Hello out there...

 The shopping complete, most gifts given (more on that later) and I was spoiled! This was the first Christmas since Denny passed that there was a celebration. The house was/is decorated in every room and outside too. Alan and Lisa wrapped many gifts for me.

The lovely statue is from Carol, Lisa's mom but all the other stuff...my Santas.   A battery operated flour sifter, an automatic soap dispenser for the kitchen and....

Beautiful earrings....

      a low temp cordless glue gun...charges in a minute!

A fantastic light weight and compact steam iron. Lisa and I saw this on a quilt show and I said that I liked it, now I have it.

Look at these socks! Must remember to keep these far far away from Murphy. Did I tell you he likes to eat socks....another time. There is also a pretty long sleeve blouse there.

The most special of my gifts....

This ornament is from the Ne Qwa Art collection...visit the link and you will see how they are hand painted...on the inside! All in all we had a wonderful Christmas. 

Did you happen to see the Cold Moon the other night....

I can not resist going outside to view any full moon. This was so bright.  It is called the Cold Moon because it appears at winter-time. Did you know this was the 13th full moon of 2020 and of course the last one. 

I know I have not been posting much. I have not felt myself on and off but especially this week. I will be visiting a new MD on Monday. This year has been such a trying time in many ways for many of us. Covid-19 is taking a toll on us. Loosing EvaP (mom) to it was a surprise to us as she was in a wonderful facility and was diagnosed only one week. Please remain diligent...keep distance when out and wear a mask. I do believe it does help.  

We mailed  gifts on December 3rd with expected delivery by December 7th....there are still 5 gifts out in la la land...no idea when they will arrive to their destination!

I wish for all of you a healthy and happy 2021 new year. 

Thank you for all your kind words and for the caring friendship. So many times your comments and emails have meant so much. 

 

So winter will officially arrive

 Tomorrow is the first day of winter. I will admit that living in Arizona it is not always easy to tell. Good thing for calendars! The temps are of course no longer in triple digits or in the 100s for that matter but having coffee outside in the morning is still doable. We may even watch the football game today out in the lanai. Just checked the tracking numbers for gifts we sent...still in la-la land. we mailed them on 12/3 and just mailed to cousin Janice on 12/14 and she already received hers! Yes I know there is postal back-up.

Still working on Lisa's socks..

A few have found it confusing to knit no heel or toe...they are generally called yoga socks. This is one completed the other is only a few inches. Why? well I got distracted. Lately it is not difficult!

I saw this someplace on line...can not remember where... but of course it became a challenge and I just had to try. These are practice rocks. Next trip out I may get the leather cording and some river rocks  to do it properly. I found them easy and fun. These rocks found their way to my craft table via across the street from the neighbors landscaping!

Lisa and I have fallen in love with gnomes.... I have had a little one since the late 70s but this guy followed us home last week.

He stands 9 inches tall. Just too cute. 

Murphy did not have a good night, well actually it was me that did not as he managed to keep falling back to sleep in my arms. We made 4 trips from midnight to 4 am out to make deposits. By his alertness this morning you would never know this. At the moment he is trailing Alan about the house. Today is a lazy day here...we are all home. 

Guess it is time to return to my knitting and Christmas music. Currently Michael Crawford is singing; soon to follow will be Johnny Mathis. Glad we could chat today. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Stay safe my friends.

Advent Calendar Blog Hop

 Today is December 17th and my turn to post for this year's Advent Blog Hop hosted by Jo  from           Serendipitouss Stitching. (Click the link to visit the other bloggers). The topic for us this year is "Your Favourite Christmas Book". ....Murder for Christmas

This book was published in 1982....not sure when I got it or from where, but it is a mystery book of stories written by 26 authors...short stories.  I can tell you that I have had it for many years. What is nice about this book is that some of the writers I had not read. The pages have yellowed but the stories remain interesting. "Murder for Christmas contains something for every taste--lying, cheating, shoplifting, stealing, spying, kidnapping, and murder---in short, everything to make the holidays bright."

The other request is to post something we have made for the holiday.

This cross stitch angel is titled Magic. It was from a Christmas craft magazine from years ago. Since I gave away all my magazines, I apologize for not knowing who or where she is from. It was the first time that I finished an ornament with ruching. I had the star charm with a rhinestone. Sorry for lack of info, but is someone knows anything about who or where, let me know.

These blog hops for many different occasions are so much fun. Jo does a great job of organizing them. This is her 10th year for the Advent Blog Hop. The only year I missed was the first one in 2011! Be sure to visit Serendipitouss Stitching and see all the other bloggers.

Look at this adorable bird made by lovely Vickie.... and the needle minder. Thank you my friend. The bird is on happy in the tree and the minder on my sewing table.

Murphy is already for Christmas...went to the groomer on Monday. When we picked him up Lisa and I were told there was a handling fee added.... he was a little difficult and his ear got scraped (not very obvious at all) but all was okay. He does not like his ears or feet touched! Maria does a superb job, even with him pulling away. See his red/green collar? Lisa picked it out for him to wear for Christmas. The bell jingles and we can hear him coming...most of the time. Such a handsome boy. Today he has yelled at all the birds that stopped by to bath in the fountain or drink. Very protective of his garden.

We have remained healthy here... I do hope you are all doing well. Thank you for stopping by and for your kind words. Thank you for your friendship.

Yesterday would have been Dennis' 75th birthday.... hope the angels had balloons for him.

Almost gone...

 I am not sure if it is the Covid situation or just the holiday season, but days disappear. I am always home as a retiree but it is different when you are home trying to avoid illness. Tomorrow is a new month but not much has changed. Like many other states our Covid numbers have risen.  With Alan and Lisa out in the working world, they are careful and we all stay safe. Hopefully you are all okay. The other day I received a text informing me that a friend had passed. I had not been aware of her health issues (she is  was in RI). This gal was the daughter of my childhood friend Donna who passed in June! So sad for the family, she left a dad and a sister. Any death around the holidays is hard to deal with.

On a happier note, I am keeping as busy as my hands let me. Yes, still and always will have trouble because of the arthritis.

Did you...do you remember making folded books years ago? I do. We used to use the Reader's Digest and make full rounded trees. I saw this on Pinterest (of course)  so I got a book from the Dollar Store and voilà a tree grew! Brought back memories of Girl Scouts in the 50s.

These cute ornaments will soon fly away. The Post Office seems to be in a slow down so the sooner they go the sooner they will arrive. No picture to show yet, but I started the socks for Lisa. I love knitting socks. My goal is to get them completed soon. There are lots of "soons" in my world lately.

Later I will bake Almond Biscotti. We enjoyed fresh baked bread with our past in marinara sauce last night. Alan is a good cook. 

Murphy has a stocking.  It is burlap with applique that I made years ago. I just added his name to it. Surprisingly he has not touched it or our stockings which are hung on the fireplace.

Our gifts are on the mantle this year because Murphy thinks every package is his and enjoys tearing any...I mean any...box or mail into pieces. As a matter of fact, he has not touched the tree at all. 

Well friends, it has been nice chatting with you, but there are chores to do so I can bake. Thank you for your kind words and thank you for your friendship.

Stay safe.

Two more days

 Goodness another month flying by. Maybe it is just me loosing the days! I have had a few off days. Thanksgiving was Denny's favorite holiday so each year reminds me of his preparing dinner wearing a Santa hat. Good memories remain forever.

This is a Spirit Doll that I made for my niece Tonya. It is made from Dennis' jeans and all the embellishments have a significance.

Here is the back side. My lovely niece is having a health issue and I wanted her to have something from Dennis and me.... Something to remind her how much we care about her.  I also sent her a hugging pillow

This I posted before.  They were quite the pair when she was young. He had a special nic-name for her. I requested prayers and good thoughts for someone special, this is who they are for. It is difficult to face any issue around the holidays. 

Two more snowman...these with a top hat and snowflake. They are so cute. I love Christmas creating. It was always fun for me to send Reindeer food and a letter to children.... no requests this year. 

Sock yarn...yes... I will be knitting a pair of toeless and heelless socks for Lisa. She chose the yarn and as soon as take a few measurements I will start them.  I only have a few Christmas gifts to get .and then mail it all out. How about you? I just mail a couple of just because gifts out and they have not arrived at their destination. Should have been Monday and Tuesday, but who knows where they are.

With that, time to fluff on was and swish another. Glad you stopped by. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Not lost!

 Goodness, time has just passed me by. I have not been idle, no not at all. First, I hope all is well in your home. We are doing fine. Our weather has finally cooled. Murphy is enjoying having the sliders open and pushes through the Magic Screen to go in and out. His favorite place after patrolling the garden is on the glider.

Did you miss me? The days just seem to fly...most of the time. Still wearing a mask when out, still keeping distance actually only out with a purpose. Are you ready for Thanksgiving dinner? We are going unconventional this year. No turkey! Instead we are having an Italian antipasti, fresh fruit, and Lasagna. I will bake a fresh French Country loaf which will go perfectly with the dinner. 

With all the negativity and sheltering in and masks, I said to Alan I can not wait to put out the Christmas cheer around here. "Go ahead"...so Lisa and I started and all is cheerful around here. Lights everywhere....and gifts on the mantel. The mantel you ask? Where else so that Murphy does not attack the gifts! Will take pictures to post. I have also been at the craft table.

I needed a felt Murphy for the tree.  Simple but cute. I also made a Christmas pillowcase finally...

I was not crazy about the fabric but once sewn I do like it. The fabric was a pre-cut package from the quilt shop. The other sewing I can not show until they are received....today and tomorrow they should be delivered. 

I saw these on Pinterest....

They are just tea lights. I put earmuffs and will try a top hat also. Even when not lit they are cute.  There is one more ornament that will be finished today....another Pinterest idea.

Guess I should take care of a few chores. Finish my  food shopping list and craft list. I spent hours looking for my hole punch....it is MIA! 

Nice to have you visit today. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Sparkling ribbon....

 Hard to believe it has been cool these past few nights and days. Happy to have the 100s in the past. The high country is getting snow and they are very happy. So what is new around here?

We bought a new printer.... the other still works but we needed an upgrade. As soon as I get familiar with the settings things will be great. Alan seems to be back to a regular schedule which means we have dinner together.  Guess there really is nothing new!

Put these ornaments together but need to get beads. I know, you would think with a cupboard full of beads I would have some. Problem is they are all too small. This Thursday Lisa is off and we will be off...to Hobby Lobby or Michaels for beads. 

Next up is a Christmas pillowcase for my bed. All fabric is ready just need to sew. 

I posted this picture before, but this is the fabric. I will swap out one of the pillowcases for this one. There is one I am not overly fond of. Since I have different fabrics on the bed I will only make for the holidays now. The other thought is to make the small travel size...decisions!

Guess that about covers it. Glad to have you stop by. I am still try to catch up reading the blog list. Thank you for your kind words and thank you for your friendship.
Murphy is in an uproar...the landscapers are here and they are right outside my bedroom window....it is a ceiling to floor window... and he is going nuts. Must rescue the guy outside so he can finish his raking.......

Before I go....there is someone dear to me who could use a prayer or two...good thoughts please. 🙏

Sewing

Finally Arizona is cooling down...no more 100s I hope.  Yesterday was a day of winds...the chimes were singing all day and Murphy was happy to chase leaves around the garden.

We have been busy, This pair of pillowcases are the latest that Lisa made. She has come a long way. Lisa completely assembled and sewed these on her own. She is still leery of cutting to measurement...I think it is the rotary cutter! but that is just fine. Alan does not want any cut fingers.

I have also been at the machine...

This is a gift that will soon be on it's way. The fabric flower is on a pin so it can be removed if washing the travel pillowcase.  I tried to make it soft in color. 

This is a special item going with the gift but I will show it after it is received. It was fun to make and embellish with each item having a purpose.

Have you seen the Dammit Dolls?????

I decided to make a few...this is the only one so far... and the poem is attached. If Dammit is not a word you use....Darn it will do! Today is make ornament day...I found one to try so this hopefully will work out. If so, you will see it soon. I guess you have noticed a creative slow down for me recently. What I can say is that I finally feel that I can get back to creating, slowly but getting there. Why you ask...who knows. Feeling down some days and preoccupied on others. 

Sis Lyn called to say the the nursing facility where mom, EvaP was for some years is holding a memorial service for her this week on the 11th for the staff and patients who knew her. Unfortunately no outsides due to Covid restrictions. She received good care there. Her name will be added to a special plaque they have for any patient who passed because of  the Coronavirus. Again Alan, Lyn Lisa and I appreciate your kind notes regarding her passing. 

Nice to chat with you today. Thank you for your kind words and thank you for your friendship. Time to join Alan to watch football.

The table runner is finished

 Well the weather has been changing. One day it is hot and in the 100s and now the daytime is in the 70s. The morning weather report said it will be in the 80s then back to the 90s. Last week they said rain...of course it did not rain at our house. Along also was the wind...at times it was howling. Murphy was not happy with that.

Lisa and I made a Christmas table runner. It was a SAL (stitch along) with Sew Quilty Friends with  Jacquelynn Steves. First time quilting for Lisa and she did a great job. I did the cutting and embroidery. What a team. 

We made valances for the kitchen...

This is over the slider and then we made one for the window. It is a double valance. The soft batik and then a slightly longer one of beige and white markings under it. Our plan is to make other sections....top/bottom to change it up.

We always have help from Murphy. He has a few times pushed with his foot on the control. He is right at our feet as we sew.  If allowed he would eat scraps of cloth and thread pieces so one eye on the project and one on him. We are working on gifts now..... no, cannot tell you what and who! Still working on Christmas ornaments. All creating is when my hands are cooperative. 

Thank you to many of you for your kind words of sympathy for EvaP, our mom. So comforting to know that you care. It has been a crazy year loss of some friends and now mom. 

Time for a cup of coffee and my feet up. Maybe jot down ideas. Thank you for stopping by. Glad to read you kind words and thank you for your friendship.

 Today mom will be interred with Dad  

Eva A. (Grieco) Piccirilli

December 9, 1926 ~ October 11, 2020

93, of Johnston, RI, passed peacefully on October 11, 2020.  She was the daughter of Luigi and Grazia Grieco. Formerly from Cranston RI, she was the wife of the late Joseph Piccirilli. She was preceded by son in law Dennis Horton and is survived by Grace Horton, Linda C. Piccirilli and Alan J. Piccirilli, also 5 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren and a sister, Rose Marie Dell Ventura of N.C., also Lisa Wery, Peter Hagopian and Colleen Piccirilli.  No services at this time. 

 Visit NardolilloFH.com for online condolences.

Special thank you to cousin Maria Piccirilli who took mom to doctor appointments and shopping.

Thank you to all the "cousins" for taking her out to lunch so frequently. She would tell me the gang took her out for lunch!

Thank you for the notes on Facebook and here on the blog as well as the beautiful cards we have received. Due to the restrictions for Covid-19 there will be no services just prayers before burial with a few family members present.

One year ago today

 Can you believe it is one year ago today that The Brother Alan and Lisa arrived to set up home with me??? So much has happened. There were adjustments and changes and 2 people added to the home. For 2 years that Dennis had passed I lived alone and did as I pleased. It took just a short time for us to get used to the new arrangements...mostly on my part.  Then we added Murphy. I no longer need to take care of the garden, take out trash and recycle, there is help with other chores and Alan and I share the cooking. One of the other good things for me is that I do not like to drive anymore and now I do not have to.

I wanted a few things done and Alan was able to do them with no trouble. Fencing in the garden to keep Murphy out! New lights here and there.... and this is the latest project....

I hated the verticals in my room. I wanted this look and Alan was able to do it in a day. I now have more privacy from the lanai and garden area. With the weather eventually cooling down the lanai will be used more and as you can see my room opens to it.

Here are a few pictures of changes------

The brick pavers were extended to square off the garden and the fencing goes all around the planting area. The pond was removed after a week of jack hammering.

Our rose and kitchen garden. We did not plant the chives in here and Murphy ate them all!

It wasn't all work....Lisa and Alan lounged in the pool they bought for Murphy who will not go in it!

We made changes around the inside in all rooms to make it ours. I am sure there will be more in time but for now our home is comfy and yes at times like a 3 ring circus but we would not have it any other way.

Murphy has gone from a scruffy puppy 

To a handsome one year old who still acts like a puppy!

Yes, during this past year many things happened. As you may know, this past week we lost our mom. EvaP had been in a nursing facility. Slowly she lost ground; dementia and falls and then Covid. EvaP was 93 and lived a good life. She travelled, she enjoyed her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her nieces and nephews were important to her...she loved their monthly lunches when she was well. She passed peacefully in her sleep on Sunday morning October 11th, the last of that generation. My cousins and I are now the older ones! Thank you to many of you who sent her cards and letters during her adjustment to the new living arrangements. It really did help.

All in all, so many new things----- many changes happened---- so many changes yet to come---- we are ready. 

Thank you for stopping by and for you kind words and sympathy notes. Thank you for your friendship.

A sad day

 Very early this morning, our mom who I call EvaP, passed away quietly. Many of  you were so helpful when she went into the nursing home by sending her cards and letters. It did help her adjust. She really enjoyed receiving them. 

Mom was a lady who loved to travel back in the day and visited several countries and Islands. She loved living the 11 years in Florida and going to Disney often. EvaP would have been 94 this December.

We will not be having any service at this time due to the Covid-19 issues. Brother Alan, sister Lyn and I thank you for the attention you gave to EvaP.

That innocent face

 

Oh he is a cutie alright. Smart too. Murphy is also , as we say in Italian Diavolo....devil! As I was coming to the computer he tossed a toy in my path which caused me to trip and almost fall. While I was yelling  trying to quietly explain not to do this he ran to his hiding place under the sofa...you know with his butt and tail showing. How can I stay angry. Lisa and The Brother left for work so it is me and the dog today. Right now it is a nice temp outside so the sliders are open and Murphy loves going in and out. This Magic Screen is great!

Lisa and I are participating in a Quilted table runner SAL.... is you do not know it is a Stitch A-Long, created by Jacquelynne Steves. 

I do the embroidery and cutting and Lisa piece it together. She is doing a great job for a first timer. There are 2 more blocks to go, one released each Monday. I have completed the embroidery for #3.

Do you know Groot? I love him! So of course we have 2...

This is mine...just waiting for the air plants to arrive. 

This is Lisa's. 

I do not think I can live with just one! They are made of resin so they are lightweight. We ordered some air plants which should be arriving real soon.

Soon it will be one year (October 16th 2019) that Alan and Lisa arrived to live here. Time sure flies by. Many adjustments...still making them, add Murphy to the mix and some days it is like a 3 ring circus! I would not trade any moment.

 Time to get chores done as yet that housekeeper fairy has not arrived. I may have to look for another!!!!

So glad to chat with you. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

The end of Nonsoon

 Yes, this has been another Nonsoon...Monsson seems to be a miss this year. We nowhere touched the rain. So now we are officially into Autumn. The holiday season. Of course this is not the usual season anywhere with the virus still hanging overhead. We have been healthy here. Hope all of you are also. Masks and distance.... 

I have kept busy...

I made this table topper.... with some change. It is the 10 minute table runner. Usually it is narrower and longer but I wanted to use the fabric without cutting so this is shorter and wider! The metal bucket is full of cinnamon pinecones and then the autumn flowers. The flowers seem to soften the potential overpowering fragrance. 

I have finished the first embroidery block for the quilted runner SAL. Needs pressing and trimming and then the fabric pieces cut to form a block. Today I will trace block 2. 

Tomorrow is my flu shot. A follow-up from the injections. Happy to report that most of the pain is gone. If you have any arthritis you know it is never completely gone, but I will take less pain. 

I have asked The Brother Alan to make me something else..... and he said yes. Today we will get a start. It has been nice having him around this week (on vacation). Murphy will certainly miss him. They have worked in the garage a few times which is play space for Murphy. At the moment however, Murphy is restless. He is going in and out (thank goodness for the magic screen) an under the sofa carrying bones and his squeaky

 toy. This is what we see! He is getting almost too big to get under and out. Well, my friends, stay safe and healthy. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship. 

Disclaimer! not responsible for Blogger playing with this posting. The type is what it is!