Tomatoes are growing!

A nippy start to the morning. Goodness it is 60 degrees out there! The house is chilly but I will not complain...no indeed this is nice because it will still get to the 90s today. I looked out the kitchen window...

yes, my first tomatoes. There are 4 of them. Then I looked around and felt proud that all that I have tried to do is working...plants seem to be growing well. Bees are buzzing and feathered friends are happy to visit.
Yesterday morning was lovely. I sat out on the porch for a couple of hours stitching and relaxing.

I finished the upper motif ...with the raven... and then the lower motif...with the cat... and will now move to another page of the pattern. Neighbor and friend Robyn came across the courtyard to sit and chat for a bit...both of us enjoying the lovely temps. The only issue I had was that sitting out front my leg was not propped up and began to ach so it was time to return to more comfortable sitting and a cup of tea.
I also sat with my art project

I know what you are thinking...where are her words and what is this?! Well it is all about layering and the words....well they are a way to begin. A way to anchor yourself to the project and give you the feeling of what it is you want to collage. In my minds eye it is all planned out...well, as planned as it can be because there are no specifics only thoughts.
I would like to mention another friend who has visited and emailed and well, just cares. It is Lynda Ruth from the blog Purple Pixie Dust. Lynda and her hubby Dave live in New Brunswick. My sweet friend is waiting for shoulder surgery but still finds the time to visit and comment. Keep your fingers crossed for her upcoming surgery and stop by to visit her. I hope you have had time to visit with Vickie and Debbie too.
I should be outside skimming the pond, spraying this plant or that one, doing laundry or whatever. Instead this is my day off. Day to do nothing or something as it comes to mind. I will write my thoughts in my private Dennis journal but other than that, I have the day off. Whatever your plans are I am sure they will be grand. Glad to have you visit and thank you for the kind words and concern for me. I am doing okay, as okay as I can be. Your friendship is what helps so thank you for being here from wherever you are.

Alice, White Flies and Snails

Another glorious start to the day. I love when I can open the sliders and the front door and feel natural air flowing in. The A/C will be off at least until this afternoon when the heat returns. Today they say again in the mid 90s, still above average for October.
The sprinkler leaks seem to be fixed as Don stopped buy to check them and adjust them for me. I obviously still need to learn more of what I thought I knew. There is however another issue that is not improving.

See the light colored leaves almost in the center of the picture? It is a White Fly infestation and it is on both the Yellow Bells and the Honeysuckle (same plant family). I have been spraying every other day and keeping it trimmed but they are not leaving. I think they may have to go...the plants that is and something else found to replace them. Always sad to loose established plants, but this is not something I want to spread to the rest of the garden. The Honeysuckle

which is along the wall (Yellow Bells in the center garden) is so large rooted as it has been here the longest, would just be cut down to the ground and kept at a short growth. The Yellow Bells can still be uprooted and removed. You can see the damage better in this picture.
The Snail Vine

is growing by the foot almost daily! Here it is attaching itself to the Fountain Grass. Everyday I convince it to attach to the arbor only to find it on the grass in the morning.  I am very happy it is growing so well. It may be called Snail Vine but it certainly grows quickly. Yesterday morning I sat outside on the front porch with Alice

and another motif is finished. I will be returning there soon to see how much I can stitch before coming back inside. I am planning to browse through my patterns and only keep some of what I have which is too much. I am sure I can find homes for what I will not want to keep. I think the magazines will be weeded out soon also. So, watch for the de-stashing. I find my interests are changing at the moment. I will always love cross stitch, but there are other areas that are calling to me.
This weekend I will gather and mail out my Denny's Angels. Just passed 4 months that he is missing from my life.  People have come and gone since those early sad days but I am lucky to have faithful friends who help fill the void. These angels are my way of saying thank you for the comfort and friendship I have from friends near and far. I told you about Debbie who has stayed by my side long distance, there are others...like Vickie. Here is a blog friend who has her own busy life but manages to visit my blog daily and always leaves me a comment of encouragement and kindness. Special people indeed.
Well, time to get dressed...do not think the neighbors will appreciate me outside in pajamas. I really want to enjoy the morning temperatures. So glad we had time to chat. Thank you so much for the emails and kind words. Most of all, thank you for your encouragement and friendship. 

It was a beautiful evening

Just look at last evenings sunset! I am compelled to start my post today with it. It took my breath away. Today is starting out fantastic....sliders open, front door open and just enjoying before the heat pops up. Yes, we are still experiencing higher than normal temps.  The landscaper finally arrived yesterday (not at 8:30 but around 10ish) and the new irrigation system is in and working, Robert did fix 2 of the sprinkler leaks but today.... well, I do know what should be fixed so I am not concerned as they are minimal.
As a result of Robert coming late I did not attend writing group #2 but it is an informal type of "class" so I am not fretting it. Today I will work on my art class. We have a worksheet of questions meant to help us find our way and an exercise using ink and watercolor paper. Should be interesting. I think I will set up my card table so that it will be available to play on as I wish. 

Alas, poor Alice remained in the corner yesterday. I really must visit with her today. I think I will take her out to the front porch and see if I can not finish the motif at least. Just feeling lazy these past days. I have given myself permission to feel lazy and not put myself on any routine. All is well with my soul....
Once Robert left there was some clean up and then off to the market for sushi which I just had to have for lunch. Tomorrow is return to the doctor and talk about the test results. I know....be positive and for the most part I am.  In light of recent issues it remains difficult.
At the moment, the waterfall sounds lovely falling over the pond, the birds are chatting and the laundry is ready. So my fiends as nice as it has been visiting I must take care of business so I can sit outside with Alice. Thank you for your kind words and for yu friendship.

A beautiful day

I love when I can open the sliders and the door to let in a soft breeze. The air is quite comfortable right now but by noon, well that will be a different story.

This morning's sunrise. We are still in the high 90s.
Robert the landscaper could not make it yesterday so today is the day. New irrigation system and why are there sprinkler leaks? He will be here early so hopefully my whole day will not be tied up. Laundry in the works and open plans for the afternoon. Two more Denny's Angels complete but need to be starched.  Remind me not to wash the car...what a disaster. There are water spots and dust marks and forget the windows. I must get to the car wash this week and one that will do interiors too. I will be getting rid of all that car wash stuff next so it will not call out to me.

The next motif on Alice started. Maybe more on it today.
My on line art class officially began yesterday. Now, I have never taken an on line class before so I can not compare. I think know that I will enjoy this one. An I must mention that Keith stopped by and worked on my email issue. Cox could not solve it but he did. I have a new email,  same account just different set up. So I can once again send emails from the computer. Just need a few lessons from him on this or that.

The Snail Vine is growing daily! It forgets to crawl along the arbor so I will climb up and coax it over. Look at the double bloom and buds ready to open. I am enjoying my garden!
That about covers things around here. Time to get the laundry from the washer and water a few plants. Thank you for taking the time to visit and for your kind words. There are people who pop in and out of your life and then there are those who faithfully stay. Thank you most of all for your friendship which I can count on everyday.

Flowers in bloom

Yesterday was work in the garden day. I took advantage of the milder temps and trimmed one of the Yucca plants and cut back another. Both have new growth so this will help revitalize them.

They are original to the property which means they are getting old. Denny frequently would cut them back so I thought I would  see if they will fill in.

The Snail Vine is adjusting well and already climbing. There are new buds waiting for their day to open and some which have

I love this flower. Not only is it lavender but so complex. It starts out looking like a green lima bean then becomes this lovely flower. If you look closely just to the back of this bloom you can see the "lima bean". So nice to have this back on the arbor.

The bunny has move to the base of the vine waiting to be covered by the leaves. It is always nice to move the critters around the garden. There are broken pots here and there for the lizards to have shelter and it still surprise me if I pick one up and out pops a lizard!

The Gaura is doing just okay. I think it needs a good cut back but it should have been done this Spring. Right now it is very leggy. I will trim it regularly removing spent blooms and then after the winter I will cut it back severely. the blooms are so pretty and sway in the breeze.
I have been spending some time with Alice. This morning I found that I am off by a couple of threads....but it will work just the same and it would be too much to rip out. Some might say why tell, I feel there will be that one person who notices it. Luckily the design lends itself to this mistake quietly so it will remain.
So you know what tomorrow is? Yes it is September 19 but it is The Day...The Brother Alan and Lisa arrive! If their flight stays on time they should arrive here at the house around 12:30. Just in time for their visit the temps are cooling.  they are leaving the New England area just in time as there is a storm heading up the coast. I have a To Finish list, the To Do list and time for relaxation list.
The second laundry is on and soon it will be light outside as the sun will be rising. I have a couple of errands to do then it will be time to stitch...maybe even outside for a time. Glad to have you visit with me. Thank you for the kind words and thank you for your friendship.

"Tomorrow, tomorrow, your always a day away!

The footstool and sewing kit

I am getting pretty handy with the electric screw driver.

the footstool is finished and looks really nice and is more comfortable to the feet with the new batting . I also replaced the inside lining.  I think this was a good choice of fabric. Somewhere along the way of pins and staples and screws, I lost a couple of pins on the carpet and have not stepped on found them yet. Guess they will come out of hiding when I vacuum today. Someone had asked me what was inside the storage area...nothing...yet. I guess I could make it a sewing box/kit. It sure would be handy. Speaking of sewing/kit boxes----

I was given this small kit back in the 1980s and it has all the original pieces. The top of velvet is still in tact and there is the gold thimble and needle too. This has never been used.

The inside of the lid is a mirror which is also in perfect condition.

The case is metal of some sort and has a little decorative marking around the lid and bottom. On the bottom

It is stamped "Made in Occupied Japan". I hope you can see that clear enough. All items imported after the WW II (1945-1952) had to be stamped with this mark. The hat pins are from the 1950s or so . Can not remember who gave it to me or where they got it or how old it really is but I keep it with my treasures and now it sits on the new shelf.
I did a little stitching on Alice, not enough to deserve a picture, but will get more done today. I thought I maybe would do a bit of yard cleaning but I think I will just stitch instead. Tomorrow will okay for that. You haven't forgotten have you? Alan and Lisa arrive on Tuesday. Just a few last minute preparations to get things ready. the weather forecast is for great temps in the 90s. Better than those triple numbers and excessive humidity. Our week will be busy but with plenty of us time. There is never enough time when they are here.....
It is time for me to grind the beans and brew some coffee. Thank you for stopping by and for the kind words. Most of all, thank you for your friendship.

Where did this week go?

Don't get me wrong, I am happy to have this week in the rear view mirror because it means .....The Brother Alan will soon be here...Tuesday as a matter of fact.

The Snail Vine does not look like much now, but I am hoping it will magically grow and once again cover the arbor. Poor thing did experience a bit of shock with the transport and then waiting to be planted. But ...

This blossom is looking mighty pretty. There are a few that were and a few that will be. The manual operation of the irrigation is moving along okay. Turn a switch on, put the timer in the house on and then wait to turn it off. The yard is doing well. The waterfall continues to trickle down with a nice sound, the established plants are looking good, now if this weather would only cool enough to be able to sit outside and enjoy it all. Yesterday the temp was around 99! Of course with the humidity it still is hot. Monsoon is almost over.

Finally the motif is finished...well just along the bottom which is on the next page. I do not know exactly why I did not enjoy stitching this one. It may have been so much of the back round color. Still lots of motifs to go but they are open and all different.
I found the fabric for the footstool..

It is not an exact color match but pretty close to the grey of the chair and the beige. I need to add batting and iron this piece and it will look really nice. I will fussy cut so the wide stripe is in the middle. I thought about getting something darker so it will not show soil marks but this was in my stash and it looks pretty good.
Thank you for the pats on my back for all the accomplishments I have made. I just want to be able to do this or that. I am not fooling myself that there are and will be things that I will need help with or to hire for. The car needs gas....I know it has been weeks but if I do not drive anywhere then The Brother Alan will have that task. I seem to get a month for a fill up...Friend and neighbor Al has offered to come along to walk me through it...I think am sure once I am standing there I will remember what to do. I detest doing it so it is easily pushed out of mind.  I have a few errands that really should be done before the day....you know...The Brother Alan arrives on Tuesday. I did remind you didn't I? Guess that about covers it. Time to get the laundry and fold it, to make the bed, to vacuum and whatever else. Thank you for visiting and for your kind words. Thank you most of all for your friendship. 4 days but who's counting?! 

Busy weekend

I thought I was going to sit back, but there was still shelves to move

First they had to be painted, then a lesson from Don on drilling, how to put in a molley and then attaching to the wall. Glenda directed from the chair with coffee in hand. Poor Don a wife, a friend and tools. The people on the shelves are not exactly where they will be but it was time to get them out of the basket in the closet. I needed to stop as my hand is once again swollen and sore. So besides the right leg not the right hand! Did I mention the needle in the foot?

As I strolled through the living room a sharp pain in you guessed it , my right foot. This needle is what I pulled out. The problem with carpets is that sometimes when you drop something you do not know you did until... Not to worry, it did not require any tools to pull out. It will be added to my Festival of Needles.
A surprise package arrived on Friday and a new mailperson.

Cousin Janice in Rhode Island sent me these delicious cookies...oh my goodness.

Each cookie is individually wrapped and just perfect; not sweet but flavored just right. These are Sweet Olive Oil Tortas with anise. Their name is Ines Rosales. Thank you sweet Janice for thinking of me with this treat.

 I have been slowly stitching on Alice. I am not fond of this motif so it is taking forever. Not much more to finish it so I will push on today with it as much as my hand will allow. This represents the tea party.
I think I may have found the fabric to redo the footstool. Just deciding between two that I had in my stash.  Oh before I forget, did I mention The Brother will be here next week?
On Saturday morning around 10 am I thought I saw someone looking at me through the large living room window...I did ...it was a young coyote! I could not grab my camera quickly. The window is to the floor so he had an easy view in. The lanai hummer is busy already this morning patrolling the back yard. I had a restless night so I did not get out there early enough to sweep so it will wait until tomorrow. In the meantime, I will make the bed wash my coffee cup and cereal bowl then settle to stitch. Thank you for visiting today. Than you for the kind words and friendship.
Happy to report the friends I have in Florida are all safe. 

Another week gone by

Sometimes it seems that time really passes so quickly and then the other when it just hangs around. This past week was here for such a short time for me. The other day I began to move a shelf from one room to another and of course there were little holes in the wall. I ask Glenda and Don what I needed

to fix this issue and Don came and gave me a lesson in how to fill in the screw holes, how to lock in the drill bit and then drill the new holes for the shelf. Seeing Denny do this in the past does not mean I knew how to do it, now I
The Ladies now have moved and seem quite happy.

Now I have 2 other shelves to be hung and new holes to patch. You would think with all the screws that are in the garage I would have the 4 that I need...no, of course not. Off to Ace Hardware I will go for supplies.
Yesterday was the day to remove Denny form a few accounts and then to reestablish in my name. One of the places required that I go to the mall. Perfect I thought and I will go to Macy's to replace my Top Siders. Little did I know that Macy's no longer sell them in store only on line. But, I did find

Keds in a style like the Top Siders and so comfy and on sale which was a nice surprise. Off I ventured to see what else I could find and to my delight I actually got 2 shirts for free. I had to go through Sears to get to the car and there I saw a denim shirt that was on sale and when the gal rang it up there were "store points" that amounted to the sale price so = free. I was leaving but saw another top and the same thing happened. A good shopping trip indeed. Have I mentioned that The Brother Alan is arriving in 10 days?
We are in a cool down with the temps expected to be only 95 today and a 40% chance of rain. I am sure this comes at a price .... humidity. Today I hope to sit with Alice and make more progress. It is moving slowly with the current motif so if I can pass this one I know it will move on. Nice to chat with you today. Thank you for visiting and for the kind words. Most of all thank you for your friendship. The count down is 10 days.
So sorry for those in the path of the hurricanes and the other terrible weather related storms. No matter where we are there are weather issues that we must deal with. Keeping you all in my thoughts...stay safe.

A special gift

Up early today and already had my morning coffee. I saw my pain management doctor yesterday afternoon and the leg is a little better but the muscle and tendons are still painful and swollen. So, continue with the gel medication. I managed to work on Alice yesterday but not enough to take a picture yet. The motif that I am working on seems to stitch up slowly, but then again it could be me!
When my Denny passed away our niece Tonya asked me to make her something of her uncle Dennis...

This is what I made for her, a memory pillow. She loves turtles and Denny like the Kokopelli. So when I saw that my friend Keith had the embroidery pattern for this I just knew it was perfect. Two symbols that represent two special people. I used a piece from a pair of Denny's favorite shorts taking advantage of the back pocket for a place to tuck in a photo and special note to Tonya. She was very pleased with this gift. As a little girl Tonya spent many weekends and other times with us. He had a special nickname for her  and when he was in hospital he talked of his Tonya Pafazzo and some of the special times with her. He enjoyed looking through our many pictures of her.

Sadly this is one he never got to see. Tonya and her husband Tony taken this June when they celebrated their marriage. A lovely picture don't you think? Tonya is the reason that I met and married Dennis. Special story and special young lady to us always.
I guess that about covers it. Off to get some laundry done and later to Walmart for odds and ends. Thank you for stopping by and for your kind words and most of all for your friendship. Let's have a good day.

A rainy Monday

The day is starting with light rain....and clouds. Finally the temp will not be in the triple digits today. The yard work I planned will be on hold which is fine with me. I did sew yesterday on and off

The ears are sewn after it is stuffed so it is ready for the stuffing. I remembered that I am not fond of sewing denim.  Probably using a serger for the seams would be good...I do not have a serger. I do have a few overcast stitches on the machine so before the next one I will try on crap denim. So today I will start to fluff him out and find buttons for his eyes.  If you click on the picture to enlarge it you will see that I used one of the pockets with the stitching on it for his face.
I just went out to check the pond as I do every morning and evening, and the fish have died. So I will have to dispose of them and call the guy and let him know that I only have the one. These fish are at least 8 years old...pretty old for common gold fish that endure the outdoors. I noticed the other day that the 3 silver and black fish that moved in are now turning orange.

That is correct, when Keith was here he noticed it too. Got to be something with me and aquariums. Or just fish in general. The idea was to have silver to reflect and not add more orange to the tank.
I also starched my Denny's Angels yesterday and now to start a few more. I am hoping to work on Alice too this week. I have ambition but only in my mind! We shall see, but I am at least planning. Well friends guess I best get the fish removed and call the guy. Never a dull moment for me. Glad you stopped by and thank you for the many kind words and hugs too. Most of all thank you for your wonderful friendship. Let's have a good day.
UPDATE: When I finished this post I went out to remove the fish and they were all dead. Already found someone to come and drain and clean the pond so I can have it simple. No more fish however. Simple and easy to maintain.

The day can only get better....right?

Not the best start to any day....woke at 3 am and promptly spilled a glass of water all over my nightstand and the rug. Dear Mr H quickly came to sop up the mess. Off to the kitchen where I made a cup of tea for both of us and easily spilled the milk over the counter and floor...again Mr H came to help clean it up...as I stood there and began to cry! Silly me.... in my craziness I added sugar to the tea which meant I had to toss that out (too sweet) and now onto a glass of Gatorade. My knee is cracking but that its alright as I will be getting my last (of three) injections this morning. Waiting for the sun to rise and brighten my day.

Will not be too long before I will be picking tomatoes again from our garden. There are 10 more stating to ripen. and the flowers are looking great as is this

Crown of Thorns which is full and lovely. An update on the Mourning Doves....the parents are spending more time out of the nest and the 2 kids reach up and flex their wings so it will not be too much longer before the fly off. Can this be the last for a while? I did some, but very little on Alice....

Shamefully, not really much to show. But, as I have just picked up my new eyeglasses with the new prescription it should be less tiring to stitch on the 32 count linen.  I managed to tat a new ornament...

It should be round but I was unable to get it to be so, so here it is in a different form and I like it. I am trying it again and maybe it will be round! It really lends nicely  to this shape though. I mailed one package for Easter and tracking tells me it arrived safely....well my dear friends, I really need to have a cup of fresh ground hot coffee....I do believe the dropsies have ended. Thank you for stopping by and for the kind words and of course your wonderful friendship. Have a good day.
I am officially in countdown to The Brothers Alan's visit...arriving May 9th. 

Irish Lucky Pennies

The ten Irish Lucky Pennies are finished and I found the extra thread! I was not sure I would have enough of the Iris Pearl Cotton thread and could not find more until I spotted the last of it at Jo Ann's. My friend Mary Ann is giving these as gifts so she wanted them all to match.  Mary Ann brought the coins back from her trip to Ireland. Today we have a doctor appointment for Mr H.....and a few errands to accomplish. I visited with my Alice yesterday morning and hopefully I will soon have pictures to show. Right now, they would not be too interesting.  I would like to begin the next Brooch from the Tatted Ovals booklet and would like to start on Tatted Angel ornaments for Christmas gifts. Tuesday evening we had very high gusty winds and then the rain. The temps have fallen out of the high 80s low 90s for now so it is feeling chilly...I know, some of you are still with snow and still waiting for Spring weather. What can I say, we are spoiled. I picked 2 more tomatoes yesterday....they ae delicious when fresh from the plant. Tomato cucumber basil salad today on the menu. I am feeling better and my blood pressure is still up there but lower than last week. The doctor has requested  told me that I can have only 2 cups of coffee a day not the regular 4. I will be having some tests done soon to rule out additional issues. Your messages of good wishes have warmed my heart. In the scheme of things, I am lucky with my health.  Now if we can only settle Dennis' issues.....anyway, that is about the story for today. Glad you had some time to stop by. Thank you for the kind words and most of all for your friendship. Have a great day. Now where did I leave my shuttles......

Dum and Dee

That is Tweedledum and Tweedledee  have join the party with Alice

They are so cute.....trying to get a bit of stitching in each morning. So far so good with my eyes being cooperative. Now on to some black stitching in the Quaker design just above them to the left and to the right. I have a doctor appointment this morning for my knee. I may have fluid again, not sure so best to get it checked. Hopefully then to Jo Ann's for some needed supplies. I finished

the 3rd Oval Broach yesterday except for the embellishments. I am hoping that my new book of 3D flowers will arrive today. I really love these motifs. They ae so lacey and delicate looking. We had a hot day yesterday and not being to smart, I did a bit of yard stuff and did not follow my own rule of making sure to drink plenty of water so I was totally wiped out. I must say though, I did get it swept and the cover on the gazeebo.  Have some Marigolds to plant today and a tomato to pick.

The Penstemon are in bloom all over the place. They self seed and pop up here and there. Lacy and lovely and the Hummingbirds love them. Dennis has accepted that the Doves will be living here again.  I do hope they ae not going to try to populate all of Arizona here in our yard though.  I received an email from my neighbor Robyn...lives across the courtyard from me and she told me that the other night at around 10:30 PM her hubby David opened their door and saw 3...yes 3 coyotes in front of my home. Silly gal hadn't seen any for a while so she thought they moved on! Right in front of their front porch is a large Prickly Pear Cactus that houses a bunny village beneath it.......that is why the coyotes visit our courtyard so frequently.  Nature all around us here in the desert climate. So happy to have time to visit with you. Thank you for the kind words and most of all your friendship. Have a good day.....come back soon.

Busy fingers

Believe it or not, I have stitched a bit on Alice! I think Tweedledum will soon make an appearance.  I plan to stitch on it daily even if only a short time, for as long as my eyes will take it. Glad to say that when not able to stitch I can tat.

These are the first 2 Broaches from my book....love making these lovelies. I still need to attach a pin backing to them, I also ordered her book for making the flowers. These are my own doodle tatting.  I started on #3 yesterday. Ah yesterday-----I must share what happened in the yard. Mr H decided he really did not want the Coves making a second nest in the wall planter so he put a plastic plant did in there....HA! Early in the morning I watched as the 2 doves tried to move them and tried unsuccessfully for quite some time. So-------I went out and removed them for them! Yes, they were in and out of the nest during the morning. When Mr H got up I announced what I did...I am so lucky to have Dennis, he is such a patient man with me. The nesting spot is now theirs again. They really do not bother us being there.  On one of my many trips for food

I found Daffodils...they were so tightly closed I thought they would never open, but open they did...lovely bright yellow in the living room. They backyard is beginning to look bright with all the flowers blooming

vibrant pink geraniums....are the first thing I see each morning when I look out the kitchen window.

towering at least 10 feet is the Cape Honeysuckle in a wonderful orange...and speaking of orange...the fragrance of orange blossom  fills the air with my neighbor Marie's tree in full bloom.

I wish you could smell them....it fills the air when many neighbors do have orange trees. I will share more of my garden later. Right now I think I need breakfast and my second cup of coffee. Then off to see if that little guy arrived in Alice's garden. Always so nice to have you stop by. Thank you for the kind words and of course for your friendship. Have a great day.