Always something to do

Whether I want to or not, there is always something to do. Right now I need a plumber, a carpenter, an electrician and a "pond someone" and assistance from Cox? maybe. The pond definitely has a problem...hopefully an easy fix. At the moment it is empty of water and there is expected rains coming the beginning of the week so it will remain off to the dismay of several birds who thought their pond was back. This includes the bunny too. The kitchen light is not responding to the yard stick taps so I have half lighting. The last time I attempted to climb the step ladder to "fix" this I almost landed on the stove top. Happily there was nothing cooking. I see there is a ?shut off valve under the sink on the water dispenser, but will that be enough for me to try to disconnect the system??? I really do not need water running everywhere. The cable went out again yesterday as did my bathroom lights! Once I reset the lights at the electrical box the cable returned??!! Cox  was as confused as I was. So far cable is working today but I am still having them come out later today to discuss this issue. At least I was not the only customer  in the area calling them the last 2 days. As I was Swiffing around the TV in my bedroom yesterday I found

this frayed HDMI cable...you didn't know that I knew what it is called, right? I learned a lot from My Denny. Of course there was a replacement in the garage! Yes, he always had extras of this or that, remember the 4 drills??? It was an easy fix.
Thank goodness for going to lunch with Glenda yesterday to break the craziness around here.
I began putting together the beaded Rose Star and hope to share that over the weekend, but I will show you these.....

A gift from Lisa...lovely wire wrapped "beach glass" earrings....we both love the color purple/lavender! the picture does not do them justice but I think you can see they are delicate in style. She also gave me

A beautiful wrap bracelet....a silver formed piece with a piece of turquoise and silver beads....I love it. Thank you Lisa for being so thoughtful. The washer is swishing and I will walk the Bissell soon. Then back to trying to do nothing. At some point I should make breakfast and another cup of coffee. Glad you had time to visit with me.... thank you for your kind words and for your friendship. DebbieB if you are able to read this I hope you are enjoying yourself.... talk with you soon! Honey, AKA Keith, hope you are feeling good after your shoulder surgery. I am feeling better today, thank you Glenda for the special chat. Let's have a good day everyone.

Bobby~~~Keith~~~ the Geeks to the rescue

Well, first Bobby tried to help

with Dianna hiding behind him making hand signals.... of course when he sat at the computer to fix things

Dianna went looking for a snack and found potato chips to munch ! Try as he did the problem was not solved so we went thrift shopping instead and then to lunch...thank you for lunch Bobby. I found nothing to buy but of course Dianna always finds something(s). Good laughs and good friends make for a nice time.
Next up was Honey...AKA Keith.....solved it enough that I could upload pictures again and access my files with error messages but thought I better have the Geeks check it out. So, Robert with the Geeks did just that. Problem is that the program I was using Windows Live Gallery is not supported anymore by Windows 10. However, I can once again upload photos to the computer with 3 clicks and access my files..... that is making me a happy gal.
Doctor (PCP) appointment went well as it was a 3 month follow up but I did get a tetanus shot.... of course the wimp that I am, my shoulder is a little swollen and sore. I keep telling everyone that I am delicate...I am delicate.

This big guy decided to relax on his rock for a short time....then scooted off to hunt bugs.

He blends so well with the light rocks and even the rock where he usually sits. Sometimes I do not notice him until he sees me and moves. He better hope the Roadrunners stay away.
I finally settled to a little tatting and then got distracted again by who knows what. Lately I scatter my brain here and there. Today I hope to organize a few things around the hacienda and a few times have the laundry swishing and drying. I may even take Bissell for a walk around the place. When the refrigerator heard I might be replacing it (still plan to) it once again began to make proper ice. Finny how things happen. So, off I go to be useful around here. Glad to chat with and I just know that you are happy that my computer issues are okay now! Thank you for your kind words and most of all your friendship.

Mid week doings

I have always liked Wednesdays..... the middle of the week. No particular reason except many years ago when I first started to work it was my day off and made the work week easier. Now being retired I still like Wednesdays. Just was in the garden

The alien Snail Vine continues to grow and bloom. The center is now almost 3 feet deep from the top of the arbor. It is beautiful.  The tomato plant is about ready to leave the garden. The new bush is blooming nicely

The petals of the blooms have a red hue to them. Inside are the seeds. I have added a little fencing around it for the time being to coral the spread and encourage it to grow upward stronger. Listen to me, I sound like I know what I am doing! Actually I am trying to give room to the plants around it.
I checked the "clock nest"

Not sure what these Doves are doing and it is obvious to me that they do not know what they are doing. I will remove it by the end of the week if there is no activity.
Today is re-arrange a few chairs...what is out front to the back and what is in the back to the front and then to wash the lanai floor ..... still have the corner computer desk unit to get out of the lanai.  I figured that I can safely move it out using the dolly that I have.  It is one of those flat bed type. Trash pick-up is Friday so if it is out there when people tend to check out what is being tossed, it may have a new home. Honey (AKA Keith) stopped by to adjust my computer settings. Every time there is an update things change.  I watch and learn and one of these days I will not have to bother him for help.
The Brother Alan is once again living with another winter storm along the East Coast. I have a package to mail to sis Lynowl but once again I will wait due to the storm and mail delivery issues that comes along with it. Keeping busy is essential for me today. Thank you dear friend Debbie for the special message this morning. Debbie and I email everyday---- long distance friendship.
Time to do the chores. The Fairy Maids are still missing and by the notes, many of your fairies are missing too! Thank you for stopping by and for your kind words and most of all your friendship.

You may be out of sight but not out of my mind.

I hold you tightly in my heart.

Starting the day

Some days are just a slow start. Today is feeling like one of those. I woke at 6 AM and still feel tired. Finally had a cup of coffee and would like another. This is shaping up to be "one of those days". I can just feel it. My hand is less swollen and the redness all about gone but it is still sore so I will continue the medicated gel and try to rest it. This is always hard for me. I want to do this or that..... should do this and that but I know if I do not rest the hand it will only take longer for it to feel better.
I mentioned to The Brother Alan that I wanted to change the furniture on the lanai. So we did order a grouping from Lowes.

The settee and table along with a pair of chairs. When it was delivered all but one of the back cushions were messed up. They were pack so tightly that they were misshaped. After a few calls a delivery to my home from Lowes with 3 new cushions.  Great customer service. The lanai is due for a change and this is the start. I would like to remove a few other things form the lanai but definitely need help. I would like to move the shelves but Buddy the Hummer (Dennis named him that ) likes to sit on the branch in one of the vases.....need to think about this.  I have a corner unit that needs to go and chairs from the front that need to come to the back and chairs form the back that need to go to the front....I am exhausted thinking about it! For now this will do.
Also while The Brother Alan was here we changed out the Cox cable boxes....something else for me to adjust to. Really, I have talked out loud to the TV before but now it does what I ask!  The phone so far has been easier than I thought. Not having a house phone is easier than I thought. I only looked for it twice. Now I need to remember to give me new phone number to various people and change it at the medical offices. So far these past few months I have moved forward with Skyping, talking to the TV remote, now texting...what next??? I feel that I have been adjusting fairly well. I know that I still have a way to go. I am doing the best that I can and as I feel I can.
I have sent a message to Honey (AKA Keith) my computer is a bit off kilter....photos, the mouse and a few other things. He is such an angel. He is a gentle soul who always has a smile.
Well friends, I think I should at least get a couple of things done around here. The House Fairy did not show up today. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship. Have a great day.

Off to see The Wizard

Oh what a gloomy morning. The sky is grey and the air has a chill. They say it may rain and it certainly does feel like it will.
Yesterday Honey, AKA Keith, came by and I got a few computer lessons. He makes it all so simple! He also moved my fabric bin for me. So the doll will get some clothes....still in the stuff her stages. Then we watched some of the Olympics before he headed home. The chicken and escarole soup did get made but not the Pizzelles and we know I will be a bit loopy this afternoon so not today either. I will be off to see The Wizard doctor later this morning for the right leg procedure then I will have matching set.  The steri-strip from the incision came off and of course there was a little bleeding. I remembered all the medical supplies I had to get when Denny was ill and sure enough, I had steri-strips so I am all patched up.
I guess I should talk about the Dove couple.

Doves mate for life....which is good but also sad if something happens to one of them. They have a great system for raising their 2 younglings. One is with the nest at all times. He sits on the nest during the day and then they switch off and she remains for the evening. Once the babies feather out then they can be left for periods during the day. I do not know when they decide that their mate is gone and it is time to move on, and how long they remain by themselves. It seems that is what happened here with my Dove pair. One returns everyday and sits before flying off. The one egg will never be nurtured. I will remove it so that maybe another pair may come along and stay. As sad as it is, it is what nature is all about. When you open your garden to all you must accept that.
Glenda will be taking me again today and it will be the last of her escorting. I so appreciate her as my friend. Glad you stopped by and I thank you for your kind words and for caring about me. Thank you for your friendship.

****22 days but who's counting!**** 

Saturday morning happenings....

Don't you just go crazy when you do dumb things? Several times I get the wash ready and forget to close the washer lid...well, on my machine that means that the clothes just sit in water and then it drains and you have to start all over again! So, finally the washer is swishing. Per doctors orders I am not to climb or lift anything over 15 pounds. So......I attempted to retrieve a plastic shoebox that was on a high shelf using my trusty yard stick...oh the shoebox came down alright, good thing I turned my face away because it hit me on the head. Now don't get excited...it only had tatting items in it so I did not get hurt.

I sat at the sewing machine yesterday and have all the body parts for the Tilda doll (finally). She needs to be ironed and then stuffed...but...I cannot pick out fabric for her clothes...I have the fabric but it is in a heavy bin in the garage on a shelf and I cannot get it out do to restrictions. I guess she will be stuffed and naked for a time.

I love trying different origami folds....so I made some paper stars and hearts this week. Not a clue what to do with them but fun anyhow. I never tire of trying and learning. These little stars are puffy one ...I have made flat folded ones many times.
I also found some paper doll cut-outs...

and feathers so of course there were printed out. I need Honey Keith to help me with the printing on cardstock...I seem to be having trouble with it. There is a butterfly there too. Not all my interests ae with needle and thread....
I even found a lovely heart and flower embroidery pattern to make. There is the problem....finding all these interesting things to do and now to find the time to make them.
Before I leave you, I must...... absolutely must show you my morning sky...

.....the beauty of the morning sunrise draws me stand in awe......never do I tire of seeing the amazing beauty of the sunrise.
Thank you for stopping by and for your kind words. Thank you most of all for your friendship and good wishes for my leg procedures.

Don't forget...The Brother Alan is coming! March 6th...my calendar is marked!

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.

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.

Plans sidelined

Today I was going to paint the pond wall...I stopped yesterday at Home Depot and picked up a few items...paint

to paint 2 stripes on the wall behind the pond matching the colors in this pottery jar that is on the wall. All the supplies were made ready last night

yes, in the laundry basket which is not being used right now. But...earlier this morning there was thunder and lightening and very grey skies along with about 5 minutes of drizzle. So, by the time this cleared up it is too hot and too muggy to be out there preparing to paint. Maybe tomorrow. The nozzle broke for the backyard hose so that made it's way into the cart. I also remembered to pick up a new skimmer

Denny was 5'8" and long arms...me at 5' short arms had trouble using the skimmer he had with no handle! This will telescope to 8 feet! It is a guarantee that I will not be leaning into the pond to collect leaves and not falling in! This morning I attached a timer so that if I want to shut the waterfall off I can do so from the house. I am feeling quite accomplished.
Enjoyed my lunch meeting with Vicki-K.

Vicki and Dan

Be sure to stop by and visit her Christmas blog  and also her other blog Being Grammy.  We had wonderful conversation as well as lunch. Her interests are varied and I am sure you will enjoy meeting her and her sweet grandchildren as well as get some organizational ideas for Christmas.
Remember my rearranging the computer? I had to disconnect several things so I could move it and in putting it all back together I messed up. No speakers! Of course what to do...after spending an hour this morning trying to figure it out, I sent an email to Keith and ....did you know that if you have a green connection it plugs into the green spot on the back of the computer? All fixed. Poor Keith I just about drive him crazy. The sun is shining brightly now and it is hot and humid so no outdoor activities for me. Soon, real soon, I must get gas...I am at the 3 line. It has been a month since my last gas adventure so I hope I remember what does what. Today will be a relax day and just maybe some needle in hand. Thank you for stopping by and for your kind words. Most of all, thank you or your friendship.
❤Special note: Today is the funeral back in Rhode Island for my dear gentle cousin Rocco. 

I am still here...

Hello friends, thank you for missing me. I took a few days off. First because the 21st was my first month without Denny and then to gather myself. Besides the blog I keep a diary separate from here and those thoughts , well it was best to take a break. I am here and over the next week I want to share some more of the embellishments on the banner. I had a love y day with Dianna and we did cut out the teddy...

and today I start to sew. We also went to a thrift store and  I found just the right book for my teddy bears

I will remind myself not to return there on a Saturday...so chaotic. Dianna found some good stuff too. Early last evening my friend Keith stopped by to bring me an embroidered something....

well, I can not show it as it will be a gift but he has a wonderful embroidery machine and I asked if he would stitch this for me. Then he helped me to send a couple of videos to The Brother Alan. Keith is a computer wiz....really what he does, sort of. Anyway, it was a productive day. Right now it is cloudy with chance of rain and very humid. I did get out earlier to vacuum out  18 gallons of water, then add fresh water back in. I also remembered to add the algaecide chemical. Cleaned the pump too. I think they will be going to a new home next week. I called an organization and the man said email me your address and I will come out to get them next week...so lets keep those toes crossed (the fingers will most likely be doing needlework) that he does come for them. I sent pictures to him. I actually added a few more stitches to Alice, but not enough to even notice. So I have been busy.  I hope to sew on the teddy bear. I have some yard work to do, but I will get out early each morning to rake, sweep, pond vac and such....too hot after 7 AM. I also need to get a new filter for the fridge ice maker next week and hope I remember how to do install. I watched Denny do it hundreds of times. How hard can it be? You will soon find out.
By the way...remember

I  decided to call him Harry.... just popped in my head and did not leave, so Harry it is.
Guess that about covers what I have been up to and what plans I have. Glad to have you visit with me and thank you for the kind words and most of all your friendship. I am trying to get back into visiting all of you...Let's have a good day.