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.

Slow start to the day

Just a lazy morning. If I did not have a doctor appointment I would still be in pjs and no attempt to leave the house. But, the appointment is for 9:30 am and it is not an office that I have been to before so I will need to leave a bit earlier to find it. The morning is quite cool at 64 but they say it will rise to 99 by afternoon...when will we get to normal temps?
I began the art project that I mentioned

This is my creative space...a card table set up in near the computer for easy access. I finally decided that my theme would be the garden and this will be a tribute to Dennis. I am thinking of how my collage will be and gathering a few elements to add.

So far I have written on my blank canvas as the artist/teacher suggests. It most likely will all get covered with possibly a few words peeking out. Once I wrote the words I did feel that it is an inspiration to help create this piece. The words in my mind are now written and I will se where they lead me.
I have not had my morning coffee or breakfast yet. I was told to make sure that I am very hydrated so it has been water all night and so far this morning. The time is moving along and it is time I stop dilly dallying and get myself ready to go. Thank you for email of concern because I had not posted...I am okay. Each time the 21st rolls by it causes me to reflect on Denny and how much I miss his voice and touch. But I am doing okay as I have great friends that keep me focused....Debbie, Lu, Glenda and Vickie and others. Thank you. I am able to move on because of you and your visits in person and on line.  Thank you for the kind words. Thank you for your 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.

Having an off day

Starting my day not feeling myself. Who ever this is best get a move on cause I hate not feeling well especially without specifics. Started yesterday and seems to be continuing today. The weather is starting out fairly cool and a bit breezy, perfect for sitting out but with the way I feel I am not sure if I should.
I managed some tatting yesterday and sat outside for a couple of hours. Friend JeanneG stopped by and we sat outside visiting. The irrigation still has two areas that I think are leaking but at this pint I am not going to worry about it. My concern is the two bushes that need some expert help. I did think of pulling out the

big gas powered thing...first I can barely lift it and secondly not sure about adding fuel and thirdly it is a weapon of mass destruction....to me. Yu do know the outcome of my using this would not be good. The blade is 24 inches and I can barely hand a little jig-saw. I have been invited to join in with Glenda and Don for a garage sale this Thursday/Friday. Maybe this should go!
I have most of the supplies for the on-line art class

just need to add a few things. Hopefully I am feeling better for the writing class on Tuesday and I must set up a couple of medical tests this week. All in all I am busy. No time for feeling blah. Today will definitely be a slow day...well, I do have to gather stuff for the garage sale. It will require climbing the step ladder and organizing stuff...we'll see. My email is still messed up on the computer, thank you Cox for not getting it fixed. I have been relying on my tablet.
The doors are open and air is breezing through the house....so nice. I will finish my coffee and see what the day brings. Thank you for chatting with me and for your kind words and most of all your friendship.

Trouble in Paradise

Yes, just when I think I have it all settled and all is well in my little paradise, my backyard... Don fixed a bad sprinkler head and now there is another leaking. But, I am not too concerned --- yet. I had to cut down the remaining Yucca plant. It is okay because there is lots of new shoots growing. These plants are original to the property. The new issue is a bug problem with the Yellow Bells and Honeysuckle. I will call Robert (the landscaper) on Monday to see what he thinks. Most likely the Honeysuckle which is a beautiful bush will have to be removed. The Yellow Bells I will cut back if that is what he suggests.
I have  yet to tat or stitch...my mind just is not going in that direction. I really miss that creative side of my days. I did bake bread yesterday...

This is French Country bread. The texture is so nice and tasty. My house was filled with such aroma last night. So far this is my favorite to make. I do want to get a bread machine recipe book for more variety. I know I can go on line, but baking from a book is so old fashion and nice.
I went to Hobby Lobby to get the suggested supplies for my on line art class. I have other supplies already. Debbie and I are ready! I plan to sit outside this morning to work on my writing class. This is a very casual class...no grades, basically no rules. You will get what you put into it. I have been trying to use my tablet for the writing but I am having trouble getting it to save to my computer. I did manage to figure out how to add my printer and can print from the tablet. My honey friend Keith who helps me with my computer is away on vacation...I know how dare he when I need him! All will be okay because when he returns there will be Pizzelles for him when he helps me...I know the way to win him over! I am sure he will figure out how to write, how to save so I can edit and then send to the desk top. I sure do not understand the instructions.
I found this cute little chair at the thrift shop

It is perfect condition. I passed up on a nice little table and when I went back it was gone...of course. Let that be a lesson to me!
The laundry is finished, my coffee mug is empty so it is time to grab my writing and sit outside until it gets too warm. The temps are still high. Today is expected to be in the upper 90s. Right now it is comfortable to sit out on the front porch so that is where I will head. Glad you stopped by today. Thank you so much for the kind words and for your friendship.