A new ballerina is dancing

Oh my I am finally feeling like this miserable cold is on the way out...hopefully not to you. I am off work  today so that is good. I have not done much stitching at all. Mr H and I finally got to go out for our anniversary dinner on Monday.  I also found another ballerina for my sewing room window...

I am so happy this group continues to make them. It benefits the crafts people of Thailand who make them. She now joins the other two gals...

 and they dance with the breeze. The air duct is just to the left of them so whether it is on heat or air conditioning, they sway gently and also if the window is open. As long as the temps are hitting high 80's and low 90's, it is unlikely that the window will be open!
Thank you for the kind words regarding my anniversary....it is quite a milestone to reach 45 years especially that when we met, we both thought we wanted to remain single. You just never know what will be.  Did I mention that the Quails have started their families?

this brood is about 2 weeks old. The momma watched carefully as I took the picture through the window. They almost blend completely in the rocks....do you see them all? Right now it is quite breezy outside; the chimes are singing both out in front and in the back....maybe I can sit outside before the hot time of the day arrives. I am working on an applique pincushion....just getting the final embroidery trim on. So, off I go. Thank you for visiting with me today....have a great day.

I would like to think....

Now, doesn't the title for this post make you want to know what is going on in my mind? Well, there is too much junk floating there but I will share this...

This little Quail family is about the right size of our orphan and there are out here everyday. In my mind, I want to think this is who came to retrieve the baby bird......better to think this than ..... anyway, let's think this is the family. I have been busy stitching in between this and that. I hope to get more on the Hummingbird Garden to show you, but here is

the Santa ornament ready for the backing. Love this red and white snowflake fabric I bought last year. My goal is to sew this up in the next few days while I am off from work. Speaking about work, I saw my hand doctor yesterday. "As long as you continue to cut fabric for 5 hours several times a week, your hand will be inflamed", a direct quote. Luckily for me, we are in our summer snowbirds gone time and my hours are much less. We all have something to adjust to in life.  I enjoy my part time job so I will adjust to this inconvenience. 
As I was being the sous chef for Mr H the other evening, I thought, (that thinking again!) gee, hate to toss out these red onion skins... so I boiled them up and tossed in a piece of fabric...

really like how it turned out....wish I had used a larger piece. I am sure to find something to make with it. We are still with the Monsoon Season and the humidity is really high today---46%...very high  for us. The other evening this was the sky at sunset...

I almost expected Old Man Wind to appear, but the sky was still and this puff just hung there with lightening and a few claps of thunder. It has been a quiet morning and since I have a dull headache, I will return to my comfy chair to relax before going to work later this morning....glad you stopped by today..... hope you have a great day.

What did you do at 3 am this morning???

As you all know, I am an early riser....okay, I am up before dawn most every day. When I get up, I sometimes just watch a movie  and have a cup of tea..... but sometimes I must do something...

out came my fabric circle cutter, needle and thread and 2 yo-yo makers.... and this is what happened. I wish I could tell you exactly where I found the idea for this. All I can say is that it was one of those early mornings that I visited blogs/web sites or the like in the wee hours. My diagram and notes for this prove it. Apologies if I am not giving credit where it is due.  An no, she does not have a face as I am not sure what "my angels" faces look like. Yesterday...what did we do? Oh yses I remember...while Mr H ran into Basha's for something, I ran into the Quilt Shop...

I could not resist this Moda sale.  Pre-cut 6 inch squares and matching fabric....and before you ask, I do know exactly what it will become. It was Mr H's idea I browse there while he was busy! That will teach him to send me off....
And if that was not enough happiness for the day, my Nordic Needle package arrived....

Just look at these luscious colors.... and they are for the first of the Alphabet Dolls... hopefully I will get to start it in a couple of days....just need a few extra hours in my day, no errands to run and not get tired..now I ask you,  is that really too much to ask for? Today is my lesson #2 with Debra for tatting. I have been practicing and really look forward to this afternoon. Debra kindly gave me a catalog for tatting supplies... I can blame her for enabling me to shop! I really prefer to buy all supplies locally, but I have not been able to find much in the way of tatting. Did you hear that The Attic has moved? Yes, and they will soon re-open not too far from where there were.... looking forward to visiting the new location. By now you must be wondering about the Quails... they have been here and there as well as another family. The bunnies are getting plentiful.... and there is a new.... yes, a new nest of House Finches. This one is in our hanging plant out in front where L&J's nest is. No eggs yet, but Mr H is not too happy to having another one of his plants whither! Oh well-------I will try for an updated finch picture.
That is about it for today my friends. Thank you for the kind words and taking the time to stop and chat. Have a wonderful day....

You must have been a beautiful baby.....

Babies...yes I have pictures.....

This is the hanging geranium plant that Mr H hung for our neighbors L&J....this is where Mr & Mrs House Finch made their nest and this is what is there now...

okay, only a mother finch can love them...but they are cute. There are 4 as near as we can tell. Not wanting to disturb them too much, I took a quick picture while the parents yelled at me from the tree. Mr H monitors checks on them every few days when the parents leave the nest. This was my first look at them since they hatched.... Mr H is almost as protective as Mrs House Finch. I guess they figure with a seed bag hanging in the tree and a bird bath right there, this was a good nesting spot. This is the first Spring that this set up is here as well as the first time we hung a plant for  L&J who are in their 90's. Are you ready for the quails....it is not the best camera video, but it is okay. I am still getting used to using it. The problem is zooming in and staying steady... oh alright, I will show you...
here is the link to my FB page and the video...
https://www.facebook.com/grace.piccirillihorton?ref=tn_tnmn
One egg was left behind and not hatched. Remember yesterday when I said they were being more noisy than usual, well when I posted I looked out to see them.
I have been practicing my tatting so Debra will want to teach me more.....and I am working on my candle stand piece...I will take a picture and post it tomorrow.  Do you ever think you just do not have enough time to do all that you want to do...of course you do... silly me for thinking I was the only one! I am heading out to the lanai with my needlework basket and cup of coffee....so glad you stopped by today. Thank you for the kind words....have a great day.

daytrip yesterday....

Mr H decided to ride to Superstition Mountains yesterday ... Apache Junction area.

It was a nice day and the ride is about 1 1/2 hours.....

This is where the Lost Dutchman mine is suppose to be.  No one has ever found it and a few have died trying or have need rescue because they got lost. I just love the history around and about Arizona.... I know all states have history. Mr H is reading Arizona Adventure written by state historian, Marshall Trimble. This is volume 1 and I will get volume 2 and 3 next. What a jump in reading for Mr H... last book was about the Roman
empire. 
I finally was able to snatch a couple of pictures of the Mr & Mrs Quail ......

at this very moment they are calling to one another to switch places. Mr H thinks one of the eggs has hatched. He was able to peek in briefly yesterday but we need to be careful not to spook the parents or they will abandon the eggs. Still trying to see the finches out front. I am sure any day I will hear these little quail and will try to capture a picture.
I have practicing with my shuttle.... I am so slow with the maneuvering of it! I actually know when it is not right so that is an improvement. I am so happy we could spend some time together.... but I must get the laundry into the dryer and then take my needlework basket out to the lanai...too nice to stay inside.... but, as it is 7 am and the temp is 74, the prediction is for the temp to be 100 today....now is the time to go out there...will be too warm later. I think I will wait until these birds get settled first or I will not be able to shuttle!  It seems to be taking longer today. Hope your day is just wonderful. Thank you for the kind words.....
16 days until The Brother arrives.

Oh happy day....

Yesterday was a good day.... I met Debra.... a very talented tatter who has managed to teach me to use a shuttle! Now you may remember how I was so frustrated at this task, but I am feeling more confident that I will tat with a shuttle!!!!

the first piece at the top is what we began with...move on down to the next sample. On this one, while Debra was here I did the first 4 rings from the left to right and completed one before running iinto a knot...so I then began this morning with the bottom sample...very pleased with myself. Thank you Debra. Lesson 2 is next Friday... she seems to think believe I can do this!
I have started a project to fit into a candle screen ...why? you do know how it is, right? It is just  while I am waiting for the threads to arrive from Nordic Needle for

look what arrived in the mail the other day.... this is what I ordered from the On Line Needlework store. Oh my...free standing dolls! My first one will be the lady with the  C on her...without the C however. Remember the gift certificate I found on my computer desk?, well I used that for the Weeks Dye Works and they will be on their way any day. My head is just spinning with all these things. The phone just rang...Jo Ann's offering me the day off...well you know I said yes. More time to practice and work on a few things and sit outside before the temps get too high. The weather for next week is suggesting temps around 100 for a few days....
I hinted that Mr H is having a few issues again... I won't bore you but I know we can handle them... we have come too far not to. A bright spot for him is always his garden and here is what he found this week...

this beautiful lone flower on one of the small cacti in the yard. Who even knew this was a flowering one. Unfortunately, cactus blooms only last a day and a night...and that is it. So we really did enjoy seeing this one. This plant is one of the ones that is in a nursery pot and just sitting amid the other plants. A bright spot this week.
A little update on Eva P...mom... she is doing well, using the "fancy" walker that I sent to her. he is still having some in house aid and I think she will soon be doing much more for herself.
I welcome new friends and thank you all for the lovely anniversary wishes and kind words and emails.... you certainly add to my life. Have a wonderful weekend....
Quail report....what a noisy couple they are! No babies yet.... but the Geranium out front has babies and I will try to get a picture this weekend.

Friday at 1:30 pm

Let's start from the start.......
Yesterday was our monthly stitch group meeting. Always so nice to meet up with these ladies and see what the others are doing. Just before I was leaving, Dear Ziz, who is the newly installed Pres Lady, told me she had something to drop off to me.We live as you know a stones throw from each other. Look what she sent via Mr Z

I love boxes and this one is designed by one of my favorite people Susan Winget. But the reason behind giving the box to me is not that I love boxes, not a special day but ....

My name is on the box. Flowers and birds make it just right. The soft colors make it just right. But, it is just right because of my friend, Dear Ziz. I am ever grateful for having her for a friend. We can tell one another anything and we can laugh and cry together.... it is a good thing. It all got me to thinking about another important friend.... My Lu...my forever sidekick back in Rhode Island. I just had to call her and hear her voice. We too share those special laughs, tears and conversation.... I miss her. Okay, time to move on....I am sure you don't want to listen to me blubber on.
Here is my practice sampler piece ... Embroidery on Net...

excuse the loose thread ends, as I said it is just practice. I want to perfect the stitches then I will try a motif. This is all Nicola's fault... she sent me the book! I am glad though as it is another learning thing and I am all for learning.
So what about the heading? Well, thanks to Shirlee for putting me in touch with a Tatter who lives about a mile from me! I will be having a tatting lesson with the shuttle on Friday afternoon. Isn't it wonderful that we are all so supportive to one another? How we share all that we know and cheer each other and comfort each other. I picture a special place where we will all meet someday among the stars of night and clouds of day...won't we have lots to talk about. In the meantime  while we still are grounded, I am off to work today and hope that your day is nice. Thank you for chatting with me and for the kind words and emails.....hugs to all of you from me.
Quail report....nothing to report, but the other nest...I will tell you more about that tomorrow.

On the table

I have completed my Roses Hardanger table piece.....

I am so very pleased with how it looks. Just to let you know: there are approx. 944 Woven Bars and 364 Dove's eyes! I picked up lovely pink Gerba daisies and they look very cheerful. What next asked Mr H? I am not sure but I have plenty to choose from. Yesterday I visited the on-line Needlework Show and immediately bought a couple of patterns. As I was doing so, my mind told me that I still had so many in house to choose from.... but my fingers did the walking and hopefully I will have them in hand. I bought another bundle of fabric yesterday to make the patch bag again. This time I will enlarge the squares from 5" to 6". It does not seem like much, but the clerk at the quilt store told me it will make a difference.
I have just put in my second laundry load one more to go and I have visited the backyard for my morning check on the quails. Mr H must be so disappointed....

this is not how this 7year old plant should look! Usually when the quails lay their eggs, it thrives. Never has it looked like this. We can not water it from the top and it is so high off the ground that watering it from the base is not ideal. I do hope it bounces back. Even after the babies hatch, it will be at least 10 to12 days before they leave.
Last night I experimented with the embroidery on the netting and will show you my sampler of stitches soon.  I think my fingers and mind need a rest today. A good relaxing day to read is my plan. In just 22 days The Brother (Alan) will be out for his annual visit. We are so looking forward to having him here and he is making plans as to what and where for his week. Thanks for spending some of your time with me today and for all the kind words and emails. Whatever your plans....have a wonderful day.

Monday finally became Saturday

Sounds confusing? Well, if you remember my last post which was Monday (can't believe I have not posted) we were getting ready for the (hopefully) final work on the lanai project. Omar arrived and assured me this was going to be "it"... "it" would be good. To be honest, I am not 100% satisfied, but "it" will do. Would I recommend this company, hell no. But we can and will live with "it". Mr H washed down the chaises and the bistro table set, he picked up an outdoor area rug and here it is...

so, from the green artificial carpet original to the lanai, to cement to epoxy....what a difference. It will be easier to keep clean and looks so much nicer. Our lanai is open on one side and sliders open onto it from our bedroom and the kitchen/dining area. A long 3 weeks, but I will call it done.
While all this has been going on, it was a good Monday for me and the lanai, but not for Boston. I followed the news and shed my tears. The climax unfolded last night and cheers rose. Now Boston can begin to heal. Texas is still trying to pick up the pieces. And I thought my lanai problems were something to complain about.
I worked on my Hardanger piece and feel good to say the stitching is complete! I have no picture yet, I thought, no one want to see this wrinkled piece yet again. So, I will stitch my edge, trim away the fabric, gently wash it and press it before I show it to you. I am so proud of it. Mr H praised my patience with the stitching and how lovely it is and that certainly makes me feel good. I have a short shift today and some food shopping to do but then I can work on this. The other day I stressed over my sewing machine... it again was not sounding well. Mr H told me to go and get another as this one is just about 30 years old. I really like this machine and it has served me faithfully with never a need for repair in all this time. So, I decided to investigate the noise and I took the top screws off and looked inside. I really could not see anything and when I  manipulated the wheel, there was no sound. I took it and turned it upside down and nothing fell out. I put the top back on and tried it, and no noise! Did I fix it? It seems to be fine, but we will see when I next sew with it.
I can only say that I am happy this week is finally over in so many ways. I hope you day is grand...and thank you for stopping by.....these lovely daffodils have graced my dining table this week bringing me sunshine...

PS....the Mr and Mrs Quail are still warming the eggs....any day now I think we will see babies....

Monday is a good day? we can only hope

Just got a call from the company doing the lanai project. They should be here within the hour to apply another coat of epoxy. I requested that the salesman come also... we shall see.
In the meantime, I sat outside yesterday morning to stitch with this little one for company...

he/she took a moment to respond to my call. Then promptly returned to munching.

 I finished the second tier of wraps...
Now on to the outside tier....I know, I should press it, but because I hold it in my hands to stitch, it just gets so wrinkled again. I do not like to press over the strands of threads that are not wrapped. I have enjoyed this project even though it is so large. It will look nice on my table.
There is no news for Mrs Quail who still is minding the nest with the Mister. I always know when they are switching places... they call out to each other. Well, guess that is all for now. I welcome a new friend who just happens to be from my home state of Rhode Island! Thank you all for your kind words and email.... I do try to respond to each one. Hope you have a good day.

Don't want to talk about it

At least not today. The lanai project is not going as planned. Mr H just spoke with the owner.... he does not know what it will be like to deal with an unhappy me! I can be the devil herself.....
In the meantime, I have been working on my Hardanger and a few other projects...no pictures today... to stressed with the other project.... Welcome to a new follower and as always thanks to all of you for the kind words sand emails.... lastly, a Mrs Quail report..... they are both tending to the nest. The change of shift happens quickly and with much noise.  I am off now to take something to prevent the headache from developing. Hope you have a good day...

Roses on display

We do not go to the annual rose show every year, but when we do it is o lovely to see and smell the roses

This is just a few of them and I will share more during the week. It is not a very big garden where these are displayed but lovely nonetheless. There are also roses for judging which is what I will show you during the week posts. The weather was perfect to stroll through the park and there was also a wedding being held there.
Today we have no set plans. We go with the whim of of the moment! Tomorrow we have some work being done on our lanai. These condos were built in the early 70's and our lanai carpet of artifical grass is original. It is time for it to go so we are having it striped and finished this week. I think it will be a 2 day job. It is a wonderful outdoor room, open on one side to the yard. I will be sure to take pictures. I have been adding the Woven Bars and adding
Dove's eyes to my Hardanger..... you can look but promise to ignore the wrinkles.

It is useless to keep pressing it and is probably not a good ides to press over the unwrapped bars. Did you notice the broken scissors? I am upset that these, my favorite ones that are only used with Hardanger projects snapped! The tiny screw broke off! The were not inexpensive.  Lucky for me that I have another pair of scissors that are tiny and sharp. What to do with these now.... not sure if they can be repaired. If you look closely you will see my tailor tacking that keeps me mindful of the dove eye placement. It was time consuming but so worth the effort.

As you can see, I still have a way to go with this, but I am enjoying the handwork. I find it relaxing and satisfying. If Mr H has no plans for the day I will probably get lots of wraps in.
Quail Update----- no new eggs! The "other" quail lady has not tried to lay any other eggs in the other plant. Guess Mr H did a good job of netting that plant. Either that or she is one of the new moms who just leave them here and there.
I am having rumbles in my stomach so I guess it is breakfast time. The Sunday newspaper is here and a cup of coffee and out to the lanai sounds good. I hope you enjoyed your visit with me....hope you have a wonderful day.
*****today I am missing my Sherlock*****

Baker's dozen.....and the winner

It is a lovely Saturday morning... a nice cool start. Yesterday was very warm. Mr H and I took the car in to have the driver's door adjusted and then we spent my Saturday off relaxing. Mr H found another egg in yet another plant!

Quail sometimes drop these eggs and move on. This is not going to be a new nesting site! Quail can be very vicious with other baby quail so we will not allow 2 families in our yard. That being stated, When I saw Mrs Quail fly off  leave this morning, I checked on the nest and there are 13 eggs! Quail rarely fly as they prefer to scurry about. Amazingly they will leave the nest for most of the day sometimes.   In  21 days or so the eggs will hatch. Then the drama begins! Did you know that baby quail are fully feathered when born and follow the parents about when they are about  7 days? They are shown where and what to eat.
I finished cutting all the right threads for my Hardanger piece yesterday.... what a task. This is the most involved piece I have done. Next step is the woven bars and dove eyes. I will need to pay attention the the path of my stitching as the doves eyes are not in every space. I think I will map it out in tailor marking. I did not take a picture  but I do want to show you something....

Every so often I have sent EvaP (mom) a project to do. These are 2 of 4 dinner napkins that she sent to me. Now I do not plan to use them as such so what to do? I have this wall basket so I thought these 2 look very nice displayed this way. A nice way to think of mom during the day. It is stamped embroidery and her choice of colors.  She is coming along nicely. Brother has set up safety alert for her so it will be good to know that if something happens again, she will get immediate help. She is still having pain in her shoulder and is using a walker. I arranged with Brother to get her a nice walker with a seat and basket locally so I do not have to have it sent. Anything to make it easier and safer for her.
Off I hope to go today to a rose show with Mr H. We went a couple of years ago and enjoyed the magnificent display. When we were living in Rhode Island, Mr H had several very nice rose bushes. Here, he is having difficulty growing them. One of the homes nearby has   a row of them that look like they get minimal care and they are huge and flower all the time. Maybe a few pointers today from the experts. I am very happy that you decided to spend some time with me today. Whatever your plans, have a wonderful day.
The winner of the bunny pattern is...............Lee! 

11 eggs

Yesterday for a brief time Mrs Quail left the planter and I counted 11, yes 11 eggs.

She is living in the planter on the far left of the picture. It is 24 inches high.The plant in it is called Elephant Food. Normally quail lay their eggs on the ground in a shallow dirt spot... no nesting fluff. For some reason she likes this planter. When the babies finally leave it, they must jump off the rim and I get so nervous if I am there when this happens as I have been for one of the 4 times. I won't even go into some of the mishaps we have faced which is why Mr H is not happy about Mrs Quail. The first time we were excited to have them until the problems began. They are adorable to watch and the parents very attentive. But and it is a bug But!
On the stitching front, I am still cutting the threads on the Hardanger piece. Still stitching on my BBD exchange so I can not show you that.... and next week will help as she needs it, my lovely neighbor start a cross stitch project. Jeanne is a wonderful quilter who is getting ready to stitch a sampler from Milady Designs. I do not think she will need much help, but I do enjoy sharing when I can. I have not mention this but, before I caught this cold/flu and have spent weeks trying to feel well, Shirlee sent me the name and telephone number of a tatter right near to me. I plan to call her this weekend now that I am over hopefully free of the cold/flu. I admit to not even picking up any sort of tatting recently, but I am hoeful that I can get some expert help.
Recently I found that several emails/blog comments were sent to my junk folder?! I never think of looking there.... but I will now. So if I have not responded to you, that is probably why. I usually just empty it and never check it. I promise I do so. I will draw the name for the bunny pattern this Friday... and post the name and get it into the mail by Saturday. It is always so nice to have you visit with me.... hope you have a great day. Thank you for the kind words and emails....

First cut is always the hardest

This morning I picked up my tiny scissors

and made the first cuts of many. Once I start, I do feel better but I will not relax until I see all the threads cut and correct. I took the time to press the linen only to start to get it all wrinkled again. I just had to stop at this point so I could catch my breath..... and relax. I will work a little more in the wee hours tomorrow. In the meantime an update on Mrs Quail...there are now 9 eggs...I think...well, she is in there so I can not be sure. As of yesterday there were 9 eggs. It now is the wait game. I am off to work shortly and must have my breakfast so I will say thank you for visiting with me and have a great day.

A quiet day.....

Mr H and I are having a quiet day... day 2 of relaxing. On Friday he called me while I was at work to say he was having trouble breathing and could I come home and take him to the ER....well, of course. So off we went and a few hours later we were home with Mr H rushing to the bathroom to be sick. The problem seems to be a very severe sinus infection that affected his breathing. It scared us both. He is now an antibiotics and feeling a bit better. It seems lately that we are both having issues. For me, I think I am on the mend finally...oh and mom...EvaP, (that's what I call her), she is doing better also. She has a visiting nurse  and sounds very optimistic.
I have just finished all the eyelets on my Hardanger piece but it is so wrinkled, I did not take a picture... now for the part that always causes me deep thought.... the cutting of threads! I thought it might be wise to continue once I am feeling good so I am concentrating better. I have been reading. Have you used BookBub? Many free books and discounted prices for the tablet or eReader. I am working on a BBD exchange due for May. Did I tell you that I began sewing a shoulder bag...La Borsa? It is finally to the put together part now. All the squares have been sewn together and the lining is ready as are the straps....I have a short work week so maybe I will get it finished.
That's about it.... as I read back what I have typed, I have been busy! I would like to welcome a few new friends and hugs to you all for the kind words and good wishes you have sent my way.
 Enjoy your day.

Mrs Quail update----- we now have 8 eggs in our her plant! and she is now back in the yard...maybe 9? by the end of day......

Back to some crocheting

When I was just around 6, my Aunti Lucy taught me to crochet. From there it was to cross stitching and on to knitting then to many other crafts. I haven't crocheted in a long time. When Mr H and I were in Cave CReek recently, I visited the yarn shop and saw this and just had to make one...

It is a Bath puff.... but not for me. It will be my bath powder puff.... it is made using a German yarn, Gedifra, Fiorista Fino (cotton and polyester )...soft and lovely. Of course I love the color variation.
It only took about an hour and half to crochet. 
The pattern was free with a yarn purchase. The display puff was made from 100% cotton, but as I was not planning to use it for washing, I thought this was a better choice.
Are you all ready for Easter? Tomorrow is our Easter Blog Hop that Jo has organized so be sure to check back tomorrow for all our posts! I was moving some scrap paper around the computer desk... it always has pieces of paper that I write notes on... and I found that I still have about $11.00 left on a gift certificate from Nordic Needle! Nice surprise. It is always a nice surprise to log on to my blog and find a new friend, or two who stop by...so welcome to you and my only wish is that I had an email to welcome you..... and I must say thank you for the kind thoughts for my mom and me. We are both doing well. Of course, it still remains to be seen if I survive this week without another relapse. Seems it has been every other week and back to bed for me. Optimistic I am this week! How about a Quail update? Mrs Quail now has 6 eggs in the plant.... usually she deposits up to 10. I will have to post a picture of the plant for you...but for now, how about my violet collection. All of them are in full bloom.

 

Thank you fro spending some time with me today. I am off to work today and tomorrow. I hope you have a wonderful day......don't forget our Blog Hop tomorrow.

Tomatos...lost pictures....some progress

Yesterday I picked the last of the tomato's..... and now to make some salsa and salads this week.

There are round ones, plum and yellow tomato's..... and they have been delicious. We started to pick in January and finally the plants began to fully yield in April. My mouth waters just looking at them!



Now that Kodak has sold to Shutterfly, I have to upload and store my pictures differently. The Geek Squad helped me to organize them. Now I have one place...and it was going well until I got the new camera. Now I have to reset how I upload. Jeez....  Because of this, I just somehow lost a few pictures...problem is I do not know where they are! I have searched for them but not to be found. Oh well, maybe they will turn up. In the meantime.....

Can you tell that I have stitched more? Oh please say yes! It is hard to tell, I know, but really I did stitch! I have re-organized my brain file. I will return to stitching on this everyday even if only a few stitches.

I have been working on another project which will be sent to someone later so I an not show it all to you but here is a peek...



No guessing...I will not tell!
Last picture to share.....the Quails have begun to hatch....

You will have to look closely...they are there... staying close to mama and papa.... probably a few days old....and just too cute.

Well, my friends, I am working today...I know it is Tuesday, but every so often I am on for Tuesday. I will be off until Saturday...short week = more stitch and project time.
Welcome to my new blog friends....and thank you to all of you who visit and leave kind words and emails. Have a wonderful day.

One bad mama...

Every so often I find.....yes, it is a Quail egg. It seems some of these female quail just drop them here and there. Remember the nest they stated in our planter? then never came back.? I have tried to find out why and one explanation is that they are first time/inexperienced parents! Uh....not good. Luckily, many do lay their eggs and then hatch them and are good parents. This is the first year in 3 that there is no nest in our planter.
I have been busy working on my exchange piece and it is looking nice. It will have to travel far so I am eager to complete it and get it in the mail. I have no picture to update on day 7 challenge piece....took a stitch break. I plan to rest today and try to loose this headache. I think the Monsoon Season is getting to me. I wish it would rain---maybe that would help. Well, it was so nice to chat with you today. Thank you for stopping by and I hope you have a nice day.
My previous post has some give aways to check out.....

??? It's Monday you say ???

I must say, this cold has really hit me hard. As I finally was able to open my eyes this morning, I thought I had fallen off the face of the earth...it was my head rolling of the pillow! I have my moments of feeling like I have this beat but then reality hits and I am down for the count. Thanks for all the lovely thoughts you have been sending to me. I look at the clock and it is 2:15 pm! and I am just getting to the computer to post!
Early this morning the wind really picked up..the weather channel said gusts of 30 mph...seemed more like 100! Anyway, I got Mr H up to take down the chimes which were nearly blowing off their hooks....the hummer feeder was dripping out sticky stuff all over the place and I thought I would look into the planter...

count them...11...that's right. While I have been out of commission, Lady Quail has definetly been very busy. She probably will lay a few more then begin to stay put.
It has been raining...much needed rain...and the wind has slowed. What was that? stitching? not really....but I have managed to get some  in but they are special exchnages/gifts so you can not see them....really, I have managed between head on the pillow and sitting up to stitch a little. I probably have been able to stitch a bit due to the fact that Mr H bought me NyQuil LiquiCaps...and taking one every 4 hours seems to be helping.Which reminds me...I need to send him out for more..so I will be off for now...thank you so much for visiting with me....I haven't cough or sneezed once while you were here!