A Few Photos

Here's the photo of my Victorian Sampler after coffee dyeing it, I'm pleased with the results which is even more lovely in the 'flesh' so to speak. I'm hoping to get it framed in the next few weeks.

Photo no 2 is of the Style Quaker designed by Jardin Prive this stitched up pretty quickly and was a delight to stitch.

The 3rd photo is of my current stitch, Winter sampler by The Prairie Schooler. I stitched Autumn leaves in 2006 photo 4, maybe I'll stitch the summer & spring one too to make the set. I like stitching PS designs the colours are always so bold but warm.

On the knee front things aren't going so well,

I've been experiencing a lot of pain and difficulty walking. Not like last time at all, I saw the consultant surgeon on Monday he showed me the xrays and told me he wasn't pleased with the results because the joint wasn't straight! Not straight, it's at a blooming angle.

Also he'd had to shave away a lot from underneath the kneecap and insert a prosthesis under it which will cause pain for quite some time and may never go away. He seemed very blazai about it what worries me is will it affect my walking in the future. I'm going to see my own dr next week and ask to go to someone for a second opinion.

The rescue is going to be busy this weekend we have 6 cavelier dogs coming in from a breeder who is to ill to look after them plus a little Pom girl. This is on top of the dogs that have already come in this week. I can't foster any at the moment I've been finding it a bit hard coping with my own. I love them to bits and wouldn't be without them but sometimes they need a long walk, I can't and dh is not able to with work commitments.

I'm off to read a few lovely blogs and then stitch on my PS for a while, dh has just left to meet his climbing friends for a drink, glad I'm not going out it's really cold out there!

take care

hugs Peg xx

What was I thinking !!

After finishing the Victorian sampler I came upstairs to kit up Nathalie's Style Quaker sampler, this is a small one so should be a quick finish. I had to move things to get to the cupboards for the supplies so was not most impressed with myself. Because of this I decided it's time I had a sort out, oh my gosh what was I thinking. I honestly didn't think I had so much, I think I have stitching stash to last a few lifetimes. The quilting supplies aren't less either, I think I have enough fabric to make at least 40 quilts if not more. Apart from the cupboards there is fabric in about 10 large plastic tub containers. I have to do a bit then have a rest do a bit etc etc.

Another thing in looking for supplies for the sampler I have found loads of samplers I've stitched, some I have forgotten about, all needing framing. I realised I have not posted pics of these so it may be pic overload in my next post. I also found samplers framed already which I had forgotten about. I'm going carefully now as I'm wondering if I may find a lost bank manager in here somewhere ;o) I love my hand-dyed fabric, evenweave & linen so will be keeping them but I have found loads of aida and I just don't use it. Also I have some threads, Madeira and some which came with kits I am not going to use. Does anyone know of a charity that sends stitching goods abroad who could benefit from this stash? A few years ago I sent some out to Romania to a village where people had requested stash for the ladies who had nothing but I've lost the address. Either that or a charity here in the UK who could benefit from it. My email is ladylovestostitch@gmail.com please feel free to email me if you know of anyone.

Changing the subject completely, I don't think Paddington is going to make his 11th birthday, he kept me up last night with his barking. My neighbours aren't here in the daytime but they all work so I don't like the dogs being noisy so I spent most of the night up and downstairs. Today because I'm busy doing something he's constantly barking. He isn't indicating what he wants just barking in one room after another. I'm letting him bark he can't disturb anyone in the daytime, I know he's not ill just annoying me............................................I love him to bits but am thinking of sending him on a road trip with his little pole and red scarf with his dinner in it ;o)

I must get on sorting my room out I can't see my cutting table at the moment it's covered with stash from the cupboards and now I've got to put it all back. I'm going to have my blog fix first though and drop in on a couple or so blogs and catch up.

Have a good day, I hope your weather is better than ours, we have thick fog and it's very cold. Neil rang this morning to say they have blizzards where they are so no climbing today! I will post a pic of the sampler coffee'd in my next post.

hugs Peg xx

I'm Happy Dancing!!

I finished my Victorian Sampler last night after having to undo the right side border and re stitch it!! I found I'd put one to many stitches in the right hand corner arrrgghh, there are a couple more mistakes in it but I'm leaving it. Now it is finished and because I am immobile at the moment it only took a month to stitch. This is a pre coffee dyeing pic it's been soaked in the coffee and it drying at the moment but when it's dry and pressed I'll post a pic. That's another one to add to the many which haven't yet been framed! I found a few new blogs to read last night and really enjoyed my visits. On one I saw the Quaker Lady designed by Nathalie I fell in love with this a while ago when I was stitching two other Quaker samplers. I went onto Nathalie's blog and oh boy that was fatal..........her charts are available either by pdf download or actual paper pattern. To save on costs I opted for the pdf which I prefer anyway as I always do a working copy and never mark the original. I bought several of her charts, 8 actually then I went back to purchase 2 more which I love. So much for NOT buying any new stash for a while, but then I thought about all the stash I have and realised I really must have enough charts to use it all up. Well that's my thoughts on it anyway ;O)

I found this strange dog in my home, I woke up from a nap to find my legs numb and this growing on them. I was quite dazed at the time and honestly thought I was hallucinating. But on coming around properly realised it was little Nulie Noos in her favourite place ;0) She and Poppy has taken to laying here since they came home. I think the thinking behind it is I can't go anywhere without them knowing now.

I've got one very sad little boy on my hands, Nemo along with Poppy is dh's constant shadow when he's at home. Since he went on his climbing trip Nemos been laying on his bed, I managed to coax him downstairs this morning but he sat looking at the front door for a while then mooched off back onto his Dads bed. I've never had this before, it's always been me the dogs pine for if I'm not at home so am a bit at a loss as to what to do with him bless him.

Take care

Hugs Peg xx

I think we're finally turning the corner!

Well I think things are finally improving, I didn't sleep at all on Tuesday night because of the pain despite the medication. I was shattered yesterday. It wasn't until around 11pm I realised my knee hadn't been to painful and I could cope with it. In bed I managed to get comfy and suffered no pain all night and today walking has been a lot easier. I really feel I'm turning the corner and it can only be good from here on. I'm glad it has because Neil is reluctant to go on his climbing trip if I can't cope. And it means only 2 more injections..yeahhhhhh.





On the stitching front I'm on cloud 9 I have almost finished my Victorian sampler I just have the bottom band and the bottom border to complete. I've been reading through a few blogs and WOW there is some seriously gorgeous stitching out there ladies, I love looking at peoples finishes you inspire me so thank you for sharing.
I hit on a new blog, new to me anyway, this evening, this is Tanya's blog, why not pop in and say hello it's a really lovely chatty blog, down to earth, a very enjoyable read.

On the quilting front I can't do any until my sewing room is cleared, there is waaaay to much stuff in there. I have a lot of new recycled fabric to choose from and I won 3 unfinished quilt tops on ebay, this is one of them, gorgeous isn't it? I'm really looking forward to finishing it.

Well I want to get back to my stitching to finish this sampler, I'll post a pic of it when finished.

Take care

hugs Peg xx

Brrrrr it's back !

I looked out of my window late last night and we were having a snow shower, they had forecast it but I don't usually go by what they say because they're usually wrong. The slight covering was still on the ground this morning and dangerously slippy so no going through either the back or front door for me.
By lunchtime it was all gone thanks to a slight peep out of the clouds by Mr Sun, I was so tired I fell asleep this afternoon and was rudely awoken by the phone. People always apologise for disturbing me if I've dropped to sleep but as we, nor they have a video phone they have no idea what I'm doing the other end of the country so can't be blamed.
Whilst chatting sleepily to my friend I glanced through the window and said 'oh we've got one of those rainy snow showers again'. That was at 3.45pm now we have a good covering of snow much to some of the dogs delight but not mine.

The temperature has dropped considerably and hubby has just walked in looking like a snowman so I guess it's still coming down. Hubby is thrilled, it means good snow conditions in Scotland for their climbing holiday.

Back to stitching, thank you so much for your kind comments, I managed to get quite a good amount stitched on my sampler last night finishing the small alphabet & numbers bands. I'll be doing some more on it later. I sometimes wish I did more smaller projects then I'd have finishes to show you more often.

I had some sad news today, Dionne, who has kindly had my girls on holiday whilst I'm off my feet, had to take Douglas, a fabulously snuggle monster Westie she has been long term fostering for us to the vets yesterday. His health wasn't good when he came in to us last summer and it's deteriorated this past week. Sadly despite being on a drip all night plus other medication he has now gone to the bridge. Dionne and family called him the Brigadier due to his character and his pottering around. He was totally deaf and had not to great eyesight but he fit into D's family, both human and furry straight away and was very much loved. We also lost Sammy the Bedlington on Monday evening, he came into rescue last April, his owner had to return to work and was leaving him in the garage all day which didn't help his health. Jean another of our fabulous foster Mums took him into her home as a long term foster, he was tested and was positive for Cushings disease. The vet only gave him a couple or so months so Jean said she'd make sure his remaining months were full of tlc. Because of her care he lived a lot longer than we thought he would and was as happy as could be. He loved his life with Jean, Gyppy, Lucy & Archie the cat and his food, especially sausages ;O). The world is a sadder place without these two old boys but they have touched so many hearts over the months they'll never be forgotten. Both Jean & Dionne are special ladies and my heart goes out to them both.

You know there are so many wonderful, interesting blogs out there and I've enjoyed reading some of them so much. I love to see their homes, their work and read about their lives and could spend all day everyday reading them and still not read them all. Thank you ladies for sharing with us.

Take care

hugs Peg xx

How stupid can I get?

Well as you know I've been using my post op immobility time to catch up on my stitching which I'm enjoying immensely. Unfortunately I have made a huge boo boo and I'm going to drive people mad and go against all my usual principles because I've decided I am NOT going to correct it!

My op was a success so I'm told but I am having some problems with it at the moment so they have put me back on the strong painkillers so I am going to blame them for the fog in my brain!

It wasn't until I got to the band under the alphabet and the stitching didn't finish right that I realised I'd make a mistake. I sat back looking at it trying to see what I'd done wrong then it hit me I had started the alphabet in the wrong place. It should be 5 rows down I started it 11 rows down from the border. Please don't ask why as I say I'm blaming the meds :o) In times gone by I would have removed the border restitching it but it would mean moving the top border down and undoing the two side borders and re stitching them. I am not going to do it, I know there is sufficient fabric to complete the sampler. If this winds anyone up I am truly sorry and will happily share my meds with you so you can chill out LOL.

I am at a loss as to why I'm still having so many problems with my knee, both Neil & I think there is at least one stitch left in which won't be helping and the pain is sometimes unbearable with the swelling not going down yet which makes it feel like a large band of steal around my knee. Please don't let me put anyone off having this done I do feel some of the problems may be due to my other health problems. I know I wasn't getting as much pain as this last time. When all this is over though I know I will benefit from having it done and it is worth all I go through.

I'm hoping things improve soon though because Neil is due to go on a climbing holiday on the 13th Feb so I need to be able to look after myself because I don't want him not to go he needs the break. So fingers crossed all will be well soon.

I'm still missing my other 2 girls Mia & Georgi girl who are having a whale of a time with Dionne and her family. We need to get them back up country but no one can make the whole journey so it means doing it in legs. I can't wait to see them again, I think Neil is worried they will forget us but I don't think so.

Well I'm off to read a few more blogs and then do some more stitching on my sampler, I hope I haven't damaged you to much with my mistakes ;o)

Take care

hugs Peg xx

Things are improving

It's almost a fortnight since I had my knee replacement surgery and things are slowly improving. Because of there being a mass shortage of beds the hospital allowed me and the lady in the next bed to come home early. Unfortunately a sickness virus going around the hospital causing wards to be closed down and the bad icy weather bringing trauma patients in daily caused them to discharge those who had back up at home. Barb (my fellow escapee) were thrilled to hear the news, we had been sadly lacking in sleep not even averaging an hr per night due to a very vocal elderly patient in the bed opposite. The nursing staff were run off the feet daily and no break in the night time either.

Everything went well I did have a scare when I met the Anaesthetist he told me because of my health, my reaction to the GA and there being no spare bed in the ICU ward I would have to have an epidural, my heart sank to the floor. I couldn't be awake during the op I knew I couldn't cope with it. He promised me he would give me a sedative so I wouldn't be to aware. I am much relieved to say he was right I didn't I only remember hearing one strike of the hammer which hits the joint home that was it. I was in a lot of pain but wasn't suffering in my usual way after a GA which was a great relief.

I did have one pleasant surprise, because the lady who's bed I was going in couldn't go home I was put in the private wing for 2 days. Very posh and I must say quiet however they moved me up to the original ward and although I missed the peace & quiet of my own room I had the socialisation with the other 4 ladies in my bay.

I had my op on Wednesday 13th Jan and came home on Monday 18th Jan. The district nurse has been coming in to see me and made her last visit today to take out my stitches and take another blood test. Do you like my new fashionable stockings? :o) I need to wear these for the next 5 weeks to help to prevent DVT. Because I came home early and the Tinzaperin injections are continued until a month after surgery Neil has bravely stepped in to administer them to save me having to do it. Sticking a needle in my own stomach every day is not my idea of fun! The stitching is neat but he evidently went offline a little on the knee cap :o)

The strong pain meds finish today so I'll be going back to my normal ones hoping they will help with the pain. The stiffness will ease with time, I'm doing my exercises and walking to get the leg moving properly. Driving is on hold until at least 6 wks post op so I get to be at home merrily stitching away.......yeeeaahhh.

The sampler I was stitching 'Heavens Gate' wasn't suitable to take into hospital with me due to me needing a stitching lamp to see the threads. I started a new sampler instead on 28ct evenweave, it's by Anchor and just called A Victorian sampler.

This is my progress so far, I am thinking of tea or coffee dying it when it's finished to age it a little.

My other good news is two of my girls have come home, I've really missed them, they are both a bit clingy at the moment I don't think they trust me going out of their sight just now. Angela has looked after them really well as I knew she would, they both came home freshly groomed and looking gorgeous. Angela thinned out Nulies coat for me and it's hanging beautifully now. They both had little diamante butterfly clips in their hair to finish off the look...... gorgeous!!! Thank you Angela for being such a good friend.

I now have to prise my other two girls Mia & Georgi girl from the hands of my other friend Dionne, she has enjoyed their company so much she's reluctant to hand them back. I think they're coming back sometime in the next two weeks. It gives me longer to get more steady on my feet.

Well I'm off to do more stitching before the phone rings and stops me.

Take care

Hugs

Peg xx

Another New Year

Another new year makes her appearance, once you've

turned 60 the days seem to go faster than I can walk :0)

2009 was a year all about dogs, the rescue I 'work' with was busy from day 1 and as of our 1st birthday on January 7th we have rehomed 250 dogs. I have met some wonderful dogs, some so afraid they knew nothing better than to bite. Anxious ones leaving their beloved owners who were having to give them up due to health reasons or a death in the family. Not all dogs come into rescue because they've been abused or abandoned. I've met some very special people who've made a big mark on my life and I know will remain lifetime friends.

The photo is of my little munchkins when we were at a country show at Tatton Hall, Cheshire. The little beige Shiddie on the left of the pic is Caeser a foster boy I had who was adopted not long after. The golden boy on the right with the black lead is Milo a Lhasa boy belonging to Dionne another of our staff members all the others are mine. I wouldn't have been able to take them all if my two granddaughters Ellice & Molly hadn't come with me, we had a great day.

I haven't accomplished a lot of finishes stitch wise the dogs have been a priority this year but I have missed it so much. I've been collecting fabric for my quilting, so much so that I am now going to have to store some containers in the garage! I have enough I think to last me 2 lifetimes. I'm busy at the moment trying to catch up on ironing, I'm behind with it lately. Even if you're not out collecting or transporting dogs a lot of time is spent on the phone arranging for other dogs to come in or finding foster homes.

I've been busy clipping the long coats off my girls, I haven't had the chance to keep up with the grooming and don't want them suffering being matted. I'm also going into hospital on Wednesday for a full knee replacement and won't be able to do it for some time. The only one I've left long is my little Nulie Noos, tomorrow is not going to be an easy day. Nulie Noos and Poppy are travelling down to the south coast for a holiday with their Aunt Dionne, Mia & Georgi girl are going to Wakefield to stay with their Aunt Angela. Both these lovely ladies are having my girls whilst I'm in hospital to take the pressure off Neil a bit. I'm used to them but he's still at work and would need to get up 2 hours earlier each day to take them all out before work. Megan, Livvy, Nemo & Paddington will stay with Neil it'll be easier looking after 4 instead of 8. I'll miss them so much, I love them all to bits. It'll be strange having a bed all to myself I've usually got Poppy, Georgi & Nulie laid on me.

I'm nervous about going into hospital but at least I don't go in the night before this time, I go in to the ward for an injection on Tuesday evening then have to be on the ward for 10am Wednesday and the op will be in the afternoon. I'm praying the GA won't affect me as badly this time. My family were really concerned when I was a long time in recovery. The consultant told me I'd be in between 7-10 days but most people I've spoken to have only been in for 4 days so am keeping my fingers crossed I'm home this time next week. Then I'm hoping to catch up on my stitching.

Well I wish you all a wonderful healthy, peaceful and happy 2010. I've already started catching up on your blogs and have really enjoyed everything I've read. Thank you.

Hugs Peg xx

Our little man is leaving home :o(

The time has come for our little foster boy Gizmo to branch out into a home of his own, he is leaving the nest and we're not looking forward to saying goodbye to him. This is his usual place when his foster Daddy is at home, it has been an absolute pleasure to have him here.

He's worked his way into our hearts and worked his way into the pack not trying once to flex his muscles and try to be top dog. We'll miss his lovely 'smile' and his laughable antics.

His new family are coming to collect him on Saturday, he'll share his new Mum & Dad with a little Shih Tzu girl called Minnie and a cat called George. They're really excited they've been chosen and passed their homecheck and can't wait to meet him.

If we had the room he wouldn't be going anywhere but there are so many dogs coming into all the rescues now leading up to Christmas that I need to keep a space open for the next foster dog. We already have 5 in this area waiting to come in to us. Our little tinker will be taking a massive piece of our hearts with him and I know there will be tears when he leaves and not only in my eyes. The dogs will miss him too they all include him in their play, apart from Mia she's getting grumpy as she gets older and doesn't want her space invaded even by a cute little Peke boy.

Our weather here is rain, rain, and more rain, I've just been out with the dogs and we've all come home like drowned rats!! We are better than some though we still have a dry home and aren't threatened with floods.

Have a good day

hugs Peg xx

We have a new little foster boy with us.

Meet Gizmo the Pekingese our new foster,

this is the photograph I first saw of him. He's gorgeous isn't he. however when I collected him he looked a lot different. It's difficult to believe he's the same dog, his owners have 2 small children so find it hard to find time for him and said he wasn't getting on with their other dog.

Since being here he has shown no aggression towards any of my dogs, he fits in really well and loves attention, he isn't greedy as I was told and isn't food aggressive either.

He was neutered on Tuesday so has felt quite sorry for himself since then. He looks like a little fuzzball because his coat is severely matted, his back end looks like a matted rug. I'm not really sure what has happened to the hair on his ears it seems to have been chopped at.

I thought we were going to have to shave his hair off but last night he lay on my knee quite happily whilst I gradually teased out the matts on one side of his haunchers, he's had enough after that so I'll do it gradually. This is what I removed from his right hip area, it measures 8" high and 12" across.

The Quality street tin is there to show the actual size of

the mound in comparison.

He is a delightful little man who is mixing well and playing with my dogs. We've fallen under his spell but we are looking for a loving home for him, 8 is enough for us to cope with and look after giving us room for a foster.

I don't think he'll be with us to long before he finds a new home, it will be a sad day when he goes though.

I collected this little girl from the pound last Sunday, her name is Flower, seeing dogs in this state makes me despair at the inhumanity of man to animals. She is a sweet little Westie, very pretty and is already coming on in her new foster home. She will need medical treatment for quite sometime yet so will be longer before she goes to a new home.

Most of the rescues are very busy, Christmas time seems not to be a time of good cheer to domestic animals, they seem to become dispensible.

Hugs Peg x

Things are improving at last

My dogs are all now well and Neil is also over his man flu, in all fairness it did turn out he had a severe chest infection and was off work for 2 wks. They sent him for chest xrays to make sure there was nothing nasty there, thankfully apart from the infection all was well. It has left him rather drained so he's finding being at work tiring especially in this term leading up to Christmas. I am hoping he either takes partial retirement or full retirement at the end of term. He's worked full time since 1964 and he works hard so I think he deserves a break.

I'm still waiting for the MRI results it's 5 wks tomorrow since I went so hopefully it won't be long until I hear now. I am still in a lot of pain but I don't like taking the specific meds they've given me all the time, I know they can become addictive and I don't need that to happen.

I have a new 'toy', it's a halogen oven and I love it!


We have tried several things in it and we're really impressed, the roast was cooked in it last week and was cooked in less time and was lovely and tender. Neil has been busy today, he's made a delicious cheese & bacon flan which was absolutely delicious
He also made a very scrumptious blackberry & apple pie for desert tomorrow, mmmm.

I've just realised my waistline could increase if he does take retirement!!

Hugs Peg x

A Busy Week

Well it's been over a week since I last posted and I was determined to keep up but life is just as determined to keep me busy. I recently joined Becky C's blog Let's Stitch I've chosen this project to work on during Friday evenings. It's lovely knowing there are other stitchers throughout the world stitching along on their own projects. This is my progress so far, I love the colours.

It's been hectic here I've had 4 of my dogs poorly with upset tummy's, another 2 with throat infections and hubby with man flu, bet you can't guess who the worse patient is :o)

I won this gorgeous handmade quilt from an ebay seller in the US, it's from the home of an elderly quilter who has sadly passed away and in her life time stitched many quilts, I'm just sorry I can't afford more of them. I love these it's old and has history. I have a few wip quilts and hope to finish at least one of them before long so I can display my own work :o).

Photo curtsey of the seller.

I have enjoyed reading other peoples blogs so much lately and it's been wonderful sharing their adventures and achievements. I have a button on my side bar which is a link to Cindy's beautiful blog, I always enjoy visiting to see what new project she has on the go. Her home is like the blogs name Romantic. It's warm and welcoming and as I would love my own to be if the other half would give me free reign. Not much chance of that though :o) so I get my fix on Cindy's site, I've made time to do it I find it relaxing.

This week has been a week of deliveries, in my kitchen I have a large fridge freezer and in the garage are another 2 small chest freezers. All my freezers are full and there is a lot I want to do before I have any more surgery so I bought a tall larder fridge for the kitchen and a large chest freezer for the garage, we're not lucky enough to have the space inside the house for one. Both were delivered yesterday so having stood 24hrs to settle and having been turned on I can transfer food into the large freezer tomorrow. I won't have a freezer inside but that's not a problem. Also my microwave will fit on top of the new fridge in the space where my other one was so it will free up some counter space.
On our local free cycle someone requested a fridge/freezer for her son and partner who are setting up home together so they will be collecting it on Friday evening. My eldest son is having one of the chest freezers so have to find a home for the other one. They're all in good clean condition and should give their new owners a few yrs service.

Well I'm off to get my blog fix so will say bye for now. Stay safe and enjoy what you're doing.

Hugs Peg

PUMPKIN PATCH PRIMITIVES FABULOUS HAPPY HALLOWEEN GIVEAWAY

Wow take a look at these gorgeous fabrics, they are a giveaway on Pumpkin Patch quilt shops site. I love the warm luxury of them, pop on over and visit a while and enter you may be the lucky winner! I'm entering I have some similar which will go really nice together maybe as a lap quilt.

Check out the whole blog whilst you're there it well worth it.

hugs Peg xx

A LOVELY PEACEFUL AFTERNOON

I haven't felt to well today, I'm in a lot of pain with my back and have a lot of stiffness in my joints so have had a rest day. My afternoon has been spent looking around beautiful blogs, food, stitching, quilting and just blogs. I've seen amazing photos of their wares and projects, read about their joys and sorrows. On one I read of a gracious Granny who is 96yrs old and makes a quilt a week. I watched a video of her and she just thrilled my heart. It has inspired me to get more done on my room when I'm well enough and I feel truly blessed by having been in the presence of these wonderful ladies. Take a look here and read about this amazing lady or click on the Granny fan photo and it will take you to the blog.

take care

Peg xx

Back to another hospital today and other things.

I had my appointment with the orthopaedic surgeon today, I was going to ask if the op for my other knee replacement could be delayed until well into the new year but apparently the knee has deteriorated so fast that he doesn't want to delay it much longer. I asked for the time frame if I agreed now, it would be in December, Neil doesn't drive and with this being his busy time at work I just couldn't have the op before Christmas. My surgeon has agreed to see me in December and put me in his diary for January or early February, on the condition I don't leave it any longer. Neil is possibly taking flexi retirement so that would mean he's only working 3 days a week so it would be easier for me then.

We had a new canopy put over the front door last week, unfortunately it rained just after he'd left, we were very pleased with his work but the flashing started to come loose during the next couple of days with heavy rain. He's here at the moment redoing it, so the blind is down in the lounge to stop the dogs barking at him. Mia has the most penetrating squeal bark I've ever heard and is not one you want to endure for long.

We've had the fencing on the back renewed we can't grumble the other lasted over 25yrs. The next job is having the rest of the back garden paved so, I can't do it anymore and Neil doesn't have the time it'll be easier to keep tidy. We have bought a summer house, although it's almost winter, even on days like today it's a bit chilly but I love to be out in the autumn sunshine so I'll be able to stitch down there getting fresh air but also away from the wind. We're waiting delivery on that, Neil has to put the base down yet, he was going to do it on Saturday last but his chutney making took up all his time so it looks like he'll be doing it in the afternoons instead of snoozing :o). Here's his Marrow & Apple and his Red Onion chutney using new kilner and recycled small jars.


He's also got to put a new roof and floor in our existing storage shed poor thing is looking a little worse for wear and letting water in, it's not a big job I don't think.

I can't wait to see it all finished and at last get my conservatory, I've been very patient waiting 28yrs for it don't ya think LOL. I've managed a little more on my Heavens Gate sampler, I am making time for this, if I don't the days slip by so quickly and it's another non productive day stitching wise. Here's my progress so far.

I've just read about my friend Margarets, daughters first venture into stitching. Check it out on Margarets blog I think Mum and daughter can be very proud of a beautiful project made between them. Check out Margarets stitching full stop she has completed the Beatrix Potter sampler recently but has made some amazingly beautiful items well worth a visit. I miss Margaret since she and her hubby Bob emigrated to Spain, also Sheila also emigrated to Spain just after I got to know her. I bought some stitching goodies from her and liked her from the moment I met her. She was in recovery from a hip replacement and was leaving for Spain a few weeks later. Not all my friends emigrate ;o) take a look at Shiela's blog too she makes beautiful needleworks. Imagine my joy when I found out two of my favourite ladies had 'found' each other in Spain and are now firm friends having lovely stitching times together.

My BIL has a villa in Spain which is his home and I know I would be welcome to go and stay, then I could visit with them but sadly I'm planted firmly on the ground, afraid of flying so am missing out on meeting up with them. Totally my fault for being such a wus at flying!

Well reality calls and I have to go and feed my man as he returns from bringing home the bacon LOL

take care and hope to speak again soon

Hugs Peg xx

My trip to the hospital and our little visitor

This tiny little girl is 9yrs old and came to us because her Mum has Alzheimer's and couldn't look after her anymore. She is a really sweet little one but didn't seem to well, she needed a dental her teeth were a mess and badly decaying. Each time she ate pus was running down her throat sending further infection to her trachea. She had her op last Tuesday and came home with only 2 teeth left bless her. Because of her retching I'm not getting much sleep at the moment so am feeling pretty rough. She will be going to her new Mum soon who is really looking forward to meeting her.

She is evidently feeling better because she's telling my lot off each time they play fight :o) She is so fragile looking although mine aren't large dogs, she likes to sleep down the duvet at night. She may be tiny but we'll miss her when she goes. A postscript to this Cleo had to go to the vets this morning, I spent another night without sleep. She is to finish her antibiotics then see how she is on Friday, she won't be leaving us yet.

I went for my MRI today oh boy did I make a fool of myself, I thought the scanner would be one of those like a large polo mint but no it wasn't. I am seriously claustrophobic so when the scanner started moving me into the machine once my arms caught the side I pressed the panic button. The staff were absolutely great, they offered to rebook when I'd got some sedation from my GP but I knew I'd be worse going back. They suggested a lower pillow for my head so my face wasn't so near the top of the 'tube', I said ok. I thought I was going all the way through and had visions of being stuck in there for an hour which I knew I just couldn't do. However once my arms were inside and my lumbar region was in the middle that was enough so they did the scans in spurts of 2-3 mins. I felt 1/2 " small, on the floors above me were people who were dying of cancer and I'm fretting about being inside a tube but I just couldn't help it I suffer from claustrophobia and so I panic. They didn't take my head inside the tube which I will be eternally grateful for and we eventually got the MRI done with. I couldn't thank them enough but I did say if ever I have to go in further then they'll have to put me to sleep. I was still shuddering from it in the early hours of this morning!

I can't control my fear on this so hope I never have to have another one, just waiting for the results now.

take care

Hugs Peg xx

My toe dipping into the world of reflexology

I'm having tremendous problems with my feet at the moment, my heels are numb and I am experiencing numbness from below the ball of my foot up to and including my toes. This makes life very awkward if I'm stepping over something I never know if I've cleared it and often fall flat on my face in either the kitchen or hallway after coming through each door. I went to see a neurologist who wants me to go for a scan, there are two possibilities either the nerves in my feet are dying in which case there's nothing they can do. We know I don't have diabetes. Or it could be related to my spine there may be nerves trapped. If this is the case it's possible surgery will rectify this.

I asked the neurologist & my own dr if they thought reflexology would help get the circulation back. Both said it wouldn't hurt, no offence to anyone but I don't believe in the hocus pocus of such treatments but I thought the deep foot massage would help rather than a pedicure.

I had my first appointment on Monday and have to say it was very relaxing, I couldn't feel some of what she was doing but what I could didn't hurt. I was told to sip plenty of water throughout the day and rest for the afternoon. I would possibly feel a little nauseous or tired, it was the tiredness which hit me. I made myself comfortable, threaded needles ready to stitch on my sampler, I woke up almost 2 hrs later with a half threaded needle in my hand! Neil said she perhaps should come each night then I'd sleep better :o)

The recommended space between each treatment is 7 days minimum so I'm off next Wednesday for my next one. My feet were tender the next day but not painful, they are swollen again but that's par for the course lately.

Changing the subject the nine Shiddies we brought in are doing really well in their foster homes and learning how to be normal dogs. It makes it all worthwhile when they start to trust again. Paddington is feeling better after his two days of not being well, he slept the days away and now seems fine. I don't think it's stroke related like before because he's stable on his feet and isn't vacant in his eyes. The other munchkins are plodding along, I'm toying with the idea of cutting the girls coats down, I haven't been able to keep up with their grooming whilst I was ill so it's going to take some hours to bring them back to what they were. I haven't decided yet though.

The nights are drawing in now and night time descends on us so quickly, the year is going so fast too. I think it's as you get older the days seemed to go on forever when I was young :o) I'm looking forward to the autumnal colours coming into the trees, the hazy mornings. We're having a new fence erected next Thursday so hopefully we can get the garden sorted again into looking something worth looking at instead of the mess it is at the moment. Wonder if Neil will garden when he's semi retired?????

Have a great day looking forward to catching up on your blogs too.

Peg xx

I am ashamed of myself !

Yes I am, for not keeping up with my blog when I promised myself I would.

Things have been so hectic here it's unbelievable. One of the rescue's I helped out with closed down so in January 10 of us formed another rescue which is called The Little Dog Rescue. We take all small dogs be they pedigree or cross breeds, I am regional co-ordinator for the rescue so life is more busy now.

The photo above is of my 8 dogs plus 2 of Dionnes a fellow staff member of the rescue. We were all at a country show at Tatton Park in Cheshire. A great day had by all. I now have 4 Shih Tzu's, Megan, Livvy, Paddington & Nemo plus 4 Lhasa Apso girls, Mia, Nulie, Poppy & Georgia. As you can see Olivia who featured in my last post didn't leave us, when it came to it we couldn't bear the thought of watching her driving away with another family so we adopted her. Little Trickwoo the Pekingese was also adopted by us, sadly she had infections in her eyes which caused her to lose one eye and in a few days it had spread to her other eye. She was so poorly we had to make the decision to let her go, it was an awful day and we still miss her so much much. She was a little bossy britches but we loved her. Paddington our oldest Shiddie had a massive stroke earlier this yr followed by 2 smaller ones, he has recovered but isn't as active as he was.

I have fostered more than a few Lhasa's and Shih Tzu's and been very good and let them go to new homes but it's been hard :o)

Neil is hoping to take flexi retirement at the end of term at Christmas, that would be great, he's getting very tired all the time, he's worked since he left school in 1964 so I think he deserves to take life easy. It was another sad time for us in August, Neil's middle brother Glyn was diagnosed and died within 4 1/2wks with cancer. It was a big shock to us and happened so quickly, both Neil and his elder brother were devastated.

I have recently been ill but it did have it's good side, I have been able to do some more stitching and catch up on some of the blogs I used to love visiting. I've missed reading them and hope to make time for myself to continue doing so.



At the moment I'm stitching Heavens Gate Sampler by Hester's Needle I love the autumnal colours of this sampler and am using the Sandstone tea died linen included in the kit. I have so many pieces not framed I think I'll have to take out another mortgage to cover the cost of framing them all but I need to get them done.

My quilting is at a stop due to not being able to get to my cutting table and machines at the moment. I have stored boxes in my craft room which have now taken over. My plan is to get this sorted before Christmas so I can get back to it.

I need to say goodnight now it's 1am here and I promised dh I would start to go to bed earlier so I don't get so run down. Hopefully it won't be as long until the next posting .

Take care

Peg xx

Time for a home for Olivia

Olivia our little Shih Tzu foster girl has had her story published in Dogs Today magazine which is out now. This is the link to 2 short videos of Olivia at play and the slide show is of her at home with our dogs. She has graduated from being a scared, ill little puppy farm dog into being a confident, sweet dog whose now ready to move on to her new family home.
Olivias slide show

Olivia's playing with toys

Olivia enjoy a run on the field

I can't stress enough how enjoyable it has been to see this little girl evolve into what she is today. She is a very sweet girl, it will hurt when she leaves, we have grown to love her but we will be happy to see her settled in a home of her own.
I will keep you posted on what happens.

hugs x

Peg

A busy but good day.

Our little foster girl Trickywoo, here's her pic taken on Christmas day, had the all clear from the vets today regarding her eye. She had an accident at the beginning of December and punctured her left eye ball. It wasn't very pleasant, she underwent an emergency operation which was successful resulting in them being able to save her eye. She doesn't have a lot of sight in it but it's there.
She was in a lot of pain enduring eye drops and medication, she bore it all like the little trooper she is. Today the vet discharged her, he was very pleased with the outcome and unless there are any future problems she doesn't need to go back to see him.

Our other little foster girl, Livvy, also attended the vets today, he's pleased with her progress but she still needs steroids for her left eye. Otherwise she is fine, he's pleased with her weight gain and her general condition. She is now ready for re homing and I'm certain she'll get a great home. The first pic below is Olivia her first night in rescue, the second is Olivia this evening.


Can you see the difference apart from the eyes, she's quite a poser but wasn't going to stand up for me LOL. She's a delightful girl, her story will be featured in January's issue of Dogs Today magazine which is on sale from the 2nd January. Her diary so far is also featured on the home page of Friends of the Animals It will be sad when she goes but she's such a sweet dog and deserves a loving lifetime home. Her new family will not be disappointed, she is full of fun, mischief and love.






Hugs