Happy Birthday Brother James!

James celebrated a milestone birthday on Friday, April 6th.  We took the opportunity to head to the mountains on Saturday to share in the celebration.

It was a simply beautiful day, all bright Carolina Blue Skies and sunshine, with a chance of rain at 0%.  We scurried around the house in the morning, packing up hams and wine and changes of clothes and puppies.  Ama and Colt went with us, which always makes for a smile.

The drive was beautiful and the puppies loved their new transport in the back of Mr. Bryant's truck, complete with a camper top and a padded carpeted floor.  We had the windows open and Bella and Jack enjoyed the air ruffling their fur as we drove.  When we pulled into the McFadden homestead the puppies exploded with talking and barking, ready to get out and see their cousins.  Mr. Bryant opened up the back and in seconds they were down and begging to get through the gate.

We had lots of puppy fun, and hugs all around.  Drinks and snacks, stories and jokes, laughing and breaking bread with family.  BarBQue and fruit, salads and Mrs. Hanson's World Famous pineapple cheese casserole made for a delicious dinner, with Hummingbird Cake providing a perfect finish.  ADR, Stephanie, Asa and Jaya all came along shortly, and James' Aunts and Uncles also arrived to join in the party and stay for a long visit.  James blew out his cake candles handily, which surely promised an auspicious coming year.

 
I didn't ask everyone to get together for a photo.  They always tease about that - but now I don't have one of those great group shots. Next time, family, be warned - I will not hesitate to insist on everyone smiling at the camera!

We took the time to enjoy the McFadden's yard which is always easy.  We sat some on the screened in front porch under the deep eves and enjoyed the view, taking mental notes and day dreaming with inspiration about someday property in the country.  It was a wonderful day, and filled me with appreciation for my family and this wonderful life.

Today: Income Taxes All Day.

Now: DONE!  Ready for a break, maybe a walk with the puppies, maybe a dinner out.  Planning for another busy work week, I feel like I need some time off.  I have so much writing and drawing and napping to do!

South 21 on a Saturday Night

Saturday Night Special!

Saturday, Mr. Bryant and I were both tired from working all day.  He had been working outside in the heat and so was dehydrated quite a bit.  I had been working inside cleaning the craft room and office.  Though we both made good progress, we were ENTIRELY too tired to cook.  Thinking about cooking made us both even tireder.

I walked out to the garage and Mr. Bryant was just putting up his tools from welding on the second gate (Lady Banks gate) when my cell phone rang.  I answered and while I was chatting away Mr. Bryant made the oddest motions.  He pointed at the puppies (both panting), pointed to the curb and the old toyota wagon, made a steering motion, and then acted like he was eating.  Lucky for me, married to him after all these years, I actually could interpret the story.

I wend into the kitchen, grabbed the dog leashes, and hung up the phone.  Outside the garage was all locked up and the puppies were both quite excited.  We leashed them for the short walk to the car and they both jumped right in to the back.  (I need to get a car with a low thresh-hold like that!  They can't jump into my car, and they are both too big to pick up.)

Ready to go, shut the door!

We had the radio on and the windows down and headed out the road, humming a little him.  Jack loved the window, sticking his head out and enjoying the breeze.  His tongue hung out the whole time, and everyone we passed waved at him.  Bella was a little more cautious with her head at the other window, just sniffing daintily at the passing air.  We drove through the neighborhood and then caught the highway for the minute drive to South 21 Drive In.

Comprehensive Menu

The South 21 has been around for a long long time.  It is one of those old drive in restaurants where you pull up to the speaker and order and the waiters bring the food to the car.  It is absolutely Southern Home Cooked junk food, and such a yummy occasional treat!  The food is delivered on brown plastic trays that remind me of the kind from the school lunch cafeteria, and is server on paper plates.  Black gentlemen in black slacks, red shirts, and black hats, bring out the orders, and they always looking very dapper. People even order take out at the South 21, gathering up boxes of delicious bar-b-que and fried chicken from the little cooking building to carry home.

We saw very interesting cars at the South 21 on Saturday - new convertibles, interesting modified trucks, unique restorations.  We, of course, arrived in the old toyota but we have the big attraction in the back.  :)

Got burgers?

We ordered and our food was delivered along with some great conversation and a few oohs and aahs about the puppies.  Bella and Jack got to have a french fry or two as an appetizer while their plain hamburgers cool on the dashboard.  We listened to the radio and talked with the servers as they passed by, and the puppies got to watch the people and enjoy a night out. 

Supper in the pick up truck makes for fun people watching!

Once we are done eating they each were rewarded with a plain burger to call their own - and of course, Jack ate his fast and Bella ate hers dainty, but there was absolutely not even a crumb left over.  It was dark by the time we got on the road for home, and we all enjoyed the cooler air and the quick ride.  We had more fun that trouble, and that is a pretty good measurement in my mind.  I have a feeling that we will be back.

Blast!

 I have been gone for a bit.  Sometimes life is like that, giving us more stories to share if we can find the time to write them. 

On Monday, we were walking the big puppies out to the park.  I heard a noise that sounded oddly familiar as we walked past the house on the corner and crossed the busy street, but Mr. Bryant and I were chatting and catching up so I didn't notice it too much - but as it continued I thought - What is that?  It sounds like a bird, making a sound like a cat.  Probably a mockingbird.  I looked around at the big oak trees out of curiosity, but didn't see anything.  The sound persisted, though - and when we got across the street I turned around and looked back.  There, near the neighbors bushes, was a tiny teeny itty bitty little black kitten, crying her heart out.  She was looking right at us, and crying with all her heart, little tiny cries.  Mr. Bryant and I looked at each other, looked at the big puppies on our leads, and quickly came back across the road - because by this time that tiny little thing had started purposefully coming towards us, crying all the while.

As we got back across the street, the kitten hopped up on the neighbors steps and stood her ground, her front legs firmly planted, crying and crying.

"She is so tiny!" "She isn't afraid of the puppies." "She is desperate." "She must be starving."

Mr. Bryant held both puppies and I went to the neighbors door and knocked and knocked.  Our lovely young neighbor came to the door and I told her, "You have a kitten out on your steps.  It looks like she is starving!"  "Oh my goodness, I thought I saw a kitten, but when I drove by this evening it wasn't there."  "Well it is there now, and super hungry."  "I have a friend that is a vet, I bet she will help me."  "Great!  You should feed it tonight though, and then try to catch it."

We walked towards the steps together, and the little kitten ducked under them and then looked out at us both, crying plaintively.  "What do you feed a kitten this old, do you know?"  "Sure, give it some tuna and milk, I think.  And water, lots of water.  After you feed it you can probably catch it, but be sure to hold it by the scruff of the neck, because it will be afraid and try to bite you."

It didn't even look like the kittens claws were fully developed yet, and she was still meowing while we were talking.  Our neighbor went into the house to get food, and we waited until she came back out before we continued our walk.  We didn't want that little one coming out onto the road and getting smashed.

As we continued our walk, we talked about how the kitten could have shown up at such an odd spot, the intersection of two busy streets, with no other kittens, no mother cat around, nothing.  Mr. Bryant got a bit angry as he talked about the kind of people that would throw a kitten out of the car to fend for itself, especially one this tiny.  Good GRIEF.  We decided that it was probably about five weeks old.  When we came back by the steps there was an empty food dish on the steps, and I was relived that the kitten was going to find a new home in the morning.

* * * *
Two days later, we were taking the puppies out again, about the same time of day - and out from the steps came the kitten!  Crying and looking at us, bolder about coming onto the street and not being fearful of the big puppies at all.  Mr. Bryant and I were stunned.  "Why didn't she get the kitten?"  "You know, I don't think she knows how to catch it.  I thought she seemed really tentative about that."  "It looks like she isn't home and that kitten is HUNGRY."  "What do you want to do?"  "I will put the dogs back in the yard and bring some food.  You stay with the kitten so it doesn't come out in the road." 

So I stayed, and talked to the little kitten.  She looked right at me, crying softly, letting me know that she needed help please, help please.  Mr. Bryant came back with milk and tuna, and as I put it into the little bowl the kitten attacked it ravenously.  She was so hungry she almost attacked my hand.  Mr. Bryant and I watched her eat, and discussed what to do.  The neighbor wasn't home, and Mr. Bryant didn't want to have the kitten follow us out into the traffic.

"Well, she obviously hasn't taken her to the vet yet, because she probably is just afraid to catch her."  "How do you know it is a 'she'?"  "I don't, but she looks like a little girl to me.  Look, I could pick her up right now."  "Well pick her up then!"  "What will we do with her?"


"I don't know honey," Mr. Bryant said, "but if you are going to save this little kitten, SAVE IT."

I reached down and picked up the kitten, who promptly bit my hand.  I held her firmly against me and she settled down and got real still.  We walked back to the house, and Mr. Bryant told me to wait outside the gate while he put up the puppies.  I petted the little kittens head, scratching behind her ears.  When Mr. Bryant motioned me to come in he had already set up Chrissie's big crate in the garage.  We put water and a litter box (made from a shoe box lid) into the crate along with a big soft pet cushion (we have a few!) and a dish of kitten chow.  By this time I was petting the kitten and she was still very quiet in my hand.  I put her onto the pillow and she immediately went to the food dish and started chowing down.  

Good Grief.

We went and got those puppies that were SO curious and SO ready for their walk, and off we went.  The neighbor was home by now, so we stopped and knocked. 


"We have the kitten."  "Oh thank goodness! I wondered what had happened!  You know, I have been calling her Opal, and I was concerned when I looked for her and she wasn't anywhere around."

We explained that we caught her because we were concerned about her following us.  She said that she was so glad we had her, because she was honestly a bit afraid of cats, and the kitten had tried to attack her hand over the food.  She was concerned that it might be sick.  I told her that I honestly believed that she was afraid, and starving.  We agreed that I would bring her the kitten in the morning, all ready for a trip to the vet.


When we got home I put the cat carrier into the crate.  "There you go Opal.  Maybe you can sleep there in the carrier.  Nothing to fear tonight."

The next morning I went out to get the kitten.  She had slept ON the cat carrier, but wasn't anxious or frantic.  She had used the litter box, eaten most of the food, and was ready to be petted and held.  Mr. Bryant was angry all over again.  "This isn't a wild kitten, that's for sure.  It would never be comfortable with people all ready.  This is such a tiny little thing that it shouldn't be away from its mother."
 

The kitten was chasing my finger and letting me pet her, such a sweetie.

 I caught her up in my hand and gave her a hug before putting her in the carrier.  She looked directly at me with all the trust she could hold.  "She has an amazing gaze."  "Of course.  She asked us for help and she trusts us to provide it."  "She is precious."

Into the carrier and off to the neighbors, who said she was taking the kitten to the vet that morning.  The next afternoon, a full week after we first saw the kitten, I stopped by to ask how things had gone.  She invited me in and there, in the back room playing on the floor, was the kitten in question.  "Oh my goodness.  They wouldn't take her?"  

"None of the no-kill shelters have any space.  They loved her at the vets, and said she was JUST six weeks old.  They gave her the first shots, de-wormed her, gave her flea treatment, tested her for everything and gave her a clean bill of health.  But we haven't found her a home yet.  I am giving myself until Tuesday to find a home for her.  I am asking everyone."
 
"We will ask too."

So here is Opal.  Precious, sweet, all black from head to toe.  Fighting for her life.  Let me know if you know anyone that wants a kitten.

Rosie's Gate

Rosie's Gate

Mr. Bryant and ADR spent so much time on the fence, that there was nothing for it but to create gates that were amazing works of art.  They had planned for three walking gates in the fence, and then one large gate that runs across the driveway.

Back in December after the fence was done, there was a two week period with no gates.  Every time little Bella needed to go outside (and that was every 20 minutes), I had to bundle up, leash her up, and out we went to walk around the cold yard.  Many times it was rainy, but it always seemed to me to be freezing for those outside trips.  We had piles of coats on every chair, scarves and hats and mittens on every table.  I was not at my happiest with stuff everywhere, on top of more stuff, not to mention having to go out for a walk every 20 minutes.

I complained to Mr. Bryant, and he took action at his first opportunity.  He, Bella, and ADR created a "Christmas Miracle" back in December, and put up temporary barriers across all the gate spaces.  Mr. Bryant did make one working gate, back at the back driveway.  He called this gate "Rosie's Gate," as she is always in and out this gate when she visits.  The gate was very plain, though, and not to his liking because it didn't close as securely as he wanted, and the lock was makeshift.  We really want these gates secured, so this has been a source of concern for months.

The security matters to us, like many things, because of our history.  Years ago, before cell phones (seriously, there was such a time), we had two amazing dogs - a Newfoundland (Christmas Carol "Chrissie") and an Australian Shepard "Buck."  Chrissie was the younger of the two, and pretty sweet most of the time.  She was happy and loving with a Newfoundland's great heart, and the most beautiful Newf I ever seen, in a very rare color called Cream.  She was most precious to me and I miss her still to this day.

Buck was another matter.  He was large for an Aussie, black with a white blaze on his chest.  He had been mercilessly teased by construction workers in a new development when he was a little puppy, and the teasing had made him afraid and super super protective.  It took him a long time to trust people, but once he trusted you, he believed in you without question for the rest of his life.  He was the most dedicated dog I have ever known. He held my heart.

I knew we were safe as long as we had Buck, because NO ONE could come into the yard or the house uninvited - not even family.  He meant business, and he loved us to complete and total distraction.  He was deeply loved and I miss him still, oh so very much.

Back then, back there, we had a fenced in yard for two reasons - we had an in ground pool and we had the dogs.  The gates were always closed and we had Beware of Dog signs up on each gate.  One day while we were at work, someone came and opened the gate.  We think they were going to take a dip in the pool, but the dogs surprised them and when they took off running they left the gate open.  The dogs were out - and it was hours before we got home to set things right.  Buck wouldn't even let the postman up on the porch to deliver the mail.  It was mayhem, and we nearly lost them both that day, as we lived on a busy neighborhood cut through street.  When I think about it my heart gets tight again, even now.


So now that we have puppies again after all these years, we need the gates to have locks, to close even when they aren't pushed.  We need good strong gates that no one uninvited can open.  And we need gates that are works of art.  That show our love of mixed natural materials.  That tell our story, that allow Mr. Bryant time to play with welding, and that give the puppies a way to see out.  The gates, they are taking some time to make. In fact, only one is almost done - and the rest are still in design and materials collection stages.


Above, you see Rosie's Gate.  Still not done, but much closer.  Up on hinges in its space, with a solid lock to keep the puppies safe.  I do love it, with the wood and the metal, the textures, the excellent workmanship.  Mr. Bryant said it was so heavy he could hardly lift it, but is swings gently on the hinges, like it weighs nothing.

More to come as the finished product is ready.  :)

Everybody Loves Marshmellows

I can't eat them during Lent. But nobody said they didn't make great treats......


The puppies can catch them, but Max just reaches up Mr. Bryant's leg and takes them right out of his hand. :)

NEW PUPPY PICTURES

Quick update for the curious. :)

These pups are actually hard to take pictures of. When I get the camera out, they both come running to play - so they are all up in my face and I can't get good shots. Mr. Bryant and I will work together on some this weekend. In the mean time, here are a few.....since all the fur bellies in my house got baths on Saturday.

Sketching and Puppies

No, I have no time. No time to do anything but work, clean the kitchen floor again, take puppies in and out, and work some more. But I refuse to fall into the winter blues. The pups make that hard anyway, as they always make me chuckle for some reason (can you imagine)?

I want to be Just Like You!

I just really want Out Of Here.
I PROMISE I won't go to the bathroom on the floor!
I PROMISE!

Just to be sure I keep a broader focus, I am reading some classics - and they really make me smile. I am also participating in the Sketchbook Challenge. I decided to do this when I can for as long as makes sense, with no pressure. A nice, easy, New Years Resolution that gives me an excuse to do something creative for a few minutes a day - or a week.


So in January, I made four pages. January's theme for the Challenge was "Highly Valued." I don't know how to draw, so I had no idea how to capture what I highly value in a sketchbook. So here is what I came up with.

First, I started with a list. I learned quite a bit on this page - not the least of it was that watercolor will STILL warp a page and also that I needed something to paint in matte vs. gloss for a finish.


Next, I did this page - actually page three in the book - to try to demonstrate the value of logic, thinking, words, reading, writing, thought.

Some of my most favorite words are on this page.

Along with this great stamp - the ability to write - the cornerstone of democracy!

Third, this second page of the book started on the back of the warped first page with a startling red acrylic, that then I needed to find some way to make sense of. At the fire-y heart of it, is love, you see.

You can see the warping in the page - but I muddled through anyway.

And found two little works of tiny art would make the center - well - more centered.

But life is less full without inspiration...

And Family is the root of it all, for me.

Finally, I finished this page today, just in time. I had a time getting this one done, as I had to make a decision. What do I value more? Honesty, or Kindness? How about you?

Page 4 in progress.

Page 4 finished.