Oh, Hello there!

Has it really been a week since.... according to the blog date it has. Here's what has been going on around the hacienda.
Swishing and fluffing daily. Cooking and baking. This week it was shortbread cookies. Nice that I have Alan and Lisa to bake for. Walks with Murphy early or late day because it is hot...100+ hot. Lisa is still sewing on her days off.

I know the picture is not the best, but Murphy is quick with the magic screen doors! He flies in and out and yes a few times ran smack into the closed slider! He will go under and through and in one door and out the other. The kitchen slider (this one) and my bedroom are off set by the corner of the lanai.  The best thing since sliced bread! He loves being outside and now we are not up and down to open the door. 

This past week a friend that I had for 60+ years passed away. Donna and I met when I lived in her grandma's house back in 1958. Although we have not seen each other  for some time, a friend is a friend and with social media we were in touch. Sad feelings. This is a sad month for me anyway. Just this morning I commented to Lisa that I am feeling much less stress. They certainly have helped and have spoiled me and of course Murphy is a big part of keeping me on track.

Murphy.... well, he does not like big birds in the yard or on the wall...only finches and hummingbirds. Now he has discovered geckos and lizards. This past week Alan got out of bed to remove a large lizard from the lanai before Murphy got it. The other day he was inches from catching a baby bunny who likes to visit our flowers. Never a quiet moment around here. 

I have an issue with my neck (right side) and shoulder and collarbone. Tomorrow I will have a CT Scan to see what is going on.... most likely a pulled muscle but better to check it and correct whatever behavior caused it. Off I must go to tend to the swishing in the laundry area and do a few chores. It is always nice to chat with you. I will try to appear more often as before. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

A new day in the neighborhood

The Monsoon arrived last night and with some force. The wind was strong and the lightening lit up the sky and yes, the thunder was loud and rain fell sideways.

Diana had called ad the storm hit her side first...the East and slowly began to move toward me on the West side. Then...the phone just clicked off! I was getting ready to hibernate in the closet!
I just came in from cleaning some of the debris. The rest will need to dry out first. The hummer feeder was tossed about and finally found. Then, I was treated to a hummingbird bathing...

He was beautiful with the lavender/purple neck. He is a Black-chinned hummer.

Look closely...can you see him? he dipped into the bubbler

All wet!

~~fluttering wings....off to dry in the tree. With this heat and humidity and his size it will not take long. These were taken without zoom...I was standing just 4 feet away. Yesterday morning as I opened my bedroom verticals....

this Spiny Lizard was sunbathing on the wall just outside my window. Just another day in the neighborhood!

Plans for today?.... well only to be creative. I have the quilt ornament details all worked out so now to make it. A text a short time ago tells me that Glenda will be stopping by with  a goodie later today. We share what we bake. Since I do not want to have the oven on, I will probably just make Pizzelles this weekend. 

Glad you had time to visit. I am still having some email sending issues, so if you do not get a response to your comment, give it time! Thank you for you kind words and for your friendship.

Keeping busy with help

Our Arizona weather is finally much cooler. I actually am wearing socks this morning! I know in comparison to other places I am lucky. Anyway, a couple of texts with The Brother Alan the other day and then he actually called me to emphasize his comments and the decision was made...hire a landscaper to take care of the garden … at least for now. So yesterday they arrived at 9:30 am and as Alan made it clear "you supervise" and I did.

The Firecracker that was in lovely bloom (at the top) had reached almost 10 feet high and was becoming top heavy...so it is now 6 feet high and I can actually see the lovely Fairy Duster bush..

love the fluffy blooms. It now has more light and room to spread a little. The Fairy bush is at the left and Firecracker in the center against the wall. To the far right is a Yucca plant that was completely hidden by the Purple Fountain grass...

Now the grass has been cut down so it will regrow and be stronger and more controlled. Even the disco ball can shine better! It all looks so drastic but very necessary to allow the plants to grow better. Dennis always cut down the grass by the pond as well as at the back door....

The nice bell was unable to sing and the area very messy. Of course when the grass here was cut, out ran a large lizard and he stood his ground for a brief second until the rake appeared and he scooted across the path to another plant. As soon as the movement ended he moved back to his home in the now sheared grass. I found myself looking out several times.... it will take a few more days to get used to it all. The hummer was also upset with all the garden activity. It won't be long before it all grows again and a bit more control this time. The garden is finally ready for winter.
Than you for the lovely comments on my book. It was made with loving memories of some wonderful years of my life.
Once all the garden stuff was completed I sat and began a new beading project...

I know...what is it? you ask. It will be a snowflake. The suggested beads were white and silver but I have no silver so this  will be gold/white until I get silver. This is new for me as I never did the brick stitch before and I had to start this one 3 times! It is worked from the center to the edge then picked up again and worked in the other direction. It will be around 2 inches.. Hopefully I can do this...it is going to be a long weekend trying.
Here it is 5:45 am and I have been awake since 2:30 am...the day is already feeling long. I think I will curl up on the sofa and find something to watch on TV. Glad you visited...thank you for the kind words and for your friendship. 

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.

Maybe a stormy day?

I seriously doubt that this day will be really different than the last days.... it will be hot  ...already 95 at 6AM. The temp will be around the 110+ mark again. It is Monsoon season after all. On Thursday we had the first Dust Storm

The poor palms were definitely feeling the winds. The Dust Storms most always come from the East/ Southeast and blow towards the West… that is where I am. If I get the dust it is from the low end of the wall of dust. This one was about 100 miles long and about 100 feet high at it's peak. The debris was flying as you can see in the picture. Today is starting a bit cloudy with a chance of drops. The garden is a mess and the pond also. I am being cautious with all the bees that are about the pond so I will top it off as needed and wait until the exterminator is here on Wednesday to check for a nest. I am all for saving the bees but I also want to save me. The garden needs some trimming. This heat seems to have affected a few of the plants. That mean I must try to get out there before it is too hot...now let me see, the days have been starting at 90+.... guess I will be having a few losses out there. My recent doctor appointment was to a skin specialist.... his advice is for me to be more careful in the sun as I have a few issues to deal with. And no garden work or walking without a hat!
I have a front walkway visitor....

I guess the mating season is over as I am not seeing much of  that activity.... there are not crowds of them out in the courtyard! They are lucky if they are in my garden as I will not be raking up too much debris and they can be safe for now. I am keeping the birdbath as filled as possible for the thirsty birds and the hummer feeders too.

My craft cart is all set up...Tatting, Beading and whatever all sorted in the shelves and ready for use. Now to just grab it and do something. My hand has been rested and feeling okay to create. I have about a dozen beaded baubles and sent one off to my Aunt Rose Marie…

So happy she loves it. I found these glass hearts that I alternated with lavender rounds.... I like how it turned out. I need to make more of the tatted snowflakes so that is where I am focusing on.
I am doing an experiment...

My large Sansevieria plant otherwise known  as the mother in law tongue plant.... needed to be repotted and a section was not well. So, I followed the suggested cutting for rooting and we shall see if they take. The ends are finally dried enough to plant. I have carefully laid them with the tops all in the same direction so now we shall see what happens.
Guess that about covers what is going on around here...or not. It has been nice  visiting with you... thank you for your kind words and for your friendship. An update on the mother EvaP...she has so enjoyed all the cards that you have sent. You really helped her with the transition. Thank you because in helping her you have helped The Brother Alan, sis Lynowl and me! 

Going to be a long day....

What sleep? It  seems my eyes were open more than they were closed last night. So, I will announce now that today will not be a productive day. I will check the pond for water level because with the temps around 110 it will need a topping and a treatment. But that will be the extent of my garden work.
There was interest in my bread making accessories! The slicer is Mrs. Anderson's Baking Bread Slicer which is on-line and can be through Bed Bath and Beyond and the knife is the 9" Scalloped Offset Bread Knife also on-line. I just Googled and they came up. The best idea. The slicer has different widths so it makes it so easy and better cutting with the long angled knife.
I spent part of yesterday sorting my snowflake tatting supplies and also my beaded ornament supplies. So if I should have the energy today it will be a go to work on either but let's not count on it.  I had my toast and coffee and now am ready to put the feet up and put my head down.

This little bunny was watching me at my front window. There have been lots of baby bunnies out there. I just love the big black eyes and those almost see through bug ears. The lizards continue to be everywhere...it is mating season and they are certainly looking and finding. The Doves are hanging around my garden again calling out... I am just trying to see where they are planning the nest. So even if I am not busy, the creatures are.

The hummer has been enjoying the nectar at the feeder.... this of course after hovering quite close to my head. They sound like little motors! So everyone is busy but me.
With that said, off I go to try to wake my brain or doze off...which ever happens first. Air conditioner and ceiling fans are keeping me and the house comfortable. Glad you came by....thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

The start of the week

The temp is around 82 but not too bad this morning. The pond needs a cleaning and the garden needs a pick-me-up, but it will wait. I have removed the Dove nest from the Memory Bush. Speaking of bushes

This is the Fire Cracker bush...it is almost 10 feet tall and 5 feet wide. It is a blaze with color. It actually glows in the sunlight.  The rain chain will be moving closer to the pond when the Brother Alan next arrives. I think I will let the Honeysuckle which is now low to the ground try to grow again.
My tomato plant has tripled in size and has a dozen or so tomatoes growing.

I trimmed a few of the lower branches as Dennis used to do and it allows more sunlight and air around the plant. The Snail vine is showing some wear and tear...not sure why. I will just leave it for now. Pruning is usually in the Fall. Yesterday I trimmed the basil and oregano and brought a few sprigs in to dry.
I finished the ornament to send to my Aunt Rose Marie but will wait until she gets it to post it. I try to make one a day and so far have done that. My pleasure is giving them away and when asked I do try to send the color asked for. I am honored when someone asks for one of my creations...no matter if tatting or beading.
Yesterday just as I was going out to the front to fill the birdbath...

Resting on a large rock in the shade was this lizard.... about 10 inches from nose to tail tip. He  waited until I was right up to him to scurry off into the ferns. I know it is not easy to see him, but it was the best I could get at the time.
Laundry is fluffing in the dryer and I will walk the Bissell and hope it behaves today. I really am considering a new vac. I put Swiffer someplace and now need to look for it..... interruptions drive me nuts. No real plans for the day. Maybe the bread machine will be used. So nice to have you stop by for a visit. Thank you for the kind words and for your friendship. Hope you stop back soon.

Christmas in July*****

This year I joined KimM who is hosting Christmas in July....and Saturday I received my exchange package....

and of course since there is no Christmas tree up yet, I tucked it into my small palm tree.....so if you recognize this package as yours, thank you and it has been safely received! The hard part is not opening it until July 25th! that is why I have left it in the bubble wrap to prevent me from handling the gifts.....I will be good----I will be good....My exchange will be ready for mailing by the requested date....almost complete.
Today it is a cloudy start to the day. The temps is 90 and a slight chance of rain/dust/winds which is all part of the daily forecast now that we are in Monsoon season. The temps for today are expected to be around 111......even without the sun shining it is hot. The heat does bring out

the lizards.... this guy was sitting outside my living room window last evening. I think he is a Desert Spiny Lizard....he has a band of color on his throat of yellow, teal and a black band. They are rather large, a body of around 5.5 inches then the tail which is probably the same. I have not, thank goodness the opportunity to actually measure one, but I judge from the surroundings when I see them. I did some stitching yesterday, not too much because I just could not settle on doing anything! Okay, I was lazy. I am planning hoping to accomplish more today. I really need to buckle down. Mr H is really doing well. Has times of discomfort and has abandoned the walker. Unfortunately with feeling better also comes the "I can do" attitude so I still nag a little. So glad to have the time to chat with you....thank you for your friendship and kind words. Hope you have a great day.

Palm trees and a cloudy morning...

Tisket a tasket and Charlie

...........a little woven basket

I worked with The Witch yesterday. My unexpected day off gave me more time to work on her. I did the basket the way the pattern designed, but did not want to have every other stitch an x, so I wove the thread through the open line of X's then that did not seem enough so I then long stitched down and voila! I have a woven look to the basket. More to my liking now. The fact that the WDW Mocha thread now looks more like what I was hoping for. All in all I m pleased. I also tatted a butterfly but it seems to have flown off somewhere... must find it .... it is small so it could be almost anywhere. Sometimes things get lost and I have not left my seat! only to show up later.
The mail brought a package on Thursday

Mr H and I love the old movies.... I was happy to add this to our collection. There are 4 movies with interesting tidbits about the character and restoration of these 1934/1935 movies. Egypt, London, Paris and Shanghai are the settings for these.
Our resident lizard is ever present in the back yard.....I did some reading. This appears to be a female because it lacks the bight color on belly and throat. They bite! when captured so you know I will not threaten it. They feed on insects; spiders and ants and beetles and hibernate during the colder months. She is welcome to stay around. I shall be more careful about leaving the lanai slider open when I go out  from now on. Not really wanting it to hibernate in the house. I hope you enjoyed this tidbit of info on the lizard... yet to be named. There is a male that comes around that I call Godzilla... I have a picture of him outside my bedroom window on the wall. I shall find it and then you can see him in his colors. Must remember to let Mr H know that this one is female. If they mate.... there would be a clutch of 2-12 eggs that hatch and appear between May and July...thank goodness that has passed! Now, see what you learned today?! Glad you had some time to visit.... hope you are. Have a wonderful day.

...time keeps on slipping into the future.....

Can you believe that the first week of July is over? Where are these days going I ask you...time just seems to be passing so quickly. This morning I looked out to see this fellow....

he was running away from the front porch area. He is really kind of cute.... all spotted and from tip of nose to tip of tail about 10 to 12 inches. Moving on....I have been working on The Doll and all her stitches and beads are complete. Next to find the right fabric for her body. I just may have the right floral in my stash. I have also started another tatted snowflake

I have just finished point 2 of 7.

  A bit of a challenge for me this one. This is my second start and so far it is working. I am finding that the written patterns do not give me all the direction I need so I am following the written as well as the picture. I lay out the directions on an index card so it is line by line. Debra has taught me well. I will also be starting a bracelet for my cousin Janice. I need to keep busy, can you tell.
Thank you all for the sweet comments on Thursdays post. I have been very fortunate to have wonderful childhood memories. I sit sometimes and just think of times gone by. It helps when the present times are a bit off, and we all do have those days.
I will leave you with another bouquet of Gladiolas...

Lavender and reds.... they add such beauty  to my dining area.Still looking for a new adventure for Madame Muriel......please email me if interested. You know, she has been to so many places, I am not exactly sure where the adventures began. If anyone knows, please tell me.
Another hot day here... it has been a little cloudy this morning. The garden is watered and the laundry done so I can just continue to tat. Have my large glass of iced water close at hand. So glad you had the time to drop by. I so enjoy your kind words and email.  Hope you have a marvelous day and weekend.