By noon I declared myself well enough to ride the lawn mower – I’m getting company tomorrow morning and I really wanted the grass to look nice.
Reader projects:
Lynn started her Rise and Shine quilt 27 years ago – pure determination! She finished it just recently and it’s hanging in her home.



We were asked to design a quilt for the very first Quilt Sampler – I’m holding Emma our shop cat. I have always loved this quilt.
Rhoda is just finishing a rug from Rugs From Rags.

A reader’s husband made this stunning pink rag rug.



Had an MRI on my foot yesterday – maybe I’ll get some answers. Here’s my foot – see that big bump? It’s a painful problem.

If this puppy ends up staying here he needs a name? Any suggestions?

Good night, all!
Glad you’re feeling better ! I’d name him Lucky, because he’d be lucky to have you 🐾
How about Lucky! Because he would be living with you!
Roscoe!
Glad you are better.
hope you find answers about your foot and it gets better
I like Lucky to, and yes he would be very lucky
Glad you are feeling better Mary. Love that quilt! What about the name Snickers or Edison cause he looks so smart, you can call him Eddie, just a thought!
How about the name, “Lucky”
A couple of us like the name Buddy.
Name Pepper
I hope you get answers about your poor foot!!
You and Connie look like kids in the picture. My, haven’t we all changed??
Lots of nice finishes by readers-can’t say the same thing for me. I had back surgery 3 weeks ago so just now working on a stack of hand bindings. When feet/foot hurts, it throws your body ‘off’.
Marcia Ohio – what type of back surgery did you have?
I suggest Socks for a puppy name. Something tells me he may be staying.
Good to hear you are feeling better. I like Winston.
Hi Mary, I see Telly in the background, so Vision came to mind, but Luckyis good. Growing old is hard hope your foot improves! Back to ironing fabric and sorting things out, take care,best wishes from Sandy
Glad you are feeling better. How about Blackie for a name. Just a though
Glad you’re recovering. How about calling him “keeper”? Seeing him sleeping with you proves he’s a keeper.
Your foot looks very painful. Hope you get some helpful answers!
Puppy names are not my forte. I generally leave that to my daughter. My Dad had a black dog named Ebony when he was growing up. I’ve always liked that name.
So many great projects being finished! I have 4 quilts in the bin finding stage right now. 2 more in the works. My quilter’s longarm is on the fritz right now, so I am concerned about getting upcoming projects quilted. Her son-in-law is trying to fix the motor. Good thoughts appreciated!!
Glad you are feeling better. As for the dog give it a human name that makes you smile. We are now without furry kids but we love meeting the dogs on our daily walks. One neighbor named his goldens after his favorite beers, Guinness and Leiny.
Can’t wait to order the new book! I was looking at your three charm books today; the first one taught me to quilt.
Your poor sore foot. I am having my right gastrocnemius muscle lengthened and hope that takes care of tendonitis that never ends.
Donna – stretched? I’ve never heard of that – can’t wait to see what my podiatrist has to say.
They str.etch it by cutting it. I am ready to try anything! I will be anxious to hear what the MRI shows.
Glad to see you are a little better. Just looking at the mowed lawn can make you feel better.
How about Scout? I always thought if I had another dog I would name him or her Scout.
Good luck with your foot it does look painful.
Sleep well tonight.
Sheila from MA
Rosco, Reggie or Zero. I took care of a black dog nahe “zero” because zero is black on the bottom line (hopefully) 😉
Tips,Telly and Hazel. has a good ring🤭
Lover Boy is what I would name him.
After all he loved his way into your heart.
Not good at naming animals, but I kind of thought he might end up staying. He sure is a sweetie!
Glad to hear you are feeling better.
Hi Mary…I think Hazel would like “Henry” as a friend and playmate.
Your foot looks so painful…hope the MRI gives some answers and a way to get relief. We are too busy to have to deal with pain.
I remember Emma…Sarah always had to love her up when we came to the shop.
I don’t think you have changed one bit!
Julie B. – oh, hahaha!! I have definitely changed – 30 pounds and gray hair for starters!
I would name him Ray. As in A Ray of Sunshine. He makes us smile.
Lucky. If you keep him, he is pretty darn lucky to live on your farm.
So hoping you keep that sweet pup! My moto is, “what’s one more”! He sure is sweet and sure seems like he fits right in. Your foot does look painful. Hope you find some answers. Have a great weekend!
Hope your foot feels better real soon. I like the names Sunny or Ace.
Hope your MRI gives you some answers about your foot. How about the name Brewster for the puppy?
Glad you are feeling better, but that foot does look painful. Reader projects are amazing; always glad that they are shared.
Your puppy would make a great Briscoe or Paisley. He seems to be fitting in very well.
Off to sew for awhile. Enjoy your company tomorrow.
Ouch, your foot looks painful! I hope ya get some answers with the MRI.
I would name him SweetPea🐾💕
Glad you are feeling better.
If I ever get another dog I’m going to name it Rio (male or female), but since I don’t think that will happen, I think your pup looks like a wonderful Rio! Glad you’re feeling better. I was really glad to see Blanche, she’s looking so happy!
Rosco
What’s sweet photo! Puppy in foreground and another dog dozing in the background. Puppy stay if I suggest you call him Lucky because he is certainly lucky to stay with you. Or Tippy for the white tip of his tail!
Sorry about your foot. Get more rest!!! Sending prayers.
I sure hope they can help you with that foot! Ouch.
I usually name my cats “people” names, I suppose because to me they are like people! I can’t think of any dog names right now.
He sure is beautiful. That brindle coat reminds me of a Tortoiseshell cat.
Louise – I really prefer people names, too, so I’m still thinking
Good Lord Mary I thought I was looking at my husbands foot when I saw the picture of yours. His looks the same! X-rays showed his is arthritis in there. We laugh now cause he wears a soft sneaker like sketchers and a big lump is in his shoe.
Nice projects shown. Always makes me happy people keep creating.
I think you loved that dog or it wouldn’t have bothered you so much leaving him that day. It warmed my heart you brought them back to you. I vote for Henry or Lover Boy.
Kathy – arthritis? Well then there’s nothing to be done, is there? Damn
Seems with arthritis we get crooked fingers and joints, toes that curl up and bumps on our feet! Last year when he was in the hospital, all the teams of medical professionals commented to us how he has severe arthritis in his feet after 2 cat scans, 2 full body MRI’s. It confirmed the original X-ray years ago. Thankfully he still relies only on Tylenol and that’s usually mid day when he’s beginning to feel sore from his activities.
It will be interesting if your MRI shows anything different than his.
Kathy – arthritis is such a catchall, isn’t it? I take too much ibuprofen now but what choice do I have. My fingers are very crooked but only one really aches.
Kathy and Mary, We are back to CT on Monday ,unfortunately for my brother’s funeral. He passed peacefully yesterday morning. We are so appreciative that we were able to see him last week. Mary, you will find this interesting. My brother’s daughter’s inlaws brought a keyboard and a trumpet and played hymns while my brother and his family sang along. My brother was able to sing along and even knew every word to every verse. My sister and I do, too. Those old Methodist hymns stay with us:)
Thanks for your concern.
Diane, I am so sorry his life was taken so fast. Safe travels and thankfully you have no regrets as you saw him before he passed. My condolences to you and your family.
Thank you, Kathy. Everything you said is so true .
Diane – those old hymns are the best! I am so sorry for your loss but so glad you were able to see him last week.
Thanks, Mary. Yes, those old hymns bring comfort for sure. I like Buddy fir a bane, too, since I have Buddy, the Maine Coon cat😺
Oh heck, you already named him … please call that cute little dog Buddy!
In your previous post you referred to the puppy as your buddy, so I thought his name was Buddy. I think it is a good name
Good news your considering keeping the pup. I think Rascal would be a great name. Your foot looks painful. I hope the MRI will give you a diagnosis. Sore feet can ruin your day. Thanks for sharing all the doggie pictures. Hopefully you are feeling better after the bout with the flu. How are the guinea hens? Slow down & take care of yourself.
Sam
I’m glad you’re feeling so much better except for the foot. Yep, that looks very painful. I hope something can be done for you.
As for names…I like Jerry, Henry, Lucky, Buddy, Lucy, Romeo. I’m better with girl names, so, why not?
Pappy is fun.
I vote for Angel as he was looking out fo you.
Recently I’ve heard that people with arthritis have good results with acupuncture. Certainly worth a try. Good luck!
So glad you are feeling better!
Your foot does look painful, hoping an answer comes soon. I am back in PT for my legs. My surgical knee/leg is doing well but weak. When I went for the year check up my doctor suggested PT again. The left leg has so many ‘trigger’ spots on it and the Achilles tendon is swollen more than it s not. All of this has weakened both legs making it difficult to walk or gain strength. The PT is already helping, I have a long way to go yet but am gaining ground. I can just about stand u[ straight, I still shuffle when I walk. I mus be getting better b/c I keep forgetting my cane when I get ready to go somewhere!. LOL! I can walk the hall without it, but carry it with just in case. I can;t stand for very long. You are in my prayers.
Beryl – I still carry my cane on the dash of my car – just in case I need it. Hang in there – PT will fix you right up!
Shadow?
I hope your foot heals. It IS “always something”.
Have I been missing the rat reports?
Any updates?
Kathy – I have not had a dead rat in weeks – our count stands at 64 but just yesterday I did see one run across the floor on the opposite side of the barn – so – they’re not gone but the numbers are much reduced. Orkin checks their bait boxes every month – he was here this week and there was one box that had most of the bait eaten so we know where they’re gathering. I will not give up.
Hi Mary,
I think I’d name the puppy “Stitch”
I hope you get some answers on your foot. Ouch!
Bonnie, in Oregon
His name is “Keeper”, because he’s a keeper!
Hi Sandi! Clearly we’re synched up with Mary on keeper’s name. I missed her naming email announcement to just now and caught your comment. Maybe our comments aren’t getting to her someway. I suggested Keeper in comments to this post (See my 8/25 post at 8:22pm) and you did too on same post. Anyway I’m glad KEEPER is final choice and that lots of love and attention is on its way. We can consider ourselves “godmothers”.
Glad you were feeling better, I am sure your grass will look nice for your guest..
I have that magazine and pattern….perhaps hope I can still make it..
Take care of that bump hope it’s not serious, ..
Was Brindle your nurse puppy? On the couch. Brindle
Cheryl – yes, the brindle was my couch buddy. The other black puppy has been adopted.
I was going to suggest Brindle as well, it’s not a people type name, but still appropriate! Or Berkeley, my daughter had a spaniel named zBerkeley, we loved the choice of the name. Normally we name animals a people type name.
Hope you can get help with your foot.
Glad your feeling better, Mary. I polled the office for a dog name, and Rusty ended at number one because he is brindled.
Fiona – Rusty! Because he is brindled – wow! Good thinking, office folk!!
So glad you are feeling better. I really enjoyed the pictures today! I hope the doctor can tell you what is wrong with your foot and make it better.
I have two littermate cats from a dear friend who moved into a retirement home. The brother is called Cobber, meaning, “Mate, Friend, Chum”. I love to say it. Great name for a dog! Glad you are feeling better, and hope you get an answer about your foot!
I hope your foot is fixable, I have a similar problem and the doc said it is an arthritis bump so I have to avoid shoes that sit on that area, no tennis shoes or shoes with a strap that hits there.
The puppy is precious. I decided long ago my animals deserve names like I would name any loved one, human names as some are saying. And I try to use a name associated with their heritage so because the puppy looks like a german shepherd mix with those ears I would name him a German name like Henry, Gunther, Dieter, Heinrich or Walter. Whatever you name him he is one lucky little boy, lots of love in your home!
Linda – funny you should mention that detail about shoes – I just bought a pair last week that has a gap right where the bump is. I wanted to buy sneakers but they’re just too tight and thus too painful. I wear nothing but $1.00 flip flops all summer so my feet rebel when I have to put on shoes in the fall.
Linda – love your theory about names – I always want people names because they are are “people to me”. And treasured family members.
I too like your thoughts on naming pets. I really like Walter. I also like August (my grandfather’s name).
Your foot! 😳 I hope you find out what’s going on, soon! I’m glad to read that otherwise you’re on the mend. I’ve always loved that Rise & Shine quilt too. How about Pepper for the pup’s name?
Lucky
Your poor foot! It makes me hurt just to look at it. Waiting to hear the doctor’s diagnosis.
How about naming him”Buddy”?
Call the puppy Max.
Hope you get some answers on your foot
How about Boots-cause of his cute white toes!
How about Hank for puppy name!
How about the name “Scout”? (He looks like a Scout!)
Name your puppy Stitch
Oh Mary, your foot problem looks just like my husband’s! He had an X-ray that showed nothing! Please share what you find out! It’s amazing how much valued info we get reading the blog!
This humidity is tough on arthritis, that’s for sure! But, I want to live here, so suck it up girl, right?
Back to sewing….well dishes first 😂.
Joy – I felt pretty dumb posting a picture of my foot but I’m ready to try anything. Someone’s suggestion of accupuncture is my next step, I think. Nothing shows on X-ray, thus the MRI but if they just rule it as arthritis there will be nothing to do about it really. Then I’ll have to wrap my head around a painful foot for the rest of my life.
Pup name – Ember!!
I’ve had the snowman door quilt in progress for 25 years. 😵 If I pull it out now, it could be done right-on-time for Winter.
Glad you’re feeling better.
Have a nice weekend. ☀️
Janet from SC -DO IT! Go get the snowman out right now and work on it this fall – it will be so fun to hang up when winter arrives!
Your foot looks sore. It will be interesting what the MRI shows.
I know someone who had a black dog that she named Zeuss. It was a big dog and it was fitting.
I love that pink rag rug the husband made! I would never have thought of pink for a rug. (I don’t know why, as rugs come in all colors.)
For the last 9 days I have been doing an outdoor project that uses up my energy by the end of the day. I have done more digging and cutting of stump roots, digging of dirt to move, hauling plants, transplanting, and soon will need to move sod. So, absolutely no time to sew. I don’t know how you do all you do each spring and fall. I literally could fall into bed each night.
Vicki – why are you doing all of this major work? Just moving flower beds, adding lawn space, what? 9 days straight of heavy physical labor would exhaust anybody! Spring and fall work just seems to pile up, doesn’t it? I’d love to see pictures of your big project.
Our blue rug junipers died, so needed to be cut out of the bed in front of the house. Someone made sod available to us, so a September project became a “now” project. We were going to sod a sedum bed this fall. Now I am moving sedum from that bed to the space the blue rug junipers were in. Then I need to move the sod to the vacated bed. And my husband is still limited in what he can do because of foot and wrist surgeries. I told him this was not a good time to start this project, sod availability or not.
Vicki – wow! Like everybody says to me – can’t you hire someone to help? I never can but maybe you can.
Perserverance. You can call him Percy for short,
You could name the puppy Jack after the Brindle dog in the “Little House on the Prairie” books. Hope you can get some relief for your foot. That looks very painful. I have arthritis across the tops of my feet, but it doesn’t look like that. It’s only slightly raised.
He looks like “Butch” to me. Tom always wanted a boy dog named after “Jethro” or “Gibbs” from NCIS.
Glad you are feeling better but don’t push to hard.
Hope they can do something for your foot.
What fun naming your new fur baby… here are some thoughts – Richard Fred River Bandit
Oreo Ranger… so hope you get some relief from your foot… looks owie for sure . Enjoy
your mowing I always loved to mow and outside is the most fun… have a good day..
Mary Lou
With the dark, mottled coloring, maybe Smokey.
If that puppy ends up staying with you, I’d call him “Lucky!”
I agree that a people name would be great for puppy, so maybe Max, or Kip. Kip was my Dad’s nickname (short for Clifford – way before Big Red Dog fame) and it always brings a warm feeling to me. But then I do like Keeper, too. So basically, I’m no help at all!
So glad you’re feeling better and can enjoy your company today.
The quilts and rugs are so pretty. I can’t help but think “warm toes” this winter when I look at the pink rug!
And what a treat to see that your smiles haven’t changed a bit since Quilt Sampler came to call! Thanks for sharing small town life, farm chores, and the joys of quilting with us!
I like the name Marble for the pup, since he has kind of a marbled coat.
Winston, Brutus
He is pretty sweet Mary!! He would be a lucky guy if he did stay…….
Mary can you ask about “needling” at PT I had it done on my ankle and it worked great!!b Hope you get some answers…
Molasses
if he stays with you he’s LUCKY!!!
Lynn…I love your Rise and Shine quilt. Happy for you that you finished it. All the finishes are great. The pink rag rug is wonderful.
Arthritis is so mean. If it is arthritis, it seems like that would be a tough place to deal with when it comes to shoes. I wear Crocks almost constantly now. The first classic ones that are ugly, but so easy for me to wear. They are soft and very bendable. However, the tops might hit you wrong. Darn.
Lucky Dog, Lucky. He figured out how to be the last one in the hopes he could stay.
Hi Mary – good luck getting answers on your foot… foot issues are so annoying because it makes everything so much more difficult… grrrr… I think that adorable pup looks like a “Larry”…. thanks for blogging, you are a highlight of my day!
Kris – I LOVE Larry! I have to look at him and keep trying the names.
Sounds like the name “Lucky” is the favored name. I like it too, but “Buddy” is great too, because he certainly snuggled up to you when you were ill like a true buddy would do. Does Hazel get jealous of him, or does she just ignore him? Sending prayers for your foot problems.
Jeanne in CO – neither Hazel nor Telly like him at all and I’m just praying they’ll change their minds
I’ve always like big male names like Hank, Jack, and now my favorite is Ryder.
I’d name this pup Rudy. Don’t know why, just seemed to fit. Hah!
Cathy – I like Rudy and will consider it. Little did I know when I recently met Aviv that I would also be welcoming a puppy.
Blessings come to us in mysterous ways. This pup clearly is one I believe. That picture of you and him on the couch clearly says “Mom I am here for you”. Please give me my name and make this my home. How about “Hope”.
Prayers for your foot Mary. I do hope the mystery of it can be solved.
My very first thought was Rusty for the pup’s name. His coat looks as of it has been sprinkled with rusty dust! What a cutie he is.
Much luck for you as you take care of you foot, and you welcome Rusty into your heart!
Happy to hear that you are feeling better….now for the foot! I have a couple of dog name suggestions…first is Tipper because of his markings. Next, because of his circumstances, Second Chance, but just Chance for short. I know they aren’t the human names you prefer, but I actually know a woman named Tipper…no clue what her “real” name is! I’m just happy that you’re planning to keep him.🙂
Hi Mary, Good you are feeling better. Your new black dog has the most alert ears and attentive eyes. I recently heard a Navy Seal explain the word “breacher” in his world. If I had a next dog and he looked the part that is what he would be called. Meaning number 1 person in stack, first in and Always first. (about arthritis, a rheumatologist helped me) Always enjoy your blog…
I sure hope you get an answer about the pain in your foot – is it swollen and ‘mushy’ or is it more of a muscle/ligament bump? Does compression make any difference? I know you said shoes hurt but something like a compression sock. I had a sudden knee problem that I limped thru this spring and it didn’t get better no matter what I did – until I bought a compression knee brace….coincidence? Not sure, but if it it gets achy…on goes the brace! Anyway, I hope MRI and PT can give you answers.
I think pup looks like a Darrell.
Sherry – the bump on my foot feels hard like a bone. I do have a boot that I hate wearing but yes, it does feel better when I wear it – and take it off. Compression is painful. My foot sleeps outside the covers and over the edge of the bed because laying it on the mattress is painful and once again I can’t sleep. I’ve been told it won’t get better until I stay off of it. I guess its never going to get better then.
Hhmmm. Since it doesn’t sound like they (GP or podiatry?) are sure WHAT it is yet, hopefully with the new scan they can come up with a better or at least additional treatment/therapy/solution than ‘stay off of it’. Especially when you also can’t even lay it on a mattress and get some sleep! When it hurts to be on it AND off of it, there isn’t a lot of other choice. Have they sent you to PT? Maybe they can figure out a different boot for sleeping, something air soft, to get you some relief so you can at least get some sleep! I think PT also is more actively thinking about alternatives like acupuncture, acupressure, massage therapy, exercises and stretching. I know what you mean about being dragged off kicking and screaming back into shoes in the winter though….I had to give up bare feet and flip flops a couple of summers ago.
Sherry – PT was actually making it worse – very painful and no relief at all so I was glad when dr. said I could quit – doesn’t mean he won’t send me back however.
I love Rise and Shine! Is it in the new book?
Sue – no it’s not in the new book. COULD be special order – I’ll look at it and see how many pages there are.
So sorry about your foot. Hope the MRI tells you something. I really enjoyed this post’s quilts, especially the one that took many years to complete. It helps to motivate me. I finished up one this year that I started 10 years ago. I still have one I started as a wedding present for a couple married in 2001. I’m hoping to finish for their 25 th anniversary. Ha!
I like the suggestion of Henry for a name. Goes well with Hazel when you have to call them in. And also conveys a steadiness and devotion side which he has clearly demonstrated by his staying with you during your bout with the flu.
Oh bummer, I was afraid the other dogs wouldn’t like your new pup. But you’re right … give it some time. He looks like a sweetheart. I still like Buddy, but some of the other names suggested are good, too.
Are you sure the bump on your foot isn’t a ganglion cyst? If it’s soft and attached to a tendon it might be, and it can be removed. It could also be a synovial fluid cyst, something I had removed from the top of a toe once. My feet were “abused” by 20 years of ballet, aerobics on a cement floor, and high heels … have had plenty of feet issues, including arthritis in my toes, which meant no more ballet or high heels. Then arthritis went away, thank goodness, but it could come back.
Fingers crossed your bump can be removed by a podiatrist!!
Quilting Sister – the bump is hard like a bone. Were you a ballet performer in a troupe? Very interesting! And now you’re a quilter? I’d love to hear your “story”!
How about Radar for the new pup’s name? For the big ears. And Radar O’Reilly in MASH was from Ottumwa, Iowa.
I second trying acupuncture for your foot and other locations of arthritis. I got into trouble from too much ibuprofen, too. You might have to try a couple of practitioners to find one that works for you, just like we do for doctors, PT therapists, etc. I’ve always gotten good care from P.A.s, too.
Always playing catch up by reading a few day’s posts at once. So, if your pup is unnamed still, I happened to think of my dad’s nickname that his two sisters called him. Bruzzie, for brother. (Remember when people had nicknames?!)
Your foot does look painful. Hopefully you’ll find relief via some type of treatment. Also, as my dad would say, “it’s he** to get old”. It sure does creep up, doesn’t it? Sigh
Jan – oh, isn’t that cute – Bruzzie! I’ve never heard it before.