Thankful Thursday

oops this one nearly slipped past me. I have been trying to get some order to my studio. However, I have to wait til the ceiling where they took the plasterboard is replastered at the end of the month.

Holly waiting for something interesting to happen in the kitchen.

I just was out with Holly, which is a bit of a circus when she goes from the right to the left and gets tangled round the walker...and will not reverse. She doesn't like reversing if she has decided she has to smell something.
Anyway, I tied her to the metal fence near the shops while I picked up my subscription at the chemist. Like I have done all these years we've had her. Mind you I don't do it often because of the circus stuff I mentioned above! It is Easter holidays, so 2 boys came by with scooters as I came out of the shops. She wasn't too sure when they started coming to her because she wasn't to sure about the noise of the scooters. As I was getting there, I asked if they wanted to pet her. I was about to say to rest their scooters and come to her on their own so she wouldn't be afraid.
I had seen a police car come into the shopping car park, but thought they were just doing rounds. Next thing I know, they walked up behind me and said. "Whose dog is this?" 
'Mine!' I said. Oh. (I never did work out why they thought there was a problem.) I asked if it was alright to tie her there. (my husband ties her right in front of the grocery shop) They said it was ok. Still they seemed like they had expected something strange was going on
Anyway, they went away and the boys got to pet Holly. I don't know what that was about!

Holly back home and back to her important day job.

So, how was that an I like? Before we had gone to the shops, we went to the library. I wanted to pick up the rest of a series by Edward Marston from the local library. I got onto a different author for a bit, because I had to request these as they were held in other libraries around Bracknell. So, I am looking forward to reading them. This series is all about the Railway Detective.

That will have to be enough for today, as I need to go make dinner. We are having friends come for a meeting later this evening.

Go check out LeeAnna's blog!

windy day

I have said before that Holly gets worried about the wind. This time she was in such a panic she got me up early (exhausted from being at Knitting and Stitching show) and even followed me to the bathroom! Huffing and puffing. I was afraid she would go into a seizure. (Sometimes being worried about a fly will set her off).

I had been thinking about the thunder shirts I had heard about. But I needed something right then. So, large scarf to the rescue. She calmed right down and when we went downstairs laid down. Now and then she would lift her head when she heard the wind, but I would say it was ok and she would put her head down. Usually she would go into a panic again and come stick to my leg or try to find a safe place in the house. Later she actually went to sleep! So, now this is her worry shirt.

Poor wee doggie!

still windy

It is still very windy out there. But, too cold to be leaving the back door open. So I wrapped a blanket round the WorryWort.

And at last she is actually sleeping.
Well, until I get up and go into another room. She has to stay with me in case of something...

I like Thankful Thursday

I have been making progress on the prep for my next Ramshackle piece. I like this very much. Why does it take so much effort to get started - destroying the words in my head like; this is not going to work, you will end up doing it wrong, and such.
So, I told myself, no one else is doing this, so when I am doing it, it is right. I need to write that on the wall or something!

I like this for when my body thinks it doesn't want to do the above work.

I like the unusual colours of this acer by the back fence. It is usually more of an over all colour, but the summer was so hot, it has come out a bit more variegated.

Design inspiration!

Holly likes safe places! It has been so windy just lately (you don't really have to send the left over winds here from America!). Holly gets afraid of the sounds of the wind inside. This is because doors bang shut. (sometimes the people can't live with all the doors having a doorstop!) The doors banging was her original fear, but now she has realised the wind causes it. So, she dashes outside if she can. Or follows me around like a lost sheep. Outside is Safe. She loves the smells the wind brings!

But sometimes you need a bunker, so this one has developed over the past couple of years. Originally the plants to the left were growing all the way to the plants on the right. But now it is Safe.
Since yesterday, there is a new one under the elderberry bush...quite deep.

I like finding shapes that look like other things.

I think this puddle on the table in the back garden looks a bit like a poppy head.

And so back to work.
If you want to see some of the other likes, go to LeeAnna's blog and check out the links.

I like Thankful Thursday

I like the lovely sunny weather.
The crocosmia is beginning to bloom.

It gives such a wonderful shot of colour against the green that is around, and is brilliant when paired with the lavender.

The unknown plant has flowered...
   detail 
very tall!
   

The flowers quickly develop into the dangling tassels

I really wish I knew what it was!

Along with the sunny days, it has been windy. Holly has convinced herself that it is dangerous in the house when it is windy. (She doesn't like it when the wind catches a door and bangs it shut.) So, she dashes out to the garden where it is 'safe', somehow.

One of her 'safe' places.
She has made herself exhausted by worrying all night about the wind (because she is inside). So, she spends most of the day catching up on her sleep. She has several spots she has dug to make a cooler place to lay. She was so asleep when I took her photo, she didn't even wake up to see what I was doing. I like the tiny leaf over her eye. Maybe like my eye shade (from some plane journey) which I put on because the sun gets up so early these days.

I like that I finished my dress and wore it on Sunday. (but didn't get a photo wearing it!)

Just a simple sleeveless sheath dress. I like that I can just put it on and go...no fussing with waistbands and the like.

Check out more likes from the others taking part...links on LeeAnna's blog.

Thankful on Friday instead.

Lots going on right now. It might seem odd, but some days it is a bit too much to add to coping levels for the day by turning on the computer.

Anyway, I like that the new physio I have been referred to, who is meant to help me with leg pain and mobility, looks to be prepared to really help and not just want me to 'manage the pain'.

and that going to hospital means I could pick up some more books in the bookshop and going to the library means even more!

I like I have had some time to work on some clothes for me. One I cut out is an eyelet lace, which will have white underlining.

I love the thatched cottage we stayed in when we were in Dorset on holiday the other week.

Our bit is on the right. The left side is where the owner of our self-catering cottage lived.

The whole street had houses with climbing roses up and over the door.

I really liked that it was amazingly sunny and warm enough to read at any number of spots in the garden there.

and that there were signs which said I should be there.

I love that Dorset has a Dragon drinking water.

I like castle ruins and finding out the story about them.

Corfe Castle ruins

The wheels worked really well, but I didn't go up to the castle. Normally that would be one of the first things I would do. But, this time I decided to listen to reports from the Thoughtful Man and his dog.

hot and tired

This was at a cafe in a little courtyard. Every time we walked past the entrance on our way here or there, Holly decided we should go down there. Even though there was no real reward for her. We did eat there 3 days and saw the model village there on one day. We called it Holly's dinner place.

More holiday photos on another day.

Also, during these past few weeks...
 I very much like that my Fly Me to the Moon piece 'Moonlight Groovin' has been used in publicity for that gallery by the organisers of the Festival of Quilts.

and that my Ramshackle Suburbs will be part of the Fine Art Quilts Masters.

and that it is still a bit of a secret because they only used the detail photo for the publicity. People have to go to the gallery to actually see the whole of it...unless they follow my blog. But still, a little photo on a blog and standing in front of a piece nearly 2metres by 1.10 metres, two very different experiences.

Check out more likes from the others taking part...links on LeeAnna's blog.

I like Thankful Thursday

I like that we are home this Christmas for the holiday.

We have never put lights out in front before.

I like a dog who is happy to be fussed. If it means wearing a red ribbon, then more people will fuss you! Even if the rest of you looks a bit like a scruff most of the time.

Holly; the dog found at Christmas time. The rescue people thought she was part Patterdale Terrier. When her 1st mother got her from rescue, they were calling her 'Crackers' - like Christmas Crackers. But Her Mother said there was no way she was going to call out Crackers when she was out and about in the field or woods. So, she called her Holly. She doesn't look like a Holly, but never mind. She is a bit Crackers, though! I often call her Polly for endearment. Polly Wolly Doodle All the Day.

We took Holly on several years ago when Her Mother was diagnosed with lung cancer...she wanted to be sure of someone caring for the dog before she even started treatment. Her Mother is still actually doing well, but the cancer won't go away.

In the meanwhile, Holly fell in love with her new dad, and that was that. Holly has fits now and then, the first time she had one after we had her, I got down and held her and told her not to worry, etc. That is when I was adopted.
So, when Dad is not here, Mum is the best friend. and when A Certain Young Man is here, he is the one to follow because he is usually in the kitchen...food. But also because he is the one who will play rough and tumble. Only not too much, because she is starting to feel the aches and pains of being older.
And anyway, Holly loves to cuddle you (as long as you aren't disturbing a nap) and will come and lean against you when she needs/or when she thinks you need a hug.

I like that I don't really have to do anything this holiday. But I have been baking and making meals that will suit the caveman. and more baking. But mostly reading books.

I Like looking forward. These gifts are from people who know I like:
photos on calendars or words for the day

books and diaries to write in (and a calendar missed from the last photo)

Almost the day for writing in new diaries! And making new lists! Hurrah!

go see what the others like at Lee Anna's blog.

Back again!

We were away with family over the weekend.
I am beginning to catch up with myself.

We met in Filey, where my husband's family used to have their holidays. Mum had asked for her ashes to be scattered there.

It was nice to be together. and just nice to spend a little time by the sea.


Holly wasn't sure about going too far into the sea.

But after a Certain Young Man got a treat, she followed him out quite a ways, ignoring the waves.

But barked at him when he got too far.

When Black Dogs get hot

The other day I couldn't find Holly. I thought she was in the garden, but when she is in shade and I am in sun, she blends in. Eventually I found her under the bushes.

She dug a place to lay her tummy in the cool earth.

Go away...Stop taking photos. I am trying to hide.

What dogs do...

...or at least this one.

Does this help her very little brain?

Or not?

Holly sure doesn't like fussed, though when she is trying to sleep.

a bit of fun at the seaside

Whilst I am working on a couple things...

more seaside photos to give you a smile.

Digging for crab legs.

'Yum! If you follow this scent, you discover something to munch.'

I am sure she must have had at least a whole crab's worth of the little legs she found. She did find a big claw, but by that time was being more easily persuaded not to eat them.

Holly discovers the sea.

'Oops! It's coming after me!'

She had never been to the sea, but loves to run through water when my husband takes her on long walks. This was unexpected, that the water would attack.

Later she got to run through the water like she wanted with this bit of sea that was separated by a sandbar.

There were several WWII bunker ruins.

'Catch me if you can!'

This ruin could be entered at one side and was like a maze where you came out in a totally different place. She loved it. My husband was trying to get her to come, which she is usually good at. She kept going in the one door, through the bit we couldn't get into and out the other side. Then she would race round under this bit and do it all over again!

So fun to have a dog to enjoy your holiday with again.

And I think after last week, I am now on her list of people who count. Today she came and sat by my chair in here because someone was drilling and hammering in next door's garden and she wasn't quite sure about it. (Up til now, she has mostly ignored me during the day...and tolerated me patting her as I went past doing things.)

I should have some work to show tomorrow!

Something on Saturday

Most of this last week we have been in Yorkshire. Visiting family and having a little break.

Holly is quite well behaved (unless she sees a cat - then she forgets every thing she has learned). So, we took her in to see my husband's mother who is in a home. We had our lunch in Mum's room instead of the dining room like usual, as we weren't sure how Holly would do. It took her a little while to get used to various bells and decorators with ladders painting the ceiling in the hall (!) But soon, she ignored it all as if it weren't there. (Sort of like she does me when my husband is at work! LOL)

This was just before we left.

Okay - looking at 'dad' to be sure this was alright.

On the way out, one of the ladies in the lounge room spotted her, so I took her in to say hello. She was sooo tender in getting next to the fragile ladies so as not to scare them. It was quite precious. But the lady who was more vibrant got the wiggle-delight response to her greeting which in turn delighted the lady. Even one 'new' lady who seems (from Mum's point of view) to be finding the change too much (understatement), got a little lick on her arm which she was quite pleased about.


These origami towel dogs greeted us when we got to the self-catering cottage. A great place to stay in Beeford. Very welcoming to dogs and so many little extras - including a home made loaf of bread, cheese thin biscuits for the dog, some cake and then more cake and biscuits when we left!

We were their third customers as they have just opened this season. So, if you want a place to go - nearish the sea and not too far from York where they love dogs. Get on the list quick before everyone else finds out about them. Ashlea Studio

Something new to us

A slight diversion from things I am working on...

For just over a week we have been getting used to a new member of the household.

Meet Holly.

A friend of ours is facing chemo having been given the hope that it might give her more than a year. She is a very matter of a fact person and at this point is looking at things logically. Or maybe regaining a sense of control by getting everything organised.

So, she wanted to find someone to have her dog... now...while she has say in the matter...while the dog has a chance to get adjusted. And since Pepper has been gone nearly 2 years the Thoughtful Man thought perhaps we could. It seemed every other option our friend explored had come to nothing.

Holly isn't particularly the sort of dog I would choose, but in this circumstance you couldn't say no!

So we have been getting used to her and she has been getting used to us. Quite different from Pepper in a lot of ways. Many of them very good. For a start, I have never met a dog that isn't hanging round your feet when you are doing something with food! Not even a twitch from the comfort of the settee!

And some days she eats all her dinner and some days she doesn't and some days she takes one bit at a time several feet away from the dish, eats it and goes back for one more...etc, etc, etc!

So that has made it quite easy to stick with the resolution we'd made that any new dog was not getting fed as much people food. This was in the hope that whatever thing it was that suddenly made Pepper get sick and die wouldn't happen to another - if it was even due to people food in the first place.

Holly has really taken to my husband, which at this point is a good thing for him. Besides working full time, he leads our church and is also heavily involved on the Committee at the Community Centre. It has been fun to hear noises of a dog running around in the hall upstairs. It means my husband has stopped for a break.

She is violently opposed to the idea of sleeping in the kitchen or in the storeroom, also known as 'Pepper's Bedroom', so currently it is the front hall! But maybe as she gets settled we can get her to move into the kitchen at some point. (It is tiled, so a better choice on our part.)

At present she is also not happy about both of us being gone at the same time. Cue the violently opposed part again. But we think we have found a system. Our friend was out and about a lot more than me, and often took her along. (My husband is meeting all sorts of people round the neighbourhood, when they are on a walk, who know Holly!)So, it is taking her a while to realise if we go somewhere without her, we will come back.

Stop pointing that thing at me.

Oh yeah, I don't think she looks like a 'Holly' either, but apparently she was a rescue dog, found around Christmas time a few years ago. Our friend decided Holly was a lot better name than 'Crackers' (!) which the rescue place had named her.

We are finding it hard not to call her Pepper, so her name is morphing a little into Polly! She actually came when I called her "Polly-wolly-doodle all the day" so that was good.(Meaning it was good she came when I called her!) Most of the dogs I have lived with had several names anyway.

She is not as clever as Pepper was, so she hasn't necessarily been able to work out just what she is meant to do in certain situations. But she will learn in time. I think some of it is that we use different commands than our friend did. We didn't know Holly very well, only my husband saw her now and then when doing stuff at the Community Centre. So, we weren't familiar with her habits.

Anyway, so far, it looks like she isn't really a friend for me to talk to about decisions when I am working here in my studio. But now and then she brings 'Ted' to have a grrr and a tug. And the house isn't empty, which is also good.