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.

Sunday all day

 The weather outside is frightful cooler than it has been. It is 95 and the forecast says 102 today. Better than the 110+ days. 

Alan is off today and he is cleaning the lanai and garden area. Yes, as you can see in the photo, Murphy must remain inside and is not very happy. Anyway, he had an upset stomach earlier so for now he must stay where I can keep an eye on him. While The Brother Alan is taking care of his chores, I have swished and now it is fluffing in the laundry area. I also have re-organized my work table in preparation for a new project. I did make a couple of new angels. Same directions just different ribbon...

This is the folded ribbon one just in gold and red

This is the larger...just a bit so... in a different ribbon.

This is a larger and different style and ribbon. Since making this, I learned a better way and will try one later. I seem to be in an angel ornament kick this year. I may make a few beaded baubles again in Christmas colors. All gone from last year. 

Yesterday Lisa and I went to JoAnn's for a few more travel pillows and when we arrived it was not allowing anyone in due to an electrical failure. So what are 2 gals to do while waiting? Right across the street is the Arrowhead Mall... of course we went there. Lisa had been looking for a jean skirt and we finally found one she liked and that fit nicely. Happy to visit with you but I must get the fluffing to fold and get ingredients in the bread machine. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Have you noticed...I seem to be able to get a post done later in the morning than before. So look for me later in the day!

Pumpkins and an angel

 We are having having a cool down. Can not believe the temp today (Thursday) is under 110! Murphy and I actually got to take a short walk today.  At the moment he is napping on the sofa. Yesterday I made wine biscuits...they are sooooo good.  Tonight I will be making chicken pot pies.... yum.

Just made this towel to display with my mixer. It is from a design by Jacquelynne Steves. The original is to embroider which I may still do another. This just called to me as an applique. I also signed up...including Lisa to the next sew along. Pictures as we go. 

This is the other angel that I made.  I like it so there will be a few more made. Did you think when I typed angel that it was Murphy????

Well he is an angel. We are lucky to have him in our home. Today he took to growling (all of a sudden) at the curio. I recently, days ago, changed out the Southwest items and now it is Autumn. So, it is not like he has not seen it before.

Finally after letting him put his head inside on both sides and all the sniffing, he stopped. A real character. If you click on the picture you can enlarge it....the gold colored plate on the top shelf  is from Italy and belonged to my maternal grandma for whom I am named. One of my treasures.

Did I mention that Lisa and I will be going to the quilt shop to get the fabrics for the project next week? I am very much enjoying sewing with Lisa.  She is off tomorrow...what will we do? Wait until you see what The Brother Alan is going to make for me.....

So nice to chat with you. Time for me to watch Women's tennis. Glad you stopped by. Thank you for your kind words and thank you for your friendship.

What time is it!?

 Can not believe I woke at 10am..... but Murphy and I were awake at 6am. Guess we fell back into slumber land. The temps are still rising and according to the local TV channel we are hitting record marks this year. Nice and comfy inside. Last week a package arrived from sis Lynowl

yes, the temp was 113 and I get a fluffy and soft as a bunny tail robe! Oh is feels so nice on...not exactly time for it yet! It fits perfectly.

Tomorrow our boy Murphy goes for his grooming.... sure does get scruffy fast. He was not feeling well the last few days.... bad tummy. As Alan says, if he would stop eating all the junk he finds ( plants, rocks, cardboard and paper, and socks) he would be okay. I am always on poop patrol to be sure if he ate it it comes out! 

I finally find my this years Christmas ornament.. well one of them.

Angels... remember the quote; Every time a bell rings, an Angel gets his wings..... now they will be looking to fly for Christmas. Robyn, across the courtyard friend approves. Can you believe we are already midway into August? Goodness time seems to be really on a jet.

Weill my friends, I am so glad to chat with you but I need a cup of coffee. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship. Stay safe and well. 

The camera and computer are speaking again

The winds of March are still hanging about. I looked out to the garden and things are here and there. I thought I secured everything. The chimes are sounding lovely. I can tell how windy it is when the buoy bell begins to sound off.... then it really is gusty. So far just gentle sounds.
The other day I discovered that I was out of dried Rosemary. So on the list it went. Like most crafters I hated to toss out the container... we all know how many uses we can find to use them.  It was washed and left to dry which reminded me of my garden.

This is my Rosemary bush in the garden... it is about 3 feet wide and as high. So I decided to pick, wash and dry some.

This morning I removed the Rosemary from the stems and now the kitchen smells of Rosemary. My hands still smell also even after several hand washings. Tonight my garden Rosemary will be added to my pork chop. Next will be to dry some of my Oregano.
Usually when I have a computer problem I call The Geek Squad, they remotely fix the problem and all is well. Wednesday,  the guy at the other end of the phone did not know what to fix... could not fix it. Off to Best Buy yesterday afternoon. It took Ethan just 5 minutes and he figured it all out

Finally after  7 years of daily use, the cable is worn out. This is a Memory Card Reader … this eliminates the cable ad now voilà, all is good again. Well, with the camera and computer that is.

This is the start of my embroidered towel for the kitchen. Plans are to continue this weekend. In the meantime, Spring has arrived at the hacienda...

The Sisters and the Angel are on the mantel. Dianna gave them to me and has a matching set! When a candle is lit in the Angel it casts a lovely light. Normally these are atop my bedroom curio. I like to change decorations around the house. Everything looks new again from a different spot. The frog family also has a new place...

They moved to the Sidebar in the dining area. These are very special to me. They belonged to my Grandma Piccirilli. When I was a child they sat in her kitchen above the stove. I always wanted them and when she passed my dad got them for me. A sugar, creamer and tea/coffee pot. They probably are around 90 years or more old.
So, that is what is happening around here. No plans for today or the weekend. Hope the days are less windy so I can enjoy sitting outside. This wind causes lots of sneezing for me. I do have to fill the birdbaths so the Doves have a supply for drinking in the garden and the Mockingbird has a place to bathe out front. Always so nice to have you visit with me. Thank you for the kind words and for your friendship.

An Angel and a nut

Getting to be my new normal...getting going later than what was usual. I really do not mind...I no longer think I must get up and going. The day seems to be starting as cloudy again but I am hearing the weather report that it will reach 72 later today. Speaking of later today, Glenda and Don are hosting a Pot Luck lunch, Yesterday I went over to help get it all set up and I brought a little something for Glenda..

an angel made from a doily...one of the many that Glenda recently gave to me.

this angel has wings of feathers....love using feathers. Simple but one of a kind. Adding to the uniqueness is that there is a little bit of tatter with the doily. Next is to make one for me with one of the other doilies.
The other day while out for errands, every time I made a turn I would hear this rolling sound.... like a marble rolling across the window. As soon as I landed at my destination I began to run my hand across the window and will admit it was not easy...short reach! I could not find anything so I though maybe I imagined it. On the return drive it began again. I pulled into a parking lot and once again began to find this noise. I again found nothing. A couple of days later it happened again. I was going nuts trying to find this noise thing. This was going to dive me nuts and I thought I will go to the dealership to have them help me. Once home I grabbed a flash light and a mirror to try to see into the vent area. All of a sudden there it was...

I have no idea where this came from. There are not many trees in our the various parking lots and I do not recall parking under any. I tend to avoid them so the birds can not leave a deposit on my car. But this little nut drove me nuts for many days. Where was it you ask? Not on the inside of the car where I kept looking... no; it was in the well where the windshield wipers are. I am so glad I did not foolishly go to the dealership where I am sure they would think I was the nut.
All my packages are now out for delivery some arriving today and the rest on Monday. I have never been so late with it all. Just could not get it going. It is not that I do not have the Christmas spirit, I just needed a push. Finally the "me" gave "myself and I" a push.
There were places Denny and I would go during this time to enjoy the decorations and at night where "snow" would fall while we drank a cup of coffee sitting on a bench. I find it difficult to be taking off by myself. I may go off this week and see where I land. I really do not like driving distances or at night but it is what it is. Right now I should be going off to swish some laundry and walk the Bissell. Making the bed is a good idea too. Glad to have you visit. Thank you for the kind words and for your friendship.

More Christmas here

Waiting for my coffee to finish brewing.... cup #1 was at 2 am. Did manage to fall back to sleep so that is a good start for the day.
If you stopped by last Christmas you may remember the Angel....

She tops my tree with lots of glitz and glitter. Since she has a direction, I am sure to keep her pointing into the room... don't want any special blessings leaving the house! The year I wrapped the tree with red sheer ribbon...in a continuous bow...

The ribbon is so pretty in the light of day and when the tree lights glow. A hummer came to the window the other day and hovered close to the window to peek!
Mr & Mrs. Fox are still on their bench...

They are in front of the desk with a gift box and an ornament waiting for Santa. And my Rudolph is perched high on the curio...

sis Lynowl gave him to me … he is with me about 25 years now. He is from a shop in Wickford RI.... a place we spent a lot of time visiting. Not sure if the place is still there but we sure did enjoy being there. It was a restaurant and gift shop.
Christmas is just about everywhere in my house...

Frosty and his gal will light your way in the main bathroom!
My coffee  aroma tells me it is ready for me to drink, so I will dash off for now. I may have some special ornaments that are on the tree to show you next visit.....
Glad to chat with you today. Thank you for your kind words and friendship.
**special note...the mom, Eva P fell the other evening...nothing broken but very sore so please keep her in your thoughts. 

House tour continues....part 2

Once again my morning began early but this time I actually stayed awake. The thoughts for the day just got in the way. I actually began to bead another snowflake and it was only 5 AM. Then I remembered that I wanted to share more of my Christmas around the house...
Once I finished with the kitchen area on Thursday evening I turned to the living room.

The archway to enter the living room has garland and a few ornaments and a sparkly star in the center.

Like Elvis leaving the building,

 Father Christmas left my bedroom wall to great all who will enter the front door...this is what you see first. He is special and has quite the story and you can read about it here.

A few years ago I started to put Santa's hat on the rocker. It was a good place so that my Santa...Denny...could pick it up to wear while cooking or watching a movie with me. The book on the chair is always out for the holiday as it is called "Murder For Christmas". Dennis bought it for me in 1982 because it has 26 stories of "yuletide malice" by various mystery writers. A good book and a comfortable rocker to read it.

We loved the 1998 movie "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" and bought him as soon as we saw him that same year, as well as a smaller one for the tree. This year he sits atop a horse. He always brings a smile to my face. On my Papa's smoking stand is my Felt Fir Tree with tatted snowflakes.
Since The Village moved to the kitchen, the fireplace mantel needed …yes, angels.

There are only four of them but each is special. An there is my lampshade Santa watching the front door.....he has already fallen once and each year I put him together hoping he will make it through the season.
Speaking of Santa...

the Magical key  is hung on the front door so that special man can let himself in. Never had an actual working fireplace so there is no chimney for him to enter!
Guess that will do for today with the tour to continue tomorrow. Yes, there is more. I love to decorate. Many years ago I had the privilege to decorate trees and living rooms for a few good friends. One of these was Etta Faella the mom of my friend Pam. Etta was a long time family friend of my parents. After, she would treat me to a delicious meal. Good memories.
It is a little chilly here but should warm up and the front door will open to let in the 70+ temp later this afternoon. Robyn and Dave (Across the Courtyard) have their tree decorated and looks so pretty from my living room view. We have already added the lamp post garland and lights outside the courtyard on Thanksgiving evening. Robyn picked out one of my beaded baubles for their tree....feel honored that it will hang there. I am lucky to count these two as friends. Glad you are continuing the holiday tour. Thank you for your kind words and your friendship. Back to my beading.

Ho Ho almost

My days seem to start later...no rush to get going especially when I have nothing planned. I think I am slowing down. I can enjoy this... not feel like I must be doing something all the time. Yesterday was cool enough to actually turn off the AC and open doors for the morning. Actually so is today.

Glenda was nice enough to pick me up when I dropped the car off to have the auto starter installed on Thursday. Since it would take about 2 hours we went to the mall. I found this beautiful ornament in Dillards….it measures about 5 inches and catches the light or anything else. Can not wait to see it on my Christmas tree under the lights. For now it is on an ornament display hook.... a very tall hook. Speaking of Christmas...

Yesterday I made the first of 5 parts of the Santa Star.... oh my I am loving this pattern. I really enjoy making these dimensional stars. So many great patterns available to purchase. All of them copyrighted to protect the designers. I have also found some free patterns that are very pretty. I do not sell my creations, they are always gifts. You can guess that this will be my weekend project. There is an adorable snowman star that I am thinking of getting...just thinking.
When we left Dillards, I spotted this Cowboy angel in Hallmark...

I had to have it. Dennis bought me a few other pieces from the same artist, Ekholon…. All are signed.  I just thought of him immediately. He now sits with the others in my curio. The statue  to the far right is not an angel but still by the same artist. All of them stand 6 inches tall.

I probably should get a few things done around the hacienda before I settle into my comfy chair to bead. Glad we had the time to chat. Thank you for stopping by and for your kind words. Most of all, thank you for your friendship. 

Finally awake, well getting there

A sunny chilly day but really refreshing out there. Spoiled by so many very warm winter days we now complain when the temp is normal.  There is a breeze but at last my garden is being tossed about.
Surprised at such a late post? Well late for me but I can "esplain lucy". The doctor told me to take the med at night at a couple of different times so I could judge how I feel in the morning. The pill will make you groggy she said. Now if my sis Lynowl is reading this she is rolling her eyes...anything that makes the average person a little groggy certainly will make me Groggy with the capital G! Last evening I forgot the pill so it was 8:45 when I took it. So what I thought. It will just let me sleep longer. No. I was awake at 3 AM hungry so a bowl of Shredded Wheat and a cup of coffee...I know ...no coffee at night. Well by 4 I was back to sleep but awake around 7. Here is almost 11:30 AM and I can say I feel as if I can function. I would not make any important decisions yet, or drive the car but it is safe to say I am awake.  Glenda and Don are having a garage sale so I took a walk there to get the brisk air so it would help me wake and I think it did help a little. I bought a nice small table and once it is in place I will take picture. In the meantime, if the afternoon is better I may make the Pizzelles that I am craving.

Isn't this Angel pretty. Yesterday Dianna came by and we took a short ride to get her some yarn. We admired these little Angels.  is made in the Raku method. When we returned here she changed my living room sheers for me. I am not sure of her exact words to me when she found that I was going to use the step ladder but she insisted on doing it. My sister friend. Dianna left and I went to get bread and milk and a shopping later I came home with very painful legs so I decided to rest with them up. As I was looking up at the window thinking how lucky I am for Dianna and I noticed something on My Denny and me book. It was this sweet Angel. You see, Dianna remembered that yesterday was one of those number days and she cares. She sent me an IM wishing me a belated happy birthday and a message "let me know when you find it". Good timing as I had just found the Angel. She is a very caring gal.
I  did begin another tatted snowflake late yesterday but not sure if today is a good day to work on it. This is my tale and this is all here is for today! Time to have something to eat and no more coffee. So glad to have you stop by to chat. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

*****How many days left?....11 *****

Disclaimer.....I think I proof read this but if there any points of confusion...sorry, tomorrow will be better.

More mail deliveries

Quiet day yesterday...chilly but nice once the day moved on. Spoke with the local post office supervisor about slap shot deliveries. He agreed the "fragile" marked boxes should not be tossed over a 6 foot gate!...really?!?
I though I should organize my Denny's Angel basket. Found a couple left so I guess they will need to find a home. I have received such kind words from those who did receive one. It is my pleasure to share them.

This beautiful bracelet arrived from my RI friend Joan...very New England with the sunset, shell and star fish with a piece of beach glass in a pretty gold sheer bag. I love my bracelets.

The other box was from Lu and Stan, also in RI, and of course it was Annalee...not one but 2!

Look at this little baker.....I have a special tree for all the Lu/Stan ornaments. This little baker will help today with the  Pizzelles. I did finish my tatted snowflake

It is a very nice pattern called Bloomin' Ice Drop by Diane Cademartori. Really enjoyed this one and plan to make a few to send out for the New Year. I may not want real snow but these are just fine with me. While getting ready to make this I found that I have misplaced some of my shuttles.....seems with my recent moving and rearranging the craft closet a few things are someplace and I have no idea where. Guess I have a new task the beginning of the year.
The Bissell came in from the garage yesterday but so far has not moved. I guess I will have to guide it around the place along with the Swiffer today. I need a maid......
In the meantime, I will get busy with a laundry and house things before anything else. I thought the A/C people were coming yesterday...no, it is today. I will be enjoying dinner tonight with Robyn and Dave across the courtyard so I do not have to plan anything. Off I go to the laundry corner. Glad you stopped by today. Thank you for your kind words and friendship.
ps....the bite on my neck is healing....whatever it was!

It's all about the curio today

Last evening came the pouring rain and a bit of thunder. I do not like these storms! Today is beginning with very overcast skies and muggy. Actually there is a light drizzle falling. Now I have dirty rain water in the pond...and that means another morning (not today) cleaning it out and I better finish the cleaning this time and get regular water back in so this will not happen again. I am hoping that the waterfall connection is clear and I can figure the rock formation so that it will fall properly. For now, I may have to just put it back as a fountain. Two steps forward and one back. But, what I want to show you is my new curio

Doesn't it look lovely next to my chair? On Saturday Don took me to get it  and yesterday Glenda  (they are a team) and I arranged this and that for the shelves.

It is a perfect size; 59"x32"x13". This is the top of the curio. Both the angel and the dragonfly piece at the far right have a battery candle. So very pretty at nighttime. The stitched piece of violets  and the ornament is a piece of turquoise and copper.

 Remember to ignore reflections...mirror backing can be difficult! This is shelf one with angels, fairy and angel wings with a piece of tatting. On shelf 2, is my Cinderella...a couple of glass blown pumpkins as well as the coach and glass slipper and the Disney glass coach pin. Of course my stitched coach too.  In front of the Angels is a glass ball sitting on frogs. The front left is a Lenox dragonfly and sitting on the velvet slipper pillow is a beautiful hand painted needle box that I received as a gift from KimM.

On the third shelf is my needlework doll and the two Victorian ladies that Mr H bought for me when I first visited Arizona. They look lovely with the mirror to reflect the intricate back of their clothing. I decided to put the rose trimmed mirror here to help preserve it. In front of the ladies is a lovely dish with raised roses around the top from Italy. It was given to me 47 years ago ...a gift from Denny's cousin Tootsie that I treasure.  On the bottom of the curio are two Faeries sitting pretty and in the center is a fairy  atop a glass bubble. So pleased with this curio purchase as well as how Glenda and I filled it. Totally feels feminine with my treasures.
This weather has me feeling tired. I was ambitious yesterday morning and I made delicious Pizzelles. Today not ambitious at all. Maybe some teddy bear sewing as it all ready for the machine. Right now I need to finish my coffee. So glad to chat with you today. Thank you for the kind words and for your friendship. Let's have a good day.

Words of Affirmation is complete

Well, at this point it is. This project as I mentioned before was started a few months before Dennis passed. He was very much a part of color, embellishment and ideas and also where to hang it. I thought I would show you the full banner and then for the week or so pick an area and tell you about it.

It is about 13 wide and 36 long. Denny thought it would be good to hang it on the closet door...a place where we would encounter it many times. His plan was to mount it differently than I did but for now this is how it is hanging.  This truly was a labor of love for me to work on. Each word has a special meaning for me and also because Denny really liked the project and gave input. By the way, it looks crooked but it is not...I guess I stand off kilter. I say it is complete and it may be so. However, I may find a charm or two to add. There is one thing I did not make yet...a yo-yo. Dennis mentioned it would be nice to "put one of those cloth circles" on it. I had a busy day yesterday. Dianna and Bob came by so Bob could fix the running toilet....Thank you Bobby! Then he also hung my new hummer feeder in the kitchen window out of the sun and helped with my front walkway. Dianna and I have been friends for a long time (worked together at Jo Ann's) and even worked on projects together. Now I can add her Bobby to my list of caring friends. I have been overwhelmed with the caring messages and kindness of all. Don stopped by to check the watering system to help me make some changes. It will make my care of the yard easier.
I love my Dragonflies and I received 2 beautiful pins.

This one is from a long time Rhode Island friend, Janet.  I will always think of her when I wear it.
Dear friend Glenda saw this and thought of me....

So pretty. Cards, messages, flowers/plants and emails have brightened my days. Dennis did not want any commotion. "Just cremate me and put me in a box on the book shelf with Sherlock and Zoe (our pooches). No service , maybe you could have a party with balloons (he loved balloons at parties). Having him home with me has really brought it to reality. I am never really alone~~~~~~

A package arrived from cousin Janice (in RI)...

Is this not the cutest thing! He/she is solar powered and has an on/off switch at the tip of the nose. Part pipe, part metal and a glass bottle for a butt....just too ~~ too cute! Now I need a name for he/she.....it could really be either. I must tell you that at 3:30 this morning the winds were crazy. One of the closed umbrellas fell over, the bushes and trees were whipping around as well as a few other yard things. Now it is quiet....not a leaf is moving and it is cloudy...after all, this is Monsoon season so maybe we will get rain??? or not. I have been working on Denny's Angels and hope to start at least one Denny Teddy Bear soon. I always liked keeping busy and more so now. Did I mention that I have one more cupboard in the garage to clean? It is the cupboard with the cooking stuff...pans and things. Did I mention I found the last (I hope) electric drill which brings my collection to I think 4. I know there are way too many frying pans out there. Yes, he enjoyed gardening, electronics and buying pots and pans for his cooking. I think a Fall garage sale is in the works! For now, I will straighten the house, make my bed and get a bread dough ready for baking tomorrow. Right now I need my coffee and my tatting. You are all so special tome...thank you for the kind and caring words and emails. Most of all thank you for the love and friendship. Let's have a good day.💖