yup, the sewing machine works

It is absolutely a beautiful morning....the  temp is reading only 69! Now that is what I call lovely after the high tempos we have had for early morning. However, it was still hot yesterday reaching 107 and expected again today. They say a cool down (high 90's) is expected for the beginning of next week. We shall see if the heat is finally going away. I read the instruction manual for the sewing machine. I figured out how to thread and wind a bobbin....

and finally completed the piece which was finished way back when. I was hesitant to make the pillow because the old machine was not always cooperative and I did not want to chance having to tear out stitches on the linen. I always loved the song Lavender Blue so this was a must for me to stitch. I used the soft green vine print on the back and hand stitched the cream cording around the edge. It sits on the rocker in my bedroom.
I participate in the Black Bird Design Exchange group and mailed out my piece in August. I know it had to travel to Australia, but I am sure it should have arrived by now. The partner I sent to does not have a blog, so I have no way to peek to see if she posted anything and do not have  an email to contact her. This is what I made for her

I have stitched this before and will probably stitch it again. I added pearl seed beads instead of stitches here and there and the tassels in all corners. I love the backing fabric....hopefully this did not get lost. I have contacted the moderator for the group so she can contact the recipient. I  love to exchange both privately and in groups.... always has gone well.  I did start another Alphabet doll, but put it aside for now to work on a southwest design. Why?? I have not a simple answer. My hands work with my mind on their own? Anyway, I took it to work on at Sweet Jeanne's place Wednesday morning We got together at 8 am! Her piece is almost finished and she has done a fine job too. We have such a good time chatting almost more than stitching.... I so enjoy visiting with her. We share stories, we share memories.  The Debra and I are going to try to start a tatting group. With her experience in tatting and teaching, she will be able to offer so much. So, any of you that may read this in Arizona (there are many bloggers here) and would like to join us, please let me know. I am off to work today....so I must say move along. Thank you for spending time with me...and for the kind words.... have a wonderful day.

A motif and a BBD

Saturday, my end of the week day. My weekends start on Sunday as I am off both Sunday and Monday each week. Mr H and I are just waiting for the cooler weather to arrive. We would be happy with 90 for a few days! The yard needs attention and the plants are so tired from the heat. What it does mean is that I really have time to stitch and I will never complain about that. Yesterday the Postman delivered a package from Linda Oja who was my BBD exchange partner...

Linda covered a box for me and made a pin pillow. She included a bag of assorted buttons which I always like to have and a beaded kit. Thank you Linda for your thoughtfulness. Hope my partner will be receiving her package soon....I really enjoy exchanges.


 I tatted another motif on a ring...

 my sleeping angel is watching over it. This little angel has been with me since forever.... many years. The motif is just under 2 inches and is with lavender thread and white. I am having trouble finding 23mm plastic rings... can only get 20mm and 25mm. I would like to make a few larger motifs on the rings. I may have to go to Michaels or Hobby Lobby....shh, don't tell my MOD's. We do not have them at Jo Ann's.

I have had a question about my Blogger address book and I will post about that tomorrow and about the nice tote bag I put together for my tatting. Something to take along when I go to The Debra's.
Don't forget that Sunday I will draw for the traveling pattern's next stitcher. If you are interested, leave a comment and tell me that you would like the chance to stitch it.....I just discovered this highlight thing! Well, need to get back to my tea and toast. Glad to spend some time with you and thank you for the kind words and email....have a great day.

Postal snafu and tatting

First let me tell you about our mail person.... he is retiring and not a day too soon for me. He is not on my friendship list for a few reasons... so, enter a possible new mail person.. a she who in her divine wisdom did not know what to do with an envelope addressed to me at my correct address from Australia. In my mail box was a pick up notice for the parcel. When I went to the post office, I explained that I frequently get this type of mail and expect that it is delivered to my home... the she in question is a trainee. But here it is....

It is my Black Bird Exchange from Leanne in Australia. Delicious caramello Koalas! and chocolate covered cookies and look.... a ribbon embroidery pin to stitch. I do like ribbon embroidery! She not only stitched my initial on a card, but in my color.... laveneder....and the pin pillow has a log cabin square...very nice indeed. Thank you Leanne.
I had a to do yesterday with Bet Buy...trying to schedule an appointment to have the remote starter installed. I can not go on my own because Mr H is the name on the order and it will take 3 hours and we will have to remain there as we have only one car! I had to speak with 5 people before this was accomplished. So Wednesday is the day for the installation. I am very spoiled and miss being able to pre-start the car and have the air conditioning run for a few minutes before getting in. Back East, it was for melting the snow and ice off the car!
My second lesson with Debra went well... she started me on a motif....

my homework was to finish the round and she will start me on the final round. I am quite proud of it. Using size 30 thread was a bit of a challenge, but I think I got the hang of it now. She is so talented and patient. We have discovered that we have so much in common.... this is a nice friendship.
I should tell you that I finally saw the elusive baby fish in Mr H's pond. It is all black. Why am I telling you the color? Well the other 2 monstrous fish in the pond are orange and one is mostly white! So far, it still prefers to hide under the rock edge or at the bottom so I have no idea when my next sighting will be. I should mention that Mr H is going to be upset again with the birds. Again this year, the Doves are as I speak with you building their nest in the wall basket next to our back door. I will try for a picture..... We have turned into an aviary!
I am glad that we had some time to visit. Thank you for the kind words and emails. Whatever your plans for the day, hope they include some stitch time... I will be out on the lanai with my project.....

Two nice days.....and a bath

Sunday was such a nice relaxing day. Some stitching, getting some groceries (must have food not just thread) and a movie or two in the comfort of the living room with Mr H  .---Monday...this was our Monthly Stitch group meeting...always nice to catch up with the ladies and see what everyone is working on. I worked on my roses and even more since Monday morning.

Since this picture, I have added the rest of the roses and now need to do the leaves...the part I am not fond of! Sorry for the wrinkles...too lazy to iron it.

I was happy to know that my BBD Exchange finally arrived in Mexico for Laura

It is Oh My Stars that I made into a needle roll. I have already started another  BBD Design in anticipation of the next round....
I wish I could show you a picture of what I was so privileged to see Sunday morning. I went out to the yard and heard the familiar talk of the Hummingbird...but where was it? I stood very still and closed my eyes and the then knew where to look. The pond. I slowly moved toward the pond and stopped. There sitting on the fountain head in the middle of our little pond was a hummer...taking a bath! I could not move.. I did not want to scare him and I just wanted to enjoy this moment. It lasted just seconds but what a delight to see. Once the weather is warmer I always have the camera outside with me. Just maybe I will catch a hummer taking a bath. You never know. I must tell you what a joy it is to have you in my world. the caring and sharing.... but that will be another post....for now....
must get the laundry into the dryer and have some breakfast. Thank you always for being here and for the kind words and emails.  I hope your day will be wonderful.

A special Valentine

First let me tell you a quick story. About 20 years ago, Mr H stopped wearing his wedding band.  Not because he did not like to, it simply did not fit anymore.  Even when we first married, he worked one job that he could not wear it and it was on and off all the time. I did not mind. We did look on occasion for a new one, but never could he decided on any. We did replace it once with a silver and turquoise band, but then  that too became a little tight.  This week we found one...remember when I said we visited a jeweler? For once it was not for me. They had to order it and it arrived on Valentine's Day!

After so long, it is strange to see Mr H wearing a ring.... a simple but elegant silver band..... but I do like that he once again is wearing a band. Call me sentimental....
On to the un-mushy stuff!  (a new word?)
I participate in the BBD Exchange group...and this is what Laura sent to me..

I love cardinals... we do not see them here in The Valley of Arizona. They live in the high country...up North. Back in Rhode Island we had them daily at our feeders...a delight to see and hear their chatter.  Now I have one of my own to live here.... right at my front door for all to see when they enter. She did a wonderful finish and I love the backing fabric.
Well, my friends, that is about it for today. Thank you for stopping by, and welcome to my new friends. It is always so nice to meet new bloggers. I will be stopping by to join you also. Until we chat again, have a great day and weekend.