hike upstairs, I wished I knew one of those Japanese artists who take broken things and repair them with gold to make the break more precious to the whole piece. Alas, all I had was crazy glue gel.

It's sort of back in one piece now, but it will never hold another cup of tea, coffee, or hot cocoa to start my day. Yes. The cracks are noticeable, and even though it's not usable, I can't bring myself to toss it. It still holds memories from our days in the south. I only wish I knew someone who could duplicate it. 

For now, I'll use it to hold pins or something in my studio. Perhaps I'll turn it into a pincushion. I don't know at this point. I just know that even though it's been broken, it could be repaired and still be useful. Perhaps it's a metaphor for broken people. They can be healed, even if the scars are still visible, and most certainly, still useful. 

In the meantime, if anyone knows "Dave", I wonder if he's still making Sarasota mugs?

October Hollyhocks...

October Hollyhocks and Bumblebees

I took a walk outside after I got home from work yesterday. I needed some "nature" to decompress. I've noticed that one lone hollyhock plant has blossomed right next to the porch staircase, and it has about three flowers on it. It's so unexpected and pretty.

As I finished my walkabout and approached the porch to go back inside, I stopped to admire it and noticed it was inhabited. Two sweet bumble bees had climbed into the topmost flower and settled in for the night. I found myself wondering whether or not they're resting, or if they're preparing for the end of their lives.

I'm reminded that everything will soon be preparing for our Wisconsin winters and their long rests ahead. I need to be pulling weeds from my garden beds, and tidying up the kitchen garden to prepare those spaces, too. 

We'll be taking our porch furniture back to the barn and bringing the decorative plants indoors until spring. I reminisce about Octobers past, and how there were even surprise snowstorms not too long ago. I remember Halloweens as a kid, when we wore warm slacks (or even snowpants) under our costumes. I admit, I'm not ready for snow yet this year, but we'll prepare for the inevitable just the same.

We're so glad that Hurricane Milton downgraded as it made landfall last night. Our friends came through the storm with no water incursion, a few damaged roof tiles and downspouts, and electrical outages. In the main, they did really well, and for that we're very grateful.

Like the little bumble bees, it's time for all of us to rest easy now. Hugs to all our Florida friends. We're so glad you're safe.

Good Riddance, Ian!...

I watched current Florida weather coverage on my iPad as I made bread yesterday. Seeing all the damage, loss, and water had me in tears most of the day. I know all these sw Florida cities that we so hard hit from the hurricane, and my heart ached for everyone in the path of this most devastating storm.

I know some of my quilting friends live in mobile home parks, and I can only imagine just how bad it was for them. I'm praying no one was hurt. I don't want to make phone calls when they all have so much to do now - whether it's for themselves or to help others, but I do wonder how each of my friends has come through this event.

I now know that there's flooding in our old neighborhood, but I don't know how well our previous home fared this time. I'm hoping to find out that the folks who purchased it from us are alright. I can't even imagine how the people who suffered losses are feeling right now. I'll continue to pray for everyone.

After I finished baking bread mid-afternoon, I turned my attention to my embroidery. I made some good headway, but didn't come close to finishing her yet. We'll see how much I can accomplish today.

Wednesday Needle Dancing...

Between taking care of my new feline charge, and running out for a much needed haircut, I didn't stitch as much as I'd originally planned. Even so, I did make a little more progress on this little lady. 

I think she's shaping up nicely, and I found that I don't need to stitch as furiously as originally thought. My actual deadline is closer to the end of October, but I'm going to try to complete this piece in the next week to ten days. My next surgery is October 12th, so I'd really like to have it completed by then.

I have bread baking on my agenda for today, but I'll be stitching during my proofing segments. I'd like. to finish her body today or tomorrow. Then, I'll be able to go into the weekend with the branch and other embellishments on my list.

I also have eight jalapeño plants with peppers ready to harvest. That means there's a Cowboy Candy canning session in the near future, too. Truthfully, there are days where I stand in the middle of my bedroom wondering just what I should do next. I think it's a joyfully frustrating dilemma, don't you? 

I'm blessed that I'm able to do all these things, so I'm not complaining in the least. I just have to set priorities, make lists, and then check off my tasks one at a time. I can say that I sleep like a log at the end of every day. 

I've made my usual start-the-day decision...breakfast and coffee, and then I'll be about my daily tasks. I hope you have something fun planned today.

Before I close, I'd like to take a minute to mention Florida, where many friends and music family members are facing this day without power, and perhaps homes that have been devastated by Hurricane Ian. The eye of the storm made landfall exactly where Hurricane Charlie landed in 2004. I was there with the dogs while Handsome was back here in Wisconsin. I well-remember how I felt experiencing my first of four hurricanes that year.

Charlie created havoc in Charlotte County that year. We lived in Sarasota County, near the county line shared with Charlotte County. Post-Charlie, homes had blue tarps covering damaged roofs for months or longer. We didn't go into Port Charlotte (only a few miles away) for six weeks, because we couldn't bear to see the hardships caused by the storm. 

People came together. Restaurants who'd lost power, cooked all their food on grills and handed it out free to people who'd lost everything. We were also without power for a time, pulling buckets of water from our pond to be able to flush toilets. Drinking bottled water and cooking the food that was in our freezer on our grill, just like the restaurants. Thankfully, we had privacy from all the undeveloped land around us, so when it continued raining, we could use that opportunity to shower outside.

Ian was worse. The eye of the hurricane was three times the size of Charlie, and was much slower, causing much more damage to the landscape. Worse (if it could be worse) is that - I repeat - it took a second shot at those areas which had only fully recovered from the last assault. Seeing the television coverage from our farm on high ground, I found myself close to tears.

Our prayers are with all of the people in harm's way. We contacted many prior to the storm, and we'll be in touch with them again to see if there's anything we can do to help. There in for hard days ahead. Please pray for them.

Baking Successes...

Baking Day at the Farmhouse

 

Just had to share a successful baking day, following my Spritz cookie incident. On Thursday, I made 16-1/2 dozen total cookies. All three of these cookies were first-time attempts for me.

The first recipe I made was a Lemon Crinkle Cookie, using a lemon cake mix and real lemon juice as the main ingredients. My friend, Wendi shared the recipe with me. Once all the ingredients are mixed, the dough is dropped by teaspoonfuls into confectioners sugar and formed into balls to bake. Easy! Yield: 6-1/2 dozen

The second recipe is a Molasses Cookie recipe. These are chewy and delicious, but I think my measuring technique of fluffing the flour, gently scooping it into the measuring cup and leveling is the reason the cookies look flatter. Next time, I'll just scoop the flour into my measuring cup, level it off and pour into the mix. A surprise in this recipe is a 1/2 cup of oatmeal! YUM. Yield: 6 dozen

The final cookie is special to me. When we still lived in Florida and met with the knitting/crocheting ladies every Tuesday night, we always had a gift exchange at Christmas time. My friend, Kathy R. always brought delicious Greek Koulourakia Cookies. 

Before we moved north, I asked Kathy if she would please share her recipe. She did share with all of us, and I've kept the recipe safe for six years, never mixing up a batch. The truth is, I loved those cookies so much, and they looked so difficult, that I was afraid to attempt to make them...until Thursday. I'm so glad I finally did!

They turned out just the way I remember Kathy's, and they're now at the front of my cookie-making list - year-round!! A perfect biscuit-type cookie to pair with a hot cuppa tea. Yield: 3-1/2 dozen

I'm feeling pretty chuffed right about now. Forget about those Spritz cookies for the rest of this season. I'll watch some YouTube videos and see if I can learn some new techniques to try again next year. In the meantime, my 2022 choices will be these three (plus chocolate chip, of course)!

Tuesdays With Tag - It's Almost Time To Fetch The Kid...

When Carly Was A Puppy

 Hi, Everybody! I thought you might like an update on The Kid today. 

Remember when she was just the cute, little scamp you see here? Dad would toss the fetchin' dummy short distances, and she'd run like crazy to get it and bring it back to Dad. I heard him say that fetchin' is in her bones.

 

Well, Carlita Puppita went to Florida to Uncle Mike's in November, and we got a video from him about a week ago. Mom is our "techy" person, and she hasn't figured out how to increase the quality of the movie from her WhatsApp application on her phone. 

 

Even though we can't show you, I saw it, and I can tell you that Carly is fetchin' almost as far as Bella! Not really that far, but she's real impressive, and she's a lot bigger than in this picture. She's more mature-lookin' than the last pictures you saw before she left.

 

 Dad's plannin' to go get her in February. I'm sure that when they get back home, she's gonna be a real confident pip, if you know what I mean.

 

Mom's gonna ask Uncle Mike (and his assistant, Rene) for a better recordin' so I can share it with you next week. I'm gonna bother her about that startin' right now!   

 

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

Tuesdays With Tag - Seven Weeks Old!...

Brynwood Needleworks - Taggart 06/15/2020

 Hi, Everybody!

Greetings and Salutations From The Farm. I know you're not really interested in my witty reparte', though. You wanna see puppies again, right? Right. Well, I'm not one to disappoint my fans, so read on.

Brynwood Needleworks - Sleepy Seven Week Old Puppies

Taking pictures of six little, light-absorbin' black puppies isn't easy. Especially when they don't even want to get out of bed!

They all got their shots yesterday, and puppies are always sleepy after a trip to the vet for shots, so it is what it is. Remember when they had tiny, waxy triangles for ears? Look at that big floppy ear in the front corner! tee hee I'm still wonderin' if they're gonna stand up straight (the ears), but Mom says Dad would freak if they did.

Brynwood Needleworks - What?

Looks like a few people are awake, but they're not gettin' up for love nor money. Perhaps puppy milk bones should have been offered? Looks like Bubba is wonderin' what's goin' on. Doesn't he have the sweetest face? I think that puppy in the back thinks he makes a good pillow, too.

Brynwood Needleworks - See The Blurry, Wagging Tail?

Wow! Uncle Mike even gave them a Kong™ toy to chew on! Lucky dogs! They look pretty comfy on that platform bed, too, don't they?

Brynwood Needleworks - We're Done, Now

I think somebody's had enough camera time for the day. We'll be seein' them very soon. We're on our way for a quick trip to get Bella and her daughter, to bring them home to the farm. Boo's been on vacation for four months. That's long enough! Time to come home, Black Dog.

Next week, you can expect to see pictures of our dog family...all three of us. I know you're as excited as we are. Mom and Dad aren't lookin' forward to the travel, but we are anxious to see our friends, Bella, and all the puppies together before they go to their new, forever homes. It won't be long now.

I'll see you again in seven. 'til then...

"Just Do It...but not on the rug."

Tag's Waggin' Wednesday - Puppies!!...

Brynwood Needleworks - "Bubba" at Four Weeks Old

Hi, Everybody! 

It's Puppy Time!!!

Monday, Bella's puppies were four weeks old. That means their eyes are open and they're toddlin' around their whelpin' box. Be prepared for cuteness overload times seven!!

Uncle Mike is callin' the yellow puppy "Bubba". Isn't he just adorbs? I just wanna squinch his cute, little face. 

Brynwood Needleworks - Bella With Her Babies

Bella is bein' a really good mama to all her babies. They're all gettin' big and thrivin' under her watchful eyes. She's still nursin' her pups, until this weekend. I'm sure she'll be happy when the get their first nosh of softened puppy food. They've got little, sharp teeth now, and they can get overzealous when they eat.

Brynwood Needleworks - Bella's Four Week Old Litter

Try not to squeal lookin' at them, okay? Oh, alright. Go ahead. They're just too darn cute! Uncle Mike said that they look up at him when he talks to them, and then start waggin' those cute tails. I can't tell you how much Mom and Dad are whinin' when they look at the pictures. They really wanna be in Florida playin' with puppies. (So do I!)

Brynwood Needleworks - "Pick Me Up, Okay?"

 

Who could even resist pickin' up a puppy that's lookin' at you like this? Mom and Dad and I will be headin' to get Bella and her daughter the middle of June, but until we get there, we'll be waitin' for more pictures...just like you.

 

I'll see you again in seven six. 'til then...

"Just Do It...but not on the rug."

 

0

 

PS. Thanks, "Aunt" Julie Joy for the suggestion for my post title today!

Tuesdays With Tag - Piles of Puppies...

Brynwood Needleworks - Bella's Two Week Old Puppies

 Hi, Everybody!

I know you're anxious to see new puppy pictures, so let's get right to it.

Bella's babies turned two weeks old yesterday. That means that, any day now, eyes will open and they'll start toddlin' around. I really wish we were all there to see that!

Don't ya just wanna sniffle that little girl belly stickin' out right there? We can't think of anythin' more fun than a pile o' puppies, whether they're Labradors, Goldens or Corgis! We love 'em all!

Brynwood Needleworks - Bella's Two Week Old Puppies

I didn't get a chance to ask Uncle Mike, but it sure looks like that puppy right ^ there (right front) might be lookin' around already! Once they can see, they can hear, too. Those little waxy-flap ears will start to get longer, and the puppies will start chewin' on each other (and yelpin', too). They're so much fun once they can see. They also start listenin' when people talk to them in chirpy voices. (Mom is a pro at "chirpy"!)

Brynwood Needleworks - Bella's Two Week Old Puppies

 

So, until they open their eyes, they're just eatin', sleepin' piles of chubby fur. Really, I wish I could just lie down in the middle of their puppy box and let 'em crawl all over me! (So does Mom!)

In case you're wonderin', Bella was outside on break when these pictures were taken. She's definitely still sharin' the puppy box with them, makin' sure they're eatin', and watchin' over them like a good mama. The pictures next week will definitely have their eyes open. I can hardly wait!

 

I'll see you again in seven. 'til then...

"Just Do It...but not on the rug."

 

Tuesdays With Tag - Puppy News Flash (and Photos)...

Brynwood Needleworks - Regal Tag

 

Hi, Everybody!

 

Now it's time for the post you've been waitin' for...Bella had her puppies- and I've got pictures!!!

 

Actually, when I wrote my post last week, the puppies were already born, but we didn't find out until Wednesday, because Uncle Mike wanted to make sure everybody was healthy. Mom actually wrote about that last week...but hey, it's my turn now, so apologies for maybe repeatin' some of the news flash! Mom didn't have pictures to share with you, but guess what? I DO!!

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Bella and Her Puppies

 

Here's our first pictures of Mama Bella with her beautiful babies. She had seven of 'em...three girls and four boys. The first puppy born was that cute, little yellow boy. After him, all the rest of the puppies were black.  

 

Bella looks tired in the picture, but that partly because she is...and partly because her kennel is probably warm between the Florida heat and a heat lamp that Uncle Mike has to make sure the puppies are warm enough. They look pretty comfy, don't they?

Brynwood Needleworks - Bella's Puppies

Don't they look like little black seals? Soft, shiny black coats can look like that. Now, some people might be wonderin' how there could be a yellow puppy when both Mom and Dad are black Labs. Mom explained it to me so I could tell you.

Yellow coats are a recessive gene in Labradors (and so is Chocolate). Two black Labradors can have a litter of all black puppies, or a litter of black and yellow puppies. A yellow and black Labrador breeding can have either black or yellow puppies, but two yellow parents can only have yellow puppies, and two chocolate Labs can only have chocolate puppies. Whew! Got that?

So, although it's possible that two black Labradors (Bella and Rigby) could technically have yellow puppies, that first, little yellow guy was a surprise. Uncle Mike went back and checked out pedigrees (which list the colors of each dog in the lineage) and found that there were no yellow Labs on Bella's side, but there were on Rigby's side...so, Rigby gets all the credit for his yellow son.

Brynwood Needleworks - Look At That Puppy Tongue!

On the other paw, Bella gets all the credit for that cute, pink tongue stickin' out! hee hee Their eyes won't open until they're two weeks old (and as of today, they're one day past one week old), so that won't happen until next week. Then, they'll start gettin' around and will really be fun. 

They're all deaf right now, too. The hearin' part comes later, so they're totally dependent on Mama Bella to take care of them, and she's doin' a bang up job. Uncle Mike says she's really protective of them, and she picks 'em up in her mouth to position them at her milk buffet. You can see that she's doin' a great job of makin' sure they're all gettin' fed.

Brynwood Needleworks - Taggart In The Garden

 

I can tell you right now that Mom and Dad are just dyin' because they're not snugglin' puppies these days. They'll just have to settle for me until we get to Florida in June. Between now and then, we'll be watchin' for more pictures to share with you, too.

 

The weather is gettin' nicer here by the day, so Mom and I are passin' time in the garden, weedin' and plantin'. It helps the time pass quicker. 

 

Mom will be back tomorrow, and well, you know what to expect from me, right?

 

I'll see you again in seven. 'til then...

"Just Do It...but not on the rug."

 

Tuesdays With Tag - Could It Be Spring?...

Brynwood Needleworks - Taggart

 

Hi, Everybody!

 

I really think it's spring! The bluebirds are wrestlin' with chickadees and sparrows for housin', and the weather is gettin' warmer. Mom, Dad and I spent a lot of time outside this weekend, too!

Yesterday was the best day ever! Know why? I'll tell ya. Uncle Mike sent us a video of our Black Dog, workin' in the field. She actually made a 175 yard blind retrieve! That means that she went to the retrieve on blind faith. Uncle Mike sent her, and she ran straight as an arrow until she ran into the bumper she brought back. Straight out and straight back, fast as you please, for 175 yards! I was watchin' the video behind Mom and Dad. Heck, she actually disappeared for a little bit, 'cuz she was so far away! Even I was impressed!

She did about four more exercises, but no water work. Uncle Mike wants to make sure she doesn't get any bacteria that might affect those puppies. I can't even tell you how excited we were to see her sweet face. We're all missin' her. sigh

Mom's busy in the studio makin' masks for our family. I sure hope she doesn't make any for me. She'll be back tomorrow to show you how it's goin'. I'm gonna head to the porch and take in some more rays.

 

I'll see you again in seven. 'til then...

"Just Do It...but not on the rug."

 

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 - Miss You Like Crazy...

Brynwood Needleworks - Bachelor Tag

 Hi, Everybody!

Welp...Looks like I'm an only dog again for the foreseeable future...and I'm not crazy about it, either. I enjoyed my last day with Boo on Thursday last week. We played around outside, and we had fun in the house, too. (Mom got us stuffed squirrels!!!)

Brynwood Needleworks - Taggart and Bella

I knew somethin' was up, because Mom was takin' more pictures than usual - and believe me, she takes plenty of pictures of us on a regular day. She kept chirpin' at Bella and talkin' to her in a sweet voice. She looked a little sad, too. I was wonderin' just what the heck was goin' on. You may not know this about me, but I can be a real sensitive guy when I wanna be.

Brynwood Needleworks - Mr. Christopher G. and The Black Dog

Late in the afternoon on Thursday, a car came in the driveway. Naturally, Boo and I sounded the alarm. I mean, it could have been a serial murderer or somethin'.

Turns out, it was a really nice man named Christopher G. Uncle Mike hired him to drive all the way to Wisconsin from Florida to pick up Miss Bella and take her back to Uncle Mike's. Bella loved him right away! She was jumpin' all around him, and just wanted him to pet on her. He's a really nice man. (Don't let this picture make you think he's not bein' nice to her. Mom wanted to take their picture together, but Bella just wanted to get in his van!)

Mom explained it all to me after they left. Remember Rigby, Bella's fiance'? (Read HERE if you forgot.) Well, Uncle Mike made arrangements for Rigby to go to Florida for more trainin', and he called to see if Bella could come down for trainin', too. She'll be trained every day, and when she's ready, she and Rigby will try to make puppies.

They're actually on their honeymoon right now, sharin' their own place, so when she does come in heat, Rigby will let Uncle Mike know. In the meantime, they'll both be workin out, and gettin' to be good friends...

Brynwood Needleworks - Our Beautiful Bella

...and we'll be without our pretty girl for most of the Spring. That means, she'll be there for four months after she comes in heat, if they makes puppies.

Mom said that, if everythin' goes well, when we go to Florida to get her, we'll be bringin' home one of her puppies to keep, too! Now, that sounds like a blast, right? Except, right now, Bella...I miss you like crazy. sniff sniff What? I'm okay. I'm not cryin'. YOU'RE cryin'!! Time to wrap up my post for this week.

 I'll see you again in seven. 'til then...

"Just Do It...but not on the rug."

Tuesdays With Tag - Squirrel Watchers...

Brynwood Needleworks - Squirrel Watchers

  Hi, Everybody!

It's been pretty excitin' around here with all the snow and now, warmer weather. The critters have been out and about durin' the day. We've seen lots of birds, but what we really love to see are those furry tree rats. We love watchin' squirrels!

Boo usually seems 'em before I do, and she starts with a low growl that quickly turns into "squirrel alarm" barkin'. Mom and Dad especially love it because I join in, barkin' my head off, before I even know what I'm barkin' at!

Brynwood Needleworks - Fierce Bella Dog

I told you a while back that I'd be sharin' some excitin' information with you soon. Well, today's the day. See this pretty face? Well, startin' next week, she's gonna be back in Florida for trainin' - and her honeymoon with Rigby.

We're all gonna make sure there are puppies this spring, so she and Rigby are gonna be livin' and trainin' together at Uncle Mike's until it's time for them to make babies. That might be a little while yet, but while they're waitin', Bella and Rigby are gonna have fun learnin' new retrievin' stuff and enjoyin' the warmer weather.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Stylin' Retriever

She's scheduled to leave next Monday, so Mom is plannin' to take lots of pictures of her before then. We're probably not gonna see her for at least three months, and maybe a little longer. Mom says it all depends on her "biological clock".

I'm not afraid to admit I'm gonna miss the girl, but I know she's gonna have fun, and Uncle Mike will send lots of pictures while she's away. Even so...does anybody have a hankie? I think I might have a little somethin' in my eye.

 I'll see you again in seven. 'til then...

"Just Do It...but not on the rug."

Handsome Surprised Me...

Brynwood Needleworks - HotBrush's Signature

Well, darned if Handsome didn't have the biggest surprise for me as we drove for home on Monday morning! Sunday night, he was busy texting someone when I walked in the room, but I just figured it was one of his musician friends. I noticed him typing away on Monday morning, too, but I was artfully distracted by our hosts (who were in on the surprise). I didn't think anything more about it as we left our home-away-from-home by 9 am.

As we neared Dade City, Florida, Handsome declared that he was going to stop at a gas station to fuel up before we went any further. We had a half tank of gas, but hey...he's the pilot. So we stopped. He filled up the tank, and walked away toward the building. I stayed in the truck, knitting away on my current sock project.

A few minutes later, he returned and said, "Guess who I found!" I turned to see our old friend, Dave "Hotbrush" Hendrickson, standing outside my window. I said, "Hotbrush!"

Brynwood Needleworks - My Tag Yeti

I asked how he's been, and he said, "I've been working on this project for a sweet lady I know", as he pulled this Yeti™ go cup out of the fabric sleeve he was holding. Slowly, he revealed the artfully airbrushed image of a Corgi, and then I saw the name at the bottom. It took a minute to register. Tag?

Brynwood Needleworks - My Tag Yeti

Then, he turned the cup over to reveal my nickname, uttered by only about five people in my life. It was then that I was sure. Dave had created this gorgeous piece just for ME!

I soon found out that Handsome had contacted him about a month ago with this idea, and our friend set about to have it finished by the time I came down to travel home with my husband. I was so tickled.

You see, Dave had detailed one of my first Florida Explorer's with Kes' paw prints and some pinstriping. He also did an incredible job with a custom paint job for Handsome's Harley-Davidson Heritage Softtail Classic motorcycle. We think he's a major talent with an airbrush and paint brush. 

Having this new piece, which will be practically attached to me from now on, is a gift from both my husband and our friend. I will cherish it always, and, if you're reading this, Dave, please know that it means the world to me that you created this beautiful custom piece for us. I love, love, love it, and thank you from the bottom of my heart.

If you're interested, you can see Dave's work HERE. You'll be impressed. I guarantee it!