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.

Ready for a Home Depot apron

The rain fell this weekend.... I know, a shock, but it did not last too long. Some is better than none. Of course as usual it was in darkness which does not settle well with me. Who knows when it will happen again. I managed to get out to the garden early on Sunday and clean the fountain. This time it took a little longer to reassemble…. just could not get the threaded part to line up. Some choice words and finally back together and bubbling. All is good.
Think I am going to get myself a Home Depot apron...like Bobby wears! Fix-it gal at it again!

This small wing nut seems to be the answer. This weekend the air conditioner filter began to rattle at the end of a run cycle. I just knew that with all the "things" in the work cupboard in the garage, Denny would have just what I needed. I have learned to look there before running to buy. Indeed there was this wing nut and I replaced the one on the vent door and so far all is good. I did not mis-step on the step ladder either!  I even found time to begin a project.

Another Mill Hill kit.... a dragonfly. Some years ago I bought several of them and had made only 2.

When I went to gather them to choose one to make, one of the kits is missing a large bead for the eye and the pin back. I could care less about the pin back but now I need to buy 2 new beads for the eyes. I could contact Mill Hill to buy a match for the one I have but it would probably cost more for the shipping!
Mom, Eva P is not feeling very well so please keep her in your thoughts.  I thank you for all the good thoughts for her and for Don and Glenda. Glad you visited today. Thank you for your kind words and for you friendship.

No more flipping off....

It was good yesterday to be able to use my hand and not have my finger in pain.. or my hand for that matter.  It is so frustrating not to be able to do everyday things..... then again, it was a little rest.

This was on my beading mat and I got to almost finish this gift pod. I already have another pod, not a gift in the waiting. I am waiting for a designer to lease another cute pod that I will make as gifts. I hope she does it soon..... maybe if I ask her nicely.
Very humid today...at least for us here in The Valley. So far this Monsoon has been lacking. We really need some rain.
Finally went  for my haircut on Thursday evening. Always nice when strangers tell you how nice you look!
I have been enjoying Le Tour de France. The scenery is beautiful. The spectators are crazy....as are the local animals. One recent day a very large cow attempted to go onto the road to join the riders! On Friday, the weather began to change drastically and snow and ice began to fall blocking the roadway on the descent from the mountain so they had to call the race.... many of the riders were upset as it cause the leadership for the stage to change. Looking forward for todays race. I had stopped following the Tour when the issue with Lance Armstrong happened. So many changes since then.
How about an update on mom...aka Eva P...her shoulder brace has been removed and the nurses say she is doing good. Now I am asking for you all to keep Glenda in your thoughts... and The Brother Alan …. both of them are not feeling the greatest right now. Always something isn't it.
Sorry for the short post.... glad that you stopped by. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

A star for the 4th

Finished in time for a July 4th celebration! It does not show but the white is white on white fabric that has stars printed on it and the blue reminds of the night sky. I chose the red/white print because it looks like a bandana. I am not fond of fireworks and happily will not have them in our neighborhood. I may hear them form one of 3 stadiums that are not very far away but living in a senior community, it will be quiet. If you are out and about, please be careful and if you have a fur-baby be sure to keep them safe and cuddle them. I will find a nice movie to watch and make some popcorn.

The Pond Garden seems to be drying. I guess as long as I do not have a leak anywhere in the garden then I will just assume that it was from the planting and watering without proper draining. This week I will rake the rocks back and add some decorative items. The birds are loving the fountain and the bunny is still dropping by to trim my plant! 

Sleep was not a friend last night and so my morning has been very slow to start and I expect it to be a lazy day. It may be a movie day all day. Speaking of movies.... I collected 20 more from the bookcase bringing my to go pile to 100. I found a few that I will always keep... good memories. Denny really loved his movies. This one is special.

This case was a special collectors edition.

Filled with all sorts of goodies.

Five discs~~~~directors cut

Holographic Harrison Ford in a magnetic case that is double sided

A folder with 8 director cards explaining the movies scenes

the police car to play with!

This was special to Denny and so to me also. Back to the book shelf.

Time for a second cup of coffee and a bite to eat. Nice having you visit today. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Update~~~~ EvaP is status quo. Glenda is doing better.

Mud and beads

Whew...yes indeed. The temps they are rising, again. I think it will now remain in the triple digits for the rest of the monsoon season. It was 109 yesterday and today they predict 110. This past week I have noticed that the base of the fountain... in the Pond Garden has been wet. Initially I thought it was from when the Doves and Grackle take a bath and splashed out the water. But no... not that easy. Last Tuesday there were puddles. First I thought a broken irrigation line.... I placed a call to have it checked. Yesterday Robert arrived and after initial check of all of the bubbler risers, they  are working properly and no apparent leaks from the line. Over the next few days... before Tuesday when he returns, I need to remove the rocks covering the area. If not if he has to dig it up they will become buried... not wanting that to happen. We are thinking there may be a possibility for this be waiting is the only option at this time. I have already pulled the irrigation lines. The curse of the pond!

It is not easy to see, but the top edge and corner chili peppers are all beaded. The sides are almost finished and the hat is complete.

When I bought this a few yeas ago, I knew it was with beads but the included project picture does not show just how much is beaded! Lot of them are petite and they are very small. The sky and house area are next today. The horse is looking better but still needs beads. I will do close-ups when I finish.

Just call me the Fix-it Gal.....

The other night as I lay sleeping...isn't that from a song?... anyway, I felt quite warm. I was just was too lazy to get up and turn up the AC. In the morning after awake for a shot time I noticed that it was not coming on. So...…finally took a look. It was off! Now I never touch it so what happened??? The mind thought it can not be that after 2 years this new thing is broken! Obviously because I never look at it, it must have blinked a few days warning the batteries were dead. Having only changed them once, it took a few minutes to remember how to remove the battery case. I was not going to call the gal at the AC place again. As soon as they were in on it came and coolness returned. At the moment, towels are swishing in the laundry area, and I need a cup of coffee and some toast. I enjoyed having you stop by. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

An Eva P update: mother fell again.... fracturing her shoulder and due to age (92) surgery is not an option. She will have a brace in place for the next 4-6 weeks to allow it to heal. 

I thought the tree was finished!

The  mornings are starting chilly but by afternoon the doors are open and the weather is just fine....low to mid 70s this week. The garden although quite bare compared to early season, it still giving me yellow daisies and Sweet Memory and Fairy Duster blooms. Nice to look out the kitchen window to see this. Speaking of looking out the window... someone has been looking in! Since the tree went up and lit this past weekend I have a hummingbird who stops by the window about 4 feet off the ground and hovers . He glides from side to side (the window is almost floor to ceiling and slider width wide) and then he darts off quickly. It is a sight to see but so far I have been unable to capture him on camera.

A quick stop by visit from Glenda yesterday and this beautiful ornament is now on my tree. Thank you for this blown glass double ornament...it looks pretty with the lights shining through. The red inside is perfect with the sheer red ribbon. I really think I will stop rearranging the tree.... so I say.
I did manage to continue beading the snowflake then realized as I started the send half that I did not finish the first side! So that is a must today. Still have not ventured out to finish my shopping, but will do so soon. Canada's postal strike is upsetting my mailing plans there. Seems like Christmas packages will be arriving late.
An update on Eva P, mom. She did not break any bones with this latest fall but is badly bruised and will be quite sore for awhile yet. The leg is very swollen and will probably require he to be back in a wheelchair for the time being. Thank you for your kind thoughts for her. Just finished my coffee so it will be on to the chores next. Glad to chat with you today. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

More Christmas here

Waiting for my coffee to finish brewing.... cup #1 was at 2 am. Did manage to fall back to sleep so that is a good start for the day.
If you stopped by last Christmas you may remember the Angel....

She tops my tree with lots of glitz and glitter. Since she has a direction, I am sure to keep her pointing into the room... don't want any special blessings leaving the house! The year I wrapped the tree with red sheer ribbon...in a continuous bow...

The ribbon is so pretty in the light of day and when the tree lights glow. A hummer came to the window the other day and hovered close to the window to peek!
Mr & Mrs. Fox are still on their bench...

They are in front of the desk with a gift box and an ornament waiting for Santa. And my Rudolph is perched high on the curio...

sis Lynowl gave him to me … he is with me about 25 years now. He is from a shop in Wickford RI.... a place we spent a lot of time visiting. Not sure if the place is still there but we sure did enjoy being there. It was a restaurant and gift shop.
Christmas is just about everywhere in my house...

Frosty and his gal will light your way in the main bathroom!
My coffee  aroma tells me it is ready for me to drink, so I will dash off for now. I may have some special ornaments that are on the tree to show you next visit.....
Glad to chat with you today. Thank you for your kind words and friendship.
**special note...the mom, Eva P fell the other evening...nothing broken but very sore so please keep her in your thoughts. 

Snowflakes

The weekend is past..... a quiet weekend. The boxes were sorted, sort of. I merely moved some to one area and a few others to another. The Village boxes are ready to unpack and will be set up in a new place this year. That is what happens when furniture is rearranged and not available to use the same way. The table in my bedroom is ready for the small tree that will be placed there. The front porch area will need a furniture move for the tree that will be out there. And so it goes...I seem to always be moving things. The living room window has been washed in and out and the sheers are changed.

I now have a silver trimmed snowflake to go with the gold one. I think they look nice together and will hang on my beaded display for the holiday. My felt tree will have all the tatted snowflakes. The trees will need to be unpacked and vacuumed…. yes vacuumed to be sure no hitch hikers moved in during the summer spent in the garage. So this will be a busy week.
Are you ready for Thanksgiving? You do realize that it is this Thursday! This year I even have chestnuts which I really feel are a must. We always had chestnuts for Thanksgiving in our house. Dad would cut and roast them and then peal them for us. I love them fixed all ways even raw.
I really enjoy having you visit with me and now I am off to get those chores done … those house fairies still have not arrived to do the deeds. Thank you for taking the time to stop by and for your kind words. Thank you for your friendship.

Birthday cards..... if anyone has a card hanging around and would like to send it....Eva P's birthday is coming...December 9th.

A rainy day all over Arizona

We do need the rain but over the entire state all at once!? The storm off the coast of California is what is happening here in Arizona.

Gloomy morning skies are a big change from the sunshine. Rain drops cover my palm tree and fill the birdbath. Flash flood warnings are out … luckily I do not live in a flood area but there is flooding on the roadways everywhere. The news is full of pictures of the roadways and highways flooding.  I do not plan to leave the comfort of my home today. The fighter jets from Luke Air Force base are flying overhead.... rain does not keep them down. Love the sounds of rain and jets.

I will be finishing this shiny green star today. The parts were ready but I put it aside to work on the Stain Glass Rose Star. The pretty pink star was brought to mother Eva P by The Brother Alan when he returned to RI. She loves it. This will be for my tree.... yes I do try to keep some things for me. I am waiting for the beads to arrive to make a Santa star.... tracking tells me the package will arrive on Thursday. So that will be a possibility for the weekend. I also want to try those denim feathers. Of course I still have not tried removing the water system from the kitchen faucet or getting the kitchen light to work. My priorities are elsewhere.
Guess that about covers the happenings around here.....very happy to share my day with you. Thank you for stopping by and for your kind thoughts and of course thank you for your friendship.

Oh my pink star

When I look out to the garden in these early hours and there is only darkness I can not help but wonder just what is going on under the grasses and between the pots and bushes. Are the lizards awake? Are the bees out and about yet? Yesterday I checked the tall grass where the bunny has been hiding and indeed he has a cleared spot to rest. It is a shaded area and a safe haven. Although the coyote can and I have seen them scale the 6 foot walls, they have never entered my garden. there was the morning that I opened the garage door and there it was, just outside the door in the driveway, but after we stared at one another for a minute he went his way and I closed the door. I wonder too, where the hummingbird is.....
Yesterday The Brother Alan decided that we would Skype...with mother Eva P. We kept is short as not to overwhelm her and it is difficult as she does not hear well. The Brother was a good interpreter---he would tell her what I was saying "in his own words" short and to the point and then tell me what she was saying. She is doing well and has adjusted to the nursing facility nicely. Eva P joins the baking, singing and craft groups daily and sends me mails notes to me frequently.
Ta Da! Yesterday I finished the beaded star....

It is not yet perfect...my center was not as smooth a join as I would like but a Swarovski crystal tucks it in nicely and the points are nice. The star measures 2 1/2 inches from point to point. I was happy to follow the clear pictures and written directions of Carolyn DeGroff. The video I watched was helpful but this was much better. I do see more stars in my future. Before I invest in the selection of beads to make a fancy star, I will make a few more of the solid type to hopefully get the center join perfect. I plan to send off and email to Carolyn to ask her advice.
Today..... well the only plans are to go to the doctor appointment and then the post office. I am in the mood for Fluffy Tapioca pudding so that will be made. Not much else being thought about right now... after all it is not yet 4AM. Time to grind the coffee beans and brew a cup of coffee and have a couple of Pizzelles. So nice to chat with you but I really need that coffee. Thank you for stopping by and for your kind words. Thank you for your friendship.

Santa earrings and the Moon and Mars

Now that may have your interest.... first the Santa things...

3 pair completed and one more in the tray. Two have blue eyes and I thought to do a few with black. I really enjoy beading....well, I do enjoy lots of things. With the weather so hot and humid and the garden must be ignored along with the pond something has to have my attention. I promised the mother Eva P a pair but I better wait until December to send them or she will wear them now proclaiming that I made them for her! She is delighted with all the mail she has been receiving and I cannot thank you all enough. I really only expected that  a couple of bloggers would send a card...but you have become what she calls her friends.
Have you been watching the moon?

Even with the clouds surrounding it, it was a sight to see. And while looking at the moon, nearby was the red planet...yes, Mars...

not too bad with just the camera and no telescope. We have a place not too far where My Denny and I would go and they set up telescopes so you can view the sky....I should check to see when they will have another such evening. Denny almost bought a telescope a few years back...not sure what happened with that idea.
The pond is pretty well dried and if only the heat would lessen I could get out there to clean. Of course my incision is still "delicate" with steri-strips and all. Hopefully they will soon be gone but until then I will follow the doctor's orders. The area is so dry and scaly...someone suggested that I use Vitamin E on the scar...any thoughts on this? Years ago after a surgery I was told to use Mederma and it did help a little. Times change and so do products. Surprisingly it is not itchy at all.
Went to Wal-Mart today for my Eight O'clock coffee beans and small filters  and there in the candy aisle was one of the motorized carts...just sitting there right in the middle of the aisle...I guess someone needed it to get to the candy but not to leave! I am probably one of the few who does not have one of those Keurig Coffee machines and fresh grinds beans for my Mr Coffee pot. Wal-Mart is the only place I can get these beans and filters.  Strange things happen there. There were so many parents with and without children getting back to school supplies. All of them with lists in hand. Here in Arizona schools let out in May and some are already back with most returning by August.
Okay, time to find something to have for dinner. The problem is that I am not at all hungry and have not eaten since 10:30 this morning. Something light so I will not starve later.
We are down to 51 days until....The Brother Alan and Lisa arrives. You did not forget did you ?

Hot and Humid with clouds and a chance for rain

The monsoon season....
Monsoon is traditionally defined as a seasonal reversing wind accompanied by corresponding changes in precipitation, but is now used to describe seasonal changes in atmospheric circulation and precipitation associated with the asymmetric heating of land and sea. …… 
certainly has arrived this year unlike last year. Here in Arizona it starts June 15 and ends September 30 but the peak time is July -August.
The garden has suffered and I am realizing that I am not very good with the cacti in the garden! Seems that a couple will not make it. They will remain until the very end just in case they are in shock for the rain that we have had. They love the heat so it is not that. My beautiful bouquet has finally died but the beauty of the sunflower for me remains....

I have saved the two from the vase and will continue to enjoy them.
For some reason I am unable to upload any photos from my camera.... just another burp to contend with. I even tried using the memory card... so... no other pictures until I figure this out.
This morning I am making Almond Biscotti. As hot as it is the oven will not be on all that long and I will use the fan to draw out the heat anyway. Iced Tea is made for Dianna who will be here this morning....fresh brewed English Breakfast. So, time to make the biscotti...
Glad you stopped by and I thank you for the kind words and for your friendship.
EvaP update: Thank you Lynda Ruth...she received the large print word search and loves it. Also she is so excited to show her new friends the lovely cards and the notes she has received. I thank you all so much!

Is the week over yet?

Where to begin...guess that would be on Monday when the monsoon storm hit...

a crazy evening with winds around 45 mph and rain pouring down at times sideways and thunder. A garden disaster for sure. Have I mentioned that I do not like these storms? It seemed to go on forever. The high winds and poring rain ripped the gazebo tarp in half and debris flew everywhere.

Tuesday  I lost cable and internet and it was not storm related. After I could not re-set and Cox could not, an appointment for Wednesday morning was set. In the meantime, I tried to figure what went wrong. I was watching a movie, then went out to speak with the landscapers and then ….that was it! One of the guys cut the cable line with the hedge trimmer....Finally after 26 hours of watching DVDs

(starting from left to right) from my collection: Sherlock Holmes to Poirot then onto Perry Mason, the cable guy got it all patched up. What I discovered was that the DVD player and VCR in the bedroom are not working. So one of these days I will try to figure it out. This was Denny's expertise certainly not mine.
Then Wednesday late evening another thunder rain and lightening added to the mix! Oh and the winds causing a few things to toss around the garden. At least I had TV to keep me occupied.
Let's get to Thursday and the visit to the doctor...okay we can just go by this and only to say I will return in 10 days. There are 2 other doctor visits before then...not how I like to keep busy. I have tried to clean the garden a little because there was more damage  to the garden during Wednesday nights storm...

One of 2 Fountain Grass plants that stood almost 5 feet was just so wind damaged it was into the pond and the other one by the back door also damaged

I managed to cut them down yesterday morning; with the humidity high, I was beat. Now if we have a few days without rain, the clippings will dry and I can bag them for trash. The garden and pond are a mess but current circumstances will not let me clean up.
I  did manage to tat a few ornament covers but did not take pictures yet.
Yesterday I discovered a problem in the freezer.... an ice bag broke and the contents dripped into the ice maker. So, it is not safe to use the ice and I am back to using an ice tray. Do you have any idea how much ice I use in a day...it may be a good idea to buy bagged ice right now.  I think when The Brother Alan arrives...I did mention he is coming with Lisa in September didn't I? we may be looking for a new refrigerator. Does it sound like I am living in a disaster? I feel like it for sure. So, as soon as this week is over I may raise a glass of wine or two in celebration ...until the next monsoon storm arrives. So now you know what has been happening in my corner of the desert. I think a cup of tea is in order as it is a bit too early for that wine....and back to watching tennis.
Glad you stopped by and thank you for the kind words and concern for my blogging absence.Thank you for your friendship.
Update: the mother Eva P is so delighted with the mail she had been receiving! She is sharing it with her visitors telling them all about the cards and notes. Thank you!

Maybe a stormy day?

I seriously doubt that this day will be really different than the last days.... it will be hot  ...already 95 at 6AM. The temp will be around the 110+ mark again. It is Monsoon season after all. On Thursday we had the first Dust Storm

The poor palms were definitely feeling the winds. The Dust Storms most always come from the East/ Southeast and blow towards the West… that is where I am. If I get the dust it is from the low end of the wall of dust. This one was about 100 miles long and about 100 feet high at it's peak. The debris was flying as you can see in the picture. Today is starting a bit cloudy with a chance of drops. The garden is a mess and the pond also. I am being cautious with all the bees that are about the pond so I will top it off as needed and wait until the exterminator is here on Wednesday to check for a nest. I am all for saving the bees but I also want to save me. The garden needs some trimming. This heat seems to have affected a few of the plants. That mean I must try to get out there before it is too hot...now let me see, the days have been starting at 90+.... guess I will be having a few losses out there. My recent doctor appointment was to a skin specialist.... his advice is for me to be more careful in the sun as I have a few issues to deal with. And no garden work or walking without a hat!
I have a front walkway visitor....

I guess the mating season is over as I am not seeing much of  that activity.... there are not crowds of them out in the courtyard! They are lucky if they are in my garden as I will not be raking up too much debris and they can be safe for now. I am keeping the birdbath as filled as possible for the thirsty birds and the hummer feeders too.

My craft cart is all set up...Tatting, Beading and whatever all sorted in the shelves and ready for use. Now to just grab it and do something. My hand has been rested and feeling okay to create. I have about a dozen beaded baubles and sent one off to my Aunt Rose Marie…

So happy she loves it. I found these glass hearts that I alternated with lavender rounds.... I like how it turned out. I need to make more of the tatted snowflakes so that is where I am focusing on.
I am doing an experiment...

My large Sansevieria plant otherwise known  as the mother in law tongue plant.... needed to be repotted and a section was not well. So, I followed the suggested cutting for rooting and we shall see if they take. The ends are finally dried enough to plant. I have carefully laid them with the tops all in the same direction so now we shall see what happens.
Guess that about covers what is going on around here...or not. It has been nice  visiting with you... thank you for your kind words and for your friendship. An update on the mother EvaP...she has so enjoyed all the cards that you have sent. You really helped her with the transition. Thank you because in helping her you have helped The Brother Alan, sis Lynowl and me! 

Clown in Repose returned

Okay it is hot...and there is not really too much difference from yesterday at 109 and today will be cooler at 104 ...trust me, there is little difference. My outdoor time is limited to checking the pond and garden, an errand or two then back home. I so miss sitting outside in my garden or front porch. The last of the baby Doves left the nest. I really should take apart the nest as The Brother Alan sasd to do. I do not really want another pair moving in.
I had to go to the Post Office to pick up the package; it was Clown in Repose returning to me...…

I stitched this crewel work piece back in the 1980s sometime. When I moved out here to Arizona in 2004 Eva P the mother asked to hang it in her apartment. Now, with her nursing home placement I asked sis Lynowl to return it to me. Carefully Lyn removed it from the framework and here it is waiting to be cleaned and reframed. As it was not under glass it is a bit soiled...lightly but soiled. If anyone has any ideas on cleaning it by all means let me know.

I quickly learned how to do and like French knots with him....a zillion make up the hair and accents throughout. I tried to have clear definition between areas...you see, this was my first real crewel work piece.

This was a Bucilla kit. I probably will have it framed instead of doing it my self...maybe. I had originally framed it and did a so -so job as I had no idea of how to properly frame any needlework. I forgot how much I really like  him.
I did finish the beaded bauble that I posted in progress yesterday. Of course I started another one. Really enjoying these ornaments. I just mailed out the first one which will arrive at it's new home on Tuesday.
I am just having my morning coffee and need to get some clothes swishing in the washer so off I go. Your visit has been so nice. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship. 

It's the weekend

Thank you all so very much for the kind words and encouragement extended to both myself and The Brother Alan. We made it though the year and I made it through the day. It hasn't been easy but I am strong and have such wonderful support with all of you right there with the right words and thoughts.
The weather here in Arizona has been steamy...the temp these past days has been from 109 to 111 with "extreme heat warnings" issued daily. No problem for me, I just stay inside and out only when and where I need to go. Like this morning, I need to go to the post office which is a mile from the house because while I was with Robyn and Dave across the courtyard for muffins and tea at 9 AM the mail was delivered and my package was not left. Unusual as they always just leave them even when I asked that they not. Maybe because of the heat. There and home.

This is the last of the 2 baby Doves getting ready any day to leave the nest. The other has returned a few times and this one can already fly well but continues to live at home. They take forever to finally get out on their own.
I of course have been busy with my beading...a preferred activity right now...

This is from yesterday and it is a lovely shade of green/teal. Not sure where this one will be sent. Each one is a bit different even though I use the same base bauble...it is the seed beads which vary in size but it makes them all the more interesting and not boring to make. Someone asked how I set up to make them....well,

This is the one I started late yesterday. I work on a wooden tray that is lined with a beading mat. I also use a small light directly on the tray to make seeing easier. Every time I make one I declare that this is the one I really like....I have said that for at least 15 times!
Breakfast completed and just finishing the second cup of coffee and then on to the humdrum house matters. The Bissell does not seem to like to do it's job lately and I have threaten to replace it with a newer model. Would love to sit here and chat with you but things must be done. Thank you for visiting and for your kind words. Most of all thank you for your friendship. And by the way, Eva P the mother has been receiving your cards...thank you!

A collection of ornaments

I love the very early morning when the sun has not yet made a break through the sky....Twilight,  the time before dawn. It is very still and the only movement this morning is my resident hummingbird dashing around the Fire Cracker bush. The coffee is just  brewing so the kitchen has that wonderful aroma. Yes, it is 5 AM and it is a warm 82 out in the garden. We may reach 108 today.  Few plans for my day. Shortly I will stat the bread machine to make some pizza dough.
Yesterday morning I finished another of the beaded ornament baubles...

Multi colored seed beads and amber drops...I like it. It has a festive look. I needed to make some adjustments with this one. I am using the same bauble and the same seed beads yet the size and shape is ever so slightly different. Part of the process.

My ornaments all gathered up except for 2, a turquoise and a pink which are ready to send out to dangle someplace else. I really enjoy this beading process.
Eva P the mom has already received some cards from you my friends and she was surprised and happy. Thank you for helping to cheer her on. This is a big adjustment for her.
For The Brother Alan and sis Lynowl and I it is a relief to know she is being cared for.
Out of the nowhere my ankle began to pain me yesterday afternoon...right in time to see the  doctor tomorrow. I have been having no problems until now. Not sure if another injection will be the way to go. Always something....the age factor and the arthritis. So, I will load it will medication today and hope for the best. I am watching the Dove kids and they are growing quickly. Still amazed that the skimpy nest balanced on the twig branches is holding them!
Time for the coffee and a piece of 7 grain bread. It has been so nice to chat with you today. Thank you for stopping by and for your kind words. Most of all, thank you for your friendship.

The wind is starting early....

There is lots of cloud cover so the overnight temps have remained high, It is 90 and 4 AM...may reach 109 today with clouds all day. The Buoy Bell and chimes are really calling out with the early morning winds. The afternoons are when the winds pick up usually.
I was not joking when I said the crystal drops for my ornaments were coming from China...

They were suppose to arrive on the 21st but came yesterday. This is the assortment and it is packaged in a nice compartmental box. Good service which means I will order from them again. Thank you Catherine for the link. So of course I set myself down to use one of the new colors...a lovely pale lavender...

I love it.... guess I will have to make another as this will be one of the gifted ones. I really enjoy making these ornaments... I do enjoy beading. When I walk the Bissell later today I will hear the pinging of many dropped beads from the carpet! Seed beads have a way of jumping off the needle and out of the tray.
The Dove family is still panicking when I approach the area so I am trying to go toward the pond every other day. With the heat that is the most I can do so I can top off the pond. As The Brother Alan said, as soon as they leave the nest it should be dismantled and I will do my best not to let them build there again. What were they thinking. I mean, they had to see me at the pond every day and in the area to clean the garden! My tomato plant has almost tripled and need to be contained with twine. The herbs are flourishing too. My beautiful yellow African Marigolds out front have not survived...not for lack of water but from the bunnies picking off the heads. Guess the Geraniums will be all that is out there. With all the excessive heat I was going to trim back the Snail Vine but it is blooming again right where I would need to rim. Guess that will wait.
I must say I am so happy with the amount of bloggers who have joined my cards for Eva P..... she is going to be so excited to receive so many and from Canada, the UK as well and the US. A bakers dozen she will receive so far. It is such a relief that she is doing well not only with her health but with the placement. Again, thank you my special friends. As for me, as the anniversary of one year for the loss of My Denny approaches, I am coping. So far my ankle and back are okay and my hand too. I am however experiencing some shortness of breath but I attribute it to the heat. Time to finish my coffee and work on the next ornament. Glad you stopped by. Thank you for your kind words and for sending card to Eva P. Thank you so much for your wonderful caring friendship.