Hi Mary,
Thanks for the interest in my great grandmother’s horses. The small horses are carved and painted. The mane and tails are made of wool. Sadly the two largest horses have lost their tails. The single horse with a saddle is also carved. The saddle and bridle are also hand made. The mane and tails are made of a rough yarn, perhaps jute. She also made numerous teams and wagons. Everything with the spotted horses is hand made except for the wheels. The solid team everything is handmade except for the horses, but she painted one of them. She also painted. I’ve included two of my favorites. The horse team painting is a self portrait. It of my great grandmother and her children. My grandma, great aunt and great uncle. My fondest memory of her was when she said I was old enough to visit her work room. It was amazing. She was very prolific. I think the small horses are from the 1950’s the plate also. The others are probably later. She painted on anything. The horse team painting is painted on a meat tray.
Thanks
Marie Cox
Having grown up with horses, I can appreciate the attention to detail of their bodies and muscles. Becky has quite a collection of horses – she’ll like these.
Poor JB looks pretty tough but he’s up and moving. I want him to drink more water so he doesn’t get dehydrated.
And tonight I’m cutting myself some slack – I’ve been working with a bunch of scraps for 3 days now and I’m totally sick of it so I put it all in a box for another time. Here’s what went in the box:
ENOUGH ALREADY!!
I’ve gotten so many unbelievable cards! Look at this one!
Susan G from Coos Bay, OR – I just came across a letter from you in 2020 addressed to Mary of the Many Pets!! Are you still reading the blog?
This has taken me all evening because I’ve been watching SNL’s Christmas show and others. Yikes. By now JB has gotten up, eaten and got a drink out of the toilet, for cryin out loud! I’ve got 4 water bowls in this room for him and he chose the toilet.
So here he is now – much better!!
I forgot……I was going to mention that I use the small scraps for doll quilts. They don’t use a lot of scraps, but they’re a quick finish because they are small.
Enjoyable blog today and I enjoyed reading the comments. Mary, you asked why you had those small scraps. I read somewhere that the one inch scrap of fabric cost the same per square inch as a square inch of a 3 yard piece. Throwing away scraps that you can use is like throwing away money. You should let Mayo pay your tooth bill. You could consider that money saved for more fabric or quilting supplies.
Judy – yes, Mayo should pay for my dental bill but just think of all the paperwork and red tape that would involve. I’d rather pay my dentist.
The Halifax show was originally on PBS. If you donate to a PBS channel, you can get “Passport” which allows you to stream all kinds of great shows any time you want!
Tanya – yes, I have Passport!
Such intricate work on the horses, Amazing!
I had to laugh at Keepers picture! His eyes look so ornery! Love him!
JB looks beat up but loves to be close to you!
Boy! The wind has started howling and the temp is dropping like a rock! Hope you are home before it hits your part of Iowa!
Take care.
Marie, what wonderful memories you have! Those horses are heirloom treasures for sure!
Mary, I’m sorry about that broken tooth. Be sure to ask for an “advocate” if you or Rick ever have to go back to the hospital. Advocates are supposed to act on your behalf as a go-between you and the hospital. So you set yourself free from that scrappy quilt! lol Sometimes we need to put things on the back burner for a bit. I’m so happy for JB. Our neighbors dog was hit by a car and lost an eye. He looked terrible at first but soon returned to normal behavior. Drinking from the toilet and curling up in that box speaks volumes about JB’s progress. Seeing JB in that box – at first it looks like it should be uncomfortable but, a second look makes me think that JB is cozy as if wrapped in a hug. xxoo Snuggle with your furry family and stay well.
Thinking of JB this morning. Anyone who has gone through surgery knows that the body will heal and adjust. I’m sure JB will be fine after all your tender care. Aren’t animals funny in what they prefer for their beds? Ha! That box is too funny.
Thanks for sharing the stories about the horses and your great grandmother, Marie.
Marie, you have such a special collection of horses from your Great grandma. What wonderful memories for you. My son has horses, he is a flight attendant and won’t be back till the 23rd. I’m going to show him these when he comes over on the 24th. He will really appreciate the work that went into these. Mary I am happy to hear that JB took a drink from the toilet. Doesn’t that mean he’s felling a little better. Our dog Banshee used to drink from the toilet and my husband said he thought it was because the water would always be cold. Who knows.
Good luck at the dentist.
Marie it’s wonderful that you have your great grandmother’s carved horses! They’re just lovely & what talent! And JB seems to be recovering well. At least he felt well enough to drink toilet water! Lol. I hope repairing the chipped tooth goes well.
Those horses are wonderful. The painting good on them too. Wool attached, how clever.
JB is gonna be just fine, just like you Mary. You are so good to your animals. Love that JB is curled inside that tiny box.
I totally understand about putting that scrap project aside. It’s the best thing to do. I just finally finished putting my bow tie blocks together. Love how it looks. I did the blocks as leaders and enders. This info might be a repeat here. I have another scrappy one started with leaders and enders. Some call them spiders. Now that things are gonna be slow for me the next 10 days or so maybe I can figure out how to get some photos to you.
Mary you know I’m a cat lover and seeing JB after surgery just breaks my heart. It makes me so very sad but know this had to be done. How did you know this had to happen? Infection or a vet visit ? I hope he has a FULL recovery & drinks his water in one or all of the water bowls 🤞. I’m still sad seeing JB as it looks so painful but I’m sure you administer pain meds & antibiotics.
Henners – I do know you’re a cat lover like me and if I weren’t I wouldn’t have attempted this “fix”. His eye has been actively bleeding – bright red blood at times – for many months. Had been to the vet many times and she explained he had a hematoma behind his eye and I just thought he was probably miserable so I opted for this. It may or may not have cleared up on its own but this has been going on for a long time. I do think he turned the corner last night and I’m not quite so worried this morning.
The carved horses are amazing! And I’m happy that JB is doing so much better AND drinking from the toilet. We give our rescue shih tzu nice filtered water but where would he prefer to drink? From the muddiest puddle he can find. So now we leave a bowl in the garage (that never gets washed) filled with tap water. We call it his “dirt water”. It’s his favorite.
Christine – it must be universal! I saw JB drinking out of a stale bucket of water in the basement this morning! We have reverse osmosis water – pure water and he prefers the toilet or as you said, a dirty mud puddle!!
Sweet JB. So glad he’s home and hope he is feeling better and has a quick recovery. The horses are awesome!
Mary, we have often given our cats subcutaneous fluids when they are under the weather or elderly, especially those with declining kidney function .
Your vet, or their vet techs can do it. It’s easy enough that some owners can do it at home for pets with chronic illness, like kidney disease.
You can certainly call your vet’s office and ask if that’s something JB might benefit from. You might be able to have a vet tech do it, without needing an appointment with the vet.
The carved horses are beautiful. What a talented lady! Marie sure has inherited a treasure. Thanks so much for sharing.
Mary, now that you showed us your latest scrap quilt project, you have to keep at it so we can see the final result. I love what you showed us.
Snow predicted here today. Hopefully it holds off till late afternoon as I’m taking my Mom for a doctors appointment this afternoon. Always a learning curve to drive in the first few snow storms.
Connie R – when I bring that project out again I’ll show you but it’s put on the shelf for now. I can’t stand it right now!!
you know, mary, sometimes these improv projects just have to go in a box for a while. to give us a chance to rethink the situation, and the project a chance to truly show us what it wants to be. no sin in that. sometimes it just takes time. i have a couple like that. their turn will come in due time. patti in florida
Mary, Understandable. Sometimes you just need to step back for a while.
The horses are incredible, what talent! Some of her eye for details must have rubbed off on you as you do as well with your quilts! What a wonderful memory you have of being allowed into her work room!
Really happy to see JB getting up drinking in a toilet and sleeping in a box just like he did before surgery, I would say he is certainly getting back to being himself and that is a good sign he will be just fine!
Hope all goes well with your dental appointment!
Carmen – just to be clear – these gorgeous horses are not in my family. They are Marie’s great grandmother, she’s a reader. I’d love to claim all that creativity but can’t.
Marie thank you so much for sharing this wonderful story. The horses are amazing. JB will get better everyday a whole lot of prayers are heading his way
I enjoyed the Interesting blog today.i had lots of ads to close. I’m so happy to hear that JB is recovering nicely. Great idea to use meat baby food to get protein and the additional water into him. I’m also so thankful that you, Mary, are recovering well. Answer to prayers. Thank you for your coverage on Barbara A’s quilt give away in North Carolina. I was happy to be a part of that effort. Perhaps someone is sleeping better wrapped in a special quilt made for them! Quilts bring comfort.
What a great blog today! I am so thankful that JB is holding his own after this big surgery. Good nursing care😊. The horses are quite amazing and honestly what people can produce! Thanks for sharing. And Mary I hope you have contacted anesthesia about your tooth. They need to make this right. And they will of you tell them.
Jean – I know I could contact Mayo about my tooth but think of all the paperwork etc just to have them pay the bill. I’d rather pay the bill myself and avoid all that angst.
Hi Mary, good old J . B. , toilet water or puddles are the best! The carved horses are wonderful, such talent! I have been watching Last tango in Halifax, an English tv series from 12 years ago,great actors and story, if someone is interested in an enjoyable series. Bella is under my bed in her cosy little spot,snoring away! Take care everyone, best wishes from Sandy
Sandy – is Last Tango on Netflix or where?
wow, marie your grandmother is very talented. incredible. and to be invited into her workroom. definitely a memory to cherish. i remember when my grandpa took me into his room and roasted pecans for me. he was very private and i felt so special.
mary, your pets are fine. laughed at hazel and keeper with their new toys. jb appears to be doing fine. he is eating a bit and drinking water under his terms. he just had surgery – his body has to adjust – kinda like yours did. animals seem to always make sure they have food and water if it is available. he’ll be fine.
i managed to press open the last 50 rails for that project. i also got the table runner/cover halfway quilted for my friend. straight lines every half inch. looking good. i was wondering. i want her to be able to set a vase or dishes on it without them falling over.
i was feeling so proud of myself because i went through 160 yards of fabric this year. this did not count any of the scraps,etc. that i was using. then i looked at the column of fabrics i bought (not counting the estate sale as that wasn’t yardage) and i bought 135 yards. i’m not making much headway. i thought it was funny. some of the new stuff has already been used and is gone.
i also discovered that i started 51 projects this year. all have left here except for 17. i think that is pretty good for my limitations. mr. ed said well, that means one a week. ha! not bragging just noticing. i didn’t realize i had done that much. but the progress on using yardage is not very good. at least it isn’t negative.
now, i’m going to bed and hope i can sleep. hugs and blessings to all, patti in florida
Patti – to have used that much fabric is nothing short of amazing!!! I haven’t bought any new fabric since the 1/8 yd pieces of pink for the log cabin – which is waiting to be next on the longarm. Good idea on the close quilting for your friend!
My favorite posts to call up are the ones with one of your quilts on the longarm. Cannot wait to see that log cabin.
i love that everyone loves my quilts and think i am nothing short of a wonder woman. but remember, please, i am homebound. i don’t grocery shop or shop of any kind except from home and that is mostly quilt fabric. i don’t do housework and i very very seldom cook. so i spend my time quilting or stitching or cutting fabric to stitch. i do spend time on the computer to follow quilt blogs, etc. if i did all the other stuff that normal people do, i would not be so prolific. thanks again, patti in florida
Patti,
You are being creative and are accomplishing many beautiful quilts, in so many different size dips. You are channeling your positivity and not sitting in a chair or sleeping your life away! You do many charity projects, interact with your sewing groups, and I love your creativity! Girl, you have ambition! Thanks for sharing with us!
Patti, You definitely are wonderwoman with all you accomplish. Not only all the sewing but the blankets are beautiful. It sure is something I admire.
I am so glad JB is doing well after surgery. His preference for toilet water cracks me up. He looks so comfy in that box.
The horses and artwork are amazing-lots of talent there.
So, Mary, are you able to drive yet? Take it slow and easy, and I know that is difficult for a go getter like you. 🥰
Jeanie – I’ve driven once but otherwise I have ridden with Becky or Rick. Tomorrow I have a dentist appt so I’ll drive / for the tooth they chipped during surgery – ugh
Marie, I love your great grandmother’s horses. She certainly had an eye for details. JB must be felling a little better since he’s drinking from the toilet. I hope everyone in the upper Midwest stays warm and safe as this next winter system moves through.
So interesting to see the carved horses. That’s a very skilled talent. My grandfather was a cabinet maker and also did different wood projects. I still have a play cabinet he made me when I was a child. And I have a miniature spinning wheel he made for my mom many years ago.
Best Blog entry ever!
Jamie – Really? Tell me why
Loved the horses, what a precious inheritance, Seeing JB doing well and drinking from the toilet, ALL of your posts are the highlight of my day but this one really spoke to me!
The last photo of JB made me chuckle, even though he looks very rough and sad, he still prefers a box over, I am sure, the many soft warm beds you have made him. And, the toilet water. Shows he is determined to be his own cat with lots of spunk. He will get better.
Your great grandmothers’ horses are awesome, Mary. Very artistic and a joy to see. Thank you for showing us. I think you got your artistic talent from her, just in a different medium.
I do not know Susan G from Coos Bay, OR. Seems like I should, since I live in Coos Bay, too, and I have been reading your blog for at least that long. It was a bit startling to read your question to her. Hope she answers.
I still can’t send you photos from my phone. I could send photos from my camera to your email, but I think I read once that you can’t do anything with photos to your email. Alas. I really hope I can figure it out (with daughters help)
sue, i send all my photos to mary by my phone to her email address. i had to have my son show me how to do it in my ‘gallery’ app. i have a samsung s23. it does work. patti in florida
Sue – yes, I use photos that come to my email! Are you Susan Gustafson? If you are, the letters came from you in Nov 2020 addressed as I mentioned
No…I am not Susan Gustafson. I will keep my ear to the ground for her name, though.
Poor JB, bless his heart! It is good though, that he is getting up to eat and drink. I hope he improves and feels better quickly.
Mary, I always have a dozen jars of baby food on the shelf. Meat only-chicken, turkey or beef. They used to make lamb but I can’t seem to find that any more. Mix it with some warm water – about half and half – for JB. That will get more fluids into him. Baby food is also my go to for an animal that isn’t eating – -put some on your finger and put it on the roof of their mouth.
Sandi – thank you for this reminder! I used to do this, too, but not lately. I’ll get some tomorrow.
Thanks for the update on JB. He looks good. The first 48 to 72 hours are probably the hardest. When my little one had his eye removed, they even shaved his whiskers of all things.
Greetings to Marie. This artwork is fascinating. Amazing talent. I wonder if anyone else in your family has her eye and dexterity. Thank you.
We are a family of makers. Painting,quilting, knitting, crocheting, writing plus other things that didn’t stick. Lots of musicians also. I especially love working with colors when I quilt. I usually use 50-75 different fabrics with a limited color pallet for each quilt I make. I am really happy everyone enjoyed my horses. The questions brought back memories i hadn’t thought of for a while.
Marie c – I absolutely loved your horses! What a treasure! Your use of many fabrics within a specific color palette is how Country Threads operated for nearly 40 years
Me too! I like the look of seventy fabrics or more. It seems like Mary knocks that figure out of the park with every quilt top she sews. Cool looking prints can make the simplest quilt block shine.
marie, your use of color in your quilts is the way i work, also. it makes is so much fun. you definitely come from a talented family. thanks for sharing, patti in florida