The last time I reported on old FluffyBun, I was pretty fed up with her antics and aggressive behavior. I threatened to euthanize her which I knew you guys would object to. (In my defense it’s ME who has to put up with all the nonsense, not you, and I wonder what you’d do if you were in my shoes. People who rescue get stuck with problem animals more often than you might think.)
FB has gotten so brave and so comfortable being in the main part of the house that everybody is pretty much living in a stable existence. Yes, there are a few snarls but no attacks that I’ve witnessed. They’re not friends but I think they can co-exist. She hasn’t spent much time above the garage all week. Here are a few pictures taken in the porch where I sit to read and watch tv.
I’m working on binding Yes, We Can, America!
Reader photos
So here’s Hank and Keeper
Since we’ve pretty much covered embroidery, which you can still send, let’s look at vintage kids clothes next. This will be fun, too! I have put aside some of the vintage clothes pictures you already sent and I’ll post them tomorrow to get us started.
Tonight while I watched the SNL show I pieced a 12” block that was such a dream to cut, piece and press, I’m in awe. One 4-1/2” strip of two fabrics, 4 cuts from the strip, no corners to match except the very center which twirls perfectly. Oh my gosh! I can’t wait to make more before I give it to you – maybe I made a mistake somewhere – it’s just too good. Haha! Who else could be so tickled with a quilt block? I think it would be a cute 6” block, too.
I am working on binding and more quilts waiting for the longarm. Temps close to 40 below wind chill by Tuesday morning. Good grief!!!! Wind chill tonight is only 20 below and I just came back from the barn where everybody is tucked in safe and warm. No Tim tonight so I hope he’s at his other home and in where it’s warm. Don’t worry – people who live in Iowa during the winter are used to this. We don’t love it but it’s part of the package.
P.S. I started off with praise for FluffyBun but only minutes ago she attacked Greta in the garage. Oofdah!
Love the “throw away HST” quilt. Those little pieces that are cut off fascinate me and I. like you, have saved them and do plan to do something with them.
Mary, what a pretty little girl you were in your ruffled white wedding dress and gloves. Loved all the baby/children’s clothes. I remember smocking baby dresses for my baby girls. Such fun to dress them up.
BTW, I couldn’t find a place to reply on the current date, so I’m using yesterday’s post for my 2 cents. I hope you find it okay.
Lindah – found it and I believe I fixed the
We have a similar situation here with Boo and Christmas. Yes! The little kitten that Boo brought to Gaylen when he was filling the furnace. Boo won’t let him eat or use the cat box so when we brought Christmas home from the vet (neuter, shots), we put him in the mudroom with a heated bed and a huge gym to climb on. Boo is so jealous of Christmas his eyes turn dark green. No seriously, he’s consumed with jealousy. We bring Boo into the mudroom for awhile every day so they don’t forget each other. But eventually Christmas will have to move back to the garage. If I see Boo being mean to Christmas I’ll swat his behind. And Boo does know what that means. I wish I could take FB.
Gloria – I’d say you’ve got your hands full! Makes life miserable, doesn’t it?
Mary we r sitting in the living room. The sun has shown most of the day, thankfully! It helps warm up the house! But, it is 5:45 pm and the cold is creeping in! It is going to be a bugger! I did sew for a bit and managed to make one card!
I sure do love all the comments. They are so entertaining.
Stay warm! Your animals have it so good with their warm cozy barn and their care taker!
Mary, I haven’t commented in a while as I have been sick. I managed to catch the sinus bug that is going around here. Totally kicked my butt — in bed for 3 days. Did a few things today and had to go lie down. This stinks. I am miserable.
I’ve been around animals for most of my life. It’s easy to comment to you on what to do when we aren’t there and seeing her behavior. As sad as it is, sometimes one must do what one must do. Only you know that and I feel it’s rather rude of us to criticize you, especially since I know you’re not doing this lightly, but only after much thought and I’m sure heart rendering.
I’ve loved all the needle work. Sadly, I didn’t have the strength to take some photos and send them to you. For everyone who shared, thank you and Mary, thank you for sharing them with all of us.
I hope no one has been flooded by this horrible weather ……. praying for the area
Lynette – we are all so sorry you’ve been so sick! But…you’ll have to stay down and rest to get over it, won’t you? Not fun for sure and I am scared to go anywhere in fear of catching something.
I, too, have been rescuing animals most of my adult life and I’m just so tired of having my household terrorized. They don’t deserve this treatment! I have once again backed down but if and when I’ve just had it, I’ll do what I have to do and never say a word on the blog. When I see all the cats who need homes and would be happy to live here, it makes me sick. When you’re feeling better take some pictures and send to me – it’s never too late!
What is the name of the quilt behind Keeper on the couch. What pattern is it?
Thankyou 💟
Bea – I don’t know how to attach a picture to a comment but how about I answer your question in tonight’s blog post?
Perfect. Thankyou Mary💖👍
Hank loves Mary’s house……….especially Keeper. They are best buds. Hazel? Not so much. Hank likes Hazel, she just doesn’t feel the same way back. I can’t blame her. Being a girl and all who would want to be rassling and be all wet every time Hank came to play? Thank goodness Keeper is a boy and only a couple years older so he can keep up with 1 year old Hank. Hank gets lots of exercise at our acreage plus 2x day walks, so is relatively quiet in our house but if there another dog to play with-that is when he’s his happiest. And, Mary of course spoils him like a grandma should.
You have been really kind and patient with Fb. I am behind you 100%, whatever you decide. Is Greta ok after being attacked?
Take Care, 🥰
Jeanie – Greta is very resilient and is fine but if she saw FB she’d hiss and crouch down. She would not turn and flee giving FB her back for an easy attack. Poor thing.
Mary, I totally understand your problems with FB. We live out in the country and find that many townies think it’s OK to drive out here and dump off their unwanted animals. Mostly cats, but we also get dogs. We’ve come across piles of frozen puppies and the adult dogs usually end up running in packs and running down deer and livestock. The cattle ranchers often have to shoot the dogs. We’ve successfully taken in a few cats, we’ll get them fixed and their shots. Right now we have 2 un-neutured males that were dropped off in January hanging around our house. They’ve been fighting and scaring our 3 cats. We’re attempting to catch them in a large trap and having them euthanized. I’m tired of the constant fighting and them spraying urine everywhere. Enough said. I’m sure some of your readers will be offended by this, but until you’ve had to repeatedly deal with something like this you have no clue how difficult it is. And it’s not the animals fault.
Lisa – you have the answer – I wouldn’t put up with that situation either even though I’m an animal lover. Your cats don’t deserve to be terrified either. I truly have not had a dog dropped off except within the first week of moving here in 1979. Tim actually came in the cat door into our mudroom last week but thankfully I don’t think he sprayed. I’d know it if he did. Good luck!
I’m reluctant to add another comment about FB, but wouldn’t she be a good fit in a one cat household?
Jan – ABSOLUTELY! How about your household if you don’t have a cat? That has always, always, always been my goal! I cannot find a household who wants a cat but doesn’t have one already and I won’t put her in a shelter. Never feel reluctant to add your comment! I’ve always thought people could be friends even if they disagreed on something.
Mary, I am a dog person through and through. I’ve had a cat, and a rabbit before via my daughter when she went to college. She and her daughter now have three cats, otherwise I know we would drive out and pick up FB.
Jan – well, dang it anyway! We’re in a calm period again but I know it won’t last. I cannot wait till they can go outside again. Well, maybe not – I’m so afraid a coyote or something has gotten Tim!
Mary, Fluffy Bun is gorgeous, but that nasty behavior would get old quickly! I have two here (Purr-C and Ruby Sunshine) that fight all the time, so annoying! Then there is Chubby Checkers who loves everyone.💕🐾
This floral needle work is gorgeous! Love it… Also loved Elizabeth’s sampler, so sweet.
That potato chip quilt it’s a good one, I like their color placement.
Hank and Keeper…LOVE!!!!
I have the SNL taped, I do love the good ole days of SNL
Have a blessed and joy filled day!
Sun is out today and a balmy 51… I’m grateful for this weather here in CA, sending warm vibes to all of you in the freezing cold.BURRRRRRR
Sherry – I just came back from the barn and the wind chill says 32 below. It really doesn’t matter – when it gets this cold, the numbers make no difference. Haha!!
We got about a foot of snow. The piles of snow are getting larger. I haven’t been anywhere since Friday and plan to be inside for a few more days. I’m content cause I know come good weather, I am way too busy outside.
The SNL 50th special went so fast for us watching it and laughing out loud. I can’t believe it was 3 1/2 hours of skits and laughter.
I am glad FB is still with you as she is a beauty and just like us, every animal has its own personality we deal with. I’ve learned that with our rescues and their history is not for us to know.
Looking forward to seeing your block you’ll share. Whoever made the potato chip quilt did a good job with scrap colors.
Our 3 wks in FL came to an end last Friday. We left very early, stopped 4 times & still made it in a little over 12 hrs! Ron drove the entire way, & no I wasn’t happy about that! Although the weather was cool there, it’s certainly better than here! Saturday it started raining & early Sunday started snowing. So we have ice & then 3.5″ of snow & wind. We opted to do online church Sunday along with 50+ others! Next week I will have Preston who was my Bentley’s best friend. His mom & dad are headed to FL for a week. I haven’t kept him since Bentley passed. Hank & Keeper sure do love each other, so sweet! FB, I applaud you Mary for putting up with her antics! I’m not sure I could be that patient! Over the years we only had 2 cats & one had to be re-home due to severe allergies that my husband had. No problems with dogs, though. We had many dogs through the years & the last 4 have been older rescues & my next one will be as well. Yes, Mary I’m looking for a dog to adopt. Elizabeth Mary’s cross stitch is so sweet! I also love the potato chip quilt, one of the prettiest I’ve seen. Dee how sweet to send that quilt to your niece! She will treasure it always. I’ve set up a sewing machine on my DR table, but normally sew in my sunroom which has a separate heating system. After getting a bill for well over $200 for a small home, I’m not going to sew out there until it warms up!
Alice – so you returned to reality, huh? My barn is warm and so is my house and shop so I just keep sewing – the weather is brutal but pretty normal for North Iowa. I can’t wait to see Preston again and I’m thrilled that you’re going to look for a dog!!
6 months ago we adopted a male cat from the shelter that was 2 years old who had been abandoned they said when his family moved without him so he was left just living on the streets for 3 weeks. One family took him home for 1 night and returned him. When the volunteer showed me him, she said he had been there 2 months now and had “shut down”. Cage was size of a medium pet carrier!. We brought him home to join our other 4 female cats. Since our other male cat had just died, I felt we had room for a rescue. 4 days he hid behind anything. Then he slowly came out and terrorized the other 4 cats. I would raise me voice and point my index finger following him to another room. He got better but it was like after their breakfast he had to terrorize someone. 3 months I thought of returning him but I hung in there. Now we realize that he has to go outside just for 10-15 minutes, while my husband fills the bird feeder and takes the used kitty litter bag down to the trash barrel in the barn. That is enough for him to dream of getting a bird or squirrel on the feeder, which he can’t. About once every 2 weeks he may chase one of the ladies for 20 seconds but I raise my voice and follow him with my finger (my exercise too). It has taken time and I know once it gets spring in MI, he will spend more time outside, although he doesn’t go far. Don’t give up! Think of it as an adjust for everyone to a new resident at a nursing home.
Penny – this has been going on for 3 years – I just can’t believe it. Oh, your poor guy living in a cat carrier sized cage!! No wonder he shut down. I do chase FB if I’m there when the attack happens and I make her go upstairs to the garage again – it’s just too bad she can’t put 2 and 2 together. Thank you for hanging in there!
I have that crewel wildflower kit! It’s sat untouched since I put it aside…in the early 80s I think. I took it out a while back, and oof – If I could get the yarn, I think I’d rip out and start over (still love the picture!). Stitches were pulled to tight, the linen doesn’t lay smooth. Only 2 green colors were done, so not a huge loss if I did start over.
I hope FB reaches an agreement with the others. It can take quite a while, and sadly sometimes never happens.
Just Gail – it’s been 2 years! Or is it 3 years? Feels like 10
Gail, Start over! Sounds like you were just getting started, and you will be so much happier with the project! Been there done that!
Hi Mary❤️
I LOVE the picture of Keeper on the couch and the beautiful cozy quilt behind him!!!
Fluffy bun is cute among the plants😁
Your home is so inviting. I love all the little touches.
Thankyou for the blog.
Casey has been very jealous of Canoli and Eunice.
He’s acting very spoiled lately😂😂😂
Have a blessed week🙏🏻💒
Bea knight in boca raton
Bea – I love to hear about Eunice and Canoli as well as Casey – dogs are here for us to spoil them.
Snowing this morning in SW Iowa. 3 degrees right now but headed into the minus tonight. Yes, I am home today and have been all weekend. Now come Thursday headed to a retreat for 4 days.
Enjoyed the photos this morning. I wonder where Elizabeth Mary is today and what she is up to!
Oh I forgot to mention I lived in AK for 35 yrs and this nothing! Ha
Fran – weren’t those so sweet? She sent me the pictures so maybe she’ll leave a comment.
How sweet is Elizabeth Mary’s cross stitch!
It’s 6 degrees in southern Iowa and it’s snowing. UGH! I have a little wall quilt ready to bind so I’ll find a good movie and try to finish the quilt today.
It is -39c here this morning so just about 40 below. Hope it warms up soon. Your pictures are great. Keep up the good work.
Peggy – 39c would be much colder than 40f below, wouldn’t it?
Hi Mary, so -40 c is the same temp at -40f. If that helps.
Peggy where do you live that it is that cold?
Poor FluffyBun. Off what makes an animal aggressive. For our dog that we got as a puppy in the 60’s, it was an attack by a small dog in the neighborhood. After receiving that attack, Candy would attack small dogs, and lay down submissive if she met a larger dog. She was part collie. We had to keep her on a leash when She went out. Mom and Dad had to pay the vet bill for Candy’s attack on the poor neighbor’s dog.
The embroidereies by Elizabeth Mary are sweet.
Now I know what a potato chip quilt looks like. It’s very beautiful and clever. I hope I remember. Ha! Dee from Shell Rock, thank you for sharing the story of your mother-in-law’s quilt. Your niece was very appreciative.
Hope Hank’s visit is a success as Hank’s mom Michelle needs some warmth in Florida.
Carolyn – Hank is pretty comfortable here so I think after that first day of excited rassling, it will be fine. Hazel isn’t crazy about the boys that’s for sure.
Cute pictures of Keeper and Hank. Too bad it is too cold for playing outdoors.
The work on the beautiful embroidered flowers is exquisite.
I also really like the potato chip shirt quilt.
Thanks/Stay Warm, 🥰
Oh, such a lovely cat! Do hope things settle for you. Sending a photo of my “honey bun”
Hi Mary, fluffy bun is so beautiful, my Bella is being a handful, barking,and waking my son upstairs, and needing piddle pads, not my favorite job! Warm weather here, fan on at night as my bedroom gets all day sun.. Will send photo of me aged one, mum made my dress and bonnet, we always went to town dressed like this! Take care everyone, best wishes from Sandy
So, my mother in law embroidered a blue work Angels quilt that was to go on her own bed. She got the top done and then died before it was quilted. I brought it home, had my friend quilt it on her longarm, I’m not a big hand quilter. So then it was to be a grad gift for the neice that was 7 when her grandma died. Then one day I decided she needed it now, so I packed it up and mailed it to her with a letter explaining it’s provenence. I called to be sure someone would be there to receive it, asked them to let me know when it got there. I heard from them 2 days later, she had cried a couple days before that her friend got a quilt from her grandma and how she never would. WRONG!! Brother in law said she read the note, opened the bag and went to her room and he could hear her crying. Her mom said I was a good Auntie!
Such a lovely story, your timing was meant to be
Dee – oh, yes, you were a great Auntie! Aren’t you just so glad you decided she needed it now?
Oh FB….I adopted two rescue cats in 2005. The male Buster sprayed on everything and always beat up Scooter. They lived at opposite ends of the house. Both have crossed the Rainbow Bridge. I did adopt one senior cat (like me) and where I adopted it from they gave me a 30 day trial run. It worked….my fellow Jack is a sweet heart….best cat I have ever owned…or who has owned me!
Oh Fluffy Bun, what have you done? I’d guess you were in the honeymoon period, Mary. Your weather is balmmy compared to what our daughter in North Dakota has. Minus 30 degrees for the real temperature for the next three days. Yes, you read that right…-30 for the HIGH. Wind chill will be -60! I’m glad I’m in Florida. You all can keep the deep freeze.
Martha I haven’t seen a mosquito in weeks!! 😂. I love Florida also but sometimes we have too many appointments and events to get away from the cold. Then while it is so frigid we think about making reservations, check the weather in Iowa for those dates and it will 48* in Iowa! And stay home! 😂😂
FB you are just a crabby cat. She must need a chill pill!! 😉
Loved all the stitch pictures! Hank and Keeper are a hoot. Hank is so at home under your sewing machine! So sweet!
Stay warm every warm!