Dog Days of Summer

We are in the middle of the “Dog Days of Summer”; officially the dates are the forty days from July 3 to August 11.

But actually the term, “Dog Days of Summer” comes from the ancient Romans who believed that when the star system of Sirius (the Dog Star) was closest to the Sun, earth would experience extreme heat, drought, sudden thunderstorms, lethargy and mad dogs. All sorts of myths circulated. For example, water was poisonous during this period of time. Serious problems were sure to develop if that was believed!

In Kansas, we will continue to have many very hot days after August 11. So I will just use this time to celebrate dogs!

Sure dogs can be time consuming, expensive, messy and demanding. But the pros do outweigh the cons. My Taka has

1. walked me outside every morning unless it is icy, raining or below 15 degrees
2. encouraged a consistent “wake up and get out of bed” time–what is a week end?
3. introduced me to my neighbors that I probably would have never met (I do know more of the dog’s names than the people’s names)
4. checked on my safety when thunderstorms roll through in the middle of the night
5. cleaned yogurt cups when I am finished eating so we don’t waste water before recycling them
6. comforted me when I am missing my children and grandchildren who live on the coasts
7. announced the arrival of my husband long before the garage door opens
8. kept delivery folk, salespersons, and politicians off the front porch and several feet back on the sidewalk with his fierce bark.
9. tells me when the door bell rings–even when it is on TV
10. loves me even when I am not very lovable

I understand sometimes having a dog just doesn’t work given circumstances, but I hope you do have a neighbor dog, or extended family dog that you can love on during the “Dog Days of Summer”. We often ask ourselves, “What did we do before we had Taka?” Can’t imagine life without Taka dog!

The hot weather of July has not stopped the quilters from sewing! Several new items were brought to the quilting room this last Wednesday~

What could be appropriate for summer in Kansas than a Sunflower quilt?

Really, how many different sunflower prints were used to make this unique Kansas quilt? It measures 68″ x 84″ and would fit a double bed. It is machine quilted with a sunflower pattern. $250

Do you have a new baby in your life? This soft quilt is so very calming.

The custom quilt is very visible on the back of the quilt. The back is a pale blue Minky fabric. The block placement is interesting with the darker values in the corner and the lighter blocks in the center. $100.

Two unique bags were added to the collection–

The small clutch with zipper closing has a vintage feel with the crochet granny squares on the front. The batik bag has two zippers–one on each side allowing you to open the back wide. It is lined and has pockets on both sides. Both are $25 each

I am on a crusade to eliminate gift wrapping paper! Cloth bags that can be used over and over make so much sense and you won’t have that huge garage bag of torn wrapping paper for the trash man. These “girl friend” gift bags are the perfect size for a book or lotions–the holiday gift to let your girl friends know you are thinking of them.

What do you do with vintage blocks that you find at a garage sale? You make them into book markers! Need something for favors at your next Book Club meeting? Stocking stuffers? Accompany a gift card to your favorite book store? $3 each

Handmade ornaments for your tree at Christmas are special. $5 each

Our annual “in person” Quilts Etc. Sale is October 16-18. Sadly doggies are not encouraged to come shopping with their people. But I will ohh and ahh over all your dog photos–I know you have more dog photos on your phone than any other subject!