Hairy the Woodpecker, Isabelle, Me......

and of course the Girls in the mix.

The start of our day appeared as it was going to be normal.  Up and out to the garage to feed all the Girls, me back in for coffee while they eat, a quick walk down the Lane and around the Farm....

and so on.  

Let's see, the normal stopped halfway into filling the Girls bowls with a ruckus of some sort at the bottom of the Cellar steps.  Isabelle shoots like a lightning bolt down the steps, my first notion that the "normal" was shifting, not sure how much of a shift just yet but sure I would find out soon.

That's when Hairy came flying out of the stairwell, dipping and diving around the garage with Isabelle in hot pursuit.  After their initial shock the Girls realize there is something after their Mom.  It may have been because their Mom was ducking and dodging Hairy as he franticly tried to escape Isabelle the Murderous B.  Yes, the B stands for what you are most likely thinking.  She was lovingly given that name years ago by April....and a deserved name indeed.  Anyway....  The Girls are running around the garage in search of what the cause of all this commotion is and what must be an enormous threat to the life of their person.  They are protective.

Hairy finally finds a safe perch on Mondo, one of Big Pops whitetail mounts.  My first thought is he will start feeling too much at home and try to peck bugs from Mondo's hide.  There are none there but you know, instinct.  Mondo is Big Pops pride and joy and I know I can't let this happen so I get the broom and shoo him away from his perch.  More dipping, diving, ducking and dodging to follow...Isabelle in pursuit and the Girls barking in their efforts to save me from Hairy.  

I manage to get both big garage doors, and people doors open to the outdoors.  I catch Isabelle and secure her in the Carriage House, the Girls in the house.  I decide I need to get dressed before I attempt the capture and release.  I surely wouldn't want UPS Tommy or the FedEx truck to pull in and find the red-haired, pajama clad, muck boot wearing, broom bearing lady of the Lane frantically swooping through the garage.....on Halloween no less.  Or heaven forbid my Emma to arrive and witness it all and feel it her duty to call her Dad to tell him that maybe, just maybe there might be a crack in her Gma's mental state, so.....

Dressed with broom in hand if needed, I peek into the garage. Hairy is perched on the garage door tracks.  He seems to be fine, minus more than a few feathers and probably still scared to bits, but physically okay I think.  

I really don't want to use the broom to nudge him and scare him more so I open a new packet of suet and sit it on the top of my Blazer which is just beneath him.  I quietly go back into the house in hopes he will be attracted by the suet and once down to it will see he can just fly free.  

It worked.  I checked about a half hour later and Hairy had left the garage.  Mondo was intact.

The Girls saved me from harm.  Isabelle?  Isabelle is naughty.  

The first hour of my day spent corralling a woodpecker in my garage.  

What would life be without such an adventure every now and then.  I know it wouldn't be

Life on the Lane, so I wouldn't want it any other way!

Wishing you all a wonderful adventure for your day....

a Happy Halloween and a great rest of your week!

Working on the schedule for classes here in the Cellar Studio for next year.  If you have an interest in joining a regular group, a single class or an Open Studio Day, shoot me an email to be added to the list of those I send info to.  We would love to have you join us.

Just never know what kind of adventure might be in store for you here at YDL!

Take good care,

Sharon

Mums, Foreign Languages and Little Amish Boys.....

and yes, I know, most of you are thinking where in the world is she going with this one....

well, let me tell you.  

Normally I don't like to get my mums quite this early, but with the Home & Harvest event coming up and all the preparation involved, I decided I might better get them now while I still have my wits, or at least somewhat, about me.  Also fearing that the selection might be less than stellar if I waited much longer as well.  

The Girls and I piled into the truck, me driving of course, Sophie riding shotgun and Miss Ivy in the back.  Kinda like driving Miss Daisy.  She is the Princess after all.  

We pull into the Amish Mum farm and the Girls wait in the truck while I shop.  Row upon row upon row of mums, every size, most every color.  The Amish Lady greets me and inquires as to what colors I might like.  Of course I am rather specific on that.  Deep reds, some whites and the pumpkin color....absolutely no pinks.  We don't do pink and that's another story for another time.  

I tell her I need around twenty of them, her eyes light up and she head to get the cart to haul them.  Following along behind her on her return are two of the cutest little Amish fellows you can imagine.  Sweet little bowl cuts, beautiful round faces smudged with the morning dirt, barefoot and just plain precious.  They both take a shine to me.  I know, I'm old, it could've been my imagination but I don't think so.  It's been a few years since a little guy like that gazed up at me with that look but I know it when I see it.  The littlest was just taken by my toe polish, oh, and my earrings.  The older one, by about a year I'd say, was busy impressing me with his expertise at loading and unloading my mums of choice.  I'd guess he was about four and he knows his business of mums.  

Pretty soon the little guy has a firm grip on three of my fingers and we walk hand in hand, shopping the mums, while he gazed up at me in adoration.  Or maybe I'm old and imagined it.  

Mums are all chosen and the elder brother hops into the back of the truck and we load them in.  Me one handed as my second hand is being held by my new friend.  

Mom is giving instructions.  That's when she says to me, "I hope it's alright that I speak to them in German as they don't understand English yet".  I say of course it is.  Then to make small talk I tell her my Grandpa was German but I don't understand the language.  Well, maybe a word here and there.  For the most part I'm and English speaking girl from the country.  Now don't get me wrong, I do remember some French from High School, and Elsa taught me some swears in Spanish this past weekend, not to mention that I know lots of Swedish thanks to my pal Tilda....and you know, come to think of it, I even know a few words in Japanese thanks to my little brother.  Huh, guess you might say I'm bilingual....well alright, that might be a stretch but hey.  

I pay for the truck load of mums and the little guys get a few pets in on the Girls.  My hand is still firmly gripped by the little guy.  I tell them thank you for being such great helpers.  They beam from ear to ear and then the little guy puts his arms up to me and puckers up for a smooch.

Melted my heart.  I might be old but he was taken with me and it wasn't my imagination.

Isn't it funny how something so sweet and simple can make your day so much better.  

I continue to ready things for the Home & Harvest event on October 7

Will update as days go along and hope that many of you will make plans to join us for a simple

day in the country.

Mums, Foreign Languages, Little Amish Boys...

Pick up trucks, Shotgun Rider and Miss Ivy.

It's a pretty wonderful life here on the Lane.

As ever,

Sharon

Birthdays.....

we all have them.  We all hope we make it for another one.  

Pretty much just another day as we get older.

I had one, last Friday.  Just another day.....or so I thought.  

I got up with the sun, as usual, and was greeted with the wagging tails and lapping tongues

of the Girls who make that sun shine a bit brighter for me every day.  We took a quick walk down the Lane and around the Farm.  Perfect way to start just another Friday.  

It was my birthday though.  I decided to treat myself to a pedicure so I got myself presentable 

to leave the driveway and off I went.  

I probably should've soaked my feet prior....I didn't.  They had their work cut out for them.

They soaked, and scrubbed and soaked and scoured and finally my feet were presentable too. 

Just another day, so I headed back towards home.  Thinking Nanc might be able to take a short road trip with me.  We try to make a point of doing something for each others birthdays.  Nothing big. 

Just two friends spending just another day with each other.  

I get to the drive and turn in.  There are 20 or more cars parked.  I panic and think, 

"oh my Lord, I scheduled something for today and forgot it"!

Then I see this.....

both sides of my drive, lined with people.  Not just regular people.  Very special people.

It was like a Birthday Parade and I felt like the Queen.  I think I may have even waved.  

I was dumbfounded.  They all sang Happy Birthday.....to me.  

A birthday feast had been prepared and my garage had been turned into a 

country birthday paradise.  

There were balloons and sunflowers.  Raspberry pies and special cupcakes.

There were even presents....for me.  

Most importantly though, there were all these very special people here to celebrate with me.  

Nanc, the ring leader.  She organized, planned, schemed and even fibbed to me.  A few others did the same.  So I would be none the wiser.  So I wouldn't venture off to Tilda's as I had planned.

Big Pops was in on it too.   I'm betting Sophie, Ivy and Isabelle were as well.

I had never had a real birthday party.  Not one I remember.  Where all your best friends are there to celebrate with you.  Where you eat lots of good food, cupcakes and raspberry pie.

Where there are presents and wonderful cards with beautiful notes inside.

Where everyone makes you feel special and loved and enough.

All these special women.  Gathering here to make me feel special too.  And they did....

very special.  My heart was full.....

and yes, I cried.  Happy tears, very happy tears.

It wasn't just another day, not just another day at all.

I love you all.  Thank you for loving me too.

The Birthday Girl,

Sharon

Miracle Girl.....

That's what the Doc is calling our Sophie.  A bit of a miracle for sure, a miracle we think the result of good care at our Animal Hospital, endless love from her People and most important to us the support and caring from all of her Prayer Warriors!

Visit to the Doc today, blood work is unbelievably perfect.  I have the readout with the previous counts, given to me to see the comparison and how she went from near death from liver, pancreas and kidney failure to feeling pretty darn good, all things considered!  

She is eating well and the autoimmune issue seems to be in some sort of remission.  She is happy, loves to roam the Lane and Farm and always ready for a ride.  

They do think this all may have compromised her thyroid and that is being checked now at MSU and she is on a special anti inflammatory for her lameness also caused from all she's been through.  

To us, these are just mole hills compared to the mountains this sweet soul has climbed these past six weeks.  My heart sings with relief that we will most likely be given more time with our Girl and that she will be happy and content as well.

I can't put in to words how grateful we are for all of you and your support, concern, love and prayers through all of this.  

Powerful offerings from our Friends.  Thank you so very much.

We are blessed.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Looking ahead here from the business standpoint.....

Busy readying some new classes, new offerings and even a fun day here on the Lane!

Our Cellar Stitchers 2 will be meeting here for their class on Wednesday and then a bit of a break until after the Labor Day holiday.  

I will continue to be very busy with stitching, creating, planning and more right on through the holiday and beyond.  I hope to have a schedule to share with you within the next week giving you a peek at the upcoming months at YellowDog Lane!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Wishing you all a wonderful week.....closing in on those last days of August, take time to enjoy!

From the Lane,

Sharon

Back from the Doc....

She gained back two lbs and although the blood work wasn't all where they would like to see it....

they all did a happy dance just to see her prancing through that door!  They truly thought they were sending her home for her last days as they had exhausted what they could do medically at that time.  

The labs show the pancreas to be back to almost normal levels but the liver counts are much more elevated and that is of course a concern but thinking if she conquered that "nastier than they've ever seen" pancreas then she will get over this hurdle as well.  

A few changes suggested to try with her diet and a supplement that will help the liver and if all goes well with no setbacks she goes back in a month for another check up.  

With the liver issue they are still advising that we don't reintroduce the meds for her autoimmune disease.... I will watch for issues or complications with that and we will take it as it comes.  

She is a content Girl now, happy and has comfort here at home.....for now I am so thankful for that.

Thank you once again....from the bottoms of our hearts for being our Prayer Warriors for Sophie!

We believe that's why she is home and happy!

Her sister Ivy now out weighs her by 24 lbs......she is a big boned Girl!  Actually she is just a big English Yellow with lots of muscle...and that's coming from the Doc!!

Life on the Lane has been chaotic to say the least these past couple of weeks....we're ready for some normalcy, I'm just not sure what that might be though with me and my crew!  

Scheduling classes and some other fun things for fall and winter and I will share all of that with you very soon.  The Cellar Stitchers 2 will be meeting on Wednesday here in the Studio to work on the

Folk Art Table Square project.....I am working on a myriad of things, ornaments, table mats, runners....wearables, yes, wearables and much more.

Stay tuned!

Take Good Care,

Sharon

Oh This Girl of Ours......

and isn't this just about the sweetest face ever!!

Our Sweet Sophie is beating the odds according to the Doc.  They truly didn't think she would be with us still.....and here we are with her eating almost like normal, taking her walks and riding shotgun with Momma.  

She will visit the Doc come Monday and have blood work done to see how the pancreas, liver and kidneys are fairing and we'll go from there.  

We do realize with the auto immune disease that she has that she will most likely have complications of some sort in the future.  She will be starting back on some meds for that after blood test results are in and they feel it's time.  For now....

we are grateful that she is happy and enjoying life at home where she loves and is loved!

I am a believer and I just know that all of you who jumped in on our prayer chain for Sophie and her family have been am important part on making her our Miracle Girl!

If it's only for awhile longer we have her we will forever remember all the love sent our way that played a part in the extra time we were able to spend with her and she with us.

Love to All,

Big Pops, Sharon, Sophie, Ivy & Isabelle

Home Again, Home Again.....

and jiggity jig doesn't even begin to express how happy we all are!

and I know she isn't exactly doing a jig right here but let me say that after five days and nights in a strange place without your people with tubes running into you, laying in a kennel with a cone on your head....I think I'd be looking much the same.  

She certainly had a spring in her step when she seen I was there and it got more springy as she realized we were headed for the door together and then when she seen her truck....oh my!

She is still a very sick Girl and is going to need pampering and you all know that of course she's in the right place now for that.  

We aren't sure how things will go but after talking with the Doc and the Doc seeing how she reacted to being with her Momma, it was decided that she needed to come Home.  

We have plans to walk in the woods and along the Lane....roam the Farm and the alfalfa field.  

Take some long rides and stop for ice cream.  

We will lay in the grass and do nothing and if she wants to sleep on the bed with us, I'm betting she's going to be right there snugged in.  

We are still praying for a miracle of sorts....that the pancreas might heal and things will turn around.  

We will keep our faith that whatever will be best for her is what will come.

We do know that if love plays a factor then she stands a chance.....

She is Home....

Home, where we Love

Where she knows she is loved and where she is happy and content.  

Sophie is Home.....quite possibly to spend her last days.

We will fill those days with the love she has known since we made her ours almost eight years ago.

Thank you everyone who has reached out to us in prayer, caring thoughts and your love.

This isn't easy but knowing we are wrapped in the arms of so many makes it much more bearable.

Continued prayers for healing and comfort welcome.

From the Lane.....

Big Pops, Sharon

Sophie, Ivy & Isabelle

Home, Where We Love is Home

Where Our Feet May Leave....

But Never Our Heart

A few offerings.....

on the YellowDog Lane PictureTrail Page....

www.picturetrail.com/yellowdoglane.com

A bit of this and that....mostly Americana to celebrate the upcoming holiday!

Going through tubs and totes from the move and finding treasures I didn't know I had and also a few new stitchings from the Cellar Studio here on the Lane....

Take a peek if you have the time and the desire!

Feeling almost fall like here on the Lane....thinking it won't last long but almost a bit refreshing after those extremely hot days we were experiencing!  

Hoping all is well with you and yours and that you're able to take some time to enjoy the upcoming holiday, reflect on your blessings and offer gratitude to those who have sacrificed to make our freedom possible.

Cheers to the Red, White and Blue!!!

From the Lane,

Sharon

Oh this Girl......

I realize that most of the time I'm telling tales of this Girl and how mischievious she is, and that she is, but.... she is also so very smart, beautiful and oh the sweetness she possesses!

Today here in the Cellar Studio.....Stitchers, a day that the Girls (Sophie & Ivy) look forward to as much as the Stitchers and Me.  I just say, "the Girls are coming today" and really, I know some of you think I'm nuts, but they know....they really do, they wait at the bottom of the steps watching and listening for the door to open so they can run and greet.  

They also have come to know all....they know who treats them all the time, Bonnie.....who brings a bag of treats to leave, Maxine....who needs their feet warmed and who is good at keeping them in line like Mom, Sue.  But, this baby of mine today and Sophie too but she is older and we have come to know that she senses things that are out of round with someone, just like big Sis Grace always did.  I mean, Sweet Soph has spent a lot of time on Cellar Days tending to Doris as she battled her cancer, knowing that Doris needed that extra bit of love....and of course the fact that she senses my anxiety and knows when she needs to make body contact with me.  Today though, it was this big brute of a baby I have who intercepted our new Stitcher Chris, on her way down the steps.  They had never met until today....Ivy spent the first hour or more tending to Chris.  She kissed her and held her hand, laid her head in her lap and laid by her side.  It was amazing.....

You see, Chris just finished up her final  chemo treatment.  You can call me crazy if you will but this Ivy of mine has that same keen sense her big Sister's had/have and she knows when she needs to comfort and love and just be with someone who isn't feeling quite up to par.  She has shown it with me most recently but this today was by far the confirmation that she is yet another beautiful blonde caregiver...

How blessed am I!

Now....you all know how much I love these YellowDogs of mine but I do want to share with all of you who follow for the Stitching, Wool, Creating part of my blog....

Geraniums&SaltGlaze was on the agenda today!

A sweet and simple project in wool that was very well received and a fun stitch for sure!

A few kits are available for pick up or shipping as are the paper patterns or instant downloads via email.  If you're interested shoot me an email 

yellowdoglane@gmail.com

We have lots of wool projects in the works for the last half of this year as well as some Needle Felting, Punch Needle and Rug Hooking.  

A Summer Day on the Lane and HarvestTime at YellowDog Lane in the works as well.....

stay tuned for more info on all or email to be added to the list to receive it to your inbox.

Wishing you all a wonderful first weekend of Summer.....

From the Lane,

Sharon

Isabelle.....

sure, she appears sweet and innocent, but.....

My morning.  Let's start with the fact that I had been awake since around 1:45 and hadn't conquered the getting back to sleep task.  The Girls are usually ready to be fed around 6:30 and I'm ready for a cup of coffee by that time if not earlier.  We keep their food in large old crocks in the garage and since Sophie has had her issues I feed them in the house so I can see whether or not she's having trouble chewing.  Out to the garage I go to get their breakfast, and of course the accompany me, as always.  Well....Isabelle is in the garage, which is a normal thing, what isn't normal is that she is dragging a gravely injured rabbit that is about as big as she is, around the garage with her.  

Can you picture bedlam?  The Girls were chasing her, she was running frantically to keep her catch away from them and I was running interference and yelling for her to "drop the rabbit"!  

Laugh if you will, but believe me, at the time, this was no laughing matter.  

Finally I manage to herd the Girls back into the house and I get her to drop the rabbit, at which time I scoop up with the dustpan and dispose of.  She spends the next hour or so stalking the garage in search of her catch and howling like she was wounded, while the Girls barked from inside thinking something was amiss with the little Sister.

Fast forward about two hours.  The Girls are ready for one of our daily walks so we head out and me, wearing my slippers, kicked them off and put my ankle Mucks on and we take off on a short jaunt down the Lane and around the Farm and back to the house via the woods path.  

We get inside and I see Isabelle is still or maybe again, acting somewhat strange.  I think she's still feeling deprived after losing track of the rabbit.  Oh know, I should've been so lucky.

I kick my Mucks off and try, yes try, to put my slipper on....and of course I cram my foot in harder wondering what the heck is blocking my foot from going in.  So.....I pull my foot, pick up the slipper and get it about nose level when a mouse.....yes, a mouse, comes flying out.  I swear the little varmint had wings the way he sailed out of that slipper.  And yes, I screamed, I mean a flying mouse had just tried to kill me in my own garage, who wouldn't scream!  

This is when the mayhem began.  My scream, the Girls barking because they think something is after me and Isabelle looking somewhat content that she has a bead on her most recent prey.  It was a free for all for what seemed like ten minutes, but I'm thinking it was probably more like 45 seconds.  Me trying to keep the mouse from running down the basement stairs to the Studio, Isabelle trying to catch the mouse and keep me from stealing it and the Girls tearing around barking and trying to protect me from whatever the horrendous creature was that was trying to kill their Mom.  

The mouse made it to the basement.  I promptly set a trap.  Isabelle was even more promptly relegated to the out of doors for the rest of the day and the Girls were so worn out they came in and took a nap.  

Innocent you say....think again.

All in a day with life on the Lane.

Wishing you all a wonderful holiday weekend.  

A time to remember all those who have left us and remind ourselves of their sacrifices for all we are blessed with today.  And also to know that they are still with us if only in memory and in our hearts.

Take good care,

Sharon

Six years past.....

yet at times it seems like just yesterday, and other times so much longer.  

The end of a dream.  A dream that we built in the middle of a corn field on a dirt road next to no where....as many of you have heard me say.  

A dream that many doubted would ever see the end of the first full year.  So much for the doubters.

As I look back on that day six years back a lump forms in my throat and tears slip down my cheeks.  

Sad for all that was lost.  A building that held much sentimental value and had my heart as I know now the heart of many others.  I thought for a time that my purpose was lost with the building and it's contents.  It actually took me several years to realize that it wasn't, my purpose is just different today.

I also look back on that day now and smile.  Smile at all the wonderful memories made at

Saltbox Farm.  The many days spent there with customers who became much more, they became friends.  Many of them more like family.  

I smile as I'm thankful that all that was lost was material.  Grateful that my family, friends and the fire fighters all remained safe.  Gratitude for the outpouring of love and help from so many on that dreadful Sunday in May.  

Tears for the loss yet, yes.  Much bigger joy that the loss was really material and for the most part after the healing, replaceable.  

The most important things remain intact and strong in my heart and mind.  

My family, my friends....

the family and friends of Saltbox Farm.

Thank you for the wonderful memories.  Thank you for your continued support as I grow another little dream here on the Lane.  Much smaller than the one of many years ago but a dream just the same.  In to our second year here at YellowDog Lane, and lets just say....

the fun is just beginning!

Come follow along on our little adventure!

Won't you share a memory of Saltbox Farm with me?  

I won't promise a tear won't be shed but I do promise with each share my heart will fill.

This picture was found following the fire.....glass broken, paper intact with this message.

From the Lane,

Sharon