Guess who got a special Valentine! Yep, Chelsea got this card… …and this pink, handmade with Bunny Hill fabric, collar… …from a special pen pal named Alex, who lives in North Carolina with his mom Dottie! She’s just a girl, on Valentine’s Day… …loving the way she looks! Hope your Valentine’s Day is just as grand. Hugs from, Anne & Chelsea

   We’re tiptoeing around today because Pumpkin did too much partying last night. We really don’t want to wake him up.  He can be a bit cranky… …when he hasn’t had his sleep. I’m sure he’ll feel better later today.  After all, it’s the first day of 2013 and he’s probably dreaming of a gourmet dinner. We eat black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day for good luck.  I hope Pumpkin likes them :>) Do you have a favorite food that you eat every New Year’s Day? Have a great day and Happy New Year! Hugs, Anne

It’s been pouring rain and the wind is howling at the door.  It’s a less than subtle reminder that winter comes to all of us, ready or not.   Roses drenched in rain, are still blooming in our yard, just waiting to dance in the wind with our Christmas lights.  Who knew December would be here so quickly and with such force? We should have planned ahead, I told my husband, because it’s supposed to rain all weekend and we haven’t put up the lights yet.   I caught him smiling as he watched the rain through the window.   Ha!  Just let him think he’s getting out of putting up…

The day is damp with a bit of drizzle.  Just enough to make us bundle up.  The rain would be welcome this time of year and our umbrellas are waiting, but secretly I’m hoping it skips us today.   Rain tomorrow would be just fine.  I hope your Thanksgiving day brings you sunshine.   Soon our dining room will be filled with the sound of chatter as platters of food are shared once again this Thanksgiving day. I was privileged to host some guests from Japan several years ago.  They were astounded that we had this room in our house that we only used once or twice a year.  It…

Oh my sweet, sweet dog you’re turning 17 today.  Why, you’re a Libra just like me!  As I watched you run across the yard this morning I felt so proud to call you my dog.   Today we’ll celebrate your birthday with whipped cream and cake to satisfy that sweet tooth of yours.   Happy Birthday old girl! If you haven’t read about Bitsy yet you can find her story here.   Happy Birthday Bitsy!

Packages are arriving addressed to Chelsea and I’m sure the mail lady is wondering why.  Chelsea is loving it!  Look at this little mouse that just arrived from Laura Klebs.  It’s hand knit with the softest mohair and it looks so similar to the original grey mouse.   Isn’t it just the sweetest? Or, how about this one?  It’s hand knit by Jennifer over at The Thrifty Needle.  She’s one of my  favorite customers and I couldn’t believe it when she took the time to knit Chelsea a mouse! And then today, all the way from Australia, came this mouse from Melody Daly one of my blog readers.  I love her…