For the birds

 Hope everyone is into the swing of the new year... me? still working on it. The winter weather is lovely here. Murphy has enjoyed having the slider open for a time...good to get fresh air in.

Yesterday We Tres Amigos went to Barnes and Noble and I bought Primitive Quilts and projects magazine. The felt applique bird  on the cover caught my eye. Also to make it home with me is a book, Day by Day written by Sister Stan ( I have not heard of her). It is a "treasury of meditation on mindfulness to comfort and inspire". We all need that about now. We then went to Alan and Lisa's favorite "hang out" place. We enjoyed a few appetizers and a drink sitting out on their patio. Then it was home and I enjoyed a dish of ice cream!

Look who is hanging on my ornament tree....Mr Blue Jay. I am really happy how it turned out. Alan commented that he really like the shade of blue.

Also flying in is a robin.

Often in the past back in Rhode Island we hand raised robins. A great feeling to save them and set them free. Not sure what will fly in next but it feels good to be able to create again. I love handwork. Needle and thread in hand.... 

Today I received a hand written thank you note! I know, so old school and I loved it. Thank you cousin Norman. Reviving and maintaining connections is so important. Keeping new connections is right there too.  I still enjoy hand written notes/letters. If you have been a follower for a time you might remember the year of card exchange..was fun and was so nice to receive mail that was personal.

I am feeling a bit off today with a cough and I am trying to catch my nose but it runs fast! Definitely going to be a slow and relaxing day. Happy to chat with you today.Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Advent Calendar Blog Hop

 Today is December 17th and my turn to post for this year's Advent Blog Hop hosted by Jo  from           Serendipitouss Stitching. (Click the link to visit the other bloggers). The topic for us this year is "Your Favourite Christmas Book". ....Murder for Christmas

This book was published in 1982....not sure when I got it or from where, but it is a mystery book of stories written by 26 authors...short stories.  I can tell you that I have had it for many years. What is nice about this book is that some of the writers I had not read. The pages have yellowed but the stories remain interesting. "Murder for Christmas contains something for every taste--lying, cheating, shoplifting, stealing, spying, kidnapping, and murder---in short, everything to make the holidays bright."

The other request is to post something we have made for the holiday.

This cross stitch angel is titled Magic. It was from a Christmas craft magazine from years ago. Since I gave away all my magazines, I apologize for not knowing who or where she is from. It was the first time that I finished an ornament with ruching. I had the star charm with a rhinestone. Sorry for lack of info, but is someone knows anything about who or where, let me know.

These blog hops for many different occasions are so much fun. Jo does a great job of organizing them. This is her 10th year for the Advent Blog Hop. The only year I missed was the first one in 2011! Be sure to visit Serendipitouss Stitching and see all the other bloggers.

Look at this adorable bird made by lovely Vickie.... and the needle minder. Thank you my friend. The bird is on happy in the tree and the minder on my sewing table.

Murphy is already for Christmas...went to the groomer on Monday. When we picked him up Lisa and I were told there was a handling fee added.... he was a little difficult and his ear got scraped (not very obvious at all) but all was okay. He does not like his ears or feet touched! Maria does a superb job, even with him pulling away. See his red/green collar? Lisa picked it out for him to wear for Christmas. The bell jingles and we can hear him coming...most of the time. Such a handsome boy. Today he has yelled at all the birds that stopped by to bath in the fountain or drink. Very protective of his garden.

We have remained healthy here... I do hope you are all doing well. Thank you for stopping by and for your kind words. Thank you for your friendship.

Yesterday would have been Dennis' 75th birthday.... hope the angels had balloons for him.

Saturday and one more day...

Friday is over...and not too soon. The day started okay..... instead of waiting for the House Faeries I decided I best do it myself while I can. Received the call giving me the surgery time for Monday... will be 1 PM Arizona time. All in all I will be there about 4 hours. So far I have done well getting organized for being right hand incapacitated. More to be done today. Getting some meals ready is not like me....do not like having too many things in the fridge already prepare but it is what I need to do. Tried using the left hand and a knife for cutting up vegetables...let's just say it is on the list along with climbing a step ladder. Yesterday afternoon it was out of my courtyard into the next to attend a celebration for Bob's 80th birthday. Rachel set out a nice spread of Hors d'oeuvres and a selection of wines.... good friends and nice chatter. Once back home I decided to do this and that. One of the that was to finish putting a print into a frame.

Into the garage to get the frame. I reached into the top of the cupboard and the frame came apart...evidently the backing was not secured to the front.... result a small but nasty cut on my wrist. Took quite a while before it stopped bleeding through the Band-Aids.  Dealing with someone else's blood is one thig, mine is a different story.Really sore today. So I stopped all that activity right away.

Yes, it is the Bottle Brush tree in front of my house but look closely...there is my Gila Woodpecker.... see him yet? Camouflaged with the bark. When he is getting ready to swoop down for a drink he calls out very loudly from the tree.

Then he hands and drinks. Yesterday his mate came along but was took quick for me to capture I picture. He is very entertaining hanging and swinging.
The craft cart is away and out of sight...so I will not feel tempted to try to do anything for the next few weeks. A few books are on the table waiting to be thumbed through...yes I do read on my tablet but these are in hand books. Sometimes I really like the feel of a book in hand. Trying to find a few good movies.. I am so fussy... to watch.  I found Agatha and The Truth of Murder....should have saved it! It was quite good.
Off I go to cut up veggies and make some chicken soup. Tomorrow I will swish clothes and fluff them. I admit to be nervous about the surgery.... anytime I have general anesthesia I worry. It usually take a little longer for my body to be rid of it..... guess I will be napping until Tuesday.
So nice that you took time to visit. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

The day that disappeared.....

Today was just one of those days. I am so glad it is almost over. First let me start with the pond...yes the pond again. I have it off as I think, well almost positive there is a leak and not sure where to look or how to fix it. I guess I will hunt to find someone who does ponds. Then there was cable...or not having cable. Cox was unable to fix and I had reset it 3 times with no luck so an appointment was made for Friday afternoon. So on to the computer to watch the Senate hearings. I felt I had to watch and because I did I found something that was important to me. For the first time ever I was able to write some words in regard to the issue on paper and then speak with my doctor. Years of feelings ….the start for me to face the issue.
Then the TV service resumed so the appointment has been cancelled. Onto the next issue...I know, what next was my very loud out loud comment. Actually I shouted! The bathroom lights would not work. After I reminded myself that I knew how to solve this---  I reset the switch in the electrical box. So my friends that was my morning. All by 1PM!

Look at this lovely book on dimensional beading..... the designer/author offered it for postage on one of the beading group pages that I belong to. I could not pass it up as I am enjoying my latest beading projects. I did make an additional contribution as well as the postage. While The Brother was here I did not work on my Rose Star and today was just not the day to even think about it. Hopefully this weekend it will be completed. Tomorrow is a lunch date with Glenda.

A short time ago I posted a partial picture....here is the finished sewing project...it came out so cute. Lisa saw this (I think on Pinterest) and sent me a picture awhile back and asked me to make it...so after hunting down the pattern I was also able to find the exact same fabric as in the picture she sent and she was pleased when she saw it.

Good morning Oliver...that is the name sis Lynowl gave him. Here he is coming out of his home in the grass next to the pond. This means that I will be careful when cleaning with the rake in that area from now on. So far he nibbles on the grass but then there are no flowers to munch on...yet. Not sure how long he will reside here, but if he behaves he can stay...no additional bunnies wanted!!!!
Thank you for the nice comments on my new home additions. I have eliminated comments for this post but welcome private comments for now. 

A bouquet from friends

These past few days, today included, I have had a light headache which starts my day and usually by afternoon disappears. Yes, I do believe the heat is bothering me but I have been here 14 years so it is not like I am a newbie to Arizona. Maybe it is the age thing.... anyway, feeling lazy due to poor sleep which had crept back into my nighttime. It does not help to have a few things camped out in my mind. Then yesterday afternoon the phone rang and it was to see if I had a few minutes to spare. Across the courtyard came Robyn...

in hand were these gorgeous flowers... for me. Robyn said sunflowers remind her of me..... I do love sunflowers. What a sweet thing to say and do. How lucky I am to have these two friends. Beautiful large sunflowers, pale peach roses and sunny mums....they grace my table.

I have not been totally idle, I have done a bit of reading. The clothes swirled in the washer but Bissell remained alone in the garage. Still deciding whether to shop for a new one. I have honestly been resting my hand. After all the beading recently it needs it. Last night I set the oven to self-clean and just waiting for it to cool completely before giving it a wipe out. There are no housework or garden plans today.
Here it is the first of July.... with all the drought and high heat many firework displays have been banned. The fire danger is just too high. Personally it is okay with me.  So whatever your holiday plans are, please be careful around any fireworks. Keep your celebrations safe.
So very nice to have you stop by for a chat. Thank you for the kind words and most of all thank you for your friendship.

My slow morning

Well, finally feel as though I will get through this morning. The reason being that last evening I took the med for my restless legs...of course if a med has a side effect most likely I will experience it. Lightheadedness, blurred vision (already have some of that) and tired. Did I mention the lack of concentration? So far I have started several adventures around the house and left all of them mid task. One of those days.The good news is that I slept through the night and not once woke until 6 am from 9 PM. So, I guess I need to weigh the choice of sleep and morning of being very slow to restless broken sleep and feeling tired for most of the day.

Most likely little will be accomplished today but the bed is made and the Bissell walked around so that is not too bad. Not sure were the Swiffer got left! The garden will not get swept due to the winds again. Following doctor's orders I will limit my outdoor time during the windy time so my asthma/allergies will behave. The sounds of my buoy bell and chimes are relaxing to me and they certainly have gotten a work-out recently. The days have moments of very gusty winds.
Yesterday The Brother Alan and I talked on the phone for 3 hours! We chatted about so many things and made so many plans and I could go on and on...let me just say I miss him and glad he will be here in September.... don't worry I will not be starting the official countdown yet! Usually these long type of conversations are with the sis Lynowl. There have been times that she and I talked more than once a day for long times. Now we Skype....that is another story ...I will say it is fun with her.

As my hand allows I try to work on the French embroidery ... but....The last 3 lines around the piece which I did as broken lines are suppose to be solid! So....yes, I guess I will be back stitching to make them solid. Not today though! Not with my concentration where it is. Wonder about my reading.....

These 3 are on my table now. I have been reading Sherlock Holmes and started James Comy's book but not yet the other, Everything Happens for a Reason. I do read from my tablet but to be truthful, I really enjoy having the book in hand and feeling the turn of a page. At the rate of my morning so far I think breakfast is the only thing I will start and finish right now.
Yesterday I received an email from a friend Jeri....I was not aware she reads my blog each day. I was not aware that ladies from a group which we both ( and I have been absent from) belong ask about me and she lets them know how I am....what a nice feeling that is. Thank you Jeri for caring and reaching out. Glad to chat with all of you... glad you take time to visit and listen. Thank you for the kind words and your friendship.
I am off to conquer the day!

And just like that.....

The week is at it's end just like that. Seems the days get lost and time just keeps moving ahead. Today is beginning cloudy again and cooler. The weather is suppose to be in the 70s all week but ending near 90 on Friday. Crazy temps..... lots of clouds but it is okay.

This is the new Dove couple that has been hanging around. Never see them except early morning and early evening. Guess they are still deciding whether to move in  or not. In the next day or two I will check the nest area.
I forgot to show you my Guardian Angel Bell

It hangs off the zipper of my handbag and tingles as I walk. My companion is the Garden Gnome. It is from the same company that the Buoy Bell is from. I plan on getting a few to give as gifts.
I sat outside having tea with Glenda yesterday. She and Don are truly dear friends..... I would be lost without them. these past  months have been made easier with their caring friendship.
I was out on the lanai most of the day reading.....

I am enjoying the Sherlock Holmes FAQ book. Leaning a lot about Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The other is my diary... book 2 for me. I jot my thoughts daily in it. I started just after loosing Denny and it does help me cope most of the time. Did you notice the book mark? It is a piece of raw hide with some beads and a feather. I love feathers so this is perfect. When The Brother Alan Lisa and I went to the Botanical Garden I came across

a soft bright white tiny feather clinging to a branch. To me it was a sign that Denny was with us that day as he loved going to the garden.
"Feathers appear when Angels are near...
Coming across a feather in your path, or finding a feather in an unexpected place is thought to be a message from the Angels. White: this is the most common Angel feather, and is thought to be a sign of faith and protection."
Did I ever tell you that I am very superstitious?
Well I do not hear the tumble of the dryer so my laundry is waiting for me ....once again the Faeries are not around. I think I better start looking for them! Glad to chat with you today and share my thoughts and doings. Thank you for the kind words and for your friendship.

Guess who has returned

Another beautiful day. Wishing that family and friends along the East Coast could have some warmer weather about now...drive safely and dress warm.
Had a busy morning; laundry, re-arranging the craft stuff (almost finished), made a chicken soup with egg drop and now plan to tat. All is well outside in the garden. The hummer has been here and gone several times, other little birds stopping by for berries from the Firecracker bush.

This female White-Crowned Sparrow found several berries to munch on. The sound of the pond is soothing today.
Just around sunrise,  I spotted a familiar sight atop the backyard wall

The Doves are back and from the sounds of their cooing to one another it is apparent they are going to build a nest. The garden is a busy place.

The Brother Alan hung a disco ball (we love them and have 2 in the garden) by the pond and the sun is reflecting "parkles" on the wall. You may call them sparkles, but they have been know to me and Denny as parkles because niece Elyssa pronounced them as such.  I am planning to sit and tat this afternoon to finish the snowflake so I can make some from a new book that arrived yesterday.

I love new books! and this one has some lovely snowflakes to make. I am hoping to get enough made to send some out by Valentines day. Chances are that I may yet cut out a Tilda doll. There is nothing on my calendar until Thursday, so I should be able to at least get it started. The problem is that I have been easily distracted this past week. Brain Flittering is what it is. Even as I sit here at the computer, my mind wanders out to the garden. Well, guess I best say adios for now. Glad to chat with you. Thank you for the kind words and friendship.

A special end to a crazy day

Finally all was good here. Dave fixed my electric and cable problems. Poor guy had to come all the way across the courtyard! thank you Robyn for sending him and glad you are feeling better. Just about everyone is not feeling well. Glad that Glenda is feeling much better too.

The guys arrived before the scheduled time to replace a part in the A/C unit. My hand began to feel good....well, I did absolutely nothing so it would! As tired as I began to feel because of no sleep, I would not let myself take even a cat nap. It worked because around 9:30 last evening I finally did sleep and woke at 5:30 this morning. Crazy but I am still feeling tired.
The mail around 11 AM and then the tears.
I hade made a Shutterfly book with help from friend Dianna and it arrived.
Not perfect, but I love it all the same.

It is called-----My Denny and me. This is the cover with the Disney fairytale castle. Many through the years called our love and marriage a fairytale so I thought it would be perfect. One of the quotes I have loved is......."My favorite love story is ours" and it is there.

The very first page is a dedication of sorts because it is truly how our love began; with niece Tonya "Pafazzo" and is one of our favorite pictures of her. She is really the only non-denny/grace picture in the book. Most of the photos are of Denny as the book is about him.

It would not be complete if there were not special pictures of my guy and his garden and flowers. He had this love of gardening even back in Rhode Island before we retired here to Arizona where he was enjoying year round flowers.

and pictures of us through the years...that is the "me" part of the book. So many wonderful memories in my heart. He was a quiet man who loved gardening and some travel and he liked adventures like parachuting, white water rafting and some hiking here in Arizona.

It was difficult trying to choose what pictures to include as we had taken so many in our 47 years together. But after the tears these were the chosen ones. Of course the bear from his jeans had to be included. It is like holding him in my arms.

The decision was easy for the last of the 20 pages....
no words needed here.

The back cover says a lot for me.
Thank you Dianna for helping me accomplish this precious book of memories. While it is not always convenient to carry around lots of photos, this little book is right on the coffee table in the living room ready to be picked up and loved. The process of making this book was difficult at times because memories brought tears but in the end they were really worth it. Each day is still as painful for me as the first day --- May 19, 2017 and the last day of our journey on June 21, 2017. There is no rush for me to get used to the new normal around here......and some days are easier. I try very hard to keep the memory of the good days so that I can accept those last days which will never leave me.
I love books of all kinds; mysteries, travel, history and of course my crafting book but this is my most cherished and favorite.
I am not lonely for people just lonely for my Denny     💔

End of the week

Well, this week sure has been someplace but I am not sure where! Either I was busy or I just goofed off doing this and that. I know that I am enjoying the cooling temps and sit outside each day.

A rubber duck is now swimming in the pond. The garden is doing well and the irrigation still has that one leak. Each day I think about digging up the area but then I don't. At this point is not a major problem as there is nothing planted in the spot.
Yesterday was a busy day. I began at 8 am with grocery shopping, then to Walmart for paper goods and then to Barnes and Noble.

When I walked in the door there was an author signing and I stopped to chat. I really enjoy local writing and writers. Her book sounded interesting so I bought her first book in the set and she signed it for me. So far I am enjoying it. My purpose for going there was to look for a bread machine cookbook.

I bought this one. 300 recipes and 1 1/2 inches thick. I needed some new breads to try. Some will be completely done in the machine and there are some that are baked in the oven. Variety is what I like. The booklet that came with the machine is limited so this is a must. I am practicing for The Brother Alan's next visit. I should be able to find good breads in this book.
I finished the Swaddled Baby Doll

The pattern is from Mimi Kirchner and of course I did my own spin on the design. She is made of pale pink floral flannel and felt leaves and YoYo flowers with Ric-Rack stems. Some embroidery to highlight her. I am pleased with her looks. This doll will be a Christmas gift and I am getting ready to make another. The pattern has a couple of variations to try.
Today is the annual Litchfield Park Faire and I am thinking if I want to go. Denny and I always went  and enjoyed the music as well as the crafts. It is not much fun going by myself and especially without him. I will think about it and it is okay not to go. There are plenty of things I need to do around here.......no, no furniture to rearrange. I do have that shelf to still hang. There are Petunias to plant and the Swiffer needs to come out of the closet. It is still early to think about the day ahead.
Right now, I am going to sit back and relax and read for a bit. Glad you dropped by for a visit. Thank you for your kind words and friendship. The doors and sliders are open and comfy air flowing in. Whatever your weekend plans are, enjoy yourself.

"La dolce far niente"

It's the little things~~~~

A nice morning temperature wise. It is 71 with a cool touch in the air. Of course the full strength of the sun is not out when it may reach 95. But I certainly am enjoying this morning air. The garden has been watered and laundry washing. Good start. Yesterday did the errands; gas, Staples for printer ink but forgot the one black that I needed!, then a quick stop at JoAnn's for foam for the footstool which I changed my mind about but...

look what followed me home. I just love Tilda's books. I must have this little darling and so she is on the to do this week list. Oh, that is right, The Brother Alan will be here on Tuesday. It is fine, I will have some time  as I do believe we are not going to be running all over the place....well, maybe she will have to wait a little. No rush. I cannot believe Alan will call her scary as he feels about Tilly! I just  love how Tone Finnager designs her dolls. She refers to those protrusions on the side of the heads as "tuffs". They are optional but I do think they are cute. Oh... and the monkey is adorable!
My friends, I would like to clarify a few things....the little things that throw me for a loop. The little things like getting gas. It is not that I can not it is just a reminder that Denny is not here to do it. It is not that I can not water the garden, it is that this was his hobby. It is not that I can not drive but did not have to. None of this is really complicated, but I know that I over think things-- but this new normal for me is not what I want but will and do make the adjustments. A couple of the kitchen knives need sharpening...I do not know how to correctly use the sharpening tool that Denny di with precision , so I will get them sharpened by someone who knows how to do it. There is always a solution I just have to take a step back and not panic. I am a very strong lady and I can and will make all the adjustments that I must...just a little at a time. My head knows what is necessary but my heart is still quite broken and does not want to do the little things.
Thank you for being here for me. Thank you for caring enough to offer hugs and kind words that are felt from everywhere. Thank you for being my friend when I need you the most. 

I am still here...

Hello friends, thank you for missing me. I took a few days off. First because the 21st was my first month without Denny and then to gather myself. Besides the blog I keep a diary separate from here and those thoughts , well it was best to take a break. I am here and over the next week I want to share some more of the embellishments on the banner. I had a love y day with Dianna and we did cut out the teddy...

and today I start to sew. We also went to a thrift store and  I found just the right book for my teddy bears

I will remind myself not to return there on a Saturday...so chaotic. Dianna found some good stuff too. Early last evening my friend Keith stopped by to bring me an embroidered something....

well, I can not show it as it will be a gift but he has a wonderful embroidery machine and I asked if he would stitch this for me. Then he helped me to send a couple of videos to The Brother Alan. Keith is a computer wiz....really what he does, sort of. Anyway, it was a productive day. Right now it is cloudy with chance of rain and very humid. I did get out earlier to vacuum out  18 gallons of water, then add fresh water back in. I also remembered to add the algaecide chemical. Cleaned the pump too. I think they will be going to a new home next week. I called an organization and the man said email me your address and I will come out to get them next week...so lets keep those toes crossed (the fingers will most likely be doing needlework) that he does come for them. I sent pictures to him. I actually added a few more stitches to Alice, but not enough to even notice. So I have been busy.  I hope to sew on the teddy bear. I have some yard work to do, but I will get out early each morning to rake, sweep, pond vac and such....too hot after 7 AM. I also need to get a new filter for the fridge ice maker next week and hope I remember how to do install. I watched Denny do it hundreds of times. How hard can it be? You will soon find out.
By the way...remember

I  decided to call him Harry.... just popped in my head and did not leave, so Harry it is.
Guess that about covers what I have been up to and what plans I have. Glad to have you visit with me and thank you for the kind words and most of all your friendship. I am trying to get back into visiting all of you...Let's have a good day.

Oh that Esther!

Wednesday afternoon I received a call from Jo Ann's. It was Esther asking me what size shirts I wanted and that I had a gift card waiting for me and oh yeah, she found a book I would like. So, yesterday after a few errands, Mr H and I stopped by to get the gift card and check out the book. I should explain.....our yearly inventory was the end of June. When your store meets the requirements for shrinkage, employees get 2 free Jo Ann work shirts and a gift card. Back to the book.....

Oh my goodness, I just had to have it.... a 40% off coupon and the gift card and the book was free and money left on the card...what more could I ask for. By the way, I do not know why the picture is turned sideways?! What a wonderful book and the lessons are so clear...well they read clear...being able to follow them may be another story. I have worn out the beginning pages already! I have visited Trish Burr's web site and her tutorials are great. I will definitely combine watching them and using the book to learn. I know what you are saying....when will she have time to learn all these things..... I may not, but the thought of doing so is wonderful. I can spend hours just looking through my many books and magazines. I sometimes put markers or make notations... some I do get back to, others just stay in place for the next time I browse through. Just an enjoyable process. I guess you kn ow what I will be doing sometime later today...cup of tea and ogling. So glad you had time to stop by. Thank you for the kind words and your friendship.... enjoy your day.

Up on the roof~~~~~~

"Up on the roof, its peaceful as can be"-------not! Definitely not the Drifters up there today! The roofing guys hare scraping down to the plywood and it sounds like they will be joining me soon for coffee in the living room. I have removed anything that might jar loose from the walls during this project. Not taking any chances that they will fall and break or cause damage to what is below. They will probably be up there all week next. Yesterday I went for the MRI...45 minutes in that machine.... ending with a dull headache and a sore left elbow from the IV and more blood drawn. Nice ladies who did the testing. Definitely no stitching when I came home. Off to work today....speaking of that...

yes, Esther was at it again. That women knows just what books to put in front of me! Now let's face it, I will never get to learn most of what these books hold. But....I will enjoy looking and reading the how tos of it all.  My library is continually growing. Mr H will not be pleased when I tell him I am running out of space! again! I do love having good books around me....those to read and those to drool over. This is a short post today....I can not hear myself think or type with the noise going on above me.....glad to chat even for a brief time. Have a good day.

Bunny and books

Easter Greetings from our courtyard bunny who stopped by yesterday to lunch on our Lantana bush! He also enjoyed all those red blossoms that fell from the Bottle Brush tree. Today Mr H will be cooking ham and fixings.... I will assist. I bought a bread mix to make. I also bought...
a couple of books....with Esther's help of course. It all started with my asking her about a book a week or so ago. She said it would be coming in. On Friday she called to say it was in so off Mr H and I went to get it.

I had seen this on Facebook somewhere and knew I had to have it. It is the cutest doll making book around. Using pipe cleaners and floss to make the bodies and there are so many pattern designs to choose from. I quickly grabbed a few items and waited for Esther to cash me out. (We need a manager to ring up our sales) While she was doing so, she said "there is a book I wanted you to see... do you want to see it?" I said no, then okay and next thing I knew I was adding it to my purchase...

 this is a lovely book with beautiful patterns and full size patterns at the back of the book. Lots of applique work and great instructions. Now to find those extra hours to play with each one.Lucky for me I am on less hours for now and plan to try to dabble in all of this along with my cross stitching. With the weather being in a cool down (instead of 90's, back to the high 70's low 80's) I hope to sit outside and gather all my want to do things. The yard is a blaze with color....

these lovely petunias are so cheerful. They popped up in the cracks along the walk just in front of the lanai. We do not water them at all and they thrive. I have to remind myself to step over them each day! Well dear friends, it is time for a cup of coffee and something to eat..... so glad you stopped by today. Thank you for your kind words and most of all your friendship. Have a wonderful day....

She did it again!

You know that feeling you get sometimes.... stretched this way and that. Wanting to go left but end up in the middle? Tired but have the urge to do anyway... then you know how I feel today. We were comfortably busy at Jo Ann's yesterday but I left there feeling like I put in ten hours instead of 5. But I did leave with a smile... Esther, that's right, she did it again. On Sunday while I was in for the tatting group, she mentioned she found a book for me. I left without seeing her so I did not get the book. Yesterday, however, she held it aside for me....

it was a must have for me. Beads and embroidery... ah, she does know what I like. Having a 50% off coupon works too. I would have bought it anyway.... it really has nice designs and good illustrations. The temptation to try one is there, but alas, it will have to wait. I started my Round Robin piece. It took me a while to find a 4 inch design, but I did. Who knew? I think I shall now keep a folder of these as this project evolves during the next months. This designs uses beads, but I will eliminate them and floss instead.... sounds like a tooth commercial!
I have decided on the hand stitching for the quilt so that will be on the list of to do. I joined Jo's Summer Postcard Blog Hop.... always a fun experience and chance to meet new friends. In all the things Jo has to do, she still finds time to set up adventures for us. My adventures today... let's see, Mr H and I will be seeing his pain management doctor and discuss the findings from the 2 other doctors...     it is a nowhere street at this time. Then I have an HOA meeting tonight. In between these 2 events, I plan to put my feet up and stitch.... and flip through the new book, again. I did get an appointment for my hand, for June 11th... he is booked solid. My hand has been swollen this long, I can wait a little longer. Ice ice ice.... of course being my right hand it is never at rest. I had a customer's husband ask me if I had broken my hand yesterday... said it looked like it. Great, now medical help from a man who was amazed at all the fabric he saw! Well, with that my friends, I think I will sit, feet up, new book in hand...left hand and gently flip pages for awhile. Thank you for visiting today.... hope you have a wonderful day.

Darn that Esther

It is not an easy day at work after 5 days off....but I made it through the afternoon. My drive home was not too bad either but the temperature was reading 98 and the air conditioner running on high. Mr H wsn't feeling too well when I left for work earlier and was still not feeling well when I returned. He statred a new medication that we think know is not going to agree with him. I am sure today will be a better day for him since he did stop the medication. Before leaving work my MOD---Manager On Duty--- brought a pleasant surprise to me. When a customer is happy with service, they can report it to the MOD and then write a short note and we get a copy of the note and a pin, The Cut Above Award.

Yes, 6 comments! The best one is the one where the customer, not remembering my name, describes me as "the lady with grey hair and an accent".... yup me. I am always being asked "where are you from, you have an accent". So of course the MOD knew it was me! Now I will be known as the grey haired lady with the accent. Eartlier Esther, you know who she is, my book enabler, brought me another of those must have books....

What a beautiful book. I now want to learn this special needlework...I will have to find time...that elusive time. The piece of trim is another of those must have items.... good price on both.
I just may have to set the time to learn all the new things. If truth be known, I sometimes do not use my time wisely.... I let it slip and scatter around me.

Arizona Bound
April 11, 2004
Easter dinner with family was nice. Table being cleared and desserts appearing. Now is the time. Dennis and I have to tell you all something.We are selling the house and moving to Arizona when Dennis retires in June. Whew, that is done. Comments began to fly around, some disbelief a curious looks and much surprise. Questions came next and some we had answers to, others we did not. Once we were back home...home for only a short time. Once again the notes were updated and I could cross off.....Tell the family. Next ups is to book the last "vacation" to Arizona. Time to secure an apartment and then ..... then what? Good thing I have my notes. 
The temps for today are predicted to be around 93.... will this summer be a repeat of last? Too hot too soon for too long? Goodbye to open doors----hello air conditioner and elec$$$tric bill$$. I am happy you stopped by today. See you tomorrow....have a nice day.

“How did it get so late so soon? It's night before it's afternoon. December is here before it's June. My goodness how the time has flewn. How did it get so late so soon?” Dr Suess