Advent Calendar Blog Hop

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ready for a Home Depot apron

The rain fell this weekend.... I know, a shock, but it did not last too long. Some is better than none. Of course as usual it was in darkness which does not settle well with me. Who knows when it will happen again. I managed to get out to the garden early on Sunday and clean the fountain. This time it took a little longer to reassemble…. just could not get the threaded part to line up. Some choice words and finally back together and bubbling. All is good.
Think I am going to get myself a Home Depot apron...like Bobby wears! Fix-it gal at it again!

This small wing nut seems to be the answer. This weekend the air conditioner filter began to rattle at the end of a run cycle. I just knew that with all the "things" in the work cupboard in the garage, Denny would have just what I needed. I have learned to look there before running to buy. Indeed there was this wing nut and I replaced the one on the vent door and so far all is good. I did not mis-step on the step ladder either!  I even found time to begin a project.

Another Mill Hill kit.... a dragonfly. Some years ago I bought several of them and had made only 2.

When I went to gather them to choose one to make, one of the kits is missing a large bead for the eye and the pin back. I could care less about the pin back but now I need to buy 2 new beads for the eyes. I could contact Mill Hill to buy a match for the one I have but it would probably cost more for the shipping!
Mom, Eva P is not feeling very well so please keep her in your thoughts.  I thank you for all the good thoughts for her and for Don and Glenda. Glad you visited today. Thank you for your kind words and for you friendship.

Santa and his Burro

I am getting tired of this heat…. I am ready for the below 100s they say we will have next week.... feeling will be believing. We are still in the excessive heat warning time frame. I know, there are those in hurricane path and heavy rains, but I am here and this is what Arizona is like until October-ish. For me, it means waking with a light headache most days and not wanting to go anywhere. A lazy kind of feeling.
But.... Santa is finished!

Isn't he adorable… and the burro too.  Love all the beads. Of course I did make some changes. 

Instead of long and short stitches on the mane and brow and tail, I made fringe and fluff. I think he looks better this way. Santa has a belt and buckle of silver beads.

The sleeve and bottom of the jacket I also made fringe instead of the long and short stitches. On the cactus, I omitted the long stitches which would be the prickly part … Love the bead flower. Most of the trimming of the perforated paper is done but I will tweak it once I add the felt backing and a loop to hang him on the tree. Just look at those fancy boots!

Now I will think about what is next.  I do know that what will be soon is The Brother Alan and Lisa arriving around the 3rd week of October.... you did remember right? Still need to get a few things ready before they arrive.... making room for storage they will need.  Their room is set and closet half full already. They left clothes each time they came out! The moving pod will arrive when they do and Bobby offered to help Alan unload. Dianna, Lisa and I will drink iced tea and supervise. We will make a party out of it. Since we will need to put a few things on the lanai until we move things inside around, I will be sure to get that all sparkling clean. The weather should be cooler by then too. 

Well, on to chores; swishing and fluffing and the Shark will swim around the abode. So glad we chatted. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.
Asking a favor…. please keep Dianna's real sister Debbie in your thoughts as she is not feeling well at this time.

Mystery solved?

Just stepped outside to check things and I will tell you that I feel like I stepped into a sauna and it is under 100 out there! Thank goodness August is almost a thought as this Monsoon heat/humidity ends in September. Here in The Valley we have not had the storms that were all around us. Definitely we could use the rain. While strolling the garden, a thought came to me. I think I found the "leak" around the fountain.... thee was a plant that has since died and the irrigation line was still in the open position. The water has been running into the pond garden area causing lots of wet ground! There is no leak in the water line or the fountain! Of course I will need to wait a few days to be sure. I am getting quite more accomplished around the abode.

Santa has his friend....well the start of a burro. I am enjoying this project. I always do when it is a Mill Hill kit. Combining both cross stitch and beads and I am a happy gal. There is an town  here in Arizona where donkeys roam freely through the town.... Oatman AZ. One day I will visit the former mining town. I the meantime, I will work on Santa and his burro.
Best Buy is having a sale... maybe time to visit and check out a new computer. Even my tablet is acting up. Today I will have the Geeks check out my computer remotely. Remember, if you are not getting an email response from me... sometimes my computer tells me they cannot be sent. I am trying to send from my tablet and maybe that will work.
Swishing is happening in the laundry area and that will be it for household duties. Still looking for the Fairies. First cup of coffee finished.... yesterday was a Gatorade day and so it will be today with iced water added in. Maybe a glass of iced coffee? Thank you for your visit and your kind words. Thank you for your friendship.

Here's looking at you

Have I mentioned it has been hot..... now this is not new as I have been here for 15 years now, but this year had caused me problems. We have had 24 days of 110+ temps. Waking with a headache is one that fortunately lifts in a few hours. I think I just miss being in my garden! The other has been issues with my back and my hand. Lucky for me both are doing okay.
The other afternoon I was standing about about 4 feet from a female hummer taking a bath in the fountain bubbler.... she was precious to watch. Sadly for some reason some of my garden plants are not as happy as she was. Oh well, guess we are all waiting for Autumn...or October which ever lands first. Speaking of October...remember who will be arriving?
It is no secret that computers drive me cazy...my keyboard is still typig what it wants... and I have actually typed so slow you could take a nap, and it still omits n, r, t or whatever! ow the #3 is not working … must emember to use the side keyboard.... see what I mean? I really must re-read everything. Now emails are not able to send all the time... unless someone tells me they did not get a response, I have no idea! Today I will call the Geeks and let them check out things.

Santa can now look back at me! I am adding the beads as I finish an area with floss and of course I had to add his beard and mustache. His sidekick will begin today. I must order Mesa Santa!
Just finishing my second cup of coffee...first one was at 4:30. So, off I go to enjoy this coffee before spending the day drinking Gatorade. Glad to have you visit. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

The fix-it morning

This morning is starting out "cooler"...only 90 but we are still in heat advisory mode. So they said do it early if you need to go out. I went to check the fountain and to top it off...it was empty. The heat yesterday was 114 so evaporate it did. I decided to finally do the cleaning it so needed. It really was quite simple. Only took about a half hour … okay a bit longer but still easy. Now it has clean parts and is full again and so is the front birdbath. So on to the shower...yes I did get a short one in the garden but this was the real one. Must get a bath rug for in front of the sink...powder on tile makes for a slippery floor. Time to turn the computer back on...no internet was the message! Now this was impossible because the tablet is working and the TV is also.  The quick earlier post is now happening a little later than planned. All is working now, inside and outside.

This is the star made yesterday. Robyn and I chose the fabric when she was here...good choice Robyn! I enjoyed our visit.
I finally put gas in the car...yes, the first time since The Brother Alan did so at the end of May! He already knows that I will not be doing this once he arrives..... he already figured this out I am sure. Then since I was already at Fry's for the gas I went in to get laundry detergent.... found out that I ran out when I attempted to do some swishing early yesterday morning...now swishing.

I plan to sit in my comfy chair and stitch on Santa....
Not very much to show but there will be the next time you see it. No red velvet hat for this cowboy! I think I will be adding beads as I go along instead of waiting till the end. In between working on this I will be making a few Christmas colored beaded bauble ornaments. Once I order beads I will get back to a couple of pods too.
Right now I must feed my growling stomach and start the fluffing in the laundry area. Happy to chat with you today. Thank you for the kind words and for your friendship.

Mud and beads

Whew...yes indeed. The temps they are rising, again. I think it will now remain in the triple digits for the rest of the monsoon season. It was 109 yesterday and today they predict 110. This past week I have noticed that the base of the fountain... in the Pond Garden has been wet. Initially I thought it was from when the Doves and Grackle take a bath and splashed out the water. But no... not that easy. Last Tuesday there were puddles. First I thought a broken irrigation line.... I placed a call to have it checked. Yesterday Robert arrived and after initial check of all of the bubbler risers, they  are working properly and no apparent leaks from the line. Over the next few days... before Tuesday when he returns, I need to remove the rocks covering the area. If not if he has to dig it up they will become buried... not wanting that to happen. We are thinking there may be a possibility for this be waiting is the only option at this time. I have already pulled the irrigation lines. The curse of the pond!

It is not easy to see, but the top edge and corner chili peppers are all beaded. The sides are almost finished and the hat is complete.

When I bought this a few yeas ago, I knew it was with beads but the included project picture does not show just how much is beaded! Lot of them are petite and they are very small. The sky and house area are next today. The horse is looking better but still needs beads. I will do close-ups when I finish.

Just call me the Fix-it Gal.....

The other night as I lay sleeping...isn't that from a song?... anyway, I felt quite warm. I was just was too lazy to get up and turn up the AC. In the morning after awake for a shot time I noticed that it was not coming on. So...…finally took a look. It was off! Now I never touch it so what happened??? The mind thought it can not be that after 2 years this new thing is broken! Obviously because I never look at it, it must have blinked a few days warning the batteries were dead. Having only changed them once, it took a few minutes to remember how to remove the battery case. I was not going to call the gal at the AC place again. As soon as they were in on it came and coolness returned. At the moment, towels are swishing in the laundry area, and I need a cup of coffee and some toast. I enjoyed having you stop by. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

An Eva P update: mother fell again.... fracturing her shoulder and due to age (92) surgery is not an option. She will have a brace in place for the next 4-6 weeks to allow it to heal. 

And the beads go on......

A lovely morning. The  sliders as well as the front door are for now. The temp is expected to be around 106-ish as it was yesterday. The weekend may reach 110, so definitely indoor activity only for me.
Tea and Pizzelles with Glenda yesterday.... good catching up conversation too. Isn't it nice that when friends have not shared company for a bit that when you are together it is as if you visited just yesterday. Glenda and husband Don have been good friends..... she and I shop or have tea and Don teaches and helps me. Great combination.

 

Today starts the beading for On The Range. I love Mill Hill kits and have been stitching them for years. Usually when you get kits, all threads and beads and even needles are provided. This kit did not have the beading needle, no problem as I have many. The threads for this kit were in some colors just enough. You would think that because the threads which are not specialty threads and inexpensive, would have a bit more than needed... remember, if you must take out then you are running very close or out of thread. Luckily for me on a few of the colors I had my own stash. This is merely a statement not a complaint.... not really. Anyway, onward to the beading today. I love the honey color for the hat outline.
Can you believe that this month is almost over? This week has been like a fast moving train…. the weekend is just about here! As a reminder, Vicki posted on her blog that we have only 26 weeks until Christmas! I have only 2 gifts ready. I really do not have a big gift list so I still have time. Nevertheless, I will buckle down to accomplishing filling my sleigh.
Time for my second cup of coffee... as soon as I get my chores done. Whoever has my House Fairies, I would appreciate you return them so I can just sit and bead. It has been nice chatting with you. Thank you for your kind and caring words. Thank you 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.

Heartfelt thank you

My heart is full these past few days. The Brother Alan posted on Friday, the 2nd anniversary of My Denny's passing. The many emails and comments left on Facebook and of course here filled my heart with love and friendship. This will always be a hard time for me but made a little easier with all of your caring kind words. ❤
The Pond Garden and fountain is very busy this morning with so many different birds drinking and bathing. A quick walk out to the garden and all is well. We are still in a cool down, low100s and right now it is quite nice outside. There is swishing in the laundry area and the Shark is waiting to swim around the abode. First cup of coffee finished and my bowl of cereal too. Dishes washed and soon coffee beans will be ground for the 2nd cup.

I have been able to stitch On The Range..... really not too much more to do then I will add the beads. Coming along nicely. Stitching is slow due to my eyes..... yes, my eyes. First the issues were with the hand and as that healed my back and the procedure for that has been healing well and now my vision. I need to see an Ophthalmologist and will be looking to find one this week. I have been keeping all of my medical centers close to home, so as there are a few close by,  I will check them out. Right now I am using Sustane Complete and added Retaine MGD with hot compresses during the day. So, with  resting my hand and back and now my eyes, things go slowly for me. Right now nighttime driving is not happening.... not that I did much of it anyway. The doctor also changed my eye prescription but I will wait to fill it until after the Ophthalmologist appointment. Always something to deal with. I know there are others with so much more to deal with, but selfishly right now it is me I am dealing with.
 Friday and yesterday were the if you can drop it why not day. Friday evening I spilled freshly brewed cup of black tea all over the counter and everything that was there of course received a tea bath. Then the sugar bowl joined in. Saturday I knocked over the butter dish thankfully it did not break. It was given to me by Glenda and I love it. It is one of the ones that you fill the bottom half with water ( I pout ice cubes in) and you can leave it out and the butter is always soft and ready to use. Of course during the day, at least 2-3 times I toss the water and ad new ice cubes. Yes, when I scooped up ice there were far too many cubes and they went all over the floor. Normally I only pick up 3 cubes to fit the dish but why did I get a scoop full? So they could go all over the place! Today is so far promising to be a less clumsy day. The plan is to sit and stitch, as soon as my eyes clear up.
Always nice to chat with you. Again, thank you so much for caring and for your kind words. Thank you most of all for your friendship. I am so lucky to know you!

Not yet a horse

Very little stitching yesterday....

The star is complete and the left border also. As  much as I enjoy these kits, they ae a challenge sometimes. There a so many blank spaces for the beads that counting twice does not always work. I have had to re-do a few times. Hope to stitch more today as tomorrow there will most likely not be any stitching; I have an appointment for my eye exam at noon. Vickie, who has 2 blogs: here  and here, emailed me and offered to take me rather that to wait any longer. Totally out of her way, but a friend indeed.
today. . The garden chores are complete; fountain water added and With the household chores completed I plan to make Pizzelles later.

With each recent visit, The Brother Alan and Lisa have brought and left clothing and items and leaving with empty suit cases. This time Alan also brought these. They are awards, back row:
 the Massachusetts Police Commissioner, Nassau County Police Department 4th Squad, Adjunct General  Rhode Island National Guard for Excellence in Standards and Discipline, Federal Law Enforcement US Department of Homeland Security. The front row: Department of State Diplomatic Security Service, Signature Costumer Service, and Federal Law Enforcement Training Center of Homeland Security. These are not the last of awards I am sure. Eventually we will find a more fitting place to display them. Yes, I am proud of him and what he has accomplished.
Wonderful having time to chat with you. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

The moon .... and me

Sunday evening as I looked out to the sky there it was...another magnificent full moon. I have and probably always will be fascinated by the moon. Every night I look to see where it is and what it looks like and then wonder.... many thoughts.  Right now, however, I am wondering what the day will bring.
We are once again in a "cool down" as the temps will be in the low 100s this week. There are several wildfires already in full swing here in Arizona and the Monsoon season has begun. No matter where you live there are seasonal happenings. We learn to live and adjust to them.
Yesterday was spent with stitching....On The Range

The left edge is almost finished except for the beads of course. They are the last to be added. I had a bit of an issue with the red star in the lower corner... a few Xs were not correct so out they came and back in correctly they went. It was a quiet day around the abode. On the weekends the jets from Luke AF base do not fly and coincidently the birds seemed to take a quiet day also. Very little action at the Pond Garden and fountain. It was a quiet day around the abode.
I did pack up over 80 DVDs...some of them sets … and moved my photos boxes onto the top shelf. Next will be the CDs. I am probably still one of the few who play CDs. Although I watch Netflix, I still like my DVDs too. Just an old fashioned gal I guess.
Stitching and reading have been slow  recently as I am having blurred vison issues especially in my left eye. I know, get it checked. Along with the other this and that that needs attention.  A few issues will be taken care of when The Brother Alan is here as I will need a driver.... as in when they dilate the eyes! I actually dread that. It takes hours for my vision to return to normal. Always something... in "these golden years"!
Well, that is about it for me today. Off to finish the chores because those House Faeries still have not reported for duty; then back to my Mill Hill stitching. It will be a me day. Glad to have you visit with me. Thank you for your kind words and or your friendship. 

Just muddling along~~~

muddling

[ˈməd(ə)liNG]

NOUN

1. the action or process of bringing something into a disordered or confusing state.

   "the muddling of fact and fiction is a tried-and-true tactic of totalitarian regimes" ·
   

   [more]
2. the action or process of mixing a drink or stirring an ingredient into a drink.

   "the muddling helps ensure that all the flavors are well blended"

ADJECTIVE

1. confusing.

   "the map is a muddling haze, with place names in German, Russian, Polish, and Lithuanian"

Yup, just one of those weeks. However, let's think the second noun definition..... sounds more fun. I do love a Mojito and have a nice muddler..... anyway, my week has been a bit off. Feeling lazy is one description. Do not misunderstand....the Shark swam around the abode, the Swiffer flew about and there was swishing in the laundry area. I enjoyed the Fountain antics of the hummer bathing and how busy the area remains... very distracting but a good distraction. It had been hot so being outdoors was not an option so enjoying the entertainment from my comfy chair was nice. I read a little.... and then picked up my Mill Hill project...

I stitched most of the corner and all of the pink in the sky. Many of the blank areas will be covered with beads...love adding beads to a project. Remember the view? Well that was not the only issue to distract me. I began watching a movie while stitching... not the best idea. When the movie ended I decided to have a second cup of coffee.... as I sat to stitch again I noticed some of the Xs were not where they should be. So, snip and pull out... that is when I noticed I was having another issue.

Notice anything? Let me tell you then.... the tip is broken on one side! So when I tied to use it to pull threads it was not working! Since the floor in my room is carpeted I have not a clue as to how the tip broke. But....

these fine ladies have volunteered to assist me. They are so cute... I have a "blonde" gal too but she must be with a project. I am sure one of these days she will appear as I am clearing my stash. The DM floss is done. Now onto the next area. When it is hot outside the garage is just a bit cooler, even with the large floor fan on. So it is slow going.
I so appreciate the concern when I have not posted. Thank you for your caring emails.... I admit to not having a good month, but as some of you noted, I will be okay. Just need to get through these days.
On a cheery note, how about the colors in my garden...

The orange Firecracker bush, the Purple Ruellia and the Yellow Bells Honeysuckle.... all in one area. Love my garden! Planting anything else right now is on hold with the heat. Still, it is all very pretty out there. The birds love it and the occasionally butterfly visits. Right now the attraction for all is the fountain and the moving water. It is time to wash out the breakfast dish and mug and to get some swishing going. My plan is to sit and stitch today. It has been nice chatting with you. Thank you for your kind and caring words and emails. Thank you for your friendship.

Sun-less-day

Ready for the day....almost. Seems like it will be a  s l o w  day today. Right now the sun is partly here... it is almost 80 at 8:15am and should reach the mid 90s later but at the moment the sliders ae open but that will probably change soon. Did someone ask if … yes, all is well in the garden. I need to change one of the sprinkler lines in the pot that will be for my herbs. I usually just buy herbs and this time I thought why not plant seeds. I did pull out the Rosemary plant which was quickly dead. Part of it was that it was not getting the needed water when you replant so I will get another next time out to Lowes. I also need to get more rock to finish the planting area in the garden.

June Origami Star is finished. Look, the little ladybug is peeking out. I love the bright red and yellow in this. I guess I should have or could have fussy cut the ladybug fabric so it would be more prominent, but it is cute this way.
So, I took the 2 eggs out of the abandoned nest. I felt bad but with no one sitting on them they were doomed. I would think it was an inexperienced pair... it does happen... that hopefully will do better the next time. In the last few years there have been at least 10 nestlings and never an issue.
Today my plans are simple. Work on the SW Mill Hill project. There are some things that I should be working on, specifically in the garage, but today is not a work day. If I get up and going early enough one of these days I will be there. It will be an all day task when I do start it so it will require ambition and that is not me today!
The Quails have been scoping out the garden...not going to let them nest here. Funny that they know the Doves are not nesting... speaking of the Doves, a pair was sun bathing in the fountain yesterday like it was their private jacuzzi. A coyote left me a deposit in the driveway.... they drop it anywhere. It's a jungle out here! In the meantime, a few things to do before settling into my stitching spot.
Very nice chatting with you this morning. Thank you or your kind words and emails. I appreciate the time you take to send me emails. Thank you for your friendship... 

Ho Ho and another Ho

Yesterday was another beautiful day here in The Valley of the Sun. The front door was still open at 8PM. I think we are finally in the Autumn weather. I was busy swishing laundry and baking.

This was a new recipe... I have so many I want to try. It is Honey White Bread. Nice crumb texture and very mellow in taste. Yes, there is honey added. This morning I had it tasted and it was still nice and fresh. The only issue with these homemade breads is that there are best on day one and acceptable on day 2 and so so on day 3. As there is only me here (right now) the bread does not get eaten quickly. But I will still bake even just for me.
The Santa Star is finally finished....2448 beads.

One is for me and the other will be riding the sleigh to sis Lyn. A break from beading for at least a week to rest the right hand from the process. I do love these stars though.
I have a day with no plans.... I will do whatever comes my way. Maybe a little reading. I should however begin to clean the garden during these cool mornings. I should but will I? I might continue going through my cross stitch patterns. Found a couple of Lavender & Lace.... never done and will not be kept.... and one that I made for my niece Elyssa when she was born, might hand on to it. I am serious about de-stashing. Then there is the linen...most are pieces good for smaller projects. I will hold on to some but definitely not most. I have 2 bins that will go down to one for sure. If I have not used it by now or stitched it I know it will not be. Crazy to hold on to when someone else can enjoy having it. Right Jo? She will be getting a particular pattern (more if interested). Well, onto making the bed and getting dressed. I want to get into the storage in the garage to find the next change of sheers for the living room. Then it will be ready for the winter/holidays. So off I go to try to accomplish something. Glad to chat with you and thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Where do things go??

Last evening proved to be very stormy around Arizona and here in The Valley too. Wind...thunder and lightening with pouring rain. Some areas flooded (not here) and there were reports of hail. For now it is over and the morning is starting to be sunny and comfortable but the forecast is for the temps to return to 90 for the weekend. Crazy weather for sure. The Brother Alan commutes from Providence RI to Boston MA daily for work and I worried about his train ride...but all went well.
I cannot find a few things...things that I need for my beading and such. Why? Well with starting to change things around here for the eventual move of The Brother from RI to Arizona, I have begun to move this and that. Mainly it is my storage of craft supplies. The second bedroom which is now his and was my sewing/craft room with a full closet of storage has meant that my storage has changed to my bedroom closet and the garage. I have begun to weed out many things that I will no longer need or want and will continue to do so but when I put something away I seem to be loosing it.  Getting used to the new storage is not easy ! There definitely must be gremlins who have moved in. Where are those small clear bags? What happened to the Tatting thread? Who has the hand held hole punch? the rest of this week will be trying to locate said items. Yesterday I rearranged one shelving unit in the garage and have a few kits to offer up. I am on cross stitch hiatus at the moment.

This Mirabella has linen and specialty thread and beads....if I have not stitched it by now I most likely will never. When I think of the money spent and it sits in a box.

These kits are also from that same box. Do not get me going on the many patterns that will also be going. I have lots of Blackbird Designs that are in the never to be used category. I just had to have them. I added quite a bit of paper to my recycle bin yesterday...you know all those free patterns that you print out but never get to.  My goal is to really de-stash this week. Maybe I will even find those bags that I need...of course once I go and buy them I will find them. So in between beading Santa and trying to convince the gremlins to give me back my things I will be in the garage the rest of the week.
Glad you visited today. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship. I will try to report back in the next few days as long as the gremlins do not take me away!

Let's have a lazy day

Just did not want to get out of bed this morning...definitely going to be a lazy day. Laundry is swishing but not much else. The weather forecast tells of rains coming  later today into the beginning of the week. Right now the sky is overcast. I took the glider and chair cushions into the lanai just in case it does rain. As much as it is welcomed it is dreaded. I hate driving in the rain and have a few things to do out of the house the beginning of the week. One I can put off until another day. The appointment for the installation of the automatic car starter is not one of them.

My stain glass rose star is finished. I was not sure about the pale lavender beads but they do show nicely with the darker color. Looking forward to making a few more. The bead shop is having a bead sale so I should get there and see what I can get. I also  purchased a patter for a Santa Star.  A different designer and it is written differently but I am sure I can figure it out. It is 11 pages ! Some of the beads I have, of course there are always beads to buy with each new project.
I also found a tutorial on making denim feathers that looked interesting and requires no sewing at all...might give that a try. So many great ideas out there. Hoping to go through more of my supplies to see what to eliminate....and where to send what I will not be needing. Some of it will be linen/linen pieces and of course patterns. My cross stitch interest has taken a back seat so why keep all the supplies. Good rainy day project for sure. On a follow up; cable is working just fine so I did cancel the appointment after all what can they do if it is working. Later today I will attempt to fix the kitchen florescent light---and yes I will be very careful. Still thinking the water filter system.
That is about it. Laundry #2 swishing while the first is whirling around the dryer. Time to watch Sherlock Holmes. So good to chat with you and thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Keeping busy

Some have asked whether I have been stitching or tatting and the answer is yes. Sitting with Denny and chatting and keeping busy. One thing that will always stay with me is "What are you working on now" so often asked by him to me. While in the hospital I was working on Affirmation Words.....a project that will only be completed when...... The Hospice Center is a quiet place and while we chat and watch favorite TV shows, I ....

stitched this Santa ornament on perforated paper. He needs finally completion which I can only do at home so here is only a partial look. Tatting has also occupied my time...

2 Sun catchers; one with a blue gem and the other with a gold gem and the smaller clear glass gem for an ornament or just to display piece. I plan on giving a few away as mementos of Denny. I began  another tatting project yesterday...

Angels .... today I will complete them with the bottom trim and halos. If you follow me on Facebook you will already know this....on Saturday I sent an SOS out to Don and Glenda (friends of the heart) to help me with the 3 line gas rule....that is right, the gas that The Brother Alan put in did not last until he will return this Spring...so, what to do? As I pulled into the parking lot of the Hospice center there is a Fry's gas station...I was feeling brave so I pulled in after circling once to find just the right pump. Then I stood there watching the guy across the way and the lady next to me...I remembered to open the gas cover and then after a brief struggle with the gas cap...(who designed a push and twist cap !?) turned my attention the pump. everything push button and after the last yes was tapped I lifted the handle, inserted into the car and nothing...right, squeeze the handle and Voila! gas . So at the age of 70 I have for the first time pumped gas....not sure about wanting to do this often but as Glenda pointed out I will probably only need to do this once a month or so ( I do not drive much) . Of course I bragged to Denny when I sat there ... not sure how impressed he was but the nurse was! My Denny is still slowly failing, and still not verbal nor does he open his eyes..... but we watch the cooking shows and the PBS programs and since he can not complain I sneak in a few that he is not fond of.  I sit and miss the man who's smile always melted me and his dry sense of humor and his holding my hand. Now I hold his hand and try to explain my time away from him. I know he would be glad that I have so far conquered the pond fiasco and the aquarium mishap and yes the gas pump. I tell him I love him and wish I could hear the return "I love you too".