My Project is Finished

I mentioned that I had a project on the go but couldn't get it just right because I couldn't find the proper sealer. I was making wolf ceramic tile coasters. These are nice for men's gifts or I can add something that is more appropriate for women. The trouble was, the first one I finished stuck to a hot coffee cup. So back to the drawing board. I finally found a sealer that worked and have completed the set. There are felt feet on the back to keep them from scratching the furniture. I really enjoyed making these once I found the proper sealer.

The nice thing about making these is that you can personalize them for anyone. Photos can also be added to the coasters or they can be made for bird watchers, wildlife enthusiasts, fisherman and so much more. I'm going to make a few more sets. These are available in my Etsy Shop. Why don't you drop by and see what else I have for sale.

Dakota

We adopted Dakota from the Humane Society last year on the 1st of February. He was quite small then and sometimes I wonder how he survived at only 5 lbs.

This is a photo that was taken when he was about 3 months old.

This was him late this afternoon, guarding the door. He figures it is his job to tend that door. He lets us know when someone is around and that is exactly why we got him.

Another photo of him in front of the door.

He actually sat for me when I asked him and posed for this picture. He's coming along and though he still has some issues, they are few and far between.

Oh no, Mom, not another one. I'll just close my eyes because that flash is bright.

I can't believe how far Dakota has come. He had some real issues when we got him. Though he is still hyper, he is calming down quite a bit. He was very easy to house train, but other issues kept flaring up. I do think that he is becoming more secure. We will never know why he and his sisters ended up at the Humane Society. I think what happens to puppies in their first few weeks of life affects them all of their lives.

Dakota is a good companion and I'm sure that some of his issues will fade away as he grows older. I wasn't sure what staying at the kennel would do, but it actually improved his behavior. He was sure glad to see us after a week and we were glad to see him.

Update on Things Happening

Just thought I'd give you an update on things happening in my life. I went to the doctor this morning for a checkup on my diabetes. It's continuing to be about the same. I would guess my average glucose level is about 9.0, which isn't what I'd like it to be but a lot better than the 14s and 16s that I had in December. Blood glucose levels are monitored differently here than in the US. Blood sugars should be between 4.0 and 7.0. Anything over 7.0 is considered to be diabetes.

The doctor isn't going to up my insulin dosage until after I have my A1C at the end of March. That will give him an average for three months. He will make a decision then. I have an appointment with a diabetes educator on March 16th. At that time we will make a meal plan.

Other good news is that since December 15th, I have lost 7 lbs. Now that's not a lot, but better to take it off slowly so it will remain off. I have added a weight loss counter to my blog and my weight loss goal for 2010 is 62 lbs. At the current rate of approximately 1 lb per week, I will come close to my goal if I'm careful. I will be happy if I lose anywhere between 40 and 55 lbs. I'm keeping my expectations low so if I do meet the goal of 62 lbs, I will be ecstatic. Both myself and the doctor think a lot of my glucose level problems is from excessive weight gain, some of it due to water retention. I've been taking a diuretic for some time now and it seems to be helping.

I've had the sniffles of late and so haven't gone to see my friend, Jo Ann, who had surgery in December. She was to the doctor last week and he drained her cheek, which was badly swollen and put in a draining tube. I can tell by her voice on the phone that she is doing much better. She will find out the 25th of this month when her radiation therapy will begin.

Some people have been asking about Dakota. He is doing well. He enjoyed playing in the snow last week. It's almost all gone now. There is a female dog that comes to the park across the street and Dwight has been letting him off his leash to play with her in the morning. It is good exercise for him.

He will always be a hyper dog...a far cry from the tiny puppy that came into our house last February. He is a medium sized dog and I doubt he will grow much more but he will thicken up as he matures.

As for my projects, they've come to a bit of a standstill because of problems getting a sealer that will work properly. However, I haven't given up and will keep you updated.

We actually saw the sun today. It was nice to experience a day that wasn't overcast and dreary. Hopefully this trend will continue for the rest of the week.

Keeping Busy

I've been keeping busy this week. Hubby and I are decluttering and fixing things up a little and I've been busy creating. Once I get the projects done that I'm working on, I will post photos. It's nice to be in a creative mood for a change. With all this dreary and overcast weather we've been having (no sun for a week) it's been depressing. I find when I keep busy that it keeps depression at bay.

Hubby and I went to Ho*me De*pot today to pick up a few things that I needed to complete my project and I was lucky enough to get some very good deals.

Not much else going on here. I talked to the boys this afternoon. Brandon is starting exams next week, so please keep him in your prayers.