What happened in January

 Hello friends

 I thought I would fill in the past months along with current doings. I guess I should start in December when I fell in the yard. It was about a week after getting an injection in my right knee. So, that wiped out the pain relief. Then on January 22nd while walking to see what the fire in the neighborhood was about, you may have guessed, yes, I fell. One minute I was standing then I was down. There were two neighbors who were also going to the fire so I had immediate help. I fell face first in crushed rock and began to bleed on my face. I called Lisa who was home and she came to get me and off to the emergency room we went. Five hours there and they glued the cut on the bridge of my nose closed instead of stitches. I had many small cuts all over my face. My right eye became black and blue immediately. When we returned home, I suggested we not tell Alan. Lisa gave me a look. I suggested that since he would be home late (10ish) I would lay facing the wall and pretend to be asleep. Alan stops in my room every night when he arrives home. Lisa did not seem to buy that thought. Of course as soon as Alan came home she told him. His first words were...."so you had to check out a fire". It took a few weeks before the bruising and small cuts healed. Yes, I did see my eye specialist to make sure there was no damage to the eye and my PCP. She suggested I get a PT evaluation and that was a good idea. It seems my falling issue just may be my balance. I now have a cane for long walking times and when my right knee is painful.I  have not fallen since, On to the fun stuff.

Chicken Scratch....have you heard of it, or done it? I did many moons ago as a child. 

I decided to try it again. 

 

 I bought black check gingham and used white and red for the design and made me an apron.

I do wear aprons when I am cooking. I made the bib in a floral print as well as the band and ties. A fun apron for sure. I learned Chicken Scratch when I was around ten. We had a wonderful neighborhood playground that taught us many crafts for free and held games and such. It was the best. 

Recent;y I saw on YouTube, Japanese wood carving and I fell in love with the hair combs they made. So I searched and found just the right one

 

 

It is carved from Rosewood.  It is solid/heavy compared to regular combs. I love it. The company sells many styles and choice of woods. It will require special care, not getting it too wet and cleaning it every so often with natural oil. 

Well, that about covers a back update and current happenings.  More to come soon.....

 Thank you for stopping by and thank you for your friendship. 

Introducing......

 Oh friends, it has been a long month of adjustments. Thankfully I do keep busy. All of us miss Murphy in the same way but different. Alan and I sat and both told each other...no more pets. Lisa did not feel the same. We had not only lost our boy but so much money spent. The other day Lisa said I want a dog. I said, oh I don not know and that Alan said no more. I kept getting emails and texts for puppies/dogs.  We looked at rescues but, well nothing hit it. I looked into the site where we bought Murphy. Lisa and I started to look more. 

Alan sent us a text on Wednesday around 3pm. He sent this picture and told us to look into "him" and then face time him.

It was love at first sight and I said we are on our way, One hour later this little guy was in our car and headed home. Meet Sammy. He is a very affectionate mini schnauzer who is 3 months old and weighs  about 11 pounds. From the moment his little feet hit the floor  Sammy ran around the house and made himself at home. He is a cuddle bug....loves to be held and gives many kisses.

 

Look at that ear! It is 3 inches long. I was happy that his ears are not cropped. Sammy already knows how to get out of the screened lanai and comes when his name is called. He has gone outside for doing business but hasn't quite got to make it into the yard. He does not know about walking on a leash yet but it is so hot that that can wait. What is the expression?....Never say never.

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.

How is it already September

Here she is...September Sue. I miss the New England leaves changing colors and falling to the ground....don't miss the raking though. There are some trees here that drop leaves.  

Found a tiny button for her bow and some leaves for her to hold....love making these gals.

Found this twig in the courtyard and it fit perfectly . Dianna suggested some kind of tree.

How about a Lisa update? She is doing great. Recently started Cardiac Rehab 3 times a week. She is getting stronger each day.  Lisa has the all clear to drive.... yes! It means soon we will gallivant. Thank you to all who have sent good wishes and thoughts for her.

I have been busy this past month.... some crocheting, making a Thimble Pip, some embroidery and button stitching...and oh I don't know. I just keep busy all the time. I will post about these adventures soon. We had a doozy of a monsoon storm last night. Today seems iffy for sunshine. Sending thoughts to all those in the path of the recent hurricane. For now, time to sit at the sewing table.....Thank you for visiting and your kind words. thank you for your friendship.

Hot Hot and Hot

 The Arizona heat is on. It's only 97 right now....a cool down! By the weekend the temperature will climb again.

August Sue makes her appearance today. She is catching butterflies.

Just a close up of the details....I like the ribbon trim on her hat...I used a piece of netting for her net...and a twig from the garden...found the perfect trim for the apron and a couple of ladybugs added. Fun creating these gals.

Lisa update: her mom Carol and sister Beth arrived Sunday(Beth has left). Carol will be here for 2 weeks. We thought Lisa would be home by now....Lisa is finally out of ICU and in a room. there have been a few hiccups requiring more monitoring. Fingers and toes crossed she will be home any day now. All in all, Lisa is doing very well.... ambulating with minor assist and all IVs and drains are removed. The temporary pacemaker is all that is left.thank all who keep her in your thoughts.

I am learning button making. Why..just because. So far I have made the Dorset Button and the Death Head Button. The Dorset button dates back to 1622 in Dorset England. They were used for men's waistcoats.The Death Head dates to the 17th and 18th centuries and were mainly used for military uniforms. this type of needlework is sometimes referred to as passementerie.... the art of making elaborate trims and edging trims like buttons and tassels and braiding. Today a book I ordered on this craft arrives! I will be waiting for that Amazon truck!!! I am always eager to learn something new. For the buttons, I think I will attach to a banner..... I will be sure to take pictures as I learn to make these buttons.

Nice to chat with you again. Thank you for your kind words and encouragement. Thank you for your friendship.

Omyiage girls

 Hello friends. Hope all is well with you. the changing weather, the winds and dust in the air are causing so many issues around here. The Brother Alan's allergies are acting up.... Lisa has had a few issues too. Me?, well mild headaches that thankfully clear by late morning. The AC is now on and I really do not think the heat cycle will return. Remember Hank the fish...

I picked him out because of his black markings. Well, it seems that is now gone

Hank is now all gold . I Googled goldfishes and many do change colors as they age. I do remember the gold fish Dennis had in the pond...they did change color too.

Dianna and Marissa sent me photoss of the Omyiage dolls I made for them, The one on the left is Dianna's and the other is Marissa's. Since we were arriving in Vegas on Easter Sunday, I put together a simple goodies bag. the dolls held candy as did the bag they were in.I enjoy making fabric origami.

This is  called Sakura. To me it resembles a Lotus flower. It has a small draw string pouch in the back. Fun to make and give away.

When plans were being made for Vegas, Dianna told me about the M & M store...all 4 floors of it. Lisa loves peanut M & Ms so

of course she has to have her own dispenser and purple and lavender (her fav color) fills it. Now of course when they are gone, she will have multi-color candy. I also like M & Ms so I got a glass

I filled mine with multi-colors. The store has so many products. The best is 2nd floor where the candy is

Amazing wall ...all sorted by color and type. Children (adults too) stare in awe and then rush to chose and fill their bag. Scales are provided to weigh. What fun! My next project.... well, at the moment I am still trying to decide. so much I want to do! Today is a lazy day for all of us here. Make your day a relaxing one too.Good to chat with you. 

Thank you for your kind words and thank you for your friendship.

She went to Vegas

 Hello friends. 

When Dianna texted me about going to Las Vegas for a few days, I hesitated. Alan and Lisa said to go...so I did. First time visit..... oh the sights I saw. some were crazy and some were lovely. Food delicious and I discovered that I like grits, who knew. We had a great time.

Marissa, one of Dianna's daughters, drove from Texas to meet us here in Arizona and then onto our adventure. Good driver and tour guide!

We stayed at The Luxor. Dianna reserved us a corner room suite. The room was perfect for us. There were 2 queen beds in the main section with a Jacuzzi in the corner by the window.

The side room was just right for me. Being awake all hours, no one was disturbed.I was comfy and so tired each day that sleep came easy. And we had 2 TVs.....but one remote! Because the building is a pyramid shape, the elevators ride up the side....

You certainly cold feel the difference. It was best to hold on as it moved.

We enjoyed a delicious buffet at The Wynn. That is where I discovered grits...especially one with shrimp, spicy sausage and sauce. We arrived on Sunday the 9th and home on Wednesday....just long enough for me. One of the best burgers I had was at Gordon Ramsey's at the Planet Hollywood.

Not everything that happens in Vegas stays...while there I got a tattoo on my left ankle. I have past  5 years without Dennis. Sometimes difficult, but I have adjusted and moved forward even a little. Daniel, who did the tat captured just what I wanted. ...deh into a heart....Dennis' initials and how I referred to him. Daniel decide to add a red line and a "sparkle" to represent Vegas. Still healing.  I did not tell Alan and Lisa until I was home a day.  

She went to Vegas and came home with a tattoo!

Glad to chat with you today. Move to say but that will be another day. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Murphy likes the quilt

 Goodness, it is Christmas week. Are you ready...gifts? meal plans? I just need a few food items and that will be it. This week I will be baking and making ahead some of our Christmas Eve and Christmas day dinner. Christmas Eve celebration will be around 8pm. Both Alan and Lisa are working. We will enjoy an Antipasti tray, Crudite tray and baked goods. Christmas Day we are having Lasagna and Braciole and that will be depending on how the morning goes as to what time we will actually eat.

The Hexagon quilt is finished. Once again I sewed it completely by hand and no repeats of prints. It measures approximately 40x60. I was lucky that Dianna gave me some of the floral prints...we swap fabric when needed.

these 2 hexies are special. These 2 floral prints are special. The fabric was bought in Hawaii when Dianna vacationed there. The hot pink one is in the center of the quilt and the yellow hangs off the edge...just like the special Murphy hexie. What next? Not sure but I do know it will be another quilt. I have been thinking of Quillow ...maybe a French Rose quilt...maybe both! So ambitious.... we will see. This week will be plan time as I get ready for the holiday. 

Happy to have you stop and visit with me. Thank you for the kind words and the encouragement. Thank you for your friendship.

              🎄🎅🎄🎅🎄🎅🎄🎅🎄🎅🎄🎅

Advent Calendar Blog Hop

 It is that time of December for my post to the annual blog hop hosted by Jo. 

 Each blog hop ( Jo hosts several a year) we are given a topic to talk about. This year it is"afters"..... what is eaten after the Christmas meal. We also post a picture of something for Christmas or the season that we created

When I saw this pattern I knew I had to make it. "The Tree Farmers, block #2 of Woolie Christmas Gnomes"; from Red Button Quilt Co. 

First of  the gnomes are cute but more than that they are in a truck. When I met my hubby Dennis in 1970 he was driving...when it ran...an old pick-up truck. He found a few toy trucks around when we went  out and about.antique shopping. Here they are.

 Back to the gnomes..... it is all hand stitched applique with a few minor changes that more expressed me. The backing/border fabric I had already had and thought it would be perfect. Well,

look at the name of the fabric! Now you know it was meant to be. 

Now back to our topic...."afters". When I was a child Christmas was at Grandma and Papa Piccirilli's house...all of dad's family . Once dinner was finished there were trays of Italian cookies and an antipasti tray and always fresh roasted chestnuts for nibbling and fresh fruit bowl. As time went on and families grew Christmas was celebrated at each home with their growing families. I always had the same at my house many years later when Christmas Eve was held at our house with Sister Lyn and The Brother Alan and their families. Now, new traditions are forming with Alan and wife Lisa living here.  Of course Murphy is part of the fun. Here in Arizona, through the 17 years living here, chestnuts are not always available. It is something that I really miss. 

Special thank you to Jo for remembering that this date is special to me.

Happy Heavenly Birthday Dennis......

December 16, 1945- June 21, 2017

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 pain in the neck!

 Well, I am certainly cutting it close with surgery preparations. Finally having an EKG on Monday morning at 9am. Surgery is October 3rd....it will have to do. I have had 2 other surgeries this year and did not require an EKG....not going to question the powers that will be doing the procedure. I would have had it last Monday but I incorrectly wrote the time down...so I missed the appointment....so not like me. Monday will be my first time using Uber for transportation. Alan is away until Monday very late evening and Lisa is working.  Today literally I have a pain in my neck. When I visited with the Pain doctor, we decided to wait and see if it is somehow connected with the disc issue. When I return in 2 months he will decide how to proceed. I have never had so many issues as now. Truth be told, I have been feeling a little stressed lately. I know it will work out.

Remember the baby quilt...

Well here is McKayla all wrapped in it. so nice to see it really being used. Message received from the dad Joe is that they love it.

👀Look at my hexies.... did I mention it might take 100 complete pieces which means 200 pieces cut...I am once again enjoying my project. Sewing by hand is very relaxing for me. My sewing table is on the opposite side of my bed area so it is like another room.  I have a floor length window...my view is nice and if I turn to my right, I can look out the slider and peer into the lanai and garden. 

Recently when I did look into the garden this is what I saw...a pair of Goldfinches enjoying a bath in the fountain. They stayed for some time and of course interrupted my sewing.  Then there is Murphy...at this very moment he is under the sewing table leaning against my legs waiting for attention. How can I get things done with all this stuff around me. I love it. time to continue chores...the House Faerie once again missed my house. Dishwasher swirling, laundry swishing and dryer fluffing.... I need another cup of coffee. Say something nice to someone today...share a smile, it just maybe what someone needs.

Glad you stopped by today...another nice interruption. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

I finally did it

 There will be no sewing for ...now. 

 Wednesday morning while trying to herd Murphy into the house, I tripped and fell. First of all let's not blame Murphy. I was wearing my Nike slides and well... should not run while wearing them especially on bricks. Once I was on the ground, Murphy was there to play. Lisa came running out when I yelled. I hit my left cheek bone on the Indian Totem statue, scraped my right knee and landed on my right shoulder. I iced and rested but yesterday afternoon when Lisa came in from work, I asked her to take me to the hospital ER because I knew I did something more than bruise myself.

We arrived at the hospital around 4pm. A Cat scan and x-rays showed a fractured right humerus. I have some bruising on my face and on my upper right arm. I am in a sling, and in the process of making an orthopedic appointment. Finally back home around 7pm. They hospital gave me a Percocet just before I left and a prescription.

"One of these days" has arrived. I have been lucky with previous falls. So my friends, no sewing for now and no Nike slides outside. My heel is not fully ready for a closed shoe so staying put inside is good for now. Glad you stopped by today. Thank you for your kind words and thank you for your friendship.

New sewing tool....

 there is nothing more dangerous than a dull blade on the rotary cutter. Finally my blade was starting to skip. While in the quilt shop to buy a new blade I noticed . . .

an ergonomically Olfa cutter. Wow, it certainly is smooth and easy on my hand. Still cutting and will be cutting squares for some time so this will be great. 

It is growing... I sat outside on the lanai this morning sewing. Starting to warm up more so back instead.  The wind is pretty steady today. Also I wanted to cut a few more squares. I switch from doing one thing to another on the quilt so my hand gets a rest and my foot is propped up. 

 Sweet Lisa brought me tulips for Mother's Day. She is most thoughtful and I am lucky to have her around. We certainly have a lot of laughs.

I was asked if I still need  window squares....YES. I will be making at least 600 muslin squares. A block is 4 of them and in that block is 4 windows. Once connected to the next muslin square another window is added. Alan has  informed me I will need at least 2400.....and that is the low side! I think I will be in the fabric bin gathering some more fabric to cut.

Our rose garden is still blooming. We have 4 bushes and they are doing really well. The garden is looking so nice. A few things are in bloom and soon more will be. The bees will be very happy!

Okay, think I will rummage through the bin....

Glad you stopped to visit. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship....and the window squares!

                      Hello from Murphy!

Mail arrived

 It is always nice to get mail...fun mail. This week a package

This is what Cynthia sent to me! Four lovely pieces of fabric! Here is what they will look like when added to the quilt

I will have plenty to fill in as I go along. Thank you so very much Cynthia T. I am enjoying the slow hand stitching and will be making more squares today. 

We celebrated a birthday this week..

What better way for her to celebrate than with a horseback ride. Following the ride, Alan and Lisa had lunch t one of their favorite places, The Tonto Grill. 

My heel is showing improvement...everyday it is better. I still wear the boot when out. Hope by next week to start wearing shoes on both feet! I will be soon wearing out all my left foot shoes. I miss taking Murphy for walks. We both need the exercise. That is my goal starting next week... in the morning when the ground is still comfortable for him to walk. Our temps have been in the 80s to mid 90s and the sun really heats the pavement.

Time to get cutting squares and then pressing and stitching. Glad you stopped by. thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Click...click

 The sound you do not want to hear when starting trying to start the car is click. that is what happened yesterday when Lisa was going to work. there was some hesitation the day before but it did start. Not Wednesday.  So a text to The Brother Alan. He came home a little early so we could take the car to the dealership. Yes, as it turned out the battery needed to be replaced. Early this morning before going to work he and Lisa went to pick it up....al is good. 

Finally sat and used the Singer.... a  beautiful pillowcase for my bed. The fabric just caught my eye and then I had to change a few things. The body of the case is the purple pansy print and the cuff is the large rose print. Actually the cuff is a border print so I had to change the size. It is 10 inches wide. When cutting the cuff it is 9 inches folded in half to be 4 inches. 

Problem solved by trimming the cuff and then lining the inside with the trim piece....the fabric for the trim and cuff lining is actually in the cuff border. Very pleased with it and of course the sewing machine. There are so many attachments that Alan helped me figure a good way to store them so I am not rummaging through loose pieces.

We found this at Jo-Ann's and had a coupon. I labelled each section and as you can see, this works perfectly. I like things to be organized. some feet came with the machine and then Alan ordered a Singer special box with feet and then there was another group that were special additions with the machine. I do not think there is any that I need!

Swishing is happening in the laundry room and in between that I hope to get some sewing done. It is a warm sunny but I will keep the slider open for Murphy to go in and out...for now. It has been nice having you visit. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.