King of the Fountain

Okay... it is hot this week. Morning temps have been in the low to mid 70s when I wake.  After a week of comfortable below normal temps, the hot is here. I did a walk about yesterday morning and came back into the AC ASAP. Then took a quick ride to the market for a few needed items and right back inside. My Plumeria is doing so good. One of Dianna's plants is getting ready to bloom. I do not see that happening here...yet, but I will cross my fingers for a bloom.

Today I learned to bead a Puffy Triangle Drop. I just grabbed colors without too much thought and it looks okay. Not sure what I will do with it, but always eager to learn new things.  My next new beading will be a beaded needle case... thanks to Catherine who sent me the wooden needle case and link to learn. I still want to make the bumble bee bead but I am still not fond of the technic in the directions....my bee just did not look very neat. I can be too fussy but what can I say. I will try again.
The Dove nest is still empty...but...

here he is, the King of the Fountain.... the other day one was sunbathing in the bottom tier and one in the top tier... this one is sitting on the top bubbler! The Hummer feeder is still not back in the tree. The ants are still so many. I may try spraying the branch so they cannot or will not cross it to the feeder. This is the first time in 15 years that I ever had an ant problem in a feeder.
Today I have an appointment to have a couple of minor problems with the car fixed. Usually when I am there for service it is only an hour so I just read. It has been good having you to chat with. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Sun-less-day

Ready for the day....almost. Seems like it will be a  s l o w  day today. Right now the sun is partly here... it is almost 80 at 8:15am and should reach the mid 90s later but at the moment the sliders ae open but that will probably change soon. Did someone ask if … yes, all is well in the garden. I need to change one of the sprinkler lines in the pot that will be for my herbs. I usually just buy herbs and this time I thought why not plant seeds. I did pull out the Rosemary plant which was quickly dead. Part of it was that it was not getting the needed water when you replant so I will get another next time out to Lowes. I also need to get more rock to finish the planting area in the garden.

June Origami Star is finished. Look, the little ladybug is peeking out. I love the bright red and yellow in this. I guess I should have or could have fussy cut the ladybug fabric so it would be more prominent, but it is cute this way.
So, I took the 2 eggs out of the abandoned nest. I felt bad but with no one sitting on them they were doomed. I would think it was an inexperienced pair... it does happen... that hopefully will do better the next time. In the last few years there have been at least 10 nestlings and never an issue.
Today my plans are simple. Work on the SW Mill Hill project. There are some things that I should be working on, specifically in the garage, but today is not a work day. If I get up and going early enough one of these days I will be there. It will be an all day task when I do start it so it will require ambition and that is not me today!
The Quails have been scoping out the garden...not going to let them nest here. Funny that they know the Doves are not nesting... speaking of the Doves, a pair was sun bathing in the fountain yesterday like it was their private jacuzzi. A coyote left me a deposit in the driveway.... they drop it anywhere. It's a jungle out here! In the meantime, a few things to do before settling into my stitching spot.
Very nice chatting with you this morning. Thank you or your kind words and emails. I appreciate the time you take to send me emails. Thank you for your friendship... 

In the garden....

The weather has shifted back into normal temps which are in the mid to high 90s. What this means  is that anything outdoors is done early. Which means that tomorrow I will be in the garden before 9am to fix the irrigation issue. I am determined to get this done as I will not be out there watering the garden by hand. The Rosemary definitely is being pulled out. It was damaged in the move and is not going to revive itself. Sad as it has been here for 10 years.  Not sure if I have to replace the other plants yet. Right now the water lines first. I will remember to wear my garden gloves as I tore up my finger a little. I will need to rake up the rocks and re-lay the lines to see why they are not working.

Already organized to make the June Origami Star. My "June bugs" are lady bugs. This project is fun to make each month. Glad I chose and prepared the fabric for the 12 months.... makes it nice and easy.
Sad to report... the Dove nest is  just a nest. The Doves have not returned today and have been on the eggs far too long. Tomorrow out comes the step ladder and I will remove the eggs and clean it up a little. I hate to do it, but there is no way they are going to hatch without a parent keeping them warm. Nature is what it is.

This is the Mill Kill kit I will be working on. It is a Southwest on perforated paper. Of course there are beads! I started this before Denny was  ill and then put it aside. Time to finish it. The beading? Oh not giving up just putting the bumble bee project aside until I can be satisfied with the directions. Did find another pod and a couple of flat pieces to do.
Having some blood pressure issues. Trying to stay relaxed and not worrying about getting anything done. I am lucky to have a cheer leader in BC, Canada.... Debbie! Anyway, we all have issues to deal with, health or otherwise. What is good is that we are lucky when we have someone who listens and gives gentle advice. Which brings me to the next conversation. One of our fellow bloggers recently posted how she had received a few negative comments from the same person on her blog. That is not what we are about. Each of us blogs for our own personal satisfaction. It is wonderful when we get feed back but it should be kind and not insulting. If you visit a blog that is of no interest that day, move on. If you enjoy it, be sure to say so. I visit all the blogs listed on my sidebar. Sometimes I comment and sometimes I do not. I always end my blog with:
Glad you stopped by. (because I truly am) Thank you for your kind words. (they mean so much) and Thank you for your friendship. ( I value each of you).

What is friendship all about?

Friendship. Friendship is a close association between two people marked by feelings of care, respect, admiration, concern, love, or like.

Mid-week

It is always so nice to wake to sun and warmth....it seems Arizona will be returning to warmer days this week in the 90s. So, ideally I will get up and out into the garden early and errands and chores finished early. Time was when that was my mornings....awake and out of bed early... not so much now. Times do change. Still waking early but more inclined to slow down until at least 6am! It is not a bad thing.
Returning home after having dinner out on Monday night, there it was... a coyote at the beginning of my street. Looked up and then returned to business... no need to explain. Have not seen any during the day recently...but they are always around. Alan took a picture with his phone but being dark it did not translate to a clear picture for the computer.

This Rubbermaid tool storage was how Dennis had our garden equipment for 12 years…. hopefully the trash will lake it as is... if not I will be taking it apart today for the next trash pick up.

this is how it is now. I saw this in Lowes so it was ideal. Instead of lifting out and over my head, it is simple to remove from the open front brackets. Next will be shelves above this area. Much better for my back.
Lisa was keeping busy with her iPad and then showed me what she was doing. Then Alan downloaded the app to my Tablet...

an electronic Adult Coloring book. Very relaxing. No colored pencils dropping or trying to decide on colors...just tap your finger.
I did find in my WIPs (which I have few) a Mill Hill kit that I will be working on. It is a SW design that I started a while ago.
An update on the Dove nest...have no idea what these 2 birds are doing. They leave the nest for long periods and I am sure that the 2 eggs are not viable anymore. I will give them one more week then I will remove the eggs. Maybe first timers? All part of accepting nature whatever way it shows itself.
Time to enjoy this first cup of coffee before going to the garden and out for errands. Feeling tired so I will keep it easy today. Happy to have you visit today and all days. thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Catching up....

How did it get to be Saturday? It seems like it was just Tuesday and The Brother Alan and Lisa were just arrived. We have been busy….yesterday was Scottsdale day. We enjoy stopping in at The Rusty Spur for a drink then onto roaming around and shopping. We end with a lunch at The Italian Grotto, always a delicious treat. Once we arrived back home...

Alan and I worked on the pond garden. It is not complete but almost there. Nice sounds coming from the 2 tier fountain. A few more adjustments to be made. Potted plants have been moved around and garden lighting too. The color changing spotlight was returned to shine on the Disco Ball making for beautiful shadows in the evening. A lot of tasks were worked on and those that are not finished I can do when the return to RI. I may even call on Bobby to help with one particular task. A few errands and now back home to relax. It is hot out today.... high 80s. Lisa has a little bit of sunburn as she enjoys sitting in the sun. Whatever tan I have is from walking around or the brief time I am working in the garden. I have been advised not to sit in the sun so I do not.
The last few days there have been a couple of tiny "little girl
hummingbirds" fluttering around. The Doves left the nest the other day... 2 eggs there... and finally returned but were away for some time. I am not sure if the eggs are still viable. They need constant warmth and they did not get that. We will see.
I know … it is unusual for me to make late posts, but I was too relaxed having my morning coffee in the garden to come in to post. I have not even worked on beading and now I have a small embroidery project as part of a FB group. Speaking of embroidery....

each of these striped boxes is full of DMC floss....(click the picture to enlarge) and I will be sorting out which to keep and the rest will be going. I already offered to 2 friends and will wait to see how much they would like. The rest will be going to a school. Still working on thinning down my stash of crafts.
That about is it for now. Glad you took time to visit. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

A cloudy day......

There is no sunshine … at least not at the moment. Clouds cover the sky and me too. We  have been in a cool down...temps lower than normal...what really is normal? Weather is what it is...changeable at a minutes notice. Winds are expected later today.... just means the chimes will make noise which is not a bad thing.

On Friday mail delivery brought me a package from Catherine at I Love to Stitch blog..... so many beads! Catherine tells me she wanted to share... and she did. She is encouraging me to make a beaded covered needle case...sending me the needle cases and a link to a video on how to do!

If the bead supplies were not enough, she included a bracelet that she created! Goodness on overload. Speaking of mail, I ordered some beads and the expected delivery was to be on Monday coming...I did not check the USPS tracking and it arrived yesterday...while I was out. So now I will need to go to the post office on Monday to pick it up. Oh well. That is okay because I was busy anyway...

I finished another Pod Ornament...this is Butterfly, design by Patti Lamb. I already started another one and know I will be making more. Love making these pods.
Yesterday morning when I opened the verticals in my bedroom I was surprised to se a Dove sleeping in the lanai.... I started him and when he panicked got caught in he net curtain across the front of the lanai. So instead of grabbing my camera I went out to rescue him. That is when I saw that there is already another Dove nesting.... this will be #3. Of course the Dove Kids from the last nesting are still are sitting around the garden..not ready to leave. I have become Dove Sanctuary! I thought about getting out there to sweep today but with winds expected it would be useless. Instead it will be a butterfly pod day.
Robyn and Dave gave me the approval on a new shrimp recipe that I tried. dessert to die for.... we  It was bacon wrapped hot pepper stuffed shrimp. This will definitely be on my frequent to make list. I love shrimp! Last week they sent over a dessert to die for. We share across the courtyard!
Can you believe there are only 2 more days before The Brother Alan and Lisa arrive.....2 days...Tuesday! Not sure what the week will hold but it will be a good week for sure. I only have about 4 or 5...at the moment...things on The Brother To Do List!  It is not too important at the moment for some of these things.... just as long as we enjoy the week.
I am off to do chores s once again the House Faeries  seem to be on vacation. Nice to chat with you today.Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.
Two years ago today my world came crashing down and never recovered. It has not gotten any easier….my heart is broken and cannot be fixed. 💔I am grateful to those who reached out then and still do now to be there for me.

A shark in the house!

I was busy this weekend beading.

I finished the Pod Ornament. These are a take off of the beaded stars and quicker to do. This is 3 sided and stuffed. Some are making them with 4 sides and stuffing them very puffy. Some make them with only 2 sides and not stuffed. I will be making these for Christmas and they will be 3 sides stuffed.

I have started another one and it will have 4 colors, a totally different pattern. So very glad that my hand seems to be back to almost normal, but normal enough to be able to bead.
Sunday was a day with sprinkles falling and the sun shining. The temp reached 85 so the door and sliders did not remain open for very long. All in all it was a nice day..... I did mention a shark...

I went to Macy's on Saturday morning for a gift and as I passed the small appliance area heading to the exit I spotted this vacuum. I have mentioned that my Bissell (7years old and still working perfectly) was feeling heavy to push. It was difficult to turn from rug to floor and the filters could not be washed but needed to be replaced every few months. This 11 pound stick vac moves easily and switches with a click from rug to floor and empties easily. The filters are washable. It swam around the house with little effort. Did I mention it was on sale, then I got another 10% off and a free Starbuck coffee? Did I mention that our Macy's has a tiny Café Starbucks as you enter the home section from the outside doors? All in all I am pleased with my errand. It will live in the garage but as it is new to the house I wanted it to feel welcome so in the kitchen it will be for a few days.
The Dove kids have been leaving the nest and sitting around in the garden and as soon as a parent returns with food back to the nest they go. Any day they will be ready to go off on their own.
Are you counting?? Do you know how many days are left? there are 8, yes only 8 days until the Brother Alan and Lisa are arriving. I am ready and waiting. I am sure you will hear from him when he is here.... especially since I have The Alan List ready! That about covers my pass days....glad you stopped by today. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

My left leg......

Happy to have the weekend gone. The weather was delightful, very warm and sunny. We entered a cool down to the 80s yesterday. In this early morning the chimes are singing loudly in the darkness. Caught a glimpse of the Dove kids  while the parent was off nest...

It is beginning too get a little crowded up there. They now have feathers so it will not be too long before they try them out. Never a sound from them unlike other baby birds.
I have been busy with beading...

Russian Leaves Earrings finished; dipped and dried. The beads have  a high shine and a green tinge to them. I also tried without success to learn another beaded earring. I plan to continue trying until I get it! Getting lots of encouragement from the Facebook beading group. I did practice to make a small beaded tube...

I just grabbed some beads to practice and it was easier than I thought. Today I will begin a "pod" style ornament. Positive thoughts that I will accomplish it.
Just trying tp keep sitting busy so that I will not do too much of anything. Yesterday was the RFA procedure on my back. My blood pressure was quite high so we had to wait a little to see if I relaxed enough.... I admit I was nervous. Thankfully Dr. Paul is a sweet man who continued to chat with me to occupy my mind. I will admit it was painful to get the initial injections for insertion of the larger needles, but all said it was not too bad. When he was finished, two nurses came in and I thought why do I need them both. That was soon revealed when I stood and my left leg turned to rubber. Totally numbness.  So, they took me to the recovery area ( a small room with soft recliners) to rest until I could walk. It was what seemed to be a very long 3 mile drive home. I was clear headed but my left leg seemed to be still at the office! Getting from the car/garage into the house was tricky and then right to the recliner to rest and let it wear off. Finally I could actually stand and feel my leg somewhat. The phone rang.... from across the courtyard. Robyn was checking to be sure I was doing okay.... then Dave appeared at the front door. Robyn sent

freshly baked and still warm Banana Bread for me to have for breakfast. Why wait?! Yum... and it certainly took my mind off the left leg issue. So here it is very early morning and I am walking almost perfectly, not quite fully a normal feeling in my leg/hip area. Today and tomorrow will be rest days to let the procedure take hold. No driving and not much of anything. It can take 3 weeks for the effect to take hold … or longer and can last from 6 months to a year or more. Keeping positive thoughts.

My Plumeria is leafing! I am excited that there are signs of successfully rooting this plant that Dianna and Bobby brought back from Hawaii for me. They have a few in their yard and now I will have one too. I know it is not  the best picture, but as I can not bend down yet to get a better look, this will have to do. My Garden Jungle is looking mighty good. Still needs some work, but in 18 days The Brother Alan and Lisa will be here and will take care of it . Yes, the count is now 18 days. I do not have too much on the TO Do List this time.
Thank you for the emails checking on me...and the encouragement. Thank you for the kind words and your friendship.
When friends care, all is well......

Flowers, beading and needles

I can not believe it is almost May. These months seem to be disappearing so quickly. It is not that I am so busy...although at times lately I have been busy. I just went out to the garden to check on the Dove...still no sightings of babies. What I did see was another mess of debris. Last night the winds rang my chimes.... haha.

The Prickly Pear Cactus is in bloom...in our courtyard. Actually this is in front of Robyn and Dave's home. Living beneath this large cactus is a bunny warren...that is what it is called. Soon there will be Prickly Pear fruit appearing.

My Guara plant is so pretty... love this shade of pink.... and delicate looking. It is a very overcast day with 50% chance of rain today and looking out to the garden makes up for the lack of sunshine.
Yesterday I decided to sort through beads to make a pair of Russian leaves earrings...

The one on the left (green) is the one made with the Delica beads as recommended and the other is made with regular seed beads. The difference is about 1/2 inch in length and once stiffened will be about the same width. At this size it makes a good pendant as well as an earing. I like big earrings. So now I have to decide if I will make it as an earing. While I am deciding I will go ahead and make the pair I was going to make. I plan to make a bumble bee bead but must get the beads...I now, but I do not have what I need in the cupboard of beads.

These are some of the recent beading needles that I have put to rest. I save them for the February 8th Hari-Kuyo… Festival of Broken Needles:
Hari-kuyo （針供養）is a traditional Japanese festival where people pay tribute to the old and broken needles that have served them the past year, and at the same time pray for better sewing skills. 'Hari' means needle and '-kuyou' means memorial. Most needle-workers are women. The reasons for sewing and praying were given deep thought.
I keep a lot of needles on hand. Either they bend by the end of a project if not sooner or the eyes break. It does not matter what brand or the cost I am very tough on needles.

This is my Plumeria from Hawaii that Dianna and Bobby brought me back this year. I think it just may be growing! The last one died. The very tip is showing "leaf" growth. Dianna checks it when she visits…. hope she is reading and seeing this! It is getting lots of sun and water and misting.
I had a fairly good night sleep and late start (for me)  this morning. I do remind myself that I have no commitments for anything earlier than 10 on any day. This week is clear except for Wednesday when I go for more injections. Now about that...I feel very lucky to receive all your kind words and encouragement. Understand that I do know that many others have more issues than I...   and also that I am not the only one that is working through a loss. I truly am lucky to have a place to speak my mind and heart without judgement. This is my place to record not only my crafts but my thoughts. I do keep a daily diary where I can really put words down to express my heartfelt thoughts. Once someone ( along time back) asked why I do not just write about my crating. She no longer follows me once I told her that this is my blog and I can write as I wish. Oh well. For those of you who visit regularly and comment here or in email, thank you for your kind words and encouragement. Thank you for your valued friendship. 

Because you asked....

Well, I thought I would answer the questions about my upcoming procedure in one place rather than individually. Thank you for the concern and interest. If you go to this link:
 https://www.spine-health.com/treatment/injections/radiofrequency-ablation-rfa-procedure-and-recovery you will learn all about it and maybe some you do not want to know!
Before this procedure, I need one more visit with injections to the lower back on May 1st. The RFA procedure will be done on May 6th. In the meantime, I will continue to carefully do what I can when I can and how I can... a bit of pampering.
The garden, although needing some TLC is looking pretty good here and there:

The Sweet Memory tree is blooming.... I love the delicate purple flowers.
It will need trimming by wintertime.

The Hops Bush has tripled since last year. This will need a good sturdy trellis (according to Don when he and Glenda stopped by the other day) and as soon as I can I will install one. Obviously it will not be until the procedure has been done.

Look at the bright red of the Fairy Duster bush! I love these fluffy little blossoms. The bush right next to it is the Firecracker bush. That was cut back severely and is coming back so full and loads of flowers getting ready to pop open.
It is so nice looking into the garden and seeing is all colorful. The bees love it and the hummingbird does too. I should let you know that we do not have baby doves yet... soon I think. As good as the garden is doing my house plants are not. My African Violets are going to be leaving if they do not cooperate really soon. No patience for them. And how about the Christmas Cactus … both of them? They are pushing for early vacation also. The Pond Garden will get a load of flower seeds tossed in and I will hand water for now. I am disappointed that the irrigation is not yet ready...thanks to my issues. I will go with the garden hose and all will be taken care of.
So that about covers the happenings to me and the garden. Thank you for your kind words and for your caring encouragement. Thank you for you friendship.... I am so lucky to have you as friends.

The air that I breathe...

The weather yesterday was "cooler" than the previous week, we dropped to the 70s! Then the rain fell for a minute or two later in the day. The sun popped out in time for sunset at 7pm. Here we are today and it is bright and sunny and should be in the 80s. Perfect to sit outside which I hope to do. I did a post office run to get a package out as soon as it opened at 9am. Of course I had another small box to mail but forgot it home.
Unexpectedly yesterday I had my house Spring cleaned…. all the air ducts, ceiling fans, both bathroom exhaust fans, the AC duct and my dryer vent. All areas were vacuumed and then washed and sanitized. It  happened as I was out and about the community walking and Sue and Roy were having theirs done. The company owner came over and showed me just one of my vent areas and I said yes. Dennis always removed and washed the vent covers and reached in and cleaned...as  best he  could. It was unbelievable what was removed from my ductwork! The air that I will breathe will certainly be healthier.
The only bird willing to put up with the noise was Woody...he enjoyed the nectar all by himself. The garden was also quiet.... the Dove still sitting on the nest. The bunny left as soon as work started.
Of course with all this being done, I sat back and read as it was noisy with the heavy duty vac going strong. Today will be a good day to relax outside with a large iced water. Still waiting on the MRI and will call them by week end to follow up. I am still having difficulty and until I have this done, treatment is on hold.
I am in need of another cup of coffee and breakfast so off I go. So glad to chat with you today. Thank you for your kind words and 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.

Oh the drama!

The days are starting to really warm up. We are heading for our first 90s day this weekend.
My pain management doctor did indeed give me injections on Monday along my lower back. I lost count at 5 as he chats with me to get my mind off it. A few hours after being home the numbing wore off and a different pain. But, that was almost gone yesterday... then I made the mistake of starting to open the soil and pour into the pond. I should have done it differently but lesson learned and it will be a few days before I touch the bags again.

If it  is not me causing an issue, now one of the young Doves decided to hop out of the nest and did not know what to do...of course. So he sat here for a short time and then finally tried to gain flight...

Finally he made it to the chair.... and cried a bit. While I was working at the pond I chatted to him and he was calmer. When I came into the house his parent came back and after a few minutes of convincing, the young Dove went back to the nest. Hopefully he will not do that again. So I will rest my back for a day or two as it is bothering me.  My hand which also is still healing but doing great is now a little sore. Need patience in my life.

Look how pink my geranium is..... this plant is from last year and sits at my front porch. I just read that I can root my Rosemary from cuttings...it needs to be cut back drastically. So I will offer it to my neighbors and dry some more for my kitchen. I also should cut the Oregano and dry that. Another plant from last year that is growing like a weed.
Today I will be going to lunch with a friend, Vickie, that I met on blogger. We commented on one another's blog and discovered that she lives not to far from me. After Denny passed she called me and we met for lunch and still keep in touch with our blogs. Small world.
That is  about it for now. So happy to have you visit with me. Thank you for your kind words and friendship.

I keep pushing....

Today will be a relax day... woke with a terrible backache. The usual arthritis that so many of us have and learn to function with. Today is going to be another beautiful day... in the 80s. Although I have not see the baby bunny, he has been here. How do I know? He left some bunny poop around the lanai. Anyway, he is welcome. Yesterday I spotted the head of a baby Dove in the nest. The other signal that they hatched is that the parents leave to feed and come back quickly to feed the babies. I keep a eye from a distance so they feel secure. The Woodpecker arrived on and off all day yesterday to sample the hummingbird nectar.
I changed the AC filter but will have The Brother Alan see if he can adjust the tiny screw to make it easier for me. I also changed the fridge air filter and water filter! I had to use the step stool so I could reach the back of the top shelf, but I did it. Feeling very accomplished.

Sitting on my sewing table waiting for me to sew...… most likely later today. It is a simple pattern that I have had for years... since the late 70s. It was given to me by my now adult nephew Nico. I have made several through the years as gifts.
This morning will be spent with the electrician outdoors. Right now however the swishing has stopped so time to check the laundry room. Glad you came by today. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Star light... star March

A quiet day yesterday nursing a sore hand. Sometimes I think it is what it is and going to be. So many of us make do when we need to. Yesterday I decided to change the window coverings in 2 rooms. Finally took down my ballerinas and now need to put them up in my bedroom. I walked the Bissell and swished and fluffed so today really is my day off. I did read for a bit yesterday and

finally made the March Origami Star. Love the two fabrics together. Dianna and I picked them out so it will have that thought every time I look at it.

All is well in the garden. The Dove couple are taking care of the nest as you can see from the Mister's tail poking out and just a peek at his eye watching me. He stays during the day and she at night. They do return to check on one another. No sign yet of little ones.
This old clock serves them well. Good coverage from any Hawks and out of the sun and wind. Guess the thoughts of removing it are not to be. I will be rearranging some of the other garden decorations. Still need to get to Lowes.... need motivation!
I do have some errands to do but just not interested I going. We just had the community paving done and I chose to leave my car in my garage and therefore not able to drive any place while it was being done. The project is complete and I still do not feel like driving here or there. Nice to feel lazy and not have to do. Maybe I am lazy now because I know next week I have a few things to do that can not be put off. Temps will be low 70s today which is nice enough to enjoy being in the garden or on the front porch. Okay, coffee and Shredded Wheat finished. Time to make the bed get the trash out and....
Thank you for the visit and for your kind words. Thank you for your friendship.

Feeling frustrated~~~

It certainly has been the week. The weekend was okay.... just okay. Monday is best put aside. Tuesday was get out to the garden. Spent an hour cleaning the lanai and the garden and then bagged up yard debris. I discovered that my wet vac is also a fairly good blower. That means that I do not have to use the blower which has not been one of my better experiences.

My Lavender plant is in bloom. I am so pleased with it. This replaces the one that did not make it last year. However, the pot for that one just may have a plant starting to re-grow. Worth caring for and watching.

The Doves have finally made a decision to settle down. Happily it is not where they were first planning to set up home. This is a much safer and ideal place for them. Not sure if eggs are there yet but it seems so. Anyone passing outside my wall would thing that I am a crazy lady. I chat with them to reassure them that my moving about is not a danger. Once they get used to my voice and movements they will be relaxed. It was warm and I thought things were going well until I finally stopped. My hand ached so bad. Once out of the shower I iced and massaged my hand but it was going to be a lost do anything more kind of day. Wednesday was take the car for oil change and tire rotation. That went well. I met up with Dianna for lunch after and a good catching up time.

Oh my micro Romaine made for a very delicate salad...all 15 tiny leaves! More than anything it is just a fun and interesting item to have in the kitchen. there is another one started and just because, I started a celery one also. Not counting on having anything to eat from that one!
Up next was yesterday, Thursday. I had to deal with an electrician for the HOA and that put my attention span to nil for anything else. Yesterday in the garden I spotted a Robin! Yes a Robin who stopped at the birdbath for freshen up. Sat for a few minutes preening then once he left a Goldfinch took a drink. So nice to watch them.

This was finally prepared for embroidery but so many interruptions have left it in the basket. This may be the day it gets attention. The temps have been in the low 80s the past few days and it was perfect for sitting on the front porch reading. The next few days we are back to the high 60s/70s. I did find new fabric for my March origami star so that is on the work table waiting for me. So, it is not lack of what to do; more of when to do it and if my hand cooperates. I am frustrated that I can not just be able to do any of my crafts. Even simple tasks for chores are difficult still. The hand is slow to heeling. Yes, I know it has only been 2 weeks since the stitches have been removed..... I am just impatient. Plans are on hold for this and that which frustrates me. You don't realize how things like using eating utensils, writing, mopping and cleaning are effected. Enough feeling sorry for myself.... today will be a better day. It already is. You stopped by and that is a good thing. Thank you for the kind words and the encouraging emails and comments. Thank you for your friendship.

Rain, rain and still more rain

It all started sometime Wednesday night.... the rain began to fall and the sky has not stopped letting it all out. We do not get much rain here in The Valley, but every so often it happens.

 Yesterday for a brief time we had thunder, lightening and hail...I know the picture is not the greatest...but those little white specks are hail. At times it poured and the wind was blowing...a real storm!
At the moment it is very cloudy and gloomy and the rain has stopped. A good morning for the Faeries to ….oh right, they have not been coming  around to do chores... so, I will get the swishing started and the Bissell walking. We are called The Valley of the Sun...not sure when I will be saying that. The 7 day forecast predicts the sun will return tomorrow and remain for the upcoming week. A wait and see for sure.
I think it is official, the Dove has returned to start a family. I only see one Dove around the garden so that may be a problem...if I am not mistaken it takes two to make a family! Once the eggs are in the nest they will take turns … She at night and He during the day. The only issue I have this time around is where they are making the nest.... in an open planter with not much protection from the sun and weather. To think last week I had planned to remove the planters from the wall!
It is Friday! This means only a few more days and the stitches will be removed! I have already misplaced a few of them.... I think with changing the band-aids. The bruising is mostly disappeared and the fingers less sore. The first thing I plan to do is soak my poor dry hand in a warm soapy bath. The second thing is to find a project to work on! I already took the craft cart out of hiding.
Coffee and toast finished so onto doing the Faeries' jobs. Glad you stopped by today. Thank you for your kind words and your friendship.

Dismal morning

There does not seem to be any sunshine for the morning. The days are getting longer. Maybe rain again? No matter, I will be running one errand early and then back to the coziness of my home.

Yesterday, besides lots of swishing in the laundry area I made the first half of another Russian Leave earring. I like this pattern and plan to try a different size the next time. The color does not show up really well. Maybe the next time I will take it outside in natural light. It is called Matte Lustra Sage....it measures 1 1/2 inches without an ear wire. Hopefully I will get the second half finished today. The other beading tray has the makings of a Snow Globe Snowman waiting. My plan is to get some of my gift box projects done. Partly because once I see the hand specialist on the 25th, I am not sure of what I will be able to do for a while.
Phase one for the pond began...I removed the pump and tried to clean it out. I was concerned that I would fall...no water to drown in! but easy to still get hurt. Seems that I am more fearful of falling...or maybe just more aware of the consequences. Since we did have some rain, there is water in the well area and I was hoping for a dry spell to see if it would dry up on it's own. I will see this week. I may just use the sump pump. The garden really needs a little reconstruction.... plant upgrading and such. Thanks to Dennis it has good structure established. I found a pair of Doves poking around the other day...maybe they are thinking of moving back in the garden. With the pond closed there was no water for them at the ready...I spoiled them. I have a birdbath that they have visited so that may draw them back.
Well I am not getting anything done sitting here.... but it is nice when you visit. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship. 

Going to be a long day....

What sleep? It  seems my eyes were open more than they were closed last night. So, I will announce now that today will not be a productive day. I will check the pond for water level because with the temps around 110 it will need a topping and a treatment. But that will be the extent of my garden work.
There was interest in my bread making accessories! The slicer is Mrs. Anderson's Baking Bread Slicer which is on-line and can be through Bed Bath and Beyond and the knife is the 9" Scalloped Offset Bread Knife also on-line. I just Googled and they came up. The best idea. The slicer has different widths so it makes it so easy and better cutting with the long angled knife.
I spent part of yesterday sorting my snowflake tatting supplies and also my beaded ornament supplies. So if I should have the energy today it will be a go to work on either but let's not count on it.  I had my toast and coffee and now am ready to put the feet up and put my head down.

This little bunny was watching me at my front window. There have been lots of baby bunnies out there. I just love the big black eyes and those almost see through bug ears. The lizards continue to be everywhere...it is mating season and they are certainly looking and finding. The Doves are hanging around my garden again calling out... I am just trying to see where they are planning the nest. So even if I am not busy, the creatures are.

The hummer has been enjoying the nectar at the feeder.... this of course after hovering quite close to my head. They sound like little motors! So everyone is busy but me.
With that said, off I go to try to wake my brain or doze off...which ever happens first. Air conditioner and ceiling fans are keeping me and the house comfortable. Glad you came by....thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Okay, I am awake now....

Another open my eyes too early so yes, I did fall back to sleep eventually and now I am waking to the aroma of fresh coffee. My second cup already.
Yesterday was a hot day and the forecast is for a hotter day today. As I said before, once it is around 108 it really doesn't make too much difference...it is plain hot. That is why it is nice having the bread machine... thank you to The Brother Alan.

Last year when I was making the no knead bread he wanted some when he arrived and when I told him it would take 18 hours he ordered a machine for us. This is just a plain French style loaf and the aroma that filled the house was wonderful. I bought this great device to slice the bread...

Slicing the bread is so much easier with the knife slots and of course I had to get the proper knife and voila! each piece is nice an does not fall apart. You can choose the thickness with the slots. The bread is delicious. I also made a small pan of chicken soup for lunch...yes, I love soup no matter what the weather. I was busy.
There was a mail delivery again from my sis Lynowl.

Among the items was this bracelet from Alex and Ani...The Evil Eye. The enclosed card reads in part: "Let this ancient talisman grant protection and insight while you take a closer look at your own personal journey." She also sent the anklet to match.
I also received a letter from Eva P who was excited to get cards and notes from some of. Thank you again for helping her in this adjustment.
The Bissell and I have an arrangement....if, and I say if it will at least do it's job with minimal effort I will allow it to stay...otherwise it will be out on trash day real soon. I hate to spend double time cleaning! As for the Snail Vine, I think or maybe I know that when I trimmed some of it last week I may have cause it to think it could rest and stop growing...my mistake. I will leave it now that I cause it harm to see if it will be okay. I have a policy in the garden...do well and you can live here, fail and you are in the trash. Yesterday I also removed the Dove nest from the Memory Bush...let's hope they choose the clock to nest if they come back.
Off I go for that second cup of coffee and to think about what to do today. Glad we had time to chat. Thank you for the kind words and for your friendship. See you soon.