It's the weekend

Thank you all so very much for the kind words and encouragement extended to both myself and The Brother Alan. We made it though the year and I made it through the day. It hasn't been easy but I am strong and have such wonderful support with all of you right there with the right words and thoughts.
The weather here in Arizona has been steamy...the temp these past days has been from 109 to 111 with "extreme heat warnings" issued daily. No problem for me, I just stay inside and out only when and where I need to go. Like this morning, I need to go to the post office which is a mile from the house because while I was with Robyn and Dave across the courtyard for muffins and tea at 9 AM the mail was delivered and my package was not left. Unusual as they always just leave them even when I asked that they not. Maybe because of the heat. There and home.

This is the last of the 2 baby Doves getting ready any day to leave the nest. The other has returned a few times and this one can already fly well but continues to live at home. They take forever to finally get out on their own.
I of course have been busy with my beading...a preferred activity right now...

This is from yesterday and it is a lovely shade of green/teal. Not sure where this one will be sent. Each one is a bit different even though I use the same base bauble...it is the seed beads which vary in size but it makes them all the more interesting and not boring to make. Someone asked how I set up to make them....well,

This is the one I started late yesterday. I work on a wooden tray that is lined with a beading mat. I also use a small light directly on the tray to make seeing easier. Every time I make one I declare that this is the one I really like....I have said that for at least 15 times!
Breakfast completed and just finishing the second cup of coffee and then on to the humdrum house matters. The Bissell does not seem to like to do it's job lately and I have threaten to replace it with a newer model. Would love to sit here and chat with you but things must be done. Thank you for visiting and for your kind words. Most of all thank you for your friendship. And by the way, Eva P the mother has been receiving your cards...thank you!

One year, 365 days, 12 months, 8760 hours………

One year ago today Dennis left the mortals behind, after giving all that knew him many wonderful years of friendship, advice and listening as well as a dry sense of humor. It was 47 years for me. As you can tell I am writing this today and cannot begin to speak for anyone else, so I will share my thoughts.

I was a young preteen when Grace and Dennis began their journey together, I spent countless weekends at their house and many more just stop overs. I seemed to always have key no matter where they lived and was to come and go as I please. I have my love of movies from being with Dennis and fine audio equipment. I recall when I was younger Dennis telling me many interesting fact about the movies we watched and at that time I thought it was astounding, 48 years later I love movies especially old ones and now regale Lisa with much trivia, as he once did for me.

The journey many of us took a year ago does not need to be explained, it was what it was, we mourned laughed and Grace was a great support for me, yes she supported me.

As I close this thought Dennis will always be part of my life you can’t dismiss 47 years of memories, trips, movies and relaxing in the yard.  He helped shape my life. I could go on and on with memories anecdotes but just to say he impacted my life is enough.

Until Next time…………..Alan

First anniversay

My Denny....
On this date one year ago I lost you forever. We shared 17,224 days of our lives together from the day we said I do to the day we said good-bye. So many memories in 48 anniversaries. Days I will cherish forever. Thank you for the lovely garden you created so that I have you around me every day. Thank you for being with me through all that we encountered. Thank you for being the wonderful man you were.
We had 33 days to say good-bye and we did.... in words... in smiles.. in tears and in holding hands.

I Miss You

I miss your voice.

I miss your smile.

I miss your smell.

I miss your jokes.

I miss your hug.

I miss how you made me feel.

I miss your everything.

I lost you and I lost the very breath I need to survive. My heart is empty. The count starts once again at one. 

A collection of ornaments

I love the very early morning when the sun has not yet made a break through the sky....Twilight,  the time before dawn. It is very still and the only movement this morning is my resident hummingbird dashing around the Fire Cracker bush. The coffee is just  brewing so the kitchen has that wonderful aroma. Yes, it is 5 AM and it is a warm 82 out in the garden. We may reach 108 today.  Few plans for my day. Shortly I will stat the bread machine to make some pizza dough.
Yesterday morning I finished another of the beaded ornament baubles...

Multi colored seed beads and amber drops...I like it. It has a festive look. I needed to make some adjustments with this one. I am using the same bauble and the same seed beads yet the size and shape is ever so slightly different. Part of the process.

My ornaments all gathered up except for 2, a turquoise and a pink which are ready to send out to dangle someplace else. I really enjoy this beading process.
Eva P the mom has already received some cards from you my friends and she was surprised and happy. Thank you for helping to cheer her on. This is a big adjustment for her.
For The Brother Alan and sis Lynowl and I it is a relief to know she is being cared for.
Out of the nowhere my ankle began to pain me yesterday afternoon...right in time to see the  doctor tomorrow. I have been having no problems until now. Not sure if another injection will be the way to go. Always something....the age factor and the arthritis. So, I will load it will medication today and hope for the best. I am watching the Dove kids and they are growing quickly. Still amazed that the skimpy nest balanced on the twig branches is holding them!
Time for the coffee and a piece of 7 grain bread. It has been so nice to chat with you today. Thank you for stopping by and for your kind words. Most of all, thank you for your friendship.

Sunday in the garden

Of course it is almost official summer and Arizona has been hot for some time now. We actually had a little rain and the temps have been under 100! 

The sun is hot and bright so I look for shade and find shadows. the wind is tossing the chimes and buoy bell so there is music in the garden. None of the birds are around mid-day. I guess they are resting in the Ficus tree to stay in the shade. The Dove babies are being watched in the nest and are growing quickly. 

The Fire Cracker glows bright orange in the sunlight. Sometimes a finch will take refuge among the branches but not today. Not even the Hummingbird is searching the blooms for nectar..... just too hot.

Yesterday I was busy with the beaded ornaments.

This is with a smoky grey round drop bead. Looks fancy. The seed beads (which are hard to see) are a metallic blue. Guess you will have to take my word for it... it is prettier than the picture. This morning I finished another one

I used dark black/grey seed beads and the drops are onyx black. I like this one. What color will be next... not sure yet. I am sure someone will like these.

Each year the 19 Palm trees on our community property need to be trimmed. 9 of them are in my courtyard area.

The first time I  watched this I was fascinated. First of all to scale this extremely tall swaying palm is one thing but then to be using both a small chain saw and a small machete like blade to trim the heavy fronds...well, I still find myself drawn to watch. It is a dangerous job and every so often a man will be injured or worse die while doing this.

The Palm is transformed from a large billowing top to just a skimpy few fronds. It does not take long before they replenish themselves. All the while the trimming is happening, dozens of Grackles will scour the ground for the insects that also fall and of course the seeds...the fluffy white fronds. Within a few minutes the tree is done and he move to the next and other guys gather and shred the fronds. They appear and trim and then the clean and are gone. It was a cloudy but humid day for these guys.

Seems strange to be posting so late in my day but I was just lazy this morning. I still feel lazy! Always nice to chat with you when you stop by. Thank you for the kind words and for your friendship.

For some reason Blogger is acting up today...not accepting typing and spacing. So, before I really loose my patience I will say ciao...adios....off I go.