Paint That Porch!

I arrived to park in my No Parking Anytime (Except for Bonnie) spot behind the QPO to find both Tula and Flash sunning themselves - while at the same time keeping an eye on and being wary of the painting activity going on in their normal porch domain.

They were not going near that chaos no matter that their breakfast bowls were waiting by the garage.

So - as a dutiful cat mom does, I hand carried their morning bowls to where THEY were....because....

Cat mom obeys.

I mean, who can blame them?  There is this scary bearded Paul Bunyan type mountain man spreading that grey sticky wet stuff everywhere!

My facebook memories showed me that it's been 4 years to THIS DAY since we last painted the porch floor.  It's time.

This is the view I captured when I went to retrieve said breakfast bowls...

I can see why they are kind of not wanting anything to do with this - it upset their world!

It's a big job and I'm grateful to son Jeff for giving us his time and abilities and helping us keep things ship (porch) shape around here.

Painting should be finished today - it has plenty of time to dry and be ready for Susan's retreat arriving on Wednesday afternoon at 4pm.

Oh, that that dresser looking thing on the old well cover - that's the new cat condo, and I caught Tula resting on top of it the other day.  She has also been seen exiting the inside so it's a winner.

They will be so warm this winter.

And yes - Flash shared the old house with her last winter - that's how we knew we needed to start caring for him too. 

This one has a heated pad and you can set the temperature on it. They will be cozy.

I've had emails asking of Flash is friendly yet - truth is he may never be.

But we care for them anyway. We just do.  

He has come to trust us more and more, even with the  change over of retreats moving in and out weekly.  And if he is happy to just be around, even if we never get to pet him, if that is as much trust as he has to offer, we'll accept that.

Tula is an exceptional case...she loves pets and tummy rubs and ear scratches and she purrs and has come such a long way.  Just don't pick her up - she wants all 4 paws on the ground at all times.

We all have our limits.

Excerpt from yesterday's pattern writing desk day.

It was 5:22pm when I finially left the QPO.  

I do pretty well when it comes to taking close up photos of construction techniques while making the quilt.

The thing I need to do better with is taking pictures of multiple methods of construction  showing optional methods for those not using my Essential Triangle Tool.

I'll be writing along and get to a point where - "Oh shoot!  I didn't write the "draw a line stitch and flip" option!" and I have to stop, cut fabric, take photos of construction, upload photos, download photos, edit photos...and import into document and add text.

But at this point I don't feel like I can provide only ONE method that requires a specialty ruler.  

Yes, I know it adds pages to the pattern - but people need to choose the method that best works with their skill set, so I do it.

Anyway - The text/photo portion is done.  I need to go back, proof read again (slowly) and fix any formatting issues.

I need a cover page.  I need full-page assembly diagrams and images for the back of the pattern and I think we'll have this one nailed.

I'm planning on releasing this one when I am back to the states.  Tuesday, September 23rd I have my flights from NY back to TN and my drive home - if I can get it together it will release on that day while I'm traveling.

Knowing that there are often travel snafus...don't be surprised if you don't see it until Wednesday, September 24th!

I think you are going to love this one -

And if the pink/orange combination of Flane Azalea flowers aren't for you - what about choosing other colors that you love together.  Imagine this one in holiday fabrics for the upcoming season?  I can't wait to see waht you do with it.

One mroe rosette center as we watched Tony & Ziva!

(Yes, that's a kiwi in the center!)

For those wondering if Zoey still "goes upside down" - this was her antics while playing with her orange sqeaky snake last night.

So today - a bit of pattern work and THEN...

MACHINE TIME!

It's my last day before retreat and travel ramps up again.  I need to make as much use of it as I can!

How about your plans for today?

Quiltville Quote of the Day -

I 100% agree with this statement.

I need a daily dose of needle and thread to keep the crazies away.

You too?

Have a terrific Tuesday, everyone!