How about an update....

So, the new thread colors arrived and this is what I have...and I am pleased. I took the liberty to add a few clouds to the sky. All that is left is the outside border.  Probably will not make the total size as large as the design....not sure...a work in progress. I will be able to take a better picture when it is out of the hoop. The day is starting out very cloudy and cooler than it has been but it is still hot by the afternoon. Mr H and I took a ride to Scottsdale yesterday and the temps were around 106...needless to say we did not stay any longer than for why we were there. To buy a small gift for our niece Natalia. While we were strolling about

we found this fella. I believe it is a Flamme Skimmer...such a bright orange and very accommodating to let me take this picture. I plan to try to properly identify him. It is not often that I find dragonflies out here so when I do, I enjoy watching them and of course taking their picture. My plans for today are to relax and of course have a needle in hand. Maybe a few finishes will get done, who knows. Recently I participated in a swap. My package to Australia arrive in the country but not to the gal it was intended for! As a result, I do not think I will do any out of the USA swaps, sad, because I have never had one of my sent packages go missing. One coming to me did before. Now, do I send a replacement and hope she gets it, or what?! The time put into it, the handmade portion and bought gifts and the postage expense....what to do. Well, time to get some laundry in the washer and a bit of quiet housework (Mr H is still asleep) and of course I am sure I will find a needle in hand at some point....glad you could visit today. Thank you ever so much for your wonderful friendship and kind words. Have a wonderful day.

Merry Christmas in July!

Yes, today is Christmas in July hosted by Kim M and my gifts came from the UK from Ellie.
First...

 all wrapped and just waiting for me to open them.

I love magazines...can't wait to sit and flip these pages. Always nice when you get one that you do not have!
then.......

a lovely red and white themed banner. I do not have any banners so this is wonderful and will look great across my archway.
next.......

a lovely set of hearts made from polymer clay, a key chain fob with  a pug! (who does not love the face of a pug) and so pretty fresh pearl earrings, and look at the felted heart made with wool from Ellie's sisters sheep...how special is this! Ellie has really spoiled me and how fun to have Christmas in July. Thank you Kim for organizing this event. Now off to send a thank you to my new friend Ellie and learn all about her. I will leave you with my gladioli that are a bright light in the kitchen this week. Thank you for stopping by and for your valued friendship and kind words. Have a great day.

Christmas in July*****

This year I joined KimM who is hosting Christmas in July....and Saturday I received my exchange package....

and of course since there is no Christmas tree up yet, I tucked it into my small palm tree.....so if you recognize this package as yours, thank you and it has been safely received! The hard part is not opening it until July 25th! that is why I have left it in the bubble wrap to prevent me from handling the gifts.....I will be good----I will be good....My exchange will be ready for mailing by the requested date....almost complete.
Today it is a cloudy start to the day. The temps is 90 and a slight chance of rain/dust/winds which is all part of the daily forecast now that we are in Monsoon season. The temps for today are expected to be around 111......even without the sun shining it is hot. The heat does bring out

the lizards.... this guy was sitting outside my living room window last evening. I think he is a Desert Spiny Lizard....he has a band of color on his throat of yellow, teal and a black band. They are rather large, a body of around 5.5 inches then the tail which is probably the same. I have not, thank goodness the opportunity to actually measure one, but I judge from the surroundings when I see them. I did some stitching yesterday, not too much because I just could not settle on doing anything! Okay, I was lazy. I am planning hoping to accomplish more today. I really need to buckle down. Mr H is really doing well. Has times of discomfort and has abandoned the walker. Unfortunately with feeling better also comes the "I can do" attitude so I still nag a little. So glad to have the time to chat with you....thank you for your friendship and kind words. Hope you have a great day.

Palm trees and a cloudy morning...