My schedule is very full of ballgames – not only WNBA but now MLB playoffs have started – I’m cheering for Detroit. I have to find some mindless sewing to do while I watch.
Thanks for all the cards – I’M FINE NOW! Unless something pops up this week, I consider myself recovered. Yahoo! And hopefully no more hives will show up. That was the worst!
Here is the quilt with the blue binding – it’s no big deal at all and I can’t believe I actually spent time searching for it.
All it is is a four patch from scraps.
A very good friend of mine, Carrolyn, lost her little dog last week and has written a heartfelt tribute about her beloved Cider. She gave me permission to share it with you and I think many of you will identify with her deep feelings about her tiny friend, Cider.
To honor and remember CIDER!
Our hearts are broken! We had to put our dearest pet down on Wednesday , September 24. We adopted him from Second Chance at OREGON HUMANE SOCIETY almost four years ago.
Our grandchildren had seen him arrive while doing volunteer work at OHS during COVID. They fell in love with him instantly. We were headed to Portland for Thanksgiving within a few days , so they called and begged us to take him. Being seniors and having no living pets, we had made the decision to not have any more. But through their tears and begging, we agreed to go see him. Our carefully constructed plan was to PRETEND we would go to check him out…..but return and tell them he had been adopted. We would make a donation and return home still pet-less.
So much for our plan!
Well……we met him! And the wonderful OHS employees. My husband , the one most adamant about not getting another pet, was especially instantly smitten by Cider at first sight!
And so began our adventure with our newest love……constant laughs, snuggles, total adoration. We made his dog treats and food, and met a wonderful groomer who also fell in love! He Never had an accident in our home. We didn’t even think he could bark for the first weeks until a group of wild turkeys dared enter our rural yard!
Our 4 a.m. morning potty breaks were not a chore but the beginning of our days followed by his snoring in the afghan on one of our laps. His playing with little lamb toys entertained us. He slept with us. He went with us everywhere or we arranged always for one of us to be home because he could have what our vet called SEPARATION ANXIETY SEIZURES.
He ruled, and would stare at us until he got what he wanted. We gave up going out to dinner or shopping together because it was hard on our VELCRO dog…..and us! We even bought a doggie stroller to take him with us on country road walks.
What an adventure we hoped would be forever. However at his advanced age of about 15 he ended up almost blind, deaf, and with a degenerative spine which made him almost drag his hind legs. We just took care of him and dearly loved his heart and spirit.
But when his Cushing disease and pain advanced and his quality of life changed, we knew we had to give him peace and relief. He slipped away gently ….held in our arms and being aware of our love. I think he is the one who rescued us!
Good bye, sweet sweet Cider! Hope to meet up again at the rainbow bridge!
PLEASE GIVE YOUR HEARTS AND SUPPORT TO RESCUED, NEEDY ANIMALS! You will be surprised at what gifts YOU receive!
Carrolyn and Rod Vidal
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Reader photos
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Came across this photo and almost cried. I made it years ago and sold it at our sale. How I wish I still had it! If I could find the pattern I suppose I could make it again but how sad would that be?
I , too, shed tears for Cider. We have 2 Jack Russell’s both 13. One is almost blind and loss of hearing is going too. The little one is still a happy little dog. Still we say that when these are gone we won’t have anymore. It wouldn’t be fair to the new little dog or dogs. Bless those that can take rescues in.
We’re still in the 90’s here in Texas. If any of yall have any extra cooler weather please send it our way🩷
Sherry W in Hot Texas.
Sherry – Gosh, I’m sorry you’re still suffering in the heat! Temps in the 50s and 60s are great with me but Rick is too cold. He put the furnace on!
How nice the quilts look on the church pews,
Cider had a nice life with your friends that adopted him..
Very nice tribute to Cider..
I have 13yr.old dog (Taos) who is having trouble walking , her hips are screaming, she had her second injection recent to help her ,every morning we feel blessed she wakes up with US❤️
Katie – just keep in mind the quality of her life, not yours.
How nice the quilts look on the church pews,
Cider had a nice life with your friends that adopted him..
Very nice tribute to Cider..
I have 13yr.old dog (Taos) who is having trouble walking , her hips are screaming, she had her second injection recent to help her ,every morning we feel blessed she wakes up with US❤️
I remember that sale when the shop closed–tables of heaped quilts. I wondered how you could part with them all. I can sure see how you’d have the occasional regret. There was one I was so tempted to buy, but as low-priced as it was, I couldn’t bring myself to pop for it. I took some pictures and still regret now just saying the heck with the budget. I’ve learned since that sometimes, you’ve just gotta do what you’ve gotta do. Still, I did plenty of damage to the wallet that day. That was one whopper of a sale, but sad, too. It’s wonderful of you to still give us tastes of Country Threads. It was always such a fun trip!
Carolyn & Rod, so sorry about Cider’s passing. it definitely breaks your hearts. So many of us feel your pain. Thank you for sharing your story. Such a cute little dog!
Mary, I’m so glad to hear that the hives are finally over. Let’s celebrate with an iced tea! I really like your simple but awesome little four patch quilt. The hummingbird pic is beautiful. I haven’t had any at our feeders for at least a week. I think they have moved on. The reader’s quilts were so pretty. Such a creative bunch of blog readers. Have a good week everyone. tomorrow is my birthday and it appears to be a busy day.
Teresa – HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! Are you doing something special? I’d love to share an ice tea with you!😋
Thank you for finding the quilt with the blue binding–I love it! I appreciate the effort you went through to find it and post a picture. Sometimes a color change makes all the difference, this may be a simple quilt, but it sure can sing in bright colors. This will make a great Linus quilt, maybe scaled up to three-inch squares.
The Cider story was so touching. I wanted to tell you that you inspired me to get a kitten after your post about Morty. I’ve been considering getting a kitten for a while, but haven’t seen any that really called out to me, plus I figure they would probably outlive me and I already have five indoor cats. But things have been so depressing in the world lately, that when I saw you welcome Morty, I took another look at my local shelter. I adopted a kitten and am fostering another one who is too small to be spayed. For now, until I can get them introduced to my other cats, they’re living in my sewing room. And they’re starting to have parties. What they did to my Aurifil thread on my sit-down longarm, I can’t even tell you. Holy smokes, what a tangle! They’re both friendly and lovey and I’m really enjoying them. They definitely are a day brightener! Of course the kitten I adopted (no official name, as yet) will grow up, but she’s very sweet and will always be a joy, no matter her size.
What a sweet remembrance of Cider. I love that name! Of course, he will be waiting at the rainbow bridge for his humans. So sweet! Love all of the quits, too.
That little Cider, what joy he brought. My husband wasn’t ready for another dog when Loretta found us. He spent the first week on the floor with her! After he died, Loretta went from room to room looking for him. It was heartbreaking. Maybe that’s why she sleeps so close to me?
Mary, I’m so glad your hives are gone. At this age, we don’t have time to feel crappy.
The picture of the church with quilts is wonderful. I hope my funeral looks like that. I’ve told my friends to fight for the quilt they want. I expect it.
The picture of the hummingbird is a jewel. Quilts and flowers are great too, as usual.
I’m seeing a lot of posts from quilt market and show from Houston. I wish I were there. It was a great trip and I met Tanya there.
Carrolyn & Rod you gave sweet Cider a wonderful home to live out his senior years. He in turn blessed your life as you said. I lost my sweet little Bentley a year ago this month. 7 mo ago a sweet little black & white pup came into my life. I call Boots a Velcro dog. 5 yrs ago this month I lost my husband of 55 yrs & both Bentley & Boots have been a true blessing! I don’t worry about what will happen to my pets if something happens to me, both of my kids love pets & would give them a great home. Mary so glad you’re feeling much better & the hives are gone! Love the quilts & especially the 4 patch with the blue binding! Especially love the quilt you made & hope you can find the pattern!
So nice of Carrolyn and Rod to adopt Cider. And, so nice so many other readers do the same. Condolences to all who have lost their pets — may your hearts heal sooner rather than later. P.S. Would love to know how Cider got his name?!
Thank you so much for sharing Ciders story. I had tears in my eyes as I read the story because we have lost two fur babies that ran our lives. It is such an empty house when we would come home and no 4 legged babies to greet us. I feel the pain of Ciders owners.
Glad your hives have healed-such an awful thing to happen and so miserable for you.
Thank you so much for all of the pictures of quilts you share on your blog. So many beautiful quilts made and so many creative people out there.
OH MARY,
Your reader comments have helped us so much this morning. I didn’t know how much sharing one’s grief helps. We really aren’t all alone in this pain….in our rural community. Thank you so much. You’ve always been such a wonderful friend.
So sorry for the loss of Cider. They do have a way of worming their way into your hearts.
I never thought I’d let my dog on the furniture. Now I can’t think of denying him “his”sofa. Ha
Loving these warm days.
Oh thank heavens Mary your hives are gone, they ate the worst with itching all the time.
What a sweet tribute to Cider, I can see why they were smitten. One look at his face and your heart melts!
Love your scrap quilt with the blue binding and backing. The binding makes the blue in the quilt pop.
Enjoy your sports while sewing another beautiful quilt.
A word to the wise bison can run 35 miles per hour so you do not have a chance of out running them. On a guided trip we took at Jackson Hole Wy the guide told us to keep down wind of them because they are unpredictable.
Sweet Cider, what a touching tribute. Carolyn, now Cider has enriched out lives with love, too, from shared remembrance.
Love your quilt, Mary. I agree with the observations already mentioned. 🙂 Always enjoy the quilt show.
There’s nothing like feeling better. Yippee for Mary!
Jan
My condolences on the loss of Cider. Our pets are family and the loss of one of them so hard. And the memories so wonderful. And I look forward to a reunion with all of my lost family – both human and animal. Mary thank you for taking time to find the scrappy four patch. It will be an inspiration to me to pull out all those small scraps and get sewing. Thank you for all you share on your blog. I look forward to seeing what you post and reader comments every day. Happy Fall everyone – keep hoping we get more fall like temps this week.
Those of us who have rescued pets to give them forever homes know the love is given back too as we saved them from how ever long in a crate waiting. The tribute brought tears to my eyes but helps us to know we give them all we can while we have them.
I was thinking this morning how strange it has been this summer as we have had no thunderstorms which my dogs shake and tremble during which is good for them but bad for our drought. We are finally due for some rain tomorrow.
Glad you are feeling much better Mary!
What came to mind with pet a Buffalo? Pet a moose. People get out of their vehicles and offer food to moose thinking they can pet them in Alaska. Stupid and ignorant!
Loved the story about Cider. I can relate.
Loved the quilt show too this morning!
Fran we have the same problem here with bears. People get out of their cars to try to get a selfie with a bear. There is a huge, beautiful park near my previous house in Port Coquitlam and one of the driveways to the park borders on blueberry farms, every year they’ve had to close that road into the park to stop the stupid people. Quite sad that people don’t understand how dangerous a wild animal can be. They should be admired by afar.
Cider’s tribute made me cry. What a precious little guy, I’m so sorry for your loss Rod and Carrolyn. Mary, I love your scrappy quilt, that’s right up my alley. And I love the photo of the quilt on the barn, I hope you find the pattern, it’s really pretty! That picture of the hummingbird, wow! Another beautiful day here in MA. I’m getting worried about the winter; will we be paying for this with lots of snow!? Enjoy the beauty of the day. Jan in MA
Mary, I’m glad you are feeling better! What a sweet story and tribute to Cider.
I absolutely loved the tribute to Cider. It just shows how much a little dog can add to our lives. Our dog is at the end of his life and has congestive heart failure. He doesn’t have much longer, and we are too old to adopt another dog, so he will be our last. Thank you Carolyn and Rob for a beautifully written tribute to a little dog that brought so much happiness to you both. I especially loved the way your carefully constructed plan to see him and then make a donation as you left the shelter still dog free. How often has that happened to so many of us!
Pat – I’m so sorry to hear that Sonny is failing – of course our dogs are going to leave us but it’s hard to accept. You might find yourselves in a situation like Rod and Carrolyn who also vowed to be pet less.
Cider was meant to share a life with you Carrolyn! Heartwarming tribute of your love.
Mary, your 4 patch is a scrappy gem – also a study in color & value. The blue brings it all together with a pop. Glad you are feeling better.
Oh the pain of saying good bye to our four legged family members! I’m facing that reality soon and I can’t stand it. Cider was loved and treasured. I wish all our furry people could be so fortunate.
Sweet Cider. Rest in peace. You are loved and missed.
What a beautiful and fantastic tribute to Cider. I’m sure lots of us feel the same way about our furry friends!! I love the quote and wish I had anywhere close to that confidence in myself. The picture of the quilts on the pews is priceless! I love your blue binding quilt. Yes, it is simple, but most of the time that is the absolute best!! I so love reading your blog and seeing the pictures and stories.
Carrolyn, what a beautiful tribute to Cider! Mary, thank you for sharing with us. We know how these little animals fill our hearts! After my last dog passed away, I was going to take a break, travel, blah blah blah…… well, thanks to the Lab Rescue, a month later I have my present pup – a clingy 90 lb shadow that I love with all my heart….. Funny how we decide “no” and they just wiggle into our hearts and we can’t say “no” — it’s why years ago I had 2 dogs and 3 cats….. and Mary, I don’t live on a farm like you do! But it was wonderful!
I absolutely LOVE the joke today Mary — Yellowstone is one of my favorite National Parks to visit. I’ve had some great conversations with some of the rangers on some of the stupid things tourists do….. saw a woman literally get in the face of an elk to get “a good picture” OMG!!!!! So that meme gave me a good chuckle.
Cider’s story brought tears. Oh, I know that pain, I hurt for you,Carrolyn. I pray we’re all reunited with our loved ones again someday.
I love your scrappy 4 patch and the brights scattered in the lights, so beautiful!
I’m so glad you’re feeling better Mary!
Mary I love that quilt, and I am not a ‘blue’ person. But blue is the perfect binding for that quilt and I love the backing! Thank you for the story about Cider. Our older son and his wife had just lost their beloved lab Gunner. It has broken their hearts, especially Greg. Gunner was his best friend. Animals add so much to our lives and they teach us so much about loving and devotion. Our priest has two dogs that he adores. He said if his dogs are not in heaven he doesn’t want to go! That says it all! I forwarded this blog entry to them.
Carol – I hope your son will consider a new best friend to help fill the void that Gunner’s death left behind. I have that little saying about dogs and heaven on a small plaque on my window sill.
I was with my grandkids and the dogs this spring when their 4-year-old German Shepherd Maggie took a bad turn. She had been on kidney meds for 2 years. While my son and daughter-in-law were trying to get home quickly, we made Maggie comfortable and surrounded her with love. I encouraged her to find Piper, Hayden and Dory, dogs she didn’t know but were in the family before she arrived. Later my 18-year-old granddaughter and I had a good conversation about being reunited with our beloved pets in heaven. I told her we’ll find a sermon by Billy Graham about pets in heaven. Funny part of this story, my sweet granddaughter asked “Who’s Billy Graham?” You can find his sermon on Youtube if you are interested.
Sheryl – I really miss the Billy Graham Crusades on tv. It was part of another earlier life.
Me too. I remember my parents always watched Billy Graham.
Mary, I am so glad to hear the hives are gone; hopefully, the rest of your recovery will be problem free.
Carrolyn and Rod, your Cider story is a beautiful tribute to such a wonderful little treasure. So sorry for your loss, and thank you for sharing.
Take Care, Mary 🥰
I like the quilt with the blue binding-a perfect way to use up scraps and a good donation quilt.
Sympathies on the loss of Cider. We had a similar situation. We had lost our German Shephard-Zoey-and our son had a small dog- Ginger. When he got married, Shaggy came with his new wife. Ginger hated Shaggy and spent a good deal of her day growling at him. A few weeks after Zoey died, our son asked if we would adopt Ginger. My husband said no-he wasn’t ready for a new dog and Ginger was no farm dog. Son said-well, just take her for the weekend and see how it goes. She stayed for the weekend and my husband said-she is so little- We need a big dog on the farm. But Ginger started to grow on him and she took to him instantly. She followed him everywhere-sat on his lap every chance she got-rode in the pickup and combine with him and by the end of a week, she had won him over. We had her for 7 or 8 years and when he had to put her to sleep, he was heartbroken. He had became very attached to her. She was the best guard dog ever-we knew immediately if someone was on our property. Loosing her was like loosing a child. I still think of her from time to time. And someday you will think of Cider with a smile on your face because of all of the joy he brought to you. And now we have Hank-that onery big farm dog who follows my husband everywhere-sits at his feet-rides in the pickup and combine. Hugs to you both.
Oh, that sweet senior doggie finding that loving home…made me tear up.
Carrolyn and Rod, I am so sorry for your loss. I can see why Cider was love at first sight. What a wonderful life you gave him and he gave you in return.
Mary, I’m so glad you are recovered! The scrappy four patch is cute. The blue binding gives it a nice pop.
I love the Stacked Pumpkins with Blackbird wall hanging. Looks like felt or wool. It makes for a very nice fall quilt.