My aquarium

 Finally fish that will live and a tank that needs very little care if any at all. I know, it is not real, but for me that is okay.

they were fun to crochet and set up to "float". The cover has a few sea items and a turtle. 

The shells are from Rhode Island. They are the only ones I have from there.  the sea bottom is aquarium sand sprinkled with "pearls" and sea glass and shells from Bermuda. 

the Brother Alan and Lisa brought them back for me.  I added a string of tiny lights to give it a nice glow at night. I am still thinking the covering for the cover which for now is raffia. I think I will get some green raffia and try it.

Eventually I will catch you up on what i had been doing. Let's start with this cute owl. I made it for my

nephew Antonio. He loves owls because that is the picture that appears when he is talking to his Papa (Alan). 

 My niece Natalia asked for a poncho in her favorite color of purple. 

I made a flower broach and then 2 other broaches so she can change or pin them to anything else. Another project I have enjoyed making...more of them to come.

And now she asked for an afghan made from the same yarn , so that is a project in the making. I love making something special when asked. .... or just because.

Glad you stopped by today. My goal is to post at least every week or two. Thank you for your welcome back to my blogging and your kind words, Thank you for your friendship.

Windows and squares

 Well now, it has been awhile...I am still here.  Still wearing this sling, still limping (right knee) and still not sleeping much. To be honest I don't sleep all that good anyway but turning on this shoulder can certainly wake me immediately. I am becoming quite good with some things using my left hand. I am trying to figure how this fracture will heal with only this sling. Did I mention it moves constantly? I know, stop complaining. There are others with more to deal with. 

We are currently having heat advisories in Arizona. Yesterday was 105 and the forecast says maybe 110 by the weekend. Back in Rhode Island it is much more comfortable...why am I telling you this?

Alan and Lisa are in Rhode Island visiting family. Here is The Brother with his daughter Elyssa and her daughter Natalia. Alan's smile says it all. They left on Monday and will be back on Tuesday. Murphy and I are on our best behavior. They made sure I had plenty of food and easy things to prepare. 

Of course in between chores and such I have been working on my quilt. It is now 144 windows and 81 squares big, There are no repeats  of fabric yet. Included are windows from friends....their names are listed on the sidebar. I still have pieces from them to add in with my additions. The quilt measures almost 40 inches square Once I reach 13 squares (in a row)wide then I will begin to add rows only to the top and bottom until I reach a length that I want. . I still have a way to go... many more windows. Thank you friends who have sent me windows! Your names are on the back side behind your window.

I love to visit with you all. Thank you for your kind words and encouragement. Thank you for your friendship.

Santa and Reindeer food

This is the morning sky.... looks stormy to me! The hurricane off Mexico is going to affect our weather for sure. We go almost all year without any measurable rain and get zapped in October. Glad I have no place to be except right here today. Yesterday I visited with Dianna and we reviewed (for me) the how to for Shutterfly. I have started another book and seem to have forgotten a lot of the ways. Dianna makes so many she can do them in her sleep.

Another Santa beaded star is almost finished. Love making these cute guys. Just 2 more sections for him. It is getting near the time for Reindeer food packets to be ready and sent out to all he boys and girls who need them. Eli from Rhode Island actually reminded me that he needs a packet! So I will be sending one to his aunti Lisa (my niece) for him in time for Christmas. One is going to Natalia also in Rhode Island too. Do you know someone who needs one? If so, email me with the child's name and address to be sent. I will mail out in time for feeding.
Well, I know a few of you wondered where I have been... thank you for the emails . .. . I am fine, just having one of those days that lasted a few days. Thank you for caring. So nice to hear from you and nice that you take the time to visit. Thank you for your kind words and friendship. The aroma of fresh ground beans fills my kitchen … coffee is brewed and waiting...off I must go.

Mail Delivery

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We're having a heat wave....

an Arizona heat wave....Were are in a Heat Advisory for this week and of course it is the week the air conditioner chose to fail and now this afternoon, a crew will be installing a new on. Right now we are at 86 and it may reach 107....can not even imagine being on the roof for 3 hours or more. I spoke with the IM yesterday...a very compassionate lady who does not want Dennis home until the house is safe...safe with air conditioning; so Tuesday will be the day. Yesterday was a very emotional day for both Denny and me. I tried to keep busy with my word for the day and did stitch Blessed.

It was the next word in the Affirmation Words project from Donna at By The Bay Needleart project. At first it was hard to think of why to stitch this word. Then I could find many reasons to feel blessed. So many who care enough to express their concern and love for us at this time. The phone call yesterday after messaging back and forth from "my cousin Frankie"...that is how Denny always refers to his cousin Frank back in RI. Frank just wanted to talk for a minute to Denny so I held the tablet ( I did not know we could talk over the tablet but that is for another day) and once hearing his voice it became apparent of the long distance affection these two men have for one another. Frank sent encouraging words.....When I could not hold it together after that' one of the RNs was there to give me a hug.....yes, we are blessed to have so many people caring for us. then later this arrived via email

niece Elyssa sent this Dragonfly...it is made with prints from Natalia's little feet.....and a letter accompanied it that will be very emotional for Denny...her Godfather. Both of these will become cherished items for many years to come. Indeed it was a very emotional day and I am blessed with so much during this difficult time. One more day and The Brother Alan will be here to help me get organized...I know, I am a very organized gal. Right now though I need some direction so the little big brother will help set things in motion. He will be here for the week. I made a nice cup of tea this morning to find that the milk was bad...I instead am having a tall glass of iced water which considering the heat today is a better idea...get hydrated and stay hydrated.  Have you tried the water drinks with veggies...like cucumber....I did, not bad. I think I will stick with lemon in my water. Oh wait, I do not have any lemons...guess it will be plain water today. So, on to the day with thank you to all of you my dear friends for the kind and encouraging words. Most of all thank you for your friendship. I will carry the loving thoughts form all of you today.

He is here!

Well all went well with the flight for Alan and Lisa. It was a day to relax and so

The Brother Alan did just that. Quiet day in the backyard and then on the lounger on the lanai. One of the things that has escaped Alan with each yearly visit is seeing a coyote. Last evening he and Lisa decided to go for a walk after sunset. Dennis armed them with a stich and a flashlight and we told them to be careful and stay away for the golf course. (just up the road from us) The returned all smiles and could not wait to tell us about the coyotes the saw...yes coyotes. They encountered 4 in all, 2 each time in our neighborhood. Finally, coyote sightings for them! Plans this week are open for them....day to day except for Thursday when they will be going for  horseback ride...a 3 hour ride. Today if Mr H is up to it, we may go to Scottsdale to the museum. If not, the car is available for them and they can go. It is so good to have Alan here. I really sound like a kid instead of a 70 year old older sister...but he makes me happy being here. They brought me something special...a blanket that belongs to my sweet great niece Natalia....so now I have something very personal from her. Will post about it more later. Well, dear friends that is about it for now. Thank you for your kind words and your friendship. I am sure you will be reading a post or two from The Brother Alan this week.

A new kit arrived!

As I mentioned yesterday the mail arrived and this is what I found

when I opened the envelope. Carefully wrapped in pretty tissue with a wonderful fragrance.....now what is it? The distinct lavender smell. Hurry to open and find

a kit for French Boutis Scissor Fob. A new challenge to learn....I must say the quality of the supplies is wonderful and such complete directions. An there, do you see it? The sachet of lavender....oh so lovely.  Let me tell you about Averyclaire NeedleArts. You really need to visit and meet and see the work of Karen Jablonski. This is French Boutis, an old form of quilted needlework.  Karen's service is quick and the kit is perfect. this will be my weekend project so I will be able to devote my time to learning and doing. So be sure to visit her blog and Etsy shop. (this is my own opinion and not sponsored by the designer).
I want to thank you my dear friends for the caring kind comments and emails. Yesterday was one of those lost days and I am sure today will be better for my Mr H. I found myself waking at 4 AM today....I needed that sleep. I am raring  ready to go today. I am just ready to finish the yellow Victorian Thread Bag...should have been completed yesterday but just never got that far. My friend Al sent me an email to say that the Black Molly is adjusting to his new home.... happy about that. My tenants are also doing great. I may rent out some more space this weekend, not sure who will join us. I managed to change the living room drapes yesterday and have the laundry all caught up. The garden was watered and today a bit more housework before The Brother Alan arrives...did I mention he was arriving on May 9th...oh yes I think I did! Each year it is a celebration to have him visit with his friend  Lisa. The kid brother who in reality is like my big brother. this visit will be a bit laid back for us, but nevertheless will be a great time spent together. I will need to reorganize the sewing room and get all ready next week.  Yesterday was my great-niece Natalia Rose's 3rd birthday

she is so adorable. We have not met her in person ... yet.... but my niece Elyssa posts pictures which keeps us in the know. I am proud of Elyssa for being a loving mom.

this is such a cute picture of Elyssa and Natalia.
MR H and I now have 3 special ladies in our world; first was Tonya, then Elyssa and now Natalia....all special in their own way. We have beautiful nieces! This day is starting out cloudy and around 70 (6:30 am) and may reach the low 90s. Best get the garden care done early. It is always nice to visit with you. Thank you for your caring kind words and emails. Most of all thank you for your friendship. Have a wonderful day.

How many days ?

The weather gal this morning said that we have had 18 days over 110 and today will be 19...so more of the same. Simply put,  hot. I got a late start with my chores today, getting up lazy with the temps in the mid 80s to start the mornings. I did manage to do2 laundries. Of course there are same ones, but still 2 done. I also worked in here

the craft closet. There is only so much to toss out...at this time. Every so often I pick a file or two and look to see if I will ever do what is in there. If not out, out it goes. I also label/re-label so I can presumably find things. Enough of the closet this week. Twice in here is about all I can do. I started another punch needle....

My friend Lil gifted the pattern to me from her stash. I admired the one she made.  Yesterday I ordered the Morgan hoop set for punch needle from Amazon. It seems that several gals like using it so I thought I would give it a go. This way my left hand should not get so sore holding griping the frame for dear life. It should arrive by Monday.  It is the 7/10 inch size.  I bet you are saying, "why is she starting another when she has finishing to do". Well, I did ask myself that question but since I did not get an answer I went ahead and starting punching. I mentioned before that Mr H has lost several plants in this heat. Now, we have this kind of heat each year, but somehow plants are not doing well this year. We have 3...3 9 foot umbrellas shading various areas of the garden but Mr H is really wanting to protect ...

I guess we could buy another umbrella. He said since it hardly rains this will do! Our entire backyard is in sun all day. I will say he is creative. This are new plants so they really hate the sun/heat right now. If they survive, the pot will be covered nicely. I have a couple of errands to do but just can not seem to get the get up and go. Oh I must show you my sweet gran-niece, Natalia Rose

The Brother Alan sent it to me yesterday...she is wearing the apron I made for her. I am so happy that my niece Elyssa has her wear it....look at that precious face.  She looks like her dad mostly, but when I saw this, Natalia does have her mom's looks too.  Two pretty special people to Mr H and me. Long distance love. Well, I must have another cup of coffee....it has been 4 hours since my last cup. I am going to have a talk with me, myself and I about getting those errands done. But I am not promising anything! I hope I did not annoy you with the pictures today and my seemingly rambling, but I am glad you stopped by. Than you for your friendship and your kind words. Hope you have a lovely day.

A rag doll

This April 26th was my niece Natalia Rose's 2nd birthday...

she belongs to The Brother Alan's daughter Elyssa. Although I have not met this little angel, I feel as if I know her by the pictures Elyssa posts. I decided to make her  this

a rag doll that I first made many years ago (still with me). This is a fun doll who can be handled roughly and survive. I chose lavender floral print (Natalia wears lots of purples) for her jumpsuit, and dark brown cotton for her hair. I embroidered down the front and around the sleeves and ankle with pink. If one day the doll is undressed, they will find that I signed the doll's butt with our names and drew a heart on the doll's chest. I hope Natalia enjoys playing with her. My shawl is almost to the length I want....I have enjoyed working on it daily.  Oh, yesterday while Mrs Dove was out and about we took a peek at the twins...

They did not seem to like us looking into the nest! Every so often they pop their heads up. The parents seem to leave them for a time now, but not for too long. They still take shifts sitting in the nest. Yesterday Mr H finished painting the orange tree trunks...a special paint;

this is done every Spring to prevent the trunks from getting to much heat in the summer. This year all the trees were topped and look strange, but it won't take too long before there are full again. Unfortunately, these are ornamental orange trees so they are not good for eating. Today is already starting off warmer than yesterday with expectations of reaching in the 90's today. Now that the temps will begin to rise earlier, Mr H had given me the task of going out and watering the garden pots early. It is almost 9 am and I have not done so....guess I best get out there. So nice to chat with you as always thank you for your friendship and kind words. Have a wonderful day.

An apron and a lamb

~~~~~~~and Natalia

Natalia and her mom Elyssa loved the apron and as you can see, Natalia loves the lamb that Mr H picked out for her. He said she had to have something --- other than the apron! It was so nice to have my niece Elyssa post this picture for us to see. Definitely pleased the uncle Dennis! I have someone to spoil. When Elyssa was young (until she was 11 and we moved out here to Arizona) she spent lots of time with us and even had her own room in our house. She loved helping me and wore an apron most of the time. Seems that Natalia is following her mom. I thought this fabric would be very Spring like and now to find material for Autumn and then Christmas. The pattern I bought has 3 styles and also for an adult size too. I love having aprons to wear. Yesterday we ran a few errands and I told Mr H that today would be an at home day...I simply want to stitch. Maybe even sit outside until it gets too warm...should be in the mid 80's today. Laundry is finished and the sewing room has been straightened, well, a little. So hard to keep it perfect when I have several projects going and planned. With that said, I think I will grab one of the projects and my needles. It has been so nice to chat with you...I know, 2 days in a row! Thank you for your wonderful friendship and kind words. I hope you have a wonderful day.

On the sewing table...

I have been busy this morning. Laundry #2 in the washer, pattern pinned and cut....

Making a surprise for a special little girl. If you guessed Natalia you are correct. I just love the butterflies on the yellow background. Reminds me of Spring. While at the sewing shop ( a small fabric shop in the neighborhood) I spotted these gals...

Tweezers...they are so cute. (sorry the picture is not better, but using indoor lighting) Do you use them in your needlework/crafting projects? I do and have several "regular" types but these just called my name. One will be for me and the other will be leaving. Where do you ask? That depends on a few things....if you would like the "Blonde Gal" leave me a comment telling me if you do use tweezers and if you do not why you would like her to move in with you.  I will draw from the comments next week.  Our weather has been delightful...yesterday it was in the mid 80's as it will be today and all week. Spring is in my back yard. In my kitchen...

this lovely lady is all in bloom....I do not know the name of this African Violet but her iridescent petals glisten in the light. Several of my violets are blooming. I have a couple who remain stubborn and do nothing. They are all in the same window box and receive the same watering and light.... who knows. I am off to get back to the sewing project and am really happy you had some time to stop by. Thank you for your valued friendship and kind words. Have a wonderful day.

Voila....

Finished...just fresh from the cut.... The kit came with the Tiffany Flower Votive. Very pleased with the finish. I also made a scissor fob for the scissors using some southwest beads and a cowboy boot...to remind me of The Brother Alan who loves his boots. I will use it with battery tea light as I do not use real candles anymore. I think I will do another Hardanger project...I have an angel that has been sitting in the to do pile for some time. I will not abandon my cross stitch but I need a break. There will be the monthly SAL from The Snowflower Diaries. Yesterday's mail brought me a birthday card and ...

from dear friend Lynda Ruth  who is presently digging out from lots of snow. Luckily she and hubby have a tractor to make it easier. Today, as a matter of fact all this week, we are having temps in the 80's which is a bit above the normal for us but I will enjoy it. Mr H and I sat outside listening to music while I read The Mysterious World of Sherlock Homes......about Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.  I really should start my project for Grandniece Natalia Rose.... her birthday is in April but it will take some time to get it sewn. She is so adorable...I love her...

Isn't she glamorous in those sunglasses?! She will be 2 years old on April 26th (the day after my anniversary making it easy to remember). Well, the landscapers are here and making quite a racket with the leaf blower....so going outside at the moment is not a good idea. Guess it is as good a time as any to get the angel project and be sure I have what I need. So glad you had some time to visit.Thank you for your friendship and kind words. Have a wonderful day.

Found this sweet little plant growing in one of the pots in the garden.....

 

Love the mail delivery

Our Card exchange is still on going...all through the year plans. If you want to join us, just email me your mailing info, or if you have been sending already, just  let me now to add you to the May list, by April 18th. It is so nice to receive cards just because.
My Mail on Monday brought me...

At Christmas time my sis Lynowl sent me a gift certificate from 123 Stitch. It is a quick mailing site that allows you to keep a wish list that can be accessed by you and friends simply with your email address. Anyway, these are the 2 projects: Just Nan's Feathers and Flowers biscornu and Mani di Donna Petal Pincushion....not ready to start them yet, but I have opened them a few times! I really must update my wish list there.
I managed some stitching, not much, on Red Riding Hood while sitting outside ..

it looks neat in the dappled light. I really should have accomplished more but it is so easy to get distracted sitting outside under the Sweet Memory tree and umbrella...the Hummingbird keeps fluttering about and the flowers look so pretty...Mr H frequently getting up to adjust one plant or another.

The lovely purple flowers are on the Sweet Memory tree. It is difficult to see the tiny blooms from sitting beneath them in the picture, but is is pretty. There will be not sitting outside today as we have a doctor appointment for Mr H. Originally when I called for an appointment they said in mid May...that will not do as there is a problem now that should not wait. So just a short time ago the PA called to say she would see him today. Got to be pushy at times and once I relayed the issue and weekend visit to the ER, she agreed that waiting until May was out of the question. Glad you stopped by today...thank you fro the kind words which always make my day. Have a great day. I would like to leave you with a sweet picture of my great-niece Natalia Rose....first Easter Bunny picture

More mail and 19 years later....

The morning is starting out a bit chilly---- temp is 57 but should rise to around 84 today. In the meantime, I had to put my cotton robe on! I am off today and hope to spend time working on an old project. First let me show you what arrived yesterday...

my latest RR piece from Michelle from Stitch Craft Place in the UK. This just might make for a pretty pillow finish....and the fabric she sent would be perfect for it. Do stop by and visit her lovely blog. Michelle enjoys knitting and crochet as well as cross stitch. I have to do the final finish on 3 ornaments...and soon as one must be sent by November 24th. I forgot to take a picture of the tatted ornament that I made for  my co-worker Rindell...it really looked nice and she was pleased.
I want to tell you about the "old piece" that I will be working on. First, here is a picture ...

This is my sweet niece Elyssa taken in October 1995.In the back round you can see a pattern.....Elyssa is working on a stitched piece of her own. She spent a lot of time with Mr H and me and when I stitched, she did also. Her age here is 2 1/2 years old......here is the little girl now...

Oh my...with Elyssa is Joe and their adorable little Natalia Rose who is 7 months old.  Do I feel old today....you bet I do! I have not meet my great niece yet, but I just think she is a doll. Every time they post a picture, I immediately download into my Natalia file....a few are printed out and displayed.

Here is the Santa as it is..... and it will be finished in time for this Christmas even though it is 19 years late! You may ask why it never was finished..... hard to really give you an answer. One day I just looked at it and did not want to work on it anymore. In those days I would work on only one project at a time and this had so much going on that I tired of it. Then one day I decided to work on it (years later) but could not find the pattern. Do the linen was put away. Some years past and I found the pattern but could not remember which box had the stitchery...so...you get the idea. I then thought this piece was not meant to be. It is now! ----- never too late is it? So that is my story for the day...glad you were here to listen....than you as always for the kind words and friendship...have a wonderful day.

Found and arrived

Sometimes you really need to look into a file, or a box and you will find some interesting things. The date on the printed pattern is 1999 and at that time I bought and stitched so it is very likely that this was bought then but for what ever the reason it was not finished. So...

presenting Glorious Clematis Welcome. The company is Sylcrafts from Taunton MA. I gathered the DMC threads and will get this oldie finished. I never know what I will find when I start moving about the craft closet. Mr H calls it the warehouse. I did find a couple of other projects that I will take a better look at later.
Finally my quilt for Natalia arrived and although I am pretty sure Elyssa does not read my blog, I wanted to wait to show you...

I do hope the mom and dad like it.There is a special reason for the special embroidered blocks. I included a card written to Natalia so that someday she will know about it.

There are the moccasins which are for when she has an easy walk through life ----- the cowboy boot for when she will need to be strong on her walk-----the tepee for a good home with love---- the horseshoe with hearts for luck and love--- and there is a block with 3 stitched hearts for hugs from uncle Dennis , aunti grace and Natalia to share. Last is the 2 Indians...named Uncle Dennis and Aunti Grace so that she will know we will always be here/there for her. I chose the bright green print which has the roadrunner, our state bird, and lizards which roam everywhere.The backing is shades of pink with stars all over for dreaming. Every stitch has a meaning for me and all stitched with love.
Well my friends, that is about it for today...so happy to share some time with you. Thank you for being a friend. Have a wonderful day.