Shirley's got a brand new bag.

Let me tell you about my friend Shirley.

A year or so ago she discovered that I had a quilt top made by my grandmother and her twin sister somewhere around 1940. She took it to her quilting group (the Galloping Horse Quilters of Portland Oregon) who turned it into an incredible masterpiece, handstitching everything to keep with the era and technique's it was started with. She would not take payment for this.

Last fall when my son crashed his car on I-5 and I had to frantically dash to Redding, CA Shirley stayed at my house and took care of my animals. She stayed without hesitation, without a change of clothes, without a toothbrush. She lives 50 miles north of me and didn't even go back home for clean underwear (okay.. that might be too much information.. there ARE Targets around here.. maybe she bought some). I thanked her heartily.. but let's face it, that's a little lame.

A few months ago she stayed again. With more notice (and a change of clothes), but she stayed for part of a week so that I could go north to Peters and "get away" from it all before I started my new job.

I have made her a felted bag. She chose the colors.. they are heather and pink. I chose the pattern. It's taken far too long to make this bag but it was made with love and gratitude.

Thank you Shirley.

Knitted but not felted:

Felting #1:

Final Felting #2:

Peace in the house!

Look! Everyone is getting along. Dog, chickens, kitten, cat. How cool is that?

Aren't they all cute together? Awwwwww..

This is good news. Peter got 24 more chickens at his house this week. Thatza lotta fowl! We decided that "My Little Goat Shop" will be selling eggs too. Either that or we'll be eating omelets, souffles, quiches and such every meal for the rest of our lives. I would really like the luxury of eating sushi or steak every now and then so it seems certain will be selling eggs. Remember to shop "My Little Goat Shop" first.

345 days

I've been SOOO busy!

My mom turned 85 yesterday. My brother and sister-in-law are in town. Peter was here over the weekend. My AC & UA came up. It's been crazy I tell you!

My mom is certainly better than she was 6 months ago - but this week has been exhausting for her and I see some signs of back sliding. She told me yesterday that she "wouldn't be here" next fall. She wouldn't elaborate though.

I've been knitting. Only I don't have any pictures yet. I've given up on the shrugigan - temporarily - and I'm working on a bag for my friend Shirley. I'm almost done with it.

My chickens are getting bigger. They look full grown (I think) and should start laying eggs in about 6 weeks. Jerry and I remodeled their coop tonight. I think they are going to be much happier. I know I will be with the new door configuration. It will be so much more convenient.

I got my first goat. I know! How exciting is that?! She's a beautiful little thing. Brown, with little horns. Unfortunately.. She will not be a goat I can milk. The problem is she is about 2" tall and made from resin. She sits on my desk at work helping to keep me motivated for the finish line.

How was your Holiday?

Lots of goings on around here. Where do I start? Hmm..

Goat shop dreams are progressing. Peter has an idea of where we're going to put the shop. I like that he seems to embrace the idea of this being real.

He came down to surprise me on the 1st (it was our kinda anniversary after all). He rode the train. Surprise! It was delightful and quite unexpected. I still had to work Friday though (bummer!) but after work we (Peter, Jill and I) drove up to Peter's house for the weekend.

Jill spent part of Saturday packing up Edna's things. She had lots and lots of chatzke's. Hummel figurines, porcelain eggs, dolls, knick-knacks & goo-gaws. We're helping Peter by cataloging and preparing them for sale.

While Jill was packing I got tractor lessons. I got to drive a tractor! It was fun - for the first 10 minutes - then I got a little dizzy going around in circles plowing the field. I started to make patterns in the ground. I tried to write my name. I zigged. I zagged. It was not a very effecient effort and after about 3 hours it was finally all plowed. I am really going to have to get more serious with the plowing if I'm going to be a good farmer and goat herder. I will need to learn to take things more seriously! or not. Hee hee.

Yesterday we went "adventuring." We went to Concrete, WA and prowled around the abandoned concrete plant. We had a picnic on an old conveyor platform overlooking Lake Shannon. Then we went to the big 4 ice caves - which were actually formed. This time last year there was still just a big ice field and not even a hint of caves.

After we got home last night we let the ducks and goose out to eat some slugs. In the mornings when they get out they run much faster, but they still make me laugh!