May 24, 2015

Superb Sunday Update 5/24/15

NATURE WALKS
The weather has been iffy the past couple of weeks.  On the nicer days, I went for walks during my lunch hour.  Who wouldn't enjoy these sights?






WORK
Long time readers know how much I've enjoyed my first few years for various reasons.  Last week was promotional products week.  Since my company is one of the top 10 promotional products distributors, we always participate in some sort of activity in support for the week.

Promotional Products Week 2014
Promotional Products Week 2015
My company is also a HUGE supporter of the American Cancer Society.  We do fundraising all year and have Relay For Life Teams.  One of the activities was to vote (with monetary donations) which costume our Sr. VP of Sales had to wear and parade through the office with.  The choices were: Sumo Wrestler, Jail Inmate, and Ballerina.  How does he look?



STITCHY STUFF
Finally!  I've recently had some happy dances.  First up is the April Monthly SAL.  The first three months, I had no problem with picking colors and visualizing what it'd look like finished.  For this one, I had more difficulty so I started out choosing two colors.  I stitched them and then moved on to the third and fourth colors.  I think it turned out pretty well.

Designer: Palkó 
Design: April Monthly SAL

Stitched on 28ct linen with DMC Color
Variations 4110, Six Strand Sweets
Cherry Pie, and DMC 564 and 594.

My second finish is the Patriotic Mailart I was working on for an exchange I'm in.  Since I want it to be a surprise to the recipient, I don't want show the entire project.  Here's a sneak peak, though!


I had good timing on my finishes because a 'traveling chart' arrived in the mail from Debbie in Canada. 

Floss Toss
I just happened to have most of the floss colors in my stash.  The fabric is a left over piece  of Silkweavers I had in my stash also.  It's so great not having to go out and buy supplies!  This was a quick stitch. I finished it in one weekend.


Design: Love Is Best
Designer: Lizzie Kate
Fabric: Silkweaver Solo 32ct Turquoise Evenweave
Fibers: DMC, GAST
 
I ended up making a few floss substitutions.  DMC 930 for GAST Midnight, GAST Asparagus for Evergreen, and GAST Hydrangea (limited edition) for Slate.
 
If you would like to be included in the drawing for the traveling pattern, leave a comment letting me know.  I'll draw a name on Saturday, May 30th.
 
So far, it's been stitched by:
•  Kim at Wisdom with Needle and Thread.  Iowa, USA
•  Debbie at Debbie's Corner.  British Columbia, Canada
•  Meari at Meari's Musings.  Illinois, USA
 
Who's next?
 
OTHER CRAFTING
I had to come up with two projects involving hot glue for a survey I was involved with.  Although I've used hot glue in the past, my conclusion is that it's really for craft projects that don't involve precision.  Repairs, forget it... unless again, the glue is not going to be seen... ever.  Let's face it, a glob of hard glue and strings everywhere don't make for good projects.

One of the projects I came up with was to make window clings.  This would be a fun project for older children with supervision.


Yeah, yeah... I know... It's not winter.  One of the snowflakes looks like a spiderweb, doesn't it?  There's actually glitter on the word "Snow", but the photo doesn't show it very well. 

One can attach it to the window with strategically placed dabs of hot glue.  (Or, you could just "draw" right on the window with the glue.  It comes off easily.)

I ended up doing this three times on three different mediums before I got it right.  Waxed paper and aluminum foil do not fare well as a work surface for this project.  The glue adhered to them and I ended up shredding both the paper and foil trying to get the clings off.  I ended up using a piece of steel my brother gave me for another project.  A cookie sheet would work well, too.  I free hand drew the word and snowflakes with a white quilting pencil before wielding the glue gun.  Once the glue cooled, the clings peeled off easily.

CELESTE

 
Celeste's Life In Pictures: HERE

Last Thursday, I spent a late night in the ER... the animal ER, that is. When I got home from work, my furbaby was breathing funny and I found that she had urinated on the floor and apparently had laid in it or fallen in it as it was all over her rear hip and on her back. She refused to go for a walk.... which is her MOST favorite thing to do. The behaviors she'd been exhibiting just weren't her.

Found out from the ER vet, Celeste has congestive heart failure and a heart murmur. I was sent home with enough meds to get us through Monday. The ER vet said without meds, she'd have days to live.  I feel so bad for her. Anyone have a doggie with this condition? 

I made an appointment on Friday with our normal vet to see how to proceed. Celeste has been put on Vetmedin for the heart condition and Lasix for the fluid and edema. The vet said Vetmedin is the best med on the market for the heart. Since Celeste is so little, I can get a 50 day supply and cut them in half. The cost would be about $35. Lasix is about $7. She has to be on the meds for the rest of her life. So for about $25/mo., I can keep her comfortable. The vet said the meds work really fast, and also said with this sort of condition, dogs can live years but can also drop over in a day. They have no way of knowing when it'll happen. For now, Celeste's personality and appetite is back to normal.  She's not as active in playing, though.

FREEBIE OF THE WEEK


Three Little Words
by
Lizzie Kate

25 comments:

Anonymous said...

Meari,

Gorgeous pictures and stitching!

I'm sorry Celeste has a serious problem. She has given and hopefully will continue to give you so much joy. It sounds like you have a very sensible vet.

Sally

Cricket-bug Corner said...

Hope Celest is feeling better soon. your pictures are so green -the plants I mean!

Irene said...

Sorry to read about Celeste. I'm sure her life will be happy, however long it is.

All the best

StitchinByTheLake said...

Your poor baby! I know you must be so thankful to have caught this and that there are meds that are relatively inexpensive to counter it. I'm working on a patriotic piece right now so I'll be anxious to see yours. And I'd love to be included in the drawing! blessings, marlene

Vickie said...

Oh Meari, I am sorry Celeste has this condition. I hope she lives comfortably many more years with you.
Please include me in the giveaway. Thank you!

Anonymous said...

I looked thru several things You looked lovely for the wedding,I am happy that you little dog will be with you longer it s so cute! The snowflakes are beautiful thanks for telling us how you did them. Your stitching is beautiful.

Karen V
Fitchburg MA USA

Anonymous said...

Meari

I always enjoy to look your blog

Beautiful pictures

We still have so cold here that I cant even drink coffee outside yet :( but hopely soon

Tinna

Robin in Virginia said...

Sorry to read about Celeste, but happy to hear the medications seem to be helping!

I really like your finished Love is Best piece. It looks great on the blue fabric.

Enjoy your week!

Robin in Virginia

Debbie said...

Glad to hear that Celeste is improving!

The hot glue ideas are great!

Lucky you with the beautiful nature walks!

take care

Anonymous said...

Meari,

I always enjoy reading your blog. Sending best wishes for Celeste to be happy with you for many years. Love all your stitching projects. You have a lovely area to take walks - so pretty. Happy Memorial Day!
Nancy V in TN :-)

Anonymous said...


HI Meari :) looks like your boss is a fun guy :) gorgeous stitching and the plants are gorgeous .. hope your wee furbaby responds well to the treatment for a long time ... she is gorgeous ... love mouse xxxx

Anonymous said...

Oh, Meari - so sorry to hear about your furbaby. I hope the meds work wonders, and she keeps you company for many, many more years. She is a real cutie. What kind of furbaby is she?

I love the colors you used for the SAL. It looks very bright and "spring-y". And your traveling chart looks really cute. Good job as always.

Dorrie

Patti-Rocky Mtn Stitcher said...

Nice to enjoy life work and crafts. Yep life is good.

gominam said...

Beautiful stitching. I hope Celeste continues to improve.

Anonymous said...

Meari,

Your April SAL piece looks very cheerful. You really chose great colours.

I am sorry to hear about Celeste's heart condition. She is such a pretty dog. At least you have some medications that will keep you together for some more years.

Tara Kimberley Torme

Deb said...

Wishing your puppy the best in comfort.
Lovely stitching! Love your Lizzie Kate. Well done on your company promotions.

Anonymous said...

Meari, sorry to hear that Celeste has heart problems and hope the meds work for her.

Lovely place to walk during your lunch hour.

Beautiful stitching as usual.

Marl

Pam in IL said...

So glad to hear Celeste is feeling better! Great finishes and I love the colors you chose for them. I'd like to be included in the chance to stitch the traveling pattern.

Angela said...

Love the colors you chose for your SAL piece! I would love a chance to be a part of the traveling pattern and I sure hope that Celeste is feeling better really soon. She is just adorable :)

Kay said...

So many beautiful pictures and love your stitching as always. Glad to hear Celeste is doing ok, I hope she continues to do well.

Marexstitch said...

Cute SAL piece and love the LK finish. Glad you got your girl to the vet in time. My Amy has been on meds this past year and seems to be doing well. It's about 90 a month for her medicine.

Lillie said...

Wow ! what a pretty sight. The promotional product week look like a lot of fun. Thumbs up to 'Mr Ballerina'.

Beautiful stitching and Celeste is adorable.

margestitchynotes said...

I hope that Celeste is doing better. She is so adorable! Will continue t pray for you both. Your stitching looks great! I love the Mr Ballerina! He is such a good sport. Your nature pictures are beautiful!

Anonymous said...

Meari, Your photos are awesome: green, serene and peaceful - what a beautiful spot! Little Celeste is precious. What a cutie pie, very photogenic. I'm sending lots of positive healing vibes.

Marina

Anonymous said...

Love to see your updates! Sorry to hear about your fur baby.

Carmie