Things going on......

A bright sunny day and they say we will be back in the 70s today. I managed to get lots done yesterday. Don had come by to get something and then helped me with the tool cupboard. Goodness we were able to toss out lots of stuff that I will not need and then into the garden where he helped me secure the Firecracker Bush and cut down the grass. I did discover that my cutting tools need to be sharpened and that I really should have worn my gloves. The grass cuts like paper cuts and that is right, I have them on the finger tips of my left hand. We will not discuss the scratches to my arms from the cactus. Don suggested that I cut back where the "alien" Snail Vine was growing to the house....I did that.  I think it has been interfering with the amount of light getting to my Hot Lips plant. The pond still needs to be skimmed and that will be probably later today or tomorrow.

I think Prince Richard has been helping himself to the chocolates....now before you think I have tattered table scarves, well, it is but it is because this love piece of white on white embroidery is probably 50+ years old. I have several old pieces that are less than perfect. It has character.

When I looked out the kitchen window she was sitting on the chair back....Don spotted an egg in the wall planter yesterday and yet they are building on the clock. This is one confused pair of Doves! They disappear most all day returning at night and early morning. She moved to the top of the back gate and he is someplace near the pond.

My gold beaded snowflake is growing ever so slowly. I had made an error, took forever to undo, now the cut to the tip of my finger and distractions, I am determined to finish this by Sunday.
Laundry number 2 is swishing and then it time for walking the Bissell and swinging the Swiffer. When all is done I will sit and read for awhile......started When Ghosts Speak. Reading will rest my finger tips and keep me out of the garden! I am happy that you took time to visit. Thank you for your kind words and your friendship.

Has it been a week???

Goodness me, where has this week gone and where was I while it was on it's way? Thank you for emails of concern, but I am okay. I know I was with Glenda one day and dinner one night (made a delicious chili), I know there was a doctor appointment and I know that I was with Dianna yesterday for breakfast and lessons...and I do not have any needlework to show for the week....I did no yardwork but the house has been cleaned.
The replacement Shutterfly book arrived on the 23rd --finally--- and it was not corrected, in fact they changed the cover color. This first project has been off to a bad start. Dianna (who is very experienced with them) helped me yesterday and she spoke with them for me. So now I will await their email then re-submit the book and it will cost me nothing. I also have extra pages and it may be that I have another free book coming, not sure so I will once again contact them to clarify. Dianna really gave me lessons yesterday and I am confident that I will make better books in the future.
The mail arrived yesterday with this....

A birthday gift from Debbie. Knowing the mail delivery service and customs, she sent it a week early but I had to open it now! The cheerful butterflies called out to me....

The back round you see is a perfectly fit for my table, table topper of Sugar Skulls! There is a color yourself notepad, and some labels in a sheer pouch and a beautifully made pouch with tea bags.

Debbie and I still email everyday. She mentioned that she was sewing and that she was doing this or that....and it was for me! Thank you so much Debbie and Laurie for my surprise package! I love my gifts. I would never have believed that I could feel close to someone who lives so far away, who I have never met in person, ...in another country even! I am very grateful for her friendship.
Today I must...... repeat must work in the garden. I have a few plants that need extra attention and the pond for sure.  I also have tomatoes to pick and beans. Forget the "alien" Snail Vine...it is still crawling everywhere.  The Doves are still under construction.... very slow to accomplish anything out there. I really have a job to do out in the garden.
My tatting has been an issue. Lesson: if feeling distracted, do not tat. Simple as that. Nothing more to say on that subject.
The doctor visit on Tuesday went well. The first vein procedure will be February 1st and then at least 2 more after that. Still trying to keep my blood pressure in check, so far it is good.
Well, here it is almost 4:30 and I definitely need a cup of tea and I think some toast. Having you visit is always so nice. Thank you for your kind words and your caring friendship. 

A beautiful sunrise

When I look out my backyard toward the East and see this, my heart stops and I need a deep breath. This is as it was taken with no fancy adjustments just as it was....awe inspiring. That is it for me today......

Today is my day off

I was very busy yesterday...housework, beef stew, pot pies and laundry. So, today is my day off. Well, that is after I change the sheets on my bed and the laundry is done. Then it is ****"La dolce far niente" for me today.
Thank you to those who emailed me to tell me you were interested in my give away....I chose Lynda Ackerson. She plans to stitch this lovely sampler for her younger sister who is a 5 year breast cancer survivor. Congratulations to your sister for this milestone. It will be in the mail this week.
The footstool is fixed! I still would like to find another footstool to use with my rocker and leave this one in my bedroom. The hunt will begin!

We had some light rain late yesterday and of course winds. The garden looks quite shabby today. It will take some time spent to get it back to my organized shabby. I love the wild look of plants but this is more than that. I am glad I thought to pick my beans yesterday morning

and a few tomatoes. I am glad I planted the beans as I have enjoyed them in small pickings so nothing is wasted. Those tomatoes will be in my salad today along side the beef stew.
The laundry is ready for the dryer, the bed needs making and time to have some toast with my coffee. Thank you for taking time to visit with me and for the kind words. Thank you for your friendship.
****Italian for Sweet idleness