Thank you

Thank you for the many birthday wishes.  It made a difficult day easier.  The day started with a birthday post form The Brother Alan.  Glenda and I went out for lunch and the restaurant served a special dessert, a warm blueberry muffin split with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and lots of whipped cream......we came home to find a mystery balloon from the "Birthday Fairy" on the front porch, later to find that Robin (across the courtyard) had placed it there and then brought over the warm brownie with a candle..... the door bell rang and I was handed

this beautiful vase packed with blooms from sister Lynowl. All in all it was a lovely day. Then as evening arrived so did the phone call from Dianna singing me Happy Birthday! On Friday the mystery package was a special birthday gift from my niece Tonya. I was finally able to reach someone from the company who told me they forgot to include the greeting ...Happy Birthday Auntie, Love Tonya. Tonya remembered that Dennis loved cardinals and so she chose this indoor water feature with that in mind. Also on Friday the Shutterfly corrected book "My Denny and me" arrived and I could not be more pleased with how it looks....so all in all it has been a lovely birthday.
Now about my leg....I have been awake since 1:30 AM with aching discomfort. The ice pack has helped a little. Finally I will be able to sleep without the compression stocking tonight. That may help to ease the ache. Glenda and I will return on Wednesday for procedure #2 and then we start again. I am so lucky to have her helping with this. I keep telling myself that when this is over I will feel better.....I will feel better.
Needless to say I have not tatted or done much of anything else. Today I hope to load a shuttle and tat while sitting outside in this fantastic weather. The Doves have been here but not to either of their half built homes. Not a clue as to what is going on with them. I think I may try to close my eyes for a few more hours....thank you for your kind words (and birthday wishes) and for your caring friendship.

"Life is hard as it is. Too many rough roads to travel. Too many chains to untangle. But no matter how cruel the world may be, life becomes less hard when you got a good friend."......unknown

Has it been a week???

Goodness me, where has this week gone and where was I while it was on it's way? Thank you for emails of concern, but I am okay. I know I was with Glenda one day and dinner one night (made a delicious chili), I know there was a doctor appointment and I know that I was with Dianna yesterday for breakfast and lessons...and I do not have any needlework to show for the week....I did no yardwork but the house has been cleaned.
The replacement Shutterfly book arrived on the 23rd --finally--- and it was not corrected, in fact they changed the cover color. This first project has been off to a bad start. Dianna (who is very experienced with them) helped me yesterday and she spoke with them for me. So now I will await their email then re-submit the book and it will cost me nothing. I also have extra pages and it may be that I have another free book coming, not sure so I will once again contact them to clarify. Dianna really gave me lessons yesterday and I am confident that I will make better books in the future.
The mail arrived yesterday with this....

A birthday gift from Debbie. Knowing the mail delivery service and customs, she sent it a week early but I had to open it now! The cheerful butterflies called out to me....

The back round you see is a perfectly fit for my table, table topper of Sugar Skulls! There is a color yourself notepad, and some labels in a sheer pouch and a beautifully made pouch with tea bags.

Debbie and I still email everyday. She mentioned that she was sewing and that she was doing this or that....and it was for me! Thank you so much Debbie and Laurie for my surprise package! I love my gifts. I would never have believed that I could feel close to someone who lives so far away, who I have never met in person, ...in another country even! I am very grateful for her friendship.
Today I must...... repeat must work in the garden. I have a few plants that need extra attention and the pond for sure.  I also have tomatoes to pick and beans. Forget the "alien" Snail Vine...it is still crawling everywhere.  The Doves are still under construction.... very slow to accomplish anything out there. I really have a job to do out in the garden.
My tatting has been an issue. Lesson: if feeling distracted, do not tat. Simple as that. Nothing more to say on that subject.
The doctor visit on Tuesday went well. The first vein procedure will be February 1st and then at least 2 more after that. Still trying to keep my blood pressure in check, so far it is good.
Well, here it is almost 4:30 and I definitely need a cup of tea and I think some toast. Having you visit is always so nice. Thank you for your kind words and your caring friendship. 

Voila....

Finished...just fresh from the cut.... The kit came with the Tiffany Flower Votive. Very pleased with the finish. I also made a scissor fob for the scissors using some southwest beads and a cowboy boot...to remind me of The Brother Alan who loves his boots. I will use it with battery tea light as I do not use real candles anymore. I think I will do another Hardanger project...I have an angel that has been sitting in the to do pile for some time. I will not abandon my cross stitch but I need a break. There will be the monthly SAL from The Snowflower Diaries. Yesterday's mail brought me a birthday card and ...

from dear friend Lynda Ruth  who is presently digging out from lots of snow. Luckily she and hubby have a tractor to make it easier. Today, as a matter of fact all this week, we are having temps in the 80's which is a bit above the normal for us but I will enjoy it. Mr H and I sat outside listening to music while I read The Mysterious World of Sherlock Homes......about Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.  I really should start my project for Grandniece Natalia Rose.... her birthday is in April but it will take some time to get it sewn. She is so adorable...I love her...

Isn't she glamorous in those sunglasses?! She will be 2 years old on April 26th (the day after my anniversary making it easy to remember). Well, the landscapers are here and making quite a racket with the leaf blower....so going outside at the moment is not a good idea. Guess it is as good a time as any to get the angel project and be sure I have what I need. So glad you had some time to visit.Thank you for your friendship and kind words. Have a wonderful day.

Found this sweet little plant growing in one of the pots in the garden.....

 

Such a dreary morning

It is not often that we here in The Valley of the Sun (Arizona) have rainy cloudy days pf blah; today is one of those days. It begain to rain as I left work yesterday afternoon and more during the night and early this morning....and it looks like it will continue on and off today. A few lights lite here and there in the house and softness and comfort is around me.....

Mr H picked these from his garden yesterday before the rains.... as I clicked the light on I felt a soft glow of comfort as these looked up at me.
The mail arrived just before I left for work yesterday and this special gift ....

It is from Cindy! Cheerful envelope, lovely card and look at the pretty pin keep and note pad. Oh, you notice that the candy wrapper is empty... no, she sent it sealed but Mr H grabbed it and poof, it is gone. Thank you so much for the birthday gift Cindy. Speaking of birthdays, don't forget to tell me to add your name to my 

UN Birthday celebration.

Pink Lady is almost ready for the ball....

there still is a bit more for her gown then I have her added train section to stitch, but it is moving along nicely. My mind has been thinking of how I want to finish it....

Red Riding Hood had some stitches added also....no picture though...lots of black stitches! I switch form brown to red to black often. My hands of late have touched too many projects from the too do basket...must get back on track! Right now, however, I need a cup of coffee and something to eat. It has been so nice to chat with you. Thank you for the kind words and most of all your friendship....a treasure for sure. Hope you have a wonderful day.

NOTE sign ups for the February Card Exchange are still on until Wednesday February 4th.