Advent Blog Hop

Good morning...is it still morning? I am running late...having a puppy is exhausting. Last evening was shall I say nuts! mischief! naughty! and more. Today, however, is starting out wonderful. The sun is bright and Murphy is being good.
Today is Jo's Advent Blog Hop. We post a picture of something Christmas and then answer her question.

Here is the Santa I finished... from one of my favorite designers...Mill Hill Kits. This is Southwest Santa the second that I made and will soon order the next one. These blog hops are always fun an we learn new things from our fellow bloggers. Be sure to click the link and treat yourself to other Christmas memories. This yea Jo asked what our favorite Christmas movie is...Mine is The Shop Around the Corner and I am sure to watch it each year and just did so a week or so ago.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6OaK2-pwRE
I hope this link works.... if not you should google it and watch a clip if you are not familiar with it.  lovely story of 2 people who think they do not like one another.. here is a link to the story line. I hope you like it .
I am soy I am late with the post for the other bloggers...but mornings are a bit busy lately with the little devil! Thank you for stopping by and for your kind words and friendship.

Oh what a beautiful morning

It's going to be a beautiful day.... sun shining front door open and a lunch date with Vickie who has this thing about reminding us how close we are getting to Christmas! It has been some time since our last meeting due to commitments so we are looking forward to catching up. I have not been on the computer these last few days. I have blog catching up to do for sure. I have been working in the garage in the early morning before  it gets too hot. I have a trunk load to hand off to Vickie for the school donation. Slowly clearing out what I am not using or will use or just do not what/need anymore. My trash/recycle guys are going to wonder if I am moving out. No indeed, instead it is who is moving in!
After so long of planning and counting away the months the time has arrived. The Brother Alan and Lisa are arriving next week.... yes they are.

In between the garage and other stuff I began the last dragonfly. This is the one that Catherine so generously helped me by sending me the right beads for the eyes.  As much as I like Mill Hill kits, there were a few issues with these. Of course having had them for a several years and never checking them, there is not much to do about the issues now except make the replacements of what is missing. The first two I made were complete so I did not check the remaining three. Thank you for the caring thoughts on my blood pressure issue. Although it has lowered a little, I am still in the Stage 2 Hypertension area which is still a concern for me. So far my bloodwork is all within normal range. I am walking a few mornings and an adjustment to one of my meds has been done. Working on it.. Glad you had time to visit. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Count down.....

It is so nice to wake to temperatures that are so comfortable..... even though by mid day it will be in the mid 90s. Maybe Autumn is finally going to arrive. There are pumpkins out front and the mantel has the look. I have been waiting for October to get here because it means that The Brother Alan and Lisa will be here. As a matter of fact, they will start the drive a week from today.

In between preparing for the arrival I have managed to finish the latest dragonfly. The next one, which is the last one, is already on the beading tray.  I guess I should start thinking about the next Mill Hill kit to look for.  Also need to organize for the next monthly small project. There are only 2 more of the Origami Stars to complete.  While clearing out some of the crafts I found a few kits and patterns to toss out or find a home for. I also have my donation for the school box ready.  I have worked in the garage a couple of mornings before the heat of the day. Amazing what you can find.... and toss out with the trash.
Thanks for asking...the blood pressure has come down but slightly. I appreciate your caring. I also appreciate your continued prayers and good thoughts for Glenda and Don. Sometimes life can be an uphill trek but it can be easier knowing that friends care. Thank you for stopping by today and for your kind words. Most of all, thank you for your friendship.

"Friends are those rare people who ask how we are ad then wait to hear the answer."

-Ed Cunningham

Ready for a Home Depot apron

The rain fell this weekend.... I know, a shock, but it did not last too long. Some is better than none. Of course as usual it was in darkness which does not settle well with me. Who knows when it will happen again. I managed to get out to the garden early on Sunday and clean the fountain. This time it took a little longer to reassemble…. just could not get the threaded part to line up. Some choice words and finally back together and bubbling. All is good.
Think I am going to get myself a Home Depot apron...like Bobby wears! Fix-it gal at it again!

This small wing nut seems to be the answer. This weekend the air conditioner filter began to rattle at the end of a run cycle. I just knew that with all the "things" in the work cupboard in the garage, Denny would have just what I needed. I have learned to look there before running to buy. Indeed there was this wing nut and I replaced the one on the vent door and so far all is good. I did not mis-step on the step ladder either!  I even found time to begin a project.

Another Mill Hill kit.... a dragonfly. Some years ago I bought several of them and had made only 2.

When I went to gather them to choose one to make, one of the kits is missing a large bead for the eye and the pin back. I could care less about the pin back but now I need to buy 2 new beads for the eyes. I could contact Mill Hill to buy a match for the one I have but it would probably cost more for the shipping!
Mom, Eva P is not feeling very well so please keep her in your thoughts.  I thank you for all the good thoughts for her and for Don and Glenda. Glad you visited today. Thank you for your kind words and for you friendship.

Santa and his Burro

I am getting tired of this heat…. I am ready for the below 100s they say we will have next week.... feeling will be believing. We are still in the excessive heat warning time frame. I know, there are those in hurricane path and heavy rains, but I am here and this is what Arizona is like until October-ish. For me, it means waking with a light headache most days and not wanting to go anywhere. A lazy kind of feeling.
But.... Santa is finished!

Isn't he adorable… and the burro too.  Love all the beads. Of course I did make some changes. 

Instead of long and short stitches on the mane and brow and tail, I made fringe and fluff. I think he looks better this way. Santa has a belt and buckle of silver beads.

The sleeve and bottom of the jacket I also made fringe instead of the long and short stitches. On the cactus, I omitted the long stitches which would be the prickly part … Love the bead flower. Most of the trimming of the perforated paper is done but I will tweak it once I add the felt backing and a loop to hang him on the tree. Just look at those fancy boots!

Now I will think about what is next.  I do know that what will be soon is The Brother Alan and Lisa arriving around the 3rd week of October.... you did remember right? Still need to get a few things ready before they arrive.... making room for storage they will need.  Their room is set and closet half full already. They left clothes each time they came out! The moving pod will arrive when they do and Bobby offered to help Alan unload. Dianna, Lisa and I will drink iced tea and supervise. We will make a party out of it. Since we will need to put a few things on the lanai until we move things inside around, I will be sure to get that all sparkling clean. The weather should be cooler by then too. 

Well, on to chores; swishing and fluffing and the Shark will swim around the abode. So glad we chatted. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.
Asking a favor…. please keep Dianna's real sister Debbie in your thoughts as she is not feeling well at this time.

Ahhh....it's cool again

No not outside...it is still triple numbers and muggy. I was siting quietly and stitching the burro when it felt so very hot. I had also just watched a hummer take a bath in the fountain bubbler. The air was not comfortable outside at 109 and inside it was 90! Houston S C Mechanical we have a problem. Within half an hour Brent arrived; up to the roof he climbed and when he returned a few minutes later, voilà, cold air once again filled the abode. It took a little over an hour for the temp to return to the 79 at which it is set but it was still cool air filling the abode. Memories from 2017 began to fill my head when the older AC failed completely and the temps inside were reaching that of out there in hot land.

Burro now has two legs and the third almost done...well none of them are really complete until the beads are added. His rump will also soon be finished. I will miss this project when it is finished... but then I can maybe order the next one.

This is a recent card I received from DebbieB....( missing her emails this week). We both cater to the sweet hummingbirds that visit us all the time. Of course she wrote a nice personal message to me on the inside.  I hope you can read the words okay.... a good reminder for all of us.

Okay my friends, time for me to get that glass of iced Gatorade and start my day.... a little later than normal but that is how it seems to be going today. Slow and easy. Happy to have you stop by and chat. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship. Ahh.... cool air filling the abode.....ahh.

Keeping busy

Thank you... for those who have been worried about my not posting. Your emails hugged me! I just was just having an off week. Not everyday/week is perfect. The weather has been crazy...very windy. I thought I was going to be joining Dorothy somewhere over the rainbow late yesterday with how windy it was. Anyway, I have kept busy.
If you know me then you know I love my wildlife friends.... but. Yes, but! We have always had a crow or two stop by the front bird bath to wash their food. Most likely the dried bread is from the McDonald's which is a mile East of my abode. It seems they discovered the fountain in the garden. If it were a large fountain maybe not so bad but it is not. Taking bread and swishing it around and then yourself then turns to an almost empty fountain that will not bubble. Leaving unfinished food, well that won't do! Always busy around my garden for sure.

The Cathedral Quilt Snowman ornament is almost complete. Just need to get out to get some trim for it. Each side has a different snowman. I am thinking of making it into a small hanging pouch... I think the little girl who this is for may like it. I can tuck a bit of $$ in and it can still be hung on the tree.

Santa has pants and the start to his boots. Today while I watch tennis the burro will get his legs. Of course there are beads to add to the boots. Looking good.

Time to get back to the Tennis Open and move the swishing into fluffing in the laundry area. Hope you are enjoying the holiday weekend. Thank you for the kind words ad emails... I am okay. Thank you for your friendship.... good friends are treasures.

The Burro almost has legs

Getting a late start for posting today. Over the weekend I did bookcase re-arranging starting in the living room and finished this morning with the bookcases in my bedroom. I also worked and Santa ad his burro.

Santa's jacket is almost finished, just needs embellishments of beads ad fringe. Burro will soon have his legs. I know he looks strange but it is the position that he is standing. More stitching on this later today.
I went out to fill the birdbath in front and top off the fountain in the garden. The temps have been lower so not much evaporation. Still hot and in the high 100s but not over 110 this week...so they say.
Yesterday was The Brother Alan's birthday...I did not forget just did not get to do a post. This is the first year that I was unable to call him as he is on a business trip and was in flight part of the day. The countdown to their arrival is getting closer....about 8 weeks away now.

Getting ready to make a Cathedral quilt ornament with this adorable snowman print. One side will be with red and the other with green...for some reason is showing almost black here. Maybe I will get to it today. I will need some trim for it and that will require my leaving the abode! The only jaunt I expect to make is to Safeway for milk.
It seems my emails are arriving where they were sent. It was as simple as deleting them and adding them back in. The Geeks also did a tune up which it hardly needed. So, the electronics are back on track.
I appreciate that you took time to stop by today. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Spam, mittens and a perch

Finally got out to the garden yesterday morning as the temp was only 87and the sun had not filled the garden yet. I managed to sweep most of the debris and rake back the rocks around the fountain. Since the leak  issued is solved it was time to do so. I even trimmed a little but all of that is on the ground drying out and this weekend I will try to finish. Meantime, the hummer has found a new place to perch....

This are the bells that Bobby and Dianna gave me last Christmas and it hangs in the lanai. A couple of times when the breeze caught it and it swayed, the little guy had to hang on! As hot as it is, the lanai is just a bit cooler than the garden but more importantly it is all shade.
The question I have.... how do I keep a regular email out of the Spam folder?! The last couple of days my emails from DebbieB have been going into that folder. We email everyday and this is the first time it is happening and I have no idea how to correct it. So, now some of my emails are going to outer space...unable to deliver…and some emails are coming in the Spam folder. Last week Dave came across the courtyard to re-boot the router and at least my tablet is running better, and now I will make it  monthly maintenance to do.

As you can see, I have worked on Santa and his burro. He now has mittens and I am adding the beads as I go along. I am loving this project! More on the burro today.
I have the star fabric strips ready to press and then weave also for today...keeping busy since outdoors is out of the question. Vicki and I were to meet this week for lunch but she is not feeling well so that is on hold. I am of now to create....
Glad to chat with you. Thank you for your kind words ad for your friendship.

Mystery solved?

Just stepped outside to check things and I will tell you that I feel like I stepped into a sauna and it is under 100 out there! Thank goodness August is almost a thought as this Monsoon heat/humidity ends in September. Here in The Valley we have not had the storms that were all around us. Definitely we could use the rain. While strolling the garden, a thought came to me. I think I found the "leak" around the fountain.... thee was a plant that has since died and the irrigation line was still in the open position. The water has been running into the pond garden area causing lots of wet ground! There is no leak in the water line or the fountain! Of course I will need to wait a few days to be sure. I am getting quite more accomplished around the abode.

Santa has his friend....well the start of a burro. I am enjoying this project. I always do when it is a Mill Hill kit. Combining both cross stitch and beads and I am a happy gal. There is an town  here in Arizona where donkeys roam freely through the town.... Oatman AZ. One day I will visit the former mining town. I the meantime, I will work on Santa and his burro.
Best Buy is having a sale... maybe time to visit and check out a new computer. Even my tablet is acting up. Today I will have the Geeks check out my computer remotely. Remember, if you are not getting an email response from me... sometimes my computer tells me they cannot be sent. I am trying to send from my tablet and maybe that will work.
Swishing is happening in the laundry area and that will be it for household duties. Still looking for the Fairies. First cup of coffee finished.... yesterday was a Gatorade day and so it will be today with iced water added in. Maybe a glass of iced coffee? Thank you for your visit and your kind words. Thank you for your friendship.

The fix-it morning

This morning is starting out "cooler"...only 90 but we are still in heat advisory mode. So they said do it early if you need to go out. I went to check the fountain and to top it off...it was empty. The heat yesterday was 114 so evaporate it did. I decided to finally do the cleaning it so needed. It really was quite simple. Only took about a half hour … okay a bit longer but still easy. Now it has clean parts and is full again and so is the front birdbath. So on to the shower...yes I did get a short one in the garden but this was the real one. Must get a bath rug for in front of the sink...powder on tile makes for a slippery floor. Time to turn the computer back on...no internet was the message! Now this was impossible because the tablet is working and the TV is also.  The quick earlier post is now happening a little later than planned. All is working now, inside and outside.

This is the star made yesterday. Robyn and I chose the fabric when she was here...good choice Robyn! I enjoyed our visit.
I finally put gas in the car...yes, the first time since The Brother Alan did so at the end of May! He already knows that I will not be doing this once he arrives..... he already figured this out I am sure. Then since I was already at Fry's for the gas I went in to get laundry detergent.... found out that I ran out when I attempted to do some swishing early yesterday morning...now swishing.

I plan to sit in my comfy chair and stitch on Santa....
Not very much to show but there will be the next time you see it. No red velvet hat for this cowboy! I think I will be adding beads as I go along instead of waiting till the end. In between working on this I will be making a few Christmas colored beaded bauble ornaments. Once I order beads I will get back to a couple of pods too.
Right now I must feed my growling stomach and start the fluffing in the laundry area. Happy to chat with you today. Thank you for the kind words and for your friendship.

In the garden....

The weather has shifted back into normal temps which are in the mid to high 90s. What this means  is that anything outdoors is done early. Which means that tomorrow I will be in the garden before 9am to fix the irrigation issue. I am determined to get this done as I will not be out there watering the garden by hand. The Rosemary definitely is being pulled out. It was damaged in the move and is not going to revive itself. Sad as it has been here for 10 years.  Not sure if I have to replace the other plants yet. Right now the water lines first. I will remember to wear my garden gloves as I tore up my finger a little. I will need to rake up the rocks and re-lay the lines to see why they are not working.

Already organized to make the June Origami Star. My "June bugs" are lady bugs. This project is fun to make each month. Glad I chose and prepared the fabric for the 12 months.... makes it nice and easy.
Sad to report... the Dove nest is  just a nest. The Doves have not returned today and have been on the eggs far too long. Tomorrow out comes the step ladder and I will remove the eggs and clean it up a little. I hate to do it, but there is no way they are going to hatch without a parent keeping them warm. Nature is what it is.

This is the Mill Kill kit I will be working on. It is a Southwest on perforated paper. Of course there are beads! I started this before Denny was  ill and then put it aside. Time to finish it. The beading? Oh not giving up just putting the bumble bee project aside until I can be satisfied with the directions. Did find another pod and a couple of flat pieces to do.
Having some blood pressure issues. Trying to stay relaxed and not worrying about getting anything done. I am lucky to have a cheer leader in BC, Canada.... Debbie! Anyway, we all have issues to deal with, health or otherwise. What is good is that we are lucky when we have someone who listens and gives gentle advice. Which brings me to the next conversation. One of our fellow bloggers recently posted how she had received a few negative comments from the same person on her blog. That is not what we are about. Each of us blogs for our own personal satisfaction. It is wonderful when we get feed back but it should be kind and not insulting. If you visit a blog that is of no interest that day, move on. If you enjoy it, be sure to say so. I visit all the blogs listed on my sidebar. Sometimes I comment and sometimes I do not. I always end my blog with:
Glad you stopped by. (because I truly am) Thank you for your kind words. (they mean so much) and Thank you for your friendship. ( I value each of you).

What is friendship all about?

Friendship. Friendship is a close association between two people marked by feelings of care, respect, admiration, concern, love, or like.

Mid-week

It is always so nice to wake to sun and warmth....it seems Arizona will be returning to warmer days this week in the 90s. So, ideally I will get up and out into the garden early and errands and chores finished early. Time was when that was my mornings....awake and out of bed early... not so much now. Times do change. Still waking early but more inclined to slow down until at least 6am! It is not a bad thing.
Returning home after having dinner out on Monday night, there it was... a coyote at the beginning of my street. Looked up and then returned to business... no need to explain. Have not seen any during the day recently...but they are always around. Alan took a picture with his phone but being dark it did not translate to a clear picture for the computer.

This Rubbermaid tool storage was how Dennis had our garden equipment for 12 years…. hopefully the trash will lake it as is... if not I will be taking it apart today for the next trash pick up.

this is how it is now. I saw this in Lowes so it was ideal. Instead of lifting out and over my head, it is simple to remove from the open front brackets. Next will be shelves above this area. Much better for my back.
Lisa was keeping busy with her iPad and then showed me what she was doing. Then Alan downloaded the app to my Tablet...

an electronic Adult Coloring book. Very relaxing. No colored pencils dropping or trying to decide on colors...just tap your finger.
I did find in my WIPs (which I have few) a Mill Hill kit that I will be working on. It is a SW design that I started a while ago.
An update on the Dove nest...have no idea what these 2 birds are doing. They leave the nest for long periods and I am sure that the 2 eggs are not viable anymore. I will give them one more week then I will remove the eggs. Maybe first timers? All part of accepting nature whatever way it shows itself.
Time to enjoy this first cup of coffee before going to the garden and out for errands. Feeling tired so I will keep it easy today. Happy to have you visit today and all days. thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Okay...I am prepared...I think

Spent all of yesterday morning cutting up food, putting food into Glad plastic containers and making chicken soup as well as salad portions for a few days.

Those who know me are not surprised by this as I am generally a very organized person. Today I will be using just my left hand...not as easy as you would think... so I can accomplish some tasks. I already opened the gingerale but I think Gatorade has glued the caps on! I had to cross the courtyard so Dave could open it for me. Still have one more for him to open. He even had to use brute strength! But he did it with a smile. I am thankful for him and Robyn for taking me tomorrow and Robyn said I will be having lasagna Monday night. This morning I realized that I forgot to buy butter! It is an important staple in my fridge.
Yesterdays mail brought me this kit.

I ordered it from 123 Stitch using the gift certificate I received from Shelly. I found 2 more Santa's and put them on my wish list for the next visit there. If you have never ordered from them, give them  a try. They are quick to process and fair prices. I enjoy stitching on perforated paper. This will be my incentive to follow doctor's orders so I can get back to stitching real soon. I made the Canyon Santa last year. I love Mill Hill kits.

The Woodpecker was here often yesterday calling out his arrival. He is such a character. Yesterday also brought a coyote trotting though  the courtyard. Looked like he was in pursuit of something that I did not see but obviously whatever it may have been he did not have it as he walked up the street. By the looks of him, he was not starving. There has been a Dove visiting the garden, maybe they will move back in this Spring.
This morning I found that a guy commented that he liked my profile picture on a post that I made on a Facebook page and wanted me to add him to my friends list so we could chat! Really!!! I have deleted the post and him! Not interested in the younger man..... the way to deal is to delete.
The cut on my wrist is healing but sore and of course it is the hand for the IV.... only me. I will also remind them that I corrected the medical info and that I am not pregnant. With that said, off I go to have a day of do nothing I hope is my plan. I will attempt to update you as soon as I am not loopy. Thank you for stopping by today. Thank you for your kind words and friendship.