12/21/15

Over or Under?

There isn't much to tell you this morning. I spent most of yesterday working on Block #39 for the Live, Love, Teach quilt. This is the block submitted by Kim:


Here is my rendering of Kim's block:


The question I had with this one was whether to applique the dark orange over or under the lighter orange. In the end, I decided on under, where it would appear in nature. The next question was which fusible to use for the applique.

There's an ongoing competition in my sewing room between Heat 'n Bond Lite (my usual fusible) and Wonder Under. It's annoying, I'll tell you, with each product shouting, "Use me! Me, me, me!"  It's pretty darned hard to hear my audio book with all that racket. These are my observations this week: Wonder Under seems to have the advantage of being a bit less stiff at the finish. On the other hand, it could be just my imagination. It's always hard to embroider through applique, and so I opted for the Wonder Under on this piece, reasoning that if indeed it's less stiff, it will be easier to stitch through. Not so. It was still just as much of a bugger as Heat 'n Bond is; however, I will say that I think it gummed up the needle less. Don't take any of this as gospel. I could write a blog post next week saying just the opposite. And that's my definitive opinion. You're welcome.

Sad news on the home front this morning:


Miss Gracie is sick and spending at least one night in the hospital. She's been vomiting an awful lot...nearly every day, and yesterday she grew listless and spiked a fever. She had no appetite for food or water until Mike set it right in front of her. She did eat and drink a little then, but didn't keep it down. Each time we moved her yesterday evening, she whimpered in discomfort. This morning she was hiding in the back of the closet in my sewing room...the place she goes when she's most afraid or uncomfortable. She's wobbly on her feet as well, which I imagine is from dehydration, as much as anything else.

Mike took her into the vet this morning, and they'll keep her at least over night. They'll run some labs and get her hydrated again, and then we'll see how the old girl is doing. She's 14, and so not a spring chicken. We've had many cats, and only two have lived to be older than she is now. We're hopeful we'll still have more time with Gracie, but we're also being realistic. Of course, I'll keep you posted as I learn more.

We had a little break from the rain, but we're expecting more rain and high winds today. Here are the opening paragraphs from this morning's news:

PORTLAND, Ore. -- The National Weather Service says a "significant wind storm" is expected in the Portland area Monday, bringing wind speeds of up to 65 mph to the city.
Expect to see about .66 inches of "horizontal" rain due to the wind, according to KATU Meteorologist Dave Salesky.

Yep. Oregon at its worst. It's been raining almost nonstop for weeks. I tend to move more and more slowly with so little sunlight, and today is no exception. I have a little bit of housework to do, and then I'm hoping to do a little quilting. Hopefully, the power will stay on. On the other hand, I may end up sleeping too. It's anybody's guess.

26 comments:

gayle said...

Best wishes to Gracie - I hope she feels better soon!

Sarah said...

Finger are crossed that Gracie improves during her V.E.T visit and is able to be home for Christmas. She's such a beautiful cat and I always look forward to seeing her photo on your blog.

works4me said...

Sending positive vibes Gracie's way.

Vroomans' Quilts said...

Prayers for Gracie Girl. I would opt for the nap on a dismal day.

Kelsey said...

I'll be praying for poor Gracie! I still get a pang every time I think about George... not Gracie too! 😢

Linda M @ Pieceful Kingdom said...

I hope Gracie is feeling better quickly. Our two cats are almost 16, so I know the reality and worry when they're not well. Positive thoughts going your way.

Sally Trude said...

I have decided based on no medical training or expertise whatsoever, that because Gracie's illness came on relatively fast, it can go away fast too. I am hoping and expecting the best for your sweetie Gracie.

Cheryl's Teapots2Quilting said...

Hoping Gracie gets better.

Betty said...

I hope Gracie feels better soon. It is so worrisome when our furry friends aren't feeling well.
Hoping the wind and rain are not as fierce as the forecast sounds!

Lyndsey said...

Sending Gracie lots of love and hugs especially from Picasso. He particularly understands the delicate nature of a more mature cat's health being older himself.

Anonymous said...

Sending strong good well wishes to Miss Gracie.....she has brightened my days

Rina Mason said...

I do hope that Gracie gets better and comes home for Christmas. I know that 14 years is a long time in cat terms and that Gracie has had a wonderful life so far but we humans always seem to need our purr babies to stay awhile longer. I hope she is just having a minor medical issue and the vet can get her fixed up and back home. I bet Smitty is having a fit without her around even though he won't admit that he's missing her while she's at the vet. Good thoughts coming her way. Rina`

Anonymous said...

So sorry to hear Gracie is unwell. Hopefully it's just a mild virus and some meds and hydration will do the trick. Sending hugs to you and Mike.

Teresa F.

Marlene said...

Get well Gracie.

Sher S. said...

Poor Gracie, I'll keep her in my prayers because she is special and a part of your family. Cats hold a special place in my heart so she is there too. How is Smitty taking it with Gracie not home? Hope he is doing well. Hugs for the whole family and speedy recovery for Miss Gracie.

ytsmom said...

So sorry that Gracie is not feeling well. Hopefully it is nothing serious.

Christine M said...

I hope Gracie is feeling better soon. xx

Judy1522 said...

So sorry that Gracie is not well. I am hoping that she will be back home soon.

Brown Family said...

Angle, Kirby and Max kitties are sending healing purrs to Miss Gracie!

liniecat said...

Fingers crossed Gracie pulls through okay after a good check over.

Kate said...

Hope Gracie gets well quickly. Stay safe, your wind storm sounds like no fun at all.

Janice said...

Sending best wishes to Gracie that she feels better soon and is home soon.

LethargicLass said...

All my love and gentle hugs for sweet Gracie!

Lou said...

So sorry about Gracie not feeling well! You worry So much at that age!!! I did have one live to 19:) Her son made it to 18. That was a long life for sure!!! They both had health issues but worth it all to have them longer:)
Will keep her in my prayers!

crazy quilter said...

I am distressed to hear Sweet Gracie is not well. I will keep her in my prayers. I know this worries you as it does me.

MoniqueB said...

Oh my! Poor Gracie. I hope she feels better soon. If that is not to be I wish you and Mike strength.