I won!

It has been a nice Christmas season but I am glad it has come to a close. I do look forward to a New Year. My Peppermint Tea Pot has been put away and the Christmas cupboard is closed until December 1st 2015. I must say when Shirlee and I decided to do a Card Exchange, I did not know how it would take off......

but it did...... it was nice to meet a few new friends and touch base with old friends. I would like to continue it throughout 2015, so if you are interested in a January Card Exchange just email me your mailing info by January 10th. Just a card and a note for friendship.
I like to think of myself as an eclectic stitcher---- I enjoy a little of this and that and try new things. I have made my list for 2015 and put some patterns and kits in my basket. I may have gotten a little too ambitious with my plans, but maybe not, we shall see. What I did not count on was my winning
The Primitive Hare's Christmas contest! Yes, I won 4 patterns of my choice from Isabelle. I emailed her my choices this morning. I love her designs. So, they will be added to the basket soon. My list is for ornaments, tatting, some prim stitching and some of this and that. I do not like to get bored! Have you made any stitching lists? I still have my gift certificate from 123 Stitch also..... mys sis knows what I like. I must admit to being a little behind with my blog reading/commenting/responding; sorry about that. I must will improve. I have 3 days of work this week... one of them being New Year's Day. Mr H and I do not go out for celebrating on NY eve, so it will not be a problem. Just 2 days left for this year....

A New Year is on the way and the possibilities are endless!

author unknown

Winding down

I hope everyone has enjoyed this holiday.... for me, I am looking forward to the new year. I will be making my list and checking it twice....oh no, that's Santa's line! But I will start my list for the projects I hope to do and I think I will organized a basket of patterns (of sorts) to work on. I must share some of my Christmas gifts....

now tell me, who does not love a gift certificate from a craft/needlework supply place? This was from my sis Lynowl...Linda really, but that is my name for her. I will definitely have to look over my wish list there to see what to get.
Then The Debra gave this to me...

a silver tatting charm...isn't it lovely.... I thin it would make a pretty scissor fob for my tatting .... Debra is the wonderful friend who taught me to tat last year. She always encourages me to try new patterns and is there to help when I knot things up! Hard to believe we just met last year.
Oh and my next one....

a wonderful Santa from my dear friends Lu and Stan back in Rhode Island....I love him! He will always be a special piece of my Christmases. He will remind me of my friends in the cold climates...I am still in short sleeve shirts and pants! although this week will be a cooler temperature....
Then there is my SSCS package that was not to be opened until Christmas day...

 It arrived all the way from Queensland Australia from Wendy who has a lovely blog. She designed the stitchery just for me and framed it also. Included were candy bars, red stars a cute red felt bag and ....

a thimble to add to my collection. I love thimbles.... and this is has a delicate painted design on it. All in all, I think I received some very nice gifts this year. I have enjoyed sending out ornaments and other gifts and was happy that they all arrived where they were going. My SSCS package arrived to Fiona

in Australia.... fabric, bag pattern and microwave bowls along with some Southwest hot sauce and Cactus jelly and a snowman's ornament hat. Thank you Chooky for organizing this annual event.
Well, I hope you did not get bored with the many pictures, but I just wanted to share. I am off work until Tuesday..thank goodness. This Christmastime shopping brought out some impatient unhappy rude people. Oh I know some say it is part of the retail world, but I don't think so. My motto...if you are having a bad day, stay home. It did more than not bring some wonderful happy and kind souls to shop. Like the young girl who was in yesterday with her mom. She told me she was going to Illinois to visit family. I asked if they were driving or flying..... "oh I am flying in a plane"...how can you not love the answer. Her mom had the look of how else would you fly, but I found myself loving her answer. I know it is a busy time and for some not so grand a time, but I do hope that you look forward as I am to the  what is ahead ...... glad to spend time with you my friends and hope you have a wonderful day.

Kindness

Can you believe it is almost Christmas!? Living here in sunny warm Arizona, Mr H and I tend to lose track of time and days and holidays too. Don't misunderstand... we know what is going on, but it is different when there is no real change of seasons. It is December but I am still barefoot in the house, wearing shorts/capri pants  and short sleeve shirts. I wonder what Mr H will be cooking for Christmas dinner? The Christmas cards have been arriving and this one really made me smile...

It is from Annette. When I first starting blogging, the telephone rang one day and the voice introduced herself as Annette from California. This dear blogger took the time to look up my number to call me. Annette sent me a ball of tatting thread and the cutest needle book. One day it would be lovely to meet and chat and stitch. California is not very far from Arizona. I will find something to tat with this lovely shade of pink. I just asked Mr H about Christmas dinner.... "I don't know"... I am suggesting a Roasted Chicken and fixin's dinner.
I just started a tatted Star pattern and feel quite proud of myself as it is not a written (words) pattern only a diagram. It should be completed today. Mr H is going out shopping by himself so I will have a quiet time to figure the rest of the pattern. I can do it....
The sun is shining bright on this Winter Solstice day. Hope it is lovely wherever you are....glad you visited today....have a wonderful day.

Bunny issues again....

It is almost Christmas.... one week away. Our annual Christmas Open House went well. We had a great time; visiting, laughing and sharing Christmas spirit. It is nice when our community comes together for friendship. Can not believe it is almost Christmas..... it then means a new year is about to appear. I am so ready for a new year. I do not make resolutions for the year, but last year I made a list of what I wanted to accomplish.  I only did a couple of the things on my list...that is why I do not make resolutions. I am usually pretty good about a list though. Just not this time. So, I will try again see if I can be better with it. I am off work today so besides a few errands I hope to stitch later today. I just finished my RR piece and now have to get it together for mailing. I think it will be best to wait until the Christmas mail is finished. Mr H is still having bunnies chewing the Christmas lights issue. I think we have a bunny hutch under on of the big plants out front. I know there is one across the courtyard under the cactus plant, but I do think for the first time we have one in our front yard.

They are cute but a real nuisance  sometimes. He loves all these creatures so you know he will not do anything to harm them... he will continue to fix the light sets. Oh before I forget......I have a message from him to you....

"Thank you for all the birthday wishes! I was so surprised to read them both here and on Facebook."

He really was surprised to think that you would take the time to send him wishes. He does not go on FB or here, so I explained how to get here and there while I was at work on Tuesday. We had a quiet night and out for lunch on Wednesday. That is about it....I think I will return to the sewing room and stitch for awhile.... first a laundry to do! So glad to spend time with you and thank you for the friendship and kind words. Have a great day.

A special day here...

Today is Mr H's...... Dennis... birthday... He is not just the guy who puts gas in the car when it is on "3 lines" (tell you about that some time) nor just the guy who keeps our garden looking wonderful... not just the guy who cooks for me. He is a sweet man who is always there for me. Whenever I want to shop at The Attic, he will take the half hour ride with me, of course then we have lunch. Dennis never fails to check on what I am stitching, is ready to offer suggestions and encourage me to create. Getting older is tough but we are doing it together....

checking and fixing the lights after a bunny chewed the wires.....

working in the garden on a sunny day.....

 taking refuse under the Snail Vine arbor during the hail and rain the other day....
His smile melts me, his touch reassures me.....

Happy Birthday my sweet loving man

How are you doing?

Such a busy time of year for all.... how are you doing? I have one gift to get and mail, 2 packages to go to the post office and a party here at our house on Wednesday evening. I organize our HOA (27 homes) Annual Christmas Open House and this year I am stop #2 so it is quick and easy food to be served. I thought baked ziti and a tossed salad would be good. It is pretty much a sit/stand and eat 45 minute visit before the next stop. Remembe the card exchange? well, it is so nice to get mail and meet new friends. The cards have been arriving and I just love the unexpected ones. I received this...

a lovely crocheted star with a tiny bell and a recipe for Snickerdoodles from dear Anne. I must try to make them. Just when I think I will not make/stitch one more Christmas thing, I see a pattern for something I want to make. I should, will must not look at anything on the computer. Did you see the cute Santa on FB?
Yesterday afternoon brought some thunder and then hail, yes, hail to Arizona...

those little white pebbles are hail. Then we briefly had rain and then the sun. In all of this quick weather, Mr H ran outside to open.. .... that's right, open the umbrellas to protect his plants form the hail. By the time he organized the umbrellas and moved some plants for shelter it was over. Our resident hummer was flying about and then trying to shake off the wetness from his tiny wings...not one, but two nuts out there. Today I hope to sit quietly and work on something, do not know what, but something while Mr H watches some football. That's about it.... glad to have you to chat with. Thank you for the kind words and your friendship.... have a wonderful day.

Exchanges here and there

As busy as the Christmas season is, every year I join exchanges. My SSCS has arrived at it's destination.... here is the ornament that I sent along with a gift that will be opened on Christmas day...

Fiona peeked to see who sent it...so I can show it to you. Then My package arrived from my SSCS and I did not peek at who sent it so I can not tell you that yet...

I do know that the red felt bag contains candy bars! Also yesterday the mail brought my RR from Kim...

A lovely stitched rose and pretty fabric and pink floss..... but///she also included a beautiful item that I admired from her blog! A needlepoint bag backed with wine colored velveteen. I am honored to have it.
Glad to have today off. I have not put an x to fabric for days...have pulled out a couple of sewing projects I would like to do. My hand is sore, but the cut is healing over thanks to lots of Neosporin. I think I am getting used to this new knee brace.... all in all I am doing fine.
It is always a pleasure to have you stop by for a visit.... thank you for the kind words and your friendship.... hope you have wonderful day.
PS...the Verification thing is gone! and I fixed it with the help of Kathy ...so if you need to get rid of the verification, stop by and learn how.

an oldie

Sometimes I amaze myself. I find things I have forgotten. Another forgotten project---- this time an ornament kit I have had for 18years...yes, 18 years! The year on it is 1996. It is a Mill Hill (I do love Mill Hill Kits) that I paid $5.00 for....can you believe it? Of course you can.

It is called Tiny Treasured Diamonds. I love the crystal snowflake in the center. I made it this morning. Really only took a couple of hours to stitch and then complete. Why did I wait so long to make this pretty thing? Speaking of pretty things......

look at these lovely Angel Wings..... I love Angels and have many around the house. Just had to have these. Once they are off the tree, they will hang someplace where I can see them often. They are peaceful, angels are. I must share yesterday with you. First I have a new brace to wear on my left knee. By the end of my work day yesterday, I felt like my leg weighed a ton! Oh and I sniped my hand on the edge of the palm below the left little finger. Sharp scissors... I was cutting a piece of trim for a customer. Now, it is not a deep or big cut, but it bleed like crazy and it is just so sore today. I am a walking limping injury!
And before I forget, I do not know what is going on with Blogger....I do not like word verification and have it turned off, but it seems to be on! Nothing I have tried has worked to disable it. I did send a complaint to them.... like they are going to respond. So bear with me for now...please do continue to leave me your kind words because they do make my day! Hope you have a wonderful day....

Advent Blog Hop..it's my day!

Once again I am participating in Jo's Advent Blog Hop and I am day 9. First something to look at...

I am not sure if you have seen this Santa before, but I stitched him many many years ago. I found him in a magazine and do not remember which one but I still have the magazine pages! He proudly dangles from an ornament hook in my sewing room when he is not dangling from the Christmas tree. I have made only a few as gifts. The other step in our posting is to tell you about the best Christmas gift we have received.This is not as easy.. I can think of several; like the first sewing machine Mr H bought me so I did not have to wait until a trip into the city to use mom's, or the beautiful ring he bought me to replace my wedding band or the new car 2 years ago on December 23rd. Instead I will take you back to when I was thirteen years old. Dad asked what I wanted for Christmas. It was a question parents ask even if they do not have much money for gifts. I wanted my own record player and just one album...that of Paul Anka. I loved music and the radio was on all the time in our house. Well, the day came and there it was! A red and white box that played----- yes, Paul Anka.

The year, 1960...songs like Puppy Love, Put Your Head on my Shoulder, Lonely boy.....
That was the start of a collection that mounted to over 500 45's and 300 albums. Before you ask, I do not have them any more. When we packed up 10 years ago to move West, I sold them all. The "record box", that lasted many years but when it exactly left my bedroom I do not remember. My love affair with Paul is still there..... got to see him in person once... Mr H,  well, I will leave that for another day....hope you have a wonderful day.....glad you could stop by to see me.

A little more to decorate

I am so glad it is finally my weekend....Sunday and Monday. I think I have finished all that I need to stitch for presents. Friday I made an origami bag...not as pretty or perfect as one that I received from Carol Parry, but the second one that I made was better. Both are for gifts but only one is wrapped so far. I just finished my RR piece and have gathered it together to mail hopefully on Monday. I have had a busy start to my day: off to the market for a few things....it seems I am always in the market!..... Made some pistachio pudding for Mr H. ..... gathered the supplies for the decorating..... I need a cup of coffee.  I have invited the community to come and help me put garland and ribbon around our 6 lamp posts this afternoon. Mr H has one last set of lights to put out front and must fix the small reindeer whose rear-end lights are out! I hope to find time to stitch today. I have a few sewing projects I would like to do. Yesterday I went to the Post Office to mail out a few packages and Christmas card for the exchange ladies. If there is anyone else who would like Christmas from Arizona...email me you info....
I can not ignore that today is December 7th, "A Date that will live in Infamy". My dad was serving in the army on this date in Pearl Harbor and was one of the lucky ones to return home. This was always an important day in our family as my Grandma Piccirilli said she was lucky to have her 2 boys home after the war. Dad's brother John was on a ship outside the harbor. 

 Dad passed away in 1985 but this date is still one that I remember for him. He was a proud and patriotic man. In all he spent almost 6 years in Hawaii before returning home to RI. He never returned to Hawaii although he thought about it a few times. 
My friends, I think it is time to have some breakfast.... so thank you for stopping by and thank you for the kind words. Hope you have a wonderful Sunday.

Such a gloomy morning

Rain, that is what I said. It has been raining here in The Valley of the Sun Arizona! Not often do we get rain, but today looks to be one of those gloomy days. So what's a gal to do? First on with the Christmas tree lights... that certainly brightens things up a bit. Next sit down and stitch of course. I am working on my RR piece and I think I may do some tatting later today. This is my last injection day and a talk with the surgeon. Mr H and I both had PCP appointments yesterday and our doctor is not happy with my current treatment with this surgeon. She want s to refer me to another who will fix the problem. While there I also got my pneumonia shot..... today the shoulder is a bit red and swollen. I keep telling people just how delicate I really am! While out yesterday we found ourselves stopping in Cave Creek...

there was a little drizzle in the air and when I looked to the mountains... well I just had to take a picture. The clouds were low and drifting in between them.  I think it is time for a cup of tea and stitching so I will say thank you for visiting and thank you for your kind words. Have a good day.
PS: today is the last day for our Card Exchange sign up... this month... please email me if you want to join in. I will be sending the list to those who did sign up this weekend.

Oh so tired today

I think I need a nap. I know, it is 5:44 am but I was awake at 2 am.... maybe a cup of coffee and toast will help. I have not stitched one cross...not one...since, I can not remember! I think it has been a week. I guess getting all the Christmas stuff out and up had taken me away from the needle in hand. If I can stop yawning long enough I will start my RR piece. On Monday afternoon Mr H and I went out on a couple of errands. Just down around where we live, at one of the golf course.....

at 3 PM we came across these 3 coyotes...You can just see the top of one of the golfers heads...and the one relaxing under a bush. I got out of the car to take the picture but did not linger. I have no real fear of them, however, just after I snapped the picture of the one walking across the rocks, he turned and thought about walking my way. Many times I have been sitting on my front porch and they walk into the courtyard and just look at me and keep moving. Once I even walked up the street with 3 of them only a few feet in front of me. Somehow, the way this one looked at me, I thought it best to get back into the car with Mr H. I never get tired of seeing them. I really do need that cup of coffee, so off I must go. Glad you stopped by today and I appreciate the kind words and your friendship.
PS Tomorrow is the last day to sign up for the Card exchange....you can read about it here. Have a wonderful day...

Tis the season

Spent yesterday putting up the tree

lots of help from Mr H. One more tree to put up...the one in our bedroom. I will get to it today. I still have some tidying up to do. This year it seems like I made more of a mess than usual. I finished Dear Santa.

Mr H cut the wood for me then I added a few colors, a little sanding and done. The pattern is The Primitive Hare, the linen was white until I dye it with coffee and put it in the microwave. I used DMC threads and added the large snowflake instead of stitching it. I am pleased with it. The angels are up and a few wreaths to go.... the outside lights are also on the schedule for today. Oh and today is just a beautiful sunny comfortable day. Would love to find someplace to go later. I kited up my next Round Robin piece so it is ready to stitch.
Once again I am participating in Jo's Advent Blog Hop  2014   ....Today is Bruna so be sure to pop over and visit. I will be day 9. Always a fun time and a new theme this year...best present received.  In the meantime, I will finish my tea and try real hard to get things put in order around here. Glad you were here to share time with me. Hope you have a great day.

Trees, Father Christmas, and a Ballerina and more

Mr H surprised me this week. His favorite holiday is Thanksgiving. Christmas has never ever been a holiday he likes. Oh he has never spoiled it for anyone; it is just not the holiday he enjoys. Except..... recently he and I have some nice new memories and I think he is beginning to enjoy it more. For example: Christmas has never arrived at our home before the first week of December. He has begun to put the CD's in and will be helping me get the living room ready today...today! and it is not December. The first to be put up is...

Father Christmas has finally arrived. I picked it up yesterday. Simple is what I envisioned and this is what it is. The stitched area measures 10 x 11 so it is not very large. I love the frame...

very simple but just right. Of course museum glass is always a must. I am very pleased indeed. If you are reading about him for the first time, you can read here.   He has a story to tell. This is the first year that Mr H and I were able to go to The Heard Christmas Marketplace sale. I set up my tree in the kitchen and this year it is Southwest. These 2 ladies just had to come home to sit in the tree...

and then I found Hilda...she just had to come to live at my house

For Christmas I added a red check bow. There were so many nice ornaments at The Heard this year. While there we had a delicious  lunch at their cafe...and sat outside on the patio. Not ready to return home, we stopped at Old Town Scottsdale so I could pick up more Prickly Pear Cactus jelly and I found a new ballerina to joi8n the first one....

I love these darling ladies. I am told that there are several more...oh dear, that means , yes, there will be more to hang in the window! Now it is time to start getting Christmas to The Horton House. I think I will start with the fireplace mantle. Whatever yur plans for the day, hope you have a wonderful time. Thank you for visiting and all the kind words.

*******************************************
PS there is still time to sign up for the Card Exchange...you can read about it here.

Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving to all. Mr H will be cooking as usual today. I will do the prep and such. There will be football and eating and of course I will be stitching. I might even get Mr H to help get down the Christmas stuff.  Table is already set. I love turkey and the fixings..... and I will make a nice Antipasto and we have Blueberry pie for desert. No, I did not bake it but I did make the Pizzelles.  A nice relaxing day is the plan.
Our neighborhood is in a stinky mess. About 10 miles from our home is a fire, a hay and mulch fire. The smoke is visible for many miles and the slightest wind carries it for many miles. The smell is nasty. The fire is on 20 acres of land and in the center it is 15 feet deep. It will have to burn itself out and now they say it could take months! No open doors and no sitting outside unless it is a very still air day. Yesterday was my last PT day at least for now. I must say it has not really helped much. Last injection will be next week. Tough getting old!
Shirlee are please that we are receiving responses to our card exchange.... are you interested? I posted about it here.  It is simple, mail a card to all or some of who will be listed...card only. To  join us, please email me me you full name and address by December 4th and I will email you with the info. Hoping to do this for the year. My email link is on the top right sidebar (ghorton1@cox.net). Nice to return to the old way; card and stamp and maybe a short message. Hope you will consider joining Shirlee and the others. Glad you visited today and I do thank you for the kind words.
I am grateful for your friendship......have a wonderful day.

Looking for mail

Are you all ready for Thanksgiving? Mr H as you know does the cooking around The Horton House. I help with the prep and the baking and setting the table and doing the dishes. Simple meals for us since moving here to Arizona. A few times we went out for dinner on the holidays, I think we really prefer to be at home. I just bought a Pizzelle Iron so I will be baking a batch. Whatever your plans I send you good thoughts for a wonderful day.

We all love to get mail.... even simple mail. Shirlee and I plan to exchange Christmas Cards and would like to include others in this "simple" mailing. No extras, just a card. Soooooo, if you are interested in sending/getting cards, please email me so I can make a list, check it twice and post a listing. Anyone can participate. Be sure to email me your full name and address by December 4th. I would like to make this a monthly exchange with a bit of a twist that I have in mind.....hope I will be receiving your info by December 4th. Thank you for the kind words for Gingerbread Mouse....she is sitting on the fireplace mantle waiting for her spot on the tree. I may just get the stuff down from the cupboards before the weekend! At least get all the outdoor stuff checked and ready. For now, I want need a cup of coffee and maybe an English muffin with jelly....and of coruse get back to my Dear Santa postcard stitching. Therapy this morning then who knows what the afternoon will bring. Have a great day.

Someone new for the tree

Busy day yesterday..... first was our monthly stitch group. Then I was suppose to go to PT, key word as I thought it was for 2 pm but it was for 1 pm. So much for remembering. Then it was off to Best Buy... new TV for the hubby (and me of course). Knowing that I would not be able to lift the old TV and then set up the new TV,  I called on neighbors and friends Don and Glenda to give a hand. The boys did the TV thing and Glenda and I sat outside with a glass of wine. I did start on Dear Santa yesterday morning but came home to finish Gingerbread Mouse

I love it! I love Just Nan projects and the kits are always generous with the embellishments. I stitched on  28 ct linen from the stash anice medium dark color and the listed DMC threads. I love the metal button for the bottom. She will look cute on the tree. Speaking of trees, I hope to get my Christmas stuff out from the garage cupboard this weekend. I will be going in to work at 6:30 am on Black Friday so Thanksgiving day will certainly be a day to rest before my long work day. I will also be going in on Saturday.
Just got the name of my new Round Robin partner so I will be getting that ready to stitch. In the meantime I will work on Dear Santa so I will be able to display it for Christmas. Hope my 19 year old Santa will be ready on time too. Thank you for taking the time to visit and for the kind words that always make my day, and I hope that you have a great day yourself.

Early start to my stitching day

As I was walking down the main aisle at Jo Ann's (going in to work), I thought I spotted someone I knew... well, someone I knew from blogging. I passed and then turned and called out "Hello Dawn". She turned and then went chatted. Yes, it was Dawn from Golden Angels Work blog and FB. We have been following one another for some time and here we finally meet. You just never know who will be crossing your path....especially at Jo Ann's. I am busy already this morning starting a new or maybe 2 new projects....

I just had to send for The Primitive Hare's Dear Santa and have to make Just Nan's Gingerbread Mouse. Of course when I went to kit up for them, I was missing a few threads! I just do not know where these threads disappear to! I guess the faeries have been visiting again. One day I think all the missing threads are going to materialize and bury me.....
Since our last chat, my injection was not too bad. I think it is helping but only a tid bit. Thanks for all the kind thoughts and encouragement. Two more PT sessions and the last injection on December 4th. Then we shall see.....In the meantime, I shall return to stitching and make some toast to have with my second cup of coffee.Have you started to decorate for Christmas yet? My plans remain to wait until after Thanksgiving...which is next week! It was so nice to visit with you.... I will stop by your place soon. Have a nice day.

Mail x 2

My PT session was not too bad yesterday. One of the exercises I was unable to do last week I did this week. as well as a few new added steps. Today is injection day. I am not looking forward to this at all. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday----torture days. Before you ask, I only feel slightly better. But, I am giving this the "old Girl Scout try"; that is to say, I will do this in hopes of not needing surgery. The reality is that this does not repair the tear or spur . Now before you ask, yes, I was a Girl Scout!
Yesterday's mail brought me....

My Christmas Ornament Exchange from Angela in Singapore..... isn't it cute. Bells and a snowflake charm. It will look so nice on my tree. Along with the exchange, Angela sent me a RAK. We both belong to the group, and this is what she sent....



lovely fabric, pretty trim and buttons and charms....It is a pleasure visiting your blog, Pretty Little Things in a Box. Angela is very talented. Stop by and see for yourself.
I must get to the Post Office to get a couple of packages out this week. I am going to try to get a few of my going back East packages out early too. They just need to be gift wrapped. My friends Lu and Stan already have been decorating. The temps there today will be around 43...cold! I do not miss that at all, at all! We are still in the 70's and I love it. The other day while Mr H and I were in the yard, this fella came to visit

 He is a Costa's Hummingbird. Just look at the vibrant purple... and he is sitting in the shade! What a sweet little guy. He is not afraid to hover close to us or sit and let us approach. This is a tree on the opposite side of the yard where our resident hummer sits. Each of these 2 trees has a feeder to keep everyone happy. I have a couple of hours before the needle..... so I think I will settle down with my cup of coffee and think about the finishes I will do later. Thank you for visiting with me and your kind words. Hope your day is grand.

Finish work today

I over slept today, here it is 4:30 am and I am just getting out of bed. Coffee is brewing, my body is tired but my mind is asking what project next? First on the agenda is a visit to the torture room with Alicia for PT at 8 am. Then it will be home for much need ice and then it will begin. I have 2 ornaments ready to be finished. Both to be mailed tomorrow. Then and only then will I gather up the next 2 projects. Oh yes, I know which they are. One has been kitted for awhile just waiting and the other I just received as a gift. You will have to wait to see which they are. I can show you Santa....

he is off being framed at Jo Ann's and should be ready by December 3rd. A simple frame for him as he is old world and not fancy. I know some people do not like to do outlining, but it does bring everything out... it pops the design. You can see the difference in this 2 pictures.....

Now the bells jingle and the holly and berries pop. It really  makes a difference doesn't it. I look forward to having him displayed in time for Christmas. I have signed up for a Christmas Card Exchange.... I love sending Christmas cards. This will be a simple card no gift exchange. At this time of year it is nice to do something so simple as this. I send electronic ones also, not as nice maybe of having one in hand, but they are animated and musical. I smell my coffee so off I must go. Glad you visited today and thank you for the kind words and your friendship. Have a wonderful day.

An update

Had the first of three injections yesterday. Mr H came along but waited in the comfort of the waiting area while I timidly walked into the torture room. The PA, Jennifer was very nice and I must say gentle. I asked her if I could just leave the knee, go for a coffee in the hospital cafeteria and and she sweetly said that I should not worry. It was two procedures; the first was to remove more fluid (16 cc) and then the injection. Both were painful and lucky for me quick. This will be the last time that I can have the fluid withdrawn because of the medication being injected. I am quite achy today. I did have to get a different brace so I will be trying that today at work. It is obvious that on injection day I will not be able to go to work. I returned home to ice and rest it. Santa is coming along.... My goal is to start the outlining Sunday, or Monday. So close to the finish! It is a bit chilly here in The Valley of the Sun....only 58 and temps is expected to be around the mid 70's today...guess I will have to dig out a sweater! The sun is someplace behind the clouds. Some flowers thrive with the cool temps...

 bright Petunias are today's sunshine. 
Hope it is lovely where you are. Thanks for stopping by and for the kind thoughts and well wishes for me. You certainly do make my day.

Angels

I would like to think that "my angel" takes care of me.....and the faeries tease me. I have several angels around my house..... and this Prim angel joins them----

She is Prim Velveteen Angel from Nickycreations ..... I can not wait to make a few more They would make lovely gifts. I have said that I am not a "Prim" stitcher and do not do many at all, however, I find that I have done more than I thought. I love Niky's patterns. This was a kit which you will find by clicking the link above. One year I may do an angel tree. Speaking of trees, Mr H was talking with my neighbor a few doors away and she already has her tree up. No Christmas arrives around the Horton House until December 1st. I like finish with one holiday at a time. Thanksgiving is Mr H's favorite one.The pumpkins remain around as do Fall theme until then. I have been laboring over Santa. I have had to frog some of the new stitching. Finally I think I have my solution. Remember, the original stitching is 19 years old and the colors are ...... well the white is not as bright. I did keep it rolled right side in so it is not soiled. Still, I cannot use straight white for his beard. The solution is using 2 strands of 3866 and 1 of white and it looks good. I never had a working copy so I am finding my way slowly with the pattern. I had hoped to be on the outlining by now. Oh well, it has been 19 years in the making so what is the rush now!
Today is the injection day and I am dreading it. I hate needles and especial large ones. I know, compared to what some are going through in their lives, my problem is no big deal and I do not want to sound like a wimpy whiner.  In the meantime, I will return to the sewing room to organize my self and maybe get a few more curls on Santa's beard done before going for the torture session..... glad you stopped by today. Your kind words and friendship make my day. Whatever your plans have a great day.

I forgot to show you-----

Yesterday when I shared my enjoyable Sunday outing I forgot to show you this...

my little papoose. Isn't he adorable! he is wrapped in soft white alpaca type fabric and adorned with feathers and strapped to him is a turquoise bear which is for the Native Americans is a symbol of strength and healing. This year I will decorate a Southwest tree and he will be right there front and center. I usually begin to set up Christmas around the first of December.  This year I feel eager to get it started......


I can not forget today is Veteran's Day...my dad was a very patriotic man and passed that on to me.

I pay tribute to him as well as all who have and are serving our country. Dad always gave us a poppy to wear and I still wear it proudly each November 11th. 
Yesterday was therapy day #1... and not too bad a session. Did you know that Physical Therapists now introduce themselves as "doctor"? They complete a doctorate program hence the title. Anyway, Alicia is my therapist. I have my assigned exercises to do at home and five more session with her. Although she is very nice, I did wince quite a lot. I will also be wearing a pull on type of knee brace especially for work. Oh, did I mention that Mr H planted my snap beans and someone ate two plants. To say that he  is a bit upset would be an under statement. I would not put it past him to install barbed wire! Right now there is netting around the plants.... not sure what I will find by the time I return from work today.... work... I am sure it will be a nut house at Jo Ann's. Think I better go relax because I have a feeling it will be a long 5 hours later. Whatever your plans are for today, I hope you have a wonderful day. Thank you for your kind wishes and words....and most of all for your friendship.

Music and shopping

I fell asleep early last night after being awake from 1:30 AM.... only to wake early again today. This time I decided not to get up and stitch. Instead I had a hot cup of tea and curled up on the day bed in the sewing room and with some very boring TV program fell back to sleep. When I next opened my eyes, it was 6 AM. Need to be rested today so the the therapist can pull at my leg and bend it this way and that and I will be awake enough to yell. Mr H and I went to The Litchfield Artfest yesterday...the sun was hot  but the temps only around mid 80's. When we arrived Estaban was just getting ready to perform.....

love his music! He played a few tunes and one that I love, La Paloma. With him performing was Teresa Joy on violin.  Next to perform was Tony Duncan from Yellow Bird Productions. Amazing Native American music and dancing

the flute sounds were beautiful. His hoop dancing is wonderful, for which he has been world champion many times....His son and daughter performed also...

look at the beautiful children and the vibrant colors....







I did manage to shop also...Mr H picked this to hang in the sewing room

the artist is local and her metal works are lovely.... all brass and copper with different stones. This is Green Agate. Then the same artist, another local, who makes the Prayer Feathers (bought one last year) had these ornaments....

so I bought one for me and one for a gift. She uses real feathers and usually wolf or coyote fur. All in all we had a nice time and then home for football and rested my knee. Hope your Sunday was as pleasant.... and I do hope you have a great day today. Thank you for the visit and kind words.....