They call me Nana~~~~

 Hello friends....

Try as I may, it seems I am on a monthly posting. Anyway, as long as I show up....and I do keep busy. I  made a fabric basket (of sorts) and two moose ( did you know there is no plural for more than one moose). I have been working on the Brick Quilt and almost finished with anther small quilt. I have fish that are certainly not like the fish my dad caught! This is a different post today.... not about my creations.

This was the first Mother's Day that I heard the words "Happy Mother's Day Nana".

These are my grandchildren. Starting at the red hood is Devin/13, then Julian/10 and finally Rosie/6 (Roselyn). The live in Rhode Island. If you are wondering why this was the first time...with no further explanation,  my DIL Andrea and I  had been out of touch.  She is raising 3 happy children.
They sent a video and is was a joy to see smiling faces and hear a cheerful message. Thank you Andrea!The bronze dog statue is quite famous in RI. It is in Roger Williams Park and has over the years been located in different places. I have a photo (1946) of my mom and dad sitting on it!

Today I am sewing a Frog Sewing Caddy...there is a story behind it! Always is something, right? I am happy that I could introduce you to the children. thank you for your kind words and thank you for your friendship.

Sometimes.....

 Sometimes we just need a kick in the behind. Sometimes it just takes a caring note. Sometimes just someone asking if you are okay. That just happened just a few minutes ago. I checked my email and there it was. A note asking if I am okay..."checking on you because I care"...... why? I have not been blogging.  It actually brought me to tears to feel so loved by a  friend whom I have never met. Except through the blogging world. We are a caring group of people though. Vickie, thank you from the bottom of my heart. When I stopped doing cross stitch, I got lax with my blog. Do not know why..... I keep very busy making and creating daily. My interests have moved to hand stitching and quilting. No reason why I should not share that with the blogging world. 

Of course I still get in trouble. Just last the other day I burned my right index finger on my Clover iron...which was heated to 520 degrees!

Oh the pain!!!! The Brother Alan , the doctor, pierced it and let it drain and it felt better. Now the very dry area is starting to peal. I have tucked that iron back into the craft closet...way back in the closet!!!

I will post the projects that I have been working on in a few days...no, no..... not all at once, a few at a time.  I have been interested in Japanese needlework/ sewing, quilting and hand stitching in general. Right now I am working on an EPP patchwork Dog...actually 2 of them.

Thank you for stopping by today, thank you for your friendship.

Beginning to look like Christmas....

 First I want to thank all of you that sent special thoughts to my great-nephew, Antonio. He is out of hospital and holding his own. Still has a way to go, but keeping good thoughts that he will continue to improve.

Every year I try to make a new ornament... for me and to give away. This year it is a star.... a take-off of Ann Wood's Jingle Star. I have added a tag that has room for a name and says, "My star in heaven"...that is the mine for my tree in the center. There is one with a name already on it that will be traveling to... my aunt Rose Marie for uncle Tony. That leaves 2 that will need a home. I have also started another quilt.... one that will be sewn by hand whenever I pick it up...

Squares and rectangles. I am using whatever scrap fabrics from my bin...no selecting just using. Same will be for when i start sewing them together.  that will be as soon as I decide on the layout.

Our sweet Murphy...2 weeks ago at 5am I noticed that his eyes were completely clouded over! He was not having trouble maneuvering around inside or outside. Did not seem to be hurting. I called the vet and Lisa and I took him in. Blood work drawn.... eyes examined. She ruled out glaucoma...a relief. Medication for his eyes and then wait for results. Valley Fever ruled out and the conclusion is that he has high cholesterol. Do not bother to ask how...the answer is that it is my fault. I give him almost everything. Now he is on a diet...prescribed kibble. No more home cooked food. He still gets veggies. Now, back to the eyes. From day one we saw an immediate improvement and by day 4 the eyes were clear! Back to his handsome self. He will return to the vet in a month. I will be on my best behavior. This past few weeks I have not been feeling well...a cold....my diagnosis. Alan and Lisa completely decorated the living room and kitchen trees. Wreaths are hung outside...thank you Alan. Still deciding on some decorations then the mess I made will get cleaned. Normally I would put away as I empty a bin...not allowed to climb....which is good because on Saturday while home alone, I did use the ladder in the garage and somehow missed the last one or two steps....of course we did not tell Alan. Luckily I did not break anything but have a nasty scrape on my elbow. When will I learn! Glad to chat with you but I must get a move on with the mess around here. Thank you for your kind words and thank you for your friendship.

A few additions

 First weekend in October...before you know it Halloween will be here. Once that happens, November will jump up. Time just keeps moving quickly for me. 

Saw a quilt using these templates...a quilt as you go.... so you know I sent for them. Next quilt! I plan to use whatever is in my fabric bins for the centers. It is just like my Cathedral and Hexagon quilts.

Do you see the additions? A parasol, slippers and yes, a Murphy! Not sure what will be next. I am thinking of creating a sewing/craft room.... that would be fun. I now have
13 assorted granny squares.... believe it or not, they are too large for the intended project. that's alright, they will be used eventually. I ordered from JoAnns a container of 26 colors Gutermann thread and it is ready for store pick-up today. Thread you say? Yes, it will give the right size square. So, I am ready for not one project but two. Gotta keep busy. Happy to visit with you today. Thank you for your kind words and thank you for your friendship. 

Please keep a dear friend in your thoughts as he will soon start radiation treatments. TIA

Shabby Rose Quilt

 Hello friends. The sewing table has been busy. The quilt is finished..

I am so very pleased with the outcome. It measures about 60 inches square. Of course once one project is completed it is time for next on the list!

Just a sneak peek at the table topper. Still finalizing the placement before ironing it in place. Another hand stitched project. Today Dianna took me to FedEx Office to enlarge the pattern for the topper. It needed to be 200% and try as I may, using my home copier (which has that setting) I was not able to get it right. I also ordered 8oz packet of Emery sand to make a small pincushion. 

It measures 2x3 inches and I used about 4.5oz to fill. Just big enough to keep at the sewing table to keep needles sharp...and pins too. I had this 5 inch square and after fussy cutting had a bumble bee and cone flower to be the cover bag. The Emery is in a stitched close muslin bag. It is what it is.... could be worse. I will deal with it day by day like so many others. So nice to chat with you today. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Murphy likes the quilt

 Goodness, it is Christmas week. Are you ready...gifts? meal plans? I just need a few food items and that will be it. This week I will be baking and making ahead some of our Christmas Eve and Christmas day dinner. Christmas Eve celebration will be around 8pm. Both Alan and Lisa are working. We will enjoy an Antipasti tray, Crudite tray and baked goods. Christmas Day we are having Lasagna and Braciole and that will be depending on how the morning goes as to what time we will actually eat.

The Hexagon quilt is finished. Once again I sewed it completely by hand and no repeats of prints. It measures approximately 40x60. I was lucky that Dianna gave me some of the floral prints...we swap fabric when needed.

these 2 hexies are special. These 2 floral prints are special. The fabric was bought in Hawaii when Dianna vacationed there. The hot pink one is in the center of the quilt and the yellow hangs off the edge...just like the special Murphy hexie. What next? Not sure but I do know it will be another quilt. I have been thinking of Quillow ...maybe a French Rose quilt...maybe both! So ambitious.... we will see. This week will be plan time as I get ready for the holiday. 

Happy to have you stop and visit with me. Thank you for the kind words and the encouragement. Thank you for your friendship.

              🎄🎅🎄🎅🎄🎅🎄🎅🎄🎅🎄🎅

Too busy!

 Do you ever think...How am I going to get this all accomplished? Well, that is where I am right now. We  just found out we have a problem in the main bathroom... a leak. Alan was able to find a restoration company and the insurance is onboard so now the work will begin. All I know is that things are going to be messy and noisy for the rest of the week. Murphy is not too happy but he did offer kisses to the guys! At the moment he is upset with the landscapers. so it goes.

I am busy with sewing but also trying to get all the necessary paperwork and clearance for the October 3rd disc removal/fusion surgery. Tomorrow will be the EKG and hopefully the cardiologist will not add a monkey wrench to the mix and give me the okay. 

Just look at all the floral fabric Dianna brought to me!the next few days I will be cutting the hexie centers....I have 6 to finish, and that will be 26 done.. I will plan the layout when they are all finished.

These are not sewn together yet...but I already love them. I think it may take close to 100 hexagons for this quilt. Sewing by hand is very relaxing to me....even with Murphy yelling at the landscapers....and soon there will be a bathroom tear up. Thank goodness for Alan, he has it all under control. I can just sit in my domain and stitch! 

Did you watch the Queen's funeral? I happened to wake at 2am (Arizona time) and it was starting, so I made a cup of coffee and watched. It was beautiful and the people...my goodness, it was a sea of people lining the streets. The finale was touching...the piper playing until it faded away...the removal of the scepter, orb and the crown from the coffin... the breaking of the wand over the coffin...symbol of his end of duty to the queen. I was just 5 years old when she was crowned queen...watching it was special and I do remember the pomp . Now 70 years later I watched the end of her rein. 

Nice to chat but should get back to sewing while it is quiet around here. Thank you for your kind words and encouragement, Thank you for you friendship.

Making progress

 What a lovely day....until later when the afternoon winds arrive. But really, no complaints. On Monday I saw th surgeon. He is very pleased with my progress and I can start to wear shoes. Of course they must be open back/slip on type but basically that is what I own anyway. The aches are getting better as is the pressure in my heel. It will still take months more to feel really good. I am exercising and doing my own PT with the approval of the doctor. 

What have I been doing? I have started my Friendship Cathedral Quilt squares. Windows will be later.I have 12 that are ready for assembly, working on the next 12 today, sewing them into shape. This hand sewing that I have been doing is good therapy for my hand (since surgery).  When I asked for fabric pieces for my windows, I did not say...any color or print in cotton. At least 2 1/2 inch or 5 inch square. Once they are sewn into the blocks I will put the name of the friend who sent it on the backside.  Anyway, thank you for those who will be sending.

Last week was fix it or replace it week. The Garden umbrella  (2 yrs old) broke.... the garbage disposal (21 yrs 0ld) broke and of course my new phone which I somehow locked and could not open. Alan and Lisa got 2 new umbrellas, Alan replaced the disposal and the Verizon guys fixed my phone. Never a dull moment around here. Once again, I am very lucky to have Alan and Lisa here to look after things.

Always a pleasure to have you stop by. Thank you for your kind words and for the encouragement. Thank you for your friendship.

Would you like to donate

 

Is Spring finally here...or where ever you are? Our Arizona temps have been down to the high 70s then into 80s and even high 90s. Not sure if we are beginning Spring or summer. Last week my bedroom wall clock stopped working.... out it went. Alan and Lisa ordered me a new one

I love it. Thankfully it is silent, no ticking sound. This past month, all 3 of our cell phones have not been working well...yesterday Alan got all new ones. Let's hope that is all that needs replacing.The saying is that all happens in threes....we will see.

As for the donation....no no no...it is not for money. A square or two of fabric is what I am looking for!!! Measurement is 2 1/2 inches or 5 inch square....

 I am starting a Cathedral Square Quilt. The centers measure 2 1/2 inches. I thought how fun it would be to have a real variety of centers and have friends contribute. An envelope, one or two squares and a stamp is all . Most of us buy the charm packs for projects. I can cut my 5 inch ones down to give me 4. If interested in "donating" let me know and I will email you my address. As for the muslin squares, I will need to cut at least 600 for a twin size! I ordered the muslin from Jo Ann's and just need to do curb side pick-up. This is a project that I have wanted to do for years..... years.

How about an Achilles update. It has been a tough couple of weeks for sure. The bruising on the shin and calf are fading slowly and the incisions are healing. The issue is the heel is still quite painful. I will admit that I thought it would have been easier, less painful. As a result of walking off kilter, my right knee is aching badly and my back by nightfall is sore. Tomorrow I see the surgeon.... hope it is all good news from him. Okay, time to check in with Alan to get my phone working. Glad we had time to chat. Thank you for your kind words and encouragement. Thank you for your friendship.

Getting ready for Monday

 Can it finally be that the temperatures are finally cooling down? Will we be sitting out on the lanai enjoying the under 100 temps....I sure hope so.  The mornings have been comfortable before climbing to the mid 90s. Alan and Lisa have been enjoying sitting outside in the garden evenings listening to the fountain and chatting usually with Murphy joining them. 

The surgery for my right hand will be Monday afternoon.....Alan will be home to take me and then be sure that I behave. Should be easy for him as I tend to hold anesthesia for awhile longer. Lisa will be home Tuesday and Wednesday. I will be well taken care of. Today is making a list of this and that and then getting it done by Sunday. Sometime today I will find out the time/ What will be difficult for me is not being able to have my morning coffee...or two. Since the doctor only does afternoon surgery on Mondays, it would be great if I am first or second. In and out and less time for fasting!

Lisa and I have been working on projects.

This pretty bundle of coordinated fat quarters made into

This Hexi Mug Rug. It just needs to have the top stitching done. It was done piecing on a foundation of muslin. I may do the next one stitching directly on the paper. Can not show Lisa's project as it is a Christmas gift.  I have yet to work on Christmas gifts and with hand surgery it may not happen. 

Since I woke at 4am and have a full day ahead of me.... off I go. So glad to chat with you today. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

💔A special favor. A family member is going through serious medical issues. Please keep him and his family in your prayers.

New project

 Oh goodness the winds yesterday afternoon brought leaves from all over the neighborhood into the garden! One benefit was the music from the many chimes in our garden. Yesterday Lisa became a Privilege Card Holder so that she can use the Rec centers. We came back home and began the sorting and organizing for the upcoming project...

This is the flannel we bought so far to begin. I love when you enter a good quilt shop and everything in a collection is set up for  easy coordinating. At this point all of Lisa's items are cut and now she will coordinate trimmings. It is fun teaching her sewing and she is doing really well.

Alan received his 2nd vaccine yesterday and today does not feel well. Lisa did well after her 2nd shot. the good news is that by the end of April we three will be protected. I should say as protected as we can be. Still wearing our masks and being careful when out.

Our temps are still in the 90s and it is no longer easy to walk barefoot in the garden which is laid with brick pavers...they get very hot. Murphy knows enough to walk along the house which has some shade and not hot on his feets. Today I have stopped giving him the Benedryl. He is not gnawing or licking constantly. We shall see what happens. The large curio in the living room is still empty...need a good push... just being lazy. So far I am learning more on using my laptop. I know, it is just a portable computer, but when you are years used to a desk top and the keyboard and stuff, but Alan is a good teacher and patient with me. I have learned to upload pictures! This HP has bells and whistles to learn. 

I want to update you on my lovely niece Tonya. Yesterday was a surgery day and she did very well. All your good thoughts and prayers have definitely helped. thank you from the bottom of my heart. I should be swishing and fluffing in the laundry area, should be doing this and that. I think I would rather organize my bookcase  storage area so I can find things when needed. Glad you had some time to share with me. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Note to self: try to remember where delete and back space keys are.

The end of Nonsoon

 Yes, this has been another Nonsoon...Monsson seems to be a miss this year. We nowhere touched the rain. So now we are officially into Autumn. The holiday season. Of course this is not the usual season anywhere with the virus still hanging overhead. We have been healthy here. Hope all of you are also. Masks and distance.... 

I have kept busy...

I made this table topper.... with some change. It is the 10 minute table runner. Usually it is narrower and longer but I wanted to use the fabric without cutting so this is shorter and wider! The metal bucket is full of cinnamon pinecones and then the autumn flowers. The flowers seem to soften the potential overpowering fragrance. 

I have finished the first embroidery block for the quilted runner SAL. Needs pressing and trimming and then the fabric pieces cut to form a block. Today I will trace block 2. 

Tomorrow is my flu shot. A follow-up from the injections. Happy to report that most of the pain is gone. If you have any arthritis you know it is never completely gone, but I will take less pain. 

I have asked The Brother Alan to make me something else..... and he said yes. Today we will get a start. It has been nice having him around this week (on vacation). Murphy will certainly miss him. They have worked in the garage a few times which is play space for Murphy. At the moment however, Murphy is restless. He is going in and out (thank goodness for the magic screen) an under the sofa carrying bones and his squeaky

 toy. This is what we see! He is getting almost too big to get under and out. Well, my friends, stay safe and healthy. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship. 

Disclaimer! not responsible for Blogger playing with this posting. The type is what it is! 

Keeping busy

 Even Murphy is keeping busy

While I was swishing and fluffing in the laundry corner he was carefully grabbing a box from the recycle bin.

Once retrieved, he nonchalantly walks past me into the house. He loves boxes of kinds and sizes. Every delivery or purchase with a box is HIS.

We bought a couple of pumpkins for outside and a small one for the mantle display. Lisa though Murphy needed it because last year he played everyday with them outside. So.....

immediately took it into the house and  immediately chewed a hole into it. Eventually Alan retrieved it from his grasp. Yes we indulge him....okay maybe me more than them.

Had an appointment with my pain management doctor yesterday. I am having arthritis pain from my thigh right though the right leg. It was decided to give me an Epidural steroid injection into my spinal area. Rest for 24 hours and slowly return to normal activity. Lisa suggested that I rest and it was around 3ish. I was watching Wilson Bickford paint and next I knew it was 6pm and The Brother was just arriving from work!

 Today will be embroidery day for the SAL Lisa and I are doing. We stopped at the quilt store for fabric.

The polka dot will be the table runner backing and the white on white squares are for the embroidery and the dark green (hard to see but it is 2 shades) the other fabric will be the pieces to trim the embroidery.

Of course once there...

This will be a full size Christmas pillowcase. The check is the body, the white is the trim and the cuff is the candy cane.

This selection will be for travel pillowcases. The floral print will be the body, the red the trim and the green the cuff...I will also make one changing the cuff and trim fabrics with one another. 

Murphy and I went for our quarter mile jaunt around the neighborhood. The temps are a bit cooler at 80. It has been too hot to walk at all.

Well, it is good to chat with you. Thank you for your kind words and thank you for your friendship. Time for laundry check and ice cold water. 

Hello out there!

 Hello out there, I did not get lost. Maybe a bit or more sidetracked. You may ask with what. I ask too! I am not making excuses, but my arthritis in my hip and hands have been an issue. I started taking CBD gummy bears and when I take them daily they do help. The doctor also gave me a muscle relaxer that really helps at night so that the discomfort does keep me awake. Have you noticed the changes with Facebook and Blogger? They did not ask me and I am not sure I like the changes. 

The weather here in Arizona has been hot. I know it usually is. This year July, August and now September have been the hottest on record. We have had over 50 days over 110. The Monsoon is not delivering much in the way of rain around here.... just East and South of us. The winds have been  crazy. The other night it was very windy and The Brother did secure the garden...except a wild wind came out and over went a few pots filled with soil crashing to the floor of the lanai. Not knowing what the crash was, Alan rushed out with me behind him followed up with Murphy barking at Alan ... confusion. While Alan cleaned the mess, Murphy was jumping about and finally once he was given a broom he quieted except then he wanted the one Alan was using. Then there was some thunder and Murphy kept looking up at the ceiling  listening for the next one. A bit of rain and it was over. We run a circus around here sometimes. 

A nap with one of his favorite bones always makes things okay.

Lisa and I are still making pillowcases, this time for travel pillows.

This is the one I just finished and plans for a few more covers. It will be easier now that our quilt shop has reopened. 

Here is Lisa's.

Did I mention she loves lavender? Anyway she did a great job sewing this. She also made a  runner for Alan's bureau

Using the idea from the Shabby Chic Roses but made this more masculine. Really came out nice. We have ideas for a couple more. The one I made will be going someplace soon with another pillow covering for the Christmas holiday so it can be changed.  

I began to decorate for Autumn, but cannot find my decorations stored wherever I put them. I remember Lisa and I putting them...... still cannot find them.

Well my friends, a few of you worried about me with an email me to check if I am okay...Thank you Carolyn. Yes we are managing to stay healthy even with Alan and Lisa working and in contact with many people each day. Thank you for stopping by. Thank you for your kind words and emails and your friendship.

What a day...yesterday

We are so fortunate to have warm temps and sunshine while we are trying to remain safe at home. Alan's mall is closed as are the others but as Security Director, he and his staff still report to work on cut back shifts. Lisa is still on full staff at the market and dealing with nice people as well as the crazies. They have installed the plexi-glass partitions at her store already. Meantime, around here we keep it as normal as we can. Normal?! This place is anything but normal! At times it is a 4 ring circus.
Yesterday morning I opened my slider to let Murphy out into the garden while I was making my bed. He did not make it through the lanai when I heard his cries yelps for help. I dash out and question why he let his toy into the corner behind the chair. As I pull him aside....."Lisa Lisa" I yelped called out. to which I called again "I need you". Out she runs thgrogh the kitchen to the slider where I toss Murphy into her arms. I explained

A baby...I do mean baby of about 4 inches long (and no tail yet) was in the lanai. Murphy got put into my bedroom and all doors including the slider shut.

How to catch this baby? Lisa got a box from recycle and I got the broom and we carefully got him into the box. He was so scared. His tiny ears trembled and Lisa was cooing to him. Then the question flowed out of her mouth..."can we keep him, I want to keep him, what can we feed him"! NO NO we are not keeping him! So, finally after she had her chat with him we let him go into the large cactus are where I know many bunnies live. Excitement over back to home business. Amazon delivered my paraffin was for my hand bath. Good I though I will get it cleaned and refilled. Once the top layer of was melted I peeled it off and found a box in the recycle bin. What, are you saying oh no... yep, just as I finished pouring the almost hot wax into it there was a puddle under the box all over the top of the dryer. "Lisa, Lisa" once again I called she came running and together we managed to get the dripping box...dripping on her bare toes....into a trash container.  As soon as it firmed up I then began to scrap the wax into the trash bin. Lisa was thankful to now go to work! So there you have a normal day at the abode. Murphy continued to check around the lanai for the lost bunny and I settled to a cat nap.
Today will hopefully be a quiet day. I have an idea for the bathroom window bottom half. I love my dangling flowers  at the top. Time for coffee....Glad to share my yesterday with you. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

The days have Marched on

March...goodness where is the time going? I am not sure what exactly is the reason I have been absent from my blog. I have been working on my Handkerchief Quilt... a little.

Hasn't been easy with Murphy wanting to help. But it is a start. Speaking of the boy...

Excuse the view through the screen, I took this a few minutes ago.... compare to the first window picture...

goodness, this was at 4 months old and today at 7 months! He is a bit more than a Mini Schnauzer, and that is from the vet. He is now able to remove things from the counter edge or the table with little difficulty. He certainly keeps me hopping during the day. Murphy does not like the rain... but, when we first got him he did not mind walking in the pouring rain. His personality is really coming out! Definitely going to school.
We are in day 3 of rain....sometimes poring rain. At the moment it is just damp and cloudy. Swishing #2 is on as is Fluffing #1. I thought about just staying in my PJs and doing nothing, but the fairies are not here today.

One of Alan's officers brought in fresh picked Tangelos...they are so delicious. I picked fresh lemons the other day...

Isn't this the perfect bowl? It is one that Lisa had. So nice to be picking fresh fruit and veggies and herbs in February/March.
Soon the fragrance of orange blossoms will fill the air. In the meantime, I need to get back to the laundry area....
Thank you to those who reached out to me to check on me. I really am fine but there are days to deal with. Murphy just settled down to nap so I may join him with a cup of tea. Glad you stopped by. Thank you for your kind words and concern and thank you for your friendship.

Demolition underway

A beautiful day today...not to warm (in the 60s) so Alan began

to remove the pond foundation. He bought a power hammer...like a jack hammer to make the job easier. What he discovered is that  when the pond was built those many years ago it was built very well.... totally reinforced. The task is not complete... it will take a few more days of drilling. Murphy is right there to pick up stones, weeds and dirt. Before Alan began the pond he had to fix a leak in the irrigation line...

Murphy was front and center then too. So, they spent a good part of the day working while I sat around. We seem to be having trouble resetting the irrigation timer so I will need to call someone in.ir
So often I see pictures of cats helping at the computer....now Murphy sits on me lap with the occasional  paw or nose onssss the keyboeard as he  is   nm now. See what I mean!  
I am happy to report that my heel is almost healed and that the pooches incision is healed. I am trying to remember just where I stored my hankies forf my quilt... obviously they are in the garage craft area.... I am sure of it. At the moment Alan and Lisa are preparing dinner....so off I go.  
Always so nice to chat with you. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.        .

What a week!

Today I hope is the last day injury to me myself and I! There was the fall tripping over the carpet edge in the lanai while dodging Murphy.

Then while slicing radishes on the mandolin... a small chunk of my finger went and so did the radish! Lisa was quick to wrap it for me...good nurse.
Then  while walking Murphy he crossed in front of me and in a tangle...let's just say matching scraped knees. This morning as I was attempting to rescue Lisa's belt to her robe I now have matching elbows. There is a pattern here.... but I won't mention any dogs name! Lisa told me to just sit this afternoon while she is working.

I just can not stay angry with this lover boy. This is the view looking down while sitting in my rocking chair.... love him, to pieces ❤Some of the fault is with me not being more attentive. We will have a solution...just spoke with Jolie at PetSmart to enroll Murphy in classes to start in February...goodness, that is just about a week away….He knows "sit, out, walk and treat" now we need stay stop and no barking at the other dog. I told him that is no way to make friends and have play dates!
Since my finger has healed enough to sew....

 Had to take the picture in 2 parts....There are 6  center flowers and then the edge flowers...my own idea to finish the runner. It measures just 14 1/2 x 60 inches. 

Loved making this. I definitely will be making more with this pattern. The back is the same as the sides. Next week on one of Lisa's days off we will make the Burrito Pillowcase from the kit we bought.

In a day or so, we will be enjoying our first tomato from the kitchen garden. Several others are already yellow. Keeping a certain pooch out of this garden has been a challenge. Did I mention we will be putting fencing around the planted areas? He spends time daily pruning anything growing....

Well, I figured while things are quiet around here it would be a good time to post. Mornings seem to get away from me. I am still walking with Murphy 3 times a day and have lost some weight  and my blood pressure is down. It has been so nice to chat with you today. I must try to return to more frequent posting. Thank you for the kind words and for your friendship.

Sunday already....

The days just fly by around here. Partly because there are 2 other people who each have a work schedule but mostly it is,----- if you guessed Murphy you are correct. He certainly can keep me busy.

When his food dish is empty he takes it to me and same with water dishes...even though he has 2 of those. Last night he figured how to remove the bottom non skid ring so Alan promptly took the dish away. He can be very entertaining...Murphy not Alan!
We are still going for at least 3 walks each day, then there is the clean up after the messes of torn paper and any box he finds as well as the rocks and plants stuff he carries in and of course there is snuggle time. He has been having some uncomfortable time with his baby teeth. I pulled 2 yesterday and I think they are finally all out now. I have had little time to create.
Today is a lovely crisp day with bright sunshine. He along with Alan and Lisa are outside. Me, I will walk the shark around my room while Murphy is outside... he barks at the vac. With luck and when I can tear myself away from Murphy I will get my runner finished.... it is looking good.
I think it is time for breakfast and another cup of coffee... before it is lunch time. Murphy and I thank you for stopping by and for your kind words and friendship.

Fabric and a sunset

The winter days have been so nice....

This recent sunrise... breath taking! The sky looked on fire. The temps have been in the 50s--60s during the day requiring a sweatshirt or sweater when I walk with Murphy. He loves being out for walks and the weather does not seem to bother him.
I asked Alan to fix one area where a plant was removed by adding a couple of bricks...

Alan did a fine job and even fixed more of the area. Of course his assistant was right there to investigate.

Murphy could not resist laying in the dirt! He loves digging and we are planning to fence around the flower beds and kitchen garden to stop the digging and also him chewing on twigs and stuff. It will be very interesting! I mentioned to Alan that we need an electronic door opener/closer for Murphy. He loves going in and out and I have become his doorman.
Lisa and I finally got to the Quilt shop.

 Could not resist another tiny scissor....

 This is  a kit to make a Burrito roll pillowcase that Lisa will be making....

This lovely print will be the backing and binding for my runner.

New prints for a bathroom valance.
I guess my post will need to be at night or mid morning/day. Murphy has kept me pretty busy. This is one week and all personal business he has done outside...no house accidents! Did I mention the vet mentioned that Murphy has a belly more than he, the vet, would like?! He gained 5 pounds in the month he has been with us.... cutting down on his food already. Anyway, I do not think there is an issue...love his belly!❤❤
Okay, time for my lunch. Alan and Lisa are both working so it is just the boy and me....glad you stopped by. Thank you for your kind words and encouragement. I am feeling so much better! Thank you for your friendship.