Mail arrived

 It is always nice to get mail...fun mail. This week a package

This is what Cynthia sent to me! Four lovely pieces of fabric! Here is what they will look like when added to the quilt

I will have plenty to fill in as I go along. Thank you so very much Cynthia T. I am enjoying the slow hand stitching and will be making more squares today. 

We celebrated a birthday this week..

What better way for her to celebrate than with a horseback ride. Following the ride, Alan and Lisa had lunch t one of their favorite places, The Tonto Grill. 

My heel is showing improvement...everyday it is better. I still wear the boot when out. Hope by next week to start wearing shoes on both feet! I will be soon wearing out all my left foot shoes. I miss taking Murphy for walks. We both need the exercise. That is my goal starting next week... in the morning when the ground is still comfortable for him to walk. Our temps have been in the 80s to mid 90s and the sun really heats the pavement.

Time to get cutting squares and then pressing and stitching. Glad you stopped by. thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Is it nap time yet?

A lovely morning which is suppose to become hot...they say 100. At the moment it is comfortable. Murphy and I took our walk but had so many distractions; bunnies, quail and doves! So much excitement that  he is napping.

Poor boy needs a trim. He is still handsome (going to be 8 months old on May 3rd). This is a place he likes to sit to look out into the courtyard. He will poke his head through the verticals and move aside the curtain.

This is how he greets Alan every day. He will grab onto Alan's bag and wrap his front legs around and Alan will walk into the bedroom with Murphy in tow.  Before it gets to this however, Alan is usually sitting on the floor in the middle of the living room giving Murphy total attention. The same when Lisa comes in from work... she also must just sit and Murphy is all over her with kisses.
Yesterday I made a cover for my bathroom window....

The fabric is cut into strips and on a few I embellished with fussy cuts to mimic the top section. The window is a frosted one and is visible from the roadside. A nighttime when a light is on I feel as if there is no privacy. I am happy with the look.
I rearranged part of the living room again.

I moved the bookcases all together and the saddle over to the side of the desk. Yes, there is an English Saddle in the living room. Lisa was taking lessons back in RI and will eventually find a place out here. We ordered a desk set for Alan which hopefully will arrive by end of week.

New to our kitchen area is a pantry cupboard which completes everything for now.

 Eventually we are having the cabinets redone in white.  This freed up a cupboard for bowls and containers.
Well, I have been swishing and fluffing in the laundry area. Time for another cup of coffee and something to munch. Sleep was not really there last night. I spent much of the night awake... tired today!☕
I am wishing good thoughts for all of you...stay well and be careful out there. I go out only when I need to and Alan gets me home very quickly. Trying times for sure. If you need to "chat" you can always email me and I will be sure to "chat" right back. Being there for one another anyway we can!🙋
Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Two stars and Murphy

What a gloomy stat today...it rained yesterday and looks like more today. The dark clouds rolled in and do not seem to be leaving. Finally fell asleep at 3:30 and all of a sudden it was almost 5am.... I wanted to see Alan before he left for New York this week on business. Well, of course Murphy woke and it was out for his business then back in and a cup of coffee for  me and I managed to convince the pooch to relax until 7am. So, back out for new business and he discovered he can reach the fountain and take a drink. Back inside and a towel rub down. Now he is manic with his tennis ball. Murphy is great at playing with the ball; tossing it and then chasing after it and nudging it so it will roll. Murphy is giving much love.... my heart is happy.

Well... it occurred to me that I never posted the November Origami Star! So here it is. I love the colors in the leaf fabric.... reminds me of the changing trees back East.

Finally, the last monthly star is complete. My tree is complete. I am still pondering if I should have a monthly something for the metal display in 2020…. my thinking cap has been empty recently.
How about an update on the new residents? Alan and Lisa have adjusted well. What is not to like? Back in Rhode Island the weather has been cold and snow...here, sun and coffee outside each morning...still. Our tree is blended with ornaments from them added to mine and it is a full tree. Lisa and I decorated right after Thanksgiving. Thank you for asking about them. Thank you also for the caring emails asking about me. I am doing much better and will soon have busy hands again. Thank you for your kind words and for you friendship.
Special request: Debbie, Dianna's sister has had some surgery and could use your healing thoughts. Glenda and Don are doing well...thanks to all of your caring thoughts. Friends are so important!

In the garden....

The weather has shifted back into normal temps which are in the mid to high 90s. What this means  is that anything outdoors is done early. Which means that tomorrow I will be in the garden before 9am to fix the irrigation issue. I am determined to get this done as I will not be out there watering the garden by hand. The Rosemary definitely is being pulled out. It was damaged in the move and is not going to revive itself. Sad as it has been here for 10 years.  Not sure if I have to replace the other plants yet. Right now the water lines first. I will remember to wear my garden gloves as I tore up my finger a little. I will need to rake up the rocks and re-lay the lines to see why they are not working.

Already organized to make the June Origami Star. My "June bugs" are lady bugs. This project is fun to make each month. Glad I chose and prepared the fabric for the 12 months.... makes it nice and easy.
Sad to report... the Dove nest is  just a nest. The Doves have not returned today and have been on the eggs far too long. Tomorrow out comes the step ladder and I will remove the eggs and clean it up a little. I hate to do it, but there is no way they are going to hatch without a parent keeping them warm. Nature is what it is.

This is the Mill Kill kit I will be working on. It is a Southwest on perforated paper. Of course there are beads! I started this before Denny was  ill and then put it aside. Time to finish it. The beading? Oh not giving up just putting the bumble bee project aside until I can be satisfied with the directions. Did find another pod and a couple of flat pieces to do.
Having some blood pressure issues. Trying to stay relaxed and not worrying about getting anything done. I am lucky to have a cheer leader in BC, Canada.... Debbie! Anyway, we all have issues to deal with, health or otherwise. What is good is that we are lucky when we have someone who listens and gives gentle advice. Which brings me to the next conversation. One of our fellow bloggers recently posted how she had received a few negative comments from the same person on her blog. That is not what we are about. Each of us blogs for our own personal satisfaction. It is wonderful when we get feed back but it should be kind and not insulting. If you visit a blog that is of no interest that day, move on. If you enjoy it, be sure to say so. I visit all the blogs listed on my sidebar. Sometimes I comment and sometimes I do not. I always end my blog with:
Glad you stopped by. (because I truly am) Thank you for your kind words. (they mean so much) and Thank you for your friendship. ( I value each of you).

What is friendship all about?

Friendship. Friendship is a close association between two people marked by feelings of care, respect, admiration, concern, love, or like.

A room with a view

A lovely cool morning here in The Valley. The front door is open and the sliders too. It is actually a little cloudy out there. If you are wondering about my later post.... seems I do not get to blog early anymore. Any way, I was just lazy getting up...then I was checking this and that... one video was wrapping a cabochon bead. Then it was the call to the AC company. They are the nicest people for me to deal with. The thermostat was simple once she told me what to do..... it was not pull forward or twist to the side or lift up. No, on the right side all I needed to do was grip and tilt down. Voila! the batteries are changed and it is not blinking anymore. Another click off the learning list.

A few things….I have been asked about my new stitching area since I am not in the guest bedroom...which is now The Brother Alan's room.

this is in my room. It is the chair that I bought last year. When I am not stitching it is moved slightly back next to the curio facing inward. The table is a folding one which also can go away and the cart wheels out of sight as well. I have a much better view from this chair....

 My room has a large slider which opens to the lanai and then to the garden...as you can see I look out to lovely plants and can easily watch the hummer flit by and the lizard scamper about. I have not seen Oliver the bunny in some time. I really must get out there and sweep up the area.

I actually do not have to turn the chair but if I want to watch some movie while stitching then this is the way it is. 

The Santa is coming along. I should be able to finish him today. Then on to.....? I found another interesting star pattern. It is called Stained Glass Rainbow Diamonds.... it is so pretty. My hand is doing much better with the Gel but I need to remember to apply it more often and take a few breaks. 

Can you believe October is nearly gone? This weekend the rest of the USA changes the clocks back one hour.... we do not... so I become 2 hours earlier than the East Coast. Before we know it Christmas season will be here. This year I will decorate the tree and the house. Last year I was not in the spirit yet. By the way, thank you for the kind messages regarding my last post. I was not looking for sympathy, just venting my feelings.  Some days are going to always be difficult for me but I will not be saying it to anyone any time soon. I will smile on the outside and cry on the inside. To quote a part of something I just read:

"You are handed a new life that you never asked for and that you don't particularly want." I am thankful for the  good people in my life who when they ask how I am doing really do care. Those are my real friends... I thank them and you. Glad to chat with you today. Thank you for your kind words and your true friendship.

Santa and Reindeer food

This is the morning sky.... looks stormy to me! The hurricane off Mexico is going to affect our weather for sure. We go almost all year without any measurable rain and get zapped in October. Glad I have no place to be except right here today. Yesterday I visited with Dianna and we reviewed (for me) the how to for Shutterfly. I have started another book and seem to have forgotten a lot of the ways. Dianna makes so many she can do them in her sleep.

Another Santa beaded star is almost finished. Love making these cute guys. Just 2 more sections for him. It is getting near the time for Reindeer food packets to be ready and sent out to all he boys and girls who need them. Eli from Rhode Island actually reminded me that he needs a packet! So I will be sending one to his aunti Lisa (my niece) for him in time for Christmas. One is going to Natalia also in Rhode Island too. Do you know someone who needs one? If so, email me with the child's name and address to be sent. I will mail out in time for feeding.
Well, I know a few of you wondered where I have been... thank you for the emails . .. . I am fine, just having one of those days that lasted a few days. Thank you for caring. So nice to hear from you and nice that you take the time to visit. Thank you for your kind words and friendship. The aroma of fresh ground beans fills my kitchen … coffee is brewed and waiting...off I must go.

New star started

Finding time to visit with you...Several times yesterday morning I thought about coming to this page but then I would do something and then something else and did not make it here. Finally having my first cup of coffee so I though better do it now. A bit of an upset stomach to begin the day. I need to get to the lab this morning for some blood work , other than that I do not have plans. Well, I thought about going to the bead shop but we shall see.

I began a new beaded star yesterday afternoon....for my Christmas tree. I love making and giving away but I thought I better make one for  me first! The picture does not show just how sparkly the silver beads are... they do shine bright. I found another bauble that I want to try but need the beads of course. No matter how many are in my bead cabinet, I still need them for each new project. In this case it is the special stones and the size of the Delica and seed beads that I do not have. In other words I do not have any beads that can be used on the project!
The sun  rise is later and later and the sunset earlier now. This morning I have the kitchen window open and the front door;  the air is comfortable....for now. It will still be in the mid 100s later this morning and yesterday reached 107, so the heat is not gone yet. Just trying to enjoy the morning air while I can. I can hear the hummer chatting away.... announcing that he is here. The air is so still...not a leaf moving. I am tempted to go sit outside for awhile but we know that I will then want to play in the garden so today will not be the day.
Are you keeping up with the date? I know you did not forget...The Brother Alan and Lisa will be here in 6 days. Thankfully Lisa is feeling better. Glenda and sis Lynowl are better too. So all your special thoughts have helped. Now one for my Aunt Rose Marie and Uncle Tony who are in the Carolinas.... they will be moving inland while the hurricane is heading their way to a safer location.
Now I think I need to swish some  laundry and take the Bissell for a walk. I really need maid service! Glad to chat with you...thank you for stopping by. Thank you for your kind words and thoughts.
Some people come and go in our lives... then those who truly are friends are always there, always have the time and really do care...that describes all of you who visit and email and comment. Thank you for your friendship.

I discovered that I can not read Polski!

What a busy day Wednesday was. Dianna texted me that she would stop by to pick up the surround sound speakers for her cousin. Does not stop there..."where shall we go" was the question. Off to a store so she could pick up a southwest item and then to Goodwill thrift... then of course for a quick bite to eat. Time spent with Dianna and at times with her and hubby Bobby is always fun and they are two caring and good friends to me. So lucky to have them in my life. A little beyond 4:30PM a text from Dianna…"It's getting windy here, are you OK?" This because we had a Dust Storm Warning. She then proceeded to keep me company via text until 9:30 or so. Inviting me for fresh pancakes with blueberries early this morning! Did I ever mention there is about 10 years difference in our age...that we are sisters from a different mother...
Me; then it was off to the doctor at 1PM and of course he found the problem and injections in another area of my back. I am becoming a pincushion! I feel much better but will take it easy the next few days while everything takes hold. I need to use the step ladder to get the leaf blower down and one of the chimes out front which is very tangled, but it will wait a few days. The Lanai is a disaster and "I can stands it no more".....remember who used to say that in the cartoons???? Clue, he liked spinach. I also want to change the living room curtains but I guess that will be a Lisa task....shh, don't tell her. It is going to be a surprise.
After the doctor off to JC Penny hair salon...yes I desperately needed a haircut.

The gal who used to cut my hair at another place left and I just wanted someone different. I sat in the chair showed her a picture of how it always was cut and said do something different. I am not good at the selfie thing, but here it is. I love it. I am fortunate to have natural curls/body...this is a cut and air dry. I even bought a new shampoo and conditioner that will help with this Arizona dryness. It was buy one get one free...so saved $13.00 on the 3 bottles.
Polski…..means Polish.... the language not furniture polish! The earring diagram is not the easiest to follow but what I am discovering is that if I could read Polski then I would have better directions. So it is a slow process. Definitely will design my own pattern. Feeling a bit tired but should be able to sleep better with the pain gone.
Still have not made those Date Nut Bars...since I will be home early from Dianna's (still tentative) I guess that will be what is on the to do list. That about covers it for me. So happy that you stopped by and as always thank you for the kind words and for your friendship.

I value the friend who for me finds time on his calendar,
but I cherish the friend who for me
does not consult his calendar.
- Robert Brault

A favor please....sis Lynowl is not feeling well and in much discomfort.....please keep her in your thoughts that soon she will feel better.

One down one to go.....

So, almost 6 am and when I went out to check the pond to see if the screening was still in place....

Yes indeed it is and working! I was able to get it in place yesterday evening and found 4 rocks to keep it from floating. It is 2 foot by 2 foot and did I mention it has sharp edges...not to worry I was careful and did not get cut. I did not even fall in....I allowed the pond to evaporate for a couple of days so I did not have to drain it. Around 3 am the winds were furious and the leaves were floating this morning. Easy to skim out. This means only monthly (maybe) I would have to wet vac the pump! I am pleased with this.
But...you knew there was a but.... the irrigation system is working but evidently I do not know how to program the start time correctly. Time to hire someone to do it and this time I will try to pay better attention with the how to part. I did what the instructions said but somehow it is not right. Yesterday the temps were around 115 and the same is expected for today. Just the few minutes I was outside "doing something" I could feel the heat ( temp is already 92) with my breathing. I keep telling everyone that I am delicate. While the leaves and such were blowing in the wind....makes me think of Bob Dylan... I also thought about the rain gutters....I probably need to check them for debris. I have yet to try to replace the smoke detectors...got my work cut out for me. In the meantime, glad we had a visit and thank you for your kind words and encouragement. Your friendship means so very much to me. 

What was I thinking

Sometimes I do not think...I know you find that difficult to believe! Yesterday morning around 10 something I decided to go to CVS but stopped in the garden first. Mistake...well not really but I should have just gone to CVS. The sky was cloudy and the temp did not feel too bad....still not in the 100+ yet. So, I said to myself ---why not work on the pond just for a few minutes. Get it at least cleaned out …. that led to well let me get the pump re-connected....that went quickly!

Then I thought why not plug it in and add just enough water to see if it will flush through....it did so why not just fill it. While the pond was filling (going to take a few minutes) I picked up the rake and broom and cleaned an area....then picked up a few items that blew around during the previous nights winds...then I felt it. The heat. I felt hot and my breathing was telling me time to get inside. Really, I only planned on ….well, I was not thinking. As soon as I was back in the house I drenched my face and neck with cold water. Then I grabbed the ice pack and held it to the back of my neck. My head finally stopped spinning and I began to cool down. A couple of glasses of iced water also helped. But...the pond is full and the water is falling and it is clean. Still a little work to do around it.. the "grass" pieces are still not in and the ducks are someplace.
My reward for the hard work when I looked out the front window was....

This Robin was one of 4 that paraded around looking for food. We do not get to see Robins too often. Back East we had them all the time in the garden and at the feeders and birdbath. I have never seen them at the birdbath here. I do not hang seed out so they must scrounge the grass area.
I never did get to CVS to talk with the pharmacist. That is for later this morning. Some of you feel Vitamin E is good and a few others did not. I think I will check with the Michael at CVS then decide what to use on the scar. I am not looking to make it disappear...it is 2 inches after all and will be with me forever...just want the area to not be so dry. Guess that is it for now. Thank you for stopping by and for the kind words. Thank you most of all for your friendship.

"A false friend and a shadow attend only while the sun shines"

Benjamin Franklin

A bouquet from friends

These past few days, today included, I have had a light headache which starts my day and usually by afternoon disappears. Yes, I do believe the heat is bothering me but I have been here 14 years so it is not like I am a newbie to Arizona. Maybe it is the age thing.... anyway, feeling lazy due to poor sleep which had crept back into my nighttime. It does not help to have a few things camped out in my mind. Then yesterday afternoon the phone rang and it was to see if I had a few minutes to spare. Across the courtyard came Robyn...

in hand were these gorgeous flowers... for me. Robyn said sunflowers remind her of me..... I do love sunflowers. What a sweet thing to say and do. How lucky I am to have these two friends. Beautiful large sunflowers, pale peach roses and sunny mums....they grace my table.

I have not been totally idle, I have done a bit of reading. The clothes swirled in the washer but Bissell remained alone in the garage. Still deciding whether to shop for a new one. I have honestly been resting my hand. After all the beading recently it needs it. Last night I set the oven to self-clean and just waiting for it to cool completely before giving it a wipe out. There are no housework or garden plans today.
Here it is the first of July.... with all the drought and high heat many firework displays have been banned. The fire danger is just too high. Personally it is okay with me.  So whatever your holiday plans are, please be careful around any fireworks. Keep your celebrations safe.
So very nice to have you stop by for a chat. Thank you for the kind words and most of all thank you for your friendship.

A rose for the garden

My day is starting off slow...but since there are no plans it is okay. Better sleep last night. If you follow me on Facebook then you already know about the TV thing. On Thursday evening I lowered the volume and switched to the local news station and clicked off the TV in the living room around 8 PM and went into my bedroom to watch TV and hopefully fall asleep. I was having one of those dreams... I was terribly lost and it was getting dark and I began to panic. I was scared and unable to find my way. All of a sudden I woke... safe from being lost. I looked at the time... 1:30 AM... Then  I heard voices in the living room! Although I could not understand what was being said, 2 people were talking. I muted the TV that was still on in the bedroom and thought...who turned on the TV out there? So, I finally got out of bed to see and indeed the TV was on and loud. I clicked it off and looked around and of course there was no one in the house. All was locked and secure and undisturbed. I returned to my bedroom and thought, it must be My Denny saving me from my dream. I have  mentioned before that I am very superstitious... and I know Dennis watches over me. Now if only he would help with the bees around the pond.
Friday Dianna and I went for breakfast... afterwards she handed me a package. Last week she and Bobby were on a vacation celebrating his good health, his cure of cancer, and on the day of Dennis' anniversary she was both happy for herself and Bobby but sad for me. She saw this rose..

a beautiful large glass solar rose and bought it in remembrance of Dennis. How special is this friend to me.... thinking of me and My Denny. I am waiting for the solar light to charge and soon it will light up at night and remind me of friends who care. It will also remind me of Denny.
The laundry is waiting for me so off I go. I think a cup of tea is in order. The Bissell will stand quietly today.
I would like to share a blog with you....Retired and Taking it One Day at a Time. Stop by and visit and say hello.
As always I am so pleased to have you visit with me...thank you for your kind words and most of all your friendship.

Where is the sun?

Seems like it will be some clouds above for awhile. Not to worry... the temps guarantee that it will be sunny and hot again today. The temp hit 106 yesterday and more for the rest of the week. Indoors is where you will find me until the doctor appointment later today. I guess I should tell you about the nest. Unfortunately the Dove couple decided to put  it in a tree by the pond where I must go to each day and they do not like me being so close to their home. Guess they should have paid better attention to where they constructed the nest. So yes, it is another Dove nest and the first time it has ever been in this spot. Not sure if there are eggs yet.

This is what has been keeping me busy. Not the best to show the large crystal bauble. I plan on a few more for Christmas gifts. It could be better but not bad for the first time weaving beads around the bauble and such. Big thanks to Catherine for all the help. I will need to order the dagger beads (at the bottom) on line as no one around here has them. Even the bauble I could not find. So much for supporting your local businesses.
Yesterday was a sibling first.....The Brother Alan, sis Lynowl and I Skyped....lots to chat about and laughs too. this was the first time we had a 3 way call and I see more of them in the future. I have been out of bed since 4 and I think I could use a nap already. Guess I will just go and curl up on the sofa and catch the morning news.... or not. Maybe I will read for a time. Anyway, time to say ciao and thank you for visiting. Thank you also for the kind words and your friendship.

Sunday morn

Oh it will be a lazy day as I start it feeling very tired. I have been awake since darkness was outside my bedroom window.... but it was just the start of the London Marathon. Of course that is what I decided to watch and now need a nap. Watching those athletes I am amazed at their stamina. The result of this lack of sleep is now a minor headache.

I have mentioned the crow that stops by every day to visit the small waterfall in my pond....here he is chatting away outside on the rooftop edge. Sometimes he stops by the birdbath out front of the living room window always with much racket. Yesterday I noticed as he flew off there was another one with him....mind you I am not sure of this is a he or she, but there were two of them. Daily entertainment.
I did start another snowflake yesterday.

This one is made using 2 shuttles and is interesting. My hand was an issue so hopefully I will finish it today ... if I can stay awake. I did have other plans and that was to start to cut out a pattern for a horse... but that definitely is going to not happen today. Luckily for me neither of this has a time limit.... at my leisure. I like that word---- leisure. It even sounds relaxing.
I really need to curl up someplace...so, it really is nice to chat but off I must go to nap. Thank you for your kind words and visit and most of all thank you for your friendship.
A special thank you out to dear friend DebbieB for remembering and for her encouragement all these months. 

Feeling emotional

Please bear with me today......
I can not lie and say everyday is a good day for me. I try to be optimistic and live happy as My Denny told me to do. So many days I just tear up or do cry... sometimes it is over absolutely nothing or yes, a thought, a song or something I see. The post today that I thought I would write is on hold.
This morning when I went out to clean the pond and sweep the garden I saw this .....

and sat down to cry. This is the Lantana that My Denny lectured me everyday that he was in the hospital to take care of. This is the plant that just about died several times. I moved it to this spot a few months after he passed and told Don that this was it. If it did not make it would have to go. I did not need a plant stressing me out. Slowly it began to look better and even got leaves and then it even turned green! It made it! Today it is in full bloom to my surprise. I needed this today.....yesterday I returned to the jeweler to pick up my bracelets.

You may remember them, I bought them after My Denny passed in his memory. One says Live a Happy Life...words he spoke to me and the other a lighthouse in support of Lymphoma from which he died. I decided to have the dates engraved on the back side

5-24-17 for the day he said those words and 6-21-17 the day he passed. Very emotional morning yesterday when I got them back. You see I am a tough cookie to some (on the outside) but I really am a very sensitive gal. It is tiring to put on the happy face all the time.
Not to end on a heavy note, also in the garden is my Plumeria plant from Hawaii that Dianna brought for me last October.

It is getting ready to bloom...well not for some time, but it survived the winter and the planting. Dianna tells me that  now I must mist it and water it daily. Once it is established better I will need to correct the growth as it is tilting for some reason. A lovely day all around the garden.
I still have to climb to adjust the lanai lights, still have to get the bedroom rug and get to Jo-Ann's for the fabric, but today is take a break day as my hand is once again swollen from yesterday chores. Oh and the Cox guy arrived right on time. My TV was set incorrectly!? Have not a clue as to how that happened. And to my surprise, he was making adjustments without the control. I asked him how he was doing that and he showed me....there are controls along the edge of the TV! He laughed at my total surprise especially since I told him, no...the TV was not new but instead a few years old. He checked the other set and even my computer and now all is well. Never mind a physical rest for me I need a mental one today! It seems to me that this afternoon will be a glass of wine day! How about Arizona weather? Yesterday  tied the temp for the day with 98 then almost as fast hit 100. The first triple digit day of the year. HOT indeed and today will be 99. So, inside with the air and that glass of wine.
If you are still reading this, thank you for being here ..thank you for the kind words and all the caring words this past year and most of all your friendship. It truly has helped me get though many days.

A cloudy Sunday

Happy Easter to all and yesterday was Passover so Happy Pesach.
The sky is cloudy and the forecast for today is low 90s and I do see a hint of the sun. There are so many pretty blooms and colors in my garden so with or without the sun it is a pleasant place to sit as I plan to do shortly.

Today is International Tatting Day and I have finished Helen but not yet starched and blocked. I enjoyed working with beads for this one. I used soft teal beads. I am eager to start another of Janet's patterns. I was asked if I have given up cross stitch...no not really but I do enjoy other needlework and tatting is easy on my hand. I am still de-stashing also so soon I will be posting my Spring Clean out.
Something I ate yesterday ... although delicious...caused me lots of grief last evening so today I am quite tired and plan on having a lazy day. I will start a bread soon and this week I guess I will need to start to look for a new washing machine. I really do not want to get caught with a wash that cannot finish. Yesterday it sounded like it was going to definitely give out. A visit to Lowes and Home Depot is on the Monday agenda. I am sure one of them has the right deal.
Whatever your plans are for today I hope you have a wonderful day. Thank you for visiting with me and for your kind words. Thank you most of all for your friendship.

And just like that.....

The week is at it's end just like that. Seems the days get lost and time just keeps moving ahead. Today is beginning cloudy again and cooler. The weather is suppose to be in the 70s all week but ending near 90 on Friday. Crazy temps..... lots of clouds but it is okay.

This is the new Dove couple that has been hanging around. Never see them except early morning and early evening. Guess they are still deciding whether to move in  or not. In the next day or two I will check the nest area.
I forgot to show you my Guardian Angel Bell

It hangs off the zipper of my handbag and tingles as I walk. My companion is the Garden Gnome. It is from the same company that the Buoy Bell is from. I plan on getting a few to give as gifts.
I sat outside having tea with Glenda yesterday. She and Don are truly dear friends..... I would be lost without them. these past  months have been made easier with their caring friendship.
I was out on the lanai most of the day reading.....

I am enjoying the Sherlock Holmes FAQ book. Leaning a lot about Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The other is my diary... book 2 for me. I jot my thoughts daily in it. I started just after loosing Denny and it does help me cope most of the time. Did you notice the book mark? It is a piece of raw hide with some beads and a feather. I love feathers so this is perfect. When The Brother Alan Lisa and I went to the Botanical Garden I came across

a soft bright white tiny feather clinging to a branch. To me it was a sign that Denny was with us that day as he loved going to the garden.
"Feathers appear when Angels are near...
Coming across a feather in your path, or finding a feather in an unexpected place is thought to be a message from the Angels. White: this is the most common Angel feather, and is thought to be a sign of faith and protection."
Did I ever tell you that I am very superstitious?
Well I do not hear the tumble of the dryer so my laundry is waiting for me ....once again the Faeries are not around. I think I better start looking for them! Glad to chat with you today and share my thoughts and doings. Thank you for the kind words and for your friendship.

Finally awake, well getting there

A sunny chilly day but really refreshing out there. Spoiled by so many very warm winter days we now complain when the temp is normal.  There is a breeze but at last my garden is being tossed about.
Surprised at such a late post? Well late for me but I can "esplain lucy". The doctor told me to take the med at night at a couple of different times so I could judge how I feel in the morning. The pill will make you groggy she said. Now if my sis Lynowl is reading this she is rolling her eyes...anything that makes the average person a little groggy certainly will make me Groggy with the capital G! Last evening I forgot the pill so it was 8:45 when I took it. So what I thought. It will just let me sleep longer. No. I was awake at 3 AM hungry so a bowl of Shredded Wheat and a cup of coffee...I know ...no coffee at night. Well by 4 I was back to sleep but awake around 7. Here is almost 11:30 AM and I can say I feel as if I can function. I would not make any important decisions yet, or drive the car but it is safe to say I am awake.  Glenda and Don are having a garage sale so I took a walk there to get the brisk air so it would help me wake and I think it did help a little. I bought a nice small table and once it is in place I will take picture. In the meantime, if the afternoon is better I may make the Pizzelles that I am craving.

Isn't this Angel pretty. Yesterday Dianna came by and we took a short ride to get her some yarn. We admired these little Angels.  is made in the Raku method. When we returned here she changed my living room sheers for me. I am not sure of her exact words to me when she found that I was going to use the step ladder but she insisted on doing it. My sister friend. Dianna left and I went to get bread and milk and a shopping later I came home with very painful legs so I decided to rest with them up. As I was looking up at the window thinking how lucky I am for Dianna and I noticed something on My Denny and me book. It was this sweet Angel. You see, Dianna remembered that yesterday was one of those number days and she cares. She sent me an IM wishing me a belated happy birthday and a message "let me know when you find it". Good timing as I had just found the Angel. She is a very caring gal.
I  did begin another tatted snowflake late yesterday but not sure if today is a good day to work on it. This is my tale and this is all here is for today! Time to have something to eat and no more coffee. So glad to have you stop by to chat. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

*****How many days left?....11 *****

Disclaimer.....I think I proof read this but if there any points of confusion...sorry, tomorrow will be better.

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!*******

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