A rose for the garden

My day is starting off slow...but since there are no plans it is okay. Better sleep last night. If you follow me on Facebook then you already know about the TV thing. On Thursday evening I lowered the volume and switched to the local news station and clicked off the TV in the living room around 8 PM and went into my bedroom to watch TV and hopefully fall asleep. I was having one of those dreams... I was terribly lost and it was getting dark and I began to panic. I was scared and unable to find my way. All of a sudden I woke... safe from being lost. I looked at the time... 1:30 AM... Then  I heard voices in the living room! Although I could not understand what was being said, 2 people were talking. I muted the TV that was still on in the bedroom and thought...who turned on the TV out there? So, I finally got out of bed to see and indeed the TV was on and loud. I clicked it off and looked around and of course there was no one in the house. All was locked and secure and undisturbed. I returned to my bedroom and thought, it must be My Denny saving me from my dream. I have  mentioned before that I am very superstitious... and I know Dennis watches over me. Now if only he would help with the bees around the pond.
Friday Dianna and I went for breakfast... afterwards she handed me a package. Last week she and Bobby were on a vacation celebrating his good health, his cure of cancer, and on the day of Dennis' anniversary she was both happy for herself and Bobby but sad for me. She saw this rose..

a beautiful large glass solar rose and bought it in remembrance of Dennis. How special is this friend to me.... thinking of me and My Denny. I am waiting for the solar light to charge and soon it will light up at night and remind me of friends who care. It will also remind me of Denny.
The laundry is waiting for me so off I go. I think a cup of tea is in order. The Bissell will stand quietly today.
I would like to share a blog with you....Retired and Taking it One Day at a Time. Stop by and visit and say hello.
As always I am so pleased to have you visit with me...thank you for your kind words and most of all your friendship.

Going to be a long day....

What sleep? It  seems my eyes were open more than they were closed last night. So, I will announce now that today will not be a productive day. I will check the pond for water level because with the temps around 110 it will need a topping and a treatment. But that will be the extent of my garden work.
There was interest in my bread making accessories! The slicer is Mrs. Anderson's Baking Bread Slicer which is on-line and can be through Bed Bath and Beyond and the knife is the 9" Scalloped Offset Bread Knife also on-line. I just Googled and they came up. The best idea. The slicer has different widths so it makes it so easy and better cutting with the long angled knife.
I spent part of yesterday sorting my snowflake tatting supplies and also my beaded ornament supplies. So if I should have the energy today it will be a go to work on either but let's not count on it.  I had my toast and coffee and now am ready to put the feet up and put my head down.

This little bunny was watching me at my front window. There have been lots of baby bunnies out there. I just love the big black eyes and those almost see through bug ears. The lizards continue to be everywhere...it is mating season and they are certainly looking and finding. The Doves are hanging around my garden again calling out... I am just trying to see where they are planning the nest. So even if I am not busy, the creatures are.

The hummer has been enjoying the nectar at the feeder.... this of course after hovering quite close to my head. They sound like little motors! So everyone is busy but me.
With that said, off I go to try to wake my brain or doze off...which ever happens first. Air conditioner and ceiling fans are keeping me and the house comfortable. Glad you came by....thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Okay, I am awake now....

Another open my eyes too early so yes, I did fall back to sleep eventually and now I am waking to the aroma of fresh coffee. My second cup already.
Yesterday was a hot day and the forecast is for a hotter day today. As I said before, once it is around 108 it really doesn't make too much difference...it is plain hot. That is why it is nice having the bread machine... thank you to The Brother Alan.

Last year when I was making the no knead bread he wanted some when he arrived and when I told him it would take 18 hours he ordered a machine for us. This is just a plain French style loaf and the aroma that filled the house was wonderful. I bought this great device to slice the bread...

Slicing the bread is so much easier with the knife slots and of course I had to get the proper knife and voila! each piece is nice an does not fall apart. You can choose the thickness with the slots. The bread is delicious. I also made a small pan of chicken soup for lunch...yes, I love soup no matter what the weather. I was busy.
There was a mail delivery again from my sis Lynowl.

Among the items was this bracelet from Alex and Ani...The Evil Eye. The enclosed card reads in part: "Let this ancient talisman grant protection and insight while you take a closer look at your own personal journey." She also sent the anklet to match.
I also received a letter from Eva P who was excited to get cards and notes from some of. Thank you again for helping her in this adjustment.
The Bissell and I have an arrangement....if, and I say if it will at least do it's job with minimal effort I will allow it to stay...otherwise it will be out on trash day real soon. I hate to spend double time cleaning! As for the Snail Vine, I think or maybe I know that when I trimmed some of it last week I may have cause it to think it could rest and stop growing...my mistake. I will leave it now that I cause it harm to see if it will be okay. I have a policy in the garden...do well and you can live here, fail and you are in the trash. Yesterday I also removed the Dove nest from the Memory Bush...let's hope they choose the clock to nest if they come back.
Off I go for that second cup of coffee and to think about what to do today. Glad we had time to chat. Thank you for the kind words and for your friendship. See you soon.

The start of the week

The temp is around 82 but not too bad this morning. The pond needs a cleaning and the garden needs a pick-me-up, but it will wait. I have removed the Dove nest from the Memory Bush. Speaking of bushes

This is the Fire Cracker bush...it is almost 10 feet tall and 5 feet wide. It is a blaze with color. It actually glows in the sunlight.  The rain chain will be moving closer to the pond when the Brother Alan next arrives. I think I will let the Honeysuckle which is now low to the ground try to grow again.
My tomato plant has tripled in size and has a dozen or so tomatoes growing.

I trimmed a few of the lower branches as Dennis used to do and it allows more sunlight and air around the plant. The Snail vine is showing some wear and tear...not sure why. I will just leave it for now. Pruning is usually in the Fall. Yesterday I trimmed the basil and oregano and brought a few sprigs in to dry.
I finished the ornament to send to my Aunt Rose Marie but will wait until she gets it to post it. I try to make one a day and so far have done that. My pleasure is giving them away and when asked I do try to send the color asked for. I am honored when someone asks for one of my creations...no matter if tatting or beading.
Yesterday just as I was going out to the front to fill the birdbath...

Resting on a large rock in the shade was this lizard.... about 10 inches from nose to tail tip. He  waited until I was right up to him to scurry off into the ferns. I know it is not easy to see him, but it was the best I could get at the time.
Laundry is fluffing in the dryer and I will walk the Bissell and hope it behaves today. I really am considering a new vac. I put Swiffer someplace and now need to look for it..... interruptions drive me nuts. No real plans for the day. Maybe the bread machine will be used. So nice to have you stop by for a visit. Thank you for the kind words and for your friendship. Hope you stop back soon.

Clown in Repose returned

Okay it is hot...and there is not really too much difference from yesterday at 109 and today will be cooler at 104 ...trust me, there is little difference. My outdoor time is limited to checking the pond and garden, an errand or two then back home. I so miss sitting outside in my garden or front porch. The last of the baby Doves left the nest. I really should take apart the nest as The Brother Alan sasd to do. I do not really want another pair moving in.
I had to go to the Post Office to pick up the package; it was Clown in Repose returning to me...…

I stitched this crewel work piece back in the 1980s sometime. When I moved out here to Arizona in 2004 Eva P the mother asked to hang it in her apartment. Now, with her nursing home placement I asked sis Lynowl to return it to me. Carefully Lyn removed it from the framework and here it is waiting to be cleaned and reframed. As it was not under glass it is a bit soiled...lightly but soiled. If anyone has any ideas on cleaning it by all means let me know.

I quickly learned how to do and like French knots with him....a zillion make up the hair and accents throughout. I tried to have clear definition between areas...you see, this was my first real crewel work piece.

This was a Bucilla kit. I probably will have it framed instead of doing it my self...maybe. I had originally framed it and did a so -so job as I had no idea of how to properly frame any needlework. I forgot how much I really like  him.
I did finish the beaded bauble that I posted in progress yesterday. Of course I started another one. Really enjoying these ornaments. I just mailed out the first one which will arrive at it's new home on Tuesday.
I am just having my morning coffee and need to get some clothes swishing in the washer so off I go. Your visit has been so nice. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.