Sunday Scripture...

Psalm 33:12

Happy Birthday, America!...

 

Happy Independence Day...

Happy Independence Day, America!

 

Tiny Ideas...

 

One of my co-workers had a sad event in their life Wednesday afternoon, so I was called in last minute to cover hours for the gal who works the register so she could work in the kitchen for my co-worker. She and her family were outside when her husband was leaving in their truck. She told the dog to stay on the porch, but as is usually the case, the dog didn't listen. Her husband accidentally ran over the dog and killed it. My co-worker is understandably devastated and will not be to work for a while.

So, I got up a 4:30 yesterday morning, and was at work by 5:30 to work the opening shift. The sun was coming up, and there was a thick haze in the lowland areas on my drive. It was actually quite beautiful. In some areas the chickory is already blooming along the shoulders of the road, so the Queen Anne's Lace won't be far behind. 

The little time I did have to stitch, I pulled a few tiny frames and experimented with what I might like to put into them. Of course, my favorite wildflower - the Queen Anne's Lace - was my first choice.

I work late afternoon again today, so I'm planning to stitch a bit more during the day today. I've got something special I'm going to be working on over the weekend, so I'll let you know about that tomorrow.

I hope you all had a restful holiday, celebrating with friends and family. Handsome and I got the grill out for the first time this year and enjoyed burgers together - grilled - as they always should be. It was perfect.

I'm going to have my morning cuppa and pull out my needlework supplies. Today, I shall simply follow my muse. How about you?

248 Years and Counting...

 

Tuesdays With Tag - Independence Day…

 

Happy 4th!!

See you next week. 

Love and Smooches,

The Gang at Hickory Hill Farm

Celebrate...

 

PSA From The Critters At Hickory Hill Farm...

 

As you celebrate the founding of our country, please consider how including fireworks might affect wildlife, pets and military veterans. Celebrating is just as much fun without the noise. Thanks!

Tag, Bella, Carly, Claudette and Crystal, too!

Sunday Scripture...

2 Corinthians 3:17 via UpperRoom

 God Bless America

A Year Ago Today...

Brynwood Needleworks - My Dad

 

He left us a year ago today. He didn't want to go, but damn cancer ravaged his body, and God called him home. Although it was twelve months ago, it hurts like it was yesterday. I miss him, and there are so many things I still want to ask him.

 

Dad was my childhood hero, and this is one of my favorite photographs of him. This is how I like to remember him...laughing and filled with joy.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Reminders of Dad

 

Dad gave this monument to me many years ago. It's traveled more than 3000 miles since he gave it to me. He was a scuba diver and instructor (even owning a scuba shop when I was a kid), and this is a salvage piece from one of his dives. I knew the story decades ago, but asked Dad to retell how he brought this up from the bottom of a local lake in the months I spent with him before he passed. This is a reminder of a cherished memory.

The heart in front was a thoughtful gift from our neighbors, Andy and Shelly, after he passed. I don't leave it here year-round, but will bring it out for the summer months, especially when I have the flags displayed. Dad was a veteran, so I know he'd like the flags.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - I Miss Him

Independence Day (weekend) will always hold an added meaning for me. It will always be a time to celebrate the birth of our nation, but it will forever be a reminder to me of the death of my Dad. I know the tears will fade as years pass, but for now, it's still too fresh. I'll cry a little today, but not too much. He wouldn't want that.

So, I'll talk to him today, as I do every night before I close my eyes...and I'll take the time to remember the things I loved about him. I love you, Dad. Happy Independence Day.

It Was A Perfect Day...

Brynwood Needleworks - Red, White & Blue In The Garden

The hollyhocks began to open yesterday, and I realized that we had red, white and blue in the garden for Independence Day. Mom's daisies, the delphiniums and more hollyhocks will continue to open in the coming days, but it was nice to see some of them on the 4th.

Brynwood Needleworks - Lakeside Park Bandstand

Handsome played with part of the Fond du Lac Symphonic Band last night. They can't fit the entire band into the historic bandstand at the park, so only part of the musicians play this gig. The bandstand was built in 1900, and it was hard not to imagine another band, 119 years ago, performing their own Independence Day music.

I got to the park at 6:30 for a 7:15 performance, and as I was setting up my lawn chair, others were also beginning to move into position. I drove through just a sprinkling of rain, but thankfully, the rains held off until the concert was well over and we were back home.

Brynwood Needleworks - There's Handsome

There he is! Handsome is right in the middle (in the back), already set up and ready to play. It's nice that he always looks for me, so he knows where to smile when he stands up. (Be still my heart.) The concert began on time, and was a beautiful assortment of patriotic and fun music.

Brynwood Needleworks - Late Day Lake Winnebago

The bandstand is situated quite close to the shore of the lake, so we had nice breezes blowing in on a comfortably warm evening. By the time we left, it was dark, the fireflies were blinking in the grass, and the shoreline was filled with people  who moved from the concert area - or who came specifically for the fireworks.

As we drove home, fireworks could be seen all around the lake! Every city along the shores of Winnebago began their display, and everyone ooh'ed and aahh'd the light show. Fireworks could be seen from cities an hour away!

Once we were back at the farm, it rained a light, cooling rain. Perfect timing, and the perfect end to a perfect day.

Happy Independence Day...

Brynwood Needleworks - Old Glory Table Mat

 

We'll be enjoying time with family and friends. I the rains hold off, Handsome will be performing with the Concert Band at Fond du Lac's Lakeside Park Bandstand. Fingers crossed.

Wishing you a safe and happy Independence Day, from our family to yours.  

Tuesdays With Tag - It's That Time Of Year Again...

Brynwood Needleworks - Taggart

Hi, Everybody!!

It's the time of year when I need to share some important warnin's with all my online pals. I'm hopin' that nobody loses a dog, cat, guinea pig, or any other loved pet this Independence Day. That's why I'm sharin' some stuff I found while pawin' through FaceBark the past weekend. 

I'd be awfully happy if you'd take the time to read this stuff, and even pass it on to your friends who plan to celebrate this year.

Brynwood Needleworks - via TAGG (Pet Tracker)

Every year after the fireworks, Mom and Dad read posts from online friends who lost their pet because they didn't do these things. They're real sad it happened, but that's after the fact. There are all these things you can do to help keep your critters safe. 

Brynwood Needleworks via Facebook

If you can't avoid the thunderboomers and flashin' lights, you might try this on your anxious dog. I've heard that it really works! Just be careful you don't cut off their circulation. We wouldn't want them passin' out now, would we?

Brynwood Needleworks via Facebook

 

This is another thing. If you can't walk on hot pavement, how can you expect us to? We've got tender pads that can get burned, too. Your pets will appreciate it.

 

Go out and enjoy this holiday weekend, but please consider your pets and their safety when you head out. Mom and Dad are careful with The Black Dog and me, so nothin' will happen to us. Come back next week and I'll let you know how it was around here. 

This concludes my Independence Day rant Public Service Announcement.

 

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

"Live Like Someone Left The Gate Open".

 

Independence Day...

  Celebrating America's Birthday. Happy Independence Day!

Tuesdays With Tag - Sunday Surprises...

Seriously, Mom? Flowers?

 Hi, Everybody!

I love surprises. Don't you love surprises? I really think everyone does. Well, Sunday was just full of 'em. I mean, Mom and Dad knew, but they kept Bella and me in the dark. We had company!! Some of my favorite people, too! 

Aunt Marion and Uncle Doug came to visit!!! and they brought little people with them!!!

Miss Marion's Family: l-r Molly, Isaac, Marion, Doug and Jonah

They got to the farm mid-afternoon on their way from Michigan to Wisconsin Dells. They were surprisin' three of their five grandchildren with a trip to a waterpark. (They had no idea.) I was so happy to see them that it was hard to behave. (Notice my ninja, wet-Willy skillz.)

I'm sorry they couldn't bring my brother, Trip, with them, but they just couldn't this time. He was stayin' at a doggie spa back in Michigan, so I'm sure he had his own brand of fun without us. (He doesn't know what he was missin', though!)

The three grandchildren who came with them (oldest to youngest) were, Jonah, Molly and curly-haired Isaac. Boo tried to play with Isaac, but she doesn't spend much time with real little kids, so she was a bit too rambunctious. She did spend time with the kiddos, but we thought she should stay near Dad when these pictures were taken.

Marion's Family, plus Mom and me!

Of course, Mom had to pop into a picture, but Aunt Marion just cuddled me a little closer, and you can tell from my expression I didn't mind one, little bit! Don't you love the killer scowl on Isaac's face? The kid's a hoot, I tell ya.

Dog's Glass Reliquary Beads (l-r: Blue-Fezzik, Green-Bannor, and Pink & White-Kes)

Aunt Marion brought gifts for us, too. She made new food dishes for Bella and me, and they're really beautiful. Mom thought we should share those next week. She'll take our pictures with 'em.

She also brought precious cargo with her (besides her grandchildren). She works with glass and made most of the beads Mom wears on her Pandora bracelet. She made "reliquary" beads at Mom's request, and they contain the remains of three of Mom's previous dogs. She only had their ashes, otherwise she might have asked for more than just these three.

There are two beads for each dog (they're photographed in front of a mirror so you can see the backs of the beads, too)...blue for Fezzik (her first Corgi); green for Bannor (her male Labrador retriever); and the pink and white ones for Kes (her last female yellow Lab). A small amount of their ashes are in each bead. Mom said she wishes that you could see these in person, because the colors and sparkle are really wonderful.

Fezzik's dark blue bead reminds Mom of our Milky Way Galaxy. She said the green in Bannor's beads remind her of all the time they spent in the fields of Wisconsin, and there are also mica flakes in his beads, remindin' her of the stars. Kessie's beads are girly like she was. Her beads are the pink and white ones. Aren't they pretty?

 

When Aunt Marion gave them to her, Mom held each bead in her hand, thinkin' about the dogs whose remains they held. I noticed that her eyes were wet as she thanked Aunt Marion for her beautiful gifts. We could tell she was really grateful, and she can't wait to put them on her bracelet. 

 

Of course, Mom sent home some farmhouse goodies with them. They took jars of jams and jellies, hickory syrup, and homemade dill pickles! 

As usual, our time with our guests (who are really family) was too short. I mean, I hardly got a chance to shed on them before they had to get goin'. Next time, we're gonna go back to visit them in Michigan, so we can see Trip, too. I miss the ol' boy! Of course, we're missin' them, too, and will be glad to see them again soon.

If you're celebratin' the 4th with fireworks, please remember your animal friends. Keep 'em safe and away from all the noise. Remember wildlife, too. I'm pretty sure the fireworks scare the beejeebers out of 'em. Me? I don't care much, one way or the other, but I'm an exceptional Corgi. (You already knew that, though, didn't you?) Gotta run. I think there's popcorn bein' offered!

 

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

"Chase A Dream - Or A Squirrel".

 

 

Sunday Scripture...

Web Image

 

Tuesdays With Tag - Independence Day...

 

Hi, Everybody!

I'm takin' the day off for Independence Day.

I'm just leavin' this poster from my pals, Bob & Lola Corgi, on FB for you. 

Stay safe, and keep your pets safer. I don't have a beef with fireworks noise,

but some of my furry friends aren't so lucky. Have fun, but remember them, too.

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

"Chase A Dream - Or A Squirrel".

Sunday Scripture...

Brynwood Needleworks  via Imgarcade.com

 

Happy Independence Day...

Brynwood Needleworks - via Internet Images

 

Wishing you a safe and happy day with family and friends, as you gather to celebrate the birth of our nation. Our family is grateful for all the blessings we enjoy in this great land.

  God Bless America!

A Holiday Message From Tag and Bella...

Brynwood Needleworks - Fireworks Tag

  Hi, Everybody!  

It's me again. Mom said Bella and I could come back this weekend to share another message with you. This time, we're here to remind you to take extra good care of your pets this weekend.

Lots of dogs, cats and other animals really don't like the loud noises and flashes from fireworks. Did you know, this weekend is the busiest weekend for shelters each year? Yup. Pets get scared and then run away. It's pretty dangerous for them if they're scared and runnin'.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Fireworks Bella

  Tag and I want you to know some great ways you can keep your pets safe and comfortable this weekend.

1) Prepare a safe space for your dog. Tag and I love our kennels, so I'll naturally head to my kennel crate when I want to relax. Make sure there's a comfy cushion in it and then put a few treats in the crate to keep your pet busy with something yummy.

2) Toys are always a good distraction. We can play to keep us busy during the noisy parts.

3) Make sure your pets are tagged and microchipped, just in case the celebration starts when they're outside doing their business and run off scared. Someone who finds them will get them scanned first to see if they're chipped. And, if your pets are already chipped, make sure your information is up to date. (You can do that online!)

4) Best of all...Staying home with your pet is the best medicine. Cuddling up with you on the sofa sure beats shivering in a corner alone!

This is something Mom found online. If your dog gets scared and you don't have a Thunder shirt for them, here's a way to do a makeshift Thunder shirt for them.

Facebook image

  I'm glad that Tag and Bella got together to share their pointers with you. Our family hopes all of you have a safe and happy 4th with your families and pets.

Donna, Handsome, Tag and Bella