Saved By Common Sense...

There are times when an impulse strikes, and it's just better to lie down until the urge passes. Yesterday was one such day. We took a little road trip up the Fox River Valley to the Green Bay area. (Yes. The home of the Green Bay Packers.) Actually, we went to a town called Suamico (pronounced Swaaa' mick oh).

Handsome had seen a Harley for sale that really caught our eye. We're still regretting selling our Harleys while still in Florida. What were we thinking? We talked about it and decided to take a drive to see if it would fit. Remember, Handsome is 6'6" tall. His height is primarily in his legs, so not every Harley is suitable for him. We needed to try on this setup.

An hour and a half after leaving home, we were scoping out a gorgeous machine. All the bells and whistles, and so very well-cared for. He got on the bike and...it didn't really hit the marks. It might work, but we'd need to make considerable modifications. I sat on it. Perfect fit. I'm shorter by enough that it actually fit like a glove. (You'd be proud of me. I didn't whine.)

We decided that we'd come back home to find out whether or not we could gain the needed leg room by changing out the seat and a few other things.

On the way home we decided that this probably wasn't the bike for us. First, it's no fun riding alone. (I don't ride on a rear seat. I prefer my own wheels.) So, we're going to spend more time looking for two bikes instead of one. For now, it's best to just back away, take a deep breath, and wait.

Of course, the owner had to light up the motor before we left. (That's when I started whining.) I was very proud of myself for not sitting on the bike at that very moment and just riding off into the sunset, singing  Steppenwolf's "Born To Be Wild" at the top of my lungs. Don't laugh. I'm kind of serious here.

In the end, it was a beautiful day for a road trip with my husband and the dogs...even if I didn't get a darn thing accomplished here at home. There's always today, right?

A Story Tag Won't Tell...

I did stitch yesterday, and my light stand arrived, too, so I'll be using it for videos very soon. But the weather was also nice enough to spend some time outside. I emptied and cleaned the birdhouses, I filled the bird feeders, and prepared to put out the oriole and hummingbird feeders. I've heard the hummers are back in our area!

When I took a break, Tag joined me on the porch. We sat together on the chaise while I drank a cuppa tea. He'll never admit to this story, so I have to share it with you - with evidence!

Claudette meowed her way onto the porch, and then popped onto the chaise into an afghan where she's been sleeping when the weather is nice enough. Tag wasn't thrilled, but he didn't get down either.

I cuddled on my boy and watched how Claudette would behave with him so close to her. She didn't whack him on the ears or bother him, but I watched as she slowly wormed her way closer and closer to him.

Finally she was close enough to touch him, which she did. She was almost petting him! Once she was this close, she kind of cuddled him, too, and once that started, Tag decided he'd had enough. He jumped off the chaise and stood looking at the two of us.

I'd say that was a nice episode for All Creatures Great and Small, for sure! I think it was just so sweet. Crystal won't probably ever do this, but who knows? I never would have guessed Claudette would have either.

I haven't seen Leo for weeks, but he showed up today. He's scheduled for his "appointment" on Monday, so today I'm going to put out the live trap with the door strapped open. I'll put food in it for him, and Sunday evening, I'll actually set it to catch him. Cross your fingers this works. If I don't have him by Sunday night, I'll have to cancel his trip. I really want to get him to the vet to make sure he's not sick, and if he's healthy, have him tick-treated, neutered, and given his rabies shot. I don't want my girls (or dogs) catching anything from him, so I really need this to work.

I'll be stitching again today. The weather is supposed to be in the 70s by next week, so I want to finish my piece so I can spend a little more time in the garden. Happy Friday (already)!

Sparkle Plenty...

 

I wanted to sit in the dining room to stitch yesterday to take full advantage of the natural light pouring into the farnhouse. Because of a curvature on the edge of our dining room table, I chose to set up my Lowrey floor stand instead of using my oak table stand.

First I set up my magnifier lamp, then my floor stand. All my supplies on a tv table next to me; Claudette purring at me as she slumbered on the chaise on the porch side of the window; and Tag sleeping at my feet. It was a perfect day to stitch, and I accomplished quite a lot. 

I only have one more blossom to do. Then I'll stitch the calyx on the three buds (the part at the base of each bud), the stems, and I'll keep one of the leaves to do with you next week.

I hope we have another day today, just like the one we enjoyed yesterday. That would be nice, indeed.