It's still dark outside

Here I am not only awake but up and out of bed at 5 AM and the washing machine is swishing . My coffee began with an issue...I should say that there would not have been half ground beans all over the counter if I had not lifted the grinder lid while the beans were still whirling. So it was start over and now I am enjoying my first cup of the day. I think my love of coffee comes from my dad who loved his coffee. He had a wood burning stove in the basement and would pour water and coffee (already ground) into the pot and bring it to the boil. Not my kind of coffee, but I do enjoy fresh brewed coffee. I tried tatting yesterday afternoon but I have a small cut on the index finger that got caught few times and do that ended. Instead it was back to the computer to ...well, let me start from the beginning. Friend Dianna makes beautiful picture books with Shutterfly. She offered me a coupon for a free 8x8 20 page book. Yes, I want to make a book. So yesterday she brought the coupon and gave me a crash course on how to navigate the site. We took a break and went for a hamburger and then I returned to ...let me just say it took quite a time to upload and scan photos. Guess what I will be doing for the next week.
The Sweet Memory is in bloom

Do you see him hidden in the blooms? Lots of blooms to enjoy right now out there. I think there is a tomato getting ready for me. Those beans...they are growing but yet to see beans.  Remember the fluorescent light issue? Late yesterday it was working just fine. Last night and this morning...back to only half a light. Just when I thought I would not be playing with it...I think (she says with a note of know-it-all) it is a loose connection. We shall see later today when I attempt to check it out. The residents in the aquarium are having a spa day...adding water and a shot of water treatment so it will be a later breakfast for them. Amazingly they are doing well.
Still have not gotten into the Christmas storage cupboard to find the village...right now it is take one wash out and put another in. So, hate to leave you but today is the maids day off. Thank you for chatting with me and for your kind words and for your friendship. 

Slow down, you move too fast

You got to make the morning last......ah yes Simon and Garfunkel. This is not the day to over do. Very little sleep last night and a dull head this morning. First let me tell you that last night there was thunder~~~there was lightening~~~there was rain and wind. I hate nighttime storms and finally it all quieted down so off to sleep. At 5 AM it started all over again! Now the sun is out and it is hot and humid. I did go out to clean up the yard a little. Again there is not painting today. But I did manage to get the spotlight on the waterfall
and it looks nice. The light changes from red--blue--white--yellow and green. I will probably keep adjusting it until I like how it reflects. I have it on a separate remote control so it is off all day and on when I click it.

The weather takes a toll on everything out here. The blue umbrella will be meeting with the trash guys on Tuesday. The red and green will stay until I get to replace them; as soon as Monsoon season is over which is mid-end September. It is on the To Do List with several other things. Many items are already crossed off my lists but I am trying to slow down with some that are not on my immediate agenda.
I am pleased with the kitchen area

some minor changes to be made with the storage of items at the desk and the file cabinet.  I ordered a keyboard slide to attach under the desk.  I like it much better out of the corner. There is more natural light coming form the large window across the room as well as the slider right next to it. I also like the tea cups moved

 The bakers rack is just off center on the wall. This has opened this side of the kitchen area.
I should mention the Aquarium and the tenants. They are all fine....well, the 3 little silver and black fish that are schoolers who do not always school like they did at the pet shop, are now slightly orange in color.  The tank has not been too much work. I just changed the charcoal filter and I remember to move the moss ball around. The filter has a water wheel so it has a nice trickling sound.
I am a bit sad this morning as I dropped my favorite pen on the tile floor. Denny bought it for me many years ago, a Diplomat and it writes so nice and had a good feel to it. It will now not retract the refill. I guess it is not so bad as it sits on the desk in my antique pen and ink holder. A reminder that nothing lasts forever. I think it is time to take something for the headache which is now more that dull, and feed my hungry stomach. So nice to chat with you. Than you for the kind words and for you friendship. Tomorrow I will tell you about a friend, a card and an angel. 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.

A busy morning

Feels strange post at this time...later in the morning. The reason is that I was out by 6 to vacuum the pond, flush the pump, add back in the 12 gallons of water  and add the algae chemical. Of course even though I did not take a pond shower, I did spill some of the lovely green water on myself. The dust storm yesterday afternoon brought all kinds of stuff into the yard and across the garage so that was swept up before coming in for a normal shower.  Then it was make hummer food and  clean 2 of the feeders and fill them. While on this roll I cleaned the aquarium and now I am finished.....also tired. Yesterday we had strong winds and a  dust storm....

this was the dust storm looking out of my garage toward the East. Nasty stuff. I just poked out for a second. Not something you want to be in walking or driving. The winds were actually howling at times. Not sure of the size  of this one, but they can be huge and very dangerous to be caught in.
Today my word is Patient.

This was the next word to stitch and  the first word I did when Denny was admitted to the hospital.....he thought it was so fitting as did I. A simple word. He was the patient and I was being patient even though I knew it was going to take more than I had at the moment. Everyday at the hospital he would ask what I was stitching and when finished asked to see it. They were long days and I was able to usually finish a word. The crystal beads are beads he found among my many beads. They make me think quiet and gentle. We have many wind chimes that he hung both in back and in front of the house as well as indoors too. I dangled these in that fashion...they hang quietly here.
Thank you for the lovely comments regarding the Words banner. I am happy that you have been enjoying the story and planning that went into it.  Thank you also for the kind words and emails and cards. Thank you most of all for your caring friendship. Let's have a good day.

Room with a view

The weather has been so hot...the only place to be is indoors with the air conditioner keeping you cool. The forecast for today is 119 as well as for Wednesday and the rest of the week is to be in the high triple digits around 114. We need gloves to touch the steering wheel in the car! Luckily I have the automatic car starter so I can get the car cooled before driving anywhere.
If the days were cooler....

this quiet patio just outside Denny's room would be a lovely place to sit. Everything about this place is all about feeling homelike, and it does not look anything like a medical facility. Denny did not really get to see it as so but I appreciate it. Yesterday he had a fever and they monitored it with just a little success of bringing it down. I am told it is not uncommon for this to happen.....just something else. I continue to tat Angels, they will be finished here at home. The halos require some finessing and the Santa needs to have his felt backing glued on. So far the pond is working okay and yesterday I went to Lowes to get the algae treatment to add in. With this heat is sure to be a problem. Gee, I actually must have listened when Denny talked about the pond. I have not mentioned to him about the state of the plants...he did remind me those beginning days here to water them well and often.....I did try but this heat did not help at all. They will be replaced eventually. The Dove family is getting ready to leave the nest...at least the parents are trying to get them to leave but the 2 kids are not so ready. That about covers this update....thank you for the love and encouragement that you send to us....thank you for your friendship which truly is helping me get through this chapter in our lives. Time to turn on the aquarium light  wake the house tenant and feed him and brew some coffee...soon my day will really start.

Keeping busy

Some have asked whether I have been stitching or tatting and the answer is yes. Sitting with Denny and chatting and keeping busy. One thing that will always stay with me is "What are you working on now" so often asked by him to me. While in the hospital I was working on Affirmation Words.....a project that will only be completed when...... The Hospice Center is a quiet place and while we chat and watch favorite TV shows, I ....

stitched this Santa ornament on perforated paper. He needs finally completion which I can only do at home so here is only a partial look. Tatting has also occupied my time...

2 Sun catchers; one with a blue gem and the other with a gold gem and the smaller clear glass gem for an ornament or just to display piece. I plan on giving a few away as mementos of Denny. I began  another tatting project yesterday...

Angels .... today I will complete them with the bottom trim and halos. If you follow me on Facebook you will already know this....on Saturday I sent an SOS out to Don and Glenda (friends of the heart) to help me with the 3 line gas rule....that is right, the gas that The Brother Alan put in did not last until he will return this Spring...so, what to do? As I pulled into the parking lot of the Hospice center there is a Fry's gas station...I was feeling brave so I pulled in after circling once to find just the right pump. Then I stood there watching the guy across the way and the lady next to me...I remembered to open the gas cover and then after a brief struggle with the gas cap...(who designed a push and twist cap !?) turned my attention the pump. everything push button and after the last yes was tapped I lifted the handle, inserted into the car and nothing...right, squeeze the handle and Voila! gas . So at the age of 70 I have for the first time pumped gas....not sure about wanting to do this often but as Glenda pointed out I will probably only need to do this once a month or so ( I do not drive much) . Of course I bragged to Denny when I sat there ... not sure how impressed he was but the nurse was! My Denny is still slowly failing, and still not verbal nor does he open his eyes..... but we watch the cooking shows and the PBS programs and since he can not complain I sneak in a few that he is not fond of.  I sit and miss the man who's smile always melted me and his dry sense of humor and his holding my hand. Now I hold his hand and try to explain my time away from him. I know he would be glad that I have so far conquered the pond fiasco and the aquarium mishap and yes the gas pump. I tell him I love him and wish I could hear the return "I love you too". 

You should have waited.....

Yesterday when I came home I decided it was time to change the water in the aquarium...even for the one remaining tenant.....so, I began to take out the water and of course it somehow was all about me...the rug and me. Okay, take a deep breath and now I needed to empty more than planned so I could move this 10 gallon lake so I could wipe up all the water. Out came the fish and I will say he did not seem too happy. Finally got that all set and remembered to treat the water. In my head I could hear Mr H saying..."you should have waited for me". Then to do some laundry. I now needed to eat. It seemed that the evening would progress better when I decided to get something from the closet top shelf. I opened the 3 step ladder and missed the first step. I could hear Mr H...." you should have waited for me". Luckily I caught my balance and no harm done.  This morning after a restless night I thought to check the pond...where did the fountain go....why is it I have to stick my hands up to my elbow in this nasty place. I found the pump and fountain and proceeded to set it back in place and you guessed it. I took not only a shower but a shampoo without the shampoo. I could hear Mr H ... "you should have waited for me". I did want to wait....I so wanted to have you do these tasks....but you are not here and I am waiting....I will sit with you again today and we will hold hands and I will chat and I will wait...for you.

New tenants and project

I had a relaxing and quiet weekend. On Saturday the new tenants for the Aquarium moved in,,,

I forgot their names but we have 2 of each. So far they seem to approve of the swimming area and the hiding spots. I know the picture is not too clear, but it is the best I could do with glare and such. I added a backing to the tank which reflects a blue ocean and coral, looks better than the wall.  The soft sounds of the water bubbling are really nice. I did some tatting...

With this bauble I did use a balloon to round the shape. The "gems" are lovely bronze beads and bronze crystals. Not sure if I prefer the squashed version or this rounded look....what do you think.  I think these will look pretty on my tatted trees this Christmas.  While visiting blog for the Easter Blog Hop, I found one that had some lovely work and a pattern that was for a Victorian Thread Bag. It had been a freebie but when I went to search for it, it was not found. I emailed Sheryl from Sewing After Seven and she looked and found her copy and kindly emailed it to me.



Traditionally it would be crocheted using white or ecru thread, but I wanted a more modern look so I started mine with Aunt Lydia's Ocean size 10. I think it will be nice to use while tatting to keep the ball from going here and there and also clean. Seems strange to be crocheting! I do like to vary what I make.  Sometimes I am my own worse problem child. I want to do so many things and try so many things that I give me myself and I a headache!  Of course since my blood pressure is still a good number, we will do nothing to cause stress or a headache.

this sweet vase is so cheerful on our table. Bright yellow tulips and orange daisies....absolutely glowed for Easter. I must tell you...Mr H found that the Doves were back in the planter on Saturday but guess they decided that his stares through the kitchen window were enough to have them move on...we think! One week has passed and the countdown continues to the arrival of The Brother Alan----3 weeks to arrival! Not sure of the plans but I do know he will have some ideas. Hopefully Mr H will feel up to some outings. The important thing is that we spend time together whether out and about or here at Horton House. Soon I will vacate some of my sewing/craft belongings from the front bedroom (sewing room) and turn it into a proper room for the visitors. So happy that you had time to stop by. It has been nice chatting with you today; thank you for the kind words and most of all your friendship. Have a wonderful day.

At 3 O'Clock in the morning-------

Yes, I was up and awake once again in the early hours....so of course I must be doing something right?

Another Sun -catcher for the window....or....this time  with a variegated light green and green glass gem in the center. I did manage to doze off once this was finished so now I am ready for the day. A visit to Petco is the plan because we have an addition to the Horton House..... I would have liked a puppy, but not happening so how about

we are adding an aquarium.... a 15 gallon. Years ago we had one and very much enjoyed the sound of the water and the gentle gliding of fish. This has a day light and an evening light. We will be adding a backing to the glass and maybe one other hiding feature for the new residents.  I had the glass shells and starfish as well as the real clam shell. Yesterday I decided to make something new for the front entrance outside wall...

just a simple 8 x 10 frame without the glass or backing and the addition of some flowers and sphagnum moss. Hopefully the birds will not decide to rest here or pick the moss from here. Time will tell I guess. Speaking of birds, the Mourning Doves are once again trying to convince the last baby to leave home. I do think today will be the day as it sat on the edge of the planter on/off yesterday. Could we finally be finished with nesting at Horton House? Mr H would not mind it if it is so. Beginning to be a maternity ward here. I forgot to tell you, my blood pressure has been down considerably....and I am feeling less tired. Still missing my coffee during the day, but the caffeine withdrawal headaches are over now. My thumb was doing nicely until I seem to have another small cut on it....have no idea when or how, but I need my thumb! Always something around here. Still trying to find someone to install the kitchen faucet...I just may be attempting this one. Guess the job is too small and since I already have the parts, well, they probably know they really can not charge high cost to the job. I found 2 more people to call before getting under the sink! It is going to be a beautiful weather weekend but we will not be doing any Easter egg hunting with our ailments, so the hard boiled  (not colored) eggs are in the fridge. and the tatted ones on the display branch. That about covers it dear friends. Glad you had some time to visit. Thank you so much for your kind words and caring about us here at Horton House. Than you for your friendship. Have a wonderful day.