Some Cushion Zhushing

As far as I am concerned - there is no such thing as TOO many cushions.  A single cushion can completely change the whole look of a room and in no time turn it from bland to grand!   

I know some people find them an absolute nuisance -  but not me.  I come from a long line of 

Over-Cushioners!

Mum was an Over-Cushioner.  Her cushioning style was rather random and somewhat  uncoordinated.  Multiple colours and styles - whatever took her fancy really.   She had a thing for anything with either a cat or dog motif and over the years collected some rather interesting(?) examples.

Nan was also an Over-Cushioner and being the fantastic seamstress she was - used to create the most gorgeous hand smocked  round satin creations with large covered buttons in the centre.  She would use a huge darning needle to pierce the cushion and attach the buttons to each side.    Her cushions were a work of art. 

Which leads me to today......

Now,  I'm not entirely sure what lead me to my crazy cushion making frenzy this afternoon!

One minute I was sorting through my fabric stash....... 

And the next, I was cutting out layers and layers of yellow and blue co-ordinated fabric and sewing up a storm!

Buttons, bobble trim, zig-zag - pins flying everywhere......

I was like a woman possessed.



So here we have it.

A whole bunch of cute little blue and yellow creations - perfect for some Spring time cushion zhushing! 

Super easy to make and cost me hardly anything (apart from the inserts)

If anyone is interested - I would be happy to post a little tutorial.

Only problem now........

Where to put them all!

 

On the Mend

I'm happy to report that Mickey is well and truly on the mend after his little encounter with the deadly paralysis tick.   A HUGE thank you to everyone who has enquired after him!

He was a little lethargic for a couple of days but has once again taken up his favourite position (apart from the end of my bed that is!) on the front porch, guarding his beloved family.

Our pets have always been such a huge part of our lives and I absolutely know for sure that we are the centre of their universe!    For those that aren't pet lovers, I guess it is hard to understand the affinity we feel with them.    However one thing is for sure - when they're not well, it certainly affects us all.

Whilst on the subject of Pet friendships - sweet Loulou  over at  Here I am Lou lou did a posting this week about a unique friendship between a cat and bird.   My heart was well and truly in my mouth as I the pictures unfolded - but it was such a happy ending.

I just had to share these gorgeous photos Kendall took on her recent trip to Ireland.

Let me introduce "Sandy" and Mrs Cat.........

Have you ever seen such a beautiful friendship?   Sandy (the oh so placid Lab!) and Mrs Cat are her boyfriend Alan's family pets in Co Galway.  

Just goes to show - friendship comes in all shapes and sizes!


PS:   Thank you SO MUCH Kellie from Sasse Avenue for becoming my 50th follower today!   A real milestone moment.   I truly appreciate EACH and EVERY one of you for popping by and saying Hi!

Definitely calls for a little giveaway to celebrate - stay tuned!

 

A Close Call

Now this is Mickey - our 11 year old Blue Heeler.   Fiercely protective of his home and family and known to strike terror in the heart of anyone crazy enough to disregard the "Dogs on Duty" sign displayed on our front gate!    He is well known in our neighbourhood - walkers always cross to the other side of the road when walking past our place and the Ergon electricity man has a very healthy regard for his cantankerous nature.

Don't let that cute little face and soft, gentle eyes fool you.  No Siree Bob.....

He would have to be THE worst dog we have ever owned!   Disobedient, stubborn, cranky (particularly when he doesn't want to do what you want him to do!), anxious, highly intelligent with a good dose of OCD thrown in for good measure.

However,  in the arms of the family he loves -

Mickey is an absolute "Pussycat"!

WARNING :  If you are a little squeamish or have a particular dislike for parasites -  DO NOT read any further.

(OK - don't say I didn't warn you!)

Now this gruesome looking creature is an  Ixodes holocyclus - better known as a Paralysis Tick and the other night "she" (as the lethal ones are always females) and Mickey had a bit of a clash of wills and "she" won!

Fortunately we were able to recognise the early symptoms (weakness in back legs, change in the pitch of his bark) and were able to get him to our local Vet for treatment.   Treatment involved the injection of a special serum plus a couple of days hospitalisation.   It was certainly touch and go for a day or so - however I am happy to report that Mickey has pulled through!   He is still very weak and wobbly but his bark is coming back and those signs of disobedience and willfulness are slowly starting to emerge.  So we feel confident he is on the mend.

And the fact that he has taken up residence on my bed is a sure sign he is DEFINITELY on the mend.

C'mon - Get off that bed Mickey!!     Grrrrrrrr........

"Near death experience ?  okay but for today ONLY - you hear me Mickey!"

Home at last!

So great to have Kendall and Alan home again after their 3 week jaunt around Cornwall and Ireland.  It has been so quiet around this place without them.

It was also great to see my little Panasonic Lumix p&s return!  At last now I will be able to get back to blogging (with photos) - missed you too!

They had an absolutely fabulous time and from the looks of the photos they took - the countryside around Cornwall and south west England looks absolutely stunning.  

How magnificent are these Clydesdale's?   

Alan couldn't understand the reason why Kendall would want to take photos of all the rooms of the B&B's they stayed in.......

"To show Mum, of course......"  

Ah yes, she knows me well!

Here they are all dressed up at the church (in Ireland) for Alan's brother's wedding.     Not sure where the rest of the guests are?

And here is Kendall getting a taste of farm life at Alan's family's farm in Co.Galway.  

Looks quite the farmer's wife....................
I hope they're not your good  Country Road boots there Kendall?



This Monday sees her swapping gum boots for stilettos (or at least a good pair of smart flats!) for her first day as a teacher.  Yah!  

I'm sure Class 2/3A are going to enjoy hearing all about Miss Jones' travels.