Today's Forecast...

 What's left to say? I'll be doing a bit of canning, perhaps some snow removal with Handsome, putting out more birdseed, and a lot of "staying inside!

In Memoriam...

Karen C.  1955-2025

Today, my former classmate and friend, Karen will be laid to rest. She lost her husband a number of years ago, welcomed a granddaughter named for him, and celebrated her seventieth birthday in January. The day after Mother's Day, she lost her battle with cancer.

She was one of the hard working members of our high school fiftieth reunion committee, and until she became too ill, would always join us for our monthly dinner gatherings. The last time I saw her and spoke with her was at her birthday party. She was frail then, but put on a brave face for everyone who came to celebrate.  

Karen leaves behind four children and their spouses; three grandchildren; her siblings and their spouses. Her legacy will live on through them.

I'll be attending her visitation and funeral this morning along with so many others who will miss her smile, her kindness, her generosity, and her gentle spirit. She's reunited with her dear husband and is now whole and healthy again. Rest well, dear friend. I'll miss you.

October Classmate Dinner...

Back row: l-r Tom, Max, Donna, Brad, Al, Cal, Dan and John. Front Row: l-r Janet, Kathy, Deb B, Julie, Deb N. and Mary

Fourteen of us gathered to share a meal last night. We had a great time, catching up on the events of the past month, and welcomed new classmates to the group. Our reunion committee members are the core group - who attend as schedules allow - and then there are other classmates who drop in from time to time. It was really wonderful to see folks who hadn't joined us before, but saw the posts I put up in our Facebook group and decided to pop in.

We spend a couple hours together, laugh, share stories, and eat our meals. Afterward, we choose our next month's date, hugs are exchanged, and we say goodbye until we're together again. It really is lovely, and we mentioned that when we're all together, we're really all just kids again. We don't see the gray hair, extra wrinkles or pounds, and our joints aren't quite as sore. We're just old friends who look forward to our visits.

So, we've chosen next month's date - the week before Thanksgiving. We're all here and relatively healthy, and the way time flies these days, we'll see each other again before we know it.

Happy Halloween to my friends who celebrate. Happy Fall to those who don't.

Strike Up The Band...

Brynwood Needleworks - Ready For A Concert In The Park

 

After nineteen months without a single concert (either here or in Florida), Handsome was anxious to get back to playing. So many relieved and happy musicians joined in the sentiment.

Handsome's first concert since November of 2019 was with the Fond du Lac Symphonic Band. I grabbed my favorite straw hat, sunglasses, and my jean jacket in case it got chilly. (I should have grabbed a sweatshirt, too. It got cold!)

Brynwood Needleworks - The National Anthem Begins The Concert

In my hometown, we always stand for our National Anthem. People sing, and most hands are over hearts.

Mom Grace's daughter (Sis) met me on the hill overlooking the band shell, and we caught up when we weren't listening to music. 

Brynwood Needleworks - Enjoying The Concert

There were changes in format this year. The concerts will only be about an hour long. There are no intermissions, concession stand, and instead of passing the donation buckets, there are donation box stations around the venue. 

 

The weather was sunny and there was a light breeze. As it got later, the temperature dropped. Just about the time I began to shiver, the concert was over. The first of many more to come. The symbolic "Getting Back to Normal". It was more wonderful than you might imagine, and we're looking forward to the next one. Life is just better with music.

 

Taking Care Of Mama Cat & Kittens...

Brynwood Needleworks - Mama's Kittens

 

I made some tough, but unselfish, decisions yesterday...and it was pretty emotional for me. I made a phone call in the morning, based on recommendations from local cat people. I contacted Critter Junction Pet Rescue and had a conversation with one of their volunteers, Renee.

I had lots of questions about how I might get help for Mama cat. I'd actually written a post on FaceBook for our local town group, and Renee had been tagged by someone else, hoping she could help me. By the time I called, she said she'd seen my inquiry - and Mama kitty had already been the topic of conversation prior to my call.

She told me, 1) If the foot was broken, it could cost me upward of $2,000 to have surgery/casting/care (I gasped.); or 2) with her being a feral/full time outdoor cat, if her foot is broken, the likely option would be amputation. (I gasped again.). Neither option was palatable to me (cost or possibility of amputation), and I told them so. Then, Renee told me that there was one more option.

I could take Mama and her kittens to the rescue. They would get her vetted and get the best treatment for whatever is going on with her foot, let her stay with her kittens until they're weaned, and then place the kittens with loving homes. Mama would then be spayed, vaccinated, treated for fleas/ticks...and returned to me, because the farm property is her home. I've heard that if the adults are moved and manage to get out, they'll do their best to return to their original home (which would put her at risk of injury from any number of hazards). 

Understand that I was doing my best to keep my composure during the telephone conversation, but I had already considered the fact that as the kittens got bigger and started to explore their surroundings (outside the Compass Barn), they could be at risk of injury from predators - or curiosity from the dogs. More importantly, I needed to get Mama checked and treated for her paw injury. My voice broke numerous times, and toward the end of the conversation, the tears freely flowed.

So, I made the decision before I hung up with Renee to release Mama and her kittens to the rescue. When the call was finished, I blew my nose, told Handsome what I was going to do, and then I went to the barn.

Mama's been caring for her kittens in one of our dog kennels that I'd filled with straw before she had them. I originally had it in a south window so the winter sun could keep her and last season's kittens, Crystal and Leo (thanks for reminding me, Shelly) warm. I had taken the kennel door off, as it wasn't needed.

 

Once the kittens started opening their eyes, I moved that kennel down onto the barn floor, on top of and surrounded by more straw to insulate them from the cold floor. So, when I went outside, I gave Mama some warm milk to drink, and when she'd had her fill, I picked her up and put her in my lap. She let me cuddle her as I explained the plan.

I took the kennel door off the hook on the wall, moved some of the straw out of the way, and reinstalled the door. When I was finished, I picked Mama up and gently placed her inside with her babies. I spoke softly to her the entire time, and then placed the towel (that's been over the vents all winter) in front of the door to calm her as I put her into our truck for the trip to town.

When we arrived at the shelter, I went inside without them, and after introducing myself, asked more questions. She'd be able to stay with her kittens until they are weaned, right? (yes) She'll get the veterinary care for her paw, right? (yes) ...and if it's just a thorn in her paw or a laceration, should I come back and get her and her babies? (no. They'll still take care of her, placing her babies, and spaying her for me) Did I say they'll do all that at no charge whatsoever to me? That's right. And I'll still get her back to bring her home after all that. Then I asked if I could see where she'd be while in their care. 

 

They showed me the enclosure that was already waiting for her. A nice bi-level with towels that they change every day, fresh water, self feed dry food, plus daily wet food, and a nice litter box for her personal needs. Being satisfied that she and her babies would receive the best care, I agreed to go out and get her.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Mama and Kittens

I didn't uncover the kennel until we were in front of her new, temporary home. It was suggested that I hold her kennel in front of the "apartment" and the lady helping me would open the door to the kennel so Mama could go right in the upper level. Once she was in, we got all the babies out, to put them in the bottom so Mom would know there's a second floor when she went to her babies.

 

Before putting the kittens in with her, I asked for a photo with them, which is the first picture in this post. I left my glasses on so you can't see the tears in my eyes. Her babies are beautiful, and upon re-inspection, there are two boys and two girls. (I'm glad they're in care now. I was already thinking of names for them.)

 

By the time the babies were ready to go into the lower level of the enclosure, Mama was already there, waiting for them. She stayed on the lower level shelf as her kittens were placed on the bottom below her. I told her she'd be getting the best of care, and that I'd be back for her soon.

 

Before I left, the ladies recorded my name and phone number so they could contact me to come get her in a few weeks. Then they asked me Mama's name. Well, because she has that sweet moustache marking on her face, I'd originally called her "Poirot" after the PBS detective series. (I thought she was a boy until her belly started to swell.) I then learned that Shelly was calling her "Groucho". Today, I decided this sweet Mama deserved a more fitting name, so I told them, "I'm going to call her "Claudette"...a nod to the French name I originally gave her. "

 

And so, with tears falling down my cheeks - a sniveling, sniffling mess, I told her I was leaving her behind so they could help her paw, and I'd see her soon; asked them to take really good care of her; and that I'd soon be making a donation to their rescue, I went out to my vehicle and cried a little more before coming back home to the farm.

I took food out to Leo and Crystal tonight. I put Claudette's kennel back up on the south workbench where they like it, in front of the window where the sun shines in during the day. I told them their mama would be gone for a little while, but she'd be back soon. Leo meowed at me. I cried a little more, and went back inside.

 

Call me a soft touch, but I like taking care of these tough, little cats. I like that I was able to earn their trust enough to be able to cuddle them instead of only catching glimpses of them as they'd run and hide from me. I went to sleep knowing I'd done the best thing for Claudette and her sore paw, and that her kittens would be loved and safe in forever homes, instead of living a rough outdoor life. I'm grateful that I could find a place that was willing to help.

I'm going to be making donations to Critter Junction. In the event that you might like to contribute a little something, HERE is a link to their website. They have a "Donate" button, but I know that many rescues also accept gifts purchased and shipped through Amazon to their door. A list of their "needs" also appears on the site. If you choose to contribute, I'd love it if you mention your donation is to help their rescue because of their care for Claudette and her kittens, with my thanks.

One more thing, they'll update their Facebook and website with pictures of Claudette and her babies soon, plus they said I can contact them to find out what Claudette's paw diagnosis is, or anything else I want to know. As they give me updates, I'll share those with you, too. She never made a peep before I left. I think she knows she and her babies are safe. Because she's okay with that, I am, too. I still have tears in my eyes as I write this, though. Happy tears.

 

A Most Special Day...

Brynwood Needleworks - Handsome and Me

 

For the past forty years, Handsome and I have been enthusiastic supporters of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. We enjoyed attending concerts for many seasons prior to moving to Florida, and have attended more than a few special concerts since our return. 

 

Before we moved back, we had begun reading about the MSO purchasing this property, and turning it into their new home. So, when we were offered a private tour of the facility, we jumped at the opportunity!

Brynwood Needleworks - Bradley Symphony Center Grand Lobby

 

The new home of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra is a former historic downtown landmark, the Warner Grand Theater. The entire building harkens back to the Art Deco period, and this lobby immediately transports you to that era.

Our entry into the historic section of the new Bradley Symphony Center leads directly into the breathtaking Schmitz Family Grand Lobby (named for the family who sponsored the renovation of this area). While the ceiling resembles tin tiling, it's actually restored, painted plaster work. The soaring ceilings and all light fixtures are original (or in the case of damaged lights, completely restored to replicate the original).

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Concert Hall

 

When we entered the main concert hall, we actually gasped. This photograph really doesn't capture the oppulence and detail of the murals and trim. The decor is reminiscent of a French palace.

 

From this vantage point, we could actually hear the conversations of the workmen on the stage! That's how truly wonderful the acoustics are.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Concert Hall Hanging Light

 

I took many photographs of light fixtures. (You can see them hanging on each side of the main stage in the panoramic photo.) There are two fixtures like these in the main concert hall. We thought they looked like bees, and they're huge! All the lights throughout the building were breathtaking.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Modern Section of Bradley Symphony Center

 

As you pass from the west side of the building, past the Art Deco elevators, the wall opens to the newer east section of the building. There are more soaring ceilings, an entry from the street for ticket holders, and gathering areas for intermissions - with concession areas. This large area (as well as a matching area on the second floor) will be open to the public for weddings and other social gatherings when the Symphony isn't performing.

Brynwood Needleworks - Occulus Above The Staircase

 

At the top of the massive spiral staircase is an occulus that visually opens to the Milwaukee sky. I'm guessing that this staircase/occulus area is easily thirty feet in diameter, which is in keeping with the grandeur of the space. 

 

There are six more floors above this level, housing classrooms, an extensive music library, rehearsal rooms, and offices, but this is as high as we went.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - "Fritzed" Windows

Our personal guide, Daniel, made sure we saw a hidden secret on the salon level. He wanted us to see the windows up close, as he described them as "fritzed". If you stand within a foot or so of them, you'll see names of musicians and composers embedded in the glass...from floor to ceiling. Handsome and I stood there quite a while, pointing out names to each other. Isn't that a cool feature? We sure thought so.

 

You can imagine just how special this tour was to us as music-lovers, but also for Handsome as a musician. We're anxiously awaiting the return of live music events, and are really looking forward to attending concerts when the MSO begins playing in their new home. 

Just In Time...

Brynwood Needleworks - Be Thankful (via Facebook)

 

I'd like to begin my post today by saying how truly grateful I am for all the wonderful people in my life. I'm not just talking about the ones I can touch in my little corner of the world. I'm also beyond appreciative of the folks who come and read my blog from time to time. 

 

I'll be responding to your comments from the past few days very soon, but I wanted to start this post with a huge group hug. You prayed over me while I was in the hospital, and I really could feel the love.

I'm home now, and a little sore from the surgery site, but I know that I'll heal over the next few weeks and months, and I'll end up good as new. I'm taking it easy and getting lots of rest. Even today!

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Sweet Nurse Samantha S

 

I had wonderful, knowledgeable and caring people taking care of me from the time I entered the hospital's front doors, until I left late yesterday, but this young woman (wife and mom), Samantha especially brightened my day yesterday. 

She was responsible for my care all day, and she really went above and beyond the make sure I was doing okay. She also realized every time I had to repeat my birthdate to confirm I was who I said I was, that today is my Birthday!

Brynwood Needleworks - Why, Yes. That Is Birthday Cake

She called down to the kitchen, well past lunch time, and ordered up a slice of Birthday cake for me. Then she stood in the hallway when it was brought into my room, just to hear my exclamation and surprise. Was that not just the sweetest gesture ever?! 

The cake was angel food, covered with a lovely whipped frosting and colorful sprinkles. It was delicious, and as sweet as Sam was for coming up with a way to wish me Happy Birthday before I left the hospital.

Handsome and the pups brought me home late day, and it was so great to be back in my own bed last night. No dogs sleeping with me. I'm a little too tender for that, but I'm sure it won't be long and they'll be back upstairs.

So, today, I'm going to rest and concentrate on healing. I'll be reflecting on every single blessing in my life, and there are many. I hope you all have a great day. I'll be back tomorrow to visit for a little bit. Thanks again for stopping by to say "hello". Gentle hugs from me to you.

 

Three More...

Brynwood Needleworks - Wisconsin Badger Masks

When Handsome asks for new masks, I get out the fabric. He said he would love some with a Wisconsin theme, and you know I'd have just the thing, right?

I figured as long as I was making two for him, I'd make one more for myself. Next time we have to wear them in public, we can be "matchy smatchy". lol So, I updated my mask count again over there --> in my right sidebar. It didn't take me long to make them, and we can have fun wearing these.

To Market, To Market...

Brynwood Needleworks - Canned Stewed Tomatoes

 

Grabbing my coffee to go this morning. Taggart and I are off to the Farmer's Market in Fond du Lac today. I'm going to get another bushel of tomatoes to do another 15 quarts of this gorgeous-ness. It's going to be a busy Saturday!

 

Wishing you a wonderful weekend!

 

Tuesdays With Tag - Goin' Swimmin'...

Brynwood Needleworks - Bella and Tag

Hi, Everybody!

Bella and I are tag-team (no pun intended) bloggin' today. Our little lady is now a swimmer, and we want to tell you all about it. I know I'm lookin' frowzy, but I was still wet from our outin'. You're gonna love this.

***Mom has videos, but due to technical difficulties, she couldn't get them uploaded to edit them for you. She'll keep workin' on the issue and try to add the videos later.

Brynwood Needleworks - Fetchin' Bella

Dad and Mom found a place for us to swim over the weekend. We went to Wolf Lake, just north of the farmhouse. Unfortunately, we dogs aren't allowed on the beach. I know. Crazy, right? It's not like we were gonna vandalize the sand and water.

We went around the lake to the boat landin' to check it out. Turns out it was gonna work just fine, so Dad said we should let Bella get wet first. She was so excited, she almost wet her fur! Dad tossed her dummy, and next thing, there was a big splash and Bella was on her way. 

This was like a warm-up, compared to the hundred yard retrieves she's used to, but she didn't complain. She'll do anythin' to fetch.

Brynwood Needleworks - Bella, Divin' Off The Pier

Dad also threw a dummy off the end of the dock, so Bella could catch a little "big air", and bring the retrieve back to Dad. It was awesome!

Brynwood Needleworks - Carly's Playin' In The Water

The main reason we went to the lake was to get The Kid wet, so she was next out of the truck. She wasn't sure what to think, but she had fun puddlin' around in the shallows. Mom threw a few dummies for Bella so Carly could watch. She was very interested and enthused!

Brynwood Needleworks - Let Me At It, Dad!

Dad started with a few short retrieves (within five feet or so) and by the third toss, she was pullin' at the long lead to get to the dummy. She's on a long check cord. It works like a long arm, to help Carly should she get in distress, or to make sure she comes back after she picks up the dummy.

Brynwood Needleworks - Captain, We Have A Swimmin' Puppy

She would have done this about fifty more times, and I have to admit, she's a quick study, and settled into an easy dog paddle in no time at all.

I got to swim, too, but Mom was throwin' my dummies, so she couldn't photograph at the same time. You'll just have to settle for the picture of me with Boo at the start of this post. I'm still comfortably damp in that one.

Dad and Mom have decided this is a very great place to get all of us in to get wet, and a perfect place for Carly puppy to get in more swimmin' time. We'll definitely be back there again this week!

 

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

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

Traffic Jam - Wisconsin Style...

Brynwood Needleworks - Geese On Parade

 

While Handsome, the pups, and I were running errands in Plymouth yesterday, traffic came to a complete stop for this. Families of geese - young and older - were crossing the road from a nice open field to a perfect little pond. 

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Heading To The Pond

 

 

I love how all the traffic stopped and waited patiently for them to make their leisurely crossing. They were in absolutely no hurry...geese or people. It was quite sweet. 

This is how we roll in rural Wisconsin, and it's just one more thing I love about where we live. I hope my pictures (taken through our windshield) bring as much of a smile to your face as it did mine.

 

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."

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."