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Friday, March 06, 2026

ALL. DAY. LONG!


Welcome to Porch Season!

I'm still holding my breath.  Our warmer temps into the 70s this week may still trigger some cataclysmic ice event and send us back into snowmageddon, but for now we are taking things one day at a time and dang well enjoying every moment of porch time we can get!

This photo was taken last evening after 6pm (YAY! It's still daylight!) after my return trip from the vent with Tula. I was gone ALL. DAY. LONG!


This poor little fluffer has had enough of this, and so have we all.

I know you are likely tired of hearing about it too, but this is my life (and my pocketbook.) and the poor thing was just awful yesterday morning so I called the vet, told them what was going on, dropped her into  her carrier and away we went.

I thought it was just for an antibiotic shot.  It turned into much more.

They sedated her.  They flushed her eye socket cavity.  They flushed her sinuses to get out more yuck. They packed her eye socket with antibiotics directly in there to help. They took full facial x-rays while she was out so  we can be sure that infection is not turning into osteomyelitis like the leg infection we dealt with a couple of years ago. And they re-stitched her incision closed. No staples this time - actual stitches. (Thank you.)

How many of her 9 lives does this cat have left?

I've got more antibiotics to give her orally once a day, and a pill for pain/inflammation to give her once a day.

And it's a whole thing.

They told me it would take a while to do all of this so why didn't I go get some lunch and run some errands?

Chinese buffet it was.  I probably ate my weight in General Tso's chicken with assorted other stir fried things while I was worrying -


And then because I had time, and the weather was fine and I didn't know what else to do I went, got gas (Up go the gas prices!) and got a car wash.


The colors in this soap made me think of my Dogwood Daze quilt! 

I've checked the branches on the dogwood tree in front of the inn, and though not ready to bloom yet, I know it won't be far off.  Thank you, spring!

At any rate - short-story-long: I didn't leave the vet until after 5pm which meant I was there for nearly 6 hours with a break for lunch and a carwash.


While I was away, the quilters were at play!  Michelle is close to getting her Grassy Creek  quilt together sans string sashings.


She has found a wonderful grey print that is working just as well!


Cute cute cute!


This one is called Twist Tie - and fabric choice makes all the difference!


Something colorful is happening here in batiks!


This one is called Spring Garden and I love the fabrics she has chosen.  Sometimes a fabric switch makes all the difference in the world.


Carpenter's Star baby quilt!

It's never too early to sew for the holidays -


Into the Woods is the project goal for this retreat!


Smith Mountain Morning from Scraps & Shirttails II is underway here - I can't wait to see this grow.

Today's weather is supposed to be devine.

I asked last night if anyone would feel up to a dirt road hike today - to resounding yeses!

It's a good thing I got the van washed - now I'll have to do something about the inside.  LOL!

Something I read this morning that is sticking with me:

"Psychology says the happiest people after 70 aren’t the ones who found purpose — They’re the ones who stopped demanding that every day justify itself, and that permission to exist without producing, achieving, or proving was the thing their happiness was waiting behind the entire time."

Hooo boy.

This! I have spent my entire life producing, achieving, pushing forward. When will it be okay just to exist and be happy and doing little to nothing? I'm 64. And in some ways I'm tired.

So through the weekend my plan is to enjoy relax time on the porch. Take nature walks with the quilters. Sew a bit, read a bit. And not much else.

Last Day To Reserve Your Spot:

Are you dreaming of coming with me to Romania in June? June is stated to be the most beautiful month to visit. I can't wait.

We are into the last days of signups and registration will be closing soon.

We still have some spots available, and I was told that the cut off date for those who wish to join me is March 6th - so hurry! Get your reservation in NOW!


Of course, our whole trip isn't solely about quilting - we will be hitting all of the fabulous spots Romania has to offer. Hubbies, Partners, Adult Children, Siblings, Friends are all welcome. You don't have to be a quilter to enjoy this trip!


Things we have planned:

  • Visiting to the UNESCO World Heritage village of Sighisoara.
  • Driving through the beautiful rolling hills of Transylvania.
  • Self-guided tour and free time to explore the Muzeul Micul Paris.
  • Visiting the Bran Village Museum to learn more about Romania's history.
  • A tour of the spectacular Palace of Parliament in Bucharest with a local professional guide.
  • Panoramic city tour of Bucharest with a local professional guide.
  • A tour of Dracula’s Castle (Bran Castle) in Transylvania.
  • A welcome dinner, introductions, and orientation meeting.
  • Free time to explore and photograph the Bucharest Botanical Gardens.
  • An optional cooking lesson making traditional Romanian cuisine.
  • Delicious buffet breakfast served daily at the hotel.
  • A leisurely walking tour and shopping opportunity in the craft village Comana.
  • Panoramic city tour of Brasov with a local professional guide.
  • A professional Craftours travel manager throughout your entire journey.
  • Tour of Peles Castle, former Summer Palace of the Romanian Royal Family.
  • Panoramic city tour of Bucharest with a local professional guide.
  • Special “farewell dinner” at our hotel in Bucharest.
  • Visiting the Liberty Bear Sanctuary to see bears in a very special and protected habitat.

Find out more on my Craftours travel page and join us!


Quiltville Quote of the Day -

Quiet the noise in your head, and listen to your heart.

What is it telling you?

Have a fantastic Friday 
everyone -

 

16 comments:

  1. Anonymous9:14 AM EST

    Poor Tula. 💕
    I wish I could go on this trip with you but we are in the middle of downsizing. Getting new smaller house ready to move into with many things to do ($$$) and after moved will have to get current large house ready ($$$) to sell, while getting ready to take care of the two yards simultaneously. And traveling back and forth an hour each way. Hang in there with all you have to do--what choice do we have? Hope to travel with you again.

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  2. Anonymous9:18 AM EST

    I’m never tired of hearing how Tilda is doing. And all of your pets. Please keep updating how they and you are doing

    Marie Wilson

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  3. the poor creature...would have been merciful to let her go in the beginning....

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    Replies
    1. Really!! You had to take time to make a comment like that after Bonnie has gone above and beyond .

      Delete
  4. Anonymous9:32 AM EST

    I was a go getter. Had to be doing something to accomplish something. A few years ago I found out that it was good to be able to just sit, lie down, etc., and let the world go by. Now, at 87, I don't get much done, and I look at my quilts and UFO's but I don't have much motivation. It happens. Thank you for your posts. I look forward to them every day and hope that your kitty gets well soon.

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  5. Ginny Clyne9:38 AM EST

    Poor little Tula. She has really been through the ringer with the eye issue. I will keep her in my prayers that this is the answer to her health problems. I am sure she does not like the vet at this point.

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  6. Anonymous9:46 AM EST

    I am 66 and still feel I have to accomplish something every day. There is so much to do and so little time in the day. I long for the days when I have nothing to do but sew all day every day! And we are NOT tired of hearing about Tula and all of your animals. Plenty of us are worried about her too. Best wishes for a speedy recovery. Fran in Wa.

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  7. Oh Tula! Poor kitty. Yea for Spring and day hikes! Pretty quilt blocks on the wall. My Grassy Creek is still in a tote. Those strings, ugh! How many Grays did I buy for those? It's a FriYay!

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  8. Joan Marshall10:30 AM EST

    Just hang in there Bonnie and remember you are doing your best for Tula, giving her a chance to live out her life. This from another mom, my oldest daughter is also 64. And someone made an illegal turn and totalled her car, luckily she only has some bruses. It's snowing here in Colorado so I'm going downstairs and sewing.

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  9. Regarding that quote about happiness after 70: you only stop “producing, achieving, proving”. You don’t stop DOING and MAKING. You try new things without worrying if they meet some goal. You have fun. Dot in NC

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  10. I love how you are thinking about quilts and quilting even when you are at the car wash. And I totally agree, it does look like your Dogwood Daze quilt. Poor Tula. I am glad for her that you crossed her path and have taken such good care of her.

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  11. Anonymous11:05 AM EST

    Tula is so lucky to have found you and to be loved. Hope her healing goes well. Enjoy some relaxation and thank you for all your posts, hearing about your life lifts the spirits especially with this horrible war, Sylvia

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  12. Anonymous11:42 AM EST

    We don't get tired of hearing about Tula. We'd do the same as you. We'll keep her in our prayers and you too!! Have a blessed day.
    Janet Carroll

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  13. Anna in IL12:01 PM EST

    Bonnie, you really do need to start a gofund me page for Tula and your other furry family. I know that many of us would toss in a bit of cash to help you ensure that the care of these family members doesn't become too overwhelming.
    Raining here but if it lets up, I may go out and do some vintage goodies hunting. This weekend is the Vintage Shop Hop in Wisconsin and Northern Illinois plus the Northern Illinois Quilt Shop Hop is going on. Two fun filled hops, involving things I love, sign me up!
    Have a great weekend and enjoy that weather.
    Anna in IL

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  14. Anonymous12:29 PM EST

    Bonnie......In regards to Tula.......I'm so grateful that you have taken such great care of her. I know this has tallied up to be quite expensive. I know this has been suggested before but I just felt I wanted to bring it up again, for your consideration!! Is there any way you would allow some of us, who love Kitties, to donate something that would go towards Tula's Vet Bill. I would be blessed if you would let us do that. Thank you for your consideration.

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  15. Anonymous12:55 PM EST

    I have been a lifelong doer. Even if I’m not physically doing something, my mind is thinking of things to do, should do, want to do. Meditation, in that relaxing place, porch, window view, is what I am trying now at 72. Permission to not do or think about doing. And, I schedule (make a list) of my doings so I don’t have so many bunny trails crop up in my day!

    ReplyDelete

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