Time for adoptions

 Hello my friends. Did you think I would forget the Tiny Dog Adoption? I was just waiting to get it organized. There are only 10 so it will be first come gets first choice.....by email only. In the order of the emails, I will contact you with a link for you to make a choice.  This is free ... no charge or shipping cost.

Sam the frog now has trousers.... it has been chilly here in Arizona. I enjoy making these different creatures. I think he needs a lady friend. I started my Christmas ornaments...I know...what is going on? 

Every year I say start early and of course other projects catch my eye. It is on my New Year Suggestion List! The snowman is for a special girl and the elf boots, just because. Each boot hold a Hershey kiss. Yes, there are 2 different colors but I will make the matching color for them. I am working on another ornament, but it will be not for Christmas. A teacup, a mouse and a teddy bear!

This bird flew in last week. First time making wire legs/feet. He may fly to my tree.....

just like this woodpecker did!  I think a squirrel would be nice. Don't see any here in The Valley area. They are mostly in the high country....north of here. I saw one once while in the Grand Canyon.....

Okay....remember...if you are interested in a Tiny Dog, please email me. Thank you for your kind words and thank you for your friendship.

Tea, anyone?

 A beautiful day today...sun is shining and Mocking bird and House Wrens are singing, water fountain is a lovely sound too. Slider open so Murphy is in and out yelling at anything. Flowers are blooming here and there

Salvia for the hummingbirds

Lavender smells wonderful 

Yellow rose, one of 3 that are blooming. It is time to get a tomato plant and replace the Basil and see what else we would like to add to the garden.

I am enjoying my Tea Pot table topper project. Of course my mind is already thinking of what project next! I have few in mind.....Dianna started a Sun Bonnet Sue project and it is coming along. Will get permission to show you. We enjoy working on same type if not the same applique project. together. I wanted to make a runner for the top of my sewing table....but....it it always busy with a project! Glad to chat with you today. I think I will take my project out to the lanai to stitch a while. I have a tray that holds all necessities and a quick pick up and off I go. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

A pain in the neck!

 Well, I am certainly cutting it close with surgery preparations. Finally having an EKG on Monday morning at 9am. Surgery is October 3rd....it will have to do. I have had 2 other surgeries this year and did not require an EKG....not going to question the powers that will be doing the procedure. I would have had it last Monday but I incorrectly wrote the time down...so I missed the appointment....so not like me. Monday will be my first time using Uber for transportation. Alan is away until Monday very late evening and Lisa is working.  Today literally I have a pain in my neck. When I visited with the Pain doctor, we decided to wait and see if it is somehow connected with the disc issue. When I return in 2 months he will decide how to proceed. I have never had so many issues as now. Truth be told, I have been feeling a little stressed lately. I know it will work out.

Remember the baby quilt...

Well here is McKayla all wrapped in it. so nice to see it really being used. Message received from the dad Joe is that they love it.

👀Look at my hexies.... did I mention it might take 100 complete pieces which means 200 pieces cut...I am once again enjoying my project. Sewing by hand is very relaxing for me. My sewing table is on the opposite side of my bed area so it is like another room.  I have a floor length window...my view is nice and if I turn to my right, I can look out the slider and peer into the lanai and garden. 

Recently when I did look into the garden this is what I saw...a pair of Goldfinches enjoying a bath in the fountain. They stayed for some time and of course interrupted my sewing.  Then there is Murphy...at this very moment he is under the sewing table leaning against my legs waiting for attention. How can I get things done with all this stuff around me. I love it. time to continue chores...the House Faerie once again missed my house. Dishwasher swirling, laundry swishing and dryer fluffing.... I need another cup of coffee. Say something nice to someone today...share a smile, it just maybe what someone needs.

Glad you stopped by today...another nice interruption. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Oh, Hello there!

Has it really been a week since.... according to the blog date it has. Here's what has been going on around the hacienda.
Swishing and fluffing daily. Cooking and baking. This week it was shortbread cookies. Nice that I have Alan and Lisa to bake for. Walks with Murphy early or late day because it is hot...100+ hot. Lisa is still sewing on her days off.

I know the picture is not the best, but Murphy is quick with the magic screen doors! He flies in and out and yes a few times ran smack into the closed slider! He will go under and through and in one door and out the other. The kitchen slider (this one) and my bedroom are off set by the corner of the lanai.  The best thing since sliced bread! He loves being outside and now we are not up and down to open the door. 

This past week a friend that I had for 60+ years passed away. Donna and I met when I lived in her grandma's house back in 1958. Although we have not seen each other  for some time, a friend is a friend and with social media we were in touch. Sad feelings. This is a sad month for me anyway. Just this morning I commented to Lisa that I am feeling much less stress. They certainly have helped and have spoiled me and of course Murphy is a big part of keeping me on track.

Murphy.... well, he does not like big birds in the yard or on the wall...only finches and hummingbirds. Now he has discovered geckos and lizards. This past week Alan got out of bed to remove a large lizard from the lanai before Murphy got it. The other day he was inches from catching a baby bunny who likes to visit our flowers. Never a quiet moment around here. 

I have an issue with my neck (right side) and shoulder and collarbone. Tomorrow I will have a CT Scan to see what is going on.... most likely a pulled muscle but better to check it and correct whatever behavior caused it. Off I must go to tend to the swishing in the laundry area and do a few chores. It is always nice to chat with you. I will try to appear more often as before. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Heartfelt thank you

My heart is full these past few days. The Brother Alan posted on Friday, the 2nd anniversary of My Denny's passing. The many emails and comments left on Facebook and of course here filled my heart with love and friendship. This will always be a hard time for me but made a little easier with all of your caring kind words. ❤
The Pond Garden and fountain is very busy this morning with so many different birds drinking and bathing. A quick walk out to the garden and all is well. We are still in a cool down, low100s and right now it is quite nice outside. There is swishing in the laundry area and the Shark is waiting to swim around the abode. First cup of coffee finished and my bowl of cereal too. Dishes washed and soon coffee beans will be ground for the 2nd cup.

I have been able to stitch On The Range..... really not too much more to do then I will add the beads. Coming along nicely. Stitching is slow due to my eyes..... yes, my eyes. First the issues were with the hand and as that healed my back and the procedure for that has been healing well and now my vision. I need to see an Ophthalmologist and will be looking to find one this week. I have been keeping all of my medical centers close to home, so as there are a few close by,  I will check them out. Right now I am using Sustane Complete and added Retaine MGD with hot compresses during the day. So, with  resting my hand and back and now my eyes, things go slowly for me. Right now nighttime driving is not happening.... not that I did much of it anyway. The doctor also changed my eye prescription but I will wait to fill it until after the Ophthalmologist appointment. Always something to deal with. I know there are others with so much more to deal with, but selfishly right now it is me I am dealing with.
 Friday and yesterday were the if you can drop it why not day. Friday evening I spilled freshly brewed cup of black tea all over the counter and everything that was there of course received a tea bath. Then the sugar bowl joined in. Saturday I knocked over the butter dish thankfully it did not break. It was given to me by Glenda and I love it. It is one of the ones that you fill the bottom half with water ( I pout ice cubes in) and you can leave it out and the butter is always soft and ready to use. Of course during the day, at least 2-3 times I toss the water and ad new ice cubes. Yes, when I scooped up ice there were far too many cubes and they went all over the floor. Normally I only pick up 3 cubes to fit the dish but why did I get a scoop full? So they could go all over the place! Today is so far promising to be a less clumsy day. The plan is to sit and stitch, as soon as my eyes clear up.
Always nice to chat with you. Again, thank you so much for caring and for your kind words. Thank you most of all for your friendship. I am so lucky to know you!

The moon .... and me

Sunday evening as I looked out to the sky there it was...another magnificent full moon. I have and probably always will be fascinated by the moon. Every night I look to see where it is and what it looks like and then wonder.... many thoughts.  Right now, however, I am wondering what the day will bring.
We are once again in a "cool down" as the temps will be in the low 100s this week. There are several wildfires already in full swing here in Arizona and the Monsoon season has begun. No matter where you live there are seasonal happenings. We learn to live and adjust to them.
Yesterday was spent with stitching....On The Range

The left edge is almost finished except for the beads of course. They are the last to be added. I had a bit of an issue with the red star in the lower corner... a few Xs were not correct so out they came and back in correctly they went. It was a quiet day around the abode. On the weekends the jets from Luke AF base do not fly and coincidently the birds seemed to take a quiet day also. Very little action at the Pond Garden and fountain. It was a quiet day around the abode.
I did pack up over 80 DVDs...some of them sets … and moved my photos boxes onto the top shelf. Next will be the CDs. I am probably still one of the few who play CDs. Although I watch Netflix, I still like my DVDs too. Just an old fashioned gal I guess.
Stitching and reading have been slow  recently as I am having blurred vison issues especially in my left eye. I know, get it checked. Along with the other this and that that needs attention.  A few issues will be taken care of when The Brother Alan is here as I will need a driver.... as in when they dilate the eyes! I actually dread that. It takes hours for my vision to return to normal. Always something... in "these golden years"!
Well, that is about it for me today. Off to finish the chores because those House Faeries still have not reported for duty; then back to my Mill Hill stitching. It will be a me day. Glad to have you visit with me. Thank you for your kind words and or your friendship. 

Just muddling along~~~

muddling

[ˈməd(ə)liNG]

NOUN

1. the action or process of bringing something into a disordered or confusing state.

   "the muddling of fact and fiction is a tried-and-true tactic of totalitarian regimes" ·
   

   [more]
2. the action or process of mixing a drink or stirring an ingredient into a drink.

   "the muddling helps ensure that all the flavors are well blended"

ADJECTIVE

1. confusing.

   "the map is a muddling haze, with place names in German, Russian, Polish, and Lithuanian"

Yup, just one of those weeks. However, let's think the second noun definition..... sounds more fun. I do love a Mojito and have a nice muddler..... anyway, my week has been a bit off. Feeling lazy is one description. Do not misunderstand....the Shark swam around the abode, the Swiffer flew about and there was swishing in the laundry area. I enjoyed the Fountain antics of the hummer bathing and how busy the area remains... very distracting but a good distraction. It had been hot so being outdoors was not an option so enjoying the entertainment from my comfy chair was nice. I read a little.... and then picked up my Mill Hill project...

I stitched most of the corner and all of the pink in the sky. Many of the blank areas will be covered with beads...love adding beads to a project. Remember the view? Well that was not the only issue to distract me. I began watching a movie while stitching... not the best idea. When the movie ended I decided to have a second cup of coffee.... as I sat to stitch again I noticed some of the Xs were not where they should be. So, snip and pull out... that is when I noticed I was having another issue.

Notice anything? Let me tell you then.... the tip is broken on one side! So when I tied to use it to pull threads it was not working! Since the floor in my room is carpeted I have not a clue as to how the tip broke. But....

these fine ladies have volunteered to assist me. They are so cute... I have a "blonde" gal too but she must be with a project. I am sure one of these days she will appear as I am clearing my stash. The DM floss is done. Now onto the next area. When it is hot outside the garage is just a bit cooler, even with the large floor fan on. So it is slow going.
I so appreciate the concern when I have not posted. Thank you for your caring emails.... I admit to not having a good month, but as some of you noted, I will be okay. Just need to get through these days.
On a cheery note, how about the colors in my garden...

The orange Firecracker bush, the Purple Ruellia and the Yellow Bells Honeysuckle.... all in one area. Love my garden! Planting anything else right now is on hold with the heat. Still, it is all very pretty out there. The birds love it and the occasionally butterfly visits. Right now the attraction for all is the fountain and the moving water. It is time to wash out the breakfast dish and mug and to get some swishing going. My plan is to sit and stitch today. It has been nice chatting with you. Thank you for your kind and caring words and emails. Thank you for your friendship.

The Heat is on...

Yes, there is a Glenn Fry song of that title...I am referring to the temps here in The Valley of the Sun, Arizona. We are in a heat advisory today. It was 109 yesterday and expected to be more of the same today and this week. then a cool down...to the low 100s! When I woke this morning around 5ish it was already 84.... so, the only trip out of the abode will be to check with the landscapers when they arrive; hopefully it will be early.
I attempted to bead the bumble bee bead … yesterday. Let me tell you, this is causing me anxiety. I usually can figure out a pattern but I am having difficulty making this look okay and work. So, it will be put aside again and I will bead something else. While sitting in my comfy chair and looking out to the garden...

several birds stopped by for a drink and to cool off...including the hummer. Watching him flutter in and out of the water was very distracting but so fun to watch.

The female Great-Tail Gackle made several appearances too. It was a busy day at the fountain. The Doves were also there and still no one returning to the nest. One of these cooler days I will take it down and clean it. there are a few thigs I have been lazy about and put off and now it is really too hot for me to be out there putzing around. Getting out there early is the key and lately I am not ready to do much early. I know, so not me!
Did I tell you? No I guess I did not. The Brother Alan and Lisa will be moving here (with me) permanently by the beginning of October. They will be sharing my home. The Brother is much younger than me and it will be good to have him here. So, yes, that is why I am getting the garage storage area and such ready for them. We have been getting the house ready for sometime now. Paint has been selected for their bedroom, other modifications are being thought out.  So a new countdown will begin.
Glad you visited today. Thank you for your kind words and caring emails. Thank you for your friendship. These coming days are difficult for me and knowing that I have friends who care enough is such a good feeling. Special thanks to you.

Birds and beads

Hot again and getting hotter...into those triple digits. Here it is Friday, where did this week go? Still have not planted the herb seeds...maybe later this morning, or tomorrow. Did some floss sorting...but not too much else. I have been easily distracted lately. Start one thing and then I hear myself saying...oh, look at this or what is this...you know, then getting back to the original task gets lost. Focus, I need to focus.... what was I saying?

On Wednesday afternoon I began beading on the needle case. The directions I was following called for 2mm crystal beads to be used with the 11/0 seed beads. Well all my crystals are larger so I improvised and changed the design to suit what I had on hand.

Thursday I finished it. I painted the bottom and the lid with gold Sharpie. Beading the cap was not an option for me. The beads would eventually wear and loosen when removing and capping the top. I am pleased and see more of these being made... would make a nice gift. The beads are a no name dark blue and of course the gold.
The phone rang yesterday afternoon...a number I did not recognize. I usually do not answer and wait for a message to be left. Instead I automatically picked up. It was a neighbor. Could she stop by.

When she appeared at my gate she handed me a gift bag. "This is a little something for you. You are always so kind and helpful and always so nice. I wanted to say thank you".
Well, I was surprised as I have not known her and her husband very long. Of course, you know that I love chocolates.... all chocolates. Just the other night I was craving a piece of chocolate and there was none...not one chocolate in the house.
Did I ever mention that I am superstitious, very superstitious? Oh I am. Don't  get me wrong, I do not worry about the black cat crossing me or the open umbrella. There are other things...things that will bother me. Like yesterday...the Doves. The first incident was at the living room window ..the bird flew into the window.  A short time later a bird, a Dove, did the same thing to my kitchen slider in the lanai. Later again at the living room window. I may be hanging the rosary beads up soon! Stop snickering and giggling. I could hear Debbie all the way from Canada! I have been this way since childhood. I was told by my maternal Grandpa that his wife for whom I was named was very superstitious. He was such a sweet loving man. Anyway, it is me and no changing it now at this late date/age. A lot of Italians are this way. Like the Maloke...the evil eye. Let's not go there.
Nice to visit with you today. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

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... 

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.

Empty nest~~~

A late start to my day yesterday...just did not want to get out of bed and start the day. Finally up and there was swishing in the laundry area and Swiffer and I took a walk around the place. The birdbaths were filled.....and my Plumeria was watered. It is one of the few plants not on the irrigation line.... hope to remedy that soon.
I am enjoying making these Pod Ornaments...

this is part one of three of a second design. I see more of these on my beading tray. This was part of a bead a long that I passed but decided to now make. Need to pick up more delicas for the next Pods. They measure about 2 inches long by 1 1/2 inches before embellishing.
The temps are once again like a "roller coaster" (weather gal's term not mine) going from the 80s to the 90s with a day of 101 coming soon. The weather back on the East Coast is nasty...but when The Brother Alan and Lisa arrive next Tuesday...that is correct...next Tuesday...one week... we will be back in the high 80s. Lisa will have her lounger out and relaxing while The Brother and I keep reminding her to drink water and take sun breaks!
When I went out to the garden yesterday morning the Dove Kids were gone from the nest.

They have not gone far...sitting in the garden. The one in the "back" is the younger and still fairly straggly. I thought about sweeping but did not want to displace them. Imagine, here I am concerned that they would get upset if I cleanned. Maybe tomorrrow. The parent watches from the wall but takes off immediately when I enter the garden area.
Today maybe I will get the 2nd piece of the Pod made. I am in no rush. I prefer to enjoy what I make and not rush through the projects.
It is always so nice to chat with you. Thank you for your kind words and for yourfriendship. *********One Week*****

Finally Friday

What a week. Monday was the day for my RFA procedure.... all in all it was not too bad and I am still waiting for it to take full effect. I am not in the pain I was in. At this point I am very achy...which is a lot better than I was. I am also having headaches (some all day) which I am not sure if it is connected to the procedure. Time will tell if this is going to work for me. So, I have not done any of my garden work or heavy household cleaning... instead I have been beading. I started an ornament called a Peyote Pod….

One side of 3 completed and almost the second one. I have been easily distracted while beading.....

My chair (in my bedroom) faces the lanai which looks out to the garden.... the occasional bird, the disco ball "parkles" and just the serene look calls to me and before I know it I stop beading. Happiness and memories. Sometimes the frustration of not being able to get out there and clean.... then I remind myself that it will wait.
Yesterday I took a walk to stretch my back muscles and this is what I saw in my community...

the soft pink of the Oleander bush

the purple blooms on the Jacaranda tree

a tiny bloom on the cactus

the bright glow from the Red Bird of Paradise bush

the lemon yellow of the Lantana bush

then back in my own garden my Plumeria …..

I am so happy that it is finally showing signs of growing and it is growing quickly. Not sure if I will get blooms this summer but I can certainly hope for that. Wonderful distractions.

Today will be hopefully to finish this beaded ornament. I would like to make several. While cross stitch is on hiatus, beading is filling my creative time. Morning coffee finished and no shores that need me today. I have checked on the Dove kids and they are well.  I think something may have happened to one of the parents.... just a feeling and not seeing them both around at the same time. Lucky for the kids they are old enough for the one parent to go off for short periods. Such is nature. 

So glad you had time to visit. Thank you for the kind words and encouragement and concern for me. Thank you for you friendship. Do you know the count? We are down to 11...11 days and The Brother Alan and Lisa will be here.

There was a storm

Monday night I had to secure myself in the bedroom...verticals closed tightly... why? There was a storm. Did I tell you that I hate nighttime storms? Did I tell you that I am afraid of lightening? Now you know. The wind began to really toss my chimes. Then I heard it...thunder in the distance. Then I heard it again this time closer. When it was just above the house I rattled.Then the rain started to get everything wet. Then it was over. Whew.... I really hate nighttime storms.
I am fully recovered. Yesterday I began to make a Russian Leaves earring....key word began. I changed my mind so many time...like 3.

First there were the blue and clear beads.... then blue with dark blue beads... and finally I chose bronze and copper. Of course this has not been stiffened yet. I will do that after the mate is made. I will surely get a better picture when they are both done. So, if you think I am doing nothing here.....For those who wonder about my not stitching. This year I just lost interest but found other ways to be creative. So far I have mailed away many patterns and linens. I have donated to a local school many patterns and threads and linen and aida cloth. I also donated fabric. I also donated my old sewing machine.When school starts back up in August I will have more for them. I most likely will cross stitch again and still have many patterns, threads and linen still in my stash for then. Thank you for saying you miss seeing that part of my creative juices. I hope you can like what I do now too, and still can enjoy my blog.
I caught a glimpse of the baby doves. I did not want to startle the parent by running back into the house for my camera so I will be sure to have it in hand tomorrow when I go into the garden. I was on my way out to get groceries. Do you shop with a list? I do. I also have the Safeway app on so I can remember to get the sale and free items. Just once I would like to go in and come out with only what is on the lists. While there I spotted Gladiolas...I love Gladiolas. Dennis bought specific vase for when we buy them...

A tall clear vase that will support the long stems. Just look at this color! Everywhere I was in the market someone admired them. Today is May 1st...May Day. Don't have a May Pole but I could organize the courtyard neighbors to circle one of the lamp posts. Anyway, I plan to finish the earrings today. All is ready for the May Origami Star....
Thank you for stopping by and thank you for the kind words.... and for the encouragement. I really think of all of you as friends. Thank you for your friendship.
By the way...… the count down has started. For what? Do you really need to ask! Alan and Lisa will be here May 21st! 

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 what a morning...

Seems it will be a partly cloudy morning but the temps are so comfortable. I wish I was! To start at the beginning....I woke at 1 am and still awake..... going to be a long day. But I will manage. Let's talk about yesterday. I decided to lay the drip line in the new pond garden.

Okay, it does not look like much but soon it will. Anyway, I could not remember how to activate the irrigation off time so I thought well tomorrow at 7am I will come out and see if it works. Out to the garden at 7 this morning I went but no water running anywhere! Now what? After a few minutes I discovered the system was unplugged. I want to know who did this...come on speak up! Then I hear what sounds like a faucet running  ...a line is disconnected from a post. I took an unplanned shower right there in the garden in my pajamas. Could not fix it so I shoved the line toward the garden wall. In the meantime did I mention that the 2 baby
Doves are now out of the nest? As usual, they like others in the past do not plan to leave the garden anytime soon. No, they prefer to hang around. They pop up at the least expected moment and then we all 3 are startled. I have informed them to stay out of the lanai...it is not for rent but they continue to enter then can not find their way out. Panic sets in and I have to go and escort them out. Now I know why the parents left them!

Yesterday I also decided it was time to slice and quarter and juice the lemons..... then into the freezer so I can zip lock bag them up. I waited until they were just getting soft to the touch...more juice that way. These are already bagged. A full gallon bag.

Look at how much juice from one of these giant lemons! One half cup full.... the glass juicer is from my childhood.... mom used to make orange juice using this. One day I asked her if she still had it and she gave it to me. Nice to use it.

Added to the freezer are cubes of juice about a tablespoon each and zest. Now for drinks or cooking I am prepared. I still have 5 more lemons to do. I will put the zest into snack bags and since they are in 1 tablespoon amounts it will be easy to use.

Ta Da... she is finished. Tossing her little yellow French knots around. I am pleased with how she looks. Still not sure why I made it in pinks. I really enjoyed doing simple embroidery again. I will be looking into my patterns this weekend for another project to do. My hand is so much better...I would say completely healed but it still gets sore. The back however is another story and I will be calling the doctor on Monday to try to see him. I have done really nothing this past week so it should feel better.

A  cloudy morning can not keep the bright Orange Bells from glowing and giving me sunshine in the garden.  I had this cut back severely last summer and it is coming back strong. The bees love it and the hummer sometimes stops by for a taste.  Well, guess I should do a few chores. Glad you stopped by today. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.