BOLO Thank You

Thanks to everyone who said they'd keep an eye out or recommended a place to look.

I'll cross my fingers that some turn up. Sorrow said she saw one but would have to recall what shop she was in - and boy do I know that feeling. These days I'm happy to remember where I parked let alone what store I was in when I saw something.

Marlene recommended a place to look and that she'd keep an eye out.

SSG disavowed any shopping tendencies whatsoever, but I know she'll let me know if any fall out of NFKACN's car when he flees the law in the dead of night again.

And SIL Carrie is looking, too. Ooh, just think when you get moved there will be all the new antique/thrift stores to learn!

The Jig is Up

Well, all this lovely, lazy time of hanging out with friends and family and just plain hanging out is over. It's back to work and doggy runaround (daycare) today, which is to say a return to the routine.

Routines are not so bad unless you are getting back in them. Then there's a bit of adjustment.

And I have a hole in my fence. That's just a random thing I'm trying to get worked out, nothing really to do with routine. Except that it disturbs it. The routine.

Today I have to address an open item from work that came up just before the holidays. I've been waiting for the bolt of lightning to provide inspiration. Just between us, it never came! On the other hand, it's been percolating in the back of my mind, and I think I have an approach. Cross your fingers. I am.

BOLO

*Be On Look Out

I am asking for your help in locating something. Something I've not been able to Google, Etsy or Ebay.

Below is a Christmas decoration that my grandmother had, and my brother and his family have now. It is a ceramic bird that clips on the Christmas tree. The only mark is JAPAN. Each is about 4" in length. The second and third pictures I snapped with no intention of sharing - they were to help me recall coloring, etc., so please excuse them. But I thought two or more sets of eyes are way better than one and I would share my hunt with you, just in case you come across some.

So if you spot any of these while you are out thrifting, antiquing or in your great aunt Esmeralda's attic, let me know. I will at least make you an offer.

Black Cat

This little girl is a feral cat that hangs out near my house. She makes Gus ga-ga (not in a good way). She was playing in my monkey grass just before I snapped this. I've been trying to figure out how to feed her but not the nasty, mean, gray tom that I've seen around. I know that's not a good thing to do, but I hate that she isn't inside on cold or wet nights.

All's Well That Ends Well

We interrupt our regularly scheduled post:

The angelic puppy below escaped the fenced yard this morning around 5-something-ish or 0dark:30 as we call the wee hours. I let Gus and Cotton out into the backyard and in a little bit heard a "something's wrong" bark from Gus. Cotton was gone. Profoundly gone. The last time she bounced around in the leaves just outside the fence and tormented Gus, but this time - poof. My stomach fell and I went inside and changed into clothes, got keys, cellphone and flashlight and wondered how to call a dog and not wake up the neighbors. I drove to the street that most closely is opposite my backyard, and still nothing.

Sigh. Nothing to do but call in reinforcements. I called Cindy. Who promptly said she was on her way (what a pal!, but really, we need to stop meeting over stray pets). I stood in the street below Paul's and the Treehouse (restaurants both) and whistled. I had settled on this as the way to call her without having irate neighbors shoot me from their porches. Plus this is how I call them in from the backyard.

Finally, nearly silently, this slender yellow creature came out of the shadows and murk. I called her to me and she came, seemingly relieved. I quickly dialed Cindy but she was already in her car, so she came on and had coffee with me back at Chez Jail Break.

Cotton is now sleeping it off with her nose tucked in the dog bed cushions.

We rejoin our current post already in progress:

These are my Christmas cards below. About 3 years ago I started making my own cards, using photos and scrapbooking supplies. Normally I finish about 2 weeks before Christmas. Not this year. I got them in envelopes on Christmas Eve! And forgot to put on return addresses. And didn't make enough. But the effect was fun, though: I modpodged the image and sprinkled crystal snow on it while wet. The result was a shiny image that sparkled when you moved it, but didn't seem to shed glitter everywhere.

Two of my most favorite people and I had dinner here (see below) the Tuesday evening before Christmas (Hi, Signe & Rick!). It was a wonderful time of good company and good food. I'm glad to have a new place to add to my list. It's in Brookhaven, across from the MARTA station, and very cozy inside.

Below is one of the two chair finds. I've got several pictures stored away so I can do a before and after. See what looks like a wet mark on the seat and about 1/3 of the way up the front of the arm? Both chairs are terribly faded, with some picks on the back edges of the fabric. They are rather heavy, which tells me they have good hardwood frames. The seat seems to be in good condition as it is not sagging underneath. I'm very encouraged and just need to do some minimal touch ups to the legs before taking them to the upholsterer.



And, last but not least: I finally took what is my favorite Christmas tree shot just as it's time to take it down. In fact, I was going to take it down yesterday, but wasn't feeling well and spent most of the day and evening on my sofa. With a blanket.

Hope you have a fun New Year's weekend. I'm taking a little break unless something exciting happens. I have some computer maintenance and, as it turns out, some fence maintenance to do.

Til next, ya'll.