What a year!

I am sending good wishes for a wonderful New Year to all of you and your families. Keeping positive thoughts for 2020.
This has been a tough year for me... I did not want to admit that I was depressed but finally a melt down and there it is. I began to feel better once I started a med and then....and then along came Murphy. He has been like a whirlwind of love. Murphy and I walk 3 times a day and Alan added the pedometer app to my phone and I track my steps. We walk a quarter mile each time out... it certainly adds up. I am wearing slacks that I could not wear...so loosing some ponds is good. Murphy stays with me at night and we are sleeping much better. My blood [pressure is slowly coming down. Having Alan and Lisa here has also been great. We have melded our home décor and this year Lisa put her ornaments on the tree...here are a few...

This gal needs a new hairdo

This one is looking for a modeling job

Poor gal is missing an eye

We had fun adding and sharing memories for each one

Last night we went out for pre NY Eve dinner...

The Angry Crab just opened a few miles from us...Alan ordered the Boiled in a bag and served in a bucket, Alaskan King Crab.... he ate it all. The food was delicious... the appetizers were great. A new place for us to go often.

Lisa and I picked out the fabric for the French Roses runner.... as soon as we put away Christmas stuff which we will start in a few days we will start it.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and celebrated New Year's Eve safely. We are staying in...shrimp is just out of the boil and cooling! Champagne has already been poured. I hardly think I will see midnight! Tomorrow will be a stay at home relaxing day...the first day of a new year and new beginnings. Murphy met Dianna and Bobby when they stopped by yesterday. A sad note; Bobby's cat of 16 years, Moochie,  passed away. She was a one person cat and that person was Bobby. He is missing her sitting with him in the morning and greeting him when he comes in from work. Keep a special thought for my dear friend. I am happy to say that Murphy brought out a smile from Bobby!

Glad you took time to visit. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

The day after......

The Brother Alan and I had a wonderful relaxing couple of days. For him it was back to work today. Just me and Murphy here. A package just arrived from Dear friend LuLu

He is tearing the box apart. The little reindeer is his newest toy and he loves whipping it around to hear the bell inside jingle. Right now the box is a better toy.

Thank you Lu for the Ana Lee Santa who stands 16 inches high!

Thank you Vickie for the pieced quilted tree ornament 

Thank you sis Lynowl for the Crockpot

Thank you Glenda for the beautiful glass window ornament.

Thank you Debbie for this cute Hummingbird swing and the delicious chocolates that Alan and I are enjoying and.....

and this wonderful sounding Dragonfly chime that Alan is looking for a spot to hang it.

All of my gifts have been sent or given with just one waiting to go to it's person. A nice Christmas. It was  the first time in 15 years that Alan and I spent together  for Christmas. Although we had rain for 2 days, Murphy did not mind walking at all. He did have an issue with my carrying an umbrella.

Thank you for taking time to stop by. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Message from Murphy!~

Good morning. It was bound to happen. She said it was my fault for sneaking up behind her but I say she needs to look. She fell in the kitchen. Now don't worry, she only has a bruise on her bad knee and a small mark on the other knee and her hand and wrist hurt a little. Actually I thought she was on the floor to play so I jumped on her and pulled on her robe...she was not amused.

Murphy sure is keeping me busy. I am sore but nothing broke so that is a plus. He is so quiet when he moves around that I really should look before moving! We are walking at least 3 times a day and it is about a quarter of a mile. The bunnies drive him crazy as does everything else. If a leaf blows we chase it, if a car drives by we stop to stare and the birds are an interruption. 

Glenda stopped by for tea the other morning. Murphy was delighted to have a visitor. She and Don are doing well.

The quilt shop called to let me know that my pattern arrived sooner than they thought. I plan to make a runner and maybe placemats. Who knows, someday maybe a quilt for my bed.

Even though I have plenty of fabric for the project, I bought this 5 inch charm pack by Moda called Painted Meadow to supplement. There are 42 squares with an assortment of prints. I plan to start after Christmas when Lisa returns. Lisa has been sick while away. Keep her in your thoughts that she starts to feel better. Nothing worse than having to fly while not feeling good.

Today is a cool and cloudy day. It is suppose to rain tomorrow and Christmas day. Not a problem as Alan and I have no outdoor plans. It will be the first for Murphy to walk in the rain however. Should be interesting. He loves when Alan uses the garden hose.

In case I do not get back here before, I wish all of you and your families a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah and Kwanza and what ever you do celebrate. Thank you for visiting and for your kind words and friendship. 

Fire Stick in bloom

Fiore Stick or Sticks on Fire plant is a succulent and when in bloom it is bright orange. I just found out it can be toxic.... the specimen I have is quite large and to contain it, it is in  large pot. I guess watching Murphy while outside to make sure he does not prune it is going to be a challenge.
Speaking of the little devil…. he has finally learned how to vocalize that he wants to go out and do some gardening.

He removed this hand shovel from the garden and thought he would take it inside...right! I did find one never used for him to garden with and he is delighted that he has it inside.

Put it in the basket...take it out. He keeps himself busy. There shall be toys strewn about forever. Like any little person he does prefer to play with a box of any size and any paper that he can shred.

I finally caught him on camera drinking out of the fountain. What a character Murphy is! He is just what I needed.
I just received a call from the quilt shop....the pattern I ordered is in and tomorrow I will run out to get it. I cannot wait to start this project. Obviously I will not be able to sit on the floor as I would to sort the fabric out.
The last of the Mr. Lincoln Roses has bloomed...

The color was deep and the fragrance wonderful.... and it opened fully. Does anyone else hate to toss out a rose when it is finished? I did save the first few... the petals. Dennis would love this.
I have baking to do this weekend. Lisa is feeling better.... but, Dianna's sister Debbie still needs your caring thoughts as does Dianna. It has been very stressful for her. Our blog friend Vickie could really use your special thoughts. Her furbaby Henry is not well. Hopefully the vet will be able to help. This is a hard time of year for many of us and when things go off kilter it becomes so difficult. I am wishing that all of you have a less stressful holiday. Let us keep one another in our thoughts. Since my mornings can be busy now, evening posts will do.
Glad you had some time to visit. Thank you for the kind words and for your friendship.

New house schedule

What a week. My new schedule, well....it is what it is...Murphy.
Lisa is back in RI to spend Christmas with her mom and siblings... and she is sick! Most likely hanging around the airport in New Jersey for a flight delay and who knows who around her was sick. She is missing  us....
How about an update on Murphy? If not, best end your visit here......
We nopw have a routine, me and Murphy. We go out very early and then after breakfast we go for a walk. Alan put an app on my phone so now we know how many steps/how far we walk. This morning it w2as quarter mile and 658 steps.

He is adorable even when he is causing havoc.... he likes to sleep on the coffee table shelf. Everyone comments on how cute he is...the following pictures will show you the puppy side...

Why eat out of the bowl when you can just turn it over and spread it out.

He loves being in the garden...this is just what he has brought in last week … he is a collector! Loves to play with rocks, broken pots and of course twigs. I had to move my tea pots on the lower shelf of my bakers rack because he kept taking the lids off the pots.

The Penstemon is growing wonderfully... that is until Murphy decided to do some pruning... he loves to prune and help Alan keep the garden looking good.

He does a great job, right down to removing the roots. There was a plant by the back gate...key word is was. He still is drinking from the fountain.... how do I know? His beard is always dripping … and yes, there is plenty of water inside.

Do you see the twiggy branch in the tree? Murphy kept bringing it inside so I guess he wanted to help decorate so it is high up where he can not get it. As a matter of fact, he does not touch anything on the tree. So he did pull out the pretty red scarf that Lisa added to the tree skirt. It was not his fault. His tennis ball rolled under and.....

We love this adorable little devil.... he has given me so much at a time where I really needed him. He has lifted my spirits!

Thank you for visiting today. Thank you for the kind words and for your friendship. 

Advent Blog Hop

Good morning...is it still morning? I am running late...having a puppy is exhausting. Last evening was shall I say nuts! mischief! naughty! and more. Today, however, is starting out wonderful. The sun is bright and Murphy is being good.
Today is Jo's Advent Blog Hop. We post a picture of something Christmas and then answer her question.

Here is the Santa I finished... from one of my favorite designers...Mill Hill Kits. This is Southwest Santa the second that I made and will soon order the next one. These blog hops are always fun an we learn new things from our fellow bloggers. Be sure to click the link and treat yourself to other Christmas memories. This yea Jo asked what our favorite Christmas movie is...Mine is The Shop Around the Corner and I am sure to watch it each year and just did so a week or so ago.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6OaK2-pwRE
I hope this link works.... if not you should google it and watch a clip if you are not familiar with it.  lovely story of 2 people who think they do not like one another.. here is a link to the story line. I hope you like it .
I am soy I am late with the post for the other bloggers...but mornings are a bit busy lately with the little devil! Thank you for stopping by and for your kind words and friendship.

From New York

Seems like rain is everywhere. Yesterday here in The Valley there were areas of pouring rain...at Bob and Dianna's house and even hail in the Phoenix area.  We just had lots of clouds. Today is sunny a and the temp is nice.
 Alan is in New York on business and sent this photo

NY police are using Smart cars! Maybe it will help when there are cars blocking their way. Traffic can be very congested there. As you can see, it was raining there too.
I ordered a quilt pattern today from my local quilt store. I should have it by the end of the month.... I told her no hurry and that would be fine.  Looking forward to making a runner for the table.  A friend made it and it was really so pretty.

This package arrived today. What was I thinking putting it under the tree! Murphy just dragged out and took it. Thank you Debbie.... I now have it out of reach. He is a collector of anything not his. Keeping me on my toes.
Thank you for visiting today....and for your kind words and friendship.

Two stars and Murphy

What a gloomy stat today...it rained yesterday and looks like more today. The dark clouds rolled in and do not seem to be leaving. Finally fell asleep at 3:30 and all of a sudden it was almost 5am.... I wanted to see Alan before he left for New York this week on business. Well, of course Murphy woke and it was out for his business then back in and a cup of coffee for  me and I managed to convince the pooch to relax until 7am. So, back out for new business and he discovered he can reach the fountain and take a drink. Back inside and a towel rub down. Now he is manic with his tennis ball. Murphy is great at playing with the ball; tossing it and then chasing after it and nudging it so it will roll. Murphy is giving much love.... my heart is happy.

Well... it occurred to me that I never posted the November Origami Star! So here it is. I love the colors in the leaf fabric.... reminds me of the changing trees back East.

Finally, the last monthly star is complete. My tree is complete. I am still pondering if I should have a monthly something for the metal display in 2020…. my thinking cap has been empty recently.
How about an update on the new residents? Alan and Lisa have adjusted well. What is not to like? Back in Rhode Island the weather has been cold and snow...here, sun and coffee outside each morning...still. Our tree is blended with ornaments from them added to mine and it is a full tree. Lisa and I decorated right after Thanksgiving. Thank you for asking about them. Thank you also for the caring emails asking about me. I am doing much better and will soon have busy hands again. Thank you for your kind words and for you friendship.
Special request: Debbie, Dianna's sister has had some surgery and could use your healing thoughts. Glenda and Don are doing well...thanks to all of your caring thoughts. Friends are so important!

Mischief around the abode

Goodness... where have I been? I am doing okay... thank you for the emails checking on me. It is a great feeling to know that you care. Me, myself and I are getting back to normal... or close to it anyway.  Still no creative hands but I have been planning a few projects. Christmas is catching up to me as I am not ready. Still need to get a few gifts organized and my mailing has not been done yet. The decorations are all up around the place and the front porch has it's tree. This is the first year in awhile that I did not put up the tree in my bedroom.... might get to it this weekend. I am missing it and all my Ana Lee decorations from Lu (back in Rhode Island).
I want to introduce you to someone new in my life.... Murphy!

He is a 4 month old mini Schnauzer. All his fluffy puppy fur at the moment is black with a brindle patch on the back of his neck. He could have been named "piccolo diavolo" which is Italian for little devil... he can find more things to get into! Murphy loves to play in the garden. Specifically he enjoys playing in the fountain garden.... collecting rocks. Sometimes they have made it into the house...

Most of the time they are small rocks from the area but he thought he could save this large one. Sticks are great to chew on and bring into the living room too. If something seems missing it is a sure thing it is on his blanket. I have missed my dear Sherlock so very much. On Tuesday, Alan's day off, I asked if we could go to rescue a pooch. There were none at the shelter that were quit right. Off to a breeder supplied pet shop we went. There were a couple there that were a possibility...then this guy caught my eye. He had to come home with me.

A face to love! Yes, that is a leaf stuck to his nose and yes he is resting in the fountain garden on the crushed stone. Good thing the pond is gone! My heart is full when I look at this boy. House training is coming along. As usual, schnauzers have a mind of their own. So expect frequent updates on Murphy and maybe he will get my creative hands to work!
Thank you for caring and for your kind words. Thank you for your friendship.

Where do the days go?

Good afternoon..... I know..... where have I been and what have I been up to. I am still right here and not doing too much. I have been out of sorts lately… actually for a few months. A visit to the doctor with Alan and things are getting back on track. I am touched with the emails from some of you checking on me.... I could feel the hugs wrapping around me. Thank you.

We had 3 days of rain storms last week and now they say we will get more this week. Just look at the first tomato! The kitchen garden is growing leaps! The Mr Lincoln roses have been wonderful to pick and have in the house. The fragrance is lovely. There are more buds on the bush. Here it is end of November and the Prickly Pear Cactus is blooming...

I love the feel of the flowers....they feel waxy. Of course taking a picture requires being very careful...

The pads, or Nopals are eatable... not that I have tried them. They should post a warning:
Spines and tufts of barbed bristles (glochids) can cause significant allergic skin  reactions... not to mention painful when pricked!

The red fruit appears once the flowers finish and they make the best jelly.

The Fairy Duster plant is also in bloom....the hummers love it as do the bees. So nice to have color in the garden at this time of year.

On Satrday, Lisa and I went to a faire in Scottsdale... not as good as the Litchfield one, but we had a nice day. While we were out, friends across the courtyard, Robyn and Dave, told me that a large healthy looking coyote walked up to the birdbath in the front and stood there drinking. He could each without difficulty. I would have loved to seen that!

Hopefully my desire to get back to creating will return soon. In the meantime, thank you for the lovely caring messages. I will make more of an effort to post as I always did... often. Thank you for your thoughts and kind words and most of all for your friendship.

A chicken and a spider

The weather has been absolutely wonderful...sit outside with morning coffee and sliders open all day. I know…. in other parts of the country it is cold and dreary.... but this is why I moved here.

Do you see her? A patchwork chicken in the kitchen garden! Of course the show stopper is the Mr Lincoln rose bush...just look at all the blooms. The fragrance is wonderful. In the top picture is the chive and basil pot, the bottom is the tomato that is growing very strong and soon will need a support. There are flowers already. All in all it is growing well and we have been able to use the herbs in cooking.

Look carefully....I did not see it when I took the picture but there is an ugly spider in the rose! He can remain as long as he keeps the bugs away!
Not anything to show for being creative... just not happening right now.  It is not for a lack of things to create, it is just me myself and I not interested at the moment. Soon.....
How about an update on dear friends Don and Glenda... Don is doing well at the moment as is Glenda but please continue to keep them in your thoughts. Okay, time to get back out to the lanai and listen to Sarah Brightman.... Alan hooked up Dennis' electronics so we have music out there...next will be the TV. Thank you for visiting and for your kind words.... thank you for your friendship.

A Rose for Dennis

A beautiful morning....enjoyed a coffee outside on the front porch with The Brother Alan... he just left for work. Once a few chores are complete then I will be ready to return to the outdoors myself. We have been enjoying watching the football games out on the lanai on Sundays. Alan will be home in  time for the evening game.

The roses are opening...a few at a time. The fragrance is wonderful.

I picked this one to bring inside to enjoy. The living room filled with the delightful fragrance. This was Denny's favorite rose and he would absolutely love this.

This has fully opened this morning. All is well in the garden.
Guess I should say that my crafting fingers have been in hiding... have not been able to find interest. Maybe soon? We all have those times when interest disappears.... waiting for it all to return.  The house has become settled with the addition of Lisa and Alan...some changes made and routines added. All is good. Nice to have you stop by. Thank you for the kind words and for your friendship.

Hello.... it's me!

A week since my last post! Well it has been a busy time. As you can imagine we have been getting organized here and adjusting to the new household. All has been unpacked and put in place. New items added to and changes made here and there. Alan off to work each day.
I must admit to having lost ambition to do and taking advantage of just relaxing. A little bit of reading now and again.
This past weekend, Lisa and I went to the Litchfield Faire...and... there is a new man in the house..

he lives in my bedroom, hanging right by the slider.
A couple of weeks ago, I was asked to repair "Blue Blanket" for a sweet 5 year old I will call "J".

He has had this crocheted blanket since birth and has loved it so very much. What to do? The yarn used is 6+ years old, of course no way to match it....but I love a challenge.

I must say I was pleased with my efforts. The best moment was to hand it back to this beautiful little boy and he immediately scooped it up and clutched it to his chest with a big smile. His mom seemed pleased too.  Thank you Vickie (and here) for trusting me to repair this keepsake.
We had a rain storm very early this morning... around 3:30 complete with thunder and lightening. It did not last very long but enough drench everything. The sun is back, bright and warm. There is swishing in the laundry area and soon I will be sitting out in the lanai. So off I go.... glad to chat with you. Thank you for those who emailed to check up on me.... Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Busy is busy

Goodness, it is a very chilly morning. The temp is reading at 50 outside....I have socks on my feet! The sun will hopefully get things warmed up outside. Yesterday the Kitchen Garden was finished... at least for now.

The large planter has a patio tomato and parsley with the mum. The smaller planter has chives and basil with the petunias.

The 2 year old oregano was moved just a bit over to make room. In the Spring I will plant another vine for the archway to the left of the oregano.

There is a small plater of mint...not going to put it into the ground where it will take over the garden!
Right next to it is a special plat...a Mr. Lincoln Rose. It was a favorite rose for me and Denny. So in his memory there is one in the garden that he loved  and took care of daily. For now this completes the Kitchen Garden.

This fuchsia plant is Dragons Breath in the cobalt planter it looks great. As it fill out, if there is room I will add a small plant I the front.

Do you remember the huge rosemary plat that did not make the move to another garden spot? This is a replacement...starting small as the other did because if it takes off it will need the room.
That is what was accomplished yesterday. Today is a new day.... but I will make it a relaxing day. I am sure it will warm up and the sitting outside is the plan.