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Tuesday, September 01, 2020

Emmy Lou and the Rainbow Bridge…


We knew the day would come.

We had hoped that by some miracle, Emmy Lou would find herself in the Guinness Book of World Records for “longest living cat ever!”

But it was not to be.

Emmy Lou crossed the Rainbow Bridge yesterday at the ripe old age of 20 1/2.  Because in cat years, that 1/2 is important.

That 1/2 made her nearly 100 in cat years.

And each of those cat years was full of unconditional love and acceptance.   She knew who her people were.  She was always there.  Like a couch ornament.  Meowing at you in hello and acknowledgement as you walked by.

Always ready to be let out.  Let in. Let out. Let in. Until at the end even SHE didn’t know if she was coming or going.  And we opened the door for her anyway – about 79 times a day because that’s what you do when you love someone as much as we loved her.


Run free, little girl.

Find Sadie and Dresden.

Say hello to Ollie Boy and Oscar.  Hiss at Chloe – wherever she is.  And know that we loved you. So very much.

I am so glad that Jason was here to help us say Goodbye.  He was 17 when Emmy came into our lives as a rescue kitten saved from being treed by 2 angry dogs determined to get her.  

She was brought to retreat in Texas with a "Someone needs to take her home or my dogs will have her for lunch" plea.  That Someone ended up being me.


You will always be in our hearts.

And your fur will likely be found everywhere for years to come.

This happened yesterday morning after the blog had already posted.  We knew it was coming.  She had definitely used all of her 9 lives in the process.

And truth be told – I am so glad that I have been sheltering at home since March.  I would have hated to have this happen while I was on the road somewhere.

Needing to get out, to do something – Jason and I stuck with our plans to drive to Wallburg to get the surround sound system he is taking back to Oregon with him.

And since we took the van, and I had he-man help, we disassembled a a couple of my wire shelving units so I can start dealing with the stored fabric stash here.

My thought is – if you make the trip, make it worth the trip and fill that van up.

There was one event a couple of weeks ago that I wanted to be at the Wallburg house to witness -


We had a HUGE tree, I mean HUGE.  And it had finally grown to the point after nearly 13 years that the trunk was TOUCHING the back corner of the house. GIGANTIC TREE.

The reason it had lasted so long?  It’s really expensive to have a huge tree taken out.  They had to bring in a crane.  And I wanted to be there to take photos and see the process.

There was no way to save this tree.  And I have no idea how old it is – but the house was built in the late 1970s.


This is all that is left.

I had worried that one good storm (or bad one) would have limbs taking out our roof.  And that come selling time – the first thing they are going to say is “That tree has to go!”

So it is done.


And this happened on the way home!

We dropped some household duplicates (pop corn popper and waffle maker!) off to Jeff and Ashlyn and I sat and ate pizza with both of my sons.

They haven’t seen each other in 2 years.

It was my first time eating INSIDE a restaurant since March.  They had every other booth blocked out, and many sanitary precautions in place.  I felt completely safe.

It was only 4pm, and the place was virtually empty so that felt even safer.

And it was so worth it to just sit across from my boys and watch them interact with each other. I am so proud of these amazing men and what they are doing with their lives.


While Dave and Jason were busy -

I got some stitching time in.

With the loss of Emmy Lou, I had so much still swirling through my mind and heart though the day was set to busy. (On purpose.)

This is what happens when all of your pets age at the same time.  Sadie was 13.  Dresden was 13.  Emmy Lou was 20. 

And likely we’ll do this again.  Lola is 11 (or maybe 12? Jason isn’t sure.)  But we have Zoey at 17 months and Ivy at about a year.  Hopefully it will be a while before we do this again.

Speaking of Ivy – we left the door at the top of the basement stairs open, and she has wandered the cabin a bit exploring, but she comes right back down to the sewing studio to where she is curled up most often on my sewing chair. 

Her world just got a lot bigger.  And she can take her time to make it all her new home.


55 blocks off the design wall.

I think it’s time to plan a layout for these and see what else is needed to make that layout happen.  Today may just be the day for that – as it’s raining.  Again!

Anything going on for your Tuesday?


Quiltville Quote of the Day -

Pursue your passion, no matter your ability! Thank you, Albert Einstein!

When was the last time you made a log cabin quilt?

Happy September, folks!



84 comments:

  1. So sorry for you loss but know that Emmy Lou had the most wonderful (9) life imaginable.

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  2. So sorry. It never gets any easier to lose those we love.

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  3. So sorry for your loss Bonnie.
    You can only grieve to the depth you have loved and you love deeply
    Mary in New Mexico

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  4. I'm so sorry to learn of Emmy Lou's passing; pawrprints forever on your heart. Hugs~

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  5. So sorry for the loss of beautiful Emmy-Lou, she was such a very pretty cat and your evening sewing buddy.
    So nice to see your handsome young men together, you should feel very proud of the wonderful men they have become.
    Love how your diamond star blocks are coming together looking forward to seeing what lovely setting you find for them.
    Stay safe
    Love and quilty hugs
    Anne xxx

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  6. Condolences, prayers & blessings...it never gets easier to lose a loved one... and yep busy is good... so very glad you have your "boys" with you at this time, too.. sending love and comfort from Carlsbad CA...<3

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  7. So sorry to hear about Emmy Lou. MY heart goes out to you at this time. God may have taken her but He brought you an Ivy to help ease the pain. Quilting hugs and many stitches to bind us together.

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  8. Sorry for your loss, it's always hard, the fur babies never live long enough.
    My son is probably close to your sons in age, and he also has a full beard. What is it with beards? His wife prefers him with a full beard, so there is that to be considered. And his little girl (almost 3 yr old) has never known daddy clean shaven, if he ever shaves, she won't know him.
    Always enjoy your blog.
    Enjoy the time you have with both boys home.

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  9. I am so sorry. I have 2 cats that are up in years. I know at some point this is going to happen. Hugs to you.

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  10. Oh sweet Emmy Lou....may you run and jump and play forever with your siblings who went before you. Hugs to you Bonnie.

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  11. So sorry to hear about Emmy Lou,but thankful Jason was there to say goodbye. I am the mom to two boys also, and they have always been cat lovers too. We've had to say goodbye to several that stole our hearts. But now when we talk about them, we can laugh and smile at the funny things they did.

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  12. Bonnie I am sorry for your heartache. Emmy Lou looked after you as long as she could. I am so glad that you got to spend time with your sons to help distract you. I guess now we know why Lily came to find you not so long ago.

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  13. So sorry for your loss of your kitty. We still miss our dog even after 12 years.

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  14. So sorry to hear about Emmy Lou, it's never easy loosing a member of your fur family. Looking at the bright side, your son was there to see her. I love it when all my kids are together which only happens every couple of years. Your sons look very happy, I can see why you would be proud of them!

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  15. Pets have such a special place in our hearts. They are family and we grieve for them. So sorry for you loss. She was loved greatly.

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  16. Really sorry to hear about Emmy Lou. After losing our Sadie at 13 three years ago, our surviving kitties are 16, 15, and 11, so I know what you mean about pets aging at the same time. The joy they bring throughout their lives, however, more than compensates for the inevitable sadness. Here’s hoping that Lola has as yet used up only one or two or her nine lives and that Zoey and Ivy are running buddies for years and years to come.

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  17. So sorry for you and your hubby. It is never easy. Last week my life took a sharp right turn. I had a heart cath that revealed Pulmonary artery hypertension which nor requires 24/7 oxygen and a bi/pap machine at night. That was not a good 79th birthday present. But it can't stop a quilter I have been doing some FMQ

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  18. I'm so sorry for your loss of Emmy Lou. We lost our 19 year old kitty last Wednesday. Like you, we knew the day was coming but it still breaks our heart. I keep looking for him in his usual napping spots. But your Emmy Lou and our Sammy were both pampered and loved for many years.

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  19. So sorry for your lost. We are waiting for rain today, a small amount they say. Our crops are in desperate need, we wait upon our Lord.

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  20. Our hearts always break for our 4 legged friends. Thinking of you today. I am so glad your boys are there for you. Love on them and enjoy their company while you can. They look like a lot of fun and have ornery grins. Good looking guys.

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  21. To answer your question, never, but if you hold my hand I'd be happy to. You fill my day. I wake to your words and am inspired by your quilts and laugh or cry before I go make my coffee. Today I think it will have to be salted caramel latte to go with the tears for Emmy Lou and you.

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  22. Sorry for your loss. Emily looks like my Jack. He is over 16 years old. Not too sure when he was born. He is having problems with his legs. He favors the right front paw and right back leg. I don't know if he fell or he has arthritis. Vet said there is nothing to give him each day for it. They are our good buddies...

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  23. it is always difficult to loose a pet, even when you know they have had a good life. thoughts are with you.

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  24. So sorry that Emmy Lou passed, she was just waiting for Jason to say goodbye. Yesterday I made my DIL a gluten free strawberry cake from scratch for her birthday and sorted thru some scraps to make some more almost LeMoyne Stars. Getting them ready for when you do your reveal. Today I am taking lunch to my best friend and her Mom. She broke her femur a couple of months ago and is stuck at home because she can hardly walk. Blessings on your rainy day.

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  25. I'm so sorry about Emmy Lou. Was Lola happy to see Jason?

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  26. I am so sorry to hear about Emmy Lou - such a pretty gray kitty...love the coming and going part of her story...we are living with Ferguson, a tortoise shell rescue who does the same in and out routine all day long until bed time.

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  27. May you cherish the lovely memories of your special baby. Big hugs! Liz

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  28. 20 Years or 20 days it doesn't matter, the footprints are left on our hearts just the same. That pizza looks delicous!! My favorite, finally ate in a restaurant last week for the first time since March as well. It was about 2 O'clock and the place only had half the tables open and half the menu...half kitchen staff as well.

    Enjoy Zoey, Ivy and Lola for a long time to come.

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  29. Knowing your sorrow....that happens when you have pets you love so much.

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  30. Sorry to hear of your loss. She lived so long because she was loved.

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  31. I always tell people that cats spice up my life, and so the cats I have now have Spicy Names. Sumac - a meat tenderizer, good for him as he had bladder problems, and Zaatar, the allspice from the Middle East. All of my cats lived long lives, counting 18 and up... All 20 of them, except for the living at this time. And I feel blessed to have had them. Or they have owned me?? I really feel they added warmth and happiness in my life. Rainbow warriors! Be well.

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  32. So sorry for your loss of Emmy Lou. We have a cat named Pickles and she looks very much like Emmy Lou. She is almost 18 1/2 and I too am expecting the end soon. It's never easy. Take Care.

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  33. My sympathies on your loss.

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  34. so sorry for your loss. we know that emmy lou will stay in your heart forever. she'll probably tell all your other pets about the 'new pets in town'. Sew away and let the grief out. quilty and kitty hugs, patti in florida

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  35. RIP Emmy Lou....she will live in your heart forever!

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  36. You are so terrific to your animals...When I die, I wouldn't mind being reincarnated and coming back as a Hunter family pet and living in that beautiful cabin with all those beautiful quilts!! Wishing Emmy Lou a peaceful journey!

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  37. So So sorry, those days last for so long for me I miss my babies... Take and safe Enjoy your boys for as long as they are here

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  38. So so sorry so much sadness and loss in a sort amount of time each one would have stayed if they/he/she could have their passing was beyond their control and also yours.
    Hopefully your sadness will pass quickly and you can got on to remembering all the weird and at the time frustrating things (good memories now) each had in your life and such wonder memories each has given you be at peace as soon as you can ❤️👵🏻

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  39. So sad! I am sorry for your loss of the beautiful Emmy Lou! She was well loved and taken great care of. You can rest assured that she is at that bridge meeting and greeting old and new friends!

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  40. So many losses for you lately! Prayers for comfort. Such a great tribute to your love of Emma and of your boys. Take care of yourself!

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  41. Sincere sympathy on your loss of Emmy Lou. She had a very loving home for all those years.

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  42. I am so sorry for your loss of Emmy Lou. May you and your family find peace in so many years of happy memories spent with her. She knows how much you all loved her. Your son wasn't able to be here when Dresden crossed but I feel there is an absolute reason he is here now. Peace to you all.

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  43. She was much loved and accommodated as she became elderly--so sweet. I have to take my elderly cat to the vet this week, she is about 15 and was a tiny kitten our teenager brought home from the mall, some little girls were giving them away. I'm afraid she has diabetes or kidney failure :(
    Love on those boys!

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  44. I'm so very sorry for you, I'm sure you will miss Emmy Lou very much. I hope you can take comfort in remembering the long and happy life she had with you.

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  45. Trying to rain here.

    You have had a rough transition these months home. At the same time it is a great time to be home and "train" the new critters. Hugs

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  46. So sorry to hear about Emma...our fur babies are so special. That is a long time to have a pet too! Tuesday started with a walk with my dog then starting to take things out of the garden...today it was onions. Putting them to dry so they can be stored for the winter. Still making dill pickles and eating beans.The zucchini is still growing so there will be more baking in my future as well.Hoping to fit in some sewing this afternoon!

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  47. Sweet girl so sorry that shes gone she had a very long loving life you gave her lots of love Bless you

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  48. So sad to hear this. Heartbreaking!
    Glad you got to spend time with your boys. My children haven’t seen each other for four years.

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  49. So sorry for your loss. I understand.

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  50. So sorry for your loss - they are part of the family --

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  51. So sorry for your loss. It never gets any easier. Remember the love!

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  52. Im so sorry for your loss. Glad your family was all together. Hugs

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  53. I cried for Emmy Lou 😭

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  54. Farewell, EmmyLou. I have a finished log cabin flimsy on my design wall, 2nd one in 2 weeks. Reduced the string bin.

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  55. So sorry about the loss of your sweet Emmy Lou ... losing a fur~baby is so very hard. Over the past year I lost several as you mentioned that you had. I lost my husband of 40 years (who was not one of my fur~babies) on 8/2/2019 then the next day we lost one of our dogs Angel, she was 13. Then, 2 months later our Xena got very sick & we lost her, she was 8 & that isn't horribly old for a dog. Then ~ at the end of January my beautiful long haired white kitty Chloe who was 14, she started failing & we lost her ... then, 3 weeks later my dog Brutus went on to cross the Rainbow Bridge (he was also 14). Every time I had to take them to our vet I would tell them to go look for their daddy, that he was waiting for them. I know that they knew what I was saying. Again, I am so sorry for the loss of Emmy Lou, It seems like this year has been full of so many losses!! God Bless you Bonnie as you remember your sweet girl!!

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  56. Loss is always difficult. The fact that you have Ivy and your sons is a wonderful comfort and I know you enjoy the blessings in the midst of the pain. Warm thoughts your way.

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  57. So sorry for your loss. How fortunate that you have been home this year to say goodbye to your fur babies. We lost our two dogs about 2 years apart and they were both 15 1/2 yrs. It seemed like we'd had old dogs forever. But they were loved completely to the end, as I know yours have been.
    So nice to see your boys together too. Again, good timing.

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  58. I’m so sorry about EmmyLou. It seems like times of loss come in waves. I love that your boys were with you. 💔

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  59. I'M SO SORRY TO READ OF EMMY LOU PASSING. PRAYERS FOR YOU. GLAD YOUR FINDING JOY IN YOUR BOYS.

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  60. Your lads - one like you, and one like Dave! Fine boys they are too.
    Run free Emmy Lou, climb the highest trees and chase whatever takes your fancy! So sorry, but boy was she loved to the fullest. Your decision to separate the ladies was right and she had a settled time to herself. Ivy will seek her out just in case Emmy is ready to pounce from a hidden corner, so will take a little while. But what a pair she and Zoey make. Lots of hugs to you all. xx

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  61. Bonnie, sending you and your family hugs from the other side of the world. It's always hard when a four footed family member crosses the rainbow bridge. Ivy was meant to be a part of your family at this time, she will be a purrrfect sewing companion. Simone from Melbourne Australia

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  62. how wonderful to have had Emmy Lou for 20 1/2 years! I too had a very special Kitten rescued when she was just about 2 weeks old, full of mites and worms. Her name was Muffin and she lived until she was 21 1/2 years. I still see her sometimes! I hope loving memories bring you comfort.

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  63. My condolences to you & your family on Emmy Lou’s passing. She will forever be in your hearts and minds...❤️❤️❤️❤️

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  64. Condolences to you and your family.
    Fur babies are forever in our hearts.
    My kitty (19 1/2) has been gone over a year and I still think I see him in the shadows.
    Love and prayers

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  65. So sorry for your loss. It is definitely hard when a pet has been around for a long time and the love goes both ways. Memories are a powerful thing!!

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  66. So hard to lose a pet. So glad you had all those years together. Hugs!

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  67. So very sorry Bonnie.Sending big hugs your way from North Dakota. ❤🙏🙏🙏

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  68. Dear Bonnie, you have such a gift for sharing your life with so many people who have never even met you. I wish you love, even as I feel sorrow over Emmy Lou’s passing. Many shoulders are here to give you and your family strength and love. Thank you!

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  69. Bonnie, I loved reading your post. I felt love and loss, family and adventure, cats and quilting to piece it all together. So much of what I love best in my life is the same. You could have written that story about me. Maybe someday I will find myself at your Quilt Retreat.
    Kindred Spirits, Debby

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  70. oh warm hugs for the loss of your fur baby .. I sure miss you live on youtube I just keep looking hoping someday you will pop back on .. Looks like your sewing up a storm .. hugs.

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  71. I can understand completely your comments about Emily Lou. We had to say goodbye to our Pumpkin - 19 1/2 yrs - back in April. And yes, we find pictures and other remembrances of our beloved pets for a long time We have another cat who is 16 already - have had her since she was 2 mos old (she was born on Mother's Day) and she's still doing ok. Maybe you could do a "Remembrance Quilt" with pictures of your past and present pets - after all, they're family too.

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  72. I am so very, very sorry for your loss of Emmy Lou. Bless her sweet heart. She will be waiting for you at the Rainbow Bridge, again young and vital forever.
    I'm so glad your boys could be there with you and your husband during this time. Our fur babies give us such unconditional love, and I so miss mine that have gone on before; they are always in our hearts even as we welcome new ones who join us along life's pathway. God Bless you and your family.

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  73. I can relate about Emmy. We had Moonbeam McSwine for 10 years or so. She crossed the Bridge over 20 years ago, and we still miss her sweetness and her way of poking her head over the base of the storm door and saying Meow when she wanted in. And her planting herself on Papa's laptop keyboard. You'll miss Emmy for a long time -- but it's important that somehow she knew she was loved! I hope that's a little bit of comfort that will grow as time passes.

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  74. So so sad, but what a fabulous photo you have of her. She looks simply gorgeous. My heart and thoughts are with you, I too lost my beloved kitty furball early in lockdown. Very difficult saying goodbye, but they never leave our thoughts. Take care.

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  75. Oh My Bonnie:
    I am so sorry for the loss of your Emmy Lou. I sat here tearing up as I was just now reading this blog. And, I have only known you since 2013, and started following your blog after you made your first trip to Soldotna, AK, teaching for the KPQG. I met you after the workshop, when you came to "Robin Place Fabrics", where I and Pat were holding down the shop amongst the summer tourists. I have been following the antics, and the final days of Emmy Lou, Sadie and Dresden. But, as a pet and animal lover I know the anquish of saying those final good byes. I have helped friends d the same, by accomanying them to the vet for that final trip. It never gets easier.

    I was gone all day Tuesday, starting with a dental appointment in the morning. And, I stil didn't get one errand done, as I had been gone all day, and just didn't want to take time to do it. I am glas you also had your son there to help you on your trip to Wlburg, and that you and the boys got to share Pizza together.

    Have a good Wednesday. It is raining here today, also, like most of the last two weeks.

    Donna
    Kasilof, AK

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  76. Sorry for your loss. Glad you could spend time with both your sons.

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  77. So sorry for your loss of EmmyLou. Hugs to you.<3

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  78. Dear Emmy Lou, we will miss mamas postings about you.Say Hi to Sadie for all of us. Dear Bonnie,my heart is holding you and your family. Feel the loss but also allow the memories. Looking forward to postings about Ivy, Zoey, and Lola. My heart knows what your heart is feeling. Quilting Love, Sandy

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  79. Aaaawwwww i am so sorry for your loss-es. I lost my Lily after 17 years and i waled-neighbors 2 blocks away could hear me. A dog got loose from owner on leash and attack my girl, sitting in her own yarden doing her thing!!!! I can not have another cat so my loss is huge... i see her still sitting in my new fabric or my fresh sheets...

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  80. When our cat reached 16, we realized that if he had been one of our kids, he'd be getting his drivers license, at 18 he could vote, he'd also probably be in college and if he had lived past 20, he would have been able to drink! We really miss our Oliver! So sorry your Emmy Lou is no longer with you.

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  81. "The fur will likely be found everywhere for years to come"...
    Yes it will. And may it bring you happiness, Bonnie. I am still finding ghost hair years after those who left it behind have been gone. And that is just fine with me. Hoping you can find peace as you gradually let her go (because the letting go never happens all at once).

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  82. They become a fixture in your home and heart. My boy Patches was 23 years and 3 months when he passed.I still miss him years later.

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