And the skies are cloudy

what a cloudy day so far. We are expecting winds and rain and there is a flood advisory for much of Arizona today and tomorrow. Luckily we are in an area that does not flood but still we are careful. The yard will have to be wind-proofed and certainly with how cloudy it is the umbrellas will be folded. What have I been up to...let's see. On Saturday Mr H suggested we go to a garlic festival at the Queen Creek Olive Mill. I really like the Olive Mill but must say that this event posed some problems. Plenty of parking but only one way in/out. The restaurant was so busy many of us did not try for lunch. The wait was over 40 minutes and there were not enough tables to sit at or shade area. We did enjoy the tastings and bought a bottle of Strawberry Balsamic Glaze. The ride was nice and not much traffic.

Every direction we drive around the Valley we see the mountains...this is Superstition Mountain in the area of Queen Creek. We are surrounded by wonderful scenery.

Here along the highway is a giant Gila Monster ... just one of many Southwest icons. Some areas have lizards or just hieroglyphics. Something to see. Recently we have been under another look-out... you may have read or heard on the news about the shootings on the interstate....

these electronic signs are everywhere. There is a $50,000 reward for information. They do have someone under arrest but only can link him to 4 of the shootings. Driving on the interstate is unsettling. We are able to avoid the I-10 for the most part. I am almost ready to show you what I have been stitching....almost. Had some problems with my hand yesterday so rest time was often. But that was fine --- it was football day and in this house we watch all the games. Today Mr H will be looking for the replays.... me, I will stitch and prepare my next project.  Did I mention that I am enjoying this retirement thing? I think that about covers it. Thank you for stopping by and for the kind words and your friendship....I really appreciate all of you. Oh--- an update on EvaP (mom). no results yet on her problem...still a wait and see issue. Thank you for the good wishes for her. I hope you have a good day.
PS...don't forget the October Card Exchange. I will email the list this Friday...

Such a gloomy morning

Rain, that is what I said. It has been raining here in The Valley of the Sun Arizona! Not often do we get rain, but today looks to be one of those gloomy days. So what's a gal to do? First on with the Christmas tree lights... that certainly brightens things up a bit. Next sit down and stitch of course. I am working on my RR piece and I think I may do some tatting later today. This is my last injection day and a talk with the surgeon. Mr H and I both had PCP appointments yesterday and our doctor is not happy with my current treatment with this surgeon. She want s to refer me to another who will fix the problem. While there I also got my pneumonia shot..... today the shoulder is a bit red and swollen. I keep telling people just how delicate I really am! While out yesterday we found ourselves stopping in Cave Creek...

there was a little drizzle in the air and when I looked to the mountains... well I just had to take a picture. The clouds were low and drifting in between them.  I think it is time for a cup of tea and stitching so I will say thank you for visiting and thank you for your kind words. Have a good day.
PS: today is the last day for our Card Exchange sign up... this month... please email me if you want to join in. I will be sending the list to those who did sign up this weekend.

Heading West

All I said was I would like to just ride to those mountains.... honest, that is what I said. Mr H said okay. We headed West and kept driving for 30 miles or more....there was pretty much nothing for a lot of the ride...

At first there were others on the road...then only a few then it seemed like we were the only people on earth. There were plenty of those Watch for Animal signs but we did not see any. Soon, Mr H decided before we went any farther we should turn back today but this was definitely a ride for another day....one we would prepare for. But I am mesmerized by riding to the mountains....they are always in sight when we are out...This is the group of The White Tank Mountain range that I always show you in my sunset pictures. Driving beyond them eventually would take us to the California line.....that will be another day. On our return back, we saw a church. A plain looking building but oh my....

once inside, it was anything but plain. The church was larger than we expected and so beautiful. From the smooth floor to the alter, the lighting was just perfect. Now I do not want you to think we went to pray....we are not religious church goers, but we appreciate the peacefulness and beauty of a church. There were no pews here, just upholstered chairs. The few windows were high and let subtle light in as you can see on the side alter. The ceiling is a soft medium blue...like the sky...The massive crucifix hung catching rays of light... a few moments of quiet and peaceful thoughts.
Earlier in the day...8 AM to be precise, I walked over to stitch and chat with Sweet Jeanne. Always a great way to start my Wednesday mornings. We really did more chatting than stitching..... she was putting the finishing elements to her ornament and I will finish it off for her. She did a marvelous job, especially since this is only her second project. I can not show pictures to you because it is for our group swap and some of the ladies visit my blog. She is actually working on another ornament.
I have thanked you all many times for your caring and kind words, and once again, you were there to listen. It means so much to know that although we are all so far apart that we are really closer than we think. I send you all a hug. Off to work today although I would rather be back on the road "Heading West".....have a good day.