Busy ~ Busy

Tomorrow I leave with hooker friend Melissa to meet up with Bobbie for two days of hooking fun at Sauder Village.  Today the low there is forecast to be -16* so I'm glad we aren't there at the moment.  Tomorrow it will be a balmy 2* for the high plus the winds there are always horrific.  I know other parts of the country are much colder :(  Thankfully the only time we need to leave the hotel is to go eat (or to shop at the antique mall).  I am taking the rug I started in Kris Miller's class back in October.  It has not seen the light of day since then.  Hopefully I have enough hooked that I can figure out what I am doing.

 

 

Several of you have commented that you noticed Cindy Lou Who was no longer in a diaper.  After her surgery, she was not allowed to wear one because it could add to the chance of her incision becoming infected.  They said it may take a while for her to realize she did not have the urge to urinate every couple minutes.  I was pleasantly surprised to find the urge was gone immediately.  We have had a couple "accidents" but for the most part she has done great.  The little stinker still won't drink plain water unless it is mixed in with her chicken and rice.  Can you say spoiled?

 

 

Isn't this just the sweetest little thing.  Many of you on Facebook may recognize the work of Primdollie Koch.  Talk about one talented woman.  I don't think there is anything she can't do.  Lucky me to receive this gift from her.

 

 

So many of us despise dislike binding.  (Right, Saundra?)  I did finish the binding on the little red heart mat and today it is on its way to its new home.  Binding has been started on the hit and miss mat plus I have 3 small and two large hearts to add a backing to. 

 

Speaking of the large hearts, I am long overdue for a give-away.  I will be giving one of them away, choosing the winner next Tuesday.  Entering is simple.  Leave a comment on this post only or send me an email with give-away in the subject line.  The winner MUST contact me within 3 days.  Please no sharing on any social media.

 

 

Thanks so much for stopping by.

Please be safe out there.

Pug hugs :)
Lauren

Sun Worshipper ~

 

Sunshine in January is a rare commodity in northern Ohio.  The other day we were blessed with it.  Somehow it doesn't seem as cold when the sun is shining.  Cindy Lou Who followed the sun around the dining room.

 

 

I hooked a couple hearts with hand torn strips.  They will be stuffed with wool snippets and a lavender pouch and given away. 

 

Ernestine was our guest today while daddy went to the motorcycle show.

 

 

Overall they get along but Ernestine has an issue if food is involved, though it seems to be getting better.

 

Thanks so much for stopping by.

Pug hugs :)
Lauren

Two More Finishes ~

 

Just a quickie post to show you my two recent finishes.  The scrappy mat is hooked and I must say, I love it.  Unfortunately it did not make a dent in my worms :(

 

 

I need a quick little gift, so with Valentine's Day fast approaching, I thought a little heart mat would be apropos.  I went to the worm box and gathered reds that I thought would work together.  There are probably 12-15 different wools.

 

This is the background wool.  I cut it against the stripe.

 

Finished it measures 6 3/4" x 8 1/2".

 

Now I need to start binding.  UGH!

 

Thanks so much for stopping by.

Pug hugs :)
Lauren

 

Bitter Cold ~

 

Here on Ohio's north coast, our official snow tally was just 7".  Now that's 7" more than I would prefer, but much less than many other places.  The snow would not be so bad if it weren't for the horrific winds and falling temperatures.  Tomorrow the high is predicted to be 11* with a low of -3*.  Then by Wednesday it will be up to 42*.  If you don't like the weather in Ohio, stick around for a day and it will change.  The puppies sure don't like this weather :(

 

 

I've been having fun working on my little hit and miss rug and of course I'm not even making a dent in the worms.  The only wool that has been cut has been the gray/black dividing bands.  I am 2/3 of the way done.  Before I planned this one, I had planned on doing the exact same thing on a much larger scale.  My upstairs landing is screaming for a hooked rug.  I am planning on something about 4' x 6', by far my largest rug ever.  I'm sure I will have more than enough worms and narrow bits of wool to cut in to worms. 

 Cindy Lou Who is doing good but will still not drink plain water from her bowl.  I heeded the suggestion of mixing in some sodium free broth.  I used a ratio of 2 parts water to 1 part broth and she couldn't drink fast enough.  She is my little shadow following me up and down the stairs.  Thankfully she has not had a problem with the hardwood stairs.  Many dogs will not go up and down them and if they do, lose their footing and go tumbling down.

 

 

Thanks so much for stopping by.

Stay warm and safe.

Pug hugs :)
Lauren

No Brainer Hooking ~

 

For Christmas BFF Belinda had her hubby make me this fun wooden tree.  It came to me as shown.  Initially I was stumped where to put it (I have WAY to much stuff), but decided if I didn't put the antique chair back here, it would be the perfect spot.  I will keep it out and decorate it seasonally.  My plan is to make some paper hearts.  We'll see if that happens :)  Well . . . it just screamed to be sitting on a little hooked mat.  Now I have plenty to choose from, but this is the only one that came close to the size needed.  It is just a bit too small and needs to be a mat with no real motif. 

 

 

I headed to the linen box and found the perfect size of linen.  I'm not sure where I got this piece of linen, but it is really stiff and I don't much like it, but I will use it and hope I don't have any more of it.  Here's the start. 

 

Worms are stored in plastic boxes, so I went to each box and grabbed a handful of worms.  I am not choosing worms randomly, but kind of picking and choosing.  They range in size from a very skinny size 8 to 9 1/2.  The finished size of the mat will be about 13" x 29".

 

 

I posted the picture of my heart rug in front of the oak washstand on Facebook and a couple people wanted to see what the whole thing looked like so I will share with you, too.  And yes, my bathroom is pink and pink is one of my least favorite colors.  Maybe some day it will get changed, but it is not a priority.  Oh, and that tile is plastic . . . and the ceiling is even tiled.  UGH :(

 

 

Cindy seems to be doing well, but she has decided to boycott the water bowl.  I even tried different bowls and filtered vs unfiltered water.  What the heck???  Since I know she needs to stay hydrated, I have been feeding her small portions of the chicken and rice and adding water to it.  She is gobbling it down so I know she is getting the water she needs.  If only they could talk . . .

 

Here are both the girls with DSO this evening.  That's Cindy on his lap and Ernestine in front.

 

 

Thanks so much for stopping by.

Pug hugs :)
Lauren

 

Two Finishes ~

BFF Belinda gave me a 5" cast iron skillet she had been using as a candle holder.  Not knowing what to do with it, I hooked a little snowman face and gave it back to her :)  I guess I will have to hook her a few more little seasonal things.

 

I finally finished hooking and binding (but not labeling) Old Hearts, a pattern by the Old Tattered Flag started in a class with Caroline Twigg of Eagles Nest Woolens.

 

I think the true colors are somewhere between the two pictures.  I decided to put it in the bathroom in front of the oak washstand turned vanity.  Though not a big fan of oak, I love how this came out.  I was very limited on space and this was the only thing I found that fit.  The 2 gallon bee sting crock is my waste basket.

 

Cindy Lou Who is on the mend but is having some intestinal issues.  The vet says it may be the result on the antibiotic she is on.  Cindy is on the chicken and rice diet and she is loving that.  She is just so darn sweet.  Sad to think of how many years she may have suffered from her bladder stone.

 

Thanks so much for stopping by.

Pug hugs :)
Lauren

She's Baaaack ~

DSO and I picked up Cindy Lou Who yesterday.  She seems to be doing well though is a bit groggy and is sleeping/resting most of the time.  She is still on an antibiotic, plus a pain med and a mild sedative to keep her calm.  She seems comfortable.  I will carry her up and down the stairs for a few days to avoid any incision problems.  Thankfully she is laid back and cooperative. 

 

 

Can you believe this is what was removed from her bladder?  Poor baby.  She is just a 22# furbaby.  This has taken a very long time to develop, I'm guessing at least a couple of years.  Is this the reason she was being sold on Craigslist for $20?  The constant need to urinate obviously didn't just start.  What would have become of her if the angel named Vanny hadn't bought her before some unscrupulous person did wanting her for breeding purposes?  She has obviously already had many litters of pups.  NO MORE.  She was also spayed.  No more babies for her.

 

 

The blue thing around her neck is a gentler "cone of shame" to prevent licking the incision.

 

 

I am happy she is back with me and on her way to a new, better life.  I hear they have someone who previously adopted a puggle from Ohio Pug Rescue who may be interested in adopting her.  Cindy Lou Who will be a hard one to say goodbye to, but that's what fostering is all about.

 

Don't you just love a good play on words?

 

 

Thanks so much for stopping by.

Pug (& puggle) hugs :)
Lauren

Finally ~

Christmas is put away.  Many, many trips to the attic.  Even though I have lights in the windows and many other electric lights on cupboards, the house looks so dark. I miss all the little white lights, but it feels good to be back to "normal". 

This was so sweet.  I'm sure it meant nothing to Ernestine and Cindy Lou Who, but this was on the trip taking CLW to the meeting point on her way to Columbus for surgery. 

I was contacted this evening by rescue and told Cindy's surgery went well.  She will be heading back north to me on Saturday.  What a relief.

 

 

I did a little swap with Rhonda over at Simply Quaint.  I thought I was only getting this sweet little cross stitch piece.

 

She also sent me this darling little Valentine pinkeep.  I got the better end of this swap :)  Thanks so much, Rhonda.

 

Fun socks from my BFF.

 

The binding of Old Hearts seems to be taking forever.  Instead of working on one of my class rugs, I thought I'd quickly hook some hearts and this little snowman face.  I also want to hook a few hearts with the hand torn strips and finish them "Betsy" style.  I have hooked so many . . . but have given them all away.

Thank you for all the sweet comments on my snowman.  It's what makes blogging worthwhile.

 

Thanks so much for stopping by.

Pug hugs :)
Lauren

A Right Dapper Fella ~

Here is my snowman from Saturday's class with Marlene Troyer of Perennial Blessings.  Isn't he fun?  Marlene had sewn the nose, hat, coat and body parts.  We just had to hook the face, stuff the body and sew him all together.  It still took many hours of work.  He is just about 2' tall.

 

He even has eyelashes :)

 

 

I just love the button detail we added.

 

 

Here is the pattern and information if you are interested.

 

 

 

I was also the lucky winner of her give away.  I guess I can no longer say I never win anything.

 

 

I am still not done putting my house back together.  Not even close :(  I have made many trips to the attic (a walk-up attic is both a blessing and a curse) but have not yet started on the big tree.  My living and dining room look like a train wreck.  I need to figure out where I put my "normal" stuff so I can retrieve it and redecorate.  This has not gone nearly as smoothly as I had hoped.  Oh, well.  Oh, hell.  It will get done eventually.

 

Good news for Cindy Lou Who.  Wednesday morning she will head to Columbus, about 2 1/2 hours south, for her surgery on Thursday.  It is time this girl feels better.  A stone that size has been developing for probably years.  Poor sweet baby.

 

Thanks so much for stopping by.

Pug hugs :)
Lauren 

A New Blog ~

So many people have given up blogging, so when there is a new hooking/fiber blog, I like to give them a shout out.  Please take a minute to stop over and welcome Sheep Under Feet to blogland.

 

Cindy Lou Who is still as sweet as ever though she must be mighty uncomfortable.  I will know tomorrow if they were able to schedule the surgery for Thursday.  Fingers crossed.  This girl needs some relief.

 

 

I just love Pugs & Kisses.  They are THE MOST adorable senior pugs.  You can find them on Facebook or on their website.

 

 

Thanks so much for stopping by.

Pug hugs :)
Lauren

Cindy Lou Who Update ~

Poor Cindy Lou Who.  After a week on the antibiotic, there was absolutely no improvement.  Off to a vet about an hour from me who will bill Ohio Pug Rescue.  Poor furbaby has a stone in her bladder.  A HUGE stone.  It is the white oval shape you see.  No wonder she is having urination problems.  Surgery is tentatively scheduled for next Thursday.  She will be spayed at the same time.  She is going to be one sore little girl but at least there will only be one surgery.

 

This picture cracks me up.  This was on the way to the vet.  You'd think she was being punished and being made to sit in the corner.  She stayed like that for quite some time until she finally decided to lie down.

 

Still taking down decorations so my house is totally trashed.  Boxes everywhere.  I am ready to get back to normal.  Tomorrow I am off to a snowman class.  Just what I need . . . lol.

 

Thanks so much for stopping by.

Pug hugs :)
Lauren

Welcome 2019 ~

I hope everyone is embracing the new year ~ not like we have a choice in the matter :)

 

I normally don't make a New Year's resolution, but last year I chose a word ~ PURGE.  My goal was to purge one item daily.  I started off pretty good for the first few months, and then it all went to hell in a handbasket.  Oh, well.  Maybe this year I can do a little better.  Then again, maybe not.  Was out antiquing the other day and found this sweet little wagon.  Not sure what I will do with it, but it was 50% off and I love a bargain!

 

I am undecorating.  Or is it dedecorating?  I am so thankful things come down much more quickly than they go up.  Then I have to redecorate.  I'm my own worst enemy.  I may never learn that less is more.

 

I have two year end finishes.  Unlike a certain unnamed person over at Woodland Junction, I consider it a finish if the hooking or stitching is done :)  Old Hearts is a pattern by The Old Tattered Flag.  Started in a class with Caroline Twigg (Eagles Nest Woolens) in October, it is finally ready for the binding.

 

 

I don't cross stitch often, but when I do I really enjoy it.  Friend Bobbie (the Evening Stitcher) inspired me.  I found a piece of linen in my stash, lightly stained it and stitched away.  Pattern is by Pineberry Lane.  It looks a little wonky because the piece has not yet been pressed.

 

 

Poor Cindy Lou Who is not getting better.  She's on day 8 of a 14 day med for a UTI and it is not working.  She's off to another vet that Ohio Pug Rescue works with.  I hope they can figure out what she needs.  She is just the sweetest, most mellow girl ever.  It will be interesting to hear if this vet also thinks she is a puggle or just very poorly bred ~ which is very common with puppy mills and backyard breeders.  Please remember, adopt, don't shop.

 

 

I leave you with a picture of CLW with Ernestine.  They really don't play together, but they get along just fine.

 

 

Thanks so much for stopping by.

Pug hugs :)
Lauren