The newest member of our family...

I got a big curly hair up my nose to adopt a cat.  The primary reason (at least as I tell it) is because our cat Willie hates to travel to Phoenix on the occasional times we overnight down there.  She has adjusted to the people we visit--Phil's parents--and loves them once she's down there a bit and settles in.  But the travel itself is a pure terror for her, and causes so much stress.

So I figure if she has company at home, I can leave her here for an overnight, and there will be less stress.  To that end (and honestly, because I wanted another cat), I went looking. 

There's a place near us in town called "The Catty Shack" where rescue cats are housed, awaiting adoption.  A whole house just for cats!  It was a interesting visit, with maybe 20 or 25 cats twining around, climbing on carpeted shelves, and playing with the volunteers.  Some cats were friendly, some were way not friendly (scared), and one or two played so roughly that I left the place bleeding and covered in cat hair.  While I did find a little cat I thought was beautiful and was considering, she was too frightened and shy to actually let me pet her.  There were none that I really felt was "the one". 

So I stopped by PetsMart on the way home to get supplies, and looked at their adoption area.  Three cats in cages, brought to them by Yavapai Humane Society.  So they let me go in, and out came the cats.  There was a small buff-colored tabby with golden eyes who jumped right into my lap, curled up, and began purring his little furry fanny off. 

 

This was The One.  His name is Tater.  Phil has dubbed him "Tater Tot".  He's almost fearless!  So open and approachable.  Just over a year old but still very much a kitten.  Small--only 8.6 lbs to Willie's tubby 14 lbs. 

We're in the process of introducing him slowly to the house.  Slowly not because he's afraid--he hasn't a shy bone in his body--but because Willie is just not sure she wants a little brother around.  Schultz is good with the new guy.  Maybe a little too eager to smell him and check him out, but not aggressive at all.  

It will take time, but I'm betting one of these days, I'll be able to post a photo of Willie and Tater curled up together on the chair the way she and Schultz do. 

Hope your weekend is wonderful! 

It's Friday!

It's Friday!!! Yay!!!

We're going to an agility competition down in Phoenix this weekend with the parents-in-law.  Should be as interesting as the dog shows we like to see, only more active.  My husband has plans after he retires to participate in agility with a future dog that we'll have.  Not as a fiercely competitive do-or-die kinda thing, but for fun bond of working and training.  

So that's for future (near and far) but today's to-do list includes: brine the pork shoulder for Sunday's smoker, finish laundry, housework, and water the flower beds.  Oh--and deconstruct the wool skirts and jackets I got thrift shopping this week.  Wool!  Lovely wool. 

My change of focus from dolls to more of the textile arts is strange but refreshing, and to that end, I'm ready to quilt the Summer wall hanging (wool applique on cotton).  Here's a photo of finished "Spring"--a pattern I will have published in...um, some days.

I've gotten brave and started working toward actually sewing my antique Singer sewing machine.  So far I don't even know how to thread it.  Bought last summer, (with much eye rolling at self) and researched to discover: one of 25,000 machines of its type made in late January of 1931.  The cabinet is solid but neglected--a little (lot) of wood polish is in order. 

There is a local group here whose expertise extends to these machines, so I'll beg or barter for a little help, and then--off I go!  This machine was one that used to be in treadle cabinets, but was outfitted with motors in the 1930's--a crazy new innovation.  She's been refurbished and tuned up, and is patiently waiting for me to give her a try. 

So here are photos of Lady Singer...more on how it goes later.  (Wish me luck!)  :P

  I hope your weekend is lovely...whether your weather is cooperating or not.  Cheers, y'all.