The beaded bauble

Monday the temp was 110...they said a cool down and yesterday was 107. Right now it is 75 and only should be 105 by later today. No matter, it is still hot. It means no garden work for me and actually if I do not have to be anywhere I will be inside..... possibly beading.

This is the 2nd one and it is just right...good tension and better than the first one. I am seriously thinking of taking apart the first one to re-do.... but not yet. Today I will order the dagger beads that hang at the end of each strand.  I do wish that the local craft places and even the bead shop nearby had what I need.
I should update you on the new Dove nest. I have been hoping that they settle down when I approach the area. Unlike the couple on the clock nest, these two panic and fly off. It is unavoidable that I go there each day to check the pond water.  Not sure how they like the hummer who is always in the tree as it is where the feeder is hung and the hummer sits. I will say that the Doves are nicely hidden from first looks.
Yesterday was Lumbar x-rays and today back to the pain specialist most likely for the injections. I just want to be able to function better. The beading was a bit of a stretch for my hand but I did take my time and did only the one bauble. Lots of medication afterwards rubbed into the area. About mom.... EvaP is doing well. Seems to be accepting that placement in a care facility is just what she needs. So far she is attending not only her therapy but social events and activities. She love mail so I am sending something every other day..... cards, post cards and letters. My friend Joan who works there is stopping by weekly to visit also. This relieves us of worry about her.
Guess that about covers what is going on here. It is always nice to chat with you and receive your emails and comments. Thank you for your kind words and your friendship.

This is a difficult month for me. It was a year ago today that The Brother Alan and I admitted My Denny to Hospice.....It was a lovely place with kind attentive nurses that helped me get through each day. It was a difficult decision but the only option available for Denny and me. To this day it still hurts my heart.

Room with a view

The weather has been so hot...the only place to be is indoors with the air conditioner keeping you cool. The forecast for today is 119 as well as for Wednesday and the rest of the week is to be in the high triple digits around 114. We need gloves to touch the steering wheel in the car! Luckily I have the automatic car starter so I can get the car cooled before driving anywhere.
If the days were cooler....

this quiet patio just outside Denny's room would be a lovely place to sit. Everything about this place is all about feeling homelike, and it does not look anything like a medical facility. Denny did not really get to see it as so but I appreciate it. Yesterday he had a fever and they monitored it with just a little success of bringing it down. I am told it is not uncommon for this to happen.....just something else. I continue to tat Angels, they will be finished here at home. The halos require some finessing and the Santa needs to have his felt backing glued on. So far the pond is working okay and yesterday I went to Lowes to get the algae treatment to add in. With this heat is sure to be a problem. Gee, I actually must have listened when Denny talked about the pond. I have not mentioned to him about the state of the plants...he did remind me those beginning days here to water them well and often.....I did try but this heat did not help at all. They will be replaced eventually. The Dove family is getting ready to leave the nest...at least the parents are trying to get them to leave but the 2 kids are not so ready. That about covers this update....thank you for the love and encouragement that you send to us....thank you for your friendship which truly is helping me get through this chapter in our lives. Time to turn on the aquarium light  wake the house tenant and feed him and brew some coffee...soon my day will really start.

Keeping busy

Some have asked whether I have been stitching or tatting and the answer is yes. Sitting with Denny and chatting and keeping busy. One thing that will always stay with me is "What are you working on now" so often asked by him to me. While in the hospital I was working on Affirmation Words.....a project that will only be completed when...... The Hospice Center is a quiet place and while we chat and watch favorite TV shows, I ....

stitched this Santa ornament on perforated paper. He needs finally completion which I can only do at home so here is only a partial look. Tatting has also occupied my time...

2 Sun catchers; one with a blue gem and the other with a gold gem and the smaller clear glass gem for an ornament or just to display piece. I plan on giving a few away as mementos of Denny. I began  another tatting project yesterday...

Angels .... today I will complete them with the bottom trim and halos. If you follow me on Facebook you will already know this....on Saturday I sent an SOS out to Don and Glenda (friends of the heart) to help me with the 3 line gas rule....that is right, the gas that The Brother Alan put in did not last until he will return this Spring...so, what to do? As I pulled into the parking lot of the Hospice center there is a Fry's gas station...I was feeling brave so I pulled in after circling once to find just the right pump. Then I stood there watching the guy across the way and the lady next to me...I remembered to open the gas cover and then after a brief struggle with the gas cap...(who designed a push and twist cap !?) turned my attention the pump. everything push button and after the last yes was tapped I lifted the handle, inserted into the car and nothing...right, squeeze the handle and Voila! gas . So at the age of 70 I have for the first time pumped gas....not sure about wanting to do this often but as Glenda pointed out I will probably only need to do this once a month or so ( I do not drive much) . Of course I bragged to Denny when I sat there ... not sure how impressed he was but the nurse was! My Denny is still slowly failing, and still not verbal nor does he open his eyes..... but we watch the cooking shows and the PBS programs and since he can not complain I sneak in a few that he is not fond of.  I sit and miss the man who's smile always melted me and his dry sense of humor and his holding my hand. Now I hold his hand and try to explain my time away from him. I know he would be glad that I have so far conquered the pond fiasco and the aquarium mishap and yes the gas pump. I tell him I love him and wish I could hear the return "I love you too". 

Hospice Care

Yesterday I worked on Thankful. You may ask what is there to be thankful for ...a lot of things. First I am thankful for having been with the best man there is ( so I am biased) for 47 years, just celebrated in April. Thankful for the love and support of my friends and family during these past weeks. Thankful for the staff at Banner Boswell and the doctors who cared beyond their jobs for both of. I have found strength in all of this and for that I am thankful. Last evening, Mr H.... my Denny moved into Hospice care officially. Whatever his remaining time is, it will be with comfort and dignity and I will remain by his side. The Brother Alan arrived yesterday in time to assist me in this decision and to spend quiet moments with his "brother". I gave them the time and it was a touching private few minutes. Today we will visit with him in his new place and meet with the staff to discuss continued care. Once again I want to express how much your emails, posts, cards and comments have meant to me. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your friendship. The garden is watered, the Dove nest checked and the house plants watered....oh and the pond checked so I am good to go for the day.