Arbor Day Celebration in Canton, GA

The City of Canton offered free tree seedings as well as trees and shrubs you could purchase a few weeks ago.  My friend Tanya and I went to take advantage of the free seedlings and check it  out.  We both bought a lot of plants and my car was jammed full of them!  It was a fun thing to do on a nice February morning!



Tanya selecting a tree



Volunteers loading up my car

Both the trunk and back seat were full of plants, even Tanya's side had some!

It's a Dog's Life

Shortly after I adopted Oliver he got a hair cut.  I had him cut very, very short has he was just a mess and very smelly.
I prefer keeping my dogs fur short and in summer it is the best options.  They left the hair on his tail too long, but next time I will have it cut shorter.  He also had a vet appointment - a freebe from getting him from the shelter.  We now think he is mainly Shih Tzu, with some poodle thrown in for good measure.  Doesn't matter to me.  He is a great dog and fun to have around.  He and Sam and best buddies. Oliver sure makes his presence known!

Sam had eye surgery.  He had a "cherry" eye that kept popping out.  So, for about 10 days I had a little cone head.   Still wanted  to play, play, play.  Unfortunately, Oliver was afraid of his cone.  But, until his eye was completely healed, Sam had to wear the cone.  And, I am happy to report that the surgery was very successful.

The two of them love to chase each other around the house.  Around the couch, around the dining room table, into the bedroom and back.  Oliver will be at one end of the couch and Sam at the other.  They will eye each other and one will start to chase the other and it starts all over again.  They play tug of war with the toys.  I can't wait to see what happens when the hard wood floors go in and they won't have the carpet to run around on!

Since my Lover's Knot quilt is complete and waiting to be quilted, I decided it was time to break them of the habit of sleeping in bed with me.  I don't want them dragging their dirty paws on this beautiful quilt.  It took 3 nights!  Once in a while when I go into my bathroom I will come out to see Sam curled up on the bed, but basically they know it is now off limits.

However, they do have other comfy places to rest!

Travel and Visitors

Looks like 2011 will be the year for a little travel and visitors!  After a rough 2010, I am looking forward to a little fun!

Martha is coming down the end of March.  Sally and Amy will be down the beginning of June.  I am planning a lot of outdoor time with Martha and trips to the mountains - only an hour or so away.  Sally and Amy indicated that time in the pool sounds wonderful, but I am sure we will fit a few excursions into their
week.

.


I just booked a week in Mesa, AZ in April.  I will stay at a timeshare, but visit with my gal pal, Nancy and my sister, Linda.  Both have cats and since I am severely allergic to kitties, staying with them is out of the question.  Last time I was in Mesa in November 2009, Nancy and I had a blast together and I am looking forward to having a lot of laughs, singing at the top of our lungs as we drive down the highway and great lunches at area restaurants.  I also am looking forward swimming in Linda's pool and a jeep tour of the desert.  The timeshare resort I am staying at has tons of amenities so I plan to take advantage of the spa on the premises.  And, most exciting is that Nancy is in the process of purchasing a home.  I am excited to see it.

Church lady gal pal, Mikki, will be attending a conference in the Atlanta area this year.  The plan is for her to tack a a night or two on to her trip and stay with me.  I am also hoping David and Nicole make it down.  Terri, too.  And, a few more of the church ladies.  What about Judy?  Shelley and Bob? 

I think a trip in the fall will be on my agenda, too.  Shelley and I are talking about Williamsburg, VA.  I know we would both really enjoy Williamsburg as we love history and antiques.  It is probably one of the best places the two of us could go to!

It is nice to be settled, to finally start to know my way around my new community and to feel like I am alive again.  It is nice to know I have a comfortable place for any one who wants to come and visit for a while.  Friends are always welcome.

Lover's Knot Quilt (or how I almost lost my sanity)

Block A - I made 56 of these blocks, easy enough, but time consuming

Several years ago I purchased yards and yards and yards of the four fabrics above.   My intent was to make a quilt to be used in a new home.  I purchased enough fabric for not only king sized quilt, but to make window treatments and pillows. 



Block B - I made 42 of these blocks, still easy

 A couple of years later a found a pattern I thought would be great for the material, Lover's Knot. (yes, I know - the "normal" thing is to find the pattern, then purchase all of the material.) I bought the pattern book, which is by Eleanor Burns.  I find her books/patterns to be very simple if you carefully follow the directions.  I remember my friend, Jen, commenting that both she and her mother made this quilt, but her mother got the blocks turned around.  The quilt still came out OK, but she cautioned me to be very careful when placing the blocks and to keep them in order.

Well, things changed in my life.  I debated if I want to use this material or make this particular quilt.  But, I decided I loved the material and the pattern, to make the quilt in a queen size and decorate my bedroom around it.  I finally started it during the ice storm when I was housebound for five days.  The quilt consists of combining the A Blocks and B blocks, along with a few triangle pieces, to make five different blocks (Blocks C-G) , which in turn, make the quilt.



Block C - Combining 36 blocks of both Blocks A and B to make 18 C blocks.
This is where I messed up - kept turning them the wrong way.  This is the
foundation block of the quilt, so it has to be right. Looks simple until you try it.
But, at least you can start to see the green "knots"

Seems I can't follow directions nor did I heed Jen's advice. I found Eleanor's instructions for sewing the blocks together to make Block C very confusing.  I stared at these blocks in complete confusion while arranging them.  And, I had to do a little ripping apart, but not much, thankfully.  I finally give up on the written instructions and just followed the final illustration of how Block C should look.  And, it worked!   The following Blocks (D-G) went quickly because they were easier to figure out. 



Block D - made 6 and used up all of Block B and used 12  of  Block A
(can you see the 1 Block B and 2 Block A's?)



Block E - love the triangles  - made four



Block F - made two



Final Block - G - made 2 - used up all of Block A
and now I am ready to put them all together and make the quilt top.

The quilt is pieced together on the diagonal, which I have only done once before.   But Eleanor's diagram is excellent and it is starting to come together very quickly.  Below are pictures of Rows 1-4.  Four more rows to go, a triple border and I am DONE!  I will purchase the backing material and off it will go to  Meandering Mary to be professionally quilted.


Now the light and the dark "knots" are visible.  It's working!
Can you see all of blocks I made?
  Each one has been used at least once so far.



I am really liking this quilt and am so glad I decided to go ahead and make it.

And, this is one of the reasons I just love quilting.  When looking at all these blocks individually, I admit thinking that it can't all come together.  But, it does.  And, I get to keep my sanity.

Quilts for Kids

Downy Touch of Comfort Program offers a wonderful volunteer program for quilters.   They provide the fabric and quilters make quilts for children in the hospital.  Click here to see a video, but beware - it may cause a tear or two.  There is several comments made in the video that really touched me.  One is made by a volunteer about how this program affected her and why she does it.  I know exactly what she means.


The first quilt I made for this great program

I heard about this great program last winter and immediately requested a kit.  It arrived promptly; however, I got involved in the move to Georgia and the kit was put aside.  Recently, I dug out the kit and made my first quilt.  I requested another kit and before I knew it, it arrived so now I will be send both quilts back this week.  The kit includes instructions for a very simple quilt along with pre-cut material.  The quilter provides the batting, thread and must complete the quilt - basic quilting and binding.  All quilts must  be completely machine stitched to hold up in the hospital washing machines.  The quilter also pays for the postage to send the quilt back.  These quilts can be finished in a day if you really concentrate on it, or in a few evenings or a weekend.



Originally, the program's goal was to make 10,000 quilts for children, but it as received well over 20,000 quilts.  How wonderful is that? 



Second quilt I have made.  You can see they are the exact same pattern.

I am hoping to make at least one quilt a month and will keep requesting kits. I will also purchase material on my own.  There is a spot on the website where you may download different quilt patterns, if you wish.

Personally, I find making these quilts so rewarding.   My mother was a nurse and for many years worked in pediatrics, which was near and dear to her heart.  I have found that while sewing these  these quilts I felt very close to her.  I would like to think that each quilt I make through this program she is with me when I make them.  I guess I am also making them in her honor. 

If you are interested in learning about this program (and I hope you are), please click on the link above. 

Time to Move On

The other night while ice bound and bored,  I started searching for people on Facebook and came across a man I dated briefly a few years ago. 

We dated at a time when Phil had pushed me away and encouraged me to move on.  I met Ken.  Ken is a great guy and we hit it off right away.  I enjoyed his company and things moved fast.  But, there was always Phil lurking in my background.  To summarize, Phil decided he wanted me after all, I treated Ken terribly and went off with Phil.  And, when I say I treated Ken terribly, I truly did.  And, I have always, always regretted what I did to him.

Fast forward.  Ken met someone.  He got married, thought things were great, but is now going through a divorce after only a couple years of marriage.  Phil is dead and I have learned more about him than I really cared to learn.  I'm still grieving and licking my wounds.  I retired and moved to Georgia.  The past 8 months have been hard for me.  I have made friends in my new community, but haven't gotten out as much as I should/could have.  It's been a self-imposed hibernation.  But, I am starting to wake up.  And, it hasn't been all bad.  I did what I needed to do.

So, I messaged Ken and waited, hoped for a reply.  Let me say I really mistreated this man and I figured he would either not respond to me or give me a piece of his mind.  But, he did respond and was very gracious and kind.  More so than I deserve.  He even gave me his email and phone number.  And, I called.

His divorce hurt him.  Sounds like they had a great marriage while it lasted and the divorce came out of the blue.  He was deeply hurt.  Yet, he seemed very concerned about me, what I have been through and how I was coping.    We talked about our families, our lives and traveling.  We talked about our dogs, relationships and coping.  It was good talking to him.  He always had a kindness and a gentleness about him that made me feel so very comfortable.  For a minute, for a second I thought . . .

But, he had to run.  He was going on a date with a woman he really likes.  And, in all truthfulness, I am not ready to date.  Even with the time and distance between us, it wasn't meant to be.  I wish him well, though.  Of all people, Ken deserves happiness.  So, do I.  And, we won't find it together.  But, maybe we can be friends.  Maybe our mutual broken hearts will help heal each other.  And, maybe I need to get out more rather than spend all my evenings at home with the dogs.

I have been thinking of Phil - who I still cry over - a lot lately.  It's funny how the grieving process works, sometimes I hardly think of him and other times it seems he is all I think about.  And with thinking of Ken, too - who is someone that probably should have been -  brought me to this verse from a poem by William Wordsworth  It's bittersweet, but right now so am I.  And, it is time for me to move on.

What though the radiance which was once so bright

Be now for ever taken from my sight,

Though nothing can bring back the hour

Of splendour in the grass, of glory in the flower;

We will grieve not, rather find

Strength in what remains behind...

ICE BOUND

One of the main reasons I moved to Georgia last summer was to get out of Wisconsin's cold winters.  This year the joke is on me.

For days the weather forecasters were predicting a snow and ice storm starting on Sunday night (the snow) and into Monday (the ice).  It has been far worse then we all imagined it could be.  Sunday night brought a snow/sleet first, followed by 5-6" of snow.  Monday brought more sleet on top of the snow.  So, there are layers of ice/snow/ice.  Everyday would warm up just barely enough for some of the snow to melt, but as soon as evening comes around it freezes again. 

For over 8 counties everything was completely shut down Monday and Tuesday.  Newcasters were telling people not to go out.  Schools are still closed .  Government offices have been shut down with many still closed and others with delayed openings.  Monday and Tuesday most grocery stores closed and/or had very limited hours.  Some people made it into work on Wednesday; however, if you live in hilly areas like I do it is almost impossible to drive the icy  hills, dips and curves and we are stuck.

I have not received mail all week.  No newspapers have been delivered up here.  My sister, Suzanne, received mail and 3 days worth of papers yesterday, but not us.  My neighbor, Andrea, tried to get to the gym in Canton yesterday, but made it less than a mile.  She couldn't get her car up the first big hill, put it in reverse and slid down to where she could turn it around and return home.  However, some people with larger, heavier vehicles have made it out, especially if they have 4 wheel drive.  I would be scared to death to try to maneuver the 3.5 miles of basically sheer ice on the huge hills and curves to get to the main road. 

The main roads are now fairly good, I hear.  The semi trucks that were stranded for a few day are slowly starting to move.  But, the back roads, like mine, are still far too dangerous for school buses, UPS or USPS vehicles. 

I have never experienced anything like this.  Monday I found myself looking out my front window wondering when the plows would come through.  Duh.  I'm not in Milwaukee - there are no plows.  I also found myself thinking, "I don't hear shovels scrapping or snow blowers."  Double duh.  No one owns snow shovels, let alone a snow blowers.  (I refused to move a snow shovel with me - again, the joke is on me!)

I was smart enough to stock up on the basics.  I have plenty of food and  could easily go another week holed up in my home.  But, by the weekend it should warm up enough for everyone to get out.

There is a lot to be said for being snow/ice bound for 4 days (so far).  I started a new quilt.  This is the quilt I will use in my master bedroom.  It is complicated and I am glad I can concentrate on it fully.  While Sam and Oliver are getting stir crazy, especially Sam - it is fun to see them in the yard chasing birds at the feeders (I have ventured out long enough to keep them full for my feathered friends).    Monday I joined a group of neighbors hanging out and pulling their little kids on make shift sleds.  Last night Andrea walked over and joined me for dinner.  She lives on my street, about a block away.  She said it was terrible walking the short distance from her house to mine.  Tanya was suppose to join us, but was concerned about coming down the huge hill that separates our houses.  I don't blame her.

If it is nice out this afternoon I will take the dogs for a short walk - probably only to the end of the street and back.  We all need fresh air and movement.  But, I have to admit I have enjoyed these quiet days.  Being retired I don't have to think about what I need to get done at work.  I truly don't have to get out, I have no where I have to go.  Phone calls with friends and the internet have kept me in touch with people.  I'm trying to keep the TV usage to  a minimum.  I have lots of books to read.  I have surrendered to the elements and it has been just fine.

I think I will lay low most of the weekend, too.  The temperature will be in the low 40s tomorrow and through the weekend, which will melt a lot of this mess.  Oliver really needs to be groomed so maybe Sunday I will have that done.  I will avoid stores as I think they will be mobbed with people finally able to get out.  Next week the temperatures return to the normal high 40s/low 50s and this week will slowly become a memory.  But, for now - another cup of coffee and off to the quilting room.

IT'S OFFICIAL

I have officially adopted Oliver from the Cherokee County Humane Society.  He was found by CCHS volunteer, Tanya, wondering around the 'hood two weeks ago.  It was evening and the temperature was in the mid-30s.  He was cold, miserable and hungry.  He had no tags, no collar and was not chipped.  After a search to find his owners turned up empty, he became "owned" by the CCHS and I was able to adopt.  Sam and I are thrilled.  



His eyes really match is fur.





Oliver needs a good grooming, but when his stitches (from neutering) are removed I will have it done.



He is so adorable and sweet.  Needs some fattening up, but overall he is a great guy.  Sam loves to play with him!



Oliver is a pure breed Shitzue and very underweight.  However, he is eating well and will soon be where he should be.  He loves to snuggle and is very affectionate.  Sometimes Sam's playing gets a little too rough for him, so he lets Sam know and hides under the table where Sam can't reach him.  Smart little guy!  He follows me around everywhere.  He has a bright blue tag, collar and leash and will be chipped this weekend.  I want to make sure he never loses his way again!

Now, I have my "doggie boys."  Both shelter dogs, both great dogs and companions. 

YES, I HAVE BEEN QUILTING

I have my quilting room all set up.  Finally, I have a cutting table and I can't tell you how much I am enjoying it.  No more aching back from cutting and piecing over my dining room table.  And, now my dining room stays neat.  My quilting room is small and cramped, but works perfectly.  I have a nice sewing table/desk with drawer space, my cutting table, the ironing board and tons of storage.





The Underground Railroad quilt is complete with shirting fabric for the backing.  It has been sent to Meandering Mary in Wisconsin to be professionally quilted.  (I do need to find a good quilter down here in Georgia). 



Shannon's doll quilt/wall hanging





 Two doll quilts are completed, one with pink binding and one with blue binding.  The pink was given to my great niece, Cadyn, for her birthday and the other was sent to great-niece, Shannon, for Christmas.  Shannon picked out all of the fabric as well as the pattern.  She did a great job.







Finished this Christmas quilt and took it to Magical Threads in Dahlonga, GA for quilting.  Remind me never to work with panels again!  Frustrating!   I have Dickens Village pieces and it will look great over my couch for the holidays.   







I realized that when I purchased the material for my great nephew, Aaron's,  Irish chain quilt last March that I got material for the double/queen size quilt.  I pulled out the fabric to start it and realized that it probably won't be as large as I would like.  So,  I went on a search for more of the fabric to make a king sized quilt.  I purchased all the fabric in Wisconsin at The Patched Works and Jen helped me find more of the light color.  I had just enough of the green and found where I can order more of the star fabric for the backing.  The top is now completed and I am very happy with how it looks.  Simple and elegant.  I can't wait to get the rest of the backing material and have it quilted!  I think Aaron will really like it.




Aunt Grace BOM block 1

 











Aunt Grace BOM block 3





Aunt Grace BOM block 2 (made 4)



You can take the girl out of Wisconsin, but you can't take the Wisconsin quilt stores out of the girl.  I am participating in the Aunt Grace's Circle of Friends Block of the Month through Ye Olde Schoolhouse Quilt Store in Cedarburg.  I am really enjoying this BOM.  I love working with the reproduction 1930s fabrics - so bright and cheerful.  There is some applique working coming up, though.   I have more pictures of blocks 4 and the pinwheel blocks, but it is so darn difficult to work with pictures on the blog that I am too frustrated to add them.  Next time! 



I have visited Tiny Stitches and Little Quilts in Marietta, GA.  Both are great stores, but walking into Little Quilts so reminded me of Ye Olde Schoolhouse that I felt right at home.  Also, my blogging pal, Karen, works there part-time.  Karen has developed many great quilt patterns (I have made 2 of Karen's wall hanging and have a couple more in my "to do" drawer) and might be offering a class there in the near future.  Sign me up!





CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND 2010

So, I moved to Georgia to get away from the snow.  I guess the joke is on me!  This was the first white Christmas in the greater Atlanta area in over 100 years.  Even I have to admit it is beautiful!  Enjoy the pictures.

About a mile from my house



Pond by very close to my house



Cool picture of Sam waiting in the car while I took pictures

  

Shrub by my front porch

 

Inch and a half in my backyard

This is what I see from my back fence

The slope - another view from the fence

Someone really enjoyed the snow!

ANNUAL HOLIDAY LETTER

For those of you who did not receive my annual holiday card and letter via snail mail, here is the electronic copy.  The first batch mailed had typo after typo.  The second batch had only one.  Hopefully, most are corrected!  Have a great holiday season everyone!

*************************************************************************

December, 2010

Dear Family and Friends –

Well, what can I say about 2010? It has been the hardest year of my life. It has been a year where some positively wonderful things have happened. It has been the year I have deeply learned the value of family support and true friendships.

The City of Milwaukee offered a very good early retirement package and I decided to take advantage of the one year window it allowed. In late March I put my house on the market and it sold in 11 days! Over Easter I flew down to Georgia and with the help of my sister, brother-in-law and a great realtor, I found a perfect house in Canton, GA. The next couple of months were a complete whirlwind of packing, moving 99% of my stuff to my new home (closed on May 10), moving into a temporary location in Milwaukee since I still had a few months to work, saying goodbye to friends in Milwaukee, two road trips down to Georgia, finally retiring and driving down one last time. Whoosh! I arrived in my new home for good July 23.

I arrived here emotionally and physically burned out. Phil’s death in May (in the midst of the move) and having to put both my beloved dogs (Lucy Lou and then little Gracie) down within three weeks of each other nearly did me in completely. Saying good bye to friends and family in Milwaukee proved to be more difficult than I thought. Adjusting to retirement and a new life has it challenges. But, along with family and friends and my new dog Sam, I kept going. Taking Sam for walks every day helped me to move forward. In late September when the hot weather broke, I was able to get out and garden, which proved to be the best therapy. Slowly, I started feeling stronger emotionally.

I love my house. It is just perfect for me. I am very happy with my subdivision and the general Canton area. I love seeing the mountains when I walk or drive around. I am meeting new friends and slowly becoming involved in things around here. My neighbors have been very welcoming and friendly. I’m active in two book discussion groups as well as other groups through MeetUp, a social organization and Sam and I started “doggie school.” Sam has a great personality and our goal for him is to become a therapy dog. My quilting room is all set up and I started quilting again. I will be looking for a part time job after the holidays. Overall, retirement and moving down here was the best decision I have ever made.

My sister Sue and husband, Marlon stay busy, busy, busy. They took a trip to the Williamsburg area in September. Sue continues to do child care. Marlon has raised thousands of dollars for his church and a local charity by hosting his monthly Texas Hold ‘em games. Nephew Paul purchased his first home in Kennesaw, GA. It is a great house and he enjoyed working with his dad on fixing it up and making it a perfect home for him. Nephew John and his family stay busy. Coggan is in 2nd grade and John coached his tag football team this year. Cadyn loves to read and is a very advanced reader for being five.

My sister Linda is happy in Mesa, AZ. She was in Milwaukee in the summer when her son, Patrick and his wife, Pam welcomed their son, Zachary Lucas, into the world on July 30. Their daughter, Shannon just turned four and is, of course, a princess! Son Aaron graduated from high school in June. Zach makes me a great-aunt for the 5th time!

As this year comes to an end I have so many things to be grateful for. Please allow me to share some them with you:

• A career with the City of Milwaukee, ending with the Milwaukee Fire Department and my PENSION!

• Nephews Patrick & Aaron for helping me get my Milwaukee house ready for sale (you guys rock!), Paul for being supportive & helping around my new house and John for being willing to help when my Lucy Lou was failing.

• Sue and Marlon who are always, always there for me. They live their beliefs and are great people.

• Friends and family who stood by me this year, listened to me, cried with me, talked to me, held my hand, made me laugh, gave me hugs, kicked me in the butt a few times and then picked me back up, took my late night phone calls, offered me their stories and helped me through this year. Also, a great firefighter who subleased one of his furnished rental unit to me for 3 months, dogs and all! Thank all of you (not in any specific order, but here goes) – Shelley, Beth, Kate, David, Captain Dave, Judy, Terri, Nancy, Sally, Amy, Lori (and the other Church Ladies), Vicki, Peg, Robert and everyone else, including blogging and Facebook friends and great new friends here in Canton. What would I do without y’all? You light up my heart.

• Timing is everything. As bad as things were and as difficult has it has been, the timing for all that happened worked. And, as the year closes I am truly happy. What can I say?

• My new home. It is so perfect for me. I love the front porch where I can watch the world go by. I love my screened-in porch off the kitchen where I can sit and day dream. My yard is big enough for Sam and just the right size for me to garden in. It immediately felt like home.

• Sam. Still a pup at just over a year old, he is a goof ball, he makes me get up every day, makes me laugh, reminds me to play, “forces” me go for walks and is just a joy.

It will be nice to be “home” for the holidays. I enjoyed unpacking all of my holiday items and decorating for the season, something I haven’t done for several years. I am hoping that 2011 is calmer and less eventful! I also hope some of you can come for a visit. I have a room all ready and a comfy quilt or two for you to curl up in.

As much as I dislike winter, Winter Solstice is always my favorite of the seasonal calendar. It is a time of deep reflection. It is a time of wonder. Of candle light and dreams. A time of friends and family. It is a quiet time and a peaceful time. And, while it will be the first time in over 10 years I will not be physically present to celebrate the solstice with my Church Ladies, I will be with them in spirit when they meet. As, I am with all of you.

May the return of the light brighten your path this holiday season and throughout the New Year. Thank you all for being in my life, for your love and support. Have a blessed holiday season!

Julie Ann & Sam

Miss Becky

Sam was having a minor eye issue, so I took him to the vet yesterday.  He's just fine.  But, while waiting I heard the receptionist's talking to another client about Becky.

 

Becky reminds me of the dog I grew up with, a Springer named Sugar

Becky's owner is elderly and has cancer.  Just over a year ago both her and her then dog were both going through chemo.  Her dog didn't make it, but she went into remission.  So, apparently she went to the local shelter (same shelter I got my Sam) and adopted Becky. 



Becky needs to go on a diet,  but chasing around with Sam will help!



Things were going well for this lady and Becky until early this fall when the lady's cancer returned.  She started chemo again, but things do not look good for her.  She called our vet and expressed her concern for Becky.  My vet took her home, thinking he would keep Becky.  However, although Becky got along with everyone, she did not appreciate the cats and the cats did not appreciate Becky.  So, Becky has been living at the vet clinic the last 3-4 weeks while they tried to find a home for her.

I thought, "Poor Becky - being passed around through no fault of her own or her new owner."   I asked about Becky.  She is somewhere between 4 and 6 years old and a "hound" mix.  Loving and gentle they told me she was a very sweet girl.  They brought her out and she and Sam immediately hit it off.  And, being the sucker I am I agreed to "foster" Becky until we could find a new home for her. 

   

Sam and Miss Becky hit it off right away.

And, Miss Becky is a sweet girl.  The only two problems are that she is a complete pig when it comes to eating!  She would eat 24/7 and is a little pudgy.  And, she is terrible on a leash - always pulling.  So, Miss Becky and I started a diet today and tomorrow she will get some leash training.

  

New best friends

The bet is will I really ever give her up?  Hmmmmm . . . . .

Belated Halloween Pictures

My neighbor, Valerie, took some fun pictures of Sam and me on Halloween.  The darling little girl is her daughter, Evelyn, who made a charming octopus that day.  In honor of my church ladies, I wore my special witch's hat.  Sam, who always wants to be part of the action, was a bumble bee.  Enjoy!

Sam loved wearing his costume.  Probably because he knew how adorable he looked!



How cute is Evelyn?!

 

Sam sniffed every kid!





Sam & I sat here and waited for the kids to arrive.  We had a crowd and Sam was loved by everyone!