Santa earrings and the Moon and Mars

Now that may have your interest.... first the Santa things...

3 pair completed and one more in the tray. Two have blue eyes and I thought to do a few with black. I really enjoy beading....well, I do enjoy lots of things. With the weather so hot and humid and the garden must be ignored along with the pond something has to have my attention. I promised the mother Eva P a pair but I better wait until December to send them or she will wear them now proclaiming that I made them for her! She is delighted with all the mail she has been receiving and I cannot thank you all enough. I really only expected that  a couple of bloggers would send a card...but you have become what she calls her friends.
Have you been watching the moon?

Even with the clouds surrounding it, it was a sight to see. And while looking at the moon, nearby was the red planet...yes, Mars...

not too bad with just the camera and no telescope. We have a place not too far where My Denny and I would go and they set up telescopes so you can view the sky....I should check to see when they will have another such evening. Denny almost bought a telescope a few years back...not sure what happened with that idea.
The pond is pretty well dried and if only the heat would lessen I could get out there to clean. Of course my incision is still "delicate" with steri-strips and all. Hopefully they will soon be gone but until then I will follow the doctor's orders. The area is so dry and scaly...someone suggested that I use Vitamin E on the scar...any thoughts on this? Years ago after a surgery I was told to use Mederma and it did help a little. Times change and so do products. Surprisingly it is not itchy at all.
Went to Wal-Mart today for my Eight O'clock coffee beans and small filters  and there in the candy aisle was one of the motorized carts...just sitting there right in the middle of the aisle...I guess someone needed it to get to the candy but not to leave! I am probably one of the few who does not have one of those Keurig Coffee machines and fresh grinds beans for my Mr Coffee pot. Wal-Mart is the only place I can get these beans and filters.  Strange things happen there. There were so many parents with and without children getting back to school supplies. All of them with lists in hand. Here in Arizona schools let out in May and some are already back with most returning by August.
Okay, time to find something to have for dinner. The problem is that I am not at all hungry and have not eaten since 10:30 this morning. Something light so I will not starve later.
We are down to 51 days until....The Brother Alan and Lisa arrives. You did not forget did you ?

Please do not rain...yet....

Oh I know, I live in a drought state (Arizona) but the pond is still not ready for rain. if it rains before I can finish cleaning it, then I will have to start over...draining with the sump pump, waiting for it to dry etc. etc. Maybe it is just going to be a hot, humid and cloudy day...maybe. The temps have been around 116 daily so getting out there is out of the question after the stupidity of me last Saturday. Not doing that again. I will get out to refill the hummingbird feeders (one out front and the one in the garden) this morning but that should be it. I need to run an errand or two but I will wait until Friday/Saturday when the temps may fall to mid 100s. I her you...what is the difference, believe it or not it will make a difference if even only in my head.
I had to hold off on finishing my Santa earrings yesterday. My hand began to swell and I though it best to just wait. Applying lots of medication overnight seems to have helped. I will continue to apply daily for awhile then I can continue.

Did you see the fantastic moon last evening? I went out to throw the trash and when I looked up...well I love a full moon. I watched for a few minutes as it slowly rose in the Eastern sky.... of course for a moment I did as I usually do when I look at the moon, wonder if someone was looking down on me. I still do not like to drive  when the moon is full...well to be honest I do not like driving at night anyway.
If you follow me on Facebook you will see the post today that I will be taking a break from the site. My reasons are simple; I do not want to read the negativity and insensitive posts and drama. I just do not need or want it in my life. I know scrolling is the option and I do just that. I will periodically check in on my groups as I do not want to miss the incentive to create.
Just to keep everyone up to date...the countdown continues... 53 days.....The Brother Alan will arrive in September....Lisa  will be here too! 

All I can say is ~~~~hot

We are in a Heat Advisory for the next few days..... the only word is hot. Yesterday was a record for the date at 115 and that is what is expected for today and tomorrow. Needless to say, indoor activity is the plan and I can find plenty to keep me busy. Yesterday my outing was to have the sutures removed...all is well. I did make a quick stop at the bead shop for a few items but it was back to the cool of the abode.

I redid the Santa using a new bead for the shadow and I like the subtle look. Now to make the matching earring and a few more. This time I will be sure to keep a pair for example.
The pond is still on hold and I am not going out there to check because we know I will then try to work on it and after getting sick on Saturday in the heat that will not be a wise move. If we get a break in the oppressive heat over the weekend then I will deal with it. Until then the birds will have to visit the birdbath in the front yard. Right now the air is still and very thick...humid and heavy and 92 at 5:30 am. Lots of clouds and no sunshine...yet.
The Brother Alan and I had a nice chat yesterday...the countdown for his return here is on...55 days. The To Do list has been reviewed... only 3 important items then the time will be for Lisa to get in the horseback riding and whatever else they have planned. My list can be done in a day or so. I am looking forward to their arrival. This time there will be no storms to delay their return to Rhode Island..... except a hurricane (September is the end of the season)…. who can say!
That is about it from here. Glad to chat with you today and always. Thank you for the kind words and for your friendship. Thank you also for your concern and good wishes  with the recent medical issue....your support has been fantastic. We do not have to be in the same room to care! 💖

How beautiful a day can be
When kindness touches it!
~George Elliston

The pond ... again.

Yesterday began as what I thought would be a good day.  My only plans would be to go to  a party early evening. Late morning I went out to check the pond knowing I would need to add water.....what?! A problem...no...no...yes. The resent winds blew many leaves into he well of the pond where the pump is. I have removed them when I could...thought I did a good job but with the recent surgery I could not really clean it as good as it should have been. I thought it would be okay. The pump was getting clogged and the water was not getting through to the top. Off with the switch. I thought I will try just a little to get this working...Now, all of a sudden I realized that the heat was beginning to bother me....a bit of too much sun and heat with the humidity. The pond would have to wait. Once inside I began to down a few glasses of Gatorade and water. Of course the headache started then the stomach. I of course was not suppose to do as much as I did due to the sutures still being in place. Later in the evening I felt the toll of the earlier activity. Of course the party was off and early to bed.
This morning while the sun was still low and not too hot yet, out I went with the sump pump and hose and the pond is drained and the pump cleaned. Tablets added where the water is not completely drained. Once is all dried and the rest of the water evaporates I will be able to clean the pond. Just when I thought I had conquered the pond.
Earlier yesterday before all the fiasco,

I began to bead the Santa earrings. I had stopped when I went outside... will try to finish as soon as my stomach is better and I am fully hydrated again. I was not happy using the beading thread...which I always have used. Maybe I will try with Fire Line. The thread seemed to fray at times. I also want to try a different delica bad where the beard shadows are instead of the light grey. I make some with blue eyes and some with black...variety. A few years ago I even made one Santa of color for a friend.
Well, I need to get some laundry swishing so off I must dash. I will be taking the day easy and slow. Always so nice to chat with you all. Thank you for taking the time to stop by and thank you for the kind words. Most of all thank you for your friendship.