Spring cleaning started

Well, just my bedroom but it is a start. We really had hardly any winter at all.Window and slider open just a bit more to organize but one room down. The air is cool but perfect for airing out the house. Seems I can not zip through the house like I used to..... it is the age thing. The pond water is babbling and the birds are chatting. I hope to sit outside today for a bit.
Sunday I visited and had lunch with my friend JeanneG and yesterday I was out with Dianna and of course lunch....Friday will be with Glenda and Don....gee, it sounds like a big social calendar. In the meantime I did finish my tatted snowflake......

I really like this book by Janet Williams...all the patterns appeal to me. It is all starched and hanging on my tree branch. Yesterday I finally picked my strawberries...

Five petite but oh so delicious gems. There are several more on the plant. I am sure it would do better if it were in the ground, but I have more of a chance loosing them that way. I actually bought it for looks more than as food but I will take whatever it gives.  I have been enjoying my chives and basil too. I need a few annuals to add to the garden. I need to freshen up the 2 pots out front but will wait until the landscapers finish the new rock addition.
I really need another cup of coffee.....and a bite to eat so I will leave you now. Glad you had some time to spend with me. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

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.

Getting there

No, I am not going anywhere....but I am getting there....almost ready for The Brother Alan's visit...next Tuesday! I have been getting the sewing room back to a guest room. It requires my rearranging things...out with the sewing table/machine and freeing closet space just for a start. The linens have been changed on the bed and space made ready in the bureau. This also means that I am in a ness for a few days while everything removed has a new spot for the visit. It is al so worth it. I love having Alan here and always wish it could be a longer visit. Guess I will have to wait until he retires (which will be some time to wait!) He still is the younger kid. In between all this preparations I did begin the French Boutis project.

I am going to re-do the circle area because it is a little to tight. I used the disappearing quilt marking pen and do hope it does vanish! The outline is complete and now will start the center back stitching lines. I also need to do the embroidered initial in the center of the circle or....I was undecided if I want to do that or....so you can see, I am still making choices here. Mr H has a doctor appointment this morning and I have a few errands to do later. It is already 71 at 5:30 am and may reach 99 today...so the sooner the errands are done the better. I did a little yard work yesterday. All the winds we have been having surely made a miss here.  Remember my sweet friend JeanneG moved...well I visited her on Sunday morning...I sure do miss her.  Glad she is so close by that I can still pop in for a visit. We spent time looking through patterns finding a cross stitch for her to work on and of course chatting away the time.  So, that is what I have been up to and what I will be doing. Did I mention that it is only 6 days until The Brother Alan arrives? Glad we had the time to visit...thank you for the kind words and most of all for your friendship. Have a great day.

PS...

Football all day

Yes, we are football fans specifically The New England Patriots. Even though we are here in Arizona almost 13 years, we are still New England fans. I started watching them around 1963 or so while in high school. They were not a very good team and had a reputation of being party boys. Finally after several owners and new coaches, they began to really become a team. The best years (from 2000) are with Bill Belichick and Tom Brady. So when I say I am a fan, I am a real long-time fan....through off times and not just on the bandwagon. So of course Sunday was the big day, but Monday, well I began the day with sports stations and then Mr H and I watched all day. Yes, the game on Sunday , then the taped version we made, then the re-play later and sports all day Monday. What can I say.

There was some, but not much tatting. Later in the afternoon I spent time with my dear friend JeanneG. She is sadly moving out of our community but nearby. I will no longer just be able to run out of my gate and around the corner to her place. It will be a car ride to see her. In my birthday card she wrote "I will miss you" which brought tears to my eyes. We have become good friends these last years. Twenty years difference in our age does not matter at all.
The Brother Alan is coming, The Brother Alan is coming.....I received his itinerary (that is how I know when) May 9th so the count down is officially here! I so look forward to his visits. Not sure what he has planned for himself and Lisa, but as long as there are some quiet talks and cups of coffee wine too all will be happy.  Today I hope to relax and I think I am footballed out...maybe not. I need to get to Jo Ann's for a few items. Maybe some Alice and tatting outside...sounds good to me. The weather has been lovely, just what we wait for here. They say we may have an 80 temp on Thursday! That about covers it for today. Thank you for visiting and for the kind words and most of all your friendship. Have a wonderful day.

Something new

I just want to introduce you to my dear friend JeanneG...

I am so lucky to have her as my friend. She is a delight to chat with, she is active in needlework and we get together at least once a week to stitch, or just chat. Doesn't she have a beautiful smile? I am so lucky to have her in my life.
Here is her latest cross stitch

JeanneG loves cats and this is absolutely sweet. JeanneG also quilts and she is currently working on a Dresden design also. We live a courtyard apart or as we used to say back in RI, a stone's throw away. I think it takes just about a minute to walk door to door.
I did mention something new...as in a project that is. I finished the scarf I started...

I love it. One gift finished and I was getting ready to start another scarf  and was reminded of Hairpin Lace

so I had to do that! I have one strip finished and will have 3 to put together. The bright yarn is my life-lines to keep it all from tangling. It has been years since I did Hairpin Lace and forgot how relaxing it is to do. I like this Clover tool because it has the built in lifeline needle incorporated into the bars.  I need to focus on not added any more projects to my basket! Maybe a set of blinders (like the horses wear to keep them focused) would help but I seriously doubt it. Today Mr H and I are hoping he is feeling well enough to go to a Craft/Art Festival...a favorite of mine each year. The weather seems to finally be breaking and Fall may be just a day or two away. Oh and yes, this is the weekend you all turn back the clocks... Arizona does not, well only the Navajo Nation still does. So don't forget to adjust your clocks. I think it is time for me to have some toast and coffee....glad you stopped by today. Thank you for your friendship and kind words. Hope your day is great.

Stitching and the ladder

When we had no air conditioning on Saturday (temps around 110) Mr H thought he should go up on the roof and have a look. I firmly and positively said no!

On Sunday the air worked as it did on Monday but we decided to call in someone to check it out. Our triple digit days will be here for awhile longer.
Now, on Tuesday morning Miss JeanneG and I went to a stitch group and I returned home around 10:30 am.  I see the ladder out in the yard when I came back
Me: what is with the ladder, you will not go up on the roof!
He: no, I want to trim the honeysuckle.
Me: ok, glad you are waiting until I am here. The air conditioning people would be out in the afternoon. So I settled to do some stitching. Fast forward to 3pm-ish and in comes Vance to check the air conditioner. He goes up to the roof and then returns to say things look good. Walks around the house with one of those thermy things (I do not know what the name is) measures the air and says things look good. Of course the stupid thing is not acting up at all. He does recommend that we think about changing to a new one as this is original the house. While Mr H and Vance are talking, I hear, " well I went up to check to see and hear if the fan was working and it was"....UP...UP Where! Paid the service call fee and then..." so, you did go up on the roof" and all he can do is grin! He thinks because of these recent surgeries he is just fine...and he is, but I am sure the doctors would not want him climbing ladders to the roof. To the stitching...

I am just finishing with the last panel which is the poor guy that is waiting for his arms, and then will need to match up fabric and figure out the measurements.  I also have gotten a fair amount punched on the sunflower

and I am so enjoying doing needle punch. I see how I am improving with each project and feeling comfortable with the process. Really happy I decided to buy the Morgan hoop, makes it so easy to work. I am not sure what needlework I will be doing today...I woke with a headache and stuffiness. I am sure this weather has lots to do with it. I just wish we could have some rain to clean the air a bit. This Monsoon is really not much to talk about so far. The temp is only 91 and should rise to 110 later today and little chance of any rain until Friday...maybe. So., it is time to take out one laundry and put in another...and rest my head. Thank you for stopping by and for your friendship and kind words. Have a good day.

Sparklies

I thought I was at the end of my shawl knitting, but not so. I think it needs to be longer. I really like my shawl to wrap me. So onward with that at the moment. Woke yesterday with a headache and upset stomach so I did nothing....absolutely nothing and today I am fine. On Wednesday I visited a bead shop which just opened on our side of town. I signed up for a class (on the 19th) but purchased my supplies...

oh so pretty...I will keep it mum for now. It will be my first attempt at this type of beading project and I only hope I can do it. Stay tuned for the finish! I also pulled out my project for punch needle and as before have left it again. I do not feel confident to try this...and I really do not know why. I know that I can do it, but keep hesitating. Our temps reached the first triple digit for the season at 101 Wednesday...and today we may have a rain storm...and the temps will be cooler. Winds are already kicking up. No wonder I had a headache! I feel bad for the Doves in the nest...trying to stay cool one day and the need to warm up the next. They are growing quickly and probably will soon be off. It seems like we have had a bunny explosion around here...so many young ones hopping about.

they are so darn cute. Everyday they gather in the courtyard to find munchies. Unfortunately the coyotes also know they are plentiful, so the circle is set. For now, they seem safe. Today is a special birthday...my sweet friend JeanneG is 90 years old. An independent lady who still lives on her own and still drives and volunteers at our library. She is always pleasant and smiling and so delightful to be with. Jeanne works on quilting and cross stitch and even has done some needlepoint. We try to get together at least once a week to stitch which usually becomes a chat session. I am so very lucky to have her for a friend. I will have to get an updated picture of her.  My laundry is already done, but I have not yet watered the garden and checked in with the Dove nest. I guess I should do that now....so glad we chatted today. Thank you for your friendship and kind words. Have a great day.

Sewing finished

The project that was spread out on the sewing table is now complete...

this is all that I can show at the moment...until it is mailed and received, I have almost completed the stitching for the SAL and as in the first few, I have enjoyed the design. I hope to assemble the pin keep this weekend. Not really liking the way the directions are for the ribbon trim, I guess I may change that.... we shall see. Not too sure of what my next project will be....I wish my mind was more organized in that area at the present....it just keeps wandering about. Mrs Finch is still keeping her eggs protected. Mr H and I are enjoying some sitting time in the garden......

this is the view from the lanai....

although is short in height, the Cana is so bright yellow....with a new bud getting ready to bloom...all in all it is looking very pretty. The temps have been very good so until the triple digits arrive, we shall enjoy sitting and looking. Yesterday and actually on Tuesday I spent time visiting and stitching with my sweet friends JeanneG....I am so lucky to have her in my life. I may try a quilting project next  and since she is a great quilter, I know she will help me. Maybe a small throw size. Presently the one in the living room ( I made back in the 90's!) is seeing some wear from use. It is a thought....Mr Finch has arrived so the chatter in the back yard is active. Not sure where he goes at night. So, my goal for today is to finish the SAL and get it ready in the frame for April display, look for/think of what I want to do for the next project.

 I am really happy to have you visit...thank you for your friendship and kind words....have a good day.

And so.....

Enjoyed a nice Wednesday morning with Sweet Jeanne. WE did more chatting than stitching, but that is what we sometimes do. Remember the beautiful sampler she stitched......

It  is Margaret W Brown by Milady's Needle..... Jeanne is offering it to one of you, that is right..... so if you would like to have this gently used pattern, please comment on this post saying that you would like to have it. I always say she is sweet. I spent the rest of the day relaxing and tatting. My little cold is still hanging around...but I do feel much better...just a bit of occasional cough and still need the  tissues.
Now about the Reindeer Food....no, it is not for people consumption...just Reindeer. Last year I was happy to send some to several blog children for Christmas Eve.... and I look forward to doing so again this year. So, if you have children and would like them to receive a packet and note email me their names and address and they will get an envelope addressed to them in time for Christmas Eve. It is okay if they got one last year, I will be glad to send again. Last year I also mailed Christmas spiders....I love having mine on the tree. Actually, I have several that hang around my sewing space all year long. Anyway, be sure to email me soon as I mail out the food early so it will arrive at your house in time. And so, that is my post for today. Now, I need a cup of coffee and to take some cold medicine and grab some tissue. Thank you for your kind words and names for the elves..... thank you for your caring friendship. Have a wonderful day.

A rain day?

Does this sky mean we just have rain today? Did the one load clap of thunder mean a storm? We will just have to wait and see. It is raining in the areas around us, but not in my yard.
The birds are very quiet, maybe they are preparing for the rain.
Yesterday sweet Jeanne came to stitch and chat.

Her sampler is coming along nicely. She has decided to change the color of the vase from a bright blue to a sot gold...next time we get to see how that looks. Jeanne is a delightful friend. A lady who told me yesterday that she grew up on a farm, married and lived on a working farm of corn and soybean with her husband Russell. I just can't believe that this tiny lady actually drove every kind of farming vehicle!  I am glad she decided to move here to our community.... happy that we are spending a day each week together to stitch. A quilter, she is quickly becoming a stitcher. She was wondering what her next project will be! She is also in a monthly class working on a needlepoint design. I managed to finish my BBD stitchng yesterday but when I looked in my stash, I do not have  any fabric to back it with! Guess I will just have to buy some.... gee, too bad.
EvaP approves totally about a Prince being born. She seems to think the sound of King is proper?! She even likes his name. Her big complaint was that they did not show enough of him..... she is wanting to see his face better. I will have to try to get her what I can about this special baby. I think she has read every book written about the Monarchy. My mom is... well, she cracks me up. That is about it for now. The laundry needs to be put into the dryer and I need coffee and something to eat. Today I will begin the Thimble Purse. It has been so nice to chat with you... hope you have a wonderful day. Hope too that we get some rain!