Time with Grandson

 Time sure got away from me this month.  Our grandson came for a week and then we were off to medical appointments.  It is the first visit for our grandson and, as we haven't seen him , other than face time, for over 3 years, we weren't sure how at ease he would feel with us.  I needn't have worried. Within a few hours, he was telling us how comfortable he felt and letting the dog in and out, putting his dishes in the dishwasher and having fun with our pets.  

We did take him to see a few things in the area but he was content to be here, play our wii game and chat.  His sister is coming in August.  She is a year older and will be staying for almost two weeks.  We are hoping this is the start of yearly visits.  Our granddaughter is turning 15 this year so she will soon be off with her friends and starting on her independence so I am glad we are going to be able to spend time with both of them.  

Of course, I haven't got much quilting done but am now back at the quilt on the frame and a memory quilt for a customer.  I am going to have to keep my feet firmly planted in my studio to get caught up.

                                                            Grandson and Heidi dog.

Blessings,

A Wonderful Neighbour.

 A wonderful phone call this morning.  We were just having breakfast when the phone rang-much earlier than normal.  Call display showed it was from our neighbour across the road. I was hoping everything was okay as I answered, and then she asked me if Heidi was outside barking.  I said yes and I was just about to get her in.  The neighbour was concerned (bless her wonderful kind heart) that I had fallen and Heidi was trying to get someone's attention as she doesn't usually hear her barking.  After thanking her profusely, I hung up and called in the dog.  The funny thing is that Heidi always barks firs thing in the morning and we are always telling her to be quiet as I find it annoying and, more importantly, I don't want her to bother the neighbours. It is nice to know that someone was concerned.

Last week, a friend came over and we made a pile of peach marmalade.  It turned out really well so we now have lots to eat and something to give as gives.  We had so much fun that we are going to do it again with baking as well as other preserves.  My kind neighbour came over to help as well and my kitchen counter has never been cleaner.  She really is a lovely woman.

Years ago, I used to get together with another friend to make pickles but haven't done that in a long time.  It is a fun way to achieve a lot.  

Hubby is busy making maple syrup-just gathering at the moment.  He will cook next week when our young grandson comes for a week from northern Alberta.  It will be his first trip here and we are looking forward to spoiling him.

Blessings,

                                               Heidi barking in a snow storm.

First Quilt Show of the Season

 Good news!  Heidi is recovering some of her hearing.  It seems to be mostly on her right side but any improvement is welcome.  She is starting to show other signs of aging, however, as she doesn't seem to have full control of her bladder anymore.  All these things are minor compared to no longer having her in our life.  We know that that day is getting closer but each day that we continue to have her with us is a blessing.

We aren't getting many signs of spring here but the first quilt show in the area has been announced and the Burk's Falls Village Quilter's is planning to carpool and attend.  When you live in a rural area there aren't a lot of events that are close enough to go to.  When I lived in Edmonton, I went to the Shop Hop every year.  On the Friday I went to the participating shops in the city and on Saturday we went to all the rural ones.  I think the furthest away was about an hour and a half.  It was a full day shopping but as it was all quilt focused no one complained.  My quilt group and I would sometimes hire a large passenger van and we would all travel together.  It was such fun.  I do miss being able to do that but not enough to leave my country home.

This weekend our closest quilt store is holding a quilting garage sale which sounds like a lot of fun.  Another lady and I are planning on going.  I don't think I need anything but you never know when something might insist on being taken home.

Blessings,

Heidi is Still Deaf.

 Our little dog is still deaf with no signs of that changing.  I have a vet appointment for Friday which, I hope, will give us some information as to whether she has a blockage or if she has, mysteriously, just gone deaf.  If the latter, I will be getting her a vibrating collar so she knows when we are calling her.  I have to keep reminding myself that she is well and happy and doesn't seem to be impacted by this change in her life.  

I have got a good start on the quilt that is my frame.  I just ran out of thread and need to start a new spool.    I have about a quarter of the piecing done for another top.  This is one that has been languishing in a tote for sometime so it deserves to be brought into the sunlight and finished.

Speaking of sunlight, it is a nice bright day here and the snow is gradually melting.  We have a friends car parked in our driveway and it is almost clear.  My little red has a lot of snow on it yet as it has been there ever since it got cold.  I am looking forward to being able to drive it again.  I will be getting another vehicle this year but, until then, little red will do.

It is easy for us to tell that spring is on our way as Heidi wants to be outside. She likes to go as far as her lead reaches, stand on the snow bank and bark.  Not sure what she is barking at as she wouldn't be able to hear anything but perhaps she is just letting other creatures know she is around.  She looks so cute with her little white self standing on the white snow.  Good thing she is wearing a lead so we know where she is.

Blessings,

An Eventful Week

It has been an eventful week.  I took Heidi dog into the vets yesterday with a suspected ear infection.  She did have one and the vet showed me how to give her the drops and massage her ear.  Easy enough.  A while after we got home, we noticed she had gone deaf.  Not sure if it was the drops or the ear massage although it wasn't vigorous enough to do any damage.  I am now waiting for a call from the vet.  It has been a shock as, even though Heidi is almost 15, she has been very healthy.  I am glad I have been teaching her some hands signs. Our hydro went out on Tuesday as we were getting a bad windstorm.  It wasn't restored until yesterday afternoon.

Today Hubby had an appointment with his specialist to get the results of his MRI and x-rays.  Apparently nothing showed up except a bad case of arthritis.   Knee replacement has been recommended.  We talked it over and agree this is the best action.

I am working on this quilt to give to a neighbour's son who is suffering from PTSD from his time in the army. I hope it will bring comfort and remind him that people care.  I am also getting a top delivered tomorrow from a repeat customer and have an order from another customer for two memory quilts to be given to her grandchildren after the passing of their grandfather.  Memory quilts are my favourite projects. So, I will be busy for a while.

Blessings,

Impressive Care

 Well, here we are in another month already.  March seems to sneak up on you probably because February is a shorter month.  The weather has improved with warmer temperatures and sunshine.  I know we will still get a storm or two before the grass is visible but they can be faced with the knowledge that spring is on its way.

Wednesday, hubby went to the hospital for an MRI.  We weren't looking forward to it as he is highly claustrophobic.  I wasn't sure what would happen if he had a panic attack while inside the machine.  he is a big man and I was concerned about someone being hurt.  He was given a sedative to take and I made sure the staff were aware of the problem.  It turned out that everything was okay as he went feet first into the machine and his head was still outside.    After the MRI, he was sent for an x-ray as back up so hopefully something will show up that will reveal why he has been having so much pain in his leg.

The North Bay hospital is an amazing facility with the best staff and care that we have experienced.  Patients are treated with respect and are told exactly what is going to take place and the length of time it will take.  We have been there a few times and are always impressed.

I have been looking at information on quilt retreats in my area.  There is one in a wonderful facility that is on a lake.  It is 600.00 for the event which includes food and double accommodation.  I don't think I can afford it but would sure like to be able to go.  

blessings,

Smart Kitty

 Hubby is starting to feel better especially now that he is getting more sleep.  I apparently have too much time on my hands as I am teaching our little cat some tricks.  She already will put her head against my hand if I hold it vertical and say, "head".  She has just added 'sit' to her repertoire.  I use 'up' but the reaction is the same.  She sits on her haunches with her front paws in the air like a dog begging.  I am going to try 'shake a paw' next but I think that will be a lot harder.  Who said you can't teach a cat tricks.

The sun is shining brightly today and looks lovely on the new blanket of snow.  As we enter March, I think we can expect the weather to start warming.

I have put 3 small unfinished projects on my design wall where they will keep reminding me to get them done.  I was drooling over a fabric line in the Connecting Threads catalogue recently and almost ordered it.  Common sense kicked it (don't you hate it when that happens) when I reminded myself that I don't have room for the fabric I already have.  This may sound depressing to some but the reality is that I don't have unlimited time left-nor do I want to.  And, I can always buy more fabric if I run out as unlikely as that is to happen.

Blessings,