Brats

Good morning.  How is everyone on this final day of July?  To me, it signals the end of summer because August always flies by.   Hands are still sore from the sanding and painting, have not stitched.  I saw two small samplers that appealed to me enough to consider a purchase!  Something I have not done in many many months.  But will I want to stitch it or hoard it like the others?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SAW from Nan, Threadwork Primitives.

 

And this is on Ebay which I have wanted for some time, but I'm not willing to pay that much for something I may not even stitch.

 

Sharon Cohen Nostalgic Needle Tree of Life book cover, on Ebay here.

Finally finished painting the exterior of the windows which was only necessary because of that problem I have with color, the deck is ready for stain, Mark rototilled the area Jason created for planting, and the concrete guy won't return my calls to finish this area.  But the windows were a big thing and mixing my own paint for the grilles took a while.  They are actually very mauve but against the green glass, brown. 

 

We had a sprinkling of rain the other day and of course, the brats came running.  I was busy with the windows (which I tilted to inside making it really easy for painting) and not paying attention.  The bottom windows were done and the screens were installed upstairs. 

I kept them this way all day to dry between coats and enjoyed the fresh cool air.  As I grabbed a snack and took a break, I searched for Nitzy and thought it might be a good time to apply the eye ointment since he was trapped inside.  Where the hell is he?  Take a guess.  He went upstairs, jumped on the chair, walked over the tilted window and was sitting on its edge looking out the screen.  If his weight would have tilted it back he would have probably been pushed out the screen. 

 

This morning they were ready for squirrel adventures after breakfast.   Where is Monkey Mona (what I call Missy)?  I have two galvanized tubs in the shrubs held up by rocks, hoping to give refuge to little critters being chased.  Never thought they would squeak beneath!  But there she was, her new favorite spot.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My kidney function is still good!  Other reports were slightly off, nothing serious enough for me to start meds.  Doc may think so, but I do not believe every little thing that worsens as we age requires meds.  Sometimes side effects create more problems, many they don't even know about, and aging is aging!  Don't compare my bones to a 35 year old which is what the World Health Organization thinks is a good idea.  There is a correlation between calcium and heart disease believed by some, but not all.  So as with all supplements and drugs, no one can tell you it will not create another problem and every body reacts differently.  I will certainly take what would extend or save my life, but not what I consider unnecessary for borderline or minor discrepancies.

 

Hope your day goes well!

Thanks for visiting.

 

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For 3millplainrd

I could not get full frontal.  But the side is better than nothing.

 

 Oh if you could see those glasses on him.  The thick dark brows.  I told him I was posting his photo (he knows how gorgeous he is, everyone tells him all the time) and we joked about it.  As he was leaving, he took off his hat and flashed that smile knowing the camera was in the house.  When I told my sister that he was working at our house today she screamed "why didn't you tell me!".  She said she has never seen a more handsome and sexy man and would have loved to stop over for a visit.  There are plenty more around, but not that we've seen!!

 

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Wasted

hour upon hour working out a layout for a small area of the front.  My landscaper (who does not want to look into a camera and has cut off his long locks) is here and what I planned, he questioned.  So we went back and forth on layout of the barn stone, whether the stone should be two high, or whether a two high split rail on top of the stone would be best.  Angled?  Didn't work.  Ninety degree instead of forty five?  Didn't work.  I let him make the decision since whatever he does, I get to watch.  Make him happy.  So he chose a rounded outline to compensate for all the square edges in our house and yard.  Have no idea what will go in it, but as he works on it, I can see he was right.  Jason, my eyeful, said don't worry about whether you like the stone wall or not because in a few years you'll be ready for a nursing home anyway.  Yes, the good looking bastard has a great sense of humor.

Before

After

 
All those wonderful flat stones had to be removed because they started to break into layers, not safe, and requiring continual maintenance.  They are gone and will be replaced with stamped concrete.  Very sorry to see them go.

 

He brought the new worker with him, the only one he could get to do labor.  Very nice young man.

 

 

 

 

And every time I look at my guy, his helper is doing this.  EVERY time.  Finally he asked him who the hell he is communicating with constantly.  His answer - "oh I'm not using my phone because I'm not replying to anyone while working, just checking with the family group". 

 

He told me what it would cost to move the massive stones at the front door and recommended we just have him raise and level them.  Go ahead dear, whatever you want.

The boys are done with the vet and seem to be doing well.

Missy is a little brat and continues to be a total brat when inside the house.

Andersen came out Tuesday and replaced all the sashes so I started painting them (exterior) yesterday.  Yes I know they are maintenance free but they are extremely dark and I wanted them to match the house.  If that becomes an issue with a buyer in the future, too bad. 

My brother continues to have rock hard swelling from the cat bite all the way up his forearm.  Still can't move the fingers very well and much pain.  On Augmentin, finishing today, seeing a surgeon Tuesday about a cyst and will talk to him about it.  I read that if the tooth pierced the tendon sheath, surgery is usually required to remove the bacteria.  We just know that it is not getting better after 10 days of treatment.

I'm having a DEXA scan Monday to please my PITA doctor.  I told her I refuse to take the meds for osteoporosis treatments.  Originally we were told that you can never stop taking them.  Now they recommend after taking them for several years to stop, allow your body to do its thing, and be reevaluated.  Doc said she would treat me with diet.  There damn well better be calcium in Dove dark.  I'm drinking a ton of water in order to hopefully get a good number on the kidney function tests, also Monday.

Hope your week went well.  Mine sure was full.  And I can't believe summer is almost over!!!  AUGH!!!!!!!!

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Six week muffins part 2

Maureen, I can't reply with an answer to your question.  My sister has silicone cupcake pans but in the past has used liners or greased the tins.  Either way.

I read on someone's blog that the recipe makes around 5 dozen and an ice cream pail is a good container for them in the fridge.  Also, which surprised me, the calorie count was around 140 per muffin.  Really?  And yes, some recipes call for 6 cups of the cereal, others 9, but we've always used the entire 20 oz. box so that's the recipe I listed.  Because she uses more cereal (other amounts are the same), she gets over 6 dozen, fills them almost to the top of the pan, and bakes them at 400 for 20 minutes.  They are not heavy at all which we prefer.

Now I want one.  If I made them, they would be called two day muffins, not six week.

 

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Six week muffins

Hi folks.  My sister brought over a few muffins and we've always loved these.  Easy to make and you keep the batter in the fridge for weeks, make the muffins fresh as needed. 

Six Week Raisin Bran Muffins

1 (15 oz.) box Raisin Bran cereal 

Note - she uses the 18.7 oz. box (originally 20 oz.) 
1 c. oil
3 c. sugar
4 beaten eggs
1 qt. buttermilk NOT milk
5 c. flour
5 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon is optional
 

Mix cereal, sugar, flour, salt, and soda in large bowl. Add beaten eggs, oil and buttermilk, mixing well. Store in covered container (like Tupperware) in refrigerator until desired. (Will last up to 6 weeks in refrigerator; use as needed.) Fill muffin cups 2/3 full and bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes.

You can add nuts if you'd like, finely shredded carrots, dates, (chocolate chips aren't as good as you would think) but I don't know how much without affecting the texture.  We love them as is. Don't know how it stays fresh but the longer the batter sits in the fridge the better they are.  Maybe the buttermilk? 

 

There are many versions online that are smaller batch.  She likes to have the batter ready in the fridge when she knows the kids will be coming over several times.  Great when a group is spending a few days together and you want something fresh without the fuss.  Oh to have a cottage on the lake filled with family and fresh muffins every morning!

 

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the Nitzy files part 2

I should have known something was up.  I came in for dinner and they would not let me back outside.  So I decided to nap on the sofa for a while, but when I woke, I wasn't allowed to go into the garage!  My pad, man!  My favorite sleeping spot!  I wailed.  They didn't listen.  Instead they brought in my dad Budman to keep me company.  Some company.  All he does is sleep.  The lights went out, humans left, and I had no choice but to deposit hair on every piece of furniture I could find.

 

Morning.  Ah.  Let me out!!  I wailed, I screamed, I whined, nothing happened.   After an hour of the human with the hair putting me into the litter box (to no avail), I was picked up gently and then crammed into that plastic cave.  NOOOO!!  Not again!  Here we go, moving, trying to get my balance, and then back into the big metal box with doors.  Please don't do this to me!  My cries continued (I hear all cats do that in plastic caves) and she kept talking to me and telling me I won't be there long. 

 

We stopped.  We wait.  Then the hairy one's guy picks up the cave which I hate!  Do you know how scary it is to not be steady in this thing?   They opened the cave door and I was not falling for that again.  I'm staying inside!  The plastic was so hard my nails would not dig in as they tilted it for me to fall out.  Who's this?  Didn't my human hold me last time?  She grabs the back of my neck and lifts me off the table so my front legs can't touch and my back ones, barely.  What the hell is she doing?  I heard human mom say "I will hold him for you" but they said she was the tech and can handle me.  Tech you say?  Let me show you how I handle techs, whatever the hell they are.  While she's holding me in the air and the same man as before shoots me in the butt, I lift those back legs and flip her arm around making the man grab me too.  After a minute of petting, she does it again!  And he shoots me on the other side and it hurt.  I lifted my back legs off again to make her lose control.  I am only 10# but they said "very powerful".  Yes I am people.  While trying to calm me down and I'm back on all fours, I see the man getting a large pad from the cupboard.  Wait wait WAIT!  What are you doing with that?  She lifted me up all the way by my scruff and he wrapped me in this thing.  Somebody help me, I can't move my legs!  Oh God.  What is that?  He pulled my head back and shoved something down my throat!  I'm choking!  And shredding his nice mat while escaping their clutches.  I only made it to the big sink and fell in, nabbed me.  Wrapped me again for the second pill and I spit the first one out at him.  As I growled like a Tasmanian devil, I heard my human mom ask if he was sure I needed the second half pill.  He laughed and said he's reconsidering.  After several attempts, the 1 1/2 Drontal went down.  I got even though because his mat is shredded.  They put me back in that plastic cave as fast as they could and then sighed relief.   I don't know what Valium is but I will be getting 5 mg before my next visit, hopefully NEVER.  I heard the man say that if Missy is even worse, give the little lady 2.5 mg. before she comes.   I have a feeling it won't be like our Temptations catnip flavor treats.

 

On the way home she kept looking at me to see how I was after the trauma and I settled a little in my pitch.  And then she starts laughing when reviewing the receipt.  Seems I am not Nitzy, I am Mitzy!  Oh you people.  I just wreaked havoc on your office.  I am Nitzy the Nasty not Mitzy the Meek.  I really didn't know what to do when I came out of the cave even though it was my room.  She put down several Temptations and I ate them, she brushed me for a few minutes (even though I first ran from her), and then I was finally freed.   The first time this happened, I stayed close.  This time, I turned and walked away into the woods.  I am feeling better and it's over, and since I am back home and everything is the same here, I may come home for dinner.  But I am warning Bud that he is next!!

 

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Primitive Place

GONE!!  Thank you!
Glad someone else will enjoy them before recycling.

Before I recycle these 26 magazines, if anyone would like them the medium flat rate box for shipping would be $13.50 (US).  Includes the current 2018 Summer.  They begin with Spring 2011, Spring Fall and Winter 2012, then four issues for each following year to current.  If you want them, please email samplersandsantas@gmail.com.   Mags are free, postage (US) is $13.50 Priority.

 

Brother received treatment at the ER and they changed the antibiotic he received from his doctor which was not correct.  Swelling is half way to elbow!  Still very red and hot but no worse today which is good.

 

Have a good day!

 

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A very long day

Remember this guy?

Just can't let a year go by without hiring him!  When I had his business do my sister's home, his workers showed, not him.  When we had mulch delivered, his workers showed, not him.  Well guess what?  He came over yesterday and will be working on the front area!  His very self!  Yay!!  If it's possible, he and his man bun, dark tan, and a few wrinkles have made him even better looking.  So why is he doing the work instead of his crew?  Because two of his long time employees took positions that are year round, not seasonal.  The others had to be let go because they claim their weed smoking is medicinal.  Well you cannot operate machinery, drive huge trucks with trailers, and be sober enough to be careful digging around utilities.  If you cause an accident with the company equipment or vehicles, the company is liable.  Grow up people.  So he advertised for a month and there are no younger people willing to do physical work, or that can pass a drug screening.  His company is now downsized, no more patios or walkways, just landscaping and light excavating.  His only workers include a 20 year old who doesn't know the difference between a shrub and a tree (currently not feeling well so took a week off to rest on vacation) and a FIFTEEN year old neighbor.  Next week, this gorgeous hard working man will be here.

The boys are both recuperating while the antibiotics kick in, Nit goes back Friday morning and Bud returns Monday.  Doc said Bud is so congested he is not getting air through nostrils.  I do not have to administer the drug, both are getting 5 day injections.  Did you even hear a cat's nasal cry?  Sounded like kids in a schoolyard!  We couldn't help but laugh at him poor baby! He weighs 17# and for the first time ever witnessed him hissing. 

See the screws in the deck boards?  That's the back, and here's the front done with the Camo system.  Very glad we used it.  You can see tiny little screw holes in the edges of the boards, some face nailing with the same screws where required, but a nice smooth surface to stain and finish.

 

 

 

 Between cleaning up the sawdust and putting away tools, me brother kept me on the phone and we ended up heating a meal and taking it to him, then running out to Walmart to pick up antibiotics the doctor called in for him.  His oldest cat has not been feeling well and he has been giving her meds.  Today, when he came up behind her to pick her up for the dose, she was startled and tore into him biting him twice.  The worst is on his thumb that has a ganglion cyst to be removed next week.  Within two hours his entire hand was swelled, he went to the doc for a tetanus, and an hour later he couldn't use his hand.  All the way to the wrist the swelling and pain are severe.  So we took the food down and offered to get his meds so he wouldn't have to drive with one hand.   The cat had an appointment tomorrow for a shot but he cancelled because he can't get her into a carrier with one hand, and driving is not advised.  Ice hasn't helped and he has Raynaud's so that isn't a good idea anyway.  His hands are white and like ice in 90 degree heat.  I don't know if that contributes to the bite reaction or if it relates to the cyst since it is close to it.

 

My nephew is having problems with his insulin pump (his sensor came off at night, paramedics again - he was THIRTY!) and the doctor left town, the PA left town, and no one is here to prescribe supplies or change settings until November.  This area is really getting to be a dead zone.

 

That's it!  Ready to sit down and read the new American Country magazine received today. 

What the hell is Hallmark doing with the night time lineup?

 

Have a happy hump day.

Thanks for visiting and your well wishes for the boys.

 

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A nifty decking tool

Greetings!  Update on the boys - Nitzy has improved and will be trying to avoid capture for his Thursday appointment.  Doctor had emergencies today and with an overloaded schedule can't see Budman until tomorrow morning at 11:30.  I have amoxicillin which is what they will give him, so I crushed the flavored chewable and dissolved it.  No way it's going down even with the dropper.  He is so congested and miserable I don't want to make it worse for him but will try again later.  On top of it all he is very annoyed that I will not allow him to go outside.

 

Mark and I are working in 94 degree high humidity against a black house that radiates heat like an oven.  Taking breaks but it's terrible.  We bought a tool at Home Depot for wood decking that hides those nasty screws.  Some warped boards still need to be pulled in before securing but I love the fact that those top side screws are hidden.

 

 

We got the Camo Marksman Pro-X1 which gives a 1/16" gap between boards for treated lumber.  There are other models for composite and larger spacing, videos on YouTube.  Still need a few face nails in odd places but this will make it so much nicer and the reviews on the tool are very good.  The tool was $40 and the large pack of screws another $50 but well worth it.  Lowe's price was higher and we didn't have time to search for online prices.  For the 5/4 decking we went with the longer screws and if a board needs replaced, the screws are removable. 

 

Good stuff!!  Break is over and my sweat will ruin the laptop so ...

 

bye.

 

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Blending styles

Guess who needs a doctor right away?  Budman.  His sneezing and coughing Friday led to horrible eye issues and malaise.  I hope the doctor will have an opening tomorrow.  Missy will probably be next and she is the nastiest of all.

While looking for inspiration on Pinterest, I came across a link to a wonderful farmhouse blog,

Liz Marie.  Her husband is a veteran and they have a spectacular farmhouse in Michigan.  When you visit her site, you must scroll down and there will be posts to click on with resources and inspiration.  Many posts.  Just keep clicking "next page" and you can stay busy for hours.

 

Another that I haven't had time to fully investigate is Thistlewood Farms.  Bless'er House has a lot to see and this link shows the before and after of her colonial made fresh but not actually farmhouse.  When there are so many distracting ads I go elsewhere, and many decorating blogs are loaded with them making it hard to navigate.  Most have the subject pages listed under the header and that helps.  Pinterest is still a great source but most times it's only a photo with no information, and I enjoy reading a post about colors and sources.

 

There was a message in reading some of the sites and that is, just because it is a trend and you like it, does not mean you can live with it.  Don't steer too far away from the style that melts your heart.  Adapt, refresh, maybe lighten, but keep the core of what you love.  Not easy, but neither is getting the entire look when you mix in comfortable upholstered pieces.  Just painting walls white will not allow for the look we see when browsing online, it's much more than that.   I don't want farmhouse, I want lighter, cleaner, austere, a little colonial a little primitive, a lot less clutter.  But viewing these farmhouse style sites gives me ideas and inspiration for rooms that can be adapted and used for either style. 

 

Mid nineties today, should finish the front deck.

 

Have a good day!

 

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The checklist

We all have them.  Mine are rarely reduced.  But this year, oh baby.  Finally have the windows and siding done which was a huge bucket dripping over my head.  I finally made a decision to stay with wood rather than composite for the front deck and to not wait for Sam.

 

Stain color for it is also chosen although it will be months before the wood will be ready for it.  Decided to scrap the landscaper's ideas for my own and have that in place.  They of course prefer lush and attractive whereas my taste is plain and simple. 

 

Decided on the style of wainscot and minor trim changes.  CHOSE A WALL PAINT COLOR.  What?  That's right.  CHOSE A WALL PAINT COLOR.  Well, basically I gave up.  It's such a waste of time because until the entire room is painted and all other old colors are covered, the casts and undertones you see are sometimes caused by comparison/reflection.  I knew I didn't want a yellow cast but all others seemed pink.  I found Valspar's Promenade to be very neutral, and also BM's White Dove which was the winner. Lighter than I wanted but so what?  Another waste of time to try these samples for trim work until the walls are done. 

The Brazilian cherry rocker I was lucky enough to purchase many years ago was finally coated in Danish Oil for protection and it looks wonderful.

 

And of course, Nitzy was apprehended for a vet visit.  Quite a few tasks and decisions checked off my list this summer.

 

So I'm sitting on the swing this morning while Mark enjoys breakfast at the Italian Home club, and looking at the crow with his empty bucket.  Haven't had rain in over a week and he's patiently waiting for a fill. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The loon hasn't had any exercise in that same time and is waiting for a breeze so he can enjoy a spin.  Nineties today and seventies overnight may bring a stray storm and both could get their wish. 

 

Now maybe I can settle myself and stop gorging on chocolate and junk food.  My wings can't spin because of my shoulder (which is improving) and my ankles have never fully recovered from the double sprains, but I must start doing some form of exercise other than moving my lips.  The sweat fest after the wood burning didn't cause a pound to drop because of all the fluids I had to take for replenishing.  But in time, I will lose.  Not quick enough for my summer pants to fit, but that's OK.  It's almost over!  Can't believe mid-July is here and before too long, summer will be gone.  As long as I'm still here to enjoy it next year.  As I get older, that seems to be more important.

 

Enjoy your weekend!

 

Thanks for visiting.

 

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the Nitzy files

I haven't been feeling well at all lately.  Not really eating, barely drinking, very weak.  I've been on the sofa sleeping peacefully since 6:15 yesterday, and at 10:00 am, all hell broke loose.

 

That long and used to be lanky female, the one with the messy hair, started petting me gently.  I know she took a shower and got all cleaned up, but she still reeked like a lumberyard smokestack.   And not in a good mood, something screamed about not one pair of pants fit her fat ass whatever that is.  The gentle stroking took a startling turn when she suddenly grabbed me off the chair so quickly that I had no opportunity to dig into the fabric.  What the hell is that big thing?  She's putting me inside!!!  NOOOOO!!  What the hell are you doing to me?  I never saw this before and I don't feel well and you're shoving me into this cave?  DON'T SHUT THE DOOR!!  No no no!   I can see out but can't get out and I do not like this one bit.  Let me out or I will wail in my screechy voice!  Oh no.  It's moving.  It's moving!!  I'm flopping around in here trying to get my bearings while sticking paws out between these wires.  This is not good, not good at all.  We're still moving, moving, now what the hell is this?  I usually lay under this big metal box and I do not want to be put inside of it.  But they do anyway and then slam this huge door shut.  And here I am.  A prisoner in a hard box with holes.  What's that noise?  We're moving.  The big metal box is moving!  I'm howling like a banshee and she keeps telling me it will be alright.  Maybe for her!  What could possibly be right about this abduction?  Am I leaving my home?  I've heard her talk about how cruel people are to animals and they drive them somewhere and drop them off.   She sees this stuff on something called facebook and I know she doesn't like it.  I just continue to howl.

 

It stopped.  Then it would move.  And stop.  Over and over until it stopped for the last time and so did the noise.  They opened that big door and I was so scared, I didn't recognize anything!  Where was I and what were they going to do with me!!   Who is this guy looking at me through the wires?  They're talking about me like I'm not even here.  Oh no they're opening the wire door.  But I don't know where I am and don't want to get out!  She (the formerly lanky and currently smoky) grabs me and holds me while this other guy explains that his assistant was called to her father's death bed so she will have to help.  Help with what?  What are you doing?  Why are you pressing that thing on me?  I have a slight heart problem?  You're grabbing and squeezing me too hard!  Get that fricking light out of my eyes and that stick out of my mouth!  Don't flip me on my back, noooo, no, no, no!!  Why are you doing this?  What's a virus?  Contagious between cats?  So I can pass this to Budman and Missy and probably got it from that huge white cat with the black spots?  But I could have FIV and need blood work next week.  He's talking about all sorts of things for next week.  Let me stay in smokestack's arms and away from this guy.   OWIE what the hell was that?  Did you shoot me?  OW!!  Again?  Who the hell are you man?  Please let me go back into that hard box pleeeease!!   I promise to stop howling!  Good good here we go.  We're leaving.  Wait wait.  Did I hear him say to COME BACK???  You mean those next week things are HERE and I have to do this again???  Ain't happening bro. 

 

Back into the big metal box and she talked to me the whole time.  I didn't care.  Howling continued because I had no idea what was happening.  But she said we were home. Took me a while once that cave opened to realize my surroundings - home!  I made it!  And she's giving me treats!  I think I better do whatever she wants from now on so I'll eat the damn things.  Then I'll go outside and run far away!  Wait, she picked me up and hugged me.  She's putting me down and opening the door to outside.  She's not trying to hurt me or keep me captive.  Maybe this was a good thing.  Maybe I will just plop down right here by her swing, and stick around.  We'll know in five days if I'll be sticking around for a long while.  Until then, my bum hurts from being shot, but they brought me home.  Home.  I'm a lucky cat.

 

 

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The baby on my mind

Months ago as I was leaving a local store, I made it a point to take a peek at the baby as I passed a stroller.   I get so emotional so quickly and I was in tears by the time I reached the doors.  I wondered who he was, did he have two parents, siblings, does he laugh a lot, was he in pain, and thought of him often. Today I received an announcement of a benefit for this same child.  Now I know who he is, and have seen the trauma inflicted to his tiny body by the necessary surgeries. 

https://www.lukeschampions.com/

 

The event is this weekend for the little guy and I'm assuming he lives in my township.  Can I go?  No.  I cannot.  I am tearing as I type this.  For some reason my emotions at times, for certain things, cannot be controlled and I certainly do not want to be a moosh moosh around others celebrating this child.  So I will just donate toward the activities or send the family a check.  And I can keep up with his progress and surgeries now that I know more about him.  He has a loving family and siblings, and I feel for the many children with difficulties that do not. 

 

Sitting quietly this evening.  The hour+ of intense heat from burning the 10 foot long cedar boards was too much and I didn't realize I could develop heat exhaustion.  Did not pass out, but pretty close.  It took a couple hours to stop sweating, even with a cool shower, air conditioning, and icy towels on my neck.  Still have the headache and that stupid Tylenol does nothing.  When will they develop a blood thinner that can be taken with Advil?

 

Nitzy is locked and loaded inside, tomorrow morning will be very difficult.  He will be crying to go out and I'm sure continue when he is in the carrier.   I hope he will attempt to use the litter box before we leave in late morning.  How this brat will react at the doctor's will certainly not be cordial.

 

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Annabelle

My Annabelle hydrangeas never got to bloom after deer ravaged them the last few years.  This year we have blooms!   The soil is pitiful yet the Limelight hydrangea next to it grows stronger every year.  For some reason the deer always passed it over in favor of Annabelle.  Limelight flowers are massive on very strong stems and the plant is loaded with buds, anxious to see them mature.

 

Still loving my galvanized bucket covers. 

 

Mark made another bench, larger with three legs, from the old window trim, and has enough for a small three footer left.  The bottom side of these boards are terrible but won't be seen and does not affect the sturdiness.

 

The SilverBerry Vista petunia is doing very well and I hope to locate this color next year as a change for the barrels from the Bubblegum pink.  The Amish nursery we visit every year did not have very nice plants but I prefer one color in a pot (not easy to find here) so purchased them anyway.  I cut them back, took off the entire top, and within weeks they were full of buds. 

 

Mark is tearing off the cedar deck in the front and there is nothing that can be made from those boards.  Horribly decayed and rotted.  Between the deck, the furniture, and the siding, I can't understand why cedar is considered a good wood.  Even with preservative, the log furniture rotted away within 4 years.  My job is to burn the wood as it is removed.

 

When I got up this morning, Nitzy was sitting in a chair, off the sofa where he had been resting.  He ate a half jar of baby food and cried terribly to go outside.  Improvement!!!  We let him go out and he is sleeping in the shade.  I will make sure he is back inside for tomorrow's appointment. 

 

Have a great day!

 

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A big part

of the recent stress has been Nitzy.  He has been going downhill for a week, not wanting to eat, drinking very little, not using the litter box.  He is lethargic enough for me to grab him which I did yesterday and he has been sleeping on the sofa ever since. 

He will allow me to pet him and he'll stretch and purr, no areas are tender at all but he seems to be uncomfortable in certain positions and walking.  He is very thin and stayed around the deck for a few days, I grabbed him several days ago but I didn't know he was sleeping in the litter box right by the door, and he escaped when I came in.  Now that we have him again I got my brother's carrier and called all the local vets.  Friday we will take him in, nothing sooner.  I bought chicken and turkey baby food, he ate half a jar.  He has had conjunctivitis for a few weeks.  Mobile vet has openings next mid-week.  Might be able to squeeze him in tomorrow to a vet very close (less carrier trauma) but she wants $45 for the workup and $150 for an exam, then rabies and other shots before treatment.  They said all told, close to $400 before diagnosis depending on blood work.  Mark thinks there is some improvement this morning.

 

The other stress is the stupid fricking paint.  I chose the color and bought the paint, started doing a wall and it's pinky peach.  The sample jar was not.  I think especially in lights, the increments of tint are so minuscule that breaking them down for a half pint may not be possible, so they are left out.  Then I compared the large sample chip to the smaller one in the Whites leaflet and there it was.  This color was very peachy in the booklet, but a different shade on the larger.  Back to White Dove, very very light, but neutral.

 

Here's Farrow and Ball's Shadow White wall and Drop Cloth trim.  Ohhhhhhhh baby.

 

Sam informed us that he can't come back for some time so we bought what I call a poom poom.  Air compressor nailer.  It will help a great deal when we are screaming at each other as the wainscot goes up.  They are quite loud and will hopefully come on at the same time the obscenities are hurled. 

 

I noticed my sister is having difficulty breathing again (bonehead will not go to the doc) and my cousin with dementia in MN had Hospice called in.  My cousin in CA that is left side paralyzed from a massive stroke developed a large clot in the groin and was successfully treated, still in rehab for a few more weeks.  Even on "blood thinners" it happened and the dose she is on now is very dangerous.

 

Hope the week is going well for you!

The tiny berry

Hi stitching buds.  Things around here have been .... well .... kind of stressed for a number of reasons.  But I did manage to stitch the little berry from Pineberry Lane's Petite Stitches free designs. 

I used 32 count instead of the recommended 36 so it wouldn't be as small but holy bull balls it's still tiny!  In keeping with my bad habit I changed the chart slightly. Do I take a chance that my fat crooked painful fingers will be nimble enough to construct this 1-1/2" design into the tiny whatever you call it?  Sweet little berry on a ribbon? 

 

Ms Peppercorn was kind enough to leave the Pinterest link for these free designs.

https://i.pinimg.com/736x/3f/c2/9c/3fc29c5ac78176d8877a1150f5742538.jpg   Thank you very much!

 

Budman was keeping his cool.  He and I are both having weight issues.

 

Hope your week goes swell.

 

Thanks for visiting.

 

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The new windows

Didn't we just do this?  Yep.  But the replacement sashes have been shipped and they will be replaced next week.  Decision time for the paint.  The longer I wait, the lighter I go.  Can't believe it.  I moved up several shades on walls and trim.  Krissy sending me this photo did not help because .... well .... it's cabinets and good golly I just may do it.  This is the softest white I have seen and of course the same paint would not look like this in my dark north facing kitchen. 

I even saw that Pat Gaddy (http://www.picturetrail.com/oldebittersweetfarm) redid a bedroom and it is Valspar's Clean White and Cloud.  Seems the light movement is upon us.  But the colonial colors are still much loved making the decision difficult.

 

  Another change is from the paneled walls and vertical board wainscot to painted shiplap.  Yep.  Joanna would be proud.  Horizontal is easier to install and right now, I am all for whatever gets it done.  Sam can't come for a while since he ran into problems with the large restaurant he is remodeling.  We can handle some things until he gets here.  Besides, I am no where near formal so beautifully paneled walls and mouldings would not work as well, especially in small rooms. 

 

As for stitching, I hate it.  Some days I do not want to pick up that needle.  I still can't figure this out but should not be surprised.  Just because moods have settled somewhat, does not mean my attitudes have.  I saw the little berry from Pineberry Lane in the Petite Stitches freebie and will do that this evening instead of the sampler.  I tried to find it on the website but things have changed.  When I went to PatternMart which has it, my anti-virus blocked the site with a warning. 

 

Heat is gone and beautiful days ahead. 

Hope all is well with everyone.

 

Thanks for visiting.

 

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The absolute final big ass box

Greetings folks.  Hope you all had an enjoyable Fourth of July. 

 

I almost burned this biggie but decided to offer it after finding a box to fit.  Eliza Pomeroy is 7" tall and 7" wide.  The box with her is a 4" to show size (not included).  Price will be $15 including US shipping.  SOLD

 

The last set of corner squares, your choice for the 3", sampler or queen stitch.  High gloss finish on acrylic.  $11 includes US shipping which costs as much as the squares. Sorry for the poor photos, I just can't get a clear image or reduce the glare.  SOLD

 

 

 

Please email if you would like to purchase.

samplersandsantas@gmail.com

 

A few samplers are next.

 

Have a good day.

 

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Leftovers

Hello people!  Hot hot hot today.  Please tell your idiot neighbors to get their dogs in shade with lots of water.  And if you see a dog in a hot car, some states allow you to break the windows without penalty, many more have the bill pending.  Finally!

 

A quick note on the comments.  The fix from Jo does indeed work, but I was wrong.  AOL and Yahoo customers will not come through.  The fix is for all comments left, but Google is still snarky about those two carriers.  I saw a comment on the dashboard from Kelley who is AOL and it was not forwarded to email.

Now about those leftovers.  I threw them out, and shortly after retrieved them.  They are from the corner squares I made a while ago.  I do have one last set that I made yesterday to offer but the time involved with cutting and sanding and printing and gluing and spraying isn't worth it.  Also have two 3" singles and after running a cord through the hole, I hung them from a little magnetic hook on my sewing board.  Hmmm.  What if I turned these into magnets?  If it would work, I could attach them to sheet magnets, but most fridges are no longer magnetic.  So before I go through all that, what are your thoughts? 

 

In another file this morning I found a huge Eliza Pomeroy for a 7"tall and 7"wide box.  The biggest I sold was 6".  Don't even have a shipping box for her.  I don't remember if I made an error or planned to do a set.  Regardless, I hate to see her destroyed.  I may paint this box and offer her.  Hobby Lobby breaks up their sets so I could possibly replace it.  My plan was to cover the large stacking 10" to 5" set with paper, but have not found paper large enough.   The corner square 4", 3", 2" set in the center will be offered also, last one.  The two labels for 6" boxes in the front are in the burn pile, and that will take care of the rest. 

 

So please let me know your thoughts about making magnets from the last of the squares. 

Should I just throw them on the burn pile?  Maybe only use the sampler bits and not the bargello and queens.  Uh oh.  This usually happens after I write it out.  Decision made.  I will choose only my favorites, and keep them if they don't sell.  

 

Thanks!  That helped!

 

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