A number of you have asked me in emails "How's Charlie B. doing?," "How's the puppy?" and "How's Gypsy doing?"
So I thought it was time for a furball update.
Charlie B. first -- as you can see, he's much improved!
This isn't the best photo, but it sure describes the action he picked up after his Parvo treatment. He's a whirling dervish and I learned I need the flash to stop the motion!
He's picked up weight -- all muscle and very stocky!
He's definitely Kevin's dog -- he's learned to come, sit and (usually) shake hands.
But Molly is his gal-pal...
...and his Grandperson Rick is smitten, too!
We're glad he likes us, because we all have a financial share in his wellness! (Or will, after payday!)
Gypsy continues to do well with his kidney treatments. He still gets his subcutaneous 20-minute fluid dump every Tuesday. Juicy Tuesday -- the day I load him with electrolytes.
He's hungry all the time, which I understand many cats with kidney disease are.
He'll beg for treats like a crazy boy...
...and if that doesn't work, he plots a devious strategy to help himself!
First, he'll eyeball it, check to see if anyone looks like they'll stop him and then make the reach...
Mission accomplished! The tin tips, the gluttony begins.
(Let me add here that when unattended, we hide his tin. And, we don't give him regular treats -- we give him his dry catfood, which he doesn't digest so well as a meal, in exercise treats, tossing them down the hall or across the room.) I was pretty worried that when the tree came down, we'd find some in the quilt I use as a tree skirt. I should have known better!
The tree is down. Finally. It came down a week ago, with regret.
That said, my Winter Wonderland tree remains and will until close to the solstice. I love the light.
And finally, a comment on my most wonderful winter evening so far. Rick made pasta, Kevin, Molly and Charlie B. came over and they spent the evening. I even won at Scrabble (and that rarely happens -- Rick and Molly are killer Scrabblers!) I didn't want it to ever end. A moment I will freeze in time.
Soon, I'll share my Valentine tree with you! And with any luck, some Valentines!
These pieces were often given at Christmas, such as calendars and holiday items, like advent calendars, creches and Santa figures.
I'll save the Christmas pieces for next December, but I thought I'd share a few of the calendars and other pieces that were in the exhibit.
By 1910, Germany, which was at the center of the printing industry, had developed a process of embossing layers of heavy papers to produce colorful wall decorations.
I loved the combination wall-pockets/calendars.
Many of these were produced for companies around the United States. I was particularly fond of these birds, a detail from one of the calendars above. They're so cheery!
And the detail on the love birds is outstanding. (Even if my photo is a bit fuzzier than I wish!)
These puppies were just my cup of tea!
And all holidays came into play -- these patriotic calendars might well look perfect on July 4!
Here's another.
Of course, when it comes to pocket wall calendars such as these, I must say one of my favorites of all time is in my own collection.
My friend Jerry in Paris found this at a flea market. The embossing on the leaves climbing the trellis is deep and the die cuts are clean. It's one of my favorite treasures.
Curator Val Berryman is quite the Santa/Christmas man with an enormous personal collection, which includes these pieces. WKAR Radio did an interesting interview with him at the holidays. It's a couple of minutes long -- if you care to listen, you'll find it HERE! He's an interesting fellow and yes, the resemblance to one Mr. Claus is striking!
