Shaming me

 Yep.  I felt the scolding through my screen from that Cranky Crow to put my big girl full coverage cotton panties on and stitch the flower border.  Well OK.  But I did alter it in Paint and space them evenly because I do have issues with symmetry.  

I copied and pasted, ended with four spaces between each and although a little messy print copy, will be used to buckle down and finish this.  I'm running out of ink and blocked the sampler area except for the edges so I can monitor my position.  With the same spacing throughout the sides, that makes it easier for lazy crabs.  I failed at recording daily progress and changes in my notebook, did not even think about it.  Distractions I guess.

Mark is making Petey's cross this morning, same as Bud's, and they are next to each other.  For a cat that we conversed with and cared for without ever being able to handle, we are having a more difficult time than we expected.  Nitzy, who Petey followed everywhere but kept distance, has been searching for hours every day.  My sister is reading a book that we were surprised to hear, involves a cat named .... Petey!

Be well.

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Bad George

Altered the birds, kept three colors but a little neater and pinkless.  A very small part of Jean and not what the eye is drawn to.  I think this is the first project that had "smocking", different and fun.  I had to also alter two panels, just couldn't focus last night so improvised.

It's nice to get back to words and letter stitching, even if only one line and the final.  I have a few smaller projects lined up, all motifs, and after that I will look for the ease of letters.  I will use my new book of motifs to finish ...... oh my.  Who is she?  Rachel!  Yes, Rachel.

I saw interest in a new reproduction release by a young boy.  In my stack of old R&R charts there is George Eisenbrey.  Part of the biography...

George was nine years old when he was required to stitch his sampler.  According to a note written by his sister, George was sent to a girls school as punishment for an unpardonable sin.  One can only imagine what George must have done to offend his parents to such a degree that they would have sent him to a girls school.

So what did he do?  Do I want to honor this little snot if he hurt someone or an animal?  Maybe he was just obstinate and needed to learn manners, probably more like it.  What did you do George???

Be safe.

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The big question

 Since I am close to a finish, will I feel like stitching the border?  Or just the sawtooth?  Or if I decide to tolerate the flowers will I rearrange and space evenly?  These and other questions will be answered in the next episode of  .... As the Crab Decides.

I do not like that pinky bird and may change.  That will be another episode of the never ending saga ...... As the Crab Alters.

The disturbing and sad situations, grief, and the return of the menocrap, are causing distractions and some episodes may be rescheduled for a later date.

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Thank you

 for  your condolences on our Petey.  My husband was never able to touch him, but he is having a hard time with losing him.  Petey would come out of his condo to greet him, accept food and treats, and being as vociferous as he was, always had something to say.  The beginning of every yowl sounded like a tractor trying to start, and ended with a high pitch meow.  On some, the tractor took quite a while to start. There was no mistaking his sound, and it was certainly not infrequent.  That big boy was a talker.  

Another row of Jean completed with spacing and peacock changes.  They were not aligned, my error, so left had lower buttock enhancement which lowered his legs, and the right side had a non surgical breast lift which raised his head.  No need to remove all the stitches, just very top and bottom, so an easy fix.

I may purchase one chart from the Nashville show, lots of wonderful projects.  We're waiting to see the coverage of the weekly stretcher transports Carole has required to the surgeon, another tomorrow.  We were told they may not be covered since they are to a doctor office, but he is debriding each time and they do not lift and carry a patient to a table, therefore, stretcher.  

Very windy and warm here. I need to bring Petey's house and heated bowl in since the raccoons will take over if it's empty.  I have a large multiple cat heated A-frame that I haven't decided to sell or donate yet.  Bud was the only one willing to curl up with someone inside.

We knew 3G was ending but never had a date from Tracfone.  We are using Verizon towers so followed their dates.  Without notice, we lost our service the other day.  Free phones were offered so we accepted them and will continue with the $20 for three month plan.  

Be safe.

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Petey

 You sat in the woods where you knew I could see you from a window.

A beaten mess, I could not offer a gentle hand, only food and shelter.

Half of Nit's ear was removed by you, until you decided to try being a friend.

You loved your condo and its patio, as the boys watched you.

You tried hard to be in the group, but kept your distance.

After some time I was able to pet you and oh how you loved it, until the next day.

We built you a nice house into which a heated house could be added in winter.

Every day, all day, sleeping, lounging, eating ..... here.

One morning your house was empty, and we called and waited.

Today, we found you.

The last few years you were protected, well fed, comfortable, and happy.

We will miss you terribly sweet Pete.

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Hooks, Dammit

 I have a thing for wrought iron hooks.  Little hooks, tiny hooks, curly hooks, fat, twisted, flat, huge.  I purchased these sweet & small at James Creek years ago.  I so miss having a shop like that.  They are just too cute with their curled tip.

 

Yesterday I decided to move the napkin basket from the counter and the hook size was perfect.  Before these supports were added for the soapstone, the basket hung from a cup hook that was in the bottom of the formica counter, no supports in the way. 

 If this becomes a nuisance, the hook can be for something smaller.  Or I could try ripping it out by hand when anger needs to be released which would be a ridiculously stupid move.  But the invasion is getting me to that point.  

Do you have a Dammit Doll?  So many styles out there but my favorite is true to the original.  I don't care for the ones with legs, much easier to hold and whack a larger single body like this on Etsy.  And I don't need instructions.  Believe me.

Soon it will be warm enough to dip all baskets in soapy water, brush lightly, and hang outside to dry.  I didn't do this for a few years and other than a paint brush with Endust, the best way to clean between the weave.

Spring will be here before we know it. 

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