Super Bowl Weekend

 Today is starting out with a very cloudy sky and although the temp is around 63 heading toward 73, without the sun it is a little chilly. I know some of you have cold and snow, I should not even comment. there is a chance of rain for tomorrow...Super Bowl  with KC Chiefs  and the Philadelphia Eagles. I will be cheering KC. There will be a Navy fly-over and it will be 5 all women pilots.

Just outside my sewing corner window is a hummer feeder. It is so nice to look out and find one visiting. (the picture is taken through sheer curtain). Sometimes other feathered friends stop by. I have finally started to connect my quilt squares...

and it has already started to fray. Not the flowers yet just the seams. I am still thinking about borders or not...edging.... you know if you quilt that it takes thought and planning to finish projects. Now do not be misled, I am not a quilter really, but I do know how to quilt. I am finding that I am enjoying this change of projects very much. I love hand sewing. The squares are hand sewn but the seams are by machine. Special thanks to all of you who send cards and emails and Facebook wishes for my birthday.  Thank you for your kind words and encouragement. Thank you most of all for your friendship.

On February 9th, Alan and Lisa celebrated their 2nd wedding anniversary....how times flies!

Just humming my way~~~~

Goodness.... the countdown has begun. I probably speak for many of you, I am quite sure I will not be seeing the new year ring in. We will have a quiet time here.  It will be good to wake to a new year.

I have completely wiped myself out today...chores.... still looking for the House Keeper Fairy.  Swishing in the laundry area, washed the hall and kitchen floors and walked the vac around the living room.  Remember the budgie? well I now have a hummingbird ~~~~~

It is double sided so a bit more fiddly work but I love it. I do need a few more in case this one flies away like budgie will soon do. I thought I was going to make a Blue Jay but the hummer just appeared. I also want to make a few folk art birds. I find handwork relaxing ... as long as I take a few breaks. Do you still have Christmas around your house? Most likely our put away will happen next week on one of Lisa's days off.  Much easier with the both of us working at it. Of course I am sure Murphy will be a great help! 

So nice to have you visit with me. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship. Finally this year will come to an end soon. My wish for the new year is that we have more compassion for one another, take time to be kind to one another and finally better health for everyone.

Oh what a morning.....

Actually what a yesterday and a night which is now morning. I started out yesterday for the mall specifically going to Macy's. As I was driving I was going past my PCP office so I thought I should just stop and make an appointment as I have not been feeling all that great recently...a month.... and inquire about a flu shot. Well I guess it was the right thing to do.  Yes I could get the flu shot, but first a check on my blood pressure. The MA took it twice and looked concerned and gave a shout out to the NP and it was taken again with a different device. Next thing is that the NP strolled in to chat. He was very concerned that my BP was extremely high. A quick impromptu exam and the heart was okay and questions answered and yes I would be given the flu vaccine but was then ordered to go home and rest... do nothing or at least as little as possible for the next few days. I need to check my pressure daily and write it down and return next week...or if it continues to be as high return sooner. No stress is what I need right now.....okay. Shortly after returning home, Robyn....across the courtyard called and hubby Dave was bringing me a dessert. Just what I needed.

….I could not wait to have my dinner so I could munch on this...but the good news is, she sent 2 pieces so now I have another for today...delicious.
I have not been idle ….

The wings of the dragonfly are finished.... now to do the body. The colors are so pretty..... jewel like. Before beading the body the perforated paper needs to be cut away so that might be today.
At the moment I am having my first cup of coffee and holding ice to my shoulder as it is very sore and a little swollen. The count down for The Brother Alan is in full mode....about 26 days... and I am trying to get things ready.  If the weather would only cooperate I can work in the garage. I decided that I would like to hang a hummer feeder outside my bedroom window. Oh and the AC issue, well now the filter is an issue.... always something but I am trying my hardest not to feel ruffled in any way.
An update on Eva P... aka mom.... she is doing better. This lady who will be 93 in December has 9 lives. Thank you for the good thoughts sent her way. Thank you for visiting and for your kind words. Thank you most of all for your friendship.

Ahhh....it's cool again

No not outside...it is still triple numbers and muggy. I was siting quietly and stitching the burro when it felt so very hot. I had also just watched a hummer take a bath in the fountain bubbler. The air was not comfortable outside at 109 and inside it was 90! Houston S C Mechanical we have a problem. Within half an hour Brent arrived; up to the roof he climbed and when he returned a few minutes later, voilà, cold air once again filled the abode. It took a little over an hour for the temp to return to the 79 at which it is set but it was still cool air filling the abode. Memories from 2017 began to fill my head when the older AC failed completely and the temps inside were reaching that of out there in hot land.

Burro now has two legs and the third almost done...well none of them are really complete until the beads are added. His rump will also soon be finished. I will miss this project when it is finished... but then I can maybe order the next one.

This is a recent card I received from DebbieB....( missing her emails this week). We both cater to the sweet hummingbirds that visit us all the time. Of course she wrote a nice personal message to me on the inside.  I hope you can read the words okay.... a good reminder for all of us.

Okay my friends, time for me to get that glass of iced Gatorade and start my day.... a little later than normal but that is how it seems to be going today. Slow and easy. Happy to have you stop by and chat. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship. Ahh.... cool air filling the abode.....ahh.

A new day in the neighborhood

The Monsoon arrived last night and with some force. The wind was strong and the lightening lit up the sky and yes, the thunder was loud and rain fell sideways.

Diana had called ad the storm hit her side first...the East and slowly began to move toward me on the West side. Then...the phone just clicked off! I was getting ready to hibernate in the closet!
I just came in from cleaning some of the debris. The rest will need to dry out first. The hummer feeder was tossed about and finally found. Then, I was treated to a hummingbird bathing...

He was beautiful with the lavender/purple neck. He is a Black-chinned hummer.

Look closely...can you see him? he dipped into the bubbler

All wet!

~~fluttering wings....off to dry in the tree. With this heat and humidity and his size it will not take long. These were taken without zoom...I was standing just 4 feet away. Yesterday morning as I opened my bedroom verticals....

this Spiny Lizard was sunbathing on the wall just outside my window. Just another day in the neighborhood!

Plans for today?.... well only to be creative. I have the quilt ornament details all worked out so now to make it. A text a short time ago tells me that Glenda will be stopping by with  a goodie later today. We share what we bake. Since I do not want to have the oven on, I will probably just make Pizzelles this weekend. 

Glad you had time to visit. I am still having some email sending issues, so if you do not get a response to your comment, give it time! Thank you for you kind words and for your friendship.

Spam, mittens and a perch

Finally got out to the garden yesterday morning as the temp was only 87and the sun had not filled the garden yet. I managed to sweep most of the debris and rake back the rocks around the fountain. Since the leak  issued is solved it was time to do so. I even trimmed a little but all of that is on the ground drying out and this weekend I will try to finish. Meantime, the hummer has found a new place to perch....

This are the bells that Bobby and Dianna gave me last Christmas and it hangs in the lanai. A couple of times when the breeze caught it and it swayed, the little guy had to hang on! As hot as it is, the lanai is just a bit cooler than the garden but more importantly it is all shade.
The question I have.... how do I keep a regular email out of the Spam folder?! The last couple of days my emails from DebbieB have been going into that folder. We email everyday and this is the first time it is happening and I have no idea how to correct it. So, now some of my emails are going to outer space...unable to deliver…and some emails are coming in the Spam folder. Last week Dave came across the courtyard to re-boot the router and at least my tablet is running better, and now I will make it  monthly maintenance to do.

As you can see, I have worked on Santa and his burro. He now has mittens and I am adding the beads as I go along. I am loving this project! More on the burro today.
I have the star fabric strips ready to press and then weave also for today...keeping busy since outdoors is out of the question. Vicki and I were to meet this week for lunch but she is not feeling well so that is on hold. I am of now to create....
Glad to chat with you. Thank you for your kind words ad for your friendship.

Here's looking at you

Have I mentioned it has been hot..... now this is not new as I have been here for 15 years now, but this year had caused me problems. We have had 24 days of 110+ temps. Waking with a headache is one that fortunately lifts in a few hours. I think I just miss being in my garden! The other has been issues with my back and my hand. Lucky for me both are doing okay.
The other afternoon I was standing about about 4 feet from a female hummer taking a bath in the fountain bubbler.... she was precious to watch. Sadly for some reason some of my garden plants are not as happy as she was. Oh well, guess we are all waiting for Autumn...or October which ever lands first. Speaking of October...remember who will be arriving?
It is no secret that computers drive me cazy...my keyboard is still typig what it wants... and I have actually typed so slow you could take a nap, and it still omits n, r, t or whatever! ow the #3 is not working … must emember to use the side keyboard.... see what I mean? I really must re-read everything. Now emails are not able to send all the time... unless someone tells me they did not get a response, I have no idea! Today I will call the Geeks and let them check out things.

Santa can now look back at me! I am adding the beads as I finish an area with floss and of course I had to add his beard and mustache. His sidekick will begin today. I must order Mesa Santa!
Just finishing my second cup of coffee...first one was at 4:30. So, off I go to enjoy this coffee before spending the day drinking Gatorade. Glad to have you visit. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

The Heat is on...

Yes, there is a Glenn Fry song of that title...I am referring to the temps here in The Valley of the Sun, Arizona. We are in a heat advisory today. It was 109 yesterday and expected to be more of the same today and this week. then a cool down...to the low 100s! When I woke this morning around 5ish it was already 84.... so, the only trip out of the abode will be to check with the landscapers when they arrive; hopefully it will be early.
I attempted to bead the bumble bee bead … yesterday. Let me tell you, this is causing me anxiety. I usually can figure out a pattern but I am having difficulty making this look okay and work. So, it will be put aside again and I will bead something else. While sitting in my comfy chair and looking out to the garden...

several birds stopped by for a drink and to cool off...including the hummer. Watching him flutter in and out of the water was very distracting but so fun to watch.

The female Great-Tail Gackle made several appearances too. It was a busy day at the fountain. The Doves were also there and still no one returning to the nest. One of these cooler days I will take it down and clean it. there are a few thigs I have been lazy about and put off and now it is really too hot for me to be out there putzing around. Getting out there early is the key and lately I am not ready to do much early. I know, so not me!
Did I tell you? No I guess I did not. The Brother Alan and Lisa will be moving here (with me) permanently by the beginning of October. They will be sharing my home. The Brother is much younger than me and it will be good to have him here. So, yes, that is why I am getting the garage storage area and such ready for them. We have been getting the house ready for sometime now. Paint has been selected for their bedroom, other modifications are being thought out.  So a new countdown will begin.
Glad you visited today. Thank you for your kind words and caring emails. Thank you for your friendship. These coming days are difficult for me and knowing that I have friends who care enough is such a good feeling. Special thanks to you.

Movies and floss

Tuesday was a hot day .. a reminder of what is yet to arrive. Today is starting at 75 and going to the triple digits. Monsoon begins the 15th so we know the winds, Haboobs and rains will begin. The AC kept me comfortable while in the house. The one errand I ran to the Hyundai dealership...a wasted hour... was all I did. Part is on order and waiting to return. I decided to do some "cleaning out" of a closet shelf. I found some letters and cards from when I first moved here! All had lovely notes in them, so of course I reread them and some brought smiles and a few even tears. By the time I finished I was feeling overwhelmed. That task is now complete. Next will be to go through the many movies and CDs that Denny had. I have my favorites so those I will keep.

 This shelf has a double row of movies, some are sets like the Bruce Lee box set.

These two shelves ae CDs.. about  200+

These shelves have DVDs.... the top shelf is double row and as you can see, some are sets. The bottom shelf are Disney DVDs... and other movies...Denny was a movie buff. Does anyone still watch movies and listen to CDs besides me?
Still have much to do about closet/garage/storage organizing. My goal is to completely empty one of the large garage storage units. I need to get to Lowes to add to my wall rack in the garage. Later today I plan to get at the floss... remember the boxes of floss?

This is what the inside of those colorful boxes looks like. All the floss is in numerical order, in individual floss bags, on a large ring and kept by category number... for example: all the 100s, the 500s and so forth are together. Always able to find what I need. Since I am not doing any (at this time) cross stich, I will be de-stashing all these, all 5 boxes. A good sit by the TV  in the cool of the house and pick what I want to keep. Unlike sorting the letters/cards this should go quickly... no nostalgia here. I have a few months to get organized.
That is about it... I am taking a mental health day.....
Glad you stopped by. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship. 

The week that was....

The morning is beginning a bit cool but the entire past week has been almost 20 degrees cooler than normal. Does it mean that we will really heat up soon? It won't be long and the Monsoon season will arrive and dust storms and rain will be expected and with it comes the heat.
Today is the departure day for The Brother Alan and Lisa. A lot has been accomplished and a few hiccups along the way.... nothing that adjustments can not help.

Look at my Plumeria...the "arm" has sprouted leaves! I have high hopes for this plant. I am hoping the Garden Faeries will kiss this plant for me. I had to move it with all the changes for the Pond Garden... and it seems to be liking this spot and having the irrigation added.

The Pond garden is still a work in progress..... Yesterday Alan painted the wrought iron planter a turquoise color that Lisa wanted. I had Alan put the ladder back there and then I mention earlier to Lisa about moving the sun to the area and Alan did. I need to work on the planting...needs something more and I will work on it before the heat of the summer does arrive. This morning I watched as a hummingbird took a shower then a bath in the fountain! Not wanting to startle him, I did not rush to get the camera. That makes it all worth the work.
Yesterday Dianna and Bobby finally got to meet Alan and Lisa! Every time Alan is here, they are away. We had a nice lunch sitting out in the lanai. It was simple; Italian antipasto, tossed salad, various add-ins, fresh bread for sandwiches (store bought) and cantaloupe wrapped in prosciutto as well as plain and strawberries followed by custard pie.
Today is sis Lynowl's birthday. Of course with all goings on this week, the package is still sitting on the sidebar in the kitchen! I will make it to the post office today for sure. I did not want to mail it too early because she would have opened it before today and now it will be late.
It has been nice chatting with you but my coffee awaits. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Catching up....

How did it get to be Saturday? It seems like it was just Tuesday and The Brother Alan and Lisa were just arrived. We have been busy….yesterday was Scottsdale day. We enjoy stopping in at The Rusty Spur for a drink then onto roaming around and shopping. We end with a lunch at The Italian Grotto, always a delicious treat. Once we arrived back home...

Alan and I worked on the pond garden. It is not complete but almost there. Nice sounds coming from the 2 tier fountain. A few more adjustments to be made. Potted plants have been moved around and garden lighting too. The color changing spotlight was returned to shine on the Disco Ball making for beautiful shadows in the evening. A lot of tasks were worked on and those that are not finished I can do when the return to RI. I may even call on Bobby to help with one particular task. A few errands and now back home to relax. It is hot out today.... high 80s. Lisa has a little bit of sunburn as she enjoys sitting in the sun. Whatever tan I have is from walking around or the brief time I am working in the garden. I have been advised not to sit in the sun so I do not.
The last few days there have been a couple of tiny "little girl
hummingbirds" fluttering around. The Doves left the nest the other day... 2 eggs there... and finally returned but were away for some time. I am not sure if the eggs are still viable. They need constant warmth and they did not get that. We will see.
I know … it is unusual for me to make late posts, but I was too relaxed having my morning coffee in the garden to come in to post. I have not even worked on beading and now I have a small embroidery project as part of a FB group. Speaking of embroidery....

each of these striped boxes is full of DMC floss....(click the picture to enlarge) and I will be sorting out which to keep and the rest will be going. I already offered to 2 friends and will wait to see how much they would like. The rest will be going to a school. Still working on thinning down my stash of crafts.
That about is it for now. Glad you took time to visit. Thank you for your kind words and 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.

The week ends.....

I am still here.... thank you for asking and caring. I just needed time to gather thoughts. My hand is really feeling okay. This means back to beading and stitching. The back not so good. I will be having some tests so that my doctor can properly get to what is causing my pain. We do know that arthritis is a part of it but there is more going on. He has thoughts and has plans but we will wait until the tests and results are in. I am so appreciative of your thoughts. The week past also brought me tears and frustration. When I could not walk or move my thoughts went to how I am not happy feeling helpless. Being alone and not able to do what I want or more importantly what needs to be done. I have been very frustrated with myself. Yesterday was a nice morning. Dianna and Cassandra (Cassandra works  at Jo Ann's) came by for a visit. I was up early and made an apple pie for us to have. Good to be with friends.
Not all the week was  unpleasant.....the bunny arrives almost daily around 7AM and sometimes it is in the evening. He made a meal out of one of the plants in the garden. We scare one another … he pops out of the grass and then scoots to the other grass across the garden. The Doves are back with a new nest--- same nest. The children have yet to venture out of the garden for more than an hour. Today a suitor appeared.... going to be a long Spring/Summer with these birds.

The hummer spent most of the day on Thursday standing guard over his kingdom. This is one of the wall planters that will be coming down soon.... of course now I feel guilty taking it away.
The Brother Alan has offered to make Limoncello with the lemons I have when he is here in May.... hope he has learned to make it correctly. The last time I had a taste of it (years back) it was very potent. It could knock your socks off.

While tossing out the trash the other day I found this very large … about 1 1/2 inches big moth at my mail slot. I think it is called a White Line Sphinx Moth. Always something in the garden or surrounding area. I am not fond of flying things...well any bug to be truthful.
We are in a cool down. A few days of 97 then the 80s now the 70s. Next week back to the 80s.
I will be going through my stash this weekend and donating to a local school. So, that about covers my week. I will be positive about the back issue. Glad to chat with you today. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Leaving on a fast train~~~~

Wonderful weather these past few days. The temp has been around 82. Sitting outside has been lovely...except when there are interruptions which I will not  think about... but yes, it has been enjoyable being in the garden.

The Cape Honeysuckle is blooming. I had it cut back almost to the ground last year and it has been returning slowly. Happy to see these bright orange flowers ad the hummers are too.

The hummers also love the Penstemon which are all over the garden. These re-seed themselves wherever they please and I am very pleased.

The Hops Bush is also showing off with blooms. This bush has tripled in sized since arriving a year ago. I need to find a better way to support it. Maybe with a wooden trellis. I will look this weekend when I finally get to Lowes. I have been a little busy and at times feeling overwhelmed with things so I have not felt like going there this week. Every so often I think about finding a fast train to somewhere...the only trains running around here are freight trains... wonder if any hobos would be willing to take me along???? The  BSNF or Burlington Northern and Santé FE Railway is the largest freight train system in North America covering 32,500 Miles in 28 states. I can hear the whistle sometimes in the very early hours of the morning. I love the lonely sound.... anyway, when things get boggled in my mind I think of hopping the train as it rumbles slowly along the track which is about 3 miles from me and imagine all sorts of adventures. Not today however as I have things to do. Once Dennis and I got caught at a rail crossing in Glendale and we counted 140 cars...it seemed to take forever to clear the crossing.

I bought a bunch of Tulips yesterday... they really speak of Spring and definitely brighten my living room. They were tightly closed yesterday and this morning have begun to open. Must enjoy them quickly as they do not last very long once opened fully.

A little more done on the kitchen gal. Hopefully more today. Right now the swishing is finished so the fluffing will start once I get to the laundry area. So off I go. Nice to chat with you today and always. Thank you for your kind words and always for your friendship.

What happened to January?

Amazing how spoiled we can get. The weather has been really nice but I am chilly and it is in the 60s! I know, The Brother Alan is freezing his....well anyway he is cold back East. It won't be long before he will be here to enjoy some nice weather. Can you believe that it is almost February? Where are these days going? I know I am not alone looking for these lost days. I guess it could be thought that nicer weather will be arriving.

A few months ago Oliver the bunny moved out of my garden and out to a large bush on the sidewalk. I can see him from my bedroom window when he is out catching sun. The entrance to his new home is just to the left of him... a small opening to the interior of the bush. If you look closely you can see the dark hole. It is coyote mating season now through March so I do hope he remains vigilant and safe. I check the area daily for evidence of any coyote activity.... so far it is all good.

Since re-doing the kitchen window, my beautiful hummingbird does not hang in the window...at least not at the moment. So I found him a spot on the mantle..... looks pretty with the reflection. Today is make more nectar for the hummers living outside. I still want to hang a feeder outside my bedroom window.

Yesterday while wandering around the garage I found this! I bought 2 of them months ago and forgot this one was still in the box. The box says a computer table but that is not how I use the one I put together.... I use it as a table in my bedroom when I am beading.... perfect height and size for my chair. Now to get this one out of the box.
Already went for a short walk.... chilly air but it felt good. There is swishing in the laundry area and the Bissell is waiting for me. So off I go because once again the House Faeries are lost in space.
Glad to chat with you this morning....thank you for the kind words and for your friendship.

A different Amaryllis

A chilly morning...but still very nice. My appointment for noon just showed up (8am)....I really do not mind because then it is over with. It is the electrician for the HOA....who knew there were reset buttons on the lamp post electrical outlets!?
Yesterday when I went to Lowes to construct a simple birdbath for the garden, I remembered to buy my Christmas Amaryllis...

 have you seen this kind yet? It is encased in handmade wax and needs no water! I was told that it is true and will bloom without needing to be cared for...just put it on the counter and leave it alone. While there I also bought a lovely red Poinsettia; both of these are a Christmas must.  I did buy 2 small bushes for the front area... Eremophia maculata Cupid known also as the "emu bush". Where do these names come from. As soon as there are blooms I will share a picture. It will add a bit of color to the porch area. These may be mauve in color and will be good for the hummers.
Today needs to be ---organize the Christmas boxes to the shelves in the garage....should not take too long. After that I plan on doing...if you guessed nothing you guessed correctly. I have dough thawing in the fridge for doughboys...also known as fry bread for later. Time to finish my coffee....before the electrician returns from getting part for the lights. Always nice to chat with you. Thank you for your kind words and for caring. Thank you for your friendship.

I thought the tree was finished!

The  mornings are starting chilly but by afternoon the doors are open and the weather is just fine....low to mid 70s this week. The garden although quite bare compared to early season, it still giving me yellow daisies and Sweet Memory and Fairy Duster blooms. Nice to look out the kitchen window to see this. Speaking of looking out the window... someone has been looking in! Since the tree went up and lit this past weekend I have a hummingbird who stops by the window about 4 feet off the ground and hovers . He glides from side to side (the window is almost floor to ceiling and slider width wide) and then he darts off quickly. It is a sight to see but so far I have been unable to capture him on camera.

A quick stop by visit from Glenda yesterday and this beautiful ornament is now on my tree. Thank you for this blown glass double ornament...it looks pretty with the lights shining through. The red inside is perfect with the sheer red ribbon. I really think I will stop rearranging the tree.... so I say.
I did manage to continue beading the snowflake then realized as I started the send half that I did not finish the first side! So that is a must today. Still have not ventured out to finish my shopping, but will do so soon. Canada's postal strike is upsetting my mailing plans there. Seems like Christmas packages will be arriving late.
An update on Eva P, mom. She did not break any bones with this latest fall but is badly bruised and will be quite sore for awhile yet. The leg is very swollen and will probably require he to be back in a wheelchair for the time being. Thank you for your kind thoughts for her. Just finished my coffee so it will be on to the chores next. Glad to chat with you today. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Keeping busy with help

Our Arizona weather is finally much cooler. I actually am wearing socks this morning! I know in comparison to other places I am lucky. Anyway, a couple of texts with The Brother Alan the other day and then he actually called me to emphasize his comments and the decision was made...hire a landscaper to take care of the garden … at least for now. So yesterday they arrived at 9:30 am and as Alan made it clear "you supervise" and I did.

The Firecracker that was in lovely bloom (at the top) had reached almost 10 feet high and was becoming top heavy...so it is now 6 feet high and I can actually see the lovely Fairy Duster bush..

love the fluffy blooms. It now has more light and room to spread a little. The Fairy bush is at the left and Firecracker in the center against the wall. To the far right is a Yucca plant that was completely hidden by the Purple Fountain grass...

Now the grass has been cut down so it will regrow and be stronger and more controlled. Even the disco ball can shine better! It all looks so drastic but very necessary to allow the plants to grow better. Dennis always cut down the grass by the pond as well as at the back door....

The nice bell was unable to sing and the area very messy. Of course when the grass here was cut, out ran a large lizard and he stood his ground for a brief second until the rake appeared and he scooted across the path to another plant. As soon as the movement ended he moved back to his home in the now sheared grass. I found myself looking out several times.... it will take a few more days to get used to it all. The hummer was also upset with all the garden activity. It won't be long before it all grows again and a bit more control this time. The garden is finally ready for winter.
Than you for the lovely comments on my book. It was made with loving memories of some wonderful years of my life.
Once all the garden stuff was completed I sat and began a new beading project...

I know...what is it? you ask. It will be a snowflake. The suggested beads were white and silver but I have no silver so this  will be gold/white until I get silver. This is new for me as I never did the brick stitch before and I had to start this one 3 times! It is worked from the center to the edge then picked up again and worked in the other direction. It will be around 2 inches.. Hopefully I can do this...it is going to be a long weekend trying.
Here it is 5:45 am and I have been awake since 2:30 am...the day is already feeling long. I think I will curl up on the sofa and find something to watch on TV. Glad you visited...thank you for the kind words and for your friendship. 

Star progress

Oh my but it is still very hot out here...the last few days have been 109 and today is already getting there. Glad I do not have any outside things to do. Well I do but they are not getting done now. I am practicing my patience and waiting.... for the most part it is working. There will be last minute cleaning on the lanai before Tuesday.
I was asked about making the beaded stars... yes, the beads are tiny...very tiny and can be costly so I try very hard not to loose then on the carpet. Really need to put in wood flooring in the house.

When working with just 2 colors I just lay out the sections and work it that way. When working a pattern, I take a different approach. I lay out strips of felt on my bead tray and then sort each row out in order and then bead. The pictures shows a one row plan.

I have 2 sections of 5 complete and just started the 3rd one. These are in position to zip (sew) together. I love the colors combination.
My next one; yes thinking of the next one already, will be a yellow combination. The black back round is for effect....it is a stain-glass look. This almost looks like a butterfly and there is a pattern for a butterfly...just have to remember where and who.
The car needs gas, I am at the 3 line rule. I know... but I am much better now at going to the gas station. I am just holding off so that when I go on Wednesday to the dealership I will not be bringing it in with a full tank. The Brother Alan will be talking with them about a new lease. I will have him put about $10.00 in when he arrives on Tuesday. That's right my friends, they arrive Tuesday late morning. Arrangements have been made with the shuttle company to pick them up from the airport and bring them home. I doubt this trip will have a delay return as there will be not snow storms to cancel flights.....maybe a hurricane!?
That is about it and the beading is calling to me.... glad we had time to chat. Thank you for your kind words and encouragement. Thank you for your friendship.

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.