How time flies....

 Hello friends.....I am still here. Time flies in a whirl. Life does have a way of getting in the way. Everyday I keep busy with this and that.

On February 3rd I celebrated my 78the birthday. This box arrived n the post from my sis Lyn. When I lifted the lid it played Happy Birthday and it was filled with a few bags of different popcorn and sour gummies and a sample of cookies. Fun in a box! Alan and Lisa bought me flowers and my request for Alan to cook for my dinner was Shrimp and Lobster Mozambique.  We had an ice cream cake...very nice.The Grand-kids sent me a video birthday wish. Thank you to  those who sent birthday wishes on Facebook and email. It was a nice day.

I made this Valentine Crow (designer, Alaina Carris, Avery Hill Designs) the fabric for the backing and border was originally white back round so I tea dyed it and it was perfect.

i just ordered this kit for making Yorkshire Buttons, from Gina B Silkworks. I can not wait to make some. Today my eyes are blurry so it may have to wait.

 

This little spool doll is waiting for hair and clothes. I remember these from long ago and decided to make one.Clothes will be a dress that is a tube dress.....simple.

Sorry for the absence....I hope to return soon.  Glad that you visited today. Thank you for kind words and thank you for your friendship.

 

Omyiage girls

 Hello friends. Hope all is well with you. the changing weather, the winds and dust in the air are causing so many issues around here. The Brother Alan's allergies are acting up.... Lisa has had a few issues too. Me?, well mild headaches that thankfully clear by late morning. The AC is now on and I really do not think the heat cycle will return. Remember Hank the fish...

I picked him out because of his black markings. Well, it seems that is now gone

Hank is now all gold . I Googled goldfishes and many do change colors as they age. I do remember the gold fish Dennis had in the pond...they did change color too.

Dianna and Marissa sent me photoss of the Omyiage dolls I made for them, The one on the left is Dianna's and the other is Marissa's. Since we were arriving in Vegas on Easter Sunday, I put together a simple goodies bag. the dolls held candy as did the bag they were in.I enjoy making fabric origami.

This is  called Sakura. To me it resembles a Lotus flower. It has a small draw string pouch in the back. Fun to make and give away.

When plans were being made for Vegas, Dianna told me about the M & M store...all 4 floors of it. Lisa loves peanut M & Ms so

of course she has to have her own dispenser and purple and lavender (her fav color) fills it. Now of course when they are gone, she will have multi-color candy. I also like M & Ms so I got a glass

I filled mine with multi-colors. The store has so many products. The best is 2nd floor where the candy is

Amazing wall ...all sorted by color and type. Children (adults too) stare in awe and then rush to chose and fill their bag. Scales are provided to weigh. What fun! My next project.... well, at the moment I am still trying to decide. so much I want to do! Today is a lazy day for all of us here. Make your day a relaxing one too.Good to chat with you. 

Thank you for your kind words and thank you for your friendship.

Meet Angela~~~~

 A beautiful day in the neighborhood.... it is Arizona so everyday is just about perfect. May reach 80s today then they say may a day of 90?! Alan and I added a new "plant" to the garden

Fits perfectly in the corner. Bright raspberry color really adds to the area. A hummer actually checked it out. We really like these metal sculpture plants. Soon Alan will be on the look out for some annuals to pot up which will bring more color to the garden.

Here is Angela. She is a Tilda doll from the Toy Box Book...love the Tila collections. Said to Lisa, now for a name...she responded Angela so it is so.

The pattern calls for a headband...not fond of it, but I made it anyway. Tone, who is Tilda  creations, wear her hair with side buns, so off course her dolls have them also. Instead of a stuffed piece, I tore stirpes of cotton and stitched them in place to form buns. Just love making dolls and critters. Speaking of critters, just was speaking with sis Lyn and she love Honey Bear...so he will be moving to Rhode Island very soon. 

Happy you took time to visit. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Sewing

Finally Arizona is cooling down...no more 100s I hope.  Yesterday was a day of winds...the chimes were singing all day and Murphy was happy to chase leaves around the garden.

We have been busy, This pair of pillowcases are the latest that Lisa made. She has come a long way. Lisa completely assembled and sewed these on her own. She is still leery of cutting to measurement...I think it is the rotary cutter! but that is just fine. Alan does not want any cut fingers.

I have also been at the machine...

This is a gift that will soon be on it's way. The fabric flower is on a pin so it can be removed if washing the travel pillowcase.  I tried to make it soft in color. 

This is a special item going with the gift but I will show it after it is received. It was fun to make and embellish with each item having a purpose.

Have you seen the Dammit Dolls?????

I decided to make a few...this is the only one so far... and the poem is attached. If Dammit is not a word you use....Darn it will do! Today is make ornament day...I found one to try so this hopefully will work out. If so, you will see it soon. I guess you have noticed a creative slow down for me recently. What I can say is that I finally feel that I can get back to creating, slowly but getting there. Why you ask...who knows. Feeling down some days and preoccupied on others. 

Sis Lyn called to say the the nursing facility where mom, EvaP was for some years is holding a memorial service for her this week on the 11th for the staff and patients who knew her. Unfortunately no outsides due to Covid restrictions. She received good care there. Her name will be added to a special plaque they have for any patient who passed because of  the Coronavirus. Again Alan, Lyn Lisa and I appreciate your kind notes regarding her passing. 

Nice to chat with you today. Thank you for your kind words and thank you for your friendship. Time to join Alan to watch football.

It's February!

Well now...a new month and new things to look forward to. What things you may ask.... warmer weather, working in the garden and more ambition. That is what I am telling myself and what I am sticking to.

I know the garden need some work... waiting for better hand days. This is what I found the other morning...someone was digging and chewed the irrigation line! It may be one of the bunnies...they love to dig shallow places to rest in. Last year there was a resting spot outside my bedroom window. I have recovered the spot but not as yet repaired the line. My hand is not nimble enough to reattach a line. This will be one of those things I mentioned. Before you think you need an eye exam...yes, the picture is blurry.
A few months ago on Facebook there were pictures of Bathroom Dolls holding toilet paper...they were available on Etsy starting at $80.00. I told my cousin Janice that as nice as they were that was a bit too much $$$$ so.... Gladys was already sitting in the bathroom …

Denny gave this sweet wooden doll to me after I had foot surgery...quite a few years ago. We found her at a fair while I was walking with crutches and had a pink terry cloth robe just like her! Don't you just love the slippers!!!!!

My second pair of Russian Leaves earrings are complete and have been dipped. This is such a nice pattern and relaxing to bead. The designer even has given permission to sell them which not many will do. My next pair will be in blue I think. Rather than buying more beads I will try to use what I have on hand.
The weather report is telling us we may be getting rain. That is okay as we need it. The temps are really enjoyable in the 60s. I may get to sit outside later today. I have my fabric strips ready for my next origami star; maybe that will get done today. I am happy that you took time to stop by today. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship. 

Another tatted snowflake

The doors are open.... for now. The temp will be hot soon but I cannot resist having the doors open early in the day. The breeze is beginning to ring the Buoy Bell and the chimes a bit more so  the umbrellas will stay closed. Laundry is finished but not the housework. The Faery Cleaners once again skipped my house. So, I plan to meet up with Bissell and Swiffer and get it done myself.
First, meet Lynn.....

again a snowflake from Jennifer Williams book. This may be the last for now as I want to make a beaded bauble and of course want to try a Wire Wrapped Cabochon. Both projects require a few more supplies. I think since I will be out to the doctor on Thursday I will stop at Jo-Anns to see if I can get them there. So glad my hand is cooperating. Now we just need the ankle to behave.
All is well in the garden area. My herb pot is not on the watering system... yet.... so I must remember to get out there daily to give it water. So far so good. I do not mind the various birds who stop by the pond to bath or drink but I really wish they would take the feathers they drop with them when they leave. Tomorrow will be skim the pond day. For the rest of this day I will read and relax. I was not having a very good day yesterday when The Brother Alan gave me a call just at the right time. After a chat and a few tears (my tears) I felt much better. Later we Skyped and that too was a nice way to end my day.

Miss Lady Bug is sitting in the white chair for the season. I miss seeing ladybugs in the garden.... never have I seen them here in Arizona. In a way that is a good thing because they are usually around when plants have mites. I do plan on getting a rose bush when The Brother Alan returns in September and that may bring the mites. Not to think about it yet.
Recently, Lisa sent me a picture of herself at a riding lesson. She takes English riding lessons....

Her instructor took this lovely photo in almost complete silhouette. I won't mention that she recently had a tumble off the horse..... bad Lisa tried to get him to take a jump but he decided it was not to be. Just a few colorful bruises for Lisa and probably snickering form the horse. I would suggest the next time she wants a horse to jump....did I tell you that the jump was only about 12 inches... the horse should be asked first!
Glad to have you visit with me and thank you for your kind words and most of all for your friendship. 

Chilly in Arizona

The winter temperatures have finally arrived and I am not happy. No indeed. It is almost Spring and I do not like to put on socks and long sleeves now! It will soon be March and to me it means Spring. The garden is not happy either.....a few plants look unsure of what to do next. So far the "alien" Snail Vine is not slowing down but my lovely geranium is thinking about calling it quits. So spoiled I am with the usual Arizona warm temps.
I should begin by telling you that my legs are finally feeling better, still very tender in certain areas but a lot better. It is a longer process than I thought it would be. Still using all the prescribed medications so I still start my morning a bit scattered in the brain.....some would say not too  different for me! I did keep busy yesterday.....I started tatting another Snowflake

I would have been a littler farther along except I cut the wrong thread and voila! had to start over. So I took a break

moved to my sewing corner and cut out the clothing for Dolly. All set to sew...almost. Trying to decide on the dress part...so I took a break.....brought something into the garage and decided to start to paint my mail box. Our "mailboxes" are really a mail slot from the outside of our garage and the mail drops into the garage. In my case the former owner had built a box for the mail to drop into. The inside area is now painted and today I will do the outside which is still inside...right. The only time to do this is from Saturday afternoon to Sunday as there is no mail delivery. Just adding a bit of color to an all white garage interior...which is quite boring. So, as you can see I did start a few projects and took a few breaks and today will hopefully get back to all of them. Finishing just one of these projects would be nice.
I did enjoy the Olympics especially the Curling and the skiing. Not so much the skating this time. I am not a big baseball fan so sports for me will be on hold for awhile. Guess if it gets warmer I can turn to gardening. Finally found the number of the guy to sharpen the tools so I will be calling him today. He is a mobile van and will sometimes come to you. Getting organized is the goal. Well, I think I need to go sit for awhile until the sun rises and my light-headedness lifts. Thank you for taking the time to visit and for your kind words. Thank you for your friendship.

****there are 8 more days in the countdown****

Lucky me

Since it is still dark outside I can not exactly tell you what is going on, but it is nippy. Yesterday to go to the doctor I actually needed a light zip front sweatshirt! Goodness. The temp is around 35 right now and might be to 60 today. I mean I guess we have to have winter temps sometime.
Yesterday the mail brought me a package.
Catherine from I Love to Stitch sent me

this beautiful beaded bauble. The bauble measures around 1 inch and the beaded fringe is 3 inches. I love it. Thank you for choosing me to receive this gift. Check our her blog (s) yes she has another blog.
The visit with the doctor was good. I am healing well if not slowly. I keep telling them that I am delicate and they now believe me! The bruising should begin to fade but the nerves in the leg are another thing. I have a med to take at night to help with the leg discomfort and help me get sleep. I have slight upset stomach and it may be the med as last evening was the first time taking it. There are always those possible reactions  to deal with. I will see how the day goes.They recommend that I use Asper-Cream with Lidocaine for the leg pain. I can resume normal activity as tolerated. First things first: Change Living Room curtains; continue to organize craft supplies in garage; clean the pond and the garden..... of course not all at once in case you are worried that I might do so. Just because I have the okay does not mean that I can. My legs really bother me when climbing or stretching and driving. But since the maid has not shown up I guess me and the Bissell will walk and take Swiffer along. I can count this as walking exercise! Funny how certain body motions can hurt.
I finally decided on the fabric for Dolly but it needs to be ironed before using so that may get done today. Guess that about covers it today. Thank you for stopping b and for your kind words and most of all your friendship.

******How many more days....12*****

On another note: thank you for all who kept my friend Bobby in their thoughts. His surgery went well and he has gotten a good follow-up report. Yeah Bobby!

Some accomplishments this weekend

Yesterday was like a weather day from a movie. The morning was cloudy and extremely windy

This is just a peak into the Lanai. Leaves and dust from the winds and then it drizzled and then the sun and then it started all over again...a weird pattern of  craziness. the rain never amounted to much but the winds were like a hurricane. Of course with the winds came more dust...so the Lanai and the garden really need a good cleaning....but not today.
Considering the leg issues I did accomplish a few things this weekend.

I finished the Heart edged Ice Drop...not my best tatting but it passes. It is a lesson that when I have pain I should not tat.
Finally Dolly has her head and limbs!

She is resting while I decide on the fabric for her clothes. I also will be altering the pattern directions as I think it will be a waste of fabric to follow them. I at one time sewed most of my clothes so I know I can handle this. I am not changing the pattern just the cutting and sewing.
I think I have mentioned the keyboard issues and then the other evening the tablet after 2 years of use decided That I could not sign in for email. So Honey came by and after some messing around got it to work and then we had to change the password but the issue is no longer.

The new keyboard is really the same except a newer model of what I had and liked from 3 years ago. A very productive afternoon yesterday.
Remember the key issue? Well that is totally taken care of. While waiting for the keys to be cut I found.....

this magnetic Goldfinch for my screen on the sliding door from the kitchen to the Lanai. I bought a butterfly for the one coming from my bedroom. Now I have never walked into the screen door but you never know who might. A pretty reminder that it is there. If I should ever get locked out I have a way to rescue myself or I can call Glenda and Don to come to my rescue...like they do for so many things.
This afternoon I will have the Ultra sound on my legs and speak with the surgeon. How lucky I am to have you for a friend...and  that you have sent me encouragement and good wishes and concern for me.
"A friend is one of the nicest things you can have and one of the nicest things that you can be"...according to Pooh and me! So off now to do some chores. Thank you for stopping by and for your kind words and of course you wonderful friendship.

*******13 days until you know who arrives!*******

Can I forget last evening?

The sun is shining and there is a nip to the air. Finally there we have winter temps and it is almost Spring! The garden will not know what is going on!
I lost a key...now you may be thinking... The Brother Alan and I found so many keys and no clue about them some months ago.

In the picture: the round key fob are my house keys, then there is a garage door key then there are 3 front door keys! then a bunch of "those secret keys" and then the lone kitchen door key.
The lost key is to the kitchen door to/from the garage. I almost looked myself in the garage last evening! I had a moment of panic but stopped the door from closing then thought no big deal there is a key here. It was then that I looked for the key and it was not there. I did feel panic. What if...I had not caught the door...how would I get into the house....I could call...no, I had no phone with me...I could leave by the garage door and go to Glenda and Don's. they have a key...no, they have a key to open the garage door only. I spent one hour in the garage looking for where the key had disappeared to. Finally I gave up but it weighed on my mind throughout the rest of the evening and into this morning. First thing this morning I began to look again...but along the way I began to do at least 10 things. I actually overwhelmed myself and all before a cup of coffee. So I had my coffee and gave up on all the little projects and went into the garage and found the key! In the process I found 2 more keys. Why I did not put it back where I usually did is a mystery. You do know that Glenda and Don will be getting a copy of this key ASAP. I think I will pretend that last evening never happened.
I had a lot of aches and discomfort with my right leg yesterday and all this playing in the garage will not help me today so it is a day of rest for me now. My tatted motif is almost finished and the doll is still headless! That will be my goal today. Glad you visited and listened to my tale of woe. Thank you for the kind words and for your friendship.
LuLu if you are reading this....I got your lovely card and I miss you too. Thank you. Glenda, well what can I say...she and I have been sharing a cup of tea here and there and I would be lost without her. (these gals do not blog). Friends, I treasure you more than I can say.

*****Countdown to arrival...16 days****

What a week....and it's only Thursday!

Rain.. yes indeed there was rain in The Valley of the Sun yesterday afternoon. The official measurement was about 1/4 of an inch and the first really measurable in 130 days. Well, it is a desert area!

There were bubbles in the birdbath! It did not rain heavily here but enough to be steady for a short time. It was nice and we do need it but at this rate the drought will continue.
Thank you for the lovely messages on Valentine's Day. Another one of my firsts to pass. The Brother Alan called to check on how I was feeling since the latest procedure which was Monday. To be honest, it is not as painful (but it is badly bruised) as the right leg which is still so sore. Those bruises are starting to fade. Tonight I get to sleep without bandages or compression stocking...that should feel good.

I stuffed and stuffed and began to put the Tilda doll together and I even tatted a little yesterday. Found an unfinished tatted Ice Drop started so I thought it was time to finish it...neither of the projects got finished! I did watch the Olympics. It is so hard to watch the figure skaters when they fall or fail to complete a technique. I know the count of medals is important but for me it is to see the accomplishments of all the athletes. Years of work to get to the competition is a reward in itself. The skiing is my favorite and the Curling. Still learning about the rules and stuff but I enjoy the how and why of the game. Today will be another good day to relax and watch more of the games.
Guess that about covers what I have been up to this week. The Bissell needs a walk but I am not suppose to do that yet...gee, I feel bad! Since the air still has some rain drops in it I can forget about cleaning the yard, oh wait, that is not on my okay to do list...gee....guess I will just sit and do some crafty thing and watch the Olympics. Glad you visited with me today. Thank you for the kind words and for your caring friendship.

***friends are kisses blown to us by Angels*** unknown author 

Off to see The Wizard

Oh what a gloomy morning. The sky is grey and the air has a chill. They say it may rain and it certainly does feel like it will.
Yesterday Honey, AKA Keith, came by and I got a few computer lessons. He makes it all so simple! He also moved my fabric bin for me. So the doll will get some clothes....still in the stuff her stages. Then we watched some of the Olympics before he headed home. The chicken and escarole soup did get made but not the Pizzelles and we know I will be a bit loopy this afternoon so not today either. I will be off to see The Wizard doctor later this morning for the right leg procedure then I will have matching set.  The steri-strip from the incision came off and of course there was a little bleeding. I remembered all the medical supplies I had to get when Denny was ill and sure enough, I had steri-strips so I am all patched up.
I guess I should talk about the Dove couple.

Doves mate for life....which is good but also sad if something happens to one of them. They have a great system for raising their 2 younglings. One is with the nest at all times. He sits on the nest during the day and then they switch off and she remains for the evening. Once the babies feather out then they can be left for periods during the day. I do not know when they decide that their mate is gone and it is time to move on, and how long they remain by themselves. It seems that is what happened here with my Dove pair. One returns everyday and sits before flying off. The one egg will never be nurtured. I will remove it so that maybe another pair may come along and stay. As sad as it is, it is what nature is all about. When you open your garden to all you must accept that.
Glenda will be taking me again today and it will be the last of her escorting. I so appreciate her as my friend. Glad you stopped by and I thank you for your kind words and for caring about me. Thank you for your friendship.

****22 days but who's counting!**** 

Saturday morning happenings....

Don't you just go crazy when you do dumb things? Several times I get the wash ready and forget to close the washer lid...well, on my machine that means that the clothes just sit in water and then it drains and you have to start all over again! So, finally the washer is swishing. Per doctors orders I am not to climb or lift anything over 15 pounds. So......I attempted to retrieve a plastic shoebox that was on a high shelf using my trusty yard stick...oh the shoebox came down alright, good thing I turned my face away because it hit me on the head. Now don't get excited...it only had tatting items in it so I did not get hurt.

I sat at the sewing machine yesterday and have all the body parts for the Tilda doll (finally). She needs to be ironed and then stuffed...but...I cannot pick out fabric for her clothes...I have the fabric but it is in a heavy bin in the garage on a shelf and I cannot get it out do to restrictions. I guess she will be stuffed and naked for a time.

I love trying different origami folds....so I made some paper stars and hearts this week. Not a clue what to do with them but fun anyhow. I never tire of trying and learning. These little stars are puffy one ...I have made flat folded ones many times.
I also found some paper doll cut-outs...

and feathers so of course there were printed out. I need Honey Keith to help me with the printing on cardstock...I seem to be having trouble with it. There is a butterfly there too. Not all my interests ae with needle and thread....
I even found a lovely heart and flower embroidery pattern to make. There is the problem....finding all these interesting things to do and now to find the time to make them.
Before I leave you, I must...... absolutely must show you my morning sky...

.....the beauty of the morning sunrise draws me stand in awe......never do I tire of seeing the amazing beauty of the sunrise.
Thank you for stopping by and for your kind words. Thank you most of all for your friendship and good wishes for my leg procedures.

Don't forget...The Brother Alan is coming! March 6th...my calendar is marked!

Things going on......

A bright sunny day and they say we will be back in the 70s today. I managed to get lots done yesterday. Don had come by to get something and then helped me with the tool cupboard. Goodness we were able to toss out lots of stuff that I will not need and then into the garden where he helped me secure the Firecracker Bush and cut down the grass. I did discover that my cutting tools need to be sharpened and that I really should have worn my gloves. The grass cuts like paper cuts and that is right, I have them on the finger tips of my left hand. We will not discuss the scratches to my arms from the cactus. Don suggested that I cut back where the "alien" Snail Vine was growing to the house....I did that.  I think it has been interfering with the amount of light getting to my Hot Lips plant. The pond still needs to be skimmed and that will be probably later today or tomorrow.

I think Prince Richard has been helping himself to the chocolates....now before you think I have tattered table scarves, well, it is but it is because this love piece of white on white embroidery is probably 50+ years old. I have several old pieces that are less than perfect. It has character.

When I looked out the kitchen window she was sitting on the chair back....Don spotted an egg in the wall planter yesterday and yet they are building on the clock. This is one confused pair of Doves! They disappear most all day returning at night and early morning. She moved to the top of the back gate and he is someplace near the pond.

My gold beaded snowflake is growing ever so slowly. I had made an error, took forever to undo, now the cut to the tip of my finger and distractions, I am determined to finish this by Sunday.
Laundry number 2 is swishing and then it time for walking the Bissell and swinging the Swiffer. When all is done I will sit and read for awhile......started When Ghosts Speak. Reading will rest my finger tips and keep me out of the garden! I am happy that you took time to visit. Thank you for your kind words and your friendship.

Friday and the Doves

Here it is Friday...another week passing by. This weekend I will be joining many gals with the
International Hermit and Stitch Weekend  -- takes place every 3rd full weekend of each month, from Friday till Sunday. In our very busy and hectic lives, IHSW is a chance for us to squirrel some time away for ourselves and "Hermit and Stitch." It is a time set aside to take care of us and our love for stitching.
Hosted by Jo  http://serendipitousstitching.blogspot.com/. You can see the emblem on the side bar that we will display. For me I will work on

a Tilda doll yet unnamed. She will be about 16 inches tall and so far I am still not sure about clothing fabric. This is the first time I will be participating in this event and hope to join in each month. All types of needlework are included which is nice.
Yesterday my footstool

I noticed it when I took it from my bedroom to use with the rocker in the living room. It will need some care very soon. I guess I am not the only thing in the house with a leg problem! I think I will be on the look-out for another one...footstool that is.
I was asked where do I keep my snowflakes and Icicles....

They are hanging on a tree branch that Denny cut for me a few years ago so that I could display whatever. Right now it is the snowflakes. I do have my felt tree that has my other tatting. I think I will make "nodules" here and there to hold them in place better.
News to share...The Doves have settled into a place to live...back to the clock...I prefer them there as it is a better sheltered spot from the hot sun and we can avoid walking by them. So for now while they are settling in I will block off the path in front of the construction zone.
Yesterday was my PCP appointment...she is not pleased, sort of. My blood pressure is high again. So, I will begin to keep a record and upon my next visit ( with lab work) we shall see. I really like her and her staff. Where else does a doctor hug you upon entering the room and tells you to call the office at any time there may be an issue and where the office manager Debbie greets you with a hug and cares about you and misses Denny. We have been going there for almost 14 years. When Denny was ill they both called me frequently to check on us both. I am lucky to have them for a care team.
Well, I should get the bed made, take the Bissell for a walk around the place and invite Swiffer to join us then I can relax. Thank you for your kind words and your friendship.
Today a package is suppose to arrive someplace....!

A box of Wheaties found!

Laundry done, coffee drank and now I am tatting a new snowflake

This is from my newly purchased book and I hope to make them all! I love using beads in all my needlework so this is a plus that there are a few in the book. I enjoy a challenge and tatting with beads can be just that.
I am still in the re-arranging of the craft closet. So, yesterday I decided to find a new place for all my photo boxes to a place I had not moved items on a closet shelf that essential was Dennis' storage area.

This was behind a binder....an unopened box of cereal with the NE Patriots on the box from Super Bowl #36 in 2002. I had forgotten all about this box. When he bought it I thought I would get to eat the cereal and (he does  did not like wheat products) his response was ---  I am saving this box as is and maybe one day Tom will sign it for me ----. Well, now what? Guess it will sit on a shelf someplace else --- unsigned. Still discovering things.....
I have given up on controlling the Alien Snail Vine...

It is everywhere...and even stepping on it does it no harm! It is almost impossible to walk under the arbor s it is almost 2 feet deep and reaches out everywhere! Truth be told, I love it's wild look. The blooms are delicate and pop out here and there.

Yesterday I also cut out the body for a Tilda doll which I will work on this weekend. Now to pick out fabric for clothing....as difficult as it can be to go out and buy new clothes.
Finally made it to the post office yesterday. The package will arrive (hopefully) on Friday at it's destination.
Time  to get more than tatting done around here. Another cup of coffee and a bagel too. Thank you for your kind words and your friendship. It is so nice to have you stop by.

The weekend has arrived

So glad that a new week will soon be here. Too many off things last week. I did this and that yesterday but  not much to show. I made a nice start on the repeat snowflake and for that I am pleased. This is on the plan for sometime over the weekend......

One of the Tilda dolls ready to have a body cut out. The fabric is a light peachy color that was given to me by Dianna. We traded off some fabric a while back. Just have to think about the clothing fabric and I have plenty in my bins to choose from.
I also happily  unfortunately  (I say but do not really mean) found a pattern for a tatted trinket box. I am really going to try to hold off with this one.  Anyway, I have the snowflake to finish and still working on re-arranging craft storage.
I want to pass on a "new" blog...sort of. Becky Noland who is a clever and witty gal has resurrected her knitting blog, https://theknittedlife.blogspot.com/ She also has her Etsy shop and her stitching blog, https://lucybeam.blogspot.com/ ......so stop by and check them out. I am sure you will like what you see.
Wherever you are, I hope you are in the "well zone". So many people are either with the flu or pneumonia or other. I am really trying to stay healthy after that lousy cold I had. Our weather is once again moving toward the unseasonal temps of mid to high 70s. My garden is not sure what to do; continue blooming or take a rest.

this picture of Alien was taken on the 7th. I finally attached garden twine so it would not attack me every time I opened the door from the garage. I marked where is coming from to where it is going and how much was in a blob.
The next picture was taken on the 10th

Can you see the blob ....how big it has grown and the twine is beginning to disappear?...Do not know what it looks like today yet as it is still dark out there. I tell you, this Snail Vine grows a foot a day! in all directions. It is still blooming too. Today or maybe tomorrow morning is skim the pond day for sure. I should do laundry, make the bed too and change the air filter and I want to tat and sew! Did I mention I want to bake too?So ambitious......
Well, my coffee is finished and Corn Flakes eaten so on to domestic tasks. Nice to have you visit with me. Thank you for your kind words and friendship. Hope to chat with you again soon.