Bear Hunt

I don’t know how widespread this activity is, but it seems to have caught on around here. People are putting bears in their windows, on their porches, and all around their houses. I set Bentley out so he could greet the children of Leeds and help them get through the quarantine.

The Yellow House gets into the Bear Hunt fun. Bentley looks forward to greeting lots of families.

I made Bentley several years ago to use at Christmastime. He has a red plaid wool scarf and a Santa hat that he wears to celebrate the holidays. My plan is to make him a tie, a big springy-print tie, to wear during the bear hunt. That’s my plan. The hat Bentley is wearing belonged to Vann. I think it makes Bentley look like a Peaky Blinders bear. But I promise, there is no razor blade in that hat.

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On 03/29/2020, Joy said ...

We have a family of bears sitting with hearts flying overhead just down the block - the little ones have shared and brought smiles to the walkers and drivers going by. It is different but ok walking to make sure everyone has 6 feet/2 metres of space and walking is more like observing and moving to a different space many times - and waving as we pass far apart.
Joy

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On 03/29/2020, Barbara Anne said ...

Your bears are wonderful and I love the idea of bears in the window and on porches. We're so far back from the road and there's no sidewalk, that no one would see any bears we put in the usual places. Will have to give this a think.

Hugs!

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On 03/30/2020, Margaret said ...

Thanks for this - I have 2 bears in my windows, and have passed the message along to 6 other people. Best wishes to you and your family!

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On 04/03/2020, Beverly said ...

Happy Pink Saturday, Susan. I love seeing you here again. Please come back every weekend.

We are doing bears in our neighborhood, too. Additionally, they have organized a type of scavenger hunt with things to spot in the neighborhood. We even have a restauranteur organinzing neighborhood deliveries for certain nights. The response has been great.

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On 04/03/2020, Gina said ...

What a darling bear! We are doing the same in our neighborhood. My bears are quite happy waving hello to the children! Happy Pink Saturday!
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Hiney Problems

Skipper and I had to break quarantine yesterday and make a quick trip to the vet clinic. He’d been acting antsy since the day before. But then yesterday, he just went totally bonkers--running through the house, barking like a banshee, rolling around on the floor, trying to lick his hiney (which he can’t reach because he’s too fat), wanting out, wanting in, wanting out, wanting in, etc., etc., etc. I knew something was wrong with my little guy, so we took our problem to Dr. O. 

Crossroads, our vet clinic, is caring for our furry friends while also taking steps to keep us (and them) safe from the virus. We pull up, call in, the assistant comes out, takes information, takes Skipper, and I wait in the car. After a while, Dr. O comes out, dressed like a character from an apocalyptic movie (mask, goggles, gown, gloves, etc.), stands at least six feet (I think it was more) from my car, and discusses Skipper’s problem. He had, she says, an impacted anal glad. Eeeeewwww. She took care of it and thinks he will be all right, although she warned me he would likely exhibit some discomfort for a day or two. (He has, but he’s much better than yesterday.) Dr. O. returned to the clinic, the assistant brought Skipper back out, and home we went.

At home, Skip took a short nap, then woke up and started his same old hyper barking, running, etc. Jesse came in as all this was going on (and I was about to have a total breakdown). Jesse took control of situation, took Skipper upstairs to his bedroom, and I never heard a bark nor a whine nor saw my doggie again until this morning at 7:00 when he jumped up on the bed and woke me up. I slept like a log.

Skipper has never spent the night in Jesse’s bedroom when I was home, but he did great last night. I have dubbed Jesse “The Dog Whisperer” and will remember his talent for future crises. 

Skipper is still a little puny today, but as I said, much better than yesterday. He has to go back and see Dr. O in a week to make sure everything is all right. Oh, yeah, and we’ve also been told that Skipper has to lose 4 pounds. He is to have no more than 250 calories daily. No more treats or cheese for a while. I might need Jesse to help with that too. (I wish 4 pounds was all I need to lose.)

Meanwhile, the quarantine continues. Our governor has ordered everything in the state closed except essential stuff like grocery stores, hospitals, etc. We learned yesterday that children in Alabama will not return to school this year. They’ll be learning online. I feel bad for the high school seniors. No graduation ceremony? And I’m not sure what it will mean for their college entrances. However, it’s for the best, I know.

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On 03/27/2020, Barbara Anne said ...

Oops! I commented on this on yesterday's blog post.

Wish we could find TP at the grocery. Sigh!

Hugs!

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On 03/28/2020, Rose said ...

When our chunky girl needed to lose weight we used frozen green beans as a treat. Not as good as cheese but she adapted. lol
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Still Sheltered

Rosette 2, nearing finish

The best thing about the quarantine is more time to work on quilts. Then you’d think I’d be getting more done.

Going on two weeks since I voluntarily quarantined. I haven’t experienced one second of boredom. But I do worry about my family members and friends who have no choice but to go out into our now virus-infested surroundings to work. Rate of infections and deaths are speeding up in Alabama.

I’m ordering groceries through Walmart pickup service. Jesse will pick up the latest order this afternoon. But their stocks are so low, I’m not able to get all the things we need. So far, though, we’re making do. We have plenty of toilet paper, which is a comfort. And I haven’t run out of coffee.

I do miss going to church on Sunday morning, then going out to lunch with my sister. I haven’t seen anybody except Jesse and my yard man in almost two weeks. But I talk to the furbies, so I haven’t gone completely mute.

Please, my friends, please listen to the scientists and medical professionals. Stay away from people if you can, and don’t swallow any “cure” or “treatment" that hasn’t been prescribed by a doctor. People are dying. Stay safe.

Working on stars to finish Rosette 2

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On 03/26/2020, Jeanne Horacek said ...

I am amazed at how quickly you are getting your rosettes put together! I just drool over pictures of these projects but fear I would never get one finished. Keep up the beautiful handwork and please continue to take care of yourself! Jeanne

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On 03/27/2020, Barbara Anne said ...

Lovely resette #2 and do I see red point stars in your basket?

Sorry for skipper's misery but am glad the vet's office was available to cure the problem. Glad Jesse could help overnight, too, and that Skipper is better today.

Our library has a similar set up for picking up reserved books. You arrive in the parking lot, call the library to let them know and to give them your card number, then wait in the car until the librarian brings your books outside and puts them on a table. As the librarian went back in the library and I got out of my car, she turned and asked for my name. Once she was indoors, I could get my books. We still cannot return books as they're not sure of how to decontaminate them - if they're contaminated at all. Who knows?

Hugs!
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Nine Times Twenty

Yesterday, while the cleaning lady did her thing, I spent some time in the sewing room. I got 2/3 of the nine patches for my wall hanging for over the mantel finished (20 of them). I have to sew the rows together on ten more, and then I can put them together with the solid squares to make the background. Then I can choose fabrics (from my stash) for the vase and flowers.

We had a very hot and muggy day yesterday, but today it’s cool and dry, but cloudy. A good day to get back to work on the millefiori quilt.

But before I go, here’s Skipper and Taco not practicing social distancing. This is a rare sight; Skipper hardly ever allows Taco to get that close to him. I guess he had a brief moment of feeling the community spirit.

 

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On 03/21/2020, Barbara Anne said ...

What a cute project the Patchwork Posies is and well done on getting the background 9 patches done! This is a great little quilt to work on as a break from the intricate rosettes.

The photo of Skipper and Taco never showed up. Go figure.

Yesterday it was 85*F here and today the high was 52*F. Weird.

Stay safe!

Hugs!
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Rosette Two Growing

I stitched the entire ring of yellow pieces onto Rosette 2 yesterday while watching corona coverage. Sounds like we’re in for a siege, although I don’t believe anybody knows for sure how long this will last. Dr Sanja Gupta was upset that some segments of the population weren’t taking the threat seriously. Mr. Trump announced that he had known it was a pandemic all along. He was just kidding us, I guess, when he kept telling us it was a hoax. Now I think people are just confused: They don’t know whether to buy some toilet paper or go to a bar.

Oh well, we’ll get through this crisis--maybe not together, as many are saying, but get through it we will. We’ll likely be wiser (and poorer) for the experience. Those of us who make it. 

Prayers for all the world. Stay well, everyone. 

It’s not what you think, folks. I’m going to roll a certain south Florida golf resort.

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On 03/18/2020, Barbara Anne said ...

Love your 2nd rosette and applaud your progress!!

The applique quilt on the wall behind has long been one of my favorite of your many wonderful quilts. I've pulled fabrics to make several of those blocks myself but haven't started. Perhaps now is a good time to begin?

It's odd to look at a grocery list and consider it a "hope" list as it's a toss-up as to whether what you need will be at the store. No fun.

Take heart: Dr. Sanja Gupta also said that 80% of those who get the virus will recover without ill effect. The other 20% who are over 60 and/or have medical problems will be more affected but most people are unlikely to even be exposed to the virus.

Germ and virus free hugs!
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Sláinte

It’s a popular Irish toast, and it means “health,” very appropriate for these troubling time. It’s my toast to the world today. I pray that all of you are faring well in the midst of the pandemic. So far, no one I know has contracted it, but we have many cases popping up all around me.

In the past, I’ve made corned beef and cabbage to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. But Jesse isn’t fond of corned beef. So since he has lived with me, I’ve substituted uncorned beef in my dish. Today it’s short ribs, to which I’ll add cabbage, potatoes, onion, and carrots. Should be Irish enough for the likes of us.

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On 03/17/2020, Anne M Robinson said ...

Our middle and her hubby made corn beef and cabbage this weekend. It was a nice change. I am staying safely at home although my hubby must be at his workplace. But it is a skeleton crew so he feels relatively safe. I am praying and sending encouragement to residents of the three nursing homes in my area. I plan to mail them in a larger envelope asking them to distribute them where needed. Enjoy your lovely meal and Happy Saint Patrick;s Day! HUGS HEALTH LOVE

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On 03/17/2020, Barbara Anne said ...

Sláinte to you, too! I'm wearing green as I always do on St. Patrick's day, even when staying at home.

I've made lime jello as DH is trying to lose weight and I won't be making pistachio pudding.

Hugs!
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Self-Quarantine: No Solution for Pollen

So far, so good. I think I could stay home for a year and not get bored. But one thing that isolation doesn’t protect you from is Alabama pollen. The photo above was taken and posted by one of our local weathermen, James Spann, whom we count on in times of tornadoes, floods, and other weather dangers. 

My eyes are puffy, itchy, and watery. There’s sneezing, coughing, congestion, and general crumbiness But I have no temperature, so I know it’s allergy, not virus. The pollen and life with furry creatures is a recipe for discomfort for anyone who suffers from respiratory allergies.

Stay safe everyone. And stay home if you can. 

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On 03/17/2020, Stephani in N. TX said ...

Pretty scenery from your weather man, such greenery. Sorry about the allergy. TX has spring and fall allergy seasons, so Fall is my time to lay on the allergy Rx. Have stitching and cross-stitch, and reading to do while we stay in. Need a small run to Walmart for some key groceries this morning but then I can get back to my indoor fun. Take care.

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On 03/17/2020, Barbara Anne said ...

It's pollen time here in VA also so I'm with your in the sniffle brigade. Bother! I must say you're looking mighty good in your picture!

Sorry I missed this post yesterday.

Hugs!
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I’m in Semi-Lockdown

Today I finished the star ring for the second rosette of my millefiori quilt.

Health officials are recommending everyone who can stay in their homes and limit social contacts to limit the spread of the coronavirus. So I guess I should have plenty of quilting time in the next few weeks. 

Ramey and I went out yesterday to stock up on supplies. There had been a real run on toilet paper, but we were lucky to be at Walmart when a new shipment came in. I can announce that I now have enough toilet paper to last till the cows come home. 

I am truly going to give this quarantine thing my best shot. I will stay away from places where people gather as much as possible. My church has cancelled services for at least the next couple of weeks. We’re told they will evaluate the situation after the two weeks and decide whether to extend the closing or resume services.

I’m sure I will need more groceries, pet supplies, cleaning supplies, etc., before the crisis is through, but I plan to use the Walmart pick-up service for that. Although I have no underlying respiratory or coronary issues, I do have conditions that make me feel bad enough. I sure don’t want to add a dangerous virus to the mix.

I have plenty to keep me busy, and I love staying home. So I shouldn’t have a problem. But if I do get bored and need distraction, I can do as I hear the locked-down Italians are doing. I’ll stick my head out the window and start singing. I’m sure my neighbors will be nonplussed.

Prayers of health and comfort for our country and our world. Stay well everyone.

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On 03/14/2020, Maristella said ...

Here we had the same reccomendations,no matter,I love staying home too. Unfortunately,I have to go out to work,and I work at a hospital...But it's ok,I believe in God!I must go to the supermarket or I will need some toilet paper from your home!LOL!Keep safe!Blessings and hugs!

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On 03/14/2020, Beverly said ...

Holding you close in my heart and prayers.

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On 03/14/2020, Marie Cloutier said ...

hang in there. I am also working from home now and staying inside as much as I can. Take care <3

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On 03/15/2020, Patty McDonald said ...

We are protecting each other by staying home besides ourselves. How many times have you ever heard stay home and sew for 2 to 3 weeks!? First time I've ever been told to sit and sew for weeks in my 70 years. Being on acreage, helps to get out and exercise. Stay healthy. Patty

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On 03/15/2020, Barbara Anne said ...

What a beautiful 2nd resette you've made! Applause and well done!

We're mostly staying home but I have to go to the grocery tomorrow and would like to go to the library. We'll see. I have lupus which is an auto-immune disease so have to limit my time away from the house.

We quilters, other creative folks, and readers won't be bored! Hope we don't run out of thread or batting!

Hugs!
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Another Year Younger

I refuse to be old. So from now on, I think I’m going to subtract a year each birthday instead of adding one.

Above is the cake Andy brought yesterday in honor of my birthday. It was from wonderful Edgar’s Bakery and as good as it looks, maybe better. She also gave me the sweet bunny table runner, shown with the cake, a new can opener (I’m always having can opening problems), a couple of my favorite candies...

...and these lovely earrings.

And Andy never forgets the balloons.

And thanks for the festive birthday card (right), Barbara. The pig is from Andy.

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On 03/12/2020, Barbara Anne said ...

It's good to see you had a lovely birthday celebration of YOU! That cake looks incredible and oh, so yummy! Love the earrings, too.

I'm with you on subtracting a year rather than adding one more. Most 10 year olds are taller than I am so I decided I'm too short to be this age!

You're kindly welcome for the card, dear friend!

Hugs!

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On 03/13/2020, Sylvia said ...

So beautiful! Very Happy Birthday!

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On 03/14/2020, Maristella said ...

Happy Belated Birthday!Adorable cake,pretty earrings and cute cards!Hugs!
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One Job

In this house with me resides, in addition to Jesse, two cats and a rat terrier. I feed them and take care of them, and ask only one thing: If per chance a vermin gets inside, dispatch with it.

Last night, in the kitchen, a speedy mouse ran between my feet and disappeared down the hall before I could say YIKES! All three vermin-catchers were relaxing in other parts of the house. 

This morning, they’re all three sniffing around in corners, nooks, and crannies like they know a little squeaker has been afoot. But so far, I don’t think anyone has caught it. How does one find a tiny mouse in a two-story-plus-basement house? I am very uneasy.

I had every intention of attending quilt guild meeting this morning. But I woke up with a stuffy head, watery eyes, headache, and a bit of an earache. That, of course, in addition to the always-present fibro and back problems. So I decided to stay home and work on my millefiori quilt instead of making the 40-minute drive to Homewood. Note: Don’t panic. It’s allergies, not Coronavirus. The trees are beginning to bloom. It’s the beginning of pollen season.

(Taco just thought he had found the mouse. He quietly snuck up on it and grabbed it, but it turned out to be a cat toy, wedged between two pet beds on the living room floor. Shucks! he said.)

I hope everyone was able to spring forward without too much discomfort. I made it to church yesterday and to lunch with sister Ramey. But when I returned home, I collapsed on the couch and dozed off and on between Skipper’s barking fits the rest of the afternoon. I felt as if I’d been drugged. 

All right now, I think the Zertec is beginning to kick in, so let’s get to work, furbies. Me on the quilt, y’all on the mouse hunting. Wake up, guys. Hunt that mouse! Get him, I say. Oh well. Maybe later. My three furbies are definitely not intrepid hunters.

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On 03/09/2020, Barbara Anne said ...

Hope the mouse is already a goner! Decades ago, we had a tiny field mouse who came in our house in the dead of winter to huddle under the radiator that was near the front door. After he/she was warm, the exit was a small crack in the wall beside the door frame. One day, the mouse went the wrong way and ended up in the dead-end pantry. Our dog and I were in hot pursuit but nearly jumped out of our skins when the mouse turned and ran straight at us, through the house, and out the crack by the front door! I was helpless with laughter but the dog was ashamed and wouldn't look at me.

Hope you feel better soon!

Hugs!
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The Season for Bunnies

Got my “Bunnies in the Cabin” hung for the Easter season. I found the little bunny neighborhood set at the thrift store the last time Ramey and I went. I thought it would make a great compliment for the quilt--and I was right. I love it. The beautiful doily was, I believe, crocheted by my niece Jenny, who passed away in 2000. She did lots of lovely crochet work.I found it at Joanne’s house when we were cleaning out.

This is spring-forward night, as you probably know. I hate it. For me, there aren’t enough hours in a day anyway. I hate to have to give up one. Why can’t whoever does this just pick a method and stick with it? What’s the good of this springing forward and falling back? It does not save time. It never has saved time. And it never will save time. 

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On 03/07/2020, Barbara Anne said ...

Love your bunny quilt, the wee Easter village under it and the lovely crochet doily. How special that the doily was probably make by your dear niece Jenny.

About Daylight Savings Time ... I was told as a child that its purpose was to give farmers more hours of daylight so they could work longer in the fields. I wonder if there are enough farmers left to need to upset the entire nation by changing the time twice a year? Of course there are some parts of the country that refuse to change time! Nashville, Indiana is one.

Hugs!

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On 03/07/2020, Maristella said ...

Fantastic quilt and adorable vignettes!Happy Pink Saturday!
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Mille Milestone

Skipper wanted to help show you the progress we’ve made on our millefiori quilt. Two more this size, and we can start on the smaller ones (You’ll note that the outer row of stars doesn’t go all the way around. That’s intentional. The next rosette tessallates into it.

Second rosette begun

I have finally finished Rosette 1 of my millefiori quilt. There are three large ones like this and then a bunch of smaller ones. I have already got to work on the second large one.

This project is really doing a number on my fingers. I haven’t done a lot of hand sewing in several years, since I hand-quilted last. The skin on my left thumb and pointer finger is picked to pieces, where the needle comes up. And I’ve found I can no longer use my thimble. It cause my thimble finger to go numb. (I have both carpel tunnel and arthritis in both my hands--more in my right hand.)

I’m going to run out and vote. Then I’ll be back to stitch some more on Rosette 2 and watch some more old episodes of “Twilight Zone."

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On 03/04/2020, Barbara Anne said ...

Applause, applause!! Well done on that lovely milleflori block and I'm not sure I'd allow even charming Skipper sit on it!

20 years ago when I worked in TX, an ortho. doctor was doing carpal tunnel releases through a piece of equipment similar to a laparoscopee so two small incisions were all that was needed. DDH had both of his carpal tunnel surgeries this way and it was easy to recover from. Surely this is available in Birmingham by now.

Hugs!
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You’ll Foget Things Too When You’re 156

Several years ago, I made this quilt. At the time I was making it, I had the pattern. It seems I no longer own the pattern. I have torn the sewing room apart looking for it. I have also looked in every other nook and cranny of my house, I think. I can’t find it. 

A friend wants to make this quilt, and the pattern is no longer available. We have both searched online extensively.

I often give patterns away once I am finished with them, so I’m thinking that I probably gave this one to someone. But I have no clue who that could have been. If you are reading this, and I gave you the pattern, would you please speak up? If I could get a copy of it (or borrow it for a bit to make my own copy) so I could send it to this friend, I would so very much appreciate you.

Or if you know where this pattern can be purchased, please give us a source. The pattern is “Under the Stars” by Rabbit Factory.

Thanks a million and a half.

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On 03/02/2020, Barbara Anne said ...

Sorry, I don't have this pattern but do hope you find it at your house, from a friend. or on-line!

I looked on-line and it may be that Nichole's friend, Thelma, at Cupcakes & Daisies may have it as that was hinted at on Pinterst.

Good luck finding it.

Hugs!

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On 03/03/2020, Inese Woodburne said ...

Hi Susan!

I have this pattern and I would be happy to mail it to you.(No charge).

I have been enjoying your blog for years so I think this would be a way to say 'thank you' for sharing your thoughts and life with us.

Email me your address and in the mail it goes!

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On 03/03/2020, Debbie Pinnock said ...

I have it! Email me.
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