Patty Skypants

Can you help us?

2012-02-11T08:39:00.000-08:00

Bhu had his annual vet appointment yesterday and got his shots and "behaved well." Generally, it went well: he acts much younger than his age and he impressed with his handsomeness and masculine demeanor! He hasn't lost any weight, but he is in the early stages of CRF, which means no more Fancy Feast and no more Appetizers!

The vet has made several suggestions for low protein foods that will help and I asked her if she knew of any recipes for home-made versions. So, I am asking all Bhu's furrends out there if you have any opinions or experiences with these foods and if you have recipes would you please share? I am googling the topic and finding information and some recipes, but nothing beats personal experience.

There was also some chatter about subcutaneous feeding, about which I am currently in denial. Have any of you had experience with this?

Today's photo is courtesy of Ann at Zoolatry. She made this portrait of Bhu long ago and I love it. Thank you, Ann! xxoo Patty

"Busy"

2012-02-06T06:59:00.000-08:00

Bhu: Hai! I wants to apawlogize fur mai mom 'caws she hasn't been blogging very much lately. I will let her 'splain.
Patty: Well, I've been busy Bhu.
Bhu: You always say that. What exacktly duz that mean "BUSY?"
Patty: Doing laundry, ironing, going to market to get Appetizer and Fancy Feast, going to the office every day, mailing stuff for Poppy, going to the doctor,sewing, reading and taking care of you and Poppy!
Bhu: Well, yes . . . the Appetizers and Fancee Feests IS impawtant!
Patty: How do you like my new fabrics? I'm going to be making more aprons and bags from these. Most are Amy Butler, but there are a few other designers in there. By the way, I am going to start "Give-Aways" this year, so keep an eye open for that. In the meantime, don't forget next Tuesday is Valentine's Day! xxoo Patty

A lovely weekend

2012-01-29T17:21:00.000-08:00

The weekend was very nice! Wonderful sun puddles everywhere I went. Mommy and Poppy had a good time together and I even got lots of ear scritches and pets! We went to visit GJ and he is doing better, so purrayers do work, sez mom. I'm kinda missin' Maggy, but mom sez Zoolatry is "off limits" fur a couple of weeks. Hope Maggy is okay! Anyway, mom is makin' another cheezecake -- she sez this is a diffurrent one than the last time (it has creeem cheeze in it). She's also been sewing lots of diffurrent things and sez she will show pitchers this week.
"That's PICtures, Bhu. You know, photographs."
Oh well, whutteffur. Hope you all had a lovely weekend, too. xxoo Bhu

How I want to be fed:

2012-01-25T13:44:00.000-08:00

Effurrybody needs a purrsonalized kitty bowl. Get one here!

Plasma Blob Zooms Toward Earth!

2012-01-21T13:08:00.000-08:00

Seriously! The sun had a hissy fit and this thing got disconnected and is hurtling toward us at the speed of 2 million MPH! Should be here by early morning (EST, CST, PST? Who knows!) Aside from that bit of news, I have a few photos to share. If you notice the blog has a "new look" also. Unfortunately, my banner is now undersized, as are most of my photos. Anyhoo, this is my interpretation of the bull's eye quilt using Flora fabrics. It is double-sided and I had so much fun designing this (copyright pending)! Also, I have become addicted to making these bull's eyes! This is 40 x 40.
I also made this prototype for an apron that I plan to make for a friend who moved to what she calls a "hobby farm." It is, essentially, a harvest apron--the front part is one huge pocket. I got the idea from one of thirty or so sewing/crafting books I borrowed from the library this winter, so don't ask me which one . . . but the apron I've made takes only it's shape from the one in the book. My version is much sturdier, easier to wear and embellished. The fabrics are vintage (cotton by Peter Pan) and reminded me of feedsacks -- perfect for a farm apron.
Oh, and just in case the blob interrupts electronic communication in your area, here is a book I highly recommend. Flowers of the Renaissance! Perfect read for a cold winter day.
Bhu is sleeping, as usual.
The niacin is still causing horrible side effects.
We're having meatloaf for dinner.
xxoo Patty

Heart Full of Grace

2012-01-16T15:25:00.001-08:00

Bhu has a "new" place to snooze. Actually, in the last fourteen years, I'm sure this has been his favorite place a number of times! He's in a curly mood today. He's also doing a lot of "yakking up." Must have got into something, but I can't figure out what. Usually, it's plastic of some sort; or he gets into the basement foyer and nibbles on the sweet potato plant.

Today I finished the quilt made with the Flora fabrics, but haven't had time to take a photo yet. Also had a major allergic reaction this morning . . . felt like fire ants biting my ankles! I took a niacin tablet (just a B vitamin, right?) but forgot to take the baby aspirin an hour earlier. The doctor sez taking the baby aspirin lessens the Flushing effect of the niacin. Well, naturally, I turned BEET RED and then the fire ants in my pants! EEEYIII! Quickly, I swallowed the baby aspirin and an hour later the flushing and the fire ants subsided. Have you ever?? I also did some research about niacin and the side effects and found that one type of niacin -- the one it seems is most readily available in all grocery stores and pharmacies -- is highly hepatotoxic (damages the liver)! So I spent the day searching the pharmacy and natural foods stores and got the non-prescription formula that I thought would be safest. "Mom, why U take niacin anyway?" My doctor said it might work to lower my bad cholesterol, Bhu. Wonder if it will work.

The first week of 2012

2012-01-08T14:31:00.000-08:00

Bhu's wish came true: "That I have as much Appetizer as I want."
I made this pair of handwarmers.
This was my REAL New York cheesecake made with ricotta, NOT cream cheese. Mr. Skypants loved it, but says he prefers the kind made with cream cheese. What can I say; he was born in Chicago (the SECOND city). Hmpph.
This was my birthday present, wrapped by Mr. Skypants himself. Wrapping is not his forte; buying IS. He loves to shop, whereas I do not. But I do like to make stuff and I have already made two things for him this year: a key case and a 'droid case.

We hope you have had a good start to the year! xxoo Patty & Bhu

Last Day of the Year

2011-12-31T13:00:00.001-08:00

Bhu is ending 2011 A.D. in much the same way he started it: sleeping in a sunny spot. "Vitamin D is good fur U!" How true, and I was lucky enough to get some of it myself. First, I did laundry and hung it up outside because it is in the 60's today. Then I put out more bird seed and found a new place for the suet feeders. We went to the library, to the natural food store for coffee, and to the Goodwill and bought two new dishes for your Fancy Feast, Bhu. Then, I worked on this project -- the last of the year!
I love using the tiny little scraps that are leftover from the quilt projects so I decided to make a cover for my little sketch book. I love the 30's fabrics; they are so colorful and cheerful, much like the "modern" fabrics.
Some of the quilting/sewing bloggers are posting "restrospectives" featuring the projects completed during the year. Probably, if I had "planned," I would have tagged all the posts with quilts and sewing projects. But I didn't. Maybe I'll do that from now on. Or maybe I'll just wait until next year. xxoo Patty

Merry Kissmess to All!

2011-12-25T06:40:00.000-08:00

xxoo Patty, Bhu & Sabryin

Gotcha!

2011-12-18T08:11:00.000-08:00

Sabryin had begun complaining that Sofie didn't want to sit in his lap much, so I decided to get him another kitteh for his birthday. On December 18 we went to pick him up from the breeder. In the back seat of the car, he had his own little quilt to keep him warm and he kept chortling -- it was his first ride ever! He sounded more like a dolphin than a kitteh. Inside the house, he was right at home, running hither and thither -- a little Tasmanian Devil with wild red eyes! But that first night in his new home, it was clear he preferred his mom over his poppy. "You fed me." I guess it's a simple as that.

We love the boy! xxoo Patty & Sabryin

Cheesecake Sunday

2011-12-11T15:47:00.000-08:00

"Effury once in a while, I will give you a pose that is photo-worthy. You have to be purrepared fur it and even if it IS July U needs to take the shot when I gives it to U or it will be lost FURREVER! Don't worry! U can use it in Decembrrrr when it is kissmess time." [or at least that's what I imagined he was saying to me at the time]

I have made a cheesecake. Three pounds of ricotta, six eggs, cream, vanilla, four teaspoons of orange blossom water and two cups of sugar. It's supposed to bake in a 350 degree oven for one hour; it's been two and the middle is still jigglin'! OY! So, I took it out and now it has shrunk about an inch. Nevertheless, it looks golden and smells divine. You wonder why I have not included a photo of this event and the reason is because the 'puter that has Photoshop on it is in use by Sabryin (but mostly because I am lazy).

Things have been busy around the homestead here (not because of xmas). We're very sad about the turn of events in Ginger Jasper's life and wish his mom & dad well through the journey. Bhu's Gotcha Day is coming up (the 17th) and it has been a delightful fourteen years!! We luv ya, Bhu! Bhu?

zzzzzzzzzzzz

In Bonaire . . .

2011-12-05T18:45:00.001-08:00

they have donkeys instead of squirrels. xxoo Patty

(photo by my SIL)

Thanks, Part 1

2011-11-24T15:43:00.001-08:00

I saw this project on a sewist's blog and it is so screechingly simple. I could make a hundred of these in one day, I bet. I don't want to, but I could. Right after I made this I realized I had no tissues to insert. A few minutes later I had to move two full-size quilts into the quilt closet but there were four vintage purses in the way, so moved them out and put the quilts in. I decided to clean out the purses and found lots of money and stuff and a little purse-sized packet of tissues!! Perfect!
This ornament will be a gift. I had a bit of fun making a box for it and a "nametag" (free-motion wrote the giftee's name in red on white batting, pinked the edges, slit the batting and slipped red ribbon through it). Getting the buttons for this was a three-hour process because I got side-tracked sorting through a gallon-sized bag of buttons! Remember when the buttons on pea coats had anchors on them? I found a lot of woven leather buttons from preppy tweeds we used to wear in the olden days.

"We thank efurryone who visits here and hope you all have many good people in your lives. It doesn't matter if you have a sumptuous meal; only if you have love in your heart!" xxoo Bhu
Ditto! xxoo Patty & Sabryin

Giving, Part 1

2011-11-22T16:06:00.000-08:00

Several years ago, my DD gave Sabryin a really cool fleece hat that she made from a pattern. He loved it and so did I. However, there was only one hat and two heads that wanted to wear it! So I asked her to make me one, but that never happened. So some weeks ago I finally broke down and got some colorful fleece at JoAnn Fabrics and used our only hat to make a pattern. May I introduce to you: PINKY! Isn't she purrty? Confession: it took me four days to figure out how to make a pom-pom (you'll note there are FIVE on the hat). It fits, it is warm and I love it and I am almost certain I will not have to worry about Sabryin borrowing it. I thank him very much for never complaining when I borrowed his.

What do you think, Bhu? "Too much PINKS! AND, there seems to be something missing here . . . like mai FANCEE FEEST!"

P.S. Many, many thanks to Ann of Zoolatry for the super cool new banner!! We love you, Ann! "Ok, mom, and say that I love Maggy, too." You just did, Bhu. xxoo

DIDDIT!

2011-11-15T17:20:00.000-08:00

I finally finished it! The photo shows the blocks on the floor awaiting the final sewing, which took about three hours because it was SO HEAVY! My poor little feed dogs were wimpin' out on me. Now I know why I don't do this often! For a small quilt or a lap-size, qayg is not a problem. But for a queen-size . . . just too heavy. But I LOVE it! And I got it done before the snow flies! :-)

These are some new fabrics that I am going to use for projects this winter:
--Amy Butler fabrics that were on sale 40% last month. No way I was gonna pass that up!
--Flora fabrics from Moda that I saw last week. I was going to order these online, but there they were, right in front of the store calling my name! So I got one yard of each and 7 threads for the price of 4 in the right colors. These are going to be my bull's eye quilt!
Aside from this, I have been really busy at work. We have been having "fake summer" again and I just love this weather! Unfortunately, it will get cold again and April is a long way off. Haven't had time for blogging and very little for sewing, but the time I spend at the machine is always the most fun and satisfying! I've also been reading a LOT of books, including at least a dozen "new" quilting/sewing books written by twenty-somethings. There is quite a different perspective, from the fabrics to the patterns and the quilting. The quilts and fabrics remind me very much of those made during the depression: lots of bright colors and white! I still love the 1800's repros, but I love these "new" fabrics, too.

Tonight I spent a couple of hours making a chili mother for the school's annual chili/chowder cook-off. I actually have a chance to win because Dr. Sampson is NOT making his shrimp creole this year! He has won two years in a row. I don't really care if I win: this is a fundraiser so we can buy presents for our adopted family. I just hope there's enough food for everyone and that we make LOTS of money! I let Mark taste the chili mother and he didn't like it. Maybe when I put in the beans, he will change his mind. He is such a purist.

Bhu is being very lovey. He enjoyed having a new quilt to "baptize," and I enjoy seeing his bright blues glow when he sees it for the first time. "Oh, good! More quilts fur ME!" That's right, Bhu. It's all for you! xxoo

11-11-11

2011-11-11T11:22:00.000-08:00

Every November 11, we remember and try to honor veterans. Almost everyone has one in their family, even me. My brother-in-law (Vietnam) and father-in-law (Korea) served and my late father fought in the Big One. Sometime during the '80s, he created a set of four journals to describe his experiences and these two are a sample. No, this is not photoshopped; it's for-real hand printed and the drawings are THAT SIZE and water-colored by hand. When he died, I went back East for the funeral and found the journals by accident. Wish I could get them published. Maybe someday!

And then today is 11-11-11. Last night I thought how I wished I had made a record of what I did on 01-01-01, 02-02-02, 03-03-03, etc. I know that LH's son was born on 09-09-09, but that's the only one I remember. I suppose I could go back through all my e-mail archives and try to figure it out, but if it wasn't important to me then I guess it's too late.

I have got a disk FILLED with photos of projects, new fabrics, and Bhu KEWTness and I promise I will post at least some of it this weekend. xxoo Patty

Dona Nobis Pacem

2011-11-03T17:32:00.000-07:00

Can we haz PEACE pleeze? November 4 is Blog for Peace Day and if you want to join you can get details on Mimi's blog and also find links to all the people and pets who would like to have Global Peace. And, if you want to wear your peaceful heart on your sleeve, visit Peace Kitty. Mai mom sez it almost NEVER happens that someone will ask you why you want to have peace instead of war. So, tell me why we still has war then?

P.S. Mai mom sez she 'polojyzes fur not blogging more lately. She has a disk full of photos to share. "Yes, some very handsome shots of you, Bhu! Just in case your lady friends are getting lonely for a peek at those luscious blue eyes of yours." xxoo

Bhu Purrfday Boy!

2011-10-17T06:53:00.000-07:00

This is Baby Bhu, about 8 weeks old when he first came to live with us on December 18, 1997. Today he is 14 years old!! We love him very much and hope he lives another 14 years. Mushy, mushy Bhu Bhu Bhu and a Happy Birthday to You!

"Thanks, mom, but why you post baby photo of me?? Hmmmm, I was purrty hansome!" Well, yes, and you still are a very hansome mancat! You were such a scamp when you were little, always running away from us! You would run and run under the beds, under the sofas and chairs, under the tables and never let us catch you. And then when we gave up, you would come out and show yourself and sit calmly and look at us until we came after you again and you would run, run, run, run away. What a scamp!

"Well, you knew I would get hungry some time and stop running to eat." THAT'S for sure! And now you don't run, you just EAT. And sleep.

"Yep. I has matooored." Hmmm. Well, Happy Birthday Bhu! We love you! xxooo

The mother of invention

2011-09-13T18:28:00.000-07:00

Not quite sure what I was seeing.
It's Bhu and he's snuggled himself into the butt of Sabryin's pants! What are you DOING Bhu??
"I is testin' out this cave fur hibernation."
But that's not a cave! It's a pair of pants!
"So what?! It's soft and cozy and I likes it."
Okay, but it's too early for hibernation, so come on out and have some Fancy Feast.
xxoo Patty

Sweet Land of Liberty

2011-09-11T11:10:00.000-07:00

This is a quilt mai mom made because she didn't have a flag on 9/11. This is a day when she gets really sick to her stomach and tells me "Bhu, humans are so mean and societies that don't respect women tend to be the meanest. What is the point of all this hate?" I think she is right because she is a very NICE LADY and all the humans I know are very nice, espeshully if you purr fur them. So why would anybody hate them? I dunno. Do they hate me, too, cuz I am an American Cat? Even if I purr fur them?

Peace on 9/11, Bhu. xxoo Patty

Mo Cats Day!

2011-09-09T16:31:00.000-07:00

"Mom, U R such a slacker! September 9 is almost OVER! Acshully, it's already tomorrow for Mr. Puddy!" Okay, okay. I AM a slacker, but you are sure keepin' me busy dishin' out the food day and night here. The cool weather's made you hungry, huh? Anyway, you are MO CAT than I can handle today.

Sorry about being "absent" lately, but we have been a little busy with school starting and stuff happening. Our water line broke and we had to shell out the big Plumber with the Backhoe Bucks for that one! Then the water line under the street broke and I guess that I, as a property tax payer, will ultimately pay for the repair of it as well. Then I just got fed up with doing chores all the time and decided to have some fun, so I started a quilt-as-you-go project using a basket full of 5-1/2" string blocks. I'm sewing four blocks into a larger block and it takes over an hour to do make each block! Since I want to finish a large bed-size quilt before the snow flies, I vowed that I would make one large block every day until they were all done or until I had 42. As of today, I have 24 (I made two today because I couldn't go to work). Of course, once I get the 42 done, I will have to sew each of those together in rows and then sew the rows together before I have a quilt. So, I'm thinking it'll be done mid-October. Photos when I cross the finish line.

So, Bhu, what do you have to say for yourself? "Hope efurryone is (a) not flooded out, (b) not on fire, (c) not shakin', and (d) not blowin' in the wind. Oh, yeah: GETCHER FELINE ON!" Thank you, Bhu. xxoo

Strike Breaker!

2011-08-14T12:44:00.000-07:00

"Mai mom finally relented and started feeding me more Appetizers, so I let her take mai piksher." Gee, thanks so much, Bhu. During the strike, since I couldn't blog or take pictures of Bhu, I decided to make quilts instead and here are some photos. First is a group of UFO Bowtie blocks arranged with a pink sashing and backing: I had LOTS of bowtie blocks, so I made another one with blue sashing and backing. And I finally decided on a border and backing for the Firecracker quilt and finished it. I am going to go back and quilt it some more; it appears to be a little "loose" for my taste. And then yesterday I finally found border and backing fabric for the Broken Crockery top and quilted it; currently sewing on the binding. Now that all these quilts are done, it's okay for at least three of my friends to start having those babies!!

I enjoy these periods of super-productivity. The other day as I was arranging blocks on the "design door" I realized that all my life "play" has always meant working on some project or another. On vacation, I was always building cities in the sand dunes. One summer (I must have been 9 or 10), I decided to start my own lending library (I had a lot of books because I was a voracious reader). I got a date stamp and ink pad and went to the stationery store and bought little pockets and cards like library books used to have in the olden days before computers and bar codes. I think only one or two people actually borrowed books from the Skypants Free Library, but it was fun and kept me busy for a few days! Now I am convinced that the only way I can relax is by artificial inducement, e.g. a Tanqueray Martini with two olives. My lids will get heavy and I will sink back into the chair and that silly Buddha smile spreads across my face and I am at peace. But only for a moment.

xxoo P

Bhu is on strike

2011-07-31T13:29:00.000-07:00

He claims that as the "star" of the blog, he deserves more remuneration than just a few doses of Appetizer every day. He says he is not going to look at the camera until we come to a negotiated settlement. Fine. So, there will be no photo of Bhu in this post. I might sneak "vintage" film in; I might not. While the negotiations resume, here is a report on what I (Pattyskypants) have been up to.I was working on this quilt top the last time I posted and, as you can see it is done. Typically, the biggest delay in finishing quilts for me is finding the "right" backing fabric. I have too much fabric. In fact, today I was making a new tote bag out of decorator fabric samples and found a huge plastic bin FILLED with fabrics!! I don't even remember what's in there, but from what I could tell it is stuffed with large pieces of yardage, probably purchased for backings. Anyhoo, this one is pretty cute, 38 x 38 with a glorious sage green paisley for backing. Then I saw this cute little "Firecracker" quilt and decided to make it. I don't buy patterns; I make my own. I have a calculator, I'm good with math, so why not? I always enjoy using 30's repro fabrics. I drafted a pattern to make the units 6", but that turned out to be too big. I might make another one in 1800's repro fabrics, but redraft for 4" units instead. Not sure what border will evolve around this. And then there is the garden. Peppers and basil are going strong; tomatoes are going . . . well, WHAT tomatoes? At this point I have a handful of little yellow pear tomatoes, but that's it. I found a little intruder in the butterfly plant -- can you see him??
Okay, Bhu, so are you ready to resume the negotiations? "I will wait until mai loyer gets here." In the meantime, would you like some Fancy Feast? "Yes, negosheeayshun makes me hungree." xxoo

Hot enuf 4 U??

2011-07-24T12:56:00.000-07:00

When it's hot, the peppers seem to thrive. Not much else does, though. I can't remember the last time I could go outside at 3 in the afternoon and not gasp for air. I have stopped watching television for fear I will hear yet another apocalyptic forecast about the "deadly heat index." Instead, I am pretending it's "just summer" and water the garden and go about my business as usual. And I quilt in the very cool sewing room! I finished one top last weekend and pinned it up Friday, quilted it yesterday and am sewing on the binding today. This morning I finally pinned up the Amy Butler III project: then quilted it and sewed on the binding. This should keep me busy for a couple of days! This will keep me busy after that! I'll be making 6" blocks and using 30's repro fabric because someone is bound to have a baby soon and this will be a really cute gift. As for Bhu, he never goes out anyway, so it's all the same to him. "Just feed me and, oh, I left something for you in the litter box." Hmmmmm. Thanks, Bhu!

Self-hypnosis tip: "I love the heat. I really, really do. Love it! Honest!

sizzzzzlin' hot summer daze

2011-07-15T15:56:00.000-07:00

Very hot and humid with unspeakable heat index! Nothing to do but take a nap:

or let Summer dry your laundry for free:

or sit back and watch the double daylily and purple liatris grow:

or notice that there is a "mystery" squash growing in one of the compost bins:

or sew all of your little Broken Crockery blocks together in color ways because you can't decide how to "randomize" them:

and then start a new quilt.

Camembert & Chamomile

2011-07-09T11:47:00.000-07:00

Yet another way to use half-square triangles! Nancy e-mailed this Broken Crockery pattern to me and, although I didn't follow the pattern, I was able to wipe out another basket of half-square triangle thread-saver units! Man, there was some UGLY fabric in there and a lot of very, very poly blends that I decided not to use at all. Not to mention the fact that I am completely stunned by the variety of muslins I have used over the years! My thread-saver units are really quite a fabric archive of the late 20th century. Makes me sound old and that's about the facts Jack! LOL
And now, I know you have all been waiting to check in with the Bhu. He's not purring for me anymore, he sez. All because I locked him out of the bedroom Wednesday night. He likes to sleep next to my feet at the bottom of the bed, but I was ill and needed to sleep. The night before I had kicked him in the head at least three times, so it was done for HIS safety. But he doesn't understand that. "You LIE!" He has been sulking since Thursday morning and no matter how much I pet him and coo at him and love him up, he won't purr. He won't purr for Appetizers, either.

So, be that way. "Hmmpphhhf!"

Lazy but Busy June!

2011-06-28T08:29:00.000-07:00

I keep thinking I am being lazy, but what I am being is "semi-retired." After a year of this, I am very happy about the free time I have. I really enjoy the light in my sewing room in the morning. I am more relaxed. "But you still make a LOT of noise and always BOTHERIN' ME when I is tryin' to sleep!" 2 bad 4 U Bhu! I notice it's not so annoying to have me around when you get hungry. "Oh, yeah. I furgetz that part. I change my mind. I like you bein' around." Hmmm, I thought so. Anyhoo . . .
This year I seem to be focusing on working with scraps and the tinier the better. The past couple of weeks I have been assembling strips of little strips and sewing them together to make larger pallettes. I can't explain how or why this is so much fun for me, but it is. I am using bits of fabric that most people would throw away. And then there are the June critters. There is a family of very FAT rabbits munching on our clover day and night. They don't even pay attention to me when I come into the yard. We always have a lot of interesting moths that hang out around the porch light. This dude found his way there last week and stayed for about six days and then was suddenly gone. It does break my heart that there just aren't very many lightning bugs anymore. When I was a kid there were so many that all you had to do was open a jar and within minutes it would be full of fireflies! You couldn't run with your mouth open: I swear they'd fly right in!

Other than that, I read Tina Fey's Bossypants Saturday (ish!), watched "Capote" Friday night (even bigger ISH!), completed at least thirty crossword puzzles (in ink), test drove the new Pfaff Ambition 1.5 (impressive and affordable!), and got on with life in my own fashion. "Me, too," sez Bhu. xxoo

Summertime Bhus

2011-06-18T07:29:00.000-07:00

So what's with you, Bhu? "Got fleas." How did that happen? "Dunno. I never go outside, only once a month to get groomed." Well, I'll put some Advantage on this spot right here and see what happens, okay? "K. Thanks, mom. Also, I didn't win the Cutest Pet Contest. Some silly black woofie won and I don't even think he was cute." Well, you're the CUTEST to me and since I'm the one who feeds you, I guess that's all that matters. Aside from hiding from tornadoes and trying to keep cool during the heat wave, I've been busy working on quilts. This is a thread-saver quilt for someone who is retiring next month. She likes "harvest colors," and I'm not quite sure I know what that means, so this is my attempt. Then there is this one that I finished this morning. Just need to put on the backing, quilt it and bind it and it is done! And the Amy Butler III quilt made with thread-saver rectangles for which I used scraps from her Charm and Belle line combined with rectangles from the Midwest Modern line. Just needs a backing, quilting and binding. Well, Bhu, I guess I'll need to move your butt offa there! "No thanks, mom. I is comfy." Hmmmmmmm.

Sickada the Cicadas!!!

2011-05-29T10:32:00.000-07:00

"What's all that noise allatime?? Keepin' me awake!"
It's cicadas, Bhu. They are emerging after 13 years! When you were one year old, they went into hiding. Now they are coming back out to mate and then go back into hiding. I don't know if either of us will be here the next time they emerge! I kind of like the murmur, but it really can get a little noisy sometimes. Plus, every time I go outside, they drop from the trees into my hair and get caught.
"They would not get caught in my furs becuz I would EATS THEM!" Yes, I understand they are quite edible, Bhu, although I'm thinking I will pass on the taste test. How about you? "I will stick with Fancy Feast, thanks." Thought so! xxoo

2011-05-24T11:17:00.000-07:00

Bad storms rolling through the other day. The sky got really dark, the street lights went on, we had pea-sized hail, and the storms passed through. The sky turned this color.

And not a few minutes later, it was this color.

I had to go to the grocery store this morning and after I brought the groceries into the kitchen, I realized I'd left the door open and THEN I realized I HAD A DOOR! How LUCKY I AM TO HAVE A DOOR!

xxoo Patty

Beggar Bhu

2011-05-15T09:57:00.000-07:00

Snif . . .
Lick . . .
nom, nom, nom!
Another little Teddy Bear quilt made from 2"units -- needs a border and quilting.
And another made from 1-1/2" half-square triangles -- also needs a border and quilting.

Some Mother Lore

2011-05-08T09:42:00.000-07:00

I've just returned from a quick trip to Facebook, so how can I ignore the fact that it is Mother's Day? I am posting this photo because it seems to be a fairly accurate representation of the relationship I have to my mother and my family, in general. I am the pipsqueak in the lower left, holding her nose and desperately trying to flee . . . it taking two strong adult arms to keep me in position. My mom looks pretty happy. This is "sheepish grin" for my father (looking a little bit like Iggy Pop I'm thinkin'), trying to maintain a sense of humor about his errant daughter. My Aunt Bertie holds Bobby. I know it's Bobby because she really didn't have any hair to speak of until she was well into her threes. The lack of tresses made everybody think she was a boy, so my mother compensated by putting her in dresses as much as possible. You can't get dirty in a dress, you know. But in my mother's logic, it was more important to let people know you were a girl than it was to have kid fun and get dirty.

Rice of Voodoo Cafe posted some interesting and comforting thoughts about her (and other's) mother. I had my mother figured out within a few months and I determined early on that I was going to have to do everything I could, muster all my energy, to keep her from making me completely crazy. As you can tell, I had limited success, and whatever success I've had came mostly because I was eventually able to escape (at least geographically). Each of my siblings has a completely different recollection of our family life; we do not seem to have any common memories. Honestly, I think my mother and father finally found happiness when the children were all grown and gone.

[P.S. I'm really lovin' those little sandals I'm wearing. But, note the bow in the 'do. Ish!]

SCHPRING!

2011-05-04T06:49:00.001-07:00

Bhu, how you doin? "K. I is contemplatin'." Dare I ask? "I is still real sad about Sweet Praline. If U petz me I will feel better." Okay, I will pet you. xxoo

A most beautiful angel arrived today!

2011-04-25T13:40:00.000-07:00

When kittehs pass
there's no delay!
They go to heaven
right away!

xxoo Sweet Praline! Patty & Bhu

Yo, Bunny!

2011-04-24T08:37:00.000-07:00

Today it is incidentally Easter. Thirty-plus years ago Poppy, I and our friend Robert sat around the dining room table and painted eggs. We hung them from the chandelier. I saved those eggs because they represent a splendid time in our lives, as does this wonderful copy of the Fannie Farmer Cookbook that Robert gave to me. Last Sunday I was preparing a boneless pork roast with yellow beets, red turnips and onions and halfway through the roasting the oven burst into flames because the element broke in half. We have been without an oven all week because my electric range is seriously "vintage" and they had to order the part. So this week I have been awash in pleasant, warm recollections of Robert.

Yesterday Poppy and I took a class to learn how to make books. It was SO MUCH FUN! Poppy was the only male in the class, as is the case with most of the art classes we take. Can I tell you how lucky, lucky I feel to be with someone whose primary recreational activity is NOT sitting in front of a TV screen watching sports? BLESSEDLY LUCKY! And how lucky to come home and find a scene like this:
Bhu's World. His favorite spot to sleep. "Where U been?" Well, we have learned how to make books today. "But I can't read!" Oh, that's right. I forgot you are the center of the universe! "Why U not take kitteh food preparation class instead?" Hmmmm

Some things

2011-04-15T06:16:00.000-07:00

"Furst, there has been too much noize around here! Second, U locks me in the bedroom all day an' I getz lonely and hungrrreee and unhappy! Thurd, that guy keeps calling me THE CAT and plays country music all day on his radio. TOO MUCH NOIZE!"
Well, I'm really sorry about the noise and the lonely time and the incarceration, Bhu. By the end of the day today we should have a better bathroom!

That was last month

2011-04-03T09:56:00.000-07:00

Now it's April and the temperature is 80 degrees and the wind is blowing like March. I thought it would be a good idea to wash quilts and hang them out to dry. We shall see if they dry or fly. Bhu is sleeping, so I won't make him pose for photos, although I will tease you all by telling about the fantastic belleh show he gave this morning! His fur is so soft and silky . . . just heavenly!
This is what I did with the red pinwheels that you have seen previously. It's a little bigger than Teddy Bear size; could be a baby quilt, actually. There's something about the combination of red and light brown that I like, but I always feel it is a bit trite. My sister might like this to use as a table-topper at xmas time.

Couple of other things: (a) Nancy asked me to make it possible for her to get e-mail feeds when I post, so I have made the attempt and, if it works, you're invited to sign up, too (see sidebar to the right, halfway down); and (b) tomorrow Mr. Leeper comes to start the upstairs bathroom demolition and renovation, which we hope will be completed by the end of the week. This also means I'm gonna hafta get up early, which is not my forte. Needless to say, Bhu will be completely freaked, so I have a feeling he and I will be spending lots of time downstairs instead of upstairs. He does NOT like downstairs. Maybe I'll take him to work with me. Hey Bhu, you wanna go to work with me? "Sure. Fiftee dollars an hour for catsultation." Hmmmm.

What's Wrong with Pattyskypants???

2011-03-27T13:44:00.000-07:00

Usually, I don't post about the stuff that is really important to me, other than Bhu and Sabryin. Life goes on; we need to be reminded of all the HAPS in our lives! But lately -- did you notice -- things seem out of whack!
8.9 earthquake in Japan spawns tsunamis that kill thousands
Geraldine Ferraro and Elizabeth Taylor die before reaching the age of 80
All HELL breaks loose in North Africa
Sweet Praline is diagnosed with cancer and has 6 months to live
I'm not going to tell Bhu because he will just be devastated. He feels like me: everything's out of whack!
First, I want to say that I have great admiration for Mom Paula! With this heartbreaking news she has great strength and rationality: she is going to try to make Sweet P's last months as comfortable as possible. I can't even imagine what difficult emotional pain she is feeling. We can only send her our love and encouragement during the time to come.
"Whatchu doin' mom?" Uh, nothin' Bhu. You go away into the kitchen and I will give you some more Appetizer. "OK, thanks!"
I'm gonna enjoy my kitteh every single minute of every single day. xxoo Patty

Debonaire!

2011-03-16T05:48:00.000-07:00

"Mom, why U use this word to describe me?" Well, first it is an old French phrase that means of good lineage, and you are, of course, a full-bred Himalayan kitty with papers. "But what about mai purrsonality?" Yes, well, basically it means suave, urbane, elegant, sophisticated . . . you are courteous and gracious: a very charming gentlemancat! "Well, thank you mommy!" So, Bhu what one word would you use to describe me? "Plump." Hmmmmm.

Many thanks to Ann of Zoolatry for the glorious photo art! Happy Wordy Wednesday to all! xxoo Patty

Help Me Wanda, help help me Wanda . . .

2011-03-12T10:03:00.000-08:00

Do I hear the Beachboys??? Hmmm. Well, here is the Amy Butler quilt top. I am having trouble deciding how to quilt this and I don't have a long-arm quilter so I asked Wanda over at "A Frayed of Fibers," one of the most talented quilt artists I know, how she would proceed. "Say hello to the kittehs fur I." No, Bhu. This is a time when you can say "Me" instead of "I". "How can me's tell the diffurence?" No, Bhu, now you would say How can "I" tell the difference. Not "Me". "U iz confusin' I!" Ish . . .

I am here!

2011-03-07T06:41:00.000-08:00

We are trying to teach Bhu to say "I" instead of "me" when he is referring to himself. This is in preparation for Wordy Wednesday, March 16. Wish us luck! In the meantime, here's what's been happening around here since the last post.
More Teddy Bear quilts made from thread-saver units. This one is made from 1-1/2" squares I purchased back in 1970somethingorother -- samples of calicos you could buy (pre-internet).
I just finished quilting and binding this last night and it's one of my favorites! You can see my vintage Scripto mechanical pencil, which I have had since the 50's. There are a couple more of these small quilts, but no photos because Bhu always lays down on them. "These are for ME!" Well, no they're not, Mister Bigfurs. These are for Teddy Bears. "That's silly! Teddy Bears don't sleep! Their eyes never close!" Hmmmm, as usual, you have a point!

A CAT TO ME AWARDS!!

2011-02-28T06:25:00.001-08:00

In the CATegory "Purrfect Purrformance by a male kitteh" in the documentary "The Pampurred Pet," the winner is . . . BHU!!

"Me would laik to thank the A CAT TO ME and all mai furrends on the blogosphere and espeshully mai mom, without whom this award would not have been possible."
Oh, Bhu, you are so sweet to me. xxoo Patty

Purrfurmance Review: Part 1 (RAGE)

2011-02-17T14:40:00.001-08:00

OK, so the day before her purrfurmance review, mai mom TAKES ME TO THE VET!!! At the vet, me is known as "Hannibhu Lechter". Effurybody laffs, but what would U do if U was bein' stuck with needles and poked and mauled??? ECKSACTLEE: bite an' CLAW! Me is VERY good at bitin' and clawin'! (Patty: Which is why they have to use either the noose or the muzzle on him. It's fairly humiliating for me. I've raised a monster.)
Okay, so here we go with the Annual Purrfurmance Review of Pattyskypants. Furst, me is changin' the categories of review cuz me has speshul needs.

STUFF ME GETS: 4 paws
Mai mom is very sensitive to mai needs. This year she has prepared speshul gourmay chicken and liver pate fur me and gives me treats of butter, mayonnaise and olives. She also gives me Appetizer efurry day. She makes sure Poppy cleans the litter box and fills it with The World's Best Cat Litter (which she says is made just fur me!). She made a "fort" fur me in the bedroom window so me can watches boids and sqwurrels without bein' distracted.

STUFF ME WANTS: 2 paws
There is just not enuff BUGS around here to keep me busy! There is NO bugs at ALL between Catober and March! It is really boring. More Bugs, pleeze!

PURROMETER: The affurage score here would be 3 paws, as follows.

SCRITCHES: 4 paws. Mai mom gives the BEST head and ear scritches effur!
GROOMING: 3 paws. Me don't laik the noose cuz it keeps me from bein' able to bite and scratch. Afturr all, if me wasn't sposed to bite an' scratch, why would me has claws and fangs?????? Huh??????
LITTERBOX: 2+ paws. It's not entirely her fault; sometimes Poppy furgets and she doesn't follow-up.
Okay, so ofurrall, me gives mai mom a 4 plus paws. Me luvs U mommy! xxoo

Mommy luvs U 2, HanniBhu! xxoo Patty

Punxatawny Who?

2011-02-03T07:38:00.000-08:00

The blizzard came on Tuesday. Basically,it snowed all day and all night. The wind was gusting to 40 mph, so I put quilts over all the windows that face north and I thought I would need an extra quilt for sleeping, too. This is the one I chose, never before used. There's a myth about the first time you sleep under a new quilt: that the dreams will be amazing and portentious. I can attest to the fact that the dreams were amazing!
Yesterday morning was a bright, clear bitterly cold day with 19" of snow on the ground with five foot drifts! The snow wasn't too deep at the top of the drive, but there was at least 20" at the bottom. We have only one shovel (and I swear to you that I will move to Florida before I buy a second shovel!!!), so we took turns. After three hours, it was done!
Only problem, as you can see, is the snow in the street is 18" high. No way we can get out. No plows are on the way. Are we having cabin fever?

Stay warm honeybuns! xxxoo Patty & Bhu & Sabryin

Ruminatin'

2011-01-29T13:00:00.000-08:00

Whatchu thinkin' about Bhu?
"Purrfurmance evaluashun comin' up in a few weeks." Well, whatever happens, I want a RAISE! I have been a very lovey mom and have worked hard to make sure you never want for Appetizer or Fancy Feast and I have even gone so far as to make gourmet meals for you with my own two hands. "Well, at least U has hands and that's why U got 'em. So U can makes me treats!" Hmmmmm.

Everybody who has snow on the ground, hang in there!! xxoo Patty

SNOWMAGEDDAN!

2011-01-21T10:24:00.000-08:00

We are so sick of being snowed-in and they never plow our street, so we are stuck. Bhu only knows that he has both mommy and poppy to FEED HIM and here he is taking advantage of a finger full of Hellman's Real Mayonnaise from Sabryin's turkey sandwich! Bhu, you are just getting to be so agressive and shameless with your begging! "Me laiks mayonayz! U give me more!" As if Skipjack Tuna Appetizers are not enough! "No. Me iz goooormay kitteh." Oh, I see. ISH!
I have to admit, being stuck in the house has advantages, though; specifically, with regard to UFOs! Remember the basket of red and white and green blocks? I took them apart, squared up the units and sewed them back together as pinwheels. I have a feeling this little community will grow as I go through the rest of the baskets.
As you can see, there are lots of other little groups of units as well. Stay tuned and we shall see what becomes of these.

I got CRAZY hands, I tell ya!!!

2011-01-08T11:29:00.000-08:00

"U decide: crazy or artistic. Vote by leaving a comment." Okay, Bhu, but I just want you to know that I do this because making quilts from matching fabrics and kits just does NOT appeal to me and never has! Remember, I started quilting because I had a little bag of scraps that I had been carrying around since as long as I can remember. The first quilt I made was a "Crazy" quilt and I guess I just can't stop!! Sometimes I watch myself and pretend I'm an observer and I have to say I feel respect for what I am doing: recycling, making do, creating pretty and practical things from scraps other people would probably throw away. It's a challenge; I love it. Don't try to stop me!!
As you recall, a few of these were featured in the last post; as you can see, I made quite a few more. There aren't anymore of these in the baskets I've searched through, but I have more baskets, so this one might GROW! These blocks are almost 4".
Of course, in the same baskets, larger half-square triangles so I decided to create a neighborhood of "Hole in the Barn Door" blocks -- I think these are 5". I finally emptied the entire basket of HSTs and wound up making more of these HITBD blocks:

Going through another basket, I found a few very small flying geese (2-1/2" actually) and decided to make sawtooth star blocks with these. One 3" square and two 4-1/4" square blocks so far. No doubt I will find more and add to this new stash of UFO blocks!
This will be the next basket of UFO units to tackle. They all seem to be xmas prints or red & white units, so this shouldn't be as difficult (or as much fun) as the others. But I'm not worried because I have at least a half dozen more baskets to plow through. A perfect project for winter! xxoo Patty

What's Up With 2011?

2010-12-31T10:47:00.000-08:00

Whatcha doin' Bhu? "Me iz watchin' fur nooo yeer to comes." Do you see anything yet? "juss skwurrels an' boids." Well, at least there's no snow! "Yet." Hmmm, you are so right! "U gots any revolutions to make?" Uh, do you mean resolutions? "No, revolutions! U know -- changes that has to be made fur the noo yeer." Okay, I guess that makes sense. Yes, there will be a revolution in the way I do laundry, as I am going to purchase a dryer! I have always been too green to get one, but now arthritis is making it difficult to iron. Also, there will be a revolution in the way I cook in 2011 because I am going to get a new stove! The old one is over 30 years old and only two of the burners are working at this point! And then, finally, there will be a revolution in the way I work in 2011, I hope. Keep your paws crossed for this one, Bhu! There's also going to be a revolution in the UFO population of the house!
Baskets of little thread-saver units taking over my sewing table. Something will have to be done!
Some will be used to create little blocks, like these.
Admittedly, some are quicker to inspire than others, but I'm up to the task!

Finally, Bhu and I hope all our family and furrends will have a prosperous, happy, healthy 2011. "They deserves it!" xxoo Patty & Bhu

R-rated Santa Story

2010-12-24T07:15:00.001-08:00

I can never remember a time when I "believed" in Santa Claus. I always knew that the presents came from people but figured they gave the credit to Santa because if you didn't like the present they could blame it on him or you ("You must have been a bad girl this year, Patty. That's why you didn't get that diamond tiara you asked for!") You know that little girl in "Miracle on 34th Street?" Yeah, well that's ME! I would sit on Santa's lap and he would ask me what I wanted and I would tell him, "But my mommy already knows what I want."

My sister Bobby was a Present-Whisperer. Around about October she would sneak through every room of the house searching for and peeking into boxes. By the week before Christmas, she knew what everyone was getting. I guess she didn't believe in Santa, either. But look at her in this picture (if you can get past my HUGE feet! LOL!). This photo must have been taken at my cousin's house (blond girl in the middle holding barely visible doll). Bobby is on the left and you can see how carefully her doll has been perched beside her; she has chosen to portray the doll as a friend. I am holding my doll and her arms are all awry ("Hey, Santa! Let me outta here! This kid has no idea how to treat a doll of my stature!") It is obvious I did not like dolls. Nor did I like the prissy lace collar and petticoat that, by now, my mother was forcing me to wear. Ish.

Anyhoo, we are having a snow incident today, so it is a white christmas, for sure. Hope you all have a good one! Bhu is gonna sleep through this one just like he slept through the last one. xxoo Patty

All the leaves are brown, and the sky is gray . . .

2010-12-16T11:17:00.000-08:00

. . . but Bhu is on a rug in the kitchen hallway.
"Me likes this rug, mom! Thanks fur makin' it fur me!" My pleasure, Bhu! I have been busy making quilts these days and here is a photo of one I just finished. This is for a couple of Sabryin's friends who are going to have their first baby. Do you think they will like it? "Me likes all ur quilts, mom!" Oh, smoochy smooch smooch, Bhu!
In fact, I like this so much, I decided to make at least one for myself, too. I found another basket of these pinwheels and will set them on point, but I'm not sure about the spacer fabrics. Then, I found three more baskets of these little units and can't wait to start putting them together!

In the meantime, I want to add a couple of blogs to my favorites over on the other side of the page. First, "Advanced Style" has been a real spirit booster for the past year at least. Second is "Notes from the Voodoo Cafe," which inspires me to be ME every day! I hope you'll visit each one and also share with me your favorite blogs! xxoo Patty

2010-12-11T12:02:00.000-08:00

Interesting kitteh gifts for hoomans, compiled by friend Jessie. Also, visit her Etsy store for fantastic collage, cards and other art items featuring kittehs.
I have been working to turn baskets of UFO's into baby quilts. I am having SUCCESS! One is for Sabryin's friends and the other is because I like the one I am making for Sabryin's friends so much, I want one of my own (without the baby, thank you very much!). Now I have my eye on another basket of xmas prints flying geese. What will become of them???

Bhu sleeps on the bed while the wind blows and the temperatures drop thirty degrees. It is winter, after all. I am thinking that, as a human, I am completely flawed. But I make a PERFECT alien! xxoo Patty

What's Up Pussycat?

2010-12-10T08:27:00.000-08:00

"Who's dat hansom kitteh on da plate?" Why that's YOU Bhu! We sent a photo of you to Janie and she made this plate. Cool, huh? It's too purrity to use, though, so we hang it on the wall.

Life is evolving here at Bhu's house . . . mostly me trying to figure ME out! I realize I am a person who naturally feels comfort in patterns or systems. One only has to watch me hang laundry to know this the case. For every task that has to be performed, I create a process that considers the next step and the goal. Many people do this, consciously or not. In some cases, this creates a bit of artificiality because there is always a "flow chart" in my head as I plod through my day. On the other hand, this "habit" of mine has enabled me to (a) make a living, (b) make quilts, and (c) stay out of jail and maintain a good credit rating [er, at least I THINK it's good]. Knowing this, the transition of full-time wage slave to part-time retiree has provided more time for spontaneity, and this is where I am stuck. Just so you know.

So, Bhu, what's up with you? "Well, me has been following U all over the house when U iz here. Sleepin'. Pukin'. Eatin' and screamin' fer Appetizer. Sheddin' and lickin' mai furs 'til me gets hairballs the size of mackerel!" Yes, I have been noticing this. You have a lot of patterns, too. But you also have access to more pets and lovin' than before. "Uh huh. Me likes that part. prrrrrrrrrrrrr." xxooo Patty

Annifurrsery #10

2010-11-17T08:18:00.001-08:00

"Hey, mom! Could U wash mai face? Me gotz dust on it!" Sure, Bhu. I think it only adds to your handsomeness, though. "Me wantsta say Happy Annifurrsery to U and poppy!" Well, thanks, Bhu. We have been married for ten years, but we've been together for 27. "Wow! Twentee Seven is a LONG TIME!" Can't get too much of a good thing, you know!
This summer I tried to sign up for a weaving class, mostly because I wanted to make rugs from fabric scraps. In order to take the class, I had to sign up and wait for the instructor to contact me because spaces were limited and because they wanted to make sure I was really going to put the effort into learning and showing up for each class. So I waited and waited and the day of the class came and no one ever called me. Two weeks later, someone called and asked if I thought I was going to be able to come to the next class, since I'd missed the first two! HUH? So, I took matters into my own hands and decided to teach myself how to weave and make fabric scrap rugs and here is the result of test #1. Whaddya think??
All I did was take 1-1/2" to 2" strips of fabric and fold them around 1" strips of scrap batting. Then I zigzagged down the middle. I wanted to make a 2 ft x 3 ft rug to start, so I cut a foundation and tacked it to the bassement sewing room door. I then pinned the strips across the foundation until it was wide enough. Then I took more 1-1/2 to 2" strips of fabric, folded and zigzagged (no batting fill) and wove them as you can see. It was really difficult to keep the weaving from "shrinking" in the middle because I was fairly intent on having a tight weave. At one point I had to go back and unweave half of what I had done. However, at no point during this process did I ever feel it was tedious. I enjoyed every minute of it. After I had the length, I had to bind it top, bottom and sides. What a fun project!
Another project that is in the final stages of completion is #3 in the series of Amy Butler quilts. For the backing I sewed together 12 fat quarters of Amy fabrics. I'm not really fond of this technique, but I'm tired of buying fabric when I already have enough to clothe an entire village!

Can you believe Thanksgiving is next week?!? YIKES! xxoo Patty

Happy Bhurfday to ME!

2010-10-16T18:58:00.001-07:00

"It's mai bhurfday again!" How old are you, Bhu? "Me is THURTEEN!" Congratulations! Sabryin made something special for you! "But it's PINK! Me is MANcat!" Oh, you are so traditional, Bhu. Live it up a little! It's strawberry! YUM! Look how hard he worked to make that cake for you -- he did it all by himself! And look at those cute little candles, which he picked out himself. Blow out the candles and make a wish!

Me wish for Tuna!

xxoo Patty

TenTenTen

2010-10-10T11:09:00.001-07:00

"U missed it! Me is mortified!" What did I miss, Bhu? "LiveStrong Day!" Okay, well, I apologize because I know so many people who are dealing with cancer right now. Just because I didn't blog about it doesn't mean I don't care. I care A LOT! Every day I think about how wonderful it would be to find a cure or a treatment that doesn't kill the good parts of our bodies! Every day I send much love and healing strength to the warriors in the trenches and their families and friends. xxoo "Okay. Well, me furgives U."
Last weekend Sabryin and I went to one of the city parks that centers around a wonderful lake. I'm not successful at walking very much these days but I love crossing the lake over the boardwalk and watching the water glisten under the sun. I like being lazy and have been particularly neglectful of everything these past few weeks. I find myself sleeping very late, even though I go to bed very early. I AM trying to work more on my various fiber projects and am finding that I would prefer to continue working on those projects rather than going in to work. But going to work provides me with an opportunity to be around other people and to MAKE MONEY, which is VERY important to me right now. The other day I ventured deep into the recesses of one of my closets and found several "career" outfits I need to take to the vintage shop. And then there are the books and lps and all! Seriously, any of you who have a need for a specific vintage fabric from the 70's, 80's or 90's, please send me a photo of what you need. We can work out a DEAL! xxoo

More Skypants Secrets!

2010-10-01T10:45:00.000-07:00

I used to think I was an artist, but now I realize I'm just a misfit. "Hmmm, well me coulda told U that!" Okay, Bhu, YOU should talk! So what's this newest little habit of yours? "Huh?" A couple of weeks ago I started eating Eggos for breakfast and I let you lick a little of the butter off the plate. Now every time I toast an Eggo, you come over to me begging, licking your lips, drooling all over the place waiting for your butter. Actually, "Waiting" isn't the word. More like SCREAMING at me for your butter. You're not even interested in Appetizer anymore! Just BUTTER! "Pleeze be quietz! U makes too much noize!"

Insert Clever Title Here

2010-09-18T10:16:00.000-07:00

"Me is not gonna smile fur the camra. Me is eatin' so go away." Well, I just wanted to show everyone your Kitteh Bhuffet! What a lucky one you are to have both Appetizer and BFF Tuna & Bonito Flakes. "Sez U."
Having some fun today working on several quilt and fiber projects. In this photo you can see a pile of melon shapes that are leftovers from a quilt I am currently making using Amy Butler Midwest Modern prints. These will be used as appliques in yet another top, but not sure which of Amy's prints I will use for background. Not a big fan of her latest. May I say I think she is getting a little too "corporate" for my taste. In this photo you can also see what a zealous repurposer I am! I actually save all those little tiny scraps and then sew them onto a backing. Eventually, they will all then be sewed together to make a bag or a bookcover or some other practical yet decorative item.
And then there is the new nine-patch, which I am making for ME!

I'm appalled to see that I haven't been here to visit for over a month! Today is supposed to be a very lucky day for me, so I am going to buy a lottery ticket. Not quite sure why I associate "Luck" with money, but there you go! I know I'm lucky to live in this town where there is always something going on! Today there are two farmer's markets, an art fair, a heritage festival, a Mizzou football game and so much free, live music it would be impossible to see and hear it all! Next month is the Citizen Jane Film Festival, Artrageous Friday, a visit back East, and a weaving course. I started two new careers these past few weeks as well: psychological experiment participant and e-merchant. Soon I will be stocking an Etsy store with vintage items and sewing supplies (fabric, notions, and patterns). You all have a great day now!! xxoo Patty

Skypants Secrets

2010-08-15T11:57:00.000-07:00

This is for Wanda who last month mentioned that in all the years she's known me, she still doesn't know what I look like. That's probably pretty common among 'puter pals. This is a photo of HAPPY, SMILING ME. That's my sister. She had red hair and blue eyes surrounded by white eyelashes and white brows. She was pretty cute, but she was always afraid to smile for the camera so all of her childhood photos feature an impressive facial contortion of one type or another. My first memory of my sister was when I was about two or three. I was wandering around our house from room to room looking for the sunlight. I finally found it and paused to enjoy the warmth and brightness. Suddenly, I felt a wrenching, deep pain in my back. Instinctively, I put my arm around to touch the pain and when I brought my hand back I could see red stuff. So I waddled off to find my mother to tell her "Bobby did something to my back." She looked and exclaimed "Oh my, God!" and promptly ministered to my wound. Apparently, Bobby had decided to flavor test me with her new teeth. Fortunately, she decided I wasn't as tasty as cookies or bananas!!

A quick report, but no endearing photo of Bhu, who sleeps as I share this. We have found an additional brand of food that he tolerates well (Weruva), available only at another local pet shop "Treats Unlimited." At TU, they make fantastic treats for woofies and as I was checking out one of the clerks was taking an order for a custom-made birthday cake for some lucky pup! In any case, the issue for Bhu seems to be "grain-free" or "gluten-free." There is no more puking; his skin is delightfully free from blippies; his cat box is well-used but tidy. I would strongly suggest to all of you whose kittehs have digestive or skin problems to rush out and experiment with the gluten-free foods that are now available. They're hard to find (except on the internet) and you have to experiment with the flavors (for instance, Bhu unceremoniously turned up his nose at the Mackerel & Pumpkin flavor and walked away muttering something akin to "FAILURE!") and textures (Bhu likes supah-moist food).

The garden this year suffered from the intense heat and rain. We are cooled off a little today with a bright, blue sky and lower humidity. So far, only a few tomatoes and peppers and lotsa basil. I am attempting to grow "late" squash and more grape tomatoes and will start a cold frame soon for greens and possibly peas. But the overall grade for this summer is: C, and that's only because the caladiums are so totally exquisite this year.

Please be kind to Mother Earth. She loves me and I know she loves you, too.

P.S. I got my copy of Susan Shie's Kitchen Tarot and have read the guidebook and will do a reading in the very near future. Stay tuned! xxoo Patty

'nip 'n news

2010-07-31T11:19:00.000-07:00

We have a new, wonderful locally-owned natural pet store! We can haz 'nip toys! All of Bhu's furrends have 'nip cigars, but we don't like smoking so we got him a 'nip 'bow. We also have found a wonderful menu of gluten-free kitteh foods made by Best Friends Foods. Check out the menu!
For the past few months, Bhu had been having a lot of digestive problems (puking) and little "blippies" on his skin, which greatly disturbed me and which entirely ruined our berber carpet. He would often be "pokey" and obviously not happy or feeling well. The vet has been no help, whatsoever, and as some of you might know, I had been making food for him consisting largely of chicken and livers. Ultimately, he stopped eating these as well because, although a splendid occasional treat, a steady diet of this was too rich for him. The "gluten-free" seems to be key. Since we have been feeding him this (his fave flave is "Tuna & Bonito BE MINE recipe"), he has not puked once and makes regular kitty box visits that are completely normal. Also, his fur is SO SILKY and his skin is entirely clear of blippies!! The BEST part, however, is the cost: $1.27 per 5.5 oz can. I would encourage any of you who have geriatric kittehs with digestive problems to try these foods. Let me know how it goes!
"Me will KILLZ this 'bow!" Oh, yes, Bhu! You is totally FIERCE 'BOW WARRIOR!

xxxoooo Patty

Wai U Makes So MUCH NOIZES???

2010-07-05T09:14:00.000-07:00

Sorry, Bhu! Fourth of July has some good things and some bad things. You like it when I sing the Star Spangled Banner, right? "Uh huh! And the Kids Bike Parade is always fun, too. But me no likes the BOOM BOOM WORKS!" Well, there are a lot of Americans who think if they're not shooting something, they're not being patriotic. I have no explanation for you. Just hide under the covers with me, K? "Purrrfect."
And now we'd like to introduce our mimosa in bloom!! My bedroom window looks down into the top of this and the blossoms have been attracting so many hummingbirds! The beauty of this is so uplifting, it's difficult to describe! This summer has been good, so far, even though the weather has been too cold, too hot, too rainy at times and sometimes all in the same day!
Our window boxes are looking good, even though I planted them in June! There was a little toad hiding in one for a while, but he has apparently moved on. Bhu especially loves watching "the critters" from the window, perched on his quilt. Aside from all the fun in the garden these days, I have been working part-time and enjoying it, especially the part about the pay check, since I have yet to hear from the University regarding my pension. But I don't want to complain because every day I wake up and look out the window and exclaim "It's a BEAUTIFUL day!" xxoo Patty

P.S. Sabryin took the top two photos with his new Canon Powershot SX120.

Pater Dias

2010-06-21T07:26:00.000-07:00

Hey, Bhu! How U do on Father's Day? "Me is glad U is mai poppy. Pet me and give me Appetizer now!" All days of commemoration turn out the same way for Bhu: pets and food. Hmmmm, I'm now wondering if it's any different for the 'beins? Maybe not!

We are catapulting through the summer, but it is fun! I'm happy to finally be able to spend hours and hours in the sun and in the heat without getting very ill. Thanks to my doctor for figuring out that hydrochlorothiazide was an evil toxin and taking it off my list of meds. People always ask, "How's retirement?" and I have to say that the University is dawdling with processing my retirement so I don't anticipate seeing a penny of my pension for several months nor do I have prescription coverage. And I'm working part-time. I do have more time for fun in the mornings, though! A couple of weeks ago I took another art class and this week I'm going to learn how to can! I'm working on several fiber projects and have even mulched the garden! Stuff is getting done! I'm not sitting around wondering "What will I do with my life?" I'm not inviting girlfriends to lunch every day; I'm not lonely, but I guess that's because of the part-time job. Who knows. Anyway, I'm what you could call "Happy." Sorta. xxoo Patty

Girly TuTu

2010-06-05T08:02:00.000-07:00

Watchu doin', Bhu? "Keepin' mai furrz clean and neat." That old wooden chair is nice and cool in the summer, huh? "But it iz slippurry." Well, nothing can be purrrfect! "Why U call this post Girly TuTu?" I felt like it. Sometimes words can be like musical notes or percussion, you know, as in Doo wop doo wah or Sha na na. "Did some other 'beans effur tell U yer brain works diffrent furrum theirs?" Allatime! "No wonder."

Lately I've caught myself sobbing about the oil spill. People seem so unfazed by the catastrophe! It's still pouring forth! There are a few "fundraising" efforts, but PEOPLE! This is NOT a natural disaster! This is a CORPORATE CRIME AGAINST THE EARTH! WTF! If my anger upsets anyone, just know this: I have had a "I'M MAD AS HELL AND I'M NOT GONNA TAKE IT ANYMORE!" conversion. I've tried to be nice, but it doesn't work. So, be forewarned. xxooo Patty

Me No Works!

2010-05-14T11:07:00.001-07:00

"Whatcha been doin' all these past two weeks?" Well, Bhu, I got an e-mail from work telling me to STOP WORKING!, so I did. This was so they could clean up my earned vacation and get me retired. Today is my last day, officially, of not working as a full-time employee! This is my last day of paid vacation . . . no more sick leave, paid holidays -- NUTHIN'! I am on my own now. No more checking e-mails on Christmas Eve! No more going to work on New Year's Day to submit a grant proposal on grants.gov! And, I will keep getting paid to NOT WORK! However, there's lots more work I do for no wages.
"Like whatz?" Jeez Loueez! Like going to the UPS Store to mail packages for Sabryin; going to the grocery store to get milk, bread, and FANCY FEAST all the time; interminable loads of laundry and piles of ironing; dusting, sweeping, washing dishes, making beds, emptying waste baskets! Ay yi yi! And, now that I'm home all day you seem to have developed this attitude that I should be your treats slave. You follow me around EVERYWHERE -- even the bathroom -- to remind me that it might be time to give you another Appetizer or liver treat! And you have become rather belligerent about it! "Hmmphff! Me desurvz treats!" Ish.
Plus, there is a lot of quilting to do. The Bowtie quilt is completed.
Just a bit more quilting on the string scrap quilt, still with the safety pins in the border.
I've gone this far with the pink stars UFO and now need to decide on a border. Not to mention the quilt in progress for our special furrend!

So even though I stopped "working," I've been pretty busy! xxoo Patty

Bad Hair Day!

2010-04-29T12:03:00.000-07:00

It's summer in Florida, so Maggy and Zoey got their furs shorn! It's so sad to see all that superfluff GONE! All that Maggy has left is her superfluffy tail and superfluffy face! So, me invites her to come and snuggle in mai belleh furs so she can gets warm! "Ur belleh is so luxurious, Bhu! Thanks fur the invite!" Mai plesure, Maggy. Maybe later mai mom will gives us some Fancee Feest Appetizers! "This gets better all the time! Bhu, U iz a very good boyfurrend!" Aw, shucks, Maggy! xxoo

Well, the human is not in very good stead with Bhu today because she locked him in the basement all night by mistake. Fortunately, there are lots of piles of quilts down there, so I'm sure he didn't want for a cozy place to sleep. "But me was lonely fur U!" Well, I wondered why you didn't come in for your regular 3 a.m. petting/purring session. I slept all night through. "U didintz miss me?" Well, yes, we did miss you! Sabryin ran all over the house this morning looking for you and wouldn't leave for work until he found you and gave you a big kiss. Do you remember that? "Hmmmph!"

HUH?

2010-04-16T06:54:00.000-07:00

You remember these folks, right? Sabrina the Teenage Witch, her two lovely aunts (Hildy and Zeldy), and Salem, whose catitude involves world domination. I love this show! Few things cheer me up as completely as the Toaster Mail from The Other Realm. Netflix has the seasons' episodes and I am watching them ALL! I need a little cheer these days while suffering with another two week long gout attack. This week I finally broke down and got myself a handicapped parking tag.
This is what has happened to the Bowtie blocks! The top is ready to be sandwiched and quilted. Also working on several other projects concurrently: (a) waiting for fabric to arrive from an online search to make a pretty quilt for a special furrend; (b) string blocks made from those tiny little strips that are always left over (my motto: "Use Everything. Waste Nothing."); and (c) summer sleep pants made from ikat fabric I purchased back in the early '70s (it's soooooooo soft!). This renaissance is due to the fact that I finally purchased a TV for the sewing room. Even though I rarely turn it on, I just feel it is more hospitable. Also, it's spring and we need a TV in the basement for when the tornado sirens go off (usually at 2 a.m.). Unfortunately, the sleeping couch is covered in piles of fabric.
The worst part about storm sirens going off at 2 a.m. is Bhu. "Whachu mean?" Well, you never want to come downstairs with us. You make us chase you all over the house and then you scratch and claw! Very unpleasant. "Me no likes basement." Bhu, we're just trying to save you from the storm! That's why we put you in the carrier, zip it up, and haul you down there. "Maybe if you puts Appetizers down there, too." Bhu, U R 2 MUCH! xxoo Patty

Pee Ess: Here's the "HUH?" part of this post. Mary J. Blige was on Oprah the other day singing "Stairway to Heaven" . . . YES, Led Zeppelin. Hmmmm.

Schpringa 2

2010-04-09T10:19:00.000-07:00

This is what you think is going to happen when you buy that bag of 10 daffodils at the hardware store. Clue: It's been 20 years since I planted these. They do spread, or "naturalize" as master gardeners might say, but it takes a while. Just like your butt would do after working in an office job for twenty years. The Cotton Candy Redbuds are blooming now! Just LOVE the color!
Here's the collage I created at my first art class in 40 years. It's not finished, but I am very pleased with it. Unfortunately, I just visited my friend Wanda's blog "A Frayed of Fibers" and this doesn't come anywhere near as creative as all her projects. In due time, Wanda. In due time!

Bhu snoozes. He's been having a hard time keeping his food down these days, but he seems pretty healthy and happy. He's even getting used to having me home all day! "Whatevers. U iz more quiet than usual." xxooo Patty

Schpringa

2010-03-22T12:34:00.000-07:00

Spring started with an all-day snow. It was beautiful, but better enjoyed inside than out. The first daffodils sagged under the weight of the heavy, wet snow. Today it's all melted and the daffodils have perked up again.

RETIREMENT: Last day of full-time work was Friday. Sunday, Sabryin and I took a class with Jessie Lawson, one awesome artist who specializes in paintings and collages featuring kittehs. She's got a shop on Etsy and you will find it delightful! As usual, I neglected to take my camera but it was so much fun and so energizing and inspiring.

Today is my first day of not working full-time. I'm actually "on vacation," but I've already placed an order for office supplies, changed the supervisor for one of the students, and answered/forwarded a score of e-mails. That's my way. Don't criticize. Whatever makes the transition smoother, right?

What I can't get used to are the neighbors' dogs. Why don't people train their dogs to bark only when there is an intrusion? Oh, yes, I know: LAZINESS. Open the door in the morning, out they go and out they stay, barking barking all the way. The difference between a "pet" and a DOG: pets get walked, their humans play games with them, occasionally you will see a human in the pet's venue. DOGS JUST BARK. NOBODY CARES ABOUT THEM. THEY'RE JUST DOGS, not pets.

Have raspberry canes and asparagus to plant and I imagine it's going to be a battle between me and THE DOG for supremacy in the back yard. Sorry, but I'm going to win, even if I have to intervene with the lack of human attention he gets. Patty speaks.

Functionary Blues

2010-03-07T09:57:00.000-08:00

Kitteh Belleh is the most effective and organic anti-depressant I know! Bhu Belleh is a prime example! This weekend I have been suffering from the Functionary Blues and I got it BAD! I usually reserve this space for happy little chipper messages about life with Bhu, but today I will bore everyone with a sad little tale of woe: What will I do with the rest of my life?

Last summer I had lunch-side conversation with friends Corelots and Ann. Ann, retired for about two years at the time, was pursuing free-lance art gigs. Recently, she moved from NYC to a lovely resort town in the mountains of Mexico, a place known for its arts and crafts scene. I asked Corelots, currently a professor, what she intended to do after retirement. This question was not popular, but a reasonable response (tutor) ensued. Corelots (San Francisco) and Ann come back here in the summer to visit a friend who used to be a professor, but who moved back and became an artist and currently co-owns an art gallery. I don't know if "became" is the right word; many of us ARE artists who have had to work as functionaries just to pay the bills. Wages are a drug to which we easily become addicted. It might be stressful, but it's easy and certain: If I do the time, I get the paycheck.

So I am sitting around my house this weekend pondering that question: what will I do? Not "How shall I play?" but "What will I DO?" Cook, clean, launder, iron, pay bills, reconcile bank accounts, go to market, garden, run errands, do chores, make quilts, make other things to sell to people (maybe art), open a booth at the Farmer's Market, pet Bhu.

"Yes, petz me. Petting me is good fur ur soul." xxoo

Laundry Bhu

2010-02-28T10:37:00.000-08:00

Yep, it's Sunday which means it's laundry and ironing day. Bhu has planted himself on top of a very large pile of pants and shirts "so they don'tz fall down," or so he says! "Some of the rinkels goes away if me lays on these clothes long enough." Hmmm, unfortunately you're right. Also, unfortunately, you,re coating all the clean clothes with a lovely layer of luxurious kitteh fur! "zzzzzzzzzzz."

So, what happened to February???? Whoosh! Here's what I can remember. Annabelle & Zuzu got a new brother! There were earthquakes and snowstorms that wreaked havoc on the planet. We were able to hire someone to replace me at work and the next five days will be my last as fiscal officer for the school(YAY)! Sabryin and I made French Onion soup from scratch yesterday, including the most necessary finishing touch: gruyere melted on crusty baguette! Oh YUM, it was good! We had a mysterious power outage last night for 90 minutes (probably in sympathy for all the 'hoods back East that still have the problem today), but it was fun getting out all the candles and opening the drapes to capture the blue moonlight. Fortunately, it was not a bone-chilling night . . . very mild. We had the True/False Film Festival in town, with thousands of folks from all over the world gathering to watch documentaries and independent films for three days. We discovered a wonderful goat cheese flavored with lavender and fennel ("Purple Haze") and started a new tradition on Friday nights (no dinner; just plates of fruit, cheese, meats and bread/crackers accompanied by wine). I'll invite you along next time, which won't be next Friday but the one after. We ordered some of our seeds and plants for the garden, but I have many more to order. If anyone knows of a good, cheap source for caladium bulbs, please let me know. I want to put some in my window boxes this year. Most of February was filled with unimportant and work-related business so it's just as well it's over.

We have had difficulty visiting blogs lately, and Bhu is very upset with me because he is longing for glimpses of Sweet Praline, Maggy (his valentine), and GJ (his pal). He has heard a rumor about the many valentines Sweet Praline received, but is always resigned to the fact that she is the sweetheart of the Kittehnet and rightly deserves the attention. Bhu, you are so laid back and handsome, I'm surprised you don't have more ladycat admirers. "Don't need more. Maggy's plenty fur me!" Ahhhhh, how sweet! xxoo Patty

True LUV

2010-02-14T07:00:00.001-08:00

"Me gotz a valentine furrum Maggy! She is so purrity and has a BIG HEART! Mom, will U teech me hows to make valentines fur Maggy?"

I will do my best, but I'm not very talented in that area. Sabryin made a beautiful watercolor for me (love, love, love it) and informed me that he is the November 2009 main member 2 Battleboats Plus Tournament Champion! "Wow, do U getz prize??" Just a kiss from Lovee, Bhu.

I was trying to think of romantic/love songs this morning and the one I remember most from my childhood is Bing Crosby and Grace Kelly singing "True Love". I actually still have a 45 rpm of it; wonder if it would play? No doubt it could be downloaded to the ipod. "I give to you and you give to me, love forever true." xxoo Patty

SooPURR Bole Sunday

2010-02-07T08:28:00.000-08:00

"Hey, mom! Does we has enough Fancy Feest Appetizers fur today??" Uh, yes, I think so, Bhu. Are you having a party? "Well, me furgotz to invite mai kitteh furrends, but just in case GJ and Sweet P stops by . . . " Don't worry, Bhu. If we run out, I'll go to the store and get more.

As for mom, she's gonna try to get over her adult-onset agoraphobia and head out to Satin Stitches for the fat quarter sale (10 for $20). Then, chores as usual: laundry, ironing, baking cookies, roasting a chicken and root veggies for dinner and working on Valentine's Day cards. "Ooooh, mom, don't furrget about mai valentine!" Ok, Bhu, I won't. xxoo Patty

Got My MOJO Back!

2010-01-31T09:57:00.000-08:00

Finally forced myself to do something with the 30's repro bowtie blocks. I was stalled for a year on this one because I couldn't decide how to set the blocks . . . I think I must have googled it ten times during 2009. Finally found one I liked a couple of weeks ago, Sabryin gave it his dominus vobiscum, and I started sewing them together. I'd like to spend more time on it today, but I have 25 shirts and 12 pairs of pants to iron, plus laundry and cooking. Watchu doin', bhu?

"Y U bothurr me? Me iz hasin' a mindfullness moment." Oh, sorry, Bhu! What do you think of the new quilt? "Iz makin' me DIZZY!" Hmmmmm.

Crappy January

2010-01-23T07:04:00.001-08:00

Never been my favorite month. Granted, it is possible that it would be better in a different hemisphere, but there is no opportunity for me to test that theory. Highlights of my dissatisfaction this month include (a) general fatness; (b) a temp that is out of the office more than she's in; (c) a work-load that waxes rather than wanes, due largely to the temp's rare appearances; (d) gloomy, grey days. There are a few bright spots, though. Interviews for my replacement are going well, but that leads to (e) fear of losing my job -- which, of course, is the PLAN but I've never really ever been unemployed.

"Iz there any fluffy onez to inturvue?"

Well, there was one I thought would be fluffy, but it turned out she fictionalized the fluff and was really just plain, old slick. But there's a couple more we will talk with next week, so there's still hope. Maybe in a few months I'll be able to spend more time with you, Bhu!

"Good. U can givez me Appetizers any time me wantz then!"

Right, Bhu. xxoo Patty

Bad Bhu, Bad Bhu, Whatcha Gonna Do . . .

2010-01-09T11:01:00.001-08:00

when they come for you! I've always wanted to catch the little booger in the act and here he is on the counter licking a plastic bag. He'd climbed all the way over the counter, across the stovetop, past steaming pots and other dangers too horrible to tell JUST TO LICK THIS BAG!! Oh, and I have video of him actually knawing on the bag, too, officer. Yes, he is guilty! Take him away!
"Nooooo! Leavez me alone! Me just has a little problemz with plastic."
"Maybe you need rehab, Bhu."

brrrrr brrrrrr brrrrrrr

2010-01-08T09:49:00.001-08:00

Forty-eight hours ago, Bhu was perched in the window fascinated by the snow falling. He is no longer amused. "Too cold. Me snooze. zzzzzzz." I have never seen a photo that captures the feeling of cold as well as this one my friend Ricky took. Wherever you are, stay warm and feed the birds. xxooo Patty

New Year Fluff

2010-01-01T07:37:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year, Bhu! Got any resolutions?
"Yes. Sleep in sun as much as possible. Eat lotsa Fancy Feest Appetizers."
That's it? How about Be a good boy for your mommy?
"Me close mai eyes now and go back to sleep. zzzzzzzzzz"

The first day of 2010 is frigid, as usual, but sunny after a week of very deep cloudiness. Bhu is very relaxed in his patch of sunshine, his white fur glowing and his little sleepy eyes opening a little bit, then closing. He is a joy.

Normally, I don't do the resolutions thing, but this year I am going to try to be more organized in my attempt to live a healthy, fun life. I might even go as far as to create a "goal" or two: diet, exercise and self-awareness. Couldn't be bad, right?

Sabryin, Bhu and I hope your new year and new decade will be rewarding! xxoo Patty

Mike

2009-12-26T08:09:00.001-08:00

passed away the other night in Astoria, Queens at his daughter's apartment. We are so sad. He was our friend; we loved him. He gave the BEST hugs! xxoo Patty

Gouty Kissmass Eve

2009-12-24T07:13:00.001-08:00

Here is a really cute portrait of Bhu and his furrends Sweet Praline, Ginger Jasper and Romeo that Ann of Zoolatry created. Wish I could work the software like she does! I am having a very gouty day . . . very painful, so I'm a bit distracted.
"What's new. U iz always disturracted."
What do you mean, Bhu? I have the capacity to focus, although much on which I must focus is terminally boring and makes me want to scream.
"Like U said Monday that me needs another dose of Frontline and it's Thursday and no Frontline. These fleas is bitin' me! HALP!"
Okay, okay! I will do that right after we finish up here. I wanna tell people that the vet said you do not have any major health problems, but you are losing weight. We don't know why, so she is gonna do more blood work.
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! No more needle sticks!"
Fraid so, Bhu. Oh, and I want to tell everybody about the new treat we found for you: Fancy Feast Appetizers!
"Oh, yes! These R purrity much YUMMMY. Me don' knows wich is mai fafurrite yet. Wish me could eatz them alla time."
Well, you still need to eat your regular Fancy Feast food, too.
"Don't furrget."
Don't furrget what?
"Don't furrget to wish effurryone MERRY KISSMASS AND HAPPY NOOOO YEER!"
XXOO Patty & Bhu

Ho Ho Ho!

2009-12-21T07:32:00.000-08:00

Huh?
"How U likez new banner?"
Well, I notice MY name is gone! Are you kicking me off the blog?
"No, U kin stay. Ann of Zoolatry made this fur us and the purrfday card, too!"
I know! She is so talented! I Love Love Love my birthday card.
"Did U has good purrfday?"
Yes, I got to spend all day with my two fluffy boys -- Bhu and Sabryin.
"Me hasta go to Vet today. They put a muzzle on me."
No kidding? You were BAD? Maybe now you can be in the Naughty Kitty Club with Sweet Praline and Ginger Jasper.
"Akshully, it was the VET that was bein' BAD! Stickin' me with needles and pokin' around mai bottom and private parts! SHE was bad, not me! Me was just protecktin maiself!"
Well, I hope everything is okay, Bhu. You've lost a lot of weight lately and seem a bit lethargic. Come here so I can give you a big kiss. smooch, smooch

Happy holidays to all with much love and big hopes for Peace on Earth!
Love, Patty, Bhu, Sabryin

2009-12-19T07:18:00.000-08:00

Winter.

2009-12-09T10:48:00.000-08:00

My dotter took this photo -- her backyard Monday. We don't have this much snow, but winter is definitely here. What to do on a day when the temp is 14 and the wind is gusting up to 50 mph? Clean your house and give yourself a facial.

"U gonna pet me, too?"
Purrrrrhaps, Bhu. Purrrrhaps.
xxoo Patty

Thanks, or should I say "Gracias?"

2009-11-27T08:00:00.000-08:00

This year we were going to have a slightly altered yet traditional turkey dinner: turkey breast instead of a whole turkey. The thing was frozen solid when I bought it, so I followed the directions and let it unfreeze in the fridge for 48 hours. Yesterday, I took it out of the plastic wrap and OMG it was the skankiest looking thing; definitely NOT edible! So, I poked around in the freezer and found these Gorton's fish filets (delish, btw). I also bought pecan tarts and Redi Whip (made with REAL cream!). We shook up the can as directed and pushed on the little white apparatus and out dribbled white stuff. YUK! Next year, I'm making cheeseburgers.
Bhu was happy to have us home. He got lots of pets and generally hung out at his food bowl, hoping a stray biped would treat him up with Temptations. I missed the Macy's parade and tuned in just in time to see the Pomeranian in the dog show. Later in the evening, my dotter called to say she and her friend Amery were on the Parkway driving to Atlantic City for Black Friday. They were going to stay in a hotel and get up at 4 a.m. to be first in line at the Coach outlet. I realize this is the NEW Thanksgiving Holiday, when we are thankful for the discounts. Retailers jerk our chains. I will tell you, though, if a local grocer decided to give 50% discounts on Black Diamond Cheddar starting at 4 a.m. the day after Thanksgiving, I might be there!

NOTE: There has GOT to be a military application for the Deviled Egg Fart, doncha think?

Tell me again it's November 23:

2009-11-23T12:33:00.001-08:00

Tomatoes still grow in the garden!
Roses bloom as if it was May!
Black Eyed Susan has n't a care in the world! There is also a huge clematis and a few malva blooms. Long ago I built a cold frame; so clever, I was going to have fresh arugula for a holiday salad. Looks like we don't need cold frames here now! I wanted to tell you I got a flu shot the other day and as I was walking out of the building, there was a car parked in front that had written on it "We Love You Aunt Patti!" Wow! Was that for me? Bhu don't care. He sleeps. I can't even find his head to give him a pet! zzzzzzz

Furrends Furrever!

2009-11-17T12:13:00.000-08:00

Goma interviews Bhu on his blog today! They are very good Furrends!

xxoo Patty

The Sunny Spot of Life

2009-11-15T08:08:00.001-08:00

Something about the winter light in the house . . . the morning sun pouring in . . . Bhu settling down for a little nap next to the 'puter station. Lovely, sweet moments of life.

Unfortunately, that was yesterday. Today it is raining heartily so it is the perfect Sunday to review applications for a student fiscal assistant position I posted last week. Don't ever let anyone tell you that grammar, punctuation and spelling aren't important -- especially in a resume. Don't start your cover letter thusly: "Hi. My name is Blow MyChance and I saw your ad for an open position." I can see your name there at the bottom of the letter, dude. Don't devote an entire paragraph talking about your years of customer service experience and forget to mention your Excel skills. Oh, and please spell it Excel, not "Exel."

"U R so crit ikal. And U iz makin' too much noize. Me is very good at comunikashun skills and me duz a gurrrate job at house security!" Well, Bhu, the qualifications for the fiscal assistant job are different than for house security jobs. "U should just hire the purrson who is fluffiest." THAT is a VERY good idea!! Thanks, Bhu. You are so adroit and skillful at human relations. "zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz"

From Wealth to Poverty: The Tale of a Tree

2009-11-08T06:58:00.000-08:00

Sweet Gum Tree has lost most of its leaves and will be naked to the winter winds! Bhu is shedding, too. Are we ready for winter? NO! Papa has a chest cold and he is coughing and hacking and convalescing while reading "The Ascent of Money: A Financial History of the World." I made a big pot of Hot & Sour soup and it seemed to help a bit.

Many things have changed over the past week. The Retirement did not occur. My assistant accepted a different position and is leaving, thereby solving one of my problems but creating two new issues both of which are up to me to solve. So, I am stuck working, not retiring, for another three or four months. Of course, I could always just walk away from it all; unfortunately, I'm too conscientious. "U iz NOT konshee enshus! U iz something else that isn't the same as smart." Well, I've never heard it put quite that way, Bhu, and as usual you just might have a point. "Uh Huh, usually do!"

Ram Dass to the Rescue!

2009-10-28T07:06:00.001-07:00

They told us we wouldn't have a colorful Fall because we had such a cool, rainy summer. EHHH! WRONG! Sweet Gum Tree tells no lies (seefururself).

"Did U retirez?" Well, Bhu, sort of. "What's SORT OF retiredz?" Rather than leaving abrubtly, I'm going to work half-time and take four weeks of vacation between now and January. I'm also going to have an apprentice! "Like Mickey Mouse and the Sorcerer?" Something like that, I guess. "How U make this desishun?" I consulted with a few Crones and then I read Ram Dass's book "Still Here." This more gentle transition seems to be righter, but you know I have a talent for making bad decisions. "Zzzzzzzzzzzzz."

Countdown: Day Three

2009-10-24T07:17:00.000-07:00

"Me no care about ur report, which IS A DAY LATE AGAIN!" Sorry, Bhu. There is a new rub. "Belleh rub?" No, a new option I should say. "What's dat?" They are trying to get me to stay and work part-time and now I don't know what to do but I have to decide by Monday. So, we are taking a break from the Countdown to Retirement. "U iz so noo-rah-tik! Eithur U wantz to stay home with me or not. Simple choice." Well, I would be able to stay home with you more and sometimes even work in my jammies. See, they will give me more green papers to buy your Fancy Feast and Temptations! "Hmmmmmm. K. Maybe u better think about it morez."

Countdown: Day Four

2009-10-23T08:37:00.000-07:00

"U did it again! Ur report for Day Four is one day late!" I know, I'm sorry Bhu. I had a rough day and a worse night. "Too much sinuses?" Yep. "Do U has pig flu?" Hope not! "So what about the countdown?"

I'm kinda bored with the countdown today, mostly 'cause I'm sick and tired from not sleeping. I have a lot of things to think about and I don't think well when I am sick. Today I might just stay home and drink coffee and eat Cream of Wheat. It's a gloomy, grey, wet, cold day.

Countdown: Day Five

2009-10-21T07:38:00.000-07:00

"U missed yesterday." I did, Bhu. I mean, not missed it altogether but wasn't able to file a report about Day Five: Countdown to Retire- ment. "U makes it sound so exciting." Well, I thought you might need some help doing "house security" all day, so I would retire from my job at the University. "Me no needz halp furrum you." But wouldn't it be fun to be together all day? I would be able to give you Fancy Feast whenever you got a little hunger pang. "Furrrget it! U makez too much noise, always singin' and dancin' around. Plus sometimes U bringz out the VAKYOOM machine!" Well, if I can't stay here with you, where will I go? "Back to workz! House security is MAI job, not yours." Hmmmmmmm.

Countdown: Day Six

2009-10-20T13:40:00.000-07:00

Only an hour and 30 minutes to go on Day Six: Countdown to Retirement! Last night I worried about if I was doing the "right" thing and, of course, I NEVER do the right thing, so what's the diff? But I thought [out loud, by the way] "If I go to work on the 28th, nothing good will happen to me. If I don't go to work on the 28th, something good might happen." It's the old bird-in-the-hand dilemma.
"Boidz in teh hand? Where iz the boids? Me missed them! That looks like fish to me!"
Yes, you are astute, Bhu! That is, indeed, a fish and that is your nephew Walker and the photo commemorates the first fish he ever caught. Now, do you think he would have caught that fish if he'd gone to school that day?
"Maybe, if his school is on oshun or lake or river. That's where the fish R."
Well, most schools are NOT on the water, so there is not a very good chance of catching a fish in school.
"But doesn't fishes travel in schools?"
Hmmmm. So this is what I get for all my good work: a kitteh that seems to be the reincarnation of Gracie Allen!
"U iz loopy. Wut number comes next in countdown?"
Tune in tomorrow and see!
"Tuna tomorrow!?! YAY."
mrrrrffff

Lookz What Sweet P Sent:

2009-10-18T10:35:00.000-07:00

Sweet Praline did not forget mai purrfday and sent me this purrity card! Thanks to effurryone who wishes me a good day. Me hopes ur purrfdays are good, too! Papa gave me lotsa Temptations! xxoo Bhu

Happy 12th Purrfday!

2009-10-17T09:36:00.000-07:00

Another wonderful year with Bhu has begun! He is still my sweet, purry little kitteh, though. He loves to play with his Papa (aka, the human claw cushion) and gallop through the house like a 6 month old, but his naps are longer and always on schedule.

BhuMOBoy

2009-10-12T13:30:00.000-07:00

"How U like mai license plate?" Very distinguished! Actually, I found this cute depiction of Bhu somewhere in the Cat Blogosophere, but I can't remember where. If you know who is responsible, leave a comment with the blog addy so we can all enjoy it.

We missed effurryone this weekend because our DSL went out. Everytime I called to ask for repairs, I got a voice message telling me to get online and chat live with a tech. Well, duh, I can't do that cuz I can't get online. Drive me crazy! We have been without internet connection since Saturday morning at 10 a.m. and this morning I got an e-mail at work asking me to get online and take their customer service survey. When I clicked on the link, I got a screen that said "Oops! This link appears to be broken." Am I laughin'? NO NO NO NO! CenturyTel, you do not amuse.

We LOVE OKTOBRRRRR!

2009-10-04T16:11:00.000-07:00

It's cool. We turned on the furnace today, but I don't think it's cold enough for that. Luckily, we have plenty of wonderful, warm quilts . . . piles and piles of them. Why do I always wait until the last minute to think about planting bulbs? Tomorrow I will submit my intent to retire. Time for changes. I will be very poor. I will wake up in the morning and think, "Oh, I will go to the rec center and work out," or "Oh, I will go to the garden center and buy some bulbs to plant," but I won't be able to because I won't have any money. I am going to have to become an entrepreneur (like Apple Annie???). I can do that. I can have a street corner and peddle snacks like apples and bananas to college students as they rush by to get to class. Why should Campus Dining Service make all the big bucks?

Anyway, maybe once I'm retired I'll be able to take some really cool photos of Bhu. Maybe I'll even start drawing like Sachie.

We had cheezeburgers for dinner . . . homemade cheezeburgers with Black Diamond Cheddar ($19/lb.). YUM! Better than bagged burgers, that's fur shur! xxxoo Patty

I'm not even sore!

2009-09-29T13:35:00.000-07:00

"Where U been?" Well, I just had the first session with my personal trainer, Thomas! "How was it?" It was GREAT! I am not as decrepit as I thought! I actually survived one whole hour of exercising without becoming overly moist and breathless AND I'm not even sore! I enjoyed it. I'm going back tomorrow! I'm really hungry for a cheeseburger, though. "That defeetZ the purrrrpose." As usual, you are correct, Bhu.

Ekwinox? What?

2009-09-19T11:31:00.000-07:00

It's the autumnal equinox . . . the coming of Fall on Tuesday! "Me no wants to fall. Kin I just stay here and sleepz?" Truly, I don't think anyone expects anything else from you, Bhu. By the way, are you ready for Sweet Praline's birthday pajama party? "Oh YAH! How U like THIS pose? Think the ladies will go fur this?? Me wants to show my best feetshurs." Oh, you are gonna be a BIG HIT, Bhu! Just remember to be a gentleman, okay? "K."

The garden has wound down except for the Sweet Potatoes and the Grape Tomatoes. I LOVE Sweet Potato blossoms! So do the bees! Can't wait for the harvest! The weather has been ideal. I always dream of this kind of weather, so cool and clear! For family and furrends who are interested in my health, here is a report. I have yet another script for HBP. So far, so good. I signed up for a personal trainer and water aerobics! The other ladies in the class all have black bathing suits. My suit is bright yellow with big tropical flowers and I have the cutest yellow water shoes. "Well, mom, U iz the wierd one, we all know." So, Bhu, you wanna come with me to water aerobics Monday? "Uh, no thanks." Oh, come on Bhu! The ladies will all love you up and kiss and pet you. "No wants to get wetz." Such a fraidy cat!! xxoo Patty

Too Hurty for Shopping

2009-09-12T08:24:00.000-07:00

"Me wants to go to store to getz Fancy Feast, but mom is having another painful gout attack. Come on, Mom! Buckle up!" Sorry, Bhu. I can't work the clutch and the brakes and the gas. "Hmpf! She always haz eksuse!"

Well, otherwise, it is a beautiful Saturday, cool and clear, with a home football game set for 6 p.m. There is a new sound system at the stadium, so I expect we will be treated to all sorts of noise pollution this evening. I'm sorta cranky 'cause of no sleep last night. "SORTA cranky? Me sez U is VERY cranky!" Sorry, Bhu. I'm just in pain. "When the doctor gonna take care of that?" Hmmmmm, apparently never. They don't seem to know what to do, Bhu. I hope you will still love me in my decrepitude. "Ur WHAT?" Nevermind. xxoo Patty

Sanguine

2009-09-05T09:51:00.000-07:00

"K. So mai mom wants to illustrate wai she thinks me looks like George Clooney. Waddya thinks? Me no thinks his face is furry enough and he gotz no tail or wings on his toes." No, no, see Bhu, it's in the EYES! You have that sweet, sophisticated look that makes people trust you will do them no harm and then you POUNCE on them or bite their nose or scratch their hand. Well, maybe I shouldn't get into that right now.

Rotten Meg remembered I am trying to make life decisions right now. I have made the primary decision and now there are a lot of other little decisions that must follow. I'm an optimizer and I have an elevated capacity for caution. I can't say always but mostly I'm remorseful after being impulsive. Not that I enjoy planning -- I don't! I'm usually in the moment. So, if your head is spinning (What the heck is she talking about????), well, so is mine.

"See what me hasta put ups with? Freaky!"

Who's Dat?

2009-08-29T07:35:00.001-07:00

It's all your friends in the blogosphere! They're here to see you, Bhu. "Me been gone so long, they not furrget me?" How could anyone forget YOU, Bhu? "K, Hai! We been busy but now we iz back! Hey, mom! When U gonna get a new cell phone? This one must be ten years old!" In due time, Bhu.
The garden is doing well and we are very proud of our sunflowers and BEES! Yay! It is so good to see bees everywhere but I have seen very few butterflies this year, so I'm a bit sad about that. Just a few tomatoes left at this point.
Most sad to report the death of black bunny, murdered by a motor vehicle last weekend. RIP, Mr. B! It's been a wild summer and an even wilder August. I can't believe September is two days away! I am not ready for Fall and in two weeks I have to make a major decision about my life and I am not prepared and I don't have time to GET prepared! It is really rough being a wage slave, when finding green papers becomes your priority. Please, please give me more time because I am not ready for winter yet!! xxoo Patty