Thorny branches are a good idea. Gardener's supply used to sell these small mat-like things with spikes on them that did the same thing, you could try their website. Actually, I bought some spiked mats from Drs. Foster and Smith pet supply website to keep the dogs off the furniture and they work great! So check the pet supply store, too. But if you have rose or barberry branches available, those would accomplish the same thing and are free, so I'd go that route first, if available. Or, let the dog out. Personally, I'd love to see my dog go after the neighbor's cat, worth the price of admission (this cat has a habit of teasing my dog while she's out on the line - that smart-*ss cat knows exactly how far that line reaches and will stand about 6" away from it and hiss and tease the dog - if I weren't on good terms with my neighbor that cat would be toast by now...)

Actually, she has no sight at all...for years, she had minimal sight but I can tell that it's gone. She bumps into things a lot whereas before, not too much. She doesn't flinch at all when you try to make her blink. I took her to the vets and they ran blood tests and her thyroid levels are too high. They want to increase her meds but one vet wants to confer with the other one on this given her medical history. Another reason I have to keep her separated is when I put her meds in her wet food, if she doesn't eat it right away, one of the other cats will finish off her wet food. I spend quality time with her by keeping the other two out of my bedroom. I pick her up and just hold her in my arms and she purrs so sweetly. They also did chest x-rays because the vet thought her breathing was labored. Turns out her lungs are clear but he said it looks like her heart is enlarged. Waiting for final results on this. When I'm home, I bring her out into the sunroom and I can monitor her but the problem is the other cats sometimes jump on her to initiate play and she will cry out, then I have to rescue her as the other cats do not realize her age and condition. It's really a tough situation but I'm trying to work it out. I have to make sure I'm not neglecting my other 2 cats-:). Here is a pic of my other cats! They have the life-;)

Thanks for all your compliments and for your suggestions and ideas! Amcofar: thanks! I'd love to see those pics, if you can find them. Valinsv: I've just angled it. As for the rug, most of us out here use Oriental rugs. They look great with our decor here in the SW. If we get a good Native American rug, we usually hang it on the walls instead, as they're sooooo expensive. I don't care for the cheaper versions, but you're right, a real (good quality) Indian rug would be beautiful there. Trailrunner: thanks! I love the Tewa art and I'd love more of the Santa Clara black pots, although the nice big ones cost a small fortune! Sable: Yes, we met the artist at the show. He's a great guy and we talked with him quite a bit. We bought two of his pieces; the other one is on the wall now in our family room. As for Chimayo, I love that place, too! We bought table runners and the fabric for two of our punched tin mirrors up there. Did you eat at Rancho de Chimayo while you were there? The food is outstanding and the place is so pretty. Oofasis: Hi Girl! Yes, I've actually met John Nieto several times at art shows. He's a nice guy and I love his work. Like you, I wish we could afford to buy one of his originals. Any of them would look great in my family room. Do you have one of his prints hanging in your beautiful new kitchen? I can picture one in there. Justgotabeme: Thanks! Inside the cab is just one fixed shelf. Nothing very telling. Tish, we should get together someday and hit the antique shops in ALbuquerque. Let me know if you're up for it some day. Maybe the antique mall on Central. Igloochic: thanks for that info. It'll help when I try to do an internet search to date it. I'd love to se your Native Alaskan pieces someday . . . whenyou get them unpacked ;^P My friend here is from ALaska and they have some great pieces. Lori: thanks, I love the hunt!

Crafterbeth, I am so glad you are getting some rest. I have only been to Novia Scotia. We plan to make a trip with our kids to PEI this summer. I would love to visit your little piece of Heaven. It looks just like Memphremagog but far more beautiful and less crowded. We love Memphremagog in the summer and ski at Owl's head in the winter. Canada is full of beautiful treasures that are pleasing to the soul, eyes and mind. Now get well soon so you can return to your healthy marathons. And it is wise to have saved some pennies buying in the US. I am sure there are some tiles stores that could ship to one of the tile suppliers in Maine and you could get backsplash tiles in a reasonable price. One idea might be to go with the subway that you like. It will be easier to find thus cheaper. Then order a little flashy piece of tile in a color to match the ubatuba granite. Create your own piece of art with the subways. It will be cheaper than trying to find tile similar to your favorite and in a way might be more beautiful. The decorative piece can be ordered by a tile shop in Maine. This is where you would splurge just a tiny bit for a bit of excitement. Have everything shipped to Maine. Here are some visuals to think about. ~boxerpups Accent tile Trinity distinctive designs Subway Backsplash in one color with a row of accent tile Mosaics BS Here is a tile pattern you could follow, Visit Modwalls.com Glasstileoasis.com Lowes.com