Keeping busy

 Hello friends, here we are a new month, July. I have been busy finishing and learning. 

The Hawaiian quilt block is complete. The pattern is Anthurium. (The Hawaiian anthurium (commonly called the Heart of Hawaii or Flamingo Flower) symbolizes hospitality, warmth, and welcome. Because of its vibrant colors and heart shape, its English meaning centers on affection, abundance, and the spirit of giving.) 
 It may not be perfect, but I am pleased with it. I already have the next design picked out.

I am almost finished making an 18th century ladies tie pocket. I am making a few modifications. What am I learning you may ask (or not). I decided I want need to learn lace making.  Oh, not with bobbins! At the moment I have learned to make Romanian Cord which is used in lace making.  My plan is to use a simple motif. Also, I am planning to make a Japanese Pojagi window panel for my bathroom and try some Whitework embroidery. Yes, I feel ambitious. I am fortunate to have the luxury of time. The Brother Alan and Lisa have now assumed houses responsibilities. I want less to do so I can stay in my sewing corner. Did I tell you about my corner? That will be for another day. 

Sammy has been, well..... Sammy. Mostly he is a good boy. If only he did not like paper, like toilet paper, napkins and anything that can be shredded.   Loves taking Lisa and Alan's shoes. If we cannot find it we just look under my bed, his hiding place. We will not talk about today's adventure yet.

 

 Look at the full moon of May 11th taken with Alan's telescope at 11:21 am. Be sure to zoom in. His pictures are amazing. As for his new blog, technical difficulties are holding it up.

Glad you stopped by. Thank you for your friendship. 

What happened in January

 Hello friends

 I thought I would fill in the past months along with current doings. I guess I should start in December when I fell in the yard. It was about a week after getting an injection in my right knee. So, that wiped out the pain relief. Then on January 22nd while walking to see what the fire in the neighborhood was about, you may have guessed, yes, I fell. One minute I was standing then I was down. There were two neighbors who were also going to the fire so I had immediate help. I fell face first in crushed rock and began to bleed on my face. I called Lisa who was home and she came to get me and off to the emergency room we went. Five hours there and they glued the cut on the bridge of my nose closed instead of stitches. I had many small cuts all over my face. My right eye became black and blue immediately. When we returned home, I suggested we not tell Alan. Lisa gave me a look. I suggested that since he would be home late (10ish) I would lay facing the wall and pretend to be asleep. Alan stops in my room every night when he arrives home. Lisa did not seem to buy that thought. Of course as soon as Alan came home she told him. His first words were...."so you had to check out a fire". It took a few weeks before the bruising and small cuts healed. Yes, I did see my eye specialist to make sure there was no damage to the eye and my PCP. She suggested I get a PT evaluation and that was a good idea. It seems my falling issue just may be my balance. I now have a cane for long walking times and when my right knee is painful.I  have not fallen since, On to the fun stuff.

Chicken Scratch....have you heard of it, or done it? I did many moons ago as a child. 

I decided to try it again. 

 

 I bought black check gingham and used white and red for the design and made me an apron.

I do wear aprons when I am cooking. I made the bib in a floral print as well as the band and ties. A fun apron for sure. I learned Chicken Scratch when I was around ten. We had a wonderful neighborhood playground that taught us many crafts for free and held games and such. It was the best. 

Recent;y I saw on YouTube, Japanese wood carving and I fell in love with the hair combs they made. So I searched and found just the right one

 

 

It is carved from Rosewood.  It is solid/heavy compared to regular combs. I love it. The company sells many styles and choice of woods. It will require special care, not getting it too wet and cleaning it every so often with natural oil. 

Well, that about covers a back update and current happenings.  More to come soon.....

 Thank you for stopping by and thank you for your friendship. 

Can it be 4 months

 Oh yes it has been. so many things have happened. The highlights for now; My craft area has been redone, I have started a Boro style jacket, I sewed a machine cover, a mug rug, a chair cushion and small curtain all matching, We grew a marvelous tomato plant from a half of a tomato and Sammy is now 1 year old. Today would have been my 56th wedding anniversary. I should mention that I had a few falls.

I should start somewhere so let's start with Sammy. What a year it has been with him. 

His ears are still standing up straight at 3 inches! He runs the house most of the time as we are wrapped around his paws. Sammy is a love bug and shares it all the time. Mention "car"  or  " bye bye car" and he runs to his harness. If you leave the car door open he jumps in waiting...mind you it is parked in the garage and we just got out.  He does not like going outside in the yard when it is dark. We have plant lights and a large spot light that switches on with motion detected. This means that at any time....1am, 3am.... I must accompany him.

Most people keep the toilet paper on the standard bathroom holder. Not in this house. Sammy loves taking the roll, even a full roll and running around with it. Actually any paper is fair game. Mail, delivered packages, they are all his. If something is missing, the first place to look is under my bed, then behind the recliner or sofa. Socks are another favorite item. The laundry basket is a treasure trove of wonderful things.

Sammy has a hobby, he collects rocks and plant material to bring into the house. As soon as he finds leaves or a pruned plant branch, that too becomes his property. He always helps Alan. 

Sammy is a people person ....loves to kiss and greet everyone. We love him beyond words. Our home is complete because of him. After Murphy passed we all said no more dogs....so glad we fell in love at first sight with this boy.

We will catch up on all the other happenings soon.

Thank you for stopping by and thank you for your friendship. 

Introducing......

 Oh friends, it has been a long month of adjustments. Thankfully I do keep busy. All of us miss Murphy in the same way but different. Alan and I sat and both told each other...no more pets. Lisa did not feel the same. We had not only lost our boy but so much money spent. The other day Lisa said I want a dog. I said, oh I don not know and that Alan said no more. I kept getting emails and texts for puppies/dogs.  We looked at rescues but, well nothing hit it. I looked into the site where we bought Murphy. Lisa and I started to look more. 

Alan sent us a text on Wednesday around 3pm. He sent this picture and told us to look into "him" and then face time him.

It was love at first sight and I said we are on our way, One hour later this little guy was in our car and headed home. Meet Sammy. He is a very affectionate mini schnauzer who is 3 months old and weighs  about 11 pounds. From the moment his little feet hit the floor  Sammy ran around the house and made himself at home. He is a cuddle bug....loves to be held and gives many kisses.

 

Look at that ear! It is 3 inches long. I was happy that his ears are not cropped. Sammy already knows how to get out of the screened lanai and comes when his name is called. He has gone outside for doing business but hasn't quite got to make it into the yard. He does not know about walking on a leash yet but it is so hot that that can wait. What is the expression?....Never say never.

My aquarium

 Finally fish that will live and a tank that needs very little care if any at all. I know, it is not real, but for me that is okay.

they were fun to crochet and set up to "float". The cover has a few sea items and a turtle. 

The shells are from Rhode Island. They are the only ones I have from there.  the sea bottom is aquarium sand sprinkled with "pearls" and sea glass and shells from Bermuda. 

the Brother Alan and Lisa brought them back for me.  I added a string of tiny lights to give it a nice glow at night. I am still thinking the covering for the cover which for now is raffia. I think I will get some green raffia and try it.

Eventually I will catch you up on what i had been doing. Let's start with this cute owl. I made it for my

nephew Antonio. He loves owls because that is the picture that appears when he is talking to his Papa (Alan). 

 My niece Natalia asked for a poncho in her favorite color of purple. 

I made a flower broach and then 2 other broaches so she can change or pin them to anything else. Another project I have enjoyed making...more of them to come.

And now she asked for an afghan made from the same yarn , so that is a project in the making. I love making something special when asked. .... or just because.

Glad you stopped by today. My goal is to post at least every week or two. Thank you for your welcome back to my blogging and your kind words, Thank you for your friendship.

How time flies....

 Hello friends.....I am still here. Time flies in a whirl. Life does have a way of getting in the way. Everyday I keep busy with this and that.

On February 3rd I celebrated my 78the birthday. This box arrived n the post from my sis Lyn. When I lifted the lid it played Happy Birthday and it was filled with a few bags of different popcorn and sour gummies and a sample of cookies. Fun in a box! Alan and Lisa bought me flowers and my request for Alan to cook for my dinner was Shrimp and Lobster Mozambique.  We had an ice cream cake...very nice.The Grand-kids sent me a video birthday wish. Thank you to  those who sent birthday wishes on Facebook and email. It was a nice day.

I made this Valentine Crow (designer, Alaina Carris, Avery Hill Designs) the fabric for the backing and border was originally white back round so I tea dyed it and it was perfect.

i just ordered this kit for making Yorkshire Buttons, from Gina B Silkworks. I can not wait to make some. Today my eyes are blurry so it may have to wait.

 

This little spool doll is waiting for hair and clothes. I remember these from long ago and decided to make one.Clothes will be a dress that is a tube dress.....simple.

Sorry for the absence....I hope to return soon.  Glad that you visited today. Thank you for kind words and thank you for your friendship.

 

Another month ...

 It seems that time is getting misplaced around here. My intentions to do this and that get lost. Since our last visit, I have been having physical therapy for my right knee. I had a fall and landed right smack dab on the knee. I am almost finished with PT and it has helped, but, with the arthritis it is not going to get much better. The goal for 2025 is not falls. This last one was because I tripped over the vacuum cord. My carelessness. anyway, if you really know me, I keep busy. One of my favorite designers is Ann Wood. I buy her patterns and enjoy the free ones. Recently she began a "circus" set and now finally for sale. You know I had to make the elephant...

Love, love it. She will release the others; a monkey a lion and a cat periodically. Oh sign me up! I added a pipe cleaner to the trunk so I could bend it up. Maybe another Elephant will appear.

My felt Christmas tree is "redecorated" for the holiday. It is a tree that is always in my room and holds many handmade items.  I made the tree some years ago from a pattern by Donna Bayless. Another wonderful designer.

This year, I added decorations on top of my curio. I will add pictures of our tree and mantel and kitchen tree soon.   Our shopping is really complete and I have just 3 packages to mail this week.

I know you are all busy with holiday preparations, but remember to take moments for yourself. So glad you stopped by today. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Pigs do fly!!!

 Here we are in November. There are 53 days until Christmas and I find myself almost ready. My packages for  mailing  should go out by the first week in December. 

My last post I mentioned how little things pop up to distract  me. Well, truth be told, they are not so little. I am sure in this house there are Pixies living here. Yes, I do believe in all those things. Why do I know this, well here is a list of things that are missing....a kitchen paring knife--one of Lisa's white flip flops--my black feathered crow--Alan's I watch--my resin sculpture of a horse and rider (The End of the Trail)--and now my small book of my passwords. Oh we have look high and low and near and far. These items are someplace in the house....but where? there are other things that go on that disrupt living here; but that is for another post.

Look at my flying pig! Isn't she cute. I think the pink/white check suits her perfectly. Maybe a friend will join her....never know.  I enjoy creating this and that for my room. My room is my special place.

Recently made The Green Man using felt and twigs. I wanted to make one for a long time. When I saw this pattern it was perfect for how I wanted to stitch it. What my eyes see keeps my hands busy for sure. I am lucky to have the time to spend on these projects. 

Our weather here in Arizona is finally changing. the triple digit temperatures have gone away. The bedroom slider is open most days and Murphy loves going in and out. Sometimes he just lays by the slider sniffing the air. For no this is what is happening around here. There is more to share....

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

Sometimes.....

 Sometimes we just need a kick in the behind. Sometimes it just takes a caring note. Sometimes just someone asking if you are okay. That just happened just a few minutes ago. I checked my email and there it was. A note asking if I am okay..."checking on you because I care"...... why? I have not been blogging.  It actually brought me to tears to feel so loved by a  friend whom I have never met. Except through the blogging world. We are a caring group of people though. Vickie, thank you from the bottom of my heart. When I stopped doing cross stitch, I got lax with my blog. Do not know why..... I keep very busy making and creating daily. My interests have moved to hand stitching and quilting. No reason why I should not share that with the blogging world. 

Of course I still get in trouble. Just last the other day I burned my right index finger on my Clover iron...which was heated to 520 degrees!

Oh the pain!!!! The Brother Alan , the doctor, pierced it and let it drain and it felt better. Now the very dry area is starting to peal. I have tucked that iron back into the craft closet...way back in the closet!!!

I will post the projects that I have been working on in a few days...no, no..... not all at once, a few at a time.  I have been interested in Japanese needlework/ sewing, quilting and hand stitching in general. Right now I am working on an EPP patchwork Dog...actually 2 of them.

Thank you for stopping by today, thank you for your friendship.

77 Sunset Strip

 Hello my friends... who remembers is old enough to remember  77 Sunset Strip TV series...okay, I do and I just celebrated my 77th birthday. My celebration started on the day...the 3rd with breakfast out with Dianna, lunch out with Lisa on the 4th and ended last night with dinner out with The Brother Alan and Lisa.  Guess I will stop humming the theme song now. Thank you for all the birthday wishes. Cousin Maria send a videocard of Donny Osmand signing to me! Lovely gifts received and cards..... totally feel special. 

I wanted a Fairy setting...for Christmas, The Brother Alan and Lisa gave me the house with the blue arrow and it had a couple of fairies with it,,,for my birthday they gave me the yellow arrow set up that had 14 items,,,I made the back round from collected twigs. I love it. At night it has fairy lights which looks magical.

My sis Lyn sent me this lovely scented candle with Happy Birthday charms that revolve when the candle is lit. A nice soft fragrance.

Dianna brought me these

mushrooms...One glass and the other with a tufted top.... love mushrooms. She also bought a birthday cake and a candle!

Dear Debbie and hubby sent me this beautiful anklet.  The meaning is so lovely. I have not taken it off since it arrived, I have the words posted at my sewing table so I can read them often. All in all, I had a very nice birthday...

The Tiny Dog Adoption went well. One pup is going to Germany, one to Texas, one to Wisconsin. Two are off to Rhode Island and 2 are staying here in Arizona with one going to Lynda Ruth in Canada. These are the last if anyone is interested.

We are expecting a rain storm for the next 3 or 4 days. Happily I can remain indoors and work at my sewing table. It is always nice to chat with you. Thank you for your kind words and thank you for your friendship.

December Sue

 Here we are December 1st. We have all our Christmas decoration finished. This year, Alan and Lisa did the living room tree and the kitchen tree. The Brother really got into the spirit. Once again, Murphy did not get into anything. 

Sue is decorating her tree with the help of two gnomes.My  Lisa gnome this year was joined by The Brother Alan gnome!

Lots of sequins and beads.....
This is the last Sun Bonnet Sue monthly banner. It has been fun to create a special scene each month. What shall I do next year? Alan started Christmas wish lists for each of us.... he may be sorry! Lisa and I do shopping together for him so there will be no duplicates. A new family tradition.

I finally did mention to Alan that I fell. He had very stern words for me. I am totally forbidden to climb any step ladder except the one he gave me. He will be removing said items from my reach!.  It can be difficult to admit that I should not do this or that. That I need help. Oh and Lisa is in complete agreement with Alan..... no sympathy from her!

Our Arizona weather has finally changed. We even had rain last night. Not much, but every bit helps. Still in shorts however. Today I got out my winter slippers. Soon Lisa will be moving from her suede slippers to the Alaskan Bear slippers! 

I am still not feeling well...I keep thinking it is just a cold; maybe time for a doctor visit.Anyway, I am happy to have you visit with me today. Thank you for your kind words and thank you for your friendship.

Beginning to look like Christmas....

 First I want to thank all of you that sent special thoughts to my great-nephew, Antonio. He is out of hospital and holding his own. Still has a way to go, but keeping good thoughts that he will continue to improve.

Every year I try to make a new ornament... for me and to give away. This year it is a star.... a take-off of Ann Wood's Jingle Star. I have added a tag that has room for a name and says, "My star in heaven"...that is the mine for my tree in the center. There is one with a name already on it that will be traveling to... my aunt Rose Marie for uncle Tony. That leaves 2 that will need a home. I have also started another quilt.... one that will be sewn by hand whenever I pick it up...

Squares and rectangles. I am using whatever scrap fabrics from my bin...no selecting just using. Same will be for when i start sewing them together.  that will be as soon as I decide on the layout.

Our sweet Murphy...2 weeks ago at 5am I noticed that his eyes were completely clouded over! He was not having trouble maneuvering around inside or outside. Did not seem to be hurting. I called the vet and Lisa and I took him in. Blood work drawn.... eyes examined. She ruled out glaucoma...a relief. Medication for his eyes and then wait for results. Valley Fever ruled out and the conclusion is that he has high cholesterol. Do not bother to ask how...the answer is that it is my fault. I give him almost everything. Now he is on a diet...prescribed kibble. No more home cooked food. He still gets veggies. Now, back to the eyes. From day one we saw an immediate improvement and by day 4 the eyes were clear! Back to his handsome self. He will return to the vet in a month. I will be on my best behavior. This past few weeks I have not been feeling well...a cold....my diagnosis. Alan and Lisa completely decorated the living room and kitchen trees. Wreaths are hung outside...thank you Alan. Still deciding on some decorations then the mess I made will get cleaned. Normally I would put away as I empty a bin...not allowed to climb....which is good because on Saturday while home alone, I did use the ladder in the garage and somehow missed the last one or two steps....of course we did not tell Alan. Luckily I did not break anything but have a nasty scrape on my elbow. When will I learn! Glad to chat with you but I must get a move on with the mess around here. Thank you for your kind words and thank you for your friendship.

There is a business on my fan

 Hello friends..... seems the days are here and gone quickly. Today I feel a sore throat and stuffy so it will be an easy day. Who am I kidding? Most of my days are easy and laid back thanks to Alan and Lisa. Speaking of Lisa, she is still having tests and I am sure her surgery will be next. So keep her in your thoughts.

Flies are flying in my room! As the ceiling fan rotates, the flies move about. The pattern is from Ann Wood...darn her for making so many wonderful and fun patterns.  Did you know the term for a group of flies is called a swarm...or...a business! Each fly is different of course.....I love quirky things. Just have to keep an eye on Alan with his salt rifle!

I found this pattern...can not remember where on line....and I was overwhelmed when it arrived.

It said a booklet which was only a single paper printed on both sides with minute directions. First I enlarged them to 200% and finally to 300%. All I can say is good thing I am am able to sew well.  No!)

He already is full of my sewing notions for everyday use. He is made from different parts of jeans that I saved from Dennis. I even included a few tags from the pants.  The inside bottom is a fabric I had with turtles. It has 6 pockets and I added one of the small pockets to hold my small scissors. The tail is a belt loop! Denny liked turtles...I do have a story about Denny and his turtle...another time if anyone is interested. 

Cox cable seems to be mixed up today...maybe a call to them...then again not today. Alan will be home late tonight so I will wait for him to check it out on a regular work day. I have music playing most of the day and if TV it is one of a few stations that I like....Britbox, Acorn, Amazon Prime and Freevee to name a few.
Today maybe be the start of July Sue banner...right now swishing and fluffing is happening in the laundry area. 

On a sad note, my friend Glenda has lost her fight with cancer on Sunday June 4th. She never gave up. Thoughts for husband Don ....

Happy to chat with you today. Thank you for your kind words and encouragement. Thank you for your friendship.

Catching up

 Last week...glad it is now gone.First my personal fridge decided to no longer cool. then the laptop had issues the remote Geek sessions could not fix and the big one...the A/C was not cooling and the temp was rising outside. So, laptop to Best Buy, emergency call to A/C company and a new fridge ordered. Alan took care of all of it. Update...all is good now. May Sue is on display. Every time I make one of these banners I add my own touch to the pattern.

I added a bunny in the grass and changed the flowers a little. Already working on June Sue. They are fun to create.

When we went to Vegas we stopped at a gift shop/store/almost anything place and I found these two beaded birds to take home. I bought a butterfly for Lisa which is in her bedroom. So colorful.

This pattern is looking for a new home. I made just the one  character. It is indigo junction  The Tea Party from the Alice and Wonderland collection. please email me ....ghorton1@cox.net if interested....if more than one I will put your name in the hat to draw a name.

Murphy enjoys being outside. His favorite place is the swing...in the sun. Right now he is yelling at birds. Time to fetch hum back inside.

Glad to chat with you today. thank you for your kind words and thank you for your friendship.

Omyiage girls

 Hello friends. Hope all is well with you. the changing weather, the winds and dust in the air are causing so many issues around here. The Brother Alan's allergies are acting up.... Lisa has had a few issues too. Me?, well mild headaches that thankfully clear by late morning. The AC is now on and I really do not think the heat cycle will return. Remember Hank the fish...

I picked him out because of his black markings. Well, it seems that is now gone

Hank is now all gold . I Googled goldfishes and many do change colors as they age. I do remember the gold fish Dennis had in the pond...they did change color too.

Dianna and Marissa sent me photoss of the Omyiage dolls I made for them, The one on the left is Dianna's and the other is Marissa's. Since we were arriving in Vegas on Easter Sunday, I put together a simple goodies bag. the dolls held candy as did the bag they were in.I enjoy making fabric origami.

This is  called Sakura. To me it resembles a Lotus flower. It has a small draw string pouch in the back. Fun to make and give away.

When plans were being made for Vegas, Dianna told me about the M & M store...all 4 floors of it. Lisa loves peanut M & Ms so

of course she has to have her own dispenser and purple and lavender (her fav color) fills it. Now of course when they are gone, she will have multi-color candy. I also like M & Ms so I got a glass

I filled mine with multi-colors. The store has so many products. The best is 2nd floor where the candy is

Amazing wall ...all sorted by color and type. Children (adults too) stare in awe and then rush to chose and fill their bag. Scales are provided to weigh. What fun! My next project.... well, at the moment I am still trying to decide. so much I want to do! Today is a lazy day for all of us here. Make your day a relaxing one too.Good to chat with you. 

Thank you for your kind words and thank you for your friendship.