Thursday 9 January 2014

Christmas past.....

It was not such a happy Christmas here.     

My gorgeous boy Bagpuss (aka... Beau) bravely fought a nasty bacterial infection that attacked him out of nowhere and for no good reason......


He endured two weeks of daily visits to the Dr for antibiotic jags without complaint till....on Monday...
Beau passed away peacefully in his sleep at the time of his choosing.

Tuesday I made a space for him under his favourite tree..... where he used to hang out with the pheasants. I'm sure those daft birds thought he was one of them.  In fact I think Beau thought he was one of them too... he had some funny ideas!

Wednesday we took a little walk around the garden together just checking things out before I tucked him into his special place.    His final patrol as Head Of Security.    A month short of 16 years on the job deserves a mention.... don't you think.

The house is so quiet now.  Baggy was a 'talker' and boy did he like to talk... about anything and everything (a bit like me) but mostly his conversations revolved around him getting what he wanted..... Dreamies   He'd do anything for Dreamies......


This is is patented gimme the Dreamies look...... just ask Chris.... he suckered her in every week for years!

He didn't spend all of his time mooching snacks.  He doubled as quality controller in the sewing room when Licky Lou was unavailable.....


 and let me tell you.... he missed nothing!   He could be bribed to turn a blind eye though... no prizes for guessing what with.

He was an expert at pimping for tummy rubs too.....


I mean... could you resist.

Now Licky Lou is very sad and lost without her brother and I miss him so much it's hard to breathe.   If a million tears would bring him back he'd be here with us now...... Love you Beau.

Cuddle your furry friends close today
Hugs
Josie

p.s   Thanks to everyone who commented on my 'Pressie' post.   I will be replying to you all in the next couple of days....  Hugs.

Monday 6 January 2014

Past & Presents......

I know it's a bit late in the day to be talking about Santa but...... he rocks!   


Before I show you the swap gifts he brought me I really must apologise to Sandy my Secret Santa from Chookyblue's SSCS  for not posting sooner to show you all the gorgeous Christmas gift she sent me.   To Chookyblue too..... believe me I don't break rules... as a rule!

I was so happy on Christmas morning when I opened my main parcel from Sandy and found this gorgeous stitchery....
 

I totally love it!!    I've had my beady eye on this design for ages but never got around to actually buying it.  It seems that as well as being a talented needlewoman Sandra is a mind reader too.    It is not going into storage till next Christmas it's going to be a year round resident on my craft room wall.  Actually the cute reindeer ornament isn't being put away either it will have it's own special place where I can enjoy it every day. 

I did remember to get the little pincushion inside the pouch into the photo too..... I forgot that when I showed you the ornament earlier.   Brain dead eh!

Thanks again Sandy for all the beautiful gifts you made for me..... you are a star!!  

Now I can show you what I made for Jenny in the SSCS swap.......


Jenny likes to crochet so I sent a project tote and a crochet hook organiser along with her ornament.  I'm thrilled to bits that she likes her gifts too.

I swapped Christmas presents with my friend Leanne too.    Here's what she made for me....


A string of really pretty bunting in colours that I love.   A super cute little Santa wall hanging too.  Love him! Bet you can guess that he's not being put away till next year either.


Leanne made me a gorgeous sewing roll too.... love the stitched flowers... and the inside......


packed with more gorgeous goodies.  Super new applique needles to try out.  Pretty ric rac and buttons too. 

Thanks Leanne...... you are a real star too!    

Here's what I sent Leanne......


A hexie tote....


and a storage roll for needle packets.... or any stuff of choice that will fit inside....


Love this little pattern.

I'll pop back soon to update you on the goings on in Stormy Scotland as soon as I can get my act together.

Hope you are all having fun and that 2014 brings you all the very best that life has to offer....

Hugs
Josie