Bear with me

Please bear with me and I'll explain the presence of this little girl soon. I've been really busy over the past few weeks overseeing the changes we've made to house & garden. Dh, daughter and grandson have worked so hard putting our accumalative ideas into place. I'm not being lazy just can't do the things I used to anymore.

In the garden area we now have the longed for summer house, all the area is paved leading to less high maintenance. Our small storage shed had a repair and repaint. We bought another summer house which now houses my grooming table so I'm able to clip the dogs making less after clip work than it was. I've had to refuse the offer from friends to clip their dogs too I do mine when I can so am not under pressure. The dog room also houses their food etc. Dh also filled another of my dreams, I've always wanted a garden swing, we saw one when out shopping before the garden was finished so he bought it for me. Aren't I a lucky girl, well old bird :o)

I have always wanted a conservatory and have waited just over 30 yrs for one, finally we have one. Because we are limited on space it isn't massive but I love it. The workmen were great and a pleasure to have around, the quality of their work was excellent. Dh just has to paint the two small areas of wall which were plastered, now we've agreed on the colour, and lay whichever flooring we decide to choose. We're not going with ceramic tiles due to it being to cold in the winter. I want to be able to use it all year round. It will either be laminate/wood or a good quality cushion floor.

My bedroom has had a makeover and I absolutely LOVE it, my daughter has worked really hard, the blind and curtains were put up yesterday so photos can be taken soon. The front bedroom just needs the blind and curtains putting up, carpet laid then this too is finished. On the 10th of August Dh and SIL are off back to Spain with his brother for a 10 day break, BIL lives out there. Whilst the men are gone the stairs, landing and hall, the living room and downstairs loo will all be repainted. The dining room recently had it's makeover, the kitchen will be done later this yr. My new large stove is sitting patiently in the garage ready to be installed, this is the beauty of having a Dh who loves to cook, he too fell in love with the idea of a large stove ;o). At the moment he's undecided whether to have a complete new kitchen or just replace the stove, which will mean I lose 2 cupboards, have new worktops and paint the cupboard doors. The bathroom will be done later also.

Dh is taking flexi retirement at the end of the summer so he wants to get everything done before then. It will mean he works Mon/Tues/Wed for 6am-9.30am then 3pm-6pm on those days and is off Thurs/Fri/Sat & Sunday. He's wanting to be able to relax in the garden or take off walking somewhere for the day or when he and friends go climbing for the weekend he can leave Thurs instead of Friday teatime. He can then do all this without feeling guilty that there's work to be done at home.

I'm not worried he'll be under my feet all the time bored out of his brain, he has a lot of hobbies, especially photography. Unfortunately he doesn't drive so I'll have to be his driver but he's happy to be dropped off for the day.

I have a lot of sewing to get done but certainly have enough fabric in my stash to choose from. There are at least 4 patchwork quilts need backing andfinishing off. I still have to complete the Angel of Spring xstitch for my framing lady. I haven't been able to xstitch for a few weeks my hands have been to swollen but I'll get to it as and when I can she isn't in a hurry. I have a lot of samplers I've stitched which are sat waiting for the hall to be completed so they can be put up too.

It's been a hectic few weeks but oh so worth it, I've sourced all additions through some of my favourite stores Ikea, B&Q, Wickes, Dunhelm, Wilkinsons and through ebay, freecycle, flea markets & carboot sales. Oooh I've loved it LOL.

Enjoy your day

hugs Peg x

My apologies again

For not keeping my blog up to date, life hasn't been to kind to me for the past few weeks so everything has been on hold but I'm fighting my way out of the cobwebs. I hope to post and put up some photos in the next few days.

I have been visiting some new blogs you know there are some great blogs out there. I've also visited a few of my favourites and not been disappointed. I have been slimming down the demands on my time so I hope to have more time for me and the things I love doing.

The picture at the top is of our new addition to our family, Millie Moppet is an 18mths old Shih Tzu girl. Like my others I absolutely adore her even though she keeps us and the others on our toes LOL.

Will chat to you later, take care and have a great weekend.

hugs Peg xx

An update

The photo above is of my babies all snuggle up on the rug, I love each and every one of them.

Firstly I'm sure you'll all be happy to hear Beethoven wasn't long in his second foster home. A couple who lived not to far away from his foster home fell in love with him, he's now enjoying his retirement home down south as an only dog.

There have been several dogs who've stayed with us since, mainly Shih Tzus, Harry a gorgeous boy who is now living with his new Mum & Dad in Nottingham and the beautiful Buster who worked his way into dh's heart. He had a super character, not a bad bone in him, his temperament was superb, his new Mum is totally besotted by him and who can blame her. He's now living in the Midlands.

During the early part of this month I had two little visitors for 6 days, their foster Mum went away on a long weekend art course so they came to stay. They are the most gorgeous little Maltese girls I've ever seen, we loved having them, they fit in really well loved having cuddles, loved going walks. I had two furry hotties beside me whenever I sat down lol.

They're going in for a dental next week and will then be ready for rehoming. They need to go together being dependent on each other. I consider myself so very lucky to have these little characters come into my life and home, I love each and everyone of them. It's a bitter sweet feeling when they leave, sadness at their leaving but happy they have a new loving family to care for them.

We had a few problems in the rescue during late January and have lost several staff members, it meant a lot of hard work for those of us who remained. Not a lot of sleep was had for several weeks but we're now climbing back up and the rescue is going from strength to strength.

There has been some progress on the work front, we had the promise of warm weather over Easter so dh decided to get the garden into order before starting in the house. He's worked so very hard putting in 12hrs a day alongside my daughter and grandsons. The dogs did try helping but their help wasn't appreciated LOL. My daughters little Lhasa girl Cassie came each day with her so joined the pack.

Between them they've completely cleared the garden, uprooted and relaid pavers down the side of the garage. I now have a path from the bottom of the steps from the kitchen to the garage, it was decking but when it rains the decking gets slippy and I've fallen so many times so now my path is none slippy. The small shed at the bottom of the garden has been cleared of all it's rain damaged contents and is now sporting a new roof, new floor, 2 coats of new paint and a new lock. She is now very happy after her makeover and promises to keep everything dry in future.

The fencing has had 2 coats of seagrass coloured paint, I've always been a wood stain girl but fancied something entirely different and I'm really happy with the results. Sam and I painted my bench and I'm looking forward to going through my fabric stash and sewing new cushions for it. Can I have a drum roll please, the summer house is now erected, yeeeeeaaaahhhhh. It is complete, painted in seagrass, locks on and all that needs doing is the painting inside, I'm so happy with it. However it is not in the place we first intended it to be, dh decided to put it near the house so I could use it as a grooming room for the dogs! This will help to get all my grooming tools and equipment out of the house, my new hydrolic grooming table is paid for and on it's way. An electrician is coming to install the electric when we're ready and I am hoping to talk dh into plumbing my dog bath in as well but it's no great problem if he can't. I can now sell my small g/table, I had to downsize so it would fit in my kitchen when in use but now I'll have more room. We have ordered another summerhouse to go at the bottom of the garden as originally planned and the builder called tonight to measure up for the new paved area which is going to make life so much easier for me.

I will post some photos when all the work is completed, I do have some I've taken so far but need to upload them to my laptop.

My stitching is on hold again at the moment I can't get near it, I'm hoping to have the boxes moved asap and get back into my sewing room again.

Until next time, take care and take time for you :o)

hugs Peg x

My Apologies

My apologies to everyone who visits my blog and takes the time to leave kind comments. The past year has been so hectic with the rescue, it has been both heartbreaking seeing all the dogs come into rescue and rewarding seeing the same dogs leave and go to their new, loving homes.

We recently celebrated our 2nd anniversary and in that time we have had just over 800 dogs go through our 'doors'. I have one here at the moment a 12yr old Shih Tzu boy called Beethoven, that's his photo at the top of the page, he's moving to another foster on Sunday who has less dogs. He's used to being with only one other dog, here he's sharing with 7 others.

Sadly Paddington lost his fight in the summer of last year against the debilitating results of several strokes. We hung on clinging to the hope he'd get better but sadly the time came to say goodbye all to quickly. We still miss him, we miss watching him clean his teddies and tell the others off for taking them or having them in their beds without his permission.

I've stuck to my promise to dh and haven't adopted another Shiddie or Lhasa girl although some really beautiful natured little ones have come and gone.

My stitching time took a nose dive and it wasn't until a couple of weeks ago that I decided to make time to stitch. I missed it so much and the priority at the moment is L&L's Angel of Spring which I'm stitching for the lady who frames my stitching. I'm missing my samplers but need to get this stitched as soon as I can. I have so many samplers I want to stitch, I was going through some of my charts the other day and was flabbergasted at the amount of charts I have :0)

We have so many jobs planned for the house this year, my new large cooker, splash back & hood is still in it's boxes in the garage. Our summer house is still awaiting the time to put it together, we need a new bathroom plus new windows & doors. The back garden needs remodeling too. Where all the time will come from to do the projects I've no idea but get done they must.

Well I'm beat and I have to get up early tomorrow so will say buy for now and thank you for reading.

Take care

Peg x

A Bit Late With My Tusal......

I'm a little late adding a photo of my TUSAL but here she is, I've been really good, I went to my stitch club yesterday and even saved my orts to bring home and put in the jar :) It's only since I have been TUSALING that I've realised just how many orts we have, I used to pop them in the bin.

I've stitched some more on my Celtic Noel and have also started Celtic Spring on Sugar Maples Gilded Summers' End. It's a beautiful glittery fabric with motled colouring my dh chose it from several I'd laid out in a floss toss, a brilliant choice. I've set myself the task of stitching all 6 C ladies but all are with different conversions to the originals. I have to add here I am NOT talented enough to do the conversions they are from another source, legal I have to add. I thought I would stitch on each one until I get to the same stage as CN then move to the next one. I know this way it will take a while to complete them all but it'll be worth it. I've already earmarked the wall leading up the stairs for their home when completed.

I'm off to the local town soon, a friend at stitch club has found a brilliant framer who's rates are reasonable so am going to take a couple of samplers to price the framing on them. My other framer does a wonderful job but it's costing me over £100 per framing and as I'm now legally a pensioner I can't really afford to have all the others framed at this price. Some I can frame myself but if the piece is not standard frame size I need a framer.

I've just watched the news and heard of the impending volcano cloud which is due to hit us soon hopefully it won't affect to many people's health. Most airports have cancelled flights for the day as it's in our airspace, unfortunately this affects some peoples holidays they've been looking forward to.

Take care

hugs Peg xx

A Couple More Finishes & A New Start

Gosh been awhile again I see, life has been busy and my health took a nose dive but things are slowing down a little now. Health wise I'm still having problems with my knee and back causing major mobility problems but enabling me to stitch more.

On the stitching front I decided I wanted to stitch the Celtic Noel again. I stitched her & Celtic Autumn in 2005 but my friend fell in love with them so I'm doing them for myself this time. I'm using a different conversion to the originals for both of them. I finished Hester's Needle's Heavens Gate sampler & Prairie Schoolers Winter sampler, I need to frame them now, when that will be is anyones guess! I have stitched more on CN she now has the wreath in her hands. I was so excited yesterday I received Celtic Summer & Celtic Spring conversion packs so will be stitching them all.

I've enjoyed catching up a little on other peoples blogs, don't you just love visiting, I have so many people who's homes I can pop into and sit, it doesn't matter they're half way around the world they're only a click away on here and there's always a warm welcome. It never ceases to amaze me the wonderful talents that abound in these blogs we have some extremely talented ladies amongst us.

I'm off to make a cup of tea, visit a few online friends then get back to my celtic lady. Enjoy your day.

Take care
hugs Peg xx

A Few More Photos

A few days ago I saw this beautiful finish on Sallys blog if you scroll down you'll see the georgous finish AND as you make your way down you'll see her treasures she's been stitching on since this finish. I'm sure I saw smoking needles over Yorkshire last night LOL. Sally offered the chart and remaining supplies for sale and I couldn't resist it. I hope I have as lovely finish

as she has.

I bought a few quilting books from Amazon and 1 from ebay they arrived the other day and I forgot to post pics.

Below is an update of my Prairie Schooler Winter sampler, I'm really enjoying stitching this and hope to finish it this week. I'm having a tv evening so will be stitching on it whilst chilling.

On the left side of my blog you will see a new button, TUSAL, this is a fun project of placing all your orts and little bits that usually end up on the floor around us when stitching in a jar or vessel of any kind as long as it's see through. It's amazing how much you have in a short time, the participants post photos every month of their jars. Should you wish to join in the fun please click on the button and it'll take you through to the sign up page. Go on you know you want to. :o)

I've managed to get an appointment with my dr for next Monday to see if I can see another consultant surgeon for a second opinion. The pain is reducing slightly if I'm careful and don't over do it so hopefully I can begin to benefit from the op.

Take care

hugs

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