Another one down

 Christopher & Banks.  Damn.  A wonderful collection of coordinates, stylish, with a snappy attitude for us older gals.  I ordered a few things for Carole online, hoping they fit.  Sorry to see them leave.

Michaels announced that my store was to close the end of January.  I've been waiting to feel better before perusing aisles for the final time.  The sun was out so I couldn't drive, as Mark pulled into the lot I got excited to see it empty thinking not many shoppers for contact.  How long do you anticipate it would take before you realize that a store with no lights, an empty lot, and blacked out doors is not open for business?  It's not the end of the month!  Put the lights back on and open the damn doors!

I ordered another small piece of Sand, and rather than tinker with tone on the two Faun pieces I think I will sell them.  Probably 13 x 17 and 17 x 26 but I'll check that and what I paid.  The Murky is a wild child and Fox & Rabbits Seaweed is a glorious dark green. 

 I considered using it for Merry Christmas with a very light gold (or bronze) thread for the words, but haven't decided, also have the called for Brash.  The Seaweed is 40, and I would prefer this design in a little larger finish, but need to choose something because it's too fabulous to sit in a drawer

I mentioned a while back about finding small old insurance policies of Mark's aunts in PA unclaimed property.  Inheritance tax in PA is not owed on life insurance but when turned in to the state, it is cashed which allows taxation.  We had to pay an attorney, it's been almost a year, and tax was of course owed.  We received notice today that the state thinks we should have known about these policies (his uncles were beneficiaries, long deceased) and despite the attorney's argument, decided to charge us a penalty and income tax from the date of death.  It wasn't turned in to unclaimed until two years ago.  So we owe more for the penalty than the tax and after the legal fees, a complete waste of time and expense. 

Have a good hump day.

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Much better

 Every time I unrolled Elizabeth she seemed off, like the crabass stitching her.  But now that the border is becoming filled, great improvement in balance and she looks so much better.  I knew she would be great when completed, but when the end is near and something doesn't look right, it's bothersome.  Pleased as punch now.

After several attempts with different golds and their removal and reappearance, I decided to repeat just two vine motif colors and the leaf positions.  The light thread looked OK but only visible when close enough to see it.   

 Hope your weekend is enjoyable!!

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Fabric bulbs

 Good morning.  It's a dark and gloomy morning with afternoon rain expected, not terribly cold, so husband's group decided to hit the links early.  It's rare that I have morning alone time.  

Our Altmeyer's and Michael's are closing in a few weeks.  I missed the framing sales before Christmas, and would have to visit the store in Ohio.  My procrastinating has cost me the frames I liked at a very good price, reupholstering of two large sofas and two chairs (he closed), the color stylist I planned to use to blend the gray as it grows (she left), the chairs I chose for the dining room (they closed), all just in the last few months.  I really need to do better but my indecisiveness is the real cause.  When you can't make a decision, you can't move forward!  Glenna's words, indecision = paralysis.

An online order had to be returned to Macys, and while there, found a nice top for Carole.  She's lost (without trying) about 40 pounds and needs new.  I don't plan on buying much because the last batch of outfits, as before, were never worn.  I really miss our Macy's that closed, and I am very concerned that this Ohio branch will have the same fate.  The store was bare, half the racks as before. 

Hobby Lobby had what I needed to make (maybe) these fabric light bulbs I saw on Pinterest.  Not sure the size of wooden spool required but since my trees are all small, I chose the 3/8" and 1/2".  I need to keep this in mind before taking a match to any stitching.  Little stitched snippets would be a good fabric option.

 I plan to paint the wood a bronze color or stain dark.  If the coverlet scraps can be sewn and turned for such a small shape, that's my preference.  If not, wool or cotton print.  Should be quick and easy, and I would like thin leather lacing for the hanger.  Will I ever make them? 

The vet never called last night as he promised to talk about the injections.  His assistant did earlier after speaking with the doc and told me the injections are not going to help.  ???  Bud raced out the door when I fed Petey and refused to come back in until late last night.  Had the same problem this morning, can't get close enough to grab, but he did come back in a little while ago.  Petey is crying at the door, never refuses food, but after three types and chicken offered, is still not happy.

Hope your day goes well.

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Thank you

I so appreciate all the links and information to help with caring for Bud.  I requested the antibiotic injection but the doctor said it would not be as effective and require frequent visits, too much stress for his failing heart.  The gloves are rather heavy and trying to hold a small syringe and push the plunger at the right time would probably not work.  Bud is amazingly strong as the vet remarked, and I could not hold his mouth open regardless of the video instructions saying it's possible.  No it ain't.  Giving him a tiny piece of Valium which I thought would be best, is not recommended either.  First of all, in order to get anything into him, I need to push it down his throat, and we just can't manage that.  He only eats the watered pate on his terms, and trying to keep the others away from it until he is ready to try is an all day hassle.  The vet said that any type of sedative or like product affects how the heart beats and lungs work, his heart is critical and any change could cause an event.  I have a call into his unit about the situation and will see if he would change his mind about using injections.  Bud's issue will not be resolved with anything other than surgery, out of the question.  We are basically just buying him more time and comfort.  The medication is Clindamycin, targeting the mouth. Amoxicillin injections which are usually given, would have no response.  My brother is telling me to see his vet, always loaded with patients and a long wait, no thanks.  

My wrist is much better, the soreness is the spot where it was shattered many years ago, and two of the punctures are deep and on the tendon from base of thumb into wrist.  Not a problem but I wonder if the one in the fatty part above the wrist is a bite or claw.  Very tender and red but the hole is small.  I'll keep an eye on it. 

This lucky duck received a fat half of 36 Vellum in the mail and my 123 order shipped yesterday.  This duck also continues to have issue with symmetry and can certainly accept most of it in reproductions.  But not always.  The spaces in these marked areas range from two to four.  I moved a few.  Couldn't help it.  No plans to align the inner edge which doesn't catch my eye as quickly as the outer.

This should have been completed months ago and I am trying very hard in my misery to continue.  It's to the point that I can't speak for more than ten minutes, miss talking to friends.  Ridiculous.

Hope your day is pleasant.

Thank you for everything.

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Not much hope

 This is very difficult as so many of you know and have experienced, but I don't think we can give Bud more time.  The antibiotic would help with the bacteria, and pain management is critical so he can eat.  He is the lone social of the brat pack, and does allow us at times to pet him, and be a lap cat for a brief brushing.  But even applying flea meds to his back is tricky.  

The first attempt at inserting the syringe failed, we tried again this evening.  His mouth being so painful contributes to the resistance I am sure, but I can't take the chance of a bite from a mouth full of bacteria.  My brother was almost hospitalized and required medication for six weeks.  Bud not only was trying to bite me but somehow in his attempt to escape from the wrapping got his claw caught on my bracelet.  In a flash, everything was happening, my wrist yanked and twisted, pain was bad enough to nauseate me.  I can use my fingers now, the punctures from his claws are cleaned.  Bud won't allow us near him but he isn't limping, I assume his leg was not injured.  Four syringes of meds a day for two weeks?  We've already lost four doses.  Feliway is no help, catnip either.  Not able to get the Covid vaccine, we decided I cannot take the chance of an infection that could be very serious.  I am really upset about this, and terrifying Bud when trying to immobilize him is stress on his bad heart.  One more attempt tomorrow, more Feliway, but I don't have much hope.  

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The Budman

 Hi everyone.  Bud's exam in the vetmobile did not go well.  As thin and old as he is, doc said he is a tough customer and was unable to fully examine Bud's mouth.  The assistant was large and strong, and even while wrapped, Bud was extremely difficult.  His gums are bright red, very swollen, and bled when touched.  The further back he tried to see the more inflamed it was.  There are cancers that could cause this, or the plaque buildup, but his heart is so bad the anesthesia could be fatal or cause more injury. So he offered an antibiotic that targets the mouth, and gabapentin for pain.  With two professionals unable to handle him, he doesn't expect we will be able to insert a syringe four times a day.  Already failed twice.  Mark could not hold his head still enough and honestly, the stress to Bud is just as damaging.  So we will try to keep him happy and comfortable but I can't see that lasting much longer.  

Continuing stitching progress and all errors but one are standing proud and staying put.  And I am very anxious to be done with Elizabeth.  Elizabeth was my MIL's name, she died at 54 from ovarian cancer.  Mark said there was always a container of baby powder on the edge of the tub.  Elizabeth was his sister's middle name, who died at 43.  Elizabeth was my dearest friend's name who passed several years ago.   None of which have anything to do with the Elizabeth Clayton sampler, but reminiscing usually accompanies this type of mood.

Hoping you all have a pleasant Wednesday  It won't be long before January disappears.

As did the pie.

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