Last night I suddenly smelled skunk in the air and I frantically called the dogs in – Keeper was last and sure enough he had been in the vicinity of a skunk. He did not get sprayed in the face thankfully but his fur smelled so I quickly (time is of the essence!) mixed up hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, dish soap and water and gave him a thorough sponge bath. By doing it very fast the smell doesn’t get a chance to penetrate and IT WORKED!!! No skunk smell this morning at all. Another crisis diverted – like Becky always says there’s never a dull moment here.
Thank you for all the name suggestions – I will wait to see which one fits her. I am feeling bad for her – I think she’s lonely! So I called Patriots For Pets, my local rescue to get her a pal. I can’t believe I’m doing this after I said I would not get any more young animals because I’m too old!
It so so dry here! I didn’t even mow yesterday because there are brown patches in the grass. Today is cloudy but very humid. I’m trying to clean in my house – everything outside takes precedence over inside so my house really needs my attention. Does anybody in my area know someone who cleans?
Take a look at this old quilt – I think I bought it in Missouri years ago and it’s very worn but I just laughed when I saw these crooked borders. What would that fair judge say?
Reader quilts and more
Have you thought about your favorite hoarded fabric and what you might make with it?
I have a couple of fat quarters of swirly quilting fabric in greens and purples with a touch of gold. They are from about 10 years ago, but give off a real mid-20th century vibe and I have never known what to do with them. But I recently purchased a vintage 1950’s Danish sewing box with legs, and the fabric is going to be perfect for creating soft padded bottoms for each of the compartments. They look like they were made for each other!
Well done with the skunk!
Oh! Thankful that you got the “skunk smell” taken care of last night! I think Becky is so right, it is crazy at your house but…you wouldn’t know what to do if you didn’t have all that excitement! 😊❤️❤️😬!!
I guess I missed your information about another young animal, I will try to catch up!!!
I too worry about anyone’s aging or sick pets.
Gosh you did work fast with Keeper getting bathed! It’s such a yucky odor.
I hope you find some one who cleans. My neighbor just quit her receptionist job to clean houses as she started doing some air B and B’s for people and now makes more doing cleaning.
I love scrap quilts so these shown today just make me smile as I find them so attractive.
You know Mary I was thinking of winter coming and ours here are not as harsh as they use to be so I am not going to dread them like I use to. We don’t get socked in like in years past and I can still get out most days of winter if I need to. Course Buffalo was the exception to the rule with what they encountered last December so hope I didn’t just jinx myself.
Poor Telly! Such a sweet dog, keeping her in my thoughts and you in my prayers, hope she does well, sending love and hugs!!!
I have a large shelf of Kansas Troubles fabric that I think I can consider hoarded. Two quilts I would like to make are a Jacobs ladder and a log cabin. I also have a lot of batik fabric from years ago that I think I will use in a bit coin quilt from Bonnie Hunter. I am going to pick one of these three and start on a new UFO😂.
Viv – good for you! A new project will revive your sewing mojo!! It does mine.
I’m still trying to decide what my favorite hoarded fabric might be…. Might take me all month to figure out! But I promise to work on it, LOL. I also need to figure out what I did with my Dirty Dozen list. Time to get up to the sewing room.
Yes, I bet grey kitty would love another kitty companion. Those kitty pictures are adorable! Colleen and Matilda’s photo with the Iowa Roads pattern is too cute. That will be great in those fabrics. Prayers for Telly. We are getting dryer here too, need some good rain. Temperatures will be over 100 for the next week. Can’t enjoy the hot tub, the water temp feels like a lobster boil and turning the temp down doesn’t do anything.
Hello everyone!! I am still here and reading all the posts. Mary, thanks for the deskunking solution!! We have several that pass through the yard occasionally. Dads dog, Jack who is 16 years old is really to the point that i think I need to take him to the vet to humanely put him down, but he is the last connection to my Dad, so it is hard. But he really has no quality of life anymore. Just imagine. my house is 2100 square feet of carpet and if he doesn’t want to go out, he will just stand and pee and then lay back down and go to sleep. He is a grey hound and wippet mix. Very tall and very skinny. VERY SKINNY. he is no longer holding any weight. I am also dealing with a almost 20 year old chihuahua that uses pee pads some times. So I am on pee duty constantly……..plus still trying to grieve the loss of my husband. He did not believe in putting pets down. He thought they should die at home naturally, but it was always me that was with them when they were dieing. And let me tell you, it was heart breaking.
I absolutely love the old quilt, but i have an attachment to old quilts. Whenever I go to auctions and see them, I buy them. No one wants the ugly quilts, but I sure do!!!
Just to let the readers know how I am doing since the death of my husband. It is a struggle. I wake every morning and read my Bible, do my devotional on the front porch with coffee and watch the sun come up. But my faith in God will see me through. I have said, “Jesus take the wheel” many times…….and I know he has me…..thanks for all the prayers coming my way all across the map……huggs from SC
I’m on that road. I pray “thy will be done”. I so often don’t know which way to ask. Give me strength to help as much as I can.
It would be merciful for the old dog to be put down. After my son did that to his best friend of 17 years, a very big German shepherd, he continued and still takes his collar with him for walks. They will be together for a good long time. That might be helpful.
Brenda.
Thank you for letting us know how you are doing. When our loved ones pass so quickly, we just don’t have time to fully adjust for awhile. Just putting one foot in front of the other is sometimes all we can do at times. Hang in there, and put your faith in God, as you have said. I prayed many times to help me figure things out. I KNEW it would work out, but it has taken a very long time until things started looking better. Not quite there yet, but things are getting better. I pray the same for you.
My husband was a “collector” of many, MANY things. I said I learned about collecting fabrics and patterns and quilting things from HIM. My collection is much more contained than his was. He had THREE BUILDINGS where his “stuff” was. Had an auction 6 months after he passed and sold most of the contents of that. Now I just have to deal with what’s in the house and what’s still in his office building which also houses all my “stuff.” He had stockpiled books, books, and MORE books!! Most of them are hard back books about world history. I started with 20 copy-paper-sized boxes in the “guest” room, and I would guess over 500 books. I can ALMOST see one wall in there🙌🙌!! And those boxes are HEAVY!! I get a laundry basket, load it full of books, slide it down the stairs, then unload one box into 3-4 smaller boxes. EVENTUALLY the boxes get outside, then I have to get them to the car. It’s taking FOREVER to accomplish this. There were much more important things to deal with before this spring when I started this project. I’m under a deadline now, though, as I’m having my left knee replaced in 14 days. I need someone to stay with me for a few days following surgery. Need to have enough cleaned out so the bed is at least accessible. Getting closer. Oh, and did I mention a couple years before his death, I started to clean off the TOP of the bed? You know what I found?!? A BATHROOM PEDESTAL SINK😱😱😱!! ON THE BED!!! OMG. There was absolutely NO reason for that to be in that bedroom, let alone ON the bed. Geesh. Gotta love ‘em, right?
Keep letting all of us know how you are doing. We’re a community here, and we all care. Thoughts and prayers heading you’re way.
Brenda: I’ve walked in the path you are now walking and I know how hard it can be–especially the first year of grieving. I also can relate how hard it is to see a beloved dog or cat go downhill. You are doing the right things, however. Keep sitting on that porch, watch the sun rise; drink that coffee while you read your Bible and do your daily devotions! God will see you through this like He did me 20 years ago when my husband died. Blessings to you.
Brenda – you’ve come a long way already, my dear, and surely it will get easier for you. Regarding the dogs – your dad is waiting for his beloved dog. You know what needs to be done – and I know personally how difficult it is. If I lived near you I’d help you through the last act of love you can offer your pet – it’s euthanasia.
prayers for you to find peace. i’ve always felt that the greatest gift we could give to our pets is to help them ‘cross the rainbow bridge’ when it is time. they know it is time. of course that could be extra hard in your case as you are already dealing with grief. i pray you find the answers you need. patti in florida
I remember when I lost my Dad. It was so hard. My sons would remind me of things they loved about Grandpa: how he made popcorn and toast, his soundless whistling, etc. We would laugh and cry. Each of us grieves in our own way – there is no wrong or right. I remember every time I dusted under a picture of Dad I would cry and I did that for a year. Time and memories made it better for me. And my sons still regale me with stories of Grandpa. So, their memories are precious to them as well. Thinking of you.
I lived in fear of my beagles tangling with a skunk. Knock on wood, it never happened! We just had an incident with a little gecko! Thank goodness she dropped it and didn’t bring it into the house! Thanks to Rose and IL for giving us the dimensions that she used for her quilt in the fall colors! I have checked back many times to see if she saw the request!
Enough about my troubles.
I have hoarded several collections….art nouveau, silks, Charlie Harper prints, Laura Ashley, Kaffe Fassett, western prints and my newest love…Tilda. Oh! I almost forgot, I have a collection of leather that I quilt too.
The pictures of the kitties are cute today. Love the quilts, always love the quilts.
I really like those uneven borders: it shows the touch of the individual person who made it. Super-even Borders sometimes —to me— make a quilt look like it’s manufactured not made by hand or made by one person on a sewing machine.
Tammy Brandt and Carol Larson both clean houses.
Are the little squares in the old quilt 1″ square? Was it signed? Definitely a primitive quilt that was made by hand. Give the little lady credit making do with what she had. Think of her sitting in her chair using every little piece of fabric. Her hands and fingers curled with arthritus. It has kept somebody warm for quite a few years. Perfect is over rated?? What did she use for the back?
We’re spoiled and don’t know what HARD times were.
My neighbor is the dog catcher and a part of town had a problem with skunks spending the winter. He had to come home and clean up, too. He has an interesting job??
My yard has big cracks, but rain is forecast. And the temps are supposed to cool off. I heard a ranch lady describe it as ‘haying weather.’
Betty in Rapid City
Oh my stars, a skunk!! I’ve never heard of this recipe. Does it work on humans too?
Love the vintage quilt. What a treasure. Talk about using up every bit. LOL
Thanks for sharing. San / Gypsy Quilter Designs
Viv in Idaho – start a new UFO, haha! That cracked me up!
Brenda – know that Jack is not your last connection with your Dad, you will always have your memories. I’ve had mine for 37 years now. Sorry for the loss of your husband. Hugs and prayers your way.
I know my Iowa Roads isn’t a completed quilt for July, but it was an accomplishment getting it kitted with my sewing room in upheaval and all the company we’ve had and a pending garage sale. My sweet Matilda turned three the day of this picture and is very supportive of my quilting. Love the old quilt Mary, thanks for sharing.
p.s. you may have noticed, the fat quarter bundle in my picture came from The Woolen Needle in Williamsburg, Iowa. I love that shop!!
Colleen, Can you tell me what book your Iowa Roads quilt pattern is in? Thanks!
Yes, it’s Mary and Connie’s (Country Threads) newest book, Fresh Start Quilts.
Thanks Colleen. I should have known it was a Country Threads book from the IOWA Roads😄😄😄! Love the pattern and look forward to your finished quilt.
Skunks and dogs Don’’t Mix😛. 🦨. That recipe sounds great. Good thinking, Mary. Brenda, you have had a lot to deal with and I am sure the dogs are comforting. I do believe in quality of life. Putting our pets to sleep has not been easy, but it is a much more peaceful death than dying at home in pain. I am keeping you in my prayers! When one of my friends lost her husband, another friend gave her the best gift, a kitten. It helped her so much.
Mary, a Buddy would be nice for gray kitty. I love the quilts today, including my own😹😹. That Old quilt is awesome. I l love Betty!’s comments about it😍.
Did I miss something? Is Telly ok? I certainly hope so!!! Thanks.
Diane – Telly takes a daily liver supplement but she’s developed so many lumps and bumps all over and she breathes heavy at times and she coughs and hacks a lot. She’s 12-1/2.
Oh no. Poor Telly. I know those lumps and bumps can hurt. I always look for her on the blog. Thanks for letting me know. I will keep her in my pet prayers. Good luck.
Your quick thinking w/ the bathing to rid of skunk smell was perfect- what proportions do you use? For a name for your gray cat- how about Cinderella? You could call her Cindy or Ella for a shortened version. She’s beautiful.
Mrs. Goodneedle – 1 bottle hydrogen peroxide, 2 T. Dish soap, 1/4 c. Baking soda and 1 quart water. Found recipe online.
I was at antique mall one day and saw this quilt and it was a little off here and there but it is about 4×6 and loosely quilted and when I opened it up the initial A was embroidered on it. I took it to the counter and asked the price as I could not find it . She said she wanted 35 but what would you pay? 35 I said and I love it. When anyone comes over and they reach for a quilt that is the one. I wish I could tell the maker how much it is loved.
Angie – can you send a picture?
Did the gray kitty show up in June? Then June the gray kitten.
Who cares what the fair judge would say? The people under that quilt would be nice and cozy thanks to the quilt maker!
Rose, that’s a beautiful quilt! The vintage quilt may be crooked but the palette is great!
Gracie (gray)
Love all your posts and topics Mary. Love the crookeddy borders on the antique quilt. I had my furniture cleaned today which lead to some deep cleaning and gathering for the thrift shop. Enjoy your week. Moe
Moe – deep cleaning your furniture? Wow – you go, Girl!
I had Stanley Steemer come to clean the furniture. Jay’s recliner is 40 years old, but now it looks like new. Had a 25 year old recliner sofa cleaned and a 15 year old yellow sofa cleaned, wow, looking like new. Because I had to move just about everything in two rooms so he’d have room to work, I then deep cleaned in each room… windows, table tops, dusted even the baseboards. I love when everything is clean. Next I will get my carpets cleaned. Than the vents. Jay has a heard time breathing so I’m doing one thing at a time so not to overwhelm him. Love how this post covered skunks, hoarding fabrics, dogs and the rainbow bridge, husbands, antique quilts, etc.
Favorite hoarded fabric??? I must have missed a post. But I do have some. I won an online contest about 10 years ago. I thought the prizes mentioned were going to different winners. They did but there were several grand prize winners. Me!!! I received several wonderful prizes that I make use of. There were several companies that donated fabric. I have been saving those pieces to make something special. I think it is time to actually use it.
Hope Rick is recovering well from his surgery. Glad you were quick to wash your dog. Thanks for all the pictures you post about your life and that of your readers.
We finally got decent rain yesterday. It was torrential downpour for about an hour, then steady rainfall. It was heavenly, and so welcomed. I worked yesterday, and you sure could tell who were residents and who were vacationing people. The residents were loving it, vacationers not so much. I think we are up to 6″ rainfall for the season. Hopefully you will see some rain soon.
Mary, I love all you say and have on your blog. Please keep it up. I was going to ask Rose in Illinois if her fall was a pattern or her doing her thing. I saw the size of strips.if she would share pattern name if one.
Saundra Jones – well, that’s the thing – she had no pattern so you would just have to look at hers and cut your pieces the sizes I posted.
Thank you, Mary. Some of us like someone to do the hard work. Ha
I guess when you are focused on warmth for your family, wonky borders don’t matter. Just get ‘er done! I still like that quilt!
My sympathies on the skunk situation! My daughter had to use that treatment here, with my help, in the middle of the night, at the beginning of our Covid lockdown. And also it did work for us too!
Carol – ugh – in the middle of the night! But a quick response is part of the success, I believe.
Fun blog today!
Love the old quilt!
For Brenda in SC – You have lots of memories to help you through each day! Everyone on this blog was so supportive of me when I joined. I had just lost my husband in January. Always remember we are all here for you. Take care of yourself!
As I read Rosie’s story about her husband’s books, it reminded me of my husband’s collections of wood, tools, and rocks! Yes, you read that correctly – rocks! He stashed rocks all over the house. I’ve found them on shelves, in drawers, in the kitchen, in his shop, and even in one of the cars! I didn’t know what to do with all of them. Some of them are small, some big, and one even looks like a potato. So instead of getting rid of them, I decided to put them in a plastic bowl. So every time I find a rock, it goes in the bowl!
The bowl of rocks is just a small part of my journey!
I’ll send Mary a photo of the bowl of rocks one of these days.
Take care everyone!
Sharon – a bowl of rocks! I’d love to see a picture! This is a very supportive group and we all think pretty much alike on most subjects.
I have a fairly significant start on Christmas with my hoarded fabric.
loved hearing about the ‘rush’ skunk bath. had never heard of it. i always love all the quilts shared on your blog. we are a creative (and caring) bunch. a collection of rocks. that is novel (and in this day and age could be considered sustainable). prayers for telly. patti in florida
Mary, Every day is a new adventure! Love your recipe for skunk smell…I’m super impressed that you knew just what to do. I’d have to google the recipe! Just wanted to let you know that I really am CAREFUL when i pull into a parking lot anymore…making sure that my car is in between the lines! Really! Even in the church parking lot!!! :-). Your blog makes me smile every day! Have a great one! mary
Mary – oh, I didn’t know really except one time the vet handed out cards with the recipe so I knew not to use tomato juice. My IPad was propped open while I mixed up the stuff – very quickly.
Hey Mary – do you know about “Nature’s Miracle”? It’s a soap for when the dog gets skunked…it also works on things that are smelly because of body odor, etc… I love that antique quilt. I actually like when a quilt is alittle “wonky” it shows it was handmade and not made in China….
Praying for Telly…
Kris – no, I’m not aware of this soap – I’ll look online. It would be good to have on hand, just in case. I agree about the old quilt – it’s wonderful in its wonkiness.
I really enjoyed all the sharing today and the vintage quilt is a true treasure. I bet it could tell us some stories . I have a jelly roll that I have been wanting to play with and I think I will give Roses pattern a go. I love how it turned out and I don’t think it would take very long to make. The weather in middle Wisconsin has been lovely and everything is so green. We are surrounded by lots of potato fields and corn. This is the time of year where some tater fields are sprayed to kill the plants and slow the growth of the taters in the ground. Those fields turn brown and die down to the ground, which makes harvesting the taters easier without the vines to bind up equipment. It’s strange to see a totally brown field, then plush green ones side by side.
Kim – really? I learned something today – those tiny potatoes are grown for harvesting at the time they’re still small! I thought they were just immature big potatoes!
Name suggestions for the kittens-Skipper and Nipper.
Very hot up in Canada.
Love the old quilt! Who cares about crooked borders?? Hoarder fabric? Some I bought in S. Korea in 2011 – keep saving it for something special but at the rate I’m going I’ll be dead before up my mind hahahaha🤣