Story Time

I was blog browsing this morning, waiting for the need to sit at my sewing machine to get a bit stronger before heading over it it this morning, when I found Heather at the Friday Block Party. I followed her blog back to Based on a True Story mostly I think because of the beautiful cat in her post. What I found was quite a woman, who can write to boot. Her writing reminds me of James Herriot, from the All Creatures Great and Small Series. I will certainly be headed back to her blog and if you love animals it might just be a nice read for you too.

So on to my Story.

When Sunny was Small...

Due to Sunny's eye and upper respiratory infection, we could often be found together at the vets office.  My sister only 16 at the time was a pillar of love and strength for both Sunny and me.  After the eye closure surgery seen above, Dr. Brooks and I talked about options.  We really didn't have any and I wanted any option that would save Sunny.  Dr. Brooks went into the back and came back with a beautiful one eyed gal.  She is amazing black tabby, and Dr. Brooks settles in to tell what can only be said as his story.

His wife called in a panic.  When she'd run home to get something one winter in years gone by, she didn't know that a stray cat had curled up on the engine block were it was warm for a nap.  She started the Jeep back up and went on her way.  Rather quickly she discovered the cat and called her husband.  Dr. Brooks did his best and the end result was the rather large one eyed darling cat I was seeing before me.  She'd also lost a bit of her ear but I could hardly tell.  Her fur was long and beautiful, she was clearly the darling of the office.

On a vet check three years later (of course we had vet checks in between!) I saw a calendar and there sitting so beautiful was the sweet girl I'd meet all those moons ago, so I asked about her.  That's when I learned the rest of the story.

It seems one of the technicians who came to their office regularly fell in love with her, and each day that he would come in to pick up samples for tests, etc. they would visit.  This went on for over a year, until one day they gave her a rather extreme trim.  When the tech arrived at his regular time she came bolting out to him.  His first words where "What did they do to you?" and very shortly thereafter plans were made for her to go live with him.  All those years stray, to office cat, to well loved by the person of her choosing.  What better place to lie and wait for your forever home?  She is much loved and cherished by all. 

There is something special about the critters that receive that extra push, each different in their own way, yet loved by everyone who knows them.

The Creation of Cooking?

Tonight we're having pot roast. I've been looking forward to making it since my husband brought home a beautiful chuck roast a couple of days ago. Today marks the first day that all of us will be home to enjoy it. While I was cutting up the root vegetables a thought occurred to me: I have no idea who the first human was to decide to mix things and eat them. No longer merely eating the same things separately, but to mix them together first. I can't think of a single thing except sometimes rice where I don't combine spices, veggies, and the like. Bless that person, man, woman, or child, whoever did it first for they have my utmost gratitude. It was the conception of cooking.

Do you have a meal that is particularly close to your heart and family? My own trademark is my Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup with Homemade Yeast Rolls, but that was just my pot, my leftovers, and an afternoon. My mother's seal is her pies. My mom makes wonderful whole-wheat crust pies. Yes, I'm lucky enough to have that recipe which I use often. My Grandmother, oh just the memory makes my taste buds sing, my Grandma made homemade freezer pickles. What a joy. My Papa grew the cucumbers and Grandma and Papa made the pickles together, they always tasted of summer and love. Someone else in my family would make the best German potato salad - that must have been one of the twins. I have twin Aunts, Beth and Linda. The only thing I would change is sometimes they'd put onions in it. That's fine when the onions cook down to nothing... Oh and my Aunt Jean makes cookies. While I don't have any of her recipes I do know her trick for having oodles of cookies at Christmas in all different varieties. Her home looks like a treat shop around the holidays. Everyone who learns that I'm her niece will instantly go into a trace as they tell me about her melt in your mouth Christmas cookies. Since the birth of Jessica I try to follow in her footsteps - sending cookies around here, there, and everywhere. So please tell me what is special to you, because I just might need that recipe too.

Undone

Today I ripped out the elastic I sewed into Jessica's costume yesterday. She doesn't like it in there. Well that leaves the belt. I think that will cinch things up a bit. Rob found 20 yards of black Velcro so I'll be using that for the closure on the belt. Since I seam ripped the elastic out it was free to be used for the matching shorts. I followed the pattern size and figured I would adjust it shorter if needed. Wonderfully it wasn't and the shorts, made from the same fabric, hide perfectly under the costume. The pattern for the shorts is a McCall's oldie (dated 1990) #4805.

Jessica decided Sunny needed a bit of a fur trim on his forehead. The thought of scissors near his only eye sends chills up my spine. Here's hoping she never feels the need to do it again.

I've stumbled into a rut and have found myself wanting Pizza once a week, not just any Pizza, but stuffed crust from a national chain. My dear sweet husband went off to the grocery store and found a frozen stuffed crust pizza, brought it home adding it to the freezer without pointing it out to me. Of course as soon I as was making dinner for just Jessica and I, it was discovered. Different but still good. Yes, yes I make homemade pizza. As a teen I worked for a different national pizza chain so I even know how to make a stuffed crust pizza. In spite of the help from my modern conveniences I still find it nice to give my foot the night off.

I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend. Best Wishes!

Pants are Easy

What a delightful morning of sewing I've had. In all my entire life I've made four pairs of pants: one pair of boxers, (without a pattern) two pairs of pants for Bonnie Bear, and one pair of shorts for Jessica's costume. I believe each time I've sewn them together differently and still come up with the same happy result. Sure sitting there looking at those four pieces makes my brain wonder "What?!?! How?" but after taking a minute or five to either reread the directions or to simply gather my thoughts, everything sews out in the end. These three pairs of pants are all waiting for me to purchase elastic and then they'll be done. A shopping trip I know. I need a slew of notions, the notions companies will be thrilled. Maybe next week. I did have enough no roll elastic to create the "Waist" in the Tinker Bell Costume. While I struggled with the casing for some bazaar reason, I think the end result is worth the effort. I still have the belt and the little shoe covers to make before this costume will be complete. I think perhaps it was such an enjoyable morning, because Sunny was my helper. He was there the entire time. He didn't even move when the pieces I was sewing ended up on top of him. Dear Sweet Boy.

Tinker Bell Costume Update

Now it's not done, but it's to the point where Jessica can wear it without pins. I still need to add elastic to pull in the waist and sew the petals together for modesty. Instead of the bloomers that came with the pattern (that I just know she wont like) I'm going to use a completely different pattern to make matching shorts so she will be nice and comfortable.

In case you're interested the pattern is Simplicity's Disney Fairies pattern number 2872, which I purchased from Joann's on sale for $1. I altered it to completely remove a tulle underskirt that I personally found ugly. I also made the petals in a larger size to make sure I had enough coverage in lieu of the underskirt. Also instead of the plain belt, I'll be using Rosetta's belt which I feel will be more flattering in a "Tinkerbell" sort of way. OH, I nearly forgot I'm planning to make shoe covers with little poms so that my daughter can wear them over her regular shoes.

Blind Cat

Yesterday when Robert came home from taking Jessica to school our neighbor called him over to her house. Her precise words were "I think your blind cat is over here". Knowing the sheer horror such a sentence would bring to my heart my husband went over there. Eventually Rob found Sunny hidden amongst the bushes. It would seem the door didn't quite latch when Rob left. Thank goodness my neighbors know about Sunny and his roaming desires. The very neighbor who called Rob over told him that at first she thought the cat was a stray, but then she saw Sunny's collar. Thank goodness for neighbors, did I mention that already?

I made two pairs of pants for Bonnie Bear, both have reinforced double stitched seams. I felt making them reversible would add to much bulk for the pants to fit property. One is ecru with blue stripes and the other is made from some reclaimed Jean Denim, which I think will match the denim side of the hat wonderfully. I've misplaced all of my 1/4" elastic, so I'll have to add that to the pants later.

Speaking of misplacing, months ago my little "snips" disappeared. I like them for cutting little threads when I embroider and they're nice to keep by the sewing machine. Seems they fell into my scrap bag, luckily I when I went hunting for them today - sure enough there they were.

I started Jessica's Tinker Bell costume today. I made the petal skirt as a size 6 and I plan to make the bodice side 4. There is a sheer underskirt that I'd really rather not make at all, so my goal for making the bigger leaves/petals is so that they will be longer (and thereby hit lower on her leg) and not require the silly underskirt. Jessica being the wonder that she is picked a nice cotton, so I didn't have to buy the costume satin after all. I think she will be much more comfortable in the cotton.

Bonnie Bear's Surprise

Today I forced myself back to Bonnie Bear and her Barely Sleeping panel. I fell ill in the middle of the pj's so going back to slews of gathers was something I was dreading. The more I worked on those pj's today the more I found myself thinking "there's a reason why some projects are orphaned!" Then when I was nearly done Jessica came up to me. She asked what I was working on, and it was right at the perfect moment. The moment when all the crazy seams can be flipped and you can see the piece for what it is. As I turned the pj's I could tell it was something special. Something more than I'd hoped. As soon as it was fully turned both Jessica and I gasped, for what was under all those gathers was not pj's at all, but instead a beautiful dress. I think because I took the extra step to make all the clothing reversible it gave the pj's enough lift and poof to become a dress. From there I moved onto the skirt, the pillow, and the do not disturb door hanger (that somehow missed the photos. If you look at the above photos you will notice that everything is reversible with all seams fully contained. This bear has no snaps or buttons and I plan on using Velcro for closures on both the dress and the shirt. I used elastic for the waistband of the skirt so it's all very child friendly. Ask me how I know. All that remains is to make the pants.

Sunny's Trading Card

I always mean to mention that Sunny has his own trading card and then I get distracted (how would that happen in a home with a 4 year old?!?!?!) You can see it here and you can even make a card for your beloved dog or cat while you're there. Trust me they are pretty cool and just as soon as I figure out how to print mine to be two sided I'll be hauling it around in my wallet and no one will be safe from hearing about him.

Sunny is doing great. His body believes fall is here and he's bulking up a bit for Winter, he must have missed the memo about Florida Winters.

Ask Me No Questions, I'll tell you no lies

Heather over at Miracles Momma Designs provided the following questions, and just for fun I thought I'd fill it in. Feel free to fill it out and post it on your blog as well, just leave a note so I can read yours too.

***********FOODOLOGY***************

What is your salad dressing of choice?
Blue Cheese

What is your favorite sit-down restaurant?
Gringos

What food could you eat every day for two weeks and not get sick of?
Pizza

What are your pizza toppings of choice?
Pepperoni & Sausage

What do you like to put on your toast?
Butter

***********TECHNOLOGY***************

How many televisions are in your house?
3, bet you think one is Jessica's, but it's really the bathroom's...

What color is your cellphone?
I don't have one.

Do you have an iPod?
Nope

***************BIOLOGY******************

Are you right-handed or left-handed?
Right

Have you ever had anything removed from your body?
From my lower right leg, The anterior muscle compartment, the lateral muscle compartment, and part of my posterior muscle compartment. That means that I can't point my toes to my nose nor can I move my foot left to right. My Fibula was also removed during that time, that's the little bone in your lower leg. But hey I traded for a nice titanium plate.

What is the last heavy item you lifted?
33 pound pre-kindergartner

Have you ever been knocked unconscious?
Yes, a car going 55mph will do that to a pedestrian

************BULLOLOGY**************

If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die?
Sure why not, might be nice to plan.

If you could change your name, what would you change it to?
I wouldn't change mine.

Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1,000?
oh no, my pepper allergy and I would not allow me to spend that much time in the bathroom.

**************FAVORITOLOGY****************

Season?
Summer

Holiday?
Thanksgiving

Day of the week?
Whatever day my husband is home

Month?
July

***********CURRENTOLOGY*****************

Missing someone?
My grandparents, I always miss them.

Mood?
Revitalized

What are you listening to?
Ni Hao Kai Lan, and the rain

Current worry?
own mortality

***************RANDOMOLOGY*****************

First place you went this morning?
the toilet

What’s the last movie you saw?
The Wedding Date It was quite good

***************OTHER-OLOGY*****************

How many pairs of flip flops do you own?
None, didn't you read that list of missing muscles?

Last time you had a run-in with the cops?
2005

Last person you talked to?
Jessica

Last person you hugged?
Jessica

Do you always answer your phone?
No.

It’s four in the morning and you get a text message, who is it?
Umm, remember no cell phone?

If you could change your eye color what would it be?
Ice Blue

What flavor do you add to your drink at Sonic?
ewwww none

Do you own a digital camera?
Yes

Have you ever had a pet fish?
Yes, even now

Favorite Christmas song(s)?
The First Noel, that was hard Heather's was Mary Did You Know? Which promptly stopped up my ability to remember mine!

What’s on your wish list for your birthday?
A Pup's Membership at Friends of the Kalahari Meerkat Project, I got fabric instead

Can you do push ups?
Umm, here we go again, some crazy strong man might be able to do that with one foot, but my bad foot does not like to be mistreated like that.

Can you do a split?
I could them in high school, does that count?

Does the future make you more nervous or excited?
neither, worried is closer.

Do you have any saved texts?
Texts... Hmmm, I have some textbooks that I saved.... hahaha

Have you ever been in a car accident?
YES

Do you have an accent?
Yes, it's a Melting Pot American one. Mostly it's Floridian, but sometimes I word my sentences in the way of the Ozarks and every now and then I'll use a "Northern" word.

What is the last movie to make you cry?
Gilmore Girls made me cry this afternoon, but I don't recall the last movie.

Plans tonight?
watching tv with dh

Have you ever felt like you hit rock bottom?
No, there's always something that could be worse.

Name 3 things you bought yesterday?
Nothing. I stayed home all day.

Have you ever been given roses?
Yes

Met someone who changed your life?
Yes, my sister Ashley was the first one to do that.

How will you bring in the New Year?
Sleeping

What song represents you?
A Dozen Red Roses by Tammy Graham

Would you go back in time if you were given the chance?
I'd time travel but not turn back time

Do you have any tattoos/piercings?
Two in my left ear and one in my right ear.

Does anyone love you?
Yes, lucky me.

Would you be a pirate?
Yes.

What songs do you sing in the shower?’
hehe I haven't done that since I was a kid

Ever had someone sing to you?
Oh yes, some were wonderful and others not so much...

Do you like to cuddle?
Sometimes

Have you held hands with anyone today?
Yes

Who was the last person you took a picture of?
Jessica

Are most of the friends in your life new or old?
A bit of both.

Do you like pulpy orange juice?
It depends on whose making it. Homemade oh yes, store bought not so much.

What is something your friends make fun of you for?
Only my husband knows that, because I was stupid and told him.

Homework for Sewing?

This...
For That... I could hardly believe it myself. I've been very sick the past few days and had been unable to find time to work with Jessica on her homework. But then she came to me. She wanted to sew. Setting up the machine for her takes a bit of time so I asked her if she would do her book report first and sure enough she said she would. My day included cherishing my family, folding laundry, and making this. Even though it's not a real apple pie it was still a bit much for me, hopefully the flavor will make the effort worth it.

Hungry Again?

What Chewed up looks likeI have a hungry washer. Yes it's true, my washing machine likes to eat things. It's eaten two throw rugs, three skirts, a t-shirt and now a pillow case. Everything but the throw rugs where knits, so I normally don't have any idea how to fix them. This time with the pillowcase I knew just what to do. Since it was Jessica's pillowcase anyway, I went ahead and cut off the chewed parts and sewed it back together. The remaining fabric I sewed back together to make a boudoir sized pillow case.
All better!

More Sick

Yes, we're still sick here, that's the reason for the diminished posts. I considered taking a photo of the pile of dirty tissues in the trash but that just seemed gross, and the empty tissue box is more of a tragedy anyway.

The sewing machines miss me, but have resolutely decided not to start collecting dust just yet and I'm dreaming of the projects I'll be doing when I'm feeling up to it. Joann's is doing coupon commotion so I am really looking forward to picking up some of the things I need to make Jessica's Tinkerbell costume. I can't believe the number of things you need for a pattern like that. The notions and the back of the packaging barely touch all that you need...

Sick Again?

It's a good thing fingers do the typing or else with my croaking voice you'd have to wonder who was authoring this. Everyone here was hit with a second round of who knows what bug this time. We all seem to be doing better, but after all day I'm really tired.

We're having concerns about Jessica's work load as well as some other details at her school. Why can things never be easy?

Buttons.

When I finished the quilting on the Christmas Valance it dawned on me that while Velcro would make things easier when putting up the valance... I had buttons on hand. So I went to my button box and found seven red buttons for my seven red tabs (one every 9"). Three with two holes and four with four holes. I mixed them together so the buttons are every other one. I think they look pretty nice and on the whole I'm thrilled with the finished product. Okay I'm thrilled just to have something to cross off my current project list.

Fighting Projects

My sewing projects and I are fighting. They are fighting amongst each other about who will be completed first, while I holler at them just be go ahead and be finished already so I can work on something new! The current winner is a Christmas Window Valance that I'm quilting, I did an inside out reverse thing so no binding. I keep thinking it will be done soon, but then I find more seams that need reinforced. The original work isn't mine and I'd hate to have it fall apart after only a Christmas or two of use.

Tonight after bath Jessica told me I needed to put her to bed. Man oh man I should have listened, but I was in the middle of cleaning and really wanted to finish. The great news of course is that Labor Day Weekend is finally here. I am thrilled to be spending the next three days doing nothing but puttering around the house and enjoying togetherness with Jessica. Now if only the vacuum hadn't fallen on me...

First Homework

Jessica's first ever homework assignment was to listen to a reading of her library book and draw a photo of what the story was about. Her book was "The Mysterious Tadpole" by Steven Kellogg. She's been four for exactly five weeks. I am so proud of the job she did on this. The Tadpole grows and grows. He is green with brown eyes and pink spots on his huge body. Come to find out he's not a tadpole at all.

What Labor Day Means to me, Today on my Birthday

I learned from living with my daughter that anytime is a good time to dress up. I also learned that if you want to wear a fancy dress on your birthday you should. So I did. Let's see I'm certain there are other delightful things I can impart. Being a Labor day Baby is a curse to all children. Yes you can torment your mother by saying "My mom was in Labor on Labor Day" but that gets old before you reach your 30's. No one can come to your birthday parties because all parents use the weekend before the weekend after and Labor Day weekend for a last huzzah to summer. That's why I cursed my own daughter with being a summer baby instead.

When you get a bit older it's not so bad. You can tell people that as long as they remember your birthday is Labor Day weekend they will always have a 50% chance of being right and as a bonus they will remember your birthday. This year they'd be wrong and the following year too, but come 2012 they'd be right for the next three years. Neat hu?

In all seriousness Labor Day Weekend is a Holiday for Everyone I know. It's to recognize the efforts of all workers. It was first celebrated in 1882 (I was a bit early for being born on the 100 year anniversary, and if you know me you know by how much). Labor Day is ALWAYS celebrated on the first Monday of September. This date was selected because it's halfway between July 4th and Thanksgiving. So take a moment this upcoming Monday to thank each other as well as Peter J. McGuire (a carpenter in New York all those years ago) for a splendid day off. You deserve it for all your hard work and efforts.

My sister has plans for my birthday for this afternoon. I don't really know what she is planning other than I'd like to indulge in some bubble tea while we're at it.

What is bubble tea? It's this amazing concoction that was originally made by to sell in the tea carts to children after school. Now that means it must be good. The bubbles are really tapioca pearls that you sip up through a large straw along with your ice cold beverage. They are fully customizable to your likes, so the squeamish can forgo the pearls the cups are vacuum sealed so you can take it on the go with you. Still interested you can always visit wiki.