Lazy Bones...

Man, these girls sure have landed in high cotton. They have a human who feeds them, cleans their litter box, and makes sure all their needs are met. 

This is a frequent view around here. Claudette on her throne, and Crystal not far away. They look so comfy, I often wish there was room there for me. (Not really, but you get the idea.)

Work went particularly well yesterday. We were really busy, and by the time I got back home, I just wanted to relax the rest of the evening. I took a cue from the little girls.

Today's another day. I harvested some rhubarb before dark last night because we were warned about freezing temps overnight. I'm going to make a dish of rhubarb crisp and a batch of rhubarb scones. 

I'm going to wire the lower wings for my Monarch, too. I'll be back tomorrow to share what I get accomplished!

Settled...

Just like these two ladies - my former barn cats - we've made some decisions and are completely settled in with them. Let me get you up to date.

Thursday was an eye-opening day for me. It began with EKG results that I now know were interpreted by the machine and not a cardiologist. Even so, it opened my eyes to my own vulnerability. 

Then, I had an appointment immediately following the EKG with the physician's assistant for the surgeon who would be performing my meniscus repair. There, I was introduced to the piece of hardware that would lock my leg into position for approximately six to eight weeks. Not only would my leg be immobilized, but I would be required to keep my weight off it for that period of time.

The last appointment was with the physical therapist, who took baseline measurements of my current physical status relating to my legs...one in need of more immediate repair, and the other, bone-on-bone. After she measured my current range of motion, etc., she handed me a pair of crutches (the preferred method of post-op motivation) and had me walk as far as I could, keeping that one leg elevated to mimic the post-op requirement. I managed to crutch twenty five feet, at which point my non-surgical leg said, "Nope. This is not a good idea for six or eight weeks." I didn't say that to the therapist, but at that point, I remembered the first office visit with the orthopedist when he told me that "I could be putting my non-injured leg at risk as I recuperated from surgery on the other one". We also discussed wheelchairs (not really an option for the house, as the floorplan and doorways are not "wheelchair friendly"), and walkers. All options, save for the wheelchair, would require me to keep my weight off the surgical leg and put all my faith in the other.

Handsome and I had a long discussion before bed that night, and he told me to seriously reconsider this surgery and contemplate a knee replacement instead, one benefit being that I'd be able to immediately put it down and walk on it. I went to bed and slept fitfully all night as I thought about it.

I woke up yesterday morning and decided the first thing I should do is have an appointment with a cardiologist to get a factual interpretation of the EKG, getting another test done, if necessary. Then, I talked again with Handsome and said there's every possibility that I could go through months of post-op rehab for the repair, and still need a replacement after that, AND do more harm than good to my other leg, which I know will require a replacement. 

The upshot of all this is to say I called all the entities involved in the upcoming surgery and rehabilitation and canceled everything. I'm going to get an appointment with my primary care provider and get the required referral to the cardiologist my husband goes to. Once I have clearances, explanations, or diagnosis, my next appointments will be with an orthopedist who does replacements. (My current ortho is the only one in the clinic who only does repairs. All the others also do replacements.) 

So, for now, I'm back to square one, but like those two comfy, lazy, content girls in the pictures above, I'm going to sleep like a baby, knowing I've made the best choice for my health, and truthfully, Handsome's, too. I'm going to relax this weekend, as opposed to us moving our house around to accommodate that surgery and my recovery. Then, on Monday, I'll make calls to move forward.

I'm off the work schedule for the next two weeks, which leaves me plenty of options for dates for appointments. I'll know more by the time the next schedule comes out, so I may or may not be on that calendar, either. This should leave me plenty of time to work on bluebirds and puffins, too! Yay to that!

Safe and Sound...

Crystal

I suspect when Crystal made her way back home from the big city (at least 13 miles to the farmhouse) three years ago November 2nd, she encountered many strange and scary things. City and highway traffic could have led to her demise at any point along the trip. Then there was farm machinery, as it was harvest time. But what had to be a surprise for her once she got out into the country were the other animals.

How do I know? Well, when we start a vehicle around here when she's outside, she avoids it, but isn't freaking out or running frantically. I most often find her on the porch, soaking up the sun in one of her favorite chairs. Claudette (her mama), gets closer than I'm comfortable with, so I'll usually get out of the vehicle and shoo her back to the house.

Crystal is the little wild child. While Claudette is ready to come in the house around dusk and remain for the rest of the night, her daughter is a night owl. She won't come in until well after ten o'clock at night. If she stops by for her five o'clock dinner, she wants to go back out - even if it's to hang out on the porch - until right before we go to bed. Then, she can be found on my bed, ready to snuggle until we're both asleep. 

Crystal

That's our usual routine...unless the coyotes start howling like they did last night. I let both the "little girls" stay out while I worked my three hour evening shift at the store. I came home with dinner, so although I checked the porch right before dark (finding no cats), they stayed out while we ate.

Handsome and I like to watch/play Jeopardy after dinner, so we were watching the show, when I heard the coyotes start howling, and they. were. close! Now that the north field is cut, they are free to run without negotiating the cornstalks. Everything is visible to them, so they're on the hunt from treeline to treeline.

I'm never sure how far the little girls range, but Claudette usually pops out of the rockwall in our front yard when I call for her. Sometimes Crystal hangs out in the compass barn in search of mice. But I know that once they hear those 'yotes, they're anxious to come in. Last night was no exception.

Once the coyotes lit up, I immediately got up and went to the front door. All I had to do was turn on the porch light and open the door. Two cats came bolting for the door with all their fur fluffed up...Crystal leading the way. Neither of them wanted anything to do with the nighttime interlopers.

Crystal ran right up the stairs and jumped on my bed, while Claudette preferred to hop on the sofa to be close to Bella. She licked Bella's ear and settled in nearby. They both went for their comfort zones. Safe and sound inside.

Claudette wasn't feeling photogenic after that, but Crystal was more than happy to pose for pictures. They both settled in for the night. After I have my morning coffee and feed them, they'll be ready to venture out again for a while. Until it happens again.

We suspect Miss Carly is about to be in heat, so that may be sooner and closer than any of us likes. Evening air out sessions will be with dogs on leads, a flashlight and at least a whistle to deter any critter that might decide to investigate. I like to coexist with nature whenever possible, but there are limits, so we'll do our non-lethal best to keep dogs, cats and wildlife in their own lane. I'll keep you updated on how that goes.

She's Entirely Too Comfortable...

I don't even know what to say about this girl. Claudette loves being in the house, and her favorite spot is on the back of the sectional. From this perch, she can watch all the activity out our north window, and the cushions seem to fit her just perfectly. Our sectional is always covered with quilts to protect against dog hair, but now, it seems we're also guarding against comfy cat hair, too.

I walked into the living room on a recent sunny day, and this is the scene I encountered. How is she even comfortable like this?

She didn't budge while I stood right over her taking pictures to prove this cat is thoroughly happy letting it all hang out. Even being sniffed at by Carly didn't seem to phase her even one little bit. Oh, Claudette! 

I think I'll just leave you today with these visions of a completely contented and amusing "barn" cat.

Tuesdays With Tag - Not Again...

Our view on Friday mornin' 03/12/24

Hi, Everybody! 

This is what we woke up to on Saturday mornin' last weekend. I was not impressed. It's hard enough bein' a little guy around here without havin' to deal with feet of the white wet stuff in our yard. It gives "dashin' through the snow" a whole new meanin', if you get my drift. (Pun intended)

I heard the plow truck long before anyone could see him. That's not fog in this picture. It's all the snow, comin' down so heavy in the wind that we had almost no visibility. Talk about ridiculous! This kept on and off for most of the weekend!

Of course, two fat cats managed to wiggle their way into the house. I don't mind because any time I was outside, I can tell you it was so cold my paws almost stuck to the pavement! The couple times we saw Claudette out of the barn, she kept holdin' her paws up. Crystal wouldn't leave the barn until Mom went out there to tell them they could come in the house. Then, she sprinted her big booty up to the house and fairly bounced in the front door!

I'm so tickled (not really) with our current weather situation that I decided to write a poem about it. Enjoy!

Deep Snow

by Brynwood's Taggart

 

I went to bed when it got dark. The grass was cold but green. 

When daybreak came I went outside to quite a difference scene.

 

 Instead of sun and room to run, the snow was fallin' down,

When I saw how deep it already was, all I could do was frown.

I had to go out in the yard to tend to my affairs, but 

there was so much snow on them, I got stuck on the stairs.

Mom came down and picked me up, she carried me to the door

and once I shook off all that snow, white sparkled on the floor.

It looks like Winter's in full force, but I just want to say

from this ol' Corgi with four short legs, it can buzz off any day.

The End.

I'll see you again in seven. 'til then... "Always make time for dog snuggles."(Especially when it's cold!)

Last Sunday...

Last Sunday, we went to our elder son's home and found our younger son's family was also there. They all gathered to celebrate Handsome's Birthday, and for the last of our family Christmas gift exchange. Illness kept all of us from getting together for the actual holiday, but this was a perfect rain check.

As we drove into their driveway, we were greeted by the neighborhood wild turkeys. Our son and his family live right across from a marsh and wildlife area, so they have lots of visitors. We've been there in the past when a dozen turkeys just march through their yard. Quite a sight to behold when you consider they're within mere feet of the house. 

 

This trip, not only were we greeted by turkeys, but we were treated to a trio of deer that grazed their way through the backyard, too. In fact, they're quite tame for city deer. Our son's Golden retriever sat on their back deck as the deer sauntered past. We were told that the dog and deer are quite chummy. These deer weren't more than fifteen feet from the deck.

So, I have a little bit of news to share today, too. We have friends whose daughters we've known since they were teenagers. They're now grown with families of their own, and we are quite proud of the women they've become. The younger of the two ladies manages a gas station/restaurant/convenience store just three miles from our farmhouse. 

Handsome and I stopped for lunch one day about a month ago, and she was telling me how hard it is to find people who want to work, which started a whole discussion. At the end of our chat, I allowed as how I'd be happy to come up and help out for 10-20 hours a week, but that I didn't want weekend or late night hours. She handed me an application and we were off to the races.

I worked a week ago Friday answering the phones and taking orders for their delicious Friday night fish (fish fries are a big deal in Wisconsin, in case you haven't heard...second only to our supper club brandy old-fashioneds.) It was a fast-paced three hours of work, and I had fun.

Yesterday was my first day of actual training to use the register, as I took more food orders on the phone, and generally learned the ropes. I worked six hours on my feet, and because we had another snowfall the night before, I wore my boots. Next time I'll carry my Rockport™ shoes - meant for comfort - and change into them once I get there.

I sure don't intend to be there full-time - and I am still preparing for the show in February - but when Handsome goes to Florida for four months at a time, I can go weeks without leaving the farmhouse. The fact that he's staying home this year means that I don't have to fret about having the dogs crated the whole time I'm gone. They stay out with him, and I have a reason to get out at least once a week.

Anyway, it was fun to see new faces, earn a little mad money, and most of all, help a friend for a few hours a week. Plus, on the days I work, I place a food order before I leave and arrive home with a hot meal in hand. I don't have to put thought into what I'm going to make once I'm home. Bonus!

Today, we're running out so I can purchase a heated pad for the barn girls. If we're going to have a deep freeze, I'm going to do something extra for them to make sure they're toasty warm in the barn. They have an electric wax warmer (sans wax) in their insulated dresser up to now, along with a body heat-reflecting pad, but I'll lose sleep worrying if that would be sufficient in -13ºF weather. They'll be better off with the electric warming bed, so that's what I'm going to get for them. I'll have it all installed and ready for them later this morning. 

We're going early because we have another winter snowstorm warning (up to 6") today, and I've been told I probably won't have to go into work for three hours tonight either because of it. We'll be back home before it starts to really accumulate, and then hunker down until it passes. My cats have developed nice thick coats, so I'm sure this purchase is more for my peace of mind than their necessity, but I'm not taking any chances. Then I'll be sewing by this afternoon, as long as my girls are okay outside. 

I've read all your wonderful comments on yesterday's pantry update, but Blogger glitches on me from time to time, and I can't reply. I promise I'll leave comments during the day to answer all of them. Thanks so much for all your kind words. I'm glad you like what we're doing as much as we do. You're the best!!

I have to run now before the weather gets too crummy to be on the road. See you again tomorrow, and thanks again! 

Preparing For Winter...

 

Rain and colder temperatures were in the forecast for the rest of this week, so Handsome and I completed our outside tasks to prepare for winter. We gave the lawn its final (short) cut for the season, and put out our driveway markers before the ground freezes making that impossible. All the tools and buckets are put away in the compass barn until next spring, and now we're ready.

 

It all took a few hours, so we were both gassed by the time we were all done. Of course, we were feeling accomplished, but tired. So last night I made "breakfast for dinner" - homemade waffles covered in Dutch honey with a side of bacon. We talked about the events of the day and then settled in to watch a Potter movie. I was falling asleep about halfway through, so Handsome took the dogs out for the final "squirt" of the night and we turned off all the lights. We were in bed by ten o'clock. That's early for two night owls!

 

As you can see from my photograph, it's cloudy today, and it is colder. I'm going out now to run the dogs and take care of the barn girls before the rains come. I'm hoping that by then, I'll have a nice cuppa sitting next to my needlework stand and I'll be stitching on frogs again. I'll share my progress tomorrow. I hope you have a great day, dearies. 

 

By the way, in case you've never heard of Dutch honey, it's not really honey, but it is delicious on waffles, pancakes and even ice cream! Here's the recipe if you'd like to make your own...

 

Dutch Honey

 

1 cup of corn syrup

1 cup white sugar

1 cup heavy cream

1 tsp vanilla extract 

Put the first three ingredients into a large saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat, 

stirring constantly. Continue boiling for five minutes until it thickens, and then remove from 

heat. Add vanilla and stir completely. Now this lovely golden nectar is ready to pour warm 

over pancakes or waffles, and I store any leftovers in the refrigerator. I like to reheat it 

before I reuse it so there are no crystals. It'll keep a couple weeks in the fridge. Enjoy!

 

Tuesdays With Tag - In The Barn Again...

Hi, Everybody!

Well, I guess Mom let the cat out of the bag for today. She told you yesterday what I'd be talkin' about, and because I don't want to make her out to be a liar, here goes.

 

It really chaps my hide to see her do all this work for those stoopid cats, but it's obvious she loves 'em and wants 'em to be safe and warm all winter. I mean, she made that insulated cat house this summer for them, didn't she?

 

This is what you see when you first walk into the part of the barn that used to have pigs in it when Miss Shelly was a kid. Ha! I guess it's got pigs in it again now. hee hee 

On the left are Mom's two heavy wicker chairs. She took the cushions off them, but put them back together kind of like how they were last winter. She put a kitty bed, a kitty igloo, and a heat reflective pad on the seats in case they had a hankerin' to sleep there. She also put the board across the top so the canvas wouldn't fall in, but Crystal likes lyin' up there once in a while.

Crystal is sittin' on the chaise that's right in front of the basinette they've been sleepin' in most of the summer. That's were she was when Mom went out to take these pictures for my post.

 

Under the the end window Mom has a big bale of hay and on top of that are a couple cat beds and a blanket so the girls will be comfy on sunny winter days, just hangin' out and gettin' a little vitamin D. The styrofoam coolers were there last year in case the girls wanted to sleep in them. Claudette checked them out, but so far, no takers.

 

 

Another view of the wicker chairs and the basinette. Mom put the chaise there so that she'd have a comfy place to sit to cuddle the girls when she goes out to check on them at night.

 

 

You can see the cat house (dresser) is under the window where it will get the benefit of light (and maybe solar warmth) durin' the winter. She fed them on top of the dresser all summer, but when they came back into the barn, they hopped right onto the workbench where they were fed all last winter. Mom gave in and has their food and water dishes up there again. It will be easier to plug the water dish in so the water doesn't freeze. That's probably a better place for it anyway. 

The blue tarp on the right side of the picture hangs over the little door that opens into this area. Mom and Dad also hung up a big doubled canvas tarp to keep this room warmer when the wind starts to blow. Mom did a lot of insulatin' last winter, so she only had to add a couple more sheets of insulation to close up a few gaps this year. There are two areas she still wants to address, so she'll likely do that this week. It's already gettin' colder, so we're all glad this got done so Mom doesn't have to worry about her girls. 

Miss Shelly said she read it's supposed to be a "warmer than usual" winter this year with less precipitation. If that's the case, Mom won't need to get a warmin' lamp. If it looks like it's gonna be more "below zero" weather, she'll go the the farm store and get a brooder lamp, or that warmin' bed that our friend, Miss Jody told us about. For now, all the insulation, pads and blankets are gonna suit these fur balls just fine.

So, now you've seen it all. Try not to be too impressed. I mean, they're just cats after all. Exercise for Labradors. Annoyin', little creatures that always try to rub up against me. I might be more receptive to it, if Claudette hadn't tried to smack me every time I walked past her when she first lived here. I still don't trust her, even though she tries to be nice to me. Maybe someday I'll let her lie down next to me, but for now she can just keep movin' on.

Speakin' of movin' on... I think I hear breakfast bein' offered, and Lord knows I don't want to miss that! I gotta run.

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

"Be A Good Dog." 

October Craft Day...

 

Saturday we gathered for another craft day with girlfriends, old and new (this time). My girlfriend, Linda couldn't attend due to a back issue, and her sister-in-law Linda P. had another commitment for the same date. Kim was also absent, attending a child's soccer game. So this time, it was a group of five. L-r: Sarah (one of Marie's friends from church), me, Nancy (Adrienne's mother-in-law), Marie and Adrienne (our hostess). The theme for this month was to create a one-of-a-kind piece using a wooden turkey base purchased from Dollar Tree.

 

Marie was ahead of the game as she decorates and sells these at craft fairs in their area. She had a couple others that were already finished - all different, but really cute. This was one she finished ahead of time. She was still working on hers from the get-together, but it wasn't complete enough to share.

Adrienne chose embellishments that coordinated with the colors in her recent wedding. The "B" initial embroidery I just completed was their wedding gift. They opened it together, and Adrienne said it needed to hang in their family room, as that's where they spend the most time. Her turkey had actual fluffy, maroon feathers on it!

 

Nancy and I used the same napkin as the center of our design. I love her green painted turkey body, and all the colors went together so well. I love it!

I'm sharing a photo of my turkey, too. I decided to add flowers on the head of mine, rather than an eye like some of the others. I loved the shades of tan and gold in the leaves I used for the tail, and placed berries from the leaf picks to embellish the edges of my decoupaged napkin. The only thing I haven't added yet is an acorn to hang from the cord around its neck.

It really was a fun day, and I called Linda on my way home to make sure she was okay. She'll be seeing her doctor today to figure out exactly what's going on with her back. I could tell by her voice that she was hurting, so I really promoted the idea of her making an appointment first thing today. I'll catch up with her in the next day or so to check on her. 

I stopped at the local farm stand close to Adrienne's before coming home. The nice gentleman loaded fifty pounds of potatoes (only $16 for the whole bag!!!) into the back of my Explorer, and my youngest sister, Jan is going to come down during the week to help me can most of them. More food for the pantry shelves!

We got the girls moved into the barn yesterday, so they've got even more posh accommodations this year than last. I fed them there last night, so now they know meals won't be on the porch for a while. They had fun checking out all their sleeping spots, and checked the place for mice. Thankfully for the mice, they were unsuccessful in their hunt. Tag told me he'd like to share photos tomorrow of this year's setup, so I promised to help him pull that off. If you come back tomorrow, I'm sure Mr. Smarty Pants will fill you in as only he can. For now, I'm going to join Handsome for our morning coffee. 

Don't forget to keep entering the Gratitude Giveaway each day. It ends on October 31st, leaving you lots of time between now and then to get multiple entries in!

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." 

Tuesdays With Tag - Don't Call 'Em Barn Cats...

 Hi, Everybody!

It's rainin' today. Mom and Dad are happy because it's good for the garden (and Dad doesn't have to drag a hose over there to water plants). The furry residents? We're not so fond of it. Wet paws, wet coats, and we have to stay off the furniture.

Anyway, that's not what I want to talk about today. I want to talk about these two. Mom calls 'em "barn cats". Dad calls 'em "welfare clients". Bella and Carly call 'em "exercise for Labradors", and I call 'em "trouble". 

Actually, Claudette and I have an agreement. She quits rubbin' up against me, and I'll quit walkin' away from her. Crystal lets me walk pretty close to her without her hissin', so I guess that's an agreement, too.

So, every night, Crystal crawls into the cat house Mom made out of the dresser (yes. It's currently on the porch). Every mornin', Mom calls her and she comes out the little front door of it. When Mom checks on her and Claudette last thing at night, Mom opens the big door and Crystal is on the upper level in her bed - cozy and safe.

Claudette, on the other hand, still prefers to sleep in the covered basinette next to the dresser. Sometimes both girls are in there, but usually Claudette prefers to sleep alone. Mom gives each of them a little pettin' and then tells them to stay on the porch overnight where they're safe. It seems to work for 'em.

First thing in the mornin', Claudette waits patiently for breakfast, and they're usually fed before us dogs get to run around outside. Once Claudette has her mornin' snack, she likes to come out into the field with us, and she rubs against Mom's legs while Mom holds my long lead so I can run around. I'm sure we look pretty cute out there.

Of course, the last thing on the agenda for what I'm now callin' the "porch pussies" is to try to get in the house. If Dad's not gonna be home for a little while, Mom lets 'em in to hang out inside a bit. If he's home, they're tough out of luck. Mom will sit with them and have her mornin' coffee or tea, but they have to stay outside.

Pretty soon it's gonna get cold enough that they're gonna have to move to the barn. On nice days, they'll still be on the porch (or sometimes in the house), but once the snow falls, Mom will be drinkin' her mornin' cuppa in the barn with these two. 

I don't get it one bit, but for some reason she really likes them. Oh, well. Her heart's big enough for all of us. As long as I get regular snuggles and three square, I'm good.

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

"Be A Good Dog." 

Tuesdays With Tag - A Quick Check-In…

 

Hi, everybody!

I’m not hangin’ out long today. Everyone knows that we animals have heal in’ powers straight from above. So, all the Hickory Hill Farm critters are doin’ their best to help Mom heal. You know I’m flying’ lead as her best (and only) good boy. When she’s on the porch with the cats, I’m right there to make sure they aren’t bumping’ her stitches and stuff. 

When she’s downstairs in the farmhouse, I make sure Carly doesn’t get too ramdinkshus, either. Bella’s always her good-natured self around Mom - and did I tell you she doesn’t wanna off me anymore? Thank goodness for modern veterinary medicine.  whew What a relief for all of us!

I’m just gonna just share a little dog therapy humor today so I can get back to my nurse duties. We’re takin’ great good care of Mom. I’ve got this!

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

"Be A Good Dog." 

I Made A Cat Condo...

I'm feeling pretty chuffed about now. I had this dresser with really dodgy drawer runners. They were plastic and all broken, so whenever I tried to use a drawer, it wanted to drop out. This dresser was a Marketplace purchase (cheap), but the owners loaded it into my Explorer before I could even test the drawers. It's all on me, as I should have given it a thorough check prior to purchase. At any rate, it really stunk as a clothes dresser, but I had an idea, so it's been sitting in our garage waiting for me to get to it.

It's been getting cooler at night - and was pleasantly cooler yesterday - so I decided I needed to get to this now. I made a little list and ran over to Home Depot to get what I needed. When I got back home, I got out Handsome's power tools and the parts I purchased, and got to work. Handsome only helped hold some of the plywood while I cut it, but I did everything else. It still needs paint, but this is what I did. I made a cat house condo for my girls!

 

I removed all the lower drawers, reinforced the dividers between levels, and then insulated the entire piece with sheet styrofoam. There are no gaps in the insulation, and during the winter, the entire condo will be moved to the compass barn so they'll have the building to protect it, too. I even insulated the insides of the upper drawers, which I kept for their supplies. They'll be snug little bugs in this when the winds blow.

I measured all my components and attached a swinging door to the front so I can access the inside should I need to add more bedding or clean out the interior. I even insulated the front panels!

 

I was a little concerned about whether or not the girls would be interested in this, but Claudette was immediately curious. Then, I wasn't sure the opening I cut between the levels would be big enough, but I worried for naught.

Before bed last night, I went out to see whether or not the ladies had moved in. I wanted to add one of their current beds to the padded lower section, and when I opened the door, Claudette was already tucked in her bed in the upper level. Seems she had no issues entering the front door and heading "upstairs" for the night. Once I put the second bed in the lower level and closed the front door, Crystal went right inside and tucked herself in, too.

I went to bed smiling last night, knowing both my girls were safely sleeping in the beds in their new condo. Now I'm assured that as the days get cooler, they have a warm, safe place to be, and once the weather turns toward winter, we'll move them out to the Compass Barn for more protection. 

 

I'm also planning to add a small cut in the side wall of the dresser so I can add a fixture to hold an oven or refrigerator light for a little extra warmth when it's freezing outside. I'm not thinking of anything bright or strong. Just enough to take the chill out of their condo. 

The only thing I have left to do for now is apply a coat of paint to the front panels...and I'm thinking I'll paint a garden scene with faces of my girls peeking out of the grasses and flowers. Of course, they'll need their names above the door, too, along with a little "eyebrow" over the entry. Nothing is too good for my girls, and if I can't have them indoors (at least while Handsome is home), then I'll make sure they have the best in the meantime. What do you think?

Oops, I Did It Again…

I'm using this image because I really love it - even though there are no walruses, seals, puffins, penguins or polar bears around here. Apologies that I can't credit the artist. I'll come back and add a caption once I find that artist's name.

What we do have is a raccoon that's apparently hungry enough to show up on the porch during daylight hours to scarf up some of the girls' food. I had to chase him/her off three times last night, but it did manage to eat quite a bit before I made it go away. I'd love to have it well-fed, but I'm afraid that putting food in the habitat will draw the coyotes closer than they already get to the house, or that it will permanently move into the barn for the sustenance. I can't have either scenario, so I chase it off and take up the food for the rest of the day. I still make sure my girls are fed, but it will have to be done a bit differently than for me to put out food and leave it out for them.

I realized I never put up a Friday post. I'm so sorry there was nothing new to read if you came to visit. I planned to post first thing in the morning, but got sidetracked, and the day completely got away from me. ugh

So, here I am again. Nothing is wrong. Everyone here is fine. I just neglected to sit down and write. I'm purging clothes this week. Yes. More purging, and the frustration that goes with it. I'm still trying to fit 50 pounds of "stuff" in a 25 pound bag, so to speak. I really need to learn to let go. I have two bags of clothes to donate already, but it's not nearly enough, and so I persist. I'll get there. It's just taking waaaay too long.

I have done a bit more on my needlework strawberry, and love how it's coming together...slowly, but surely. I'll share more on Monday, after I add more flowers over the next couple days. I do hope you have a lovely weekend, though. We have rain in the forecast, and I sure hope we get some. I really don't want Andy and Shelly having to watch me do some crazy rain dance in the garden!