My Sweet Cassie (2002-2013)

Cassie (also known as Kitten Cat), came to Sweetbrier Cottage in 2003, when she moved into our neighborhood. A year later, this beautiful tortoiseshell became an indoor cat, our resident feral.

 

Everyone who met Cassie was amazed at how accepting she was. I’ve posted about her for several years while watching her become more domestic, although I was never able to pick her up for more than a moment. For those who are unfamiliar with torti's, they are female, and known for their "cattitude." 

Through years of gentle patience Cassie became comfortable with me, my sister and mom, my daughters, 

or anyone who would sit quietly on our sofa!

Cassie was a symbol of courage, trust and unconditional love. May you rest in peace, dear friend.

"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened" (Anatole France, 1844-1924)

Happy New Year!

It's been some time since I've posted but my New Year's Resolution is to return to blogging. At least this is a start!

May the new year bring you happiness, joy, and success at achieving your New Years' resolutions.

Peace and love to all, SC

Hope

"Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow"
(Albert Einstein)

"May the God of hope fill you with all the joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit" (Romans 15:13 NIV)

April Promises

"April is a promise that May is bound to keep" (Hal Borland)

"For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God" (2 Corinthians 1:20)

Sweetbrier's new addition...

Last week I lost my transportation of 12 years to a broken timing belt, which took out the top half of the engine. Repair estimates were over $3000! So I knew it was time; I bit the bullet and went car shopping.

Now, I did my homework, and friends, relatives and the Internet all tried to prepare me for the coming event - negotiating for a new car. I knew I wanted either a Honda or Hyundai and made my plans, knowing I was facing a two-day stressed-filled time.

The first (and only) place I went to was Gwinnett Place Honda. I was welcomed by a salesman and I thought, here comes the sales pitch. No sales pitch. He asked me what I was looking for in a car. He steered me to the Civic and we went on a test drive. Upon returning to the dealership, we sat down and I thought, okay, now the back and forth negotiating. None. After being introduced to the manager, again I thought I would be pressured. Nothing... nada... no pressure. We came to an agreement and that afternoon I drove off in my new wheels!

Now, I can't guarantee everyone would have such an easy time, but for me, it wasn't anything like I had anticipated. Some of the suggestions I received, which may be helpful, are to shop around, ask for quotes from several dealerships and be willing to walk away.

Isn't she beautiful!

Who's that sleeping in my bed?

Now I'm a patient kitty and a very good hostess... but there are limits. It all started with my cousin, Sir Winston, coming to visit. During these visits I prefer to remain in the bedroom whilst he has the run of the house. However, today, after he returned home I quietly checked out my favorite hangouts, one of which, is my wonderful warmy soft bed.
Hmmm... something's not right. There's a strange feel to my bed; it's positioned differently; it has a strange scent. What could it be? And then it came to me... someone's been sleeping in my bed!!!
The other side of the story? Well, here it is.

Merry Christmas from Sweetbrier!

"She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn." (Luke 2:7, NIV)"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." (Luke 2:14, NIV)

Decorating for Christmas

We've just about finished decorating for Christmas and I thought I'd post a few photos. We seem to do the same thing each year but with minor alterations. First, the outdoor lights...An icy cubed-snowman happily welcomes visitors
A reindeer nods approval
Once inside, a group of jubilant snowmen greets our guests!
Sledding anyone?
Five stockings hang from our mantle...
Two reindeer from the 1960's keep an eye out for Santa
Cassie helps decorate:)
An angel sits on top of the tree overlooking the living room
The one thing we do change each year is the color of ornaments on our tree. Since we've collected ornaments for some 40+ years there's quite an assortment from which to choose. This year we decided to honor my alma mater, the University of Delaware, so all of the balls are blue and gold. Go Blue Hens!



The final product!
Sweetbrier Cottage sends best wishes to all for a very Merry Christmas!