Click...click

 The sound you do not want to hear when starting trying to start the car is click. that is what happened yesterday when Lisa was going to work. there was some hesitation the day before but it did start. Not Wednesday.  So a text to The Brother Alan. He came home a little early so we could take the car to the dealership. Yes, as it turned out the battery needed to be replaced. Early this morning before going to work he and Lisa went to pick it up....al is good. 

Finally sat and used the Singer.... a  beautiful pillowcase for my bed. The fabric just caught my eye and then I had to change a few things. The body of the case is the purple pansy print and the cuff is the large rose print. Actually the cuff is a border print so I had to change the size. It is 10 inches wide. When cutting the cuff it is 9 inches folded in half to be 4 inches. 

Problem solved by trimming the cuff and then lining the inside with the trim piece....the fabric for the trim and cuff lining is actually in the cuff border. Very pleased with it and of course the sewing machine. There are so many attachments that Alan helped me figure a good way to store them so I am not rummaging through loose pieces.

We found this at Jo-Ann's and had a coupon. I labelled each section and as you can see, this works perfectly. I like things to be organized. some feet came with the machine and then Alan ordered a Singer special box with feet and then there was another group that were special additions with the machine. I do not think there is any that I need!

Swishing is happening in the laundry room and in between that I hope to get some sewing done. It is a warm sunny but I will keep the slider open for Murphy to go in and out...for now. It has been nice having you visit. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Get the ice pack!

A very grey day... with the sun peeking out now and again. They are saying another storm is coming... oh happy day or should I say night. Just a wait and see. The other night the thunder was right overhead and I was ready for the closet! I am building a boat.
Yesterday I did the follow up with the doc ad nothing much has changed so a full 4 vial of blood for the lab work up.

It started out okay, but as I was dehydrated the vein actually pushed the needle out! I heard the pop and felt it. So to the left arm she went and I literally sat drinking a bottle of water while she did. Anyway, I am being tested for anything and everything so hopefully we will get some answers. In the meantime the ice pad is out and will be all day.
Earlier today... at 7:30 I went to the DMV to get the new registration tag for the coming year for the car. It took 6 minutes. Walk in, up to the self serve machine, scan bar code from mailing, insert payment and voilà out pops the tag for the license plate. All in 6 minutes. I am lucky that I live  3 miles from the place...It took longer to get dressed and drive there.
I have been taking it easy but of course there is always time to stitch.

The next dragonfly ….. One more colored bead to add to this wing then onto the next top wing. Not a difficult project at all. I may eventually make one using my own colors.
I do not hear any sounds coming from the laundry area so that means the swishing is finished and time to dry. So off I go. So nice to chat with you today. Thank you for your kind words ad for your friendship.
***Another day closer to the arrival!

Friends and a pod

Whether it is 100 or 108 here is very little difference...it is hot; plain and simple it is hot. Happily I have an automatic car starter. I get the car cooled before getting in to drive. Even parked in the garage out of the direct sun and heat, the interior is too hot for comfort. This quote is from a local source. Obviously when parked in the garage is better, but in a parking lot it can be extremely stifling. I always start the car before leaving the stores.
  “When temperatures outside range from 80 degrees to 100 degrees, the temperature inside a car parked in direct sunlight can quickly climb to between 130 to 172.” 
Back living in Rhode Island it was more for the iced car windows and cold of the winter. Yesterday I picked up Glenda and out for lunch we went.... however, the restaurant that we usually go to has made some changes so next outing will be elsewhere. Believe me there is no shortage of places to go. All your good thoughts for Glenda have certainly helped...she is doing well. As I was just entering the house my cell phone began to ring. It was Robyn from across the courtyard. Normally the verticals in the living room are open by 10... (it was now 1pm) usually earlier. Same for Robyn's front window. The phone call was "just calling to make ..sure you are okay". Simply I had forgotten to open the verticals! We watch out for one another. Robyn and Dave took good care of me when I had my hand surgery.

The green and silver Christmas Pod is finished. A day or two of hand rest is now in order, so I say now. Not sure what I will be beading or making next. I think a Christmas Bauble in red or green. I also need to get out the holiday fabric to make a couple of Origami Stars for gifts. So far I am using from what I currently have on hand. Always a good thing.... gee, sounds like Martha Stewart! Remember she used to say that on her older shows.
Chatting with you is always a pleasure. Glad you had time to visit. Thank you or your kind and caring words and for your friendship. 

Pizzelles and the bunny is back

Yesterday was a good day. Went to the Hyundai dealership to have the new seat release installed and was told that it needs just a gentle pull. I assured them that that is what I do. Of course you get the "look".

Finally made my Pizzelles; the aroma filled the abode! and they taste delicious too. Sent some across the courtyard to Robyn and Dave. Sharing is a good thing. Did not do any stitching yesterday.... I was frustrated to think that I had to take out so many Xs the day before. Today I will put them all back. and add more just because.
A quick check of the garden this morning...the pond garden area was very wet... not sure why. It could have been a few Doves or the Grackle came by for a bath and splashed. I am not going to do anything about it today. No. My hand is less stiff and my back is better and my eyes less blury, so I will not do any manual labor. This will be a stitch kind of day.

Also I have a new magazine (not a craft one either!) and will make time to read an article or two. I began reading at the dealership yesterday and a customer asked  to have it when I was finished. I replied that it was my personal magazine and somehow I do not think he believed me. when the gal called my name she asked how my magazine was. The customer looked sheepishly at me and nodded. I enjoy tales of the West and have several books on the subject.  I wish the temps were better. I love to sit outside when reading.... going to be around 108 today, so indoors is the reading place.

This little guy is back. He tore off a long piece of my plant took a few bites then decided to wash his face and off he went! The least he can do is finish the meal.He is too cute to get really angry with. I just want to whisper in those big ears and pinch his bright white tail!
I had a comment about the scissors in my last stitch photo...they are from Singer and I got them from Jo Ann's. Love my scissors.
Oh, there is a new blogger from Italy.....Marula, stop by and say hello. She has the translate button so it is easy to read and she is offering a cute Lady bug pattern...free.
Okay...off I go. Glad you had time to chat today. Thank you for your kind and caring words and for you friendship.

Finally ......

Very little sleep last night but woke at 7 AM to see a beautiful sunrise. A lovely way to end the year. Yes, we have finally arrived at the last day of 2018. Tomorrow a new page starts in the year 2019. I will celebrate with my traditional late night shrimp and maybe a sip of sparkling wine. If tonight was last night it would be perfect as I did not fall asleep until 4 AM...but of course I probably will nod off before 10 tonight.
Guess what I learned yesterday. Everyday something new pops up around here. You may remember that I got my new car this past September. So for all these past 3 months I am still learning things. I figured out how to put the radio on rear speakers.... I finally drove one evening and had to find the correct headlight setting.... how to maneuver the drivers seat.... and that brings us to the steering wheel. Yes, the steering wheel. All this time I have been having trouble seeing properly over  the darn thing. I kept adjusting the seat and still was not 100% comfortable. Finally while out to get milk at the market...which I forgot and had to return for.... I discovered that the steering wheel adjusts! Who knew! Finally I am now able to clearly see better and have it adjusted to me. Of course all of this ends when The Brother Alan arrives this Spring...it will all be adjusted back for his comfort. He will be the designated driver while in town.

It is official...today I begin the pack up of decorations. Now to figure what will go where and how it will go and then to get it back onto the shelving unit....I think I will be busy all day! If you are looking for me you certainly know where I will be.
A note.... I wish I had a way to contact some of you … when you leave me a comment and you are new to my blog, and there is no email attached to you that means I cannot respond. I am not with Google+ … please be sure to leave your email if you want a response. You can also email me directly...on the right sidebar.
Okay, I must get a start here or I will be in a turmoil for days to come. Glad we chatted. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship. If you will be celebrating this New Years Eve at home like me, I hope you are able to remain awake to usher in the New Year 2019. I will try but make no promises.

I wish you all a very happy New Year ….. 2019

Sunrise and a ring

Somedays start good and get better.

After posting here yesterday morning I looked out my kitchen window to see a dramatic sunrise. I see them often and never tire of looking to the sky at sunrise or sunset. Then a short time later as I passed the same window....

there was Oliver enjoying his breakfast buffet of Fountain Grass along with his statue  buddy. He is so tiny... so adorable.

I went for my hairdresser appointment and came home to seeing that the mail was delivered.

Pleasant surprise that the beads from Fire Mountain arrived a day early. I may have over ordered but just did not want to run short. Since I have an appointment to have the auto starter put into the car this afternoon, I probably will not start it today....tomorrow will be just fine. The other piece of mail...

When The Brother Alan and Lisa were here we went to Scottsdale for our usual Italian meal and of course some shopping. Alan was buying this ring (Lisa on the left) and also bought a matching one (me on the right) for me. It was being sized and mailed to me. So pretty! Lucky to have such a thoughtful brother. Both of them care for me and about me....lucky am I.

So, today will be kind of boring after yesterday. So far there has been no more rain around here, but the humidity yesterday was awful. Having the starter finally is going to be a big help. Oh, and the kitchen light...finally figured how to remove the cover and the light bulb needs replacing but I could not get it out. I have not even attempted the water system yet. I think this is a weekend project! In the meantime, I will enjoy finishing my coffee and relaxing before swishing some clothes in the washer. Glad we chatted...thank you for the kind words and your friendship.

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. 

The 3 line rule

Are you getting ready for the New Year celebrations? Mr H and I will be relaxing with movies and I of course will need to have my shrimp...always have shrimp on NY Eve...except for the first year we lived out here....another tale to be told. Most of the time I do not watch the great crystal ball fall....just don't. In the past I have mentioned my 3 line rule regarding the car. I have been asked what that is so I will explain. I have never...never...ever pumped gas for my car. When I was single, I had guy friends who would take my car and fill it and wash it and in those days check the oil and I would pay the tab. When I married Mr H, he automatically filled the cars. In the mornings I would check to see which car had the most gas and that was the one I took to work. Are you calling me spoiled?! So it stands to reason that I still do not go to the gas station. When the car gauge looks like this...

off to the station it goes. Yesterday when we returned from PT I pulled into the station and Mr H got out and pumped the gas....he is getting well after all. A few years ago when he was in the hospital for a week, I needed gas and went to a nearby station and had it pumped by the attendant. I think he thought I was a nut case as I was trying to find out how to unlock the cap and did not need too! He was very nice to me.....I do remember the time when I was not with Mr H and driving in Connecticut and stopped for gas. I went into the self service station and politely asked for "help" as I did not know how to pump gas and 2 very nice guys came out and did it for me....smiled and looking a bit confused they took pity on me! So that my friends is the 3 line rule....now aren't you glad you popped in today? I am...thank you for the friendship we share and the kind words...have a wonderful day.

It's Venetian Red

What a week...I did not know that quitting work would mean unorganized time now. Do not misunderstand, I love my new free time, just need to keep things in order. I just finished my Niky's Christmas contest stitching just have to figure out how to complete it. It was a nice project. Mom's situation is no solution?! She is doing okay and probably needs to follow a better diet.... don't we all! It has been a busy week. Mr H and I went to the Hyundai dealership on Saturday and this followed us home...

it is a 2016 Elantra and my favorite car color...Venetian Red. Funny how you have to get used to a car that is basically the same as you had before....there are of course changes. So pretty. Mr H had a doctor appointment, more on that later...
We had some rain storms also this week...

much needed and so refreshing. The garden was thoroughly watered.  The temperatures have been so comfortable, but will probably change soon back to the 90's. Mr H and I  had lunch outside yesterday at AJ's Marketplace. Most pleasant...
Earlier I  opened the garage to get the newspaper...

Venus and the moon...how lovely is this. I love looking to the sky, any time of the day or night. I am always wondering who is out there....is someone looking down on us? I remember as a child I would say, "I see the moon and the moon sees me"... you may have sung the song or read the rhyme. Here is a link to a snippet of the lullaby. With this I leave you...I must have  cup of coffee. It has been so nice to chat with you. Thank you for the kind words and your friendship. Have a wonderful day.

Friday already!

I have had another "week off" so to speak; going in today and tomorrow. It has been wonderful with so much free time for Mr H and me to enjoy. A few days we take a ride and enjoy lunch out and then others we have stayed in watching movies and just relaxing. Yesterday I started out for lunch with a friends only to get in the car and it would not start! Just last week I commented to Mr H that our car battery is getting beyond the 2 year mark. You see, here in the hot desert air of Arizona, a car battery usually lasts about 2 years and we are into year 3. So my friend came to pick me up instead. When I arrived back home I opened the garage door  and instead of a car there was a lawn chair sitting there! Where did the car go and also where is Mr H? Finally I found a simple (very small) note in the kitchen that said gone to Larry Miller---that is the dealership. After calling Road Service to start the car off he went to get a new battery. That was his adventure of the day, while mine was a wonderful lunch and great conversation with my friend. I have not really stitched much this week as my eyes have been so blurry and on and off and my hand is still swollen. We have no plans for this holiday weekend---- I am sure the traffic will be horrendous around here. Hopefully all who are celebrating will do so safely. he other day as I looked out my window....

a large woodpecker was treating himself to the sweet hummer food! Excuse the picture quality, as it is taken through the window and I did not want to interrupt his lunch. By the time he finished, the feeder was pretty empty. As he hung off the edge, the liquid pooled to the top and he sipped. It is not seen in this picture, but he had a beautiful large red spot on the top of his head....then as quickly as he appeared he left. I so enjoy the wildlife we have. Well, that is about it for today. Glad you had some time to spend with me....have a great day.