Surviving the heat

To say it has been hot is just, well, it has been very hot. Four days of broken records and temps in the mid triple digits. Mr H and I stay comfortable indoors with the air on and good movies and of course my stitching. Yesterday Mr H took a quick trip to Safeway and along with milk brought some Gerba Daisies

they are so vibrant that they perk up the kitchen with a glow. Mail arrived yesterday and look what it was

my cousin Diane made the earrings. She has a small business, Simply Homemade..... with many to choose from. She also is a representative for Jamberry products. Here is a closer look at the lovely earrings..

it was hard to choose but these were my first favorites. Diane is my cousin Janice's daughter. If you have a chance stop by her page and take a look at her creations. The forecast for today is for lower temps ....still in the triple digits. Hard to think of it a cool down however! This bee situation was taken care of yesterday.

The swarm was covering quite a bit of this Orange tree on our community property. There were many more wrapped around the other side of the trunk. I did not dare to get closer.
Now do not tell me that we must preserve our bees, I know that, but when they pose a danger, then it is a different story. Recently Arizona has experienced several severe attacks and even deaths from bee stings. I have many in my garden who are quite docile and happy to visit my flowers and not bother me or Mr H.  I found a Hardanger project, just a small one that I am thinking of making.....more on that later. Guess that is about it my friends...and I do thank you for you friendship and kind words. Glad you visited today, have a wonderful day.

Voila....

Finished...just fresh from the cut.... The kit came with the Tiffany Flower Votive. Very pleased with the finish. I also made a scissor fob for the scissors using some southwest beads and a cowboy boot...to remind me of The Brother Alan who loves his boots. I will use it with battery tea light as I do not use real candles anymore. I think I will do another Hardanger project...I have an angel that has been sitting in the to do pile for some time. I will not abandon my cross stitch but I need a break. There will be the monthly SAL from The Snowflower Diaries. Yesterday's mail brought me a birthday card and ...

from dear friend Lynda Ruth  who is presently digging out from lots of snow. Luckily she and hubby have a tractor to make it easier. Today, as a matter of fact all this week, we are having temps in the 80's which is a bit above the normal for us but I will enjoy it. Mr H and I sat outside listening to music while I read The Mysterious World of Sherlock Homes......about Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.  I really should start my project for Grandniece Natalia Rose.... her birthday is in April but it will take some time to get it sewn. She is so adorable...I love her...

Isn't she glamorous in those sunglasses?! She will be 2 years old on April 26th (the day after my anniversary making it easy to remember). Well, the landscapers are here and making quite a racket with the leaf blower....so going outside at the moment is not a good idea. Guess it is as good a time as any to get the angel project and be sure I have what I need. So glad you had some time to visit.Thank you for your friendship and kind words. Have a wonderful day.

Found this sweet little plant growing in one of the pots in the garden.....

 

Carmen, Hardanger and a winner

Meet Carmen...we bought her just before my birthday. She is 15 inches, her head/face is made from a half coconut shell and her outfit from painted canvas. She adds a smile to my face and to the kitchen. Someone once asked me if my home was all western now that I live in Arizona. No, it is very eclectic. I do have some western/southwest décor, but we have whatever suits us. A bit of this and some of that! I wanted to have something special to mark this birthday...there is nothing really special about it; well, except that The Brother Alan and Lisa were here..... anyway, I began a Hardanger project...

(look beyond the wrinkles please). It is a kit (had it for ages) from Nordic Needle, and is suppose to be a candle mat. Not sure if that will be so, but it is coming along nicely especially with the wonderful scissors from the Brother Alan and Lisa. Mr H always tells me to do your best you must have the right equipment and it is so true. A very long and sharp tool....I wish the pattern included a little more detail about the stitching, but I am using the photo included to copy. I am always amazed at what I find in the craft closet! I have had a busy morning...a few laundries, breakfast and oh yes, picking a recipient for my Un-Birthday winner. The names were all put into a bag and out came....

So, Vickie, please email me your address so I can send you a gift. It is always fun to give as it is to receive.  Thank you all for your good wishes and for taking the time to comment for this. Most of all, I thank you for your friendship and kind words. Have a wonderful day.

Progress

Some days I feel like I really can do anything. I think I am making progress....

okay, I know what you are thinking... she could not use a shuttle now she is using 2...count them, 2 at once! My progress is showing. I have 2 different threads ....the green shuttle is DMC size 8 and the yellow is Lizbeth size 20. The pattern is the same. Just doing rings with picots....for now. Looking forward to Friday for lesson 2 with Debra
We had a relaxing quiet Monday...so I stitched...

 this will be a bunch of violets.... several shades of pink and purple. I am stitching on 18 count miscellaneous white. It is not my favorite piece of fabric as it is stiff, but I thought it would work well for the candle stand opening...it is 5 x 7. The pattern is from Sudberry which is the company for the stand.  
Hard to believe that this is the last day of April. Just where are these months going? I feel like parts of them are a blur.  It must be that age thing...loosing things! What I do know is that it is hot already here in Arizona. We hit the first 100 temp day on Sunday...yesterday it was 102...today will be cooler at 99! Summer is here...... Mr H ordered the remote starter for the car..... any day now. I have always had one on my cars and I do miss it. Nothing like getting a minute of air conditioning before getting into a car that sits out in the heat for several hours. Back East it was to melt the ice and snow.
 By the way, there is a new blogger...Tiny from Tiny Cotton Kisses...visit and welcome her to our creative world. Thank you for visiting and for the kind words and emails...they are most appreciated.
 I am off to work today.... whatever your plans, hope you have a great day.
*****note***** if you missed yesterday's post, I put my FB link to a short video of our Quail babies....check it out.

On the table

I have completed my Roses Hardanger table piece.....

I am so very pleased with how it looks. Just to let you know: there are approx. 944 Woven Bars and 364 Dove's eyes! I picked up lovely pink Gerba daisies and they look very cheerful. What next asked Mr H? I am not sure but I have plenty to choose from. Yesterday I visited the on-line Needlework Show and immediately bought a couple of patterns. As I was doing so, my mind told me that I still had so many in house to choose from.... but my fingers did the walking and hopefully I will have them in hand. I bought another bundle of fabric yesterday to make the patch bag again. This time I will enlarge the squares from 5" to 6". It does not seem like much, but the clerk at the quilt store told me it will make a difference.
I have just put in my second laundry load one more to go and I have visited the backyard for my morning check on the quails. Mr H must be so disappointed....

this is not how this 7year old plant should look! Usually when the quails lay their eggs, it thrives. Never has it looked like this. We can not water it from the top and it is so high off the ground that watering it from the base is not ideal. I do hope it bounces back. Even after the babies hatch, it will be at least 10 to12 days before they leave.
Last night I experimented with the embroidery on the netting and will show you my sampler of stitches soon.  I think my fingers and mind need a rest today. A good relaxing day to read is my plan. In just 22 days The Brother (Alan) will be out for his annual visit. We are so looking forward to having him here and he is making plans as to what and where for his week. Thanks for spending some of your time with me today and for all the kind words and emails. Whatever your plans....have a wonderful day.

Monday finally became Saturday

Sounds confusing? Well, if you remember my last post which was Monday (can't believe I have not posted) we were getting ready for the (hopefully) final work on the lanai project. Omar arrived and assured me this was going to be "it"... "it" would be good. To be honest, I am not 100% satisfied, but "it" will do. Would I recommend this company, hell no. But we can and will live with "it". Mr H washed down the chaises and the bistro table set, he picked up an outdoor area rug and here it is...

so, from the green artificial carpet original to the lanai, to cement to epoxy....what a difference. It will be easier to keep clean and looks so much nicer. Our lanai is open on one side and sliders open onto it from our bedroom and the kitchen/dining area. A long 3 weeks, but I will call it done.
While all this has been going on, it was a good Monday for me and the lanai, but not for Boston. I followed the news and shed my tears. The climax unfolded last night and cheers rose. Now Boston can begin to heal. Texas is still trying to pick up the pieces. And I thought my lanai problems were something to complain about.
I worked on my Hardanger piece and feel good to say the stitching is complete! I have no picture yet, I thought, no one want to see this wrinkled piece yet again. So, I will stitch my edge, trim away the fabric, gently wash it and press it before I show it to you. I am so proud of it. Mr H praised my patience with the stitching and how lovely it is and that certainly makes me feel good. I have a short shift today and some food shopping to do but then I can work on this. The other day I stressed over my sewing machine... it again was not sounding well. Mr H told me to go and get another as this one is just about 30 years old. I really like this machine and it has served me faithfully with never a need for repair in all this time. So, I decided to investigate the noise and I took the top screws off and looked inside. I really could not see anything and when I  manipulated the wheel, there was no sound. I took it and turned it upside down and nothing fell out. I put the top back on and tried it, and no noise! Did I fix it? It seems to be fine, but we will see when I next sew with it.
I can only say that I am happy this week is finally over in so many ways. I hope you day is grand...and thank you for stopping by.....these lovely daffodils have graced my dining table this week bringing me sunshine...

PS....the Mr and Mrs Quail are still warming the eggs....any day now I think we will see babies....

5 down and more to go...

Worked on the first section on tier 2...

this area is a double of the first section in that the cut area is 2 in a row where the first tier had one area...It should move easily as it is a repeat of what I did, but amazing as it is, it is taking me time.
I still am trying to decide how I want to finish this...

yes, it is blurred a bit...don't want to give it away just yet as this is an exchange piece. I think I know what I want to do, I think I have the piece of fabric, and I think it may be complete tomorrow. But you still will not get to see it until after May 25th.... that is when I mail it out to******* and yes you will have to wait for the name too. See, I can be a brat!
Tha lanai is still in process.... now they have to order more color and figure a way to repair what  is not working...

see the "divot"? It is not suppose to be like that...and there are many more across the floor as well as a few other issues. I love the color, but not the finish at this point. Mr H spoke with the owner yesterday. It is obvious they are not getting paid until I am satisfied with the job and at this time, I am quite unhappy. I have  a few notes written down and when the job is complete I will be sending them a letter. Depending on all of that, is whether  I send it also to the BBB.  I can be someone to recon with when I am upset. In the meantime, there are cushions still in the kitchen, furniture and plants in the garage and the yard has furniture here and there. Truly a mess. A job that should have been completed in 3 days is not going on the second week.
Plans for today include a shopping trip to Desert Ridge in Scottsdale..... shopping is good for the mind! Hope you have a good day.....

Don't want to talk about it

At least not today. The lanai project is not going as planned. Mr H just spoke with the owner.... he does not know what it will be like to deal with an unhappy me! I can be the devil herself.....
In the meantime, I have been working on my Hardanger and a few other projects...no pictures today... to stressed with the other project.... Welcome to a new follower and as always thanks to all of you for the kind words sand emails.... lastly, a Mrs Quail report..... they are both tending to the nest. The change of shift happens quickly and with much noise.  I am off now to take something to prevent the headache from developing. Hope you have a good day...

Hardanger and the Lanai

Let's talk about the lanai. The guys came yesterday and I spoke with the owner .... I am hoping that we  made the right decision to go with the company. Well, actually Mr H said "let's go with this one" and I did not object. My problem is, There was a difference in the warranty/guarantee from the owner and the man who gave us the job quote, then no sooner had the base coat been applied that it began to bubble and later we saw spots where the coverage does not look right. But hey, we are not the pros with this. The drying time between coats is about 8 hours. It will be probably Saturday/Sunday before we get it put back together. I must get some furniture felt to put under the chairs. That will be a trip to Ace Hardware. I am hoping that by Friday I will be able to clean the fine dust that has spread throughout the house from the sanding, So, here I am waiting for them to arrive to apply the epoxy coat and having concerns. Where is Mr H? oh well, he is still asleep... not the early riser that I am. Today I woke at 1 am feeling this stress. Just have to wait......
In the meantime, I finished the first tier of Woven Bars....

and I am pleased.... I have enjoyed this part of the project.

The Doves eyes are not perfect, but they are not my favorite stitch. When I press this piece later I am sure they will be okay. Today I will begin the second tier which are a little larger in size. By the time I complete the outside edge the Doves eyes should be near perfect.
 I really appreciate the kind words and email.... you make my day. I hope your day wonderful. I am off to the living room to have a cup of coffee and wait....maybe wrap bars too.

Roses on display

We do not go to the annual rose show every year, but when we do it is o lovely to see and smell the roses

This is just a few of them and I will share more during the week. It is not a very big garden where these are displayed but lovely nonetheless. There are also roses for judging which is what I will show you during the week posts. The weather was perfect to stroll through the park and there was also a wedding being held there.
Today we have no set plans. We go with the whim of of the moment! Tomorrow we have some work being done on our lanai. These condos were built in the early 70's and our lanai carpet of artifical grass is original. It is time for it to go so we are having it striped and finished this week. I think it will be a 2 day job. It is a wonderful outdoor room, open on one side to the yard. I will be sure to take pictures. I have been adding the Woven Bars and adding
Dove's eyes to my Hardanger..... you can look but promise to ignore the wrinkles.

It is useless to keep pressing it and is probably not a good ides to press over the unwrapped bars. Did you notice the broken scissors? I am upset that these, my favorite ones that are only used with Hardanger projects snapped! The tiny screw broke off! The were not inexpensive.  Lucky for me that I have another pair of scissors that are tiny and sharp. What to do with these now.... not sure if they can be repaired. If you look closely you will see my tailor tacking that keeps me mindful of the dove eye placement. It was time consuming but so worth the effort.

As you can see, I still have a way to go with this, but I am enjoying the handwork. I find it relaxing and satisfying. If Mr H has no plans for the day I will probably get lots of wraps in.
Quail Update----- no new eggs! The "other" quail lady has not tried to lay any other eggs in the other plant. Guess Mr H did a good job of netting that plant. Either that or she is one of the new moms who just leave them here and there.
I am having rumbles in my stomach so I guess it is breakfast time. The Sunday newspaper is here and a cup of coffee and out to the lanai sounds good. I hope you enjoyed your visit with me....hope you have a wonderful day.
*****today I am missing my Sherlock*****

First cut is always the hardest

This morning I picked up my tiny scissors

and made the first cuts of many. Once I start, I do feel better but I will not relax until I see all the threads cut and correct. I took the time to press the linen only to start to get it all wrinkled again. I just had to stop at this point so I could catch my breath..... and relax. I will work a little more in the wee hours tomorrow. In the meantime an update on Mrs Quail...there are now 9 eggs...I think...well, she is in there so I can not be sure. As of yesterday there were 9 eggs. It now is the wait game. I am off to work shortly and must have my breakfast so I will say thank you for visiting with me and have a great day.

Spring trimming

Mr H could not resist the beautiful weather yesterday...

So out came the ladder and the pruning shears.... and notice where I am. That's right, stitching. Well to be honest, I did stop long enough to snap these pictures. The Mallow is in bloom--- again. It seems this plant is always with flower lately.  The frost did not touch it as was the case with so many of the other plants. While he had the shears in hand, he also cut back the Honeysuckle which has a lot of damage. It is now a wait and see which bounce back.
We did enjoy sitting outside. Eventually Mr H was content to sit  and even snap the picture of me stitching. I almost finished side 2 of the roses...

I managed to give it a quick press. I still am not too pleased with the satin stitches... but they will do. My leaves are a little off here and there but overall, it does not show. I have just the center bottom rose to stitch but really needed a break.
I was online earlier looking at tutorials for needle tatting. I will be practicing more of that this week. I am going to try to convert shuttle to needle for a couple of patterns that I found. I do not mind the videos, but I like to have the printed work in front of me.
I started a sewing project. A patchwork type bag---- just need to move along with it. Sometimes I wonder why I am doing what I do! How I think I will have enough time to do all that I plan.  Then I tell myself, go with the flow. So right now, that flow is telling me that I need breakfast and coffee. Whatever your day holds for you, I hope it is pleasant. Thank you for chatting with me....thank you for the kind words.... thank you for being you!

Blog-cation over....

You have heard the word Stay-cation....well this week I took a blog-cation. That's right, just relaxed, 4 days off from work, did some stitching and just did very little of anything!
Thank you for the birthday wishes...and for entering for my Un-Birthday drawing...just a few days left to let me know you want to enter... Sunday is the draw. Remember the loss sunglasses? Well, Mr H and I looked everywhere .... in the house, in the car, in my handbag, in the car, on the desk, in the car.... well, they have been found. Mr H and I got in the car on Tuesday to run an errand and there they were... on the floor. The drivers side specifically. I really believe my fairies had them all along. Just glad to have them back.
I did try more Tatting...

I managed to make a butterfly.... upon closer inspection, I see a mistake, but that is okay... the next one will be perfect.  Some things I can do sitting in the living room, TV on and Mr H there... I see that this is not one of them.  I went into "the closet" to look for one thing and found something else...this seems to be happening lately. Anyway, it was  Hardanger project started ... never mind when, just that it was started.  It is a large piece that will measure about 17" in diameter.

It is a Cindy Valentine Design called China Rose.  There is an option of 2 color ways...I chose the Victorian ... the other was blues.  The complete outside border and inside borders are finished. I am stitching the motifs then I will continue with the specialty stitches. Yes, it is a bit wrinkled, but it is getting pretty scrunched up doing the stitching.
As if I do not have enough projects, I tried... tried to make some soap scrubs. You know the ones with Dove and sugar. Well, it seems that my sugar melts and it is not a scrub anymore.  If anyone has any suggestions... let me know what I am doing wrong.  In the meantime.... I will continue  to stitch as this, I know how!  Time for me to have some breakfast .... so I will say thank you for spending some time with me and thank you for the kind words.... have a great day.