Thursday, October 22, 2009

A Long Stressful Day...

It has been a very hard day...if you all have read my blog for a while, you know how attached I am to my mule, Jim. He is like part of the family. Some may call us rednecks, but he is just a big pet. We do NOT have him in a fence, he just walks around loose in the yard and all over the farm. He follows you like a puppy, if you stop walking he runs into your back, he follows so close. I ride him when we go riding, we have used him to pull out logs for our house and he just feels like part of the family. Ole Jim is known here for miles around!!! Jim is 28 yrs old, which is pretty old. This morning, when I went out to feed, Jim didn't come running to me like he always does, I had to go look for him. When I found him, he was VERY sick! Coughing, breathing really hard and had a lot of mucus drainage. I got him up, put him in a stall, got him plenty of food and water and gave him a shot of penicillin. Called the vet....and let's just say it is not good news...Ole Jim has pneumonia! In all honesty he probably will not pull through it. I have given him breathing treatments on and off all day. I have cried so much that I have a major headache. I almost dread going to sleep tonight, because I am afraid he will not be alive in the morning.

While Jim was napping, I worked on my quilt that I had on the frame. I got it finished, it is a lap size, so it didn't take too long. This is called "Friendship Basket" I really like the pattern.
The quilting pantograph that I used is called "Flower Power" I really like how it looks.
I got most of my strips sewed together early this morning while I was waiting for daylight to come. :) Hubby gets up at 4am for work and I just stay up.

I guess that is all for now, I am going back out to check on Ole Jim...
Kristie

18 comments:

Amelia said...

Kristie, my heart hurts because I know your heart is hurting. How long have you and Richard had Ole Jim? As hard as it is for him to die you don't him to suffer at all.

We are here for a shoulder to cry on...pets love you let ask so little in return.

Libby said...

Oh Kristie! I'm so sorry to hear about Jim! I think that it is wonderful to love your animals so much! He sounds like such a sweetie! People may not agree but I know when I look in my dogs eyes I see her trust and love and I bet Jim sees that in you too! I'm going to say a prayer for your family and I will be thinking about ya'll!

Michelle said...

Prayers are going up for you and Ole' Jim. I hope he makes it through it, but if he doesn't, I hope his passing is peaceful and painless. He gave you so much while he was with you, including good memories. I will be thinking about you.

Again, your quilting is gorgeous. Good job!
I love ya!
Michelle

Texan said...

I am soooooooo very very sorry to hear your Jim is so sick... I hope he does pull thru and get well...

Your quilting is just lovely!!!

Anita said...

Kristie,
I am so sorry to hear you may lose Ole Jim. I will be thinking of you both tonight.

Winona said...

Ah Kristie, I am so sorry to hear about Ole Jim. I will say a prayer that if it is his time, then he will pass peacefully, if not, that he will heal quickly. Just hang in there. Winona

Hazel said...

Kristie I can feel your pain ,I know you love Old Jim ,prayers are being sent your way .

Three Birds Inspired said...

Kristie - I am so sorry about Ol' Jim. I know how much you care for him. I have read so many of your blog posts where you have mentioned him. Just wanted you to know I was thinking about you and hoping he pulls through.

Julia said...

Kristie, I am so sorry to hear about Ole Jim. I have enjoyed many posts about him...I hope he pulls through..
Best wishes Julia ♥

Ann J said...

So very very sorry about Jim! I lost my mare of 25 years last October and I still miss her, so I know just how you feel! They just steal your heart away, but be strong and treasure the memories!!....Luv AJ

Gina said...

Oh Kristie, you do not know how upset I am about Ole Jim. Gemma will be devastated as she loves reading about him and looking at the pics. Every time we see a mule she wants one now so he can follow her around like Ole Jim does.
Be strong my friend

Love and hugs Gina xxx

Purple Quilter Queen said...

Oh Kristie - I'm so sorry to hear Ole' Jim is so sick. I really hope he recovers soon. My thoughts and prayers are with you! Jenn

DeAnna said...

Hope that Ole Jim recovers. Our pets become like our family. Please keep us updated. I will be thinking about you. The quilt is lovely. You did a great job with the quilting.

Lainee said...

Sorry to hear about Jim...I have a soft spot for mules. My grandfather farmed with mules in Tennessee. I've always thought if I had the acerage, I would get a pair and name them after my grandparents...Roscoe and Martha.

I found your blog thru Richard's Quilt Frame site. Hope to have one built after we get to Georgia permanently.

Juryizstillout said...

Sorry about Jim, but I hope he makes it. I don't think I've ever prayed for a mule (not an actual one) before, but I will tonight.

KyQuiltlady said...

I am so sorry to hear about "Ole Jim". I hope he recovers. Your quilting is beautiful! I like the design. Hope to see you Monday.

Yvette said...

Awww! I am so sorry to hear about Jim. I sure hope he has a speedy recovery.

Vesuviusmama said...

I'm just catching up after not reading blogs for a while, and I'm horrified to think how sick Jim was, but glad to hear he is getting better. He has been on your blog ever since I started following you back on MQB.com, so I know how attached you are to him. Hope he pulls through and you have a couple more happy years together.