What Doesn't Kill You .......

Makes you stronger.  That was the mantra going through my mind on this morning as I sat outside in the dark.  It appears the nights are getting longer as my coffee time extends into two cups before light hits the horizon.  It's long sleeve shirt time as the low temps are now in the 40's.  

I contemplated the meaning of my nightmares, having spent the night in a scary forest chasing rabbits that climb trees, before getting lost in an old house where they served pizza, if you could find your way through the glass door maze inside.  I, of course, was starving!

With the cooler weather comes fluffier foxes.  Their tales just seem to go FLOOF!!  So very curious these guys are as they explore the back yard.  This one though ... this isn't a fox!!  This is a beautiful BLACK Halloween kitty!!!  I'm hoping for good luck since technically he didn't cross MY path, just the camera's path.

Two foxes seem to stand out to me, although it's really hard to tell them apart.  I'm pretty sure there are a couple of juveniles hanging out with this pair.  Still no one has touched the dog toy, so I guess that was a bust.  They prefer food to play, unlike the coyotes in Arizona who cavort around the golf course tossing the toys in the air, then stealing them.  I'll see if I can get some pictures of them.

This was the HURRAH moment of the day when I finished up this quilt top.  It's so big I don't have floor space anywhere to lay it out completely.  I can't believe I actually made this one.  I'm too impatient to finish things like this.  What kept me going was the expense.  Just the fabric and pattern came to $329.00.  No backing, no batting and no quilting.  Thus the determination to finish it no matter what.

With that done, Cooper and I headed out the door to run the gauntlet of mean barking dogs.  Rarely does he bark back, but he's obviously willing to fight as I drag him away.  I was pretty worried there for a second when one neighbor's dog tried to crawl through a 6" hole under the fence.  I'm sure they could do it too, so we will have to change our route next time.  

On the way back as I looked into the garage, I was reminded I need to put the hitch back in the truck.  I really wasn't looking forward to this since it's so dang heavy and I'm so out of shape.  I surprised myself by hefting it up on the tailgate without any problem at all.  What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger.  

From there it wasn't too hard, except I kept dropping it a little too close for comfort.  Sandals are not good for this.  Luckily I didn't smash anything and it's back in place.  YAY!!  The hitch plate is not as heavy, so that will be easier.  Not by much, but easier none the less.  I really need to exercise more.

This morning, my back and shoulders reminded me I'm old.  Aspirin is my companion today.  With the other quilt done, I couldn't sit around long.  I decided to start on this western appliqué.  

I spent about 3 hours working on it before becoming completely frustrated with the directions and the process.  So much so that I wadded it all up and threw it in the corner.  I could feel it staring at me.  I gave it the evil look every so often and told it to shut up.

Instead, I decided to whip up this little number since it IS Halloween.  I kept looking at the one on the floor, still grumbling about it, when lo and behold I found a roll of stuff you can use for appliqué that does not have to be hand sewn on.  I bought it on a whim two years ago.  ALRIGHT!!  I walked over to the corner, picked up the mass of fabric and slammed it on the table.  TAKE THAT!!!  I'm going to make you after all!!!

I like this little Halloween quilt so much I think I will hang it on my front door for trick or treaters.  I even found two more scary panels that have been hanging around for about 8 years.  I'll whip those up today and be ready to quilt them upon my return to Arizona.  Using up those old pieces of fabric mades my sore back feel much better!!

And so ..... another day has passed and it's critter cam time!  I keep moving it around so I can determine just how they are getting in my yard.  No luck so far, but maybe the black cat will change that!