Happy 4th of July from Sue

 

Sue was going to make her entrance on July 1st...but sometimes other happenings interrupt. I love adding texture to these banners. Living in a 55+ community, we do not have the direct noise of fireworks. There are displays nearby but we do not hear them so Murphy is not bothered. Of course today the landscapers are here and he is not fond of the noise they make or them for that matter.

We are in heat advisory... the temperatures have been in the mid triple digits..... 116 yesterday and the overnights in the 80-90 range. Thank goodness for air conditioning. We do have a misting fan for outside which does cool you a bit.

I made the Pod Bag.... love it...but I did make changes to the pattern to my preference. It hangs on my bed post and is used for my pajamas. I made a tuck in the front and added a yo yo flower. Next I will make the smaller size.

One of my favorite sports has started and will be on all month, Tour de France. Yes, I do wake up early...between 3 and 4am.... to watch. This year I had to add Peacock TV to be able to watch it. It seems that so many programs are now on one of the pay stations. Also now on is Wimbledon...I love that too. They have had pouring rain so a few have been postponed.

Just look at last night's full moon. This is the actual color..no touch ups!

It is called the Buck Moon because this is the time of year that antlers start to appear on male deer/bucks. It will be visible for 3 days. A little blurred...did not use my tripod. As it happens it is also referred to as a super moon.

An update on Lisa. She is still having tests. Surgery is definite but no date yet. Please keep her in your thoughts.

Glad you stopped by today. Thank you for your kind words and encouragement. Thank you also for your friendship.

Larry is really helpful on my sewing table! Everything right at hand.

Clucking at a yellow moon

 At 3am, I needed a drink of water. As I passed into the kitchen I looked out into the garden and there it was....a half moon that was so yellow

Wow.... just had to get the camera. The picture does not do it justice. As chilly as it was at 3am, I stood and stared for a few minutes.... completely forgot why I got out of bed! Back to full sunshine today.

More from Ann Wood Tiny Doll world.....
 Plaid sheep! Had to be plaid...

 

I love this chicken... fun to make too. I am thinking a few more.... anyway, I also finished Pin Doll

Isn't she cute. Almost hate to stick pins into her. Ann Wood patterns are great...my village is growing. Ann also has a few patterns that are bigger...

He is 9 and a half inches and the dolls are about 5-6 inches and the chicken is not quite an inch high. Pin Doll is just under 4 inches. The cat is almost 4 inches. All are hand sewn.  Not sure what is next from her patterns.  This morning will be re-organizing the sewing/craft table. 

Time to start the day...bed making and swishing and fluffing.

Once again I ask a special favor. My uncle Tony is not doing very well at all. He is with Hospice. Both he and aunt Rose Marie need your prayers.This is such a difficult time for them and daughter and grandsons.

 Thank you for stopping by today. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Safely back on ground

 Alan had a long day yesterday. Getting up at 2am for a shuttle pickup at 3am for a 6am flight. He had a stop in Seattle from here then onto Anchorage landing around 5:30pm their time. They are one hour earlier in Alaska. Alan's first day covering the mall is today. Sunrise there was at 3:30am and sunset last night was at 11:30pm.

The moon was big and somewhat bright...some clouds covered it. Still, I tried for a picture. Murphy accompanied me out to the garden but was not impressed with the tripod. My creative or lack of creativity is driving me crazy. Both hands are hurting from the arthritis and my heel is still painful. Last night it was a bit swollen. I find this all distracting. Time for a doctor visit...or two. Today is definitely a swishing and fluffing day. For dinner last night I made a very tasty Fusilli pasta salad. Tonight Lisa and I will be grilling hotdogs and cauliflower at 10pm. Yes, at 10pm when she gets home from work. Can you see us out in the garden grilling? Time for me to get a move on with chores.

I think I am going to send a report to the Faerie Union...still no show on their part for help. Glad to chat with you. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship. 

Hello out there...

 The shopping complete, most gifts given (more on that later) and I was spoiled! This was the first Christmas since Denny passed that there was a celebration. The house was/is decorated in every room and outside too. Alan and Lisa wrapped many gifts for me.

The lovely statue is from Carol, Lisa's mom but all the other stuff...my Santas.   A battery operated flour sifter, an automatic soap dispenser for the kitchen and....

Beautiful earrings....

      a low temp cordless glue gun...charges in a minute!

A fantastic light weight and compact steam iron. Lisa and I saw this on a quilt show and I said that I liked it, now I have it.

Look at these socks! Must remember to keep these far far away from Murphy. Did I tell you he likes to eat socks....another time. There is also a pretty long sleeve blouse there.

The most special of my gifts....

This ornament is from the Ne Qwa Art collection...visit the link and you will see how they are hand painted...on the inside! All in all we had a wonderful Christmas. 

Did you happen to see the Cold Moon the other night....

I can not resist going outside to view any full moon. This was so bright.  It is called the Cold Moon because it appears at winter-time. Did you know this was the 13th full moon of 2020 and of course the last one. 

I know I have not been posting much. I have not felt myself on and off but especially this week. I will be visiting a new MD on Monday. This year has been such a trying time in many ways for many of us. Covid-19 is taking a toll on us. Loosing EvaP (mom) to it was a surprise to us as she was in a wonderful facility and was diagnosed only one week. Please remain diligent...keep distance when out and wear a mask. I do believe it does help.  

We mailed  gifts on December 3rd with expected delivery by December 7th....there are still 5 gifts out in la la land...no idea when they will arrive to their destination!

I wish for all of you a healthy and happy 2021 new year. 

Thank you for all your kind words and for the caring friendship. So many times your comments and emails have meant so much. 

 

The moon .... and me

Sunday evening as I looked out to the sky there it was...another magnificent full moon. I have and probably always will be fascinated by the moon. Every night I look to see where it is and what it looks like and then wonder.... many thoughts.  Right now, however, I am wondering what the day will bring.
We are once again in a "cool down" as the temps will be in the low 100s this week. There are several wildfires already in full swing here in Arizona and the Monsoon season has begun. No matter where you live there are seasonal happenings. We learn to live and adjust to them.
Yesterday was spent with stitching....On The Range

The left edge is almost finished except for the beads of course. They are the last to be added. I had a bit of an issue with the red star in the lower corner... a few Xs were not correct so out they came and back in correctly they went. It was a quiet day around the abode. On the weekends the jets from Luke AF base do not fly and coincidently the birds seemed to take a quiet day also. Very little action at the Pond Garden and fountain. It was a quiet day around the abode.
I did pack up over 80 DVDs...some of them sets … and moved my photos boxes onto the top shelf. Next will be the CDs. I am probably still one of the few who play CDs. Although I watch Netflix, I still like my DVDs too. Just an old fashioned gal I guess.
Stitching and reading have been slow  recently as I am having blurred vison issues especially in my left eye. I know, get it checked. Along with the other this and that that needs attention.  A few issues will be taken care of when The Brother Alan is here as I will need a driver.... as in when they dilate the eyes! I actually dread that. It takes hours for my vision to return to normal. Always something... in "these golden years"!
Well, that is about it for me today. Off to finish the chores because those House Faeries still have not reported for duty; then back to my Mill Hill stitching. It will be a me day. Glad to have you visit with me. Thank you for your kind words and or your friendship. 

~~~and so it is Springtime

At 1Am this morning the rain fell loudly for a short time. Sun out and no signs of more rain.

Earlier the Super Moon was big and bright then the clouds took it away. Now the sun is taking away the puddles. Good thing as the cushions on the chairs and glider got wet... I forgot to bring them into the lanai! It should not take too long once the day warms up.
I sat outside yesterday morning and worked on the kitchen girl

I changed the collar to the lighter pink and she now has her bag which will hold her flowers. Of course now my had is bothering me... well, truth be told I had also walked the Bissell around and did the House Faeries work. One of these days they will magically appear and take over.

The tulips have opened and look lovely. The contrast is striking! I moved them to a cooler area hoping they will last a bit longer. I should try planting some in the garden. No complaints though as the garden is so pretty with what is now blooming.
The swishing in the laundry area is finished so now it is time to fluff things. I definitely need another cup of coffee and some ice for my hand. Wonderful to visit with you today. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.
**1+9**deh

definetely cold out here....

We are in a cold spell...the temps are about 10 degrees below the normal and I am cold! We had freeze warnings again last night and I did manage to cover some of the plants.... not sure if it was really necessary but I did anyway. Two of them I brought into the lanai as they are in pots that  are easily moved. I believe the last time we had serious frost warning was back in 2013. Dennis did cover many plants and we still had issues with a few.

The Amaryllis has finally trimmed off the last bloom and the remaining shoot is about 4 inches. I will let it go for a week or so to see what happens before storing it until September. The Poinsettia is asking to join the trash pile...I think I will cut it back and let that go for a week or so.

Getting the strips ready for the January star. Three prints...the blues are for the cold of January and the stars are because they seem brighter this time of year in the chill of the dark. There will be a full moon on the 21st so the lighter fabric covers that. More about that moon later. It will have to wait until later today or tomorrow...I have a doctor appointment at 11 so not much time to get anything accomplished. Goodness, I will need my sweater to go out in this cold!
Yesterday was an off day. I woke feeling as if it was my turn to be sick. I just stayed curled up on the sofa and did nothing. A few emails "across the courtyard" with friend Robyn and it was not too long before she delivered a bottle of gingerale. Just was finishing the last of what I had too. I think it all had to do with my cramming in all the decoration packing in 2 days. In and out of the garage (still have some of that to do) and up and down the step ladder and well, you know what it is like. I had told myself that I would slow down this year. Guess I should listen to what I tell myself. I am feeling quite okay today after all the rest and a fair nights sleep. Did I mention that there is glitter every place I walk? Did I mention that it follows me all around the house? I keep thinking the Faeries are here...maybe they are!
Glad to chat with you today. Thank you for the 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...….

Santa earrings and the Moon and Mars

Now that may have your interest.... first the Santa things...

3 pair completed and one more in the tray. Two have blue eyes and I thought to do a few with black. I really enjoy beading....well, I do enjoy lots of things. With the weather so hot and humid and the garden must be ignored along with the pond something has to have my attention. I promised the mother Eva P a pair but I better wait until December to send them or she will wear them now proclaiming that I made them for her! She is delighted with all the mail she has been receiving and I cannot thank you all enough. I really only expected that  a couple of bloggers would send a card...but you have become what she calls her friends.
Have you been watching the moon?

Even with the clouds surrounding it, it was a sight to see. And while looking at the moon, nearby was the red planet...yes, Mars...

not too bad with just the camera and no telescope. We have a place not too far where My Denny and I would go and they set up telescopes so you can view the sky....I should check to see when they will have another such evening. Denny almost bought a telescope a few years back...not sure what happened with that idea.
The pond is pretty well dried and if only the heat would lessen I could get out there to clean. Of course my incision is still "delicate" with steri-strips and all. Hopefully they will soon be gone but until then I will follow the doctor's orders. The area is so dry and scaly...someone suggested that I use Vitamin E on the scar...any thoughts on this? Years ago after a surgery I was told to use Mederma and it did help a little. Times change and so do products. Surprisingly it is not itchy at all.
Went to Wal-Mart today for my Eight O'clock coffee beans and small filters  and there in the candy aisle was one of the motorized carts...just sitting there right in the middle of the aisle...I guess someone needed it to get to the candy but not to leave! I am probably one of the few who does not have one of those Keurig Coffee machines and fresh grinds beans for my Mr Coffee pot. Wal-Mart is the only place I can get these beans and filters.  Strange things happen there. There were so many parents with and without children getting back to school supplies. All of them with lists in hand. Here in Arizona schools let out in May and some are already back with most returning by August.
Okay, time to find something to have for dinner. The problem is that I am not at all hungry and have not eaten since 10:30 this morning. Something light so I will not starve later.
We are down to 51 days until....The Brother Alan and Lisa arrives. You did not forget did you ?

Please do not rain...yet....

Oh I know, I live in a drought state (Arizona) but the pond is still not ready for rain. if it rains before I can finish cleaning it, then I will have to start over...draining with the sump pump, waiting for it to dry etc. etc. Maybe it is just going to be a hot, humid and cloudy day...maybe. The temps have been around 116 daily so getting out there is out of the question after the stupidity of me last Saturday. Not doing that again. I will get out to refill the hummingbird feeders (one out front and the one in the garden) this morning but that should be it. I need to run an errand or two but I will wait until Friday/Saturday when the temps may fall to mid 100s. I her you...what is the difference, believe it or not it will make a difference if even only in my head.
I had to hold off on finishing my Santa earrings yesterday. My hand began to swell and I though it best to just wait. Applying lots of medication overnight seems to have helped. I will continue to apply daily for awhile then I can continue.

Did you see the fantastic moon last evening? I went out to throw the trash and when I looked up...well I love a full moon. I watched for a few minutes as it slowly rose in the Eastern sky.... of course for a moment I did as I usually do when I look at the moon, wonder if someone was looking down on me. I still do not like to drive  when the moon is full...well to be honest I do not like driving at night anyway.
If you follow me on Facebook you will see the post today that I will be taking a break from the site. My reasons are simple; I do not want to read the negativity and insensitive posts and drama. I just do not need or want it in my life. I know scrolling is the option and I do just that. I will periodically check in on my groups as I do not want to miss the incentive to create.
Just to keep everyone up to date...the countdown continues... 53 days.....The Brother Alan will arrive in September....Lisa  will be here too! 

The moon, Helen and a horse

What a spectacular moon last evening. I watched it on/off for several hours. Full moons captivate me especially when they are so gigantic.

Early in the evening around 7PM it began to rise with a still light blue back round. It looked like a picture. Then later as I went back out to the garden.

Against the darkness it seemed to just hang there. The evening temperature was still in the 80s and I could have just sat out there all evening.
Thursday afternoon I started to tat Helen, also from Janet Williams snowflake book

 

I am using a soft teal color bead with this one. Would have had more done on it except I went out with Glenda and Don to an art festival where Glenda and I found some special items. I came home with this

Just had to have this neck piece and filigree horse pendant. We had a nice day walking around the Cave  Creek and Carefree area then had lunch before returning home to their house for Lemon Meringue pie and coffee. Wonderful day spent with these special people.
Today will be a little garden work and then return to my tatting and reading. The temps for the week are expected to be in the low 90s. Some plant protection and checking the irrigation  flow so all will be well out there. The pond needs some attention too. Right now however, the coffee has finished brewing and the aroma is calling me. Thank you for taking the time to stop by and thank you for your kind words and your friendship.

New treasures ....

Did you go outside this morning to watch the moon?

Starting with the large picture which was taken at 6:05 AM and going from top right down and around, the pictures ended at 6:39 AM. Where the moon was after that was an area of too much light for me to capture the red moon. It really was nippy standing out there in jammies. Came right in and had my hot coffee.
Yesterday Glenda and I were out and about and I found this adorable chair

It is about 18 inches tall and the seat is about 9 inches wide. Who will sit in it? That is the question not answered ...yet. We enjoyed stopping here and there and I bought a replacement for the red umbrella with this one...

Royal Blue. The House Finches better not decide to line their nests with strings from it! Just happened that the disco ball sent parkles up under it.

I found this for the garden ....a bell in the sphere that has a gentle sound when it rings. Eye candy for the garden! About the garden, the Doves have not returned.....not sure why or where they have moved. I will leave the egg in the planter and just wait and see. I already miss the cooing in the morning and evening.
The washer has stopped swishing so I better get the laundry hung to dry. The house needs picking up so ciao for now. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

This also came home with me...a glass bubble. This is considered the large size with one a little smaller. It is about 6 inches wide...and for now the bright orange flower sits inside with sphagnum moss. I think a bright yellow or pink might look nice. I do not usually keep any of the artificial flowers from year to year. They are used outside and get pretty soiled and occasionally picked at by the birds. I will be o the lookout for something to put into the bubble.
Today will be a quiet day...no excursions. The temp is once again going to be in the low 80s so it will be nice to sit out in the garden and read and tat. I think I should tat a heart for February.

Oh that wind!

In the very early morning hours I was awaken with the sounds of something blowing around the garden.....sounds of things banging. I did not go and check but did wonder what was happening in the garden that I carefully cleaned the day before. Yesterday Glenda and I enjoyed tea in the garden which was fairly clean until the winds tossed about a plant tray, the small trash container and leaves from trees that I do not have. This morning it is still a little windy. Once I have my coffee and toast I will clean up the mess.

Finished my gold bead snowflake...Vivienne from Jennifer Williams book. (She names each of her patterns.) A little fiddly but pretty once done. I am trying to decide which to make next. A good pattern book for sure.

This what the moon looked like yesterday morning...almost at it's full glory. Beautiful against the morning blue sky. I hope the skies remain clear for the full moon on Wednesday evening.
There is still only the one egg in the wall planter and no signs of the Dove couple these last two days....very irresponsible If you ask me. They probably can no t remember that they are building two abodes and where they are!
The sounds of the fresh brewed coffee tell me it is ready for me so I must dash off. So nice to visit with you here at my place. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

A bug in the house

Hope everyone is beginning the new year healthy..... so far I am. It really is almost impossible when out and about. I went to the market early in the day to avoid lots of people and late in the date to the pharmacy...so far so good. The weather has been above normal here in Arizona...in the low to mid 70s. How about that Super Moon...the Wolf Moon...

I love all phases of the moon but there definitely is something special about full moons. This was no exception.....It was huge and the halo around it, well, I just could not help wanting to pull up a chair and sit with it...I see the moon and the moon sees me!
I did get to tat on New Years Eve day.....

I had limited thread left on the two shuttles so I just tatted until the almost end and finished the icicle with a fringe of beads. Love tatting....find it relaxing. I also was busy on NYE day sewing

No, this is not the project but the inspiration to make the project. I have night lights on in a few areas of the house. Early in the morning on 12/31 as I entered the kitchen I stopped short thinking there was a creepy crawly thing on the floor....after I yelled out I discovered it was the shadow of the spider plant...but I then remembered that I wanted to sew

"Bug" from the Tilda Seasonal book. Isn't she adorable? Just the right ladybug fabric that I have had for ages and some lace wings and she is ready to fly away. Found just the right beads for her antennae  and also a frilly bit of lace for a collar. She is going on a journey ....I will miss her so she will hang out with me for a few more days.
Usually my tree and decorations remain up for the first week of January but this time I needed them to go back to the garage so that is how I spent the day yesterday. Once you move one thing to vacuum you then move this and then that and that snow and glitter! I will be vacuuming for days and it will still be here. Better than shoveling it.
I had plans to make a beef stew yesterday and fresh rolls...plans came apart as I was skyping with sis Lynowl and dictating the recipe to her. I realized I had one key ingredient missing! So I will be off to the market this morning before the crowds and today will be beef stew day. The recipe is at least 30 years old and Dennis used to make it, so I am hoping that mine will be as good as his was.
End of year and time to sort through files and paperwork in time for the accountant. Time also that I sort through patterns and find new homes for many of them. I will be focusing on more tatting for awhile so the cross stitch needs organizing. I will be posting some of them so if looking for something new (or old from my files) stay tuned. Still waiting to hear of a package mailed to Canada on December 8th....I hate customs! Hard to track them down.
Time for me to visit the laundry corner and change the bed and stuff. Glad to visit with you. Thank you for your kind words and friendship.

Going forward one step at a time.

And the day went well

Everyday seems to be starting out as a cloudy cool day...then the sun makes an appearance and we are off to a warm day even setting or matching records. I love this year round weather of Arizona. Did you see the Super Moon last night? I gazed at it from my backyard....
Lots to share today...
Love getting mail more specifically packages....don't you?

Sis Lyn knew I was out of my favorite Rhode Island Pepper sticks so  my supply is replenished....but she also sent me the seasoning for the best hot wiener sauce made ... now it is not the same as going the NY System but it will do. Besides food...

look... 3 more yellow ducks swimming in the pond!  Thank you sis....now everything is ducky in the pond.
My telephone was busy yesterday. There was the call from my niece Tonya "Pafazzo"..long loving chat. There was the weekly call form sis Lyn ...always a long chat. Amazing the things we find to talk about! Oh and a call from The Brother Alan and Lisa. They called to chat while they decorated their tree

It looks lovely and so don't they! there is even one of my tatted ornaments hanging there somewhere. My day was pretty complete thanks to my family.

I finished my ornament.....but only a sneak peek. It will be mailed this week and then I can show you 

what it really looks like.  Lots of mailing to do this week. I was hoping to tat a few snowflakes, but have not started yet. It is the only snow around here for me.

I have been awake since 2 AM....and since I could not fall back to sleep I thought wee, get up, blog and make coffee. So before I head to the coffee grinder I will leave you with this

The Brother Alan......watching me from afar. Oh there is the Angel I made with sheet music paper!
I am lucky to have my family caring...there is no distance with love.
Thank you my friends for your kind words and friendship.