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?

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.

The Winds Of Change...

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Change is inevitable, and along with it comes excitement and curiosity.

What is around the corner for us?

Handsome and I have decided that we want to plan ahead for those changes that are inevitable. With some of the wonderful changes we've chosen over the past few years - my creative endeavors and his favorite venues for making music - moving makes perfect sense.

His musical endeavors are almost entirely centered in Sarasota now, and in just the past twelve months, he has driven nearly 6,000 miles between there and home. Those miles spent driving are dangerous, tedious and time that could be spent doing something more enjoyable.

We've also discussed options to be closer to our sons and their families. We're factoring in where we might like to be to facilitate that, too.

So, the first phase of our plans involve selling our home here in North Port, along with the three acres on which it sits. 

 

While we're packing, tossing, donating and generally clearing out, we'll be exploring our north/south choices and planning for the next stage of our journey together. Whatever we do and wherever we go, we're happy and exhilarated knowing we have each other to share the trip.

Remains Of The Day...

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So much for "the best laid plans". I was going to make two wallets yesterday. Instead, I headed out and visited my friends, Rhonda and Marilyn at Crazy Quilters before going to Sarasota for my monthly haircut. 

 

I timed everything perfectly. I drove to Sarasota from Venice - where I had time to stop and pick up a few things I needed from Joann Fabrics the "J" store; had lunch at the Mediterranean Grill next door to the salon; and arrived to check in at the salon early...only to find out I'd arrived at the wrong location (He co-owns three salons and travels between them each week)!

We called ahead to let my stylist (the owner) know that I'd gone to the wrong shop and was on my way to where he was for Thursday. (In my defense, I thought all of my scheduled appointments had been moved to this location.) 

 

I learned that I can get from that location to the one where I was supposed to be in 35 minutes, if I push the limits of safe and legal driving. I was frazzled when I got there, but he calmed me down and then finished with me just in time for his next client. I left with a great cut, a better attitude and a printed schedule listing the next three appointments and their locations!

I stopped at the grocery store on my way home, needing to pick up dishwasher detergent. One hundred seventy five dollars later, I drove home. (I'm not big on grocery shopping, so when I finally go, I pick up enough so I don't have to go back again for a while.) The obligatory carrying in, unpacking and putting away ensued; soon followed by dinner preparations. Handsome and I caught up on what we'd been doing for the past eight hours and by the time dinner was finished, so was I.

The only time I spent in the studio was putting away the few things I picked up while in Venice and Sarasota. Not quite what I'd planned, but still a busy day. 

 

I'm definitely going to get my creative fix today. I think I'll just put on my blinders and do my best not to get sidetracked again. Wish me luck!

Now, That Was Fun...

We went to Sarasota yesterday and toured Mote Marine. Uncle Dick really 

wanted to see the manatees and other marine life on exhibit. We didn't miss a bit.

After we had seen every exhibit, I asked what his favorite thing was. He said,

"The manatees.". They seemed to like him quite a bit, too. They were like puppies.

So many colorful (and, in the case of this lionfish, dangerous) things to see.

This spiny lobster was huge!

But when I reviewed all the pictures I took yesterday, I realized that one of my

favorites was this one of a tank loaded with jellyfish. Is it just me, or do they 

look like buttons to you, too? Yes. I thought so. Big, clear, beautiful buttons.

Tuesdays With Tag - Public Service Announcement #3...

 

Hi, Everybody!

I'm back today with a very, very important Public Service Announcement.

This is my third PSA, and you know I only share these when it's really crucial.

It's really hot here in south Florida, but summer's in full swing everywhere. So this 

 matters whether you're in the south or anywhere else in the world with warm temps.

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I've found some statistics on the Web that I have to share with you. Did you 

know that on a warm day, even if you think the weather is mild, you could put

 your pets at risk? Even if you think it's not really hot outside, it is in your car.

We are already readin' about dogs - includin'  POLICE K9s! - that are dyin' 

because their masters forgot neglected left them in a car that was too hot for 

them to survive. Just check out this chart and you can see how bad it can get.

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Now, look at this one.

It doesn't matter if your pet is left in the shade or the sun. Either way,

they could die in less time than you can even imagine. Our ER vet in

Sarasota, Dr. Kirsch, told Mom just last week that he had already treated

(and lost) a few dogs this month! There is just no reason for this to happen.

People...If you can't keep your pet with you while you're out, then do

the best thing and just keep them safe and cool at home.

Mom saw a little dog in a car in Sarasota last week with the windows

cracked open a little bit. She went into the store and told the manager to

make an announcement. He did, and the owner came out in a few minutes

and left with their dog. It was 90° outside! Mom said that if she sees a 

dog left in a car with the windows closed, she's going to call the police

and then break out the window to protect the dog. She means it, too!

Another thing...Do you exercise outside with your pet?

Did you know that it's not normal for a dog to just run long distances

without stoppin' for a break? Dogs weren't meant to be tethered to your

bicycle while you ride for blocks or miles without stoppin'. We aren't

built to just run full-out, non-stop, long distance while you work out.

The way we like to operate is to run a little, sniff a little, piddle on a blade of 

grass, sit down and scratch, then maybe run some more...but never when it's

 hot. When it's hot, we just like to lie around somewhere cool or go swimmin'.

Dr. Kirsch said one of the dogs that died last week was runnin' along with

its owner. Poor thing keeled right over. They took him to the ER, but he

couldn't be saved. It's been in the high 80s-90s around here - and humid!

What the heck was that human thinkin'?

I think you have a pretty good idea by now just how important this is.

If you love your pets, don't leave them in your car. Period. 

Remember my friend, Megan? This picture was taken before it got hot

out. We were both completely safe when Mom took this picture. I don't

like bein' left home on Saturday mornin's one single bit. In fact, I bark my

skull off when she leaves, but now I understand that it's for my own good.

We've also read too many news stories about people forgettin' their kids in the 

car on hot days. Nothin' - and I mean NOTHIN' - is so important that you should 

forget your beloved children or your family pets in your car. If you're responsible

for another human being or an animal, you owe it to them not to be distracted.

You could save the life of someone you really don't want to live without. 

PLEASE pay attention. 

I know my Tuesday posts are usually a lot more fun, but I really thought this 

was too important not to share with you. Thanks so much for stayin' with me 

on this. I'll be sittin' here in the air conditionin', thinkin' about goin' to the dog 

beach,  playin' in the pool, or going for late day walkies with Mom. I'll tell ya 

all about how I've spent my week in my next post. 'til then...

"More Waggin' and Less Barkin'!"

No Dancing For A While...

I've been a little lot side-tracked the past six weeks. Because I think there's

an important message that should be shared here, I'd like to tell you about it.

On April 17th, I had my regular, annual checkup. 

I'd been feeling great so I expected everything to be routine and uneventful. 

It was the beginning of many scary days for Handsome and me.

My regular doctor is a wonderful woman who is a family practitioner in Venice. I've been her patient for five years, so she knows me and my medical history pretty well by now.  She can do my "girly" stuff once a year, but if I get a cold, she can treat that, too, which I like. I also like that she always takes her time during our appointments and we cover just about everything before my actual hands-on exams.

At this year's appointment, she did her exam and reacted with alarm when she felt something she hadn't felt before. She checked again, made notes with her nurse and then said that we should talk after I got dressed. When I sat with her a few minutes later, she told me that she wanted me to have an ultrasound and then schedule an appointment to meet with a gynecologist. I left her office a little numb.

I had the ultrasound the next day, a further MRI procedure, and then made the appointment with her recommended gynecologist as soon as possible after that. The gynecologist reviewed the test results, made her own examination and then referred me to a gynecological oncologist in Sarasota the same day. 

If I told you that Handsome and I were nervous, it would be an understatement. We were concerned, and Handsome attended every single examination and conference with every doctor after that initial checkup. He was in the room, holding my hand every step of the way and I'm so grateful he was. Because he heard everything that was said to me, we could discuss what we were told and keep each other from misunderstanding or misinterpreting anything.

The result of all these appointments was that I had major surgery on May 23rd to remove what so concerned three different professionals. We told our family and close friends ahead of the date. I can't tell you how much it meant to me to know that mine were not the only prayers asking for a positive outcome. During the surgery, everything was tested right away. Thankfully, it all proved to be non-malignant and the surgery was concluded without having to do anything else but heal. All of our prayers were answered.

The doctor gave me strict orders to "take it easy" until I'm healed in four weeks. Handsome is taking great care of me, making sure I follow all the instructions we were given. I still tire very easily, but I do try to spend a little time in the studio. I promise to get my blog back to normal just as soon as I'm able.

I'm not telling you all of this now for sympathy or recognition. In fact, had this resolved any other way, I probably wouldn't have posted about it at all. (Remember, this blog is dedicated to Thoughts on a Joyful and Creative Life.) I would have kept the bad news to ourselves.

I want you to know because I had been feeling great prior to my April appointment. I really had no idea that there were things growing inside me that could have been life-threatening. I have gone for my annual appointments every single year since I turned 19...without fail. 

While I've been diligent, I'm aware that there are many women who don't get annual checkups. I would like to encourage you to make an appointment and make sure that you're healthy. It could save your life.

Tuesdays With Tag - My Favorite Doctor...

Hi, Guys! Tag here.

Can you even believe that this is my last post for July?

Where has the summer gone?

I know I've been a busy corgi, but golly...

 Today I'd like to introduce you to 

my very own, personal veterinarian.

Her name is Dr. Stephanie Lantry and she

owns a practice (Animal Medical Clinic of Gulf Gate)
 in Sarasota, Florida.

Mom told me that I needed to see her last Friday.

Something about booster shots. Huh?

Anyway,  when we got to the doctor's office Mom put me up on the 

exam table, which was nice and cool on my feet!

Dr. Stephanie said (in the sweetest voice)

"Ok, Tag. Time to check you out."
I think she sounds like Snow White when she talks to me.

(In fact, I actually think she looks like Snow White, too!)

 She leaned over to check out my muscular legs and
I leaned in for my usual, killer Prince Charming move...

I smooched her on her cheek!

She smelled great, and before I knew it I got a little carried away.

 I went into full "Wet Willy" mode!

It's my secret "Make-the-girls-giggle" move and it works every time.
They love it when I kiss their ears!

Dr. Stephanie couldn't help but laugh out loud,

and then she told Mom that I'm a real Lover Boy.

(heh, heh, heh!)

She was so smitten that she asked Mom to bring me back in three weeks.

When I got my shots Dr. Stephanie said I was a real Big Boy now. 

(I didn't even yelp!) but I guess I need to have another one that
I never got when I was little. I think it's just an excuse for her to see me again.

Either way, it's cool with me. 

I'll get a chance to see my sweet Snow White again!

Maybe Mom will take more photos for my album!

I've got a busy week ahead and I'll see you again next week.

'til then,

"More SWIMMIN', and Less Barkin'!"

(I think Fezzie would like my new signature, don't you?)

Today's Completed Projects...

My friend, Amy, is celebrating her birthday this week and we're planning to get together for a belated birthday lunch today. She's a knitter who I met on a trip to the LYS in Sarasota five or six years ago. She is a former Wisconsin girl, too. That may be one of the reasons we really hit it off. I love her sense of humor, her level head, and she's a talented knitter. I always enjoy the time we spend together.

Because she's a knitter, I thought she might like a few handcrafted gifts. I made a Moda Sweet Treat Bag for her in nautical-themed fabrics. I used one of my starfish buttons to embellish the flap and then set about making a few goodies to put inside.

The photo on the right is a closeup of the cloisonne' button I used to spiff up the flap.

I made a little stitch counter that I saw on a Ravelry post last week. One of my online friends there created one for her swap partner. We had all been participating in a stitch marker swap, and we always add a few little extras to the package we send to our partner. I loved the idea of the stitch counter, so I decided to try my hand at making one myself. (Sorry I didn't take a photo of it before I wrapped her gift.)

Then, because I had so much fun making stitch markers for my swap partner, I decided to make a set for my friend. What do you think? Inspirational words, light blue beads and sterling silver sand dollars. I hope she likes them.

We'll be getting together after my much-needed haircut today to share a meal. I'm like a little kid - I can't wait to see her reaction! Happy Belated Birthday, Amy!

You can click here to go to the Moda website for your own Sweet Treat Bag. Just scroll down the free pattern images until you find it. You can always get to it from my "Free Patterns" link in my right sidebar. The photograph there is one of the other ones I made a while back. They're simple to make with a great "wow" factor. Really, you can whip one up in about an hour!

Morning On The Estate...

The tour started at ten this morning, so Amy and I arrived at about 9:45 to beat the rush. As it turned out, we had the sole attention of our knowledgeable Sarasota County tour guide, Priscilla.

We were at the Edson Keith Estate, located on 60 acres of prime Sarasota property nestled on the banks of Phillipi Creek. The main estate house is 9,000 square feet of hardwood floors, spacious rooms and beautiful blue ceilings. Painted to emulate the Florida skies, the purpose of the blue paint on all the outside eaves was to fool wasps and hornets into thinking that they were seeing sky - instead of protected places to build their nests. Clever, indeed.

All the interior paint colors, floors and interior fixtures are original to the house, with the exception of the elegant, Italianate chandelier hanging from the ceiling of the dining room (a donation from a local resident). Priscilla even shared the secret to cleaning it with us. (and I don't mean "Have the servants do it"!)

After our tour of the house, we thanked her and walked outside to survey the grounds. Amy and I headed to the path that would take us to the beautiful oak hammocks that lead right down to Phillipi Creek and the Intercoastal Waterway. There is a canoe launch site on the grounds, as well as gazebos for weddings and family picnics. We were also told of the Indian "midden" beneath the lawn to the west of the house and rock formations located to the east of the house.

Middens are thought to be prehistoric landfills used by the tribal members to dispose of broken tools, animal bones and other artifacts from life in their villages. When their landfills reached capacity, the tribe simply moved to a new location. Great care is taken when these sites are located, as much of the prehistoric debri is, in many cases, within inches of being exposed. This particular location has not been opened and explored, however a midden located south of here in Osprey, Florida at Spanish Point, has been extensively researched and is open for viewing by the public. (We'll have to make that one of our next outings.)

After leaving the estate, we went to a local nursery and chose the plants that are going to go into my beautiful blue pot next to the entry to our home. I can't wait to show you what it looks like with our choices! I'll save that for another day.

We had lunch at the Madfish Grill and chose much more intelligent meals...and there were no cameras (except mine) this time. Wish all of you could have joined me today. It was truly a perfect day for a morning on the estate.

Click on the title of this post to go to my Flickr album with more photographs of our day at the Edson Keith Estate.