Another month ...

 It seems that time is getting misplaced around here. My intentions to do this and that get lost. Since our last visit, I have been having physical therapy for my right knee. I had a fall and landed right smack dab on the knee. I am almost finished with PT and it has helped, but, with the arthritis it is not going to get much better. The goal for 2025 is not falls. This last one was because I tripped over the vacuum cord. My carelessness. anyway, if you really know me, I keep busy. One of my favorite designers is Ann Wood. I buy her patterns and enjoy the free ones. Recently she began a "circus" set and now finally for sale. You know I had to make the elephant...

Love, love it. She will release the others; a monkey a lion and a cat periodically. Oh sign me up! I added a pipe cleaner to the trunk so I could bend it up. Maybe another Elephant will appear.

My felt Christmas tree is "redecorated" for the holiday. It is a tree that is always in my room and holds many handmade items.  I made the tree some years ago from a pattern by Donna Bayless. Another wonderful designer.

This year, I added decorations on top of my curio. I will add pictures of our tree and mantel and kitchen tree soon.   Our shopping is really complete and I have just 3 packages to mail this week.

I know you are all busy with holiday preparations, but remember to take moments for yourself. So glad you stopped by today. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Drifting along.........

 ..... with the tumbling tumbleweeds.

Yes---- that is a tumbleweed! For years I have wanted one but when we would see them there were not exactly accessible. Denny would say "you don't need one". Of course I do not need one, but oh I wanted to have one. Then he would say there was no place in the garden for it. Well somewhere along this new journey with Alan and Lisa I must have said something. A few weeks ago (Christmas stuff and all) Alan walked in and said..."There is a tumbleweed in the garage" Wow!  The next day or two Murphy wanted to sniff and most likely eat it so I had to find a place .... here in my room up where he can not touch it but I can enjoy it everyday. And did you notice? Yes that is a picture(s) of My Denny right close by. I finally got it Denny! I love the words to the song too. If you want to hear The Sons of the Pioneers sing it click here. 

Moving on. We all have had issues with the mail during Christmas. Finally the last of my packages arrived in Canada. And My gift from sister Lynowl arrived late yesterday....

It's Mrs. Potts and Chip! I don't remember ever telling Lyn how much I loved this tea pot, but yet here it is. Of course she does know I love tea pots and has added to my collection. I am not a "big" Disney collector fan, but there are a few characters that I love: Alice, Snow White, Cinderella, just to name a few. For now they sit in my room until Christmas is put away. 

My thimble collection just grew by one. This is an antique thimble that was also in the box. Yes, I do use one as the sewing need presents itself. Many of my collection, over 100, are decorative. 

On the back side is engraved the word cherish...... and this I will.
Although I have not been cross stitching, I am sewing, machine as well as by hand. A return to my youth. Now if we could turn back our ages...... 

As an update; I had asked for special thoughts for my niece..... thank you because surgery went well and she is doing well. Still a way to go so keep her in your thoughts. We all need a little more caring for someone else in our lives. 

Glad to have a chat with you today. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship. Tomorrow Yeti will make an appearance, right here!

He got mail!

 We are still very hot...still 110+. I am looking forward to the cooler weather. Even the 90s sounds good. Yesterday I went for a haircut. I had not been since March then the virus arrived and once the salon opened again I was not ready. My hair was almost to my shoulder top! In this heat I was going crazy. The gal who did my hair is only working on Sundays due to her children being schooled at home still. A new cutter and I completely left it to her. I am so pleased with her skill. It is short again and with this heat will feel great. Of course if we are at the mall, then Lisa makes wants and I shop. We got great deals! I bought a weather proof 3/4 jacket. The tag said $99.00 and it was worth it especially when the register rang it up for $24.90! I did not know it was on sale. Most all we bought was on sale and we came home very happy.

Murphy got mail! He just loves mail and will drive us crazy until we give him junk mail or even envelopes. 

My sister just had to send him a note! She has not met Murphy yet and still she loves him. One of these days when issues are more settled she will visit. 

Two buddies having coffee outside this morning...it was a bit more comfortable sitting in the lanai. The Brother Alan has since left for work and Lisa will be going also. 

Soon there will be swishing and fluffing in the laundry area...as soon as I get a move on.

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

On my beading tray

It was a good day yesterday and a good night sleeping. Every once in awhile it happens. I went out for milk and bread yesterday and I thought the market was having a free day...busy does not cover the store activity. It looks like many are having ham for Christmas dinner this year. Still have no idea what will be on my table.

Catherine...look....the Amaryllis is going to have 6 blooms! This plant has been unbelievable. I am going to try to plant it after Christmas. The first three are finished with their blooms but I look forward to having these open.
Yesterday I began a new beading project...

I know it does not look like much but it will be finished today.... that is after my hair appointment this morning. It is a Snow Globe Snowman. I am discovering that working with clear Delica beads is not easy nor are the black beads. A test for my eyes and hand for sure. I say this every year....I will work on Christmas ornaments during the year for next year... maybe this is the year I do just that.
An update from Bobby is that Moochie is already doing better with the prescription medication. She really is a sweet kitty.
We are going to have another lovely weather day...temps near the mid 70s. Normal for this time is mid 60s. Love the weather but hate that the sun does not rise and shine until almost 7:30am.
Today is the last day for mailing in time for Christmas delivery... hope you all made it in time. My tracking tells me all my USA packages arrived, can not check on delivery to Canada…. Debbie, it is on the way. Hope it clears Canadian customs soon. Well, I best get a few things done before going out later this morning. Glad to chat with you. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

An Angel and a nut

Getting to be my new normal...getting going later than what was usual. I really do not mind...I no longer think I must get up and going. The day seems to be starting as cloudy again but I am hearing the weather report that it will reach 72 later today. Speaking of later today, Glenda and Don are hosting a Pot Luck lunch, Yesterday I went over to help get it all set up and I brought a little something for Glenda..

an angel made from a doily...one of the many that Glenda recently gave to me.

this angel has wings of feathers....love using feathers. Simple but one of a kind. Adding to the uniqueness is that there is a little bit of tatter with the doily. Next is to make one for me with one of the other doilies.
The other day while out for errands, every time I made a turn I would hear this rolling sound.... like a marble rolling across the window. As soon as I landed at my destination I began to run my hand across the window and will admit it was not easy...short reach! I could not find anything so I though maybe I imagined it. On the return drive it began again. I pulled into a parking lot and once again began to find this noise. I again found nothing. A couple of days later it happened again. I was going nuts trying to find this noise thing. This was going to dive me nuts and I thought I will go to the dealership to have them help me. Once home I grabbed a flash light and a mirror to try to see into the vent area. All of a sudden there it was...

I have no idea where this came from. There are not many trees in our the various parking lots and I do not recall parking under any. I tend to avoid them so the birds can not leave a deposit on my car. But this little nut drove me nuts for many days. Where was it you ask? Not on the inside of the car where I kept looking... no; it was in the well where the windshield wipers are. I am so glad I did not foolishly go to the dealership where I am sure they would think I was the nut.
All my packages are now out for delivery some arriving today and the rest on Monday. I have never been so late with it all. Just could not get it going. It is not that I do not have the Christmas spirit, I just needed a push. Finally the "me" gave "myself and I" a push.
There were places Denny and I would go during this time to enjoy the decorations and at night where "snow" would fall while we drank a cup of coffee sitting on a bench. I find it difficult to be taking off by myself. I may go off this week and see where I land. I really do not like driving distances or at night but it is what it is. Right now I should be going off to swish some laundry and walk the Bissell. Making the bed is a good idea too. Glad to have you visit. Thank you for the kind words and for your friendship.

Is the week over yet?

Where to begin...guess that would be on Monday when the monsoon storm hit...

a crazy evening with winds around 45 mph and rain pouring down at times sideways and thunder. A garden disaster for sure. Have I mentioned that I do not like these storms? It seemed to go on forever. The high winds and poring rain ripped the gazebo tarp in half and debris flew everywhere.

Tuesday  I lost cable and internet and it was not storm related. After I could not re-set and Cox could not, an appointment for Wednesday morning was set. In the meantime, I tried to figure what went wrong. I was watching a movie, then went out to speak with the landscapers and then ….that was it! One of the guys cut the cable line with the hedge trimmer....Finally after 26 hours of watching DVDs

(starting from left to right) from my collection: Sherlock Holmes to Poirot then onto Perry Mason, the cable guy got it all patched up. What I discovered was that the DVD player and VCR in the bedroom are not working. So one of these days I will try to figure it out. This was Denny's expertise certainly not mine.
Then Wednesday late evening another thunder rain and lightening added to the mix! Oh and the winds causing a few things to toss around the garden. At least I had TV to keep me occupied.
Let's get to Thursday and the visit to the doctor...okay we can just go by this and only to say I will return in 10 days. There are 2 other doctor visits before then...not how I like to keep busy. I have tried to clean the garden a little because there was more damage  to the garden during Wednesday nights storm...

One of 2 Fountain Grass plants that stood almost 5 feet was just so wind damaged it was into the pond and the other one by the back door also damaged

I managed to cut them down yesterday morning; with the humidity high, I was beat. Now if we have a few days without rain, the clippings will dry and I can bag them for trash. The garden and pond are a mess but current circumstances will not let me clean up.
I  did manage to tat a few ornament covers but did not take pictures yet.
Yesterday I discovered a problem in the freezer.... an ice bag broke and the contents dripped into the ice maker. So, it is not safe to use the ice and I am back to using an ice tray. Do you have any idea how much ice I use in a day...it may be a good idea to buy bagged ice right now.  I think when The Brother Alan arrives...I did mention he is coming with Lisa in September didn't I? we may be looking for a new refrigerator. Does it sound like I am living in a disaster? I feel like it for sure. So, as soon as this week is over I may raise a glass of wine or two in celebration ...until the next monsoon storm arrives. So now you know what has been happening in my corner of the desert. I think a cup of tea is in order as it is a bit too early for that wine....and back to watching tennis.
Glad you stopped by and thank you for the kind words and concern for my blogging absence.Thank you for your friendship.
Update: the mother Eva P is so delighted with the mail she had been receiving! She is sharing it with her visitors telling them all about the cards and notes. Thank you!

Okay, I am awake now....

Another open my eyes too early so yes, I did fall back to sleep eventually and now I am waking to the aroma of fresh coffee. My second cup already.
Yesterday was a hot day and the forecast is for a hotter day today. As I said before, once it is around 108 it really doesn't make too much difference...it is plain hot. That is why it is nice having the bread machine... thank you to The Brother Alan.

Last year when I was making the no knead bread he wanted some when he arrived and when I told him it would take 18 hours he ordered a machine for us. This is just a plain French style loaf and the aroma that filled the house was wonderful. I bought this great device to slice the bread...

Slicing the bread is so much easier with the knife slots and of course I had to get the proper knife and voila! each piece is nice an does not fall apart. You can choose the thickness with the slots. The bread is delicious. I also made a small pan of chicken soup for lunch...yes, I love soup no matter what the weather. I was busy.
There was a mail delivery again from my sis Lynowl.

Among the items was this bracelet from Alex and Ani...The Evil Eye. The enclosed card reads in part: "Let this ancient talisman grant protection and insight while you take a closer look at your own personal journey." She also sent the anklet to match.
I also received a letter from Eva P who was excited to get cards and notes from some of. Thank you again for helping her in this adjustment.
The Bissell and I have an arrangement....if, and I say if it will at least do it's job with minimal effort I will allow it to stay...otherwise it will be out on trash day real soon. I hate to spend double time cleaning! As for the Snail Vine, I think or maybe I know that when I trimmed some of it last week I may have cause it to think it could rest and stop growing...my mistake. I will leave it now that I cause it harm to see if it will be okay. I have a policy in the garden...do well and you can live here, fail and you are in the trash. Yesterday I also removed the Dove nest from the Memory Bush...let's hope they choose the clock to nest if they come back.
Off I go for that second cup of coffee and to think about what to do today. Glad we had time to chat. Thank you for the kind words and for your friendship. See you soon.

A cloudy morning sky

A cloudy start to the day but the temperature is comfortable at around 70. The sun pops out every now and again but I do not mind the clouds. Maybe a splash of rain? The garden loves a cloudy day. Look what is doing well out there....

I just may have a strawberry or two to pick. I will get out the netting and cover it as I do not trust the birds. Speaking of birds, yesterday afternoon there was a pair of Doves hanging around the garden for a short time and I also saw a few Robins out in the courtyard.
Today I plan to pick up my shuttle and try some tatting. The hand swelling is almost gone but a little pain remains. More medicated gel and mo hard labor! I need to do some repair work and painting on the lanai but it will wait.  I am trying to remember my limits but it is oh so hard.
Yesterday I finally remembered to change my telephone number at the market (do not want to loose the discounts!) and then the pharmacy. I also reprinted my "calling cards" and sent out a few note cards to friends and my niece giving my new number. This is the cell number that we had for 12 years and I never remembered it but al of a sudden I am. It is a good thing.
Breakfast finished, bed made and garden tended to so now I can sit back and read and maybe tat. So glad you stopped by today. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

“Never leave a friend behind. Friends are all we have to get us through this life--and they are the only things from this world that we could hope to see in the next.”
― Dean Koontz, Fear Nothing

More mail deliveries

Quiet day yesterday...chilly but nice once the day moved on. Spoke with the local post office supervisor about slap shot deliveries. He agreed the "fragile" marked boxes should not be tossed over a 6 foot gate!...really?!?
I though I should organize my Denny's Angel basket. Found a couple left so I guess they will need to find a home. I have received such kind words from those who did receive one. It is my pleasure to share them.

This beautiful bracelet arrived from my RI friend Joan...very New England with the sunset, shell and star fish with a piece of beach glass in a pretty gold sheer bag. I love my bracelets.

The other box was from Lu and Stan, also in RI, and of course it was Annalee...not one but 2!

Look at this little baker.....I have a special tree for all the Lu/Stan ornaments. This little baker will help today with the  Pizzelles. I did finish my tatted snowflake

It is a very nice pattern called Bloomin' Ice Drop by Diane Cademartori. Really enjoyed this one and plan to make a few to send out for the New Year. I may not want real snow but these are just fine with me. While getting ready to make this I found that I have misplaced some of my shuttles.....seems with my recent moving and rearranging the craft closet a few things are someplace and I have no idea where. Guess I have a new task the beginning of the year.
The Bissell came in from the garage yesterday but so far has not moved. I guess I will have to guide it around the place along with the Swiffer today. I need a maid......
In the meantime, I will get busy with a laundry and house things before anything else. I thought the A/C people were coming yesterday...no, it is today. I will be enjoying dinner tonight with Robyn and Dave across the courtyard so I do not have to plan anything. Off I go to the laundry corner. Glad you stopped by today. Thank you for your kind words and friendship.
ps....the bite on my neck is healing....whatever it was!

Mail Delivery

It is finally feeling like winter with the nighttime temps in the 40s and daytime in the mid 60s. Of course the sun remains very warm and in The Valley here we do not get any snow, but it does feel like winter. Yes, I had to wear long sleeves the other day!
Sometime today I must go to the Post Office...the dreaded place this time of year. This time to speak to someone in charge (?) if there is anyone. I received a package from sis Lynowl yesterday clearly marked fragile and it was thrown over my security gate.

The package did not contain breakables, but this was a good test after the last broken gift. These are chestnuts that sis found and thought to send to me. On Sunday...yes Sunday the bell rang but of course the mailperson did not wait. Instead the package was left outside the back gate.

 My Christmas gift from sis .... this is a book we had talked about recently and now I have it to read. I am very superstitious and not entirely sure about ghosts so this will be an interesting book for me. Also in the box was this lovely chime. I can never have too many of them. This is has ...yes, buffalo medallions at the top and on the hanger. It will hang in the kitchen because I love having chimes where I can casually ring them.
The mail also brought me yesterday

a Christmas card and a lovely stitched ornament from Vickie. A sweet friend who even when she was not feeling well always has time to visit my blog and send me encouragement. What a great finish for this ornie.
Ready for another picture....

My niece Elyssa managed to get her daughter...Natalia to posse with the ornament I made and sent but she ran off with the doll so at this point there is no picture of that.  She is adorable!

Here  is a sweet Christmas  picture of mother and child. Elyssa is a pre-school teacher. Alan is the dad/granddad of these two.
Speaking of The Brother Alan

Last Friday evening he and Lisa went to a Christmas party and sent me this picture. We may live 3,000 miles apart, but I am totally in touch with my family through pictures and now with Skype. Lisa modeled this dress for me last week on Skype! So much fun...See and Chat!
Sis  Lyn and I have been having lots of laughs with Skype too. It really has been a help this holiday season to be able to "be with them".
Well my friends, I need to get the laundry done and house in order. I have the A/ people coming to once again try to find the loud strange noises in this 6 month old Air conditioner. Of course while Brent will be here it would never make any noises! Hope you enjoyed the photos...I enjoyed having you visit. Thank you for your kind words and most of all your friendship.
PS the other day when I mentioned Debbie Burke...I forgot to add her blog link....http://lavender2debbie.blogspot.com/

Problems with a mouse

Oh not the run around cause problems kind, although this mouse is causing me frustration at every move! I still have  this issue and tried everything . The setting are the same, the battery replaced and still it disappears and is not right.
Last evening the sis Lynowl called and we talked about my Skype fun with The Brother Alan...she said...I have Skype ----I said good we must try it...3 hours later.....yes we did Skype. Lot of fun and thank goodness we are sisters because neither of us was photo ready! Speaking of photos....

A package arrived yesterday.....it was from my niece Tonya..."just because" and this beautiful angel was broken. Tonya did bubble wrap and mark the box fragile, but remember it is the postal service we are dealing with. I sat and cried....fro her, not me.  I emailed her this picture. The angel is about 12 inches high and so pretty. I love her for the thought.
Laundry finished...only one today...the bedding. Already in/out of the shower and hope to sit and tat. The tree is lit and I will soon have Christmas music playing. I stepped into the garden...

The Snail Vine has become an Alien! It is rapidly reaching out everywhere...spreading now on the ground and has no desire to climb the arbor. I must get the step ladder later and convince it that it is in the best interest to follow the rules.
The Heirloom Beans are doing well

I probably should attach some garden twine and try to have them climb but...they are probably as defiant at the Alien Snail Vine. All in all the garden is holding it's own with little help from me. I did loose the Parsley and the Basil plants...but that is okay. One of these seasons I will get an herb garden to grow.
That about covers my day so far. I do need to have some breakfast soon.....maybe tea, toast and peanut butter. So nice to chat with you today. Thank you for the kind words and most of all your friendship. Just got to get this mouse to cooperate!

You read it first here

Of course it would be my fault...The Brother Alan has caught a cold...no, as he said my cold. That's right. When we Skyped the other night my cold transferred to him...think he has been out in the cold too much. But, the good news is that the Skype issue is resolved thanks to Honey who spent time to investigate and fix the problem. So, last night The Brother Alan and I were able to finally see, chat and all without the telephone. Guess I will have to look my best at all times in case someone Skypes me! This morning however, my mouse pointer arrow seems to be confused and gets lost and it is difficult to direct it! Never ending computer issues.
Some lovely mail arrived

This pretty card and pattern along with angel buttons is from June. A lovely message inside the card form her as well. Then this arrived

The card is from Debbie Burke with a pouch that is both knitted and crocheted. Perfect to hold some needlework accessories. The also arrived a box which will wait until Christmas to be opened. Thank you ladies for your thought gifts.
Some of my packages have arrived and a few are still in transit....but at least all will should arrive in time for Christmas. I did the laundry yesterday and today will be to check the yard. The monthly Pest Control will be here in this morning so I usually get the yard swept before they spray. Had my coffee so now I will get outside. Glad to chat with you today. Thank you for your kind words and for you friendship. Let's hope I can get this mouse to cooperate soon. Think it will help if I put a mousetrap on the desk?