A Cluster of Dragonflies

A beautiful morning in so may ways. The temperature is great… sliders open and fresh air is in. Ala and Lisa are ow living here officially. Today The Brother Alan started his job...same company just a different state. He enjoyed his coffee out in the garden something he would not have been doing in RI. Lisa was not feeling too good yesterday, a cough and scratchy throat. Hoping she will be better today.

This is the last of the dragonflies. Sad to not have another to bead. I will get my beading tray all cleared of the extra beads and get ready for … not sure what next.

Voilà.... here is my Cluster of Dragonflies. It can also be called a Flight. Yes, the tails are of different lengths... I just did them that way. I would love to make another of my own colorway..... I will give it some thought.
Time for the second cup of coffee and something to eat, then chores and the to sit outside until it warms up too much. So glad you stopped by today. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

On the road ~~ day 4

A very cool start to the day but it will soon warm up and the socks will come off. Just waiting for my coffee to finish brewing so my day can begin. Alan and Lisa already began their day....

Last night they were in Shamrock Texas and today are headed for Amarillo...actually they may have already passed there by now. Next state is New Mexico and then it will be about 500 miles to reach home...here in Arizona. Yesterday as they drove through Oklahoma they had pouring rain for a time. This road trip will certainly be recorded as an adventure.

In between this and that I have worked on the dragonfly. The colors are not very bright I this photo … I will definitely get a better picture next time. Hope to have it finished today or tomorrow. The aroma of fresh coffee is calling me and so are the chores. Glad you stopped by today. Thank you for your kind words ad for your friendship.

When will The Brother Alan and Lisa arrive? Check back tomorrow for the update!
Not sure what happened to my pretty print... who knows what is lurking in blogland or my keyboard! 👀

Oh what a beautiful morning

It's going to be a beautiful day.... sun shining front door open and a lunch date with Vickie who has this thing about reminding us how close we are getting to Christmas! It has been some time since our last meeting due to commitments so we are looking forward to catching up. I have not been on the computer these last few days. I have blog catching up to do for sure. I have been working in the garage in the early morning before  it gets too hot. I have a trunk load to hand off to Vickie for the school donation. Slowly clearing out what I am not using or will use or just do not what/need anymore. My trash/recycle guys are going to wonder if I am moving out. No indeed, instead it is who is moving in!
After so long of planning and counting away the months the time has arrived. The Brother Alan and Lisa are arriving next week.... yes they are.

In between the garage and other stuff I began the last dragonfly. This is the one that Catherine so generously helped me by sending me the right beads for the eyes.  As much as I like Mill Hill kits, there were a few issues with these. Of course having had them for a several years and never checking them, there is not much to do about the issues now except make the replacements of what is missing. The first two I made were complete so I did not check the remaining three. Thank you for the caring thoughts on my blood pressure issue. Although it has lowered a little, I am still in the Stage 2 Hypertension area which is still a concern for me. So far my bloodwork is all within normal range. I am walking a few mornings and an adjustment to one of my meds has been done. Working on it.. Glad you had time to visit. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Count down.....

It is so nice to wake to temperatures that are so comfortable..... even though by mid day it will be in the mid 90s. Maybe Autumn is finally going to arrive. There are pumpkins out front and the mantel has the look. I have been waiting for October to get here because it means that The Brother Alan and Lisa will be here. As a matter of fact, they will start the drive a week from today.

In between preparing for the arrival I have managed to finish the latest dragonfly. The next one, which is the last one, is already on the beading tray.  I guess I should start thinking about the next Mill Hill kit to look for.  Also need to organize for the next monthly small project. There are only 2 more of the Origami Stars to complete.  While clearing out some of the crafts I found a few kits and patterns to toss out or find a home for. I also have my donation for the school box ready.  I have worked in the garage a couple of mornings before the heat of the day. Amazing what you can find.... and toss out with the trash.
Thanks for asking...the blood pressure has come down but slightly. I appreciate your caring. I also appreciate your continued prayers and good thoughts for Glenda and Don. Sometimes life can be an uphill trek but it can be easier knowing that friends care. Thank you for stopping by today and for your kind words. Most of all, thank you for your friendship.

"Friends are those rare people who ask how we are ad then wait to hear the answer."

-Ed Cunningham

Beads and a boat

Well... I love receiving mail and packages... don't you?

Lovely Catherine sent me an assortment of crystal beads and there are 2 of just what I needed for the dragonfly! Perfect color and size. Thank you so very much Catherine.💖Our blogging community is very caring and helpful.

The weather yesterday morning was delightful. I actually sat outside and did some beading. Following doctor's orders to relax.... not that the pressure is down much. Waiting for the med change to take hold and help. The last several nights we have had Monsoon storms! Although I know how to swim, I thought it best to take precautions. I built a boat! 

There was thunder, lighting, wind and rain. Lots of large puddles too. Dianna called one of the nights to chat while it stormed so I would not have to go into the closet. Technically the Monsoon season has ended so of course that is why the rains are here. Happily I am not in a flood area but there were flash floods here and there. 

 I have a appointment this morning then  maybe just maybe get to sit outside and bead again. The Pink and Blue dragonfly is half finished. I do need to go to JC Penny for a new pair of sneakers, but that should not take long at all. Are you counting? The Brother Alan and Lisa will soon be on the way here. They are driving and Alan sent me the map/path they will take so I can follow the journey. Glad you had time to stop by and visit. Thank you for the kind words and for your friendship.

Please keep my friends Glenda and Don in your thoughts.... Sometimes it is all we can do for someone we care about. They have both been very good friends to me. 

Get the ice pack!

A very grey day... with the sun peeking out now and again. They are saying another storm is coming... oh happy day or should I say night. Just a wait and see. The other night the thunder was right overhead and I was ready for the closet! I am building a boat.
Yesterday I did the follow up with the doc ad nothing much has changed so a full 4 vial of blood for the lab work up.

It started out okay, but as I was dehydrated the vein actually pushed the needle out! I heard the pop and felt it. So to the left arm she went and I literally sat drinking a bottle of water while she did. Anyway, I am being tested for anything and everything so hopefully we will get some answers. In the meantime the ice pad is out and will be all day.
Earlier today... at 7:30 I went to the DMV to get the new registration tag for the coming year for the car. It took 6 minutes. Walk in, up to the self serve machine, scan bar code from mailing, insert payment and voilà out pops the tag for the license plate. All in 6 minutes. I am lucky that I live  3 miles from the place...It took longer to get dressed and drive there.
I have been taking it easy but of course there is always time to stitch.

The next dragonfly ….. One more colored bead to add to this wing then onto the next top wing. Not a difficult project at all. I may eventually make one using my own colors.
I do not hear any sounds coming from the laundry area so that means the swishing is finished and time to dry. So off I go. So nice to chat with you today. Thank you for your kind words ad for your friendship.
***Another day closer to the arrival!

Oh what a morning.....

Actually what a yesterday and a night which is now morning. I started out yesterday for the mall specifically going to Macy's. As I was driving I was going past my PCP office so I thought I should just stop and make an appointment as I have not been feeling all that great recently...a month.... and inquire about a flu shot. Well I guess it was the right thing to do.  Yes I could get the flu shot, but first a check on my blood pressure. The MA took it twice and looked concerned and gave a shout out to the NP and it was taken again with a different device. Next thing is that the NP strolled in to chat. He was very concerned that my BP was extremely high. A quick impromptu exam and the heart was okay and questions answered and yes I would be given the flu vaccine but was then ordered to go home and rest... do nothing or at least as little as possible for the next few days. I need to check my pressure daily and write it down and return next week...or if it continues to be as high return sooner. No stress is what I need right now.....okay. Shortly after returning home, Robyn....across the courtyard called and hubby Dave was bringing me a dessert. Just what I needed.

….I could not wait to have my dinner so I could munch on this...but the good news is, she sent 2 pieces so now I have another for today...delicious.
I have not been idle ….

The wings of the dragonfly are finished.... now to do the body. The colors are so pretty..... jewel like. Before beading the body the perforated paper needs to be cut away so that might be today.
At the moment I am having my first cup of coffee and holding ice to my shoulder as it is very sore and a little swollen. The count down for The Brother Alan is in full mode....about 26 days... and I am trying to get things ready.  If the weather would only cooperate I can work in the garage. I decided that I would like to hang a hummer feeder outside my bedroom window. Oh and the AC issue, well now the filter is an issue.... always something but I am trying my hardest not to feel ruffled in any way.
An update on Eva P... aka mom.... she is doing better. This lady who will be 93 in December has 9 lives. Thank you for the good thoughts sent her way. Thank you for visiting and for your kind words. Thank you most of all for your friendship.

It's all about the curio today

Last evening came the pouring rain and a bit of thunder. I do not like these storms! Today is beginning with very overcast skies and muggy. Actually there is a light drizzle falling. Now I have dirty rain water in the pond...and that means another morning (not today) cleaning it out and I better finish the cleaning this time and get regular water back in so this will not happen again. I am hoping that the waterfall connection is clear and I can figure the rock formation so that it will fall properly. For now, I may have to just put it back as a fountain. Two steps forward and one back. But, what I want to show you is my new curio

Doesn't it look lovely next to my chair? On Saturday Don took me to get it  and yesterday Glenda  (they are a team) and I arranged this and that for the shelves.

It is a perfect size; 59"x32"x13". This is the top of the curio. Both the angel and the dragonfly piece at the far right have a battery candle. So very pretty at nighttime. The stitched piece of violets  and the ornament is a piece of turquoise and copper.

 Remember to ignore reflections...mirror backing can be difficult! This is shelf one with angels, fairy and angel wings with a piece of tatting. On shelf 2, is my Cinderella...a couple of glass blown pumpkins as well as the coach and glass slipper and the Disney glass coach pin. Of course my stitched coach too.  In front of the Angels is a glass ball sitting on frogs. The front left is a Lenox dragonfly and sitting on the velvet slipper pillow is a beautiful hand painted needle box that I received as a gift from KimM.

On the third shelf is my needlework doll and the two Victorian ladies that Mr H bought for me when I first visited Arizona. They look lovely with the mirror to reflect the intricate back of their clothing. I decided to put the rose trimmed mirror here to help preserve it. In front of the ladies is a lovely dish with raised roses around the top from Italy. It was given to me 47 years ago ...a gift from Denny's cousin Tootsie that I treasure.  On the bottom of the curio are two Faeries sitting pretty and in the center is a fairy  atop a glass bubble. So pleased with this curio purchase as well as how Glenda and I filled it. Totally feels feminine with my treasures.
This weather has me feeling tired. I was ambitious yesterday morning and I made delicious Pizzelles. Today not ambitious at all. Maybe some teddy bear sewing as it all ready for the machine. Right now I need to finish my coffee. So glad to chat with you today. Thank you for the kind words and for your friendship. Let's have a good day.

How about an update....

So, the new thread colors arrived and this is what I have...and I am pleased. I took the liberty to add a few clouds to the sky. All that is left is the outside border.  Probably will not make the total size as large as the design....not sure...a work in progress. I will be able to take a better picture when it is out of the hoop. The day is starting out very cloudy and cooler than it has been but it is still hot by the afternoon. Mr H and I took a ride to Scottsdale yesterday and the temps were around 106...needless to say we did not stay any longer than for why we were there. To buy a small gift for our niece Natalia. While we were strolling about

we found this fella. I believe it is a Flamme Skimmer...such a bright orange and very accommodating to let me take this picture. I plan to try to properly identify him. It is not often that I find dragonflies out here so when I do, I enjoy watching them and of course taking their picture. My plans for today are to relax and of course have a needle in hand. Maybe a few finishes will get done, who knows. Recently I participated in a swap. My package to Australia arrive in the country but not to the gal it was intended for! As a result, I do not think I will do any out of the USA swaps, sad, because I have never had one of my sent packages go missing. One coming to me did before. Now, do I send a replacement and hope she gets it, or what?! The time put into it, the handmade portion and bought gifts and the postage expense....what to do. Well, time to get some laundry in the washer and a bit of quiet housework (Mr H is still asleep) and of course I am sure I will find a needle in hand at some point....glad you could visit today. Thank you ever so much for your wonderful friendship and kind words. Have a wonderful day.

One errand leads to another

My tablet was not working properly and it is only 3 years old. Off to Best Buy and the Geek Gal did not know what was wrong because at that moment it worked okay...of course. Mr H thought I should just get a new one --- who am I  to say no.

Of course I needed a new cover so off to Staples  because I like their covers better. Meet Samsung Tab E, or SamE. Now to learn the working of this one. So far the only thing I can not do is transfer my email addresses from the old one which means I will be putting them in manually as I go along.
 Across the parking lot from Staples is Pier 1. So--- into Pier 1 we go and came out with several items..... first is this beautiful glass pumpkin to add to my 2 others...

The new one is the green with gold highlights. It all started with the purple and gold.....then because there are those plain ones...

just had to have this twisted paper pumpkin. It just speaks Autumn and will look great on the mantel if and when this weather ever cools down. So far there is no rain in the near forecast and the sun is bright and the temps are moderate today. Only at 91 so far and expected temps of 102 for later. Before leaving the store Mr H spotted a dragonfly...we love dragonflies...

love it! At the moment is hanging in the main bathroom. There is a skylight and it will catch bright light all day. Not sure if it will remain here, but for now.
Not to be left out of new items, Mr H headed over to Home Depot for a new wet vac.

After all, the last one was 9 years old and got lots of use cleaning the pond and the garage. So, that was the adventures yesterday. There will be no punching today as my hand is swollen again. I am on the back-round of the sunflower and that will be hopefully finished in the next couple of days. I guess all the shopping did my hand in! but I sure enjoyed it. That is just about all. Thank you for visiting and thank you for your friendship and kind words. Have a great day.