Cherry Bag

 

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We Have A Cat Problem...

 Two and half years have gone by since we adopted our cat, Lala.  He is one intelligent and affectionate cat who has won our hearts over these past few years.  

For 2 years, he had always been an indoor cat who had a strong desire to head out the door whenever opportunity presented itself.  It was around March this year that he finally was bold enough to share the same doggie door with Maxie, our golden.  Once he was able to get outdoors, he started to bring home unwanted guests.  We had 3 rats visiting at one point and thought we had a rat problem.  It was until we spoke to the animal control that we found out that it was really a cat problem, since there was no evidence of droppings or chewed up items.  Apparently, Lala was bringing home love offerings to show his loyalty.  Oh, how I wish he could have brought flowers or fruits instead of rats that scared the day light out of me.  

After some research, we realized that cats hunt at night.  So we figured that if we shut the doggie door at night, Lala would not be able to do much hunting.  The plan worked...for a few weeks.  No rats, dead or alive.  And then...  This morning, while I was getting ready for the Lord's day, H cried, "Come quickly, Lala's brought something back!"  

I rushed out to find an injured bird laying under our dining table with Lala right next to it still guarding his treasure.  From our research, we learned that we were NOT to discard Lala's gift in front of him, and NOT to scold him, but to praise him for his hunting ability and for bringing the tasty treat which we could never have gotten on our own.  That's exactly what we did.  Hubert quickly picked up the suffering bird in a bag while I blocked Lala's view, patted him and said "Good job, boy" (though inside, I was crying, "Please don't bring anything/anyone home anymore!")  So sorry, little bird.  I love you, Lala, I really do.  If only you understood how much we do not need extra protein...sigh.
Those of you who have indoor/outdoor cats, any advice for me?
 

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Mason Jar Happy Flowers

This spring, JJ and I planted wildflower seeds in the front yard.  Not knowing how the flower bed would look like, we watered and weed diligently, even supplemented with plant food periodically.  Since I have "the finger of death" (from the record of numerous dead plants), I did not have high hopes.  Then, one early May  day, we noticed the 1st sign of life.  After that, things just took off on their own.

We had different flowers come and go during the past three months.  Right now, the flower bed is filled with Rudbeckia Hirta (black-eyed Susan).  These vibrant colored flowers make me smile.  If I could hug them like teddy bears, I would.  They are my "happy flowers".  They have been working hard growing toward the sun that there are too many of them crowded in the front yard.  The heavy flower heads bend the stems.  I, then, had my chance to cut a bunch of them and brought them indoors.  My labor with JJ still makes me smile.

 

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Mini Tutorial: DIY Paper Bag Thread Catcher

Fish tacos.  I did not know how addictive they could be.  We must have gotten them two weekends in a roll that we accumulated a few paper bags in the house.   You know, they make the perfect thread catchers for the sewing table (that is if you are like me, too lazy busy to sew one).

Here's how I did it:
1. Determine how tall you'd like your thread catcher to be and cut.  I cut about 4" off of mine.
2. Insert the 4" top portion that you just cut off into the bag.
3. Line up all four sides and staple.  (make sure the the crown of the staples are on the outside and the teeth are on the inside so you don't get poked.)  Then, with masking tape, tape to the edge of your sewing table.

Looking at the paper bag makes me feel hungry.  I think I might want to go get a fish taco or two...
 

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We Did It!

 F and I decided to grow our hair together so we could donate our hair to kids with hair loss.  Finally, it's time.  JJ's hair was not long enough for donation, but she agreed to have a hair cut just like her big sister (see her jubilation after the cut?)  In the end, I have about 10"+ of hair and F, more than 12" ready to be shipped to CWHL (Children With Hair Loss).  I am excited for the child who'd receive F's beautiful, full pony tail as material for her wig, and feel a bit sorry for the one who'd receive mine...less shiny and not as much material to work with.  Nevertheless, we pray for the kids who need encouragement and joy in their days that they would be able to smile, feel loved and see hope again.

 

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