Pink Skull Embroidery

Noah from Skull-A-Day is having a 'Laughing Skull Stencil' contest for a signed copy of his SKULLS book, which is now out of print. I saw the post yesterday. I've been mostly off the computer prior to Christmas so I had to do some quick thinking of what I wanted to do. I wanted something different than cutting the stencil and spraying or dabbing some paint into it. So, finally I made a decision, pulled some fabric and some floss out and started stitching away tonight. The deadline is at midnight. I didn't know if I'd make it in time, but I did. The drawing of the winner is random, using the stencil was just the way to get into the contest. 5 hours of stitching and this is the result. It measures 3-3/4" high.

I found Noah's book a few years ago at the bookstore, which lead me to his blog, and I've been a follower ever since. It would be cool to win his signed copy, sort of a full circle kinda thing.

Now I'm going to go enjoy some tea and sweet potato pie.

Yum.

A Christmas Miracle, Otis Goes To His New Home

Otis has found his forever home, and what a lucky boy he is.

Yesterday at 1:30 I received a phone call, "Hi, I'm interested in Otis." At first, I felt elated, then I worried it wouldn't be the right fit, but as I talk with Derek, it feels right. I could hear his fiance in the background, "oooohhhh, I want Otis." They were serious -- they asked if they could come down from Massachusetts in a few hours. Just before hanging up, knowing they'd be coming to meet Otis, I could hear Kellie in the background squeal with delight.

How awesome is that??

They showed up at 6pm. Otis greeted them heartily, he was so happy to see them. They sat down, he was right up on their laps. He would come over to me now and again if I moved or went into the other room, he's very bonded with me, but I knew it was right. He knew it was right. This couple is so sweet. Derek is this big hulking guy with the sweetest disposition, a very soft heart. He fell in love immediately and knew he wanted to take Otis home. Kelly was quieter, but so sure, too, that he was the one.

I thought he might end up with me forever, but in my heart, I knew I just had to be patient. I was just worried because the longer he was with me, the more attached he would become and might have had difficulty transitioning to a new life. He was surrendered to rescue when he was one and half years old, then adopted, then surrendered to us again at 3 1/2 years old, then he was with me for 10 months...He's bounced around. You know what, though? It didn't effect his spirit. He is such an awesome boy. I will miss his happy growly sounds, when his face is in my hands or in a blanket or towel. I will miss him jumping up on the bed in the morning after R. has gotten up and I continue to lay there. I will miss him cuddling up to me when hanging out on the sofa or in R.'s 'man chair.' I will especially miss how he looked at me with such love and trust. We had our own mental connection.

But, I am sooooo happy for him.

Per the usual when an adopter goes home with a dog, I told Derek and Kellie that I would be in touch in about a week to see how things are going.

Derek called me this morning. He wanted me to know how perfect it was, that Otis fit right in, slept with them last night and that he just loves him. He knew I had him for a long time and that the attachment was there, he wanted me to know that all was good for each one of them. How sweet and considerate was that? The couple is going to be married in October, Derek asked if I would dog sit since Otis knows me and they don't really have anyone else to take him and they don't want to put him in a kennel. So, this is not the end of my relationship with Otis.

Now Little Bug is alone, and that concerns me a little. Hanzie and Otis gave her a sense of safety -- now she will have to learn to rely on her own strengths and self-soothing ways. I bet she'll end up relishing the single dog life.  

Merry Christmas and Finding Santa(s) ...

I don't know where these past 3 weeks went. I was finishing up jobs, trying to get some organizing done around here, started painting my bathroom and doing a little bit of shopping. Because I do 98% of my shopping at secondhand stores, I get to pick up some vintage Santa's along the way to add to my collection...like Mr. Santa Salt Shaker.

I have a bunch of mini and regular sized hot chocolate Santa head mugs that I didn't pull down from storage, I was off track with Christmas this year and almost didn't even get any kind of tree up. But I did find a stashed bag of mini mugs that were an 'end of the clean up from last year' that never made it into the main boxes. Lucky for me, I found a few other Santa's at the thrift store to add to my collection, so I gathered them under the tree.

And the tree? I did climb up to the top shelf of the garage and get the box it's stored in. I pulled out the top half, took a bunch of the recently found vintage ornaments that were supposed to be for wreath craft day, and pulled out a tree topper that was earmarked for ebay. Voila! My small tree looking festive with Santa's showing off underneath.

I hope that you all are enjoying the holiday season and

have a very Merry Christmas!

Otis is a Funny Guy

The other day Otis had a visitor. Over the phone, it sounded like it could be a good match. I spoke with the daughter and she is a HUGE dog advocate/lover and she was helping her parents find another Schnauzer. I found out they were older but still active and their dog that passed was similar to Otis in nature. That is a very important piece of information -- experience. The Daughter lived only 3 miles away and was around often. I asked all the appropriate questions, all the answers were the right ones. BUT the picture in my head is not who I met. Don't get me wrong, very nice people that dote on their dogs. But, you can kind of tell Mom might not be ready when she comes in with a thick photo album of the dog she lost in May. She talked about her dog and asked all kinds of questions about .... BUG!! She wanted Little Bug I could tell. She didn't make much effort toward Otis and either Otis picked up on it or he really wasn't interested either.

Although the dog would be walked regularly, it sounds like it's Dad that keeps it on a regular 2 hours schedule, and she was not 'active' as I think of active. I have friends in their 70's and 80's that are out and about, etc., are full of energy, going to the gym and living life. So my view of the description is different than theirs. A higher energy than I realized this woman had. Yes, he is dedicated to walks every two hours -- but he didn't make it to the interview because he was still sleeping when they left (around 8:45am.)

I think the daughter is more interested in finding them a dog than it seems they really are. Otis loved her. From what I understand, she's one of those people that dogs go to that would never go to anyone. She's got the dog Kvorka. (Seinfeld, a concept introduced to me by Angela because I seem to have the 'older-men-are-attracted-to-me Kvorka) It's always been that way since I was very small. Anyway, I digress.

OTIS! he is too funny. If you watch your dog and learn to read him/her, they can be quite interesting. Otis went outside when they were here. It was a beautiful day and the back door was open. They had showered Otis and Bug with treats and then Otis was off. Now, you have to understand, Otis goes outside to pee, he doesn't hang out there roaming around. It's not his thing. He likes to be around me. I noticed he hadn't come in yet after a few minutes and I looked outside. He was just wandering around but the look on his face was different. Nonplussed, disinterested. He came back in after a few minutes and looked up at me with a very simple face, almost blank but his eyes told me, "Mom, we're not a match. I'm really not interested in going home with her." The Mom might have unknowingly felt the energy because she said, "I'm not sure if I'll take him."

Her daughter encouraged her to sit down and engage Otis, get to know him a little. She did sit, Otis went over to her, engaged her a little, and jumped off. Mom asked me if I would keep him if he didn't get adopted. I said, "I would not put him down, he will stay with me if no one wants him." and then I added, "but he's not going home with you. You are not connecting with him and are much more interested in Bug." I added that I wouldn't send a dog home with someone just for the sake of finding said dog a new home. She seemed a bit relieved. She agreed she was more interested in Bug. The daughter, on the other hand, Otis jumped on her while she sat on the floor and smothered her with kisses and happiness. Otis doesn't give kisses. The funny thing is...after that day, he started giving them to me once in awhile.

He's a funny guy. A smart guy and a great dog that on paper or with words his 2 faults might turn you away, but when you meet him, you generally want to take him home.

He thinks he is home.

ps: Cindi? don't even say it!! LOL

The Silhouette of Crazy Barking Dogs

Whenever I go outside whether it be day or night, Mr. Otis and Little Bug make their way to the window barking their heads off. In the daylight, it's cute (and annoying at the same time) because Otis's little head is peering over the top of the frame, as you've seen from this side.

Well, my neighbor gets such a kick out of it especially when it happens at night. Ed (he lives across the street) was going into his house when I was coming out of mine and he looked back to see these two crazy dogs because they were barking their heads off. He loves this silhouette, so he ran into his house for his camera, came out and took these shots.

It does make me laugh because it is innocent and cute but the barking drives me crazy and the fact that they scratch the heck out of my sofa and window sill -- but that's what paint is for, right?? Oh, and Bug can't really see anything but shadows but that's enough for her.

Crazy kids!

Hey Mom! I Can See Outside!

A few weeks ago Otis discovered that if he stands tippy-toe on the top of the sofa and puts his front paws in a death grip on the top rail of the window pane, he can see the outside world.

And proceed to bark at it.

Meanwhile the top wood edge of the sofa gets scratched to bits. He also discovered that if he just sits on the sofa and looks out the frosted part of the window, he can see movement, so he sits there in wait.

Damn Dogs.

:)

Vintage MCM Coffee Table

I've been keeping an eye out for a vintage coffee table the past couple years. I like the Castro Convertible that I have but I'm thinking it's a bit too wide, I especially think that when I clock my knee on the sharp corner.

Finally, while looking for hutch tops on Craigslist, there it was, in an ad for a hutch top, looking dingy and forgotten. I called, it was still available, I went.

It's been traveling around in my storage mobile (aka, my Rav4) for a couple weeks now and I had to get it out of there for sanity purposes. So I pulled it into the living room, used some Restor-a-finish on it, and voila! .... but I wasn't feeling it. Maybe because I am used to the yellow/beige of the CC, maybe because I am used to the size of the CC, but I couldn't make myself feel that it was working.

It looks good to me in the photo, but when looking at the whole room, it's off balance. It feels heavy to the right side with the majority of the furniture there. I put the first one back. Maybe I'll just take something else out of the room to 'lighten' it up. Or maybe I'll keep looking and try this again.

Of course, this is not a new occurrence in my house. Thank goodness I get things at thrift stores, Craigslist and tag sales, and therefore, don't spend hundreds of dollars. I change my mind so much. Although I am a very visual person, I have to see items in my space to 'feel' if it's right....and I ain't feeling it. 

Yes, Otis Is Still Here

I've not written a lot about Otis. He just became part of the scenery around here. Good natured, well behaved, a bit silly, happy and oh yeah, he still likes to try to eat other dogs upon initial meet-ups. Hmmmm, can't have everything, right?

Otis has been with me since March. I was thinking he might never get adopted. Although I had some inquiries and conversations with those interested...they just weren't the right fit for him. Three of the applications I received were from young couples, all were very interested. Sounds great, right? Well, Otis can't be placed with young children. I was told by each couple that they don't have children. I surmised that they probably would one day before Otis died and then he'd end up back here with me. I don't get it that they didn't get it. But after talking with them, it made sense, although they were disappointed.

I had some good news that Otis would be meeting his possible new owners on Thursday. I was so excited for him. But, I received a phone call this morning that said differently. The couple that was coming, have decided that it might not be the right fit. There's reasons I won't go into, but I was disappointed, and the husband of the couple, was as well. I've always said, 'when it's right it will happen.' and the same goes here, but it is disappointing. Better to find out now.

I've been waiting for the day that Otis would be adopted so that Hanzie could get a break for awhile from having foster dogs here. Otis especially, has been his nemesis. I found it hard to wrap my head around the fact that Hanz should die right before Otis was adopted. It made no sense to me. But apparently the picture is bigger than I can predict. So, Otis will be here until another day when it is right for him to go to a new home. 

Thank You

I received many kind words and warm thoughts about the passing of Hanzie, through my blog, my facebook page, personal phone calls, and text messages. 

I hadn't realized how many people knew Hanzie, and those that knew him best, had a story to tell and it usually included some laughter. He could be a little character. 

It is quieter around here without him -- and I mean that literally. But also, quieter in that his presence is not there when I look on the sofa, or the dog bed, or outside where he'd like to lay in the warmth of the sun. 

I don't fully understand why it happened, but do we ever? One minute he was barking and running around and then not too long after, he was gone. 

I think I've stopped questioning myself and what I could have done differently. I think we all do that when a loved one passes, whether it be a human or an animal friend. The task is to get through it. 

A friend wrote these words to me that she remembered a saying she saw...."Don't cry because it's over, Smile because it happened." I feel my smile beginning to return. 

A Very Sad Day...Saying Goodbye to Hanzie

A very sad day today. My silly Hanzie boy had his last morning with me. At around 10 a.m. I had to let him go.

April 12, 2004 - September 24, 2013

For the nine years that I have had him, he was notorious for eating things other than just food. I called him 'my little man with an iron stomach.' He'd dine on paper, cardboard, plastic, mushrooms in the backyard and apparently something like string, yarn or dental floss. And this was his demise. It perforated his bowel. An emergency vet visit this morning, he went into septic shock, and there was no hope for him. I had to say good-bye. Not easy. My happy-but-whiney little boy that never had to go to the vet for anything other than a teeth cleaning, made his last visit.

He would be so happy to see people, giving them his smile and teeth chatter that those who didn't know him thought he wanted to bite them. It was his happy face. He loved to be hugged and touched, that was heaven to him.

I rescued Hanzie when he was 5 months old. He spent over 9 years with me, graciously accepting each and every foster dog that came in, (around 85+) even if he wasn't keen on all of them. He would protect Little Bug if he needed to, but I always referred to him as a lover, not a fighter. He talked to me regularly, usually to tell me he was hungry, or to give him attention instead of whichever other dog I was petting at the time, and sometimes just because he was so excited. He was so polite when it came to feeding or treat time. He would patiently sit at a sit/stay until I gave him the word 'eat.' Sometimes his little tongue would stick out a bit and he'd drool from desire. He loved to eat, any amount was never enough, he was always hungry.

This photo of him is one of the last that I've taken, a few weeks ago. He was the only dog with me while on vacation at our campsite. He was such a good boy and often went to his favorite spot...his crate in the back of the car. He would just sit and watch the world go by and when the sun would hit, he lay in it in all it's glory. He loved being at camp, meeting and greeting, taking walks and wandering around in the wooded areas near our site. But his favorite place of all time was in a vehicle, it didn't matter who's or where it was.

He spent most of yesterday in the truck while I was going in and out of the house all day. When left in the house, he would get anxious and barky when I'd go outside, so in the truck he went. He was thrilled. He got to bark at passers by and just lay and take naps, then when I took him inside, he had a big dinner. It is hard to believe that today, he is gone.

I will miss my silly little boy. Rest in peace my sweet Hanzie.  

Heyyyy! My Photo is on Skull-A-Day

SKULL-A-DAY has Sunday Simulacra where they post found 'skulls' on their site. I couldn't NOT send them this photo of a log waiting to be burned while at the fire at camp.

A few years ago at the bookstore I found a book "Skulls" and loved it. When I got home I had to check out the website. Noah's book has 365 days of skulls and his website has skulls, skulls and more skulls...artist's skulls, reader's skulls, found skulls...

It's skullilicious!!

A Gift, A Gift, A Very Cutie Gift

Finally!! I'm telling you about my Schnauzer gift. I meant to post many weeks ago after receiving it, but busy-ness and laziness got in the way.

Look at this little guy!!

The sweet and talented Suzy from GeorgiaPeachez sent this to me. She said while thrifting one day she came across it and knew it had to go home with her, to be sent to me. How nice is that? To be in someone's thoughts that you've never personally met and only know through blogging. 

The funny thing was (and still is) is that I had (and still have) a small collection of things on my desk that are meant for her. When I received her email asking for my mailing location, it couldn't have been timed better because I needed hers, too. The difference? She is not a procrastinator and sent it out immediately. Me? Wellllllllll..... 

...but I do have an excuse, I'm going through some more stuff and the pile is getting a little bigger. Plus, I had work and the 5 weeks of vacation that got in the way, and, and, and....

Thank you Suzy!! He's an adorable addition to my Dog/Schnauzer collection. 

Hanzie's Favorite Spot At Camp

He stands at the back of my car barking at me to open the door so he can jump into his crate.

Most times the crate door can be left open but when there's other dogs around it's best to close it. He doesn't care either way. It's his safe haven. 

Bye Bye Louie

Sweety boy Louie left tonight to go to his new home in New Hampshire. He'll be hanging out with about 150 goats...oh, and his human companions, too.

Louie learned to walk on wood floors while here, learned to walk on tile floors at a friend's house, and was getting a tiny bit more comfortable on car rides. He wasn't interested in wandering too far from my sight, and returned with a call. He's one of those dogs that is just JOY.

He greeted women like they were his long lost loves. He will love being with his new main companion, a gentle and kind woman that will take such good care of him and when she's not available, her sweet daughter will fill in.

Bye bye Louie, you are an awesome boy that it was a pleasure taking care of. 

Little Bug and Lyme

Tuesday afternoon Bug had been holding up her left leg while walking around. Wednesday morning, more of the same, and very little activity. Wednesday afternoon, I carried her outside to do her duties, she did try to walk a little, but it was using her front legs, both legs were now not working. She'd end up just plopping down as her legs gave out. She'd look at me with that cute little face as if to say, "Mommy, I can't do it." I carried her inside and made her comfortable. Yesterday morning, she wouldn't even pee, even with my help of holding her up. I called the vet for an appointment. 

This was her in the morning until about noon...

then I took her out again and she did her duties and walked a few steps, wobbling and using mostly her front legs -- and she plopped down again. 

Around here I give a two day 'let's wait and see' before calling the vet, but she was getting worse not better. Since it started in the legs, I thought "maybe it's Lyme." I called, Angela, she said, "maybe it's Lyme" (after we decided it wasn't a luxating patella, a pulled muscle, or an upset belly.) I texted Shelly, "sounds like Lyme." The vet appointment was for 3:15. 

Lyme and Anaplasmosis, two tick borne diseases. 

I learned a few things, too, in talking to the vet, which I'll put in a 'Did You Know' post, because I didn't know. 

She's on meds for 4 weeks...and very little activity. 

This is her today...immobile but alert.

She walked a little last night, but this morning, it wasn't happening. Her spirit is better and her face is brighter. My Little Bug will be OK...and, now, so will my heart. 

Hanzie and Bug Chillin'

On the way to camp. 

Hanz was so happy. I've been leaving them behind and every Friday they know we're off to camp, because the bags get packed and lined up by the door. Hanz cries really loud when I close the door behind me. Heartbreaking. Well, this time, there was no crying. He's a happy camper. (no pun intended) :)

A Tisket a Tasket a Vintage Laundry Basket

Along with the store display rack I told you about yesterday...I pulled this out of the dumpster, too...

A vintage laundry cart. A friend thought maybe it was originally used at a laundry-mat. 

It would be cool to use it as a towel holder in a bathroom, or for something in a kitchen. I'll be using it for its intended use for now, as I was looking for something that could replace the wicker chair that I would pull over to the clothesline and place my basket full of clothes onto. 

It pays to visit friends you haven't seen in a long time. 

Why Hello Louie!

Louie is a 4 year old Schnauzer (I can't say 'Miniature' Schnauzer because he's 34 pounds, which, technically puts him over the weight of the standard weight measurements for a Miniature.)

Best of all is that he is a sweety. A gentle boy with eyes that melt you.

He is Parti Color in grey and white.

Louie came to me because his parents are moving to Florida and the place they are moving into does not accept dogs.

I was told that he knows many commands and does them without repeatedly asking him to do it. I have not tested him on this, yet, as he is still in a traumatic/perplexed state of mind. Plus, he won't walk on my wood floors. The idea of it scares him silly, so he stays on his large dog bed. I did put it close to the door where there is also a runner for him to step on but there is one corner of wood floor that he 'might' step on so, therefore, he backs off from going outside. Boy he can hold his pee for a very long time. So yesterday I pulled out a couple of bath mats and covered more of the floor with them and this has helped him make his way to the door to go out. This strikes me as odd because he came from a home where he would walk on tile. But he just looks at the floor and gets nervous.

I'm hoping that some gentle coaxing/training will eventually help. In the meantime, he'll get food rewards when he puts all four paws on the floor. I've started to pick him up, which makes him nervous, and place him in the middle of the floor and feed him some very tasty treats. Then I make a path of treats toward his bed. He very carefully makes his way until the last few steps where he scrambles to safety. I'm hoping that by watching the freedom of the other dogs he will learn that all will be OK. Sometimes other dogs are the best teachers.

Now that I've added Louie to the mix, I have to keep an eye on Otis causing a fight and it also changes Hanz's and Bug's personalities. Add to it that now Bug is feeling like she needs to remind Hanz that she is dominant by mounting him. He never questions her dominancy but she's feeling insecure apparently. But, they're also playing tug-toy more...well, it starts out with play and gets a little more aggressive as it goes along so I have to keep them in check.

Add to it, this heat, and it is definitely the Dog Days of Summer!!

Hope you're able to keep cool!!

Masey (aka Mercy) Got a Haircut

Masey's new owner has emailed me to keep me updated on her progress. She already has learned to ring the bell hanging on the door, to go outside. She's a smartie. She also got her hair cut and is sportin' the Schnauzer look -- quite cutely, I might add.

I wish they lived closer, I just want to hug that little munchkin! and be around her infectious puppy happiness. 

And Off She Goes!!

When the stars are aligned, things happen. 

Mercy came into my care on Wednesday, I received an email from a couple on Thursday, she went home on Friday. It just all fit. The couple was actually writing to ask me to keep them in mind for a Schnauzer between the ages of 1 and 2 for next summer. They had recently lost their two Schnauzers within four months of each other and their hearts were hurting and felt they weren't ready, yet, to bring another one into their home. 

I wrote back saying, "OK, but please keep an eye on our site....blah blah blah....and OH YEAH I have this great four month old that just came in" and ran off a list of her qualities. I, of course, added, "no pressure, just letting you know" because after emailing with her a couple times, I knew this was a perfect fit. She's home most of the day (good for training) she completely spoils her dogs, (but in a good way) her husband adores them just as much, they want to be able to travel with her (I had taken her out for the afternoon and she travels beautifully.) The two dogs they had that passed, and a third one before them, all had names that began with an 'M'. I think that was the big clencher for her, it was just meant to be to have another dog with an 'M' name. 

But, Diana was cautious. She didn't want to make a rash decision. She needed to discuss it with her husband who wouldn't be home from his business trip until around 8 pm. By this time we had exchanged 4 or 5 emails and she said she couldn't wait...she texted him her picture hoping he'd get it before he boarded the plane. I told her to take her time in thinking about it, if it was meant to be it would happen and if not, then another will come along in the future. She said she would think on it. I could tell though, she was hooked. She was nervous because they weren't looking for a puppy, weren't sure if they wanted a puppy, but how it all happened bing bang boom! it was just right. I said I'd give her the weekend. Friday morning I open my mail "can we meet her today?" The excitement jumped off the page. 

So, Friday at 3 they came by. Mercy ran to them, catapulted to them, hopped on them, wriggled around for them, she was so excited. Previous to that she was following me around like a little shadow, wanting attention or just laying by where I was, if I got up she was nipping at my heels for play....After Diana and Alan came in...I was nothing. Nada. Did not exist. 

We talked about how the name Mercy just didn't feel right. Diana had said she was playing around with some names that sounded similar but those weren't quite right either. She said she'd know it when it came to her. I said, "Mercy is a difficult name, it doesn't flow for me either, I keep wanting to call her Masey" She said, "that's it! that's the name! I knew I'd know it when I heard it." So, this little girl's name is now Masey. 

It was a match made in heaven. I only had her 2 1/2 days and she made quite a bit of noise, but I kind of miss the little bugger. Friday morning she had even made her way into Little Bug's heart and they ran around chasing each other and wrestling. That I was happy about because before that Bug was certainly giving her the 'what for' since she came.

Masey is going to have a great life. 

 

Oh Mercy Mercy me

There's a new girl in town and she's wreaking havoc.

Meet Mercy....

A cute bundle that is about the size of Little Bug and she's only 4 months old. She's also full of energy and play -- and fearless. Unfortunately for her, the other 3 here have no interest in her antics. I thought for sure Bug would be right in there playing with her, but no, she stays away and when Mercy comes near, Bug yells at her. Hanz? well, he just doesn't have time for this crap and is really out of joint. I think he wishes I had rehomed him a long time ago because he's about done with this fostering thing. And then there's Otis. If Otis didn't have his basket muzzle on, he'd have eaten her by now. Of course, he's the one that she wants to play with most and she's just not paying attention to his signals. 

The dog world is interesting to watch in general, then bring a feisty, energetic, barky, happy, bouncy puppy into the pack and there's chaos and stress. But today is better than yesterday and it's actually quiet right now....hmmmm...I bet that means she's into something that she's not supposed to be....she's already had some sock fun....gotta go! 

Have a great day!!

Miniature Schnauzer Nick (aka The Nickster)

Nick is staying with me for a few days while his mom, Sue, goes traipsing around, garden hopping...read about her gardening trials and tribulations here. 

He's a very good boy but feeling a bit out of his element. Right before this shot, I'm sure he was saying, "Bug and Hanz why oh why are you smelling my ears?" He tolerated it well and then they were on their way. He wasn't so excited about having a camera in his face either, hence, a slightly blurred photo...after about 30 others taken first!! LOL

Have a great day!!!

Bike Week - Laconia, NH

Well, the end of bike week, the beginning and middle was full of rain so I'm glad we planned only for the last weekend there. What a gorgeous weekend it was. We left CT shortly after the rain stopped. Here's me on Friday, posing with our bikes...as we waited in Chicopee, MA for our friend Melinda to come get us and bring us to the gathering point with everyone else. (I took the wrong exit on the way there--ooops!)

We had a great time. Little time was actually spent at the 'event' and lots of time was spent riding the area, including the Kancamagus Highway. It's been a long time since riding it, and back then I was a passenger. This time I got to experience the curves and swerves with my own wheels under me. I was very thankful that traffic was light, it made it more enjoyable.

One rider of the group, a pretty cool 63 year old that I just met before the ride, sported his custom bike...

Ten of us met up to go. Spending a weekend with the group was fun and easy.

I have to give a shout out to Suzy at GeorgiaPeachez...she spent the weekend in Richmond, VA, at the Vintage Home Market selling her accumulated vintage treasures. Check it out, she had some good loot! It certainly would have been nice to check out in person -- but dangerous!

I hope you all had a great weekend, too!

Let Sleeping Dogs Lie

These two can often be found snuggled together whether it be on the dog bed, the sofa or the Man chair...

Heeere Kitty Kitty

Heyyyyy!! didja miss me? I kinda fell off the bloggin' train there for awhile. Due to computer issues, (now I'm having iphoto issues) phone issues, going to bed 2+ hours earlier everyday and filling boxes with stuff stuff stuff for my tag sale...but I'm back to sharing -- like this white Persian. It's HUGE! I found it at a tag sale and had to have her. I had Bug strike a pose with her so you can see the difference. Mind you, Buggy Boo is a petite girl at 11 pounds but you get the idea. It's kind of weird with it's scary creepy eyes (which is why I like it) and awesome at the same time. I'm going to let it visit for awhile but then it might end up on a selling venue.

I also put it out in the yard, but I'm afraid someone will steal it because it's so COOL.

I bet you wish you had a big ass cat to sit in your garden, too. LOL

On other notes -- I've been picking up some vintage sewing machines for Renato the sewing machine guy. It's fun because I get to touch them and buy them and ogle them and not have to store them. Win for him, win for me. Photos to come once I gather them together.

I hope you've all been well and enjoying the Spring season, we've seen lots of rain, it's raining now even, and if it wasn't raining it was cold but then it got hot hot hot! New England weather, why are we surprised each year?

Have a great day!! 

Why Hello Ollie...again

Ollie wasn't here very long back in October of 2011. I just went back and read his story. I didn't remember at all why he had come to us. When so many are in and out, I can't remember their stories.

Ollie was adopted to one of my best friend's parents, and I'm dog sitting for a few days. THEY LOVE HIM! Too much. He is soooo spoiled and rules the roost. Fortunately, he's a good boy and doesn't have the "I need to be alpha over everyone" attitude. Some training would do him well, but I say that about every dog. You'd think mine would be perfectly trained with those comments...um...they're not. But they do listen pretty well, it's the trying to train the 'freak' out of them when on leash and they come across other dogs that I am not consistent with because I get frustrated. 

Ollie made himself right at home and he and Otis had at it right off. Otis pinned him, I intervened, and off they went outside, Ollie following Otis around like he was the Doggy God. It's weird, bully attacks, makes him squeal and then he wants him to be his best friend. They played for hours. Otis hasn't played with anyone here. Of course, part of 'play' is posturing and trying to get control over the other but also chasing around and fun wrestling occurs, too. 

Next weekend Bella comes for a week, then Maddie comes for a week...and then Nick (thanks Sue for the reminder) for a few days in June. Always seems to be a full house around here. 

Bye Bye Tammy

You funny and quirky girl.

Tammy was adopted yesterday. The couple was originally looking for a young female. When I got the email that they were interested in Tammy, I called Beverly (her new owner) and said, "you know she's 10, right?" She said, "yes, for some reason we kept going back to her picture, I love her already" she was so excited that I called her, and so cute with her soft emotions and kind heart. 

While they were here to meet Tammy, I was told stories of their past Schnauzers and the last one that passed 2 years ago, Roxie. Apparently a tough little broad, conniving and sweet at the same time. 

Tammy will be spoiled rotten, taken to the beach and long walks. Lots of hugs and special doggy treatment. When I told Beverly on the phone that she bites her groomer and needs to be muzzled, she was not daunted and asked when they could come meet her. Ron, the husband, has already made a plan on how to work with her and desensitize her to having her touched. Beverly calls him the animal whisperer. Apparently he has that special way with animals, birds outside will talk to him when he talks to them, a Parrot in a store didn't like anyone but him and would scream when he'd leave. He taught it to say good-bye. His technique is a soft approach, soft words, and different sounds made. 

Tammy is in good hands and will have a beautiful 'rest of life.' She will be happier, too, because she will not have the stress of bossing Otis around. For some reason, if Otis was around her, or passed by her, or a bit excited, she barked at him long and hard. He was not fazed, which was pretty funny, Tammy putting all that energy into it and he just walked by like absolutely nothing was going on. 

Bye Bye Tammy, it was a pleasure, but I'm looking forward to the quiet again. :)

Bye Bye My Lovelies

In a continued effort to clean out what I'm not using or that which takes up too much space -- I sold 19 of the vintage sewing machines I collected...and made a new 'vintage-sewing-machine-addicted' friend, Renato. We hit it off immediately. You know how it's just easy sometimes when you're around certain people? That's how it was. We chatted, shared dog stories, oohhed and aahhed over why we love metal and chrome in these small packages...

I wasn't as sad to see them go as I thought I would be. I was happy that they were going to Renato's because he had the same gleam in his eye when we were going through them, that I have when I see one for sale. I can safely say that he is more addicted than I am and that makes me happy. I do have to add, that although fixing these babies up comes third in line to his real paid work, it is a passion he has -- he spits and shines and sends them off to a new home. 

He sent me a picture of his collection.

This photo makes my heart go pitter patter. I can't wait to visit all these beauties. He's much more organized than me, he brought them home, tagged them, and put them in their rightful spot. Nice. 

Here are a few of the babies that went home with him...

They are better in person, and so much better when cleaned up and shiny.