Ocober Sue has arrived

 Another month  has gone. Before I know it, it will be a new year! The monsoon season is over here in Arizona. It should mean lower temps...out of 100+ days. Sure will be nice to sit outside.

Sue is collecting pumpkins and squash from the farm. She has a few friends following her! Yes, there is  bat out during the day. Lisa said it was National Bat Day! Soon I will gather all the pieces to plan November. In the meantime, Id will continue to create my Miniature Bedroom Box. It certainly has been fun. I never had a doll house but I would have loved to. The price on them can be quite $$$$. The Room Box is okay. Maybe I will create a sewing room....who knows. Alan has mention he would like me to create a Library room for the bookcase in his office area.

this is  ow I set up for the micro crochet runner...blanket. I use the bowl so the thread unravels neatly and does not end up falling to the floor. the runner is 3 inches so, half done.

Glad to chat with you today. Thank you for your kind words and thank you for your friendship.

ps...can hardly believe another post from me!

Hello...still here....

 Goodness, I think I disappeared. But here I am. Truth be told.... my busy doctor and test schedule has put some stress on me. This year has been...well you know if you visit me. Today I finally have a discharge from the Orthopedic. He is very pleased with how my fractured shoulder has been healing. I have fairly good range of motion (doing my own daily PT) and feels I can continue without formal PT.  Monday was another spinal MRI....1 hour lying very still in the machine!!! I was thinking...plenty of time... "how do older people tolerate this".... then I realized I am that older person and stopped myself from laughing. The Epidural injection only lasted 2 days. So, next will be to see what these tests show...just falling apart.

Anyway, 

The baby quilt for McKayla is finished. The roses are the front and green on the back. I made a Shabby Roses for both sides. The rose fabric is called Hugs, Kisses --I sewed the tag to the back side.Need to gift wrap then send off.

 

Still working on my Cathedral, Friendship Quilt...loving every minute of hand stitching. I almost have the length where I like it then just the drop to do. It is so heavy that I now work on it while on the sewing table. Besides, it is too hot to keep on my lap while sewing. We had a real Monsoon storm ...started at 2:30am with lots of lightening then thunder and by 3am pouring rain and strong winds. Lasted for a few hours. Murphy and I went out to lay down tone of the umbrellas (the other one fell) and the sky lit up with lightening and we both got right back inside. All quiet now and sun in and out. 

Murphy still scoots under the sofa.... most of the time we need to lift it so he can get out.

He does a pivoting thing to turn around and as you can see, he is waiting for help! He just turned 3 years old yesterday. At the moment he is napping under the bed. Poor baby was awake early because of the storm! 

Happy Birthday Murphy

Just love this boy.💖I should join him...no, not under the bed. Just a nap atop the bed...lol

Sorry for being absent so long. sorry I worried a few ....thank you for your good wishes. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Something new

 How about a couple of updates; first, thank you for your good thoughts and prayers for the young boys...they are doing better each day. Second, my therapy is going well. I now have 4 exercises to do and tomorrow (next visit) I will most likely get another one added. The boot and the medication is definitely helping but I think I have a way to go yet. Lisa and I did get a new Henna tattoo...

Lisa decided to get the same one I had last time and I opted for a new design. I think you can see how swollen my hand is and that makes being creative a little difficult at times. It really is mostly the middle finger that is painful!

A week ago while we were enjoying dinner out, Alan and Lisa were telling me that I should update my 8 year old sewing machine. It is still working perfectly but there were a few features I wished I had. We discussed a budget and I came in well under Alan's generous offer.

Yes it is another Singer..... this has some bells and whistles added.

 

Lots of stitches and 5 alphabets and a LCD screen that is easy to read. This also came with extra attachments...some foreign to me. Their website also has a great "Let's get started video" which was very helpful. How did I choose this one? Well, Last Sunday Alan asked how my search was coming along. I told him what I was looking at and while I sat with my laptop he used the tablet and I explained what, which and why. Next thing I knew he ordered it! along with a special added attachment box. So, besides the feet that came with the machine and the extra ones that were with it, and the ones he ordered... I now have many to play with. time to find a new home for the faithful 8 year old Singer.

It also came with the extension table which I was going to buy for my other machine. When it was delivered, I just about attacked the delivery guy. You have to admit, whenever we sewers/crafters get something new to play with, well you know. If you are looking for me for the next few days I will be at the sewing table.

This Monsoon weather is bringing rain and flash floods to the North of us and East with several water rescues. The humidity is uncomfortable as we really have none except during this time. Murphy enjoyed going on patrol at 1am and having the slider opened for an hour or so. He finally ended the in/out patrol and back to sleep we went. Today before I can play with the sewing machine and listen to some Willie Nelson and Brian Ferry, there is swishing and fluffing to do in the laundry area. Also there is a cloth and polish waiting for me and the bookshelves here in my room. the sooner chores get done I can then sit at the sewing table! Glad you could spend time visiting with me. thank you for your kind words and caring thoughts. thank you for your friendship.

So many days ago

Well now...finally a real Monsoon day

This is outside my bedroom window...flooding. The driveway is a river and the rain gutters cannot handle the downpour

 

the one nice thing besides the sounds of rain are the temperature is so nice at 73. With ground being hard and compacted in most of Arizona we have areas prone to flooding

We have 4 cell phones and this alert has buzzed several times this morning. Our area in Sun City usually only has superficial flooding; the main roads might have water reaching the curbing and the canals will have running water and here in our garden we do have a little flooding. 

But we remain safe compared to others. Murphy went out just before the downpour and ran in quickly. So far he is not really afraid of the storm. Alan and Lisa were watching from the garage around 1am as the storm was right overhead. this is expected to last most of the day.

Last week Lisa made this pretty morning glory pillowcase for their bed. I discovered that I cannot use my left foot to use the foot pedal on the sewing machine. The boot definitely does not let me even feel the pedal. Following doctor's orders to wear the boot. I have a follow-up appointment tomorrow to get the MRI results and what will be next. For most of the time, the boot is helping but then there are those painful moments. Sorry to sound like I am complaining vent, tough getting older...er.

Sounds like the rain is slowing. Time for chores...still waiting for the housekeeping fairy to arrive. Time also to put "The Boot" on. I will try not to stay away to long...again. Need some motivation! Glad you had time to visit. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Beads and a boat

Well... I love receiving mail and packages... don't you?

Lovely Catherine sent me an assortment of crystal beads and there are 2 of just what I needed for the dragonfly! Perfect color and size. Thank you so very much Catherine.💖Our blogging community is very caring and helpful.

The weather yesterday morning was delightful. I actually sat outside and did some beading. Following doctor's orders to relax.... not that the pressure is down much. Waiting for the med change to take hold and help. The last several nights we have had Monsoon storms! Although I know how to swim, I thought it best to take precautions. I built a boat! 

There was thunder, lighting, wind and rain. Lots of large puddles too. Dianna called one of the nights to chat while it stormed so I would not have to go into the closet. Technically the Monsoon season has ended so of course that is why the rains are here. Happily I am not in a flood area but there were flash floods here and there. 

 I have a appointment this morning then  maybe just maybe get to sit outside and bead again. The Pink and Blue dragonfly is half finished. I do need to go to JC Penny for a new pair of sneakers, but that should not take long at all. Are you counting? The Brother Alan and Lisa will soon be on the way here. They are driving and Alan sent me the map/path they will take so I can follow the journey. Glad you had time to stop by and visit. Thank you for the kind words and for your friendship.

Please keep my friends Glenda and Don in your thoughts.... Sometimes it is all we can do for someone we care about. They have both been very good friends to me. 

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.

Beading and a new hummer in the house

I guess it is official...the season is beginning to noticeably be changing. The sun is now rising around 6 am and setting a bit earlier each day. The only thing not changing around here are the temps. They are still in the mid triple digits. For us here in Arizona the Monsson will officially end around September 15th... and then and only then will we feel less humidity and have less storm warnings.

The new hummingbird in the kitchen.... the white paper is only there to prevent the window glare! He is lovely to see with the light shining through and is 6 inches from wing tip to tip and about 4 inches from beak to tail. Something pretty to look at.
I started a new beading project.

It is a feather. I will be starting this over as I am not too happy with how it is coming. First, I do not like using nylon beading thread which is what the directions tell you to use. Secondly, I am off a bead count and I am not sure how that happened as I have counted each time I do a row. It is just easier to start again. I spoke with Zina, the bead shop owner and will be going there today to seek help. Obviously I am doing something wrong. It is the same stitch as the tree earrings and I was able to do them.
Yesterday evening I got a text from Dianna...she was concerned that I may have started to move furniture around...really, did she really think I would???? I assured her that was not the case. She really does worry about me. What I am realizing is that one of my kitchen cupboards may have to be removed for the new fridge. I had thought about … thought is the key word here.... that I could just take it down now so it would be less work when we get the new fridge. Just want it to be easier for Alan and not a rush job before delivery. I think I would need assistance with this....no, I know that I need assistance. I should have let Denny remove it years ago when he wanted to.
Cannot believe how quickly the days seem to be flying by...already September on Monday. Before you know it we will be in the "holiday" mode. Of course the Christmas decorations are already appearing in the stores. Good for crafting supplies but rushing the seasons a bit too quickly for me. The best thing about September starting on Monday is that it means The Brother Alan and Lisa will soon be here. So, I guess that is it for now. Oh, remember yesterday when I said I was waiting for the coffee to brew after all the spills and clean up? Well, I freshly ground the beans, filled the pot with water and then forgot to turn it on! But my day did get better. No further mishaps. Thank you for chatting with me and for your kind words and most of all your friendship. 

Santa has been carded

Slow again this morning.... due to lack of sleep. I think it is the weather pushing me into this mode. The temps have fallen a little during the night and I would think it would be better but it seems that no, it is not. The daytime temps have been lower in the mid 100s and of course lack of rain even though it is still Monsoon time. That last storm here in my area was about 2 weeks ago. One more month of this.

Santa has been carded as the trees also. 2 Santa earrings have been already packaged and ready to fly across the states. I had a request for a tree with both silver and gold instead of the red so I will be trying that to see how it looks. I have mastered these trees now. I found beaded feather earrings to try.... just need to get the colors. I do not think Christmas colors or Santa colors are just right. Guess this means a trip to the bead store.

I already have the beads for the next bracelet that I my start today. Of course these are the main colors and then I will add from what I already have.  Just need to find something for the end...the button part.
A laundry to send swishing and an errand is on the agenda today. I managed to take the leaf blower off the high hook in the garage so that will be this week sometime that the lanai gets a cleaning. Whoa! I just saw something moving about on the lanai. My desk is just next to the sliders....oh my goodness. A tiny, and I do mean tiny bunny is scurrying about! There is a large bunny hutch outside my property and I guess this guy came in for shelter or something.  Just what I need a bunny moving in and leaving bunny poop behind! Well, time to move on so things will get accomplished today. Hard to believe that this month is almost over...but that means the days until The Brother Alan arrive are closer....22 days. Just a few tasks for them to do ….new car and new refrigerator….then it will be their time. Good to visit with you today and all the days that you take the time to stop by. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship. 

Just me and the pond...again

Last night another monsoon storm rolled in....first the winds which were around 60- 80 miles per hour!, then thunder with rain and lightening. I once again put myself in my bedroom where I can hide from the lightening...maybe it should be sound proof too. The thunder felt like it was on my roof. I shut down all my electronics and kept the flash light at hand when the first flicker of the lights happened. Did not loose lights but the storm rattled on for some time. I really expected to have more debris in the garden but not so. Since it was just about 6 am when I went to check and the sun was not around yet....

I did find the morning moon so bright white against the blue sky. I thought well why not try the pond idea. I know you are saying~~~ "oh no" and you are right. Yesterday I went to Home Depot to get AC filters and the new smoke detectors and I bought a pond plant basket. I know it is not the right size but I just want to see if the idea works. I will check on line to order a larger one.

The idea is that it is covering the well area and will trap most of the larger debris so the pump does not clog and the perforated basket will allow the water to circulate. We shall see how this works. In the meantime.....I thought I should go back in and put a pair of shorts on and my garden sneakers....should not work on the pond in pajamas and my Nike slides. Of course I was right....I slipped at the pond edge...you thought something like this would happen didn't you? All the while a hummer was buzzing about and a few bees.

So, I took a one leg bath! The pond is very slanted from the edge to the center....I did know this. So, the pond is back on and I have showered and it is only 6:45 am. While I was visiting HD I looked at the refrigerators…. saw a couple that liked. My friend Bobby (Dianna's hubby) was working so helped me pick out the smoke detectors. Of course the mounting for the new ones is different than the ones up now. I think it will not be my task to climb a ladder and replace these. Not sure if the AC filters need to be replaced but I will check that today. 

My wind sock and the Dragonfly dangle are all caught up from the winds....the tomato plant broke and now is in the trash....but that is all and not bad to deal with. The temp will be back to 107-ish today and of course some humidity. We expect this with the monsoon season....June to September. I have no errands so I will be sitting inside keeping cool. I think today is a--- look at the craft books and magazines kind of day. I have had enough excitement for the day. Glad you stopped by and I thank you for your kind words and for your friendship. A cup of coffee would be nice...….

An evening monsoon storm

Well, it came with a fury...the evening storm. First the winds began to whip everything here and there and then thunder followed by lightening. My fear of storms and being alone was high. I decided to go into my bedroom where I could pretty much block out the lightening...but alas, the thunder had me sitting tall. All of a sudden the rain began to pour down and sideways and like a whirlwind we were having a storm. Yes there was damage....

This is one of 2 trees from across the neighborhood which is now blocking the road. So no in or out directly.

This is the 2nd one in front of the other. At first thought...sorry but it is not our expense to clean up...but then look at the front of  our community....

This tree was healthy and gave nice shade to the homes out front...
Amazingly we have a tall dead tree that we are planning to remove and it is still standing.

This is yet another of our trees... a smaller one. There are shingles from someone's home all around...thankfully not from our community. Then this...

our flag pole took a fall...almost to the ground. So we did get damage and now for the clean up. The entire Valley was hit with this storm. Some lost electricity...we were lucky to keep ours. Of course the garden and pond have debris...didn't I just get it all clean? ...in the heat and sun?! with me getting a bit of heat fatigue?!
The air is humid and I will not be going out to clean anything this morning. The temp is around 81 and the humidity is 73% and projected temp will be around 107.... so, indoors is my plan. Aw... guess it will be beading and tatting today.
I visited with my pharmacist yesterday... his recommendation for my incision is to use Mederma Oil. Unlike Vitamin E this will help with scar tissue. I have been awake since ...early ….and need another cup of coffee..... I just heard on the news there may be more storm activity this evening... just what I need. Thank you for stopping by and for your kind words.I value my friends and always have time for them whether near or far. Thank you for your friendship.

Hot and Humid with clouds and a chance for rain

The monsoon season....
Monsoon is traditionally defined as a seasonal reversing wind accompanied by corresponding changes in precipitation, but is now used to describe seasonal changes in atmospheric circulation and precipitation associated with the asymmetric heating of land and sea. …… 
certainly has arrived this year unlike last year. Here in Arizona it starts June 15 and ends September 30 but the peak time is July -August.
The garden has suffered and I am realizing that I am not very good with the cacti in the garden! Seems that a couple will not make it. They will remain until the very end just in case they are in shock for the rain that we have had. They love the heat so it is not that. My beautiful bouquet has finally died but the beauty of the sunflower for me remains....

I have saved the two from the vase and will continue to enjoy them.
For some reason I am unable to upload any photos from my camera.... just another burp to contend with. I even tried using the memory card... so... no other pictures until I figure this out.
This morning I am making Almond Biscotti. As hot as it is the oven will not be on all that long and I will use the fan to draw out the heat anyway. Iced Tea is made for Dianna who will be here this morning....fresh brewed English Breakfast. So, time to make the biscotti...
Glad you stopped by and I thank you for the kind words and for your friendship.
EvaP update: Thank you Lynda Ruth...she received the large print word search and loves it. Also she is so excited to show her new friends the lovely cards and the notes she has received. I thank you all so much!

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!

Has it really been that many days.....

This week has escaped me! It certainly is not because I was busy.... no, but I have been tired and lazy. I may not have been creative but I did read and watch a few things on Netflix. Oh and I did feel sorry for myself a few times. I know that I have come a long way this past year and still have a way to go. A quick morning chat with The Brother Alan and I did feel better. Did I tell you yet?
The winds really kicked up yesterday and the temp reached 115. We had the first dust storm of this monsoon season yesterday.

Not too much dust hit my area but the winds have made a real mess in the garden. There was plenty of debris in the air! It will stay that way for a few days... it is still windy today. The temp at 4 AM was 93 which meant there was little cool down during the overnight. Right now the chimes and buoy bell are calling out. 

I went for a Bone Density scan yesterday and the gal doing the test was from New Jersey so we had a good New England chat. It did not take long but I forgot to ask when the results would be sent to my doctor so I will call his office today. I had a test back in the mid 90s and it did show some deterioration. Remind me to tell you....

I must admit to not drinking enough water yesterday and I feel it today so I will be sure to stay hydrated with my water and frozen fruit added.... black raspberries, strawberries, peaches and pineapple chunks... and a slice of lemon too.  Right now I am a bit hungry so a scrambled egg and a cup of tea sounds about right. Have you heard?

The Brother Alan and Lisa will be here in September.... arriving on the 18th.... we already have a few plans thought out. I also have a few To Do things for him. So the count down is on.

Off I go...glad that we had time to chat. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship....

Monsoon rain

Monsoon season began yesterday and this morning it is raining, right on cue. A grey sky and wet ground. It is a soft falling rain with no fanfare. I must admit to thinking about the current Dove couple whose nest is not really protected from this rain and lucky for them we have no winds and it is not pouring. The temp is around 77 with 70% humidity..... a bit uncomfortable.
I was busy yesterday making two beaded ornaments...

This one with orange crystal drops. Just happened to have the right seed beads for it. and then I made this with

pink seed beads and white drops. This will be leaving soon for a new home as the others eventually will also find a new place to dangle. Which color to bead next?
Has anyone watched Riverdale on Netflix? Not quite what I expected the Archie comics crew to be doing but I found it interesting and now have to wait for Season 3.... possible it will be released in October.
My little hummingbird is zipping around the garden this morning taking time to rest in the Fire Cracker bush. Glad to have natural flower nectar for him to sip. I have had my 7 grain toast and coffee so it is time to catch some news then some adjusting around the house. I had the A/C people out yesterday because I could smell a faint heat smell from the air conditioner but of course while the tech was here no odor. He will return Monday for another check. It must be me! anyway, I have no plans for the day but to relax and find a new series on Netflix to watch. It was nice to chat with you today. Thank you for the kind words and for your friendship.
PS … and yes, I am still giving Eva P's address for cards.....

A new week....

Well now, time is simply passing and the heat is still rising. I have not been feeling quite myself so I have taken it easy this past weekend. Limited outdoor trips and continuing to do some beading....

Although I have made this color before, I am varying the design a little. Next week I will finally have a supply of drops so I will be busy making more of these ornaments. Making adjustments as I bead to fit the bauble and little elements to make them individual.
The recent injections (back and ankle) have really helped with that pain. The new exercise for my back is easy and quick to do and I hope that it will also make a difference. Tough getting old------er.
Eva P the mother is doing well and adjusting to her new placement..... but.... I was wondering if anyone would like to help a bit. She loves mail... don't we all. Would you be interested in sending her a card now that she is feeling better? If so please email me and I will give you the address. I know it would perk her spirits even more. It is a big adjustment not be able to walk anymore and be independent, and to be out of your own apartment into a facility. It is a relief to my siblings and me that she is so far doing well. The miles between EvaP and me are about 2,519.... and knowing that she is well is a good feeling. If you do send a card just be sure to say you are a friend of mine so she will know.
This morning I am off with Dianna for a run to JoAnn's. An early start to beat the heat. The monsoon season is starting and it would be good if we at least had a better one than last year.... we do need the rain. I think the last measurable rain at the Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix was June 5th and that was only 0.02 inches of rain....drops really. I live about 30 miles from the airport and did not get any that day or any day for quite some time. I really cannot remember the last good rain we had. We have 10% chance this mid-week of rain.... which really means no rain. Of course along with the monsoon we have the danger of flash floods and that is another issue with water rescues. The phrase is "Turn around don't drown", but there are always those who think they can drive through the puddle that is actually a small raging river. It is like the hikers are climb the mountain trails here in the heat of the day unprepared and then need a rescue to come back down. Can not figure people out. Anyway, I am off to get a few things done around the hacienda. Glad we chatted. thank you for the kind words and for your friendship.

Trying to stay srtong

I must say that these monsoon storms are really rattling me. Last night we had not signs of any and that was fine by me. When Denny was here he enjoyed the storms and I always thought if something happens he is here. The winds during the monsoon season are quite strong and the area around me had some tree branch losses and even half of a large tree came down across the way from me.

The drain from the new air conditioner has actually moved about 8 inches so they will be out Wednesday morning to check it. The yellow arrow is where it was and the red where it is now. Today it is very humid so the pond vacuuming will have to wait until early tomorrow morning. Inside tasks: the kitchen floor washed, the laundry done , oven on self clean and the house plants watered. Just need to check on the Lantana in the backyard. With all the rain it may not need any water today.
Today the word is  Strong.

To the very end Denny was so strong. He wanted me to be strong and although basically I am a strong person, it is difficult to be so now.  It seems everyone tells me how strong I am. I just received a card and note from a former employer which took me by surprise. We have not spoken or seen each other for almost 16 years. She wrote "You have always been a strong woman", thank you Mrs P. for thinking of me. The yellow rose there in the picture is for me from me to Denny. I love yellow roses and he always gave them to me. A simple border of lace along the top of the word because being strong does not mean you can not be soft too. Denny was strong but a softy....
It is great to visit with you. Thank you for the kind words and your friendship. Let's have a good day.

PS there are a few of you that I do not have your email so I can respond to your comments....I do not have Google+ ... if you do, please send me your email.... 

Monsoon really has arrived

Well, 2 nights of storms...last evening there was lots of thunder and lightening as well as some rain. With the strong winds (around 40 mph+) there had to be debris

This 39 gallon trash barrel filled quickly with stuff from the yard as well as out along the garage. Today there is more accumulating but with the sky first dropping rain then the sun popping out and then back in again, I will just hold off for now.  We seem to have these storms at night which really is eerie with the howling of the winds and crashing of thunder. Denny would love it...
Speaking of my Denny, yesterday I finally made the move to set him on the bookshelf as he always said he wanted. It really took a lot for me to do this, but I am happy that I finally did. Now when I look there, he is there. Of course that then led to rearranging this and that and out with the Pledge....kept me busy and little time to be teary.
Today my word is Compassionate.

As I stitched this word, he was unable to continue to chat with me due to the pain meds. I hope he could feel my compassion for what he was going through. He deserved so much better than what he endured. Denny always liked my tatting and this was another that we wanted to include . He did love nature. I added the pearl beads because they seem so gentle. The buttons of course are from my button jar.....he would tease me about all the buttons I collected.
A new friend who visited my blog sent me a lovely email and offered me some advice...thank you Melinda for your kindness. Thank all of you for the kind words and most of all for your friendship. Let's have a good day.