New friends

Let me introduce you to

These 2 charming elves have moved in but have no names! They are friendly, smartly dressed and adorable. He in his wool plaid trimmed burlap jacket and she in her plaid fur trimmed wool dress. But what to call them? So, Mr H suggested I post them here and ask you to help. We will choose the names and there will be a small gift to the godparent who names them. They stand about 12 inches tall, have bendable arms and legs just had to come home with me. We found them  when we stopped at a store that had wonderful Christmas items on our way back home Wednesday. Originally we stopped because they had sent an email for snowmen but these beat out that purchase! Don't they bring a smile to your face? We can always use a smile.... So, put on your thinking caps and comment with your choice for names..... we will choose their names on Thanksgiving Day. Now elves are known for their mischievous behavior, but this couple just want to sit together and smile.
I am fighting a cold...just a little off kilter kind of cold.... started over the counter cold stuff...it helped me get through the day yesterday and I am hoping it will again today. Hope all is well at your place and I am so glad you did stop to visit. Now don't worry, I have covered my face when sneezing and with the occasional coughing. I am using lots of hand sanitizer and lots of tissues. Have a great day.

Heading West

All I said was I would like to just ride to those mountains.... honest, that is what I said. Mr H said okay. We headed West and kept driving for 30 miles or more....there was pretty much nothing for a lot of the ride...

At first there were others on the road...then only a few then it seemed like we were the only people on earth. There were plenty of those Watch for Animal signs but we did not see any. Soon, Mr H decided before we went any farther we should turn back today but this was definitely a ride for another day....one we would prepare for. But I am mesmerized by riding to the mountains....they are always in sight when we are out...This is the group of The White Tank Mountain range that I always show you in my sunset pictures. Driving beyond them eventually would take us to the California line.....that will be another day. On our return back, we saw a church. A plain looking building but oh my....

once inside, it was anything but plain. The church was larger than we expected and so beautiful. From the smooth floor to the alter, the lighting was just perfect. Now I do not want you to think we went to pray....we are not religious church goers, but we appreciate the peacefulness and beauty of a church. There were no pews here, just upholstered chairs. The few windows were high and let subtle light in as you can see on the side alter. The ceiling is a soft medium blue...like the sky...The massive crucifix hung catching rays of light... a few moments of quiet and peaceful thoughts.
Earlier in the day...8 AM to be precise, I walked over to stitch and chat with Sweet Jeanne. Always a great way to start my Wednesday mornings. We really did more chatting than stitching..... she was putting the finishing elements to her ornament and I will finish it off for her. She did a marvelous job, especially since this is only her second project. I can not show pictures to you because it is for our group swap and some of the ladies visit my blog. She is actually working on another ornament.
I have thanked you all many times for your caring and kind words, and once again, you were there to listen. It means so much to know that although we are all so far apart that we are really closer than we think. I send you all a hug. Off to work today although I would rather be back on the road "Heading West".....have a good day.

Not a stitch post today....

I say not a stitch post today so that if that is what you are looking for, then it is okay to skip your visit with me. Today is just a vent day for me. First I want to thank those who sent kind words for Mr H and his doctor appointment. It turned out to be a very unproductive morning. I guess I should back up a little to explain. For a few years, my Dennis did not feel well. There was some tests all revealing nothing wrong. But he was still having difficulty swallowing and pain in his stomach. Then finally one day in 2011 the tests did show a problem. So in for surgery he went. The surgery itself went well, but then a complication and problems unrelated to the surgery. So, more surgery...in total he had 4 surgeries from September to December. A repeat visit to the first surgeon in 2012 because Dennis did not feel "right" but the surgeon said it was nothing related to what he had done and dismissed we were. Problems have returned and once again we were dismissed but by the surgeon's "associate", a nurse, ...the doctor did not even give us the courtesy of speaking directly to us. Mr H walked out but I stayed behind long enough to voice my opinion. Loud enough so the doctor could hear and in the presence of other waiting patients. So, we will not return to him if there is a need for more surgery. If you stayed this long reading, thank you. I have said before, that I write this blog for me and anyone who wants to visit. I just had to vent.... and not to Mr H. It is not that we want to find something, but when the same symptoms occur, it seems that we should investigate rather than to wait as long as he did before. I am fortunate to have this man in my life. He never complains, I have to ask or tell him I know when he is not feeling well. These are the retirement years we are trying to enjoy. Now hear me and understand----- I am not looking for sympathy, or poor them, I just needed to yell a bit today. There is no woe is me here at the Horton House....just two people who love one another and support each other all the way....side by side. We will get through this....
I did manage to start not one tat pattern Monday afternoon, but 2!....guess my mind was not as clear as I thought! A bright note was later yesterday, a neighbor came to see our backyard plants. They wanted some advice and Mr H was on hand to offer his opinion. They loved our garden and told him so. Made my evening to see that wonderful smile across Mr H's face. Yeah, after 43 years I am still smitten with this guy...guess I will not be trading him in!

Off to work today.... whatever your plans, have a great day. Thank you for your friendship and caring words....

Any day with Mr H is a good day

Our outing on Saturday was to drive down to Tuscon and spend the night but we did not make it. Mr H began to feel ill so we turned back. But that is okay. I enjoyed our day together anyway.
I started to wrap some Christmas packages that will be mailed here and there, got the boxes ready with labels and on a few boxes the custom form is filled out. Yesterday I changed the drapes in the living room , baked my Fresh Apple Cake and then spent the afternoon with The Debra....we tatted and chatted....
Today Mr H and I will be going to a doctor appointment...I know many places are celebrating Veteran's Day, but they are open. I went on line to get the office forms...5 pages! so I could update his record. The last visit was for his surgery in 2011. The appointment is early so that means a good afternoon of stitching and some tatting. I am on the search for purple seed beads. Can not find any! I think I will check on line with Fire Mountain Gems. They seem to have everything. While I am on line, I will also check with Fusion Beads....
I expect some of you will celebrate today at a parade, or maybe even a cookout....whatever your plans remember to thank a veteran for their service. As always, I am glad you had some time to visit with me. Thank you for your kind words and friendship....have a wonderful day.