definetely cold out here....

We are in a cold spell...the temps are about 10 degrees below the normal and I am cold! We had freeze warnings again last night and I did manage to cover some of the plants.... not sure if it was really necessary but I did anyway. Two of them I brought into the lanai as they are in pots that  are easily moved. I believe the last time we had serious frost warning was back in 2013. Dennis did cover many plants and we still had issues with a few.

The Amaryllis has finally trimmed off the last bloom and the remaining shoot is about 4 inches. I will let it go for a week or so to see what happens before storing it until September. The Poinsettia is asking to join the trash pile...I think I will cut it back and let that go for a week or so.

Getting the strips ready for the January star. Three prints...the blues are for the cold of January and the stars are because they seem brighter this time of year in the chill of the dark. There will be a full moon on the 21st so the lighter fabric covers that. More about that moon later. It will have to wait until later today or tomorrow...I have a doctor appointment at 11 so not much time to get anything accomplished. Goodness, I will need my sweater to go out in this cold!
Yesterday was an off day. I woke feeling as if it was my turn to be sick. I just stayed curled up on the sofa and did nothing. A few emails "across the courtyard" with friend Robyn and it was not too long before she delivered a bottle of gingerale. Just was finishing the last of what I had too. I think it all had to do with my cramming in all the decoration packing in 2 days. In and out of the garage (still have some of that to do) and up and down the step ladder and well, you know what it is like. I had told myself that I would slow down this year. Guess I should listen to what I tell myself. I am feeling quite okay today after all the rest and a fair nights sleep. Did I mention that there is glitter every place I walk? Did I mention that it follows me all around the house? I keep thinking the Faeries are here...maybe they are!
Glad to chat with you today. Thank you for the kind words and for your friendship.

Happy New Year 2019

I actually was awake for the start of the new year...Arizona time which is 2 hours earlier that the East Coast where family and friends are. I can not remember the last time I was awake at midnight for the new year. I finished packing up all the decorations and put it up on the shelving unit. Just need to fir in a few boxes or find another spot for now.

The tree will be later today. Now to re-decorate the house. After a month of brightness and glitter, everything is now subdued...need to perk it all up. I have tried to clean up the glitter and the snowflakes but I am resigned to be doing this for weeks to come. It is okay, it is worth having it around all month and deal with it for a month...or so. It is so festive with it.
We  had rain most of the day yesterday and this morning is beginning very cloudy. I will not be going anywhere so it is fine with me. We are in a cold spell...at least 10 degrees colder than normal. I will need to check on a few plants and maybe cover them for the overnight lows. I will move them into the lanai for a few days.

Done to the last 2 blooms on the Amaryllis but this shoot is still very green...who knows, maybe another one yet to come? We will watch and in the meantime....

the long time cactus is getting ready to bloom! This has been around for several years and blooms when it feels like it. It look straggly but I just keep it on the shelf and let it be. The white one had tons of buds but they did not open. These plants are temperamental in my house. It also is on the shelf and out of the way so I just let them be.
Looking forward to starting my star a month project. Anyone else making these starts? I know Pattie is (no blog that I know of). She did contact me to see the link and may be doing one a month....
Okay, first cup of coffee is finished and a few things need doing as yesterday was decoration packing and nothing else. I look forward to a new year of friendship with you and maybe finding a few new friends. Thank you for stopping by and commenting. Thank you for the kind words and for your friendship.
 A new year, new beginnings.....🎉

Decorations and fabrics

I thought I would just stay curled up to keep warm yesterday..... did not happen. It was cold... darn right cold. The temp was in the mid 30s when I woke up and socks went on immediately and remained on all day. The temp only went to high 50s. Normally it is in the mid to high 60s. so many people are not well...colds, coughs and the like. The Brother Alan has a terrible cold.
I made one of the origami fabric stars...

using 2 pink prints. Then I thought, there goes my thinking again.... how about if I make one a month in a fabric selection that I think (that word again) is of that month.

here is my 12 month selection. Some will be 2 fabrics and a few will be 4. I am looking forward to this project. Has anyone else besides me and Vickie made these? Anyone planning on making them? Let me know if you will be. So, all my selections are in the shoe box waiting for the first week in January. Now, since I went into the garage cupboard to get the 2 bins of fabric to make my choices from I thought (there it is again) why not take in some of the decoration storage boxes....and begin that project.....

this is as far as I got...picking fabric was more fun!  There is always tomorrow to pack stuff. Anyway, my hand was hurting. Speaking of that, I call the surgeon on Friday and the soonest I could get an appointment to have it x-rayed is January 25th. I am on a cancellation call list. I rest it when I can and often. I am lucky that I can take it easy and do nothing at all if I wish.  So I just may get to start the decoration packing with the tree left to be last.
Just a few more days left to 2018. I plan on a quiet NY eve and probably will not be awake to see the first minutes of 2019.
 Glad you visited with me today. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Christmas decorating and a gift arrived

Sometimes I sit and think and sometimes I wish I had just moseyed along. I miss having my Denny around and try to remember his words to me...… anyway, the phone rang the other evening and it was sis Lynowl worried about a package that was suppose to arrive for me around the 13th but now it was coming early!...it was arriving Tuesday by 9PM.  You see, sis can not have a package around and not open it immediately. I on the other hand can wait until the "time" …

Yesterday morning a phone call from Across the Courtyard from Robyn to tell me she could see a package left at the front door. There was no ringing of the door bell and this was early. I brought it in and texted sis to let her know it arrived. I opened the big box and this beautiful green silky bag appeared. No, I have not opened or peeked inside. Curious, yes, but I am patient.it sits prettily by the tree.
 I got to decorate again for someone else yesterday afternoon...Glenda. She asked me to add the ribbon (like my tree) to her tree. I was delighted. It was the first time since moving out here that I got to do this. I think I mentioned that I used to help decorate several homes each Christmas back in RI.

Wearing my Beaded Santa earrings, and juggling wire  was telling her that and  in RI I had a nice cobbler style apron to hold all my tools and before I knew it she appeared with this pretty apron...the very style I used to have and gave it to me. Not the I am doing more home decorating, but I will enjoy having it the next time I am juggling this and that while decorating. Her tree is pretty (already was) and some lights put around the other décor. It felt so nice to spread my decorating cheer once again. Today will be a quiet day. I have gathered all the ingredients to make Banana Nut bread and my crochet project will be finished.
Coffee has finished brewing and I think Eggo waffles would be good. Nice chatting with you today. Thank you for visiting and for your kind words. Thank you for your friendship.

House tour continues....part 2

Once again my morning began early but this time I actually stayed awake. The thoughts for the day just got in the way. I actually began to bead another snowflake and it was only 5 AM. Then I remembered that I wanted to share more of my Christmas around the house...
Once I finished with the kitchen area on Thursday evening I turned to the living room.

The archway to enter the living room has garland and a few ornaments and a sparkly star in the center.

Like Elvis leaving the building,

 Father Christmas left my bedroom wall to great all who will enter the front door...this is what you see first. He is special and has quite the story and you can read about it here.

A few years ago I started to put Santa's hat on the rocker. It was a good place so that my Santa...Denny...could pick it up to wear while cooking or watching a movie with me. The book on the chair is always out for the holiday as it is called "Murder For Christmas". Dennis bought it for me in 1982 because it has 26 stories of "yuletide malice" by various mystery writers. A good book and a comfortable rocker to read it.

We loved the 1998 movie "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" and bought him as soon as we saw him that same year, as well as a smaller one for the tree. This year he sits atop a horse. He always brings a smile to my face. On my Papa's smoking stand is my Felt Fir Tree with tatted snowflakes.
Since The Village moved to the kitchen, the fireplace mantel needed …yes, angels.

There are only four of them but each is special. An there is my lampshade Santa watching the front door.....he has already fallen once and each year I put him together hoping he will make it through the season.
Speaking of Santa...

the Magical key  is hung on the front door so that special man can let himself in. Never had an actual working fireplace so there is no chimney for him to enter!
Guess that will do for today with the tour to continue tomorrow. Yes, there is more. I love to decorate. Many years ago I had the privilege to decorate trees and living rooms for a few good friends. One of these was Etta Faella the mom of my friend Pam. Etta was a long time family friend of my parents. After, she would treat me to a delicious meal. Good memories.
It is a little chilly here but should warm up and the front door will open to let in the 70+ temp later this afternoon. Robyn and Dave (Across the Courtyard) have their tree decorated and looks so pretty from my living room view. We have already added the lamp post garland and lights outside the courtyard on Thanksgiving evening. Robyn picked out one of my beaded baubles for their tree....feel honored that it will hang there. I am lucky to count these two as friends. Glad you are continuing the holiday tour. Thank you for your kind words and your friendship. Back to my beading.

Ready for Christmas

Hope you all had a nice Thanksgiving. I began to open those boxes on Thursday late day. I never start this early but I really "need a little Christmas"..... music playing as I made a mess. I began with The Village...

For the first time it is in the kitchen...on the sideboard and it fits perfectly.

The Sweet Shoppe in the front is filled with my chocolates this year; and the Knit Shop in the back.

The center of my village is always the large lite tree. Dennis bought me this tree about 30 years ago and it still had the original lights. There was a nice store in Massachusetts that had wonderful Christmas décor...not sure if it is still there...I do not even remember the name. The Gazebo sits in the foreground and inside has Santa and a photographer. Just in front of the tree is the couple on the bench....me and Denny sharing a kiss. Once while visiting New York at Christmastime we did just that...shared a kiss by the Rockefeller Center Tree.

Moving to the right is the Nursery…. The glass roof lets you peek inside to the plants on the table.

Last year's addition, The Barn. I love that it lights up. I was able to collect some animals to complete it. I finally found my bags of snow so that has since been added there and everywhere.
The dining table was next....

I spread out some Battenberg doilies and then added some shine with my Glass Bauble for the center. I know...you are asking where I will eat my meals....there is plenty of room for me at the front of the display.
I will share more Christmas tomorrow...do not want to bore you all in one day! But I will leave you with my kitchen work cart

My Peppermint Tea Pot and kitchen Santa candle burner (from my niece Tonya) and fresh picked lemons...nothing like picking them yourself.
Glad you stopped to visit with me. Thank you for your kind words and holiday wishes. Thank you for your friendship.....

An Elf in the garage

This crazy Arizona weather! Oh I know, many states are having crazy weather issues. One day it is quite warm here with the AC on in the car and then the next day the heater is used to get that chill out. Doors open on one day and not the next....short sleeves  then wearing the long sleeve shirt. This week should be around the low to mid 70s...but who knows. Sorry for all those who are having the early snow storms…..be careful out there!
Yesterday an Elf showed up in my garage.

There are 20 boxes here which means I would have climbed the step ladder 20 times up and then down and back up again.... well let's just say too many times. A few of the boxes are not so lightweight (but not too heavy). The phone rang with the offer to come and assist me.... and voilà! a few minutes later and ….
Thank you Glenda for coming by and lending me a hand. I will rethink my storage at the end of the holiday this year. The trees are in the lower cupboard so they are not an issue. The garage storage has already been rearranged once but I see anther day or two of moving things. I can start with putting something else up in the high cupboard and having the decorations in a more accessible spot. Yes, I think I already have it figured out. One last container to get down...the outdoor stuff and I will be ready to work after turkey day....Wow, I just looked at the calendar....Thanksgiving is Thursday!...this Thursday!!!
Yesterday was supervising the finishing of the courtyard transition from grass to rock and then I started another beaded snowflake with white and silver. Today will be washing the window to change the sheers in the living room and that will be ready for the tree placement. The laundry will soon be swishing and a second cup of coffee brewed. The Bissell and I will take a walk and the Swiffer will follow along. That is what I will be doing today....hope your day is not too busy. Nice to chat with you today....thank you for your kind words and for your friendship. 

Autumn on the mantel

The weather still is lovely.... cooler in the morning and only in the 80s by afternoon. I just might get out into he garden this week.... not the pond just the garden. Need to do some bookcase re-arranging...not the bookcases just the shelves. Before I know it  Christmas decorating will be here.... seems the days are passing me by rather quickly. Yesterday I remembered that I have a nice mantel display and so out it came. Simple and just enough.

I do not normally do a lot for Autumn but a lot for Christmas. Here in The Valley it does not look like the New England tree colorful scenery... well, it does not look like Christmas snow either but anyway... this is the look right now in the living room. Pleasant to have and the kitchen sidebar still has the October look which is quick Autumn like. No plans today.... not exactly true. I need to meet with the HOA landscapers this morning around 9AM. Then it is pattern sorting later. It has been nice chatting but I really need to have my coffee and maybe some Eggos. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship... glad you stopped by.

Chestnuts for Christmas!....

It is a chilly morning but oh so beautiful.  I have been awake since 1:30 AM not able to fall back to sleep so I tatted and finally got the snowflake finished...now to start the next one. But first, I need coffee, toast and a fresh orange to start my day. 

On Monday I found out that the Stitching Retreat that I was going to attend in January down in Tucson has been cancelled. So disappointed. Seems they said they wanted one close to home here in Arizona then they did not commit. I may find something else to do and go to in January or maybe February.

Yesterday I worked on my Shutterfly book...long way to go but all the pictures I want are in just need to finish up the pages with comments. Very time consuming but I am sure I will love it when I have it in hand. I also decided to make a special wine bottle

The bottle was a favorite of Denny's....from the Frances Ford Coppola winery. Just battery lights in the bottle with the cork to hold them in place and a cluster of grapes. Looks nice without so much light except it would not photograph well because it is a green bottle.
........and look what I found in the market....

I did not get to have them for Thanksgiving but I will have them for Christmas. They were $6.99 a pound.....so surprised to find them in the market. Now I will hope that they are good.
I really must get that coffee ground and brewing and the toast in the toaster......so off I go. Thank you for coming by and for your kind words and most of all your friendship.
*****Il mio cuore e pieno d'amore****** (my heart is full of love)

Out of commision today

The day began okay...just a little sinus issue. Glenda and I went to see Murder on the Orient Express. It was okay....will not say it will be my favorite version. Came home and decided settle with a cup of tea. I felt chilly even though the temp inside was the same as it has been. Finally just before it was getting evening I decided to string the lights on the lamppost in the courtyard. I had done one earlier in the day. I had the lights in my hands, head down as I walked out the door. Why...well they were a bit tangled. As I got to the end of my porch, head still down, I found myself walking into a coyote. There he was ... were looked at one another, I say a quiet hello and he began to walk away. After a few paces he stopped and I said goodbye and off he went. This is not the first encounter  have had with the desert dogs. Each time the experience is just as exciting. Never a dull moment for me.

Drum roll * * * * *...the first tomato picked. Now don't expect me to share because it is only 1-1/2 inches and it will be delicious with a mini cucumber (pickling size) and some sliced celery. A couple more are beginning to turn light orange! Still waiting for signs of a bean or two on the plants that are growing nicely.
I added a bit of Christmas décor to my growing palm tree in the backyard.....

these are about 6- 8 inch or so big. A bit of something in the back too.
I think this will be the extent of my 2017 decorations...some out front, the sparsely decorated tree and the village with a few wreaths here and there.
I would love to continue this chat but it is difficult to type and concentrate with tissues in the left hand held to the sometimes stuffy, occasionally drippy nose and the occasional coughing does not type well. I think it will be pjs and rest for the day. I do need a cup of tea.
Today was going to be market day but it can wait. More Post Office too but that will definitely wait. If you are looking for me today, I will be the one curled up in pjs and robe and the tea pot full. 

Did I hear thunder ?

A nippy morning as has been the morning normal recently. Yesterday it lasted most of the day with lots of clouds. I actually think I heard thunder during the night.
I spent time yesterday with the Shutterfly book...finding pictures and navigating around their site. I think I have the front and back cover ready...very time consuming. It is also slow going as the memories get in the way.
The other day while I was out and about I bought something I have wanted..

Just like the real cooks ... on TV anyway. A salt and pepper cellar. I found a nice spoon for it also in case I do not want to use my fingers to grab a pinch.

It does not say what type of wood but it is very nice and solidly made. The attached lid has the magnetic closure.  It would really be nice if it came with a chef.

 Look, a tomato almost ready. The interesting thing is that this one is not the first one to appear on the plant. As for the beans

Nice and bushy and yet I do not see beans! I read the packet which says they are Heirloom Beans..... all well and good but where are they!?

 Lisa Adams from The Tatting Corner offered a Black Friday Sale and I ordered these and they arrived so quickly...yesterday. They are for measuring the little loops (Picots) on the tatting. I am pretty  good at eyeing them but this will ensure they are perfect.  The products offered and the service are great. Now to make a fob for them.
 Tomorrow is December! The days seem to be a flash. Still have not fetched any decorations from the garage or fixed the kitchen light yet. I think it will be a weekend thing. Later today when I return form the doctor appointment, I will be decorating the courtyard lamp posts. They are newly replaced this year and have electric outlets so I will be adding lights. Another Post Office visit is necessary.... think it will be a busy weekend. I need to finish my coffee and so I will say thank you for stopping by and thank you for the kind words and friendship. 

At 3 O'Clock in the morning-------

Yes, I was up and awake once again in the early hours....so of course I must be doing something right?

Another Sun -catcher for the window....or....this time  with a variegated light green and green glass gem in the center. I did manage to doze off once this was finished so now I am ready for the day. A visit to Petco is the plan because we have an addition to the Horton House..... I would have liked a puppy, but not happening so how about

we are adding an aquarium.... a 15 gallon. Years ago we had one and very much enjoyed the sound of the water and the gentle gliding of fish. This has a day light and an evening light. We will be adding a backing to the glass and maybe one other hiding feature for the new residents.  I had the glass shells and starfish as well as the real clam shell. Yesterday I decided to make something new for the front entrance outside wall...

just a simple 8 x 10 frame without the glass or backing and the addition of some flowers and sphagnum moss. Hopefully the birds will not decide to rest here or pick the moss from here. Time will tell I guess. Speaking of birds, the Mourning Doves are once again trying to convince the last baby to leave home. I do think today will be the day as it sat on the edge of the planter on/off yesterday. Could we finally be finished with nesting at Horton House? Mr H would not mind it if it is so. Beginning to be a maternity ward here. I forgot to tell you, my blood pressure has been down considerably....and I am feeling less tired. Still missing my coffee during the day, but the caffeine withdrawal headaches are over now. My thumb was doing nicely until I seem to have another small cut on it....have no idea when or how, but I need my thumb! Always something around here. Still trying to find someone to install the kitchen faucet...I just may be attempting this one. Guess the job is too small and since I already have the parts, well, they probably know they really can not charge high cost to the job. I found 2 more people to call before getting under the sink! It is going to be a beautiful weather weekend but we will not be doing any Easter egg hunting with our ailments, so the hard boiled  (not colored) eggs are in the fridge. and the tatted ones on the display branch. That about covers it dear friends. Glad you had some time to visit. Thank you so much for your kind words and caring about us here at Horton House. Than you for your friendship. Have a wonderful day.

Almost time for the tree....

When do you put up your Christmas tree? How about the outdoor decorations? I generally get things going by the first of December. Why put so much into the decorating for only a few days or so...besides I like to enjoy each and every ornament; some I have had since we got married. A few belonged to my aunt Angie and of course there are the new ones and gifted ones. Today I think I will start the out front lights. Once Mr H has his surgery Monday, he will not be helping and the outside lights are the place he helps with the extensions and such. Inside requires a little rearranging of things for the trees and I hope to do it over the few days he is in hospital. He tends to get a bit too helpful and is under foot. Yesterday I spent some time with my sweet friend Jeanne....and we made...

these simple to sew ornaments. I cut out several circles for her so she can make several.I really enjoy these origami type crafts. The back is ...

plain but pretty too. I have not pressed this one yet. I can't wait to see Jeanne's. I have a few packages to send out. Think I will go on Tuesday morning...the first of the month especially December is so busy there.The temps are a bit cool but enjoyable never the less, and the sun is still hot enough to give a burn. Have you noticed that some of my posts are later and not so early morning...well, I think I am getting old cause getting up and doing in the morning is not as it was. Oh, I am still awake most mornings by 3 AM but not in the mood to do anything butt curl up on the daybed in the sewing room. Ever since retiring...hmm, wonder if that has something to do with it! My get up has gotten up and went. Glad to chat with you today. Thank you for your friendship and kind words. Have a great day.