Tuesdays With Tag - Dog Tired...

Hi, Everybody!

Hey! You're all lookin' good this week. All those smilin' faces lookin' back at me, really makes my day week. You know what's mostly been goin' on around here with Mom, so I don't have to do a recap of that today.

What I will tell you is that The Girls, The Barn Ladies, and I have been workin' overtime to keep Mom's spirits up. The hard part for us was that we spent more time in crates than usual while Mom and Dad were busy doin' important stuff. Don't worry. It didn't kill us or anythin', but poor Carly almost started runnin' mini laps in her crate, because there wasn't time to run her brains out in the yard when our people were away. Two crated days in a row is unusual, so it's not gonna happen again for a while. YAY!

We're slowly gettin' back to normal around here, and we're happy about that. We had an electrician here yesterday which was great! We got to watch him workin' in the kitchen, and interject our comments from time to time from the comfort of our kennels. He mostly laughed at us, 'cuz he thought we're cute. I guess we have to settle for that because Mom says actin' fierce is not allowed. ho hum

We're thinkin' that Mom is gonna get a little Christmas tree for this year. She says it would be easier for her to take down and store once Dad leaves for Florida. We just hope she gets after it soon, because we do like Christmas trees.

So while Mom thinks about it, we're hangin' out on the sofa and catchin' up on our "zzzzzzzzzzz's". Believe me, we're not the only ones. Mom (mostly) is stealin' a practice nap here and there, too. I've promised to stand guard while she does, so nobody bothers her while she plays Snow White. I'll be her Prince Charmin'...except for the kissin' part. I'll just snuggle with her instead. Speakin' of which, I'd better get back to my post. I'm sure my services will be needed shortly. (no pun intended)

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

"Be A Good Dog." 

Tuesdays With Tag - Our Prayer Request...

My "Artsy Fartsy" Portrait

 Hi, Everybody!

Are you gettin' ready for Christmas yet? Boo, The Kid and I are bein' especially good these days. We know Santa's on his way!

Mom and I took a drive yesterday to see Mom's sister who had a recent surgery and is havin' a rough time of it. She's been pretty sick for a long time, and Mom wanted to visit her. I rode along to keep Mom company, and then waited in the car until she came back out. When Mom got back to the car, she told me that we need to pray hard for her sister every night.

My brother, Trip is havin' a rough time, too. His symptoms are lookin' like DM (it's like Lou Gehrig's Disease in Corgis), and we're prayin' hard for him, too. He's my full brother, and I really liked hangin' out with him when we visited him in Michigan at Aunt Marion's house.

If you have any extra time as you're gettin' ready for the holidays, we'd sure appreciate you joinin' our prayer chain for Mom's sister and Trip. God will know who you're talkin' about.

I'm not gonna try to be funny or yammer on today. I'm headin' back to sit next to Mom and keep her company. I know I can be a butt-head sometimes, but I can be a good, true-blue boy when I need to be. I can tell when Mom needs me, and I don't want to let her down. Thanks for understandin'.

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

Happy Tired...

Brynwood Needleworks - Band Concert - Beginning of Concert

 

You'll remember that I write these blog posts the night before they go live. I'm confessing now that it's been a long day, and I'm happy tired.

This busy day, I baked sour dough bread (from my own starter); took Tag to the vet (he'll be okay); and went to Handsome's last summer concert of the season.

Tag got good news, in that he doesn't have a torn ACL, just some muscle soreness. He's been prescribed a pain-killer to help with his discomfort. Prior to leaving, Handsome and I watched him eat dinner and then just go right back to his kennel. That told us, he was really uncomfortable so he went to his safe space.

After being poked and prodded, and having his leg manipulated by the vet, I was really happy to know that nothing is damaged. It's likely he's just sore from overextending himself. His activity has been limited to leash walking whenever he's outside and no running.

Brynwood Needleworks - Sis and Jim

 

I met up with Sis and her long-time partner, Jim so we could sit together at the concert. Sis (Deb) and I meet up whenever Handsome plays, and we love that we get a chance to visit, too. She hates having her photograph taken (like mother, Mom Grace, like daughter). I told her there needs to be a record that she existed, so happy or not, I was taking a picture. You can see I won that debate!

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Last Applause Of The Summer Season

The concerts this year are only an hour long, with no intermissions. By the time they were finished, and the band trailer loaded with all the chairs, etc. it was well and truly dark. 

When we got home, I made an easy dinner, and afterward came upstairs to write my post. I must be tired, because it's all I can do to stay awake. So, before I make a big mistake here, I'm going to close down for the night. I'll get some extra rest today, and be back, good as new tomorrow.

Sweethearts...

Brynwood Needleworks - Farmhouse Valentines

I played with a little fabric on Monday, too. I pulled out my collection of Primitive Gatherings' (plus the dot fabric - not PG) Farmhouse Gatherings line of flannel fabric, and Lisa's "Sweethearts" pattern. I used the smallest heart shape in the pattern, and then used most of my own words for the hearts.

Lisa's hearts had words like "Be Mine", "I (heart) You", "All Mine", "Hug Me", "My Love", "Kiss Me", and "XOXO". I used "Kiss Me" and "XOXO", and then changed out the rest with "As You Wish" and "True Love" (from our favorite movie, The Princess Bride), and the initials inscribed in both of our wedding rings, "AB & A, AML".

Brynwood Needleworks - Farmhouse Valentines

 

In keeping with the number nine that I told you about yesterday, I'll be adding one more heart to the display. I like Lisa's "My Love", so that will probably be the last one. 

I have a few more Valentine touches to bring out before the actual holiday, but this is what our dining room table vignette looks like today. As an aside: Don't you love that my Thanksgiving/Christmas/Easter cactus is budding out again? Don't ask why. I have no idea. It will be nice to have more flowers for Valentine's Day, though. 

Brynwood Needleworks - Grace's "Dear Heart" Pillow

I have another sweet valentine pillow that I stitched for Mom (Grace). When she moved into a nursing home and her lifelong home was emptied, Deb gave it back to me. I treasure it, and am so grateful that I have it here. I wrote about receiving my gift back HERE after Mom's move. Her pillow is always displayed in my bedroom, but it will be displayed in the living room for Valentine's Day.

Sadly, she didn't live long enough to see my move back to Wisconsin, but I was blessed to speak with her the day she passed in 2014. I wrote about her last day HERE. I'm so glad I got to say one last "I love you, Mom".

Today would have been Mom's Birthday. I wish every day that we had her here with us, but I'll wish her a happy Heavenly Birthday. She knows how much I miss her, and I know she watches over me. I love you, Mom. 

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.

Butterfly Progress...

Brynwood Needleworks - RSN Butterfly Upper Wing Progress

 

I spent last evening with the Paneras ladies again. Because of the lighting in the restaurant, I didn't take my butterfly to work on, but this is how much I've done since my last update. The upper wing is coming along nicely, don't you think?

I'll continue to work on it today, and see if I'm able to finish this wing section. I'm anxious to finish the butterfly now, so I'm going to keep going. Today would have been Mom (Grace's) 91st Birthday. I smile, knowing she'd love seeing me working on this. I wish I could see the look on her face.

I took my "little" embroideries with me for our gathring, and finished another. Five down and more to go. I'll share those photos later. I know I'll be going back to snow next week, so I'm going to enjoy these warm, sunny days while I can. 

Happy Heavenly Birthday. I love and miss you, Mom.

Tuesdays With Tag - You Don't Have To Be Lonely...

Brynwood's Taggart • Dec. 2018

Hi, Everybody!

Can you believe we're already halfway through December? 

Mom's feelin' much better, but there's a little downside to her bein' up and about again. See, when she's sick, I usually hang out on the bed with her to keep her company. It's kinda nice, even though she's not feelin' good. She's all cuddly and stuff, and I can take care of her.

Brynwood's Taggart • Dec. 2018

But, when she's all better, she gets busy and doesn't lie around all day. Now, don't misunderstand. She stops to cuddle from time to time, but not like she does when she's sick. Take yesterday, for instance.

She baked bread; made a nice, tasty dessert (with peanut butter!); washed some laundry; and then she made some thingy that will hang on a Christmas tree for the lady who's hostin' a party today. Yeah. She went off to a party today, and here I am sittin' on my chair. Lonely for Mom.

Brynwood's Taggart • Dec. 2018

I was watchin' tv, and I came up with a great idea! There's this commercial for farmer's who are so busy workin' that they don't have time to find girlfriends. 

So, I was thinkin'. I don't have to be lonely either. I could join a datin' service. You know...where a lady comes and picks me up and takes me for long walks along the lake; out to lunch for my favorite snacks; or introduces me to other corgis my own age that I can frap around with. Wouldn't that be fun?

Brynwood's Taggart • 2018 • Pembroke Welsh Corgi

I could even sing a little song about it. "You don't have to be lonely, at Corgis Only dot come." Catchy, don't you think?

I'll have to think about this, though. I sure do prefer hangin' out with Mom, Dad, and the Black Dog, so I'll probably give her another chance first. She should be home early this afternoon, and I know what she'll do. She'll come in the house, scoop me up and snuggle me...and everythin' will be perfect again. That's how it is with us. We all love and take care of each other in our family.

So, about this idea of mine...Never mind.

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

"Chase A Dream - Or A Squirrel".

Tuesdays With Tag - We're Pooped...

 Brynwood Needleworks - Tired Taggart

Hello, Everybody!

We are seriously pooped...as in dog tired. Seriously. We partied like rock stars yesterday. Mom sure knows how to celebrate (for an old girl). We don't even know how to figure out how old she is in dog years!

Mom and Dad got up yesterday, let Boo and me outside for our usual mornin' walkabout, and then we they got dressed to hit the road. Dad took us to Port Washington to pick up a present he ordered for Mom (which she loved, by the way), and then took her out for lunch. They may have shared a little with us, too.

After that, we went all the way back to Fond du Lac to see Mom's sister, niece and great nieces. By the time we'd driven about 10,000 miles, we got back home, where we relaxed and had a quiet dinner (except for Boo who can get a bit noisy).

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Two Furry Couch Potatoes

 

We spent the evenin' watchin' football and hangin' out. Just the perfect way to spend a perfect day. We're guessin' she's not finished celebratin' yet. You know her. She likes to "extend" her Birthday every year, and she's got it down to a fine science.

Tomorrow, she's got an announcement (and giveaway) to tell you about, so be sure to come back to see what that's all about. I'm gonna go take another nap.

 

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

"Chase A Dream - Or A Squirrel".

 

Tuesdays With Tag - Christmas Has Officially Begun...

Lovin' The Snow!

Hi, Everybody!

One week until Christmas, but the holidays have officially begun around here.

Dad's Home!

 DAD'S HOME!!!

We're sad that Bella didn't fly home with him on the plane, but she's spendin' her Christmas vacation with Uncle Mike. Really. She won't even miss Dad. She loves workin' with Uncle Mike. (Who doesn't? He's a blast to hang out with!)

 

Nursing Mom

I had to take care of Mom, too.

We were gettin' ready to drive to the airport to pick up Dad. Mom opened the back hatch on her SUV and then turned to pick me up and boost me into the back. She usually takes a bit of a run at it, so it really hurt when she turned right into the liftgate. Seems the cold kept it from going all the way up like it was supposed to. 

I'm lucky she didn't pass out, 'cuz I don't know how to call 911. I would have just run around in circles barkin' and stuff. I bet I could do a great "Lassie" imitation, though, if I had to!

Anyway, we went to the airport, got Dad and came back home. Dad made Mom take two Tylenols and gave her an ice bag to put on her head where the bump was. I sat on her lap to make her feel better. Don't worry. She's fine. She didn't get a concussion or anything. Just that darn bump (well, and a bruised ego).

 

A Little Fluff Butt

Mom, Dad and I have lots to do this week, so I'm not gonna hang around and yak today. I'm so glad Dad's back that I don't want to waste a single second with him. I'll be sharin' holiday pictures with you next time I see you. Have a great week!

 

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

"Chase A Dream - Or A Squirrel".

Sunday Scripture...

     Mom Grace's granddaughter, Kayti gave birth to her first great grandchild last week.  She would be happy that Thanksgiving will now hold a happier memory for her family. Welcome to the world, Paisley.

A Day Of Abundance...

Amish Waste Container

Sis came out to the farmhouse yesterday. She had things she wanted to give me, and a request to deliver. It was also a chance to show off how much work I've done since her last visit when I first got back here.

When I celebrated Easter with her and her partner, Jim, I saw her gorgeous oak waste container. It has a tip out front that conceals and contains a waste basket for her kitchen. I told her how much I loved it and she told me it was a gift from Jim, handcrafted by the Amish, near where I used to live. She told me that he could pick one up for me next time he goes back to the area. (I told her that I would pay for it up front, or reimburse him when he brought it. Deal!)

Amish Waste Container In Our Farm Pantry

As luck would have it, he and his sister went back last weekend and picked up one of them for me. He and Sis delivered it to me yesterday. I knew exactly where I wanted it to go in the pantry, and I placed one of our cutting boards on top of it. It fits in perfectly, don't you think?

Chair Caned By Mom

This was a gift I knew was coming, but receiving it was an emotional event. This is likely one of the last chairs that Mom caned, and now it belongs to me. It's a gorgeous chair, and knowing that Mom's hands restored it to its original glory makes it more beautiful to me.

Chair Carving Detail

Even the little bit of carving is perfect. Nothing over the top. Just lovely, understated and quiet...just like Mom. I'll treasure it always.

Caned Footstool

As Mom got older, it was more difficult for her to comfortably cane chairs. Jim made these sweet little stools, and then she was able to cane them on her lap while sitting. This was also one of the last pieces she caned. I'll find just the perfect place for it, too, but for now, I'll keep it near the chair.

Handcrafted Bird Feeder

Jim has been busy since Easter, too. He pulled out this great bird feeder to give to us. He made this especially for us at the farm.

Handcrafted Bird Feeder

 

I knew Jim is a talented woodworker. I've seen projects he's created for Sis, including her garden shed and back porch, so I shouldn't have been surprised to see this whimsical, bearded gent who will reside in our garden. It's so much fun, and so well made!

 

It was so nice to have Sis and Jim here, and all these gifts were bonus. There was one more thing...a gift with my name on it in Mom's handwriting. I'll tell you about that another day. This is more than enough for today.

 

It's the weekend again (already). Make it a good one, my friend.

 

Sunday Scripture - Happy Mother's Day...

Web image

I miss you, Gracie. xo

A Gift...

Dried Flowers From The Farm

As I cut these dried hydrangeas from the bushes growing next to the farmhouse, I noticed new buds getting ready to open. Spring has definitely arrived at Hickory Hill Farm.

The reason I was cutting these was because I needed a bouquet for the bowl and pitcher set that Sis brought up last week. I knew this set was coming, as she told me she wanted me to have it for the house. She just wanted to wait until we were moved in to bring it.

Grandma's Bowl, Pitcher and Vase Set

This set originally belonged to Deb's grandmother, Lucille. I remember meeting her many years ago, before she passed. Deb remembers visiting Grandma at their cottage in Suamico (which I also visited), and actually using this set. The vase used to hold all the family's toothbrushes (14 of them), and she said that you had to remember from visit to visit which toothbrush was yours. lol

Flower Detail On Pitcher

After Grandma died, Mom (Grace) inherited it. From then on, it sat on its stand in Mom's home. Sis can't remember where the stand is these days, but these three pieces have weathered well. 

The floral detail is really lovely, and looks like a watercolor to me. The colors are soft and sweet, and they'll fit right in with the colors I have planned for the front bedroom.

Hallmark

 

This is the hallmark on the bottom of each piece. I don't know what it means, and haven't researched it yet, but it doesn't really matter.

 

Mom's bowl and pitcher set will sit on my dresser reminding me of her. I'll take good care of it now that it's come to live with me. It's another perfect touch for our farmhouse, and I'm so grateful that Sis entrusted it to me.