I'm Instagram'ing, are You?

Do you use Instagram?  I just started and would love to connect with you.  Find me @cwiltex.  And drop me yours in the comments.  Here are few of my first attempts...

I know... it's all puppies at this point.  I need to branch out, but you can understand starting with a comfortable subject, right? 

Happy Friday and hope you are off to an excellent start to the weekend!

Here's What's Going On...

Has anyone else (like me) just blinked and realized that it's nearly mid-December already?  My brain is still telling me that it should be Halloween time.  Heck, we just broke open the last of our pumpkins in the woods yesterday.  I guess it was getting funny to see pumpkins on the stoop with a backdrop of Christmas lights.

> We woke to a tiny coating of snow last week which is serving as a reminder of the month we are in.  So pretty as it coated all the tree limbs and wood pile!

> I have been sewing like frantic to finish off some cool gifts and am making a lot of progress.  I am also giving a demo at tomorrows art quilt guild meeting.  I'm so excited, but need to finish my demo piece tonight. 

> I am spending most of my down time outdoors with the mister and pups trying to soak in any available sunlight... or just plain day light for that matter.  It's helping beat back the winter blahs.  It's been fun to take my camera with me too!

> I love the frost crystals on the moss. 

> I am amazed at how green the moss looks.  Makes me wonder if it's always this green, or if I am just noticing now because everything else is so gray?

> I got a henna tattoo last week.  You know the kind of temporary tattoos that originated in India?  It was my first one... and it's been so much fun to have! 

> Having a henna is making me want to pick up the dye paste and try it again on myself.  The designs are limitless and it was so darn quick/easy.

> I am amazed at the crispy-frosty edges on the leaves and how they all get so much texture when they are coated like this.

> I am head-over-heels in love with this girl.  She's a silly as she is beautiful and I wouldn't mind spending every minute hanging out with her.

> Meanwhile, this one is reminding me what it is like to be puppy to the max.  Everything is being hunted, tissues and shoes aren't safe, and running circles through the house is great entertainment.  For every moment I am cross with her, there are fifteen that I want to cuddle and adore her.  She's not quite ready for prime time yet, but we made it through puppy school and I can tell she is a great dog in progress!

> And as if the season and time of year aren't confused enough... I walked through my garden to find these flowers in bloom... despite the snow fallen around them.  I also saw other plants and bulbs like the crocus budding and thinking of blooming too. 

Sorry to be quiet for so long, but hoping to get back into the routine this week with blogging and show you some of the things I am working on... even if some have to be kept secret. 

Cheers to a great start to the week!

Ten Truths About Puppies

I know I have talked about puppies a lot for a few weeks now.  I can't help it with this little stinker sharing our house.  How about some puppy truths?  I will at least give you ten of them for the moment:

10.  It's not all cute pudgy faces and fuzzy fluff balls of joy.  Puppies chew on furniture, fingers, pant legs, toes, they bark, growl, and ... well, you get the picture.

9.  Puppies, like kitties, also like to play with string.


8.  Puppy tushies melt me. 

7. I am so glad Sammy is learning how to climb the stairs up and down.  She's was getting a bit heavy to carry each time we needed to go out for business.

 6.  Puppies can (and will) sleep anywhere.

5.  Puppies do not respect quilts or sewing.  I had some quilt pieces laid out on the floor and somebody (no names... cough, cough... Sammy) decided to tinkle on one of the pieces.  Lesson learned.  Use the design wall.  Eww!!

4.  Puppies sometimes change color.  Remember how white Sammy was?  Look at this french vanilla skunk stripe she is getting!

3.  Puppies don't always like it when you stick the camera in their face.  I'm lucky so far that Sammy doesn't seem too camera shy.

2.  Take advantage of the scruff on the back of a puppy's neck.  It's the way a mamma dog would carry the pups around and it is a quick way to keep a puppy from wiggling mid move.

1.  And the number one truth I have for you today is...

...Give a puppy a stick.  Best toy possible.  It's cheap.  It's good for teething.  They are plentiful.  You don't have to remember to bring one with you, because they are everywhere.

Use good judgement on size and how long they can play with it... but you get the idea.  And my own rule of thumb is no running with sticks in the mouth.

I am sure I will think of more.  Now, go hug your cute fuzzy things and remember those darling early life moments!

日本のための多くの愛
Much love for Japan

No Surprises Here

A new puppy in the house means all attention has been redirected for a short period.

Good thing I can't get enough of this little muffin... polar bear.. marshmallow... jammers...

*****Serious Cuteness Alert!  You've been warned...*****

日本のための多くの愛
Much love for Japan

Sammy's First Day

Sammy's first day with us was nothing short of exciting. 

Here she is on the ride home.  Only a few whimpers.

First snuggle with Katie.  Guess her tail makes a good pillow for a tuckered out puppy.

Still amazed at how tiny she is and how quickly she falls fast fast asleep.

She is thrilled to play with toys.  Every one has to be nibbled and tugged at.  And we have already started the bait and switch.... as in if she is tasting something that isn't puppy approved we remove the bad thing and put a good thing in front of her.  All part of teaching her what is or isn't allowed to be chewed on.

Did I mention she sleeps a lot?  In the most adorable positions I might add!!  And I can't get enough of how much I want to kiss those paws!

She and Katie are getting along as well as we had hoped for a first day, although Katie is still not to fond of having a shadow all the time.  And I'm sure she could do without Sammy thinking her tail is a toy.  Here she has grabbed Katie's tail and is trying to drag it away.

Even with the jealousy, following, and tail tugging... Katie is slowly starting to realize that she and little Sammy are going to have a lot of fun playing together!

For breakfast and dinner Sammy has struck a pose of two paws in her dish to gobble up food.  I will have to try and catch a picture of this.  Did I mention we have been laughing, a lot?

She is really showing more and more of her personality.  I would describe her as laid back, curious, and stubborn.  Very fitting for this family. 

As day one wrapped up and I prepared for night time pee breaks... I was once again reminded of how amazing the world can be through puppy eyes.  Each and everything having entertainment value and being worthy of really checking out.

Yup, I'm enjoying every second!  Oh, and I wish I could send you puppy breath through smell-o-blogging... it's every bit as amazing as I remembered.

日本のための多くの愛
Much love for Japan

Sammy's Home

Wanted to let you know Sammy is home safe and sound.  Explored, played, and out like a light. 

Just the beginning of this amazing journey!

日本のための多くの愛
Much love for Japan

No Whammy...no whammy... it's Sammy!

Ok, it's officially tomorrow.  And time to you let you in on the big surprise.  Well, not so much surprise, but the big news!

We have known for sometime that we would eventually be a two dog family.  Recently, things have lined up just so and I would like to introduce you to our newest family member.

She's tiny and fluffy.  Blond and sweet.  Complete with four legs and a tail.

This is Sammy the Golden Retriever.

Pictured here at about five weeks old.  Happy belated Birthday to Miss Sammy!

Mr Happy and I met her last week and I have to admit I have fallen head over heels.  She hasn't come to live with us yet, but as you can imagine we have spent most of our time recently preparing for her to join us!

She has the best puppy breath, softest ears, and smallest little paws!

We brought Katie with us to met the potential new member of the Happy pack.  She took the whole meeting in stride.  Sniffed around.  She was very interested.  She was careful not to step on anyone.  And as you can see little Sammy took a real liking to Katie (or she was looking for milk...) 

Although, beyond milk interest, Sammy was also trying to bounce in front of Katie to get her attention.  Too cute!  Yup, wait till I get that on a video clip to share here!

We are still waiting to hear how her first vet check up goes.  And then after that we will finalize when we can bring her home.  It may be as soon as this Friday!

Can you tell I'm excited... and so is Katie!!?  I can't wait to introduce Sammy to her new home and extended family. 

* I'm looking forward moments when I catch the two dogs curled up together.
* I am excited to teach Sammy to sit, lay down, and come with hand signs.
* I'm looking forward to showing Sammy the lake and taking her for her first swim.
* I can't wait to see the pups share a toy or bone.
* I look forward to that moment where we all cuddle up for a nap -- our first official 'two dog night.'
* Or how about Sammy's first hike!

Yes, it's going to be an awesome puppy summer!  Any other two dog (or two pet) mammas want to share any tips or advice as we begin this fantastic journey?  How's that for big news!!! 

Hope you're having a great start to the week!! xoxo

日本のための多くの愛
Much love for Japan

Katie Co-Pilot

I've had the puppy 'crazies' lately... meaning I want another puppy. 

I thought the best way to calm that down since we aren't getting a pupping in the winter (midnight pee breaks in the cold and snow -- no thank you) was to go deep into the archives and dig up some Katie puppy goodness. 

Yes, this is doing the trick just fine!!

And if all that wasn't enough to satisfy your very own puppy craze... then here's a short video of my favorite co-pilot!

Have you given the two dog household some thought?  Do you already have two dogs?  How did your first dog adjust?  How old was your first dog when you got your second?

Thanks!!  Have an innocent puppy loving the world kind of weekend!