etsy — Page 21

Excavating

February 17, 2012 at 9:54 am by Claudia

Pretty, isn’t it? That guy – a very nice guy, by the way – is looking at our septic system. It’s been acting up lately – we’ve noticed some leakage, even though the tank has been recently emptied. Fast forward to more digging with the excavator, more pipes uncovered. All filled with tree roots. The leach field is shot. So we have to get a new one installed today and tomorrow.

For, oh, about $7000.00.

You can imagine what kind of day we had yesterday. I can think of all kinds of things I could do for $7000.00 – all of which would be a little more fun, a little more pretty, than a leach field.

These roots have apparently been doing this for years. We’re the lucky owners who have discovered it. And the roots are from the weeping willow, which means the willow is going to have to come down. It’s old and fragile and every time we have a big wind storm we worry it’s going to fall. Now that we know how troublesome the roots are – to the tune of 7K – we have no choice but to take it down.

And it breaks my heart. It’s my favorite tree on the property. It’s one of the reasons I fell in love with this house. I’ve already told Don that I will not be around on the day that happens. I simply couldn’t bear watching my sweet willow come down. I cry every time I think of it.

So that’s what’s happening at Mockingbird Hill Cottage.

I have to show you at least one pretty thing today. Meredith made this beautiful shawl/scarf in the softest gray. It has tiny sequins in it. Oh my goodness. It’s beautiful. And it’s going in the shop this weekend, along with another beautiful shawl. I’m crocheting like crazy and hope to be adding more Obsession Scarves this weekend as well.

Enjoy your Friday.

A Stealth Attack

February 13, 2012 at 10:04 am by Claudia

Our boy Riley has issues. One of them: absolutely no to any nail cutting. He will instinctively try to bite anyone who goes near his nails. In the past, we’ve dealt with this by giving him a little sedative before a visit to the Vet hospital. He would get pleasantly groggy and the deed would be done. But the last few times he’s had the sedative, he’s had an increasingly bad reaction to it. The last reaction was so strong that he was out of it for over 24 hours. Obviously we will not use it any longer.

But the nails are a problem. Especially for a boy who is finding it harder and harder to get around, especially on the hardwood floors in the kitchen, because of the progressive disease that has hit his spine. (Yes, we have throw rugs, but they can’t cover every inch of space.) What to do?

Stealth nail cutting. Last night, I sneaked the nail cutters into the den (on my dinner tray.) When he was finally fast asleep, I knelt beside him and clipped whatever nails I could get to. This will have to be a slow process over the course of several evenings – especially since I got a little over-zealous and clipped one nail a bit too much, causing it to bleed. Luckily I have some of that stuff that Vets use to stop the bleeding.

I know better. I used to work for a Vet. Lesson learned a second time. He’s okay, the sweet boy. More nail cutting is scheduled for tonight.

(I originally wrote ‘snuck.’ But then I wondered if that was the correct past tense of sneak. Turns out it isn’t. So ‘sneaked’ it is.)

Finished another scarf – this one is wool in a deep red shade. Is it just me or is red hard to photograph? The beautiful scarf that Mer wove was a challenge – I never seemed to capture the right shade. Too much fussing in photo editing invariably made the red too brassy. Both scarves are deep, yummy shades of red.

More yarn is on the way. Some of you have requested special orders or missed out on one of the color combinations. I’ll do my best to get them in the shop as quickly as my fingers and hook will let me. I’m also crocheting some more in the silk and bamboo combination – they are perfect for spring and summer and feel so silky to the touch.

I’m off to run some errands on this Monday morning. Have a great day.

Shipping Department

February 11, 2012 at 2:11 pm by Claudia

Greetings from my shipping facility.

The kitchen. In my pajamas (of course.) Note box of donuts over on the counter.

My assistant, Riley.

This morning was all about wrapping and boxing.

Then a trip to the post office. The scarves are on their way! And one of Meredith’s shawls sold this morning. I guess we have a little business! I have all sorts of ideas for more handmade treasures. So does Mer.

Thank you for your orders. Thank you for your support.

As you can see, I’m still playing with fonts – this time with my watermark. I really like this one – unfortunately, it’s on Picnik. Darn it! Why the heck does Google have to mess with Picnik? I wish they’d rethink that ill-advised decision. Picnik is still the easiest, best way to make a collage and to edit photos. Google, are you listening?

What are your plans for the day?

Excavating

A Stealth Attack

Shipping Department

claudiahillsparks

Lambs Like to Party

A Note

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