A good month

 Can you believe but this is the last of August. The days have flown by. Arizona has been in a heat advisory and it does not look to end soon. Monsoon officially ends on September 15th. 

This little guy has kept me on my toes. He investigates gets into everything. Last night it was my craft cart.  Upset because he could not have the roll of toilet paper or the decorations on my tree....Sammy wants everything.
 He had a busy day the past Wednesday.  We, Sammy. Lisa and I, went to the pet store to buy him shoes as he lost one of his socks. He had no problems wearing or walking in the shoes. The guys in the store could not believe how cute he is and took a picture of him wearing his shoes.

Then it was to the vet. Sammy is now 10 pounds of energy. He made friends with all the techs and the doctors. You could hear them laughing and gushing over him. Of course Sammy was only to happy to be held and give kisses.

I do not like pets in the market but we had to stop for dinner items so off to Fry's. He was so well behaved. This is how he rode in the shopping cart....taking it all in. Now before you think all my time is spent loving this pooch....I am busy with other things. 

I am still crocheting the afghan for Natalia. The color is really a smoky lavender and white panels. This  is the first afghan pattern that I ever made. 

Also crocheted a bee and some mice

Not fond of the grey one...might need to find it a new home. Also still with crocheting, I mad a floral wreath.

On my working cart is a fat cat in the works. 

My dear friend Dianna has got me interested in baseball. We watch the Arizona Diamondbacks play from a distance, she at her home and me in mine....texting goes on. We live 10 miles apart (about 25 minute drive). I had stopped watching baseball years ago as I found it too long and boring. Now, the rules of play have changed and I don't mind following it again. Used to be the Yankees! After 20 years here in Arizona it is about time to follow the local teams....Diamondbacks/baseball and Cardinals/football. Guess that covers this past month. Thank you for stopping by and for your kind words.

Side note: if anyone has pet insurance please share with me. We are looking to get it for Sammy. 

Thinking small.....

 What happened? I try; but something seems to hold up the posting...actually it is just me. I seem to be dragging my feet. I do know I have slowed down. Not in a rush...rather feeling lazy some days. There was a time that by 9am everything was accomplished...now I would rather linger in bed..... luckily I can. I have nothing that requires immediate attention from me. Love it.

When I say thinking small....it is as in miniature.  a
 Recently while browsing YouTube, I was fascinated with a gal who actually made a Doll house and furniture in 1:12 scale. She is unbelievable....her furniture is perfect as are the accessories. She micro crochets bed blankets and pillows! So, I tried the granny squares.

This will be a bed runner for the doll house "room" I have built.  Instead of a whole house, you can build a room.  It is also referred to as a room box. They can be bought but I decided to make my own with foam core. No, I am not making the furniture, it is simpler to buy. Have a look....

The night stand has 3 draws that open. I made a tissue box and book for the top. The clock is a button! I made the tatted mirror and the bedding.

There is a sheet, duvet and of course pillows

A crocheted pillow and cushion for the chair and of course a craft basket. I made folded fabric, skeins of yarn and knitting needles, and it sits atop a table. The floor is wood that I bought and trimmed to fit.

I added windows that really open and lace curtains.

I found the already made pumpkin at Dollar Tree but made the broom. Plans are to make window boxes for the outside and will have flowers to see from inside the room.  I will add a few books and maybe a vase for the dresser.  I think a teddy bear for the bed. Everything is to scale of 1 : 12.  It has been fun. I forgot how much I like crocheting..... 

Lisa is doing well and has returned to work but only part-time. The Cardiac Therapy continues 3 times a week. Nice to visit today. Thank you for your kind words and thank you for your friendship.

How is it already September

Here she is...September Sue. I miss the New England leaves changing colors and falling to the ground....don't miss the raking though. There are some trees here that drop leaves.  

Found a tiny button for her bow and some leaves for her to hold....love making these gals.

Found this twig in the courtyard and it fit perfectly . Dianna suggested some kind of tree.

How about a Lisa update? She is doing great. Recently started Cardiac Rehab 3 times a week. She is getting stronger each day.  Lisa has the all clear to drive.... yes! It means soon we will gallivant. Thank you to all who have sent good wishes and thoughts for her.

I have been busy this past month.... some crocheting, making a Thimble Pip, some embroidery and button stitching...and oh I don't know. I just keep busy all the time. I will post about these adventures soon. We had a doozy of a monsoon storm last night. Today seems iffy for sunshine. Sending thoughts to all those in the path of the recent hurricane. For now, time to sit at the sewing table.....Thank you for visiting and your kind words. thank you for your friendship.

A very busy month

 This month has been full of busy and creative times. Leading up to Lisa's heart surgery, there were tests and tests and more tests. . Surgery was Wednesday (7/26) . After 5 hours in the OR she was sent to ICU where she still is. Of course she is being closely monitored and the staff is very attentive and very kind.  at least once  a day she takes a "lap" around the nurses station and sits in a chair part of the day. All in all, she is doing well. Thank you for all the kind words and encouragement.

Lisa's mom Carol will be visiting soon and while here we will celebrate her birthday...so, I decided to wrap her gifts differently...Korean fabric wrapping called Bojagi. Much like origami. I used a lovely piece of Batik.

Minature Granny square piece....size 20 tatting thread and a 0.05 hook...small, very small. Of the many hooks that I have I did not have this size...so I bought a set of small hooks

Why you may be asking am I doing this? I saw a YouTube video on miniatures and well, .... I am not new to such tiny crochet. I learned to crochet as an eight year old and back then you learned to crochet around handkerchiefs. I have also make doilies with larger thread and hook. Somewhere in the mist of my hanging handkerchiefs, there are a couple that I crocheted around.

My new roommate...a Twin-tail Half-moon Beta. He has no name yet. Hank....well one morning he was happily swimming and later that afternoon he was floating. that's a goldfish for ya.

That about wraps it up around here. You may have heard we in Arizona are in an excessive heat warning. The temps have been 115 and higher. I as well as Murphy are staying indoors. Glad to you stopped to visit. Thank you for your kind words and encouragement. Thank you for your good wishes for Lisa who still has a way to recovery. Thank you for you friendship.

Hello.... it's me!

A week since my last post! Well it has been a busy time. As you can imagine we have been getting organized here and adjusting to the new household. All has been unpacked and put in place. New items added to and changes made here and there. Alan off to work each day.
I must admit to having lost ambition to do and taking advantage of just relaxing. A little bit of reading now and again.
This past weekend, Lisa and I went to the Litchfield Faire...and... there is a new man in the house..

he lives in my bedroom, hanging right by the slider.
A couple of weeks ago, I was asked to repair "Blue Blanket" for a sweet 5 year old I will call "J".

He has had this crocheted blanket since birth and has loved it so very much. What to do? The yarn used is 6+ years old, of course no way to match it....but I love a challenge.

I must say I was pleased with my efforts. The best moment was to hand it back to this beautiful little boy and he immediately scooped it up and clutched it to his chest with a big smile. His mom seemed pleased too.  Thank you Vickie (and here) for trusting me to repair this keepsake.
We had a rain storm very early this morning... around 3:30 complete with thunder and lightening. It did not last very long but enough drench everything. The sun is back, bright and warm. There is swishing in the laundry area and soon I will be sitting out in the lanai. So off I go.... glad to chat with you. Thank you for those who emailed to check up on me.... Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

A happy memory of Aunt Lucy

Brrr… another chilly morning here in Arizona. Our normal temps for this time of year are around 68 but it is only to be in the low 60s today. Guess I will have to wear long sleeves! I managed to wrap one gift to be mailed yesterday...I am really behind the schedule this year.  It is not for lack of spirit, just that I feel lazy this year. The cheerful spirit is all around me here.

Beside having a lovely violet and cactus in bloom, the Amaryllis is growing quickly....already is 6 inches higher than when I first posted. I will be looking for something to help support the shoot from toppling over. I think I have a solution …. at least I will try it later.
I have been busy crocheting a Christmas gift and rather enjoying it too. It has been a long time since I have had a hook in hand. It brings such fond memories to my mind which is a part of Christmas isn't it. Did I ever tell you about my learning to crochet? If not here it is; if so I still will share.
My Aunt Lucy (dad's aunt) taught me during the summer when I was just 8 years old. One morning she handed me a steel hook and a ball of kitchen twine. Aunt Lucy showed me how to make a chain stitch and told me to practice during the day. I loved it and by the end of the day that ball of twine became a very long chain. I handed it to her later that evening and she was impressed and I felt so proud. The very next day she handed me the hook and twine and during the day I would practice my chain . This went on every day. At the end of summer I asked her what was I going to make with all the chains. Aunt Lucy looked at me and said that there was nothing to make. I was puzzled as I had made a chain every day. Aunti then explained that I had learned well and my stitches were nearly perfect. Then she told me that each evening she would re-roll the ball of twine and hand it back to me the next day. I felt disappointed and she hugged me and said..... feel happy and proud that you learned to crochet and next year I could learn to make something. I went on to edging around handkerchiefs the next year and still have a few that I made all those years ago. Practice makes perfect for a happy childhood memory that is flooding me today. Happy too that you took time to visit. Thank you for the kind words and for your friendship.

Christmas bloom in white

We had that rain I mentioned the other day...good thing I had my supply of Gelato. Yesterday was very chilly; I had to wear a long sleeve top! But in my kitchen, the Amaryllis is needing to be turned daily as it is reaching for the window and....

just in time for December 1st, my white African Violet has a bloom and right behind it my Schulumbergera or Christmas Cactus has an open bloom with more to follow. I have an older one that usually blooms pink between Thanksgiving and Christmas but so far seems tired and may surprise me.
Had a nice visit yesterday afternoon with friend Robyn....from Across the Courtyard. We enjoyed a cup of coffee and chatted. We can actually have a conversation from our front doors yet we email frequently! She and her husband Dave have been good friends since Denny died...that is when we got to know one another.
Today is my quick run to Michael's for yarn and a crochet hook. I was totally shocked that the particular hook is not in the jar with my many other hooks!  I must admit that it has been some time since crocheting anything. I also need to finish making a few ornaments this weekend. Right now I need my first cup of coffee and some toast. It was nice to chat with you. Thank you for stopping by and for your kind words. Thank you for your friendship.

Seven Angels

I really need a push sometimes. Yesterday I finished the seven angels.... Denny's Angels

that is  a total of 9; one for me and Dianna has one and these will finds homes and I will continue to make several more. As much work as they are, I enjoy making them and each one is a reminder that Denny suggested this project back in March. There was a sprinkle of rain early last evening but no storm. The temps are not too bad low to mid 100's but this monsoon humidity is unpleasant. Today I will be meeting Dianna for lunch or a late breakfast-- all depends on when the air conditioning guy arrives and leaves. Should be a simple fix. I was too lazy to vac the pond this morning...or was I just making excuses? Actually no, I woke at 3 am but dozed on/off and decided to get up around 6 and by the time I had coffee and toast, well I got lazy. Still hoping to relocate them to another abode.
Today the word is Thankful.

To be honest, I was miserable stitching this word. What was I to be thankful for? Here  I was stitching this at Denny's bedside while he was dying. Then I relaxed my mind to better times. I was and am thankful for all the years we spent together. Denny's favorite holiday was Thanksgiving. A gathering time without gifts. A time to enjoy being together.  He once told me that he was thankful for meeting me and that I married him. The crocheted trim with the pearl beads was a practice piece when I was learning the stitch. He said it would look good someplace on the banner. I was the thankful one for meeting him and lucky that he married me. He took such an interest in all that I did. I know he will continue to watch all that I do.
Wonderful to have time to chat with you. Thank you for the kind words and most of all for your  friendship. Let's have a good day.

A new kit arrived!

As I mentioned yesterday the mail arrived and this is what I found

when I opened the envelope. Carefully wrapped in pretty tissue with a wonderful fragrance.....now what is it? The distinct lavender smell. Hurry to open and find

a kit for French Boutis Scissor Fob. A new challenge to learn....I must say the quality of the supplies is wonderful and such complete directions. An there, do you see it? The sachet of lavender....oh so lovely.  Let me tell you about Averyclaire NeedleArts. You really need to visit and meet and see the work of Karen Jablonski. This is French Boutis, an old form of quilted needlework.  Karen's service is quick and the kit is perfect. this will be my weekend project so I will be able to devote my time to learning and doing. So be sure to visit her blog and Etsy shop. (this is my own opinion and not sponsored by the designer).
I want to thank you my dear friends for the caring kind comments and emails. Yesterday was one of those lost days and I am sure today will be better for my Mr H. I found myself waking at 4 AM today....I needed that sleep. I am raring  ready to go today. I am just ready to finish the yellow Victorian Thread Bag...should have been completed yesterday but just never got that far. My friend Al sent me an email to say that the Black Molly is adjusting to his new home.... happy about that. My tenants are also doing great. I may rent out some more space this weekend, not sure who will join us. I managed to change the living room drapes yesterday and have the laundry all caught up. The garden was watered and today a bit more housework before The Brother Alan arrives...did I mention he was arriving on May 9th...oh yes I think I did! Each year it is a celebration to have him visit with his friend  Lisa. The kid brother who in reality is like my big brother. this visit will be a bit laid back for us, but nevertheless will be a great time spent together. I will need to reorganize the sewing room and get all ready next week.  Yesterday was my great-niece Natalia Rose's 3rd birthday

she is so adorable. We have not met her in person ... yet.... but my niece Elyssa posts pictures which keeps us in the know. I am proud of Elyssa for being a loving mom.

this is such a cute picture of Elyssa and Natalia.
MR H and I now have 3 special ladies in our world; first was Tonya, then Elyssa and now Natalia....all special in their own way. We have beautiful nieces! This day is starting out cloudy and around 70 (6:30 am) and may reach the low 90s. Best get the garden care done early. It is always nice to visit with you. Thank you for your caring kind words and emails. Most of all thank you for your friendship. Have a wonderful day.

Eviction !

I have little tolerance for some things and bullying is one of them. The newest tenant , the Black Molly began to constantly chase one of his neighbors. It drove me crazy. So, on Sunday he was evicted....that is right had to go. What? did you think he went into he trash or flushed?! No no....he moved to my friends Al and Keith's home. He even got to ride in a golf cart! I feel better and my other tenants are more relaxed with no bullying.

I began to crochet another Victorian Thread Bag yesterday, this time in yellow (the wrapper is missing).  This is a small bag that I made a few years back and it is just perfect for my crochet. A couple of inside pockets to hold needful things and a large cotton ball fits perfectly. It was part of a Christmas exchange and the gal picked out the pattern and the fabric so all I did was to embroider and stitch together . Anyway, I had hoped to get more crocheted, but life gets in the way...Mr H.
Tuesday he will be having 2 procedures and this week has been the torture "prep" week. Yesterday I thought about evicting myself instead of the fish! Today should be really fun, liquid diet. Now here is a man who hardly eats but you can bet today he will want gourmet meals! Fun and games will really start at 2 PM so do not expect to hear from me other than mumbling in the garage. You know, going someplace to let it out so as not to offend poor Mr H. I feel sorry but.... I will get through this is my mantra. Do you follow me on Facebook? Here is the post yesterday:
     I absolutely love my husband. As I am crocheting, I hear a TV program in the background. Me: what is that that you are watching?! (The TV station when I look up is Viceland)
Dennis: just waiting for the next program. Something for you.
Me: are you kidding me?! I do not watch Viceland!
Dennis: oh I don't know what this station is, but it said Needles and Pins. Isn't  that a craft show?
So, we check the program description, it is about erotic tattoos in Japan. No my dear husband it is definitely not a craft program. Channel changed!

Now do you understand? He really is a gem! This all in between keeping track of meds and what to eat or not to eat.  I would be lost without him. We are still in the countdown for The Brother Alan's arrival. Transport from the airport has been arranged and all info sent to his friend Lisa for safe keeping. It is much easier to sent a transport to pick and then take back for departure as we hate the long drive and traffic. Do not even mention if there is an accident on the way. Well, time for me to have my coffee and maybe a piece or two of toast. I will feel very guilty eating today so it will be sneaking away to eat. Please keep my dear Denny in your thoughts today and tomorrow. As much as you want a doctor to find the problem, you are also worried of what may be found. Thank you for your kind words and friendship and I know you will think of us these next few days.....hugs to you my dear friends.

New tenants and project

I had a relaxing and quiet weekend. On Saturday the new tenants for the Aquarium moved in,,,

I forgot their names but we have 2 of each. So far they seem to approve of the swimming area and the hiding spots. I know the picture is not too clear, but it is the best I could do with glare and such. I added a backing to the tank which reflects a blue ocean and coral, looks better than the wall.  The soft sounds of the water bubbling are really nice. I did some tatting...

With this bauble I did use a balloon to round the shape. The "gems" are lovely bronze beads and bronze crystals. Not sure if I prefer the squashed version or this rounded look....what do you think.  I think these will look pretty on my tatted trees this Christmas.  While visiting blog for the Easter Blog Hop, I found one that had some lovely work and a pattern that was for a Victorian Thread Bag. It had been a freebie but when I went to search for it, it was not found. I emailed Sheryl from Sewing After Seven and she looked and found her copy and kindly emailed it to me.



Traditionally it would be crocheted using white or ecru thread, but I wanted a more modern look so I started mine with Aunt Lydia's Ocean size 10. I think it will be nice to use while tatting to keep the ball from going here and there and also clean. Seems strange to be crocheting! I do like to vary what I make.  Sometimes I am my own worse problem child. I want to do so many things and try so many things that I give me myself and I a headache!  Of course since my blood pressure is still a good number, we will do nothing to cause stress or a headache.

this sweet vase is so cheerful on our table. Bright yellow tulips and orange daisies....absolutely glowed for Easter. I must tell you...Mr H found that the Doves were back in the planter on Saturday but guess they decided that his stares through the kitchen window were enough to have them move on...we think! One week has passed and the countdown continues to the arrival of The Brother Alan----3 weeks to arrival! Not sure of the plans but I do know he will have some ideas. Hopefully Mr H will feel up to some outings. The important thing is that we spend time together whether out and about or here at Horton House. Soon I will vacate some of my sewing/craft belongings from the front bedroom (sewing room) and turn it into a proper room for the visitors. So happy that you had time to stop by. It has been nice chatting with you today; thank you for the kind words and most of all your friendship. Have a wonderful day.

Winter Solstice

Today is the first day of winter....but as I am in Arizona, I only see/feel little change in the weather and temperatures. Not to get technical with the tilt of the Earth and the rotation and stuff, we will leave it that the shortest amount of daylight and the longest darkness of night occurs today.

The only snowflakes falling at my house are these  crocheted flakes that will never melt! Snow will fall in the High Country to the North and a few places around but now here in The Valley of the Sun...although it may drizzle a little today. This is a good thing as I do not own any, not any winter clothing. No indeed. I left all that back in Rhode Island where there is cold and will eventually be lots of snow. I prefer to live barefoot and warm. The air conditioner is finally off in the house but I did use it in the car the other day. I had to remind myself that Christmas is this Sunday! Maybe it is an age thing (and we do not want to talk about my soon to be birthday) that time slips away more quickly. That I have notes for myself and Mr H all over the place and still can forget what it is I need to remember.

So the only snow that I want is this flake, not referring to Mr Snowman! I will admire the pictures that are posted and oh and ahh, I will giggle at the fun others are having. The memories I hold of wonderful times as a child playing and building snowmen will always warm my heart. Remembering the day Aunti Angie took sis Lynowl and me out for a walk not knowing we were starting to have a blizzard, the times we went sledding and school cancellation meant a play day.

This picture was taken of me and sis in February 1952 ( I am on the right). So fashionable then with coat and leggings and our fur hats and muffs. I was 5 years old and sis was 3. The Brother Alan was not even a thought at this time! But I would not want to leave him out so....

I took this picture the winter of 1960 when he was about 3 years old...again, wearing leggings, matching coat and hat. Look at the snow behind him...I treasure my old photos. This reminiscing is holding up my morning. Must get the laundry in and some coffee and maybe a bagel and of course organize my stitching day. I enjoy sharing my memories with you. Thank you for the kind words and your friendship....have a wonderful day.

A bear, a wreath and a dress

Finally finished the June SAL...

I had a "bear" of a time with it, seriously...I started the bear twice thinking I knew how to count and finally the third time it worked. See the bees...let's not go there. Then I worked up the crocheted with beads trim into a wreath...

This is the trim I made in the white with pearl beads. I thought since it is so flexible why not a wreath.... voila! I plan to make a few to send out... my first Christmas ornament. I really like the pattern for this trim and it is simple to do even on the go or in my case while waiting at the hospital on Friday for Mr H. This trim really has many possibilities. My books that I ordered have arrived, except for one of them...I bought one for Penny Rugs and Smocking and both are very good. In the meantime while waiting for the third one which is still in the PA facility... I decided to make this..

Using one of my vintage handkerchiefs and origami folds I have a lovely dress. I mounted it in a "floating" frame and this way the back can also be seen...

I added a bit of netting and covered that with lace so the back is as pretty as the front and besides, it covers the folds. I think pattern on the hanky was so perfect for the design. I tried a couple of others and they just did not look so pretty. Today I will gather some threads and kit up the Bee Happy project and get ready to start another crocheted wreath. The weather is expected to be even hotter this weekend..."excessive heat watch" is what they are saying...above 115. Soon we will be back into the Monsoon season with rains thunder and lightening storms. So, I will be staying indoors with the air on and my stitching on my lap. So nice to have you visit with me today. Thank you for you friendship and kind words...have a wonderful day.

Nothing is being accomplished!

Seems like my get up got up and took a vacation. Yesterday I did almost nothing, and for me that is big news.

My stitching chair...could be I am stretching myself with all these "working" projects. If I just put my mind to it, the shawl could be finished today....if I just put aside the crochet trim for now (do not need it at the moment for any project) and then begin to stitch on June from the SAL....Just maybe it is the changing temperatures...today might be 104 yesterday was 101....making me lazy. Lots of iced water for me. If I would stop paying attention to the nature round me. As I type, the Raven is out in the yard screeching...

he sure makes lots of noise. And yes, Mrs Dove is rebuilding her nest. They were both here this morning for a short time. Even the fish are acting up with water dancing...they are splashing about probably laying eggs again. But not to worry, there will be no more fish growing in the small pond. Just too many distractions and my mind is wandering elsewhere. On Wednesday, the surgeon scheduled Mr H for spine surgery for June 3rd. Going to insert an titanium piece in his spine. Hopefully he will get relief from this and be able to walk comfortably. It is suppose to be a simple procedure with just an overnight stay...I still worry.

Oh and another distraction...I strung these into a bracelet. The top side is with the silver beads (left side of picture) and the bottom is on the right....not happy with it. I picked up the beads when I bought the others for the class. I think I will take it apart and rethink it..but not today. I really should get back to my chair and put myself in time out so I will get something accomplished today.....thank you for visiting with me today and for your friendship and kind words....have a good day.

A little crocheting

I had seen this on Facebook and thought to give it a try...

It is from the site http://design-peak.com/crochet-mini-flower-string/ posted by Patricia Mae Anthony in English as the original is not. The sample on the left is using Aunt Lydia Classic 10 and hook size 6 and the right is DMC Cebelia 30 and hook size 12. These Boye hooks I have had since childhood when I learned to crochet around hankies and the cost (stamped on the back of the hook) was 10 cents! There are so many possibilities for using this trim. By the way, the Doves are finally gone....although we have seen a couple of younger ones in/out of the yard. A friend of mine is going to assist me with my Punch needle attempts next week....yeah! I am determined to learn this. I mean really, it is not like I have nothing else to do. Today I will start the June piece from the Snowflower Diaries SAL....a bear with bees. I know I said that the shawl was going to be finished...just a bit more to go. Mr H still thinks I am making a blanket! I had planned to do some sewing to complete a couple of projects last evening, but when I put out the recycling, a box slipped from my grasp and you guessed it, a nifty cut on my left thumb. Lots of anti-biotic cream and Band-Aids and it is much better today. Just a minute there seems to be lots of chatting in the yard. I can not believe my eyes...there is another Cove moving into the same planter as the last nest! Mr H is not going to like this on bit. I must go and check out what is going on...glad you stopped by. Thank you for your friendship and kind words...have a good day.

Can it be a week already?

Oh my...just where did this week disappear to? Have I been that busy.... or just lazy. I did work on the Alphabet doll .....a little. I also worked up one of the crocheted beads and flower designs...

I learned to crochet when I was just around 7 years old. My dear Aunti Lucy taught me. I did quite a bit of that for some time then let it go for other crafts. This book surely has me wanting more.  Gee, can't remember the last time I had a size 10 metal crochet hook in my hands. I just grabbed the first pink beads I saw...should have been a darker shade, but I like it anyway. I can see more crocheted edging for finishes.... for now, I think I will continue to do samples and then I will know what they look like for a project.  By the way, Esther did it again. She forced me to buy another book. Guess I should not have told her about the new bookcase. More about that book later.
We finally had some rain last night...the first since December I think. It has been so long that I really do not remember. The garden looks happy even though the sun is hiding up in the sky someplace. Mr H will not have to water plants today. I hope the rain does end by tomorrow. Mr H wanted to go to a garden tour in the Phoenix area.....
It was so nice to see you again...a week has been too long. I promise to not stay away so long again. Thank you for stopping by.  Whatever your plans are for the weekend, I hope you have a wonderful time.

Sometimes you just have to look into the box

Well, let me tell you. The latest snowflake has me melted. I was able to tat to the third point on my second attempt, but as of the fourth try I can not get there. So, for now it will remain thread on the shuttles and not in my hand. There! I did however, begin the tree shaped ornament with only green beads. I think I have mentioned some post early on that I learned to crochet first as a young girl around 7 years old.  For many years I did only crochet and enjoyed it. I had then learn to sew and knit and embroider. I made many crocheted items... oh the usual crochet around the hankie and doilies too. I just came across this

I crocheted this doily during my pregnancy with my youngest son in 1972. Sometimes you have to look into the box in the storage cupboard to find a treasure. I still have several that I made but this is the most decorative one. he others are simple in design. I wish I still had the pattern for this one. Actually, I really do not have any of those wonderful old patterns. When we were packing to move out here, I went through all my craft stuff and took very little as I had no place to store it then. Besides, I really had not been doing any crocheting. I had loved to do my knitting especially shawls and, scarves and of course socks for the cold winter New England weather. I seemed to stop the knitting now. Well, I barely wear socks except in my sneakers for work or walks and I still have my shawls if it gets chilly enough here in Arizona. I do know that I have a lace shawl that need the other half finished and a pair of socks on the needles... but, I have not wanted to work on them in **** years now. That's right, it has been a few several  years since I picked up my needles for knitting.
I also made another pearl bracelet----------

this is for me. It has no crystals. Instead I used smaller pearls in a grey tone. The larger pearls are just a bit off white. I think it looks very nice. I am planning to do one in Southwest colors next. I really enjoy beading... of any kind.
Remember when I said in an earlier post that I had too many things going at once? Well---- I managed to get all the squares together for the bag and I have just enough Pellon for the bag... just have to iron the Pellon the to squares.... not exactly what I have in mind when it is 105 outside...I know, I am indoors with the air on, but still. And then the Doll--- finally found the backing fabric and just need to pick up the trim for it. So, it seems that little by little it is all getting done, except for that snowflake!
I am off to work for the next 2 days.. in a row!... something that I do not usually do. But then I am off for a few days so me and the Kenmore will work together and it will give Hazel a break. I hope you enjoyed our time together. I always like having you visit. Thank you for the kind words and emails.... have a wonderful day.