Something to crow about

 Today looks to be a cloudy day.... yet no rain in the forecast. The lack of full sun feels relaxing somehow. Murphy is yelling at the goings on in the courtyard...I have been working with him on stopping after the first few yells and when I say "enough". Some days it works and of course when I am buy it doe not. He is a work in progress.

You could say that I have gone to the birds.... and I would agree. I am enjoying the hand stitching of these winged friends. Today I finished the crow. He will have a friend as they usually travel in more than one. Did you know that a few crows are called "a murder of crows"? I have one that visits the garden stopping by for a drink from the fountain. 

The new glue gun is working great. It is a duel temp and very light handed. It has it's own stand...the bright green"foot" but I feel better to have it secured in my stand. I have had this stand since the 80s. It was made for me and serves me well. I plan on an easy day as I have a horrible back ache, Just swishing in the laundry area. I am trying to be more relaxed and less anxious. Have to go now---- Ciao Italia is on and Maryann is making Cialdoni which are similar to cannoli. I am the only one here who likes cannoli. Guess it will be chocolate bundt cake in my oven today. Maybe I will feel creative later.

 Glad we visited. Thank you for the kind words and for your friendship.

The sounds of water

Hello my friends. The temperature cooled a day or two .  It was only in the mid 100s. There was rain but not here in The Valley, it was East of us. Murphy goes out to deposit then usually right back in and tries to remain in the shade out in the garden. The bricks are very hot.

  I ordered some salve for his feet...Musher... which was developed for the Alaskan dogs to soothe their feet. So far we have only been able to put it on Murphy's front paws...he detests having his back feet touched! He is still  a work in progress.

Alan has made another change to the garden and front area....

A new fountain for the garden. The sound is wonderful. Each of the 3 bottom bowls have a light and nighttime is a soft glow. The top bowl needs a rock for the hummers to sit on to bathe. the fountain from here has been moved

To the front of our porch area. The hummers have already returned to drink from the top bubble. Now when sitting on the porch we have the sounds of gurgling water. Very relaxing.

 

Soon Daisy the heating pad Llama and her pillowcase will be flying to her new home. I have been slow to get this all together. This time the box will be registered and signed for.

I enjoy baking and have for years baked at least once a week. This is a lemon cake...Alan likes lemon cake...me, not so much. I use box mixes for cakes and from scratch other baked goods. It is quick and easy. Later today I will be making Prosciutto Bread and Italian stuffed artichokes for our dinner tonight. 

Swishing is ready for fluffing in the laundry area. Happy to have you visit with me. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Happy Canada Day to my Canadian friends....Debbie Burke and Lynda Ruth Bowers.

Almost gone...

 I am not sure if it is the Covid situation or just the holiday season, but days disappear. I am always home as a retiree but it is different when you are home trying to avoid illness. Tomorrow is a new month but not much has changed. Like many other states our Covid numbers have risen.  With Alan and Lisa out in the working world, they are careful and we all stay safe. Hopefully you are all okay. The other day I received a text informing me that a friend had passed. I had not been aware of her health issues (she is  was in RI). This gal was the daughter of my childhood friend Donna who passed in June! So sad for the family, she left a dad and a sister. Any death around the holidays is hard to deal with.

On a happier note, I am keeping as busy as my hands let me. Yes, still and always will have trouble because of the arthritis.

Did you...do you remember making folded books years ago? I do. We used to use the Reader's Digest and make full rounded trees. I saw this on Pinterest (of course)  so I got a book from the Dollar Store and voilà a tree grew! Brought back memories of Girl Scouts in the 50s.

These cute ornaments will soon fly away. The Post Office seems to be in a slow down so the sooner they go the sooner they will arrive. No picture to show yet, but I started the socks for Lisa. I love knitting socks. My goal is to get them completed soon. There are lots of "soons" in my world lately.

Later I will bake Almond Biscotti. We enjoyed fresh baked bread with our past in marinara sauce last night. Alan is a good cook. 

Murphy has a stocking.  It is burlap with applique that I made years ago. I just added his name to it. Surprisingly he has not touched it or our stockings which are hung on the fireplace.

Our gifts are on the mantle this year because Murphy thinks every package is his and enjoys tearing any...I mean any...box or mail into pieces. As a matter of fact, he has not touched the tree at all. 

Well friends, it has been nice chatting with you, but there are chores to do so I can bake. Thank you for your kind words and thank you for your friendship.

Stay safe.

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!

He is so handsome!

 Arizona is still in a heat advisory and the local electric company wants everyone to conserve by turning up the AC, not to use washers/dryers and things like pool filters until after 9pm. Mind you, the temps have been record setting and remain around 115 daily and 90 overnight. APS also is saying they may have to do rotating outages which will last around 1/2 hour and there will be no prior notice. I speak from experience when I say going without AC even a short time is difficult in these temps. When Dennis was in hospital and suppose to return home, that weekend the AC quit. The triple digits during the day and the temp in this house was around 97 at nighttime and stifling. Complaining finished. 

Murphy has a new groomer, Mary who did a perfect trim upon our specifications. Isn't he looking good! He is trimmed short and feels like velvet. I thought I would show you how Murphy "hides"... when he has something he should not have.

Look at that butt. He thinks we do not see him. Other hiding places are  under the ottoman, along side the chair in my room or under my bed which he does disappear. Once under the sofa, he really has to pull himself out...just fits. He is our delight. 

Baked a banana bread yesterday...almost gone. It is such a pleasure to have someone (The Brother Alan) who enjoys cakes and Pizzelles and scones etc. Lisa does also! 

I hope everyone is healthy and safe. I know many do not wear masks...we do. I know that many do not care about social distance...we do. We are doing our best to remain healthy. Glad you could stop by to visit. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Christmas in July

So hot...yes I know it is always hot this time of year. Murphy and I took a quick walk so he could water the boulders and then promptly home.  I try to take him out before 10am and after 7pm. Temps have been 108 and even 110. Today is my lazy day as I woke with a mild headache and some body aches. Thank goodness for pills for this and that....now if they work.

This is how Murphy keeps his treasures, strewn about. Of course he does guard them when he sleeps...

He absolutely loves the butcher bones. Currently he has a collection of 6 as I tossed out 2 and he has another in the cupboard still wrapped. Shhh ---do not tell him or there will be lots of chatter.
So, Lisa and I thought...we are dangerous when we think together.... let's try this... a bed as he will not use any basket or bin for his stuff.

So soft, fluffy and cushiony. He got this close to getting in and to nap but that was it. He will take treasures out even occasionally drop one in but not to sleep in. We knew he would not sleep in it but it is working to coral things. Did I mention I have had to repair a few chewed spots..... Alan does not know, but the other day he got hold of one of his socks....yes Murphy did chew a hole in it. Lisa and I just toss them out! Murphy just turned 11 months old. Just a baby.....
Very happy to have June gone. It is a difficult time for me, still. July has come with a gift!

A Kitchen aide Professional series mixer!!!! Oh there is nothing wrong with my Sunbeam except age and since I am baking all the time Alan and Lisa thought to get me this for Christmas...what? I know it is July and we just celebrated the 4th, but a sale was to good to pass on and I am very happy to have this. Immediately made a chocolate cake. Next is my dad's wine biscuit recipe. See the yellow box... that is my recipe box that is 50 years old.....
Anyway, time to get hydrated with iced water. Staying inside is my plan. We are all home today and that is nice. My trips out are very limited, I am so fortunate to have Alan and Lisa to look after me spoil me. It was so nice to chat with you today. Thank you for your kind words and concern when I do not post! Thank you for your friendship. 

We are expecting!

What a beautiful day....sun is bright and warm and there is a light breeze. The garden is coming along nicely. Still have plants top get and fencing to finish but the corner is looking really good. I have not been feeling quite myself these past few days. So I think it is the virus...no. However, I plan to stay home when possible and relax.
Are you wondering about the announcement?

Did not realize the container was turned...but you can see what we are waiting for. Praying Manis babies for the garden. Yes, it does say 100-200 eggs but surely many will not hatch. There is a "nut"
type shell .. dark corner lower left... and it is sitting out in the lanai. I just had to have one for the garden!
A few weeks ago I told Alan that I wanted a Keurig that also steamed milk when we needed to replace the one he brought with him here. Sure enough, it was time last week so on line purchase from Best Buy and curbside pickup...

I am really enjoying making my coffee. It also has an expresso setting...Alan likes expresso, me just occasionally. The steam milk setting is for cappuccino or expresso. I love gadgets of all kinds.
For a time yesterday I was feeling less lightheaded so I decided to bake...

This is one of my favorites to bake....decadent for sure and hard to stop eating! Did I mention it went well with the mug of coffee in the above photo?
Time to get back to just relaxing as I have a headache and Murphy is already napping. Glad to chat with you today. Need to catch up on everyone's blog posts. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship. Be safe my friends💖

Murphy's close encounter

What fantastic weather we are having. Sitting outside and enjoying the garden.

We have almost finished this corner of the garden...remember, this is where the pond was. Alan has done a fantastic job and much of what he had to do he had not done before. We have more to plant but this is what we just bought

This lavender rose is a Barbra Streisand rose. The fragrance is soft and lovely. Lisa and I will be getting a few more roses to plant in this area along the wall.

Lisa also helped with the demolition one morning while still in pajamas! Yes, she used the electric hammer!!! In our own way each of us is accomplishing this garden make over. We will not mention Murphy!
Speaking of Murphy, the other day at 3pm we decided to go for a walk. We no sooner started when coming out of the next driveway was a young coyote. What was Murphy doing? Barking at it of course. The coyote stopped to look then began to walk away and Murphy kept calling him. I spotted Alan just coming around the corner up ahead. I was struggling with Murphy who wanted to follow the coyote and I was pointing to the coyote. Alan knew I wanted something so as he stopped to back up in order to pull over he spotted the coyote in the rearview mirror. Quickly got out of the car and put Murphy and me into the car. By now Murphy was so excited to see Alan that the other issue was forgotten. Never a dull moment around here.
Hope everyone is coping okay with all that is happening. I must admit to feeling a little anxious along with not feeling quite myself. Alan and Lisa are still working and Murphy and I, well, you can use your imagination to how our days are. He is napping in the middle of the living room.
At the moment, there is bread baking and filling the kitchen with wonderful aroma. On the stove/counter are the preparations for Escarole and beans for dinner tonight. Murphy helped attacked the mop while I washed the floors and every so often goes to the kitchen to check on the smells. No ambition to be creative recently but that is okay. Sitting outside each day relaxing is what I must need. So glad you stopped by to chat. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the concern for me with emails...I am okay. Thank you for the kind words and for your friendship. Please take care of yourself and remain home as much as possible. 

Pizzelles and the bunny is back

Yesterday was a good day. Went to the Hyundai dealership to have the new seat release installed and was told that it needs just a gentle pull. I assured them that that is what I do. Of course you get the "look".

Finally made my Pizzelles; the aroma filled the abode! and they taste delicious too. Sent some across the courtyard to Robyn and Dave. Sharing is a good thing. Did not do any stitching yesterday.... I was frustrated to think that I had to take out so many Xs the day before. Today I will put them all back. and add more just because.
A quick check of the garden this morning...the pond garden area was very wet... not sure why. It could have been a few Doves or the Grackle came by for a bath and splashed. I am not going to do anything about it today. No. My hand is less stiff and my back is better and my eyes less blury, so I will not do any manual labor. This will be a stitch kind of day.

Also I have a new magazine (not a craft one either!) and will make time to read an article or two. I began reading at the dealership yesterday and a customer asked  to have it when I was finished. I replied that it was my personal magazine and somehow I do not think he believed me. when the gal called my name she asked how my magazine was. The customer looked sheepishly at me and nodded. I enjoy tales of the West and have several books on the subject.  I wish the temps were better. I love to sit outside when reading.... going to be around 108 today, so indoors is the reading place.

This little guy is back. He tore off a long piece of my plant took a few bites then decided to wash his face and off he went! The least he can do is finish the meal.He is too cute to get really angry with. I just want to whisper in those big ears and pinch his bright white tail!
I had a comment about the scissors in my last stitch photo...they are from Singer and I got them from Jo Ann's. Love my scissors.
Oh, there is a new blogger from Italy.....Marula, stop by and say hello. She has the translate button so it is easy to read and she is offering a cute Lady bug pattern...free.
Okay...off I go. Glad you had time to chat today. Thank you for your kind and caring words and for you friendship.

Not yet a horse

Very little stitching yesterday....

The star is complete and the left border also. As  much as I enjoy these kits, they ae a challenge sometimes. There a so many blank spaces for the beads that counting twice does not always work. I have had to re-do a few times. Hope to stitch more today as tomorrow there will most likely not be any stitching; I have an appointment for my eye exam at noon. Vickie, who has 2 blogs: here  and here, emailed me and offered to take me rather that to wait any longer. Totally out of her way, but a friend indeed.
today. . The garden chores are complete; fountain water added and With the household chores completed I plan to make Pizzelles later.

With each recent visit, The Brother Alan and Lisa have brought and left clothing and items and leaving with empty suit cases. This time Alan also brought these. They are awards, back row:
 the Massachusetts Police Commissioner, Nassau County Police Department 4th Squad, Adjunct General  Rhode Island National Guard for Excellence in Standards and Discipline, Federal Law Enforcement US Department of Homeland Security. The front row: Department of State Diplomatic Security Service, Signature Costumer Service, and Federal Law Enforcement Training Center of Homeland Security. These are not the last of awards I am sure. Eventually we will find a more fitting place to display them. Yes, I am proud of him and what he has accomplished.
Wonderful having time to chat with you. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

The week ends.....

I am still here.... thank you for asking and caring. I just needed time to gather thoughts. My hand is really feeling okay. This means back to beading and stitching. The back not so good. I will be having some tests so that my doctor can properly get to what is causing my pain. We do know that arthritis is a part of it but there is more going on. He has thoughts and has plans but we will wait until the tests and results are in. I am so appreciative of your thoughts. The week past also brought me tears and frustration. When I could not walk or move my thoughts went to how I am not happy feeling helpless. Being alone and not able to do what I want or more importantly what needs to be done. I have been very frustrated with myself. Yesterday was a nice morning. Dianna and Cassandra (Cassandra works  at Jo Ann's) came by for a visit. I was up early and made an apple pie for us to have. Good to be with friends.
Not all the week was  unpleasant.....the bunny arrives almost daily around 7AM and sometimes it is in the evening. He made a meal out of one of the plants in the garden. We scare one another … he pops out of the grass and then scoots to the other grass across the garden. The Doves are back with a new nest--- same nest. The children have yet to venture out of the garden for more than an hour. Today a suitor appeared.... going to be a long Spring/Summer with these birds.

The hummer spent most of the day on Thursday standing guard over his kingdom. This is one of the wall planters that will be coming down soon.... of course now I feel guilty taking it away.
The Brother Alan has offered to make Limoncello with the lemons I have when he is here in May.... hope he has learned to make it correctly. The last time I had a taste of it (years back) it was very potent. It could knock your socks off.

While tossing out the trash the other day I found this very large … about 1 1/2 inches big moth at my mail slot. I think it is called a White Line Sphinx Moth. Always something in the garden or surrounding area. I am not fond of flying things...well any bug to be truthful.
We are in a cool down. A few days of 97 then the 80s now the 70s. Next week back to the 80s.
I will be going through my stash this weekend and donating to a local school. So, that about covers my week. I will be positive about the back issue. Glad to chat with you today. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Let me introduce Vivian

I have been busy. To be truthful it is because I got out of bed late...never mind the time, let me just say that I fell back to sleep after waking at 2AM. Then it was on to the normal morning things and to baking . Before I tell you about that....meet Vivian

This is Vivian age 96. She lives about 10 house away...remember that. I have seen her ever since I have lived here. Almost every day she walks to the Safeway which is a distance with her rolling walker. I should say she walks quite fast. She "over dresses" but probably because she is chilly. Early yesterday my back bell rang and there she was. " Are you tossing this out"... referring to the butcher block cart in the picture. Yes I replied. "Can I take it because I can really use this". Of course I replied. I then told her that I would take it for her and off we walked..... a fair distance with me tryin to keep up with her. At one point she asked me if I was okay! Finally we arrived at her home and into the garage I wheeled the cart. We walked back and she asked me if there were any other items I might be getting rid of. I told her I would send her a note if so and she smiled and thanked me and off to Safeway she went.
Now back to the cookies. I had a craving for Almond Shortbread cookies and this is a simple and delicious recipe.

They are rich … lots of butter. I only put a few out or I would eat the entire 9x10 pan! If you are wondering if I worked on my new counter...of course. It moved easily to the electric outlet and clean up was a breeze. Having everything that I needed right there was great.
Well, Glenda is on her way for tea and chatting so off I go. I hope Vivian brought a smile to your face as she really made my day yesterday. Thank you for the kind words and for your friendship. Glad you stopped by to visit.

Finally ..Date Nut Bars

Ran an errand yesterday  and while in the car the phone rang. Pushed the accept button on the dash, and nothing. Of course I let it hang up as I do not use the handheld phone In the car. When I got to my stop It would not let me reconnect with the handsfree...telling me it did not find the device. So, on the way home I stopped at the dealership and they could not re-set the phone. I went to Best Buy where The Brother Alan got  my phone and they reset and now all is right. Oh and Alan's phone is still connected! Go figure. As I was leaving BB I spotted this....

had to throw out the one we had for years. Doesn't that meal look great. Go in for a phone/car issue and out with a Grille.

When I got home I decided "enuff is enuff" and began to bake...

Best Date Nut Bars ever and easy too. First time making them from scratch. Melt in your mouth and the aroma in the kitchen was divine. I made an 8x8 instead of 13x9. The cup or so left of the crust/topping I will use to make an individual peach cobbler. Guess what is waiting for me with my fresh brewed coffee this morning?

You all know how tech challenged I can be. Thank goodness for Honey---Keith who rescued me so many times. Yesterday in my desk I came across this----

And decided to plug it in to the computer. Does it work...no, does not open, the computer does not recognize it...so, all my knitting and other stuff is lost in this little fob! Frustrating! Might be something simple like a reset (who knows where that would be as I did not even know the phone had one) just as it was for my phone but I have no clue. Since I woke with a headache today will not be my day to putter with it. Look at my Polski earrings...

just need to attach the ear wires and voila...they are finished. The second one was easier and I figured her diagrams much better. Less confused so the next pair should be easier. I will change out the gold beads for silver for a different sparkle. I used 2 shades of green for a shadow look and a bit of sparkle as one is dull and the other shiny. I may use different colors for the accents....not sure as the red really say Christmas. 

Well, must dash to munch and drink....thank you for taking the time to visit. Thank you for your kind words and most of all for your friendship.

Progress

What a humid morning! There is a chance of storms later today but unfortunately it does not cool the temps at all. It was only 100 yesterday and maybe will be 103 which really is not too bad unless it is the Monsoon time of year. My back is feeling so much better and I am trying to limit what I do and even when I am stitching I can only sit for a short time before I feel pain in my back.

This could have should have been finished, but it is okay. Learning my limits. I sit in a comfortable chair when I craft but like most I think I get in a position and depending on what I am doing I tend to not move too much, and then stiffen. It will be another 2 wrap. Southwest design.
Sometime this weekend I must vacuum and I am ignoring the lanai for now. If I can get the leaf blower down from it's hanging spot in the garage I can make the task easier. I will then change the storage place for it. There are still things that are "Denny's height".  Once I asked why he hung it so high and the response was "to keep it out of your hands" not helping now!
Laundry is swishing and beading is waiting. My Date Nut bars are still waiting for me to make...maybe today will be the day.  I do need to get to the pharmacy to get my eye drops and cancel my Fosamax prescription as it is causing me problems. The doctor will be deciding what to try next. They mentioned an injection which they will administer as I will not give it to myself. I will talk with them at my follow up visit.  Off I go to make the bed and check the laundry. So happy to have you visit with me. Thank you for the kind words and most of all for your friendship. You truly make my day.
How many days??????  Alan and Lisa and I had our chat yesterday making a few plans more definite. Lisa and I will be picking out a new car and of course the new fridge. Then it will be fun for the week. Wish it was a longer visit...one day it will be.

Hot and Humid with clouds and a chance for rain

The monsoon season....
Monsoon is traditionally defined as a seasonal reversing wind accompanied by corresponding changes in precipitation, but is now used to describe seasonal changes in atmospheric circulation and precipitation associated with the asymmetric heating of land and sea. …… 
certainly has arrived this year unlike last year. Here in Arizona it starts June 15 and ends September 30 but the peak time is July -August.
The garden has suffered and I am realizing that I am not very good with the cacti in the garden! Seems that a couple will not make it. They will remain until the very end just in case they are in shock for the rain that we have had. They love the heat so it is not that. My beautiful bouquet has finally died but the beauty of the sunflower for me remains....

I have saved the two from the vase and will continue to enjoy them.
For some reason I am unable to upload any photos from my camera.... just another burp to contend with. I even tried using the memory card... so... no other pictures until I figure this out.
This morning I am making Almond Biscotti. As hot as it is the oven will not be on all that long and I will use the fan to draw out the heat anyway. Iced Tea is made for Dianna who will be here this morning....fresh brewed English Breakfast. So, time to make the biscotti...
Glad you stopped by and I thank you for the kind words and for your friendship.
EvaP update: Thank you Lynda Ruth...she received the large print word search and loves it. Also she is so excited to show her new friends the lovely cards and the notes she has received. I thank you all so much!

I am feeling chilly....

When the temps fall after many days of high 80s and even the high 90s I find there is a chill in my air. It is only 55 right now and that is chilly. The sun is still very low so there is no warmth coming from it yet and the high today should be around 87. Hopefully the winds have quieted down. I have thought about getting the leaf blower out.... that really is  task better left to the pros, believe me.
Last week Glenda found me another footstool....

I could not believe my eyes! It is exactly like the first one we found! I have added a thick foam top with new fabric. See, it opens up....now I do not have to take the one from the bedroom out to the living room when I sit in the rocker.
I was asked if I am okay....I know, I have not posted since Wednesday. I am doing fine. I am just on the roller coaster as Glenda refers to it. I have kept busy with this and that. Last Wednesday I was visiting with Dianna and Bobby and he made us hamburgers on the grill... and yesterday Glenda and I went for lunch after we bought my area rug...

this is in front of my bed. I love the soft colors. The room rug is a beige so this gives me a pop of color. I was lucky to have a 15% off coupon so I saved a bit too. The walls will be repainted when I find a color and the temps are not hot so that means this winter.
I did manage to tat.....

this is Gillian form Jennifer Williams snowflake book. I thought this time I would use blue for the beads. It is one of the small ones measuring only 1 3/4 inches at the widest point. My hand felt rested enough.  I am accepting that the hand will be more of an issue than before....why? I have no idea, but I will adjust and if this is just one of the few limitations I am experiencing, then I am luckier than some. The hand embroidery using sewing needles is a little more difficult at times. I am not complaining just stating a fact for me. For so many years my over all health has been just fine so with these little problems I need to learn to make adjustments. Do what I can when I can.
I made Pizzelles the other day and today I will be making what we Italians from Rhode Island call Spinach Pies...which are very much like a calzone and not at all like a pie. Always wonder how foods get their names.
So, that is what I have been up to. It is time for that second cup of coffee and some breakfast. A few chores then time to read and maybe work on a project. I once again want to thank you my dear friends for the caring words you send to me and advice too. Thank you so much for your friendship.

Early morning darkness

One of the  things I like about the early morning is the solitude. I look out to the garden and  the spotlights shine here and there. Then I wonder...are the lizards out for a walk? Where did the birds spend the evening hours? Are all the bees sleeping in the Snail Vine? All this while sipping my coffee. Then I simply put all that aside and think about the day ahead. I know, too much thinking! It is quiet and the tick of the kitchen clock is the sound as I sit here and type.

This is special to me. Dennis and I found it about 25 years ago while still living in Rhode Island. It is a watercolor on canvas clock painted by John A Simonetti titled, Main Street, Wickford, RI. It is the actual shops along the street...not sure if they are still the same but at the time one was a bead and knit shop where I enjoyed going to. A reminder of days gone by.
Yesterday was out to the bank, the jeweler and shopping for groceries. Then I sat out on the lanai and read for awhile...until I felt too warm to stay outside.

While I sat outside I baked a basic country white bread....it was so delicious warm with a slather of butter.  This is the new slicer and knife that I bought while The Brother Alan was here. It certainly makes slicing the homemade bread easier. Later, in the early evening I managed to clean the garden and put the sweeping out with this mornings trash. When the temps are in the 90s or more chores outside are at early morn or late afternoon.
Today will be more of the organize the stash stuff. I will be posting some of the must go stuff this weekend. I also came across a few things started but laid aside while Denny was in ill that I really need to work on. I have been thinking of what to do with some of the things I have stitched....give them away or store them... you can only have so many things out of display. Now that I do not have the extra room for display, I need to decide. Oh well..... to much thinking for this early hour. That about covers my early morning. It sure is nice to have you stop by. Thank you for the kind words and for your friendship. 

Accomplishing....not much

Yesterday arrived and left.... other than laundry and housework I did nothing...zip.... except the bread.
I thought I would make a Cinnamon Bread.  The option was to complete it in the machine or in the oven. Either way after the dough was made and first rise it had to be taken out of the machine and then the cinnamon and melted butter added then put bake in the machine to bake, so I decided to just keep it out and bake it in the oven. First of all it was easy but I will not be making it again. It is just okay. I think it had far too much cinnamon and does not hold the roll well. Not bad in the toaster oven. Much better to just buy it in the market. Later I will make a White Country loaf.
I picked up the tatting a few times then for what ever reason it was laid down and nothing done with it. Right now laundry is swishing and I forgot where I laid down the phone! I will try using the tablet to call myself. The weather is going to be in the low 90s again today so outside early to sit but actually I have errands to run so no time to do that.
The Bottle Brush tree in front of my window is in full bloom

 It is a large tree that is lovely when blooming. Once the flowers fall it can be messy but I still love it.

I am hoping to post this weekend a few books/patterns that must leave my house....right now I should make the bed and put a brush to my hair so I can leave the house for quick errands. The sooner I get things done the sooner I can sit outside and tat and read. Thank you for stopping by and for the kind words. Thank you most of all for your friendship.

A garden walk and tatting

Well it did rain and is still drying out. Since it is still dark outside I can only tell you that the air is nippy. I have been watching the Olympics and did a bit of tatting

 The basic ice drop with a heart border.... but Olympic Curling got in the way....
I baked a basic bread late yesterday to have with my Penne and Shrimp bake dinner.... very good if I say so myself. I have enjoyed trying new recipes. I would like to show you the view out of my kitchen window....

This is what is left of my tomato plant and of course the "alien" Snail Vine.  It truly grows before my eyes!

If you really look closely in the center of the picture you will see that it is now growing toward each side! As soon as I can use the step ladder I will attempt to bundle it up to the top of the arbor....before you can not longer walk beneath it. And such delicate blooms...

They are unique in how they curl around itself and such pretty shades of lavender. Soon I will be showing you my lavender blooms that are getting ready.

this little bundle of cherry tomatoes may be the last that I get. I will just leave the plant which is right next to the "alien" and on the other side of this is

the Red Lips Salvia. The hummer visits it daily and it is a lovely bright spot to see out the kitchen window. It probably would do better in the ground but for now this is where it grows.
Across the garden is

Fairy Duster....which has doubled in size and doing well. These feathery blooms do not last long but are so bright and fluffy. I am enjoying taking care of this garden which my Denny established and loved so much. I know he would approve of my additions.
Thanks to Don for helping me to install all the drip lines, my watering is now self care and makes it much easier for me to enjoy what work I need to do out there.
Today the plan is to attach the doll's head so she can think and help me pick out clothing fabric! I think I will carefully bring the bin into the house so I do not have to stand in the garage choosing it all. My restrictions will probably be lifted once I see the doctor on Tuesday. Hopefully my right leg will start to feel better too. Hope you enjoyed the garden walk. Thank you for your caring emails and encouragement and kind words. You are wonderful friends...thank you for your friendship. You have helped me immensely these last 8 months.