Safe Arrival...

Brynwood Needleworks - Brother-in-Law and Titus

I arrived safely in Minnesota early yesterday afternoon. It's the first time I've seen my sister's home and it's lovely, inviting, and comfortable. She and her husband are great hosts, and we're having such a nice visit that I only took one photograph yesterday.

I wanted to catch an image of my brother-in-law with Titus. Titus was my dad's dog. While my sister took care of Dad, he asked her to take Titus once he was gone. They all spent months together, and it was natural that Titus would go with her. He adores her, and as you can see, he's found his place in their family. It was heartwarming to see him again.

We have some things planned for today, and I'm looking forward to spending the time with my sister. I'll try to take a few more pictures tomorrow for you. 

A Pretty Blossom...

Biker Blossom and Bob

I taught my class at Crazy Quilters yesterday, but we had to take a

 break when Pam announced that "Blossom" was out in the parking lot.

I had no idea what she meant, but as soon as I glanced out the window,

 I ran and grabbed my trusty camera phone. Now you can meet her, too.

Don't you just love the doggles (doggy goggles)?

You can see how much she likes this whole program

You can tell by the expression on Blossom's face that she adores her

master - and riding on the back of his motorcycle. She's very secure

 in the bag on the back. The bag's safely attached to the bike, and her

harness is attached through to an anchor spot to keep her from jumping 

or falling out. They can ride like the wind and she will be just fine.

This whole setup is quite the "chick magnet", too! The ladies,

including me, were attracted to this little dog, and Bob was more

than happy to talk about his bike and his sweet, little Blossom.

Well, I only have two things to say...

1) It's a really good thing Tag wasn't there yesterday because he 

would love to ride on a bike and would still be whining at me;

and

2) It's a really good thing Tag wasn't there yesterday because he

would surely have run away from home to join this biker gang!

  Class was a huge success, and seeing this dynamic duo in  the parking lot was certainly the buttercream icing on the cake.

Butterfly Wings...

 I thought I'd share a vintage trinket with you today. It's something I've had for a long

time. I know that it's probably somewhere around fifty years old because I've seen

it for as long as I can remember. This pendant is reversible and I love both images.

 One side looks like a moonlit beach scene and the other is a pine tree at night.

I like that it reminds me of where I grew up, as well as where we live now.

The most unique thing about this pendant is that the beautiful color sandwiched

between the trees is part of a butterfly wing. I've always been fascinated by its

iridescent and slightly ethereal quality. It was years before I knew what it was.

 I  usually only take it out occasionally to admire how pretty it is, but I so wish 

that I could wear this on a chain. Sadly, the bale on the top of the pendant is so

 fragile that I fear it would break and I'd lose it. Perhaps I'll try to shine up the metal

 and use it as an embellishment in the studio. For now, I'm going to leave it pinned

 like this to one of my favorite little silver pincushions. It know will be safe there.

If you're interested in looking at more contemporary butterfly wing jewelry,

you can click on this link. Each piece is more pretty than the last. Just so you

know, most of the artists that make these pieces, use wings from butterflies that

have expired naturally. No butterflies are harmed to produce these stunning pieces.
I like that.

Introducing "Jack"...

My newest little "bit of Britain". This compact Union Jack dog is actually supposed

to be a doorstop. I think he's adorable and he's going to fit right in around here.

 For now, I'm going to keep him on my side table, right next to my favorite photo of

Handsome, Taggart and me from Christmas. We take a new family picture each

year and I do believe that this one will be hard to beat. Sorry. I got sidetracked.

Anyway, I've named my sweet little British flag doggie "Jack", and in a week or 

so, I'll probably move him into the studio. He'll be a good dog, but one thing is 

for sure. He won't ever be employed as a doorstop. I have other plans for him.

It's July 1st already. No looking back. Time to focus on this months' goals.

Tuesdays With Tag - A New Neighbor Doggie...

 Hi, Everybody!

We have a new doggie in the neighborhood!

I've seen her from a distance a couple of times when Mom 

and I were drivin' out on errands, but today I got to meet her!

 When she saw me comin' she trotted right over to say "howdy"!

 This doggie is kinda big...even bigger than Kessie was.

She was real curios to check me out, too. First we sniffed noses.

Then, I tried a little two-step, and she played right along! She's a 

pretty-colored doggie, but I noticed her feet were different from mine.

 I noticed her bark is kinda funny, too.

It was a lotta "mooo", and not a lotta "woof".

"Tag, you misunderstood Mom."

"What do ya mean, I misunderstood you."

"I told you, "dogie", honey, not "doggie". 

It's a slang term for a little cow."

"Yer kiddin', right? She's not a dog?"

Sorry, folks. 

This is embarrassin'. She's a great neighbor anyway.

I guess this little doggie, and my new "dogie" friend

will just...wait for it................get along for this week.

(groooaaaaannnn. Sorry. We just couldn't resist!)

Gotta run. 'til next week...

"More Waggin' and Less Barkin'!"

I'll Still Celebrate...

 

Today would have been Kessie's fifteenth birthday.

She's been gone since August of 2011, but I still find myself looking for her when I walk into a room. Kes shared my life from the time she was eight weeks old until the instant she passed. We shared nearly fourteen years together. Of course, I still think about her (and all the dogs who've gone before).

In honor of her birthday, I'd like to share one of Handsome's favorite posts that I wrote two months before she died. I'm not sharing it to make you (or me) sad. I'm sharing it because if you have ever opened your heart to a pet, you'll understand. And if you haven't, perhaps this will give you a glimpse into what life with an old companion can be like. 

We Could Learn A Thing Or Two...

There is just something so wonderfully sweet about an old dog. Kes will be fourteen in November. She's already lived a long life for a Labrador retriever who spent her younger years working.

Kes can't hear as well as she used to, or perhaps she has just decided that it's not as important to come when I call her now. She might have another agenda that she doesn't care to share, but that's really alright with me. Perhaps I'll learn something new by following her for a change.
She's always watching, even with eyes that don't see as well as they used to. I might drop something that she'd care to eat, or maybe she'll see me grab her lead, which means I'll offer to take her for a ride in my car, or we'll head out for "walkies". Her legs are stiff and arthritic, but that doesn't stop her from wanting to take a little stroll. There are still so many things in this vast world that she wants to smell.
Kes still rolls her toys across the floor and chases them. She's not as steady on her legs as she used to be, but that never stops her from wanting to play. When I return from a night out with the girls or a trip to the grocery store, she pops up from her "waiting place" in the hall and runs to me with her tail wagging. "Where have you been?", she'll ask. "I've missed you." She's always rewarded with a "Hi, Kessie Bear. I've missed you, too." and a pat on the head.

Dogs are blessed with a "live in the moment" mentality. They don't feel sorry for themselves over something that happened yesterday, or lament aches and pains. They don't hold grudges. They don't mourn losses. They love unconditionally - always.

Having an old dog isn't easy. It's getting up in the middle of the night when she needs attention. It's lifting her when she falls. It's crying when she doesn't feel well, and it's fear about tomorrow. It's the price we pay for all the gifts they give us during their lives. It's why we keep doing it. You know, getting young dogs that (hopefully) turn into old dogs. Who share their sweet lives with us and make us richer for having loved them.

 Happy Birthday, Kessie Bear.

Tuesdays With Tag - House Manners...

You might think it's Wednesday, but that can't be right. There's just no way I would have forgotten to post a Tuesday With Tag this week. So, Happy Tuesday! It's time for another post about my corgi!

When we went to see Tag on our last visit, I photographed his new house manners. I can't let this week pass without sharing them with you.

After his stellar field workout, we headed back to Mike and Joann's for dinner. Mike told me that his exhibition wouldn't be complete until he showed us how Tag behaves in the indoor environment. Mike invited all of us into the house and when I turned around to check on Tag I didn't see him. We were all in the house, but he was still sitting on the sidewalk outside! Mike said, "OK, Tag", whereupon the little guy stood up and strode into the house.

Mike placed him (had him sit on command) and then said, "Now we're going to simulate someone coming to your front door and how Tag should behave in that situation." He asked Joann to go outside and ring the doorbell like she was a guest coming to visit. Tag didn't budge as Joann went out and closed the door behind her. She waited a second and then rang the doorbell.

Tag looked a little curious, but didn't move. Mike went to the door and made believe he was greeting a long-lost friend. Loud and excited greetings were exchanged while the corgi watched.

Then Joann acted like a typical guest and made a big fuss over little dog. "Oh, look! He's so cute!" He walked up to her to say "hi", and then...

went into a down position so that she could greet him. We all laughed out loud to see his good manners.

There was more. We went into the living room where Joann had placed a small plate containing a piece of torn up lunch meat and a little cheese. She and Mike sat down across from each other with Tag sitting between them. They passed the plate from one to the other, holding it low and directly in front of Tag. He just looked. Then Mike dropped a piece of ham. It sat on the floor until Joann picked it up...no lunging dog. The demonstration ended with Mike placing the plate on the floor as we went outside onto the lanai. Still, Tag stayed away from the food. (Good boy!)

When he was finished, we all applauded his great work and I couldn't cuddle him enough. Eventually, Mike took him back to the kennel and gave him his dinner. Taggart had a great day, and we were all well-pleased.

Tag will be home on Saturday afternoon. Joann said he'll have a bath and get dried before they head over. That means that he'll be blowing coat all over the place by the time he gets back, and I won't care a single bit. To say I'm excited about his return is the understatement of the year. I've put up a brave front in his absence, but I've been missing my boy and can guarantee he won't be going anywhere without me for a long, long time. Three mores sleeps 'til the lad is back home!

Diggin' The Mini Quilts...

After a day of mini-quilting Monday, I was in the mood to tackle the creative part of my latest swap project. This swap involves the participant's choice of 1) 1 yard of fabric or 2) a 1/2 yard of fabric and something sewn by the giver. (I guess there are other combinations available, but after I saw Option 2, I stopped reading.)

I'm lucky, in that I was recently asked to be a swap angel for the last swap, which was for pincushions. (Read about that swap here.) The organizer for that swap was "starknits". She contacted me and asked me to make a gift for a gal who hadn't received her overseas package. The recipients name was "amylynnknits" and she lives in Athens, GA.

After she received the pincushion and other goodies I shipped out, she posted a note that she loved what I made for her and that she especially liked mt fabric choices. I have a reason for telling you this. Our swap partners are secret until after the swap packages have been received.

You can imagine my surprise when the organizer of the new swap, "celia", matched me up (again) with "amylynnknits"! I was tickled and decided today was the day to make the "creative" part of her swap gift. More Laurel Burch fabric for this swap! And I decided to make another mini quilt, but this time I would put it into a shadow box frame with other goodies. A mini quilt collage.

I have a number of hand made "beads" that I like to use in my collage work. They're simple and fun to make - and they're a perfect project when sitting in front of the television. You really don't need a lot of supplies to make them and the results (I think) are quite fun. Leave a comment if you'd like to learn more about how they're made. I'd be happy to put up a free tutorial if there's any interest!

After I finished assembling my newest mini quilt, I did the machine quilting with Hemingworth metallic thread in a beautiful aqua blue.
I completed the quilt by hand sewing the binding. I'm really happy with the results...especially knowing ahead of time that my swap partner will love the fabric!

I opened the back of the frame I'd chosen and removed the velvet-faced board. I used two pieces of velcro to secure the quilt to the velvet, and did the same with the beads. Then I glued three abalone cabachons below the beads. I replaced the backing into the frame and voila! a completed collage!

I'd love to know what you think of it! I'm planning to make more, and may just have one as part of my 100th Post Giveaway Drawing (which isn't too far off)! Your feedback will be greatly appreciated. Do you think I should include a Mini Quilt Collage in my drawing? I hope so...I'm really diggin' making the Mini Quilts!

Kes Is Home Again...

Kes came home with me this afternoon. I took an embroidery class at my favorite quilting and fabric shop in Sarasota today, and before the class was over my cell phone was ringing. It was the clinic.

Chris The Anesthesiologist told me that Kes was "anxious" to come home. I laughed out loud because I could hear her howling in the background. I asked, "She's finally worn out her welcome, hasn't she?" He just repeated, "She's really anxious to go home with you." I laughed again and assured him I was already in my vehicle and would be there soon.

I walked in the front door of the clinic and could hear her all the way to the reception area. I didn't have to wait long at all. Chris quickly explained all the post-op stuff and then brought her to me. I spoke with Dr. Kirsh for a few minutes while Kes quietly waited (eyeing the door), I said we'd be back for our follow up appointments as scheduled, and then we left. I didn't hear a peep out of her all the way home, brought her into the house and fed her, and this is all Handsome and I have seen since.

Dog feet, and now two shaved forelegs - one from the biopsy and one from the surgery. Sheesh! I thought they would have used the same leg!

And now, my mostly sleeping dog. I think she's down for the night.

An exciting couple of days for my little girl, but now she's back home and she knows we'll take care of her.

Tomorrow is another day, but tonight we'll concentrate on healing.

She's Resting Comfortably Now...

Kes and I went for a walk this morning to chat and get her psyched for her trip to the surgeon today. Well, actually she was getting me psyched for her trip to the surgeon today. Dogs are like that, you know.

Watching her trot along in the grass, sniffing each yard and looking for her familiar neighborhood buddies made me realize how healthy she really is - except for this nasty cluster of tumors - so I should stop fretting and trust that she'll be just fine.

Dr. Kirsh called about thirty minutes ago to say that everything went just as expected, with the exception that the tumors really weren't as big as his exam led him to believe (that's good), and that Kes was already awake and doing well (that's great!). She'll be able to come home tomorrow.

It's going to be a quiet night here without a doglet in the house, but I'm very grateful that the miracles of modern veterinary medicine have once again taken care of one of our beloved pets. I'm going to go and make a cup of tea now, sigh a sigh of relief...and thank God that my little girl will be alright.

Update:
7 pm Wednesday Evening: I just spoke with the vet at the Emergency Clinic where Kes will spend the night. She's alert and whines a bit when she changes position, which I'm told is from surgical discomfort. Otherwise, she's doing great. She's been outside and took that well. They have her scheduled for a little bland dinner in a couple of hours and, in case you didn't know, Labradors never turn down a meal! I'm sure she's going to like that.

The vet promised that they would contact me if Kes' condition changes, but they don't expect any problems. I said that they could feel free to call me to go back to Sarasota if Kes told anyone on staff that she needs her "mom" to hold her paw. At least I know that I can sleep tonight, assured that she's safe and being monitored by the caring and watchful eyes of the staff at the clinic.

It's All About the Labrador...

Today I'm going to introduce you to the Lady of the Manor, my yellow Labrador retriever, Kes.

Kes is the last of a line of Labs from our own bloodline...and in spite of her "ear thingies", she is a purebred. Her grandma was my female, Bryn, and my Uncle Larry owned her mother from one of Bryn's litters. We owned Kes' daddy, Morgan, who was a handsome boy and a great hunting dog. Since his death two years ago, Kes has been an "only Lab", which is the first time we've had only one dog in over 28 years!

The reason I'm writing about Kessie today is because tomorrow she has to have a major surgery. You'd never be able to tell from the way she looks or acts around here, but observant owners that we are, we noticed little blood spots on the tile from time to time. Upon further inspection, we found that she had bloody stools, so off to the clinic she went. Our vet, Stephanie Lantry in Sarasota, found that she has a mass of growths inside her, well...rectum, attached to a significant portion of the rectal wall, and her regular body functions irritate the growths causing her to bleed.

Dr. Lantry ordered up a biopsy, and tests confirmed that they are benign (sigh of relief), however we needed to explore removal for her continued health. We met with a veterinary surgeon, Dr. Kirsh (also in Sarasota) and Kes is scheduled for surgery tomorrow morning.

She'll be at the clinic at least overnight to monitor her recovery and manage any discomfort, and we expect a full recovery...But today, is her day. She's Queen for a Day and will get lots of smooches, hugs and attention. (And, of course, no food after 6 pm and an early morning walk tomorrow to "clean out her system".)

I just thought I'd share a few photos of my little dog doing what she does best...sitting in the sun by the pool; visiting her "pet" gopher tortoise - who actually comes to see her every few weeks; and sleeping with her favorite toys after a little afternoon swim. She's nearly twelve years old, but still acts like a "puppersnapper".

Tomorrow will be a long day for Handsome and me, as we await news from Dr. Kirsh following her procedure. But we know she'll be ok in his capable hands, and look forward to the surgery and recovery being behind us. (No pun intended.)

Just yesterday, Kes and I were chatting and she said she wants a baby brother. I told her we'll have to discuss that with Handsome and see what he thinks. For now, I think we have enough on our hands. We can think about puppies after Kessie is back to her healthy self.