Winter

Oh the weather outside is frightful, but the snow is so delightful. (Note the drift above the Mr.'s head.)















Yes, we got lots of snow. Set a record for over 100 years..26 or 27 or more inches depending on where you lived here, for the month of October. Luckily, we didn't have to go out and had stocked our pantry. All major highways and byways were shut down for over 48 hours...we were socked in. But at least Cheyenne is large enough that we could get anything we needed. All city and county offices and school districts were closed yesterday and some today. But finally, the sun came out and it is melting fast. There was no point in going out to shovel as the snow continued and the wind kept everything drifted. Today was the third day and the Mr. finally got out to use the blower.














Oh, the weather outside is frightful-but the fire is so delightful. Fire? I have no fire. I had 3 gas flames in my last home. I woke up today to some kind of crud in my body. I got my flu shot, and we have been sanitizing our hands every chance we can when we go out or touch something. Pig flu? No...just a sinus thing I think. Haven't done anything creative the past few days...just glad I didn't have to go out in this stuff. I remember all of those days when I worked and had to brave this stuff day in and day out and I am so happy to be in. It is Wyoming and we do have some healthy storms. I will be resting and eating chicken noodle soup for the soul for the next day or so.

Good company.

Little stars? Now they are little pieces of colored glass which I cut and ground to size and after foiling, will solder into little star ornaments. It is a pattern I have had for years and have just gotten the urge to put together for the upcoming holidays. Finished project to follow. We have been pretty darned busy around here it seems and are finally back to finishing the bathroom project. As you can see, the drywall is getting installed. Doesn't look like much yet, but I've been taking short cuts from one room to another through the open walls for months and it seems strange, to actually see the walls taking shape and having to "detour" around them. Yeah!!!














In a previous post, I had started this particular 9 patch and as you can see, I have started to put the actual quilt top together. It has been challenging. The curved pieces take a bit of doing, but it goes pretty fast. I have also completed 6 squares for the quilt class I am taking. Poor teacher. We are all adults who have reached the half-century milestone and we feel like kindergartners.
Bless her soul! It is fun though.














Yesterday my neighbor, Ingrid, and I took advantage of the good weather and went to Ft. Collins via the country roads. What a beautiful fall day! The fall foliage which is usually shades of gold and reds and oranges, seemed mostly a rusty color because of the early storms and freezing weather. In spite of the lack of color, the farmland, fields, and horses and cattle grazing still always bring a peaceful autumn image to the senses. While shopping and sightseeing seemed to make the time fly for us, we didn't neglect our sense of taste. Red Lobster, which is one of my favorite places to eat, made our trip complete. Good company, gorgeous day, good food!!

Winter again!!

I hope you all don't get tired of my continual posts of Spencer, but this is how I am feeling about our early 11 1/2 inches (officially) of fluffy white. Spencer has draped himself over the chair and table in a way that echoes my feelings about the weather. I'd rather be out playing!! Instead, I just might drape my body over the chair and table. I did get this mosaic birdhouse finished in time for Sal's birthday, although it will be spring before she can get it outside. Lucky for me I have a zillion and one projects in the works. Because of the heavy fog we have had and the temperatures with this storm, the entire city of Cheyenne was without power for a while today.
Rather than get to any of those projects which all require light, or electricity in some form, I cleaned drawers and threw out tons of patterns and books and ideas of projects which will never, never, materialize. Not enough time left in my life and I pity the poor souls who have to clear out the remnants of my "idea" files when I move on to another dimension. My parents had the perfect solution!!!
When they retired, they retired!! They retired everything! No more work, no more livestock, no more snow, no more stuff!
They had an auction and everything that didn't fit in the little camper-type-trailer was sold. It must have taken guts to dispense with a lifetime of stuff, not to mention memories. Dad was a thrifty ol' cus and most of what was still there, a few saddles and tack, a few old tools, a little bit of furniture and of course Mom's salt 'n pepper collection, were sold for a little bit of cash. (I hated to dust those hundreds of shakers, but it was part of who she was.) Whenever I see a few of them in a shop, I always think of her.
There are still lots of critters who are waiting in shelters to find homes or be euthanized. In checking with the rescue where Spencer was, I saw a picture of the sweetest little girl dog. I am hoping that my very good friend will be able to give her a home and in reading the posts from the rescue shelter, it breaks my heart to know that so many of them won't find homes. Spencer looks a little sad in the photo above, but I assure you he is a happy little guy who is a sweetheart and a clown and a blessing for us and he knows he is loved.

"Until ones has loved an animal, part of their soul remains unwakened".

Spencer Blue

We had an old school chum visit last week. What a good visit we had and it has been at least 30 years since we have seen him. Where does the time go? And speaking of that, where has the time gone since I last "blogged?" We are supposed to get snow this weekend and I wanted to trek to Greeley to a craft show on Saturday. I get so busy around here that I lose all track of time. October is full of birthdays for our friends and families...forgive me if I forget someone. It is that age thing. My neighbor and I went to Ft. Collins a couple of weeks ago for her birthday treat and we happened into a store and as we walked by a pile of doggie beds, she said "That would be perfect for Spencer!" I tried not to look, but my eyes couldn't resist something for my Spencer Blue. One found it's way into my cart and my heart. HE LOVES IT! He spends nearly every nap there. Thank you Ingrid! Above he is sporting his new coat which I made for him today. Isn't it cute!! With snow on it's way, he will no doubt need this soon.