Mail Call for Cosmo

Recently I received a package in the mail from my aunt & uncle. I love getting packages from them - the boxes are covered with stickers that make the mailman laugh, and there are always surprise goodies inside.

This time, in addition to books and some other things just for me (sometimes Oldtimer gets candy), there was a bundle of homegrown catnip, just for Cosmo. They were wondering if he would like it as much as their outdoor cats, though their indoor cats aren't interested. See what you think.

He found it on his own - no encouragement from me.

He rubbed his face on it.

He began to chew...

...and knead.

At this point, I tried to move it back on the desk. See the possessed look in his eye? I should have posted a photo of the scratches I received for my efforts.

The first things to go were the flower heads, but now he's working on the stripped down stalks.

Wearing out?

Maybe...but don't you try to take it!

Blissful exhaustion.

Finally Finished Something!

I got home at mid-day today, worked a bit on my day job, had a quick dinner, and was able to spend a little time in the treehouse. The treehouse where I spent far too much time on Saturday commiting a neatness, making sense of the stacks of new patterns and things I've printed from the internet.

The first thing that needed to be done was my portion on a round robin doll for one of the local clubs I'm in (Cloth Souls). I can't show that, even though I doubt any of those members read my blog.

But the other thing I managed to finish was my Healing Sun doll, started way back when. I'm really pleased with her - she makes me very happy.

Just for JudiA - a couple more photos of our mega frog - one from the back, showing what look like his pre-historic eyes.

The beautiful evening sky...and a shot of it reflected in the pond. You know, when we had this pond dug, I wasn't too sure about it, but now I can't believe how much time I spend there, and how much I love it.

Around the Yard

So many things bloomed and filled in while I was gone! Here are a few pix from around the yard...other photos of the visit to follow after I do some retrieving and editing.

New variegated agapantha.

One of the many geraniums in the pots on the deck.

The "big oof" feeding at the surface - wish we could get a decent pic of this huge goldfish.

Our other big guy - look at the size of this frog!

My dear Oldtimer, making his way down the lower deck - with lots of fish food.

Yellow dahlias in a deck pot.

Cute little red and yellow dahlias. Love them.

I always think that catalpa blossoms look like orchids.

The butterflies love the blooms on the privet.

What Do YOU Call These?

Yesterday, while gearing up to help shovel and move mulch, I said "Wait, I have to put on my tennis shoes..."

This, of course, got me the typical Oldtimer remark of "Why? Are you going to play tennis?" And the so-called discussion continued from there. (As an aside, why would you take a chance on irritating a woman who is going to help shovel mulch?)

I know some of this is regional, and I know I'm also getting to be a bit of a dinosaur, so I'm curious how everyone else refers to this type of footwear in casual conversation. I mean, you don't all say "don't depart without me - I need to locate my athletic shoes," do you?

On Petunias

A recent comment on one of my soapmaker's lists (one where we discuss lots of other things) about one woman's dislike of boring petunias got me thinking. My first thought, of course, was how boring she would find my deck and yard. Sure, I have 72 pots of flowers around the deck and front yard, but they are mostly filled with easily found petunias and impatiens. Nothing exotic.

But last night, as we enjoyed dinner on the deck, overlooking all those crazy pots of flowers, my Oldtimer and I discussed the merits of each for color, patterning, and effect. Like the one below, apparently a simple hot pink with yellow throat - but look at that faint violet line between the yellow and pink. I love the small detail, and the pop of color it adds to a mixed pot.
Now, my very favorite is this deep red violet, almost identical to the Crayola crayon of that name, with a hint of the same translucency - and look at the dark-colored throat! But my Oldtimer votes without hesitation for the lighter lavender with the exotic dark veining. Luckily, we're able to put them side by side - just like us.
I have to give an extra shot of my favorite; this is one of those Proven Winners, that cascades from the pot, and requires next-to-no deadheading.
And doesn't this one just get that song going in your head? You know, the one that starts "When the deep purple falls, over sleepy garden walls, and the stars begin to twinkle....
I found this pale yellow to be eye-catching for some reason, all on it's own. But when you mix it with the deep purple and display it on a railing, wow! I love it.
This standard issue red looks a little disappointed, doesn't it? He'll do a lot, though, to liven up the other plants sharing the pot.
Another basic that I think I remember from my youth - pale pink with a white throat. Of course, the flower is much larger than most, so it adds a lot to a mixed pot, too.
Another shot of my favorite, touched by sunlight. Hey, it's my blog.
Look at the tiny hairs on the underside of that new blossom in the upper right. I think that's what some folks don't like about petunias - that almost sticky feeling when you deadhead.

A relative newcomer - the various Million Bells - you can see a red and a purple sharing this hanging pot off the deck.

An added bonus - for me - is the scent of petunias; light and distinctive, and not replicated in a man-made perfume, as far as I know. Here's one more shot - our two favorites, tumbled together.
I'm off to photo more - would you like to see the impatiens? Geraniums? Coleus? Oh, how I love color. Even the variety of greens provided by the "topsy-turvy" tomatoes, and the buckets of herbs on the deck make me happy. Oh! And I may have spotted a couple new, huge mushrooms down by the pond! It may have to wait a bit - I think if I wander around with a camera, while there's a truckload of mulch in the driveway, Oldtimer might split up our favorite petunias...

I Have a Lot on My Mind...

...and on my worktable!

The photo above is the mess I made of my workspace, just to trim out a couple of little Dotee dolls for a swap I'm hosting on the CPS yahoo group. But, that seems to be the way I work. Amazingly, you can't see all of the mess - there's a box of sequins on the floor next to where my left foot can easily reach it and give it a tumble.

Now, I know you all remember those fabulous earrings I got from Xen Gifts in Little Italy. I love them so much, I bought a whole outfit to go with them, and then I emailed the owner, and asked if it would be possible to get a necklace to go with them. When I went to the shop last Friday, I had a couple to choose from, but this one was the winner.

And then, I found a few pairs of earrings in copper, and you KNOW I just made myself that necklace with the picture jasper and copper dangles, so why not get a pair of copper earrings at the same time?

Now, just to refresh your memories, I'm going to share photos of the boxes these pieces came in - even though I was standing right there, and she could have just put it in some tissue and a plastic bag. Nope, this is quality and pride of workmanship, and I'd really kind of like to just move in there. Here are the beautiful boxes, just for me:

Look at this attention to detail. Look at those sweet little bits tied with silver thread into the ribbon.

Since I was in Little Italy anyway, no sense in making the trip and not visiting other places, so I made a quick stop at Corbo's bakery - pepperoni bread, tiramisu, lemon bars. No wonder I didn't lose weight before this upcoming class reunion.

Saturday I shopped at a little family-owned market for some fresh meats and veggies, and even though I paid a little more than at my big chain grocery, I got personal service and some great atmosphere. (And when I shopped there on Tuesday, I got a senior citizen discount! Over age 55, get a discount. When I told the cashier I was over 55, I practically begged her to ask me to prove it, but...she believed me.)

I bet you're thinking I'm telling you all this just so I can brag about getting new stuff and spending money, right? Wrong. Today I read a blog post on Curious Sofa, about the 5/30 Program. Rather than tell you all about it, let me just tell you it's about shopping locally, in small independently owned retailers, and it just makes so darn much sense... I just want you to read about it. Click for Curious Sofa Diaries... and then, if that's not enough information, there's a link within the text for the 3/50 Project. I can't help but read it and think what a huge difference this would have made in my former retail business - and I want to call all those that are still in that area and tell them they have to promote the 3/50 Project!

So now you know - I'm doing my part. I still buy some stuff online - I've only been in Cleveland four years, and I don't know where everything is yet! But I am proud to frequent Xen Gifts and the bakery and the family owned grocer and yes, even the little local ice cream shop where a quart of homemade ice cream is over $9! Well, that's one way to stay on a diet, right?

In case you think you don't have a lot of small independent businesses near you, think of things other than gift stores and antique shops; think of buying your garden plants from the local nursery instead of Home Depot; seed for your bird feeders from the small shops that sell it (and you'll get better answers there than from the check-out girl at Walmarket); and don't forget the people who cut your hair!

Oh, that mess I made? It's to make these two little bitty dolls - and I have one more to go. I might need some yellow beads, though....



Remember - visit 3 locally owned stores you'd miss if they went out of business, spend $50 a month at locally owned independent businesses, and think of how you are benefitting the local economy! (And make something fun - a Dotee doll, a tote bag for your fabulous purchases, anything that makes you smile. )

Round Robin

One of the clubs I belong to, Cloth Souls, is doing a doll round robin amongst the members. Our theme is "Queen of..." and we had to decide what we would be queen of. So, despite many brilliant ideas, my muse decided my doll should be Queen of the Swamp. And she should be made of green fabric. And the green fabric should be an old sheet (which really gave me fits and caused me to re-make many parts - and I should have remade much more).

At any rate, we don't see them again till they come home, but here is what I'm launching tonight. I'm reminded of "Alice the Goon" in the old Popeye cartoons. Not what I intended...

Made from the Madame Zlotska pattern by Barbara Schoenoff - I'm anxious to make this again, using decent fabric, and making *several* heads so I can choose the best face. Sigh.

The Yellow Rose of Friendship

I returned from MA late Tuesday evening, after spending five days meeting my new baby granddaughter. She's a delight (well, what would you expect me to say, I guess...). Here I am, 36 hours later, missing that baby scent, those baby grunts and squeaks, and the feel of her in my arms. I wish we weren't so far from each of our children.

In addition to "meeting" baby Paige, I was also able to meet my daughter-in-law's extended family. On Sunday, Robyn's mother, and her "other family" arrived after an hour-and-a-half drive to spend the day, see the baby, and eat with us. I've heard much from both Robyn and Chris about her "Italian family," and how important all of them were to her as she grew up. (My children were also fortunate to have lots of honorary aunties and uncles, and one family in particular was with us often for vacations, long weekends, etc.)

Chris & I went out to pick up the food, and when we returned, the CT contingent had already arrived. We could hear the exclaiming and cooing as soon as we got out of the car! When I carried the food into the kitchen, there was a bouquet of yellow roses on the counter - for me! I got a big hug from Robyn's other mother, and was told that they were, indeed, the yellow rose of friendship.

This, of course, was just one of the many teary moments I had during this visit. Tears of joy, you understand... I was also able to have my first good visit with Robyn's real mom, and I am now delighted to report that both of my married children were fortunate to get good in-laws, a real boon to a good marriage!

The good news, as I am longing to snuggle a grandchild, is that I will get to see our darling Miss O in just a couple of weeks. I'm returning to MN for my class reunion, and staying with one daughter, the other is flying in, and we are going to have a lovely long weekend of girl time!

After...kinda

Not feeling very talkative tonight, so let me just show you the results of the deck pot planting of 2009! I have to start out by saying that this is the barest our pots have ever looked. Though we used a lot of annuals for pops of color, this is the first year I've wintered over so many different plants, and also planted pots full of bulbs, so some items are still in the incubator stage, and not as full and lush as they will be.

Many of these photos were taken in the same general location as the "before" I posted a couple days ago.












While trying to get photos of the deck plants, I realized the sky was a little rumbly. Here's a shot of the storm moving in.
And the ducks having a gourmet meal of fresh tadpole at the water's edge.
Look at that cheerful fountain in front of that ominous sky!
I haven't grown dahlias in a very long time, but these really caught my eye.

Before...

Actually, before I post the "before" photos of the deck and the pots I had to fill (it took two days!) I want to give you our good news.

Our new little granddaughter, Paige Susan, was born a week ago today.  Weighing in at an even 8 pounds, and 21" long, she's a nice sized girl (just like her daddy and aunties) and doing well.  I'm still amazed that my teeny daughter-in-law had such a good sized baby, and has bounced back so quickly. I'll be going to meet the newest member of our family next weekend - just booked a flight out!

Memorial Day has been work, work, work!  We like to have lots and lots of pots of flowers on our deck, especially since we do virtually no gardening in the yard, thanks to the local deer population. There is, however, that landscaped berm in the yard, and my Oldtimer worked on that while I potted the plants.  He's still trimming and weeding the berm, and the pots are all done now, but I'm a little less than satisfied.  I think that may have something to do with nothing filled in yet, the plants we wintered over in the house getting a little puny looking, and everything that I planted appearing kind of small and ill-established so far.  I know they'll fill in soon.

It was a task, I tell ya...  And though I did all the planting, it was my Oldtimer's efforts that got the pots placed about the deck and dirt hauled from below.  Here are a few BEFORE shots:

And then there's my Oldtimer, doing his shaping and trimming and looking for all the world like "Pigpen" in the old Charlie Brown comics.  Don't let those bottom two photos fool you - they are not some artsty depth of field photos with blurred backgrounds; they are photos of the lilac bush with all the dust blowing by that my Oldtimer stirred up!

Today the pots are planted and arranged, front and back.  There are a couple shrubs and perennials to put in the ground, the deck has to be hosed down, and I have to scrub the fountain pot and make it presentable again.  I'll have some "during" shots shortly.  Right now, it's back to the vacuum, scrub bucket, laundry, and Windex... and back to the day job tomorrow!

Murphy Rides Again

Our Murphy dog loves to ride in the car.  Lately, because he's been one of three, he doesn't get to go too often.  We have this thing about being fair, and taking all three dogs for a ride was often an ordeal, mostly due to size.  So, most of Murphy's recent trips have been to the vet, and I was feeling as though he was going to learn to hate car rides.  

Since we lost Como last week, and because Buddy is pretty oblivious and sleeps all the time, I've been able to take Murphy along for quick jaunts more and more often.  Here he is, riding along to the post office.  Doesn't he look proud?
Always on the alert...
Now my car has almost as much dog hair as my house...

Bridal Wreath

When I was a child, I loved these shrubs.  I thought the name so poetic, and loved the arching branches covered with scores of miniature bouquets.  Somewhere along the line in my memory, someone had one that was large enough for us to sit under and hide.

Sometimes Lolo would help me clip a piece and use bobby pins to clamp it down in my hair.  That small bit of pretty made me feel so special.  (Yes, I know we need to weed the front garden bed...)
Aren't they pretty in the sunlight?  Joyful, simple little flowers.

Contemplation

My rather new Sunday morning routine revolves around a new place I've made myself at the dining room table.  With just the two of us here most of the time, we rarely eat at the dining room table, yet that room (with the new paint job) is one of my favorites.  Since I love home dec magazines, good coffee, and weekend morning solitude, I've made a little spot at the dining room table that lets me keep a stack of current magazines, and I keep a small journal and pencil nearby for thoughts, further things to research, and a to-do list.

It's a throw-back to Lolo, I think.  Her place was firmly cemented at one end of the large kitchen table.  Through my youth, she kept her current book, magazines, and astrology workbooks ALWAYS on the chair next to her place, or on the shelf of a small cart next to where she sat.  Even in the last years, as a widow in an apartment alone, with an entire study with writing desk, all to herself, she kept her permanent spot at the dining room table, where she made lists and cut out interesting articles from the daily paper.  Someday, I have to write a post to tell you all about Lolo and the daily paper.  Remind me.

So, this morning I was sitting in my new place (I've actually been doing this for a few months - keeps me away from the rush-rush of email and the stack of bills on my desk in the loft - and the always-on TV if Oldtimer is awake), and I realized I was sitting in dim light, looking at a kitchen remodeling magazine, and spending much time looking up at the scene reflected in the mirror nearby.  It gave me such a good serene yet happy feeling, and caused me to think about my favorite color/s- those blue/green or aqua or turquoise or sea colors.  Whatever you want to call them.

And I realized that for years I had no clue what my favorite color was.  Someone would ask and I'd usually hedge with a response about liking several.  For a long time in the 70s, I always worked some orange into the decor.  Later, when I had my daughters, I had a new-found draw to shades of pink.  I usually wore what was current in trends, taking care to avoid yellow and lavender, which make me look billious.  (That's a great old-fashioned yet descriptive word, isn't it?  Billious.)

But then I realized I've been drawn to turquoise shades most of my life.  As a pre-teen, pestering my mom to let me sew clothing for myself (and borrowing Uncle George's sewing machine that was a treadle Singer converted to electric), the first thing I made was a "shift" dress, in a geometric print fabric of blues, aqua, and black.  It buttoned down the front (we had to take it to my Aunt Bernice's house and have her make the buttonholes), and I wore that dress a LOT - despite the slightly wonky facing on the armholes.

The god-awful knife pleated skirt we made in eighth grade home ec, without a pattern, was from a glorious aqua and black denim-like material.  Knife pleated denim (what did I know about fabric selection then?) made me look like an elephant in a tutu, so I rarely wore the skirt, but I sure loved that fabric.  

Even now, despite my stance against reproductions passed off as antiques, I couldn't resist the re-created Roseville pottery in those blue and green colors.  I just love that color family - always have.  Why did it take me so long to realize that?
Oddly enough, despite the subdued light, I enjoyed it this morning.  I often complain that the fully-leafed maples in the front of the house make the front rooms seem cave-like, but today I felt it let me revel in the good feeling of the colors of the room.

PS - One unrelated note.  Thank you to all who have left sweet comments here and sent them to me personally about the passing of our Como.  It's been more difficult than I thought it would be, despite knowing it was time; apparently his big and generous heart just gave out.  As I told our vet, I've had Como longer than I've had my Oldtimer.  I know I'll miss him, his habits and antics a long time - he was such a good and faithful companion. Though my blurb on the day he died told of all his early behavior quirks, I really didn't get to the point of mentioning all the charming, smart, and loving things he did.  Every time I threaten to get really sad, though, I remember that face behind the fence at the Humane Society, and know that we gave him 13 really good years that he might not have seen otherwise.  I can only hope they were as good for him as they were for us.Como LOVED the snow - though he and Buddy are ready to come in in this shot.

A Woman's Best Friend

We lost our Como dog today. We knew the time would be soon, but I was still unprepared to let him go so suddenly. Today he had one of his "episodes" but made a valiant effort to be in the loft near where we were working, lost control, and slipped away.

Como was about one year old when I adopted him from the Hennepin County Humane Society. He was a "three time loser." He'd been brought in as a puppy, adopted, returned, adopted, returned, and then I adopted him. They were required to tell me as I filled out the paperwork that other people had returned him because he required a lot of attention. I took one look at his good face and said "that's ok, I want him anyway." He promptly walked over and lifted his leg on the statue in the lobby as if to say "I'm outta here!"

Como when we first got him - a young male in a house of females - note the television remote nearby.  (Como was half Gordon Setter, half Springer Spaniel.)

In the first year we had him, he had moments of driving us absolutely crazy - he got into the trash, chewed up the porch furniture, and other behavior issues that came with not being in a forever home from a young age.  BUT - he also "rode shotgun" in the moving van with my Oldtimer when we went from Minneapolis to Warrenton, has been my faithful companion and protector when we lived apart those 17 months, and loved me unconditionally - as only a great dog can.  He kept Bekah company during her first pregnancy, acted as my pillow and confidant during the lonely times, and was the first participant in the early morning biscuit launch.

Como last summer, surrounded by the other boys and looking up at one of us - see the love?

My Oldtimer said it best.  There's a hole in our hearts today.  There's no replacement for the eagerness and love and enthusiasm that Como lavished on all of us.  It'll be sad around here for a while.

Latest projects

I made this "Nonaim Coat" from some home dec fabrics, and other stuff I had around the treehouse - no purchases necessary!  It's the second thing I sewed on my new machine, which can do just about everything but sing.


And this picture jasper (aka landscape jasper) necklace has been finished for a couple weeks, but I haven't gotten the photos posted.  I had the stone, which I love, for nearly two years, and knew what I wanted the finished necklace to look like.  Recently, I stumbled upon the copper "tassel" from an etsy seller, bought the copper chain, and I finally have the necklace.  I really wanted a fringe from the bottom, especially because it's not drilled straight through from top to bottom.

Working on a couple dolls, too.  More photos soon!