Rainy day bloom

Another day with rain... that started late the other evening and seems to be staying around. For the most time it is just lightly falling but the plants are sure loving it.

Remember that the Firecracker Bush was cut back....look at the blooms starting to appear. It may be December but that is what happens here in Arizona. It should fill out quite nicely this Spring now that it is thinned and dead branches have been removed. The Sweet Memory still has flowers but that will need a good trim in the Spring. In the meantime...

The Amaryllis has revealed that it is red and starting to open. There is another shoot lower on the stem that will hopefully grow to bloom around Christmas. The simple dowel support seems to be keeping it straight. This new idea of having the bulb in thick wax and not watering seems to be really working. I plan to try to plant it after it finishes flowering. Not that it has worked in the past, but who knows.
Earlier this morning I received a text with pictures from my friend Pam back in RI. She wanted me to see that she still puts the ornaments that I had made for her in the past on her tree..... including the two that Dennis had painted of the Grinch and one of Santa. It really warms my heart to know that she still hangs them on her tree and remembers our friendship.
Today will be a nice remain indoors out of the rain and nippy air and do.... not sure what but whatever I do or do not do,  it will be okay. I may do some tatting.... I am out of Denny's Angel's. The last one left here this past week.
Today is Pearl Harbor Day...77 years ago the phrase "A day of infamy" was started. As I have posted in the past, my dad was there on that fateful morning and was lucky to survive and return home at the end of the war.
Glad to have you stop by today. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship. Tomorrow Reindeer Food will be also flying to the special children on my list...still time of you need some with notes included. Just email me with child's name and address.

Did you rememebr?

We do not change the clocks here in Arizona.... well, they do on the Navajo Nation which is the North East corner of the state.... then there is the Hopi Reservation within the Navajo area that does, confused? Just know that I do not change the time...hope all of you have remembered. There is now a 2 hour difference form my friends and family in Rhode Island. Now that we have that all settled.... yesterday was the Litchfield Faire and it is also today. Dianna was able to change her work schedule to a later time so she and I went and enjoyed a beautiful morning.

A new Woodland Man came home with me....now both entrances are protected. I love this artist's work. They are carved from one piece of tree branch; no two are alike because each piece of wood is different. I think I will be making a collection of these delightful men!

Of course I also had to bring another of Maryann's Twirling hangers home. Her metal work is really nice. This one had glass chili peppers. Then there was the dip sample...Cool as a Cucumber that was very good so I bought a package as well and some Kettle Corn freshly popped. I hope to attend the next Faire  and maybe get a few other things. Dianna bought a lovely Hummingbird feeder. A friend, beautiful weather and a Faire....a wonderful way to spend the morning.
My hand is feeling much better so the Santa Star will finally be finished. Did I mention that when I did finish the last section Santa's face did not line up?! I missed a row and I just took it apart and now will finish it today..? I hope. Then I need to swish some laundry and oh yes bake some bread...Honey White loaf. Sounds good so I will try it. Still leaving messages on machines with no one returning my calls. At this rate the pond will remain closed for some time. It is so frustrating as I know what has to be done but am not able to do it myself. I know, some of you are thinking I should just close it for good. However, I really enjoy the sound and how it looks in the garden. But…..the thought has crossed my mind. I could try returning it to a fountain instead of a waterfall...but … still thinking on it. I will try again with phone calls this week... not ready to give up yet. Okay, time to get to the  laundry and baking the bread. This may be a biscotti week too. Glad to chat with you. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship. Have a good day.
Reindeer Food..... still making packets of anyone needs some. Just email me ….

Hello Saturday

The days seem to be flying by. I am not even sure what happened these past day. I did some beading but needed to rest my hand. I think... first hand experience.... that I am developing trigger finger in the ring finger of my right hand.  I had trigger thumb on my left hand some years ago... so I do know. Lots of Voltarin Gel before bed does help during the night and then again before I plan to use the hand crafting. Remember this is the hand that had the tissue damage.... so when it swells more or just hurts, it is time to stoop whatever I am doing.

Just look at these lovely doilies...they were gifted to me by Glenda....some are hand made and others commercially made. A few are Battenberg lace, filet crochet, other crocheted patterns and there are a few whitework. They are white or ecru...sorry that the picture is showing some in another shade. I see a few angels from here.... and who knows what else. I do use doilies around my home.  I used to enjoy crocheting doilies and still have a few that I did not give away.

I know some of you are ready into Autumn, but here in The Valley of Arizona it is still like summer.

This is my Hopsbush getting ready to "flower". They are not really flowers but that is what it has. This bush has grown so much since a year ago. I need to find a better support for the branches which are spreading too wide.
I did a little beading these past few days...key word little. The Santa Star is almost finished, just the last section to make. I am also getting the Reindeer food packets ready.... if this is your first time hearing about them, check here more info.
I absolutely need another cup of coffee before I continue with this and that. Glad to chat with yo today. Thank you for your kind words and for you 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.

Tree is decorated

Seems funny to have a small tree in the living room.....

This is the tree we bought when we first moved here to Arizona. That first year we were in an apartment so a small tree was best. It sits atop a table giving it height. This year with Mr H needing to be able to get around safely I thought this would be better than the full and tall tree. So, I chose specific ornaments to display since I was not going to unpack the large box to find ornaments. This year one of the new ones is the Southwest Canyon Santa, had to include one of the Mexican senoritas, and an origami star and for added sparkle the beaded pillow. My tree is not complete unless the Christmas Spider is included. A couple of years ago I made and sent out as gifts several spiders. Several days ago while visiting with blogger Heather I spotted one of the spiders I had sent out in her tree....it brought a smile to my face. That year I also sent Heather's little man some reindeer food. the offer for Reindeer Food is open this year for any child...if you would like a packet sent, email me the name and age as well as the mailing address and I will happily send some. I would like to say thank you for all the good wishes for Mr H who is doing splendidly. His therapy went well yesterday and he is starting to go outside to walk. I might add no more walker and he really does not need the cane. There was a special package in the mail yesterday. I received my exchange from Sherry. It will wait till Christmas to be opened. Hopefully my package to her will arrive soon. Well my friends, that about does it for today. So glad we had some time to chat....thank you for your friendship and kind words. Have a wonderful day.

This past month Mr H updated our kitchen cabinets. The trim was wearing around the knobs, the knobs were ugly and here is what it looks like...

the top left is what it was and now what it looks like. A bit of sanding and a couple of coats of paint, and new knobs. The knobs are now silver finish and a little larger which makes gripping them easier. Much happier now. The color in the top right is more accurate. We added a new canister set and a pop of color. 
We finally worked on the outside Christmas lights. Will post pictures next time. But I did want to show you our living room tree...

I think I am finished fiddling with it, but then again there is always an adjustment here and there. The tree topper is a metal angel we bought probably 20 years ago. Of course my spider is there. Always need the Christmas spider.  The Santa ornament is a light bulb Mr H painted for me... ready?.... 20 years ago. He did a wonderful job on it. You can see a little of the outside lights...a reindeer.  I find it difficult to get good outside nighttime pictures but I will try. 
Today is our Sun Stitchers Christmas Luncheon.  Then I must do a few errands but I also need to get more ornaments finished. I am thinking that the other bead order should not arrive today or I will want to make another bracelet. Speaking of mail, my SSCS has not yet arrived at it's destination.... getting a bit concerned as I did get it onto
Santa's sleigh on time.  Must get these other packages to the Post Office today/tomorrow. Surprisingly, I had no Reindeer Food requests this year.  Well, dear friends, must have my coffee and get back to stitching on an ornament I started or should I work on the tatted one? 
I must end with a birthday wish for my mom...EvaP who is 87 today....
Thank you for your friendship and kind words and emails. Hope you all have a wonderful day.

Rain rain and more rain and a tomato

For once the weather prediction was correct. It started to rain last night and is still raining. The only problem I have is that Mr H and I planned to go to a Fair in Scottsdale this Sunday and the rain is suppose to continue through then. After such a busy work week and before the dreaded Black Friday, I was hoping to go. We shall see. We have not shopped for our Thanksgiving turkey yet...we, really now, as you all know I do not do the cooking. Mr H has not taken care of it yet. Guess that will be Monday's to do thing. I will bake some mini pies....got to have dessert after all. Just ordered beads for a couple of new bracelets... some of the beads will be on back order but that is okay. I will get started on what arrives. Do I really need a new project? I guess so.
I was so tired when I got in from work last night. Such crabby people visited our fabric counter. Of course there were more nice people than not which is good. Mostly our repeat customers who understand and are patient. It's the "new" sewers/crafters who want immediate attention. And don't we all. Wonder if all this rain will keep them home today.... Mr H picked this yesterday..

It is the first of the Early Girl tomatoes. Plan to have it tonight with cucumbers and dressing....my mouth is watering.
Don't forget about Jeanne's give away for the sampler pattern (yesterday's post) and the Reindeer Food....  Glad you stopped by and thank you for the kind words. Have a wonderful day.

And so.....

Enjoyed a nice Wednesday morning with Sweet Jeanne. WE did more chatting than stitching, but that is what we sometimes do. Remember the beautiful sampler she stitched......

It  is Margaret W Brown by Milady's Needle..... Jeanne is offering it to one of you, that is right..... so if you would like to have this gently used pattern, please comment on this post saying that you would like to have it. I always say she is sweet. I spent the rest of the day relaxing and tatting. My little cold is still hanging around...but I do feel much better...just a bit of occasional cough and still need the  tissues.
Now about the Reindeer Food....no, it is not for people consumption...just Reindeer. Last year I was happy to send some to several blog children for Christmas Eve.... and I look forward to doing so again this year. So, if you have children and would like them to receive a packet and note email me their names and address and they will get an envelope addressed to them in time for Christmas Eve. It is okay if they got one last year, I will be glad to send again. Last year I also mailed Christmas spiders....I love having mine on the tree. Actually, I have several that hang around my sewing space all year long. Anyway, be sure to email me soon as I mail out the food early so it will arrive at your house in time. And so, that is my post for today. Now, I need a cup of coffee and to take some cold medicine and grab some tissue. Thank you for your kind words and names for the elves..... thank you for your caring friendship. Have a wonderful day.

It just may rain today

Cloudy, very cool and lovely. When I lived in Rhode Island I never really appreciated a cloudy or rainy day....we had them often. But here in Arizona, it is rare and so nice when we have them. I went outside to get the morning newspaper and then to check on my tomato plants and just stood there for a few minutes looking up to the very overcast sky. I may have to wear longer pants today and a shirt with longer sleeves and just maybe a sweater!  Funny how we change. These tomato plants are loaded with green tomatoes---- and a few are ready to munch. I already had one of these orange/yellow cherry tomatoes, Sunny Gold variety. Sweet and juicy.

I have no stitching pictures today...very little stitching has been accomplished. I finally think I have lost my "cold" and work is still very busy... too tired at night and in the early hours of the morning. Whatever I have made is for gifts and the recipients may stop by and read my posts so I can not share yet. I spent some time this morning preparing packages for mailing and doing the laundry.... not exciting at all. No spectacular plans for today....tatting another ornament for a gift, relaxing and maybe a movie to watch with Mr H. who is not feeling all that great these past few days. Just got my work schedule for Black Friday and Saturday...8 hour days...in at 5:30 and 7 AM...oh my. I may be up and awake but ready for work? another story. If I were not working I would never travel out and about on Black Friday. How about you?
Still time to help me find names for my sweet elves...you do not have to have a blog or be a follower....no special rules....
Thank you for the kind words and emails....thank you for your friendship.....have a wonderful day.
Almost time for Reindeer Food mailing....be sure to let me know if your young ones will be on my list.

Sewing and finished!

I really set myself to finish a few things. First from last year...

This embroidery was from the 2011 Challenge. I put it away and remembered that it needed to be finally finished. I love pillows. I know, I say that I love this and that, well I do. She will sit on the daybed. Then I figured while the sewing machine was ready I should also make this pillow...

It is Patty C's Design, her first one! and I fell in love when I saw the pattern. I could not get the back fabric true to color, but if you look at the bottom of the pillow front picture, that is the lovely shade of brown and the highlighted wings are gold thread. I thought, why not use this birds fabric... Birds of a feather flock together. I added a few copper colored beads to the umbrella and the kitty collar. The colors are so nice that Patty chose that I did not change them at all. This is also on the daybed.
The other finishing was for my BBD exchange and one for a Christmas ornament exchange so they can not be seen yet. Last week was so very busy at Jo Ann's. Great sales... broke all my finger nails on the fabric bolts! Yesterday as well as today is just gorgeous outside. Mr H and I sat out on the lanai playing Farkle  and Ms Zoe slept under  the chaise. The Travelling Bunny arrived at Annette's ( from Maryland), but I have not email for her or blog info... I am sure she will let us know when it is ready to move on.  I also began reading another book ...  The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton. I have only read a few  of the 548 pages! so I can not judge it yet.
A few Christmas Spiders already crawled to a few co-workers.... I would like to share some with you. So... if you would like a Christmas spider, please send me an email with your mailing address and then I will surprise a few of you! Let me know if you would like a particular color...I will also include the Legend with it. Do any of you have little ones who still believe in Santa? I would like to send some children my Reindeer food for Christmas Eve...let me know and I will also be surprising some of the children.  Email me with their names, ages and address and I will choose some of them ... all of this will be mailed out by December 1st. So, do not delay. I want to keep it all as surprises as to who gets selected. If there are any questions about any of this... I know I am beginning to question myself! just send an email to me. I am tired now, so I will have a cup of tea and sit outside and read for a while. Thank you for sitting with me this long... have a wonderful day.