Rory, my Birthday and stash

What a gorgeous day it is here. Not only is the weather beautiful but it is my Birthday!

I had been dreading today. I hate turning another year older. (Yes, I am vain about my age.) But especially because this is the first one without my Mom. My Mom always did something special for me. And even though she was so sick, last year was no exception. Her gift to me was walking the length of the house with her walker. And she did! What made it sad was that it was the last time she did it. The next day she went into congestive heart failure and her physical condition weakened even more. Even the hospice nurse predicted that she only had two more days!! (Mom fooled them all since she fought and remained with me for another six months!) But she was unable to walk more than a couple of feet after that. Special days like this I miss her so much.

Yes, I feel a little sad but now I have this little guy to help keep me smiling. And boy, does he ever. Sweet and loving and FULL of mischief! And smart as a whip. In one weeks time he has learned sit and down. To stay off the kitchen counters and table. That the furniture is his and that the cat is fun to chase. We are still working on not pulling and chewing my clothes, the cushions on the furniture (he loves to pull them off), the throws from the furniture, the tablecoth, my toes, my shoes and slippers. I can't wait for the teething stage to end in about three to four months.
Whew. I had forgotten how much work a puppy is! It has been fifteen years since I've had a puppy. I'll tell you I am tired at the end of the day. Heck, by lunchtime! But it is so worth it. I am so thankful for this birthday (and Christmas) gift from my brother. I really didn't even realize how much I missed having a dog.

Speaking of gifts. I belong to a Birthday exchange group, part of the ILCS yahoo group. And these wonderful ladies sent me some really great stitchy gifts. THANK YOU ALL!

What did I get? Lots of patterns, some linen, floss a couple of stitched gifts and, well, the pictures below will show you all the really great stash I've gotten.

Top left are from Lisa and Tracy. Top right from Mary and Jennifer. Bottom left from Ashrei and Debbie Jo. Bottom right from Rene.

Above from Debra. Thank you so very much Girlfriend! I LOVE it all!!

To the right from Evalina. I can't wait to start this swan.

Below is from Carolyn. I am definitely starting this one tonight!

Close up of the gorgeous fob was made and sent to me by my sweet friend Carolyn.

And from another online group I belong to has a Birthday card and floss exchange. From that one I have a ton of new floss to add to my collection. Again. Thank you Ladies. This has been so much fun.

Now to see if my little guy will let me get some stitching in today.

Until next time ...........

Love, stitches and licks

Kathy

and Rory too