Windows and squares

 Well now, it has been awhile...I am still here.  Still wearing this sling, still limping (right knee) and still not sleeping much. To be honest I don't sleep all that good anyway but turning on this shoulder can certainly wake me immediately. I am becoming quite good with some things using my left hand. I am trying to figure how this fracture will heal with only this sling. Did I mention it moves constantly? I know, stop complaining. There are others with more to deal with. 

We are currently having heat advisories in Arizona. Yesterday was 105 and the forecast says maybe 110 by the weekend. Back in Rhode Island it is much more comfortable...why am I telling you this?

Alan and Lisa are in Rhode Island visiting family. Here is The Brother with his daughter Elyssa and her daughter Natalia. Alan's smile says it all. They left on Monday and will be back on Tuesday. Murphy and I are on our best behavior. They made sure I had plenty of food and easy things to prepare. 

Of course in between chores and such I have been working on my quilt. It is now 144 windows and 81 squares big, There are no repeats  of fabric yet. Included are windows from friends....their names are listed on the sidebar. I still have pieces from them to add in with my additions. The quilt measures almost 40 inches square Once I reach 13 squares (in a row)wide then I will begin to add rows only to the top and bottom until I reach a length that I want. . I still have a way to go... many more windows. Thank you friends who have sent me windows! Your names are on the back side behind your window.

I love to visit with you all. Thank you for your kind words and encouragement. Thank you for your friendship.

Hand in Hand.....

Oh these hot days …. Murphy and I stay indoors and relax

He enjoys being on the bed while I do this or that. Just look at those eyes and big black nose!
Got the CT result on Monday. I have terrible discs, bone spurs on my vertebrae all in the C1 to C7 area. Not sure about the rest of my spine as the test was only for this area. So, not heavy lifting and that means Murphy too. He goes completely dead weight when we pick him up like a sack of potatoes! I will not be climbing step ladders and Murphy cannot sit on my shoulder anymore while watching TV.

This is the chair I sit in and he rests his bum on my right shoulder. I really think he thinks he is just a little boy. So when we walk I need to hold the lead differently as he does pull sometimes and probably started this shoulder injury. Next I will see my pain management doctor.
Lisa is still making her pillowcases....

These are not gifts and will remain in our home. 

I also have been creating....

I love these cross back aprons and finally made one.

This is one side....yes, it is reversible....

This is the other side. Nice and sturdy and not flimsy at all. Very comfortable as I already wore it to cook last night. Alan and I made Chicken Cacciatore... oh so good. I see a few more aprons …. seasonal styles maybe.

Guess you are wondering about the title Han in Hand. I left it for last so the tears would wait. 

Many years ago Dennis made this for our garden back in RI and he also made one with Elyssa (Alan's daughter). Our niece was always at our house and loved playing in the garden. They did not make one for me! When we moved to Arizona we gave Elyssa her stone and asked if she wanted Uncle Dennis' and she said yes. Sunday marked 3 years since I am without My Denny, this arrived yesterday. It weighs a ton and I am surprise it arrived in one piece. 

This means so much for me to have this. I thank Elyssa and her mom Colleen for thinking about me enough to return it to me. 

And yes Colleen, I did as you suggested and put my hand into his and we sill still hold hands. For now it is my bedroom but will find a place is this garden which he loved so very much. Thank you both for sending this to me..... I will cherish it.

Wiping the tears away....glad you found some time to visit with me today. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship. 

Mail Delivery

It is finally feeling like winter with the nighttime temps in the 40s and daytime in the mid 60s. Of course the sun remains very warm and in The Valley here we do not get any snow, but it does feel like winter. Yes, I had to wear long sleeves the other day!
Sometime today I must go to the Post Office...the dreaded place this time of year. This time to speak to someone in charge (?) if there is anyone. I received a package from sis Lynowl yesterday clearly marked fragile and it was thrown over my security gate.

The package did not contain breakables, but this was a good test after the last broken gift. These are chestnuts that sis found and thought to send to me. On Sunday...yes Sunday the bell rang but of course the mailperson did not wait. Instead the package was left outside the back gate.

 My Christmas gift from sis .... this is a book we had talked about recently and now I have it to read. I am very superstitious and not entirely sure about ghosts so this will be an interesting book for me. Also in the box was this lovely chime. I can never have too many of them. This is has ...yes, buffalo medallions at the top and on the hanger. It will hang in the kitchen because I love having chimes where I can casually ring them.
The mail also brought me yesterday

a Christmas card and a lovely stitched ornament from Vickie. A sweet friend who even when she was not feeling well always has time to visit my blog and send me encouragement. What a great finish for this ornie.
Ready for another picture....

My niece Elyssa managed to get her daughter...Natalia to posse with the ornament I made and sent but she ran off with the doll so at this point there is no picture of that.  She is adorable!

Here  is a sweet Christmas  picture of mother and child. Elyssa is a pre-school teacher. Alan is the dad/granddad of these two.
Speaking of The Brother Alan

Last Friday evening he and Lisa went to a Christmas party and sent me this picture. We may live 3,000 miles apart, but I am totally in touch with my family through pictures and now with Skype. Lisa modeled this dress for me last week on Skype! So much fun...See and Chat!
Sis  Lyn and I have been having lots of laughs with Skype too. It really has been a help this holiday season to be able to "be with them".
Well my friends, I need to get the laundry done and house in order. I have the A/ people coming to once again try to find the loud strange noises in this 6 month old Air conditioner. Of course while Brent will be here it would never make any noises! Hope you enjoyed the photos...I enjoyed having you visit. Thank you for your kind words and most of all your friendship.
PS the other day when I mentioned Debbie Burke...I forgot to add her blog link....http://lavender2debbie.blogspot.com/

We're having a heat wave....

an Arizona heat wave....Were are in a Heat Advisory for this week and of course it is the week the air conditioner chose to fail and now this afternoon, a crew will be installing a new on. Right now we are at 86 and it may reach 107....can not even imagine being on the roof for 3 hours or more. I spoke with the IM yesterday...a very compassionate lady who does not want Dennis home until the house is safe...safe with air conditioning; so Tuesday will be the day. Yesterday was a very emotional day for both Denny and me. I tried to keep busy with my word for the day and did stitch Blessed.

It was the next word in the Affirmation Words project from Donna at By The Bay Needleart project. At first it was hard to think of why to stitch this word. Then I could find many reasons to feel blessed. So many who care enough to express their concern and love for us at this time. The phone call yesterday after messaging back and forth from "my cousin Frankie"...that is how Denny always refers to his cousin Frank back in RI. Frank just wanted to talk for a minute to Denny so I held the tablet ( I did not know we could talk over the tablet but that is for another day) and once hearing his voice it became apparent of the long distance affection these two men have for one another. Frank sent encouraging words.....When I could not hold it together after that' one of the RNs was there to give me a hug.....yes, we are blessed to have so many people caring for us. then later this arrived via email

niece Elyssa sent this Dragonfly...it is made with prints from Natalia's little feet.....and a letter accompanied it that will be very emotional for Denny...her Godfather. Both of these will become cherished items for many years to come. Indeed it was a very emotional day and I am blessed with so much during this difficult time. One more day and The Brother Alan will be here to help me get organized...I know, I am a very organized gal. Right now though I need some direction so the little big brother will help set things in motion. He will be here for the week. I made a nice cup of tea this morning to find that the milk was bad...I instead am having a tall glass of iced water which considering the heat today is a better idea...get hydrated and stay hydrated.  Have you tried the water drinks with veggies...like cucumber....I did, not bad. I think I will stick with lemon in my water. Oh wait, I do not have any lemons...guess it will be plain water today. So, on to the day with thank you to all of you my dear friends for the kind and encouraging words. Most of all thank you for your friendship. I will carry the loving thoughts form all of you today.

A new kit arrived!

As I mentioned yesterday the mail arrived and this is what I found

when I opened the envelope. Carefully wrapped in pretty tissue with a wonderful fragrance.....now what is it? The distinct lavender smell. Hurry to open and find

a kit for French Boutis Scissor Fob. A new challenge to learn....I must say the quality of the supplies is wonderful and such complete directions. An there, do you see it? The sachet of lavender....oh so lovely.  Let me tell you about Averyclaire NeedleArts. You really need to visit and meet and see the work of Karen Jablonski. This is French Boutis, an old form of quilted needlework.  Karen's service is quick and the kit is perfect. this will be my weekend project so I will be able to devote my time to learning and doing. So be sure to visit her blog and Etsy shop. (this is my own opinion and not sponsored by the designer).
I want to thank you my dear friends for the caring kind comments and emails. Yesterday was one of those lost days and I am sure today will be better for my Mr H. I found myself waking at 4 AM today....I needed that sleep. I am raring  ready to go today. I am just ready to finish the yellow Victorian Thread Bag...should have been completed yesterday but just never got that far. My friend Al sent me an email to say that the Black Molly is adjusting to his new home.... happy about that. My tenants are also doing great. I may rent out some more space this weekend, not sure who will join us. I managed to change the living room drapes yesterday and have the laundry all caught up. The garden was watered and today a bit more housework before The Brother Alan arrives...did I mention he was arriving on May 9th...oh yes I think I did! Each year it is a celebration to have him visit with his friend  Lisa. The kid brother who in reality is like my big brother. this visit will be a bit laid back for us, but nevertheless will be a great time spent together. I will need to reorganize the sewing room and get all ready next week.  Yesterday was my great-niece Natalia Rose's 3rd birthday

she is so adorable. We have not met her in person ... yet.... but my niece Elyssa posts pictures which keeps us in the know. I am proud of Elyssa for being a loving mom.

this is such a cute picture of Elyssa and Natalia.
MR H and I now have 3 special ladies in our world; first was Tonya, then Elyssa and now Natalia....all special in their own way. We have beautiful nieces! This day is starting out cloudy and around 70 (6:30 am) and may reach the low 90s. Best get the garden care done early. It is always nice to visit with you. Thank you for your caring kind words and emails. Most of all thank you for your friendship. Have a wonderful day.

another box, another memory

Everytime I decide to check into a box that is in the gargae cupboards, there is a memory....

Snow White slippers an apron and a baby dish all belonging to my lovely niece Elyssa. Elyssa is the daughter of my brother Alan. She was a delight for Mr H and I to have stay with us so many times. We kept all the necessary things for her and yes, she was spoiled. Finding these again brought back so many memories....for now they are on my desk where I can touch and remember....did I mention she is 22 and a mommy to a 1 year old now. Time passes so quickly. So good to have these tangible memories. My sis Lynowl teases me that I save everything...it is not a bad thing especially when there are times when we can not keep things for lack of space or use. Every once in awhile we then wish we had an item or two that we had to give up. Me H and I have been living out here for 11 years ans I still wish I kept this or that when we had to down-size for the move. Oh well~~~~~
 I have been lazy due to having a nasty sore throat these last few days....finally loosing the sore throat but still not feeling up to par. I am hoping to finish that quilt square so I can decide what to do with the 6 of them....decisions will probably take up a good few hours or more! We had a threat of a dust storm here in The Valley late yesterday but it did mot happen here in the West side. Today is cooler, only 89 but the sun is still quite hot. The sound of the washing machine has stopped which means I must tend to the laundry....glad you could visit with me today...love your kind words and I thank you for your friendship. Enjoy your day.

More mail and 19 years later....

The morning is starting out a bit chilly---- temp is 57 but should rise to around 84 today. In the meantime, I had to put my cotton robe on! I am off today and hope to spend time working on an old project. First let me show you what arrived yesterday...

my latest RR piece from Michelle from Stitch Craft Place in the UK. This just might make for a pretty pillow finish....and the fabric she sent would be perfect for it. Do stop by and visit her lovely blog. Michelle enjoys knitting and crochet as well as cross stitch. I have to do the final finish on 3 ornaments...and soon as one must be sent by November 24th. I forgot to take a picture of the tatted ornament that I made for  my co-worker Rindell...it really looked nice and she was pleased.
I want to tell you about the "old piece" that I will be working on. First, here is a picture ...

This is my sweet niece Elyssa taken in October 1995.In the back round you can see a pattern.....Elyssa is working on a stitched piece of her own. She spent a lot of time with Mr H and me and when I stitched, she did also. Her age here is 2 1/2 years old......here is the little girl now...

Oh my...with Elyssa is Joe and their adorable little Natalia Rose who is 7 months old.  Do I feel old today....you bet I do! I have not meet my great niece yet, but I just think she is a doll. Every time they post a picture, I immediately download into my Natalia file....a few are printed out and displayed.

Here is the Santa as it is..... and it will be finished in time for this Christmas even though it is 19 years late! You may ask why it never was finished..... hard to really give you an answer. One day I just looked at it and did not want to work on it anymore. In those days I would work on only one project at a time and this had so much going on that I tired of it. Then one day I decided to work on it (years later) but could not find the pattern. Do the linen was put away. Some years past and I found the pattern but could not remember which box had the stitchery...so...you get the idea. I then thought this piece was not meant to be. It is now! ----- never too late is it? So that is my story for the day...glad you were here to listen....than you as always for the kind words and friendship...have a wonderful day.

Rosie the bear

Yesterday was my niece Elyssa's baby shower. Natalia Rose is expected to arrive May 9th. I missed being there to see all the lovely gifts and family and friends. I did send a gift, part one  ......

I found the old fashion rose fabric at Jo Ann's and thought of this bear immediately. I did lots of fussy cutting to get the cabbage style roses where I wanted them and it was worth it. A bit of lace and velvet ribbon around her neck was just the right color. I bought the silk rosettes and added them to a bit of lace for an ear ornament. The pads of her feet, paws and ears are silky with a row of machine embroidery. The main gift will have to wait until the baby arrives so that I can add the date. I do hope Elyssa liked Rosie bear that I truly made with love. This bear was also the cause for those cactus barbs that stuck to my butt!.... it was worth it.
Yesterday was a real day of relaxing around the house and I did get to stitch on Alphabet Doll. Mr H and I  watched a Charlie Chan marathon and had my homemade chicken soup. Never left the house! Today, however, I do have to get out to do a few errands. It should not take too long....famous words... probably will lead to an all day outing. I would really like to add more xx's to the Doll. Right now I need a cup of coffee...how about you? Thank you for visiting with me and thank you for the kind words which always brighten my day. I treasure your friendship....have a wonderful day.

A chill in the air

I love the early mornings lately...cool crisp air. The moon looked so huge this morning when I went out to get the paper.  I have been tatting this morning. The Debra was here yesterday and she gave me a new pattern...for a tatted beaded icicle ... you know how I love my beads.
We put the pumpkins out...all arranged and ...

even a few on the mantle with the Faeries.  Mr H had to move the bird seed sack and it took a few hours for the birds to return. I think the hanging pumpkin scared them! And it was daylight! Right now I have a hummingbird outside the kitchen chatting away .... love the sounds of all the birds chatter.
I guess I should tell you that the cake I baked yesterday is good...a little sweet for me though. As much as I love my chocolates and pastries, I do not really enjoy a sweet cake. Sent a nice sized piece home with The Debra yesterday. I am thinking a relaxing day today...that is after a stop at Fry's Market and CVS. I also want to go to World Market. So much for relaxing.
 Remember the little girl in the OZ picture post the other day...well, she called to tell me she is expecting a baby in May. So, of course I have already picked out an adorable pattern to crochet a blanket for The Baby...we do not know boy or girl yet. I do not usually do much crocheting, but this is so cute. So happy you stopped by to visit and chat. Thank you for the kind words. Hope your day is great.

Wizard of Oz and Elyssa

Relaxing day yesterday.... did some stitching but was interrupted to run a few errands. We started out for the bead store and the Oriental Market. I did not find the purple seed beads I was looking for but did find the cookies in the Oriental market. Amazing how Mr H and I go to Fry's market for a few items and come out with bags of food that I am sure were not on the list that was left on the kitchen counter. Of course it was Monday night football but first we watched...

Mr H ordered it last week and we just got around to watch it. The snapshot is of my niece Elyssa taken in 1998 when she dressed as Dorothy for Halloween. Do you see the ruby slipper pin? That is one of my favorite pins.... it is from Kirks Folly collection and is no longer made. The ruby Swarovski crystals  and little charms really sparkle. Just love this movie. This is the 75th Anniversary edition and we really enjoyed the extra commentary about the making of the movie and about the cast. All in all,  a pleasant movie time and remembering a little girl who is now 20 years old!
Our temperatures have been delightful...today should be in the mid to high 80's....nice not to have the house air running. Still, I have it on in the car.
I have an itch to try Teneriffe Lace. Now come on, do I really need to add something else to the basket? I guess the answer is yes because I do plan to try it. Have you? I might send for a kit from Gina-B Silkworks. I also just bought the RNS book on Whitework. I really must behave try to refrain from this behavior. The urge to try it all! I do not have enough hours now to do what I do. Some days it feels like a blur. Hard to think it is already mid October.
Time for me to get a few stitches on my feathers in. Today is a work day....thanks for visiting with me....have a great day.

Something old.....something new

And there is no wedding! I really do love re-discovering items in my cupboards and boxes...,. some have bittersweet memories, some bring tears and some just bring such joy. The other day I went looking for something I could use for my tatting....I found something.....

but no, never! Why?  because this is the sewing box that I put together with the help of a very little girl many years ago. Actually it was 1995. The child is The Brother Alan's little girl who is not so little anymore. At the time she was about 3 and now...well, in May she turned 20!  Before she was born, her mom Colleen and I made her bedroom accessories. Teaching Colleen to sew was so much fun.  Elyssa probably has no memory of this box that delighted her so. She carefully picked out all the scrap fabric and the threads and every time we were together, she would sit in my sewing room with me and we crafted together. The box is now in my current sewing room and out of the cupboard. So you see, I can never use this.... for me it is a touch of joy.
For the something new...

Yesterday Debra came over to Tat and Chat...she showed me how to tat over a cabone ring. An old  word for a plastic ring....
This will eventually become a snowflake motif. First I will need lesson 2 to make split rings or something like that! I was suppose to have about 11 picots, but I have 16... geez.... and I was so happy to get it finished. I think however, you van have mo=re or less and will need to adjust the next round accordingly. Listen to me! I sound like I know what I am talking about! Next Saturday Debra and I will meet to go for our monthly outing and lunch. We plan to go to a few shops in the Glendale Historic area. Should be fun.
It is definitely a very overcast day ... humid and hot.... maybe a rain storm moving across our area. they did display flood warnings for our county.The ground is so compact and hard and as we hardly get rain, it is easy to have flooding. Well, that is about it. My laundry #2 is ready for the dryer... and I need another cup of coffee and breakfast. I am so happy we get to spend time together.... thank you for the kind words. Have a wonderful day.

A special day~~~Happy Birthday Elyssa

Today is my niece Elyssa's 18th birthday....

isn't she lovely. Prior to our moving to AZ, and while she was growing up, we spent lots of time with this young lady. She had a room at our house and many wonderful times shared. She graduates soon and it is hard to believe she is so grown up. She is my brother Alan's daughter.
Mr H bought a new bird bath ----

A pretty painted on glass butterfly....and for now it is here....

Mr H made a spot for it but knowing him it will be moved to another location at any time. Here it is in the shade of the Sweet Memory bush.
Part 2 of Dragonfly is finished...come with me to my other place. Thank you for chatting with me today and I hope your day is wonderful.