Remember the cat that wouldn't let me in my own craft room, the cat that terrified Andy to the point he hid from her? The cat from hell?
She has become the biggest wussy of any cat around! She loves to have her belly rubbed, and her and Andy are inseparable! Mitzy has turned into a beautiful, loving, affectionate big baby. I love her dearly.

Men, Boys, and Life with Mom

I suppose I could ask, what is it with men and Harbor Freight? But the question could be answered with what's with women and Hobby Lobby?
Take for instance Sunday Morning. My niece and her family are getting ready to leave for their yearly July camping trip. Last minute trip to Harbor Freight is in order for hubby Jason. With triplet boys, turns are taken to go with dad, and today it's Jordy's turn. The 7 year old is anxious and excited it's his turn for a trip to the male testosterone store, and jumps in the car. After a delightful time with Dad, they come back with their treasures, some necessary and others the perfect find. Dad and son walk into the house, greeted by Robyn, who takes a glance at her boys.
Robyn, now perplexed,inquires, "Jordan, where are your pants!?" He looks down in horror, to see that in his state of excitement with going with Dad, he forgot to finish dressing! Yes, the poor kid, went on a shopping trip with Jason, in his t-shirt and tighty whities!! In their testosterone trances, neither noticed the lack of proper attire!
It brought to mind, when after my divorce, I registered my son in baseball. Then came the trip to the sports shop to by him his jock strap and cup. Well not being of the male persuasion, I knew very little of these except for their purpose. Chad also wasn't sure what it was, and when we got in the car he tryed strapping it over his nose and mouth. I had to explain that it wasn't a face guard, his second guess being a knee guard to which he was confused there was only one. Embarrassed when he finally understood, the next step was getting him to put it on before his practices. I placed the cup into the strap, he put on his uniform, and off to play ball. This routine was repeated for a few practices, when the coach noticed Chad was having trouble running. I saw him go to the outfield to talk to my son, and then walk over to me. "Mam," he said, "do you know anything about jock straps?" I had no idea where this was going. He was embarrassed, and then so was I as he explained that Chad had been wearing his cup UPSIDE DOWN! Oh the pain! What had I done to my son!? There was silence most of the way home from the game, then Chad broke it. "Mom, I think I'll ask Grampa about these things from now on." Good idea. If only I had thought of it first! Thank God my son can have children.
Foot Note: My son has no idea I wrote this. He shouldn't care should he?

Christmas Up and Running!?!?

I can't believe what I saw. Yes, the holidays are coming, but we still have 5 months to go. We still have summer to finish, which has barely started, fall and back to school, Halloween and Thanksgiving. So am I out of touch with reality, to be upset with walking into Hobby Lobby to see that Christmas exploded in every corner of the store? Trees, wreaths and ornaments. Cards, picks, and garlands. Pottery, nic nacs and wrapping paper. Everywhere!! Artificial poinsettias, and decorations of every kind. In every corner, in every department. What has happened to us? Have we turned Christmas into a monetary opportunity all year long? Have we forgotten what it is really all about? What has happened to us that we can't celebrate the moment we are living in, enjoy the seasons as they come to us, revel in the beauty of our surroundings, without the stores shoving it's commercialized version of Christmas down our throats? It's July! Can we live in this moment please!? Celebrate today. Live Christmas every day. In our hearts and through our actions, where it belongs.

Dotee Delerium

My addiction to dotee dolls is now officially out of control! I have made 24 so far, with no signs of stopping!! Each time I think I'll take a break, another swap comes up that interests me, or my overactive brain thinks up a theme and I'm off again. These are some of the swaps I have completed, and it's getting harder each time to part with them. Help!

This is from the "L is For..." swap, which I chose lion.

This little girl was for the "Pajama Dotee" swap.
For those who were missing letters for the "Alphabet Swap", where we are going through the entire alphabet, I sent this one for "A is for Alphabet" . I also did b, c, and e, the letters by partner was missing.

This one was so fun, the girl I did "J is for..." had a birthday on the 4th of July, making her dotee easy, "J is for July 4th."

This is for the "Cowgirl Dotee" swap.

I made twins for the "Bitee Baby Dotee's".

This is Thumbelina, for the swaps I'm hosting, "Fairy Tale Dotee's". Each month or so we do a dotee from a famous fairy tale.

Now how can I resist!?

A Relaxing Get Away

I had such a wonderful time visiting Jay and Cheryl. What happened to my pictures though, I can't figure. I uploaded them onto my automatic picture frame thing, and when I put them back on the computer, they got lost somewhere in cyberspace, except for these. So until I find them, I can just tell you I had a ball. We rode the River Queen paddle boat, a 2 hour cruise down the AuSable River that was so beautiful. The swans swam alongside the boat. I had a picture taken of me steering the boat, my sister did too, just for fun. The captain even lets you wear his cap!
We also heard a nesting pair of loons on Silver lake, which was a major treat since there are only 300 pairs in Michigan. It was awesome!
Much time was spent out on the back deck, sewing, chatting, and just enjoying the peace and quiet. A couple days before we got there, Jay had a bear in the side yard. I was really hoping to see one, but they're more afraid of us than we are of them. (So they say!!) But I do want to have that experience some day.
Cheryl is an amazing cook, and we ate well, perhaps too well< :) but oh it was soooo good!!! Memories for a lifetime, I can't wait to go back!

Good-Night Sweet Punkin

I returned from my trip up north, to find my sweet Punkin had passed. She was 19, and not well, Ken found her curled up on her little bed. I'll miss you sweety, you were a very special cat, and the perfect little lady.

Well tomorrow, I'm heading up to northern Michigan to visit my brother Jay and his wife, Cheryl for 4 days! I can't wait to get there for some R&R, good conversation, Cheryl's delicious cooking, and peace and quiet. We'll sit on the back deck and sew, catch up on all the news, and enjoy the beauty and wild life nature offers from their home nestled in the national forest. Ahhhh.