No resolutions for me

 Happy New Year my friends....I know, a bit late. Do you make new year resolutions? I prefer a list of suggestions. The definition of resolution: a firm decision to do or not do something. The definition of suggestion: An idea or plan put forward for consideration.  My list is usually 10 suggestions. Are all my suggestions followed...of course not. Anyway, just my thing.

Look at this 5 inch rose! It opened on New Years day.....good omen. Still have some roses blooming but now we are starting a cold spell so maybe time for them to sleep until Spring.I must say that I had a wonderful Christmas. Relaxing and fun. Santa really read my list! An update on me. It seems that my asthma has returned. For the 18 years living here in Arizona, I lost it. Back in Rhode Island I was coping with inhaler and breathing treatments. Now I am back on an inhaler and a med to help...so far all is good. Thank you for your good wishes.

I have not worn a watch I retired....since 2015. Sis Lyn sent me this watch which works with my Samsung phone. Very like an Apple watch. Still getting used to wearing it, but I love it. I love that I can easily change the photo.

As many of you know, I have not been tatting or doing cross stitch for some time. First I needed a change and secondly, hand/finger issues get in the way. But I keep busy with hand sewing and knitting and my miniature dolls rooms. Next I am working on a Fairy village. I will be doing some Sashiko stitching also. My tree has been growing....still a work in progress. Remember my Tiny Dog from this post, well, now there are 10 Tiny Dogs

 They will be available for adoption soon! So, if interested, stay tuned for info. For now their faces are hidden!

This is Sam... a little 5 inch frog who is can sit or stand on his own. Soon he will have coveralls and maybe a sweater....I think maybe a little lady will join him. The directions were not hard to follow..there were a few lines that were not as clearly written and the video to assist the knitting, well it did not match the written directions.  I have been knitting since a young girl and also taught knitting for a local knit shop, so I am able to get through the hiccups. Challenges are always good. Glad you stopped by today. Thank you for your kind words and thank you for your friendship.

A tree grows.....

 Can you believe it is almost Christmas?! Somehow this month has been another fly by. I have been feeling unwell these past 2 months. Coughing and nos runs/stuffed; all over blah. Finally went to the doctor. He ordered a chest x-ray and antibiotics as well as two other meds. So I have been just shuffling along. I have however, sat at my sewing/craft table and ....

the flies all have Santa hats.

A new bug has moved in. He did have a Santa hat but obviously it fell off and  Murphy found it. Then I found it chewed up! Then I had the thought...I need a tree.

So of course I made one. Slowly things are appearing in the tree. In another post I will show more of the tree.I don't want to push too many pictures on you.

While I was "resting" I found this guy and just had to...had to make him!
After Christmas there will be more about him and his friends. So here I sit getting ready to pick up my needle and thread and listening to Christmas music. As always, it is nice to chat with you. Thank you for your kind words and thank you for the many years of friendship we have shared.

Merry Christmas to all.....we will chat in the new year.

December Sue

 Here we are December 1st. We have all our Christmas decoration finished. This year, Alan and Lisa did the living room tree and the kitchen tree. The Brother really got into the spirit. Once again, Murphy did not get into anything. 

Sue is decorating her tree with the help of two gnomes.My  Lisa gnome this year was joined by The Brother Alan gnome!

Lots of sequins and beads.....
This is the last Sun Bonnet Sue monthly banner. It has been fun to create a special scene each month. What shall I do next year? Alan started Christmas wish lists for each of us.... he may be sorry! Lisa and I do shopping together for him so there will be no duplicates. A new family tradition.

I finally did mention to Alan that I fell. He had very stern words for me. I am totally forbidden to climb any step ladder except the one he gave me. He will be removing said items from my reach!.  It can be difficult to admit that I should not do this or that. That I need help. Oh and Lisa is in complete agreement with Alan..... no sympathy from her!

Our Arizona weather has finally changed. We even had rain last night. Not much, but every bit helps. Still in shorts however. Today I got out my winter slippers. Soon Lisa will be moving from her suede slippers to the Alaskan Bear slippers! 

I am still not feeling well...I keep thinking it is just a cold; maybe time for a doctor visit.Anyway, I am happy to have you visit with me today. Thank you for your kind words and thank you for your friendship.

Beginning to look like Christmas....

 First I want to thank all of you that sent special thoughts to my great-nephew, Antonio. He is out of hospital and holding his own. Still has a way to go, but keeping good thoughts that he will continue to improve.

Every year I try to make a new ornament... for me and to give away. This year it is a star.... a take-off of Ann Wood's Jingle Star. I have added a tag that has room for a name and says, "My star in heaven"...that is the mine for my tree in the center. There is one with a name already on it that will be traveling to... my aunt Rose Marie for uncle Tony. That leaves 2 that will need a home. I have also started another quilt.... one that will be sewn by hand whenever I pick it up...

Squares and rectangles. I am using whatever scrap fabrics from my bin...no selecting just using. Same will be for when i start sewing them together.  that will be as soon as I decide on the layout.

Our sweet Murphy...2 weeks ago at 5am I noticed that his eyes were completely clouded over! He was not having trouble maneuvering around inside or outside. Did not seem to be hurting. I called the vet and Lisa and I took him in. Blood work drawn.... eyes examined. She ruled out glaucoma...a relief. Medication for his eyes and then wait for results. Valley Fever ruled out and the conclusion is that he has high cholesterol. Do not bother to ask how...the answer is that it is my fault. I give him almost everything. Now he is on a diet...prescribed kibble. No more home cooked food. He still gets veggies. Now, back to the eyes. From day one we saw an immediate improvement and by day 4 the eyes were clear! Back to his handsome self. He will return to the vet in a month. I will be on my best behavior. This past few weeks I have not been feeling well...a cold....my diagnosis. Alan and Lisa completely decorated the living room and kitchen trees. Wreaths are hung outside...thank you Alan. Still deciding on some decorations then the mess I made will get cleaned. Normally I would put away as I empty a bin...not allowed to climb....which is good because on Saturday while home alone, I did use the ladder in the garage and somehow missed the last one or two steps....of course we did not tell Alan. Luckily I did not break anything but have a nasty scrape on my elbow. When will I learn! Glad to chat with you but I must get a move on with the mess around here. Thank you for your kind words and thank you for your friendship.

Moving along slowly

 Goodness, tomorrow is December 1st hard to believe that tomorrow is December 1st. So much has happened this year that honestly I am looking forward to Christmas cheer and a new year...my goal is to stay out of doctor's offices and surgeries. If Santa is listening, please bring me a bubble to save me! This past week I have had a stomach bug. Thank goodness I was sthe only one in the house who was sick. Finally feeling better. The house is decorated

Not the best picture...maybe one at night...anyway, we have been giving our friends across the courtyard, Robyn and Dave have been seeing a light show with Alan switching from one light setting to another! Remember it has 7 functions....

In between not getting out of bed and when I have this past week, I have been slowly sewing the hexagon quilt

Only have 3 more rows to add...I think. What I mean is that I may add or not. I am working on row 16 now. While sewing I have Christmas music play via radio. Found a station that plays a great assortment. Just in case I need something special my CDs are at the ready.
Nce again this year I have joined Jo's Christmas Blog Hop. My posting date will be December 16th. I will remind you when the time arrives so you can visit her blog to see what everyone is posting. Both Alan and Lisa are working late tonight so Murphy and I are are on our. A simple supper it will be. So glad you had the time to visit with me. Thank you for your kind words and encouragement. Thank you for your friendship.

A new year finally

 Hello on this first Saturday of the new year....2021 finally arrived and I was actually awake but did not watch the Times Square event. We did begin but Alan and I just could not adjust to the format...or the performers. Today is cloudy and cool but not bad. Anyway on to better things. There are a couple of FB pages that encourage and support. One of them, maybe more encourage a Yearly Word instead of resolutions. My Word of Affirmation for 2021 is Thankful. There has been so much negativity that I want to really focus on the good. Each day I will think of one thing to be thankful for...being positive!

Meet Alan's Yeti. Look closely and you can see his eyes the 3 "bumps" are the top of his head. Santa knows that Alan and I kid about the hunt for the Yeti all the time so now he can prove there is one...eventually. At the present he is loosing his shell. I will keep you picture posted.

One other thing I got for Christmas was this handy attachment for my mixer. I love my Mandolin but I think Alan worries every time I use it. He thinks this is safer. Next might be a past attachment?! 

Arizona is still high in Covid numbers and trying to be safe is the normal. I do my best. When I think about those who do follow the rules, like EvaP and then are those diagnosed with it and then pass on quickly, well, it scares me a little. I am grateful that she did not suffer as many others are. Wear your mask and keep distance... 

I ask that you keep a lovely friend back in RI in your thoughts... she is doing well after breast surgery and treatment but still a bit more special thought is always good. Lisa is not feeling well...so add her to your thoughts as well. 

The list gets long 💗. 

Finally most of our mailed packages have arrived...for New Years! There is still one out there...DebbieB it is on the way to Canada I am sure. Thank you for the caring thoughts on my not feeling well. It mainly is because of a med snafu and the fact that I now will be seeing a new PCP on Monday. Not taking an important medication for a week now really causes havoc. Tired, light-headed, headache and vertigo... not pleasant but it could be worse. Once again that Household Faiery has not appeared so I am off to swish and fluff in the laundry area. Can't find the coffee barrister either so I will make my own coffee. Thank you for stopping by. I am lucky to count you as my friend. Thank you for the kind words and thoughts and your friendship. See, my Word of Affirmation...Thankful!

Coming up in a post soon...The Tumbleweed story!

Another week?

Time is gone before I know it. Lisa and I ask what day is it frequently. I did not plan to be away from the blog for a week, but … anyway, I am here.

Finally Murphy can get a grooming. He looks like a ragamuffin. Of course he lays all over the ground and looks for the debris before resting. So when next you see this boy he will look handsome. Lisa is waiting to be able to get an appointment for a trim and such. Me, I will wait a little longer. For now I pull it back into a little tail!

Have you wondered about the magnetic screens advertised? Well, we decided that Murphy needed one as I am constantly opening the slider to let him in/out most of the day. Lisa and I had no trouble putting it up and then spent a few hours showing Murphy how to use it. He is a pro now. This week the one for my bedroom slider will arrive and then that will be done. Murphy loves being outside. He and I have been sitting most mornings in the lanai until it gets too warm. Today is expected to be a cooler than average day so out we will be. We have the TV all set so I get to watch Netflix and the other special channels. We haven't been able to get cable installed yet due to the virus.

Lisa and I made this Burrito fold standard size pillow case this past week. We bout the pre-cut fabric awhile back and finally sat down to watch a video on how to. Simple. There are no exposed seams so it really is a finished piece. Lisa picked it for herself...the cuff is printed with horseshoes and hearts....of course. We plan to get to the quilt store soon so we can make a few more. This fabric is from the Cowgirl collection by Moda.
I feel special ….

Alan made me this garden pegboard unit. I recently decided it was time to toss it out. He and Lisa planned it for me. The wood trim is from a planting stand that Denny bought 16 years ago when we moved out here. He really used it for all his pot planting and storage of soil. Alan made it 24x24 and added a shelf. I do not really do any gardening now; Lisa and Alan have been handling that. I get to offer opinions/wishes and sit back to enjoy....so nice. We have really changed our garden and one of these days I will show you. We have also changed the interior to better suit us.
Now on a personal note:
This is Mental Awareness Month. All of us have some issues that we deal with, some people are better at dealing than others. I fell into the need help category this past year. Finally admitting that I was feeling depressed. It was something I denied to both my doctor and myself. Thankfully at the moment of truth, Alan and Lisa encouraged me to face the issues. Although I am doing much better, there are still days that set me back. I recently read an interview with Michael Phelps (I really like him). His words really fit .  "The thing is---and people who live with mental health issues all know this-- it never goes away. You have good days and bad. But there never is a finish line." People will ask how you are doing. You do not feel comfortable to say I am having a bad day. I did once and the person..... well never mind. Let's just say they were not very interested. Michael is right, "I won't ever be cured. This will never go away." We need to accept and deal with it honestly.  For me, I have not been productive creatively or interested in reading which I love also. I am slowly pushing myself. I am thankful for the encouragement I receive and those who honestly care when they ask.
Thank you for listening. Thank you for your kind words and thank you for your friendship.

What a difference a day can make....

~~~~~24 little hours~~~~
Yesterday the temp reached 115, the hottest day of 2019---so far. Today we are I a cool down and it should only reach 109. Here it is 10:0 and it is already 11. I really did not care what the temp was yesterday as I spent most of the day in bed--- with a headache. Thankfully it was not a migraine; but I cannot remember when I last had one that held me down like that. Lots of dinking, unfortunately it was water not wine! Minimal food intake. Today I am out of bed and moving slowly but moving. Now before you ask, when it is this hot I stay in just as when I lived in Rhode Island and it was a frigid snowy winter day, I stayed in. However, then I was a working gal and now I am retired so staying put is easy.

Four Origami Star strips ready for pressing and folding.... tomorrow not today. There is plenty more fabric to choose from if I need to make more. My goal is to get my Christmas mailing stuff ready early.... especially packages that need to travel a distance, like out of the US. The goal is November 1st. Key word is goal.
Today I will still be taking it easy... no chores. Dinner tonight will be simply fixed chicken cutlet and mashed potato. The chef called out sick so me myself and I will handle it.
Okay friends, time for another tall glass of iced water ad my feet up. Glad to chat with you. Thank you for your kind and caring words. thank you most of all for your friendship.

The weekend has arrived

So glad that a new week will soon be here. Too many off things last week. I did this and that yesterday but  not much to show. I made a nice start on the repeat snowflake and for that I am pleased. This is on the plan for sometime over the weekend......

One of the Tilda dolls ready to have a body cut out. The fabric is a light peachy color that was given to me by Dianna. We traded off some fabric a while back. Just have to think about the clothing fabric and I have plenty in my bins to choose from.
I also happily  unfortunately  (I say but do not really mean) found a pattern for a tatted trinket box. I am really going to try to hold off with this one.  Anyway, I have the snowflake to finish and still working on re-arranging craft storage.
I want to pass on a "new" blog...sort of. Becky Noland who is a clever and witty gal has resurrected her knitting blog, https://theknittedlife.blogspot.com/ She also has her Etsy shop and her stitching blog, https://lucybeam.blogspot.com/ ......so stop by and check them out. I am sure you will like what you see.
Wherever you are, I hope you are in the "well zone". So many people are either with the flu or pneumonia or other. I am really trying to stay healthy after that lousy cold I had. Our weather is once again moving toward the unseasonal temps of mid to high 70s. My garden is not sure what to do; continue blooming or take a rest.

this picture of Alien was taken on the 7th. I finally attached garden twine so it would not attack me every time I opened the door from the garage. I marked where is coming from to where it is going and how much was in a blob.
The next picture was taken on the 10th

Can you see the blob ....how big it has grown and the twine is beginning to disappear?...Do not know what it looks like today yet as it is still dark out there. I tell you, this Snail Vine grows a foot a day! in all directions. It is still blooming too. Today or maybe tomorrow morning is skim the pond day for sure. I should do laundry, make the bed too and change the air filter and I want to tat and sew! Did I mention I want to bake too?So ambitious......
Well, my coffee is finished and Corn Flakes eaten so on to domestic tasks. Nice to have you visit with me. Thank you for your kind words and friendship. Hope to chat with you again soon.

Chilly days ahead

Bright sun but definitely into the winter temps. Socks on in the morning and barefoot by afternoon. Not complaining mind you, but finally into the normal temperatures for this time of year.
Update;

my neck is no longer feeling the burning and is not sore to touch. Whatever got me or caused this is healing. Everyday it is looking better.  My friend Keith helped me check the entire chair area for signs of a scorpion and we did not find any. He also got the mouse and keyboard finally working.
Yesterday friend Sherry and I went to Scottsdale for the morning...we originally intended to go to Tombstone but with the forecast of rain we changed our plans. Enjoyable company makes for a fun time. This morning I went out to

pick tomatoes...can not wait to enjoy them in a salad. The plant still has many more still in the green stage. With the temps dropping to the low 40s at night I may cover them to help keep them warmer. I am hoping some of the plants can take the cold nights. But there is the Geranium

 Hot pink and bright with a bloom and buds ready to open

Autumn Sage fully in bloom with it's purple flowers

The bright red of Hot Lips

and blooms on the Alien....I mean Snail Vine. So for December it is so nice to see the color and cheerful garden. Today is a few errands kind of day and then some needlework and there still is the closet I have been working to rearrange/organize. Had a fun gift opening time on Skype with sis Lynowl last evening and I will show you my gifts tomorrow.
Thank you for the lovely words for my Denny on his birthday both here and on Facebook. Thank you for your friendship which continues to give me encouragement. Right now I need my coffee......have a good day my friends.

I was tatting when it happened

A beautiful nip in the air this morning that will only last until this afternoon when we will feel temps in the mid 70s. All is well in the garden

This is ready for my salad tonight. I know, only one at a time, but that is okay...there are lots on the plant. No beans yet...but they look like a good crop coming. Let's not talk about the Alien Snail Vine...
It was a nice morning yesterday. I was sitting in the living room recliner tatting when all of a sudden...a sharp burning pain on the back of my neck. I touched it an jump with pain.

I looked  in the mirror and it was instantly bloody red. A short time passed when Glenda stopped by to get something and she looked and said ...you need to get it checked. So I went to the Urgent Care and saw a PA on staff. after a few questions she announced that it appears to be a bite....an insect bite. She could say it was not a mosquito or spider and thought it could be a scorpion. Not all scorpion bites cause extreme problems. Nothing to do but watch it. This morning is less of an area that is red and not as red as yesterday. It is less painful so I will just keep an eye on it.  Before you ask...yes I did search the area and the chair for signs of any bug but found nothing. My life is so exciting! But it is.....later as I s
at in the same chair tatting...I saw

yes, a coyote walking in front of my living room window...around 4:30 PM.

He scratched up the grass a bit and looked at me through the window before strolling by. I returned to my tatting which is coming along if I could only stay focused without distractions!
So, that was yesterday...I can only hope that today my only distractions are how to get the computer mouse working properly. I have tried so many things I am about to give up. Typing is a challenge when you can not find it on the screen. So, I will stop typing and enjoy my coffee and a piece of toast. Glad we had time to visit. Thank you for your kind words and you friendship. 

I think I am I think I am

Yes, it just may be that I am over this thing called The Common Cold! Let me tell you, it was not common to me. It is a week today that it began and just might be ending. About time because I still have a few things to do and today is the day I must get at least 2 items off the list.

Just outside the kitchen window is the tomato plant...almost ready and there will be a few to enjoy. Glad the plant is on the system or it would be gone by now. I have not venture into the yard all week. I did stroll out there yesterday and then spotted

The beans have flowers! Yes indeed, we will pick beans. There are plenty of these sweet blooms on the plants. These are also on the system! By the Spring a few more plants will be hooked up to the irrigation lines which will be helpful. So far all is well out there. The Snail Vine is a beautiful "weed" that just continues to spread everywhere since I have not been out there to tame it.
Yesterday I decided to try the Italian Herb Bread again

this time I substituted Italian Seasoning mix for the individual herbs and it does taste better. I had it toasted this morning with some butter. Will I make it again...not sure. I also used Light Olive Oil instead of Extra Virgin which gives it a milder taste. The best of course is just the regular simple breads.
Most of you know how much I love the coyote encounters. The sounds of them in the evening when they are out hunting to survive is quite the thing to listen to. The sight of them strolling into the courtyard or out on the street is nice. At all times I do remind myself that they need to survive and that is with the rabbits. Having said this....

last week I found this part of a bunny tail on the sidewalk. Now...please do not get upset...this is just a partial of the tail also the bunny still lives. Sad as it may seem, if the coyotes did not hunt them we would be overridden with the rabbits in the neighborhood. there are several large hutches just within our property. The bunnies get away more times than they are caught...they are very fast and get into the many underground homes quickly. A few of their homes are built under the Prickly Pear cacti and the coyotes just can not fight the spines. A Navajo women told me once that we must respect all creatures and not interfere. When I look up at my wall of Native art, there are pieces of fur from many animals incorporated into them. Using the fur tufts this way honors them. So this little tail tuft will find a place with my Native art in honor of the nature around me. So glad you visited with me today. Thank you for your kind words and most of all your friendship.
Today a friend, "Bobby" is having a medical procedure so I ask that you keep him in your thoughts for a positive outcome. 

Almost but not yet

I have been knocked for a loop. This cold has kept me down since Monday evening...a whole week! It has been so long since I have had a cold I had forgotten how miserable it is. Yesterday was the first day that I felt almost normal. Still with the cough but hopefully there will be even less of that. At least I am not walking around with a tissue to my nose all day. So, I have not done anything...nadda...nil...and it shows. The Bissell really needs a walk around the place as does the Swiffer, but it may not be today. Yesterday I wanted needed a cup of tea. As soon as the 3 minute brew time was up I promptly knocked the mug over spilling tea all over the counter, down the cupboard and onto the floor. After the initial whining was over, I made another cup of tea and then forgot to drink it...that has been my week. I managed to drag myself to the Post Office yesterday to get my packages mailed with the exception of one which will go out probably Monday. I do have to make a quick run today to Staples and then to JC Penny for a pick-up but definitely not the PO as I am sure being Saturday it will be busy.
I have 3 maybe 4 tomatoes that are almost ready to pick. The first was delicious with sliced cucumbers and celery. The weather over-night has been chilly...today I wake with the temp around 44. Brrr....goodness, I had to put socks on!. Not to be concerned because by afternoon they say it will be in the mid 70s. I appreciate the concern because I had not posted for a few days...your emails were so nice. Typing with one hand while containing a runny nose with the other hand was rather difficult. I will catch up on reading blogs over the weekend. Right now I think it is time to curl up and keep warm until I must venture out for errands.
Thank you for caring and for the get well wishes which I am sure have been helping. Thank you also for the kind words and your friendship. Hoping for a better week coming.