Saturday, June 1, 2019

Let the water flow!

Yesterday was hot. The sun was very bright and did I mention hot? I was so frustrated with the irrigation. I went out to the garden several times and some of my comments directed  to the system … well, let's just say were not very nice. One thing for sure is, it is a good thing that I did notice that the plants were not getting watered in this heat. They can be a bit pricey to replace. Nothing I tried was fixing the issue. All of a sudden, at 4 PM it was as if my mind began to work. I literally ran out through the lanai and to the Pond Garden... that is what I call it. I opened the control box and flipped the switch. No I mean I really did flip the switch. Somehow it was off. It controls the irrigation system. Voila! Let the water flow. Am I good or what. Yes I am! Do I sound boastful? Sorry but I feel pretty good about now. I have become knowledgeable on so many things that I had no or only limit knowledge of. I can do many things that were so impossible before.  Yes, I learned a lot with the help of Don who taught me how to use the electric screw driver and the drill correctly, how to hang a shelf and how to install the irrigation and how to properly find the studs  in the garage and once found how I should hang the wall rack. With the help of Bobby I was able to have my kitchen counter assembled and fit my new fridge in it's spot and have my kitchen lights changed. Both of these friends always took the time to explain and patience to answer my questions so I could learn and understand. Today I feel capable of doing quite a lot. The anniversary of My Denny's passing is just 20 days away.... 2 years. Earlier today I received a Facebook comment form my aunt; 
 Rose Marie Della Ventura Grace Piccirilli Horton You've done a great job. Denny would be very proud of you. 
Yes indeed. He would be proud. He worried so much about his leaving me knowing how dependent I was on him. I am a stronger person now. Maybe the blood pressure will start to return to normal and the headaches will disappear. There is no stopping me now! 
I am happy to have you drop by. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship. Thank you Aunt Rose Marie for always encouraging me from afar. 

Thursday, May 30, 2019

In the garden....

The weather has shifted back into normal temps which are in the mid to high 90s. What this means  is that anything outdoors is done early. Which means that tomorrow I will be in the garden before 9am to fix the irrigation issue. I am determined to get this done as I will not be out there watering the garden by hand. The Rosemary definitely is being pulled out. It was damaged in the move and is not going to revive itself. Sad as it has been here for 10 years.  Not sure if I have to replace the other plants yet. Right now the water lines first. I will remember to wear my garden gloves as I tore up my finger a little. I will need to rake up the rocks and re-lay the lines to see why they are not working.
Already organized to make the June Origami Star. My "June bugs" are lady bugs. This project is fun to make each month. Glad I chose and prepared the fabric for the 12 months.... makes it nice and easy.
Sad to report... the Dove nest is  just a nest. The Doves have not returned today and have been on the eggs far too long. Tomorrow out comes the step ladder and I will remove the eggs and clean it up a little. I hate to do it, but there is no way they are going to hatch without a parent keeping them warm. Nature is what it is.
This is the Mill Kill kit I will be working on. It is a Southwest on perforated paper. Of course there are beads! I started this before Denny was  ill and then put it aside. Time to finish it. The beading? Oh not giving up just putting the bumble bee project aside until I can be satisfied with the directions. Did find another pod and a couple of flat pieces to do.
Having some blood pressure issues. Trying to stay relaxed and not worrying about getting anything done. I am lucky to have a cheer leader in BC, Canada.... Debbie! Anyway, we all have issues to deal with, health or otherwise. What is good is that we are lucky when we have someone who listens and gives gentle advice. Which brings me to the next conversation. One of our fellow bloggers recently posted how she had received a few negative comments from the same person on her blog. That is not what we are about. Each of us blogs for our own personal satisfaction. It is wonderful when we get feed back but it should be kind and not insulting. If you visit a blog that is of no interest that day, move on. If you enjoy it, be sure to say so. I visit all the blogs listed on my sidebar. Sometimes I comment and sometimes I do not. I always end my blog with:
Glad you stopped by. (because I truly am) Thank you for your kind words. (they mean so much) and Thank you for your friendship. ( I value each of you).
What is friendship all about?
Friendship. Friendship is a close association between two people marked by feelings of care, respect, admiration, concern, love, or like.

Wednesday, May 29, 2019

Mid-week

It is always so nice to wake to sun and warmth....it seems Arizona will be returning to warmer days this week in the 90s. So, ideally I will get up and out into the garden early and errands and chores finished early. Time was when that was my mornings....awake and out of bed early... not so much now. Times do change. Still waking early but more inclined to slow down until at least 6am! It is not a bad thing.
Returning home after having dinner out on Monday night, there it was... a coyote at the beginning of my street. Looked up and then returned to business... no need to explain. Have not seen any during the day recently...but they are always around. Alan took a picture with his phone but being dark it did not translate to a clear picture for the computer.
This Rubbermaid tool storage was how Dennis had our garden equipment for 12 years…. hopefully the trash will lake it as is... if not I will be taking it apart today for the next trash pick up.
this is how it is now. I saw this in Lowes so it was ideal. Instead of lifting out and over my head, it is simple to remove from the open front brackets. Next will be shelves above this area. Much better for my back.
Lisa was keeping busy with her iPad and then showed me what she was doing. Then Alan downloaded the app to my Tablet...
an electronic Adult Coloring book. Very relaxing. No colored pencils dropping or trying to decide on colors...just tap your finger.
I did find in my WIPs (which I have few) a Mill Hill kit that I will be working on. It is a SW design that I started a while ago.
An update on the Dove nest...have no idea what these 2 birds are doing. They leave the nest for long periods and I am sure that the 2 eggs are not viable anymore. I will give them one more week then I will remove the eggs. Maybe first timers? All part of accepting nature whatever way it shows itself.
Time to enjoy this first cup of coffee before going to the garden and out for errands. Feeling tired so I will keep it easy today. Happy to have you visit today and all days. thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Tuesday, May 28, 2019

The week that was....

The morning is beginning a bit cool but the entire past week has been almost 20 degrees cooler than normal. Does it mean that we will really heat up soon? It won't be long and the Monsoon season will arrive and dust storms and rain will be expected and with it comes the heat.
Today is the departure day for The Brother Alan and Lisa. A lot has been accomplished and a few hiccups along the way.... nothing that adjustments can not help.
Look at my Plumeria...the "arm" has sprouted leaves! I have high hopes for this plant. I am hoping the Garden Faeries will kiss this plant for me. I had to move it with all the changes for the Pond Garden... and it seems to be liking this spot and having the irrigation added.
The Pond garden is still a work in progress..... Yesterday Alan painted the wrought iron planter a turquoise color that Lisa wanted. I had Alan put the ladder back there and then I mention earlier to Lisa about moving the sun to the area and Alan did. I need to work on the planting...needs something more and I will work on it before the heat of the summer does arrive. This morning I watched as a hummingbird took a shower then a bath in the fountain! Not wanting to startle him, I did not rush to get the camera. That makes it all worth the work.
Yesterday Dianna and Bobby finally got to meet Alan and Lisa! Every time Alan is here, they are away. We had a nice lunch sitting out in the lanai. It was simple; Italian antipasto, tossed salad, various add-ins, fresh bread for sandwiches (store bought) and cantaloupe wrapped in prosciutto as well as plain and strawberries followed by custard pie.
Today is sis Lynowl's birthday. Of course with all goings on this week, the package is still sitting on the sidebar in the kitchen! I will make it to the post office today for sure. I did not want to mail it too early because she would have opened it before today and now it will be late.
It has been nice chatting with you but my coffee awaits. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.