A found nest!

It is another hot day here in The Valley of the Sun...it is a little after 8 AM and the temp is 81. It was a quick out to the garden to refill the hummer feeder. What did I see? A nest!

Do not know who is nesting there and this is the first time in 13 years that a nest is in the Sweet Memory bush. I will try to explore it more at another time. It is a shallow nest quite like the Dove nests....but would be too small for them... I think. I have been seeing a pair of Doves in the area....we shall watch and see.
I forgot to show you

Dianna gave me this wonderful soap with a mosaic dragonfly imbedded. I love specialty soaps and do use them. For now, this will remain wrapped.
Today is the take the car in for routine service day. Normally I go in right as they open at 7am and I am in and out in less than an hour. Today I decided it would be at 2 Pm... so I am hoping it is also a quick service turnaround. Been missing time with my dear friend Glenda and we are trying for an afternoon meet. Not really too difficult as she lives in the next courtyard.
Yesterday was my day off...did nothing of importance... so I guess today is a bit of housework. I was hoping to rest my back. I have an appointment on Monday with the doctor to see what we can do. I have been really having difficulty moving about. I know, it is "age related".... a phrase cousin Ann and I tossed about recently. Last evening I call and enjoyed a conversation with my friend and sidekick LuLu in RI. It was good to hear her voice and as she said, it is like no time has passed and as if we were sitting together. A few days ago the phone conversation was with another RI friend Joan... and before that with RI friend Pam..... good friends who will always be there when you need them. No distance changes that.
Well, need a cup of coffee and a breakfast before getting to the Bissell and Swiffer. Glad we had time to chat. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

A new machine on the table

The morning is already too warm for me to be outside pruning.... too late as I did go out to check on things and of course picked up the shears and now I am feeling it. I will leave it all to dry out so it will be easier to bag in a day. The pond is topped off and all is well but no more garden work. It is 8am and the temp is 80. The temp is expected to get into the 100s this week.
A lovely day spent yesterday with Dianna and Bobby...all day. They picked me up around 10:30 and off we went to bargain hunt….

I found this adorable little sewing machine. It is both battery and AC.... but.... there is no info with it nor is there a name on it. So if anyone knows what the manufacturer is I would love to know. It does work but I have not yet tried to thread it. After wandering around we came back here so I could get dinner ready. Lasagna.... and both enjoyed my cooking! I never said I did not know how to cook only that I did not cook! They both have been (along with others) so helpful and supportive this past year. True friends are wonderful. They brought me a chime....

It is hanging in the kitchen with my other indoor chimes. It may get to be out in the lanai, just not yet. It has a nice sound and I love a galloping horse!.
As for the Dove family.... it looks like one of the babies has already left the nest.... according to Bobby who peeked in on them. So I will be watching to see what happens next. The parents are still around the garden and in the past they have just gone on to start a new family after the babies leave. Yesterday the Woodpecker came a few times to the hummer feeder out front and the black bird is still stopping by the pond for his daily drink. Lots of nature to enjoy. I will be mindful when I rake the garden not to disturb any lizards who are lurking under the plants and pots.
Plans for today are to remain indoors and relax and tat. Possibly some reading later. I was asked if I would show my garden in pictures…. and yes, I will. So this week I will make a post or two with my Garden of Eden. When I look at pictures of what we started with 13 years ago I am amazed. Right now however, I need a cup of coffee, actually cup #2 and maybe some toast and scrambled egg. The bed is made and I am dressed for the day. It is now me time. So, it really has been nice to chat with you and I am glad you took the time to stop by. Thank you for the kind words and for you friendship.

Coyote and Quail

A lovely morning with the front door open... for now. the temps are going to rise this week back to the 100s. Did the weather gal just say 107 for next Sunday?!
Yesterday I commented that I have not seen the coyotes

well, into the courtyard he came. The sighting was interesting... there were several Quail families pecking about and they actually were going after this coyote because of the babies all around. Of course he ignored them and just leisurely sniffed and looked around.

The large Prickly Pear Cacti behind him is home to a huge Rabbit village beneath it. Luckily they were all safe on this visit. Shortly after the coyote left I heard chatting and looked out to see

This Quail couple taking the kids to the birdbath. There were 4 more on the ground not sure of the jump up but these little ones watched and learned. Eventually they all took drinks then scattered to scratch the dirt.
Today will be with Dianna and Bobby...and they will be here for dinner. The lasagna is made and last minute details to be done.  Just finished my coffee and a peanut butter sandwich ...just felt like having peanut butter. Time to make the donuts bed and get things done around here. Glad we chatted and I thank you for the kind words and for your caring friendship.
****Update on EvaP...AKA mother... she is doing well and we are hoping that she continues. Although we are almost 3,00 miles away, The Brother Alan, sis Lynowl, niece Tonya and nephew Nico have all in hand. I add some input from afar. Job well done to my family.

A welcome cloudy morning

We are known here in The Valley of the Sun, Arizona for just that.....days upon days of sun and heat. Every so often there is a morning with cool air and clouds in the sky.... delightful. Doors can be opened and a light breeze flows into the house. All is well in the garden and the Doves are growing stronger each day. They are left alone a little more often so the parents can get enough food for themselves as well as the two babies.

All sorts of critters are around. Found this little bunny resting outside my bedroom window. He found a bit of shade yesterday afternoon and burrowed in for a time under the Yucca. I noticed him as I sat sewing.

This little one is outside my living room window at this moment...look at that fluffy white tail and big ears! Just outside the kitchen window is the hummer...….getting ready

to enjoy the Red Lips Salvia. The other morning as I sat out on the front porch ready and trying to enjoy my coffee one of them hovered over me and tried to pull at my hair....they are so territorial! The hummer floats outside the kitchen window looking in sometimes and I get caught off guard as I pass by and we startle one another. Having so many critters to entertain me is wonderful.
Evidence of coyotes around but I have not seen them lately.
Went to Jo Ann's, Michaels and Hobby Lobby trying to get some beading supplies and could get nothing I needed...guess I will be browsing on line. So much for buying locally.

Glenda just returned from a vacation and stopped by yesterday with this sweet little tea pot for me. Just enough for that one special cup of tea. Flowers, bugs and butterflies adorn the top and sides. She is so thoughtful.
 Guess a little time outside this morning reading but I think this time it will be out on the lanai. Glad you could visit with me today. Thank you for the kind words and for your friendship.