Demolition underway

A beautiful day today...not to warm (in the 60s) so Alan began

to remove the pond foundation. He bought a power hammer...like a jack hammer to make the job easier. What he discovered is that  when the pond was built those many years ago it was built very well.... totally reinforced. The task is not complete... it will take a few more days of drilling. Murphy is right there to pick up stones, weeds and dirt. Before Alan began the pond he had to fix a leak in the irrigation line...

Murphy was front and center then too. So, they spent a good part of the day working while I sat around. We seem to be having trouble resetting the irrigation timer so I will need to call someone in.ir
So often I see pictures of cats helping at the computer....now Murphy sits on me lap with the occasional  paw or nose onssss the keyboeard as he  is   nm now. See what I mean!  
I am happy to report that my heel is almost healed and that the pooches incision is healed. I am trying to remember just where I stored my hankies forf my quilt... obviously they are in the garage craft area.... I am sure of it. At the moment Alan and Lisa are preparing dinner....so off I go.  
Always so nice to chat with you. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.        .

Mud and beads

Whew...yes indeed. The temps they are rising, again. I think it will now remain in the triple digits for the rest of the monsoon season. It was 109 yesterday and today they predict 110. This past week I have noticed that the base of the fountain... in the Pond Garden has been wet. Initially I thought it was from when the Doves and Grackle take a bath and splashed out the water. But no... not that easy. Last Tuesday there were puddles. First I thought a broken irrigation line.... I placed a call to have it checked. Yesterday Robert arrived and after initial check of all of the bubbler risers, they  are working properly and no apparent leaks from the line. Over the next few days... before Tuesday when he returns, I need to remove the rocks covering the area. If not if he has to dig it up they will become buried... not wanting that to happen. We are thinking there may be a possibility for this be waiting is the only option at this time. I have already pulled the irrigation lines. The curse of the pond!

It is not easy to see, but the top edge and corner chili peppers are all beaded. The sides are almost finished and the hat is complete.

When I bought this a few yeas ago, I knew it was with beads but the included project picture does not show just how much is beaded! Lot of them are petite and they are very small. The sky and house area are next today. The horse is looking better but still needs beads. I will do close-ups when I finish.

Just call me the Fix-it Gal.....

The other night as I lay sleeping...isn't that from a song?... anyway, I felt quite warm. I was just was too lazy to get up and turn up the AC. In the morning after awake for a shot time I noticed that it was not coming on. So...…finally took a look. It was off! Now I never touch it so what happened??? The mind thought it can not be that after 2 years this new thing is broken! Obviously because I never look at it, it must have blinked a few days warning the batteries were dead. Having only changed them once, it took a few minutes to remember how to remove the battery case. I was not going to call the gal at the AC place again. As soon as they were in on it came and coolness returned. At the moment, towels are swishing in the laundry area, and I need a cup of coffee and some toast. I enjoyed having you stop by. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

An Eva P update: mother fell again.... fracturing her shoulder and due to age (92) surgery is not an option. She will have a brace in place for the next 4-6 weeks to allow it to heal. 

Let the water flow!

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

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

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

In the garden....

The weather has shifted back into normal temps which are in the mid to high 90s. What this means  is that anything outdoors is done early. Which means that tomorrow I will be in the garden before 9am to fix the irrigation issue. I am determined to get this done as I will not be out there watering the garden by hand. The Rosemary definitely is being pulled out. It was damaged in the move and is not going to revive itself. Sad as it has been here for 10 years.  Not sure if I have to replace the other plants yet. Right now the water lines first. I will remember to wear my garden gloves as I tore up my finger a little. I will need to rake up the rocks and re-lay the lines to see why they are not working.

Already organized to make the June Origami Star. My "June bugs" are lady bugs. This project is fun to make each month. Glad I chose and prepared the fabric for the 12 months.... makes it nice and easy.
Sad to report... the Dove nest is  just a nest. The Doves have not returned today and have been on the eggs far too long. Tomorrow out comes the step ladder and I will remove the eggs and clean it up a little. I hate to do it, but there is no way they are going to hatch without a parent keeping them warm. Nature is what it is.

This is the Mill Kill kit I will be working on. It is a Southwest on perforated paper. Of course there are beads! I started this before Denny was  ill and then put it aside. Time to finish it. The beading? Oh not giving up just putting the bumble bee project aside until I can be satisfied with the directions. Did find another pod and a couple of flat pieces to do.
Having some blood pressure issues. Trying to stay relaxed and not worrying about getting anything done. I am lucky to have a cheer leader in BC, Canada.... Debbie! Anyway, we all have issues to deal with, health or otherwise. What is good is that we are lucky when we have someone who listens and gives gentle advice. Which brings me to the next conversation. One of our fellow bloggers recently posted how she had received a few negative comments from the same person on her blog. That is not what we are about. Each of us blogs for our own personal satisfaction. It is wonderful when we get feed back but it should be kind and not insulting. If you visit a blog that is of no interest that day, move on. If you enjoy it, be sure to say so. I visit all the blogs listed on my sidebar. Sometimes I comment and sometimes I do not. I always end my blog with:
Glad you stopped by. (because I truly am) Thank you for your kind words. (they mean so much) and Thank you for your friendship. ( I value each of you).

What is friendship all about?

Friendship. Friendship is a close association between two people marked by feelings of care, respect, admiration, concern, love, or like.

Day 2 of the visit....

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

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

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

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

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

Because you asked....

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

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

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

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

Oh what a morning...

Seems it will be a partly cloudy morning but the temps are so comfortable. I wish I was! To start at the beginning....I woke at 1 am and still awake..... going to be a long day. But I will manage. Let's talk about yesterday. I decided to lay the drip line in the new pond garden.

Okay, it does not look like much but soon it will. Anyway, I could not remember how to activate the irrigation off time so I thought well tomorrow at 7am I will come out and see if it works. Out to the garden at 7 this morning I went but no water running anywhere! Now what? After a few minutes I discovered the system was unplugged. I want to know who did this...come on speak up! Then I hear what sounds like a faucet running  ...a line is disconnected from a post. I took an unplanned shower right there in the garden in my pajamas. Could not fix it so I shoved the line toward the garden wall. In the meantime did I mention that the 2 baby
Doves are now out of the nest? As usual, they like others in the past do not plan to leave the garden anytime soon. No, they prefer to hang around. They pop up at the least expected moment and then we all 3 are startled. I have informed them to stay out of the lanai...it is not for rent but they continue to enter then can not find their way out. Panic sets in and I have to go and escort them out. Now I know why the parents left them!

Yesterday I also decided it was time to slice and quarter and juice the lemons..... then into the freezer so I can zip lock bag them up. I waited until they were just getting soft to the touch...more juice that way. These are already bagged. A full gallon bag.

Look at how much juice from one of these giant lemons! One half cup full.... the glass juicer is from my childhood.... mom used to make orange juice using this. One day I asked her if she still had it and she gave it to me. Nice to use it.

Added to the freezer are cubes of juice about a tablespoon each and zest. Now for drinks or cooking I am prepared. I still have 5 more lemons to do. I will put the zest into snack bags and since they are in 1 tablespoon amounts it will be easy to use.

Ta Da... she is finished. Tossing her little yellow French knots around. I am pleased with how she looks. Still not sure why I made it in pinks. I really enjoyed doing simple embroidery again. I will be looking into my patterns this weekend for another project to do. My hand is so much better...I would say completely healed but it still gets sore. The back however is another story and I will be calling the doctor on Monday to try to see him. I have done really nothing this past week so it should feel better.

A  cloudy morning can not keep the bright Orange Bells from glowing and giving me sunshine in the garden.  I had this cut back severely last summer and it is coming back strong. The bees love it and the hummer sometimes stops by for a taste.  Well, guess I should do a few chores. Glad you stopped by today. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

A beautiful start to the day

I no sooner uploaded this picture and the morning sky has already changed to another beautiful  color. The first laundry is washing, and my plans for the day ae hopefully going to be busy. I have been a bit lazy of late. Maybe I should say thinking more than I want to. Today I will do and not think so much!
Yesterday I worked on

another Swaddled Baby and another gift. I really will get this finished as it need to get into he mail. It is a flannel body in light pink and white.

These Denny's Angels are ready to wing across here and there. I discovered I need a few addresses. When I had my email issue some of my stored addresses seemed to be "between platforms" as Cox said my problem was! Of course Keith found a way around the problem and now my email is working just fine. Then of course there were a few who emailed me asking for an angel and you know where that saved email is ...yes, between platforms!
I think it is time to change the irrigation day/time so later I will try to figure out how to reset the timer. ... or call Robert to do it. I do try to do for myself but there is always something I can not physically or mentally do. Frustrating.

The Plumeria  is planted using Dianna's directions so we shall wait and see. It actually can take a year before anything really happens. Just  as long as the rooting starts I will be happy. In the meantime, the Snail vine is growing like a weed and the tomato plant

is shooting up. I had to add a stake to the plant. I planted it on September 25th and it has doubled in size and now has many tomatoes. The beans are making good progress as is everything else right now. Very pleased with myself....I know I am being a bragger but remember I never have taken care of the garden before. As for the inside house plants, well I am down from 6 African Violets to 3 and one of the plants that Denny always took care of is quitting on me.  Oh well, it is what it is around here.
When I talked about friends caring, I did not intentionally leave anyone out. It would be hard to name so many friends. So please do not think badly that I did not list you.  Robyn and Dave, Keith and Al ..just to add a few .... you know who you are.
The second laundry is in the wash and the first in the dryer and the third is waiting ....in my feeling oh so me last few days, the laundry did  not get done so today is catch up day. The headache of the last few days seems to be gone. Not sure if the weather changing or just my mind talking to itself was the cause, but today seems like a clear head day.  I am thinking of making some biscotti later.
Your visits are so appreciated as are your kind words. Thank you for your friendship.
"A strong friendship doesn't need daily conversation or being together. As long as the relationship lives in the heart, true friends never part."
— Anonymous

Baking and the garden

Wow, it is Thursday...what have I been doing? For one thing I have not been stitching. That is okay. I have been reading and working in the yard and

yesterday Don came over to hang the shelf. I was so uncertain of me doing it and in the end, He even had to adjust how.

Finally it is on the wall. Not sure of what will be on it and I know that it will change until I like what I put there. Don also was able to fix the irrigation leak...we think it is. So after he left (to go home to relax) I did the yard clean up.

This is the corner near the pond where the puddle has been. Ready for some pots and plants.  I like using pots so that it can be changed easily without digging in the hard packed earth that we have here. This weekend will be more arranging of pots and getting a few plants to add.
My zinnias are finally growing...okay, they are only 1 inch high, but most of the seeds are growing. They were one of Denny's favorite flowers for the garden.

Look, my beans are also sprouting! I had thought this would be a lost cause but no, they are growing and nice and strong. Once they are better established I will thin them out. My thumb is greener than I thought. Actually, it is just my Denny making sure the garden is up to his standards.

I began the task of sorting through my patterns and stuff. Someone on Facebook mentioned that they were interested in having the patterns for the on-line publication of Gift of Stitching. I have from 1009 to 2011 and no longer want to keep them. Do you know who would like the set? I did post on my Facebook page.
I made another bread...

This Zucchini Bread does  not have any particular taste. It has nice texture and is okay but not what I expected. Will I make this one again...no. I will look for a better recipe like the one I used to make. This will be toasted and I think croutons sounds like a plan. There are plenty more recipes to try!
The dentist appointment was good. It was the first that the doctor knew of Dennis' passing and said he would miss "a very nice man". We have been patients there for about 10 years. Now if my back would ache less. It at help if I choose either housework or yard work and not both in the same day! My right leg is doing really well so the injections have really helped.
Okay, it is time for the coffee and some zucchini toast. It has been so nice chatting with you. Thank you for taking the time to stop by and for the kind words. Thank you most of all for your friendship. 

End of the week

Well, this week sure has been someplace but I am not sure where! Either I was busy or I just goofed off doing this and that. I know that I am enjoying the cooling temps and sit outside each day.

A rubber duck is now swimming in the pond. The garden is doing well and the irrigation still has that one leak. Each day I think about digging up the area but then I don't. At this point is not a major problem as there is nothing planted in the spot.
Yesterday was a busy day. I began at 8 am with grocery shopping, then to Walmart for paper goods and then to Barnes and Noble.

When I walked in the door there was an author signing and I stopped to chat. I really enjoy local writing and writers. Her book sounded interesting so I bought her first book in the set and she signed it for me. So far I am enjoying it. My purpose for going there was to look for a bread machine cookbook.

I bought this one. 300 recipes and 1 1/2 inches thick. I needed some new breads to try. Some will be completely done in the machine and there are some that are baked in the oven. Variety is what I like. The booklet that came with the machine is limited so this is a must. I am practicing for The Brother Alan's next visit. I should be able to find good breads in this book.
I finished the Swaddled Baby Doll

The pattern is from Mimi Kirchner and of course I did my own spin on the design. She is made of pale pink floral flannel and felt leaves and YoYo flowers with Ric-Rack stems. Some embroidery to highlight her. I am pleased with her looks. This doll will be a Christmas gift and I am getting ready to make another. The pattern has a couple of variations to try.
Today is the annual Litchfield Park Faire and I am thinking if I want to go. Denny and I always went  and enjoyed the music as well as the crafts. It is not much fun going by myself and especially without him. I will think about it and it is okay not to go. There are plenty of things I need to do around here.......no, no furniture to rearrange. I do have that shelf to still hang. There are Petunias to plant and the Swiffer needs to come out of the closet. It is still early to think about the day ahead.
Right now, I am going to sit back and relax and read for a bit. Glad you dropped by for a visit. Thank you for your kind words and friendship. The doors and sliders are open and comfy air flowing in. Whatever your weekend plans are, enjoy yourself.

"La dolce far niente"

A more seasonal temperature finally

Well, today is really more "normal" for October finally and the month is over! There is a nip in this mornings air and today should be in the high 80s. I have doctor appointment this morning but I just may get to sit outside this afternoon.
Decided to try to make dinner rolls yesterday....

and it was easy and they were very good...okay, they were not uniform in size but hey, I did not divvy the dough evenly. In the end it was the taste that was good. Just as I had put them to rise and wondering what to enjoy for dinner with them, the back bell rang and special delivery from Keith and Al

a small casserole dish of lasagna. So, I had a great made from scratch dinner. Keith and Al live in the next courtyard over and I affectionately refer to them as Honey (Keith) who is my computer pal and Dear (Al). They have been very good friends before and since Denny's passing. When the roll were hot from the oven I delivered some to them as well as Glenda and Don to try.  We are a sharing group of friends!
Yesterday I dug into my fabric stash to look for some material to start the Swaddled Baby pattern. Mimi uses wool but I have some lovely cotton

Freshly washed and dried,  waiting to be pressed, these are the four I will start with.  I love how she made the dolls but I always like to put my own spin on things.  Still have to get to Joann's for some stuff but I am hoping to start them this week.  Easy enough to make 4 at once as it is to make one---right?
With the weather cooling now I will be able to dig out the area of the irrigation leak and see where the pipe is most likely broken. Then get it fixed...oh I understand how to do it but I know that I cannot myself fix it.  Never ending.
Now, off to finally have my first coffee of the day and then get things done around the house before my morning appointment. Always nice to chat with you and thank you for the kind words and for your friendship.

I do wish everyone who leaves a comment also leaves a way to contact for response. Note to Kris from yesterday.....I think you misread my wording. The Pizzelles are indeed made with a special maker. The are not bread. The bread  I was making was referring to the rolls. There are no bread Pizzelles.

A new week, new month

Wonder what will be in this new week.....this new month? Still thinking about the fact that it will be November in a few days! So far there is still the matter of the irrigation leak. You are reading this correctly. It seems the sprinkler head that we thought was fixed is still leaking.. This time however, because I did not bury it from when Don worked on it. It is plain to see it is below ground....so....does that mean a broken pipe? Just when I think I have it all together.
I have been enjoying sitting outside in the mornings until the temp rises.
Many of you know Donna Bayliss from By The Bay Needleart. Well she has not been feeling well and had a hospital stay but it finally home. Her designs are always so calming and lovely...stop by and offer some cheer. Then there is Mimi Kirchner... a doll designer extraordinaire.

This is just one of her fantastic designs which I purchased from her Etsy shop. The one problem was that Etsy did not acknowledge that I did buy it so the link for the instant download did not arrive. Mimi was kind enough to check it for me and she sent the link....thank you Mimi. You must stop by to visit and see her designs.....she thinks out of the box!~ So, now that I have this pattern you know that I must make one or two or.....I think I know a little girl who might like one for Christmas.
Yesterday afternoon Keith came by to fix the email stuff and give me a lesson in files. He left with his bag of Pizzelles. I made them earlier in the morning and if I must say so they are delicious. When I make them I share with a few of my friends or I would devour them all. I would like to try to make some dinner rolls. The bread maker has the recipe for the dough then you just form and bake in the oven.
I have one laundry finished and another to put in to wash. My coffee is ready to enjoy. Thank you for chatting with me and for the kind words. Thank you for your friendship. Have a great day.

It was a beautiful evening

Just look at last evenings sunset! I am compelled to start my post today with it. It took my breath away. Today is starting out fantastic....sliders open, front door open and just enjoying before the heat pops up. Yes, we are still experiencing higher than normal temps.  The landscaper finally arrived yesterday (not at 8:30 but around 10ish) and the new irrigation system is in and working, Robert did fix 2 of the sprinkler leaks but today.... well, I do know what should be fixed so I am not concerned as they are minimal.
As a result of Robert coming late I did not attend writing group #2 but it is an informal type of "class" so I am not fretting it. Today I will work on my art class. We have a worksheet of questions meant to help us find our way and an exercise using ink and watercolor paper. Should be interesting. I think I will set up my card table so that it will be available to play on as I wish. 

Alas, poor Alice remained in the corner yesterday. I really must visit with her today. I think I will take her out to the front porch and see if I can not finish the motif at least. Just feeling lazy these past days. I have given myself permission to feel lazy and not put myself on any routine. All is well with my soul....
Once Robert left there was some clean up and then off to the market for sushi which I just had to have for lunch. Tomorrow is return to the doctor and talk about the test results. I know....be positive and for the most part I am.  In light of recent issues it remains difficult.
At the moment, the waterfall sounds lovely falling over the pond, the birds are chatting and the laundry is ready. So my fiends as nice as it has been visiting I must take care of business so I can sit outside with Alice. Thank you for your kind words and for yu friendship.

A beautiful day

I love when I can open the sliders and the door to let in a soft breeze. The air is quite comfortable right now but by noon, well that will be a different story.

This morning's sunrise. We are still in the high 90s.
Robert the landscaper could not make it yesterday so today is the day. New irrigation system and why are there sprinkler leaks? He will be here early so hopefully my whole day will not be tied up. Laundry in the works and open plans for the afternoon. Two more Denny's Angels complete but need to be starched.  Remind me not to wash the car...what a disaster. There are water spots and dust marks and forget the windows. I must get to the car wash this week and one that will do interiors too. I will be getting rid of all that car wash stuff next so it will not call out to me.

The next motif on Alice started. Maybe more on it today.
My on line art class officially began yesterday. Now, I have never taken an on line class before so I can not compare. I think know that I will enjoy this one. An I must mention that Keith stopped by and worked on my email issue. Cox could not solve it but he did. I have a new email,  same account just different set up. So I can once again send emails from the computer. Just need a few lessons from him on this or that.

The Snail Vine is growing daily! It forgets to crawl along the arbor so I will climb up and coax it over. Look at the double bloom and buds ready to open. I am enjoying my garden!
That about covers things around here. Time to get the laundry from the washer and water a few plants. Thank you for taking the time to visit and for your kind words. There are people who pop in and out of your life and then there are those who faithfully stay. Thank you most of all for your friendship which I can count on everyday.

Having an off day

Starting my day not feeling myself. Who ever this is best get a move on cause I hate not feeling well especially without specifics. Started yesterday and seems to be continuing today. The weather is starting out fairly cool and a bit breezy, perfect for sitting out but with the way I feel I am not sure if I should.
I managed some tatting yesterday and sat outside for a couple of hours. Friend JeanneG stopped by and we sat outside visiting. The irrigation still has two areas that I think are leaking but at this pint I am not going to worry about it. My concern is the two bushes that need some expert help. I did think of pulling out the

big gas powered thing...first I can barely lift it and secondly not sure about adding fuel and thirdly it is a weapon of mass destruction....to me. Yu do know the outcome of my using this would not be good. The blade is 24 inches and I can barely hand a little jig-saw. I have been invited to join in with Glenda and Don for a garage sale this Thursday/Friday. Maybe this should go!
I have most of the supplies for the on-line art class

just need to add a few things. Hopefully I am feeling better for the writing class on Tuesday and I must set up a couple of medical tests this week. All in all I am busy. No time for feeling blah. Today will definitely be a slow day...well, I do have to gather stuff for the garage sale. It will require climbing the step ladder and organizing stuff...we'll see. My email is still messed up on the computer, thank you Cox for not getting it fixed. I have been relying on my tablet.
The doors are open and air is breezing through the house....so nice. I will finish my coffee and see what the day brings. Thank you for chatting with me and for your kind words and most of all your friendship.

Trouble in Paradise

Yes, just when I think I have it all settled and all is well in my little paradise, my backyard... Don fixed a bad sprinkler head and now there is another leaking. But, I am not too concerned --- yet. I had to cut down the remaining Yucca plant. It is okay because there is lots of new shoots growing. These plants are original to the property. The new issue is a bug problem with the Yellow Bells and Honeysuckle. I will call Robert (the landscaper) on Monday to see what he thinks. Most likely the Honeysuckle which is a beautiful bush will have to be removed. The Yellow Bells I will cut back if that is what he suggests.
I have  yet to tat or stitch...my mind just is not going in that direction. I really miss that creative side of my days. I did bake bread yesterday...

This is French Country bread. The texture is so nice and tasty. My house was filled with such aroma last night. So far this is my favorite to make. I do want to get a bread machine recipe book for more variety. I know I can go on line, but baking from a book is so old fashion and nice.
I went to Hobby Lobby to get the suggested supplies for my on line art class. I have other supplies already. Debbie and I are ready! I plan to sit outside this morning to work on my writing class. This is a very casual class...no grades, basically no rules. You will get what you put into it. I have been trying to use my tablet for the writing but I am having trouble getting it to save to my computer. I did manage to figure out how to add my printer and can print from the tablet. My honey friend Keith who helps me with my computer is away on vacation...I know how dare he when I need him! All will be okay because when he returns there will be Pizzelles for him when he helps me...I know the way to win him over! I am sure he will figure out how to write, how to save so I can edit and then send to the desk top. I sure do not understand the instructions.
I found this cute little chair at the thrift shop

It is perfect condition. I passed up on a nice little table and when I went back it was gone...of course. Let that be a lesson to me!
The laundry is finished, my coffee mug is empty so it is time to grab my writing and sit outside until it gets too warm. The temps are still high. Today is expected to be in the upper 90s. Right now it is comfortable to sit out on the front porch so that is where I will head. Glad you stopped by today. Thank you so much for the kind words and for your friendship.