Just humming my way~~~~

Goodness.... the countdown has begun. I probably speak for many of you, I am quite sure I will not be seeing the new year ring in. We will have a quiet time here.  It will be good to wake to a new year.

I have completely wiped myself out today...chores.... still looking for the House Keeper Fairy.  Swishing in the laundry area, washed the hall and kitchen floors and walked the vac around the living room.  Remember the budgie? well I now have a hummingbird ~~~~~

It is double sided so a bit more fiddly work but I love it. I do need a few more in case this one flies away like budgie will soon do. I thought I was going to make a Blue Jay but the hummer just appeared. I also want to make a few folk art birds. I find handwork relaxing ... as long as I take a few breaks. Do you still have Christmas around your house? Most likely our put away will happen next week on one of Lisa's days off.  Much easier with the both of us working at it. Of course I am sure Murphy will be a great help! 

So nice to have you visit with me. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship. Finally this year will come to an end soon. My wish for the new year is that we have more compassion for one another, take time to be kind to one another and finally better health for everyone.

All through the house

 It truly was a lovely Christmas! 

 

We had so many gifts and so much fun, even Murphy participated in opening gifts. He has a fun time.... we all did. Christmas eve was casual pick and eat from the antipasti tray and homemade Prosciutto bread. We began by opening one gift each but it just continued until they were all opened. Lots of ooh and ahh and thank you .... then Christmas morning we opened the stocking gifts with Mimosas in hand. Lasagna was our evening meal along with another antipasti tray. To say we were all tuckered out is a fact. This was the first Christmas that I did not decorate the tree except to add a few personal ornaments. Lisa did a great job. 

A secret Santa gift appeared in my mail box. Isn't she lovely and oh so soft. I think I know where she came from but a secret is a secret!  I have something to send out this week...

I hope Danny will like a friend to chat with! I am so enjoying these felt critters. A new additions of felt on my sewing table tells me more to come. I think a bluejay is waiting.

A tomato is waiting to be picked and many more getting ready. I love the winter plants best. We even have roses getting ready to bloom. Today is a very chilly cloudy day but that is okay. No plans for the day...we are all home today. Looks like it will be a lazy day....we can all use that.

You may have heard about the passing of these fake bills. They are clearly marked as movie prop money but still get passed for purchases. At first look they appear to be okay and in a busy holiday rush they might be accepted! Alan brought this home. Amazing, right...

okay my friends, so nice to catch up. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship. 

Asking for special thoughts for my uncle Tony.....

Mice in the house!

 Goodness! Christmas is nearly here. I am think I am ready. Let's just say if it isn't done by now....I bought a Gingerbread house kit for Lisa. She told me she never made one so now she will.

I am so enjoying getting back to my sewing/craft table. A wonderful New Year gift to me! My hand has still has a bit more healing and the finger...that finger is still not straight. At least it no longer looks like I am signally!!! Typing with 2 hands and all fingers can be a challenge as it misses the letters making for strange spelling. As long as I can use my hand and fingers, that will do for me. 

The mice in the house! I have had such fun making these felt ornaments this year. Most likely because they are all hand stitched. The mice join the other visiting critters....the cardinals and the gnomes and the owls. They are looking for a new home for the New Year.

 Not my usual beaded or cross stitched  ornaments, but nonetheless they are hand made. Robin did you see one that you like? Which will you choose! Robin is my Across the courtyard friend.

Arizona is finally in Winter mode. Bright sunshine, cooler temps and so nice to be outside. Yesterday Alan shampooed the living room carpet and all the doors were open....refreshing. Today will be a market day. I know, but it is not for house food instead for Christmas Eve and day. Unfortunately it will be going to 2 different places. It is what it is. So, guess time for getting a move on and start the day. Glad you had time to visit. Thank you for your kind words and for you friendship.

Let us all keep those in need of a prayer and good thoughts in our hearts.  I am thinking of you Aunt Rose Marie and Uncle Tony...

Advent Calendar Blog Hop

 Once again I have joined in Jo's annual event. Each event we are given a topic. This year is our tree. When I was living in Rhode Island we always cut down a tree...loved the real tree. Here in Arizona it is an artificial one. I try to get it up the first week of December. Last year Lisa and I did it on Thanksgiving night. It is wonderful to remember each ornament as it is hung. Lisa decorated our tree this year...I watched then added a few special ones. Some ornaments remain behind some always are hung. The top of our tree has the angel that I bought the first Christmas without Denny. Getting back to real trees...one year after we got the tree home and in the stand it was soooo big, we had to wire it to the window frame. Another year a lovely birds nest came home in the tree. Thankfully no critters! 

This is my offering for the hop...a cardinal. It is special as it was a bird we had always visiting us back in RI...not here in Arizona. It was a favorite of Dennis' and today happens to be his birthday. He is celebrating with the angels but I celebrate him in my heart everyday.  This is a lovely cardinal figurine

  that he bought  that sits by his resting place. A few of these cardinals will be flying elsewhere soon along with a few owls and maybe .... well time will tell.  Thank you Jo for allowing me this day of the hop.

Thank you for visiting. Don't forget to go visit all the others at Jo's blog. 

(The Cardinal is from Holiday Crafts 2021, designed by Kelli Rinta)

I am stitching!

Goodness, I think Fall/Winter have arrived. The mornings are really chilly... temp at 50!  The sun is still nice and warm....Murphy enjoys a moment of sunbathing. Hope all is cheery where ever you are. Let us all take a moment to think about those who are not having a good time and say a little prayer. 

Remember the owl...he now has a friend. He almost lost his friend...to Murphy! Somehow it slipped off the sewing table and anything on the floor is automatically Murphy's. I heard a strange noise from his cave...aka under the bed... and there he was. Getting ready to chew it up.. I am so happy to be busy again. I do have to stop to rest the hand but I am getting there. There may be no cross stitch or tatting, but my first love of sewing and embroidery are fine with me.

I am sure you can figure out what is next....but you will need to visit again on December 16th to see, my day for Jo's Advent Calendar Blog Hop. They are all year long and so much fun... also a way to meet new friends.

An update on The Brother Alan... he is doing much better and the swelling has gone down . Eating is still modified but he is quickly improving. As for Murphy; no more glitter poop...so far. We have such an interesting home. Never a dull moment and lots of laughter. What more can we ask for. Time to check the swishing and get the blanket in to fluff. Another cup of coffee is also on the list. Glad to chat with you. Thank you for your kind words and for your encouragement. Thank you for your friendship.

Please keep Aunt Rose Marie and Uncle Tony in your thoughts. I found out that a cousin has passed away...a hard time of year.

Here I am

 Goodness..... I really have been here but yet not posting and not commenting. I think I am finally feeling myself again. My hand is so much improved, however, the finger is still not yet straight. Let's face it, it may never straighten out. I can deal with it. What is good is that I can sew and embroider and ..... well, I can do almost everything creative as before surgery. Endurance is still not back. I am doing okay!

This package arrived today...from Ann Wood Handmade. So you know her? If not check her out. Her patterns are lovely. I ordered 2 and they were packaged so nice.

These are Mr. Socks (cat) and Tiny Rag Doll. Yes, they are small but detailed and the directions are easy to follow and... she also offers free patterns.

I just made this today while keeping an eye on Alan...more on that... this is one of the freebies. I did construct it differently but all parts are the same. I already have another ready for tomorrow. 

Now about Alan.... a few weeks ago he had surgery for one of his teeth. Things seemed to be going well healing then not. Back to the surgeon for meds. On Wednesday he had to have more surgery. His left side of his face is very swollen and he has a black eye. Today he felt better so of course he attempted to do this and that. Each time I remind him to settle down. Lisa was home early so it became her job to watch him! Seriously, he is doing better but will be on house rest for the next few days. He really is a good patient.

This is what is left of a red glass ornament that had a beaded cover. No I did not break it. Murphy "found" it and decided to take it under my bed.... well there were many many other pieces that had to be vacuumed up. Not sure if ...most likely did... eat any. I now am back on poop watch to see if any shiny red pieces appear. I think maybe he did not eat any because he is acting his normal self. Fingers crossed. 🎄

Well my friends.... seems like my creative side is coming back. I am joyful for sure you have not gone away...glad you visited. Thank you for he kind words and for the friendship.

Special request 💔🙏

Once again I would like to ask for good thoughts for my Uncle Tony, he is not doing well and Aunt Rosemarie needs positive thoughts. As I have been in her place with Dennis, I really do understand what she is experiencing. I wish I was closer to offer support (they are in the Carolina s) but so is their daughter and her family.

How the time flies and other things!

 Hello....where have I been and what am I doing? Well, good news is that I have been discharged by the surgeon. I am still healing but everything is looking but more importantly feeling good. I will continue therapy on my own. 

The scares are fading nicely. The one on the finger almost completely and the palm needs continued massaging. 

The middle finger where the Dupuytren's Contracture was had more damage than the doctor anticipated. One of the tendons was very mangled and had to be removed. The finger will not bend any further nor straighten completely at this time. The important thing....no pain as before.

I have been back to the craft table working on gifts. Howeever, the past days it has become 

wrapping and packing to ship center! Murphy is checking it daily to see if he can have a box! He raids the scraps proudly. Our gifts will once again not be under the tree for obvious reasons....

We started to put them on the fireplace mantel with my Melting Snowman. At the moment Murphy is resting...

We had a coyote encounter...almost yesterday. It was 10:45am and we were taking a walk. I try to notice all around me when I am out and so it was that there was a big black pickup up the street on the wrong side of the road and not parked. All of a sudden the truck began to move at an angle straight for us but stopped along side. I had my hand on my pepper spray just in case when he warned me of a coyote coming our way. 

Sure enough the large coyote crossed to our side of the street a little way ahead of us. Murphy of course began to call him
bark so as the coyote began to walk our way I picked up Murphy dropping the leash to drag behind us....and tried to hurry home... not too far to go.... finally put him down and lo and behold, the poop bag container had opened and all the poop bags were trailing out following us! I must say, if it had not been for the truck driver things might have gone differently. He remained rolling along the sidewalk until we got home. Murphy was a bit confused about this quick walk but a cookie settled him down. Never a dull moment.That about catches us up. Glad you stopped by today. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

A finished project~

 Finally sat at the sewing/craft table. What should have taken maybe an hour took much longer. My hand is still not flexible..... dexterity is limited still. 

It is looking so good but the scab/dry skin around the incision is sore and causing stiffness. the good news is that I started therapy Wednesday. I will have 4 weeks and home exercises....6 of them to do daily. When out and about I will wear a cotton hand sleeve to protect it. 

So what about the project? 

A Continuous needle and thread holder..... design by Carolyn Foley.

The pouch area (where the needle threader is) holds a spool of thread and on the felt are 5 threaded needles. When you want to use one, simply take out the needle and just pull the thread through and cut off where you ned it leaving the other 4 needles threaded. Now, when needing more thread, instead of threading the needle repeat by pulling out the next needle and continue sewing. Put the first needle back on the felt. the only time to re-thread is when all needles are empty. Nifty....right.

A Yo-yo is sewn to each side as the piece is rolled and secured. I definitely will be making some to send off here and there. Maybe now with the therapy and stretching the hand I will be able to be creative again sooner than not.

A few weeks ago Lisa and I were talking about rings. Specifically that we each wanted a thumb ring. Alan chimed in with ...."okay, go and get them". Well you did not have to tell us twice! 

We bought them and they needed to be sized. Mine came in but we are still waiting for Lisa's. I will show hers as soon as it is on her finger. Meantime, I love wearing mine. Alan spoils us. 

The rose garden is doing well. One day they will all bloom at the same time. This is Chicago Peace Rose. Hard to see but it has a tinge of yellow with the pink. Glad you visited and chatted today. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Stitches gone...

 A chilly start to the day. It will warm to around high 80s later. so sorry for all those with rain and storms. Stay safe. Finally the stitches are gone...

Still very sensitive and sore. I have been applying Mederma to the area. The dry skin area hurts when touched, no I am not touching but as soon as it comes in contact with something...ouch. Waiting to set up therapy with a certified hand therapist. Feels good to be able to use both hands... even if the right is not cooperating.

Where did this month go. Halloween is just around the corner. Those sending children out to Trick or Treat, be vigilant and safe...check that candy💀🎃

I am hoping to get back to my sewing/craft table soon. I have a list of what I want to do...now to get started. In the meantime, I am enjoying relaxing and watching Acorn TV and Prime. One complaint...when they end with so much "with everything in he air". Any who, so nice to visit with you. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

And...that's a re-wrap

 

The original surgical wrap has been falling apart. Partly due to the swelling gone down and it becoming loose and then that fall. When I fell I scraped the tape and gauge which tore the tape. Yesterday Doctor Alan took it apart and look at what a great job he did. The tape around the wrist was so tight that my wrist swelled a little. The blood dried gauge covering the stitches rubbed and that hurt. Now it feels good. 

This is a modified Zig Zag cut. My thumb is still very sore and a bit black and blue and of course the stitched area is very sore. Still on schedule to remove stitches on Tuesday. I have been trying to use the hand and keep the fingers loose. I cannot wait to put it into nice warm water and properly wash my hand! 

Yesterday Alan worked in the garden. We now have the start of a wonderful Rose Garden....4 roses.

Alan pans to put annuals around the area. Mr Lincoln is red and the lighter green leaves, behind it is a deep yellow, next to it in the back is a coral and front right is the Peace Rose. Hard to believe but Murphy has not bothered with the garden  now that there is no fence. 

 

This climbing rose is the Lady Banks and is a creamy white small rose.  this trellis is over by the fountain. Yet to see any blooms but it is looking healthy. 

Do you see it? There is a bloom...on the Snail  Vine! The plan is to train it on  a trellis. Alan removed the arbor which was over by the rose garden. He is redesigning the garden.  He is doing a great job and has learned a lot. 

I will leave you with a picture of our little boy..

This a favorite activity...pushing his nose through the gate sniffing the air. Always on the lookout for a passing Quail....who seem to stay clear of the area since Murphy moved in. Glad you visited today. thank you for the kind words and emails. thank you for your friendship.

Week one gone

 What a week. This time last Monday I was having surgery on my hand. I must say that all went well...came home not feeling too out of sorts. Murphy was happy to see me but a little curious of the bandaged hand. I was told to slowly begin to use my hand and fingers...once the swelling subsided. Finally mid week the fingers could move but the ring and pinky were still numb. Finally feeling returned to all fingers.

Yes, it is exactly what it looks like...a badly and sore knee. Yes, it is what you are thinking. On day 2...Tuesday morning I let Murphy out and followed him to the garden. I noticed that the winds had blown lots of leaves into the lanai which Murphy happily dragged in on his mustache and beard. You do know where this is going don't you.... I saw the leaf blower and thought...never mind...right. As I walked back to the lanai with Murphy right there behind me, I stumbled. Guess my head was more cloudy that I thought. there I sat unable to get myself up. What to do? Yell and yell loudly for Lisa to come and help. the look on her face and hands on hips let me know this was not good. Finally got me up and inside. I decided to go back and relax on my bed. Of course I had to tell Alan that night as there were band-aids on my knee and elbow...oh yes, elbow scraped too. He did not yell. Later he came into my room to "discuss" what I can and cannot do. 

I have been behaving....really I have. I am able to use my hand more but must remember not to lift or grip....pain will occur!! One more week then the stitches will be removed. I peeked under the bandage...it is loose since all the swelling went down. It looks messy. Really, did you think this was going to be incident free?

Thanks for you caring thoughts and comments and for your friendship. Peck typing is hard!👆

Ouch

 It is dark and quiet as I sip my coffee ...it is 5:30am. 

Thank you for all the good wishes for my surgery yesterday. 

The surgery went well.  The doctor said it was more than he anticipated but all is good. Very sore...

I have limited use but can move most fingers. Thumb and index are still numb. Alan took great care of me yesterday. As soon as we got home he made me coffee and toast. It was so hard to fast and with surgery around 2pm, it seemed forever.  Lisa will be on duty today and tomorrow.  

Murphy had a wonderful greeting for me when I arrived home. He is still asleep..at my feet.  Time to sip my coffee. I will update as possible. Thank you for your good thoughts. 

Getting ready for Monday

 Can it finally be that the temperatures are finally cooling down? Will we be sitting out on the lanai enjoying the under 100 temps....I sure hope so.  The mornings have been comfortable before climbing to the mid 90s. Alan and Lisa have been enjoying sitting outside in the garden evenings listening to the fountain and chatting usually with Murphy joining them. 

The surgery for my right hand will be Monday afternoon.....Alan will be home to take me and then be sure that I behave. Should be easy for him as I tend to hold anesthesia for awhile longer. Lisa will be home Tuesday and Wednesday. I will be well taken care of. Today is making a list of this and that and then getting it done by Sunday. Sometime today I will find out the time/ What will be difficult for me is not being able to have my morning coffee...or two. Since the doctor only does afternoon surgery on Mondays, it would be great if I am first or second. In and out and less time for fasting!

Lisa and I have been working on projects.

This pretty bundle of coordinated fat quarters made into

This Hexi Mug Rug. It just needs to have the top stitching done. It was done piecing on a foundation of muslin. I may do the next one stitching directly on the paper. Can not show Lisa's project as it is a Christmas gift.  I have yet to work on Christmas gifts and with hand surgery it may not happen. 

Since I woke at 4am and have a full day ahead of me.... off I go. So glad to chat with you today. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

💔A special favor. A family member is going through serious medical issues. Please keep him and his family in your prayers.

Millie....Sewing Etui...

 Rain on and off this day so far. Temperatures are cooler and it feels good. 

Murphy runs out but returns quickly and then naps. He is not  fan of rain. The sound of it splatting on the rocks outside my sewing area is pleasant with Willie Nelson serenading me. Going to be a easy relaxing day.

All the pieces are together. Alan did a white wash on it for me. then it was my turn to work on it......

My sewing etui is ready for use.... 

e·tui 

/āˈtwē/

noun

dated

noun: etui; plural noun: etuis

a small ornamental case for holding needles, cosmetics, and other articles. ..."exquisite etui cases fitted with scissors, bodkin, and thimble"

 There are 3 dowels for thread, the box opens to hold needles and there is a magnet inside the lid. A place for a cute pair of scissors and the screw eye in Millie's head is to put the thread through while sewing.  Did not know this extra talent for The Brother Alan. Next month will mark 2 years that he and Lisa are living here. We certainly have fun times. Totally support each other. 

Think it is time to see what is going on in the garage...Alan is in his work shop. I will leave you with Murphy relaxing ...

How adorable the crossed the legs! Glad to have you visit today. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

It has been awhile

 What can I say. Lack of motivation is part of it. Still dealing with the Achilles issue but definitely not as it was. It is much improved. The right hand is really the issue. Hard to be motivated when there is lots of pain and limits for use, especially that I am right handed. Just back from he surgeon. In a few weeks he will do surgery to correct the problem. It is Dupuytren's contracture. It has affected my middle finger...yes, I sometimes look as being rude!!!

This is the latest henna tattoo...had it put on my left hand and in the blue. Lisa and I are keeping up the visits. We average going about every 3 weeks. We look weird waiting for them to thoroughly dry! Our hands are held as still as possible for the 2-3 hours. I think I already know which I will get next. 

Last week Alan had  oral surgery. The tooth roots were into the sinus cavity area so it was a big deal.  He was sedated and as soon as his head hit the pillow when Lisa brought him home....zzzzzzzz. He had a follow-up and the surgeon had him take a few days off work. All is healing well now. 

I saw something on Pinterest and showed Alan and explained how I wanted one and voilà, he made it for me. We designed it to meet my need and use.

Here are all the parts..... it is currently waiting for me to do the finishing. That is my plan this week. Just need to think it out and gather supplies. Happily I have everything in my craft storage. 

The early morning temp of 74 was wonderful...Murphy enjoyed having the slider open so he could go in and out. It is getting warmer now. Still have a couple more weeks of Monsoon weather then wonderful lower temps.

Thank you for spending time with me today. Thank you for your kind words and friendship.

Note...if you read this yesterday, I needed to edit it to make sense...thank you Lynda Ruth for letting me know!

Skull, horses and an Angel

 Oh my, posting 2 days in a row. I wanted to show you what Alan and Lisa brought back from their road trip.

Isn't she lovely? I love angels and as you might remember from other posts I do have a few. The pottery used and sculpturing as well as the turquoise coloring are so pretty. the artist is Judy Kampa.

For 16 years there has been a steer skull at the back gate who has finally .... well let's say needed a rest. So, just look at this beauty Lisa is holding. It is now hanging at the back gate. Murphy will occasionally bark at it but then quickly forgets it is there. Lisa calls it Flo...from buffalo.

 

Their trip would not be complete unless a horseback ride was included. The mount that Alan rode is a mustang. They had a great ride and beautiful scenery to see.

 

That is about it. The day is hot and humid and no more rain in the near future. Chores are awaiting. I hope you like the photos...Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.