My slow morning

Well, finally feel as though I will get through this morning. The reason being that last evening I took the med for my restless legs...of course if a med has a side effect most likely I will experience it. Lightheadedness, blurred vision (already have some of that) and tired. Did I mention the lack of concentration? So far I have started several adventures around the house and left all of them mid task. One of those days.The good news is that I slept through the night and not once woke until 6 am from 9 PM. So, I guess I need to weigh the choice of sleep and morning of being very slow to restless broken sleep and feeling tired for most of the day.

Most likely little will be accomplished today but the bed is made and the Bissell walked around so that is not too bad. Not sure were the Swiffer got left! The garden will not get swept due to the winds again. Following doctor's orders I will limit my outdoor time during the windy time so my asthma/allergies will behave. The sounds of my buoy bell and chimes are relaxing to me and they certainly have gotten a work-out recently. The days have moments of very gusty winds.
Yesterday The Brother Alan and I talked on the phone for 3 hours! We chatted about so many things and made so many plans and I could go on and on...let me just say I miss him and glad he will be here in September.... don't worry I will not be starting the official countdown yet! Usually these long type of conversations are with the sis Lynowl. There have been times that she and I talked more than once a day for long times. Now we Skype....that is another story ...I will say it is fun with her.

As my hand allows I try to work on the French embroidery ... but....The last 3 lines around the piece which I did as broken lines are suppose to be solid! So....yes, I guess I will be back stitching to make them solid. Not today though! Not with my concentration where it is. Wonder about my reading.....

These 3 are on my table now. I have been reading Sherlock Holmes and started James Comy's book but not yet the other, Everything Happens for a Reason. I do read from my tablet but to be truthful, I really enjoy having the book in hand and feeling the turn of a page. At the rate of my morning so far I think breakfast is the only thing I will start and finish right now.
Yesterday I received an email from a friend Jeri....I was not aware she reads my blog each day. I was not aware that ladies from a group which we both ( and I have been absent from) belong ask about me and she lets them know how I am....what a nice feeling that is. Thank you Jeri for caring and reaching out. Glad to chat with all of you... glad you take time to visit and listen. Thank you for the kind words and your friendship.
I am off to conquer the day!

Monday morning....

Sun is shining and it is going to be another very warm day..... in the low 90s. Maybe 99 on Wednesday. The weather forecast says we are in for a cool down on Thursday.... in the 80s! The winds have been picking up these last days and with it itchy eyes.

The garden is a daily mess and the pond, well let's just say the little duckies are floating upside down. This morning large black crow was in the top of the pond drinking and announcing his arrival.
I found a lovely rug yesterday (while out with Glenda and Don) for my bedroom... but I would have to repaint the walls. I do intend to do this but not until this coming winter. The issue is that the rug may not be available then and it is now.... seriously thinking of getting it now and living with the off décor colors for awhile. Of course, I cannot lift the darn rug myself which means I will need help to get it not only to the car but into the room!

The embroidery is slowly moving along. I have the outside stitching left to do before sewing the heavy thread through the channels. I am working on this while going through the sash. Still have the beautiful book up for grabs from this post.  Most of what I will be posting is booklets. So if you are interested in adding to your stash be sure to check in.
How about my alien Snail Vine?!

There is no arbor any more.... no walking under the arbor. Yes, I could trim it out but it is just so pretty and full of blooms. Yes, everyday I sweep the fallen blooms. I do not mind ...they actually look pretty strewn on the brick. Eventually the heat will really be in full mode and I will trim it back.
Well dear friends I must finish my coffee and do some household chores so then I can get out to he lanai to finish trying to string the light set that I bought yesterday. Nails, hammer and the step ladder...oh me oh my. Thank you for taking the time to visit and for your kind words. Thank you most of all for your friendship.

Farmer's Market delivery

A beautiful morning but I know it will be a hot day. The temp at 5am was 70 and the forecast is for the low 90s. Just got a text from neighbor/friend Al..."are you up?"

For the answer yes.....he came by with this bounty. The string beans are so snappy fresh and the zucchini is just asking to be made into a salad and a frittata. Look at the tomatoes... nice and firm....yum for this weekend.
Went for lab work yesterday along with half the neighborhood, but I sat and read my book and was finally called and out in a few minutes. I should have made an appointment but at least it is done.
Today I am posting the first of My Stash Must Go

This book has never been used...I think I breezed through it twice.... and it has full patterns included. It is still new! Please email (email located on the right sidebar at the top of blog) me if you are interested and I will draw for it mid week. I am trying to spend time each day sorting the stash stuff. While going through this and that I found this project that I started last year around May 9th.....

there are a few projects that got put aside while My Denny was ill so now it is time to finish them. It is French Boutis Scissor Case from Averyclaire Needle Arts. There is not too much more (I think) of the stitching to do. Who knows what else I will find in my stash!
Well, the garden is calling me and I need another cup of coffee....so off I go. So nice to have you visit with me. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Oh happy day.....

It is finally Tuesday and The Brother Alan is on his way! ✈ So far the flight is on time. I finally have the house ready...I think 👏. We are having some light rain today, but it will not last (I hope). I love the smell of early morning rain....and the quiet sound of the rain as it bounces off the garden plants. Mr H and I did some yard/pond cleaning yesterday as it was a nice cool early evening. I suggested we take a break and I would finish early today...well, that is not happening with the rain!  Sorry they will arrive with rain but no matter, we will spend the time together and that is all that matters. The only plans they have is going up North for a horseback ride on Thursday. The microwave issue is resolved, we went to Lowes and pick one up. So that is settled but wouldn't you know it? I put the kitchen overhead fluorescent lights on this morning and one of them is not working...I can not change it myself so it will have to wait for Mr H. Always something. I tried to leave out some of my needlework to keep busy in early morning time..... and decided to work on the French Boutis project. It is a slow going project which for me is good to keep me relaxed and focused. (Mr H has not felt well the last few days). Well, it is time for me to have a cup of coffee and something to eat...toast I think with a hard boiled egg. I will of course keep you posted on The Brother Alan's arrival and most certainly the week's events. Thank you for the kind words and your friendship....have a good day.
#1 update: Left Chicago on time.....
#2 update: In the air making good time...status arriving early!
#3 update: The plane arrived 1/2 early to the gate here  in Phoenix.

Getting there

No, I am not going anywhere....but I am getting there....almost ready for The Brother Alan's visit...next Tuesday! I have been getting the sewing room back to a guest room. It requires my rearranging things...out with the sewing table/machine and freeing closet space just for a start. The linens have been changed on the bed and space made ready in the bureau. This also means that I am in a ness for a few days while everything removed has a new spot for the visit. It is al so worth it. I love having Alan here and always wish it could be a longer visit. Guess I will have to wait until he retires (which will be some time to wait!) He still is the younger kid. In between all this preparations I did begin the French Boutis project.

I am going to re-do the circle area because it is a little to tight. I used the disappearing quilt marking pen and do hope it does vanish! The outline is complete and now will start the center back stitching lines. I also need to do the embroidered initial in the center of the circle or....I was undecided if I want to do that or....so you can see, I am still making choices here. Mr H has a doctor appointment this morning and I have a few errands to do later. It is already 71 at 5:30 am and may reach 99 today...so the sooner the errands are done the better. I did a little yard work yesterday. All the winds we have been having surely made a miss here.  Remember my sweet friend JeanneG moved...well I visited her on Sunday morning...I sure do miss her.  Glad she is so close by that I can still pop in for a visit. We spent time looking through patterns finding a cross stitch for her to work on and of course chatting away the time.  So, that is what I have been up to and what I will be doing. Did I mention that it is only 6 days until The Brother Alan arrives? Glad we had the time to visit...thank you for the kind words and most of all for your friendship. Have a great day.

PS...

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.