Sunday all day

 The weather outside is frightful cooler than it has been. It is 95 and the forecast says 102 today. Better than the 110+ days. 

Alan is off today and he is cleaning the lanai and garden area. Yes, as you can see in the photo, Murphy must remain inside and is not very happy. Anyway, he had an upset stomach earlier so for now he must stay where I can keep an eye on him. While The Brother Alan is taking care of his chores, I have swished and now it is fluffing in the laundry area. I also have re-organized my work table in preparation for a new project. I did make a couple of new angels. Same directions just different ribbon...

This is the folded ribbon one just in gold and red

This is the larger...just a bit so... in a different ribbon.

This is a larger and different style and ribbon. Since making this, I learned a better way and will try one later. I seem to be in an angel ornament kick this year. I may make a few beaded baubles again in Christmas colors. All gone from last year. 

Yesterday Lisa and I went to JoAnn's for a few more travel pillows and when we arrived it was not allowing anyone in due to an electrical failure. So what are 2 gals to do while waiting? Right across the street is the Arrowhead Mall... of course we went there. Lisa had been looking for a jean skirt and we finally found one she liked and that fit nicely. Happy to visit with you but I must get the fluffing to fold and get ingredients in the bread machine. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Have you noticed...I seem to be able to get a post done later in the morning than before. So look for me later in the day!

A cousin, gladiolas and cooking~~~~

I cannot believe that I actually have the front door and kitchen slider open! I better enjoy because in a few hours it will be back to the AC. Just to let you know, the recent quakes in California have not affected me here in the Arizona Valley.... but, to the West of me some have felt the shaking. We are however in the mist of several wildfires none of which are in my direct area. Thank you for caring enough  to ask.

I am half way through my 2nd Pod taco. I was sooooo busy cooking yesterday that this was put aside. Yes, I was cooking for hours. Initially I did not think that I would do much of anything but all of a sudden I found myself in the kitchen. There was bread in the machine, beef stew cooking and pasta and beef in tomato and Black Cherry Jell-O setting up, hard cooked eggs in the steamer followed by rice in the steamer..... all the same time.  There was no time for beading~! I will finish the pod today.

I love the gentle shade of these apricot gladiolas. I bought them this weekend to add brightness to the abode. As much as they did and still do, the brightness came with a phone call.

This is cousin Maria. She is the daughter of my late uncle John, dad's older brother. It has been some time since we were together..... back in Rhode Island.  No matter how much time passes we pick up as if it was just yesterday. Most of our time is laughing. So many memories we share from our childhood. She probably does not remember  (she freely admits to not remembering some things!) to some of my memories.... like the first time I had French toast her mom (auntie Lena) made it for me. Going to dances at LaSalle Academy with her late brother Rocco. This sweet gal always has a smile and gentleness in her voice. Whether it is a handwritten letter or a phone call, her name and voice bring happiness. I love you dearest Maria.

Glad you stopped  by today to chat. Thank you for your caring and kind words and for your friendship.

Time is not measured by clocks, but by moments.... and memories.

Did you rememebr?

We do not change the clocks here in Arizona.... well, they do on the Navajo Nation which is the North East corner of the state.... then there is the Hopi Reservation within the Navajo area that does, confused? Just know that I do not change the time...hope all of you have remembered. There is now a 2 hour difference form my friends and family in Rhode Island. Now that we have that all settled.... yesterday was the Litchfield Faire and it is also today. Dianna was able to change her work schedule to a later time so she and I went and enjoyed a beautiful morning.

A new Woodland Man came home with me....now both entrances are protected. I love this artist's work. They are carved from one piece of tree branch; no two are alike because each piece of wood is different. I think I will be making a collection of these delightful men!

Of course I also had to bring another of Maryann's Twirling hangers home. Her metal work is really nice. This one had glass chili peppers. Then there was the dip sample...Cool as a Cucumber that was very good so I bought a package as well and some Kettle Corn freshly popped. I hope to attend the next Faire  and maybe get a few other things. Dianna bought a lovely Hummingbird feeder. A friend, beautiful weather and a Faire....a wonderful way to spend the morning.
My hand is feeling much better so the Santa Star will finally be finished. Did I mention that when I did finish the last section Santa's face did not line up?! I missed a row and I just took it apart and now will finish it today..? I hope. Then I need to swish some laundry and oh yes bake some bread...Honey White loaf. Sounds good so I will try it. Still leaving messages on machines with no one returning my calls. At this rate the pond will remain closed for some time. It is so frustrating as I know what has to be done but am not able to do it myself. I know, some of you are thinking I should just close it for good. However, I really enjoy the sound and how it looks in the garden. But…..the thought has crossed my mind. I could try returning it to a fountain instead of a waterfall...but … still thinking on it. I will try again with phone calls this week... not ready to give up yet. Okay, time to get to the  laundry and baking the bread. This may be a biscotti week too. Glad to chat with you. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship. Have a good day.
Reindeer Food..... still making packets of anyone needs some. Just email me ….

Sticky Note request!

How wonderful it is having The Brother Alan and Lisa here. Once they arrived and changed into Arizona clothes...shorts and sandals …. we took care of business. Yes, we bought the new refrigerator and it is arriving Friday. Then yesterday rain ( yes we did have some rain) we got the new car....

It looks like my Elantra? Well it is an Elantra but this is a 2018 SEL and the color is Scarlet Red.... with added bells and whistles. Alan took care of everything. I signed the papers. Once again the people at Larry Miller (my third time leasing there) were exceptional. Then it was off to lunch, then The Brother and Lisa went out to do a few things. Alan did a bit of work in the garden and today we get the ceiling/wall area painted for the fridge arrival. When I woke this morning and came into the kitchen to make my coffee...

I found this message in Sticky Notes across the cupboard..... think someone wants homemade bread! I guess I can do that for them. Yesterday while they were out I happened to look out of the kitchen window and saw the bunny who is spending more time in the garden, even while we were sitting on the lanai.

I took this through the window screen so excuse the bit of blur. As I was watching him watch me I saw a fluff of white elsewhere...what? could it be?

yes!--- it was another bunny and this one was nibbling on my Purple Passion plant! Two bunnies hanging around. I hope they don't start to invite more of their warren to come to the garden. A safe haven for them from the coyotes is fine with me but I did not plan to serve a daily buffet.
Not sure what today holds, but tomorrow The Brother and Lisa will go horseback riding in the morning and to lunch at one of their favorite places. I know there will be the trip into Scottsdale before they leave but plans are open.
Off to enjoy my coffee...shhhhh, they are still asleep.
Glad to chat with you. Thank you for the 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.

Early morning darkness

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

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

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

The visit so far....

Well hello friends. No I am not among the missing....just having a good time. Alan and Lisa arrived on Tuesday. I received an email very early from him saying they missed the flight!~ Luckily they were able to catch the very next one and honestly they still arrived around the same time....and of course missed the East Coast storm. Now we hear there may be a new storm brewing for Monday/Tuesday....gee, they may have to stay another day longer...awwww.
Wednesday was our day trip into Scottsdale and yesterday we visited the Botanical Garden.

This is a Chihuly sculpture as you enter the garden. There were many more pictures taken but this will do for now.
Did I mention that on the first evening here Alan and Lisa and I went to Best Buy

I am now in the correct century with my cell phone! Going from the old flip no test to a Samsung yes I can text you now has been fun. I am all set up and since it is very much like my tablet I know lots of the in and outs.
Today I will be relaxing while they go horseback riding. I also will be making bread for us to have with the beef stew that I am also making for tonight. Alan cooked Shrimp Mozambique...delicious.
So that will be it for now as I have a few things to do like packing them a small cooler with extra water. The temp will be around 80 today. Glad you stopped by and thank you for your kind words and always for your friendship. You will no doubt be hearing from Alan soon.

It's Saturday????

I woke this morning and thought it was Sunday. I woke and saw a very dreary sky. The sun has decided not to come out and shine but the garden is still busy with the Hummer sitting by the pond and the White-Crowned Sparrow bathing in the pond and of course the Residents lounging around.

It appears they, the Dove couple, are working...... very slowly I might add....on their home. The temp is around 54 this morning and the forecast is 40% rain...which means a couple of drops may fall.
The package I sent last week, was suppose to arrive at it's destination yesterday... of course did not. Today is the day tracking says it will. My replacement book form Shutterfly was suppose to arrive yesterday not they say next week. Snafus everywhere.
So glad I went to market yesterday so I do not need to go out into this windy day. I plan to make my individual pot pies, Denny's Beef stew and Breakfast Egg cups this weekend and that will be some meals this coming week.  Along the way the bread machine will make some bread....just a plain loaf to enjoy with these meals will do.

In between these projects I will sew on the doll and maybe fit in another snowflake.  I am most relaxed when my hands are creating something. I learned to sew when I was just a girl of maybe 8 or 9 years old. Still enjoy the process of cutting and putting together pieces of cloth. Sounds ambitious right? Now if you paid attention, I said plan.
With all that I  plan to do I think I should get a move on. Thank you for stopping by and for your kind words. Most of all thank you for your friendship. 

Bread, a gift and tatting

I managed to tat a bit yesterday but got caught up with this and that but did make bread. The entire house had a wonderful aroma. A plain bread but the extra virgin olive oil adds a distinct taste. It can also be made using regular or light olive oil. Today I hope to at least try to tat the icicle pattern so I can figure out what beads I need. With all the beads I do have most likely they are not the right size!
There is another gift to show you...

this beautiful lacey scarf made for me by Debbie. Hard to tell but it is a lovely variegated yarn, and oh so soft. This was only part of the package....

A wonderful mug mat and ort catcher filled with delicious hard candies and a candy bar...I love chocolate and Lindt is one of my favorites. Thank you my friend....not only for the gift but for your continued daily emails...yes we chat everyday.  She has offered so much encouragement to me over these last 6 months.
So, today they say our temp should be in the low 70s....sorry for those of you out there in the snow and cold. I will just continue to tat snowflakes and icicles for the winter feel. I must work on my Shutterfly book as the coupon will soon expire......just as the year will soon change form 2017 to 2018. I make no resolutions for the New Year because I would never keep them.
I am off to finish my coffee. So glad to visit with you today. Thank you for your kind words and most of all your friendship. 

I think I am I think I am

Yes, it just may be that I am over this thing called The Common Cold! Let me tell you, it was not common to me. It is a week today that it began and just might be ending. About time because I still have a few things to do and today is the day I must get at least 2 items off the list.

Just outside the kitchen window is the tomato plant...almost ready and there will be a few to enjoy. Glad the plant is on the system or it would be gone by now. I have not venture into the yard all week. I did stroll out there yesterday and then spotted

The beans have flowers! Yes indeed, we will pick beans. There are plenty of these sweet blooms on the plants. These are also on the system! By the Spring a few more plants will be hooked up to the irrigation lines which will be helpful. So far all is well out there. The Snail Vine is a beautiful "weed" that just continues to spread everywhere since I have not been out there to tame it.
Yesterday I decided to try the Italian Herb Bread again

this time I substituted Italian Seasoning mix for the individual herbs and it does taste better. I had it toasted this morning with some butter. Will I make it again...not sure. I also used Light Olive Oil instead of Extra Virgin which gives it a milder taste. The best of course is just the regular simple breads.
Most of you know how much I love the coyote encounters. The sounds of them in the evening when they are out hunting to survive is quite the thing to listen to. The sight of them strolling into the courtyard or out on the street is nice. At all times I do remind myself that they need to survive and that is with the rabbits. Having said this....

last week I found this part of a bunny tail on the sidewalk. Now...please do not get upset...this is just a partial of the tail also the bunny still lives. Sad as it may seem, if the coyotes did not hunt them we would be overridden with the rabbits in the neighborhood. there are several large hutches just within our property. The bunnies get away more times than they are caught...they are very fast and get into the many underground homes quickly. A few of their homes are built under the Prickly Pear cacti and the coyotes just can not fight the spines. A Navajo women told me once that we must respect all creatures and not interfere. When I look up at my wall of Native art, there are pieces of fur from many animals incorporated into them. Using the fur tufts this way honors them. So this little tail tuft will find a place with my Native art in honor of the nature around me. So glad you visited with me today. Thank you for your kind words and most of all your friendship.
Today a friend, "Bobby" is having a medical procedure so I ask that you keep him in your thoughts for a positive outcome. 

Feeling lazy today

I woke very early but then dozed back to sleep for a short time then just did not feel like want to get out of bed...lazy. Finally here I am up and having toast with the bread I made yesterday...

it is Olive Bread. I used regular black olives and Bertolli Extra Virgin Olive Oil. the recipe tells you that the olive oils used as well as the olives will change the taste. The texture of this bread is nice and not dry. The only thing I would do differently is add the sliced olives a bit later to the mix than I did which will result in larger pieces. Just had it toasted with butter and not bad. I think this would also make good rolls.
I began to tat, well actually on/off tatting. I paid partial attention to the Patriots football game and then a Christmas movie on Hallmark. I did skim the pond. So much easier caring for the pond. Oh I know, Denny never minded all the work when the fish lived here. For me it was torture trying to keep it clean. I am feeling happy about the plants...

If you remember this plant, it is the one that I have killed 3 times and now it is nice and green and blooming. It the plant that Denny planted just before going to hospital and the one he asked me to really take care of....I have named it Denny's Lantana. I did move it from where it was and it is now on the irrigation line so I do not forget to give it water or I should say enough water. It is so nice to have blooms around the garden and out front in November.
I did put up the tree late yesterday and one outside on the porch area. I will take pictures when I finish them.
I need to get out for a few things  for this or that but need to get the ambition first. It may be better now that the big sales weekend is over. Need the Post Office too. I really think I should do some of this today. So, I think then that I should say thank you for stopping by and thank you for the kind words and for your friendship and then get going!

Baking and the garden

Wow, it is Thursday...what have I been doing? For one thing I have not been stitching. That is okay. I have been reading and working in the yard and

yesterday Don came over to hang the shelf. I was so uncertain of me doing it and in the end, He even had to adjust how.

Finally it is on the wall. Not sure of what will be on it and I know that it will change until I like what I put there. Don also was able to fix the irrigation leak...we think it is. So after he left (to go home to relax) I did the yard clean up.

This is the corner near the pond where the puddle has been. Ready for some pots and plants.  I like using pots so that it can be changed easily without digging in the hard packed earth that we have here. This weekend will be more arranging of pots and getting a few plants to add.
My zinnias are finally growing...okay, they are only 1 inch high, but most of the seeds are growing. They were one of Denny's favorite flowers for the garden.

Look, my beans are also sprouting! I had thought this would be a lost cause but no, they are growing and nice and strong. Once they are better established I will thin them out. My thumb is greener than I thought. Actually, it is just my Denny making sure the garden is up to his standards.

I began the task of sorting through my patterns and stuff. Someone on Facebook mentioned that they were interested in having the patterns for the on-line publication of Gift of Stitching. I have from 1009 to 2011 and no longer want to keep them. Do you know who would like the set? I did post on my Facebook page.
I made another bread...

This Zucchini Bread does  not have any particular taste. It has nice texture and is okay but not what I expected. Will I make this one again...no. I will look for a better recipe like the one I used to make. This will be toasted and I think croutons sounds like a plan. There are plenty more recipes to try!
The dentist appointment was good. It was the first that the doctor knew of Dennis' passing and said he would miss "a very nice man". We have been patients there for about 10 years. Now if my back would ache less. It at help if I choose either housework or yard work and not both in the same day! My right leg is doing really well so the injections have really helped.
Okay, it is time for the coffee and some zucchini toast. It has been so nice chatting with you. Thank you for taking the time to stop by and for the kind words. Thank you most of all for your friendship. 

Oh so good bread

What a lovely day yesterday. The front door remained open until 7 PM...yes, all day. The air conditioner has been off and I actually felt chilly this morning. I sat outside with my new cookbook in the morning and decided to make Tomato Bread. Of course a quick run to the market was necessary to get a few ingredients.

I must tell you that this book is full of great sounding recipes and this was a good one. The key ingredients are tomato paste and sun dried tomatoes. I made the 1 1/2 pound loaf which is plenty for me. The aroma and looks are terrific.

While the bread cooled I made a small chicken soup with egg drop. Yum....this bread was delicious with it. This morning I put a slice into the toaster oven just to lightly toast it and made a cup of tea....very good. The sweetness of the sun dried tomato really comes through with the warmth. The texture is really good too. The recipes with the machine does not include using gluten...this book does and it makes a world of difference in the texture and that this morning the bread is as fresh as yesterday. The book suggests storing the bread in a brown paper bag cut side down which I did. I did not get any needlework done yesterday because I was too busy reading the cookbook!
I must get to the post office today and go to JoAnn's to get a frame for the print.  While there I need to pick up some fabric to make a special Swaddled Baby for a friend. I bought plant markers and hope to get the various plants marked in the garden. Tatting is on the list of to do also. So, I think I have enough plans for the day and if even one or two are accomplished, that will be good.
Thank you for visiting and for the kind words and encouragement. Thank you most of all for your friendship. Let's have a good day. 

A good day

Did you remember to change your clocks? We do not here in Arizona....but now it means that family and friends on the East Coast are 2 hours ahead of me. Not that that is settled....
Yesterday I finally decided to go to the Litchfield Faire. The weather was perfect. I knew that if I did not go this year, the likelihood of going anytime in the future would be out. I have to do these first time alone things or I will be doomed. I must say that I was disappointed that some of the usual artists were absent. I did make my purchases from a few favorites.
From Curliosity Metalworks I bought Spinning Wind Sculptures....

This spinner hangs in the archway to the living room along with another from last year. Pounded copper and verdigris metal along with lovely semi-precious stones, these are favorites of mine.
Walking around I looked for Greg Kyle, an artist from Tucson who we have been visiting these last few years. He remembered me and looked around for Dennis.

I chose this of the Pueblo with lovely bright colors.
As we talked and I explained why I was alone this year he hugged me and told me to pick a print in memory of Dennis. He even remembered which I bought last year....Hopi Roots....so this is what I chose

Starry Night. It is a 9x12 print that I will frame this week. How thoughtful this artist was and caring.
Of course I had to buy a bag of kettle corn and then as I continued to walk....I stopped to chat with James Bell of Knotworks. He carves wonderful walking sticks and Forest Spirits. This particular one wanted to come home with me...

These are carved from the knot of a tree limb of Ponderosa Pine  and will "brings the spirit of the forest into your home...to ward off evil and reward good deeds with luck"...I love him! I am glad that I did go and have another first completed.


Did I mention that I am trying a new hummingbird feeder?

Well, here It is and the hummers are not too happy. It is suppose to be bee proof and ant proof. They are so fussy! I will see how long it takes them to drink form it.
I have a few petunias to plant today and then it will be to tat for awhile as I sit outside and enjoy this beautiful weather. I hope to try a new bread recipe later today from the new cookbook.  So many to choose from! It was nice to have you visit with me. Thank you for the kind words and your friendship. Have a great day.

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"

A more seasonal temperature finally

Well, today is really more "normal" for October finally and the month is over! There is a nip in this mornings air and today should be in the high 80s. I have doctor appointment this morning but I just may get to sit outside this afternoon.
Decided to try to make dinner rolls yesterday....

and it was easy and they were very good...okay, they were not uniform in size but hey, I did not divvy the dough evenly. In the end it was the taste that was good. Just as I had put them to rise and wondering what to enjoy for dinner with them, the back bell rang and special delivery from Keith and Al

a small casserole dish of lasagna. So, I had a great made from scratch dinner. Keith and Al live in the next courtyard over and I affectionately refer to them as Honey (Keith) who is my computer pal and Dear (Al). They have been very good friends before and since Denny's passing. When the roll were hot from the oven I delivered some to them as well as Glenda and Don to try.  We are a sharing group of friends!
Yesterday I dug into my fabric stash to look for some material to start the Swaddled Baby pattern. Mimi uses wool but I have some lovely cotton

Freshly washed and dried,  waiting to be pressed, these are the four I will start with.  I love how she made the dolls but I always like to put my own spin on things.  Still have to get to Joann's for some stuff but I am hoping to start them this week.  Easy enough to make 4 at once as it is to make one---right?
With the weather cooling now I will be able to dig out the area of the irrigation leak and see where the pipe is most likely broken. Then get it fixed...oh I understand how to do it but I know that I cannot myself fix it.  Never ending.
Now, off to finally have my first coffee of the day and then get things done around the house before my morning appointment. Always nice to chat with you and thank you for the kind words and for your friendship.

I do wish everyone who leaves a comment also leaves a way to contact for response. Note to Kris from yesterday.....I think you misread my wording. The Pizzelles are indeed made with a special maker. The are not bread. The bread  I was making was referring to the rolls. There are no bread Pizzelles.