First off, Scout is much calmer, much more the girl I usually see every day. Thank goodness.
Part of that is due to getting used to this new space, to seeing me leave and come back (Mom isn’t going to abandon me) and, ta-dah! some more rugs. I had some coaching sessions in the morning yesterday and a note session with the cast and the director, after which I ran back here, walked Scout, gave her some food, and took off for Target.
I was at my most efficient because I wanted to get back before rush hour and an impending storm. Target. Trader Joe’s. Back in a little over an hour. There was no time to explore other options; my schedule is full, and this break in the day was an unexpected gift. The rest of the week involves lots of run-throughs and my presence will be required.
After thinking and worrying and studying the whole thing, I decided two long, inexpensive runners would do the trick in the long hallway. That way I could use the green mats which had previously been scattered up and down the hallway in the kitchen. And maybe a rug for in front of/under the dining room table – the area where Scout likes to explore, then slip and fall down. Budget is always a concern for us, as it is for most everyone, so I wanted to get rugs that we could use at home, if necessary. Remember, we have hardwood floors at home and they are becoming more slippery for Scout as she ages, so I can see the runners being used in the kitchen.
I’m happy to say that Dame Scout is a much happier doggie. In fact, she is going to be your tour guide:
I was going to get a solid color, but there was nothing available that I liked. However, a little aqua in a sort of Pennsylvania Dutch Hex pattern is very sweet. Do you agree, Scout?
Sans Scout.
A green mat trail to the water dish.
The Wall. This is the not-so-pretty solution to a forbidden, slippery area of the room. That red rug will work perfectly just inside our kitchen door.
Take that, Scout the Explorer!
The flowers from TJ’s are in a plastic pitcher found in the cupboards. Where there’s a will, there’s a way.
This rug was already here. And you can see a glimpse of the one in front of the sofa, supplied by company management. And Scout’s quilt, of course. She fell asleep on the quilt last night.
Excuse Scout while she dines.
See? Happier. More secure. Worth it.
There are about 6 more rugs than I would prefer in this space but Miss Scout’s safety and security is the most important thing here in Hartford. Once I realized she was adjusting to her new pathways, my shoulders dropped.
Then I got that feeling I get when I’ve settled into a new space. Same feeling I had when I moved into a tiny studio apartment in Philadelphia as I was just about to start graduate school. There was only one window – a small one at that – in that space. It looked out onto a back alley. But when I got my things in there and turned on the lamps and everything was in place, I had my own little shelter, my own little nest. That feeling has repeated itself in my life whenever I’ve moved into a new space, whether it was a studio apartment (and there were many), a bedroom in a house, a dorm room, a rental house, a hotel suite, our little cottage, or temporary company housing. If I can add little or big touches that make the space more personal, regardless of the size or location, then I’m a happy camper.
Now it feels like our little haven away from home. Now we’re back to the good part of our adventure.
New post up on Just Let Me Finish This Page.
Happy Wednesday.
Those patterned rugs make the place!
I like them, too, Laura! Pretty patterns. Thanks so much!
That Scout is just the sweetest thing ever. Lucky pup.
She is a gem, for sure.
Claudia, That is clever of you…to line the slick floors with rugs…I bet that did set Scout at ease. Hope it works well till both of you can be back home with Don. Blessings, xoxo,Susie
I get home before Don, Susie. He won’t be back from his job until November.
Great job, Claudia! I’m SO HAPPY Scout is happy too! Enjoy your day.
Me too! I can relax a bit.
Pretty rugs! Scout is such a beautiful creature—her personality just speaks through those beautiful eyes and infectious smile. I do not know how anyone, dog lover or not, could pass her by in the park without a smile or kind word! Glad to hear the apartment has made her calm and happy once again :-)
She is adorable. She just charmed someone in the elevator!
Glad she is feeling happy…and the rugs make the place feel more like home…
Yes they do and, bonus, they give her a steady surface to walk on!
I really like the patterned rug! Pretty colors and of course a smiling Miss Scout! She is just adorable and I’m glad that both of you are more relaxed now! Wishing you a great day and Scout a restful one!
hugs,
Linda
Thank you, Linda. Home on my lunch break and Scout is deeply asleep. So I think she’s relaxing!
Yep, I really like that Pennsylvania Dutch rug too. And what counts most is that good old Scout can manuever around safely. Your new little nest is now beautifully-feathered. Hope you’re both getting more rest and feeling better too.
I’m feeling better. Still coughing, but not as much. We’re both much better today!
“Now we’re back to the good part of our adventure.”
So happy to read that!!
Hope you both have a wonderful day with a walk or two in the park!! yay!
We’ve already had one walk in the park and will have another one when I get back home at the end of the day.
Well-done, Claudia. Now you have serenity back in your life. I can feel the positive vibes from here. Thanks to Sweet Scout for the guided tour. She’s a natural.
She’s an excellent tour guide!
I have the same “rug path” in my house for my two dogs that need help walking. Makes a big difference for them to get around. Outside is no problem, the traction is good, but with slick floors it’s the only option.
You’re so right, Gina. Outside is so much easier, isn’t it?
Scout looks very relaxed. Mission accomplished! You are a very loving Momma.
Well, what’s not to love?
Love the new rugs!
Thanks, Sharron!
Glad you found some solutions for your sweet doggy! I know it is a load off your mind – and shoulders!
Our dog is in ICU right now, we hope to bring her home tomorrow to continue her recovery from an FCE. Right now she can’t walk at all so we are scared and worried but hopeful. Her episode was a week ago tomorrow. Recovery is not guaranteed but she is worth the effort to get her back to at least a semblance of herself — a dog who can walk and potty and enjoy life, even if not at the pace she was at before. We have really missed our Polly!
The patterned rugs are really colorful and pretty!
I just looked up FCE. Oh, poor baby! I’m so sorry. Prayers headed Polly’s way for a full recovery. Hang in there.
Thank you for the tour, Scout! So glad you are settling in and feel safer with the rugs. Your mom picked some nice ones, by the way. They make it cozier.
It is much cozier in here now. And Scoutie feels safer. All is well.
Hello Claudia, Glad you and Scout are happier. Doris
We are settled in now, Doris.
Love this post. She is just so beautiful!!! I can hardly stand not being able to hug her.
She would love to be hugged, Jane!
It sounds like the Hill-Sparks girls are having a very nice day!!..I am so glad to hear that..Thank you for showing us your lovely new rugs Miss Scoutie..It is good to see you smiling again..May you and Mom have an equally nice evening!
We’re both dining at the moment, Nancy. It’s been a long, but good day.
Great choice on the runners…they are quite pretty. They had a little spark! ;)
Thanks, Donnamae!
So glad you’re feeling settled in again. Scout looks very happy and content!
I can see Scouts smile in one of the pictures. She looks so happy in that one. You know I can see the differencein here between this place and the last place. She looks more at peace. Like she doesn’t need to pace around.
I am so glad that you both are settling in. It makes life a lot easier doesn’t it.
Perfect! If Scout is happy so is Claudia. Hope you’re having a better day.
You two will be nice and cozy there together. Love that you added flowers to make it more like home.
Mary XX
So glad the runners are working. I love the circle pattern with the turquoise ones. I can see them in your cottage for sure.