77 Sunset Strip

 Hello my friends... who remembers is old enough to remember  77 Sunset Strip TV series...okay, I do and I just celebrated my 77th birthday. My celebration started on the day...the 3rd with breakfast out with Dianna, lunch out with Lisa on the 4th and ended last night with dinner out with The Brother Alan and Lisa.  Guess I will stop humming the theme song now. Thank you for all the birthday wishes. Cousin Maria send a videocard of Donny Osmand signing to me! Lovely gifts received and cards..... totally feel special. 

I wanted a Fairy setting...for Christmas, The Brother Alan and Lisa gave me the house with the blue arrow and it had a couple of fairies with it,,,for my birthday they gave me the yellow arrow set up that had 14 items,,,I made the back round from collected twigs. I love it. At night it has fairy lights which looks magical.

My sis Lyn sent me this lovely scented candle with Happy Birthday charms that revolve when the candle is lit. A nice soft fragrance.

Dianna brought me these

mushrooms...One glass and the other with a tufted top.... love mushrooms. She also bought a birthday cake and a candle!

Dear Debbie and hubby sent me this beautiful anklet.  The meaning is so lovely. I have not taken it off since it arrived, I have the words posted at my sewing table so I can read them often. All in all, I had a very nice birthday...

The Tiny Dog Adoption went well. One pup is going to Germany, one to Texas, one to Wisconsin. Two are off to Rhode Island and 2 are staying here in Arizona with one going to Lynda Ruth in Canada. These are the last if anyone is interested.

We are expecting a rain storm for the next 3 or 4 days. Happily I can remain indoors and work at my sewing table. It is always nice to chat with you. Thank you for your kind words and thank you for your friendship.

I have been busy

 Well hello! I have been ...I really do not know why I have not posted. Lots of pictures to show you.

Meet Miss Daphne, lady gnome. What a surprise to find her in my mail box. She arrived all the way from Surrey, Canada a gift from dear friend Debbie. She is a very talented lady. The knitting is superb.

Ann Wood has wonderful patterns and I had to have these mushrooms. Growing up, we never bought store mushrooms. My dad picked wild mushrooms and we always had enough jars to last the year. Of course his looked different.

These are more Alice in Wonderland type...  a bit psychedelic. A few more will be appearing in my room.

Sail away with Ann Wood pattern. I just happened to have a button with an anchor on it. Her patterns are fun to make. Some are free but the cost is reasonable for those that are not free. I have a few yet to make from my collection.

Making florets for a Hydrangea...Debbie is making some also. I like origami patterns. This is from the book Fabled Flowers by Kumiko Sudo.

April Showers Sun Bonnet Sue is hung...it may be difficult to see, but the rain drops are silver bugle beads.

So, as you can see, I have kept busy. Next week I will be in Las Vegas with Dianna and one of her daughters, Marissa. Almost was not going...but that is for another day. Nice to chat with you. I must try to post regularly. Thank you for your kind words and for  your friendship.

Slow down you move too fast.....

 That maybe what the song says but it certainly does not describe me lately. If you have not read earlier...much earlier it seems posts, I had surgery on my spine. Specifically an L4 L5 fusion with a cage support.  If you google there is lots of info and

pictures like this one. It is an involved surgery. I was due for a one night stay but problems with drainage was another night. Can not complain though. This was a CORE Specialty Hospital...27 beds. The staff were excellent and the food, well delicious. Before you ask, yes I have lots of restrictions....no bending, stretching , twisting lifting...all common sense and there is the pain if I forget. I have a 6 inch incision center spine at waist and staples which will be removed Monday. My companion The Walker on wheels is usually with me----yes once in  time I find myself without it. I have kept busy when not napping sewing hexies. Soon I should spread them out to see how many I need. Dianna has given me wonderful flower prints. She also has started a hexie quilt. Thank you Cynthia for checking up on me and others whose emails made me smile. Debbie sent me musical note...the Macarena to do while sauntering around....haha. Thank you for all your wonderful words and for you friendship. I appreciate the encouragement very much.

A new year finally

 Hello on this first Saturday of the new year....2021 finally arrived and I was actually awake but did not watch the Times Square event. We did begin but Alan and I just could not adjust to the format...or the performers. Today is cloudy and cool but not bad. Anyway on to better things. There are a couple of FB pages that encourage and support. One of them, maybe more encourage a Yearly Word instead of resolutions. My Word of Affirmation for 2021 is Thankful. There has been so much negativity that I want to really focus on the good. Each day I will think of one thing to be thankful for...being positive!

Meet Alan's Yeti. Look closely and you can see his eyes the 3 "bumps" are the top of his head. Santa knows that Alan and I kid about the hunt for the Yeti all the time so now he can prove there is one...eventually. At the present he is loosing his shell. I will keep you picture posted.

One other thing I got for Christmas was this handy attachment for my mixer. I love my Mandolin but I think Alan worries every time I use it. He thinks this is safer. Next might be a past attachment?! 

Arizona is still high in Covid numbers and trying to be safe is the normal. I do my best. When I think about those who do follow the rules, like EvaP and then are those diagnosed with it and then pass on quickly, well, it scares me a little. I am grateful that she did not suffer as many others are. Wear your mask and keep distance... 

I ask that you keep a lovely friend back in RI in your thoughts... she is doing well after breast surgery and treatment but still a bit more special thought is always good. Lisa is not feeling well...so add her to your thoughts as well. 

The list gets long 💗. 

Finally most of our mailed packages have arrived...for New Years! There is still one out there...DebbieB it is on the way to Canada I am sure. Thank you for the caring thoughts on my not feeling well. It mainly is because of a med snafu and the fact that I now will be seeing a new PCP on Monday. Not taking an important medication for a week now really causes havoc. Tired, light-headed, headache and vertigo... not pleasant but it could be worse. Once again that Household Faiery has not appeared so I am off to swish and fluff in the laundry area. Can't find the coffee barrister either so I will make my own coffee. Thank you for stopping by. I am lucky to count you as my friend. Thank you for the kind words and thoughts and your friendship. See, my Word of Affirmation...Thankful!

Coming up in a post soon...The Tumbleweed story!

The day after......

The Brother Alan and I had a wonderful relaxing couple of days. For him it was back to work today. Just me and Murphy here. A package just arrived from Dear friend LuLu

He is tearing the box apart. The little reindeer is his newest toy and he loves whipping it around to hear the bell inside jingle. Right now the box is a better toy.

Thank you Lu for the Ana Lee Santa who stands 16 inches high!

Thank you Vickie for the pieced quilted tree ornament 

Thank you sis Lynowl for the Crockpot

Thank you Glenda for the beautiful glass window ornament.

Thank you Debbie for this cute Hummingbird swing and the delicious chocolates that Alan and I are enjoying and.....

and this wonderful sounding Dragonfly chime that Alan is looking for a spot to hang it.

All of my gifts have been sent or given with just one waiting to go to it's person. A nice Christmas. It was  the first time in 15 years that Alan and I spent together  for Christmas. Although we had rain for 2 days, Murphy did not mind walking at all. He did have an issue with my carrying an umbrella.

Thank you for taking time to stop by. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

From New York

Seems like rain is everywhere. Yesterday here in The Valley there were areas of pouring rain...at Bob and Dianna's house and even hail in the Phoenix area.  We just had lots of clouds. Today is sunny a and the temp is nice.
 Alan is in New York on business and sent this photo

NY police are using Smart cars! Maybe it will help when there are cars blocking their way. Traffic can be very congested there. As you can see, it was raining there too.
I ordered a quilt pattern today from my local quilt store. I should have it by the end of the month.... I told her no hurry and that would be fine.  Looking forward to making a runner for the table.  A friend made it and it was really so pretty.

This package arrived today. What was I thinking putting it under the tree! Murphy just dragged out and took it. Thank you Debbie.... I now have it out of reach. He is a collector of anything not his. Keeping me on my toes.
Thank you for visiting today....and for your kind words and friendship.

Ahhh....it's cool again

No not outside...it is still triple numbers and muggy. I was siting quietly and stitching the burro when it felt so very hot. I had also just watched a hummer take a bath in the fountain bubbler. The air was not comfortable outside at 109 and inside it was 90! Houston S C Mechanical we have a problem. Within half an hour Brent arrived; up to the roof he climbed and when he returned a few minutes later, voilà, cold air once again filled the abode. It took a little over an hour for the temp to return to the 79 at which it is set but it was still cool air filling the abode. Memories from 2017 began to fill my head when the older AC failed completely and the temps inside were reaching that of out there in hot land.

Burro now has two legs and the third almost done...well none of them are really complete until the beads are added. His rump will also soon be finished. I will miss this project when it is finished... but then I can maybe order the next one.

This is a recent card I received from DebbieB....( missing her emails this week). We both cater to the sweet hummingbirds that visit us all the time. Of course she wrote a nice personal message to me on the inside.  I hope you can read the words okay.... a good reminder for all of us.

Okay my friends, time for me to get that glass of iced Gatorade and start my day.... a little later than normal but that is how it seems to be going today. Slow and easy. Happy to have you stop by and chat. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship. Ahh.... cool air filling the abode.....ahh.

It is a rest day....

When the temp at 5am is already reading 89, you just know that it will be a hot day..... they say 111, we shall feel it for sure. Feeling it to be a slow do nothing kind of day. Once I fill the front birdbath and the both hummer feeders that will be the extent of outdoor fun.

Voilà, all the beading is complete. Now to think  how to finish it. So many beads! I will check Hobby Lobby for a square frame.... this is abut 5x5. Next will be a couple of Christmas beaded pods for gifts. I also have a Mill Hill kit for a Santa.... for my tree that I would like to get made. Today will be a rest day for my hand and eyes.
The Pond Garden is under going another change. It would appear that I cannot plant in it because the water will not drain nor evaporate quickly enough. What I did not take into consideration is that it is a cement pond...so therefore no drainage. If I want it to be a garden it will require a jack hammer to break up the cement... not going to happen. So, it will be an ornamental garden. Some pots and maybe a few other items.
Today is July 1st and also Canada Day. To my dear friends, Debbie and Laurie in Canada, enjoy the celebration.  Time is moving right along so that means one month less in the count down to The Brother Alan's arrival in October.
Well now, I think another cup of coffee is in order and maybe something to munch. So nice to chat with you today. Thank you for your kind and caring words and thank you for your friendship.
Please keep my friend Glenda in your thoughts as she just had foot surgery. I know what you are thinking...she was here for tea and Pizzelles on Wednesday and surgery on Friday but rest assured, there is no connection with my tea and Pizzelles!

In the garden....

The weather has shifted back into normal temps which are in the mid to high 90s. What this means  is that anything outdoors is done early. Which means that tomorrow I will be in the garden before 9am to fix the irrigation issue. I am determined to get this done as I will not be out there watering the garden by hand. The Rosemary definitely is being pulled out. It was damaged in the move and is not going to revive itself. Sad as it has been here for 10 years.  Not sure if I have to replace the other plants yet. Right now the water lines first. I will remember to wear my garden gloves as I tore up my finger a little. I will need to rake up the rocks and re-lay the lines to see why they are not working.

Already organized to make the June Origami Star. My "June bugs" are lady bugs. This project is fun to make each month. Glad I chose and prepared the fabric for the 12 months.... makes it nice and easy.
Sad to report... the Dove nest is  just a nest. The Doves have not returned today and have been on the eggs far too long. Tomorrow out comes the step ladder and I will remove the eggs and clean it up a little. I hate to do it, but there is no way they are going to hatch without a parent keeping them warm. Nature is what it is.

This is the Mill Kill kit I will be working on. It is a Southwest on perforated paper. Of course there are beads! I started this before Denny was  ill and then put it aside. Time to finish it. The beading? Oh not giving up just putting the bumble bee project aside until I can be satisfied with the directions. Did find another pod and a couple of flat pieces to do.
Having some blood pressure issues. Trying to stay relaxed and not worrying about getting anything done. I am lucky to have a cheer leader in BC, Canada.... Debbie! Anyway, we all have issues to deal with, health or otherwise. What is good is that we are lucky when we have someone who listens and gives gentle advice. Which brings me to the next conversation. One of our fellow bloggers recently posted how she had received a few negative comments from the same person on her blog. That is not what we are about. Each of us blogs for our own personal satisfaction. It is wonderful when we get feed back but it should be kind and not insulting. If you visit a blog that is of no interest that day, move on. If you enjoy it, be sure to say so. I visit all the blogs listed on my sidebar. Sometimes I comment and sometimes I do not. I always end my blog with:
Glad you stopped by. (because I truly am) Thank you for your kind words. (they mean so much) and Thank you for your friendship. ( I value each of you).

What is friendship all about?

Friendship. Friendship is a close association between two people marked by feelings of care, respect, admiration, concern, love, or like.

Where is Spring?

It was cold last night...and this morning... where is Spring? We had some lovely 70s temps and now this; temps in the 30s overnight and only 50s during the day! I know compared to other places I am lucky to have such nice weather ad I do feel lucky.

This bright yellow daisy greets me this day...full bloom with more buds yet to open. As I stood there taking this picture, along came...

A small butterfly! So you see him? I almost missed it as it blended right in. the birds are chatting and this House Finch stopped by

They just love  the Hummingbird nectar. The Woodpecker stops by almost everyday too as well as a few other birds.
Speaking of "Spring.....Spring training starts here in Arizona in 2 weeks.... the traffic will be crazy and the restaurant full. Since I will not be driving for a couple of weeks that is okay. About that.....
I had a phone call form the surgical center. "Mrs. Horton, may I call you Grace?" Yes I replied. " I am the nurse here at the surgical center and was just reviewing your paperwork" (All which was filled out on-line and submitted.) I hear a giggle. I asked if I did it incorrectly. "Yes, but, no ….(there was a hesitation) you did fill out that you are pregnant!" What? Where was my mind during that part of the forms? We got it all straighten out and I am no longer pregnant. Sis Lynowl said she would nix the baby shower!
Tomorrow will be going to market for last minute food stuff and then I will prepare some things over the weekend. The nurse reminded me that I would not be using my right hand for a week or so and I should make things easy. Dear Debbie has made great suggestions for me.
It certainly has been nice chatting with your today. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

On my beading tray

It was a good day yesterday and a good night sleeping. Every once in awhile it happens. I went out for milk and bread yesterday and I thought the market was having a free day...busy does not cover the store activity. It looks like many are having ham for Christmas dinner this year. Still have no idea what will be on my table.

Catherine...look....the Amaryllis is going to have 6 blooms! This plant has been unbelievable. I am going to try to plant it after Christmas. The first three are finished with their blooms but I look forward to having these open.
Yesterday I began a new beading project...

I know it does not look like much but it will be finished today.... that is after my hair appointment this morning. It is a Snow Globe Snowman. I am discovering that working with clear Delica beads is not easy nor are the black beads. A test for my eyes and hand for sure. I say this every year....I will work on Christmas ornaments during the year for next year... maybe this is the year I do just that.
An update from Bobby is that Moochie is already doing better with the prescription medication. She really is a sweet kitty.
We are going to have another lovely weather day...temps near the mid 70s. Normal for this time is mid 60s. Love the weather but hate that the sun does not rise and shine until almost 7:30am.
Today is the last day for mailing in time for Christmas delivery... hope you all made it in time. My tracking tells me all my USA packages arrived, can not check on delivery to Canada…. Debbie, it is on the way. Hope it clears Canadian customs soon. Well, I best get a few things done before going out later this morning. Glad to chat with you. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Busy days.....

Oh I am chilly! It is around 49 out  with expectations of the temp rising to 75 today. Waiting for my coffee to brew and think Eggos will be on my plate soon. I generally have quiet slow days but recently I have been busy. On Friday an Saturday I was with Glenda helping to set up a dinner and then helping with the clean-up...she worked me to the bone ( I told Glenda I was going to tell everyone!!!) Totally enjoyed the time spent.
Then Sunday was my quiet day..... On Monday a call from Dianna set me in motion. Bobby's cat Moochie was sick and he was at work and Dianna needed help getting Moochie to the vet.

The poor kitty was definitely ill, she was a perfect patient never giving the doc any trouble. She has beautiful markings. I will be checking to see how Mooch is doing today...and Bobby. Yesterday was a planned outing with Glenda. We had a nice time galivanting and lunch too. Then a phone call from sis Lynowl to tell me she received a package...of course since I tracked it I already knew. The surprise was that she was trying not to open it! That did not last long and she opened it while we chatted on the phone.  I never sat at the computer at all yesterday and did not answer my emails until last evening. Debbie was worried and she sent out "Car 54 where are you" email.... we are in touch every day. Sorry to worry her but I finally responded so we are back on track today. Definitely no plans for today...I did say that for Monday didn't I? I hope to make a beaded snow globe ornament that was featured in one of the Facebook groups. I will plan my baking for the weekend... not a fan of baking too far ahead. Christmas dinner will be a simple one. 
The fourth flower on the Amaryllis is getting ready to bloom...any day now.

Look at the color of them! Actually looks like popcorn shooting out of the center! Really pleased with this plant and hope they will be available next year again. I have a new lavender plant but have not put it in the ground yet. Yes, here in Arizona winter is still planting and blooming time. Well I can smell the wonderful fresh brewed scent of coffee and I am a bit hungry so off I go. Glad you visited today. Thank you for your kind words and thank you for your friendship.

3 Blooms and Two Friends

My day has started much too early... 2:30 am. I have a few errands and then I will settle for a movie or 2 and a cat nap. The Amaryllis has really bloomed!

Three bright red flowers and another could bloom by Christmas. This is one of the nicest I have had in years. … And no care! There is a shoot lower on the stem and that may also grow... I would not be surprised.
The Christmas cactus is giving one or two flowers a day which is nice. I know, they look so pretty in fluffy bloom but then once the flowers are finished then nothing. this way I have a flower each day or two with lots of buds in wait.
Yesterday was such a lovely day...Dianna and Bobby came for Christmas lunch.... at Bobby's request it was lasagna. Bobby always travels here with his full tool bag and so off to the garage he went while dinner was in the oven to fix that cupboard door. I will be safe now that it is secured again. Two dear friends who show up to lend a hand when needed and not even asked.  Dianna supervises! Christmas packages have arrived....

This lovely knitted Mobius and stitched piece is from DebbieB...Canada has a postal strike, but Debbie says this arrived quickly. We are in touch daily...through emails. Hope my package is not to arrive to her. This year she began to spin her own yarns.
A surprise from England.... from June arrived....

a lovely angel key fob and slim calendar of angels. I have never seen such a sweet calendar.....thank you both so much for thinking of me. Be sure to stop by their blogs (click on the name) to see what they are up to.
Not much needlework or  beading has been done as my thumb and ring finger are "locking" more. Thank goodness the Voltarin Gel helps a little for the pain and a few god books to read. Of course Hallmark Christmas movies are generally good to fill the time. Speaking of time, I need to get a move on as the exterminator will be here before I know it for the monthly spraying of the garden and not meeting him in pajamas is preferred. Laundry needs to swish and the bed needs to be made....off I go to finish my coffee so I can get it all done. Thank you for visiting and for your kind words. Thank you for you friendship.

Chocolates from Rhode Island

I was quite productive yesterday. I set up my village.... but of course it is not really finished. One of the boxes has the "snow" and I think I may get to it today. The unpacked boxes are already in the new shelf storage area and fit nicely. As I do not have to get the house ready for company for Thanksgiving dinner, I can continue at my own pace to unpack. My stitched Santa moved to the living room and will greet anyone who enters at the front door. The felt tree also moved into the living room on Papa's smoking stand and has all tatted snowflakes and a set of star lights. Just a few more days before more decorations are brought out.

Look at this festive Autumn package. I was so curious when the postman handed it to me. The return address was from Rhode Island..... finally I opened it and this appeared. The package is from dear Debbie from Canada sent the package. I was surprised as Canada is having postal difficulties and strikes and she has told me to hold off my mailing to her as this problem is really holding up deliveries. Of course I just had to open it...

chocolates! and look, one is the shape of Rhode Island. They have been in business around 22 years and I have never had them. Thank you again Debbie for this wonderful treat in time for Thanksgiving day. I am hoping that the Canadian postal problems get fixed real soon...my packages for you sit here!
I am dealing with a headache of my own causing so I will take it easier today so it will not bloom into a full migraine. Just finishing my first cup of coffee and then I will attack the chores. Nice to chat with you today. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Always something to do

Whether I want to or not, there is always something to do. Right now I need a plumber, a carpenter, an electrician and a "pond someone" and assistance from Cox? maybe. The pond definitely has a problem...hopefully an easy fix. At the moment it is empty of water and there is expected rains coming the beginning of the week so it will remain off to the dismay of several birds who thought their pond was back. This includes the bunny too. The kitchen light is not responding to the yard stick taps so I have half lighting. The last time I attempted to climb the step ladder to "fix" this I almost landed on the stove top. Happily there was nothing cooking. I see there is a ?shut off valve under the sink on the water dispenser, but will that be enough for me to try to disconnect the system??? I really do not need water running everywhere. The cable went out again yesterday as did my bathroom lights! Once I reset the lights at the electrical box the cable returned??!! Cox  was as confused as I was. So far cable is working today but I am still having them come out later today to discuss this issue. At least I was not the only customer  in the area calling them the last 2 days. As I was Swiffing around the TV in my bedroom yesterday I found

this frayed HDMI cable...you didn't know that I knew what it is called, right? I learned a lot from My Denny. Of course there was a replacement in the garage! Yes, he always had extras of this or that, remember the 4 drills??? It was an easy fix.
Thank goodness for going to lunch with Glenda yesterday to break the craziness around here.
I began putting together the beaded Rose Star and hope to share that over the weekend, but I will show you these.....

A gift from Lisa...lovely wire wrapped "beach glass" earrings....we both love the color purple/lavender! the picture does not do them justice but I think you can see they are delicate in style. She also gave me

A beautiful wrap bracelet....a silver formed piece with a piece of turquoise and silver beads....I love it. Thank you Lisa for being so thoughtful. The washer is swishing and I will walk the Bissell soon. Then back to trying to do nothing. At some point I should make breakfast and another cup of coffee. Glad you had time to visit with me.... thank you for your kind words and for your friendship. DebbieB if you are able to read this I hope you are enjoying yourself.... talk with you soon! Honey, AKA Keith, hope you are feeling good after your shoulder surgery. I am feeling better today, thank you Glenda for the special chat. Let's have a good day everyone.

All my ducks in a row....

The doctor appointment went well...all my lab work was good and just a minor adjustment to my meds. Of course my allergies which have been silent for years are back. These very windy days are the reason so I am limiting my outdoor work for now. I probably can manage early outdoor cleaning up.

This 13 gallon trash bin was filled the other morning and by the next day I could have filled it again with debris from the winds. They have really been strong gusts of around 30 - 40 mph. Forget the pond....the leaves can float! But...

all my ducks are sitting it out! I really should remove the artificial grasses so it would be an easier and quicker clean of the leaves floating. That will be tomorrows or later this afternoons job.
I was surprised to find that the tomato plant is still producing...

4 cherry tomatoes for my salad tonight. I guess I will just let it continue for as long as it will thrive. Very happy that all is well in the garden..... dusty, but all blooming. I do have one plant that has not survived and needs to be replaced. I had hoped it would revive itself but not to be. Next trip to Lowe's I will replace it.
Hannah is completed

I love using buttons in my needlework. This looks delicate with the lacey chains around the edge. It was a quick tatted snowflake and now is on the tatting tree. Have not decided on my next one yet. Very much enjoying this book of patterns. There are only a couple that I most likely not tat.
So, that is about it from here. I need another cup of coffee and since Debbie mentioned poached eggs to me the other day I have had the craving for them....so that is todays breakfast with toast. Debbie shares recipes with me....one for English Toast Bread that I will try to do in my machine and a nice simple roll recipe (by hand) that I am looking forward to trying. For now it is poached eggs and toast with coffee. Glad you had some time to visit  and  I thank you for your kind words and most of all your friendship.

Has it been a week???

Goodness me, where has this week gone and where was I while it was on it's way? Thank you for emails of concern, but I am okay. I know I was with Glenda one day and dinner one night (made a delicious chili), I know there was a doctor appointment and I know that I was with Dianna yesterday for breakfast and lessons...and I do not have any needlework to show for the week....I did no yardwork but the house has been cleaned.
The replacement Shutterfly book arrived on the 23rd --finally--- and it was not corrected, in fact they changed the cover color. This first project has been off to a bad start. Dianna (who is very experienced with them) helped me yesterday and she spoke with them for me. So now I will await their email then re-submit the book and it will cost me nothing. I also have extra pages and it may be that I have another free book coming, not sure so I will once again contact them to clarify. Dianna really gave me lessons yesterday and I am confident that I will make better books in the future.
The mail arrived yesterday with this....

A birthday gift from Debbie. Knowing the mail delivery service and customs, she sent it a week early but I had to open it now! The cheerful butterflies called out to me....

The back round you see is a perfectly fit for my table, table topper of Sugar Skulls! There is a color yourself notepad, and some labels in a sheer pouch and a beautifully made pouch with tea bags.

Debbie and I still email everyday. She mentioned that she was sewing and that she was doing this or that....and it was for me! Thank you so much Debbie and Laurie for my surprise package! I love my gifts. I would never have believed that I could feel close to someone who lives so far away, who I have never met in person, ...in another country even! I am very grateful for her friendship.
Today I must...... repeat must work in the garden. I have a few plants that need extra attention and the pond for sure.  I also have tomatoes to pick and beans. Forget the "alien" Snail Vine...it is still crawling everywhere.  The Doves are still under construction.... very slow to accomplish anything out there. I really have a job to do out in the garden.
My tatting has been an issue. Lesson: if feeling distracted, do not tat. Simple as that. Nothing more to say on that subject.
The doctor visit on Tuesday went well. The first vein procedure will be February 1st and then at least 2 more after that. Still trying to keep my blood pressure in check, so far it is good.
Well, here it is almost 4:30 and I definitely need a cup of tea and I think some toast. Having you visit is always so nice. Thank you for your kind words and your caring friendship.