How Could I Not?

She came meowing. To the backdoor of the QPO studio.

I opened the door, asked her what she wanted, and she walked right in like she owned the place.

I sat in my chair, she jumped into my lap and immediately started making biscuits.

I said "Okay, then." and I grabbed Tula's brush and started to brush her fur and the purring got louder.

She head bumps.  She rubs.  She "makes muffins" as my son used to call it when he was little because he couldn't remember the word "biscuits."

She was bound and determined not only to work her way into the studio, but into my heart.

Oh, little lady - what am I going to do with you?

With these poses, I think she needs a thirst trap name.  LOL!

She made herself comfy here while I was string piecing border units.  Just make yourself at home like you own the place!

I've been mulling around names that come to me based on her personality. (SHAMELESS!)

Phoebe?  I always liked Phoebe, but that seems a bit stuffy really.  I don't think she acts like a Phoebe.

Shilo by Neal Diamond came over my Pandora and I played with that one for a while.  It's Shilo with no H for the song.  And though I like the sentiment, I don't think she looks like a Shilo either.

I really am leaning into Hazel Grey.  It's somewhat dignified.  Dave rolls his eyes and says "Why do you always pick old lady names?"

Ivy, Lola, Tallulah, Mabel, would all like a word with that statement.

I always have preferred interesting people names over cutesy animal names like "Snuggles" or "Freckles" or "Sweet Pea."  Even if we did have a wonderful dog named Buddy in our past.

I'm not into food names like "Biscuit"  "Muffin" "Cookie" or "Cocoa."

We've had a Gretchen and a Ginger and an Ollie Boy - a nickname that came from his formal name of Oliver.

We had a Heidi and a Holly adopted as a sister pair that took up residence under our single-wide mobile home when our family was just getting started.

We've had Emmie Lou and Oscar. 

Early in our married life we also had a cat named TROUBLE because she was nothing but.

I'm not asking for suggestions of names. I'm pretty settled on Hazel Grey. I say this because someone is going to comment "Why not name her Annie?" Because I guess in my mind I've already named her Hazel.

Up on the cutting table and begging for pets now, are you?

And in the mail order station basket giving me "the look."

She understands the assignment of "If I fits, I sits."

Claiming the Sunnyside quilt as if it was made for her.

I have never seen a cat this affectionate.  And I know that she isn't bothered by Flash. I just don't know about putting her and Tula in the same space were I to bring Tula back to the QPO.

And how much sewing got done yesterday? NOT MUCH!

I did decide to go with borders - still undecided if I really want to take on hand quilting this ...but I'm still leaning toward it.

Two side inner borders are on, the top and bottom inner borders are cut, but I haven't added them yet.

I had things to do at the inn for today's retreater arrival - and this was still going on to clear the abundant snow we have had this winter so people will be able to unload their gear and have a place to park:

I can see the gravel!  This is a huge improvement!

What you still see is SOLID ice after the snow was scraped off.

Hubster Dave was working in conjunction with the sunshine and 60 degree weather which was causing everything to melt at a fairly good clip.

We thought if he would get it down to the ice that the sun would help do it's job.

To give you an idea of just how thick the ice was, the remainder finally slid off the roof yesterday.

So much crazy thick ice!

But by the time we were leaving:

YAY!

It may be a bit muddy, but the ladies will be able to maneuver their cars without worry of slipping on ice.

Folks have been asking for a Tula update now that we are 4 weeks post surgery.

She still prefers the upstairs bathroom.  I think she feels safe in there.  She is wandering the loft a bit (There is a gate at the top of the stairs to keep the other animals out.) and this is her new favorite spot.  Can you see here?

Can you see her now?

She sits, peeks out and observes.  She and Zoey have kissed noses a few times, but Tula will hiss if Zoey gets too "in her face."

I'm still bringing her down a couple of times a day for lap time.

This morning she stayed more than 10 minutes and I believe she actually allowed herself to relax and fall asleep a bit. 

This is the first time that she has curled up feeling secure like this.  She wasn't so "on guard."  I think we are making progress.

Today? Hoping to get the rest of the inner border on and finish what I need in the string pieced border department.

And waiting to welcome the February Quiltvillians.

Let the 2026 retreat season begin!

Quiltville Quote of the Day -

The Baptist Fan hand quilting gets me going every time.  This is why I'm leaning toward hand quilting!

Also -

Dave and I had our monthly chiropractor visits yesterday afternoon and afterwards went for pizza.

We call it date night in our 60s!

Have a wonderful Wednesday, everyone!