BO Fabric

Have you heard about Spoonflower yet? It's the online site where you can create your own fabric designs or order awesome fabrics created by others.

I have never used it to create a fabric design, but I did find this (with a little help from Debra S.) and ordered a fat quarter of it from Spoonflower (see photo below).

 
 
One of the quilt projects I would like to make one day is one depicting all the presidents that have served in my lifetime. I might have to actually make some of my fabric with photo transfers; but when Debra showed me the Obama fabric, I knew that was something I had to have for that someday quilt.

If anyone knows where I might get my hands on other presidential fabric from FDR through the present, let me know. I won't be making this right away since I have a bunch of other things started (what? that never stopped you before). It will likely be a wallhanging that I can use to decorate on patriotic holidays.

I'm so glad that the first African American president happened in my lifetime. Now if we could just elected a woman before I check out, that would make my quilt complete.

The trip to the vet wasn't as traumatic as some have been. Sophie apparently wasn't paying attention, and we were almost in the parking lot when she figured it out and started crying and trembling. She got a pretty good health report though. The only negatives were a three-pound weight gain and the very early beginnings of cataracts. I asked the vet if dog cataracts can be removed and she said that they can. She offered to give me the name of a vet in Bessemer who does it. Only $1,500 per eye.

My eye doctor gave me the exact same diagnosis back in June. He said at some point down the line I would probably want to have them removed. Wonder if I could get a family deal, me and Sophie for the price of one. Oh well, I'll worry about that later. I have already a full worry plate for today.

Dark and cloudy and stormy looking here today, but I haven't checked the weather report. I don't know where Isaac is located. Guess I better check. 

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On 08/30/2012, Mona said ...

Hi Susan. That is some awesome Obama fabric. I went to Spoonflower and could not find it. How did you find it? I'd like to order some. Thanks, Mona

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On 08/30/2012, Barbara Anne said ...

LOVE the Obama fabric and what an interesting idea for a site. I've long wondered if my doodles would make a nice fabric.

No presidential quilt in my line-up as there are some presidents I'd rather forget for my own reasons! :) Speaking of forgetable presidents, today would have been the birthday of wonderful and witty political pundit Molly Ivins who remains delightfully unforgetable.

Ha! I'm sure the family cataract plan would work for you and Sophie!

Stay cozy while it rains and be good to you.

Hugs!

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On 08/31/2012, Ramey Channell said ...

How exciting! We'll have Moonlight Ridge fabric in no time! You know the animal I have in mind!

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On 08/31/2012, Jean said ...

I love the idea of designing and making my own fabric ----maybe some day when I get rid of some more stash! Thank you for asking your vet how much it is for cataract surgery. I was scared to ask how much it was going to be for my Roscoe. I was thinking I was becoming an easy target for them after he blew both back knees at $3000 for the first one and $2000 for the second one. At least I know the ballpark figure now. Have a great long weekend everyone!

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On 08/31/2012, Susan Ramey Cleveland said ...

One of the species marsupial, I presume.

Sent from my iPad

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On 09/01/2012, Kai said ...

Loooooove that fabric!!! I'm very quiet when it comes to discussing political/religious topics, but I am MOST DEFINITELY a HUGE Obama follower! Heehee ... tempted to get some of that fabric & make a DRESS of it! Good thing my sewing sucks or I WOULD! And Ramey, make you some possum fabric, girl!
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No Hurricane Here

A few years ago, my friend and neighbor Maria gave me this framed art for Christmas. It's by a local Birmingham composite artists named Don Stewart. (Follow the link to see more of his work.) When I was reorganizing, I sat on it and broke the glass so now I have to have another piece put in. Click on the photo and enlarge it and see how many sewing and needlework related objects you see.

I got up early this morning, made my coffee, and went back to bed with a cup to read blogs and play Words With Friends. I knew I needed to get up and start my day, but I resisted. You see, as long as I stay in bed (usually), my back doesn't hurt. I got it hurting so bad yesterday, running errands to the drug store and the grocery store, that I had to go to bed in the afternoon and stay there, for the most part, the rest of the day. I managed to get the dogs fed, make Jesse some enchiladas, and that was it for me.

So far this morning, all seems pretty good. No super bad pain, yet. 

I rescheduled Sopie's vet visit to this afternoon. I just didn't think I could take that stress, on her and me, with my back pain screaming. So I'm going to try to take it easy until time to go to the vet. 

Apparently, we aren't going to be bothered by Isaac the Hurricane. At least that's what it looks like from here. Reports keep telling us we'll have heavy rain and possible tornadoes. But so far, just showers. Everyone on the coast, and especially in New Orleans, is in my thoughts and prayers.

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On 08/29/2012, Barbara Anne said ...

Sorry to hear you back has been so painful and I hope the morning of rest will help a lot. Do you have a heating pad to lean against when it's bothering you? I find that a heating pad helps me a lot.

What good news to hear that Isaac isn't bring bad weather to your area, but like you, my heart goes out to the people in its destructive and dangerous path. What a heartbreak that areas of New Orleans are again devastated.

I'm under the weather myself because of a GI annoyance or bug of some bothersome sort that robbed me of a lot of sleep last night. I took a quick glance at the interesting sewing machine drawing and saw many sewing items. What fun!

Be good to you! Sending hugs!

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On 08/29/2012, Linda Volz said ...

Hi Susan -
I love the print and it was fun looking at it and trying to pick out all of the sewing items the artist incorporated into it. Some people are just so dang clever. Where the blazes was I standing when they were handing out the cleverness gene? Sorry to hear your back is giving you grief & hope it feels better soon. Glad your not feeling the effects of Isacc too. Those poor folks in LA have just had it haven't they? Up here in good ole Pennsy where I live we don't get bothered much by hurricanes or tornados, just the occasional opressive heat wave in the summer or sometimes a decent snowfall in winter although last winter was very mild. "Knock on Wood"
Blessings to you and to your fur-child Sophie this afternoon. Hope all goes well.
Linda

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On 08/29/2012, Beverly said ...

Thinking of you, Susan, and hoping your back pain goes away soon. I've been a terrible blogging friend, but I've been so ... busy.

I'm hoping Isaac doesn't cause many problems in his path, too.

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On 08/30/2012, Sharon Penney-Morrison said ...

Wow....it is nice to know your sewing room can look like that too!!! I will take pictures of mine before I start cleaning today to begin again. Love your stories and reading about your life. The reunion sounds like fun and I love, love your guest room.
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We Have Pictures!

This sign has really come in handy the past couple of days.

There better be pictures on yesterday's post now. If y'all don't see pictures, let me know. And I might need one or two of you to come to my house and help me chunk this computer in the garbage can.

I feel like those pictures are going to be a let-down after all the build-up and suspense leading up to them. But that's my sewing room, part-way through a reorganization. It is what it is. And who knows when I'll get back to the chore and finish it up. There's sewing to be done.

Thank you all for your patience and for your interest in my little life. You make things around The Yellow House much more fun and interesting since I know whatever happens, somebody out there is waiting to hear about it and see pictures.

We have rain today, the first effects of Isaac, I suppose. But no wind or flooding or anything dangerous, at least not yet. 

I have to take Sophie to the vet at 2:00 p.m. I took her and Skipper the first of the month for their yearly check-ups and to get Sophie groomed. Well, for some unknown reason (unknown because nobody at the vet's office can tell me why), Sophie only got groomed and didn't get her yearly and her shots. Skipper got his.

When I went to the vet's office last week to stock up on heart-worm meds, I was told that Sophie couldn't have more of them because she hadn't had her check-up yet. Au contraire, objected I, reminding the receptionist of the fact that both my dogs had come in on Aug. 1 for their yearlies and Sophie's grooming. The poor child checked hither and yon, and diddled with the computer a little more. But she still insisted that Sophie had not been checked nor vaccinated. So I had to make her an appointment.

I asked the receptionist why I had to pay such an ungodly charge of nearly $200, just for Skipper. She explained that it was for his checkup, shots, and the meds he got for his itching. As the WW of the W is famous for crying, "What a world, what a world."

Bye bye, now. Talk later.

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On 08/28/2012, Barbara Anne said ...

You can rest on your laurels and bask in the glow of success - the pictures are visible!! Applause, applause!

Poor Sophie to have to endure yet another trip to the vet's office in the same month. Poor Susan to have to endure yet another whopper of a bill from the vet. Yikes!

Hope Isacc leaves you - and everyone, everywhere - alone. Wish! My prayer for each hurricane is that it will stay out at sea. I feel so bad for those in Isaac's path.

Hugs!

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On 08/28/2012, Nicole said ...

Hope you aren't affected by Isaac. It sure is all the news in California! I can't seem to get out of the vet's office for less than $300. I seriously think that is the standard charge!

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On 08/28/2012, Jan said ...

Thinking of you with Isaac approaching. We're originally from S. Fla. and know that feeling when a hurricane is bearing down. It's not fun and we'll hope for the very best outcome for all in your neck of the woods! Poor Sophie has probably been telling Skipper how she dodged the bullet earlier in the month. Guess he has the last laugh on that one!

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On 08/29/2012, Helen in Switzerland said ...

It looks lovely Susan! Hope you're battening down the hatches before Isaac arrives....thinking of you!
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Sewing Room Spruce-Up

Although I'm not finished with my sprucing yet, I've decided to go ahead and do my sewing-room show-and-tell. I'm back to sewing, so who knows when more sprucing will take place. It's neat enough for me to work in it now, so full steam ahead. I have deadlines. 

(I tried most of the day yesterday and this morning to upload photos to this post. I finally think I have the problem resolved. The photos are loaded. Now if I just don't lose them again as I did this morning when I tried to post.)

My friend Marla gave me this sign a few years ago.

 View from the front

View from the back (see Skipper writhing on the floor)

 Some wall art

Ironing station. The quilt on the wall behind the ironing board is the one that Sharon Y. of Daisy Cottage Quilting and other blogging friends made for me after Vann died. Sharon organized the quilt construction. Sharon knows one of my favorite colors is pink. That was such a thoughtful thing for those talented ladies to do for me. I just love blogging friends.

 Cutting station (with Skipper's pallet underneath) and portable design wall

Disorganized closet door organizer

Computer cubby

Bragging board

I never watch tv while I'm sewing. So I removed the tv from the sewing room and now I use this old tv stand for storage and to hold my light table and pencil sharpener.

This Laurel Burch mug, from the thrift store, makes a perfect scissors caddy. The different colored scissor handles look pretty with the bright colors in the mug.

As you can see, my shelves and fabric bins are still quite disheveled. 

I'm going to hit save now. If you are able to see this post, you know it worked.

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On 08/27/2012, Susan Ramey Cleveland said ...

Well, from my iPad, it looks as though the pics aren'ty showing up. Excuse me while I go and beat my head against a brick wall, then I'll work on it some more,.a

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On 08/27/2012, Helen in Switzerland said ...

Hate to tell you this Susan, but I can't see them either - and I would so love to see your sewing room!

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On 08/27/2012, Barbara Anne said ...

Me 3. I cannot see the photos either and it's 4:17p in this Eastern time zone as I write this. BTW, I'm on Linux. I do so look forward to seeing all of the photos you're trying to post and thank you for trying so hard on behalf of your blogging friends!

Hope you didn't damage your sweet head during that wall head banging. I've found it does more good to throw a royal hissy fit in the general direction of the photo program that's at faunt than to dent myself in any painful way.

Cheers that you're sewing once again!!

Hugs!

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On 08/27/2012, Susan Ramey Cleveland said ...

Oh, yes, I definitely threw a hissy fit. Nothing a southern girl can do better than throw a hissy fit. Jesse came in to see what was wrong with me. I decided I had to wait till tomorrow to tackled this again.

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On 08/27/2012, sophie said ...

Sorry, sweetie, the pasted photos are still not showing up ... and we're all dying to see the new sewing space.

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On 08/27/2012, Susan Ramey Cleveland said ...

First thing tomorrow, I promise. Thanks for your interest. Y'all are the greatest.

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On 08/27/2012, Helen said ...

Not to make you feel any worse.....but I'm here in CA and just checked to see if you had posted the completed room....and you know the rest:)....will come back again tomorrow.....deep breathes Susan:)

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On 08/27/2012, Patsy in Texas said ...

Sorry Susan, I cannot see them either and I was really looking forward to the pictures. Take care of you.

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On 08/28/2012, Diane W said ...

No can see either. Would love to see your room. I just love getting ideas from others.

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On 08/28/2012, Karen said ...

Well, I couldn't see them until I clicked on the comments page. Now I can see them. Go figure. How luxurious to have a nice bright room for sewing. Are you going to be affected by Isaac? Be sure to let us all know how you fare and that you and the doggies are OK.

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On 08/28/2012, Helen said ...

Saw them this time! Would love to have an entire room just for me and my crafting....I took the closet doors off in our guest room and lined up a desk,file/storage cabinet, bulletine board, bookcase with printer on top and have a cozy little space:)....enjoyed looking at your room!

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On 08/28/2012, Barbara Anne said ...

Glorious photos of your wonderful, spacious, light-filled sewing room where your amazing creativity can fly unfettered!!! Color me green with envy! Is that closet full of fabric, too? Well done on the clean-up and re-organization to make room for the things from your office.

Thanks again for working so hard so we could see and enjoy your sewing room photos.

Big hugs!

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On 08/28/2012, Miss Merry said ...

Love love love the quilt room! So many personal touches and great ideas. I plan to link this to my pinterest board with full credit to you! I dont' want to forget your great ideas!

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On 08/28/2012, Nicole said ...

Love your spruced up room! Isn't it wonderful to have a designated spot to sew and do your thing?

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On 08/28/2012, Patsy in Texas said ...

Susan, I can see them! Love your fun sewing area. So cheerful and such a happy place to craft.

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On 08/28/2012, Sophie said ...

Yay! The photos are displaying ... And the room looks great!

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On 08/28/2012, Karen said ...

Wow, impressive!

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On 08/29/2012, grammycarolynn..."Chenille Cottage" Blog said ...

Oh, waht a wonderful plae to sit and stitch! I love the many pops of red throughout your sewing room!
Thanks for sharing, my friend,
Blessings,
Carolynn

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On 08/29/2012, Kai said ...

Don't know whether to applaud, faint, or BOTH. The last, I think! You did ALL THAT in such a short time? Holy fabric, Batgirl! That's WONDERFUL! It looks so nice, so organized, and so functional! And your 'little life' as you called it above is definitely LARGE. You are so loving & giving, Susan; the kind of good human being who could NEVER lead a 'little' life! This old Comanche just loves you! P.S. AND I love the two doggy-people! Stay safe from mean old Isaac!

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On 08/29/2012, Julie in WA said ...

Oh, Susan, you are sooo lucky to have a wonderful sunny cheerful place to create! I don't know how you ever leave the room? We are looking at adding on to our family room so that I have a place to sew. Right now it is all in the dining room and many many nights we have no place to eat!

And....you found Laurel Burch at a thrift store??? She is one of my favorites; I am always watching for her stuff at thrift stores but have had no luck so far...

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On 08/29/2012, Mary said ...

Your sewing room looks like a neat place to be. It's so cheerful. Thanks for sharing. Come on over and straighten up mine anytime!
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Maximum D

Many of us Class-of-62ers went though old photos and pulled some to give to Sherry for the slide show she made for us for the reunion. This is one of mine. I was 16, maybe 17 or nearly. Remember those photo booths where you could have a strip of shots made, five or six, for a quarter? Wasn't that fun? And didn't we try out all our favorite movie-star poses?

I finally got a call from my doctor's office on Wednesday from the tests I had done a couple of weeks ago. Seems my vitamin D level is practically nonexistent. 50 is ideal; 30 is the absolute minimum; mine is 15. It's a wonder I don't have the rickets, which sounds like the name of the lead singer in the rock band Maximum D (see below).

So Dr. M. put me on a pill called Maximum D (sounds like the name of a rock band) and ordered at least 30 minutes of sunshine every other day. I'm doing it too. I want to feel better. (Although I hate sunshine. Five minutes in the sun and I'm perspiring like a ditch digger.)

It turns out that many of the symptoms I suffer could be explained by this D deficiency: fatigue, weight gain, skin lesions, muscle weakness, pain. I'm to go back in three months to have my level checked again. I expect to be feeling much better by then.

The sewing room is looking good. It's even fit to work in now.  I don't want to do photography yet because I still want to hang some little quilts and stuff first. But one day next week for sure.

Monday is the first meeting of the administrative board of Birmingham Quilters Guild. As block of the month chairman, I'm a member of that board. Last year at the first meeting, I had all my blocks planned and constructed and instructions written to present. Not so this year. I have three blocks made and no instructions finalized, although I do have some rough drafts. So I better get to work so I'll have something to show on Monday.

Happy Weekend to all.

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On 08/25/2012, Barbara Anne said ...

Ah!!!! Those photo booths were a hoot and such a bargain that no pose went untried. Weren't you looking like a Hollywood starlet?!

Cheers and applause for your dilegent work in the sewing room. I can just imagine the pleasure you feel as you walk in and see how neat and organized you've made it. Well done! I'll patiently wait for pictures until you've finished some of the BOM plans and have hung your chosen quilts.

We've had the most amazing rain and wind for much of last night and all morning. The radar shows a swirling motion to this rain, so perhaps it's the far outer bands of Isaac that has drenched us. It's all welcome - as long as the trees all stay upright!

You've inspired me to get back to work in my cluttered little sewing room aka the dump!

Hugs!

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On 08/25/2012, Ellen Doody said ...

I just missed out on the photo booths (born in'57)although I have a vague recollection of them at county fairs when I was around 5 or 6. I bet if they put them in the malls now kids would still pay to use them because they would see them as a novelty. Vintage is the current rage - right? I saw a magazine at the market checkstand yesterday were the headline was about things from the '80's being "vintage. Weren't the '80's just a few years back?
I'm really happy to hear that your MD found the low Vit. D levels and that your should be feeling significantly better in just a few weeks. I was also found to have a level of 7 a couple of years ago. My skin was a mess, my hair was thinning badly, depressed for no reason and termendous muscle pain/cramps. It took a few months of prescription strength Vit. D3 to get the level into the normal range. For some reason the calcium citrate didn't work and neither did the pills once I went to the over the counter dosage. I finally found a Kirkland D3 gelcap at Costco that was very effective. Everyone handles meds differently, but I can tell you that you will feel much better once you get your D level back to normal. I think a lot of woman just attribute these vague problems to getting older when it is often a vitamin D deficiency or low thyroid.
I loved how you fixed up your sewing room for your friends visit. Take your time on the reorganization. It may make you crazy, but it not worth over expending the limited energy you have. Take care.

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On 08/25/2012, Sandy said ...

You look just like Doris Day in that photo!!! I love it. She was always one of my favorites. I loved all of her movies, especially the one with Rock Hudson. Thanks for all those memories. Have a great time in the sewing room.

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On 08/26/2012, Debra S said ...

Wouldn't it be great if the VitD deficiency was the main culprit? Sounds like good news to me.

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On 08/27/2012, judi0044 said ...

I had same problem and dislike sun and humidity. Dr. Put me on huge D dose until our plan balked at paying for it so had to drop down to OTC and doing ok. It seems to be common as we age and don't get enough sun. Glad to hear they caught yours.

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On 08/27/2012, Ramey said ...

I love this photo! I remember that day! That's the day we met those two strange boys at the mall and the nerdiest one took a shine to you and followed us around! (Somemwhere I have a shot you and me together from that day, and I had the super tan and white/pink lipstick.) Wonder where those guys are now. Yours was red-headed and nerdy and mine looked like he'd just left his mule and plow somewhere close by.
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Making Progress

I got a LOT done in the sewing room yesterday. Still not ready for a show-and-tell, but I can see a big difference already. I think I'll meet my goal of having everything back together by the end of the week. Maybe even get a little sewing done this week.

Here's a photo of me and another of my high school BFFs from the reunion. Me on the left, saying who knows what. And Joyce Ann (J.A.) on the right, patiently listening.

I couldn't begin to estimate the number of times Joyce Ann and I spent the night together, talking about boyfriends, complaining about problems with parents, doing homework (J.A. got me through algebra with a passing grade), and reading Nancy Drew mysteries. She was there for me while I cried my eyes out the night after I learned that my first serious boyfriend was my boyfriend no longer. Lots of memories, lots and lots and lots.

And here's another photo of me, taken by Sherry. I have no memory of what I was laughing about. Looks like maybe I was reading something or looking at pictures. Just don't know.

My hair is frizzy and curly in all the photos because I made the mistake of using the hairdryer after my shower. The hairdryer always causes me to perspire profusely--especially my head, sometimes I'd swear even my eyeballs sweat. This keeps my hair damp and causes it to frizz once it ever does get dry. 

I think I'm going to have to give up my Folgers Black Silk coffee. (What else, oh Lord?) I have two cups every morning and before the second cup is finished, my heart starts flipping and flopping and skipping and doesn't stop until the next morning--when it's time for more Black Silk. I've already cut it with decaf by 1/3, but that doesn't seem to be doing the trick. Maybe I'll go to half-and-half before I go cold turkey. Then if that doesn't do it, I guess it will be total decaf for me. And just when medical science is telling us that caffeine is actually good for us. Guess they didn't take into consideration my mitral valve.

Back to work now. I'm a woman on a mission.

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On 08/23/2012, Barbara Anne said ...

What wonderful photos of a delightful time spent with dear friends. The photo of you laughing is the best!

Applause on all you accomplished in the sewing room!!! I'm looking forward to seeing an "after" photo (hint, hint). My trouble in my little sewing room is that there is nowhere to stuff anything else at all - well, perhaps a flat piece of paper could slide in somewhere.

Enjoy the afterglow of the reunion weekend, the laughs, the smiles, the knowing looks from shared memories, and the pleasure of being together again.

Hugs!

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On 08/24/2012, Kai said ...

LOVE the photos (you are soooo pretty, my friend!) and I had to smile re: the hair. Same thing with me. My BODY can be totally cool, but my thick, curly hair heats up like an electric blanket & drips all down my back & over my face. Sigh. I guess - GUESS - thick hair is a blessing ...! Folger's Black Silk! You, too??? I LOVE it! All I drink in the mornings. And at lunch I drink Dunkin Donuts Almond coffee. Yum, yum! OR DD Cinnamon coffee. I also drink AT LEAST a gallon of water daily. Seriously. Guess where MY behind spends a LOT of the day with all that liquid in me? HAHAHAHA! LOVE YOU! And Ray says hello!

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On 08/24/2012, Ramey said ...

Try my coffee mixture: 1/2 organic breakfast blend, 1/2 organic decaf. Avoiding pesticides might help. Every time I drink (well known coffee) it almost kills me.
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Think I Can Do It?

What you see in the photo is my sewing room, a complete disaster (except for my computer cubby, which you can't see in this picture because it's around the corner to the right in the dog-house dormer). Much of the stuff from my office (which I turned into to a guest room so that Bonnie, and future guests, would have a place to sleep) is now in the sewing room. But it's hard to tell office stuff from sewing stuff. Everything is just a jumbled mess. And it's impossible to get to a cutting, sewing, or pressing surface. I can't even find the phone. When it rings, I hear it; but it seems to be buried someplace I can't get to.

So my goal for the rest of the week is to get order restored. Of course, it's already Wednesday, and already almost noon on Wednesday at that. But I know that if I can ever kick my butt into gear, I can get it done. So here goes. Wish me luck.

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On 08/22/2012, Linda K Smith said ...

You can do it. My advice is to try to focus on one little area at a time - it can get a bit overwhelming if you try to deal with all of it at once. Just aying it works for me! And you will be so glad when it's all in order again.

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On 08/22/2012, Jeanmarie said ...

After setting up that inviting little guest room so quickly, I'm sure you can do it!

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On 08/22/2012, Jenn said ...

I don't feel so bad (about my "room") now! Except that I'm not sure just how much order I'll ever have! To think, that's what I was known for at work, order and organization. Oh well! Loved your post! Love your room! Looks spontaneous and creative regardless!

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On 08/22/2012, cathy said ...

Oh My, first of all, I read your blog all the time, but have never posted. Thank-you for posting this. It made me laugh, because my own sewing room looks about the same. I did spend Sunday evening tiding my sewing room and it has improved but I am sure if I took a picture no one would even know I spent about four hours organizing and cleaning in there. I have faith you can DO IT! I know I am going to work on my space until it is presentable. But I know I will be sewing in there before it is presentable!!! Take care and all the best.

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On 08/22/2012, Barbara Anne said ...

What a grand and glorious large sewing room you have! Color me of the itty bitty sewing room majorly envious. Methinks you have plenty of room for an office tucked somewhere in that stellar space.

Good luck finding a new layout to suit all of your needs, office, pressing, cutting, sewing, and best wishes on finding the phone, too! Remember the little engine that could. You can, too! Put on some jazzy music and have fun in the process.

I'm looking forward to photos of the new look.

Hugs!

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On 08/23/2012, Helen in Switzerland said ...

Good luck Susan! Yes it is a little messy, but what a lovely sewing room you have, so bright and cosy! I'm looking forward to seeing the tidied version!

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On 08/23/2012, Kai said ...

I TOTALLY believe in you, Susan! And I've been reading ALL your posts but not commenting (up to my EARS in editing) and think you are a ROCK STAR for letting sweet Jesse stay there! I enjoyed your reunion photos so much! Can't wait to see the room makeover! Just don't wear yourself out! LOVE YOU!

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On 08/25/2012, laura said ...

in the mean time, tell everyone it is "productive clutter"-thats what I do.I see your doll house blocks on the design wall.
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More About the Reunion

Some of us met at The Livery on Saturday morning for brunch and to spruce up and decorate. (Me: back row, third from right.)

Our reunion festivities took place in two of our town's historic buildings. We had brunch and dinner here, at The Livery.

After dinner dancing and visiting took place here, at The Depot. Trains no longer stop here and haven't for many years. But I remember bringing my sister Joanne here to leave on her senior class trip to Washington, DC, in maybe 1953. My class didn't go to D.C. They went to Panama City, Florida. I was engaged and didn't get to go.

This is my friend Bonnie from Warrenton, Virginia. We not only were class mates in high school, but we also lived next door to each other until I got married and moved away. Bonnie spent four days with me and left yesterday. We had a great time reliving old memories and catching up on each other's life.

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On 08/21/2012, Brenda @ Down Memory La La Lane said ...

AWESOME REUNION! School reunions are AWESOME! Your class had a great turn out. I love your meeting places too. Glad you all had a great time!
Hugs,
Brenda

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On 08/21/2012, Joanne said ...

Great pictures--Bonnie looks just like her mother. Glad you had a good crowd and good times.

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On 08/21/2012, Barbara Anne said ...

More wonderful photos of your delightful reunion! Is it just me, or do you ladies look much, much younger than the men? Methinks so.

It's great that you and Bonnie have such ties and a life-long friendship that each of you have tended.

How are you doing?

Hugs!

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On 08/21/2012, Diane W said ...

Sounds like you had a wonderful time. Love the name tags you made. I had 848 in my graduation class so some (a lot)I didn't even know. Great memories past and present.

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On 08/25/2012, kids clothing said ...

What more could be fun than seeing your friends from the past and reunite with them once more. This could be a good start!

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On 08/26/2012, Kelly Ann said ...

Your friend Bonnie live in the town where my quilt shop is..talk about small world...
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Oh What a Night!

Leeds High School, Class of '62. That's me, first one to the left on front row.

After four days with me, Bonnie left a few minutes ago. She's on her way to her cousin's house in Birmingham to spend the night. Then she goes to visit a friend in Florida for a month. Wish I had some of her energy.

Dang! At this point, I wish I had any energy at all. I wouldn't change a thing if I had a chance, but I have a feeling I'll be paying for many, many days after the past week's activities.

I won't try to relate all the conversations, shared memories, laughter, tears that took place. Just one experience. I was sitting quietly alone for a few minutes, listening to the oldies and watching a group of my old girlfriends talking animatedly in a group. Gradually that group of mature women, in my mind, morphed into those beautiful young girls of five decades ago. For a few seconds, I saw my teenage friends just as they were on graduation night. I shed a couple of tears, wiped them away, and went to join the group.

I think I love them now even more than I did back them. Each of us carries a part of all the others within us wherever we are.

There are many more pictures. I'll share more later.

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On 08/20/2012, Sandy said ...

What lovely memories you've made. And congratulations on the reunion. My mother and her classmates will be celebrating their 70th reunion next month. Seventy years and they still get together every month for lunch and business. I think it's wonderful. Although their group is slowly dwindling, they still cherish their times together. Memories are what life is made of! Have a restful week Susan. You deserve it.

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On 08/20/2012, Barbara Anne said ...

I love the photo of you and your classmates and can almost see them as they were back when. Aren't you glad that some of your spoons went toward planning this marvelous get-together? You and the others on the planning committee brought lots of good memories and good laughter into many lives this weekend. What could be better?

Wishing you hours and hours of restorative sleep in the coming days and nights and lots of spoons to greet you when you awaken each day.

Hugs!

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On 08/20/2012, Pat said ...

So glad you could all be together. I've had some of those "morph" moments with old friends. Thankful we have been blessed to be together all these many years later and can look back at young times, seeing ourselves as young women, having no idea the joys and sorrows we have gone through. Like you, I wouldn't change anything. We just have to pace ourselves more now. Some R&R for you now. We'll meet the next challenge...

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Brand New Guest Room

When Jesse moved in with me, I gained a roomie but lost a guest room. With the imminent arrival of my high school friend Bonnie from Virginia, I had to make arrangements, else someone would have to sleep on the couch. And while I love my couch, it really isn't made for sleeping.

So I turned my office into a guest room. That's it in the photo. With the help of Jesse and his cousin Jonathan for lifting, we got everything finished up yesterday. I think it looks very inviting. I'd feel welcome there. i hope Bonnie does.

I have to say that I am so very tired that I don't know how I'm going to finish up what I have to do today, much less make it through the entire weekend with a house guest and reunion festivities. But I will. I know I will. I wish I had not had to tire myself out getting ready so that I could enjoy my friends more. But, such is life, I guess. Now all I want to do is make it till Monday.

Bonnie is due to arrive today. I have to straighten up the downstairs, vacuum again, mop the kitchen, plan and prepare something for supper tonight, go shopping. Oh and I still haven't bathed the dogs. In fact I haven't even showered since the day before yesterday. I gotta go, y'all.

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On 08/16/2012, Deb said ...

Susan, the guest room is just lovely! Your friend should enjoy staying there. The quilts on the walls would do it for me! I hope you get some rest before she arrives. Have a fun weekend!

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On 08/16/2012, Kim said ...

The room looks awesome! Have a wonderful weekend. It's always great to spend time with old friends!

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On 08/16/2012, Teresa said ...

Just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy your book reviews. I have been putting off reading the Hunger Games as the concept is disturbing, but think I will download it and see for mrself. Your room looks great, I hope you enjoy your friend's visit and the reunion.

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On 08/16/2012, Barbara Anne said ...

I'm on my new computer at last!!!!

Your new guest room is charming and so welcoming! Cheers for you, the designer who planned the layout, and cheers for the musclemen whose strength and willingness made it into a reality!

I hope Bonnie has arrived safely and that you were able to give yourself permission to ignore some of the chores on your list so you could rest. May an endless spoon supply see you through Monday, my friend!

Enjoy the reunion!

Hugs!

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On 08/17/2012, sillysally said ...

Your guest room looks comfy and inviting to me! I see your Tribute to Mama quilt is hanging there as well (at least I think that's the one).

Hope you have a fun weekend and not get too tired out in the process.

sillysally aka choc chip addict

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On 09/14/2012, Lindsay said ...

I absolutely love the quilt on the bed!
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Shoo Fly, Shoo!

The large center plate on the top shelf of the hutch covers the big hole in the wallpaper.

The flies haven't got into the buttermilk yet, but they're all over the kitchen walls, as you can see. 

Nobody has sent me a photo of a doll house block, so I guess that means nobody is ready to show work today except me. As you can see, mine isn't finished, just fused.  I hope to get back to work sewing next week.

My friend Bonnie phoned this morning and says she's on her way. She's driving from northern Virginia, and her doctor has told her she must take two days for the trip and make frequent rest stops. So she expects to be here tomorrow evening.

Then we have a very busy weekend planned with our former classmates. Friday we'll go up to the Depot to decorate, have lunch together, and visit with everyone on the reunion committee. Then Saturday morning, I think there's a coffee. Not clear if that was decided or not. And Friday evening is the big party. Sunday morning, everyone who wants to is going to Cracker Barrel for breakfast. Then it will all be over until the next time.

All you Dollhouse Quilt-a-longers, watch your email boxes for the next pattern in the series. This time it will be the Sewing Room. This one should be fun. And don't worry about being behind. No penalties or pressure, remember. Just sew at your own pace.

My computer is behaving so much more efficiently now that it's in my sewing room. I should have moved it long ago, but who knew? The only part of my sewing room that is usable right now is the little dog-house alcove where I put my computer. I have my work cut out for me next week getting everything straightened up in here. 

OK now, there's work to be done. So I'll catch you folks later. Have a great Hump Day.

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On 08/15/2012, Joanne said ...

I love the kitchen block. Looks like you've got enough to keep you busy this week :) The plan for your reunion is almost identical to ours in '03, the same place, the Cracker Barrel breakfast and all. Give Bonnie my love when she arrives.

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On 08/15/2012, Julie in WA said ...

Such a cute block! What size is it? I can't imagine working with such tiny pieces, getting them to stay put, quick, so they don't move before the iron can do its work! Have a very fun weekend with all your reunion friends!

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On 08/15/2012, Barbara Anne said ...

Cute and charming kitchen block and love the plate solution for the hole in the wallpaper!! Well done!

Have a wonderful time with your friends at the reunion and please tell Bonnie next time she can pick me up as she drives near Richmond!

I'm staying with FIL while DH and AMIL are at the grocery and a storm is upon us.

Tootles and hugs!

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On 08/15/2012, Thelma said ...

If Jesses's TV is on a High Definition channel (HD) it will hog your bandwidth, ask him to watch standard def when you want to use your computer and to not leave the TV on an HD channel when he's not watching it.

That block is the cutest thing ever!
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Which End Is Up?

I have been so busy and spread so thin that I almost forgot to remind the Dollhouse quilters that tomorrow is show-and-tell day. So if you've made any progress, send me photos and I'll post them here tomorrow. 

My new guest room is almost ready--except for moving in the bed and removing the dog covers from the pink chairs.

I spent most of yesterday breaking down my office room and moving most of my office stuff into the sewing room. I'm going to merge the two rooms into one. Since Jesse moved in, I've found I need another guest room. My friend  Bonnie from Virginia is coming for our class reunion this week, and I have nowhere for her to sleep unless someone sleeps on the couch, which is not a good sleeping couch at all. I'm going to move a small bed into the newly rearranged office room for a guest room. 

Of course, now my sewing room is an utter wreck. But I can just close the door and deal with it next week when I no longer have a house guest.

I have to go shopping for groceries, etc., for the weekend. And I also have to finish the reunion name tags before Saturday. Clean floors, clean bathrooms, vacuum, bathe dogs--then I think I'll be ready for Bonnie and the reunion. So I'm going to continue to be spread a bit thin for the rest of this week. And I'm feeling it.

Note: Linking to Brenda's "Tweek It Tuesday."

Looking Forward, Looking Back

I sat on the back porch this morning, drinking my coffee and playing on my iPad. It was very nice and cool. The first hint of autumn is in the air and I love it. I'm sure there is plenty of hot weather yet to come, but I always love that time when autumn sends a note ahead saying, Hold on, I'll be there soon.

After my coffee, I've been working on the name tags for our class reunion. I'm taking the photos from our year book, cropping them and adding them to the name tags. As you can see from the photos, my yearbook is a little worse for wear. That's because not only is it 50 years old, but it also experienced one house fire and one leaky roof during those years. I guess it looks pretty good considering what it has been though. Sort of like me.

Note: This is yesterday (Sunday) post. Still having 'puter problems.

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On 08/13/2012, Jeanmarie said ...

Your tiny promise of autumn reached me here in New Jersey Monday morning. Finally I could shut off the AC and open all the windows for a bit!
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Problem Solving

So while I was going through photo files on the computer yesterday, slowly transferring them to disc, I found this photo of our sweet Diane, Sophie's mobile groomer for several years. I couldn't find the photo in the spring when she passed away. So I wanted to post it now in loving memory of this kind and caring lady, whom we adored.

We miss you Diane, me and two of your "babies," Sophie and Skipper.

Thanks to you who gave me advice regarding the computer and sofa cushions. I think you've maybe solved my problem regarding the photos on the computer. I'm going to upgrade and order an external hard drive. I knew there was such a thing, but I guess I just had not let it sink into my brain good. I've also discovered I need a new mouse. Mine has a frayed cord and works only part of the time.

So far as the cushions, go, I can't turn them around; They're one-way cushions. I haven't found my paper work yet, but I haven't really given it a serious look. I was busy all day yesterday downloading dog pictures to disc--a tedious, time-consuming process. I think the external drive will be much easier. But when I find the paper work, I'm going to get in touch with Penney's and see if it's possible to get new cushion covers. I have my doubts that the fabric will still be in stock. My fall back plan is to maybe to light brush a thin solution of cranberry dye onto the spots I faded.

I think (MAYBE) I've figured out the internet problem too. Jesse has a honkin' big tv--looks like a movie screen. It dominates his bedroom. When that tv is not on, the internet on my computer seems to work well. Except on my iPad. It still won't work in the living room.

Now I have to go. I have a meeting with the class reunion group at 12:00. We're going to measure for tablecloths at our "venue," and then go to lunch.

I am enjoying far less quilt-room time than I want and need. Maybe when this reunion is over I can get serious with all these projects. I did a little hand quilting last night on the "Blackberry Creek" quilt. But my carpel tunnel hand went numb and I had to stop.

Happy TGIF, everyone.

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On 08/11/2012, laura said ...

Hey Susan,
If you are replacing your mouse- think about looking into a wireless- no frayed cords and very freeing. I wish I had done it sooner. Just finishing my kitchen this weekend.

Hugs, Laura
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Continuing Catastrophes

Hot darn! I was able to load a photo this morning. That's the house block from the Sweetheart Houses BOM that I wrote about yesterday. 

I have been worrying that maybe my computer problem could be my computer and not my wifi. My iMac is several years old, and maybe it's just wearing out. So yesterday I bought a bunch of cds and I'm going to download all my photos onto them (if I can figure out how to do it) just in case. I know I should have done this eons ago, but I haven't. But I'm going to now.

Foxfire tells me I have to upgrade my Mac if I want to use Foxfire for my browser. I lost it a while back. Foxfire has always been better for uploading photos to my blog. I'm also going to check into upgrading my iPhoto application, which has been running slowly for a long time. But maybe deleting all those photos after I save them to discs will help that problem.

BUT FIRST...I pulled a SuSu yesterday. Somebody or somedog, more like, got some kind of black stuff on my sofa seat cushions, all three of them. I first tried removing it with water, didn't work. So I got my upholstery cleaner and sprayed and scrubbed them. The black stuff came out--and so did a lot of the dye in the fabric. So now I have big faded spots on the front of each of the cushions. I have to figure out what to do about that. They look awful. 

(Yea! Another photo downloaded--even in a thunderstorm.)

My first step will be to try and find the paperwork from when I bought my sofa. Then I'm calling JC Penney's to see if there's anything they can do. Replace the cushion covers maybe. After all, I paid extra to have the entire sofa treated with a dirt/stain proofer. So we'll see how that goes. Meanwhile, anybody have a suggestion?

 Gotta go. Lightening making lights blink. Need to turn off computer. Bye now.

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On 08/09/2012, Jan said ...

Hi, Susan,
You might want to look at buying an external hard drive for your computer. My kids gave me one for Mother's Day a couple of years ago. I use it all the time to save photos & embroidery files. Mine has more memory available than I will ever use.

Have a blessed,
Jan

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On 08/09/2012, Bonnie said ...

Susan,
I haven't done it myself -- but you know, "it's on my list." You can upload your photos to a service like Shutterfly or Flickr and they are stored "in the cloud." You can keep them so that not just anyone can look at them, or you provide a password for the relatives to look at your vacation photos, etc. Maybe others can provide you (and me!) with their recommendations!

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On 08/09/2012, upvc windows said ...

Computer problems are common issues that many people face on a regular basis. No matter how well you think your computer is performing, it will definitely experience a problem at least once during its lifetime. Slow Web browsing, system crashes and missing files are only a few things that you will encounter while working on a computer.

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On 08/09/2012, Andrea said ...

Yes, please use an external drive. You can schedule an automatic back-up of your system once a week and all will be safe. It will be so more faster to restore, too, if you should ever need it! Burning to CD's takes so long! You have so much quilting to do! :)

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On 08/10/2012, Mona said ...

Can you turn the cushions on front side to the back? Good luck! Mona

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On 08/11/2012, Pat Hathaway said ...

RE: the sofa stains. Most good quality furniture will have the fabric covering parts of the sofa that usually aren't seen like on the part of the couch under the sofa cushions and inside the arms below the cushion level. If Penny's can't help you with replacing the cushions you might find an upholsterer who would be willing to remove some of the hidden good fabric and recover the front of the cushions. If the back of the couch is against a wall all the time that could be a source for some good fabric too. Good luck.
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Computer Issues

This kind of thing just makes me crazy. Yesterday morning I was all over the house with my computer, trying to find a spot where it would pick up the wifi. We got a new, more modern router, thinking that would help. And it did just a little, but not enough. The technician told me there there was something inside the house blocking the signal. I asked her if she could give me a couple of examples of what this could be. She said no.

I am now in the sewing room doing my blog post, instead of in my office where I normally do them. Oh well, ain't technology grand?

This is block #1 in the Sweetheart Houses block of the month quilt from Shabby Fabrics. It was such fun to do. I love hearts, I love houses, and I love reds and pinks. So I could just hardly go wrong with this one. I hope today or tomorrow to attach my new transparent presser foot to Bernice and do some blanket stitching on this block and on my kitchen block for the Dollhouse Challenge. I have it finished to, except for the outline stitching. And guess what? The hole in the wallpaper fabric is completely covered.

Note: I have tried all day to post a photo. No deal. Until I find out what's wrong computer-wise and get it fixed, what you see is what you get as far as this blog is concerned. I'm about the lose it.

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On 08/24/2012, Lance Vartanian said ...

It’s really a problem when you’re on a Wifi zone that has a poor signal while working with your laptop. Tsk. Just look at the bright side, you always get to work in a new environment. Who knows it might generate more productivity. ;) In any case, have you discovered the exact reason of the signal jam? It could be your microwave oven or wireless phone.
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Bees 'a Buzzin'

Yesterday was my day to host the monthly meeting of the Piecemakers Quilting Bee group. Everyone was here except for Cyndi W. and Gerry M. They both had good excuses though, so their absences will not go on their permanent records.

I didn't feel like cooking any goodies for our brunch, but I found some great pastries and fruit at Publix, and Mary S. brought some scrumptious strawberry cupcakes that she had baked. So we we well fed. 

Show and tell time is always what I look forward to at bee. I'll share some of it with you.

Sally (left) brought this beautiful top, which she apparently had not enjoyed piecing. Too many bias edges.

Martha (second from left) made this colorful creation.

 
Sally showing us her dinosaur quilt

That's Rita behind that cute baby quilt.

Another beautiful wall hanging from Doris

I believe, but don't hold me to it, that Doris said her mother embroidered these great animal blocks (see detail below). I know for sure that Doris put them together in this very charming baby quilt, which I think (but again, don't hold me to it) is going to a great nephew.

Our bee held a sew-in recently. I didn't get to attend. Above are a couple of Cindy M.'s blocks from that sew-in. The pattern is from Dianne Hire's book Come Play With Me.

I've saved my bee show and tell for last because it's something special, at least to me and my family. I've always felt that my niece Jenny C., was the finest needlecrafter in our family, and one of the finest anywhere. She could, and did, do it all: quilting, garment sewing, crochet, knitting, embroidery. 

Jenny was very young, in her 20s I think, when she stitched these Persian Puzzle blocks. The pattern is from Progressive Farmer's Award Winning Quilts, Oxmoor House, 1974. The applique is fine enough, but Jenny's embroidery is amazing.

We lost Jenny to cancer when she was only 42, and we miss her so much. She left behind many beautiful pieces of needlework, and this is one of them. My sister Joanne put the blocks together with the burgundy sashing and then decided to pass the piece on. I am the lucky recipient. I hope to finish this wonderful work of needle art and pass it on to someone else in the family, probably one of Jenny's brothers.

Note: I own a copy of the book in which this patterns appears, if anyone would like a copy of it.

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On 08/07/2012, Joanne said ...

Thanks for showing the Persian puzzle quilt top. Jenny would be proud for you to have it.

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On 08/07/2012, sillysally said ...

That is a wonderful tribute quilt to your niece who you lost far too soon.

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On 08/07/2012, hunnybunny said ...

Everything is beautiful but Jenny's quilt is beyond amazing. What a beautiful piece of art to cuddle with such amazing memories.
I lost my mom when she was a year older than Jenny had been and we have one small granny square blanket she made. Thing 3 sleeps with it, convinced my mom knew her favorite colors before she was even born or even a thought really. My mom made it for her since she never got to hold her. That's what Thing 3 says anyway. : )
Sorry for the over share, but you made me teary (in a good way) there is something so special about what we make and the memories people can feel. Thank you for sharing that with us.
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A Fairly Fractured Sister Supper...

...Or All's Well That Ends Well

To celebrate Jesse's move to The Yellow House (and just because we like to get together and eat), I had planned a sister supper for Wednesday night, replete with all the usual suspects. But then Ramey informed me that her grandson Reed was due in from California on Wednesday evening and she thought they would be doing something. So I postponed sister supper until Thursday evening.

At Jesse's suggestion, we were having spaghetti and meatballs. Everything went well early in the day. I got the meatballs prepared, Jesse and I went for a haircut, I came home and made brownies and put the sauce on to simmer. Then just before I started the spaghetti, Ramey called. 

"I forgot that I have to work until 7:00 tonight," she announced. Dinner was scheduled for 6:00. Too late to postpone again.

So the deal was that everyone except Ramey arrived at 6:00 and had dinner at about 6:30. Ramey arrived at about 7:30, when everyone else except me and Jesse had gone home, and ate. But it turned out ok. Everyone enjoyed the spaghetti and meatballs. Jesse even had a second helping of them, without spaghetti, after everyone had gone home. It isn't the same as when all of us, including Ramey, can sit down together, but I'm glad we're flexible enough to not let the little things spoil our fun.

The bad news is that, after all my work and repair on the area where Skipper had made such a hole-digging, muddy mess, he found a spot right in the middle of my daisies where he could dig and had at it while we were getting ready for dinner. The torrential rain the other night uncovered the bare dirt and softened it just the way Skipper likes it.

What a mess! I have most of the dirt put back in the hole, the daisies that he dug up replanted in pots, and a bunch of flower pots and buckets covering up the area until Jesse can get me some more pine straw and mulch to hide the spot and deflect Skipper's attention.

Now to the sewing room....

Poor Ol' Doggies; Poor Ol' SuSu

 

What a morning we've had. Up early, ready to take Skipper and Sophie to the vet clinic for annual checkup and shots, baths, and Sophie's grooming.

First of all, Sophie knew what was up and wouldn't get in the car. I know that dog can read my mind. Finally on our way, I had to stop the car twice to clean up the front seat where Skipper had barfed. 

The closer we got to the clinic, the more Sophie whined. But Skipper's stomach settled down and we made it without any more barfs.

In the parking lot, with both dogs leashed, we hopped out on the grassed area for a pre-vet peepee. Immediately both dogs wrapped their leashes around me and started pulling all three of us toward a white poodle who was also enjoying a potty break.

When we all got untangled and inside, Skipper finally realized where he was and decided he didn't want to be. You know what comes next. In the blink of an eye, he was out of his collar, off his leash, and headed for home. Thank goodness the front door stopped him and we were able to retrieve the wayward wimp. 

When I left them, everybody was crying. Sophie was trying to climb my leg and Skipper was beside himself. It was like I had taken them to be tortured. I finally got away from them, got in the car, started the engine, and burst into tears. I cried almost all the way home.

To work off the freak out, I worked in the back yard garden for about an hour, washing furniture and trying to repair the damage that our storms did. But they time I was done with that, I was soaked to the skin and exhausted. But I had stopped crying.

After my shower, the vet called to report on Skipper. He has an inflamed left ear, and red, dry skin. She's going to treat his ear and put him back on Temaril till we can get through the summer. And I'm to get fish oil capsules and start putting it on his food.

Bless his little heart. He has been miserable with the itching. I give him Benadryl twice a day, but it doesn't seem to help a lot. The Temaril usually helps, but it has prednisone in it, and I don't like him to have to take it often.

I'm going to the sewing room now. I feel like it should be bedtime, but it isn't even afternoon. After I pick the doggies up, I think I will go to bed. But that will be late this afternoon.

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On 08/01/2012, Linda Volz said ...

Hi Susan -
Wow, it sounds like you had quite a morning. Most pets hate to go to the vet but think how happy they will be when they return home :-)
Regarding the barfing in the car and Skipper making good his escape from his leash, I would highly recommend one of those rolling pet carriers. Saves your car, less distracting while your driving and alot less likely Skipper will escape on you. Might even make them feel safer and calmer. Also, I keep seeing these advertisements for these things called Thundershirts for dogs. I've never tried them so I don't really know if they work or not but that's supposed to help calm them too.

In any case, they'll all be back home soon and all will be well. Sending you blessings,
Linda

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On 08/01/2012, Jan said ...

What a morning you had...and it was "all for their own good!" Ours' have a Sept. appointment & I'm already dreading it! The older dog needs her teeth cleaned and she's a complete zombie when that's over with. Hope everyone is feeling better and have an early bedtime tonight!!

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On 08/02/2012, Helen in Switzerland said ...

I was exhausted just reading this Susan! Hope everyone got home safely!!

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On 08/02/2012, Brook Sellers said ...

Susan, I am a senior lady and have had many dogs and many breeeds, not one liked going to the vet office. It has always upset me to be the meaney to drive them.
As for the itching , I had a chinese pug who went nuts with the itch. The vet also gave predisone shots. As years have passed and information, I learned it is the corn in the dog food. For many years I bought food from the new vet fish and potatoes, then I later cooked them boiled ground beef, brown rice and carrots, string beans. I had six dogs at once. It was not that difficult. I also worked until I was 70 yrs. young.
now I feed IAMS Healthy Naturals, the dogs are older so I soften with hot water add a little brown rice and flavor with a little Cesar in the small square. That itch can drive all crazy. Predisone is ugly. I love my dogs also, Blessings, Brook
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