Vet tech from a small-dog and cat practice here. Correct-- small breeds are like little high-performance sports cars. They go fast and they have small "gas tanks". Thus, they can't eat a lot in one meal to meet their high energy demands. Growing puppies have even higher energy needs, and are at even greater risk of hypoglycemia (HG). The best thing to do for these little ones is to feed them small amounts every few hours, rather than just once or twice a day. DO keep Nutrical (or at least some honey or Karo Syrup) on hand for emergencies. Try to give these supplements AS SOON as HG symptoms hit (before the pup passes out), and then follow up with food and a trip to the vet if the pup doesn't perk up very quickly after treatment. The one problem I have with any of the "rescue glycemics" is that they can cause the blood sugar to spike suddenly, then tumble even lower as the sugars are digested, resulting in an even-worse crash. This is a potentially serious problem if the pet doesn't eat much after giving the rescue. However, HG is NOT the only reason for seizures. Chi's are more subject to problems such as open fontanelles ("soft spots" on the skull where the bones are still separated); hydrocephalus ("water on the brain"); epilepsy and other neurological problems. Other seizure causes include electrolyte imbalances and various metabolic problems such as Addison's or Cushing's. In cases like these, of course, no amount of honey, Karo, Nutrical or anything else like this would make a difference. So no, small dogs don't really need honey every day as much as they need to keep their blood sugar levels stable. Frequent small meals will help-- just be sure to watch how MUCH they eat all day so they don't get fat. One way to do this is to measure out the daily ration in the morning, then feed a little from that ration as the day goes along. Hope that helps.

This is not the first time I have heard of someone other than the owner of the store browbeat a person new to quilting. It happens.....why? Reasons could be as different as the people involved. Maybe the person "beating" you in that manner wanted to appear superior to you, as in "I know more than you, so listen to me." Maybe that person was just trying to drum up more business for the shop owner. Maybe you weren't yet one of their store's groupies and she didn't have the time to deal with a newbie. Who knows...... Questions for a new quilter: are you planning to make a large bed quilt your first time out? Perhaps you could make a few blocks to see if the Log Cabin block is really for you? I agree that watching videos on beginning quilting and the Log Cabin block would be helpful. I made a baby quilt using the Log Cabin block and do not think it would be difficult for a beginner. I agree with Beverly that buying jelly rolls for your project might not be the best. They could be cut incorrectly and not on the grain of the fabric, and, learning to correctly cut your own fabric pieces for the quilt block is a very important part of the learning process, in my opinion. We're here to help you in any way we can. Teresa

Does the site need grading and improvements in order to build and access the construction area for the house location?Septic system or city/county sewer? If septic, you will need to pass a perculation test, which will determine the type and cost of the septic system. Are there reputable and experienced builders in the area of the property, or are you personally building the house? Think about what an A-frame is: a foundation, and floor framing; two framed end walls, and very large structural roof framing and roofing on the other two exterior sides. You have all the expensive rooms of a normal house: kitchen and bath; some sort of stair to the upper level. Your insulation, weather stripping, exterior finishes, fenestration and doors must be high quality for the cold temperatures and snow loads of your area. You will need all the normal HVAC, plumbing, electrical and signal normal for a house of your size. In other words, I'm suggesting that a "simple A-frame" may not be an inexpensive one. Talk to builders in your area and any owners of similar A-frames. Good luck on your journey--exciting times ahead.

Thanks Gray, they looked like disposables because of the length. I think the virus is in OK now. I'm not going to worry about gloves because you can get it so many different ways, even from cash. Not even masks prevents it. Stay home, eat, read, and try not to touch my face after grocery shopping or going to the pharmacy which I need to do tomorrow. Yikes. I woke up Tuesday morning with some type of 48 hour virus and I hadn't been anywhere in a few days, although people had come to my house, & they weren't sick, and still not sick. Who knows how we get it?