I don’t make it a habit to post twice in one day. However, I had to share something with you that just happened an hour ago. If you’ve read the earlier October 1st post, you know we were dealing with a leak in the kitchen yesterday caused by a combination of too many leaves in the gutters and torrential rains. Tending to that took a few hours. Thank goodness we were home.

I’m going to be honest. I had an argument with my father last night that kept me awake for about 3 hours in the middle of the night. The worries about my mother continue. I have a dog (Riley) who seems to have lost control and periodically poops in the house. This morning, after keeping him outside for a long time, I relented, let him in and he promptly pooped on the floor. We are dealing, as are many of you, with financial worries. This morning, I sat down and cried my heart out for a while. I just needed that release.

No sooner had I done that than I heard the toot of our mail carrier’s horn. That means a package has been left down at the mailbox.

The box was from my dear friend, Donna of An Enchanted Cottage. Donna is one of the first bloggers I was privileged to meet and we have been friends ever since. She is a lovely person with a heart of gold. She also loves all animals, as I do and we bonded initially because of that shared love. She also has a beautiful home. Donna’s father is fragile, so we have that worry in common, as well.

I found this inside the box. Donna had enclosed a card, which couldn’t have been more perfect.

If you read Donna’s blog, you know that she has a cat. She also has chipmunks and a squirrel named Sammy that hang out on her property. She is the Chipmunk/Squirrel Whisperer. Look what I found:

Beautiful notecards with gorgeous cherubs. I’ve written many times about my love of cherubs. My beloved cherub painting is hanging on the wall of our bedroom. These are beautiful, aren’t they? There was one more package, taped so tightly that I must admit I had no idea what it was.

Yes, I gasped. Two beautiful saucers in the Spode Claudia pattern! I mentioned this pattern at the very end of a previous blog post – my friend Jill had alerted me to its existence. I thought it looked like a perfect pattern to collect. Someday. I kept the photo Jill sent me on the desktop of my laptop. Every once in a while I would look at it. I don’t know where Donna found these, but I’m here to tell you they are beautiful. Even my husband remarked on how lovely they are.

Beautiful crazing. And I love that mark – “Spode’s Claudia.” I didn’t know that Spode loved me so much!

This gift, arriving out of the blue, for no reason other than my friend knows I’m having a hard time right now, was perfectly timed. As if on cue. I am so touched and grateful. Thank you, dear friend. I am blessed.

Ah yes, a slightly rainy, humid Thursday morning with a cup of coffee and…what’s that to the left? Yep. Poison Ivy Care. I regret to say that after 5 years of successfully navigating the poison ivy that grows all around this property, it finally won. Don’t know how, don’t know when. My right ankle is the lucky recipient of this lovely rash and it’s driving me nuts. I don’t know how all of you do it when you get a really bad attack! Mine is limited to the ankle and thank goodness for that. It might be getting ever so slightly better.

This time I didn’t leave the flowered mug behind in San Diego. I’m not sure why I left it there last year, but gosh darn it, I bought it and it deserves to be holding my coffee in MHC. Doesn’t it look at home here?

Today is cleaning day. After I get my tush in gear, it will be full throttle for me, cleaning gear in hand. I will be taking no prisoners. The dogs will be bored, of course…I care not.

Remember the beautiful gift Maryjane gave me when we spent the afternoon together in San Diego? I’ve been wondering where to hang it. The other day when I was fussing with the studio, I hit upon an idea. What do you think?

Let’s face it, the front of the craft table is a boring white. Maryjane, you have come to the rescue! Your gorgeous garland looks perfect here and it makes me happy.

I’m off to spritz some more treatment spray on my ankle and start my cleaning. Have a great day.