On My List...

I made it!! Two full days in a row at work, I can still walk (well, kind of), and I'm still upright! Unfortunately, it also means I didn't get to do a single creative thing at home yesterday either. 

I'm sharing a photo of dog-themed fabrics today because I need to remind myself of a project I'll tackle and complete in May. Over forty years ago, I made a "retriever quilt" for Handsome...Have I written about this before? I can't remember, so forgive me if I (again) repeat myself. Anyway, that quilt, although still in one piece, has seen better days. 

I made it early in our relationship, and I'd never made a real quilt before then, even though I'd done a lot of sewing. It was a panel of repeating hunting dog heads that could be purchased by the yard. As Handsome is a tall guy, I purchased enough to make an adequately long lap quilt. All these years, anyone who covers up with it was guaranteed to fall fast asleep. It's actually a joke around our house. Happens every time!

Handsome has asked me to make a new quilt for him, but not a "fancy" quilted one. He wants it to have high loft fiberfill like the first one. (sigh), with light outline quilting. As I was unable to find any panels like the first one - I don't mean the same design, but something in a repeating block format - I'm going to have to do some piecing, but in keeping with the original, I'll only do outline quilting once I complete the top, so it's puffy like the first one.

So, here's my plan: First I'm going to finish the bluebirds, and then I'll tackle this quilt project. In between, in the evenings, I'll make more spoolies and work on patterns for spoolie kits. I'll work a couple days a week along with that. 

Oh, Judy asked in the comments where I worked, so I'll answer that here. I work at a local BP Station close to home. It's a gas station/restaurant/convenience store. I don't work in the kitchen, staying out front on the cash register and taking food orders. I prefer interacting with customers to slinging burgers, etc. We actually have really great food, and on Friday evenings, I answer the phone for a few hours taking orders for a Midwest tradition - Friday fish fry (and other food, too). I'm to the point where I recognize callers' voices, and know what their orders will be. It's quite nice, actually.

Today, I'll start by baking bread, but will be sitting at my embroidery hoop this afternoon to return to my bluebird project. I'll be back tomorrow - May 1st!!! Have a great day!

Happy Birthday, Carly!...

Our sweet Carly turned FIVE yesterday!! Both Handsome and I were home all day, so we could spend the day pampering our girl. She got a great workout in the yard in the morning, and finished the day with extra treats. In between were snuggles and a few other 'triever-approved snacks.

She had so much fun, in fact, that she's already looking forward to Number 6. Us, not so much. Time passes much too quickly as it is, and we're content to slow time down for our pups. The more time we have with them, the better.

I'll share more photographs tomorrow from the weekend, but today it's all about our pretty Carlita Puppita Mamacita. That's my nickname for her. She likes it, too!

I'm working today to fill in for a co-worker who's already given her notice and now can't make it to work today. Nice, huh? I don't mind at all, though. Then, I'll have my regular hours tomorrow and Friday evening. I'm planning to get some "bluebird time" in mid-week, but for now I'd better get moving. Don't want to be late for my "Donna to the rescue" hours!

Happy Birthday, WMBBD!...

Here's our beautiful girl, Bella on her tenth Birthday. There's nothing more sweet and dear than an older dog...especially this one.

She recently rebroke her foot from an old injury before Carly was born, so she's fully retired now. She was simply running to make a retrieve and came up carrying her foot. Of course, we immediately packed her into the truck to the vet's office where the diagnosis was made. 

We aren't no longer allowed to throw retrieves for her anymore because the "push off" force she uses to get to the mark could further injure her. She loves nothing more in this world than to retrieve to Handsome or me. It's always been so much fun to watch her work, but now Bella will only be able to run on her own which doesn't have that same force as with the effort to retrieve.

Her foot is healing and doesn't need a cast, splint or bandages, so we're very careful not to over stimulate her which might cause her to relapse. I guess it's a hazard of her getting older, so we have to curb her activity, as she won't. She'd happily fetch until she dropped.

While Carly's features are finer than Bella's, you can tell who her mama is. I took this of the two of them and love how they're both so focused. Like mother, like daughter.

Today I'll be making some special pup treats for them, along with extra snuggles and pets for Bella and Carly. I think it will be a perfect day for a little Birthday party!

The Girls Are Dropping In Today...

Carly and Bella (WMBBD)

It was such a beautiful morning yesterday that Handsome and I drank our morning coffee on the porch. Of course, the girls (all four of them) joined us. 

Carly and Bella just wanted to stop by today to say "Hello". Mama has more grey now, but we've noticed that Carly Dog is developing a little grey on her chinny chin chin, too. Time stops for no man (nor beast). It's just a little reminder of how short their time is with us, and to appreciate every moment we can share with them.

How Ya Doin'?

Carly's head tilt continues to be a source of laughter and joy for us. Bella's a sweet, old soul we're so  grateful to have around to pet and cuddle.

I'll be at work today, but Handsome will spend the day with these girls. Claudette and her daughter mew to be let out every morning, so by the time I go to work, they're usually snuggled in our porch chairs and enjoying the sunshine. If the weather is less than favorable, they'll ask to be let back in soon enough.

Handsome and I are watching the weather reports for Florida the past few days. Our friends have either evacuated or are hunkered down as they await the next hit. We're praying that everyone will make it safely through the storm. 

As so many are trying to rebuild following Hurricane Helene, the last thing they need is Milton knocking at their door. Perhaps a miracle might save them from the worst of it this time. We'll continue to pray.

Greetings From The "Big Girls"...

The Labradors just wanted to drop in and say "hello" today.

These are their most current photographs of our two pretty girls. I got them to stop running around the yard this past weekend just long enough to snap a few of each of them. These were my favorites. First up is the WMBBD, our beautiful Bella.

Then there's Miss Pretty Pants. Carly loves to run, and she speeds all around our property whenever she gets the chance, so her tongue is always out. lol She barely stops long enough to pose for me, but we managed to get this cute photo, too.

One day soon, I'll get photos of the "little girls" to share with you, too. Claudette and Crystal are well and truly indoor cats now, with short-lived forays into the yard. They much prefer the safety and comfort of the farmhouse...just like the rest of us.

Well, as I said, this is just a quick visit today. I've got lots to do inside, after a full day at work yesterday. I think I'll start with more decluttering, packing things into boxes to ship, donate, or dump. Then, I'm hoping to work on my goldwork mockingbird class project for a while this afternoon. We'll see how that plan works out.

See you tomorrow!

A Day Of Remembrance...

Today would have been Fezzik's fourteenth birthday. I think it's only right to take a little time to remember the little boy who made me fall in love with Corgis. He was my first, and at ten and a half months old, I lost him far too soon.

If you were around at that time, you know just how devastated I was. I could barely breathe for weeks. It was only when I realized I needed a second Corgi to help me recover from his loss, that I began to heal. I'll forever miss him and the bright light he was in our lives, and I look forward to seeing him again when my time finally arrives.

Then, there's this boy. My Taggart. The boy who healed me from the loss of Fezzik. I was blessed to have him for nearly thirteen years. Today marks three months that we've been without him. 

I know he'll be waiting for me at The Bridge, too, but like all those dogs we've loved before, I'll miss him until the day I can again bury my nose in his fur. 

Thanks again to Twyla of Two Crazy Crafters blog who made the most beautiful prayer shawl for me when Fezzik died. The prayer she prayed into every stitch was that I would get a second Corgi to heal me. When it arrived, I wrapped myself in it as I grieved his passing. It was then that I realized I needed to find another. 

Many times over the years, I've wrapped myself in that shawl, grateful for the gift from my blogging friend, and again, I wrapped it around my shoulders when I cried over losing Tag. Her wonderful gift helps me remember good times, and makes each passing day a little easier. It's a kindness I'll never forget.

So, another milestone has passed. When I see litters of Corgi puppies shared online by my Corgi Nation friends, I admit I long for another one. However, Bella would have a difficult time with another puppy, and truthfully, I'm no spring chicken. I think at some point after she's gone, I'll just go to a local shelter to rescue the oldest dog there and give them a loving home for their golden years. Hopefully, that time is a long way down the road, as we've still got good years left with her (She's only nine).

For now, we'll be grateful for the time we had with all the dogs we've loved before, and give extra snuggles to Bella and Carly. Occasional treats will be in their futures, too! 

Dog Work 0r Working Dog?...

Earlier in the week, I watched as Handsome got the girls outside to stretch out a bit. The weather was just right for a little training and fetching. Carly went first. Get the bumper out into the field, and then send her.

Well, that was easy. Of course, she went straight to it and ran back as fast as she could to deliver it back to Handsome. Carly would do this until she dropped. She's a real fetching fool.

Mama Bella quietly watched over the exercises, wondering when it would be her turn. She stood up a few times during the throws, but sat and patiently critiqued her kid. Not bad, Carly. Not bad.

Bella said it was time to show her daughter just how it's done. Of course, Bella never misses. Straight out and straight back - even on blind retrieves (the ones she doesn't see being placed). She's a joy to behold...a real thing of beauty to see her work.

Watching her return with her retrieve - even if it's a plastic bumper - is enough to make your eyes water. Her daughter is definitely stylish, but this is the dog from whom Carly inherited her drive, brains, and talent.

Pay attention, Carly. You may yet learn a thing or two from your mama. Bella still has a lot to teach you, so stay alert.

Another morning training session in the books, and just enough to take the "p & v" out of this youngster - at least for half the day. When she's really cranked up, they'll get a second session in the afternoon, but I'm not kidding. They'd both do this until they drop. We'll be right back at it again tomorrow.

Happy Birthday, Carly!...

Carly turns FOUR today!!!

Happy Birthday to the prettiest (she's the daughter of WMBBD, after all), silliest, and most talented little Labrador around. 

It's hard to believe she's already four. Time sure flies. As serious and driven in the field as she is, get her in the house and you just can't imagine how goofy she can be. We laugh at her nearly every day. 

Yesterday, her fixation was a rolled up sock she stole from Handsome. He took it away and set it aside more than once, only to find her sitting - alert and singularly focused on her prize. She always ended up with it in her mouth, carting it around like it was a field retrieve.

In the field, it's hard to stump her. You only can accomplish that one time for a new drill, and then she masters it as though she's done it one hundred times...with much flair, I might add.

She yodels for her meals, and talks when she has something on her mind...which is almost all the time! 

I'm sure we'll come up with something fun for her to celebrate her special day. I'm off to Portage for the morning, but the day won't pass without us giving her a special treat and letting her know how much she means to us. You know we do that every day for all our critters, but there's always something different on their birthday. As Handsome is home, it won't involve a "frilly, girly collar" like I got for Bella, but she'll be treated, nonetheless.

Happy Birthday, Carlita Puppita Mamacita!

Love, Mom and Dad (and your real Momma, Bella, too)

Happy Birthday, WMBBD...

She's the mama of talented field dogs, including her daughter, Carly, and the best companion we could have ever hoped to have. She's silly, smart, and still - even at this age - a rocket in the field in her own right. 

Today is her special day, and Handsome and I will do our best to honor the World's Most Beautiful Black Dog.

Handsome took this picture of her yesterday. Her face is a little grayer, and her eyes a little bluer, but her spark is still burning brightly and there really is nothing sweeter than an this older dog. She owns our hearts, and we thank Heaven every day that she's our Bella dog.

Happy Ninth Birthday, Mama.

We love you.

From Mom, Dad, Tag, Carly (and the Barn Girls)

Tuesdays With Tag - Time To Celebrate...

Hi, Everybody!

Mom and I hit the road for a few special errands yesterday. Our WMBBD is havin' a Birthday this week, so we went checkin' out ideas for presents. 

I wanted to drive, but Mom said there's the not-so-small matter of my short legs. In the end, I moved over and let her take the wheel. I must say it was a good day to travel. The sunshine shone through the windows on our Explorer, and it was great for catchin' a few winks while Mom ran into the grocery store!

I'm only sharin' a couple photos today. Boo's actual Birthdate is on Thursday, so Mom is gonna share new photographs of her on her big day. Our WMBBD is nine this year. Wasn't she a cute puppy? I remember pickin' her out of the litter just like it was yesterday. (You're cryin'. I'm not cryin'!)

Here she is with her kid (in front). Mama's a little greyer and her eyes have a blue cast now, but she's still our best girl and we love her loads. 

I hope you'll be back to visit on Thursday and leave a Birthday message for Bella that Mom and I can read to her in between Birthday treats.

We're lookin' forward to a week of mild and sunny weather. Could it be more perfect to celebrate our Birthday girl? We don't think so. I'm gonna leave you to enjoy our pictures this week. 

PS. I know you might have been expectin' my monthly dog jokes this week. I'm gonna share some giggles with you next week instead.

I'll see you again in seven. 'til then... "Always make time for dog snuggles."

Tuesdays With Tag - I've Been Very Busy...

Hi, Everybody!

 Not busy that you could see from the road, but a different kind of busy. Important busy.

I've been up to the top of my ears tryin' to be silly to cheer Mom up. It's been a very rough (almost) week for her. She's been runnin' around in her Explorer, and also on the phone a lot more than usual. She's been available to help our nieces with funeral preparations, and spendin' a lot of time keepin' close to her sisters. The brothers are mostly helpin' each other, too. The girls are stickin' together.

Don't get me wrong. She's been keepin' busy, but we're also gettin' to run around outside and havin' cuddle sessions inside. We're also gettin' lots of extra treats from Mom and Dad!

On a happier note, Mom and Dad and the doglets got to pose for our Christmas card on Sunday. The weather was unseasonably warm, so Mom siezed the opportunity to gather our clan for a photograph. Claudette stayed close to watch the shenanigans, but didn't deign to grace us with her presence for the pictures. Crystal didn't want to have anythin' to do with the black dogs, so she stayed well out of sight.

We got a really super image to have made into this year's cards, but when I asked Mom, she told me I couldn't share it with you (yet). You're gonna have to settle for three good lookin' hounds (and Dad). Bella's gettin' a little grey in the face, but you can blame Carly for that. I've got nothin' to do with it! 

There's always somethin' goin' on in the yard, so Mom had to be quick to get us all lookin' in the same direction! In the end, she prevailed and we got one frame that's card worthy. She said, "I got it!", so we all bolted into the yard and started playin' around. Another one in the can until next year. Whew! I'm outta here for this week.

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

"Be A Good Dog." 

Tuesdays With Tag - Happy Halloween...

 

 

Hi, Everybody!

 

Greetings from the Hickory Hill Ghosts this Halloween.

 

I know. You're scared, right? Not so much? I get it. This was the best picture Mom could get of the three of us for this year. She was exhausted when the photo shoot was done, and Dad even tried to help. 

First, I'm thinkin' it shows each of us perfectly. I mean, Boo has her tongue stickin' out. She's the one on the left. I'm sittin' like the bestest boy I am, but I accidentally stepped on my sheet and the part where my eye holes were separate from my mouth hole tore, so I think I look more like a nun than a ghost! Then there's The Kid. She stepped on her costume and tore it all to heck. Once that happened, she got all antsy and didn't want to sit still. That's where Dad came in. He made sure she didn't completely wreck the picture.

When Mom looked at the pictures after we were all back inside, she saw that the orange pumpkin basket was tipped over. Perfect. She tossed her hands in the air and declared this our official 2023 Halloween picture. It depicts all our personalities, and shows that our photo session was a little chaotic. She said she could live with that. 

 

As for the three of us? We were glad to be out of our costumes so we could resume runnin' around in the yard. We wanted to get a couple laps in while it was still nice outside. The weather got rainy and colder after that, so we were stuck inside to plan more Halloween tricks to pull on Mom and Dad.

 

We're gonna stay tucked inside and stay out of trouble. (I think we might have been on Mom's list for a while, so we're gonna make it up to her by behavin' today.) Mom said she's gonna dress up like a homemaker in comfy sweats, and Dad said he's gonna wear his farmer jeans and a flannel shirt. Sounds like a usual night around here to us! 

If you're goin' Trick or Treatin' tonight, be safe out there. If you're stayin' home and handin' out treats, we hope your house doesn't get TP'd. Just be sure to have fun with the neighborhood ghosts and goblins. 

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

"Be A Good Dog." 

Tuesdays With Tag - It's Gonna Get Spooky Around Here...

 

Hi, Everybody!

 

I thought this was a good picture from last spring to get you in the spirit for a little October mischief. Just make believe it's a late fall photo, okay? Bella, Carly and I have been talkin' with Mom about what we want to be for Halloween. 

 

Carly has some real hair-brained ideas (pink and lots of bows), but we know Dad would definitely put his foot down for that. So far, Boo has come up with the best idea, and we can all get on board with it, so Mom is already workin' on makin' it happen. Any guesses how we're gonna get dressed up?

The weather is already gettin' chilly, so this weekend we're gonna get some help so Dad can get the accommodations for Claudette and Crystal moved into the barn for the winter. Mom says she's gonna do a little research to find out the safest way to add a little heat (maybe a lamp for chickens?) if it gets really cold. She told Dad she talked to Miss Shelly, and she said it's actually supposed to be a warmer winter, so we may not even need one. That would be good, we think. Mom can't do any liftin' so she'll be pointin' and sayin', "Move it over there, please. No. Maybe over there instead." You know how it goes. I'm sure Dad will be thrilled. not

Meanwhile, this cooler weather is prime temps for retrievers and corgis. We love it when there's a little nip in the air. It's perfect for fetchin' and runnin' around the yard without gettin' overheated. We've all got a little pep in our step because of it. It's funny to see how Mom and Dad bundle up to take us out in the mornin', too. You'd think it was already below zero. Wussies.

Anyway, that's what we're up to these days. It won't be long before we'll be takin' costume shots to share for Halloween, and you won't want to miss that! In the meantime we'll just try not to roll in all the good smells of autumn. We wouldn't wanna wreck Mom and Dad's good moods. Gotta run. We don't wanna be burnin' any daylight!

 

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

"Be A Good Dog." 

Something New On The Horizon...

I may not be able to do much right now, but I am able to work on my iPad and cell phone. Not only have I created new artwork for stickers (of our girl, Carly), but I have some other plans for it, too. Creating Carly’s artwork was something I’ve been wanting to do for a while, but other things - like canning - got in the way. Thankfully, my iPad weighs less than five pounds!

My word for this year is Build, and there’s no time like the present. Because I’m losing my possible income from one - and likely two - shows this fall, I’m going to develop a few new avenues to compensate. I’ll continue with my Etsy shop, but I’ll change up and fine tune my offerings there. I’m also planning and working on two other sites I hope to share soon. 

For now, I’ll add all my Farmhouse Critter stickers to my Etsy shop as they are available. Funny. I thought my Bella and Tag stickers were already there. I guess slowing down will be good for my ability to focus. It’s always a pleasure to find a silver lining in this present situation. 

I’ll keep sharing announcements on Instagram, FaceBook, newly-revisited Pinterest, and of course, you’ll always know about it here.

I’ll keep working on my projects and will share more as soon as I can. Expect some wonderful changes! Change is good, right?

Tuesdays With Tag - Summer Treats...

 

Hi, Everybody!

 

I was feelin' a little artsy-fartsy today, so I played with this picture of Carly and me with Dad for you to look at. We were just hangin' out on the porch and enjoyin' a little summer breeze.

It's been hot around this joint lately, so Mom pulled out a treat recipe she's gonna make for us this week. I don't have to tell you we're all lookin' forward to it! I thought I'd share the particulars with you, so here goes...

CORGI BUTTS DOGGIE ICE CREAM

recipe found on CorgiButts blog (link below)

 Yield: 1 ice cube tray of ice cream

Ingredients

16 oz. plain yogurt

1 banana

2 tablespoons peanut butter

a handful of frozen or fresh blueberries (optional) 

 

Mash the first three ingredients together until smooth and then stir in the blueberries.

Scoop mixture into ice cube trays and freeze. Microwave a few second before serving,

or let sit out to soften a bit if you don't have a microwave. You can also add honey, if desired.

 

original link: http://corgibutts.blogspot.com/2010/07/how-to-beat-summer-heat.html

 

Mom said she thinks this might even be a tasty people treat, but Bella, Carly and I are hopin' it's just for us. I mean, we don't eat their ice cream. Seems only fair that these should be for dogs only!

Just to add a little excitement around here, Miss Carly Pants has come in heat. She won't be bred this time, so there's that, but even so. Her comin' in makes for more than a little inconvenience for a house dog. I have no interest in her (at least not yet), and Mom and Dad are hopin' it stays that way. Mom said it's the last thing they need - me chasin' after her, even though I can't "do any damage". Whatever that means.

My only interest right now is these ice cream treats, so I hope Mom gets a move on and makes 'em today or tomorrow. Now that we know they're gonna be a thing, we're anxious to pop one (or three) down the ol' hatch!

Hope you've got somethin' cold and tasty in your future, too. Everyone should have a cool treat when it's hot outside.

 

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

"Be A Good Dog."

Tuesdays With Tag - Puppy Coat...

 

Hi, Everybody!

 

Well, Mom said it was gonna happen but I didn't want to believe she'd put me through that again! Boy, was I wrong. She actually tricked me by askin' Dad to take me for a truck ride, and you know I can't resist a truck ride.

We drove east from home, and next thing I knew, we were parked in front of Miss Joy's dog groomin' salon. The words Canine Design on the big windows said it all. It's a good thing I don't know how to spell naughty words.

 

 

"Come on, Tag", he said. "You like Miss Joy", he said. "It'll be fun", he said. Cow patties! I'm not fond of gettin' baths. I like bein' brushed even less, and oh, the insult of gettin' sprayed with girly, smelly stuff. You'll notice, she topped off her efforts with a yellow bandana! I do like Miss Joy, but really? A bandana?

 

So here I am in all my glory. A suave, debonnaire, twelve year old Corgi, sportin' a puppy fur coat-look. She even cut my toenails and the fur around them so I have "puppy feet", too. I'd like to know where I can find somethin' especially rank to roll in. Once I get that out of the way, I'll be much happier.

For now, I'll be walkin' around gettin' laughed at by the barn cats, giggled at by Carly, and further insulted by Bella. Perfect. Juuust perfect.

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

"Be A Good Dog."

While We Waited...

 

We spent most of the day in Madison at the UW-Veterinary Care Clinic with our beautiful Bella. We had an appointment for their vet team to do an ultrasound in search of the cause of her current condition. I know I've been a bit obtuse about that lately, but I'll say that she was spayed over two years ago, and as we looked back at her medical history, we realized she was trying to have a heat cycle every six months. Last December, when her daughter came in heat, Bella joined her with a full blown heat herself. Did I mention she was spayed over two years ago?

 

Well, the ultrasound revealed the cause for her current state. She had ovarian remnants specifically, three follicles (where eggs reside until a heat cycle). Today, she'll have surgery to remove them.

We believe as a side effect of her hormonal "surprises", she also developed an aggressive streak. Aggression was the very last thing we expected from her, as she's been a sweet dog since we got her at twelve weeks old. Tag was usually the object of her ire, but when Carly was home - before Florida and more recently - Bella also turned her attention to her daughter. Our regular vet (not who performed the spay) is confident the aggression will disappear in six weeks or so as her body adjusts. 

While we waited for test results, I managed to do a very little bit of needlework. I'll continue to work on this more over the next few days. I'll be keeping this one for the time it will represent for me.

We'll get a call from the clinic after her surgery today, and she'll be in Madison one more night for observation before we go back and collect her tomorrow. We're looking forward to having her home and pampering her as she heals. 

 

If you're the praying sort, we'd appreciate it if you'd pray that our girl comes through surgery with flying colors. If you don't pray, a few good thoughts would be perfect, too. I'll let you know tomorrow how things went for our WMBBD.  For now, we wait a little longer...