Dennis a turtle and Hannah

 Today marks 6 yeas since Denny passed. I could tell you that I miss his smile.  I could say I loved having him hold my hand. I miss a snuggle at night. Kisses.  Instead, I will tell you about why I loved him so much.

When we lived in Rhode Island, Denny made our backyard into a wonderful oasis of "rooms".  He loved his garden. It was beautiful with many flowers and ornaments hiding among the plants. He decided to make a corner pond. It was a lovely pond. (Sorry, I do not have pictures on this laptop....one day I shall dig them out.) Anyway, there were issues to solve...the neighbors outdoor cat...the raccoons and squirrels. With each problem he found a solution. We went to specialty Pond Gardens to purchase water lilies, water lettuce and tadpoles....and yes, Koi fish. While out one day, he said the pond need a turtle. Up until now I had convinced him it was not a good idea. We bought a pond turtle....a bit pricey I might add. The man at the pond garden told Dennis how to assure that the turtle would survive and not escape. The man assured us that from the picture of our pond that I showed him it would be safe. It was pretty...about 6 inches with nice markings...do not remember the name. All was ready and into the mix of Koi, tadpoles (which always matured into frogs) the turtle went.  Denny was so pleased with himself. In less than a week...you guessed it...the turtle went missing. Panic in the garden. We search everywhere. Gone. 

A couple of houses away from ours was a lovely elderly lady, Hannah. Hannah and her husband (she met at a relocation center) were victims of the Holocaust camps. Everyday she took her walk passing my house. Sometimes I would walk her back to her house...she had a cane that she just carried instead of using it! Anyway, this day..a few days after the incident at the pond, I met her and as we walked she began to tell me what happened "the other day".  

She began..." I saw a turtle walking down the street pass my house (her house). I didn't want anything to happen to it so I followed along to protect it with my cane. (Did I mention that a the long end of our road was a City park pond) It was pretty. Wonder were it came from."

Although I did not tell her, I did relay this story to Dennis that evening. I will never forget the look on his face! Needless to say we did not get another turtle except for a ceramic one that sat at the pond edge. Those tadpoles I mention...they would always leave our pond ( except on that remained for a long time) and I would like to think they made it to the city pond.

Denny and I had 48 years of love...of course there were those imperfect times but always a minor interruption. On May 24, 2017 through our tears as he lay in his hospital bed holding my hand Denny told me he wanted me to live a happy life. I could not imagine being happy without him. To be honest I m not really happy...but memories like this story do make me happy and I sit with a silly smile on my face and tears in my eyes.

Dennis Errol Horton   December 16, 1945 *****June 21, 2017

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.

Two stars and Murphy

What a gloomy stat today...it rained yesterday and looks like more today. The dark clouds rolled in and do not seem to be leaving. Finally fell asleep at 3:30 and all of a sudden it was almost 5am.... I wanted to see Alan before he left for New York this week on business. Well, of course Murphy woke and it was out for his business then back in and a cup of coffee for  me and I managed to convince the pooch to relax until 7am. So, back out for new business and he discovered he can reach the fountain and take a drink. Back inside and a towel rub down. Now he is manic with his tennis ball. Murphy is great at playing with the ball; tossing it and then chasing after it and nudging it so it will roll. Murphy is giving much love.... my heart is happy.

Well... it occurred to me that I never posted the November Origami Star! So here it is. I love the colors in the leaf fabric.... reminds me of the changing trees back East.

Finally, the last monthly star is complete. My tree is complete. I am still pondering if I should have a monthly something for the metal display in 2020…. my thinking cap has been empty recently.
How about an update on the new residents? Alan and Lisa have adjusted well. What is not to like? Back in Rhode Island the weather has been cold and snow...here, sun and coffee outside each morning...still. Our tree is blended with ornaments from them added to mine and it is a full tree. Lisa and I decorated right after Thanksgiving. Thank you for asking about them. Thank you also for the caring emails asking about me. I am doing much better and will soon have busy hands again. Thank you for your kind words and for you friendship.
Special request: Debbie, Dianna's sister has had some surgery and could use your healing thoughts. Glenda and Don are doing well...thanks to all of your caring thoughts. Friends are so important!

Chocolates from Rhode Island

I was quite productive yesterday. I set up my village.... but of course it is not really finished. One of the boxes has the "snow" and I think I may get to it today. The unpacked boxes are already in the new shelf storage area and fit nicely. As I do not have to get the house ready for company for Thanksgiving dinner, I can continue at my own pace to unpack. My stitched Santa moved to the living room and will greet anyone who enters at the front door. The felt tree also moved into the living room on Papa's smoking stand and has all tatted snowflakes and a set of star lights. Just a few more days before more decorations are brought out.

Look at this festive Autumn package. I was so curious when the postman handed it to me. The return address was from Rhode Island..... finally I opened it and this appeared. The package is from dear Debbie from Canada sent the package. I was surprised as Canada is having postal difficulties and strikes and she has told me to hold off my mailing to her as this problem is really holding up deliveries. Of course I just had to open it...

chocolates! and look, one is the shape of Rhode Island. They have been in business around 22 years and I have never had them. Thank you again Debbie for this wonderful treat in time for Thanksgiving day. I am hoping that the Canadian postal problems get fixed real soon...my packages for you sit here!
I am dealing with a headache of my own causing so I will take it easier today so it will not bloom into a full migraine. Just finishing my first cup of coffee and then I will attack the chores. Nice to chat with you today. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.