Latest Folly

I don't need another hobby, and I sure don't need one that's going to zap all my self-esteem - not to mention my poor dog's. But I'm a glutton for punishment.



Every week, Darby gets fluffier and fluffier, and I started thinking about that twice-a-year grooming bill - $65 each time - and figured I might could learn to do that. Last week I started with scissors and trimmed a little each day, but considering she's like a small black sheep, I didn't see too much improvement. My niece was here last week and told me all about how she has clippers and trims her parents' dog. She worked at a vet's office, and told me it "wasn't that hard." Hmmm.

And it wasn't too hard at first, but I was nervous, and the closer I got to the skin, the patchier it looked. I could just stand to work on her about 10 minutes a day, and now she's started grabbing her puppy and running out the door when she sees me pick up the clippers. I have to trick her into coming to me, and then she will relax a little. She seems to be perkier though with her short haircut. I'll just try to hide her for awhile.

I saw this picture yesterday. It's not Darby, although it could be. It made me laugh because it's so similar. I truly had that much hair and maybe more.

(I think I'm supposed to give credit for pictures I borrow, but I can't remember where this one came from.)

The niece, Robin, who tricked me into thinking this would be easy came to pick up a serger that Mama was giving her and ate lunch with us. It was a nice visit. We don't see her often enough.

Passing down the talent and skipping a generation. I still haven't taken the time to figure out mine.





Robin's a good seamstress. She taught herself to sew and makes a lot of her clothes, including the dress above. I didn't get a good picture of it, but it has ruffles, beads, tucks, lace, all kind of complicated things. I know she'll put it to good use.

So here are my pitiful "before" pictures. These are the first projects Mike and I are working on when he gets here. Is this not sad? It's just been too hot to go outside and do anything.



And here's the biggie. The pretty berries are lost in all those limbs, and it's moving into the neighbors' yard. With the cool weather and not having to work so many hours, I think we'll enjoy it working on it.

I'll have "after" pictures maybe Monday.

Waking Up

Let's see if I still remember how to do this.

There haven't been any skies like that last picture since then. The vine stilll grows and flourishes in the heat and dryness. A welcome sight since I've let everything else dry up.

It was a long nap, and things are changing. I've been "reminded" a few times lately that I need to at least come here every week or so. I wasn't sure if anyone would notice.

The biggest change is that Mike is finally coming back home to live. We've joked about changing the blog to "Keeping my Sanity in Alabama." We're both wondering how it's going to be sharing spaces again.

I can't say it's been fun making do on my own these past years, but I've learned a lot - how to be more responsible, for one thing. No one is going to get those bills out on time except me, and no one is going to push the trash can to the street except me. I've learned how to repair things around the house or find someone who can - or ignore it. On the other hand, we both have our things we like to do, and it will be interesting to see how we combine them.

I'm totally looking forward to it. We've held our breath and jumped into the Medicare/Social Security world. Just a little intimidating, but maybe it will be fine. We're both looking forward to a little more freedom although I will work part time. I might see some fabric I need every once in awhile.

I also need to change colors or pictures or something to make this blog pretty, but I probably won't if it takes any time or patience.

At least I'm creeping back in slowly.