It's March...

... and it's coming in like a lamb here today; what's the weather like where you are? Up at my Mom and Dad's in New Hampshire they're buried under snow with more forecast to fall on Saturday. My Dad loves it but my Mom has had enough already! Speaking of my parents, today is their 71st wedding anniversary! 

This picture was taken a while ago, but you can see how cute they are! Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad!

The rest of this post is going to be one of massive catch-up; there's a lot less time devoted here with a new puppy in the house, but I'm going to try to do better this month. I was lucky enough to go on a weekend retreat at this fabulous facility a few weeks ago. 

I got all of these string pieced blocks done while there and am auditioning inner borders, that's as far as I've gotten; this beauty remains on the design wall while other sewing is going on. 

I covered a kneeler cushion for church, there was a big strip of high density foam rubber to trim up for this job. 

As you can see, the hunk that fell on the floor, the excess, was immediately claimed! "What, for me? Oh, yes, I like it, it's very comfy!" He used it for a couple of days to rest on, I'll need to make a cover for this soon as he began a little nibbling of the corners and I've taken it up until I can get to that task. He'll be delighted to get it back. 

I've got five blocks done for the Cream and Sugar BOM, these measure 20" square.

I quilted up the above two quilts for friends, they were both great quilts to work on; bright and happy!

Again, that hunk o' foam was well loved during naptimes under the longarm while I worked.

Sometimes when I can't find Augie I catch him hiding right in the basket with his toys!

Yes, this catch-up post was one that's gone straight to the dogs! Augie is 21 weeks old today, he just completed a six week course on Puppy Manners and Socialization and will  start Beginner One Obedience Training in April; wish us luck!

 

Take time to smell the flowers today, wherever you are! 

I'll be back again soon. 

Life is Good!

Cookies, Cocoa and Christmas Cheer

There will be a return to posts that aren't necessarily puppy-dominated; but, in all honesty, I don't know when that might be! To clarify, though, there's been lots of other things going on around here sprinkled with liberal amounts of precious puppy moments in between!    

The grands were all here to spend the night last weekend following an afternoon of cookie decorating, ornament making and movie watching! They're all growing up so TOO fast!

These are the ornaments that they made. See the close up and the link below.

Wooden Star Ornament directions with video if you'd like to make your own.

A breakfast highlight the next morning was Hot Chocolate Snowballs before French Toast.

A few of their finished cookies, they each took half a dozen home with them.

After they were all delivered back to their homes I finished decorating the remaining cookies using up what was left over of the royal icing and candies. These were a hit this week at our midweek Advent dinner at church. 

I finished up another Chrismon, this one is a gift for a special couple who were married this past year. Entitled "Jesus' First Miracle" it symbolizes just that from the wedding feast at Cana. 

The weather's turned very cold all of a sudden; we're spending more time in front of the fire these last few days. Augie is settling in nicely, it's been almost three weeks since his arrival; he has us pretty well trained now. He wants for nothing and we're really enjoying each and every moment with our new family member! Just as with the grandchildren, they grow up much too fast! 

Warmest wishes from our home to  yours!

Life is Good!

Who's The Boss?

You probably already know the answer. A puppy in the house and life isn't the same anymore, this precious little under-three-pound bundle is calling the shots! Crate training has been going better. He willingly goes in and out on his own during the day. Nighttime is a little different but he's progressing. One step at a time. 

Yesterday I had hoped to finish up the quilting on a quilt for our quilt ministry at church but Augie had other ideas. He likes to get right between my feet and sleep! Oh! My!! 💗

During his nap time I did manage to complete the quilting and get it trimmed up. Isn't this one pretty? It was pieced and donated by a church member's 97 year old mother. 

I took this photo of our Chrismon tree at church this past week. I really do miss those workshops that we attended over the last year+, even more so now that the shop has closed. I still have lots of purchased kits and beads to do others but they won't get done now before next year. 

This is our Chrismon tree at home. I got this one up and decorated before Augie came home. Everything takes longer with a puppy either running around or in your arms. It puts me in mind of being a new mother and amazing myself with how much I could get done with one hand while holding a baby; it's a life skill that even decades can't erase. 

And so, little by little, things are getting done around here.
I'm learning the ropes. I have a new boss. 
Life is Good!

Time Is Speeding By...

This little guy celebrated a birthday on Saturday; no, not Mr. Goodneedle, but his furry go-kart companion.  Hannes is eleven years old now, shows now signs of slowing down and is as sweet and loving as ever. I can scarcely believe it's been that long; when I think back to us driving through Hurricane Ivan, September 2004, all the way to Murray, KY to get him it seems like such a short time ago, he was so little back then! It didn't take him long to settle in and take control. Through the years he's been by our side on many adventures and has rolled with the changes, happily welcoming all four grandchildren into his heart and home right along with us. He still enjoys a good game of chase and retrieves his squeaky toys to deposit at our feet if  he thinks we're not paying him enough attention. He's become a great traveler too; he's always ready to ride in the car, two miles or two thousand, it's all the same to him. In honor of his day I've pulled out a few puppy pictures, such happy memories; he's grown into one handsome dog. Here he is... through the years:

With Lynnleigh two years ago.

A frequent visitor in my studio, he believes in equal opportunity

he also spends  time with Dad in the woodworking shop.

Happy Birthday, little buddy...

and many more~

Life is Good!