There is a business on my fan

 Hello friends..... seems the days are here and gone quickly. Today I feel a sore throat and stuffy so it will be an easy day. Who am I kidding? Most of my days are easy and laid back thanks to Alan and Lisa. Speaking of Lisa, she is still having tests and I am sure her surgery will be next. So keep her in your thoughts.

Flies are flying in my room! As the ceiling fan rotates, the flies move about. The pattern is from Ann Wood...darn her for making so many wonderful and fun patterns.  Did you know the term for a group of flies is called a swarm...or...a business! Each fly is different of course.....I love quirky things. Just have to keep an eye on Alan with his salt rifle!

I found this pattern...can not remember where on line....and I was overwhelmed when it arrived.

It said a booklet which was only a single paper printed on both sides with minute directions. First I enlarged them to 200% and finally to 300%. All I can say is good thing I am am able to sew well.  No!)

He already is full of my sewing notions for everyday use. He is made from different parts of jeans that I saved from Dennis. I even included a few tags from the pants.  The inside bottom is a fabric I had with turtles. It has 6 pockets and I added one of the small pockets to hold my small scissors. The tail is a belt loop! Denny liked turtles...I do have a story about Denny and his turtle...another time if anyone is interested. 

Cox cable seems to be mixed up today...maybe a call to them...then again not today. Alan will be home late tonight so I will wait for him to check it out on a regular work day. I have music playing most of the day and if TV it is one of a few stations that I like....Britbox, Acorn, Amazon Prime and Freevee to name a few.
Today maybe be the start of July Sue banner...right now swishing and fluffing is happening in the laundry area. 

On a sad note, my friend Glenda has lost her fight with cancer on Sunday June 4th. She never gave up. Thoughts for husband Don ....

Happy to chat with you today. Thank you for your kind words and encouragement. Thank you for your friendship.

Slip Slidin' Away

 what a lovely morning. It is not yet to warm to enjoy the garden. the temperature at the moment is only 79 and Murphy and I sat outside for a few minutes. Of course it is only 7am.

There is almost not part of my delicate body that is not hurting...and it is not just the arthritis. On Tuesday just finishing my shower.... guess where this is going....I stood from the built in seat in the shower to hang the shower head back in holder and all of a sudden.... yes down I went. Twisting and turning in hopes of getting up without breaking anything or hitting my head. I was alone in the house except for Murphy who was not attempting to come to my rescue. I think my yelling caused him to remain outside the bathroom. Finally got my aerobics under control and got out to find Murphy finally showing some concern. Actually he was trying to take the towel away...loves to grab towels. When Lisa returned home from the fitness center, she wanted to show me a good exercise for me to do. While demonstrating it I began to think she might want me to try so I told her about my shower exercise. I did not feel anything to bad so we left for an errand and while out we bought me a non slip bath mat. Didn't I mention that there was no mat in the tub? I had planned not to tell Alan..... but of course Lisa did. Yesterday was spent literally in bed and slathering Voltaren gel over most of my body. Still feel like there was a fight which I lost. Very thankful nothing is broken. i am thinking of making a bubble-wrap suit.

If you follow my blog you know that the Arizona heat is on...has been in the triple digits reaching up to 118. What? Yes that is a ball in the fridge. Murphy left it outside and when I went to get it it was mushy...not hard as a rock like it should be. It was melting! So into the fridge for 20 minutes hoping it would firm up. Murphy was not amused and waited by the fridge for it to be returned to him. He loves this ball that makes sounds when pushed and shaken. This is a nutty house for sure. 

Monday (June 21st) marked the 4th anniversary of not having Dennis in my life. It still is difficult, some days more than others. I was so lucky to have spent 48 years with my favorite person in the whole world. I am thankful for the people who have been there for me in the early days and those that followed. Besides family there was Glenda and Don and Dianna and Bobby and Robyn and Dave. Lucky for having friends like them.

Today will be another do nothing day.... more Voltaren and plenty of iced water. Back to resting my back...glad you stopped by to visit. thank you for your kind words and thank you for your friendship.

Edited: I really need to give a shout out to all my dear blogging friends who faithfully send good thoughts. They are  wonderful support group.

H E L L O out there!

Goodness what happened? An entire week has passed me by. Things are pretty good around here. We three are well and no signs of virus. The weather has been hot, very hot....usual in the mid to upper 100s with one day at 111. This morning is very cloudy but no rain in sight. Are we going to have a Monsoon season or what!? We really need the rain.

Back on May 20th I showed you this bulletin board.... it was just hung in the garden. Since then it has my name (the one that Denny called me) and I added garden tools. Yes, I know. They are just plastic but since I no longer need to care for the garden ...... they add a burst of color! Oh the wine bottle.....always wine at the ready around here. Let me explain how special this peg board is to me. First the wood came from a potting work table that was Dennis'. We were no longer going to use it and it need some attention after 16 years of Arizona heat. Lisa and Alan figured a way to keep it around. The made this from the wood and then named it as Graz which is what Dennis called me (an Italian form of Grace). Each day I pass it and think of all the plants Dennis potted..... good thoughts.
I should tell you about The Brother Alan..... he has become a landscaper, a demolition dude, a gardener, an irrigation installer, an electrician and a plumber. Yes indeed, I am very proud of Alan for all that he has learned and accomplished since moving here 9 months ago. Before Alan coming out here you will remember that Don and Bobby were always here to help. To teach me the basics. Now I sit back and offer my opinion when asked (sometimes when not!). Alan learns what and how to get things done. Once again I am being spoiled by Alan and Lisa.

Are you wondering what I have been doing? Here is the large window (almost to the ceiling and down to the floor) at the end of my bedroom. It is a great source of light as my sewing table is here. For some time I have wanted to make a quilt with my many....over 100 handkerchiefs. Then along came Murphy who loves to relax and nap on my bed. No way would I want him on the quilt. Then I though about making it into a wall hanging for behind my bed. All of a sudden I though of the window. Still allows plenty of light while looking pretty.  Maybe a wall hanging is still in the future. 
I do hope all of you and your families are doing okay with this virus. We maintain masks at all times out. Alan and Lisa wear theirs all day at work. I hardly go any place but when I do, I wear a mask. I have made Lisa several so she is a fashion statement at Safeway. Alan and I are proud of Lisa...she has been training for more than the cashier job. This past week she has been a Front end Supervisor.
Happy to chat with you today especially since Murphy is ignoring me! Thank you for your good wishes and for your kind thoughts. Thank you for your friendship.

Pool Party!

Goodness it is hot...and summer has not officially arrived.  The temps have been in the low 100s and now they say Thursday maybe 112. Thank goodness for the AC. Moments bring back that awful weekend 3 years ago when the AC quit. Thank goodness for Don who helped get me another and was here for the installation. Murphy and I are taking our morning walk as early as he will go and then his last one at just before dark.

Lisa and I have just finished our pillowcases....for now. Another trip to the quilt shop is needed! This is mine.... the colors are much prettier in person. I may make another from these prints; the body in the Dragonfly, the cuff in the floral and the trim piece in the same stripe.

This is a Lisa pillowcase for the lanai sette.... chili peppers. She has made 2 others but as they will be gifts for someone, pictures will be posted later.

This is one that I made for her to match the horse I made for her last year...yes, he is wearing a mask. Lisa wants to make sure he is protected! We have a lot of fun around here.
There was a pool party yesterday....

Okay, not what you were expecting. Originally Lisa said lets get a pool and I can sit with Murphy to cool him off...not happening as Murphy just wants to watch. He did take a couple of drinks and sniffed. So, Bloody Mary's in hand she and Alan enjoyed cooling off for the afternoon. Me? I enjoyed my Bloody Mary inside with the AC.
Time to check the swishing and fluffing out in the laundry area. Chicken soup made and cooling, baking next as soon as the ambition arrives and plenty of iced water to keep hydrated today. Glad to chat with you today. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.
****On a personal note: I am not against peaceful marches (I did my share in the 1960s!) but I am angry and concerned with the criminal activity that is happening. It now has nothing to do with the original purpose.  Please stay safe when out and about ****

Message from Murphy!~

Good morning. It was bound to happen. She said it was my fault for sneaking up behind her but I say she needs to look. She fell in the kitchen. Now don't worry, she only has a bruise on her bad knee and a small mark on the other knee and her hand and wrist hurt a little. Actually I thought she was on the floor to play so I jumped on her and pulled on her robe...she was not amused.

Murphy sure is keeping me busy. I am sore but nothing broke so that is a plus. He is so quiet when he moves around that I really should look before moving! We are walking at least 3 times a day and it is about a quarter of a mile. The bunnies drive him crazy as does everything else. If a leaf blows we chase it, if a car drives by we stop to stare and the birds are an interruption. 

Glenda stopped by for tea the other morning. Murphy was delighted to have a visitor. She and Don are doing well.

The quilt shop called to let me know that my pattern arrived sooner than they thought. I plan to make a runner and maybe placemats. Who knows, someday maybe a quilt for my bed.

Even though I have plenty of fabric for the project, I bought this 5 inch charm pack by Moda called Painted Meadow to supplement. There are 42 squares with an assortment of prints. I plan to start after Christmas when Lisa returns. Lisa has been sick while away. Keep her in your thoughts that she starts to feel better. Nothing worse than having to fly while not feeling good.

Today is a cool and cloudy day. It is suppose to rain tomorrow and Christmas day. Not a problem as Alan and I have no outdoor plans. It will be the first for Murphy to walk in the rain however. Should be interesting. He loves when Alan uses the garden hose.

In case I do not get back here before, I wish all of you and your families a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah and Kwanza and what ever you do celebrate. Thank you for visiting and for your kind words and friendship. 

A chicken and a spider

The weather has been absolutely wonderful...sit outside with morning coffee and sliders open all day. I know…. in other parts of the country it is cold and dreary.... but this is why I moved here.

Do you see her? A patchwork chicken in the kitchen garden! Of course the show stopper is the Mr Lincoln rose bush...just look at all the blooms. The fragrance is wonderful. In the top picture is the chive and basil pot, the bottom is the tomato that is growing very strong and soon will need a support. There are flowers already. All in all it is growing well and we have been able to use the herbs in cooking.

Look carefully....I did not see it when I took the picture but there is an ugly spider in the rose! He can remain as long as he keeps the bugs away!
Not anything to show for being creative... just not happening right now.  It is not for a lack of things to create, it is just me myself and I not interested at the moment. Soon.....
How about an update on dear friends Don and Glenda... Don is doing well at the moment as is Glenda but please continue to keep them in your thoughts. Okay, time to get back out to the lanai and listen to Sarah Brightman.... Alan hooked up Dennis' electronics so we have music out there...next will be the TV. Thank you for visiting and for your kind words.... thank you for your friendship.

I am still here.....

Thank you for asking, and yes, I am still here. Things here at the Horton House have been a work in progress. For two years it has been just me.... now there are three of us.... all new. It is one thing when people come to visit and then leave and another when they stay. There are different ways of doing things and schedules and … well you know what I mean. Alan is on a temporary schedule. This week he is using my car to give his a rest from the 3,000 miles it travelled to get here. Speaking of getting here; the Pod is arriving today.... sometime between 8am and 8pm. Alan will be off tomorrow and that means we will have a sofa and chair in the living room! Then the task of unloading will keep them busy. Alan has insisted that I do nothing with this unpacking.

I am still trying to decide on what project to do next. My mind has not yet settled to choose. I have been spending time outside reading each day. Today is starting with quite a breeze... almost windy. At the moment it is around 77 and should reach low 80s... a cool down.

This past weekend Alan did a garden clean-up. I told him I wanted a kitchen garden (Dennis and I planted one some years back which has gone lost!) so I decided where and we readied the spot. So far...Oregano and a Mum are there!  It will be just outside the garage service door which is off the kitchen. The Oregano is 2years old and really doing well. Sorry for the sun glare. I decided that it is not breezy, it is windy and it is flowing thru the abode nicely. I think I will work in the garage this morning. Still a few things to do. I am having hip/back issues today so it will be a take it easy type of day. Always something for those of us growing on in years.

to my friend Dianna who is celebrating her **th special day in Hawaii.

Once again I am asking that you continue to keep my dear friend Don (and Glenda too) in your thoughts. Glenda has expressed thanks for your special thoughts and prayers.
Okay, off to the garage.... thank you for spending time with me. Thank you for your kind words and thoughts and for your friendship.

Possible concussion, sprained ankle and breaking the law!

A cool start to this weekend....maybe we are finally getting  normal for this time of year.... maybe not. Swishing this morning will be done by Lisa.... mine later. Alan's first day at work yesterday went well and his schedule will be a little different until he is used to this mall.  Today will be a ~l o n g~ day, 10 to 10 but he is up to it.  Last night we went out to eat at Olive Garden.... it was my first ride in his new car. Maybe you are figuring the title at this moment.... if not let me esplain Lucy. First it was the climb in and step down to get into the back seat...yup, they put me in the back seat. That is where the ankle issue started. Then there is the hanging bar that extends across the entire back seat where Alan hung his many suits and dress shirts for work.... that is the head issue.... Alan suggested that I do pull ups! Finally I broke the law for about a mile…. it seems that when they drove here, they were in and out of the trunk via the open seat and the seat belt got caught in back of the seat. So, I moved the to the opposite side and it took several minutes to be able to use that seat belt.... such a experience for an older lady! But I survived and the dinner was delicious and for $5.00 each, Alan and I got to take home an extra meal. Currently they in the garden with their morning coffee and I am nursing a very blurry left eye. Once it clears I will be working on a very special project...repairing (or trying to) a little boys favorite crocheted blanket that has se better days. I did not forget Vickie!
I have been a little busy but I will get to responding to your comments and visiting your blogs.... in the meatime, so happy you stopped by to visit. Thak you for your kind words and for your friendship.
💖I request your special thoughts ad prayers for my dear friend Don and of course Glenda. Don is not feeling very well and is in hospital. Please keep him in your thoughts. ❤
 *disclaimer: no older ladies were hurt in this adventure.... this time!

On the road..day 1

It's finally arrived! The day The Brother Alan and Lisa start the drive from Rhode Island to Arizona. The text from Lisa said it was a beautiful day … more ways than one for sure.

The route they will drive is very much like what Denny and I drove 15 years ago. I will wait for timely updates as they travel. Please keep them in your thoughts for a safe journey coming home.
I twisted my knee just a little yesterday working in the garage up and down the step ladder but it is finally ready for their storage items. I have a large donation box ready for the pick up on Wednesday and of course a large trash bag for Tuesday pickup. I had thought about working in the garden today as it is a little cloudy which makes for good raking weather but think a day of rest is better. Finally cooler temps have arrived. As long as the wind stays calm, maybe sitting outside to do some beading would be nice. At the moment I think an English muffin with peanut butter and a glass of OJ is in order. Be sure to stop by tomorrow for a travel update. Thank you for your kind words ad for your friendship.
Don ad Glenda update: it was so good to see ad chat a few minutes with Don the other day. He is doing okay. Continued good thoughts for them please.

Count down.....

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

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

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

-Ed Cunningham

Autumn is arriving....

Slowly the hot days are disappearing. The temps are lower and all officially the Monsoon is over. Soon all of you outside Arizona will change the time... putting your clocks forward giving us an hour difference. That also means it will get dark earlier and take longer for the daylight to begin. At the moment the front door is open as is the kitchen slider... until the landscapers arrive that is.

Change of décor in the living room has begun. Just look at the stem on the little pumpkin!

The opposite side of the mantle has color too. There is a big pumpkin out front too.  It is nice to have new colors around the abode....
It is October 1st...so, that means it is almost time for The Brother Alan and Lisa to begin the journey across from there to here! Goodness it really is getting closer!

Half of the Pink and Blue dragonfly is done. Today I will begin the opposite side. I have just one errand to do this morning then it will be stitch time.

Presenting the October Origami Star.... I managed to have a bit of a pumpkin visible too. Only 2 more to go then it will be time to start the next monthly project. Having small ones to complete has been nice. I think I know what will be next...
Glad to chat with you today. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.
Again, I ask you to keep Glenda and Don in your thoughts.  I ask that you give a little thought out to Ann from Beadlework blog who recently lost her husband Alan.

"Just knowing your are not alone is often enough….."

Beads and a boat

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

A star for September

I can hardly believe that the current temp is 80..... so this is a cool down and it has been predicted that it will go to 101.... better than the mid 100s but the humidity is 43% so it is still a bit uncomfortable out there. Guess cleaning the fountain can wait until I can be out in the garden earlier than 8:30ish. So, where have I been... right here. I guess the best question would be what have I been doing.

This is the September Star. Leaves still green but starting to change color and fall...of course in my neighborhood that is not happening. Living in a desert climate the trees hardly do this.  Yes there are some but not like my former home in New England. But this fabric just seemed right.  No stitching as I am still pondering a project but think I have one. My mind however has been busy.
Of course some thoughts are that in about 6 weeks The Brother Alan will be here. Almost ready for the arrival.... still rearranging things. There is not a lot of that to do I am happy to say. I am still boxing my craft donation things. It just has been too hot in the garage to spend much time. The next few weeks might just be lower temps and more ambition. Sandy ( commented last post) was right about waking with headaches. She suggests that I am dehydrated. I have not, and I have no answer as to why, I have not been drinking as much water during the day and at night. I have tried to increase the drinking and so far no morning discomfort. Oh that sounds …never the mind…I have been drinking more water. 
I have asked my angels, now I must ask you for good thoughts for my friend Don who will be under going some tests … it is never easy waiting for confirmation of yes or no to an issue. Also of course you need to include Glenda because a spouse is always affected too. The good thoughts for Debbie have helped as she is doing okay and when I saw her the other day she had her usual big smile for everyone. Okay, time to get the bed made and whatever else needs attention. Glad you had time to chat. I really do wish that some of you would include an email so that I can respond to you directly. If you prefer not to publish it with your comment, you can email directly. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.
Still looking for my email addresses.... they will be found!

And the beads go on......

A lovely morning. The  sliders as well as the front door are for now. The temp is expected to be around 106-ish as it was yesterday. The weekend may reach 110, so definitely indoor activity only for me.
Tea and Pizzelles with Glenda yesterday.... good catching up conversation too. Isn't it nice that when friends have not shared company for a bit that when you are together it is as if you visited just yesterday. Glenda and husband Don have been good friends..... she and I shop or have tea and Don teaches and helps me. Great combination.

 

Today starts the beading for On The Range. I love Mill Hill kits and have been stitching them for years. Usually when you get kits, all threads and beads and even needles are provided. This kit did not have the beading needle, no problem as I have many. The threads for this kit were in some colors just enough. You would think that because the threads which are not specialty threads and inexpensive, would have a bit more than needed... remember, if you must take out then you are running very close or out of thread. Luckily for me on a few of the colors I had my own stash. This is merely a statement not a complaint.... not really. Anyway, onward to the beading today. I love the honey color for the hat outline.
Can you believe that this month is almost over? This week has been like a fast moving train…. the weekend is just about here! As a reminder, Vicki posted on her blog that we have only 26 weeks until Christmas! I have only 2 gifts ready. I really do not have a big gift list so I still have time. Nevertheless, I will buckle down to accomplishing filling my sleigh.
Time for my second cup of coffee... as soon as I get my chores done. Whoever has my House Fairies, I would appreciate you return them so I can just sit and bead. It has been nice chatting with you. Thank you for your kind and caring words. Thank you for your friendship.

Let the water flow!

Yesterday was hot. The sun was very bright and did I mention hot? I was so frustrated with the irrigation. I went out to the garden several times and some of my comments directed  to the system … well, let's just say were not very nice. One thing for sure is, it is a good thing that I did notice that the plants were not getting watered in this heat. They can be a bit pricey to replace. Nothing I tried was fixing the issue. All of a sudden, at 4 PM it was as if my mind began to work. I literally ran out through the lanai and to the Pond Garden... that is what I call it. I opened the control box and flipped the switch. No I mean I really did flip the switch. Somehow it was off. It controls the irrigation system. Voila! Let the water flow. Am I good or what. Yes I am! Do I sound boastful? Sorry but I feel pretty good about now. I have become knowledgeable on so many things that I had no or only limit knowledge of. I can do many things that were so impossible before.  Yes, I learned a lot with the help of Don who taught me how to use the electric screw driver and the drill correctly, how to hang a shelf and how to install the irrigation and how to properly find the studs  in the garage and once found how I should hang the wall rack. With the help of Bobby I was able to have my kitchen counter assembled and fit my new fridge in it's spot and have my kitchen lights changed. Both of these friends always took the time to explain and patience to answer my questions so I could learn and understand. Today I feel capable of doing quite a lot. The anniversary of My Denny's passing is just 20 days away.... 2 years. Earlier today I received a Facebook comment form my aunt; 

 Rose Marie Della Ventura Grace Piccirilli Horton You've done a great job. Denny would be very proud of you. 

Yes indeed. He would be proud. He worried so much about his leaving me knowing how dependent I was on him. I am a stronger person now. Maybe the blood pressure will start to return to normal and the headaches will disappear. There is no stopping me now! 
I am happy to have you drop by. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship. Thank you Aunt Rose Marie for always encouraging me from afar. 

Day 2 of the visit....

We had rain last night.... everything is really wet this morning. The irrigation just came on and I heard a lot of water noise. I looked out to the garden and behold there was a fountain shooting into the air! Can not blame Alan for this mishap (more about that later) because when we worked on the system yesterday I adjusted this particular bubbler and obviously had it too open and off the cap shot. After I ran out and got my impromptu shower and found the cap, all is well.
The flight out here was good but they were tired from a long day that stared very early.

The Brother Alan decided that yesterday was going to be garden day. First on the list was to trim the palm tree....nicely done. All of this is a learning experience for him and so far so good.
Then it was time to tackle the Yucca that I wanted removed. I severely cut it back months ago and it came back better than it was and that was not the idea. Too often as I am cleaning the area I got cut from the sharp edges of the plant as it was low to the ground.

Next was to give The Brother a pickaxe... this is where I started to worry.... a dangerous tool to begin with could be more so in his hands! That went really well.... no physical injuries to report. Then we decided to move the very large Rosemary bush to this spot. After we both severely trimmed it down to be manageable, that went in....

right next to the Orange Bells and leaving room for maybe something else. The garden smelled wonderful...like an Italian kitchen. Next irrigation lines needed to be added to the Pond Garden and to a couple of other plants in the area. Once he finished this task we tested the bubblers that were in. Oh no! we had a water break... a small flood began. Once I explained what happened, The Brother dug out the broken bubbler riser and drained the water with the wet vac so he could replace the riser. ( in the photo it is directly in front of the plant shovel) Now, I can not say for sure, but did something happen with that pickaxe?... in fairness, these risers, with the exception of a few are all originals.  Lucky for him I have learned a lot from Don when he helped me install the irrigation lines. I will not talk about the mud bath... it happened when Alan was going to take apart the vac to wash it out. When he removed the hose, mud shot up on him, the umbrella and the glider...lucky for him I was not in range. We won't mention that stepping in almost ankle deep mud would cover his sneakers.... they are outside drying off.

After using up the supplies on hand it was off to Lowes for more. If you are wondering about Lisa during this...she was comfortably sitting supervising before I took her to a hair salon for a couple hours of beauty time. We decided that the Pond Garden would have a fountain and a bed of rocks.... you can see the bags in the lower corner of the photo. We have selected plants to put into this area but it will have to wait until the fountain is assembled later today/tomorrow. Everything is very wet and The Brother Alan is off on unexpected business today. To say that we are enjoying being together is an understatement. He will be gone all day so it is just me and Lisa to relax. I did begin a new beading project but will be taking it apart as I am not liking how it is looking...first time doing this type of pattern. No big deal as it is a learning process. Glad you stopped by and hopefully tomorrow I maybe able to show you a bumble bee and more about our adventures.
Thank you for your kind words and welcome to Alan and Lisa. Thank you for your friendship.

Because you asked....

Well, I thought I would answer the questions about my upcoming procedure in one place rather than individually. Thank you for the concern and interest. If you go to this link:
 https://www.spine-health.com/treatment/injections/radiofrequency-ablation-rfa-procedure-and-recovery you will learn all about it and maybe some you do not want to know!
Before this procedure, I need one more visit with injections to the lower back on May 1st. The RFA procedure will be done on May 6th. In the meantime, I will continue to carefully do what I can when I can and how I can... a bit of pampering.
The garden, although needing some TLC is looking pretty good here and there:

The Sweet Memory tree is blooming.... I love the delicate purple flowers.
It will need trimming by wintertime.

The Hops Bush has tripled since last year. This will need a good sturdy trellis (according to Don when he and Glenda stopped by the other day) and as soon as I can I will install one. Obviously it will not be until the procedure has been done.

Look at the bright red of the Fairy Duster bush! I love these fluffy little blossoms. The bush right next to it is the Firecracker bush. That was cut back severely and is coming back so full and loads of flowers getting ready to pop open.
It is so nice looking into the garden and seeing is all colorful. The bees love it and the hummingbird does too. I should let you know that we do not have baby doves yet... soon I think. As good as the garden is doing my house plants are not. My African Violets are going to be leaving if they do not cooperate really soon. No patience for them. And how about the Christmas Cactus … both of them? They are pushing for early vacation also. The Pond Garden will get a load of flower seeds tossed in and I will hand water for now. I am disappointed that the irrigation is not yet ready...thanks to my issues. I will go with the garden hose and all will be taken care of.
So that about covers the happenings to me and the garden. Thank you for your kind words and for your caring encouragement. Thank you for you friendship.... I am so lucky to have you as friends.

Oh Bunny!

A lovely day yesterday. First there was the invite to join Robyn and Dave across the courtyard for breakfast.... cinnamon rolls and coffee. I also had an invite for a luncheon with Glenda and Don and you know that I accepted. We enjoyed our ham and potato salad outside on the patio. The breeze was lovely. Glenda sent me home with  helping of ham for a couple of meals. Yum!   Good friends all day!
But first....as I was leaving my house to take the long walk

this was hanging on my front door..... so there really is an Easter bunny out there. I am sure it travelled from across the courtyard! but no one is admitting anything.

I thought she was cute while in the bag...but she is adorable....and made of string… some kind of string….

Excuse her backside but I wanted you to see.... and she is so soft. She is wearing a knitted vest and carrying violets. Too darn cute!

Currently growing on my kitchen counter is Basil, green onions and white onion and romaine lettuce. They will be soon planted out in the garden...definitely in a tall planter so the visiting bunny will not get to eat them before me. Yes he is still in and out leaving me deposits to clean. Before they can go out there I need to decide if the planter is going to be moved.... that will be Tuesday when the landscaper comes to remove a plant for me from the garden. (It is a Yucca that I am constantly getting cut on.) You did not think I was going to try to move a 36 inch high ceramic planter full of soil did you? Ok, I did think about it.... for a quick moment.
On Saturday evening at 5:30 I went for my MRI and should have results by Tuesday. Finally, maybe, hopefully, then I can start or get treatment for my aching back.

Thank you for the kind words about my latest beading project. Now that I have been looking at it I like the colors.... this is my beading cabinet which I am outgrowing! The top shelf is containers 3 deep. So I do have beads but never the combination that I want.  Or the amount or size...you know how it is for those of us who craft.... no matter what materials we use.
The weather has been in the high 90s and will continue. For now the AC is not on but soon, very soon; unless there is a nice cross breeze in the house.
Well, I hope all of you had a lovely day. I am getting ready to just relax and get the Tylenol. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

I either have too many studs or not enough!

Oh the weather outside is frightful is getting hot already. They say up to the low 90s this weekend. I really think I am having weather related headaches and sinus issues..... or whatever. I give up. Yesterday morning the fragrance from the Daffodils was really bothering me so they are now out on the table in the Lanai. They are visible each time I walk into the kitchen. The back is just okay. I have been doing nothing and there is the possibility that I will call the doctor Monday.

My April Origami Star is finished. I like the colors and how it feels like Spring. These are easy and enjoyable to make. I like that I have all the months prepared so that I can just sit and make in just a few minutes.
I  decided to replace the garden tool storage rack in the garage. I want to have a storage on the garage wall. So of course first I need to find the studs. Were you thinking another kind of stud from the title????? ... anyway, I found the stud finder (of course Denny had one...only one in the cupboard) and read the directions. Read them and read them again. I was doing what it said but could not successfully locate studs then all of a sudden there was one almost on another. Something obviously was really wrong. I texted both Bobby and Don for advice. Bobby got back to me with directions but I still could not find my studs. Don call and said he would stop by and he did and showed me how to use the tool but even he had to admit they were not lining up right. Glad it was not my inability to follow directions. After we chatted and he gave me advice on how to mount the rack  he kindly added the last 2 bags of soil into the pond. Ta Da…. just going to let it settle then plant. I have also decided to remove 2 Yucca plants that cause me serious cuts from the sharp leaves. Things are progressing nicely.
Wednesday lunch with Vicki was delightful. We chatted and munched on Fettuccini and salad at Olive Garden. I forgot to link up her 2 blogs....one here and the other is here. Be sure to check them out.
Okay, time to move on..... glad you stopped by. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.