Thursday, December 31, 2009

Sewing up a storm!

A few weeks ago I had my mother mail me her sewing machine. She was not using it anymore and for sentimental reasons I decided I wanted her's instead of buying a new one.

I have been making upcycled / repurposed catnip toys for over a year now, and have recently been adding new ones to my inventory.

I have quite a number of them available in my shop now, and will continue making new ones as long as my stash of catnip lasts.

The catnip is organically grown in my own flower beds. I do not use any herbicides, pesticides, or chemicals of any sort in my gardens. All of my plants are fertilized using my own compost that I make and is refreshed every year.

Here is just a sampling of what I have been making:






























Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Facebook advertisements

I am taking a poll. A couple months ago (or so) I set up a facebook ad. I have had some hits / visits to my shop from it, but not certain if I got any sales that can be attributed to it.

I do know that I have had some sales from some relatively new Etsians, and some from other countries (other than Canada and the USA) so I tend to think that perhaps it may be from the Facebook ad.

What I would like to know is, how many people have set up ads on Facebook, and what kind of results they got from it?

Please, feel free to comment with your stats! Enquiring minds would like to know :)

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Woodchip line carvings

As I promised earlier this month, here are the photos of my woodchip line carvings I made for gifts this holiday season.

















Solstice Sun


















Golden Retriever

















Baby Mole

















Sleepy owl


All are carved on Basswood.

Friday, December 25, 2009

Merry Christmas!

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous, healthy New Year!

Monday, December 21, 2009

Year End Sale

I have marked (almost) all of my Etsy inventory down from 10% to 50%. Sections are marked for easy shopping. Prices are already reduced, so no waiting for refunds!

I currently have fimo polymer clay, silver and gold foil sheets, liquid polymer clay, a pasta machine for use in polymer clay art, scrapbooking supplies, handmade bamboo storm windchimes, and organic catnip toys available.

For larger orders, please keep in mind I do combined shipping!

Happy Holidays!

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Life's like that sometimes...

You know how it is. You get so caught up in daily life, that time just seems to fly by. And the holidays are a perfect example. I have been so busy just going to work, doing my normal day to day routine that I had completely lost track of time. Just last week I realized that Christmas is almost upon us!

Luckily I had most of my shopping done already. I had finished the carvings for my family's presents, and made the jams that I like to send them. As they live in a city, they are not as able to get the fresh fruits to make their own, and it brings back a lot of lovely memories of my mother's homemade jams.

I did manage to send out their parcels on the 7th and they have received them. Whew! It would have been terrible if they had not gotten them in time.

What with working and all the other mundane things one must do, it has been difficult to find time to work with my various favorite crafts. I got my mother's sewing machine in the mail a couple weeks ago (wooohoooo!) and was able to set it up and test my memory of how to use it. I did make some new organic catnip toys which I have listed in my Etsy shop (see here). I am still searching for a local (Canadian) supplier of eco-friendly organic fabrics and sewing supplies so that my organic catnip toys are "completely" organic. Wish me luck!

I have not been doing any carving since finishing those for Christmas gifts. Just the way the wood feels and smells is very good for my spirit.

The other day a lady on the Canadian By-n-sell thread that I love to visit on Etsy had posted link to an adorable Christmas wrapping instructions for cat owners. I just have to share it with all of you!

Gift wrapping instructions for Cat owners

1. Clear large space on table for wrapping present.

2. Go to closet and collect bag in which present is contained, and shut door.

3. Open door and remove cat from closet.

4. Go to cupboard and retrieve rolls of wrapping paper.

5. Go back and remove cat from cupboard.

6. Go to drawer, and collect transparent sticky tape, ribbons, scissors, labels, etc...

7. Lay out presents and wrapping materials on table, to enable wrapping strategy to be formed.

8. Go back to drawer to get string, remove cat that has been in the drawer since last visit and collect string.

9. Remove present from bag.

10. Remove cat from bag.

11. Open box to check present, remove cat from box, replace present.

12. Lay out paper to determine size to cut.

13. Try to smooth out paper, realize cat is underneath and remove cat.

14. Cut the paper to size, keeping the cutting line straight.

15. Throw away first sheet as cat chased the scissors, and tore the paper.

16. Cut second sheet of paper to size - by putting cat in the bag the present came in.

17. Place present on paper.

18. Lift up edges of paper to seal in present. Wonder why edges don't reach. Realize cat is between present and paper. Remove cat.

19. Place object on paper, to hold in place while tearing transparent sticky tape.

20. Spend 20 minutes carefully trying to remove transparent sticky tape from cat with pair of nail scissors.

21. Seal paper with sticky tape, making corners as neat as possible.

22. Look for roll of ribbon. Chase cat down hall in order to retrieve ribbon.

23. Try to wrap present with ribbon in a two-directional turn.

24. Re-roll ribbon and remove paper, which is now torn due to cat's enthusiastic ribbon chase.

25. Repeat steps 13-20 until you reach last sheet of paper.

26. Decide to skip steps 13-17 in order to save time and reduce risk of losing last sheet of paper.
Retrieve old cardboard box that is the right size for sheet of paper.

27. Put present in box, and tie down with string.

28. Remove sting, open box and remove cat.

29. Put all packing materials in bag with present and head for a room with a lock.

30. Once inside locking room, lock door and start to relay out paper and materials.

31. Remove cat from box, unlock door, put cat outside door, close and relock.

32. Repeat previous step as often as is necessary (until you can hear cat from outside door)

33. Lay out last sheet of paper. (This will be difficult in the small area of the toilet, but do your best)

34. Discover cat has already torn paper. Unlock door go out and hunt through various cupboards, looking for sheet of last year's paper. Remember that you haven't got any left because cat helped with this last year as well.

35. Return to lockable room, lock door, and sit on toilet and try to make torn sheet of paper look presentable.

36. Seal box, wrap with paper and repair by very carefully sealing with sticky tape. Tie up with ribbon and decorate with bows to hide worst areas.

37. Label. Sit back and admire your handiwork, congratulate yourself on completing a difficult job.

38. Unlock door, and go to kitchen to make drink and feed cat.

39. Spend 15 minutes looking for cat until coming to obvious conclusion.

40. Unwrap present, untie box and remove cat.

41. Go to store and buy a gift bag.

Monday, November 30, 2009

Wood chip Line carving

Here is the finished pieces for two carvings I posted earlier. I sanded them and varnished them 3 times. I did not put anything on the back of them for hanging as the recipients may wish to use something different than a ribbon.
































And this one is a cute little snowman with snowflakes in the corners.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

I am having an Etsy holiday sale for Black Friday and Cyber Monday!

*************** 1 2 3 EtsyHolidaySale *****************

For Black Friday and Cyber Monday, I am having a special sale in my shop.

I am having a 1 2 3 Sale!
Buy 1 item, get 10% off.
Buy 2 items, get 20% off.
Buy 3 or more items, get 30% off.

The percent off is not including shipping fees.
Refunds will be made through paypal.

Sale runs from today, Friday, November 27, 2009 through Monday, November 30, 2009.

***************************************************

Monday, November 23, 2009

Time flying by

Wow! Time sure flies when you are having fun. I have been very busy making gifts for my family for Christmas this year. I just looked at the calendar and realized I only have another 2 weeks before I have to pack them up and mail them if I want them to receive them in time.

I did manage to carve Christmas tree ornaments for all of them. Right now the first coat of varnish is drying on the second group, and the first group has it's second coat. I also have a few other things I am hoping to make for them, but will not say what it is since my sister does read my blog LOL

You will have to wait until after Christmas to see those, sorry.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

International bulk shipping rates for my destash polymer clay

I have figured out a table of international bulk shipping rates for those who might be interested in purchasing my destash polymer clay packs. I have added this information to each qualifying listing. I hope it will help!

**********************

For my international customers I can can offer bulk purchase shipping rates when purchasing my polymer clay destash.

The rates are as follows:

For the USA:
Buy 1 pack, shipping is normal at $3.00
Buy 2 - 4 packs, shipping will be $6.00 (save $1.50)
Buy 5 - 8 packs, shipping will be $11.00 (save $2.50)
Buy 9 - 16 packs, shipping will be $18.00 (save $7.50)

For all other international countries:
Buy 1 pack, shipping will be $5.00
Buy 2 - 4 packs, shipping will be $10.00 (save $2.50)
Buy 5 - 8 packs, shipping will be $18.00 (save $4.50)
At 9 or more packs, shipping will be based on where it is being shipped to. Rates are determined by Canada post and destination.

**********************

For my fellow Canadians:
As we all know, it can be very difficult at times to estimate shipping charges due to the strange way Canada post determines their fees.

So, the best thing I can offer you is if you might be interested in bulk purchases of my polymer clay packs, please convo me with a potential list, and your postal code, and I will get back to you as soon as I can with an estimate.

**********************

Don't forget, I am having a 10% off entire shop sale, until Sunday Novemeber 22nd! That includes my destash, new in pack supplies, and even my clearance items.

I am hoping to start a brand new line of handmade goodies in January, and would love to do it with an empty shop!

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Christmas Sale!

Christmas Sale!

Everything in my shop, including organic catnip toys, bamboo storm windchimes, polymer clay creations and even my destash and supplies is now 10% off! Starting today, November 14th until next Sunday evening, November 22nd.



Looking for the purr-fect gift for your cats? Look no further. My handsewn catnip toy pillows are filled with organic dried fresh from my very own garden this summer and 2 layers of quilt batting. The catnip is organically grown in my own flower beds. I do not use any herbicides, pesticides, or chemicals of any sort in my gardens. All of my plants are fertilized using my own compost that I make and is refreshed every year. I also have adorable little teddy bear and Christmas Stocking catnip toys.




There is lots to choose from in my shop, including my handmade bamboo storm windchimes, gift tag toppers made out of polymer clay, and lots of fimo polymer clay destash supplies (such as books, a pasta maker, foils, inclusions and more).

Do you need scrapbooking and cardmaking supplies? I have acrylic flatback rhinesones, foil confetti, shimmery / glitter sands, and even foils that make wonderful embellishments.

Have questions? Feel free to convo me in my shop on Etsy. I will do my very best to help you get what you are looking for.

Refunds will be made through paypal. Shipping is not included in the sale.

Hope to see you there!

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Danish Coffee Cake

Danish Coffee Cake

Put in large mixing bowl :
1/2 cup warm milk
1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup sugar1
/2 tsp salt

In a small cup
:1/2 cup warm water
1 Tbs active yeast
1 Tbs sugar
Let it sit about 10 minutes

Add to the warm milk mixture, and add:
2 eggs, slightly beaten with fork
3-4 cups flour, mixing after each cup of flour

It should form a nice, but still slightly sticky dough. Let it rise, until double in size.

Flatten on a cookie sheet. Spread butter (or margerine) over dough
Add sliced apples (about 4 - 5) down the middle
1/4 cup of brown sugar (or more if sour apples)
Sprinkle with cinnamon

Fold over sides, turn it over, make 3 diagonal slices / / / and bake at 350 degrees until nicely golden brown
Mix icing sugar with hot water until it is slightly runny and drizzle over cake when it is cold.

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Destashing supplies on Etsy

I have discovered that one of the contributing factors to my asthma issues is polymer clay. I could cry, since I enjoy working with it so much.

So, I have decided to sell my supplies in my Etsy store. I have a quantity of brand new, never opened 2oz packages of Fimo polymer clay, as well as liquid fimo, large blocks of white and transluscent fimo, foils, a pasta machine that was dedicated to rolling clay, as well as other miscellaneous items. I will slowly list those on Etsy, and if you would like to purchase a quantity of these items, contact me and we might be able to work something out.


Good thing I have fallen in love with wood carving and also enjoy making my organic catnip toys!

Saturday, October 31, 2009

Business Page on Facebook

I am now slowly getting my business page for my Etsy shop set up on Facebook. If you would like to get updates on New listings in my shop, please feel free to become a fan (using the button top right) and you will receive updates whenever I list something new. If you are not a member of Facebook, it is pretty easy to sign up.

Or if you prefer, I am considering making up a newsletter to mail out to those who wish to receive one. As I do not always write about it here on my blog, that may be easier for you. Just send me a convo through my Etsy store, or leave me a message here on my blog, and we will figure out something!

Have a Happy Hallowe'en! Blessings to you all!

Friday, October 30, 2009

A chair built out of Rocks, Yard Art




















My husband has recently been doing work for a farmer, and when the job was done there were a number of very large rocks. He asked the farmer if he could have them and brought them home. This is what he made out of them. Pretty cool, eh?




Thursday, October 29, 2009

Wood chip carvings



I have been practicing more with my carving. Here is a cute little choir angel. I need to definately work on the face and spacing. Not too bad though!



Once again, it is not really chip carving, as I am still doing more line carving than chipping.

Simple, yet elegant lines.

Danish Pickled Cucumbers

Danish Pickled Cucumbers

Peel, slice in half, remove seeds from cucumbers.

Lay the slices in a bucket layers with pickling salt (cucumber, pickling salt, cucumber, salt etc)

Place a weighted plate over top and let sit overnight.

Next morning, drain and cook in a large pot with a mixture of 1:1 ratio sugar and water. Make sure that the sugar and water covers the cucumbers. Add one vanilla bean and a bag of pickling spices suspended in the mixture.

Bring to a boil, simmer until they are tender with a bit of a crunch left over.

Bottle in sterilized jars, adding little pieces of the vanilla bean to each jar.

Do Not Can these pickles. Just let them sit at least a month before trying them.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Monday, October 26, 2009

Organic Catnip toys


Recently I have been making lots of these little pillows with upcycled fabrics and organic catnip I grew in my own flower bed this summer. Cats love this potent, fresh dried catnip! They are available in my shop on Etsy now.


Friday, October 23, 2009

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Sweet Pickled Beets

Sweet Pickled Beets

Cook beets until tender (about an hour, or 1/2 hour in pressure cooker)

Peel and slice thin

Bottle in sterilized hot jars up to where the neck is, or about 1 inch below rim

Add sugar to top of jar

Pour in a mixture of 1:1 ratio water and vinegar to 1 inch below rim.

Put on the lids and screw tops and let sit at least a month before you try them.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

My Christmas Wish List, part 2

All I want for Christmas is......



























Large Wet Bag in Entertaining Elephants by paisleybaby




















Holiday Gift Potholders by deersprite




























Sodalite Infinity Drop Wirewrapped Keyring Keychain by rozzie




















Handwoven Recycled Denim Rug by fiveforty

Monday, October 19, 2009

Bamboo Storm Windchimes

Bamboo Storm Windchimes


How I love the mellow sound of bamboo windchimes! It reminds me of sitting by the sea shore, listening to the birds and the gentle sounds of the waves lapping on the shore.



This set of natural coloured bamboo (not stained) and the teardrop shaped marbled black and white polymer clay windcatcher dangling from the bottom is now available in my shop. I call them Storm chimes because of when the wind really picks up, just as a nice storm is brewing you can really hear them chiming.


Saturday, October 17, 2009

Original Artwork by Bruno Benatti

I love browsing Etsy for new shops and this one really caught my eye.

Bruno has a very interesting painting technique he calls the Upset Technique. Please visit his shop for more information about this style.

This one in particular caught my eye.












IL PAVONE - THE PEACOCK Original Art Painting - Upset Technique

Isn't it gorgeous?

Friday, October 16, 2009

Organic Catnip Pillow

New in my shop on Etsy!































Organic Catnip Pillow




My cats were asking me for a new catnip toy, so I took some adorable penguin fabric I had stashed away, and made this cute little pillow. It was such a hit with them that I decided to list on one Etsy and see if anyone else's little furbaby would like it.


































I also have a variety of the catnip Christmas stockings in various colours available. Adorable gifts for your kittens from Santa Claws!

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Zuchinni Relish

Zuchinni Relish

10 cups zuchinni
4 cups of onions
5 Tbs pickling salt
1 red pepper
1 green pepper
2 1/4 cups vinegar
3 cups sugar
3 - 4 cloves garlic
1 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp dry mustard
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp cornstarch
2 Tbs celery seeds
1/2 tsp black pepper

Grind zuchinni, onions and salt and let sit overnight. Drain and rinse twice in cold water to remove the salt.

Grind red and green peppers together. Add to zuchinni with remaining ingredients. Cook for 30 minutes.

Seal in sterilized jars. Can about 10 minutes.

Makes approximately 5 - 6 half-Litres (pints)

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

My Christmas Wish List!

My Christmas Wish List!

I have fallen in love with the idea of buying handmade as often as possible. There are so many reasons why; such as supporting my local businesses, the local economy, and best of all, knowing that it has been made with love and care. Plus, you pretty much know what it is made of!


All of these lovely items are handmade, available on Etsy.

























Bombs Away Bath Bombs

























Porcelain Pottery Vase with Carbon Trap Shino



























Shawl in Alabaster



















Black and White Lampwork Beaded Pen SRA


Stay tuned for more wonderful creations as we get closer to Christmas!

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Thanksgiving Treats

Here are the pies I baked for the family Thanksgiving dinner.






















Sour Cherry Pie, Apple Pie, and some Peach Turnovers for ourselves.





Happy Thanksgiving!

A day early, but since I will not be home tomorrow I wanted to wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving!


Here is my present to you. My favourite Thanksgiving creations by some fellow Etsians.


























Thanksgiving greeting Card by Stuffbysteph




























Roasted Pumpkin Earrings by Nancywallisdesigns
























Fall Leaves Coffee Coaster by Snapstreet

Saturday, October 10, 2009

Woodynev Woodwork, Handcrafted wooden items on Etsy

Woodynev Woodwork, Handcrafted wooden items.


























Now I am quite partial to wood in general, as it is a completely natural material, however I can almost feel the life in these wood creations just from the pictures. Imagine, working with natural fibers such as cotton, wool or bamboo with a real wood crochet hook. The warmth of the wood in your hands as you lovingly create a hat for your baby, or a lap blanket for your mother to keep her warm in the winter.






If you love wood as much as I do, check out Neville's shop on Etsy.

Friday, October 9, 2009

Weekend Deals on Etsy.com

Weekend Deals on Etsy.com

Here is a list of some awesome sales happening this weekend on Etsy!


Jewelz Creatives
Canadian Thanksgiving BOGO sale,
Buy One, get One Free!
(free item equal or lesser value)
Sale runs until Monday October 13th midnight.
Refunds made through paypal.

********************************************************

Times and Chimes
For our very first Estyversary this Sunday,
we are offering 25% off all items before shipping.
Refunds will be made via paypal.
The sale will be for the whole weekend.

********************************************************

emmarts
The exciting scent of originals!
Free shipping
October 9th, 10th, 11th, 2009
when entering WEEKEND DEALS at checkout!
(refund via paypal)
*** except items which have already free shipping

********************************************************

String Me Along
Jewelry Boutique
Free shipping

********************************************************

Paisley Baby
Handcrafted bags and baby accessories
Free shipping on bibs, pouches and wet bags

********************************************************

MAMOM
Hand Dyed for You
Free shipping

********************************************************

Bovine Bubbles and Hogwash Ltd
This Canadian Thanksgiving Weekend,
(Until Sunday October 11th at midnight)
we are giving you our thanks and offering half price shipping.
Just mention "gobble" at checkout for refund via paypal.

********************************************************

The Art of Zen.......Crochet
Take advantage of our "weekend deal"!
Half price shipping on all sales from Saturday October 10 to Monday October 12!

********************************************************


Feel free to comment with your own shop and sale!

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Mustard Corn Relish

Mustard Corn Relish

6 cups cooked corn
4 medium onions
2 1/2 cups vinegar
1 Tbs salt
2 1/2 cups sugar
3 Tbs flour
1 Tbs dry mustard
1 Tbs celer seed
1/2 tsp turmeric

Combine corn, onions and vinegar in a large pot. Bring it to a boil and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add salt and sugar.

In a small bowl blend together the flour, mustard, celery seed and turmeric. Wet, then thin with vinegar. Add to the vegetables. Cook for 15 minutes.

Seal in sterilized jars. Can for 10 minutes.

Makes approximately 3 - 4 litres (quarts)

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Canadian Thanksgiving BOGO sale!

I have decided to have a special sale for Thanksgiving. Buy One, Get One free!

Lots of wonderful handmade gifts for the holidays :) Pop by my shop and see what I have for you and your loved ones :)

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Wood chip carving

Here are some of my recent wood chip carvings. As you can see, I like to do simple yet elegant lines.



























Monday, October 5, 2009

Pickles and Relishes

Sweet pickled beets made Saturday






















































Mustard Corn Relish made on Sunday
















































Yummy goodness for winter!

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Sweet Pickled Beets

Yesterday was the day for pickling all of those lovely Free beets I had received on Wednesday. But first though, I had to drive into town to get vinigar. Apparently the last of mine was used to clean the coffee maker and when I had picked up the 2 dozen 1 litre/quart jars on Friday I should have remembered the vinigar. Oh well. It turned out fine since I decided to do a little roadside stand and farmer's market shopping too.

At one stand I bought a bunch of red potatoes, peppers, red onions, 2 types of squash, a cantelope and a mystery melon. Then I went to an apple orchard and bought a gallon of macintosh apples, 5 pounds of gala apples, 5 dozen corn, and some lovely unpasturized honey.

Next I went to Tillsonburg and visited the farmer's market there and met up with a person I know from work. He has a farm and amazingly did not lose all of his tomatoes to the late blight. I managed to get a couple boxes of tomatoes (about half a bushel) and some green beans. He said he will bring the rest of my tomatoes and half a bushel of peppers to my work on Friday.

Then I hit a sale at the mall and bought myself two pairs of good runners for work and for hiking at home. I also went grocery shopping. Needless to say, my car was FULL. After I got home my son helped me put things away and I started the process of making my sweet pickled beets.

I put 2 large pots and my huge canner on the stovetop full of beets and hot water, and brought them to a boil. I cooked them for an hour since they are very large beets. Once the two smaller pots were done cooking, I refilled them and cooked the rest of the beets. By the time I peeled and sliced those, the ones in the canner were done cooking and I was able to empty that pot, and get it cleaned out for the clean water and the actual canning process.

By the time I was finished I had 25 quarts/litres of pickles and my husband, son and his friend were almost finished husking the corn for me to start cooking.

At the end of my day I had managed to make all the beets, cook and slice off the kernals of corn, and have 20 two-cup bags of corn in the freezer, plus 12 cups for the mustard corn relish I plan on making today. I also have enough left over to make a corn chowder on Tuesday.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Fall harvest time

My favourite time of year, autumn. The gorgeous colours of the leaves, the cool crisp nights just perfect for sleeping and best of all the bounty from the garden. I have a huge supply of onions and leeks, the zuchinni are almost done, plus the volunteer squash are just about ready to be harvested.

My dear husband brought home a huge box of beets last night. One of our favourite local farmers we get our eggs from gave them to us. I know what I am doing this weekend, making sweet beet pickles! We still have not gotten our tomatoes and peppers. It seems that I am not the only one to have had a very poor crop of tomatoes due to late blight. Hopefully while I am busy cooking, peeling, slicing and canning beets he will be out searching for enough tomatoes to put in the freezer for winter. We need about 2 bushels. It may take a few stops at local farms to find enough. Mind you, we prefer the roma tomatoes as they are nice and meaty.

I also have to make some zuchinni relish and see if there is any raspberries left for me from the birds and wasps.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Last day of my 50% off Clearance sale!

Tomorrow, October 1st will be the last day of my clearance sale in my shop on Etsy! So if you are looking for some cool handmade buttons, cat nip toys gift tags, or other unique items, feel free to pop by and see what I have available.

Sunday, September 27, 2009

50% Off Clearance Sale!

My entire shop is on sale, 50% off purchase price (before shipping). Christmas is coming soon, so feel free to stop by and see what I have.

Jewelz Creatives

We are back!




We had a wonderful time visiting our family in Winnipeg. I took lots of pictures, and was able to spend plenty of time with both of my parents, my sister, and Both of my nephews! I even was able to catch up with a friend of mine and we spent the day at the Forks.




It is nice to be home again, though. My dear husband met us at the airport, and we went to visit his parents for a little while, then headed home. As we left London I could almost feel a "weight" lift from my head as we started passing by the green pastures and woods. We were met at the door with all three kitties, very happy to see us and lots of mrrrrr-ing.